Part 2

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.]