Poems in Two Parts, To the reader 2
TO THE READER.
Courteous Reader,
ABout seventeen years ago, a gracioas Woman (one of that Flock which was by Divine Providence committed to my charge) sorely laboured under many Doubts, which created her much disquiet. In her agonies she frequently repaired to me for help, which according to the Grace given, I did most readily afford her. But by those Convulsion-sits, which almost every day returned, her memory was rendered so labil and unfaithful, that all I said made no abiding impression. Every time she came to me, she brought with her the same perplexing thoughts, and I had my work to do again. Thereupon I resolved to draw up in Verse her Doubts, and my Answers, and gave them to her in writing, in hope that her memory would more easily retain something which might befriend her; at least, that having these things by her, she would make use of them as occasion required, and so save both me and her self much labour.
Through the goodness of God, my expectation was not disappointed, she found much benefit, as she did most freely and thankfully acknowledg; and through mercy past the remainder of her days in a pleasant calm. But, good Soul, she could not hide Gods loving kindness within her breast, but communicated to others these lines, which she counted a treasure; several Copies were taken and disperst, some sent into remote parts, which found good acceptance, and were not without their fruit.
Mine own Copy of them lay dormant long after; indeed I concluded it lost, until about two years since one of my Children found it among my loose Papers, and with joy brought it to me. Since then, one borrowed it, and another, and more, of which several took the pains to transcribe it. And I have of late been so prest to make it publick, that contrary to my own thoughts and resolution, I have been constrained to yield unto their importunity.
Certain it is, that Doubtings do abound in gracious Souls, though wicked men enjoy a fatal peace, and are not in trouble like them. The Devil like a roaring Lion gapes upon, and worries those that have escap'd out of his snares; whilest he rocks his vassals, and doth his utmost to keep them asleep in the cradle of carnal security. Those that have true Faith, have also many fears. But those that are strangers to Faith, are commonly free from them.
Doubts are good signs, yet bad company. They damp the spirit, and weaken the hand, and cover with a cloud that face which should shine. They keep Faith from flourishing; they deprive the Christian of that comfort which the breasts of Gospel-promises would yield him; they rob God and Godliness of that honour which the cheerful lives of Saints would bring them; and they render the converses of holy persons many times very unacceptable to their brethren; though we should bear one anothers burdens, and be very compassionate unto such as are deserted, buffeted, and disconsolate.
It is the unquestionable duty of Christs Ministers to be Messengers of peace as well as Sons of thunder; as to startle and affright sleeping sinners, so to revive drooping and sinking Saints. We are to comfort the people of God, by speaking to their case, and to their hearts. To strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, is a part, yea a very sweet part of our work. We have no dominion over their faith, no, none at all; but should be helpers of their joy, and rejoice to be so.
VponUpon this Errand and Design is this little piece sent abroad into the world; without question many will find themselves concerned in the things contained in it, and I hope some will find advantage. The answer to these Doubts are fetcht from the Word of God, and grounded upon it, and such are most cordial. Nay none but such will bring healing to a wounded, and settlement to a tumultuating spirit. Let none be offended at the manner of composure, but remember the reason before given, and call to mind Davids Psalms, together with the Apostles Exhortation, To admonish one another in Psalms and Hymns, and spiritual Songs. A blessing from heaven go along with this little work; and if thou receivest any spiritual benefit by it, he hath his end, who is
A Friend and Servant to the Houshold of Faith, SAMVEL SLATER.