MY Birth being in a Family which (according to the va­lue put upon things o [...] that nature) is able to make as large a demonstration of An­tiquity, from honourable Ancestors, as the generality of that rank of Persons can do; I had withall, the Blessing of that Education in it, which might free me from being a dishonour to it, being bred in the best and most ingenious wayes, that that place, and the distraction of the times, by reason of civil Wars (which began in my Child­hood, and continued till my grown Age) could afford.

It was (to the best of my remembrance) about the tenth year of my age, when God (who is rich in mercy) began to declare a design upon me, locked up in the secret of [Page 6] his Counsels before the foundations of the World were laid, of bringing me to the knowledge of himself in the face of Jesus Christ; to whom though I was born an E­nemy, and of whose Natures, Persons, Offi­c [...]s and Ordinances I was stupidly igno­rant, yet by the work of his own Spirit, and [...]ff [...]ctual teaching [...] of it, I became so well acquainted with those great Myste­res in the true substance of them, and that without the ordinary help of mans teaching (of which that place was want­ing) as I was thereby in the infancy of my life enabled to receive the satisfaction of a Mediator, to the justification of my per­son, and the Spirit of the same Mediator for the sanctification of my nature, and that some years before I understood them in their distinct and proper terms. Upon this so choice and signal Love, I cannot think at any time seriously, without washing the [...]eet of him with Tears, who loved me, and washed me in his own Blood: To him be Glory for ever.

The method which the holy Ghost used in bringing me to God through Christ, was that which he observes in the ordinary ex­e [...]uti [...] of his work, as I have since been informed by Teachers of the Gospel, and [Page 7] experienced Christians, with whom then I had not the like acquaintance; and it was first by convincing me of sin, and then of righteousness, the manner thu [...]. Satan mingled his t [...]mptation with a childish dis­position of waggery in me, and stirred me up to hurt one of my Brothers in his sl [...]p, out of no reason, but an inclination to do harm. God (who wants not means to break the Serpents head) took accasion from hence to present me with the view of my nature, how vile it was, that it should be acting in me to provoke me to hurt an innocent Babe in his sleep, yea, a Brother, who was as dear to me as mine own life.

A window being thus opened, plenty of Light shed it self in, whereby I was dis­covered to my self, and that discovery was attended with so much terrour, and sence of eternal wrath from God, due to me, a guilty sinner, as the Bed I then lay upon afforded me no ease; from which I arose in the dark and silent night, to lam [...]n [...] my self and wosul state: It was a dread [...]ul time, never to be forgotten of me.

Satan finding himself under so unexpe­cted a defeat, pursued his work to coun­termine the work of God thus begun in [Page 8] me: and in order thereunto bespread my troubled soul with plenty of fiery Darts. The first that he prest me to, was Murther, and that of my near Relations; this by the assistance of God, I soon cast out, being convinced how impious, abominable and unnatural it was to destroy my best Friends. Then he urged me to make away my self as a Reproba [...]e without hope: but this I looked atas more unnatural than the other. Nature (as polluted as it was) stood ama­zed, and ex [...]rcised great reluctancy against these b [...]oody Temptations.

Nevertheless, perplex'd I was in a dread­ful measure, and knew not what to do: Gospel I was ignorant of, though I had read it often; for the vaile was over my heart, and the Scriptures were to me a Book clasped up, having neither from Sermons or Conferences ever received help or light, whereby sp [...]ritually to understand them; without which they are but a dead and deadly letter.

To communicate my condition to any, I judged it most unadvised; because I knew none that understood it. For, for those of my acquainiance who I did think knew most of the way to Heaven, I had always observed, that they counted wounds [Page 9] of conscience for sin, melancholy sits. And if the wound were deeper and more smar­ting than ordinary, then they esteemed them maddish upon whom it was, and that it befel them for being guilty of some soul secret sin, worse than themselves had ever committed. And I did fear if they knew my case, they would think no bet­ter on't. In which respect I was very care­ful to hide it from them.

Being at this set, I turned aside from my black thoughts, and said to my heart, (as Solomon in another case) Goto, I will try thee with mirth. I sought diversion in merry company, and would thereby have abated the rage of my guilty conscience, as Cain sought to do by building of Cities.

This remedy encreased the disease, for it multiplied sin in me, and God thereupon multiplied my sorrows.

The Way being by his Providence thus hedged up with thorns about me, I knew not how to get out. This path at length he discovered to me, that if I would ever be at peace I must get my sin pardoned, in regard that it was most evident that all my anguish and torment proceeded from the guilt of unpardoned sin. [Page 10] This I forthwith closed with, being un­der clear conviction of the truth of it. Then thought I, If I would have my sins pardoned, and get God to be my friend, I must serve him better than I have done yet. Here I fell most int [...]ntly upon seek­ing Righteousness by the works of the Law. I read the Bible and the Practice of Piety, and such other Books as I could get, that treated of a godly and devout conversation. I set upon private P [...]ayer, and, as a help to it, g [...]t Prayer-books which I did use, having been so ignorant­ly educated as to know no better.

From these written Prayers I cannot say I found not any help, but very little I am sure, they being too dull and lazy a way to quicken a poor soul that was gas­ping for life. When Children are very young they will swallow meat of the Nurses chewing, but when th [...]y are grown and have teeth, they use them, and loath that which is prepared by others. Thus it was with me in this case, having then no prejudice begotten in me against them, by conversing with those that were formerly called Puritans, Sectaries, Schismaticks, and now called Phanaticks, of which sort of People I then knew not any, nor had [Page 11] read their Books. But I do discharge my conscience upon my dying-bed, in decla­ring my experience for the information of such as need it: praying earnestly, that the Testimony of a poor consumed dying creature, might prevaile with those, to whom the knowledge hereof shall come, who think it worship enough to reade over a Prayer certain times in a day, to distrust their condition before it is past cure. I have nor parts; and if I had, I would not here imploy them to dispute the point of stinted forms of Prayer, invented by some for the use of others. Only this I did ex­perience, that the immediate sighs, groans and longing desires of my heart, some­times exp [...]est without words, sometime in such words as occurred to my memory, were graciously answered, and consequent­ly accepted of God; and consequently to that wrought by his Spirit, whose office is to be an Advocate in us, as Christ is for us, let the blind carnal world think and speak what they please to the contraty. My wants were such, as I found no printed Prayer that took notice of them: and whether those Form-makers ever knew them or no, I will not judge: but if the Form-users were as hard followed as I [Page 12] was, I believe they would cast away their crutches, and scramble forward with their own legs: I think their distress would not allow them time to look for a book. A Prisoner condemned at the Bar begs for his Life, without the help of a Petition written; and such was my case.

But to return from this digression to the relation of the state I stood in at this time. It was, as I said a little before, a state of righteousness by personal obedience; for I was them of the works of the Law, as the Apostle's phrase is, Gal. 3. 10. I say, of the works of the Law, as of a trade in which I thought to earn eternal life, and conse­quently I was under the curse, because it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things written in the book of the Law, to do them.

It is nothing I can boast of, and very little I can say, as to what I did in this case, to render my self well-pleasing to God, and acceptable in his fight: but what I could I did in works of piety and charity. I thought most reverently of all persons in whom I did diseern a strict and circumspect conversation, or would at any time speak of God or Holi­ness with any zeal or affection. My indig­nation [Page 13] being no less kindled against the contrary, especially those who were called the Clergy. What I then observed among some of that rank, was then, is still, and for ever will be the abhorrency of my soul, but to mention it I am ashamed. Unhap­py Englant, who art greatly infested with this generation. For, if Salt hath lost its savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? and if the blind lead the blind, both must fall into the ditch.

I was for some years tossed in this Sea, where I found no calm, nor any bottom to cast anehor in; having the knowledge of sin, but not of grace. I judged my self the worst of sinners, and oft wish'd I had never been born: increasing my sin by that wish. Walking sometimes alone, when my fellows were in the pleasure of their childish sports, I thought them blessed in comparison of my self, as being not guilty of such sins as I was guilty of. By these steps did the work of deep humiliation and bitter mourning for sin proceed in me. And to that precipice was I brought, that though God put under his hand secretly, and did support me, yet in mine own thoughts I was oft at the brink of utter despaire. The dreadful consideration of [Page 14] appearing before the Judgement Seat of Christ came into my mind.

The first representation I had of him, was, that to him was committed the Judg­ment of the great Day, and that he would exercise that Authority to my Condem­nation, unless I obtained mercy and fa­vour from him. Now notwithstanding I had oft read the story of Christs sufferings, and wept in reading it, being greatly af­fected with it, and had a very high reve­rence about the Sacrament of his Supper, being instituted to preserve the memorial of those sufferings: Yet now I perceive (and have done long) that those were but humane passions working upon an object of great sorrows, but no sanctified affecti­ons, moved through a due sence of the meritorious cause of Christ's passion, and consequently altogether without any sa­ving knowledge of him. Let such as re­semble me in that frame of heart, know, that they deal with Christ, as Heathens do with their [...]dol gods.

Now before I had this so near a disco­very of Christ, all my care was to please God without his mediation: For I did think him at peace with me already, and that I had obtained his favour by my love [Page 15] to him, expressing it self in the manner before related.

This I have since much observed to be the case of poor sensless souls, never ef­fectually touch'd with the sence of sin; The title of a Christian and the common notion of Christ, quiers and pleases them sufficiently, saying in effect, Let us go with thee and bear thy name, but we will eat our own bread. But God left me not to this pass, but caused the real Majesty and greatness of his Son so to b [...]eak out upon me, as to convince me that the same honour was due to him that was due to the Father; and that I must apply to him as the onely Peace-maker and Mediator betweed God and my soul. At this time was the Scripture fulfilled in me, which saith, No man cometh to the Father but by the Son, and again, No man cometh to me, except the Father draw him.

Satan, from whom before this time I had received no temptation concerning Christ, (like a Lyon in a seeming sleep) roused himself with great sury and rage, that if possible he might keep me from believing, and closing with God in a Covenant of Grace. The first scruple he cast in, was, With what safety or prudence I could ad­venture [Page 16] my eternal happiness upon him, of whom so great a Question was in the world, whether he were the Son of God or no?

To help my self against this, I read the History of him in the Evangelists, but could not do it peaceably, for the blasphemies injected by Satan into my thoughts con­cerning him: By this means, the old wound of my Conscience, not yet healed, began again to throb and bleed afresh: Fairn, which carnal people speak of as if they wore it in their Pockets, I found hard, to a degree of difficulty next impossible: My desires prest vehemently after Faith, but found no adherence to or resting on Christ, which I could p [...]rceive or take comfort from: For while I read, meditated of, and sought to Jesus Christ, I could find nothing but unbelieving, undervaluing thoughts, partly arising from mine own heart, and partly cast in by Satan. At length, having spent many sad and weary hours in search­ing, I met with the Parable of the unjust Judge, recorded, Luke 18. 1, 2, 3, &c. un­der which Christ recommends to us impor­tunity in prayer, from the example of him, who administred Justice to a poor Widow, to free himself from the troable he sore­saw [Page 17] she would give him, though he feared not God, nor regarded Man. The Spirit of God set this so home upon me, as closing the book suddenly, I said within my self, Is it even so! then Lord I will never give thee rest, but my soul shall with thy graci­ous Assistance, follow hard after thee till I have found the thing I seek. Upon this I found some dawnings of Faith and Hope; yet was this twilight soon made dark by the advantage Satan took of my weakness, to recover in what degree he could his al­most lost possession. To the best of my re­memb [...]ance I was exercised in this manner, with various disquietments, for the space of three years; which while I revolved in my mind meditating on my condition, and walking alone, this Scripture was suggest­ed to me, For a little moment have I bid my face from thee, but with everlasting kindness will I return to thee, saith the Lord. At the first view I knew it to be Scripture, but un­derstood it not under the notion of a Go­spel-promise, as being then unacquainted with that term But this was not more per­tinent than seasonable; the Consolation issuing from it, being imprest very deep upon me, I fell to reason from it; What if God hides his face from me for a season, [Page 18] which I think long? admit all my dayes, yet, it is but a moment to Eternity; and the happiness of being received into favour at last, will swallow up all my grief in the interim, and that in a moment to be sure.

The History of St. Paul's Conversion, was a great inducement to my Faith also at this time. In the strength of that, which I had by this means obtained, I resolved to go foreward, waiting the good pleasure of the Lord for further manifestations.

The next establishment I received, was, by reading the story of one cured by Christ of Blindness, John 9. In reading which Chapter, I observed the manner of the cure, and the consequence of it.

I took notice of the behaviour of the hypocritical, rebellious, gain-saying Pha­risees, towards him on whom the miracle was wrought, and of their opprobrious Blasphemies against him that wrought it. I found my heart cleaving to the man that was healed for owning Christ, and my ha­tred kindled against them, who upon this occasion, did reproach and vilifie him. Yet withall, the old Tempter played his game, vcxing me with insinuations, that for ought I knew the Pharisees spake true of him. being hereby put into an unquiet frame, I [Page 19] fate lamenting the hardness of my heart, and concluding I could not obtain Mercy at his hand, of whom I was apt to enter­tain such base thoughts: Hereupon, tho­row weariness, and heaviness of spirit, I fell into a slumber, in which Christ seem­ed to appear to me, with his breast open, and Blood issuing out as Water from a Fountain, and uttered these words, viz, Come, drink freely, and be sat [...]fied. Upon this invitation, I seemed to draw near to him, and to drink of his Blood abundantly, and with great pleasure; continuing still thirst­ing, and drinking, while I awoke from sleep, and found my self gasping for breath, and soul and body refresht as with a rich Cordial: My soul was hereby greatly melt­ed with love to Christ, for condescend­ing to me in so great a strait, with so much tenderness and familiarity; and I did re­solve to believe in him with the same ear­nestness with which in my dream I seem­ed to drink in his Blood. From that time I began to have the sense of his Love, and enjoyment of his Presence: yet not with­out opposition; for Satan instantly stept in, and told me it was but a dream; and would I be so foolish as to bottom Soul­comfort upon dreams?

I answered, That I would not contend about the nature of this dream, but sure I was, that when I was awakened out of it, God did enable me to believe more sted­fastly than before; and this I looked upon as a sound argument of comfort.

After this I continued with much more Peace, Light, and direction whence to fetch Peace of Conscience, than I had for­merly been acquainted with, till the Forge of Hell had formed another Weapon to break this Work in me: which was by per­swading me, That the Scripture was not the Word of God, but meerly of man's in­vention: and if so, it was but an imagina­ry Christ I believed in, and a fained faith I took comfo [...]t from: Nay, and further, that if the Scr [...]p [...]s were not of God, nor Christ [...] r [...]al S [...]viour, then was there no God [...] all, and so all my labour lost in seek [...]ng him. Thus the Devil [...]oucht his ar­gument, making one thing very dependent on another. For certa [...]ly [...] there is a God, he hath revealed himself; and i [...] not in the Sc [...]p [...]ures, no where To this assurance God hath now in gr [...]at mercy brought me: but in the infancy of my Conversion, it was not so with me. For so far was I left to the close pursuit of my spiritual Enemy, [Page 21] and sunk so low under his strong As­saults, as I seemed somet [...]me to conclude, There was neither Heaven nor Hell, God nor Devil. Behold how pit [...]ous a Crea­ture was I! who without God's special Assistance, should have been led to deter­mine against mine own tryed [...]xperience, in things more certain than tho [...] objects about which sense is conversant! For be­fore this I had enjoyed the Presence of God, and some taste of his heavenly Com­forts; and felt the power of Satan with some scorchings of hellish anguish. But remaining under this distress, doubting whether there was a God, yet thinking there was, and honouring those that walk­ed conscionably, because I supposed they knew it, I pitcht upon this; If there be a Devil, surely there is a God. Hereupon, though I were of a very timerous nature, I oft resorted into dark and lonesome pla­ces, hoping to see the Devil, as a means to convince me that there was a God.

This is put down, to shew the extremity of my Temptation, and folly of seeking that way of relief. While I was under this Tryal, I perceived, that by it Satan en­deavoured to bring me to a licencious course of life. For if no God, nor Devil, [Page 22] Heaven nor Hell, what need a man care what he speaks, thinks, or doth, further than to accomplish his lustsul designs, and satisfie the flesh? Let them consider whose works they do, and what their wayes with­out Repentance will be, who muster up Arguments in Print, denying the Eternity of the punishment of Reprobates.

But to proceed to speak of the straits I now lay under: In them I endeavoured to apply to God in Prayer; but such horrid Blasphemies upon that attempt were cast in, as I was greatly discouraged to think upon him, or draw near to him in any act of Worship. How sad a time this was, I appeal to those who have tasted of the like Cup: It brought me to this resolution, That if God, about whom I had such con­flicts, had a Being (which, for all this, I could not wholly be beaten from the be­lief of) and would manifest his Favour to me in Christ, I was willing to be a Vassel to the most tyrannical Monarch that ever the earth did bear, all my dayes; or to be exposed to any other suffering which he should think fit to inflict. How unworthy am I then, who have received the accom­plishment of that desire, and yet want that affection to God, and rejoycing in him, [Page 23] which I thought that Mercy he hath added thereunto, a plentious possession of outward Comforts? I want a heart to hate my self for this, and words to signifie the hatred I feel. How can I appear in the pre­sence of God with this burthen of ingrati­tude, if I were not brought in by my faith­ful High Priest? As to the means of get­ting free from this encounter, thus it was; Being brought, through long wrestling, to the very point of yielding, and giving all for lost, like a routed Army, or beaten man; [...]resh strength was ministred to me from this Text, No temptation hath befallen you, but that which is common to man; but God is Faithful, who with the temptation, will give an issue that ye shall be able to bear it, This Scripture I met with, reading the Chapter wherein it is; and pausing upon it, I took special notice, that the opinion I had long nourished, was, that my case was peculiar, and none ever like me before. This I found to be untrue: For the Text in so many words, saith the contrary.

Then, that as my case was none other than had befallen others, so God was faithful, and of his faithfulness would give me a good issue out of it in his due time. [Page 24] And I especially note it, as the first time that ever I did think it to be God's deal­ing, to leave sinners to the buffeting of Sa­tan and his winnowings; and to the turbu­lency of their own spirits, as a means to con­vert them to himself, and sanctisie and save them. This light I had by meditating upon the words, being without the benefit of Preachers, good Books, or experienced Christians.

After these things, I continued waiting on God in the way of such duties as I under­stood, exercising my self in prayer, reading, and the works of my particular calling, but attained to little establishment in a way of abiding comfort, meeting still sometimes with one temptation, sometimes with ano­ther; some new, some old ones repeated, according to the multitude of Satan's sub­tilties, and the opportunities my corrupt heart, or iniquities of the time and place wherein I lived, ministred unto him.

I remember not so well as to relate it distinctly, how long I continued in this condition, nor the manner of my release from it: By reason of which I must omit many considerable circumstances. But in general, after about two years added to the three years formerly mentioned, the [Page 25] Lord brake in upon me with a very plen­tiful discovery of himself, and enabled me to renew the actings of my saith upon him. I was immediately thereupon filled with joy and peace more than I can ex­press: being throughly convinced that there is a God, the Scriptures were of his inspiring, and that Christ was the Saviour of believing repentant sinners. The Ordi­nances I injoyed were my meat and drink, the Sabbath my delight. I speak not this, as if I had that measure of faith, joy and delight as I ought to have, or as many of the People of God (I suppose) have had, but I call it filling me with these graces comparatively to what I formerly had ex­perienced. For in this whole Narrative I am very fearful to lie for the glory of God, by relating any work of his in me higher than it was; and withal would be very loth to diminish, detract from, or conceal any of the merciful dispensations of his love and grace towards me.

Before I removed out of the Country where the Work which hath been the sub­ject of what is here written past upon me. I conceive it useful to remember the de­portment of some Relations to me, with the frame of my heart in reference thereto.

For however I did endeavour to hide this great change from the eyes of all men, yet it had been as easie for me to suppress a perfume, by shutting it in the hollow of my hand. Grace as well as Sin hath the advantage of its kind, which is to discover it self. I could not but retire my self often to enjoy communion with God; In which retirement, when some observed me, they did commend me; others reproached me, and said, I grew bookish. One called me Hypocrite, and said, A young Saint would be an old Devil.

Such words troubled me greatly all the while I was in doubt of mine own conditi­on, as to my being in Christ: And the par­ty that spake them, was an eminent instru­ment in the hand of the Devil to distress and discompose me. But after I received from the Lord some tastes and evidences of his Love, those revilings and hard speeches comforted me; for I esteemed it my Glo­ry, to suffer shame for his Names sake.

By this time, finding the place where I lived, in reference to Religion, without means of light, and (as the fruit of it) ex­ceedingly sinful, and prophane, men and women generally wallowing in brutish Iusts, I grew extream weary of living in it' [Page 27] and thereupon sought God in Prayer ear­nestly, to find a way of removing me, where I might have better example, better teach­ing, better helps and advantages, of perfe [...]ct­ing what he had graciously begun in me, having had my soul often vexed, by hearing and seeing, as Lot's was. In this, after a short time, God answered me, inclining the hearts of my Parents to send me to London; and placed me for a while with some Friends in and near that City. This change of place, and newness of acquaintance, produced new temptations: For though the Seed of God abiding in me, kept in me some tenderness of spirit, yet many worldly diversions from my former and more constant fellowship with God, brought me into a very drowsie temper. I lived with Professors of Reli­gion, but found not the power of Christi­an Principles acting in them, especially some of them, though from others I had help and encouragement: But some were so choaked with worldly cares, and drown­ed in carnal groundless jealousies, as they became burthensome and uncomfortable to themselves, and those that conversed with them, especially if they had depen­dance on them, as I had. Nevertheless, he that bringeth Good out of Evil, and [Page 28] whose Covenant is, That all things shall work together for good to them that love Him, made use of that unacceptable qua­lity, to awaken me and cause me to reflect upon my declinings.

God is a jealous God, and will suffer no corrival or competitor in the hearts of his Children: Thereupon to chasten me, for suffering my soul to wander after, and cl [...]ve to worldly delights and exp [...]ctati­ons, he left a Person of Q [...]lity, with whom I [...]ived, und [...]r the dominion of an infirmity very natural to her, and very sinful (the G [...]d of M [...]rcy convince her of it, and reform her) g [...]ou [...]dl [...]s, Jeasou­sie: An app [...]hension possest h [...]r o [...] reason of it, tha [...] I had an u [...]wor [...]hy d [...]sign upon her; and as untrue as it was, it put her, and she me, by reason of it, into a very great discomposure. This p [...]ss [...]ge I should alto­gether om [...]t, if I could make the story of God's dealing with me in this case per­fect without it; nor are such things to he slighted: For H [...], without whose provi­dence, a Sparow falleth not to the ground, and by whom the haires of our head are numbered, must be eyed and acknow­ledged in all his wayes. The Children of Jacob, must learn of their Father to see [Page 29] the Face of God in a very Esau. Now be­ing much burthen d [...]und [...]r the Oppression of the foresaid f [...]ls [...] imagination, I had (according to my former course) recourse to God, who seasonably, and very effectu­ally presented to my mind many passages of Scripture; by which I was in some me [...]sure recovered from my backsliding: for a b [...]tter nam [...] I do not know it by: S [...]me of which were these, Rom. 8. 28. For w [...] know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Another was, Ps [...]l. 139. 13. S [...]arch me, O God, and know my b [...]ar [...], try me, and know my thoughts, and see of there be any wicked way in me; and lead me in the Way everlasting. This I made use on, when the fear of an hypocritical state was upon me, occasion­ned by my late decays.

Let this suffi [...]e briesly to point, at what they were, how they came, and what means God applyed to recover me.

After these things, (the whole life of one in Christ being a warfare) I met with many conflicts; and still the most constant one was about my Soul sta [...]c, whether in Christ, or not in Christ, reconciled to God by his Blood, or not reconc [...]led? and tho­row the remnant of Corruption, I am not [Page 30] altogether delivered from this temptation at this very time. I received much esta­blishment at one time from Isa. 27. 5. Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me. At another time hearing this Scripture read, Psal. 25. 10. All the Paths of the Lord are Mercy and Truth to such as keep his Covenants, and his Testimonies: I was assisted to have very comfortable re­flections upon it. By the Paths of the Lord, I understood his providential Dis­spensations, wherein he walks, as men do, in a path to an intended end, which is the accomplishment of his Glory, in bring­ing the Seed of Christ to Glory. Now, though the Paths are exceeding various: Sometimes God lifts his People up; some­times he casts them down; sometimes he gives them victory over sin, Satan and themselves; sometimes he leaves them to be led captive, and then enlarges them out of that Bondage, for the most part, by Afflictions: One while he tryes their Grace, and gives them the sense and com­fort of it; another while he chastens Dis­obedience, and gives them the fruit of that in mortification: But let the Paths of God be never so many, and seem to lye [Page 31] never so cross (as Road-wayes over a Champion) yet are they all Mercy even to those that taste most Severity and Truth, yea, though they seem contrary to his Pro­mise, to them that keep his Covenant and his Testimonies. So that in the way of obedience to his Testimonies, and cleav­ing to his Covenant, I was assured all his Paths to me would be Mercy and Truth.

Isa. 3. 12. Go and proclaim these words towards the North, and say, Return thou back sliding Israel, saith the Lord, and I will not cause mine Anger to fall upon thee; For I am Merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep mine Anger for ever; only ac­knowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God. Eve­ry thing in this Text comforted me. First, that God exprest his forwardness to re­ceive wandering sinners, by sending forth a Proclamation to invite their return. Go and proclaim, saith he. Then, that this was directed to the worst sort of sinners, Back­sliders. The Backslider seemes to tell the World, that upon his particular experi­ence, there is nothing worth enjoying in the Wayes of God; and this is the worst reflection upon them than can be. None so bad as false friends. Traytors in a Court, [Page 32] the worst Traitors. Backsliding Israel not­withstanding is called upon to return. This I looked upon as an evil to which I was very prone, even to grow weary of the strict wayes of God. I will not cause mine Anger to fall upon thee: And again, I am Merciful, and will not keep mine Anger for ever. I was convinced that I did de­serve present wrath and eternal wrath, did not Mercy thus step in. The last thing is direction to a duty, wherein to expect the dispensation of mercy, acknowledge thine iniquity that thou hast transgressed, which requires not an empty heartless verbal Confession, but Confession with hatred of sin, Faith in the pardon of it; and endea­vour to reform it. Psal. 103. 8, 9. The Lord is merciful and gracious, sl [...]w to anger, and plenteous in Mercy: He will not al­wayes chide, neither will he keep his An­ger for ever. This place supported my Faith under the consideration of my mer­rit, which was Wrath from God, whereto he declares himself slow; and also it mi­nistred hope to me of deliverance from those corrective Effects of God's displea­sure against sin in me, which he out of love laid upon me. Isa. 41. 10. Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismaied, for I am thy [Page 33] God. I will strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right­hand of my Righteousness. This Text was applyed to me, when I was beset with va­riety of troubles, some inward, some out­ward. Many from my self, respecting the state I stood in, and the years I had attain­ed to: Some from my Relations in the flesh, whose troubles were many, and their outward condition clouded; and the spi­ritual estate of many of them, not such as I was satisfied in. But from this place, God, by the right-hand of his Righteous­ness (as he here calls it) reached out sup­port to me: Fear not, be not dismayed. With both these did I at this time contend, not only fear, but dismaying, discourage­ing fear; for both the nature, and dress of things, as the image of them appeared to me, was very tremendious. Therefore God applyed comfort to me in a term of relation; I am thy God; as in a gracious Promise of presence, I will be with thee; and unsolds what he means by being with me, viz. to help in every difficulty, and uphold under every burthen.

Isa. 26. 3. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staid upon thee, because he trusteth in thee. Ibid. 40. 31. But they [Page 34] that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as Eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not be faint.

John 3. 16. God so loved the World, that he gave his only beg [...]tten Son, that wh [...]soever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting Life. Isa. 43. 25. But I, even I am he that blott [...]th out thy transgression for mine own sake. Psal. 32. 8. I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the Way that thou shalt go, and guide thee with mine eye. Rom. 4. 5. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the [...]god [...]y, his Faith [...]s counted for Righteousness. These Scrip­tures eminently holding forth the most Est [...]utials in Christianity, were of very great use to me, not once or twice, but so oft as I had recourse to them, which was very frequent, being oft in tryals, which made them seasonable; especially Psal. 32. 8. formerly wrote down, was a Scrip­ture which I repaired to in all doubtful cases. I was taught from John 3. 16. that the Love of God was the Fountain of my happiness, being that, out of which Christ himself was given for me. Rom. 4. 5. in­structed me, that a Righteousness laid hold on by Faith, justifie [...] without the least ad­dition [Page 35] of works wrought by me, which of how great use soever (being indeed one end of that which Christ hath suffered and done for me, that I might be God's Work­manship in him created to good works) yet no material meritorious, no, or the least moving cause why my person should be accepted of God: In this respect I count them all lost, as Paul did his, Phil. 3. 8.

The Prayer of Christ, recorded John 17. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. afforded me so great Comfort, that I cannot be satisfied with­out leaving a particular account of it. The words are, Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also that shall believe in me thorow their Word, that they may be all one, as thou Father art in me and I in thee, that they al­so may be one in us, that the World may believe that thou hast sent me: And the Glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one even as we are one. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.

Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given [Page 36] me: For thou lovedst me before the Founda­tion of the World. The Love of Christ, in these words set forth, did, and doth so drink up my spirit, as I am like one drunk­en with Wine, not able to speak of the sweetness of it. Well, to understand, and savour his Words in this Prayer, is (if I know any thing of such entertaiment) to be led into his Banqueting-house, and Wine-cellar; of whose Love the Song of Solomon speaks.

It being my lot to live in an age where­in Errour abounded, I think fit to menti­on those Scriptures, which perswaded me from some of those Errours, of the most dangerous nature, as most evidently against the foundation of that Covenant, which God had confirmed to me. The one was the freedom of an unregenerate will to be­lieve in Christ. Ephes. 2. 8. it is thus writ­ten, By Grace ye are saved thorow Faith, and that not of your selves; it is the gift of God. Besides the experience I had of my natural inability to receive Christ by Faith, this Text tells me expresly, That men have it not from themselves, but that, it is the Gift of God.

I have [...]a [...]d this to be a point of great controversie among the Learned; wher [...] ­in, [Page 37] if the experience of a sinner burthen­ed with guilt, may moderate, I doubt not but to have a determination to the sense I have given.

Again, Jer. 31. 19. I read thus, After I was turned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, and even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. This place shews, that God's work upon us, goes be­fore our works towards him: Man cannot turn till he is turned, or smite upon his thigh, before he his instructed. I therefore agree with those, who say that the carnal will is in bondage to sin, as well as the car­nal mind, neither of them being subject to the Law of God, or can be: For I do conceive, that without supernatural in­struction (which I take to be the same with spiritual Illumination, or an Anoint­ing which teacheth all things) the will is altogether incapacitated to chuse aright. Nor am I ashamed to acknowledge those whose labours God hath used to inform and edifie me. Mr. Pemble upon Faith and Grace, was a book I took much pleasure in, as that which made things clear to me, which I formerly understood little of. I understood the better what was written by [Page 38] him, because I had experienced the truth of his Notions. So much for freedom of will.

As to Perseverance, which is another truth much opposed, I have establish­ment in it from John 10. 28. And I give unto them eternal Life, and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them our of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand. This saying of our Lord, preserves me from be­ing infected with that c [...]nal, [...]otte [...], rack­ing Opinion, that a true justified person may fall from that state, and that Chris [...] and Satan change members d [...]y.

I proceed to the last stage of my tra­vels, about which I intend any farther discourse, and that was Whitehall; for thither the hand of providence led me; and in a short time after I came thither, I met with a change of my condition, from single to married. The dealings of God with me in this place and state, were too remarkable to be past over in si­lence.

New relations call for new d [...]ties; new duties require new graces, and are, as I said before, attended with new tryals: for [Page 39] sin sticking close to the whole man, en­deavours to promote it self by [...] currence in this world.

The sorrows and bitterness that every enjoyment in this life is attended with, derives its Original from sin. And al­though the comforts I met with in Marri­age, were many, and such as that state af­fords to few, in sundry particulars, yet I found vanity enough in it also, teaching me to say, Arise, and go hence, for this is not thy rest: Yet in all my straits, still he was near that helped me: and how bad soever my naughty heart behaved it self, yet he that for his own sake loveth, and saveth, did deliver me.

God gave me to find favour in the eyes of the Governours, and chief Persons in that Court, and generally I did not observe any to be an enemy to me, as first, till some began to despise, and hate me partly for my Profession, and partly out of some lit­tle envy, which those places abound with. Now, for a persons of my years and inter­est, not to begin a building of worldly happiness upon such a foundation, is very unusual: For my part I am willing to take to my self the shame of confessing, that I fell into this share; only through Mercy [Page 40] it held me not long: the Lord soon shew­ing me experimentally, that Men of high degree are a [...]ly [...], and shewing me good rea­son, why he commanded me to cease from them.

To relate the particular Tryals that here I met with, would argue my memory over tenacious of such things, and appear uncomely in other respects. The miscar­riages of Professors in this age, is too noto­rious, and God hath made their sufferings as visible.

To set forth God's dealings with me in those times, is that which I am carrying on. I remember that my approach to Mar­riage was with great perturbation of mind: for though my affections were deeply enga­ged [...] him that God provided for me, and have from thence to this day grown up, and that upon such principles, as will en­dure when my relation to him, as a wife, shall cease: yet worldly cares did present themselves to me in great multitudes; the Devil providing instruments to help that business of his forward; who frequently told me how unhappy I should be, if such things and such things fell out: I dare say the parties sought my good in it Peter did his Masters, when [Page 41] he prayed him to spare himself: yet was their discourse to me as Peters was, temp­ting to sin. It would be very unhansome, to enter into the particulars of the things: but in the toss and heat of them all, my heart was up to God for a word of support, who gave it me in the words spoken to Joshua, Chap. 1. vers. 5. repeared by the Apostle, Heb. 13. 5. I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Upon my first reflecti­ons on this text, I knew not what to make of it, nor understood that it was to my case: but a while after, being in company with a very eminent Divine (upon what occasion I know not now) he sell into dis­course upon that Scripture, and said, That it was evident from the foregoing verse, that that Promise was by the Apostle main­ly intended to arm people against those worldly cares, that attend a married life. His words brought me to remembrance, how it had been by the immediate Voice of God, whispered to me when I was ex­ercised with those kind of distractions, and I was surprized with such sudden com­fort from it, that (though I said nothing, my very looks discovered it to the party) who enquiring of me, found the relation of it, which now I make. At another [Page 42] time, being under the fear of many dan­gers, which I foresaw I was like to meet with, I was relieved by reading If. 48. 17. Thus saith the Lord, thy Redemer, the holy One of Israel, I am the Lord thy God, which teachet [...] thee to profit; which leadeth thee by the way which thou shouldst go.

Hence God confirmed me in the belief of his continued care over me in my wil­derness walk, and removed in some mea­sure my tormenting fears. At another time, having faln under some afflicting providence, but what it was I have for­gotten, God directed me to look into the cause of it from Isa. 48. 18. O that thou hadst hearkened to my Commandments, then had thy peace been as a River, and thy righ­teousness as the Waves of the Sea. This place was applyed by me, as a reproof for my carnal conversation, and that not impro­perly; for I believe God taught me so to apply it; though I conceive withal, that it was originally uttered as an Expostulati­on with those who pervert Gospel-Light and Gospel-Duties, turning them into a covenant of works, as the Jews then did, and as many nominal Christians now do; thereby forsaking a Spring of living Wa­ter, for a crackt vessel, or dirty puddle.

At another time I was seriously poring upon my self, and turning my thoughts upon the frame of my heart, I observed such emptiness of Grace, such fulness of Sin, fainting in my spirit, I said within my self, How can God take the least pleasure in so wretched a Creature? Then was the saying of David, 2 Sam. 23. 5. brought to remembrance: Although my house be not so with God, yet hath he made with me an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things, and sure. Hence I collected, that if Da­vids happiness, of whom God gives so high a Testimony, depended on an everlasting well ordered Covenant, as the only basis of it, it became me to lodge mine there also, what ever my personal qualifications were.

The station in which I stood, had at ano­ther time occasioned a long slumber to me, wherein I had not my former sense of the working of Grace, nor fellowship with Christ: The vexation that it gave me, kept me from total stupidity, but it continued longer than such [...]ts used to do; for I found not that genuine frame of mind, which I had formerly to God and his wayes: Then was I wonderfully bro­ken in upon, from Isa. 54. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, [Page 44] 10, 11. especially that which setled me as upon a Mountain, was the tenth verse, where it is said, For the Mountains shall depart, and the Hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the Covenant of my Peace be removed, saith the Lord that [...]ath mercy upon thee. This was so remarkable a passage, as I went to seek a place to pour out tears of joy, issuing from a heart melted with love. If ever I experienced true contrition, and a heart of stone turned into a heart of flesh, it was at this time.

I was at another time, much affected from the consideration of God's familiar dealing with sinning man, in those inti­mate expressions of love, and alluring in­vitations, by which he seeks to draw men after him, exprest under such taking ob­jects, Prov. 8. 17, 18. 19, 20, 21. I love them that love me; and those that seek me early, shall find me. Riches and Honour are with me, yea, durable Riches and Righte­ousness. My fruit is better than Gold, yea, than much fine Gold; and my revenue, than choise Silver. I lead in the way of righteous­ness, in the midst of the paths of judgement; that I may cause those that love me, to inhe­rit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

In a time of darkness and perplexity of heart, by reason of it, I was insulted over by Satan, as if he had obtained now a con­quest over me: Then did the Spirit of God suggest these words unto me, Micah 7. 8. Rejoyce not against me, O mine enemy! though I fall, I shall rise again; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.

Many other comforts, at sundry times, from several Scriptures, were given in, fit­ted to the temptation that I was at such times under, which I have sinfully for­gotten, the Lord pardon me in much mer­cy: Some I can give the better account of, because I wrote them in a Paper-book, which I have now by me; as 1 John 8. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Here, pardon of sin is annexed to confession of sin: and it is a very comfortable place, when rightly un­derstood, & made use of; for it implies the knowledge of a ransome for sin, and Faith in a redeemer; for by the tenure of the Law, sin is uupardonable: Cursed (saith it) is eve­ry one that continueth not in all things writ­ten in the book of the Law, to do them. Hence no sorrow for sin, turning from sin, crying for pardon of sin, can obtain it without the Mediation of him, who hath made his [Page 46] soul an offering for sin. But the common use that people make if it, who confess sin formally, and resolve to practise it sub­s [...]t [...]ally is an abhorrence to God, and all that have the Image of God stampt on them: We have done those things, say they, which we ought not to have done; and we have left [...]nd [...]ne those things, which we ought to have done; and mi [...]ht add [we resolve so to do still] else what means their re­turning from the solemnity of their De­votions, to Swearing, Drunkenness, Whoredom, and all abominations that lye in the way of their lustful hearts. It hath troubled me sorely, to hear carnal people make the way to Heaven so broad and easie in their discourse, point-blank against what Christ said of it: and it is a concluding argument they know it not. That God is merciful, and Christ dyed [...]or sinners, are precious truths, and of concernment to faln man, none greater: Yet do multitudes encourage themselves from them to live in sin, and thereupon perish, for one who obtains Salvation by them.

I have been often quickned to duty from Heb. 6. 12. Be not sl [...]thful, but follow­ers of th [...]s, who through Faith and Patience [Page 47] inherit the Promises. I found Faith and Patience of absolute necessity in all obe­dience, whethet active or passive: Nor may I omit the encouragement to obedi­ence laid down, vers. 17. and 18. of that Chapter, wherein God is willing more a­bundantly, to shew unto the heirs of the Promise, the immutability of his Counsels, confirmed it by an Oath, that by two im­mutable things, in which it is not possible for God to lye, they might have strong consolation, who are fled for refuge to the hope set before them. Where I further noee a distinguishing character of a sound Believer; he is said here to fly for refuge to the hope set before him: For I do not think, that in time of sore distress under the burthen of sin, any but such as in whom Christ dwels, can fly to him for refuge; though they may have other great accom­plishments, such as to be enlightned to taste the Heavenly Gift, to be partakers of the holy Ghost, and taste the good Word of God, and the Powers of the World to come; as is said of some, vers. 4. 5. The words also Heb. 7. 25. have been of stand­ing support to me: He is able to save them to the uttermost, that come to God through Him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercessi­on [Page 48] for them. And thus much of the m [...] ­remarkable things which besel me before the beginning of my long sickness.

About the beginning of April, in the year 58. I was taken with a violent cold, which was exceeding common at that time; since when I cannot say, that I have had one healthy day, as before, but distem­pers have increased upon me, with very troublesome Effects and Symptoms. Un­der this visitation, I have had great expe­rience of God's gracious dealing with me in my weakness: I had recourse to the words of the Prophet, Jer. 9. 23, 24. Thus saith the Lord, Let not the strong man glory in his strength, &c. But let him that glori­eth, glory in this, that he understandeth, and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, who exer­cise Loving-kindness, Judgement and Righte­ousn [...]ss in the Earth. Also the saying of the Apostle, Jam. 1. 12. was of great use to me: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tryed, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

While these things past on, sinding in my self many signs of approaching morta­lity, I was very conversant in the more serious thoughts of Eternity; and I o [...]t [Page 49] was thinking with my self, Oh that I had a crevice, in at which to look, that I might see the state of souls departed. Satan (who loses no opportunity) took the hint of these thoughts, because I did sometime utter them, and interposed this suggesti­on, That there was no such enjoyment of God after death, as men talked on; and to make it good, instanced in those who were raised from the dead, as Lazarus, Do [...]cas, and those that arose at the Resurrection of Christ, and went into the City, and ap­peared to many; none of all which made any report of what they had seen; which no doubt they would have done, if they had been partakers of such happiness as some speak of. My curiosity in this, God reproved in the words spoken to Job, Chap. 38. 17. Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or, hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? As if he should say, The things thou enquirest after, are se­crets, not to be pryed into.

In the beginning of that Chapter, I al­so read, how God argued Job, and in him me, into a conviction of what a poor worm man is, as being unable to search into, or give an account of his wonders, wrought without number: And for my confirma­tion, [Page 50] in the belief of the happiness of Saints departed, presented to me, John 14. 1. Let not your hearts be troubled, ye b [...]li [...]ve in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers House are many Mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.

This instructed me, and hinted to me my atheism, and unbelief, as the proper root of such thoughts as I had been tam­pering with; it thereupon humbled me, and drew me nearer to Christ.

One thing I may not here omit, being a very confiderable note for practical di­rection. Upon a certain day, about this time, the Lords Supper was to he c [...]lehra­ted by the Church [...] Wesi [...]in [...]er, into the fellowship of which, I had through great mercy obtained [...]dmiss [...]n. In the morn­ing before I went, I had a great indisp [...] ­s [...]dness to go, and would [...]ve been glad of any slight hinderance, yet ( [...] up by confi [...]ring Heb. 10. 25. Forsake, [...] the assembling of your selves [...]ther, as the man­ner of some is) I went; when I came the [...]e, Mr. Roe (the Pastor of that Church) was carrying on a discourse, the subject of [Page 51] which was, Sanctified Affections; in the prosecution of which, before and after that day, he spent much time: That which he spake then, was by the presence of God, much set upon my heart, notwithstanding the dead frame I came thither in. Sermon being ended, I went to the place where the Church met to break Bread, that I might likewise partake of that Institution: There God met me with greater enlarge­ment of heart, in the sense of his rich Grace set forth in that Ordinance, than to my remembrance I ever had before or since: It put me into a deep mourn­ing over a sinful heart, and made me press after a more clear manifestation, of my be­ing at peace with him, by a holy conver­sation: To this God gave in a promise containing both, Micah. 7. 19. He will subdue our iniquities, and thou wilt cast all our sins into the depth of the Sea. To bury sin in the satisfaction made for it, and to subdue it, in respect of the reign of it, are the highest attainments on this side Hea­ven, where the remains of it will in like manner be removed.

That perfection which some pretend unto, is to common observation an ima­ginary dream: For while their Conversa­tions [Page 52] are compared to that rule, the least transgrestion whereof is sin; their imper­fections are so far from being concealed, as indeed they appear to be worse spots, than the spots of God's Children.

These being the most remarkable things which I remember did attend my being at Whitehal, I think it my duty to say some­thing of the mind I brought thither, and the change wrought in it there.

My birth and education was from those who had dependance upon the Court of the late King, whose interest was so much woven into his, that in the late miserable Wars they did adhere to him, to the great reducement of their Families, of which I being one, had a deep share of suffering, and was accordingly imbittered against the instruments of it. I came not only out of the Country with this mind, but I brought it into his Family who had been a chief instrument of those great Changes; against whose person (partly upon the for­mer reason, but principally from the sto­ries I had heard of him) I had sufficient prejudice. Now, that I may right him for the wrong I have done him in my thoughts (and it may be in my words too, some­times) I cannot so comfortably leave the [Page 53] world without declaring what I found from him; wherein, if I could sufficient­ly demonstrate how little I am by assed by carnal worldly motives, that which I say, would gain the greater acceptance: That many of his, [...]ctions had, that either for the matter of them, opr maner in which, or end to which they were done, as to pro­voke God to pour contempt and suffering upon him and his in the view of the world since his death, and that most justly (for God doth nothing unjustly) is most evi­dert: teaching us to tremble before him alwayes; For even our God is a consuming fire. Yet nothwithstanding, I should bury the truth in unrighteousness, did I not from many observations, declare that he was (in my opinion) a man of greater Faith and Holiness, than is almost to be found among the sons of men: One, who had the clear understanding of Gospel-truth, and lived in the power of it (the times of his surprizal in strong temptation excep­ted,) One to whom Christ was dear, and every thing that seemed to have any thing of Christ stampt on it, without distincti­ons of this or that Sect. Whence I have heard knowing men say (and I believe truly) That he was apt to indulge preten­ders [Page 54] to Holiness, to the apparent hurt of his outward interest, as fearful to beat down any thing which God would have stand: And hath been heard to say, That there were few Sects among Christians, in which something of God was not to be found, which must not be destroyed. How some of them did requite him, I doubt not but they have had leisure since to con­sider, or will have.

And as to the Cause which he was so great a pa [...]on of, it was Publick Reformation; which when the means to effect it, is vin­dicated from those just scandals which Professors of Religion have brought upon it, I doubt no more of the resurrection of it, than of mine own at the last day: And when wicked men have finished their transgressions, and fill'd their measures, they, shall receive the reward of them. God will judge me very shortly as to what I say herein; and hath judged some al­ready, of whom I speak; and will judge the rest before another Age be past, and that will not be long: to Him therefore, and his righteous Judgement, I leave it.

That which I intend to conclude with­al, as to my living, at Whitehol, is, the change of my practice in Church-matters.

The form I was bred under, was Epis­copal; against which I had none other mind, than all persons have against that wherein they are educated; and of the contrary to which they understand no­thing. Tht Society I couversed with at my first coming to London, was, Presby­terians. That which I closed with after I came to Westminster, was Congregational; or Independent; for so they have of late been distinguished. The sr [...]l mind of man being through ignorance mutable, it is no easie thing to attain to stability, nor can it be till Truth fixes it. I think those fall under the deserved character of wa­vering minded men, who go forward in the wayes of truth, and then return back again, that retreat is dishonourable: For it was not Pauls errour, to change his practice upon Conversion; though I have heard that the Turks charge him with a crime in it; and to be sure the Jews did: But with the bewitched Galatians to begin in the spirit, and to seek perfection by the works of the Law, is dangerous Apostacy.

To pass from Episcopacy to Presbytery, thence to Independency, and then (for outward advantage) to return back again, (yea, though they went but the first step) [Page 56] will certainly merit no better name, than Time-serving. But not to be too ready in condemning others; that which I have to do, is, to assign the reason of mine own practice: It is little of the spirit of dis­cerning I pretend to; yet, if I have any of the Spirit of Christ, and hope of eter­nal Happiness, I must not quit all claim to it: From that little of it which I have, I do profess, I have been acquainted with very Holy Men of all the fore-named dif­ferent Perswasions, and have not been a little scandalized at the behaviour of some of them towards their dissenting Brethren; who have little practised that Gospel Grace, Forbearance, as clearly command­ed in the Word as any other dutie. It is no new or strange thing, that there should be found the eff [...]cts of enmity be­tween the Seed of the Woman, and the seed of the Serpent: But that Christ should be devided, is neither lawful, comfortable nor comely.

And now to the reason why I sate down with Independants in spiritual Communi­on, it was, Because I found them agree­ing with the other two in all fundamental Doctrines belonging to Salvation: and (at least as I think) exercising the power [Page 57] of those principles more in practice.

I observed, that in their Doctrine they separated betwixt the precious and the vile, betwixt regenerate and unregene­rate, by the same rules and notes of di­stinction.

Even some Episcopal men did so, as Ʋsher and Reynolds, with some few more; and the Presbyterians generally went that way: but then in practice they call them holy, whom in Doctrine they pronounce Prophane, admitting them to those Gospel­institutions, which are the peculiar privi­ledges of the Saints.

And to justifie what they do, they setch presidents from Corinth, and other Chur­ches in the Apostles times; nay, they travel further, even to the old Church of the Jews, to shew how corrupt a Church may be, and yet retain the es­sence of a Church; when such a simple woman as I, am apt to think, their time would be better spent in purging out the old leaven, that the body might be a new lump, 1 Cor. 5. 7.

This at an adventure made me cleave to them, in whom I sourd most of that spirit, which from the beginning of my [Page 58] Conversion, had acted and comforted me.

And let it suffice, that I can say no more for my self herein, because I am not able to try hard Arguments, or untie knotty Controversies; plenty of which I am told the differences betwixt them have afforded. Nay, I must consess, I yet understand not what those things are, that give them their different deno­minations, though I have heard it in de­bates often; so little impression did it leave upon me.

This only I find, that Episcopecy (in its last restitution) come [...] attended with such prophaness, as the very fight of it hath made me rejoyce in the hopes of being delivered by death, from beholding those judgements which I fear will fall upon so [...] of my dearest relations, for being too near those things.

And now upon the sad consideration of what is herein written, Oh! you my unregenerate unacquaintance (and such of my relations as are in that condition) let me address some Questions.

Tell me honestly, what think you of this story?

The Narrative I have made of God's dealing with me, I solemnly profess to be in every tittle true, but not by much all that which might have been said; I have caused it to be written, in that which I account my last sickness, with none other intent, but to give God the glory of his dealing with me, and bring you to happiness the like way.

Now, can you think that this great work was from Satan?

It is true, Satan tempted and troubled me in my childhood, but I was brought to Christ by it.

Did Satan intend that, think you?

And hath Christ in requital of Satans kindness therein, returned me back as a pre­sent to him?

Judge, I pray you, in your most retired thoughts; for I appeal to your Consci­ences from your wild discourses; wherein out of your natural enmity to Conversi­on, you call it Phrenzy, and to a holy conversation, which gaines no better ti­tle from you than Phanatism, or (which is worse) Sedition and Rebellion; and [Page 60] [...]he words wherein it is held out, Cant­ [...]g.

I was known to you from my youth, and I appeal to that knowledge yet, without vain glory; was not my whole carriage as free from offence, as the generality of youth is, if not more free and gaining?

How comes it then that sin should be made thus burthensome to me, when you seem to bear it so lightly?

My Soul hath oft mourned for you in secret, God knows; and I was encoura­ged thereto, because, for some God heard me, and delivered them out of their des­perate state.

Original sin hath dreadfully desaced the Principles of Truth, and darkened the Beams of Light, that once were in mans heart; yet not so totally, but that I dare appeal to the remnants of them in you, whether you do not think this that hath been said, is the work of God, bring­ing home a lost creature, and leading a blind sinner in the streight way to Life, to which your selves are strangers? for to such I speak, knowing assuredly that the generation of the Just, do eccho to all that I have said [...] And that I was raised from the dead by that Power which Christ [Page 61] himself was raised, Ephes. 1. 19, 20. and am kept by no less Power to this very day.

And if so, then, as Daniel said to Nebu­chadnezzar, Let my counsel accepted of you; Break off your sins by Repentance; your unbelief by Faith; your superstiti­on ignorance and prophaness, by Puri­ty, Integrity, and a sound understanding of the Wayes of God, in his Worship.

You little think how o [...]t I have sought God for you herein; wherein, if I obtain answer, I shall at length meet yo [...] as co­heirs of the Rest purchased by Christ: However the election of God shall stand, and he knoweth who are his.

And let what I have herein declared, remain upon record, as a witness of what God hath done for some, and particular­ly for me, against those who in despite of all kindes of teaching, whether by word or example, do violently pursue their lusts, to their eternal and most just destruction.