The Life and Death of Edmund Staunton, Dialogue
A Dialogue, or Diſcourſe between a Miniſter and a Stranger as they were on the High-way together.
Miniſter.
FRiend, Good morrow to you: How far Travel you this way?
Stranger.
To ſuch or ſuch a place.
Min.
I ſhall be glad of your company.
Str.
And I Sir of yours.
Min.
Little thought you in the Morning of meeting me, or I of meeting you.
Str.
True Sir.
Min.
Well Friend, ſince by the Providence of God we are brought together, and muſt be accountable to God at death and judgment, how we ſpend our time whil'ſt we be together, ſhall we talk of what concerns the good of our Souls, and of the Things of God?
Stranger.
Yes Sir, with all my heart, if you pleaſe.
Miniſter.
Friend, What think you then that your Soul is?
Str.
I think that my Soul is my breath, becauſe when a man's breath is gone, then he dyeth, and his Soul is gone alſo.
Min.
True, Friend, when the breath departeth, the Soul departeth alſo, yet the Soul of a man is not his breath, becauſe 1. Beaſts, and the Fowls of the Air breathe; alſo and yet you do not think they have reaſonable, immortal Souls, as we have: 2. Our breath is but the Air drawn in, and caſt out again; and can you reaſonably imagine, firſt, that the Air thus ſucked in, and blown out again, ſhould be the Soul or Souls of men? or, ſecondly, that the whole Region of the Air, ſhould be the rational and immortal Souls of men? or, thirdly, that our Souls come in and go out of our bodies, as the Air we breathe in doth?
Stranger.
Truly Sir, you have convinced me, that the Soul is not breath, whatever it be.
Miniſter.
What elſe do you think it is?
Str.
I think it is my blood, moſt likely.
Not ſo, becauſe 1. Beaſts and Birds have blood in them, as well as Men, and yet you do not think they have reaſonable immortal Souls, as we Men have. 2. If our Souls were blood, then, when our Noſes bleed (to ſpeak familiarly with you) our Souls would even out at our Noſes; or when we cut our fingers, our Souls would run out at our fingers ends.
Min.
Friend, gueſs once more what your Soul is.
Str.
Sir, Is it not my Conſcience?
Min.
No, Friend, the underſtanding, will, conſcience, and affections, as love, hatred, are the faculties and endowments of the Soul, but not the Soul it ſelf.
Str.
You ſay well Sir, I pray tell me then, what my Soul is.
Miniſter.
Friend (not to trouble you with any curious definitions) the Soul of man is a ſpiritual ſubſtance, endowed with reaſon, immortal, created, and infuſed into man, informeth, inliveneth the body, doth and acteth all in man; the Soul ſeeth in the eye, heareth in the ear, ſpeaketh in the tongue, &c. zach. 12.1. God formeth the ſpirit of man within him.
Stranger.
I thank you Sir, this is more than ever I heard of before.
Min.
Well Friend, having ſpoken ſomething concerning our Souls, ſhall we ſpeak a little concerning God?
Str.
Yes Sir, I like your talk very well.
Min.
What do you think God is? Is he an old man, or a young?
Str.
An old man ſurely, he hath been a long time.
Min.
No, God is neither a young man, nor an old man.
Str.
If God be not a man, why do the Scriptures ſpeak of God, as having eyes, ears, hands and feet, &c?
Min.
This kind of ſpeaking is not proper, but figurative, ſpeaking of God after the manner of men, ſtooping to our underſtandings and capacities: but the Scripture ſpeaking plainly and properly, ſaith, God is a Spirit, John 4.24.
Stranger.
You ſay right Sir, God is a Spirit.
Miniſter.
Well Friend, Are not the Angels ſpirits too? They are called miniſtring ſpirits, Hebr. 1.13. What then is the difference between God, and the Angels?
Str.
God is the greateſt and higheſt of all the Angels:
Min.
No Friend, God is not an Angel at all, God is a Spirit, uncreated, having his being of himſelf, infinite, and eternal; the Angels are creatures, were made by God, are finite, have a beginning, Col. 1.16. By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, viſible and inviſible, whether they be thrones and dominions, principalities, or powers; all the Angels were made by God.
Str.
I believe Sir what you ſay, concerning God, and the Angels.
Min.
Where is God, think you?
Str.
Why God is in heaven.
Miniſter.
What, is God no where elſ but in heaven?
Stranger.
Yes, I hope he is in the hearts of all good people alſo.
Min.
Is God in hell alſo?
Str.
No, not in hell, unleſs by his power onelyonly.
Min.
Yes, God is in hell alſo; and that not onelyonly by his power, but in his eſſence, and being; or elſe, How is God infinite, if he be not every where?
Str.
What you ſay is true, but I never heard ſo much before.
Min.
Friend, How many Gods be there?
Str.
There is but one God.
Min.
Is there not God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghoſt? And are there not then three Gods?
Str.
Yes, Sir, three Gods.
Min.
No, Friend, three perſons indeed, but onelyonly one God: Deut. 6.4. Hear O Iſrael, the Lord our God is one Lord.
Str.
Yea, three perſons, and one God, I remember it now.
Miniſter.
Having ſaid ſomething concerning God, what think you, Friend, concerning your ſelf? Are you a ſinner againſt this God, or no?
Stranger.
Yes Sir, we are all ſinners, God help us.
Min.
Why Friend, which of the Commandments of God have you ever broken?
Str.
Sir, I break them all every day, in thought, word, and deed.
Min.
Say you ſo Friend, let us come to each particular Commandment: Did you ever break the firſt Commandment, Thou ſhalt have, &c?
Str.
No Sir, I believe there's but one God.
Min.
What ſay you to the ſecond Commandment, Thou ſhalt not make, &c?
Str.
I am ſure I have not broken this Commandment, I am no Papiſt, I abhor Images, I am a Proteſtant, and ſo was my father before me.
Min.
Did you ever break the third Commandment, Thou ſhalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain, &c?
Stranger.
No Sir, I am no common Swearer, it may be I let fall an Oath now and then, as others do, but I am ſorry for it when I have done.
Miniſter.
What think you of the fourth Commandment, Do you keep holy the Sabbath?
Str.
Yes truly Sir, I keep the Church, all my Neighbours can bear me witneſs, I hear our own Miniſter; ſometimes I ſtay at home, but not very often.
Min.
For the fifth Commandment, Honour thy Father, &c. Have you broken this Commandment?
Str.
I hope not much Sir; my father and mother, were they alive, would ſay, I was as good a child as any they had, and we were ſo many of us.
Min.
What think you of the ſixth, ſeventh, and eighth Commandments, Thou ſhalt not kill, commit adultery, ſteal: Have you broken theſe Commandments?
Str.
I hope not, for I am no murderer, no adulterer, no thief.
Min.
For the ninth Commandment, Thou ſhalt not bear falſe witneſs againſt thy neighbour, have you kept, or broken it?
Stranger.
I hope I have not broken it, for I never took a falſe Oath againſt any man in my life.
Miniſter.
What think you of the tenth Commandment, Thou ſhalt not covet, &c? Are you guilty, or not?
Str.
Covet! would I were as free from other ſins, as I am from Covetouſneſs; if you would have me tell you the truth, I am to blame rather on the other hand, I ſpend my money too faſt.
Min.
Oh Friend, how do theſe things ſtand together? you ſaid even now, that you broke all the Commandments every day, in thought, word, and deed, and now I have dealt with you upon each particular Commandment, you clear your ſelf in all, as if you had broken none of the Commandments in thought, word, or deed.
Str.
I pray Sir tell me ſomething, that I may underſtand my ſelf better.
Min.
Know Friend, that you are grievouſly ignorant, and that Satan, the god of this World, hath miſerably blinded you, that your heart fearfully deceiveth you; pray earneſtly to God that he would inlighten you; hear, read the Scriptures, Catechiſms, and other good Books; remember Sermons, go to the Miniſter, intreating him to inſtruct you in the principles of Religion; grow acquainted with good people, talk and diſcourſe much with them about heavenly matters; and by the bleſſing of God, in a little time, you will come to know God more, and your ſelf better.
Stranger.
I thank you heartily Sir, and when I come home, I purpoſe to think of your counſel, and to follow it.
Miniſter.
Say and hold, Friend, and remember, that a blind ignorant Soul is worſe than a dark and blind body: And that the ſoul be without knowledge, is not good, Prov. 19.2.
Str.
I hope I ſhall remember what you have ſaid to me as long as I live and I confeſs I am a ſinner.
Min.
Are you guilty of Adam's ſin, in his eating the forbidden fruit?
Str.
No Sir, that was long before my time, I know nothing of it.
Min.
Yes Friend, I, and you, and all Mankind (except Chriſt) are guilty of Adams firſt ſin, Rom. 5.12. By one man ſin entered into the world, and death by ſin, and ſo death paſſed upon all, for that all have ſinned.
Stranger.
True Sir, now I remember my ſelf, I have heard them ſay, that we are all guilty of Adam's ſin, becauſe we were all in his loins.
Miniſter.
I have heard them ſay, you muſt not build your faith upon hear-ſayes, but upon the written Word of God; and for your reaſon why we are guilty of Adam's ſin, becauſe we were all in his loins, that's not the main reaſon; for then we ſhould be as well guilty of the ſins of our Fathers, and Grandfathers, &c. for we were in their loins alſo.
Str.
How then, I pray you, came we to be guilty of Adam's firſt ſin?
Min.
Why thus, Adam was a publick perſon, repreſenting all Mankind; and the Covenant of life made with him, was not for himſelf only, but for all his poſterity; ſo that when he ſinned, we ſinned; when he fell, we fell with him, in that his firſt tranſgreſſion.
Stranger.
I muſt needs confeſs that I am guilty of Adam's firſt ſin.
Miniſter.
Friend, You and I are not only guilty of Adam's firſt ſin, but alſo of many actual tranſgreſſions: You ſaid even now, that ſometimes you let fall an Oath in your common diſcourſe, which is ſwearing, and taking the Name of God in vain; and you ſaid truly alſo, that we break the Commandments of God in thought, word and deed; and the Scripture ſaith, Rom. 3.23. All have ſinned, &c. So that you, and I, and all men, are ſinners certainly.
Str.
I acknowledge Sir, that I am a ſinner.
Min.
Yea Friend, but are you ſuch a ſinner as that you deſerve to be damned, and go to Hell for your ſins?
Str.
I hope, not ſo great a ſinner, as to deſerve Hell and damnation.
Min.
Friend, I muſt tell you, that you, and I, and the beſt Men and Women that are, deſerve to go to Hell for their ſins, the leaſt ſin deſerveth eternal death, Rom. 6.23. The wages of ſin is death.
Stranger.
What you ſay Sir, I perceive is true, for you bring Scripture to prove what you ſay.
Miniſter.
Why then, ſay theſe words after me; I am a ſinner, and ſuch a ſinner, as that I deſerve to go to Hell, and be damned for my ſins.
Str.
I am a ſinner, and ſuch a ſinner, as that I deſerve to go to Hell, and be damned for my ſin.
Min.
Did you ever in your lifetime ſay ſo much before?
Str.
Truly Sir I never thought, or ſaid ſo much before all the dayes of my life.
Min.
It's as true a word as ever you ſpake all your dayes.
Str.
I believe it Sir.
Min.
If you did indeed believe it, Friend, it would trouble you, and make your heart ake within you.
Str.
Sir, how may that appear?
Min.
Thus Friend, if you did verily believe, that you deſerved to forfeit all your eſtate, to be impriſoned all the dayes of your life, to be hanged, or burned to death, would it not trouble you?
Str.
Yes doubtleſs, that it would.
Miniſter.
Friend, You cannot but think that to go to Hell, and to be damned for ever, is a thouſand times worſe than all this; and therefore if you did indeed believe it, it would trouble you, and that to ſome purpoſe.
Stranger.
I thank God Sir, I was never troubled in mind all my life.
Min.
Friend, let me tell you, that you had more cauſe to thank God, if you could ſay, that you have been troubled for your ſins; this be ſure of, that they who are not troubled for ſin in this World, mourning and repenting, ſhall be troubled with a vengeance in the World to come, when they lie in Hell under the wrath and curſe of God, tormented with fire and brimſtone for ever, becauſe of their ſins againſt God.
Str.
I hope Sir I ſhall never come there, I have alwayes been of a ſtrong faith towards God.
Min.
Friend, what if your ſtrong faith (as you call it) prove no better than a ſtrong fancy, or a ſtrong preſumption at the laſt, and ſo deceive you.
Stranger.
I hope better.
Miniſter.
Friend, if your faith and hope were right, you would find 1. A difficulty and hardſhip in believing; he that never doubted, or never believed; he that never ſaw his want of faith, never lamented his unbelief, hath cauſe to fear he hath no true ſaving faith at all. It's an eaſie matter to preſume, but it's a hard thing to believe, and hope aright in God, Epheſ. 1.19. It's the exceeding greatneſs of the power of God toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power: ver. 20. Which he wrought in Chriſt when he raiſed him from the dead. 2. Your faith and hope were they true, would be grounded upon the Word and Promiſes of God. 3. Faith and hope, if right, would purifie the heart and life, Acts 15.9. 1 John 3.3. Now whether you have this kind of faith and hope or no, you had need look to it.
Str.
I truſt I ſhall Sir.
Min.
Friend, to return to what we a little before diſcourſed of, it muſt be granted, that you and I, and all of us, deſerve the wrath and curſe of God for ever; how do you think to eſcape the damnation of Hell, and to get Heaven and Salvation when you die?
Stranger.
I hope to be ſaved by my ſerving of God, and good prayers, and by leading an honeſt life; how elſe ſhould I be ſaved?
Miniſter.
Friend, What do you hope to be ſaved for your good Works? that is Popery, and I preſume you are no Papiſt.
Str.
Sir, All my Neighbours know I am no Papiſt, I defie Popery from my heart.
Min.
Friend, let me tell you, that to relie upon our own righteouſneſs, and to hope to be juſtified and ſaved for what we do, is one of the moſt deſperate and damnable points in all Popery; and therefore, whatever you may think of it, if you truſt unto your good prayers, and your honeſt life (as you call it) as if that were enough to ſave you, you are in that point a Papiſt.
Str.
Oh, Sir, the Papiſts truſt to their good works and merits.
Miniſter.
Friend, What is it not a good work to ſerve God, to ſay good prayers, to lead an honeſt life, &c?
Stranger.
Yes, ſurely.
Min.
Why then ſurely, to truſt and relie upon them, is to relie upon your good works, which is plain downright Popery.
Str.
I perceive Sir you are too hard for me; but what would you not have men to ſerve God, uſe good prayers, and lead good lives?
Min.
Yes, Friend, that I would, and wiſh from my heart, that you and I, and all men, ſerved God more, prayed and lived better; but here's the miſchief, and the Popery of it, when men relie upon thoſe works for juſtification and ſalvation.
Str.
Why, may not I ſafely do it?
Min.
No, the Word of God is expreſly againſt it, Rom. 3.20. By the deeds of the law, there ſhall no fleſh be juſtified in his ſight. Rom. 10.3. They who eſtabliſh their own righteouſneſs, ſubmit not unto the righteouſneſs of God. Eph. 2.8. By grace ye are ſaved, through faith, and that not of our ſelves: ver. 9. Not of works, leſt any man ſhould boaſt; and many ſuch places I could tell you of.
Stranger.
Sir, you bring ſo much Scripture, that I cannot tell what to ſay to you.
Min.
Friend, it's the Word of God by which we muſt be tryed and judged another day, Rom. 2.16. In the day (of Judgment) when God ſhall judge the ſecrets of men by Jeſus Chriſt, according to my Goſpel (ſaith the Apoſtle;) and therefore we might do well to try and judge our ſelves by it now.
Str.
You ſpeak reaſon Sir.
Min.
Friend, deal plainly with me, do not you think, that though you have ſometimes offended God, yet you hope that your good works will ſatiſfie, and make amends for the bad; and ſo all will be made even between God and you.
Str.
Sir, you hit me right, I wonder how you come to know me ſo well; I do indeed hope, that my good works will anſwer for my bad.
Min.
Friend, I am a ſtranger to you, it is not I that hits you, and knows you, it is the Word of God that hits you, and knows you: onelyonly I may ſomewhat gueſs at your heart by my own (naturally ſuch as yours is;) Prov. 27.19. As in water face anſwereth to face, ſo the heart of man to man.
Stranger.
If my good works, my ſerving God, my good prayers, and my honeſt life will not ſerve me, I pray tell me how then may I be ſaved?
Miniſter.
Friend, did you never hear of Jeſus Chriſt (you ſpeak never a word of Chriſt all this while) why he, and he alone is the Saviour of all Gods elect and choſen people, Matth. 1.21. His Name is called Jeſus, for he ſhall ſave his people from their ſins. Acts 4.12. Neither is there ſalvation in any other; for there is none other Name under heaven, given among men, whereby we muſt be ſaved. And many ſuch like places in the Scriptures plainly ſhew, That whoever be ſaved, are ſaved by Chriſt onelyonly.
Str.
True Sir, now you remember me of it, I have heard our Miniſter ſpeak often concerning Jeſus Chriſt.
Miniſter.
Friend, what think you concerning Jeſus Chriſt?
Stranger.
Why, I think, he is an Angel, the biggeſt of them all.
Min.
No, Friend, Chriſt is not an Angel, he made the Angels, Col. 1.16. as before.
Str.
Sir, if he be not an Angel, then he is God in heaven.
Min.
Friend, Is Chriſt, think you, now he is in heaven, God, or man?
Str.
Sir, I think he was a man when he was on earth, but now he is God in heaven.
Min.
Then Chriſt is not man now he is in heaven? is he?
Str.
No ſurely, now he is in heaven he is not a man.
Min.
Yes ſurely, Friend, he is very man now he is in heaven, yea, God and man in two diſtinct natures, and one perſon, and ſo will he be for ever.
Str.
Truly Sir, I never thought that Chriſt had been man now he is in heaven.
Min.
Friend, if you never thought ſo, yet you have ſaid ſo, many, and many a time.
Stranger.
What I Sir?
Miniſter.
Yes, you Friend, you have ſaid over the Creed an hundred and an hundred times, have you not?
Str.
Yes, that I have conſtantly when I go to bed; and when I riſe in the morning, I ſeldom miſs it.
Min.
And when you ſay, I believe in God, &c. You ſay, That you believe that Jeſus Chriſt was conceived by the Holy Ghoſt, born of the Virgin Mary, ſuffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried [who? the man Chriſt Jeſus] that he roſe again from the dead, aſcended into heaven, and there ſitteth, &c. and that he ſhall come again to judge the quick and the dead; [who? the man Chriſt Jeſus] and yet now you ſay, you think he is not man in heaven: ſee Friend, by the way, how well you mind what you ſay, when you run over the Creed.
Str.
Sir, now I believe that Chriſt in heaven is God and man.
Min.
That Chriſt is not only God, but man alſo, Paul tells us, 1 Tim. 2.5. There is one Mediator between God and man, the man Chriſt Jeſus. Hebr. 7.24. But this man (ſpeaking of Chriſt) continueth for ever.
Stranger.
Sir, I confeſs you prove what you ſaid, by plain Scriptures.
Miniſter.
Friend, you ſay, you hope now to be ſaved by Jeſus Chriſt, but how ſo? what hath Chriſt done for mans ſalvation?
Str.
Why, he dyed.
Min.
Friend, would not the death of another, of Abraham, Moſes, of David, Peter or Paul, ſaved us, as well as the death of Jeſus Chriſt?
Str.
No.
Min.
Why not?
Str.
Becauſe God appointed him to be our Saviour.
Min.
Friend, you ſay well, and let me farther tell you, that no meer man could ſave us, but Chriſt being God, as well as man, had an infinite worth and vertue in his obedience, his doings and ſufferings, and ſo was able to ſatisfie, and did ſatisfie the infinite Juſtice of God, whom we had offended by our ſins.
Str.
Sir, how prove you this?
Miniſter.
Why thus, Friend, the blood of Chriſt was not the blood of a meer man, but the blood of God alſo, to wit, of the perſon, which was, and is, very God, Acts 20.28. The Church of God, which he hath purchaſed with his own blood; to wit, with the blood of Chriſt, who was, and is not only very man, but very God.
Stranger.
Sir, I thank you for telling me this, which I never thought of before.
Min.
Friend, ſince ſalvation is alone by Chriſt, how, and which way do you think to have an intereſt in Chriſt, and ſalvation by Chriſt?
Str.
Why, by believing, and faith in Chriſt; and I have alwayes had a ſtrong faith Godward, as I ſaid before.
Min.
Did you then never doubt, or queſtion your ſpiritual eſtate? was you never afraid of going to Hell?
Str.
No Sir, never in my life, I was never troubled in my mind, nor, I hope, never ſhall be.
Min.
Say you ſo, Friend, it is better to be troubled here awhile, than to be troubled in Hell for ever; ſin will bring trouble, ſooner or later, here, or hereafter, as I told you even now.
Stranger.
Sir, this ſeems ſtrange to me.
Miniſter.
Friend, did you never hear how thoſe who were converted, Acts 2.37. Cryed out, Men and Brethren, what ſhall we do to be ſaved? And how Paul, at his converſion, cryed, Acts 9.6. Lord, What wilt thou have me to do?
Str.
Yes, Sir: But muſt it be ſo with all that believe, and go to Chriſt?
Min.
Friend, poſſibly ſome few who were born of godly Parents, and have had religious education from their childhood, have not been ſo ſenſible of their want of Chriſt, have not had thoſe fears and troubles which others have had; yet all who are ſavingly brought to Chriſt, are more or leſs ſenſible of their want of Chriſt, of the worth of Chriſt, and therefore have Chriſt and his righteouſneſs in deared to them, Philip. 3.8. Counting all but droſs and dung, that they may be ſound in Chriſt. Holineſs is highly prized, and embraced by them; ſinne imbittered, and made odious to them all their dayes.
Stranger.
But what is Gods uſual way of dealing with men in their converſion?
Miniſter.
Gods uſual way is to convince men of ſin, righteouſneſs, and judgment, Joh. 16.8. Making men ſenſible of ſin and miſery, of their loſt eſtates in themſelves, of their diſability to help themſelves, or of finding help any where but in Jeſus Chriſt, Mat. 9.12. The whole have no need of a Phyſician, but they that are ſick: when ſick of ſin, then, and not till then, do the children of men make out after Jeſus Chriſt.
Str.
Sir, you have ſatisfied me in this, that there is no way to be ſaved, but by faith in Jeſus Chriſt; and that none go to Jeſus Chriſt, but ſuch as find an abſolute neceſſity of going to Chriſt for life.
Min.
Friend, it's well you are come to this, do you then believe in Jeſus Chriſt?
Str.
Yes, Sir, with all my heart, I ſtedfaſtly believe that Chriſt came into the World to ſave ſinners.
Miniſter.
And do not you think that the Devils believe as much as all this?
Stranger.
I can't tell.
Min.
Friend, there's no queſtion of it, but that the Devils do believe that Chriſt is the Son of God, Mat. 8.29. that he came into the world to ſave ſinners; they believe, that the threatnings true, which makes them tremble, Jam. 2.19.
Str.
Sir, what you ſay is true; but I believe that Chriſt dyed for me in particular.
Min.
Friend, how know you that? You do not think that all who hear of Chriſt, ſhall be ſaved by Chriſt, Luke 2.34. He is ſet for the fall, and for the riſing again of many in Iſrael. Rom. 9.2. Though the children of Iſrael be as the ſand of the Sea, yet a remnant onelyonly ſhall be ſaved.
Str.
I ſhall never be beaten off from it, but that Chriſt dyed for me, as well as others.
Min.
Friend, but what if Chriſt did not dye for you? Your conceit that he did dye for you, will not ſerve your turn; can you be ſaved by believing that which is not true? that's but the preſumption, and vain confidence, which you have no ground for, for ought I can perceive by you.
Stranger.
Sir, you are the ſtrangeſt man that ever I met with in my life; you tell me, that to believe that Chriſt dyed for ſinners, will not ſave me; and that to believe that Chriſt dyed for me in particular, will not ſave me; I pray for God's ſake tell me, what's that faith which will ſave me?
Miniſter.
Friend, it's true, I am a ſtranger to you, but what I have ſpoken to you, is nothing but the truth, and the way; the onelyonly way to be ſaved, is by faith, true faith in Jeſus Chriſt.
Str.
Sir, what's that you call true faith, whereby we are joined to Chriſt, juſtified, and ſaved?
Min.
Friend, I'll tell you, it's not a believing that Chriſt dyed for ſinners, for that the Devils do; it's not a believing that Chriſt dyed for me in particular, for that, 1. Multitudes of ungodly men, and reprobates, do, and may do, in a way of preſumption: and, 2. Many a doubting Believer wanting aſſurance, dare not ſay, I believe that Chriſt dyed for me in particular; now that conceit or preſumption which an ungodly man may have, and a godly man may want, can't poſſibly be that faith which is juſtifying and ſaving.
Stranger.
Pray what is it then?
Miniſter.
Faith is, Friend, a receiving of Chriſt, as God the Father offers him in the Goſpel, as our King to rule us, our Prophet to teach us, as well as our Prieſt, who made ſatisfaction, and now makes interceſſion for us; it is alſo out of a ſenſe of our loſt eſtate in our ſelves, a reſting on him alone for ſalvation, John 1.12. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the ſons of God, even to them that believe on his Name.
Str.
Why Sir, do not I do all this?
Min.
Friend, I fear not; for had you taken Chriſt as your King, you would not dare to allow your ſelf in ſinful courſes, as Swearing, and the like, which you cannot deny but you are deeply guilty of; had you taken Chriſt as a Prophet, you would have been taught by Him, by his Word and Spirit, and have gotten ſome knowledge at leaſt in theſe principles and fundamentals of Chriſtianity: Had you reſted upon Chriſt alone for ſalvation, you would not have told me as you did even now, that you hoped to be ſaved by your ſerving God, your good prayers, and the like, not mentioning a word of Jeſus Chriſt; which makes me fear, that as yet you are a meer ſtranger to Chriſt, and faith in Chriſt.
Stranger.
Sir, you ſay enough to make me deſpair, and drive me out of my wits.
Min.
Friend, Deſpairing? Yea, that's it I would have, I'd have you to deſpair in your ſelf, that ſo you might come to believe and hope aright in Jeſus Chriſt: And whereas you ſpeak of driving you out of your wits, no, Friend, I would onelyonly drive you out of your ſins, your vain preſumptions, and carnal confidences; a man is never indeed in his right wits, never comes to himſelf, as the Prodigal did, Luk. 15.7. till he repents, and believeth aright in Jeſus Chriſt.
Stranger.
Sir, what would you have me to do?
Miniſter.
This is a good queſtion indeed; were you pricked in the heart, as thoſe, Acts. 2.37. were you truly and throughly ſenſible of ſin and miſery, were you troubled in mind; but then you muſt unſay what you ſaid before, that you never in your life queſtioned your ſpiritual eſtate, and that you have been alwayes of a ſtrong faith towards God, &c.
Str.
Sir, what if it ſhould be ſo with me? what if I ſhould be troubled?
Min.
I'll tell you, Friend, what you ſhould do, and what you will certainly do, if through the rich grace of God to you, your troubles be in order to converſion and ſalvation.
Str.
What, I pray Sir?
Min.
Friend, were you troubled indeed to ſome good purpoſe, you would put two queſtions to your ſelf, What have I done? And what ſhall I do to be ſaved? What have I done? look backward upon the former part of your life, with ſhame and ſorrow for what you have done, with an unfeigned purpoſe of heart of turning unto God, as David ſaith, Pſal. 119.59. I thought on my wayes, and turned my feet unto thy teſtimonies: And Jer. 8.6. No man repented him of his wickedneſs, ſaying, What have I done?
Stranger.
Sir, for that other queſtion, What ſhall I do? what will that put me upon?
Miniſter.
Friend, this queſtion, What ſhall I do? looks forward; and if it be in earneſt, will put you upon ſollicitous and careful thoughts how you may get out of that ſtate of ſin and miſery, which you find your ſelf intangled and involved in; will put you upon going to good Miniſters, and experienced Chriſtians, inquiring of them the way to be ſaved; will put you upon ſearching the Scriptures, and the reading good Books; upon caſting off your old company, and acquainting your ſelf with the people of God (whom before you hated, and cared not for) upon ſecret and earneſt prayer to God, according to your ſpiritual wants and neceſſities, will indeed make you to be a new creature.
Stranger.
Well Sir, I ſee then when all is done, I muſt mend my life, and become a new man.
Miniſter.
Friend, you have ſaid well, hold there; but do you think by your mending your life, and becoming a new man, to ſatisfie God for what's paſt, and that your good deeds ſhall make amends for your bad?
Str.
I hope ſo Sir.
Min.
See how you have forgot what even now I told you; no, Friend ſatisfaction for what is paſt, or what is to come, is made to God the Father onelyonly by Jeſus Chriſt, by what he hath done and ſuffer'd, not by any thing we can do or ſuffer; When we have done all, we muſt ſay, we are unprofitable ſervants; we have done that which was our duty to do, Luke 17.10.
Str.
But Sir, how ſhall I come to have all this you ſpeak of, any part and ſhare in the ſatisfaction made by Chriſt? and how ſhall I become a new creature?
Miniſter.
Friend, this is a good queſtion, I like it very well, and will tell you how, 1. You muſt know and acknowledge that you can do nothing of your ſelf by your own ſtrength; neither believe, nor repent, or the like. 2. You muſt by faith relie upon Chriſt, and Chriſt alone, who hath fulfilled the Law, ſatisfied his Fathers juſtice, and and paid the uttermoſt farthing, for all poor loſt Souls that come unto him. 3. You muſt pray hard, beg the Spirit of God to help your infirmities, to work all your works in you, and for you; and God hath promiſed to give his holy Spirit to them which ask him, Luke 11.13.
Stranger.
I believe in Jeſus Chriſt, and repent with all my heart, what would you have me do more?
Min.
Friend, concerning faith in Jeſus Chriſt, we have ſpoken ſomewhat before, enough to ſtartle you, and awake you out of your carnal ſecurity, if you did indeed believe the Word of God. Now for your repentance, what do you do when you repent?
Stranger.
Why, I cry God mercy for all my faults, and deſire him to Jorgive me.
Miniſter.
Friend, that's Prayer, it's not Repentance; to ſay Lord have mercy on me, and ſo forth, is praying.
Str.
Oh but Sir, I am ſorry for my ſins.
Min.
Friend, You ſpeak theſe words ſo ſmilingly and merrily, as if your heart were not much orewhelmed with ſorrow at the preſent for your ſin.
Str.
Yea, but Sir, I grieve for my ſin, though now I am a little merry I confeſs, I hope there's no harm in that.
Min.
Tell me truly Friend, did you ever weep for ſin in ſecret, between God and your own ſoul?
Str.
Sir, you put me hard to it, I do not remember that ever I ſhed any tears for my ſins: but ſome men are not apt to weep.
Min.
What you ſay, Friend, is very true, ſome are naturally more apt to weep, than others; but cannot you weep, and take on bitterly for other things, for the death of a wife, father, child, or ſome ſpecial friend of yours?
Stranger.
I confeſs then indeed, I have mourned greatly, and almoſt wept my eyes out.
Miniſter.
Friend, it ſeems ſomewhat ſtrange, that you, who have tears in abundance at command upon other ſad occaſions, ſhould not have ſome tears alſo for your ſins againſt God.
Str.
Well Sir, though I weep little, or not at all for my ſins, yet I grieve for my ſins, and hate my ſins, as much as another man.
Min.
Friend, if your grief for ſin were right, it would be 1. For ſin as it is ſin, diſpleaſing to God, a diſhonour to God, and a defilement to your own ſoul. 2. Godly ſorrow works repentance, 2 Cor. 7.10. That is, amendment in heart and life.
Str.
I hope I grieve for ſin, and hate it alſo, though you Sir object ſomething ſtill againſt what I ſay.
Min.
Friend, be not angry that I object ſo much, and ſo oft; I do it only to find and beat out the truth, and for your good.
Str.
It may be ſo Sir.
Miniſter.
Friend, You think and ſay you hate your ſins, let me put a few queſtions to you: 1. Do you hate all ſins, one as well as another; he that hates one Toad, hates all Toads. 2. Do you long to be the death of your ſins? is your hatred a mortal, a deadly hatred? do you mortifie the deeds of the fleſh by the Spirit? Rom. 8.13. 3. Deal plainly and truly, as you will anſwer it at death and judgment, is there not ſome beloved ſin that you are loth to part with, loth to be told of by friends or Miniſters, ſome ſinful way of profit or pleaſure which you have no mind to leave, but allow your ſelf in it?
Stranger.
Sir, I have had a great deal of talk with our own Miniſter, who is a very good Churchman, and he never ſaid half ſo much to me.
Min.
It may be ſo, but what ſay you to my laſt queſtion, is there not ſome ſin that you allow your ſelf in, which is as dear as your right eye and right hand unto you?
Str.
Sir, I am not bound to confeſs to you, you have no authority to examine me.
Miniſter.
No, Friend, I ſpeak in love to you, deſiring (if the Lord pleaſe) to do ſome good to your ſoul; but let me tell you, I fear your conſcience cryes guilty, you begin to be ſo touchy.
Stranger.
Sir, it's my fault to be angry; but you do ſo pinch me: yet I am perſuaded you mean me no hurt; therefore if you'll needs have my heart out of me, it's even no better nor no worſe; I confeſs I love the company of ſome that are none of the beſt, and I can't ſhake them off; the world is hard, and unleſs a man have ſome tricks, there is no living in it; and I do walk in ſome wayes (not to mince the matter with you) which my conſcience tells me I ought not to walk in.
Min.
Friend, You do well to be open with me, by the bleſſing of God it may be for your good, therefore tell me a little farther, do you not ſometimes take the Name of God in vain?
Str.
I hope not, or very little.
Min.
What think you of ſuch words as theſe, As I live, As I am an honeſt man, As I am a Chriſtian, Let me never ſtir, Let me never be believed more, if it be not thus, and thus? What think you of, By my Faith, By my Troth, and, By our Lady; and of ſaying, O Lord, O God, O Jeſus, and the like, in common diſcourſe? which kind of words I heard fall from you, at leaſt ſome of them, ſince you and I met.
Stranger.
Truly Sir, I think they were better forborn.
Miniſter.
I think ſo too, for they look like Oaths and Curſes, as a light and irreverent uſing of the Name of God. Chriſt ſaith, Matth. 5.37. Let your converſation be yea, yea, nay, nay, for whatſoever is more than theſe, cometh of evil.
Str.
Sir, People will not believe what I ſay, unleſs I uſe ſuch expreſſions as theſe.
Min.
It matters not much, ſo long as you ſpeak the truth plainly; if men will not believe you, the fault is theirs: and let me tell you, that thoſe who are wiſe men indeed, will believe you the leſs for the uſing ſuch words as theſe, and ſay, He that will ſwear, will lye; he that ſticks not at diſhonouring God, by taking his Name in vain, will not ſtick at deceiving man by a lye, and ſpeaking an untruth.
Stranger.
Sir, what you ſay, I confeſs is reaſon.
Miniſter.
Friend, ſince I find you in ſo good a vein, and willing to diſcourſe it on (which I am glad of) tell me, do you not uſe to break the Sabbath?
Str.
No Sir, I go to Church conſtantly when I am well, and nothing hinders me.
Min.
But Friend, do not you accuſtom your ſelf to lie long a Bed in the morning, to ſit idling at the doors that day; to talk of worldly buſineſs, to make bargains, to hire or pay Labourers, to walk in the fields needleſly? do you not uſe ſome Sports, Paſtimes, and Recreations; do you not Travel that day to, or prepare for Markets and Fairs, and the like?
Str.
I confeſs I have done ſo, but I'll do ſo no more.
Min.
Friend, you muſt deſire God to humble you for theſe, as all other your ſins, to pardon you in the blood of Chriſt, and to ſtrengthen you againſt them for the time to come, by his grace, and holy Spirit working in you.
Stranger.
Sir, I hope I am truly humbled for my ſins, I grieve and am ſorry for them, I have had many afflictions, and ſmarted for my ſins.
Miniſter.
If your ſorrow for ſin be right, it is not ſo much becauſe of afflictions and judgments felt, or feared, as becauſe you have offended God who hath been ſo good and merciful unto you: You will alſo loath and leave your ſins, as the abominable thing which God hates, Jerem. 44.4. Rom. 7.15. The evil which I hate.
Str.
Sir, I hope alſo, that I hate my ſins truly, and indeed.
Min.
Friend, if the hatred of ſin be right, then 1. You'll hate all ſin, as I told you before: Prov. 8.13. The fear of the Lord is to hate every falſe way: 2. And withal know this, that whoever hateth ſin, loveth God, and his people.
Str.
Why Sir, I make no queſtion of it, but I do love God and his people.
Miniſter.
Friend, if you do indeed love God, you do alſo keep his Commandments, John 14.15. Not allowing your ſelf in any known ſin; and for the godly, if you love them, you are then acquainted with them, delight in their company, as David, Pſal. 119.63. I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. And Paul, when he was converted, joined himſelf to the Diſciples which were at Jeruſalem, and at Damaſcus, Acts 9.19. and 26. Now if we be unacquainted with ſuch people, if ſhie of their ſociety, &c. it's in vain to think we love the Brethren, 1 John 3.4. if we do not love the brotherhood, (1 Pet. 2.17.) the ſociety of Saints, and that when they are moſt ſtrict and ſpiritual in their communication and converſation; if you be a meer ſtranger to them, where is your love towards them? what ſay you to this, Friend?
Stranger.
Sir, you, in your talk with me, put me hard to it, Lord help me.
Min.
Friend, your ſaying, Lord help me, puts me in mind to ask you what good prayers do you uſe to ſay.
Stranger.
Such as my friends taught me, the Ten Commandments, I believe in God, &c. and the Lords prayer.
Miniſter.
Friend, do you think the Ten Commandments, and I believe in God, &c. be good Prayers?
Str.
Yes Sir.
Min.
No, Friend, the Ten Commandments are a rule of life, ſhewing us what we muſt do; and, I believe in God, &c. ſheweth us what we ought to believe; but they are not Prayers: and when we ſay them, we ask nothing at Gods hands.
Sir.
They are good things, and it is good to learn them.
Min.
Friend, that is true, it is good to learn them, and to underſtand the meaning of them; to live according to the Commandments, and to believe according to the Articles of our Chriſtian Faith; but to think they are Prayers, and to ſay them over inſtead of Prayers, that is your miſtake.
Str.
Sir, I confeſs my error therein.
Min.
Friend, what think you of the Creed, I believe in God, &c? is that form of words Scripture, the written Word of God, as well as the Ten Commandments, and the Lords Prayer?
Stranger.
Yes, ſurely Sir.
Miniſter.
No, Friend, we find the Ten Commandments, in Exod. 20. and the Lords Prayer, in Matth. 6.9. but I believe in God, &c. in ſo many words together is not in all the Bible; but that form of words was made up, and laid together by men, yet it is agreeable to the Word of God, and ſo is of good uſe for all Believers.
Str.
Sir, I thank you; if you would explain and open ſomething to me out of the Ten Commandments, I believe in God, and the Lords Prayer, you would do me a great courteſie.
Min.
Friend, I am glad to find you willing to learn, but that is too long a work for the little time we are like to be together; and therefore I would adviſe you by all means when you come home, to learn good Catechiſms, and to talk with good Miniſters, and good People, putting queſtions to them, and they will help you.
Str.
True Sir, but whilſt we are together, it may be you may ſay ſomething out of them, which may do me good.
Miniſter.
Why then, Friend, in the firſt Commandment, Thou ſhalt have, &c. what do you think God forbids in that Commandment?
Stranger.
I think, the having more Gods than one.
Min.
Friend, what you ſay, is a general truth; but what is it to have other Gods?
Str.
Sir, to have other Gods, is, I think, to worſhip the Sun, Moon, or Stars, &c.
Min.
Friend, let me tell you, the Commandment of God is ſpiritual, and reacheth the hearts of men; ſo that, to love, deſire, joy, fear, truſt in any thing more than God, is to have other gods: thus we may make husbands, wives, children, friends, trades, cuſtomers, &c. riches, honours, pleaſures, &c. to be our gods, when our hearts run out more after, are ſet more upon them, than upon God.
Str.
Sir, this is ſtrange.
Min.
Friend, as ſtrange as it is, it is very true; for God ſaith, Prov. 23.26. Give me thine heart: and Matth. 22.37. Thou ſhalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy ſoul, and with all thy mind; and it is certain, to have our hearts upon any perſon or thing more than God, is to make that our God, and our Idol.
Stranger.
Sir then, by what you ſay, if any be more careful to pleaſe, or more fearful to offend a husband, a wife, a maſter or miſtriſs, a land-lord, or great man that rules over us, than we are careful to pleaſe, or fearful to offend God, is to make them our gods.
Miniſter.
Friend, it is certainly ſo, however it may ſeem to be new doctrine to you. And for the ſecond Commandment, Thou ſhalt not make, &c. what think you is forbidden in this Commandment?
Str.
I think we are forbidden to worſhip Images, as the Papiſts do.
Min.
Friend, that you ſay is true; but the Commandment of God hath a farther reach in it, and forbids not only the worſhipping of Images, or God by Images, but the worſhipping of God any other way not appointed in his Word, Deut. 12.32. What thing ſoever I command you (he ſpeaks of worſhip, ver. 31.) obſerve to do it; thou ſhalt not add thereto, nor diminiſh from it.
Stranger.
I confeſs Sir, this is plain Scripture, I cannot gainſay it.
Miniſter.
Well Friend, for the third Commandment, Thou ſhalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain, &c. What think you is meant by the Name of God?
Str.
To deal plainly with you Sir, I cannot well tell on a ſudden, what is meant by the Name of God, though I have ſaid it over many and many a time.
Min.
Friend, are not men known by their names, you, and I, and others? why then the Name of God is that whereby God makes himſelf known, by his Titles, Attributes, Ordinances, Word, and Works.
Str.
Sir, I think what you ſay is right, but I do not well underſtand you. I pray tell me, what you mean by Titles, Attributes, Ordinances, Word, and Works?
Min.
Friend, I like this inquiring of yours well, and I will tell you, 1. By the title of God, is meant Lord, Jehovah, Jah, &c. 2. An Attribute of God is that which is ſpoken of God; as that he is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable: that God is Almighty, moſt wiſe, moſt holy, moſt merciful, juſt, faithful, &c. 3. By Ordinances, I underſtand every part of that worſhip which God hath appointed, as Prayer, Preaching, Reading, Hearing, Singing Pſalms, the Sacraments, &c. 4. By the Word, I mean the Scriptures, wherein God revealeth his Will, and maketh himſelf known to the children of men. 5. By Works, I underſtand the works of Creation and Providence, whereby God revealeth much of himſelf to men who eye God in them.
Stranger.
What is it then to break this Commandment?
Miniſter.
It is to prophane, or abuſe any thing whereby God makes himſelf known.
Str.
I hope Sir you will tell me ſomething alſo out of the fourth Commandment.
Min.
Friend, why is that day we keep holy, call'd the Lords day, and the Sabbath? for theſe are names which the Scriptures give that day, Rev. 1.10. Gen. 2.23.
Stranger.
Sir, I never heard that queſtion put before.
Miniſter.
Friend, it is called the Lords day, becauſe the Lord appointed it to be kept holy, and that in remembrance of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and the great work of Redemption wrought by him. And it is called the Sabbath (which ſignifieth reſt) becauſe it is to be kept by us as an holy reſt unto the Lord.
Str.
What muſt we do on the Sabbath day?
Min.
Friend, we muſt ſpend the whole day in worſhipping God publickly and privately.
Str.
Sir, may not works of mercy and neceſſity be done that day?
Min.
Yes, Friend, if they be indeed works of neceſſity and mercy, and not ſo in pretence only.
Str.
Sir, you ſaid the whole day muſt be kept holy; what mean you by the whole day?
Min.
Friend, by the whole day, I mean full Four and twenty hours; for the Sabbath muſt be as long as any other day of the week beſides.
Stranger.
I pray Sir, what muſt we not do on the Sabbath?
Miniſter.
Friend, we muſt not make that day, 1. A day of idleneſs, barely reſting from labour, as our Beaſts do. 2. Nor a day of worldly buſineſs, in buying, ſelling, or the like. 3. Nor a day of ſports and recreations much leſs. 4. Nor a day of ſinning eſpecially, as in drunkenneſs, ſtealing, and the like. 5. Nor a day only of outſide devotions, but we muſt labour to worſhip God in ſpirit alſo, and to enjoy ſome ſpiritual communion with God in his holy Ordinances.
Str.
Sir, but am I not at liberty as to my thoughts and words that day?
Min.
No, Friend, for God is a Spirit, his day and worſhip ſpiritual, ſo that we ought to lay aſide all unneceſſary thoughts and words that day, (as well as works) about worldly employments and recreations, Iſa. 58.13. Not ſpeaking thine own words on the Sabbath.
Str.
Sir, I hope you will ſay ſomething to me alſo concerning the other Commandments.
Miniſter.
Yes Friend; but more briefly, leſt our time ſhould fail us; what think you is meant by Father and Mother in the fifth Commandment?
Stranger.
Sir, I think, my Father that begot me, and my Mother that bore me.
Min.
Friend, that is true you ſay, but there is more in it; by Father and Mother, we muſt underſtand Magiſtrates and Miniſters, and all our Superiours in any kind whatſoever.
Str.
Sir, and what is it to honour my Superiours?
Min.
Friend, it is to give them that inward and outward reſpect which is due to them, and to obey the lawful commands of thoſe who are over us.
Str.
Sir, doth this command require only our duty to Superiours?
Min.
Yes, it injoined alſo the duties of Superiours to Inferiours.
Str.
Sir, I pray tell me what the ſixth, ſeventh, eighth, and nine Commandments require of us?
Min.
Briefly thus, the ſixth Commandment enjoineth all lawful endeavours for good of the life; the ſeventh of the chaſtity; the eighth, of the wealth and outward eſtate; the ninth, of the good name of our ſelves and others; each Commandment forbidding whatſoever is contrary, or oppoſite thereunto.
Stranger.
The tenth Commandment alſo, I pray Sir ſpeak to.
Miniſter.
The tenth Commandment, Thou ſhalt not covet, &c. requireth not only a full contentment with our own condition, but a right and charitable frame of heart toward our Neighbour, and all that is his.
Str.
Sir, I thank you for all this good diſcourſe of yours, I have rid many a mile with ſome Miniſters, and never had half ſo much from them.
Min.
Friend, it may be ſo; but was not you your ſelf much in fault, did you put queſtions to them, ſuch as I have now put to you, and you to me?
Str.
No, Sir, to ſpeak the truth, and I am afraid I am much to blame for it.
Min.
One word more before we part; I preſume, Friend, you have been at the Sacrament, and received the Communion.
Stranger.
Yes, many a time, at Eaſter, methinks, I have a mind to it.
Miniſter.
Friend, and why not at other times alſo: Is your foul an hungry, and doth the ſpiritual appetite come to you but once a year?
Str.
Sir, that is the time we uſe to go, and then the reſt of my Neighbours receive.
Min.
Friend, then it ſeems you go much for cuſtom and company; but tell me, did you ever get any good by the Sacraments?
Str.
Sir, I hope no hurt.
Min.
Friend, they who live ignorantly, or ſcandalouſly, eat and drink unworthily, are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, and ſo eat and drink judgment, or damnation to themſelves, 1 Cor. 11.27, 29.
Str.
I hope I go better prepared than ſo.
Min.
How do you prepare your ſelf?
Str.
Sir, I give my name to the Miniſter aforehand, I put on my beſt apparel, I faſt that morning, lay the bleſſed bread and wine next my heart; yea, I am in love and charity with all men, and forgive give thoſe that have wronged me with all my heart.
Miniſter.
Friend, that which in your anſwer fell laſt from you, is quickly ſaid, not ſo ſoon done; how can you ſay, you are in love and charity with all men, &c. when your own heart tells you, and all your Neighbours can teſtifie, that for ſuch and ſuch a man you cannot give him a good word, or a good look, you expreſs much joy when any evil befalls him or his, where is your love then?
Stranger.
Sir, you can't imagine what a deal of wrong he hath done me for many years together, my heart cannot but riſe againſt him, whenever I ſee him; but I hope to be eaven with him, and to pay him all I owe him before I dye.
Min.
Look you now, Friend, what is become of your charity, and of forgiving with all your heart, thoſe words were but wind, your heart deceives you, you have expreſſed a great deal of malice and hatred in what you ſaid laſt.
Str.
Sir, I am ſorry if I have offended you.
Miniſter.
Alas Friend, you do not offend me, it troubles me indeed to ſee how you offend God, and delude your own ſoul; and how the Devil cheats you, makes you to have better thoughts a great deal of your ſelf, than there is any cauſe for.
Stranger.
Sir, I hope, for all this, that I live in charity, and do as I would be done by.
Min.
Friend, it is well if your hope do not make you aſhamed; if any man had wronged you, would you not have him to acknowledge his fault to you, and to make reſtitution for all the wrong you ſuſtained?
Str.
Yes Sir, you may be ſure, I think it all the reaſon in the world I ſhould.
Min.
Now Friend, let Conſcience ſpeak out, did not you at ſuch and ſuch a time defraud, and go beyond ſuch and ſuch a man, working upon his ſimplicity, or neceſſity? have you not put off bad wares, and bad money many a time? have not you ſpoken an untruth, told many a lye in bargaining? and did you ever yet go to them whom you wronged, did you ever make them ſatisfaction? and where is now your doing as you would be done by?
Stranger.
I muſt confeſs my heart ſmites me, upon what you ſay.
Miniſter.
Friend, if your heart condemns you, God is greater than your heart, and knoweth all things by you, 1 John 3.20. And look to it, leaſt the Devil and your heart deceive you with ſhews and ſhadows of faith, repentance, love and charity, inſtead of the graces themſelves in truth and reality.
Str.
I thank you Sir for the good counſel you give me, and I pray God I may follow it.
Min.
Friend, I remember in the beginning of our diſcourſe, you told me of your ſaying over the Ten Commandments, Lords Prayer, and I believe in God, &c. every morning, and every night.
Str.
Sir, I did ſo, and would you would ſay ſomething to me concerning the Lords Prayer, and I believe in God, &c. as you have concerning the Ten Commandments.
Miniſter.
Say you ſo Friend, I cannot withſtand ſo good a motion, tell me therefore, do you think that the bare ſaying over theſe words, Our Father, &c. is acceptable ſervice to God?
Stranger.
Sir, I hope ſo, why elſe did our friends teach it us when we were children?
Min.
Friend, your Parents and friends did well to teach you to ſay the words by heart; but it had been better if they had alſo taught you the meaning of them, that ſo when you came to years of diſcretion, you might have been able to go it over with underſtanding.
Str.
That is true Sir, and I hope I underſtand it.
Min.
Friend, what do you pray for, or ask at Gods hands, when you ſay, Hallowed be thy Name?
Str.
Why? [Thy Kingdom come.]
Min.
Friend, [Thy Kingdom come.] is another part of the Prayer; but what is the thing you beg for, and would have, when you ſay, Hallowed, &c.
Str.
Truly Sir, I cannot tell you.
Miniſter.
Friend, you have ſaid over the words 100 and 100 times, but it ſeems never ſaid them with underſtanding, and ſurely that is not right, for Paul ſaith, 1 Cor. 14.15. I will pray with the ſpirit, and I will pray with the underſtanding alſo: That is, ſo that others who join with us may underſtand us, much more we underſtand our ſelves, and our own meaning.
Stranger.
Sir, what ſhould I think of, and pray for, when I ſay thoſe words, Hallowed, &c?
Min.
Friend, you ſhould pray and deſire of God, that he would order all things in the world for his own honour and glory; and that he would enable you, and others, to glorifie and honour him in a due and right uſe of his Ordinances, Word and Works, or whatever he maketh himſelf known by.
Str.
Truly Sir, to deal plainly with you, I never thought of, or deſired any ſuch thing, as oft as I have ſaid thoſe words.
Min.
Friend, I cannot conveniently go over the other Petitions in the Lords Prayer with you: What hath been ſaid already in diſcourſe about the firſt Petition, Hallowed, &c. may abundantly convince you of your ſaying you knew not what, and in a very ignorant and formal way.
Stranger.
Truly Sir I am, I confeſs, ignorant, yet I am willing to learn.
Miniſter.
Friend, I believe you are, or elſe you would not have held on the diſcourſe ſo long, and ſo freely with me; for I fall in company with ſome upon the Road, who will by no means ſpeak one word with me concerning God, and the things of God; and if I motion ſuch talk a little, they are either altogether dumb and ſilent, or ſhift out of my company, ſaying, They muſt ride faſter, that their buſineſs requireth haſte; or they will lagg behind, or go out of the way to ſpeak with a friend, and ſome fall a quarrelling, ſaying, What have you to do to Catechize me? I will not learn of you, every Tub muſt ſtand upon its own bottom, &c.
Str.
Sir, If I had in my younger dayes been ſo willing to learn, as I ſhould have been, I had not been ſo far to ſeek in theſe things as now I am, nor ſo ignorant as you find me to be.
Miniſter.
Well ſaid Friend, that was a ſavoury ſpeech of yours, I like it very well, and therefore am willing to have a word or two with you about the Creed, I believe in God, &c. before we part, though much of our former diſcourſe hath been about things to be believed.
Stranger.
I thank you Sir, I pray ſpeak on, I will hear you.
Min.
Friend, I hope you remember what I told you even now, that this form of words, I believe in God, &c. is not Scripture, though it be agreeable to the Word of God; and that it is not a Prayer, not to be ſaid for a Prayer. Let me now hear you ſay your Belief.
Str.
I believe in God, &c. and I believe the Holy Catholick Holy-Church, &c.
Min.
Friend, What is that you ſay, Holy Catholick Holy-Church; you miſtake the words, I fear therefore you know not the meaning of them, it is not Holy Catholick Holy-Church, but the word is Catholick, and what mean you by Catholick?
Stranger.
Sir, I cannot tell, it is a hard word methinks.
Miniſter.
Friend, it is ſo, but you that ſay it over and over, day by day, ſhould have asked the meaning of it, that you might have known what you had ſaid.
Str.
I pray Sir, what is meant by it?
Min.
Friend, it is originally a Greek word, and ſignifieth Univerſal, or General; ſo that to believe the Catholick Church, is to believe that there is an Univerſal Church, and that God hath a people up and down ſcattered in ſeveral places, and in all ages of the world.
Str.
Sir, I never underſtood ſo much before.
Min.
Friend, you perceive again by this, that you have lived very ignorantly, mindleſs of knowledge, and of the things of God, and of the great concernments of your Soul, and of Eternity. Let me give you ſome good counſel before we part, it may be you and I ſhall never meet again; and as we never ſaw the faces one of another (for ought we know) before this day, ſo poſſibly we never may ſee each other again till the day of Judgments that great and terrible day of the Lord. Let me adviſe you, and the Lord perſuade your heart, 1. To make Conſcience of ſecret Prayer, begging of God for Chriſt his ſake, that he would make you ſenſible of the ignorance, of the blindneſs of the mind of the hardneſs and impenitency of the heart; of the careleſneſs and mindleſneſs of the ſpirit, in the great things of grace and ſalvation, be earneſt with God to give you knowledge, and conſider that the ſoul be without knowledge is not good, Prov. 19.2. As alſo, for repentance from dead Works, and a true ſaving faith in Jeſus Chriſt. Beg of God an heart, to ſeek firſt the Kingdom of God, and his righteouſneſs, and that you may be of thoſe who ſtrive to enter in at the ſtrait gate, and of thoſe violent ones who take the Kingdome of Heaven by force, &c. 2. Be careful to hear good Miniſters preach, remembring what moſt concerneth you in what you hear. 3. Be much in ſearching the Scriptures, and reading of good Books, Catechiſms, and ſuch like. 4. Make choice of good Company, of ſuch as fear God, and walk preciſely, holily, righteouſly, and ſoberly in this preſent evil world, and improve ſuch acquaintance by good conference with them, putting ſuch queſtions to them as may make for your edification, and they, let me tell you, will be as glad of your ſociety, as you of theirs. 5. Be ſure if you have a Family, to ſet up the worſhip of God in your Family, reading the Scriptures, and praying morning and evening with the houſhold, Catechizing, and inſtructing your Children and Servants, if you have a…y. 6. And laſtly, be ſtrict in ſanctifying the Sabbath, ſpend that day well, though the reſt of the Neighbours be looſe and careleſs therein; and though men, ungodly men, hate you, mock and perſecute you, it matters not, ſo long as God loveth you. Remember, that 2 Tim. 3.12. All that will live godly in Chriſt Jeſus, ſhall ſuffer perſecution. And that of Chriſt, Matth. 5.10. Bleſſed are they which are perſecuted for righteouſneſs ſake, for theirs is the kingdom of God: And ver. 11, 12. Bleſſed are ye when men ſhall revile you, and perſecute you, &c.
And now Friend, fare you well and the Lord bleſs you.
Stranger.
And you alſo, good Sir, I hope I ſhall remember you, and ſome of your words to me as long as I live; onelyonly let me deſire one favour of you, that I may know your name, and where you live.
Miniſter.
That you ſhall Friend, my name is ſo and ſo, and I live at ſuch a place, and if your occaſions call you thither, I ſhall be glad to ſee you; and let me know your name, and where you live, and poſſibly if I come that way, I may ſee you. Once more Farewell.
FINIS.