Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence, Text (3 of 3)

Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence · Text (3 of 3)

p. 59It was eaſie to inſtance in more effects of this their Ejection, which have been injurious to Religion, and the Souls of men. Hence it's come to paſs, that their endeavours in a private way, by perſonal diſcourſes, or writings, to reclaim ſinners, are much fruſtrated; for they are looked upon as a kind of diſtinct Party, and ſo let them be never ſo careful to inſiſt only on the moſt uncontroverted Truths of Religion, yet will many through prejudice miſunderſtand all they ſay, as if they were pleading their own cauſe, and endeavouring to gain Proſelytes to themſelves, whil'ſt they are only ſtriving to win Souls to Chriſt. When they are preſſing men upon holineſs and diligence for their Salvation, ſome are prone to flatter themſelves with a conceit, That this only is their ſtrict and ſingular Opinion; and all that they ſay or do in Religion, is put upon the ſcore of a Party, as if in theſe things they differed from others, and therefore are they diſregarded. And thus it is alſo as to the People, who are known to love and adhere to them; for their exact walking is look't on but as the following a Sect, and which need not therefore be imitated▪ And it can hardly be thought how many Souls p. 60miſcarry through theſe miſtakes, which might have been much prevented, by that concord and mutual Love which might have made all have been eſteemed as Brethren. Moreover, hence it is, that theſe being now counted diſaffected and diſcontented perſons, many who bore them a Spleen (for their Love 'tis not impoſſible) meet with pretences to vent it; for they narrowly watch them in all their wayes (and a little Love to the Commonwealth, with a Doſe of Revenge and Malice, how vigilant will it make men?) and are ſtill ready to accuſe them of ſomething or other, they know not what, to bring them into trouble. And if they do but with all peaceableneſs meet together with their Neighbours and Friends, to quicken, comfort, and build up one another in their moſt holy Faith; yea, if they do but continue thoſe Meetings they were wont to have in times of greateſt Liberty; preſently they are liable to diſturbance and puniſhment, as men holding unlawful Aſſemblies; whereas, had no ſuch terms been put upon them, as neceſſarily put a difference betwixt them and others; they might have been eſteemed as Loyal Subjects, as they indeed are, and their actions had not been ſo obnoxious to groundleſs cenſures and accuſations, nor they ever hurried to Priſon, or forc't ſome other way to ſuffer, for nothing but the meer Surmiſes of the malicious. But I ſhall not give in more particulars: And whether theſe things I have mentioned are well-pleaſing to God, or whether they may not rather have help't on his Indignation againſt us, let all that are unbyas't determine.

As to the Truth of what I have ſpoke, I think it cannot be gain-ſayed; and what can be anſwered, I cannot deviſe, except what I before hinted, any ſhould ſay, That by their removal, the Peace of Church and State is ſecured, which otherwiſe had been hazarded. To which I anſwer:

1. Might not this Peace have been procured better, by laying it upon thoſe things whereon Chriſt hath laid the peace of his Church? And not to make new Laws, to which whil'ſt men in Conſcience cannot give obedience, they muſt be judged obſtinate, as the Courtiers ſerved Daniel: Surely this is hard meaſure, when the things required are, in the judgment of the Impoſers, not neceſſary till they have commanded them, and ſo might have been left as indifferent, as they are in their own natures, and then how little contention had there been about them?

2. Might theſe perſons be excuſed from thoſe kind of Subſcriptions and Declarations which are commanded them, They are ready to give in all that Security, that can in reaſon he demanded, That they will be careful to preſerve and promote the Publick Peace. If their Oaths and Promiſes may not be thought ſufficient to oblige them to this, what hold could be taken of thoſe other Subſcriptions and Profeſſions? But if theſe were intended as p. 61a diſtinguiſhing Shibboleth, that they might know whom to fall upon; as a partition wall, to keep off thoſe that may in ſome punctilio's differ from them; as a Teſt of a Party, which ſerves to rank men under ſeveral diviſions. If any in their Impoſitions had ſuch like deſigns as theſe, it is not all their Power and Policy combin'd, that can make ſuch actings paſs for current, with that God who is a Lover of Peace. And all at length ſhall be convinc't, That they who break the Peace of the Church, to promote the peace of a Party, are not thoſe Peace-makers upon whom a bleſſing is pronounced.

3. I would fain know what diſturbance of the Peace there was, whil'ſt the Liberty granted by His MAJESTIES Declaration was enjoyed; and upon what account it was likely to have been more violated, had that Liberty been ſecured and perpetuated.

4. I am yet to learn how this Reſtraint that is laid upon them, doth any whit the more incapacitate them for interruption of the Peace, if a ſenſe of their duty laid not a ſtronger obligation on them. It's evident enough, that many of them have that influence upon their people, that it was no way difficult for them, to lead them into Sects and Separations, if they had a mind to't; and to lay ſuch provoking preſſures upon them, was not the way to prevent ſuch miſcarriages. But, bleſſed be God! their patience and moderation hath prevail'd over the ſmarting ſenſe of thoſe Sufferings, which might have vex't them into extreams. If any have diſcovered too much impatience and bitterneſs of ſpirit, as I excuſe it not, ſo neither are thoſe proceedings which caus'd it, any more juſtifiable: But for many, it hath been their care, according to their capacities, to heal the diſtempers of their peoples ſpirits, to remove the too great prejudices many have conceived, and to reduce all whom they perceived inclined to a Party: So that I dare confidently ſay, They have done more to preſerve the Peace of the Church, than thoſe who Cenſure them, and caſt them out of the Miniſtry, as Factious, and Ʋnpeaceable. And as for raiſing any Seditions or Commotions in the State, not their moſt quick-ſighted Adverſaries have, that I can hear or know, diſcovered them in the leaſt guilty. And did His MAJESTY but over-hear or know their daily privat'ſt prayers to God on His behalf, I am confident He would eaſily be convinc't, That His Kingdom holds not more Loyal, Faithful Subjects, than they, however they may be miſrepreſented, as deſerving all that Severity with which they are Treated.

By this time, I hope, I may on good grounds conclude, That the laying ſuch Reſtraints on ſo many faithful Miniſters, who might have been ſo eminently ſerviceable to their Maſter, is one of thoſe provocations of the Divine Majeſty, under the effects whereof we groan; and that therefore thoſe who have been the Procurers hereof, ought to lament their ſin, and do their p. 62utmoſt to redreſs this grievance, and reſtore that Liberty of which their Brethren have been deprived. And if, when His MAJESTY, out of His Gracious Nature, was inclined to have given that Indulgence, which truly tender Conſciences did ſtrongly hope for, and which would have rejoyc't the hearts of ſo many Thouſands of His beſt Subjects; if then there were any who ſtood in the gap to prevent the ſame, as we were publickly told (in thoſe very words) there were; let all ſuch now ſoberly conſider, what a breach they have help't to make upon us, and by their interceſſion with His MAJESTY, for that Liberty He is ſo willing to grant, as by one ſingular means, let them now ſtand in the gap, and turn away God's overflowing wrath, that we be not utterly conſumed.

And to you, Reverend Fathers, the Rulers and Guides of our Church, give me leave to re-inforce my earneſt Requeſt, in the Name of our Common Saviour, That as you value his blood, and the purchaſe of it, and the precious Souls for whom it was ſhed, you would yield a gracious audience to thoſe, who beg of you nothing but a freedom to publiſh the glad tydings of Salvation by Chriſt our Redeemer, to the loſt Sons of men. Conſider what a reaſonable thing it is that is beg'd of you, no Honours or Preferments, but a Liberty to ſerve your Lord and ours in the work of the Miniſtry. Look over, I beſeech you, your Commiſſion again and again, and ſee where you are commanded, yea, or allowed to caſt out thoſe whom God hath call'd to this work; or keep out thoſe, whom he hath in ſome meaſure fitted for, and ſtrongly inclined to it, upon ſuch grounds, and for ſuch reaſons, as we are thus dealt with. Will you thruſt and keep ſuch Labourers out of the Harveſt, whom our Lord hath bid us pray might be ſent forth into it? Was your power given you to any other purpoſe, than Edification? Oh Sirs, what is it you ſeek? Is it indeed to advance Chriſts intereſt, to ſave poor Souls from the devouring flames? to ſet up Holineſs, and root out Wickedneſs? Why then will you remain at diſtance from your Brethren, whoſe very hearts are ſet upon theſe works; who had rather than all the Riches and Honors in the world, be more in a capacity of employing themſelves ſucceſsfully herein? Oh, why will you reſtrain them from ſpeaking, whoſe very bowels yearn over poor ſinners that are juſt dropping into the burning Lake, and think not where they are? When the faces of ſo many thouſands gather blackneſs, and they ſtarve and ſwoon, and fall in the ſtreets, why do you bind the hands of thoſe who would ſo fain reach them forth the bread of Life? When their miſeries and neceſſities cry aloud for help, why do you hinder thoſe who would gladly afford them a ſeaſonable Supply? Who, though they may employ themſelves according to their opportunities with particular mens Souls, yet what's that to the having their Congregations p. 63to ſpeak to? Review your patterns, I beſeech you, and ſee whether you find any carriages of theirs, in their ruling of the Church, which may juſtifie yours. Our bleſſed Lord would not have thoſe forbid to do Miracles in his Name, who went not with him. Nor doth Paul intimate any deſire to have ſilenc't thoſe who preach't Chriſt out of envy, much leſs ſuch (had there been any Paſtors of that mind) who were for eating of Herbs only, not meat. He ſpeaks indeed of having the mouths of ſome ſtop't, Tit. 1. 10. viz. They of the Circumciſion, who would have obtrutruded their Moſaick Ceremonies upon the Chriſtians, and judge whether our cauſe be like theirs; and yet even their mouths were to be ſtop't by ſound doctrine, and evidence of argument, ver. 8.

Oh how confident ſhould I be of obtaining that Liberty I am begging of you (if Reaſons of another ſort hindred not) was Chriſt himſelf alive amongſt us, or any of his Apoſtles our Governours. Had I had the happineſs to have lived in St. Pauls dayes, and addreſt my ſelf to him with all humility and earneſtneſs, imploring a leave to preach the Goſpel, profeſſing I had no carnal aim in it, but that my Soul long'd to be diſcloſing thoſe myſteries and treaſures of Love to poor ſenſleſs creatures, that were paſſing on to damnation, as not knowing or conſidering what Chriſt had done to keep them thence, and that I would endeavour faithfully to declare the whole Counſel of the Lord, without adding to, or diminiſhing ought from it; had I made ſuch an addreſs, do you think in your own Conſciences, he would have turned me away without my Errand? I have ſometimes thought, that ſhould I have put up ſuch a Petition to the King, I ſhould have prevailed; but fears of becoming ridiculous, have deter'd me.

But let not this my Sute, I beſeech you, be rejected; for what pretence of Reaſon can be alledged againſt it. It is not I know the things themſelves which are required, that you ſo much ſtand upon, as if they were in their own Nature neceſſary antecedently to your commands. And was ever yet any anſwer given to thoſe demands which have been made (amongſt others) by a perſon of that judgment and moderation, that you can neither ſuſpect him of prejudice or inclination to a Party, when he asks what Charter Chriſt hath given the Church to bind men up to more than himſelf hath done? What grounds there are why Chriſtians ſhould not ſtand upon the ſame terms now, which they did in the time of Chriſt and his Apoſtles? and whether Chriſt will ever thank men at the great day, for keeping ſuch out from communion with his Church (we may well add from their ſervice of the Church) whom he will receive into Heaven, and vouchſafe not only Crowns of Glory to, but Aureolae too, if there be any ſuch things there? He tells you there, that the Commiſſion the Apoſtles were ſent out with, p. 64was only to teach what Chriſt had commanded, not the leaſt intimation given of a power to impoſe any thing elſe, except what they might be directed to by the immediate guidance of the Spirit of God; and that they made an antecedent neceſſity, either abſolute, or for the preſent ſtate, the only ground of impoſing their commands, and much more to the ſame purpoſe; which, however they are regarded, may ſhew thus much, That it is not only Humour and Singularity which judges it moſt reaſonable, that thoſe things, which the Defenders of them count Indifferencies, ſhould not be rigorouſly impoſed on others, nor the Peace of the Church ſuſpenaed upon them. But is it indeed the Publick Peace that by theſe things you conſult for? Why will you then in the room of a Submiſſion to them, accept of any the moſt Solemn Engagements from thoſe who will enter into them, that they will not diſturb the Peace either of Church or State? And if you find any acting contrarily, proceed againſt them as you pleaſe. Let the World judge what reaſonable offers we make. Is it our obedience to Authority you would have us manifeſt? Why let our Submiſſion in all other things ſpeak for us. Or lay on us what commands you will in Civil things, or in any thing that may be no ſnare to our Conſciences, and by them prove whether we be obſtinate or not.

In a word, Will you accept our Promiſes, Bonds, Oaths, or what aſſurance can be deſired, That we will labour in all things to act moſt agreeably to the Gospel of our Lord, which we all own as a ſufficient Rule? And that we will not allow our ſelves in any prejudice, humour or perverſneſs, but in all things, (though we would not be made one a Rule to another, in matters that will well allow diverſity) will comply with you, ſo far as poſſibly we can, without danger of displeaſing God, and damning of our own Souls? And ſurely you have more tenderneſs than to deſire us to do ſuch things. I am bold thus to speak in others names (though not one be privy to my Work) becauſe I am perſwaded there are few but will do thus much, and what can in reaſon be required more of any?

Let none uſurp the Prerogative of ſearching hearts, and knowing mens meanings better than themſelves, and ſay, Theſe are fine words, and ſpecious pretences, but the deſign of all is, but to get more Liberty to ſtrengthen a Party: For I ſolemnly profeſs, and Thou God, who ſtandeſt over me whil'ſt I am writing theſe words, know'ſt it, I abhor ſuch a deſign. If to raiſe men to the knowledge and love of God through the Spirit of his Son; if to bring them to a careful obſervance of the precepts of our Lord, that they may be obedient to their Governours Eccleſiaſtical and Civil; juſt and charitable to their Brethren; that they may be holy, humble, heavenly, patient, meek, pure, chaſte and temperate; abounding in all the graces and fruits of the p. 65Spirit; If this be to make men a Party; then let me be interpreted as earneſtly deſirous to promote it; otherwiſe not. And ſhall thoſe, who have no other aims than theſe, be kept out of the Miniſtry, as turbulent, factious, and ſchiſmatical? Yea, ſome that were not Born ſo ſoon as our Civil Confuſions, and therefore Sided with none, Offended none? If you indeed thought there were any thus innocent, and whoſe intentions were ſo upright, would you have no regard to them, but reject all their Petitions, even ſuch as I have made? Surely you would not. Why be aſſured, if there may any faith be given to men, and if it be poſſible for men to know their own hearts, there are ſome, yea, I am confident, many Such. Well, however after all we may be cenſured and ſlandered, yet, whileſt we can daily betake our ſelves to the All-knowing God, and profeſs before him; that it is the grief of our ſouls, that we are deprived of thoſe opportunities of ſerving him, which we once had or hoped for, which we beg may be reſtor'd and vouchſaf't rather than any outward advantages whatever; and that we had rather ſerve him in the Miniſtry, than (for any intereſt of our own) be made Monarchs of the World, onelyonly we dare not pretend his Glory to juſtifie our lie; we dare not (for to him we may ſpeak plainly) ſay, we conſent to thoſe things we cannot find warrant for from his Word; nor that thoſe who have vowed to reform his Church, are not oblig'd by thoſe Vows, when corruptions are ſo many and great; but we beſeech him to lead us into all Truth, and diſcover to us our duty, for that he knows we would do any thing but Sin againſt him, to purchaſe a liberty publickly to Serve him; and therefore to his righteous judgment we wholly commit our Cauſe; whilſt I ſay in our daily prayers to God, we can make ſuch Profeſſions as theſe (and that ſome can) we may poſſeſs our ſouls in patience, and be comforted with the Conſcience of our Integrity, whatever clamours there are without us, and whatever calumnies men may labour to faſten upon us. And I beſeech you, who by your harſhneſs, ſend ſuch daily to God with tears and groans under the heavy preſſures; yea, and Thouſands more of the beſt Chriſtians in the Land on their behalf, and on the behalf of their own ſouls, in ſo great a meaſure deprived of the precious quickning means they once enjoyed; bethink your ſelves how grateful thoſe your proceedings are to God, which thus occaſion the juſt ſorrows and complaints of his Miniſters and deareſt People.

And let me further put it to your Conſcience:, whether in your private Addreſſes to God, you can ſay, that you are griev'd in heart for your Brethren deprived of their Liberties, and that you have condeſcended to them as far as poſſibly you could without ſinning, and that you would do all that in you lies for their reſtauration, that might not provoke him, and p. 66be a burthen to your own Conſciences; and that it is the intereſt of Chriſt, and the Edification and Salvation of Souls which you aimed at, in your proceedings againſt them. Can you make ſuch Profeſſions as theſe to God? Or to men, as you will anſwer it at the great and dreadful day of accounts? I leave it to your calm and ſober Conſiderations.

I ſhall no longer ſtand to importune you; but (as hoping I have not been ſpeaking all this while to the wind) entreat you to take into your ſerious review, the Petition for Peace, preſented to you by the Divines appointed by His Majeſty, to treat with you about Church-affairs. There may you ſee what their Requeſts are, and the preſſing Reaſons with which they enforce them: Requeſts ſo reaſonable, That, nothing but Experience could have convinced me, they were deniable; Reaſons ſo evident, that I am perſwaded they are unanſwerable: And in this perſwaſion I am more confirm'd from their being railed at, and ſcribled againſt (which was all the anſwer I ever heard of) by a Gentleman, from whom, if my preſent Paper can eſcape a ſuppreſſing, it fears not an Anſwer: for his violence is much more to be dreaded than his Reaſon. Now ſleight not, I beg you, theſe entreaties, becauſe you can eaſily deny them: for the cauſe I plead is juſt and equal, and of weighty moment, which I refer to your impartial debates, and leave the event to the diſpoſure of that God, for whoſe Honour it was (if I know my ſelf) that I undertook this plea. And him I ſhall humbly follow with my Prayers, That this Supplication, which I am writing Auguſt 24. may through his good Providence, and the favour of Authority, do ſomething to the reverſing of the Act, whoſe being in force, took date from This day three years ſince) This fatal Day that deſerves to be wrote in Black Letters in England's Calendar.

Grant this Oh my God, for thy Son Chriſt Jeſus ſake, I beſeech thee, and let all that ſeek thy Glory, and the Proſperity of thy Church, ſay, Amen.

If any upon the reading of this, ſhould argue me, either of too great confidence in making ſuch an attempt, or want of judgment to conceive there was any probability of the ſucceſs, when much more likely endeavours have been uneffectual; Let ſuch know, That when I had deſigned to do my utmoſt towards a diſcovery of thoſe Sins, which have provoked Gods anger againſt us; I ſhould have thought my ſelf unfaithful to the Cauſe I undertook, had any fear or pretence of Reaſon prevailed with me, to paſs ſilently over a miſcarriage of ſuch a nature, as I have manifeſted this to be, ſo fruitful of, and complicate with, many others. And if any thing unequal to be framed by a Law, I hope that alters not the nature of it ſo far, as to make it above a Subject to call things by their own names. Had an Act paſs'd for the toleration of Drunkenneſs, or any the like Sin, p. 67I ſhould have taken the boldneſs to repreſent the ill nature and conſequences of it. And though it is not impoſſible but prejudice may ſpy out very great faults, yet, I hope, both as to the matter and manner of Diſcourſe, I have not tranſgreſs't the bounds of ſobriety, modeſty, nor that duty which I owe my Superiours.

Moreover, I conceived, That now God calls us all to ſearch our hearts, and review our ways; they who themſelves put us upon this work, and exhort us to Repentance and Prayer, will not be unwilling to reflect upon themſelves and their own actions, as remembring they are men ſubject to the ſame miſtakes and frailties that the reſt of the ſons of lapſt Adam are. And if indeed it be made evident, That amongſt other Errands, one voice of the Rod now upon us, is, Let my people go, that they may ſerve me; Let my faithful Miniſters have liberty to advance my Goſpel. I hope, thoſe, who are particularly called to from Heaven, will not be diſobedient.

Again, I was willing ſo far as was conſiſtent with my main Design, to repreſent to the World (if any yet be ignorant of it) the nature of the difference betwixt us; however to manifeſt thus much, how willing, yea, how earneſtly deſirous ſome (if not all) of thoſe ſuſpended from their Miniſterial Employments, are to be re-admitted to the ſame; and what reaſonable terms they beg▪ and readily offer a ſubmiſſion to, if they might be heard, that ſo they, who are ſo forward to condemn them all as obſtinate and perverſe, may be more wary of their cenſures, and confine them to thoſe only whom they know ſo guilty.

And I hop't I might do ſomething to quicken all thoſe, whoſe hearts are affected with the Concernments of the Church, to more earneſtneſs in their Addreſſes to God, That he, in whoſe hands the heart of Kings and all men are, would incline our Superious to hearken to the Requeſts, and graciouſly to regard the Cauſe of ſo many of the Servants of Chriſt; who, when his Church ſo much needs their labours, and they would ſo willingly ſpend themſelves in the ſervice of ſouls, are to the ſadning of their hearts, in a great meaſure rendered unſerviceable in their Generations.

And laſtly, Thus much however I ſhall attain, viz▪ the ſatisfaction of my Conſcience in the diſcharge of my Duty; that I can herein approve my ſelf to God and my own ſoul, that I have done what in me lies, toward the procuring of my own and others Liberty; that, if it ſhall ſtill be denied, I may have nothing to charge my ſelf with in this reſpect: and may comfort my ſelf in this, that the improvement of ſuch a Liberty, ſhall no more be required of me, by the righteous Judge of Heaven and Earth, than the improvement of a great Eſtate, or a place of Honour, or ſome ſuch Talent, with which I was never entruſted. And if I obtain but thus much p. 68(though I ſtrongly hope for more) I ſhall be far from repenting of my undertaken labour: for I muſt confeſs, that ſeems not to me a ſmall thing, which any way conduceth to my having of boldneſs before my Lord, at the day of his appearing.

A word or two more I ſhall take Liberty to add upon this Head, before I relinquiſh it. If the removal of ſo many Labourers out of the Lords Harveſt is ſo grievous a Sin, both in its ſelf, and the ſad conſequences of it, then all others, and even they themſelves, ſo far as they have contributed to this their removal, or have not ſince endeavoured to prevent thoſe conſequences have cauſe to be greatly humbled.

And firſt, Even all the People who have ſinned their Teachers into corners, by their Pride, Wantonneſs, and Unfruitfulneſs under the Means of Grace. But eſpecially thoſe private Perſons, who by their malice either did, or at leaſt endeavoured to contribute to their ejection, or to the haſtning of it. What Volumns might be compoſed (even another Book of Martyrs or Confeſſors rather) of the Sufferings many of theſe Servants of Chriſt have met with, from the Arbitrary violence of unreaſonable men? For I ſpeak not of what the Law hath impoſed on them. How have ſome been toſs't from place to place, their Houſes ſearched, and they confined, and all this either upon groundleſs ſuſpition, or falſe accuſations: for where was the man of them that hath yet been proved guilty of Treaſon or Sedition? Oh the notorious groſs Lyes and Perjuries, that ſome of their People have been guilty of, both before, and ſince their ejection?

And yet how readily accepted by many? And what's the ground of all? Why, alas, they had got many Hearers, the Great-ones eſpecially, who were ſcandalized at the ſtrictneſs of their Doctrines and Lives, and angry that they might not go to Hell quietly, who ſtudied to be Revenged on them for the diſturbance they had received from them in their Sins. Thus I dare confidently ſay, it hath been with many. And though ſuch may have thought they have been doing God good ſervice, whileſt they have been perſecuting his Miniſters, yet believe it, they ſhall have ſmall thanks from him, that ſent them upon that Errand, the delivery whereof may have brought them ſo much trouble, and that they ſhall find to their ſmart without true repentance, if many of them have not already. What, could not men be content to reject the Embaſſy God ſent them, but they muſt injure and abuſe his Embaſſadors too? Shal not God proclaim war againſt that people that have thus violated the Law of Nations? They would ſcarce have done thus to an Embaſſadour ſent from the Turk, to perſwade us to exchange Chriſt for Mahomet, and the Goſpel for the Alcoran. But, Oh, let let them alone, they are ſafe enough. 'Tis the Factious Non-conformiſt, p. 69not the Chriſtian Miniſter they have medled with. Not the Holy Jeſus, that came from Heaven to bring men thither, was Crucified; but (if you will believe his Adverſaries) an enemy to Caeſar, and a mover of Sedition; not Paul a Servant and Worſhipper of the moſt High God, but a certain peſtilent Fellow, a Ringleader of a Sect, was accuſed. The World hath ſtill ſome Policy and Modeſty in the drawing up its Indictments, and dare not directly make Holineſs a Crime. Well, Sirs, it will be happy for you, if you ſhall be found to have had ſo much wit in your anger, as that you ſhall at laſt be able to diſtinguiſh your ſelves out of Gods diſpleaſure: but if there ſhould be any thing found in Chriſtianity, engaging to that you call Non-conformity; or if you have made This▪ but a pretence for your Malignity againſt That; I would not for a Thouſand Worlds be in your caſe, for all your diſtinctions, when God ſhall ariſe thorowly to plead his Peoples cauſe: And even now ſure he is beginning to do it. And if under the Rod, you continue the ſin for which you are laſh't, bethink you how to anſwer that ſtartling Queſtion, Who ever hardned himſelf againſt God, and prosper'd! And juſtly hath God ſuited his Judgments to this ſin of the people A Famine of the Word they feared not, and therefore may God have ſent upon Thouſands what they account more dreadful, a Famine of bread. 'Tis juſt that they who loath'd the Manna, and were weary of the bread of Life, ſhould want bread to put into their mouths. And they who could not endure theſe terrible Preachers, let them now ſpeak, whether the Threatning, or the Execution, be the more terrible? Now, Sirs, what ſay you to ſin? Is it ſuch a harmleſs thing as you thought it, or not? Doth not God now ſpeak againſt it, in ſomething a louder and harſher Language, than your Bawling Preachers were wont? Under them you could ſleep, but now ſleep away this Sermon if you can; even this awakening Sermon, which the Plague of God makes to you. And if you go on in your hardneſs, you ſhall find to your coſt, that the Hell and Damnation which their Pulpits did ſo thunder againſt wickedneſs was but a painted fire, to that you ſhall eternally feel.

But from others who have been the unjuſt cauſes of your Sufferings, to your ſelves, I ſhall addreſs my ſelf: Honoured Fathers, and Dear Brethren, with whom my boldneſs will not, I am confident, be miſconſtrued. Since you will readily acknowledge, that all that hath befal'n you, is juſt, as from God you cannot then but lay it on your ſins; and theſe, I hope, it is your daily buſineſs to reflect on, and beg pardon for. Though I am well aſſu'd, the holineſs, diligence and painfulneſs of many of you hath been ſuch, that to Men you may well acquit your ſelves, and may be worthy patterns to others, and ſhame and ſilence your Accnſers; yet to God you cannot ſo readily p. 70juſtifie your ſelves, I know you dare not. Oh might not you have done more to promote the Intereſt of your Lord and Maſter, than you did? Some of you I mean; for I profeſs without all partialitie or flatterie, I think ſome did ſtrive to the verie utmoſt of their power, to improve all opportunities for the good of Souls, and now in their Conſciences they have the fruits of it; but of theſe there were few, too few. Oh be humbled then for all your Negligence, Covetouſneſs, and Self-ſeeking; your Pride and Contentions; that you were more averſe from the offers of Peace and Union, than you ought; that you kept ſo much ado about your own wayes and opinions, and ſtood wrangling about this Trifle or that, whil'ſt greater Works were left undone: And dailie make Solemn Engagements to God, that if once more he will entruſt you with forfeited priviledges, you will be more faithful and vigorous than ever yet you have been, in the work of the Goſpel; that you will no more take your eaſe, nor ſeek your ſelves, nor waſte precious time in needleſs Controverſies; nor confine godlineſs to any without book Niceties of your own; nor lay the Peace of the Church upon your particular Opinions, but will readilie join with all that are willing, in the owning and preſſing onlie the things that are neceſſarie to Salvation; and will uſe all means, both publick and private, for the converſion of Souls. And if God grant your prayers, as in his due time he may, See that you remember theſe promiſes.

But 'tis the ſecond Branch I would have you chieflie to conſider; and that is your not endeavouring what you might, to prevent ſome of thoſe ſad conſequences of your Excluſion, which I before mentioned; in that you have not embrac't all the opportunies that were yet afforded you, for the doing good to the people, to bring them from ſin to God; and ſo your negligence may have haſtned and help't forward Gods indignation. Let me not be thought too ſawcie, Sirs, I beſeech you, for in the ſame plain dealing I have uſed hitherto, I am reſolved to conclude. I muſt needs ſay then, if they are not to be excuſed who have deprived you of your publick Libertie, no more are you, if you have not improved that private Libertie they left you for doing your Maſters work. I muſt profeſs it hath troubled me, to hear men pray ſo earneſtlie, and talk ſo much for the Reſtauration of their Liberties, and to ſee them make ſo little uſe of thoſe the Law allow'd them. And it might too much tempt men to fear, that their Secular intereſts went neareſt to their hearts; and that they chieflie mean a Libertie, to receive their maintenance again, to live they and their Families at their former Rates; or to be able to inſult over, and give Laws to thoſe in the Church, who now trample upon and deſpiſe them. I know Daily Bread may be pray'd for, but the Coming of God's Kingdom muſt have the prioritie, both in our prayers and endeavours.

p. 71The Caſe is weightie, Sirs, and deſerves your ſerious conſideration, To go and preach the Goſpel you entered into an Engagement, and received a Commiſſion, the validitie whereof (though to ſome of you given, by the laying on of the hands of the Presbyterie onlie) I ſuppoſe you queſtion not, nor I think ſcarce anie one elſe, till verie latelie. Well, it being thus, I would know how you can ſhift off the neceſſitie that lies upon you to preach this Goſpel, and the Woe in caſe of your negligence. You may replie, You have not leave given you, nor yet any maintenance allowed. But pray you, Who give the Apoſtles and Primitive Chriſtians leave for Three hundred Years after Chriſt, and who maintain'd them? Where was ſuch a Clauſe inſerted in your Commiſſion, Alwayes provided that the Rulers of the World give you leave to perform your Duties? This would agree with the Politicks of that Gentleman, who being, I fear, deſign'd to take God out of the World, in courteſie to us, ſomewhat to prevent our confuſion, would ſet up Monarchs little leſs limited than He. But if our Anceſtors had gone by this Rule, where had the Goſpel been? or where is it excepted, That you muſt have ſuch and ſuch proviſions, or elſe not to Preach? For my own part I acknowledge my ſelf a verie mean Caſuiſt, and ignorant of Twentie ſubtle diſtinctions, which here might be needful. And I am verie confident, I am ſpeaking to few, but are more knowing, and better ſtudied in this point, than my ſelf; and great difficulties there are to me, concerning the relation betwixt a Paſtor, and a people, as matters now ſtand with us; how far it holds, and how far men are engaged to perform all the duties of that relation; wherefore to that I ſhall ſay little or nothing; onlie ſo far as concerns my ſelf, and verie manie more, yea, all in part, I uſe thus plainlie to reſolve the caſe to my ſelf; when my underſtanding is moſt help't, by a powerful apprehenſion of death and judgment near at hand.

I take it for the indiſpenſable duty of every man, to employ himſelf to the utmoſt in his place and calling, in anſwering the ends of his Creation and Redemption, the glorifying of God, in doing his beſt to ſave his own, and others Souls. And if I have been Solemnly Conſecrated to this work, to make it my verie particular Calling, no Command of the higheſt Emperor iu the World can diſoblige me from it: God muſt be honoured, the Goſpel proclaimed, Souls ſaved, my Vows performed, ſtorm and rage, forbid and hinder it, who will or can. But if there happen ſuch terms to be put upon me, as the condition of my more open exerciſe of the Function I am devoted to, which terms, after the uſe of all due means for Information, I judge I cannot lawfully ſubmit to; but yet others will, whoſe apprehenſions vary from mine, who will in ſome competent meaſure carry on the Publick work I was employed in, which I am forbid to meddle with: Then, in ſuch a caſe, p. 72(which, if I miſtake not, is ours) I will caſt about which way I may do moſt, for thoſe ends I am obliged to carry on. And ſince Chriſtianity it ſelf is not forbid to be Preach't, only I muſt not do it, viz. not Publickly; but yet others will, and in many places do: And I foreſee that by ruſhing upon the Publick Preaching, more hurt would come of my diſobedience, than good; and I ſhould be more out of a capacity for future Service, either by Impriſonment, Baniſhment, or the like; (which are not ſo much to be ſhun'd as Sufferings, but as they hinder the attainment of my ends) I will then ſee what private opportunities are afforded me for thoſe ends, and theſe with all readineſs I will accept, and diligently improve; as in which, all circumſtances conſidered, I may do moſt for the advancement of the Goſpel: And therefore is not to be thought an effect of Cowardice, a baſeneſs unworthy him that remembers what it ſounds to be a CHRISTIAN; but as my taking that way, which moſt conduceth to Gods glory, and the Intereſt of Religion▪ And this is no other than the courſe Paul himſelf took, Gal. 2. 2. when he communicated the Goſpel privately, to them that were of Reputation (and why? for fear, or ſhame? no, but) leſt he ſhould run in vain.

But if Circumſtances ſhould ſo alter the caſe, that I ſee, venturing upon Publick Preaching, be the moſt probable way for the accompliſhment of my juſt deſigns, then I will embrace that: Or if I ſhould be forbid privately to endeavour the Salvation of Souls, then I muſt, and will diſobey, let what will be the event; becauſe ſuch commands directly contradict thoſe ends I muſt promote, and leave me no way for the attaining of them: Yea, though I dye for it, I muſt tell thoſe within my reach, who gave us our Being, and keeps us alive, and to what end; who ſhed his blood for us, and why; and what we muſt do to be made partakers of the benefits he hath purchaſed: I muſt tell them of the evil and danger of ſin, whither it leads, and what an Heaven holineſs will end in. Theſe are matters that the World muſt know, though a thouſand deaths attend upon the Publiſhers: And I would no longer care for a tongue or hand, than whil'ſt I might ſpeak or write of them▪ One word more, and I ſhall conclude this: But it ſo happening ſince the loſs of my Liberty, that my ſelf, and thoſe that depend on me, may be reduc't to ſuch preſſing neceſſities, that I muſt be taken up much more than I was wont, ſome way or other for the procuring of a Livelihood (the ſad caſe at preſent of many precious, eminent Miniſters) then I will betake my ſelf to ſuch care and pains as is requiſite hereto; in the mean time not relinquiſhing my great Work, but regarding the World (as all ought to do, and indeed the moſt of what I have ſaid, is appliable to private Chriſtians) onlie with a ſubſerriencie to it. And this again we may find juſtified by p. 73Paul himſelf: whom, if you had found buſie at work, in making his Tents, yet you could not have charged him with neglect of the Goſpel: for even then he was contriving how to render it moſt acceptable.

And thus I have given in my brief thoughts of this Caſe, which, though it may ſeem a digreſſion from the matter in hand, yet is it not ſo from my main deſign, if it may do the leaſt to quicken any to a ſenſe of their dutie, and the neglects of it, and to put them upon more carefulneſs for the future. And hence many may ſee, how guilty they have been, in not laying out themſelves for the good of ſouls, ſo far as they might, without breaking any Law, or running any hazard. Oh Sirs, you are men ſure ſomewhat ſenſible of what worth a ſoul is: and what weighty things Salvation and Damnation are, which careleſs Wretches do but jeſt with, as words of courſe. Why have you not then laboured more in theſe matters! Let none miſunderſtand me, I ſpeak to the negligent only. Could we have done no more for God and mens ſouls, to inform the ignorant, convince the obſtinate, quicken the godly, than we have done? Might there not have been, through the bleſſing of God even upon our private labours, fewer to provoke, and more to pleaſe him, more to ſtrive with him by their prayers to turn away his wrath, than there are?

And upon the ſame account, I would beg all private Chriſtians to lay to heart their lamentable dulneſs, aud uſeleſsneſs in the Places and Towns where they dwell. Oh how little are their Neighbours and Acquaintance, I wiſh, I might not ſay their Families, better for many of them! So little do they make Religion their buſineſs: but in all their converſe are even like other men; only plodding on in a life-leſs Profeſſion, and track of Duties; and appearing a little zealous for ſome By-opinions of their own. It was time for them to be raiſed out of their heavy, luke-warm temper, and to be made to mind and reliſh a little more the weighty Truths and Matters of Religion. Reader, Art thou an Honourer of Chriſt, and a Lover of Mankind? Why tell me then, is it not a moſt lamentable thing to conſider, That almoſt all the World, yea, almoſt all the Chriſtian, and Reformed Chriſtian World is drowned in wickedneſs: and that there is ſo little Savoury Salt in it; ſo few that ſtudy and labour to make the Goſpel obtain amongſt men in the life and power of it? How do the moſt ſeek their own things, how few the things of Jeſus Chriſt? Oh that men were once throughly perſwaded, that his things were theirs! Some are too buſie about Puppet-plays, the petty trifles of the World, which, yet to thoſe, who are ſwallowed upin them, ſeem weighty and important; to mind much what becomes of mens immortal ſouls. Let the poor Curate, that muſt live by it, ſee to ſuch low affairs. Others have ſo much to do to keep up p. 74their own Parties, Opinions and Cuſtoms, That Chriſt may look to his Goſpel himſelf for them, except as it lies in the way to the things they account moſt their Concern. But all you the Miniſters of Chriſt, if indeed you take his Work it ſelf for your Honour, Pleaſure, and Wages, though many of you may want thoſe encouragements which are ſo requiſite and deſirable for your ſucceſs; yet, be awakened to do all the ſervice you can to your Lord and Maſter? Let us not ſtand accuſing any for the removal of our opportunities, whileſt we have ſo many before us, if we had the hearts and skill to uſe them. How glad would the Primitive Chriſtians, or our Proteſtant Martyrs have been of thoſe Priviledges we enjoy, though they might earneſtly have deſired more? What Sirs, are there no poor ſouls near you, that cry aloud for your help, to ſave them from the burning lake, to reſcue them out of the jaws of Death, and ſnares of the Devil, by whom they are led captive at his will? Theſe, theſe are they, upon whom eſpecially you ought to employ all your skill and pains, and from him that died for them, you ſhall have your reward. I know the Godly alſo call for ſtrengthning direction, comfort, and quickning; but ſurely your principal (much leſs your only) work is not with them; the miſerable creatures that are juſt at the Graves mouth, and yet know not what they came into the World for, require ſpeedie and ſeaſonable help. Oh how many Thouſands may now be out of your reach, whom you once might have ſpoken to, but did not! Who hinders you from going to ſuch, and diſcourſing to them the matters that concern their everlaſting Peace? Cannot you watch opportunities when they can beſt have while to hear you, and are moſt likelie to regard you? You that live amongſt your former people, cannot you go to their Houſes, and take all occaſion of converſe with them, and be inculcating on them the great Truths and Duties of the Goſpel? If you never formerly took this courſe of private dealing with your people, ſet upon it now, and you know not but it may be more effectual than all your former labours were. Some that have tried, have had good ſucceſs. However, you will have comfort in doing your dutie. Oh go often, as you have time, amongſt you poor Neighbours, and ſee in what a ſtate their ſouls are, and be not ſo uncharitable and hard-hearted, as to ſee them dropping into Hell, and yet do nothing to prevent it. Though 'tis amongſt Strangers you are caſt, yet acquaint your ſelves with them, and do them all the good you can, as knowing every man's your Neighbour that needs your help. Put then upon reading good Books, and take account of them, and learn what their knowledge in Religion is, and accordingly inſtruct and adviſe them. But far be it from me, to preſume to give Directions for the Work, others have done it fully; and you know p. 75it well enough if you would but ſet to it with all your might: oh follow then the example of Paul, who went about from houſe to houſe, night and day, warning and beſeething every one with tears. What do you think this is not preaching the Goſpel? Do you think that's only, whilſt you ſtand on a high place in the midſt of an Aſſemby? Did not Chriſt preach the Goſpel to a Woman alone, and Philip to the Eunuch? In ſome reſpects 'tis evident perſonal diſcourſe hath much the advantage of publick Preaching; and why may we not expect Gods bleſſing hereupon, as well as on the other? Now Sirs, we have an happy opportunity of diſcovering what pure love to the Goſpel will do with us, without any hopes of a Temporal Reward. What moved you to Preach to your people before? I know you will not joyn with the Quakers in accuſing your ſelves, and ſay it was for your Tythes. What then, was it a deſire to ſave the Souls of your people? Why I hope their Salvation is as precious in your eyes now, as then; and do not they as much need your aſſiſtance? Why then do not you continue it? Say not, the people will not bear it, for many will. Try them once again, and where any are obſtinate, let your love and courteſie do its utmoſt to overcome them. Oh let us but work out own hearts into lively affectionate apprehenſions of the great concernments of Souls, and ſtudy more what God is, and why he made us; what the Death of Chriſt imports, what it is for a Soul to be ſaved or damned for ever; and we ſhall ſcarce be able to refrain ſpeaking to all we can light upon; but we ſhall rather ask every man we meet, whether he hath yet done his beſt to make ſure his everlaſting happineſs? whether hee's yet got from under the wrath of God, and out of danger of Hell? Theſe things will be ready to burſt from us in the very ſtreets, or open Congregations. Oh had we but that zeal, and thoſe affections which theſe matters deſerve, and will very well warrant, what work might we make in the world, yet keeping in all due bounds of ſobriety and prudence? Though perhaps we might be counted mad-men for our pains, as Chriſt himſelf and the Apoſtle Paul were. But remember then, I would have you ſpend your zeal upon the things that are worth it; proportion it to the weight of the truths you inſiſt on. I would not have you take this pains to make men of your opinion, in controverted matters. Beware of that, deſigning a party will ſpoil all your work. Labour you to make them Members of Chriſt, what need you care then what particular Church they are members of, or wherein they differ from you in matters, that concern not their Salvation? Do the beſt you can to heal all breaches, make none, widen none. Let men cenſure us as long as they will for Schiſmatical and Turbulent; and if all our profeſſions to the contrary may not be heard, yet let our practiſes witneſs to God, to the world, and to our own Conſciences, that we are true lovers of p. 76Piety and Peace. See that you have no other aims but Gods glory, and hee'l own, and Crown you for your labour of love. Say not now, this is a difficult work, but tell me whether it be not needful? If the Devil and his Inſtruments ſit ſtill, then do you ſo to; Remember what a Covenant you made in Baptiſme, beſide all other Engagements ſince.

Think what you live for, and where you expect to ſtand ſhortly, and tell me whether a life thus laid out for God, will not then be your comfort? Oh for the Lords ſake then all you his Servants up and be doing, and fear not: For God will be with you, what are you afraid of enemies? Do you think this will procure you more hatred and ſufferings? And awaken Powers to greater jealouſies, and cauſe them to abridge you of the liberty yet reſerved? Never fear it, Sirs, why don't you know what I am preſſing you to? Is it to propagate Chriſtianity; and this is a work that muſt and ſhall be done: for God hath ſaid it, and hee'l ſee to it; and for this the World is yet kept up. Oh Sirs, pure, ſimple, and uncorrupted Chriſtianity, deſerves all our time and ſtudy, and pains to advance it. And it hath ſuch Comforts and Crowns, for its reſolved Friends and Perſecuted followers, that would make a man even long to be ſuffering for it; and the more he ſuffers, the more he will ſtill love, the firmlier adhere to it. Chriſtianity, It is a Religion of that force and excellency, that it defies oppoſitions, and ſcorns all banks and bounds. It awes its greateſt Adverſaries, and a Priſoner at the bar with it, may make his Judge upon the Bench to tremble, and the ſturdy Jaylour that even now whipt him, come quaking to beg a Pardon. Fear not Priſons, for the Goſpel can never be bound. Let this alone be your rule, and value not what Law or will of man ſhall contradict it. Kings and Emperours with all their Officers, and Armies, Edicts and Authorities, are but Trophee's to its Power; like dams they'l make it riſe the higher, and overbear all before it; experience confirms what I ſay. This cake of barley bread will tumble down all the Tents of a Midianitiſh Hoſt; The noiſe of its Trumpets, the light of the Lamps (though the Pitchers that bear them, theſe earthen veſſels our bodies, be broken) and crying out; The Word of the Lord, and his Son Chriſt Jeſus, will diſcomfit Innumerable Armies, and make them run, and cry, and flee. This is the Goſpel, and let all that read theſe lines ſay, Let it go on and Proſper, let it run and be Glorified, and ſtrike its healing Sword to the hearts of its Adverſaries. Now this is it, and this alone, which I would beſeech all to ſpend themſelves for, and fear not but it will bear your charges. Let your work be purely Gods, and if he can bear you out he will; and I hope you don't doubt that. But let me once again beg you, to ſee that you make the cauſe you work for, the ſame that Chriſt and his Apoſtles drove on in the world, and then how joyfully may you ſuffer p. 77for it, whatever men call your actions and deſigns. 'Tis nothing ſtrange to ſuffer for Chriſt from nominal Chriſtians; nor for Peace and Truth, from men that call themſelves Orthodox and Catholick; this hath been often in the world! Let then the weighty, but much neglected Doctrines and Commands of the Goſpel be urged with all earneſtneſſe, but leſſer things leſſe regarded. Talk leſſe of the Times, but more of Eternity. Stand not diſcourſing who ſhould have Power in the Church to men, that are yet under the Power of the Devil; nor of a Ceremony or Form of Prayer, to thoſe that know not God, nor their own ſouls. What ſtrange things would theſe be to Catechize an Heathen in; and are they much fitter for Carnal ones? But oh labour to work men into the true temper, and Spirit of Religion, which conſiſts ſo much in love to God and our Brethren; and then the new nature that is in them, the inward reliſh of their Souls, and renewed principles of light, will enable them to judge of things that differ, and all matters of moment God will reveal to them.

Again, I have need to requeſt that I be not judged immodeſt, if the confuſed haſte I now write in, have carried me out to a more than ſeemly earneſtneſſe▪ nor yet count me Pragmatical for venturing thus to adviſe, ſince I deſire no more regard then what the reaſonableneſſe, and weight of the things propoſed ſhall be found to deſerve.

And thus at length, through Gods aſſiſtance, I am even com'n to the end of my task. I have endeavoured to ſhew, wherein it is, we have from the higheſt to the loweſt done amiſs, and provoked God againſt us; I have alſo mingled Directions, ſo far as my intended brevity would permit; for the performance of thoſe duties, that may appeaſe his wrath, and make us happy in his favour.

And oh that theſe weak endevaours might have an iſſue anſwerable to their Deſign! then how confidently durſt I ſay we ſhould be an happy People, by becoming holy, which is all I have aimed at. But what talk I of my endeavours? What ſhall be now the iſſue of Gods Judgments that have been upon us? Shall we be bettered by them or not? Oh one would think there ſhould ſcarce an obſtinate Sinner be left in the Nation after this? But that we ſhould all with one conſent return to the God who hath ſmitten us, from whom we have back-ſlidden? One would think we ſhould now imitate the Children of Iſrael, whom after Eminent Judgments we find entring into a Covenant, to ſeek and ſerve the Lord their God, to which their Kings were wont to call them. And oh that God would put it into the heart of his Majeſty, to engage all his People even from one end of the Land to the other, to enter into ſuch a ſolemn vow; that we will in all things be careful to walk in thoſe ways God hath enjoyned us, and not in any thing p. 78voluntarily break his holy Laws? Oh that ſome ſuch an engagement was made the bond of our Union; our entrance into and obſervance of it the condition of our Church-Communion? Of what a bleſſed conſequence would even this be? But this and all other ſuch great wiſhes, let us reſerve for our prayers; and give me leave with ſome jealouſie to demand, Whether all that God hath done ſhall be loſt upon us? What ſhall our Nation ſtill be drowned in ſin? So ſoon as ever the Rod's from off us, ſhall we to our old courſes again? Shall Profaneneſs abound, and Religion be deſpiſed again? Shall Taverns, and Brothel-houſes, and Play-houſes be frequented, and Gods Worſhip ſlighted, and neglected again? Will the abominable and filthy be ſo ſtill? Shall Blaſphemy, and Swearing, and Curſing, be as loud as ever? Will men again to the World, and their Pleaſures, as buſily as ever? And make as light of his Threatnings and Promiſes, and laugh at the talk of death and judgment, as they were wont to do? Shall God ſtill be mock't with Formalities, and diſhonoured by mens Lives? Will the Hater of Godlineſs ſtill riſe higher in his Rage? Will the execution of Juſtice be as much neglected as ever? And will the Man of Violence ſwell his Fingers into Loyns, and exchange his Rods for Scorpions? Will men ſtill cloſe their eys againſt the cleareſt light, and reject the apparent and only means for the reconciling our differences, and eſtabliſhing our peace upon ſure foundations? Or will they yet ſtrive to aggravate the bitterneſs of mens ſpirits, and purſue their deſign of cruſhing them into the very dirt? Shall we yet be rent and torn with animoſities and diviſions? And ſhall they that ought to cure, keep up and encreaſe them? Shall we ſtill, inſtead of accuſing our ſelves and ſin, dip our Pens and Tongues in Gall, and cry out, one ſide on the Tyrannical, Cruel and Oppreſſive; the other, on the Murmurers, Male-contents, and Fault-finders? Will theſe, and all other diſorders be ſtill continued? Oh God forbid that it ſhould be thus, that we ſhould grow worſe under the Phyſitians hand, and that none of his ſtrongeſt Medicines ſhould work? Shall we cauſe God to complain of us, that he would have healed us, but we would not be healed? That in vain hath he ſmitten us, for that we would not receive Correction? Oh that ſuch a poor Worm as I, could do any thing to prevent ſuch a ſad concluſion; for Woe to us, if God depart from us, leaving us to our ſelves, reſolving to ſtrike us no more, but letting us alone till he deſtroy us in our ſins. My words are like to ſpread but a little way, but oh that they might have ſome effect where they light.

To thee, Reader, let me betake my ſelf: What have the workings of thy Soul been, whil'ſt thou haſt been reading theſe Lines? and what influence have they upon thee? What, hath not they Conſcience ſmote thee, ſpeak the truth, and told thee plainlie, Thou haſt been a Troubler of the Land, and p. 79haſt help't to bring the Plague upon us? In the ſight of God, I demand of thee, Haſt thou not been guilty of ſome of the ſins here deſcribed, Covetouſneſs or Pride, Luxury or Oppreſſion, or the like? And what now? doſt thou condemn thy ſelf for thy follie? Wilt thou make all ſpeed to get a Peace confirmed betwixt God and thy Soul, and a Separation made betwixt thy Soul and Sin? Or on the other hand, Art thou not in a rage, that thy ſin hath been too plainlie diſplayed, and too much diſgrac't? Thy darling ſin which thou art reſolved to keep, though thou have Hell with it? Art thou not framing excuſes, and ſaying, Thou canſt not believe that ſuch and ſuch things which thou haſt a mind to, are ſuch heinous matters, and ſo diſpleaſing to God? Or elſe art thou remiſs and ſtupid, never thinking this or that, onlie toſſing over the Book, and paſſing this cenſure on it, and throwing it down without anie more regard? Trulie this is it I moſt fear; for this is the general prevailing temper: Oh therefore that I could but rouze thee to an apprehenſion of thy ſelf, and thy own eſtate. Reader, Sure thou art one that wouldſt not willinglie be damn'd; Wilt thou then hearken to a moſt reaſonable requeſt I ſhall make to thee, before I conclude? Thou haſt now been awhile reading theſe Lines, which have been as a Bill of Indictment againſt our Land, and have deciphered what our eſpecial crying ſins are. Wilt thou now when thou ſhut'ſt the Book, get alone, and ſpend but as much time in reading thy own heart and life, and ſearch and ſee whether none of theſe ſins be thine? It may be this is a work thou never didſt in thy life yet, but wilt thou now bring thy heart to it? 'Tisin vain to ask thee, whether thou wilt forſake thy ſin, if thou wilt not ſet upon examining thy ſelf to find it out. What ſay'ſt thou then in the Name of God to this my earneſt Requeſt? What, ſhall I be denied? Is it a great matter I ask of thee, to withdraw thy ſelf from the noiſe and buſle of the World, and of thy own vain thoughts, and to make a diligent ſearch into the ſtate of thy own ſoul, that being ſenſible of thy ſin and danger, thou may'ſt yet get help? Wil't thou do thus much, or tell me plainlie, Wilt thou be damn'd firſt? For I'le aſſure thee, thy Damnation is never like to be prevented without ſerious Conſideration, and that's it I would beg thee to: Which is it thou wilt chooſe? To ſet upon thy Dutie, or to venture upon Helf? Sure thy mind cannot but anſwer one way or other. Reader, be awakened, take not theſe for words of courſe; from God I ſpeak to thee, 'tis God looks on thee; he knows the thoughts and intentions of thy heart, upon thy reading theſe demands. And whatever courſe thou take, whether thou wilt examine thy ſelf, and forſake thy ſins, or not, yet thou canſt not ſay but God hath given thee fair Warning. He now ſtands over thee with his Rod in his hand, and asks thee, Whether yet thou wilt ſeek, and ſerve him? If thy Self-examinations ſhall have made p. 80way at all for ſuch a demand, I would know in the next place, Whether thou wilt ſtrive to put away ſin, every ſin from thee, or wilt thou not? Art thou yet willing to be reconciled to God? Be it known to thee, Oh ſinner, whoever thou art, yet there is hopes; from the Lord thy Maker and Redeemer▪ I tell thee ſo: What would the Damned give for ſuch a word? If thou wilt but impartiallie conſider thy wayes, bewail thy ſin, and loath it; turn from it, and from the World, to the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, reſting on his merciemercy in and through his Son, ſetting upon a courſe of ſerious holineſs, and continuing therein to the end, doing this, be aſſured thy Soul ſhall live. Something of this I ſpoke at the beginning, and cannot ſtand to ſay more on it now: Here's enough to inform thee (if thou kneweſt it not) what thy Dutie is? But art thou willing to perform it? One would think thou ſhouldeſt ſoon be reſolved what to do. The queſtion is, Whether thou wilt do thy utmoſt to change thy heart and life, that thou may'ſt be ſaved? Or whether thou wilt go in ſin, and be damned? I have told thee upon what terms thou may'ſt yet eſcape thy Ruine: but withall know, This muſt be done. ſpeedilie, or perhaps not at all. If thou delayeſt one hour, thou may'ſt be in Hell the next. God nath born with thee long, now he is making ſhorter work; he will not alwayes wait for nothing. They heart quicklie he demands, this he will have, or thy hearts-blood.

Away with thy ſin then with all poſſible ſpeed; if thou retain it, it will be thy death; for a Hue and Cry's gone out from Heaven againſt it, and the man in whoſe hands 'tis found, ſhall ſurelie dye: Then caſt it away, if thou love thy life, thy everlaſting life.

But what art thou one of thoſe ſenſleſs, brutiſh, blockiſh ſouls, that a man had almoſt as good ſpend his breath upon a ſtone wall, as talk to thee! Art thou nothing moved with all thou readeſt or neareſt, but takeſt all for words of courſe, which thou forgetteſt as ſoon as the noiſe is out of thy ears? Doſt thou now lay aſide the Book, and go about thy wonted buſineſs, as if thou hadſt not been reading for Life or Death? But a kind of Story, that no way concerns thee? Wilt thou now riſe up, and go to thy worldly cares, thy Company, or vain Diſcourſe, inſtead of getting alone to God with humble acknowledgments of thy ſin, and earneſt cryes for mercy? If thou waſt infected with the Plague, and had▪ſt been reading what Medicines thou ſhould'ſt uſe, would'ſt thou lay by the Book, and never mind more, as if thou hadſt done enough to read them, without taking care to apply them? And wilt thou now be guilty of a madneſs as much greater than this, as ſin and Hell, are worſe than the Plague and Death? Art thou reſolved though Chriſt himſelf ſhould kneel to thee, and beſeech thee (as he doth by me) to ſearch they heart, and review thy wayes, and deteſt thy ſins, that he might p. 81ſave thee, that yet thou wouldeſt not grant his deſire, nor ever put thy ſelf to ſo much Labour as Converſion will coſt thee? If thou be ſuch a ſtupid `reſolved ſinner, that wilt remain in thy old wayes, come on it what will; yea, and believeſt all ſhall be well enough with thee for all that, what can I ſay to thee more? God be Judge between thee and me; Thou art deſtroyed, not becauſe thou couldeſt have no help, nor becauſe it was not offered thee, but becauſe thou didſt wilfully reſuſe it. But, poor Creature, my heart even akes for thee, and loth I am to leave thee in this wretched▪ dull, diſtracted temper; wherein if Death, that is now ſo buſie abroad, ſhould find thee, thou art undone for ever. Oh that yet I could ſpeak ſomething that would make thee feel and fear. Tell me then, thou who art now ſo bold and reſolute, ſo ſottiſh and careleſs, Doſt thou not think thou ſhalt dye? Why, what wilt thou do then? Think on it, and think again, I befeech thee. Is it not great odds, but the Contagion may ſhortly reach thee? What courſe wilt thou then take, when thou ſhalt ſee the Tokens of God upon thee? Which way wilt thou look, or what wilt thou do for help? Then go to the ſins thou haſt loved ſo dearly, and ſee what comfort they will afford. Now call for a Cup, or a Whore; Never be daunted man. Shall one of thy courage quail, that couldſt have mockt at the Threatnings of the Almighty God! What ſo boon and jolly but now, and now down ith' mouth? Here's a ſudden change indeed! Where are thy Companions? All fled? Where are thy darling pleaſures? All forſaken thee! What will thy Bags, and Bills, and Bonds, do thee no good? Why ſhouldeſt thou be dejected? Thou art a man of Worſhip, perhaps a Lord, or a Knight, or Gentleman; go chear thy ſelf, review thy good Purchaſes, think of thy high Titles, and rich Revenues! Go Gallants, get to your Galſs; Powder and Curle, Paint and Spot, Deck and Adorn you, as you were wont? 'What, do you take no pleaſure to view your Pale faces? Do your hearts ſink within you like a ſtone? Why how now poor creature, what hath the world left thee? The world thou didſt ſo dearly love, that Heaven was but a trifle to it! What, haſt thou miſplac't thy heart on a treacherous Friend, that fails thee in thy greateſt need? Muſt thou now all in ſilence and ſadneſs groan forth thy wretched Soul into another world? Now, now wretch, what hath thy ſin and careleſsneſs brought thee to? Now where is thy life of mirth and ſport? What wilt thou do now, when thy own comforts have left thee, and God loaths thee, and caſts out thy Death-bed howlings with diſdain? What doſt begin to call upon him now? Doſt think a few good words ſhall ſerve thy turn? Read Jer. 2. 28. Go get thee to thy own gods, ſee whether they can help and deliver thee. Say not I would drive thee to p. 82deſpair; no, I would fain prevent it; and ſo may'ſt thou, if thou wilt but hearken in time; and that time's juſt now; for Death is even at thy back, and perhaps will take thee up as ſoon as the Book's laid down.

But perhaps thou art one that think'ſt thy ſelf ſafe, and that this nothing belongs to thee, becauſe thou may'ſt be recovered from the ſickneſs, or got out of the reach of it; or it may be ſo abated, that thou doſt not fear it; and therefore thou art ready fooliſhly to cry with Agag, The bitterneſs of death is paſt; but oh be convinc't of thy lamentable ſottiſhneſs; for thou mayſt yet be hew'n in pieces for all that. Read Amos 9. 12, 3, 4. And tell me whether God will not find thee out. Thou art run away from the City perhaps, but not from thy ſin; and therefore thou carrieſt the Plague along with thee, which ſooner or later will break out. But though eſcape the Plague, art thou then ſecure? If thou canſt but out-live this Mortality, doſt thou think all is well then? All danger over? No, hold there, Sinner; God hath not done with thee ſo; believe it, the worſt is yet to come. Alas, man, Death, Judgment and Hell are behind ſtill. I, but coming they are apace, and overtake thee at laſt they will, even all of them, if thou look not about thee in time. Patch and piece up thy mouldring Carkaſs as long as thou canſt; and ſhift thee hither and thither, from this diſeaſe or that; but after all be aſſured, Thou ſhalt dye. And after Death hath done its work upon thee, and the Judgment paſt, and Sentence executed, if thou then find all well with thee, boaſt, and ſpare not; but till then be ſilent. But if yet thou art fully bent to keep thy ſin, let me beg thee to think a little what is that Hell thou art leaping into; Oh think what the wrath, the flaming, unquenchable wrath of God is. Doſt thou make a piſh at it? 'Tis becauſe thou art an Infidel, or haſt loſt thy wits. I know thou canſt not awhile to think of it now, thou haſt pleaſanter things to take up thy thoughts, than death and Hell; and therefore thou laugheſt and ſingeſt, and merrily throweſt away thy hours, as if no hurt was near thee, whileſt thou ſtandeſt tottering on the very brink of the bottomleſs Pit! And all this while, how many Devils whom thou ſeeſt not, ſtand ſome gaping to receive thee, and ſome labouring to make thee ſure, and till thee on? And multitudes of Deaths are waiting for a Commiſſion, any one of them to thruſt thee in, and then farwell all hope for ever. Oh ſpend but one hour, or half an hour in a day, in the ſober thoughts of Eternity, and go on in ſin if thou canſt. Good Reader, let me entreat thee to this courſe; but if thou cryeſt, Thou haſt ſomewhat elſe to do: Know, thou ſhalt ſhortly have nothing elſe to do, but to feel that which now thou wilt not be brought to think of, that thou mighteſt avoid it; and then ſay, If thou hadſt not good p. 83counſel given thee once, if thou hadſt had the wit and the grace to take it▪ One moments experience ſhall at length convince thee more, than all thy hearing or reading would. Thou counteſt Plague, Famine and Sword, Earthquakes, Thunder and Lightning, terrible things; oh then what's Hell, the very dregs, the Ocean of that furie of which theſe are but ſmall drops? There it is that God will make the verie power of his hotteſt intolerable wrath to appear, and in thoſe rivers of brimſtone, thoſe ſcorching flames of his anger muſt thou lie down for ever: oh for ever, ever, man, think but awhile how long is that. Might but the undone Souls return, to deſcribe this place of torments to their old companions, what a Language ſhould we hear? Might but Dives himſelf have been ſent to his jovial Brethren, that little thought where their departed Brother was, nor what they themſelves were haſtning to, in what a paſſionate manner would he have beg'd them off from ſin, that led to all that endleſs Woe! How would he have diſturbed them in the midſt of their merriments and feaſtings, and even have made their hearts to quake, and their hair ſtand an end with his terrible expreſſions? But, Reader, if thou art one, who wilt be frightned from Hell by no deſcriptions, but of thoſe that have ſeen it, thy feeling is like to prevent thy fear. What ſay'ſt thou then after all? Art thou yet reſolved to prepare for Death, and prevent Damnation, or not? If thou art, happie man thou, that ever thou waſt born; but if thou art not, I can ſtay to ſay no more, but even take thy courſe, and when thou ſeeleſt the event, then ſay, Whether ſound Repentance, and an holy life, had not been a cheap and eaſie, a gainful and happy way, to have prevented everlaſting miſery. But the good Lord have merciemercy upon thee, and work theſe convictions with power upon thy ſoul, whilſt they may do thee any good.

I ſhall finiſh all with a word or two to all thoſe that trulie love and fear the Lord: Oh Sirs, You that have known God, and are intereſſed in his favor, and are well acquainted at the Throne of his Grace, to which you have oft in time of trouble and need made your recourſe, and thence have received ſeaſonable comfort and ſupply; All you to whom Prayer is no ſtrange work, Now ariſe and betake your ſelves to God with all ſeriouſneſs and ſpeed; Caſt your ſelves down before him, bewailing your own ſins, and the ſins of the Land; and lie in the gap to ſtop the farther proceedings of his wrath, that he may not root us up from being a people; nor yet ſo far give us off, that we ſhould continue to be a wicked and rebellious People; for then Deſtruction from the Lord will certainly be our Portion. Strive with him to remove his Rod, but above all, to work thoſe ends whereto it is appointed.

I have endeavoured to ſhew you, and your ſelves are ſenſible of it, what ſins we are ſuffering for: Oh pray that everie abominable thing p. 84may be caſt forth from amongſt us, and thoſe bleſſed works accompliſh't, which would make us in the eye of God and man a people glorious and happy. Beg earneſtly that the Goſpel may be advanc't, Holineſs encouraged, Wickedneſs ſuppreſt and puniſh't, our Diviſions healed; that from the Prince upon the Throne, to the Beggar upon the Dunghill, there may be an effectual Reformation of all we have done amiſs; that we may yet find favour in the ſight of God, and enjoy his reſidence, and gracious preſence amongſt us; that he may delight in us, and rejoyce over us to do us good. Both alone, and in Companies, as you have opportunitie, beſiege Heaven with your humble and affectionate prayers. God will not be deaf to your cry, he knows your voice, which comes from your very Soul; he will not reject the Petitions you preſent with pure hands; your prayers are his delight, all you that are his humble, upright ones: 'Tis you muſt now prevail, or we are undone. Though you may be a people, hated, derided and undervalued by thoſe amongſt whom you live, yet muſt your interceſſions be accepted on their behalf, through our great interceſſor, or elſe they are like to periſh. 'Tis you that muſt run with your Cenſers, and ſtand betwixt the Living and the Dead, that ſo the Plague may be ſtayed. It is the incenſe and perfume of your prayers, that through Chriſt, muſt appeaſe an angrie God, and clear an infected Air. It is not the Lip▪ſervice of the profane ſinner, or the formal Hypocrite, that will do us anie good; let his prayers be by heart, or by rote, within-book, or without, that makes no great matter; but if he be one whoſe heart is far from God, and whoſe life is a provocation to him, who ſtill goes on in his ſin, let him be never ſo devout in the Church, or on his knees, and roar and weep with never ſo much paſſion and noiſe, the howling of a Dog is as acceptable to God, as ſuch hypocritical devotion. Shall the tongue that was juſt now Curſing and Swearing, come preſentlie and fall a praying, and think to be accepted? Doth God delight to hear his Name taken in vain, as theſe ſenſleſs ſinners do in their ſolemneſt ſervices? No, no, but it is the fervent prayer of you who are indeed Righteous, that's like to be effectual and prevailing. You have the ſpirit of ſupplication interceding within you, aſſiſting you with unutterable ſighs and groans; whether with a Form, or without, makes not the difference; and you have a powerful Advocate enforcing your Requeſts▪ wherefore to God betake your ſelves, lie at his feet. Plead with him for Rulers and People, his Church and Miniſters, your Friends and Enemies, City and Countrey, your Towns and Familie; and for your own Souls: Follow him day and night, and give him no reſt, till he ſhall hear in Heaven, and have mercy, and eſtabliſh his Zion a praiſe both amongſt us, and in the whole Earth.

p. 85And be exhorted alſo now to lay about you all you can, … and convincing of the poor creatures that are near you, … may not find their Souls unready. If you be in places where … on is, or is dailie ſear'd, improve ſuch a time with ignorant and … ones; manie may be willing to hear you now, who would have … at ſerious Diſcourſe a few dayes ſince. When they begin to … Death as a real thing, and not far off, the fears of it will a little cure … of their diſtractions; and they'l no longer take Heaven and Hell for jeſ…ing matters. This is not a time, Sirs to be aſhamed of Religion; now, if ever, Holineſs will be in requeſt, and boldlie ſhew it ſelf. Afford your Neighbours then all the helps you can for their precious ſouls. Go to their Houſes, and lend them good Books, and diſcourſe of thoſe matters that you may eaſily perceive do moſt concern Dying men: And let that be your direction for the future in this work; which I would never have you ceaſe, whil'ſt your ſelves, and thoſe about you, are mortal men, whoſe Eternity either of happineſs or woe, depends upon their well or ill improvement of this uncertain moment.

And Laſtlie, All you Holie Souls, be encouraged chearfullie and confidentlie to receive the Sentence of Death within your ſelves. Let your ſpirits revive within you, when you ſhall ſee the Waggons that come to fetch you to your Joſeph, even your Lord, who is gone before to prepare a place for you. Let thoſe that have lived eſtranged from God, careleſs of his Service, mad of the World, and running after their pleaſures, let them be dejected at the News ef Dying; the ſad News, that they muſt leave all their Treaſures, and their Joyes, and be carried into a ſtate they thought not of, nor prepared for, there to be reckoned with for their worldlie, looſe, and jollie Life, and to bear the effects of their follie for ever. But all you to whom Sin hath been a burden, and Religion your work and pleaſure; whoſe hearts have been taken up with Gods dealings with mankind, and deeplie affected with his myſterious Love in Chriſt; who have taken it for the buſineſs of your Lives, to work out your ſalvation: In a word, who have choſen God for your portion, and lov'd him more than all things here below, and cloſed with Chriſt as your onlie Saviour, to deliver you both from Sin and Hell, and have taken the Holie Spirit for your Sanctifier and Guide; not allowing your ſelves in known ſin, but labouring in all things to approve your ſelves to God, Now lift up your heads, and comfort your hearts, when you ſee the day of Death approach. Let not Carnal ones ſee you diſmay'd, for this will make them ſuſpect Religion to be a fancie; ſo much doth it contradict your Profeſſion, and diſgrace both it and you.

p. 86… kind of Death by which you may be ſent for hence, be … ground of your trouble and fear. Why ſhould not God … Death for you, as well as all other things? And let it be of … it will, you have very great reaſon quietly to ſubmit to it. Let … welcome and there is nothing in a Plague that can hurt you, … daunt you. Be very ſenſible of Gods hand now ſtretcht out … us, and ſo far manifeſt a reverence and awe; and with a reliance …n him, uſe all due means for ſelf-preſervation. But for your ſelves, dread not a Plague, nor any thing it can do upon you; it can but kill your Bodies, and help your Souls out of their priſons, and is there any hurt in that? Let the Spots when you ſee them, be regarded by you, as no other then Tokens of your Fathers love, which he hath ſent to ſhew he is mindful of you, and hath now ſent to fetch you nearer to himſelf: What though it be a rough Meſſenger, as Jaylours uſe to be, yet the Meſſage may well make you entertain him with ſmiles. If it came to lead you forth to Execution indeed, you might well tremble; though not ſo much for its ſelf, as the errand it came on. Oh the ſtark madneſſe of thoſe blind and miſerable ones, that are afraid of a Plague, and not of Hell; that run away from the Sickneſſe, and run on in Sin? But talk not you of loathſome Sores? Why Sirs, do they go any deeper than your fleſh? Let thoſe that have made their Carcaſſes their care, be troubled for this? Why what have you any thing more for your bodies to do? Any ſervice for which you ſhall need them? And need you care, how the old clothes are rent and torn, ſo long as you ſhall never wear, nor need them more? Part willingly with your rags, you have clothes a making, which ſhall ſoon ſilence your complaints. Swell, and break, and ſtink fleſh if thou wilt, I ſhall not be troubled with thee long? When thou proſpereſt moſt, then I was at the worſt; thou haſt been ſo much my enemy, that I cannot but rejoyce in thy ruines? If my tongue muſt needs complain, and my ſight, and ſmell be offended with my ſelf, all this ſhall not reach my heart? What care I for thy Sores and Pains, ſo long as my Souls in health: Go make haſt, and get thee to thy Grave, and there turn to Rottenneſs and Filth? I pity thee not, nor will ever ſympathize with thee more.

Nor yet complain of the Suddenneſſe of this Death. Leave this to them that would ſerve God, when they had nothing elſe to do, that put off all to a Lord have MercieMercy upon me; and a few good Prayers at their laſt gaſp. But what Death can be ſudden to you, who are not unprepared for Death; but have made it the buſineſſe of your lives, to fit your ſelves for it?

Nor let this be your trouble that your Friends forſake you, and are all p. 87afraid to come nigh you. Why what would you have them do, they cannot rebuke your Diſeaſe, or delay your Death, or doing any thing for you in the world you are going to; nor do you need they ſhould. Councel I hope you have given them in time of Health, and therefore it may the leſſe trouble you, that you cannot ſpeak to them now. To take a ſolemn leave of them, is a poor formality, to trouble the thoughts of a dying man. Whatever help they could afford, you'l quicklie be paſt all need of it, or them. Bear the want of their companie or aſſiſtance a day or two, and you will never deſire, or want it more. Wherefore chear up your Spirits, and be not caſt down, but to the Rock of Ages betake your ſelves, who never fail'd you, nor anie that placed their confidence in him; hee's a preſent help in time of trouble; hee'l come in to you when your doors are ſhut up, hee'l ſtand by your beds-ſide, when no other friend dare. Now Sirs, what's your God, your Saviour worth? A God to ſupport you, when the world fails you; A Saviour to relieve you, when you leave the world. Now is not an holy life comfortable to your review? Do you now repent of the coſt and pains you have been at, or the ſufferings you have under-gone for God? Was it not worth while to be laught and wondered at for your holie diligence, which laid in ſtore for ſuch a day as this, and brings you ſupport, when the hearts of others ſink for fear? Now Sirs, you are come to the end of your Pilgrimage; the long-long-lookt for day is come. Sin and Satan, the world and the fleſh, ſhall never trouble you more for ever. Now ſhall your Prayers at length be all heard, your Complainings ended, your Expectations and Longings ſatisfied, and accompliſhed. Chear up, chear up, brave Souls, but one ſtep more, and then you are at your Fathers houſe. Methinks I ſee the Arms of Chriſt ſtretcht out to receive you, and Angels waiting to conduct you to his Arms. Fear not, nor be diſmaid, confidentlie reſign your Souls to him, who laid down his life for you. The darkneſſe laſts but a little while, and preſentlie you will come into the open light; oh the difference you will in a moment find, betwixt your dark and ſilent room, and the manſion that ſhall be aſſigned you in your Fathers houſe! To which the ſtatelieſt Palace is a loathſom dungeon. Oh what Acclamations and Hallelujahs, what crying, Holie, Holie, Holie! what Glorious Praiſes, and loud noiſes! What Crowns and Scepters, what Riches and Beauties, will your ears and eyes be preſentlie ſtricken with! So that you will be amazed, and wonder whether you are come, and where you have been all this while, that you never heard, nor ſaw theſe things before. So infinitelie will they exceed your higheſt thoughts, when Faith helpt you to the cleareſt views. But all your ſtrangeneſſe and amazement will ſoon p. 88be over, Surpriſals of joy will diſſipate and ſucceed them! This is the Glorie, the hopes whereof upheld you all your daies, and the glimmerings and fore-taſts did ſo oft revive you. Now you ſhall at length ſee the Lord who lov'd you, and gave himſelf for you, and whom your Souls have loved. Oh is there not life in his ſmiles? And if he ſmiles upon you, all the Angels and Saints will bid you welcome: For his beck and pleaſure it is that rules all. There you ſhall be entred into that throng of Bleſſed Spirits, yours ſhall their Employments be, their Priviledges ſhall be yours. Then ſhall your underſtandings be enlightened, your affections raiſed, and all your capacities widened, and all be fill'd with ſuitable truth and goodneſſe, the latent powers of your ſouls, ſhall then be awakened into that high Celeſtial Life. Then ſhall you be nearer to your Saviour, than John, when he leaned on his Boſome; and ſhall taſte the full fruits of his dear and coſtlie love. Then, then bleſſed Soul thou ſhalt know, and ſee, and feel, and enjoy thy God, and be brought as near to him as thy Soul can deſire, and receive as much from him as thy nature is capable. The Lord thy Redeemer having by his Blood and Spirit, accompliſhed his whole deſigne upon thee, and fitted thee for, will lead thee into the Fathers preſence, and ſo thou ſhalt enter upon the ſtate of conſtant and full communion with him. And ſhall be always ſpending an Eternitie in Contemplating, and Admiring his Excellencies and Glories, and ſinging his Praiſes▪ in the warm-breathings and out-goings of thy heart after him, and in the raviſhments of higheſt mutual Love, and deareſt Complacency, betwixt thy enlarged Soul, and infinite eſſential goodneſſe, even the God of Loves. This thou ſhalt have, but what this is, though I had leaſure and skill, to ſay ten thouſand times more then I have done, thou couldſt not know the thouſandth part, till thou doeſt enjoy it. Wherefore with an holy impatience, and eager joy enter upon the poſſeſſion of all the Treaſures of Love, which Death comes to Tranſlate thee to. Bid it heartily welcome, open thy breaſt, and let it ſtrike; 'Tis but the prick of a Pin, the ſmarts ceaſt aſſoon as its in, the Pangs of it are gone in a trice. See they are over already, all pain was expired with that laſt groan, and now thou art entered upon thy Joy. Farewell Bleſſed Souls, whom I hope ſhortly to follow, and with you to celebrate an Everlaſting Communion, in the Preſence, Praiſe and Love of the Great Jehovah, and his Son Chriſt Jeſus, to whom in the Ʋnity of the Spirit, be rendred all Honour, Power, and Glory, now and Eternally.

Amen.

FINIS.

End of the text · Matthew Mead, Solomons Prescription for the Removal of Pestilence (1665)