Chapter I: Part 1

EXPERIMENTS

OF

Spiritual Life & Health,

And their

PRESERVATIVES

In which the _weakest_ Child of _God_ may get _Assurance_ of his
Spirituall _Life_ and _Blessednesse_

And the _Strongest_ may finde proportionable _Discoveries_ of his
_Christian Growth_, and the _means_ of it.

By _Roger Williams_ of _Providence_ in
_New-England_.

London, Printed, in the Second Month,
1652.

RE-PRINTED BY
SIDNEY S. RIDER,
PROVIDENCE.
1863.

INTRODUCTION.

As the existence of the following tract was, until quite recently, unknown,[A] a few words of introduction, exhibiting its character and the circumstances under which it was written, may not be inappropriate.

[A] Professor Knowles, in his Memoir of Roger Williams, makes the following statement: Mr. Williams is said to have published, in London, in 1652, a work entitled "Experiments in Spiritual Life and Health, and their Preservatives." Of this book, no copy has come to our knowledge.

The object of the work is, briefly to present to the christian the evidences of personal piety and guard these evidences from abuse and misapprehension. It is divided into three parts. The author first treats of the evidences of a piety, which, though real, is weak and imperfect; secondly, the evidences of a vigorous and maturer piety; and the third part contains directions for maintaining and increasing piety in the soul of the believer. It is written with clearness and discrimination, and much resembles the treatises of Baxter on the same subject. It is as well adapted to the condition of christians of the present day as to the condition of those for whom it was written, two hundred and ten years since. There cannot be found in it a word of sectarian bitterness; on the contrary, it everywhere breathes the spirit of catholic, christian charity.

The circumstances under which it was written are certainly peculiar. It seems that his wife, to whom he appears to have been tenderly attached, had been dangerously ill, but was now recovering. During her sickness he had been from home, laboring among the Indians; and while absent, he wrote this little treatise in the form of a letter to her, his object being simply to promote her spiritual improvement. At the request of his friends, it was published in London; and a dedication was prefixed to it, addressed to Lady Vane the Younger. In this dedication, occurs the following remarkable passage: "The form and stile I know will seem to this refined age too rude and barbarous, and the truth is, the most of it was penned and writ, (so as seldom or never such discourses were,) in the thickest of the naked Indians of America, in their very wild houses, and by their barbarous fires, when the Lord was pleased this last year (more than ordinarily) to dispose my abode and travel among them."

As a writer, Roger Williams has generally borne the reputation of a violent and bitter controversialist. I believe that in this respect he has suffered great injustice. It would seem from this tract, that, on the contrary, his spirit was eminently candid and catholic, and that controversy was to him a painful duty. In the same dedication he says: "It is true, I have been sometimes prest to engage in controversies, but I can really and uprightly say, my witness is on high, how harsh and dolefull the touch of these strings are, [is,] and especially against such worthies both in old and New England, in whom I joyfully, before the world, acknowledge (in many heavenly respects) a lively character and image of the love of God." Every thing in this tract is in harmony with such a declaration.

STEPHEN RANDALL, Esq., a descendant of Roger Williams, a gentleman who cherishes a proper respect for the memory of his great ancestor, has been at much pains to procure the use of one of the only two known copies of this work, and at his instance it is now re-published. It is nearly a _fac simile_ of the original copy, retaining, unchanged, all the obsolete words and phrases, with all the peculiarities of orthography. In this form it will be more interesting to the public, and especially to antiquarians, than it could be made by any change whatever. In the hope, that, after the lapse of more than two centuries, it will again be acceptable to christians of all denominations, and exhibit in a new light the character of a great and good man, it is now presented to the descendants of the Puritans.

F. W.

_Providence, December 1st, 1862._

To the truly Honorable the Lady _Vane_, the Younger.

Madam,

_Your favourable, and_ Christian respects _to me_ (_both of former and latter date_) _your_ Godly _and_ Christian Letters _to me, so many thousand miles distant in_ America: _And your many gracious_ Demonstrations _of an humble and_ Christian Spirit _breathing in you; are a three fold_ Cord _which have drawn these lines into your presence_.

_While I have sometimes mused how to express a_ Christian gratitude, _I am at last perswaded to crave your_ Ladyships acceptance _of these poore_ Experiments _of each true_ Christians personall union, _and_ communion _with the_ Father _of_ Spirits.

_It is true, I have been sometimes prest to engage in_ controversies, _but I can really and uprightly say, my_ Witnes _is on_ high, _how harsh and doleful the_ touch _of those_ strings _are, especially, against such_ Worthies _both in_ old _and new_-England, _in whom I joyfully before the world acknowledge_ (_in many heavenly respects_) _a lively character and_ Image _of the_ Son _of God. This broken_ piece, _is a breath of a_ still _and_ gentle voice, _none but the_ God _of this_ world, _and the_ men _of this_ world, _can I lightly_ (_at this turne_) _expect my_ opposites.

_At other times I have been drawne to consider of the little_ flock _of_ Jesus, _his_ Army, _his_ body, _his_ building, _that for these many hundred years have been_ scattered, routed _and_ laid wast _and_ desolate: _At present, I onely examine who are the_ personall _and_ particular Sheep of Jesus Christ, _his_ Souldiers, _his living_ materials, _though_ scattered, divided, _and not_ compos'd _and ordred at their souls desire_.

_I confess_ (Madam) _it was but a_ private _and_ sudden discourse, _sent in private to my poor_ Companion _and_ Yoak-fellow, _occasioned by a sudden_ sickness _threatening_ death, _into which, and from which it pleased the_ Lord _most graciously to cast and raise her_.

_The_ forme _and_ stile _I know will seem to this refined_ age, _too rude and barbarous: And the_ truth _is, the most of it was penn'd and writ (so as seldom or never such discourses were) in the thickest of the naked_ Indians _of_ America, _in their very wild_ houses, _and by their barbarous_ fires; _when the Lord was pleased this last year (more then ordinarily) to dispose of my_ abode _and_ travell _amongst them. And yet, is the_ Language _plaine? it is the liker_ Christs: _Is the composure rude? such was his outward_ Beauty: _Are the tryals (seemingly) too close? such is the two edged_ Sword _of his most_ holy Spirit, _which pierceth between the very_ Soul _and_ Spirit, _and bringeth every_ thought _into the_ obedience _of_ Christ Jesus.

_Amongst the many_ Crowns _of_ mercy (Madam) _which it hath pleased the_ Father _of mercies to crowne your_ soul _with, as_ David _speaks of his_, Psal. 103. _there are two which justly challenge (and your Ladyship I know doth humbly acknowledge them) to be the fairest_.

[Sidenote: 1 Cor. 3.]

_The first, That he himselfe most_ high, _most_ holy, (_who makes his common_ choice, _the_ poor, _Jam. 2. and chooseth few_ Lords, _few_ Knights, _few_ Ladies, (_few_ wise, _few_ noble, _few_ mighty) _hath freely chosen you_ Madam, _in so gracious and blessed a_ measure, _to_ desire _to_ feare _his_ Name.

_A second, That for your dearest_ Companion _and_ Guide _in this vale of_ tears (_amongst the famous_ Worthies _of this_ age) _he hath graciously guided you to such a blessed_ choice, _of such an_ Husband _on_ earth, _who beares so bright an_ Image _of your_ Husband _in the_ Heavens, _and in whose most holy and gracious_ hand, _he hath been such a_ mercifull _and_ faithfull Instrument, _for both the_ freedoms _both of the_ outward _and_ inner _man_.

_I doe humbly acknowledge (that upon an absolute account) all is mercy, and yet I am also humbly confident, that in a_ respect (_as he graciously remembered his old friend_ Abraham, _and tels us of a speciall love he yet bears the_ Jewes _for_ Abrahams _sake, even so, he hath graciously vouchsafed at this present an_ honorable remembrance _to the NAMES of some of his more_ eminent _former_ friends _and_ witnesses.

_How hath he crowned the_ memory _of those his 2 zealous_ Servants _in K._ Henry _the 8th. his days[B] with a most eminent and blessed_ succession _of such_ names _and_ spirits _at this day? and in a gracious_ remembrance _of his love to that blessed_ daughter _and_ witnesse _of his the_ Lady Vane _in Q._ Maries _dayes; how hath it pleased his_ wisedom _and_ goodnesse, _to remember and to honour that_ Name, _both in your Ladiship and so many otherways, with so many loving kindnesses at this day_?

[B] Cromwel and Lambert.

_My humble cry_ (Madam) _to the_ Lord _shall never cease, those all those your many_ obligations _of both_ temporall _and_ eternall mercies, _may_ (_like chaines of_ Adamant) _draw and bind your precious_ Soul _more and more to resolve (by his grace assisting) to make his name_ great, _who hath made your so and so to love his_ Name, _his_ Son, _his_ Spirit, _his_ Truth, _his_ Children, _that others at the_ Torch _of your_ exemplary meeknesse _and_ fear _of_ God, _may light and kindle theirs; That your_ Souls-eye _more and more brightly may see him who is_ invisible, _and may so experimentally resent those_ invisible _and_ internal Honors, pleasures _and_ profits _that are in him that in comparison_ _thereof the_ visible _and_ worldly, _may be accounted by you but_ dreams _of_ shadows, _&c. That your_ great desire _may be a_ likenesse _of so_ high _and_ holy, _and so dear a_ Saviour, _and_ (_as in other_ excellencies _so_) _in that especially of a desire_ of saving _others_, _your_ Children, Kindred, Servants, Friends, _yea_, Enemies: _that neither the pleasing_ calme _of_ prosperity, _nor the dreadfull_ storms _of_ changes, _may quench or dampe that holy_ fire _of your souls_ love (_in_ Life _and_ Death) _to_ Him _whom your_ Ladyship _hath so much infinite cause to love, but never yet saw, in whom, and for ever_

_I desire to be_

Your HONOURS unfeignedly faithfull.

=R. W.=

To every truly _Christian Reader_.

[Sidenote: Thy Maker is thy Husband. Isa. 52.]

As it is in the _Earthly_, so it is in the _Heavenly Marriage_ of a poor _Sinner_ to his _Maker_. There useth first to passe a _private_ kindling of Love, and a private _consent_ and _promise_ (which sometimes are long) before the _open solemnity_, and the _publike profession_ of a Married Life together. This is my present _designe_, (not to controvert the matters of publike _Order_ and _Worship_, but) to present some poor Experiments of those Personall _excellencies_ of each true beleeving _soule_ and _spirit_.

[Sidenote: Isa. 40.]

[Sidenote: Prov. 21.]

The Holy _Spirit_ (in _Isaiah_) tels us of _Ballances_ wherein the most _High_ weighs the _Hills_ and _Mountains_: As also in _Solomon_, of _Ballances_ wherein hee weighs the very _Spirits_, even of men whose way is right in their owne eyes. And in _John_ (14.) he commands us to try the _Spirits_, pretending to come from _Christ Jesus_, whether they be of _God_, or no.

[Sidenote: Great pretences to the holy Spirit of God.]

There is not the grossest _Protestant_ or _Papist_, but pretends to the _Spirit_ of _God_; yea that horrid _Monster Mahomet_, blusht not to avouch that in the _Forme_ of a _Dove_, the holy _Spirit_ of _God_ did whisper in his _eare_ from _Heaven_. Now blessed is that _Spirit_, _publike_ or _private_, who is truly willing and joyfull to lye downe in the _Ballances_ of the _Lords_ weighings.

Hitherto tend these _Experiments_ of personal Communion with _God_ in the _Spirit of Holinesse_, _Rom. 1. 3_.

[Sidenote: To counterfeit the holy Spirit dreadfull.]

'Tis true, all publike and private _Christian Spirits_, pretend the _Spirit of Holinesse_: yea, how great a part of the _World_ pretend to be _Christendome_, the _Christian world_, that is, anointed with the _Spirit_ of _Christ Jesus_? But was it _Death_ in _Moses Rites_ to counterfeit that ceremoniall and figurative _Ointment_, _Exod. 30_. what shall it be to counterfeit the _Spirit_ of _Life_ and _Holiness_ it self? What I beleeve therefore (as _David_ and _Paul_ once spake) I freely speak: Yea, who can but speak (saith _Peter_ and _John_) the Things they have seene and heard? I confesse I spake these first but in a private _Letter_ in _America_, and thought not that the _light_ in _Europe_ should have seen them: But a two-fold _desire_ hath prevailed with me to expose these _Tryalls_ to the _Trying_ of all men.

1. The earnest _desire_ of some _Godly Friends_.

2. Mine owne _desire_ of sowing a little handfull of _spirituall seed_ while the short _Minute_ of my _seed-time_ (the _opportunity_ of life) lasteth.

[Sidenote: The least of the little ones of Christ Jesus ought to rejoyce.]

My scope is to fill each truly _Christian soule_ with _triumphing_ and _rejoycing_: I speak _peace_ and _joy_ to the Weakest _Lamb_ and _Child_ (in _Christianity_) that is so _low_, so _weake_, so _litle_, so _poor_ in its owne eyes, that it sometimes saith, it hath no _Christ_, no _Spirit_, no _Faith_, no _Love_, no nor true _Desire_ in it selfe. To this poore weake one I speak _peace_ and _joy_, and say, this _spirituall poverty_ is blessed, and is the first _step_ or _round_ of that spirituall _Ladder_, _Mat. 5_. Blessed are the poor in _spirit_, for theirs is the _Kingdome_ of _Heaven_.

Secondly, I found joyfull _Alarums_ of _Encouragement_ to the _strong_ to grow (as _Peter_ exhorteth) in the _Grace_ and _Knowledge_ of the _Lord Jesus_.

[Sidenote: Communion of Saints most sweet, and to be lamented after.]

Tis true, the _communion_ of _Saints_ is _sweet_ and joyfull, _strong_ and powerfull, eternally _gainfull_ and profitable; and holy and blessed is that _Spirit_ that makes the _Saints_ (who are the _Excellent_ of the Earth) its _Delight_, and after that blessed hour of the _Saints uniting_ in _one Heart_, _one Spirit_, _one Worship_, let all that love _Christ Jesus_ mourne and lament, and breath and pant: And yet the weakest and the faintest _Lamb_ that comes but stealing in the Crowd to touch the hemb of the _Lord Jesus_ his garment, that is content to be esteemed a _Dog_, and to wait for _crums_ of _mercy_ under the _Table_ of the Son of _God_: let them I say rejoyce also, for he that hath begun that blessed work by his owne free and eternall _Spirit_, will by the same his owne holy _Arme_, gloriously finish it.

I end (_Deare Christian_) with the _proposall_ of two _Christian knots_, or _Riddles_, not unsuitable to these present _Times_ and _Spirits_?

[Sidenote: Two Christian Riddles, suiting these times and spirits.]

_First_, Why is the _Heart_ of a _David_ himself (_Psa. 30._) more apt to decline from _God_, upon the Mountaine of _Joy_, _Deliverance_, _Victory_, _Prosperity_, then in the dark _Vale_ of the shadow of _Death_, _Persecution_, _Sicknesse_, _Adversity_, &c.

_Secondly_, Why is it, since _God_ worketh freely in us to _doe_ and to _will_ of his owne good pleasure, that yet he is pleased to command us to _work_ out our owne _Salvation_ with _Feare_ and _Trembling_? Let us all humbly beg the _Finger_ (the Spirit) of the Lord to untie these _Knots_ for us.

_I desire to be thine unfeighned in_
Christ Jesus,

_R. W._

The _Contents_ of this _Discourse_.

_The_ Heads _are three_.

_Under the_ first _are contained the_ Arguments _of_ Spirituall Life, _wherein the_ Weakest _and the_ Sickest _Child of_ God _may finde its_ Spirituall Life _apparent, though over-cast and_ eclipsed _with spirituall_ Weaknesse _and_ Distempers.

_Under the second_ Head, Arguments _of the strength and_ vigour _of the Spirit of_ Life _and_ Holinesse: _In which the_ strongest _and the_ eldest _in_ Christ, _may find_ Experiments _of Spirituall_ Health, _and Christian_ Activity _and chearfullnesse_.

_These_ Experiments _respect_,

1. _The Souls private_ correspondency _with the Lord himselfe_.

2. _Converse and_ correspondency _with_ Men.

3. _Private_ Retirednesses _with it selfe_.

_Under the third_ Head _are proposed some_ Means _wherein the_ Spirit _of_ God _usually breatheth for the preserving and maintaining of a truly Spirituall and_ Christian _Health and Chearfullnesse_.

The Letter which the Author sent with this Discourse to his Wife
_=M. W.=_ upon her recovery from a dangerous sicknesse.

My _Dearest Love_ and _Companion_ in this _Vale of Tears_.

[Sidenote: The true use of sicknesse.]

Thy late _sudden_ and _dangerous Sicknesse_, and the _Lords_ most _gracious_ and _speedy raising_ thee up from the _gates_ and _jawes_ of _Death_: as they were wonderfull in thine _own_, and others _eyes_, so I hope, and earnestly desire, they may be ever in our _thoughts_, as a _warning_ from _Heaven_ to make ready for a sudden _call_ to be gone from hence: to live the rest of our _short uncertaine span_, more as _strangers_, longing and breathing after another _Home_ and _Country_; To cast off our _great cares_ and _fears_ and _desires_ and _joyes_ about this _Candle_ of this _vaine life_, that is so soon _blowne_ out, and to trust in the living _God_, of whose wonderfull power and mercy thou hast had so much and so late _experience_, which must make thee sing with _David_ (_Psal. 103_.) _Blesse the Lord O my Soul, and all that is within me blesse his holy Name: Blesse the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgiveth all thy sins, and healeth thine infirmities: who redeemeth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee with mercy and loving kindnesse_.

My _dear Love_, since it pleaseth the _Lord_ so to dispose of me, and of my affairs at present, that I cannot often see thee, I desire often to send to thee. I now send thee that which I know will be sweeter to thee then the _Honey_ and the _Honey-combe_, and stronger refreshment then the strongest _wines_ or _waters_, and of more value then if every line and letter were thousands of _gold_ and _silver_. _Hezekiah_ upon his _recovery_ from his _sicknesse_, made a _writing_ (_Isai. 38_.) as an _everlasting monument_ of his _praise_ unto _God_, and as a _Goad_ or _spur_ to _himselfe_ and _others_ in the _wayes of godlinesse_ for the future.

Thy _holy_ and _humble_ desires are _strong_, but I know thy _writing_ is slow, and that thou wilt gladly accept of this my _poore helpe_, which with _humble thankefulnesse_ and _praise_ to the _Lord_, I humbly tender to his _holy service_, and thine in him.

[Sidenote: The outward and inner man.]

I send thee (though in _Winter_) an handfull of _flowers_ made up in a little _Posey_, for thy dear selfe, and our dear children, to look and smell on, when _I as the grasse of the field shall be gone, and withered_.

Wee know how it pleaseth the _spirit_ of _God_ to distinguish between the _outward_ and the _inner_ man, _2 Cor. 4_. [Though our _outward_ man perish; yet our _inner_ is renewed day by day:] It hath pleased the most _high_ to cast downe thy _outward_ man, and againe graciously to lift him up, and thereby to teach us both, to examine and try the _health_, and _strength_, and _welfare_ of the _inner_.

I will not now enter upon the _Disputes_ about that _question_, what is the _Inner-man_, whether _Christ himselfe_, as some say, or an _Image_ or _likenesse_ of _Christ Jesus_, as others say. That is a _Candle_ or _Torch_ to me, which is written _Ephes. 3_. That _Christ_ may dwell in your _Hearts_ by _faith_: unto which agrees that of the first of _John_: As many as received him, that is received _Christ Jesus_ into the _house_ of their _hearts_ to dwell there by _believing_ and _obeying_ of him, they are borne of the _Spirit_, and are the _Sons_ of _God_.

[Sidenote: What the _inner-man_ is.]

[Sidenote: Subject to many distempers.]

This _Inner_ man, this _new-man_ (which after _God_ is created in _holinesse_ and _righteousnesse_) I say, this _Inner-man_ hath his _tempers_ and _distempers_, his _health_ and _sicknesse_, as well as this _outward-man_ this _body_ of _Clay_.

Hence we hear so often mentioned, the _renewing_ of the _inward-man_, the _growing_ and _increasing_ of _Faith_ and _Love_, and other _breathings_ of _Gods Spirit_: the _losse_ (that is in a measure,) of the _Ephesians first love_. Hence the many _falls_ of the _Lords_ best _Servants_, recorded in _Scripture_, and the _sleep_ of the _Spouse_ of _Christ Jesus_, although her _heart_ wake in the truth of _marriage-love_, which can never wholly dye in her and be extinguished.

[Sidenote: A threefold person in _Gods_ children]

The holy _Scripture_ mentioneth a _three-fold person_ in all that are borne againe, First, the body of _Flesh_ and _clay_, this _outward naturall being_, which must be dissolved and dye, then rise againe to _Glory_.

The second is the body of _corruption_, or _old man_, which being deadly wounded by the _Son_ of _God_ alreadie in all that are his, shall shortly give up the _ghost_, and rot, and never rise again.

The third is this holy, heavenly _inner_ man, of whose _health_ and daily _renewing_ I now discourse, who is born of an immortall seed, and therefore can no more die then _Christ_ himself: _Rom. 6_.

[Sidenote: A spirituall cheerfull temper.]

Now as this _outward man_ desires not onely _life_, and _being_, but also _health_ and _cheerfulness_ in all the living _motions_ and _actions_ thereof: So, (and much more ten thousand fold) requires the _inward_ and _spirituall_ man, an _healthfull_ and _cheerfull temper_. For as the Lord loveth a _cheerfull giver_: So loves he also a cheerfull _Preacher_, a chearfull _hearer_, a chearfull _prayer_, and a chearfull _sufferer_ for his Name sake: He loves that the shoes of _preparation_ be on our _feet_ ready to run (all _wayes_ and _weathers_) the _paths_ of his _Commandments_: That like a _vessel_ our _leaks_ be stopt, and our whole _soul_ be ready in an holy _trim_, and _tightness_, for all his holy employments of us in the greatest _tempests_: that like heavenly _souldiers_, our _Arms_ be fixt, or like an _Instrument_, the _strings_ of our _affections_ and _parts_ be all in tune, to make heavenly _musick_ in the holy _ears_ of our heavenly _Lord_ and _King_.

Tis true, as it is between a loving _couple_, (and as it was in the Church at _Ephesus_) it is not easie to keep in the first _flame_ of _Love_, _fresh_ and _equall_, although the _fire_ of the _truth_ and _sinceritie_ of _marriage love_ never die, or be extinguished.

[Sidenote: Spirituall distempers.]

It is true that _Paul_ cries out (how much more may we) _O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death?_

Tis true, that sometimes _corruption_ and _Satan surprize_ and carry away the strongest _champions_ of _Christ Jesus_, as _slaves_ and _captives_ for a time, untill _Christ Jesus_ rescue, redeem and ransome, by giving _repentance_ unto his _Israel_, as he did to _David_, _Peter_, _&c._ as _Abraham_ rescued _Lot_, and as _David_ recovered all his precious _captives_, led _slaves_ away from _Ziklag_.

I am far therefore from passing the _sentence_ of _death_ upon the least of the little ones of _Jesus_, (notwithstanding their _spirituall weaknes_, and _sicknesses_) in whom the least _spark_ or breathing of the _spirit_ of _Life_ can be discerned.

And I desire to see and lament the _spirituall sicknesses_, and _diseases_ of mine own and others _Spirits_, which yet are not unto _death_ (as _Christ Jesus_ spake of _Lazarus_) but for the _glory_ of _God_, in the _fall_ and _rising_ of his _servants_.

[Sidenote: Distinction between spirituall _death_, spirituall _sickness_ and spirituall _weakness_]

Yea as _Paul_ distinguisheth of _Gods_ afflicting hand on his _Saints_ at _Corinth_, so must I distinguish, between these three, _death_, _sicknes_ and _weakness_: Every _sicknes_ of _Gods Children_ is not a _death_, for the _inner_ man cannot die, no more then _Christ_ himself. _Rom: 6_.

Again, every _weaknes_ is not a _sicknes_, for some are _weak_, little _ones_ in the _knowledge_ and _love_ of _Christ_, while others are grown to be _strong_ and _aged_ in _Christ Jesus_; Yea, the _strongest_ and oldest _Souldiers_ of _Christ Jesus_, who have not thought their dearest _Heartblood_ to dear for such a _Lord_ and _Master_, have yet been troubled with some _weaknes_, and fits of spirituall _distempers_: _Weaknes_ in their Eyes is not discerning aright the mind of _Christ Jesus_, _weaknes_ in their _hands_, and _Feet_, hindring their spirituall _chearfulnes_, and _activity_ in _Christs_ wayes, which weaknesses yet have not brought them to a down right halting in _Christianity_.

I propose therefore (with the assistance of _Gods holy spirit_) to examine these three particulars.

[Sidenote: The Heads of this Discourse]

First, what are the _Arguments_ of that measure of _spirituall life_ in _Christ_, which yet may stand with great _spirituall weaknesses_ and _diseases_.

2ly. What is the _measure_ of the _grace_ of _Christ Jesus_, which may be called the _health_, and _chearfull temper_, and disposition of the _inner_ man.

3dly. What are those spiritual _preservatives_, which may keep the _Soul_ in an healthful _temper_, free from spirituall _sicknesses_ and _distempers_.

In these _Examinations_ I professe two things: First not to _oppresse_ thy _thoughts_ and _memory_, with any long _discourse_, intending only to send thee after thy sicknes, a little posey fit and easie for thy _meditation_, and _refreshing_.

2ly. All my _Flowers_ shall be some choice _example_, or _speech_ of some _son_ or _daughter_ of _God_, pickt out from the _Garden_ of the holy _Scriptures_ for our spiritually _refreshing_ and _consolation_.

I begin therefore with such _trialls_ and _arguments_ as declare, the true life of the _inner man_, notwithstanding spirituall _weaknes_, _sicknes_, and _distempers_.

[Sidenote: The weakest of Gods children cry unto God as to a Father.]

First then when the _Spirit_ of the _Lord_ in _1 Job. 2._ describeth the severall _Ages_ and _grouths_ of this inward _man_ (to wit a _child_, a _strong_ man, and an _old man_) it pleasath him to describe the young or little one by this _difference_, that [He knows the _Father_] to wit, that he knows the _Lord_ so, as to look upon him (in his measure) as to a _Father_, that he fears him, loves him, obeys him, and calls upon him as on a _Father_: according to that of _Gal: 4_. Because you are sons, he hath sent forth the spirit of his Son crying in your Hearts _Abba Father_: _Father_ pardon me, _Father_ help me, _Father_ give me, _&c._

[Sidenote: _Obj._]

But may not the _Hypocrites_ call upon God, (and sometime more boldly then _Gods little ones_,) _Lord Lord, Almighty_ and most mercifull _Father_, &c.

[Sidenote: _An._]

I answer, an _Hypocrite_ hath many _Lords_, and many _Fathers_, besides, and joyned with their (pretended) heavenly _Father_. Whereas _Gods little ones_ cry out, (_Isa. 63_.) Doubtles thou art our _Father_, though _Abraham_ be ignorant of us, as if they had said: Thou art our only _Father_, above all _Fathers_, &c.

[Sidenote: False calling upon God as upon a Father]

2ly. The _Hypocrite_ saies _Lord_, _Lord_, but cares for no more of the _will_ of the _Lord_ then may serve his own _turne_: But a child of _God_ declares his child like _submission_, to an heavenly _Fathers_ will in all things, according to the difference proposed by the _Lord Jesus_, (_Mat: 7_.) Not every one that saith unto me _Lord_, _Lord_, but he that doth the wil of my _Father_ which is in _Heaven_: The difference lies not in the _words_, but in the _Heart_, in the upright _submission_ of a _child_ of _God_, to all that he believes to be the _will_ and _pleasure_ of his heavenly _Father_.

[Sidenote: 2 _Argum:_ Gods children long for more and more knowledge of God.]

For a second _triall_ therefore: Where _spirituall life is_ (notwithstanding _weaknes_ or _distempers_) there is always a professed _willingnesse_ to get more and more _knowledg_ of this heavenly _Father_, of his _name_, of his _works_, of his _word_, of his _Christ_, of his _Spirit_, his _Saints_, and _Ordinances_.

Hence _Beleevers_ in _Jesus_, both _Men_ and _Women_, are called _Disciples_, or _Scholars_ of _Christ Jesus_, professing continually to learn more and more of this heavenly _teacher_. Hence his _Disciples_ or _Scholars_ petition to _Christ Jesus_, _Lord_ teach us to pray: _Lord_ increase our _Faith_, &c.

Hence they ask him many _Questions_, and are by little and little instructed, though for a while they were ignorant of the mystery of his _Death_, and _Resurrection_.

[Sidenote: _Obj._]

But may not an _Hypocrite_ desire to know more and more of _God_, of _Christ_, &c.

[Sidenote: _Ans._]

I answer, although an _Hypocrite_ out of an itching desire, of _knowledg_, of _novelty_, and out of _self love_, to make use of so much of _God_, and of _Christ_, as may serve his own _ends_, may _desire_, and _attain_, and _professe_, and _preach_ much of _God_ and _Christ_, yet will he pick and choose as _Saul_ did, while _David_ and all _Gods children _uprightly desire to have respect to all the _Commandements_ of _God_ in _Christ Jesus_.

[Sidenote: 2]

Again, the _obedience_ of _Hypocrites_ is but the task of a _slave_, or _Hireling_, when the obedience of a _child_ of _God_, is that of a dutifull _child_ to his _Father_, or an endeared _Wife_ to her _Husband_, not caused by _terrour_ or _wages_, but hearty _Reverence_ and _Affection_.

[Sidenote: _Arg._ 3. Gods children hunger and thirst after Gods Word.]

Hence follows a third _triall_ of _spirituall life_, (though accompanied with much _weaknes_,) to wit a vehement _hunger_ and _longing_ after the _Ordinance_ of the _word preached_: Hence that _similitude_ by _Peter_. As _New born Babes_ desire the sincere _milk_ of the _word_, that you may grow thereby, _1. Pet: 2_.

[Sidenote: _Obj._]

But may not _Hypocrits_ and _counterfeits_, both affectionately hear and preach, _&c_?

[Sidenote: _Ans._]

[Sidenote: Gods word in Gods way.]

[Sidenote: _Cant 1_.]

I answer, no question, but _false worshippers_, and _false Christians_ may easily satisfie themselves, and stop the mouths of their _consciences_, with any formal _performance_ of a _Sermon_ by an _houre-glasse_, or other _traditions_, or _customes_ of _Fathers_, or the _times_. But a child of _God_ desires to be as well carefull (according to his _sight_, for the true _Mothers-Breast_, (a true _Ministrie_) as for a Womans Milk, the opening of the word by any in any way, _&c._ And therefore cries the _Spouse_ to _Christ Jesus_: Oh thou whom my _soul_ loveth, shew me where thou _feedest_, for why should I be as one that turns aside to the _flocks_ of thy _companions_.

2ly. A true _child_ of _God_ (though weak) looks chiefly at _God_, and _Christ_, himself in the _Ministry_, and _dispensation_ of the _word_, and therefore saith (_Cant: 1_.) Let _Him_ kisse me with the _kisses_ of his _mouth_, for his _love_ is better then _wine_.

[Sidenote: True hunger after Gods word.]

3. While the _Hypocrites_ find their natural _delight_ in the word, as in _musick_, while yet they obey not: The child of _God_ comes to the _breasts_ of the _Church_, as a child hangs upon the Mothers _Breast_, not only for the _delight_ of _sucking_, but out of a vehement painfull _longing_, to have its _soul_ satisfied, and its strength of _spirituall life_ and _grace_ increased in the ways of _God_: according to that in _1. Pet. 2_. [That you may grow thereby.]

[Sidenote: True _desire_ in all Gods people.]

A 4th. Argument of the _life_ of the _inner man_, (though in much _weaknes, or sicknes_, is a true and unfained _desire_, to do that which it finds it cannot do, but falls short in doing or suffering the _will_ of _God_: So _Nehemiah_ pleads with _God_, from the _uprightnes_ of their hearts, that they desired to fear his _Name_, when a _soul_ can say uprightly in _Gods_ presence, I desire, that is, unfainedly longing to know his will, although I am much _ignorant_, I desire to _believe_, though I find an _unbelieving heart_, I desire to be _willing_ and _able_ to _suffer_, though I find much _fearfulnesse_, _&c._

_Ob._ May not an _Hypocrite_ desire to _know_ and love _God_, &c.

[Sidenote: Difference between the true and false desire.]

[Sidenote: God must be chosen for himself.]

I answer, an _Hypocrite_ may desire to know so much of _God_, and to have so much of his _grace_, and so much of his _power_ against some sins, as may serve to save his _soul_, when he sees he cannot be _saved_ without it: But a _child_ of _God_, only can desire _God_ for _himself_, and desire to be like unto _God_ in his holy _Nature_, and to have every _thought_ brought under the _obedience_ of _Christ Jesus_.

Hence though an _Hypocrite_ may weep as _Esau_ and _Saul_, and others have done, yet a true _child_ of _God_ can only in truth cry out, with the _Father_, of the possessed _child_ in an humble sence of his own _weaknes_, and _spirituall poverty_, _Lord I believe_, help thou my _unbelief_, that is, help me against my _unbelief_, against my _passions_, against my _uncleanesse_, against my _pride_, against my _covetousnes_, &c.

[Sidenote: Gods children cannot live in known sin without strugling & mourning.]

A 5th: _triall_ of a true _life_ (though in _weaknes_, or _sicknes_) is a constant _resisting_ and _fighting_ against all known _sin_, as _sin_. He that is born of _God_, (_1. John 5_.) keepeth himself that the _evill_ one toucheth him not, unles he be suddenly _surprised_, or violently _forced_, by mighty _temptations_, or _cousoned_ and _deceived_ by the _deceitfulnesse_ of _sin_, he can no more willingly touch it, then _fire_ or _poison_, or the _Devill_ himself.

Hence is there a continuall war between the _flesh_ and the _Spirit_, _Gal: 5_. The _law_ of the _mind_, wars against the _law_ of the _members_; The _New-man_ against the _old_, &c. For instance, although good _Jacob_ was overcome by his _Mothers_ powerful _perswasion_, yet suspecting a _sin_ he first strugled against it, my _Father_ saith he, will feel me, and I shall bring a _curse_ instead of a _Blessing_.

[Sidenote: _Obj._]

[Sidenote: No hypocrite can fight against sin as sin.]

But may not an _Hypocrite_ resist _temptation_, and fight against _sin_? I answer, No, not against _sin_ as _sin_, but as it is dangerous and hurtful to _soul_, to _body_, to _purse_, to _credit_. So _Balaam_ (I conceive in earnest) refused _Balacks_ mony, and would not _sin_ for an house full of _gold_ and _silver_, when as yet he loved that _sin_ of cursing _Gods_ people, and the _wages_ of it.

2ly. An _Hypocrite_ cannot resist the sin of _Hypocrisie_, and other _darling sins_: but a child of _God_ with _David_ (_Psal: 139_.) begs of _God_ to search him, that is to help him against _Hypocrisie_ it self, and every false way, and to lead him in the _way everlasting_.

[Sidenote: A true childe of God tender of Gods name.]

Sixtly, a _child_ of _God_ though overwhelmed with many _weaknesses_ or _temptations_, yet he cannot possibly be brought to an ill _opinion_ or _thought_ of _God_, but is always ready to take his _part_, to _speak_ well of him, and endures not, with a quiet mind, to hear his name dishonored: Hence _Job_ in his great _passions_ and _cursings_, could not be brought (no not by his _wife_) to speak ill of _God_: but although he complained much of his own _affliction_, and stood to his _uprightness_, against the _charge_ of _Hypocrisie_, yet still he magnifies the name of his _God_ in all his _discourses_, and professeth to trust in him, although his _God_ should kill him.

[Sidenote: Instances of _Samson_ and _Jehosaphat_.]

Hence _Samson_, though carried away first by a _Philistian wife_, and then by a _Philistian whore_, yet can he not be carried away so from the _God_ of Israel, but that still he acknowledgeth his _high_ and _holy hand_ in his _victories_ and _deliverances_, and accordingly poures forth his _soul_ to him for _grace_ and _assistance_. And hence good _Jehosaphat_ though very strongly carried away with the flatterie of the _idolatrous King_ of _Israel_, yet he endures not to hear the name of his _God_ smitten through the sides of his _servant_ the Prophet _Micaiah_, but plainly (though weakly) takes part with his _God_ and his _Prophet_, against the _King_ of _Israel_, and all his _Priests_ and _Courtiers_, saying, _Let not the King say so_.

_Obj._ May not _Balaam_ and other _hypocrites_ pretend the _name_ of _God_ and _Christ_, be _preachers_ of him, call out _devils_, and in _Christs name_ do many _wonderfull_ things?

I answer: _Hypocrites_ use the name of _God_ onely as _Jehu_ did, for a _stirrup_ to get up into the _sadle_ of their own _Names_ and _Honours_, or as a _commodity_ to get something by it, as an _hireling_ (of whom the _Lord Jesus_ speaks _John 10_.) that serves _God_ for _wages_, and while he cries, let the _Lord_ be glorified, (_Isa. 66_.) he _persecutes_ his servants, but a child of _God_ cannot be brought except by surprisall for a time, to prefer his _name_ before _Gods_, but upon _cool thoughts_, is seriously willing to be trodden in the dust, and to be cast out, that the _name_ of _God_ alone may be exalted, and glorified, as _David_ after the causing of the name of _God_ to be blasphemed.

[Sidenote: A true childe of God is patient under the rod of his Heavenly Father.]

A 7th. Argument of the true _life_ of _grace_ (though in much _weaknes_ or _sicknes_,) I observe to be an humble _acknowledgment_ of, and a _submitting_ unto the _correcting_ and _afflicting_ hand of _God_, in _sicknesses_, _crosses_, _losses_, &c.

This admirably appears in old _Ely_, who though he were a bad _Father_ to his own sons, in suffering them _unpunished_ (though not _unreproved_) in their outragious _transgressions_: Yet was he at the same time a good son to _God_, his heavenly _Father_, in giving that heavenly _and_ submissive _answer_ to that fearfull _threatening_ sent from the _Lord_ by _Samuel_ against him, saying, It is the _Lord_, let him do what seemeth him good.

_Ob:_ But did not _Pharaoh_ acknowledg, and the _Philistines_ acknowledg _Gods_ hand in smiting them, did not _Ahab_ humble himself, _Pharaoh_ sues unto _God_ by _Moses_, the _Philistins_ send a trespasse _offering_, and _Ahab_ humbles himself by fasting, _&c._

[Sidenote: 1. The enemies of God, and flatterers cannot submit to God as to a Father.]

I answer, a _Saul_, a _Pharaoh_, &c. if it were in their choice, would not submit to the _Lord_ at all, and when they do acknowledge and submit, they are forced to it, by _Gods_ powerfull hand, whom yet they look at as a conqueror of _Julian_ said of _Christ Jesus_, and _Jaolor_ or _executioner_, not as a _Father_, with a child like _submission_, as appears by _Pharaoh_, the _Philistines_, _Ahab_, and many more wofull _instances_, when the _hand_ of _God_ is removed, _&c._

Whereas a true _child_ of _God_ desires, as to acknowledge his _Fathers_ hand correcting his _righteously_, because he hath deserved it, so also _graciously_ and _faithfully_, because he hopes _God_ aims at his good, as a _Father_ doth at a _childs_, in giving him fatherly _correction_, bitter _Pills_ and _Phisick_.

[Sidenote: Gods children less grieve for their own affliction, then for Gods displeasure.]

And therefore (2ly:) as when the _Lord_ strikes an _Hypocrite_, he either _runs_ from him as a _strange child_ stricken by another man, or _flies against_ him in _murmuring_, or _howls_ out for anguish as a _Dog_, (_Hos: 7_.) They howl upon their Beds: So contrarily the true _child_ of _God_ truly desires to run to his heavenly _Father_, and it as well, yea infinitely more _grieved_, for the _anger_, and _displeasure_ of the _Lord_, as for his own _smart_ and _affliction_.

3ly. The _Hypocrite_ if he might have his own choice, had rather be rid of his _pain_ than his _sin_, and therefore when his _pain_ is over, he returns with the _Dog_ to his Vomit: But a true _child_ of _God_, truly (though weakly) desires to _see_, and _abhor_, and slay his _dearest sins_, because he knows they are but flattering _traytors_ and _guilded poysons_: Hence _Job_ cries out in the midst of all his _weaknesses_ and _passions_, Oh teach me wherein I have offended.

[Sidenote: Gods children joyn with Gods rod against themselves.]

In a word, the _Lord_ is fain to force _affliction_ upon an _Hypocrite_, as men force down a _drench_ into the throat of an _Horse_, but a true _child_ of _God_, (if under _Gods rod_,) desires to joyn with the _Lords hand_, and the _Lords ends_, as a child of some understanding is willing to have its _wormes_ killed, and therefore strives (_willingly_, _unwillingly_) to swallow down the bitter _aloes_, or other bitter _medicine_.

An 8th: Triall of true _life_, (though in _weaknes_) is a _true_ (though _faint_) _willingnes_ and inclination to enjoy more and more of _Christ Jesus_, in the _society_ of his _Saints_, after his own _appointment_, although with _hardship_ and _difficulty_ attained unto.

[Sidenote: Gods people long after Gods true worship in Christ Jesus.]

Hence the _Spouse_ was both _asleep_, and _awake_, toward _Christ Jesus_: _Cant: 5._ She was _willing_, and _unwilling_ to rise to _open_ to _Christ Jesus_: Hence she thinks she hears her _Husbands voice_: It is the _voice_ of my _Beloved_: She thinks _Christ_ is knocking at the _door_ of her _heart_, and _will_, in such and such _arguments_, in such and such _Scriptures_, in such and such _professions_, and _professours_, in such and such their _suffrings_, &c.

_Obj._ May it not possibly be that the true _children_ of _God_, not only may neglect, but even deny the _Ordinances_ of _Christ Jesus_, appointed and practised in his first _Churches_.

[Sidenote: Gods people both awake & asleep as to Christ Jesus.]

I answer, _Gods Israel_ and _people_ under the _Gospel_, may as possibly be spirituall _slaves_ and _captives_ to _Egypt_ and _Babylon spirituall_, as _Israel_ of old was to _Babell_, _literall_ and _materiall_, in respect of the _worshipping_ of _God_, according to the _appointment_ of _Christ Jesus_.

In respect of false _worship_, _Gods Israel_ may be a _slave_, and _asleep_, and yet _awake_, and _free_, in true _inclinations_ and _desires_, _willing_ (though mixt with _sleepy unwillingnes_) to be at any pains and cost, to enjoy her _souls beloved Christ Jesus_, in his own appointments.

Hence such _expressions_ with _sighs_ and _tears_, if I were perswaded of _Gods will_, if I were perswaded of the _necessity_ of such public _ordinances_ and _formes_.

[Sidenote: Gods people cannot but be full of strugling of spirit as to the visible worship of God in Christ Jesus.]

Hence others _expressions_, if I were perswaded of _such_ and _such ordinances_, that _such_ a people, or _such_ a people were in the true way of enjoying _Christ Jesus_, how _joyfully_ should I joyn with them?

Hence holy _David_, though not so thoroughly awaked, to enjoy the _Ark_ and _presence_ of _God_, he and all _Israel_ brings up the _Ark_ of _God_ with _rejoycing_, though not after the _Lords_ due _order_, which caused his holy _jealousie_ to send that _perez Uzza_ that _breach_ of _Uzzah_ amongst them.

[Sidenote: True marriage affection in all Gods people to Christ Jesus, yet with much difference.]

It is in the _heavenly_ as in the _earthly marriage_, there are degrees of _marriage affection_, and yet all true: The _affections_ of some are more _lively_ and _strong_, of some more _dull_ and _weak_: When yet the _truth_ and _life_ appears in a true and longing desire to enjoy the _Lord Jesus_, in what way soever, himself is pleased to appoint, and to turn from the _bed_ and _bozome_, (that is the _worships_) of all _false Christs_, and _strangers_.

[Sidenote: Gods children have no peace in sin unrepented of.]

A 9th. discovery of true _spirituall life_, in _weaknes_, I find to be a _painfull_ and a _restles_ mind, in _temptations_ to _sin_, in _yeelding_ to _sin_, and _lying_ in _sin_, the _breach_ not being made up with the _Lord_ in humble _confession_ and _suit_ for _mercy_, in the blood of a _Saviour_. This was _Davids_ painfull _case_ in his _silence_, _Psal. 32_. When I kept silence my _bones_ waxed old, through my _roaring_ all the _Day_.

So that as a _Fish_ out of the _water_ (its element) as a _bone_ broak or disjoynted, is the _troubled mind_ of a child of _God_, upon his _discovered_ or but (strongly) _suspected_, sinfull _way_ or _practice_.

_Obj._ May not _Hypocrites_ be troubled in the sence of _Gods displeasure_ for _sin_, as _Saul_, _Ahab_, and _Judas_, &c.

[Sidenote: Only _Gods_ people can truly desire _peace_ with _God_.]

I answer, an _Hypocrite_ like some _Traytor_ or _murtherer_, may desire a pardon from the _King_ of _Kings_, whose person he hates, so did _Saul_ and _Ahab_, and so may any dissembler for his own ends of _peace_ and _safety_, &c. But _Gods children_, and they only grieve at _Gods displeasure_ and grievance. Only a true _Wife_ and _Spouse_ of _Christ Jesus_ can grieve and mourn for the displeased _absence_ of _Christ Jesus_, and cries out in humble _bitterness_ of _soul_, saw ye him whom my soul loveth?

[Sidenote: Two sorts of Gods people enquiring & longing after Christ Jesus.]

[Sidenote: The liking of _Gods_ gracious _Spirit_ in others, a true _Argument_ of the same _Spirit_ in ourselves.]

A 10th. triall of the true _life_ of the _inner_ man, (though _weak_ and _sickly_,) is a _discerning_, and _liking_, and secret _wishing_ that _beauty_ and _shining_ of the _grace_ of _Christ Jesus_, which appears in others of _Gods Children_, and which we see wanting in our _selves_. Thus were there a sort of _Gods children_, which could see _beauty_ and _excellency_ in those which so affectionately inquired after _Christ Jesus_, in his visible worship, and the severall parts thereof, although themselves were not so zealously affected. Thus therefore say they: O thou the _fairest_ of _Women_, (an _acknowledgment_ of heavenly _grace_ and _beauty_, and they also enquire, and desire to see that _beauty_ of _Christ Jesus_, which the other _Saints_ so praised. And in _Cant: 6_. they say, whither is thy _Beloved_ gone, oh thou _fairest_ among _Women_, that we may seek him with thee: Hence many of _Gods_ dear _Saints_ in _Qu: Maries_ time, and other bloody days, in our own and other _countries_, have praised _God_ for, and have been ravished with the _beauties_ of the heavenly _love_ and _zeal_, and _patience_ in others of _Gods servants_, which they have seen wanting in themselves: And thus, (whatever be our _weaknesses_) it must needs argue a _life_ of _grace_, when we can view the _lives_ and _deaths_ of the blessed _martyrs_, or _witnesses of Christ Jesus_, (either in the holy _scriptures_, or other _Records_, I say can view them with a _liking_ and true _affecting_ of their _graces_, with an humble acknowledgment of our own _wants_ and _poverties_, and a mourning _desire_ of _attaining_ to such a beauteous _profession_ of _Christ Jesus_.

Such a _beauty_ (doubtles) did many of _Gods children_ apprehend in the _Lords Ordinances_, and in such as suffred for them in _England_, who yet found not strength themselves, to stand and suffer for, and with them, yet left much and fled to _New England_, hoping to enjoy there (though with too much weak desire of _peace_ and _liberty_) the _Ordinances_ of _Christ Jesus_, their _souls Beloved_.

_Obj._ But did not _Balaam_ see the _beauty_ and _excellency_ of _Gods Saints_, when he cried out, let me dye the _death_ of the _righteous_, and let my last end be like his, _&c._

I answer, it is usually well said, _Balaam_ desired the _death_, and _blessednes_ of the _righteous_, but not the _life_ and _righteousnesse_ of the _righteous_.

_Obj._ _Balaam_ seems to have seen the _beauty_ of _righteousnesse_ it self.

[Sidenote: _Dissemblers_, in a respect may desire _righteousness_, but only _Gods children_ can long for it in truth, and for it self.]

I answer, he might see and like _righteousnes_ in the _end_, and _fruit_ of it, and yet not in the true _nature_ and _beauty_ of it, for then he would have as well desired the _life_, as the _death_ of the _righteous_, just as these _Indians_ (amongst whom I write these lines) they see the _excellency_ of the _English industry_, joyned with _plenty_, and a better _condition_ then their own, but endure not that _life_ of _labour_ and _indeavour_, wherein that _plenty_ and better _state_ is found. But _Gods children_ beholding the _beauty_ and _excellency_ of the heavenly _lives_ and _deaths_ of others, (like _souldiers_ in a Field) are provoked by those _examples_, to desire to follow _Christ Jesus_ in those holy _paths_, and secretly to bemoan their own _infirmities_ and _deformities_.

These and many more _discoveries_ of the _life_ of _Christ Jesus_ in the _soul_, (though in the midst of many _weaknesses_, and spirituall _sicknesses_) I hope (my _dear love_ and faithfull _companion_) thou in truth discernest in thy _self_, and I, and others have discerned in thee: But oh search diligently in the _Lords_ holy _presence_, and humbly beg his help, that as the _Spirit_ of _God_ admonisheth, (_Gal. 6_.) thou maiest have rejoycing in thy _self_, and not in anothers good opinion of thee.

[Sidenote: Gods children cannot but desire spirituall health, as wel as life and Christian being.]

But grant all these, and the _assurance_ of a true and blessed _life_ of _grace_ within us?

Grant this _life_ is as the _life_ of _Christ_, never again to be extinguished. Yet who rejoyceth not in _health_, who mourns not under the _pains_ and _weaknesses_ of a sick bed?

Next therefore to the _discovery_ of _spirituall life_, all that are born of _God_ must try their _spirituall strength_, and _health_, and _chearfull temper_: The particular _instances_ whereof, being propounded as _examples_, _copies_, and _samplars_ for us to follow in the holy _Scripture_, I shall pick, and gather, and bind up, for both our _incouragement_, and comfort.

I confesse the beholding of such _heavenly patterns_ may astonish and amaze us, and make us dispair to attain to the like heavenly _temper_: I pray thee therefore (_dear love_) observe, (what before I said) that these _particulars_ next following are not _discouragements_ from _Christ_, as if we had no _life_ at all: but _incouragements_ to draw neerer to _Christ Jesus_, when we see such _virtue_ proceed out from him, to such poor _sinners_ like our selves.

These _particulars_ then following are as an holy _looking-glasse_, to discover to us our souls _spots_, & _blemishes_, as also sweet _cordial flowers_, to refresh and incourage our _drooping spirits_.

The severall particular _trialls_ of this _spirituall health_, and _chearfulnesse_, I shall bind up (as I may so speak) into three severall _parcells_, as sometimes we see sweet _flowers_ bound up into smaller _bundles_, to make up at last one larger _bundle_ or _posie_ in one.

The three severall sorts shall be according to that _division_ of the _holy Spirit_ by _Paul_ to _Titus_.

First such as concern _holines_, respecting our _communion_ with _God_ in _Christ Jesus_.

2. Such as concern _righteousnesse_, respecting others.

3. Such as concern _sobriety_, respecting our private _selves_ and _persons_.

[Sidenote: Incomprehensible nature of God.]

First, then it is an _argument_ of the _strength_, and _healthful temper_ of the _inner_ man, when our _apprehensions_ of _God_ are always such, as bring us to holy _wonderment_ and _amazement_, at the _nature_ of incomprehensible _God_, at his _properties_, and _works_, from the _Sun_ in the _Firmament_, to the poorest _Worme_, at his wonderfull _dispensing_ of his _justice_, and _mercy_, and _disposing_, and _ruling_ all things in _Heaven_, _Earth_, and _Seas_, from the highest _Angels_ in _heaven_, to the lowest _Devils_ in _Hell_.

[Sidenote: Gods children ought to walk in constant amazedness of spirit as to God his nature, works, &c.]

This was _Davids temper_ when he cried out, (_Psal: 104_.) Oh Lord how _wonderfull_ are thy _works_, in _wisedome_ hast thou made them all! Also (_Psal. 8._) O _Jehovah_ our Lord, how _wonderfull_ is thy _Name_ in all the _earth_! And _Psal: 139_. he brings this wonder nearer to _himself_, saying, I will praise thee, for I am _fearfully_ and _wonderfully_ made. As if he would say, _fearfully_ and _wonderfully bred_ in the _womb_, _fearfully_ and _wonderfully_ brought forth; and we may further say, ever since we came thus _fearfully_ and _wonderfully_ into the _world_, _fearfully_ and _wonderfully brought_ up, _fearfully_ and _wonderfully preserved_, _delivered_, &c.

_Obj._ But may not _naturall_ men, and _Hypocrites_ admire the _Nature_, and _works_ of _God_.

I answer, yes, but the _wonder_ which doth possesse a _child_ of _God_, causeth him to cry out with _David_, _Psal. 119_. Thy _hands_ have made me, and fashioned me, give me understanding that I may learn thy _statutes_. Tis such a wonder as _draweth_ up the _heart_ unto _God_, with _longings_ to be _united_ unto him, to fear his _Name_, to partake of his divine _Nature_, and to be like unto _Him_ in _holines_, and _true Righteousnes_.

_Obj._ The _Devills_ believe, and tremble at _God_.