The Life and Death of Sir Henry Vane, Exhortation
Some Notes of Sir Henry Vane's Exhortation to his Children and Family, (brokenly and imperfectly taken) Iune 13. 1662. being the day before his Execution.
Genesis 18. 17, 18, 19. And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do, seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty Nation, and all the Nations of the Earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his houshold after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do Iustice and Iudgement; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham, that which he hath spoken of him.
VVE have here a description of God's reasoning within his own mind, concerning the open-heartedness he would use towards Abraham, who is called his Friend (Isa. 41. 8.) for the eminency of his Faith, by which he was made one spirit, and of one mind with the Lord, so as he could instantly surrender and perform whatever God called for from him, or required of him, however hard or contrary to the desire, eye and reasonings of flesh and blood.
The greatest tryal of his Faith, and the most signal manifestation of it, was the offering up his only begotten son, the son of promise, of whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
This Typical Father of the Faithful, behaved himself but as a pilgrim and stranger, even in the earthly Land of Promise, seeking yet a better Country, a heavenly, Heb. 11. 12. He came off readily with this greatest offering of flesh at its best, in his Isaac, the figure of Christs offering; so, as by the transforming Baptism of the Spirit, to grow up into a perfect harmony with the will of God, Rom. 12. 1, 2. Hereupon he is termed the Father of the Faithful; and hereby Isaac also became a Son of the Resurrection, as he was also before, in a figure, Heb. 11. 12, & 19. as springing up from Abraham's body and Sarah's womb, when both of them were as good as dead.
The present occasion admits …o long insisting on this, being, together with the care he had of his Family, but the introductory consideration with God (who revealeth his secrets to his servants the Prophets, Amos 3. 7. and them that fear him, Psal. 25. 14.) for the discovering unto Abraham that exemplary vengeance he then resolved to pour out upon Sodom and the neighbouring Cities, for their wickedness.
Abraham, by the offering up of Isaac, did certainly perform the choicest, highest, and most acceptable Sacrifice and Service that is required of God, or performable by the Faith of Gods Elect. Nothing was so dear to him, as the Will of God; and God thought nothing too much to give him. He must become a great and mighty Nation; yea, all the Nations of the Earth must be blessed in him. Moreover he will not withhold his secret counsels and resolutions from his friend Abraham. If he intend to execute his Judgements in the Earth, he will unbosom himself to Abraham before-hand, and so afford him the opportunity of trying the utmost that may be done by his intercession, on behalf of the Generation amongst whom his lot was cast. The servant knows not what his Lord is about to do; but the Friend, the Son, all must be discovered to him. The Friend will readily do whatsoever the Lord commands, (Ioh. 15. 14, 15.) will follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes, (Rev. 14. 4.) therefore is the Lord willing to disclose to him, whatsoever he is going about to do. The Son that abideth in the house for ever, is open-handed, free and universal in his love and resignation of all he is or hath, unto God; and God is as free and open-hearted unto him, knowing that he will make a right construction and improvement of his discoveries.
Observe, first, then; That the life of Faith is the most excellent life, and that those therefore that live by Faith in the highest operation of it, are of highest esteem with God.
This is apparant in Abraham's case, here before us. He was a Believer of the highest rank, and therefore the choice Friend of God, the Father of the Faithful, in whom all Nations are to be blessed. He is thought …it for most intimate bosom familiarity and converse with God. 'Twas a more excellent operation of the Faith that saves, and is Eternal life in the Believer, which Abraham did experience and walk in; in distinction from, …nd-superiority to, the elect Angels, and an inferiour …ort of everlastingly …aved Men, that shall stand about the Throne, on which Abraham (with others of his more sublimated spirit and higher participations of Christ) shall sit, as the Bride, the Lamb's Wife.
From the singular notice God here takes of Abraham, and the peculiar friendliness …he shews, in revealing to him alone, (of all mankind) his present intendment towards Sodom,
Observe, secondly, That … it is the …, so is it the great Priviledge and advantage of Believers, highly to value, and carefully to improve Divine Discoveries.
Why did God shew this secret to Abraham, more than to … living, but because of the singular good use he knew Abraham wo… make of it? He knew he would instruct and command his Children and Family after him, to keep the way of the Lord, and to worship him in Spirit and in Truth, though a way, by men called Heresie. God thinks he can never be open enough to a tryed Believer, a known Friend.
Vse 1. How should this encourage us to give up all our Isaacs to him, to do with us, and all we are or have, whatsoever pleases him? How willing should this render us, to have our Sacrifices fast bound to the horns of the Altar, with the threefold cord of God's love to us, man's enmity to us, and our love to God? Whatever we surrender and part with, in obedience to the Will of God, we are sure to receive again with Usury; to die, is gain. To lose life, is the way to find it eternally. A Believer draws forth the choicest communicable Excelle…cies and bosom-secrets of Christ. God puts a great value upon every motion of his believing Friends. Much tribulation they me…e with, in this Vale of tears; many affronts and cruel mockings from contradictious men; yea, bonds, imprisonments and cruel death…. But the Lord stands by them, to assist and give them peace in the midst of all, to make them stedfast and unmovable in the work of the Lord, and in their sufferings for such work. He raises in them, such ravishments of joy, through the manifestation of the glory that follows, that they chuse rather to be tortured and flain, than to accept of deliverance, in order to obtain a better resurrection, than their deliverance from prisons and death, would amount unto. They abide stedfastly with God, unto a temporary death; and he then sets upon their heads, the Crown of eternal life. Consider; was not Christ, the great Captain of our Salvation, made perfect through sufferings? did not he pass this way to the Crown, and must not he that will live godly, suffe… persecution, and through much tribulation, enter into the Kingdom of God?
The Apostle bids us consider Christ, who quietly endured such contradiction of sinners, against himself, lest we be wearied and faint in our minds. I am now going, through the grace of God, to resist man unto blood, as knowing that I ought to obey God rather than me…. I am ready to follow the Lord whithersoever he goes and calls me after him. Rest assured of this; However dismal and sad the Believers work and condition appears to men, God will give (besides a holy triumph of rejoycing in the way) an expected end; an end, that will answer, and over-answer all the desires and expectations of his soul. Whoever is able throughout to mark the perfect man, and to behold …e upright in heart, will find, that the end of that man is peace: such peace, and so given, not as the world giveth, but so, as no man can take it from him.
Objection. But what peace is this, Believers have? Is it not their usual lot here, to be delivered into the hands of sinners? doth not God permit the men of this world, the inhabitants of the earth, to trample upon and insult over them? yea, even to ride over their heads, (Psal. 66. 12.) so that they are forced to lay their bodies as the ground and … the sheet, to their oppressors that go over them, Isa. 51. 23. Doth he not suffer the Devil by wicked men, to proceed further against them for the tryal of their Faith, than he had commission to proceed against Job, for the tryal of his patience? even to the touching and taking away their very lives, and that with all manner of lying aggravations, contring in this, to fix the black and infamous character of the greatest malefactors upon them, and then cry, Crucifie them, crucifie them, away with such people from the earth, it is not fit they should live any longer? Act. 22. 22.
Answ. To this I answer. Thus Christ himself was served; and therefore (all this notwithstanding) they may have peace; Yea, they have the only true peace, which passeth understanding. In the midst of all the tumultuous confusions and insurrections of the workers of iniquity against them, they have a steady composure, and un-interrupted serenity of mind, through an unshaken submission to, acquiescence in, and conformity to the will of God, in all occurrences. In the greatest storms, the sharpest and most fiery …ryals that can befal them; when they see the flames of man's wrath, the floods of Belial (or wicked men) devouring on all hands, and overwhelming all considerations or appearances of true outward peace, equity or order, they have the inward peace and joy unspeakable and glorious, which such strangers cannot intermeddle with or interrupt. A perfect calmness and serenity, both in spirit and outward deportment, may be the Believers portion and ornament, in such a season, and such circumstances, when the vilest of men are exalted, and the wicked walk on every side. When the world is in the most injurious career against the Saints, then doth Christ more intimately imbrace them, and more abundantly manifest to their Faith, the riches and glory of the world to come.
Vse 2. for your instruction. These things I leave with you, as the words of one in my place and circumstances, that ought to have weight with you that are young and liable to be misled. Learn hence to put value upon the priviledge of believing Saints. Be the daughters and children of Abraham and Sarah, in all modest, chaste and holy conversation. Quit the broad way and beaten Road that leadeth to Destruction, and be for the narrow path that leadeth unto Life, the way everlasting, Psal. 139. 24. Let not your care be spent in outward adorning, but in adorning the hidden or inner man of your hearts, with that which is not corruptible. Get the ornament of a me…k and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price. With all your getting, get divine wisdom and understanding. Prov. 4. 7. Be as circumspect and cu…ious as you can in these heavenly ornaments, watching alwayes to cast and keep out every thing that defiles, that you may possess your vessels in sanctification and honour, as becomes the temples of the holy Ghost, glorifying God with your bodies and with your spirits, which are his. After this manner, holy women that trusted in God, did in old time adorn themselves, whose daughters ye are so long as ye do well, and you will find no need to be afraid with any amazement: For, (keeping alwayes by this means, a good conscience, void of offence towards God and towards man) when men shall speak evil of you, as of evil doers, the shame shall be their own; It will appear, 'tis only your chaste and good conversation in Christ, they persecute and accuse you for. This is the ground of all their malice and reproaches. Christ hath chosen you out of the world; be ye followers of him out of it, in the peculiar distinguishing spirit and conversation of pilgrims and strangers. But then know, the inhabitants of the earth will hate you. Let this common lot and portion of Believers from this world, be expected by you, and rendred familiar to you, that when you come indeed more eminently under the experiences of it, you may not look upon it as any new, strange, or unusual thing, that happens to you above all other Believers. But, when such things come to pass, rejoyce, in as much as ye are made partakers of Christs sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also, with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the Name of Christ, if ye suffer for Righteousness sake, happy are ye; for the Spirit of Glory and of God resteth upon you. Be ye not therefore afraid of their terrour, neither be you troubled, but sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts, by your stedfastness and boldness. It may be ready to startle you, to see a Believer thus handled as you see me now, to end his mortal dayes by the hands of violence, though not without the free and willing surrender of his Life, in compliance with the divine hand and determinate cousel of God, herein. This is the way which the Lord himself, the great Captain of our Salvation, went before us in. Let not this way of the Lord be evil spoken of by you. Let not the least prejudice or thought arise in your hearts against it, on this occasion; but rather let it serve for the increase and strengthning of your Faith, as it ought.
Vse. 3. That which hath been said and observed concerning Abraham, (as to God's taking such peculiar notice of him, and making such peculiar discoveries of his secrets to him) should serve to instruct, inform and mind us of the great benefits and glorious advantages attainable for us, by abiding and increasing in the spirit and faith of our father Abraham. It will meet with glorious Returns from God. The Spirit of Glory will rest upon such, as do thus improve the example of Abraham. The secrets of the Lord are with them that fear him: The Angels of the Lord encamp round about them, and deliver them; yet, not alwayes from a violent death, by the hands of men. Christ himself, would not imploy the Angels in this service, though he could have had more than twelve legions of them for his rescue, at his desire. The followers of Christ then, are not altogether delivered from death, but from the fear, the sting, the power of death, and so are made to conquer and triumph over death it self, and him that hath the power of death, by dying; as Christ did, who was thus heard in what he feared, Heb. 5. 7.
Live then in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit and Faith of our Father Abraham. Listen to the Experiences of your Father, in this dying hour and season of darkness, who can and doth here give a good report of that heavenly and better Country, he is now going to the more free and full enjoyment of. In the midst of these his dark circumstances, his enjoyments and refreshings from the presence of the Lord, do more abound than ever. I can truly say, that as my tribulations for Christ have risen higher and abounded, my Consolations have abounded much more. My Imprisonment and hard usage from men, hath driven me nearer to God, and more alienated and disentangled my mind from the snares and cumbrances of this mortal life.
You have no cause to be ashamed of my Chain; or no fear being brought into the like circumstances I now am in, so it be on as good an occasi…n, for the Name and Cause of Christ, and for his Righteousness sake. Let this word abide with you, whatever befalls you; Resolve to fuller any thing from men, rather than sin against God: yea, rejoyce and be exceeding glad, when you find it given to you on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but to suffer for his Name. Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the Faith of the Gospel, and be in nothing terrified by your adversaries, but go on in your course of well-doing, without any amazement. Sufferings for well-doing, patiently born, are acceptable with God. A quiet rejoycing deportment in sufferings, will be to your adversaries, an evident token of their Perdition; but to you of Salvation, and that of God. To him that thus overcometh in the Faith and Spirit of Christ, (the true Abraham) he will give to sit with him on his Throne, and to inherit all things.
Let the like Spirit of Faith be in you, that was in Abraham, and you will never rest till you come into his bosom. You will be but pilgrims and strangers here: Your eye, your heart and expectations will be upon that better Country. Such a frame of mind and heart God is so well pleased with, that he will not fail to make more rich and full discoveries of himself to you daily, for the building and gathering of you up, nearer and closer unto himself, till he be the whole desire of your soul, the only desirable, who is altogether lovely.
Text. I know Abraham (sayes God) that he will command his Children and houshold &c.
Obs. 3. Observe hence, That it is the duty of every believing Father, not only to teach his Children and Family, for the keeping them in a good conversation while he is present with them, but to leave instructions with them, and charge them after him, that they may know how to deport themselves both in their inward and outward man, when he is gone.
Thus it was with Abraham. He instructed or catechized them, (as the Original imports) laid the foundation for a future growth and progress in the same Faith with him, whereby they also might be enabled to communicate it, and so lay the like foundation in others, and build up one another in the same most holy Faith: which charge is also implyed and supposed to have been insisted on, and with all earnestness pressed upon them, as being unspeakably most carefull and concerned in the prop…gating of his believing Seed to the worlds end. Thus Abraham also, (as others in like case) will have his great personal advantage, by the bountiful communicating and instilling the spiritual and heavenly Doctrine of the Gospel, into the hearts of as many as he can, spreading abroad amongst others, the precious savour of that grace of God, that he had so plentifully been enriched with, and tasted of, in his own experiences all-along.
This heavenly Life and marvellous Light of the Faith of the Son of God, is of that nature, that the more it is diffused by way of communication unto others, the more it encreases in the Dispenser thereof, redounding to his advantage, as well as theirs that receive it. The fruit of his doings (Ier. 17. 10.) spring up from such foundations of Holiness, as by his instruction were ministerially laid; The works that naturally flow from that Doctrine, follow them, after they are gone hence; Rev. 14.13. The Church in the Canticles (chap. 7. 1.) is described by him that best knew her temper, to be of this noble, princely, communicative disposition. Freely ye have received, freely give, sayes Christ; and by giving, they receive more abundance. The fruit of such labours will be reckoned on their account. This is a great encouragement for men to abound in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as they know, that their labour is not in vain in the Lord, 1 Cor. 15. 58.
Let it be your constant care then, to multiply such fruits as may abound to both our accounts, in pursuance and imitation of that Faith which by word and deed ye have heard and seen in me, all the time that God hath pleased to continue me with you. It will be both yours and my great gain, if you be careful to glorifie your heavenly Father, answerably to the many seasonable instructions, directed to you in the Word of the Lord, by my Ministry.
This was Abraham's faith, way, life and practice, who being dead yet speaketh to the whole Family of Faith, throughout the whole world, unto this day.
While he was present with his Family, he taught them in word and deed, by what he said in his Ministry, and by what he did, in all other holy coversation and godliness.
First, by the things he did, as a pattern of Faith, Holiness and Sobriety, in his conversation; and then by what he said, in giving daily instructions to them, to follow his steps, walk honestly, as in the day, in the Spirit, worthy of God, by the same Rule they observed him to walk. For they ought so to walk, even as he walked, abiding in his words, 1 Joh. 2.6. Thus Abraham's Family had his pattern and instruction in the Faith of God's Elect, for their direction, while he was conversant amongst them.
Secondly, He gave forth command, and instructed them in the Name of the Lord, that when he, their believing Father, should be gone from them into a more exalted state of life, (to them invisible and undiscernable, … to any further personal converse with him in his former way) they should be as carefull still, as ever, to walk in the steps of his Faith, bringing forth the fruits thereof unto holiness; if not more than ever before, while he was with them. Christ himself; the most true and absolute Father of the Faithful, took this course a little before his death; gave that large and most admirably significant Instruction to his Disciples, recorded in the 13, 15, 16, and 17. Chapters of Iohn, to strengthen and establish their hearts in the present Truth they had been taught and were possessed of, (whatever hatred, persecution, or cross blows they should meet with from the world) as also to beget in them an… assured expectation of his Return to them in a more excellent way of converse, than ever they yet experienced. On this account, he told them (that how sad and troubled soever they may be, through mistake of his departure, and of the sharp and bitter way of it) it was expedient, even for them, as well as for himself, that he should go away, forasmuch as he would then return to them, in a more excellent estate, a better Comforter, a better Counsellor, that would tell them more excellent things, things they could not yet bear, to the fulfilling of their joy.
Use. Let me then direct unto you a word of Exhortation, by the example of Abraham and Christ himself, in my present circumstances, in the near approach of my dissolution and parting with you. Be not disheartned in the way of the Lord, be not discouraged in the way I have gone before you in, and am yet going, drawing near now to the finishing of my course with joy. The God of Heaven hath set his seal to it in my heart, that it is the very way of Truth, the choicest and best way you can go: the way, that not only will have the most comfortable close, by ending in everlasting joy, but that hath also the most solid foundation of inward rej…ycing, all-along attending it, even in this world. Though there be sorrow and death to the flesh in this way, there is life and joy in the Spirit. The Believer, the true spiritual Circumcision rejoyces in Christ Jesus, having no confidence in the fl…sh, nor mastering much how i… goes with that: So he may win Christ, and know him in the power of his Resurrection, he is willing also to know him in the fellowship of his Sufferings, and in being made conformable unto his death. There is no other way to the eternal Crown. If we suffer with him, (who before Pontius Pilate, witnessed a good Confession; 1 Tim. 6. 13.) we shall also reign with him: if we deny Him and his …ause before men, through fear of them that can but kill the body, and have no more that they can do, he that can destroy both body and soul in Hell, will de… us before the Angels of God.
Whatever frightful appearance the present tribulations may have, this remains sure, Light … sown for the Righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. My harvest is at hand, the season for me to reap the good fruit of the incorruptible seed of eternal life, that hath been sown in me many years ago, by the good hand of the Lord. I have so much already of that fruit, as makes me set very light by the present tribulations, that are but for a moment, and are not to be compared with the glory that follows. I have sown in tears, and am now going to reap in joy, where all tears shall be wiped away, for ever. There shall be no more sorrow, crying, or hearing the voice of the oppressor.
I charge you therefore, be ye followers of me, as I am a follower of Christ. Walk in that Faith ye have seen me to walk in, and be not dismayed. Observe what I now say to you, and the Lord will bless you; yea, you shall be encouraged and commended by him as a choice pattern of obedience unto others, like the sons of Ionadab the son of Rechab, who were commended for performing the words of their father that he commanded them. and were therein propounded as an imitable pattern to the men of Iudah and inhabitants of Ierusalem, who did most perversly refuse to obey the Commands of God himself, in the Messages he sent to them by the ministry of the Prophets. Encline your ear therefore, and hearken unto me now, in this par…ing Instruction; Listen to my command, and obey the words I speak to you in the Name of the Lord. I charge you to walk in the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that with all steadiness and constancy, as not (in the least) discouraged by what you see now to befal me and other his servants and followers, in this evil day. The servant is not greater than the Lord. He went this way, and hath warned us, that through much persecution and tribulation we must strive to enter into the Kingdom of God. Walk then in the Spirit and Faith of Abraham; in that immutable frame of spirit, that feeds upon that which is incorruptible, whereby you will be nourished up into eternal life, and carried on through all difficulties and oppositions, to the compleat, full, and certain saving of your souls. Be bold, confident, stedfast, and undaunted herein, though brya…s and thorns be with you, and you dwell among Scorpions. Be not afraid of their big words, or stout looks, though they be a … house (Ezek. 2.) not … the … of God before their eyes, and therefore lifting up themselves … against the Lord of Heaven, and practising to destroy the People of the Most High, till the Antient of dayes come and set them upon their feet; at which time, Judgement shall be given to the Saints of the most High, and they must possess the Kingdom. Who are you then, (if you live and abide in the Faith of Abraham) that you should be afraid of a man that shall die, and be made as gr…? Isa. 51. 12. All the Nations of the World are less than nothing before Him, in whom is your help, Isa. 40. 17. Stay your selves then upon God, in the greatest outward confusions or alterations of Government or Governours, that possibly can befall; though the Earth be removed, and the Mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea. Be of good courage, take to you the whole Armour of God, fight the Battels of the Lord, the good fight of Faith, and he will make you more than Conquerors.
Let these dying words of your Father never be forgotten. Be strong in the Faith of Abraham. He that now speak… to you, hath for many years proved and tryed what this amounts unto; he sees great cause to recommend it to you, upon that Experience he hath had of the support and relief it carries with it, in all occurrences; as also, how bold, stedfast and comfortable it renders the possessors thereof, against all possible affronts, contradictions and oppositions of sinners. When you can no longer enjoy the bodily or visible Presence of your Father with you, live more in the Faith of your Father, that he that is my heavenly Father, may discover himself more and more to be yours also, as you shew your selves more to be his Children, (which will highly concern you) that through the more plentiful comm… of his grace and spirit amongst you and in you; you may be more strengthened with his might and glorious power in your inward man, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; and be able to stand it out, in this evil day.
This is the last opportunity I am like to have of this kind. The Lord set my words home upon your hearts. Be glad and rejoyce thus to be minded of your duty, and charged by me… And what greate… cause of rejoycing can your Father have, than that his Children walk in the Truth? See then that you alwayes keep your Consciences void of offence, towards God and towards men. Hate and decline every unrighteous way, and whatever is contrary to the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Iesus Christ. Put one another in mind of these things, that your Father thus minds you all of, in this his last Charge and Instruction, which he leaves with you: Provoke one another unto love and good worke. Exhort one another so much the more, as you see the day approaching. Shew forth your Faith in the workings of it by which you may glorifie your Father which is in Heaven. Those that believe in God, will be careful to maintain good works, Tit. 3. 8. Consider, what manner of persons it concerns you to be, in all holy Conversation and godliness, seeing that all these things… that now are, and which ye see, are very shortly to be dissolved, (sooner it may be, than you can yet believe) even the Heavens and Earth that now are, the whole outward face of things in Church and State, the world throughout, 2 Pet. 3.7.11,12. Live then as those that wait for their masters coming; for the new heaven and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness: Live in the pure Spirit of this tried Faith of Abraham, largely experienced by your Father, and by him now recommended unto you. Keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement, that he may fulfil unto you all the rich and precious promises of the Gospel, belonging to Abraham and his believing seed, the seed of Promise, that are found walking in his wayes.
Observ. 4. Fourthly, and lastly, observe; That it is a duty, incumbent on believing parents, to mind their children and houshold, of walking in the faith, and keeping in the way of the Lord, doing that which is just and right. So also is it the duty of children to obey such charge, and be found so living and walking in the spirit and way of the Lord, as they expect the blessings of Gods Covenant with Abraham, to be made good unto them.
But here this Query may be offered; How did Abraham walk and …
The answer is; In a Family-way; 'twas Family-worship. There were, in his time, no formed Churches or Societies of a larger kind, made up of divers families, embodying themselves and walking in communion together. That which he was capable to do, he did. He catechized and instructed his Relations, spreading abroad amongst them the savour of the tithes of that Grace, which (through mercy) he was partaker of. This was the state of the true Church then, as to its outward form. If larger visible Societies and collective Bodies, or Churches of Saints be now interrupted, this Family-way of Religion and Worship may be kept up, and so things return to their primitive way again, as in the dayes of Abraham. To this Ioshua professes he will have recourse, when the purity of publick Worship fails, (Iosh. 24. 15.) If, saith he, it seem evil to you to serve the Lord; if you be for other go…, or other wayes of worship than God requires, I will quit your publick societies; as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Use 1. My word of exhortation then to you, is; When publick worship is to be had in purity, without defiling of your Consciences, use and frequent that. But if that bedenied, or is not to be found, frequent private and family worship; yea, however it be as to the publick, let these be kept on foot with all diligence. Be found still in the way of the Lord; own that, where ere you see it, and joyn in it, as the Lord shall please to open the way for you, and give opportunity. Whatever you do, be not conformed to this world, in the spirit, way, principles, affections, no nor religion thereof. Quit those worshippers, that are confident in a spirit and way that is liable to apostacy, calling that heresie, which is the only true way of worshipping the God of our Fathers.
Amidst the great variety of Churches and ways of Worship, that this world abounds with, be not by any means induced or forced to observe and become subject to the ordinances of man; in things pertaining unto God. Give unto God the things that are Gods: Give also unto Caesar the things that are his. If he unlawfully require more, you may lawfully refuse to obey him; let him take his course: wherein any … proudly, God will be above them. If one Church say, Lo, here is Christ … another, Lo, there; and the trumpet that's blown in both, give but an uncertain sound look up to Christ himself with the Spouse in the Canticles, and say, O thou whom our souls do love, tell us where thou feedest and makest thy flock to rest at noon, under the scorching heat of mans persecuting wrath. He will discover to you the false Babylonish spirit, that lurks in such Churches and Teachers, as (to the deceiving of themselves and others) are but transformed into the likeness of the Apostles and Churches of Christ, 2 Cor. 11. And he will by his Spirit (if rightly sought to, and waited on) infallibly direct you to the true shepherds tents, those spiritual pastors and assemblies, that walk in the footsteps of his ancient flock, even in the faith, spirit and way of Abraham, Isaac, Iacob and their families (who are now in the kingdom of God) and in the way, doctrine and spirit of the Evangelists and Apostlcs.
And as I would have you to quit all false Churches, and reject the Babylonish spirit, whatever curious dress, insinuating appearance, or refined form she shines forth in; so, much more yet, would I have you to loath and depart from all manner of prophaness and common debauchery, whatever countenance or encouragement it may have round about you in the Land of your nativity. Do but keep in the Way, live and walk in the Faith and Spirit of Abraham, and all is done.
This your Father hath found joy and comfort in upon very large and plentiful experiences; but most remarkably, in his Prison-state. As troubles and straits from without have encreased upon me, I have been more enlarged within. The more I have been shut up on earth, and from earthly Relations and enjoyments, the more have the Heavens opened upon me, and let down to me the larger sights and tasts of the glory and enjoyments of the world to come.
Vse 2. Lastly, I charge you, (as the utmost desire of my soul to God on your behalf) be obedient to the Lord, walk humbly with him, and keep close to him. Let your heart be right with him: Be stedfast in his Covenant, not turning aside like a deceitful Bo…. Be not off and on with him, yea and nay, but in Christ, yea only; and then all the Promises of God in Christ to you, will be, Yea, and Amen, to the glory of God the Father. Then, if any of you lack Wisdom (or particular direction in any difficult circumstances) ask it of God, who giveth liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given you. But then, ask in Faith, the stedfast Faith of Abraham, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth, must not think or expect to receive any thing of the Lord, Iames 1. 5. 7. Christ hath assured you, that whatsoever you shall ask in his Name, he will do it; and the Father will do it, (Ioh. 14. 13, 14. and chap. 15. 16.) that is, whatsoever ye shall ask in the power and exercise of a living saving Faith, or of the heavenly Anointing and new Name of Christ, in and upon you, it shall be done unto you: For whatsoever ye thus ask, will be asked by you, in the will of God that ye are begotten of, (Jam. 1. 18.) or, according to the will of your heavenly Father; And this we know, that whatsoever we ask according to his will, he heareth us, 1 John 5. 14, 15. Yea, though ye be but young, and weak in this Faith, and in the expression of it, if as new-born babes ye do but truly desire the sincere milk of the Word, and brokenly stammer and lisp forth such desires to God, ye will find acceptance with, and answer from him, not only according to, but abundantly above all that you are able to ask or think. No Mother can have so tender a regard to the cry of her sucking Child, as he will have to you, in this case, Isa. 49. 15. Wait on the Lord then, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your hearts; wait, I say, on the Lord, Psal. 27. 14. Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, so shall he exalt you to inherit the Land, and verify ye shall be fed. The true believing Seed of Abraham shall (in the close) possess the gates of their enemies. The meek shall inherit the Earth, and delight themselves in the abundance of Peace: But the transgressors shall be destroyed together. The end, hope, and expectation of the wicked shall be cut off. Know this for your comfort, though the Lord be pleased to take your Father from your head this day, you have other wayes and means to learn and be built up in the mind of the Lord, in your most holy Faith. Never cease to beg of the Lord more abundant communications of his Spirit of Grace, till you be strengthened with all might in your inward man, that ye may be able to serve God acceptably, and resist the Devil effectually and finally. Remember, it hath been the prayer of a poor worm on your behalf, that ye may so pray, and be so answered by your heavenly Father, that your joy may be full.
See and consider the gracious design of God towards you, in this very dealing of his with you, by taking me away from you. Is it not that ye may be brought more singly and immediately to rely upon his Influence, that he may bring the Blessings of Abraham more plentifully upon you? Once more, I say, be not discouraged; Regard … the reproaches that are fallen on your Father. Say or do men what they will, Abraham's Faith will find the Blessing Abraham found, in whomsoever it is. As for me, I can truly say with David, The Reproaches, O Lord, of those that have reproached thee, are fallen upon me. Psal, 69. 9. And he will (in his due time) take off all such unjust Reproaches from himself, from me, and all his faithful hidden ones, and will make himself known by the Judgments that he will execute in the Earth, so that it shall be said; Verily, there is a reward for the Righteous; verily, he is a God that judgeth in to Earth.
God seems now to take all our concerns wholly into his own hands. You will be deprived of my bodily presence, but Abraham's Blessing shall come upon you. If you be under Abraham's Covenant, all that's therein promised, will be made good to you, as well as to him, or me. The Lord revive and cause to grow up and flourish whatever is of that Faith of Abraham in you, that is in your Father; and grant it may more and more appear in my Family, after I am gone hence, and no more seen in my mortal body.