Christian Chemistry, Tract 2
OCCASIONALL Obſervations.
(1)
IN that emendation (as 'tis thought to be) of the Engliſh Tongue, by the addition of forreign words of divers Languages, though poſſibly we may ſpeak more finely, yet not (which is the end of ſpeech) more ſignificantly, but alwayes more laborioufly, few Engliſh words being more then diſſillables, the other generally having their antepenultimaes. A competent eſtate, and that which is far greater, are not differenced as to the content of the enjoyer; for though this may ruffle more, and the pomp may be greater, yet it ſignifies the ſame to the owner: He that hath an horſe to eaſe his inſirmity, is as well ſupplyed in that for which an horſe is uſefull, as he that muſt ſtay till four or five ſervants be ready to accompany him; and he as well ſtored that hath an honeſt entertainment wherewith to bid his friend welcome, and can ſhake hands with him in token 'tis hearty, as he that with a numerous ſervice and ſolicitous ceremony, muſt complement his Gueſt to a Non-plus.
(2)
They ſay, That he who will find an Hare ſitting, or Partridge lying, muſt alwayes keep in his mind the Idea of thoſe creatures as they are in that poſture, which the fancy being prepoſſeſſed with, will preſently apprehend them, or any like them. When the mind is foreſtalled with prejudice, either againſt perſons or things, it ſoon beleeveth what it pre-conceiveth, and will either find crimes, or make them.
(3)
I had a Bullock ſo ſwollen with wind, that it break his Diaphragma, and the poor creature dyed in great torture; yet I conſidered it fared better with it then with a man afflicted with the Gout or Stone, becauſe wanting reaſon its miſeries were not aggravated by a reflexion of the mind upon the pains ſuffered. It is not the leaſt of the happineſſes of a man having grace, that he is able to diſcern thoſe gifts, and to behold himſelf like the Kings Daughter, all glorious within; ſo ſhall it be no ſmall addition to the infelicities of the damned that they ſhall have the exerciſes of their reaſon which they have ſo much abuſed, to conſider the goodneſſe of that God of whom they are deprived, and the greatneſſe of thoſe miſeries by which they are puniſhed.
(4)
Two Goats meeting together on a long narrow Bridge, the ſtraitneſſe of which was ſuch, that neither could go by other, nor turn about to go back, one of them lay down flat, while the other went over him, and ſo there became eaſie paſſage for both. When the intereſt of diſſenting parties meet in ſuch narrowneſſes as are hard to be accommodated, how much would the ſubmiſſion of one part to the preſent neceſſity, conduce to the advantage of both?
(5)
Being to confer the going of my Watch with a San-Diall, which was to be ſet by the Compaſſe, and finding it not to agree therewith, my unwillingneſſe to have my Watch convicted of error, made me ready rather to ſet the Dial by my Watch, then my Watch by the Dial. Lord, how many times hath my ſelf-love induced me by falſe interpretations and gloſſes to bring the ſtrait rules of thy Word, to a complyance with my irregular affections? then by an holy ſubmiſſion to make my affections comply with the rules of thy Word.
(6)
I ſaw a Kitling practiſing the way to mouſe, with active motions and ingenuous turns, gaining an aptneſs to prey in all poſtures; and I obſerve other creatures by a natural inſtinct are prompt to thoſe functions which are proper to their ſpecies; but man knows nothing, except to cry, but what he is taught. Lord, as my great deſire is, that thoſe whom thou haſt given me may not be as they were, born fools, ſo give me to care chiefly, that they may be ſpiritually wiſe.
(7)
Being abroad one day my Horſe got looſe, and run away from me, and would not be recovered till he came to the Stable Dore; I followed after him full of anger, and purpoſes of puniſhing, till I thus conſidered, Lord, am I thus angry that a creature by thee ſubjected to my Dominion, doth thus ſhake off the yoke and retract his ſerviceableneſs, when I a Subject to thy Soveraignty by an originall and every way unlimitted right, ſo often have with drawn my ſervice from thee; Oh let me with more diligence, and univerſality approve my obedience to thee, and with more patience ſuffer neglect from them.
(8)
The motion of the Primum mobile, not only hurryes about the inferiour Orbs, but even the Comets alſo ſeated in the aire, are whirl'd about with the ſame Circulation. Not only thoſe of the ſame gang are turned about by the vertigo of Faction, but many times alſo well meaning ſouls of different Principles and deſigns are tranſported by their vicinity with the ſame paſſions.
(9)
Thunder is rare with us in the winter, and prodigious in that ſeaſon, according to that ſaying, Winters thunder is Englands wonder, becauſe thoſe hot and dry vapors of which Thunder is generated, are not exhaled from a rigid and congealed earth, as ours then for the moſt part is. Lord, when my heart was frozen in that Winter of impenitency and unbelief, the thunder of conſcience was not frequent, that inconſiderate eſtate ſeldome producing any ſuch apprehenſions, but ſince my ſoul hath been brought out of that Priſon, conſcience hath been londer, and its checks are more often. O let conſcience every day have leſſe cauſe to ſpeak, but let it every day be more quick of ſpeech.
(10)
The return of the Sun is no leſs certainly expected in Green-land, where the night is of ſome moneths, then with us in the Summer Solſtice, when day is never quite ſhut in. Lord, that eternall glory which thou haſt promiſed, and I by faith have apprehended, how far off ſo ever, is no leſſe certainly expected, then that daily bread wherewith I am by thee ſo frequently ſupplyed; nor let me more deſpair of the Sun-ſhine of thy favour in the long night of trouble, then in thoſe perplexities which endure but for a very little ſeaſon.
(11)
Paſſing with a Candle from one room to another, I ſaw they were only enlightned as I brought the Candle in ſucceſſively one after another, but as ſoon as the Sun aroſe, they were altogether and at once enlightned. Lord, the knowledge which I have of my heart is only by degrees, as I view the affections and actions of it one after another, but thou beholdeſt them at one view, thoſe that are paſt, preſent, and to come. Oh do thou who art ſo perfect an Anatomiſt, and ſo exactly knoweſt my frame what it is, ſtraiten what is irregular, cure what is corrupt, and ſupply what ever defect thou findeſt there.
(12)
I took a Plumb-ſtone, and would have crackt it, but could not, I would have cleft it with a knife, but it was not penetrable, I ſet it in the ground, and after a few dayes I found the kernel had ſhot out a tender ſprout which had ſplit the ſhell, and …ade its paſſage through. Lord, the hamnser of aſſliction breaks not this ſtony heart, the ſharp ſword of thy threatnings pierce it not, but let the ſweet efficacies of thy mercies quicken the infuſed principle of thy grace, that it may cleave all obſtacles, and ſend forth ſh…ts bearing fruit to thee abundantly.
(13)
Being in London, and deſirous to know the time of the day, I viewed the Clocks, and by the firſt I ſaw it was paſt eleven, by the next but half an hour after ten, the third was as much in the other extream, and the fourth diſſented from the other three; then I applyed my ſelf to the Dials, but I found them (as the Clocks) onelyonly agreeing in diſagreeing from one another; hence I concluded, there could be no dependance on them, who concurred ſo little with themſelves; I therefore turned my ſelfe to obſerve the ſetting of the Sun, which though not alwayes the ſame, yet hath a motion ever regular and agreeable to it ſelf, and to diſpoſe of my affairs by that. The variety of opinions among learned men manifeſteth, That there can be no certainty where there is ſo much diſſent; therefore in the conduct of my life, Lord, give me Nullius jurare in verba Magiſtri, and to reſpect not ſo much what men ſay, who can and do erre, as what thy Word ſaith, which is alwayes conſonant to its ſelfe, and erreth not, but as miſapprehended, or miſ-reported by us.
(14)
Two perſons being in competition for a place of honour, a third engageth vigorouſly for one of them againſt the other, the obliged perſon ſoon forgetteth thoſe civilities done him, having obtained his ends, and grows ſhy of his Benefactor, being confident that his merits call'd for that requitall which he meant not; but the diſ-obliged perſon graves the oppoſition of that third perſon on his mind with the pen of a Diamond, and catcheth at the next opportunity to ſhew his animoſity by a ſmart Animadverſion: Veſpatians Captains relieved not the Citizen of Taracene in the miſeries which for their intereſt they ſuffered, when they of Capua are by them ſeverely puniſhed for the injuries which they had offered. Lord, who would diſpleaſe thee to pleaſe men; when our ſervices are rewarded by thee, not according to their merit, but thy goodneſs, and our diſ-ſervices through thy Son are both forgiven and forgotten: The buſineſſe of Ʋriah is then paſt over with ſilence, when Davids uprightneſſe after many Generations hath a frequent and honourable memoriall.
(15)
Being abroad one day, and without a Dinner, a Comrade who had forethought the worm would bite, had provided a piece of powdered Beef, of which he was willing to communicate, which though it were dry of it ſelf, and not a drop of drink to waſh it down, yet I eat it up very ſavourily, and (as Darius by his puddle-water) gave it great commendation. Lord, how many of thy mercies through our fullneſſe are nauſeated by us? which want would make more reliſhing, and our neceſſities render precious.
(16)
Having a deſign to plant a nurſery with Crab-ſtocks. I found many in Hedgrows and other places, which I had many times before paſt by, and not obſerved. Lord, fix the aim of my ſoul on thy glory, and my affections on things above, then thoſe opportunities tending to ſpiritual advantage, will be with promptneſſe embraced, which before were neglected, or not obſerved.
(17)
Upon the Rode to London I met a Team at a ſtand, and neither skill of the Driver, nor ſtrength of the Horſes could move the Cart out of the ſlough till another Team came, which joyned with the former, drew it out preſently. The cryes of particular Chriſtians have not removed thoſe evils wherewith they have been preſſed, when the united ſupplications of the Church have been heard; ſo well pleaſed is the Lord with the unity of his people, that what they agree of on earth, he hath promiſed ſhall be done for them in Heaven.
(18)
I fell one time into company, where he was counted of the beſt wit, that could deviſe the ſhorteſt Grace, and moſt ſtomacks there were too ſqueamiſh to digeſt a Thankſgiving that did deſcend to expreſs particulars. But ſurely, ſuch wit will be of no uſe in the Kingdome of Heaven, and thoſe affections will no wiſe agree with that place, where praiſe ſhall be the only imployment of glorified ſpirits.
(19)
Walking in the ſtreets, I met a Cart that came neer the wall, ſo I ſtept aſide to avoid it, into a place where I was ſecure enough, but being deſirous to be out of all poſſibility of danger, I got off further. Lord, ſin is that great evill of which thou complaineſt, that thou art preſſed as a Cart is preſſed; how can it then but bruiſe me to powder? Oh let me therefore think my ſelf never ſufficiently ſecured from its danger, nor the occaſions of it far enough avoided.
(20)
I met a Coffin made of ſuch ſweet wood, & adorned with ſuch curious hinges, & deckt with ſuch ſtately appurtenances, as ſeemed to give ornament to death it ſelf, and make a grave deſireable, which yet in a few hours was to be covered with duſt. How is the life of man imployed about, and intent upon matter of oſtentation? and how much of a vain ſhew is uſed in death it ſelf, that ſo fully diſcovers that all is but a vain ſhew.
(21)
Being in company with ſome perſons, one among them undertook to relate a ſtory, which he had but begun, as the reſt fell to other diſcourſe among themſelves, ſo as that he was fain to beg their attention by many Parentheſis of commendation that it was a very pretty ſtory. How vain is it to proſtitute words to thoſe, that either think they have too much wit of their own to value the conceits of others, or that have too little to apprehend them?
(22)
Horſemen ſay, that ill-bred Mares uſually bring the fatteſt and well-favouredſt Colts, which yet afterwards prove unhandſome Jades, whereas thoſe of a good ſtrain are meager and unſightly for the firſt yeer, but after are of rare ſhapes and proof. The freeſt and fatteſt promiſes are uſually of the leaneſt performances, whereas they that engage ſlowly, performe ſurely.
(23)
On the Rode to Guildford, I paſſed by a Chalk-pit neer the way, the top of which was railed about, I obſerved it was not for fence, but caution, for the avoiding the ſtupendious precipice, whereby the unwary traveller might be endangered. Lord, if thou haſt ſet us bounds in thy word, 'tis not out of envy or ill will unto us, as the Devil ſuggeſted to our firſt parents, but where-ever we are by thee limitted, it is for our advantage and ſecurity, not our detriment.
(24)
Viewing one night a bon-fire made upon an hill a great way off, and comparing it with the evening ſtar, it ſeemed bigger & brighter then that, but after I had looked upon it a while, I perceived it to decay in greatneſſe, and light, till at laſt it was not to be diſcerned, but the ſtar retained ſtill the ſame quantity & beauty, though now and then a Cloud for a time did obſcure it. Many have appeared like burning and ſhining lights while the fuel of worldly advantages hath laſted, but when that faileth, they diſappear; when thoſe Lamps lighted with the Celeſtial fire of divine grace, though the clouds of croſſe occurrences, or miſt of temptation, may ſometimes hinder their appearing ſo glorious, yet they are alwayes the ſame by a regular and unchangeable brightneſſe.
(25)
A neighbour of mine had a little childe, which with a fall put its arm out of joynt, which the father by its unquietneſſe perceiving was going to a Chyrurgion for remedy; but while he was in conſultation about it, the Childe got another fall, and thereby had his arme ſet right again, ſo that it found eaſe, and grew cheerfull upon it immediately. Lord, why are we out of heart when croſſe occurrences befall us, and think our ſelves undone when the great ones frown on us, and are ala mort when our expectations are diſappointed; thou art he who by thy all-diſpoſing providence canſt make the very ſame things (as the thruſt of the Spear the impoſtumed perſon) harm and heal us.
(26)
A Roſe-buſh clipt in May, and ſo diſappointed of bearing fruit in June, yet gave forth a plentifull crop of Roſes in November. Lord, if the Spring and Summer of my life hath been (like One…imus) unprofitable, and without that truit which might well be expected; 'tis of thy mercy that I was not eradicated, when as the fruitleſs fig-tree was accurſed, though the time of figs was not yet come. Oh therefore let my former barrenneſs be recompenced with ſuch a fruitfullneſs, as may out-goe the uſual account of a November ſeaſon.
(27)
I paſſed by an Ants Neſt ſet upon ſo ſteep a bank, that their proviſion as faſt as they brought it thither tumbled down again to the bottom, which they (as Siſiphus with his ſtone) with continual labour ſetcht up again, yet for divers years changed not the ſcituation of the Neſt, though a much more convenient place was hard by. How many inconveniences do fooliſh and abſurd cuſtoms beget us, while like the Iriſh who tye the Plow to the Horſe taile, we pertinaciouſly ſtick to thoſe practices which reaſon condemneth as inconvenient or erroneous, when a more ſober advice would eaſily preſent us with that which would be more uſefull, though leſſe uſed.
(28)
I ſaw a ſheep in a very rainy day, whoſe well-grown fleece as it kept him warm, ſo it drank in the wet, and thereby made the inconveniency of the rain much greater. As the grace of God makes a man able with patience to bear his ſufferings, ſo it makes his ſufferings more, for beſide his particular griefs, he hath a fellow-feeling of all the concernments of Gods people too.
(29)
I overtook a friend travelling to his houſe, which though it were a Mile out of my way, yet for his good company ſake, I went along with him. Lord, if thy providence effect thy glory, though out of the way of my temporal advantage, yet let me not be unwilling to comply with thy providence, though with the loſſe of my preſent accommodations.
(30)
A box wherein was ſome quantity of Civet, being opened the ſcent thereof diffuſed it ſelf to all the by-ſtanders, but was not alike reſented by all; not that the odour had not an equall diffuſion, but becauſe their ſenſes were not alike good, or prepared to the reception of it. If there ſhall be different enjoyments of the glory which ſhall be hereafter revealed, 'tis probable the odds will be not in the different manner of revelation, but meaſure of apprehenſion. Lord, let therefore my heart be enlarged with the love of thee now, that it may be filled with the more enjoyment of thee then.
(31)
I ſaw an Orchard planted with choice of, and the choiceſt of fruits, but no good husbandry beſtowed upon it afterwards, but ſuffered to lye undigged and over-grown with Nettles, and cropt by Cattel, ſo that the Trees were hinderly and ſhrubbed, having nothing neer attained that growth which otherwiſe they would. I heard a Sermon the other day, wherein I heard ſuch ſmart and ſeaſonable exhortations as poſſeſt my ſoul with many pious purpoſes, which yet alas wanted that good husbandry which ſhould have cauſed thoſe thoughts to flouriſh into good works. I am ſenſible I have loſt a precious advantage, I will therefore beſtir me to recollect them out of the rubbiſh of impertinencies which lye in my heart, and will take care of them that they be fenced with circumſpection, ſtak't with reſolution, digged about with religious exerciſe, wed with caution, and watered with prayer.
(32)
An Hog was wallowing in his mire, while the neat Cat ſat licking her ſelf and waſhing her face, not willing to wet her foot, though for fiſh ſo much deſired; I praiſed her cleanlineſſe, and would have done more, but that I conſidered it was not out of election, but diſpoſition, that ſhe was ſo cleanly. Lord, ſome ſins are eſcaped me, not becauſe I have choſen thy precepts, but I have a natural diſinclination to them; if thou hadſt never forbidden it, I ſhould never have been a drunkard, that cloud in the brain, and fretting heat in the ſtomack, which but one draught between meals alwayes occaſioneth, is a ſufficient bridle againſt that intempenance; But Oh that all the conſiderations which Divine or Humane Light afford, were ſufficient to check thoſe ſins to which my conſtitution violently prompteth.
(33)
Going by water, the water-man was very curious of my ſitting, if I turned about, he ſaid It hindered his Boats going; every motion was to him a fault, and my tongue could hardly be removed from ſide to ſide, but 'twas complained of, and this that our paſſage might be more ſpeedy. How nice a thing is peace of conſcience, how ſmall a more offends it, not acts of ſin only, but purpoſes to ſin, nor thoſe only, but abortive motions, yea, concupiſcences not conſented to, the pure eyes of an infinitely holy God, are ſomething paralled by the quick ſence of a tender conſcience.
(34)
The bloud in the Arteries is full of ſpirits and pulſe which it looſeth in the veins, and therefore is returned again into the heart to receive there new heat and refection. Every inſtitution, though in its firſt inſtruments it were lively and profitable, yet in its after traductions, it generally grows languid and corrupt, and had need of a review. Religion in the Primitive times was like bloud in the Arteries, but now as in the Veins, and ſure it had need be often returned to the heart, again rectified by the Word.
(35)
I ſaw a Tree which grew by a too potent neighbour that over-grew it, and dript it ſhrewdly, but yet it thruſt forth its boughs, endeavouring to gain the open Heavens, and the Suns uninterrupted aſpect, Lord, thou knoweſt thoſe inordinate deſires which grow ſo neer my heart, how much my ſoul is dript by them, and how weak all my actings of grace are becauſe of them; if it be thy will let them be grub'd up by the roots; if otherwiſe, let my ſoul be averſe and turn away from it, endeavouring after a free acting to thee, that I may partake of the dews of thy grace, and the ſhining of thy favour.
(36)
In a field of Oats, I obſerved there were ſome taller then the reſt, and of a much fairer ſhew, which when I had examined, I fund were light and husky, and no wiſe comparable for ſubſtance with the reſt, for theſe were wilde ones. In the worſhip of God thoſe things which are of humane invention ſeem much more plauſible, and carry before them a much greater ſhew of devotion then thoſe which are of divine inſtitution: what a glorious appearance to the eyes of fleſh and bloud hath a curiouſly engraved Crucifix, or a Popiſh Proceſſion compared with the ſimplicity of the Sacramental preparation; how laudable ſeems the Salt and Spittle, and thoſe other knacks of Papiſtical Ceremony in reſpect of the Baptiſmal Lotion, but you will find that as theſe are fair, ſo they are wilde, not being of divine appointment and empty, not having the divine promiſe to make them virtual for the nouriſhment of ſouls.
(37)
In a ſtreet of London, as I paſſed by, I obſerved over an Entry written, This is Court, which when I conſidered to make true Engliſh of, I obſerved between is and Court a Flower de luce fairly carved, whereby I underſtood that ſuperſcription intended to tell you, That there was Flower de luce Court. God hath diſcovered his truth to us foreign, ſometimes ſignifying his mind to us in figures, and not in words at length, ſometimes by things done, as when Torquatus cut off the heads of the higheſt Poppyes; ſometimes by very omiſſions, as Melchiſedechs Genealogie; ſometimes by halfe words, as that important truth of Chriſts Divinity, where a piece of a word foreign in oppoſition to foreign, differenceth the Meſſiah from the whole Creation; therefore 'tis unſafe to conclude any thing from the word, till with much caution we conſider how, and what is concluded.
(38)
A perſon accuſtomed to walk with a fine ſtaffe neatly painted, met with his adverſary, with whom words grew to that height that they came to blows, whereupon he threw away the fine ſtaffe then in his hand, and catcht up a rough Crab-tree Cudgel, fit to give ſuch unkind embraces as he intended. When men look upon their concernments as but indifferent, they like well to make uſe of thoſe fine perſons, who think they get ſo much repute and reverence by the poliſhed ſentences that mans with teacheth, but when they apprehend their ſouls lying under preſſing exigences, they then deſire to apply themſelves to thoſe whoſe holineſſe and zeal, and ſoul-ſearching Miniſtry have begotten an expectation of ſoul-good from them, and who by their being an example of good works have made their very youth venerable.
(39)
I ſaw a Picture of the King on horſe-back, and though I had no skill in limning, yet I miſliked one of the horſes legs becauſe it held not a Symmetry with the reſt of the Horſe, nor agreed with that poſture wherein the horſe was repreſented. There is no better way for a leſſe diſcerning judgement to judge of the motions of the heart, whether they be of the Spirit of God, then to obſerve their agreement with the mind of the Spirit, diſcovered in the Word, with which if they are not harmonions and analogicall, 'tis certain they are not indited by that Spirit which is alwayes like it ſelfe, and in whom is no variableneſſe, nor ſhadow of changing.
(40)
Being to ſpeak with a perſon whoſe Chamber was foure pair of Stairs high, I was almoſt tyred with climbing up to it, having been well travelled before hand; which made me to think that if there were a Jacobs ladder whoſe top ſhould reach to Heaven, and that were to be aſcended by bodily action, it would be a matter of no ſmall time & labour to get thither, an age would hardly ſuffice for its accompliſhment. Can it then be that thoſe cold wiſhings and wouldings ſhould ever bring a man thither, or that it will be ſo eaſie at the laſt gaſp to leap out of the Devils lap into Akrahams boſome.
(41)
Oyntment made as hot as can be, applyed to an horſe outwardly, will not ſcall'd him, but a drench given him inwardly little more then blood warm, will kill him. Imploy an hypocrite about any thing of outward action, let it be never ſo eminent, and he will keep pace with your expectation, there is no foiling him upon that account, but engage him on that which ſhall neceſſarily require ſelf-deny-all, or the mortification of his ſecret luſt, in that you ſhall find him more jadiſh then could be imagined.
(42)
A perſon that went naked neckt, was reprehended by a friend, as uſing a garb immodeſt and unlawfull; which ſhe gain-ſaying, they agreed to put their different judgements to the deciſion of a grave Divine of their acquaintance, to whom the Lady preſenting her ſelf, demanded his opinion whether it were lawfull for her to uſe that mode? to whom he anſwered, That he conceived that guize unlawfull for thoſe whoſe azure veins meandring in their ſoft and pearly boſomes, might be a temptation to luſt, but he thought it lawfull for her whoſe ſwarthy skin and courſe grain afforded no ſuch temptation. How great and manifeſt is our pride and vanity, that to follow the faſhion we not only ſubject our ſelves to thole garbs which are inconvenient and trouble-ſome, but alſo diſcover thoſe imperfections that cauſe others to deride and ſcorn us.
(43)
I went to hear a Sermon, and intending to joyn with the Miniſter in his prayer before it, he began with ſo low a voice that I might gueſſe what he ſaid, hear I could not, yet was I in the poſture of a Supplicant, and my mind directed thereto, but my time was meerly loſt, being unfitted for a private devotion with the expectation of that which was publick, and not in a capacity to joyn in publick devotion, becauſe I heard not what was ſaid. Miſerable Papiſts, how are they abuſed with their Latine Service, wherein they cannot pray by themſelves being diſturbed by a noiſe of words, nor with others being ignorant of the Tongue, for which blind devotion yet our Countrey men took arms in Edward the ſixth dayes; yea, indeed how heartleſs is that devotion, that underſtands not what it doth, or minds not what it underſtands?
(44)
A Gentleman of quality, but no good qualities, profeſt a great deal of good liking to me, and affection for me; I begun to conſider what I had done that might oblige ſuch a perſon whom all good would diſoblige; I began to ſuſpect I had not walked uprightly, and that he had miſconſtrued my civillity for approbation; thus I parted from him with much diſtruſt of my ſelf; but the next time I came into his company, his countenance was altered, and I had ſuch an aſpect from him as was uſuall from ſuch as he. Surely things and men receive much of diſcovery from the men that like them, there being an eternall oppoſition between the bad and good; and from their love we may judge much of the quality of the object; whence I ever ſuſpected that thoſe wayes in worſhip or otherwiſe were not good, which your profane, ſwearing, wicked perſons contend and ſtickle for. Phocian making an Oration to the people of Athens, which was generally by them applauded, ſaid to a friend that ſtood by, What unhandſomeſs hath ſlipt from me, that this evil people ſo much approve of.
(45)
Reading of a Book which treated of horſeman-ſhip, I found this Tetraſtick.
If a Colt have four white feet keep him not a day;
If he have three white feet put him ſoon away;
If he have two white feet ſend him to thy friend;
If he have one white foot keep him to his lives end.
I could not deviſe the reaſon why the odds of white ſhould be ſo great odds in the choice, or what a black or white foot ſhould conduce to the goodneſſe of the horſe; but ſometime after I had a gelding, an able horſe indeed, but for that cauſe only not approved, becauſe he had three white feet, for the white foot before, was much more brittle and hoof-bound, and far leſſe than the other that was black, ſo that he was never hard travelled, but he complained of it; whence I concluded, that whiteneſſe in the hoof did either cauſe, or argue brittleneſs and other faults beſides. There is no ſuch Doctor as experience; how much is the doctrine of Aſſurance inveighed againſt as an inlet to licentiouſneſs, as if that ſoul muſt be bold to ſin, that had certainty to be ſaved, whereas to the ſoul that hath had experience of this affair, there is nothing then the contrary more manifeſt; for that Spirit which ſeals the ſoul to the day of redemption, ſeals it by the impreſſion of its own holineſſe upon it, begetting thereby in it an oppoſition to ſin, ſo as that if there were no hell to fear, yet ſin would be reſiſted, as that which is contrary to that holy principle, and deſtructive to this new creature; yea, this Spirit acts the ſoul to God as its higheſt and chiefeſt good; for which cauſe it preſſeth after him with all acts of duty and ſerviceableneſſe, whereby it may more enjoy him, and dreads ſin more than death, as being that which ſeparates it from his God, whom he loves and prizeth above life it ſelf.
(46)
The heart of Oake grows from the top to the bottom of the Tree, as appears when if the upper part of a young Oak be cut off, there will be heart to be ſeen, but at the lower end not any. Our zeal for wayes of worſhip, or ought elſe ſhould have its original upwards, beginning in conviction of the judgement from cleer and apparent evidence of truth, whereas that which is not according to knowledg, is like a mettal'd horſe, but head-ſtrong; or like ſtrong purges in unskilfull hands, rather likely to kill, then cure.
(47)
When I obſerve how many ſparks of fire may be ſtricken out of a little ſhiver of a Flint, I have been ready to think that a Paradoxical expreſſion, as cold as a ſtone, and have wondered it ſhould not burn ones fingers; but I conſidered that fire is generated or manifeſted but by contrition, by which yet other is extinguiſhed. There are many perſons of ſuch meek and calm tempers, that you would think they had no fire, for you ſhall not diſcover any heat; but let them be oppoſed in matters of Religion or otherwiſe, 'tis like the rubbing of a dry ſtick till it inflame, by that oppoſition they gather heat, and ſhew more ſire then could poſſibly be imagined.
(48)
At a Sermon I ſaw a perſon ſo earneſt to write it that he left his devotion before the prayer was done to provide tackling ready for the purpoſe; but as though he had been a Clock wound up for one hour, aſſoon as the glaſſe was out, his fit was over, though the diſcourſe were continued a little longer, and more pertinent and uſefull then the former part. The Apoſtle ſaith, The Spirit of the Prophets is ſubject to the Prophets, ſo as that they are not impulſt into diſorder and confuſion; and as that is a prepoſterous worſhip wherein one ſervice leaps over the back of another, ſo is that a purſy devotion, the pulſes whereof are numbred exactly with the ſands of the glaſſe; and they have a carnall Religion, who think not dayes and nights too tedious at Cards, or a Tavern, but would have been ſadly put to it, had they been Pauls Auditors, when he preacht till midnight.
(49)
Two Merchant ſhips met at Sea with 16 ſail of Turks men of war, againſt whom, though it were impoſſible to make ſuch reſiſtance as to come off, yet they were reſolved to ſell their lives at a dear rate; therefore with utmoſt height of courage they fought them for a while, which the enemy ſeeing, and obſerving their reſolution ſuch, as that their prize would not equall their loſſe, they drew off and left them. In that conteſt which our ſouls have with our ſpiritual enemyes, he that fights moſt reſolved comes off beſt; weak reſiſtance incourageth the aſſault, and he that parlyes is like Eve in Paradiſe more than half loſt; the ſureſt way to overcome is to reſiſt ſtedfaſtly in the faith.
(50)
Some Engliſh Merchants being in Africk, and hunting there the wild Bore, they had one in chaſe, and almoſt tyred him, ſo that he manifeſtly gave out; when a leſſer, but a freſh one, was difloged from the adjoyning thickets and joyned himſelfe with the former, by whoſe company he was ſo animated, that he aſſumed new courage and ſtrength, ſo that he eſcaped the hunters hands. We read in Acts 2.42. That the new Converts continued in the Apoſtles Doctrine and Fellowſhip, not ſo much to ſhew their complyance to Chriſtian diſcipline, as to be fortified with that conſociation. Mal. 3.16. Then they that feared the Lord ſpake often one to another. The People of God in their troubles, are not a little animated by the aſſiſtancy of fellow-ſufferers: Paul, when he ſaw the Brethren, took courage, Acts 28.18.
(51)
I was in a place where a ſtory was painted in the windows, it was very rare and curious, but me-thought the workmanſhip did not make amends for the harm it did in darkning the windows, whoſe principall uſe is to give light. There are many Ceremonies which have a fine appearance when they are uſed in divine worſhip, but me-thinks they make not amends for the harm they do in diſtracting the mind from that inward intention ſo principally required in divine adoration, having a tendency rather ()as a Noble perſon ſaid of a great Ladyes ſinging Mattens, that it heightned or deſtroyed, he knew not whether, all the hearers devotion) to delight the carnall, then raiſe the affections of the inward man.
(52)
Looking upon a Spinſter, I obſerved that if the Flax be drawn out too fine, it breaks and is uſeleſſe, if too groſſely it is gouty and unhandſome, but the mean as the ſtrength of the Flax will bear, is beſt to the ſight and for uſe. The handling of any ſubject too finely is ſeldome profitably, and too rudely is tedious and diſguſtfull, but as the ſtrength of the ſubject will bear (like Bird-lime at a due rate) takes moſt, and holds beſt.
(53)
I obſerved then too, that 'tis not the pulling out the Flax alone that makes a thread, but the twiſting of it, and rendring it upon the quill. 'Tis not a crew of words or ſentences poured on us like hail, that benefits the mind, or makes a cord to draw it forth to action, but our conſiderate obſervation, and prudent application to our particular uſe.
(54)
And then I ſaw a broken end is not thrown away, but applyed to the Flax, and with gentle handling made an uſefull thread with the reſt. A diſſenting brother is often rendred unprofitable, not ſo much by his own peeviſhneſs, as our ſlighting, who if complyingly dealt with, might in time wind on the ſame bottom with the reſt.
(55)
A Wood-pecker by a job of her bill againſt a Tree, knows by the ſound whether it be hollow, and then pierceth an hole through the outward ſolid part, and layes up its brood in the hollowneſs. If by the vanity of our diſcourſe Satan diſcover that our hearts are hollow and empty of good thoughts, he will with temptation ſoon pierce our beſt defences, and lay up a brood of vile luſts there.
(56)
When wild beaſts get into Corn or good Paſtures, they are more eyefull and circumſpect then at other times, alwayes hearkning after the leaſt intimations of danger. When affairs ſucceed proſperouſly with us, our cautions ſhould be greateſt, for our dangers are. David took more harm upon the roof of the houſe, then in the Cave.
(57)
A parcel of fat ſheep are deſigned by their owner to the ſlaughter, this to day, that the next, and another the day following, while they rejoyce in their eaſe and full feeding, and neither forethink, nor foreknow the evill hour. How often fareth it thus with the ſons of men, who pride it in their enjoyments, and rejoyce in their plenty, not conſidering that God above hath appointed death to ſeize on them, they know not how ſoon, nor caring to provide for the day of viſitation.
(58)
If any danger threaten the Conies, they ſend preſently to their holes; ſo the Doves flye to their windows. When troubles are abroad, the Saints ſecurity is in their Rock Chriſt.
(59)
The hunting Spanniel beats the fields with much labour and ſagacity to find his game, which when he hath found, they ſpring and flee away, and his ſport is to run with an antery after them; and thus, when the day is ſpent, he comes weary, and faint, and hungry home, for what he hath got all day will not fill one of his teeth at night. thus is it with fooliſh worldlings, who with much labour and heat of deſire, hunt after the things of this world, which when found, flee away, and their delight is in purſuing, not enjoying; and when the day of life is ſpent in theſe endeavours, the night of death finds him weary and faint, without one crum of comfort to refreſh a departing ſoul with.
(60)
Milk will pierce through thoſe wooden veſſels through which water finds no paſſage, though ſeemingly much thinner. Curious and poliſht diſcourſe, though it may ſeem more taking, yet penetrates leſſe then that which is plain and more ſolid.
(61)
I had a Spanniel, which having hunted indeſatigably after his game, and happily caught eat it not, nor afterward when it was roaſted would touch a bone of it. I have ſeen ſuch covetous worldlings who would not enjoy thoſe goods which with much care and pains they ſought to get, but have gone with tattered backs and pinched bellyes, not becauſe they had not full, but would have fuller Coffers.
(62)
Partridges that have lain faſt when the net hath been run over them have eſcaped the danger, when thoſe which have thought to eſcape by flying away have flown into the Net, and loſt their lives. Thoſe lawfull means which God hath afforded and allowed us, would have ſecured us, when unlawfull means which we have thought better, have been our ruine.
(63)
The Partridge that hath been once intangled in a Net, and hath eſcaped, will be ſure to flee away if the Net be but ſhewn the ſecond time. Surely, he is more than brutiſhly unwiſe, that hath been ſnared in a temptation, and recovered by repentance, that will not be ſhy afterwards.
(64)
The Spanniel ſets at a diſtance from the Partridges, as if he meant not to meddle with them, nor intended their death or danger, but thereby points them out, and betrayes them to deſtruction. Temptation at the firſt aſſault uſually ſpeaks us fair, as if it deſigned not our harm, but if not then reſiſted or avoided, into how deadly precipices are we hurryed by it?
(65)
The beſt Setter if diſuſed from the ſport, and hunted like a common Spanniel, though there may remain ſome principles of his art in him, yet he will ſoon loſe the practice of it, and become like one of them, and it will require no ſmall time and pains to reſtore him to his former excellency. The moſt ſanctified perſon if he forbear the exerciſes of Religion, and ingage in the purſuit of the world with the worldly, though the ſeed of God may remain in him, yet he will find himſelf much degenerated, and no ſmall adoe to reſtore in him thoſe loſt habits of vertue.
(66)
The moſt punctual Setter if not kept ſtrait to his rules, will ſoon get a trick of running in, or contract ſome other evill habitsd. 'Twas the Apoſtles counſell to Chriſtians, to walk accurately, and not without great reaſon, for if we walk not cloſe by rule, we ſhall ſoon grow unruly.
(67)
'Tis the Setters excellency to hunt for his game with the higheſt mettal, but when he hath found it, to obſerve his diſtance, elſe he incurs his Maſters anger, and laſh. In ſeekking after the things of this world, 'tis Solomons advice, What thou takeſt in hand to do, do it with all thy might; Yet when they are obtained, to keep the ſoul from too neer a conjunction by immoderate love, leaſt God be angry, and thou plagued.
(68)
The experienced Setter ranging the fields, takes no notice of the Larks, and other ſmall Birds, that fooliſh Curs run at; but let him croſſe upon the ſcent of Partridges, he points at them preſently, and ſets down there. The religious ſoul while he is converſant in this world, though he meet with many fair appearances of pleaſure and profit, which worldlings with hue and cry purſue, yet he baulks them as not being for his purpoſe, but let him croſſe upon an expedient that conduceth Heavenward, he takes to it preſently, as being that which he had in his deſign.
(69)
A Net hath many holes, therefore ſeems not dangerous, but in that is the couzenage, for there is none paſſable. Sin ſeems to preſent us with many fair hopes of evading, but if once entred in, is like a grated priſon whence no coming out till the payment of the utmoſt farthing.
(70)
Cloſe a Woodpecker in her hollow tree with a wedg driven in never ſo forcibly, yet, if you kill her not, ſhe will make her way through again. If vile and revengeful thoughts get room once in our hearts, unleſſe they be mortified with much contrition and holy ſorrow, they will ſhew themſelves in ſad effects, notwithſtanding all the bars that nature or reaſn can lay upon them.
(71)
I ſaw a Land-skip having Mountains and Trees, and Caſtles, and Groves, which though particularly expreſſing that variety in a Landskip requiſite, yet thoſe ſeveral things were ſo joyntly placed, that together they repreſented a mans head. Gods dealings with his people have ſuch various aſpects, that they ſeem nothing leſſe then to promote their benefit, and appear nothing different from the diſtractions and confuſions which befall other men, yet are they by the divine providence ſo dispoſed, that according to the Apoſtle they do co-operate to effect their good.
(72)
I rode by a field which was very good ground, but yet bear a pittyful crop, not but that the Land was in very good heart, and fit for an ample production, but the husbandman preſuming upon its ſtrength, had been wanting to give it that tillage as was requiſite. How many by too much confidence have miſcarryed through preſumption of their abilities, ingaging in divine affairs with ſo cold preparation, that they have come off poorly, without that anſwer upon their ſpirits, that might have been otherwiſe expected.
(73)
I ſaw a veſſel of water upon the ground, and I obſerved it ſpread its ſelf to every part, to the ſearching of every cranny, and filling of every crevice. The new-birth is ſaid to be by the water and the ſpirit, the ſpirit in that birth being as water, not only that it cleanſeth the ſoul, but that it diffuſeth it ſelf univerſally, leaving not any part unſearched, not any luſt unmortified, but ingaging the ſoul to cleanſe from all filthineſſe of fleſh and ſpirit, and perfecting holineſſe in the fear of God.
(74)
I had a Lamb whoſe Dam forſook it aſſoon as it was yeaned, they brought it home and ſuckled it upon one of the Cows, which in a few dayes grew as fond of it, as of her own Calfe; the Lamb grew up, and applyed her ſelf wholly to the Kine, bleating after them (if at any time ſhe miſt them) and by no means aſſociating her ſelf with the ſheep, her natural companions. When God made a Covenant with Abraham and his Seed, he gives this as a reaſon, Becauſe he knew Abraham that he would teach his children, and his houſehold after him to keep the Commandements of the Lord: Good education having ſo great an influence, that it generally engageth men to a profeſſion, ſometimes ſo introduceth grace, that the time when converſion hath been wrought is not diſcovered, and we may impute it ſomewhat to this cauſe, that we find a ſeries of religious perſons in Davids family and ſome others. Good cauſe to be perſwaded that the faith which dwelt in the Grandmother Lais, and Mother Eunice, would be in the ſon Timothy alſo, when from a child he had known the holy Scriptures.
(75)
The beams of the Sun as they are ſcattered at large do not much heat, when at the ſame time contracted in a burning-glaſſe, they inflame combuſtible matter fitly placed. The beams of Goſpel light as they are diffuſed in publick preaching, much affect not, but if gathered together by recollection, and applyed by ſerious conſideration, then is the ſoul like to take the holy fire of divine grace at them.
(76)
I rode by a Garden where I ſaw ſtore of graſſe growing in the walks, and other plants heaped one upon another in diſorder, which had a moſt ungratefull ſight in that place, which yet did not much amiſs in the adjoyning field. Thoſe that have given their names to God, they are his Garden, and diſorderly luſts raging there, are much more provoking the eyes of divine glory then in thoſe who are profeſſedly profane; the man without a wedding garment might have ſcap't, (at leaſt without ſo ſevere an Animadverſion) if he had not intruded to that nuptiall feaſt.
(77)
I had a Clove-Gilliflower of a very good ſort, which being ſet in a cold ground, and not that care had of it that ſhould have been, the firſt and ſecond years it bear Cloves, but the third year only ſingle white ones. If the heart be planted with the generous purpoſes, and the moſt noble reſolutions, yet will there be a forſaking of the firſt love, and a degenerating into low and carnall complyances; where there is not a conſtant culturage exerciſed, and care had to keep up the bent of the ſoul, and actuate grace, for if the laſt things be not better then the firſt, the latter end will be worſe than the beginning.
(78)
I ſaw two parcels of Cattel turned into one Cloſe of ground, where at their firſt meeting they ſhewed their diſtinction by their ſeparation and hoſtility, but after they had ſo entred common for a few dayes, their oppoſition ceaſed, and they mingled one with another, without any difference. There is nothing preſerveth Faction, like Separation; a community in priviledges and preferments, diſſolves thoſe diſtinctions and animoſities which would have been ſtill kept a foot by a diverſe aſpect. The Pope in that great defection from him, renewed in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth, when he ſaw there was no likelihood of a preſent return, yet kept his faction on foot, by that Bull forbidding them any community with the Proteſtants in worſhip, whereby that party was kept viſible and entire, which otherwiſe would have mouldred away, and have been ſwallowed up of that which was more prevalent, and they were preſerved as Recuſants, that would have been loſt as Papiſts.
(79)
A Landskip having the particulars ſo diſpoſed of, as that together they repreſented a mans head; being ſhew'd to many, none apprehended it other then a Landskip (as it ſeemed to be) but being told that it was a mans head, and ſeeing the reaſon of the repreſentation, and their fancy poſſeſt with it, they could not apprehend it as any other. When men unacquainted with the myſtery of Godlineſſe, are converſant in the externall worſhip of God, they are intent only upon the opus operatum, and are taken up meerly with the outward performance; but when the vail is taken off their hearts, they then perceive there is a further deſign, ordinances being ſo diſpoſed by the divine grace, that the reſult of them may be the inward man, and the dedication of the affections of the heart to God.
(80)
Being ingaged in a long and difficult employment, and conſidering how much was yet to do, I grew faint, and half reſolved to deſert it, but looking back and finding how many leaves were diſpatched, I took courage, and reſolved not to end, till I had ended. In my progreſs heavenward, when I look forward and view thoſe Legions of luſts from within to be fought with, beſide thoſe oppoſitions from without which emerg daily, and the many difficulties which on every ſide make that way ſtrait, I am even at a ſtand; but when I turn mine eyes, and behold how much the grace of God hath already conquered, I reſolve through divine aſſiſtance not to ſit down till there be not a Canaanite left, for though the difficulties are many and great, yet ipſo opere poſcitur animus, and every fight leaves me ſtronger and more expert.