¶ That the very best thing that Disciples of Christ, at taking leave one of ano­ther, can do one for another, is to turn their Cases into Prayers.

I shall endeavour by the Lords Help, to demonstrate this Doctrine from these three Considerations

1. That 'tis the best we can do, in that it is most highly Lawful, and always possible and practicable.

2 In that it is as Needful as Lawful.

3. In that it is the most powerful and suc­cessful of any thing that we can do.

First of all, It is most Lawful and Possi­ble. We have Precept, Promise and Example to convince us, that we may Lawfully as well as Possibly turn one anothers Cases into Pray­ers. I exhort saith Paul, by the Spirit, 1 Tim 2.1. that Intercessions be made for all men, [He intends not the Damned, nor such as have Sinned against the Holy Ghost:] All men that Christ Offers His Blood and Benefits unto, we ought to offer our Prayers for them; see verse 4, & 8. But especially, we may and must Pray, with and for the Brethren. Jam. 5. [Page 12] 14, 16. Pray one for another. Although [...] are unworthy of liberty to make Petition fo [...] our selves, yet the Grace of God allows, y [...] injoyns us to put in requests for others also Moses, and Samuel, and Daniel, may speak good word for all Israel: & the Debt of Lo [...] to Jerusalem is to be discharged in the lawf [...] and current Coin of Prayers. Psal. 122 6 Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, They sha [...] prosper that Love Her. If we are for Examples; Look we to our Father Abraham, Th [...] first thoughts of Parting with his Son, are fu [...] of Prayer; Oh! that he may Live in Th [...] Sight. Gen. 17.18. Isaac and Jacob part wit [...] Prayers. Gen. 28.3, 4, 5. So Israel and H [...] Sons. Gen. 43.14. God Almighty give y [...] mercy. So Job and his Friends part friendl [...] with Prayers and Sacrifices offered up at thei [...] Parting. Job 42 8, 9. And this was Pau [...] Custom. The Shore of Miletum was Sanct [...] fyed with his Knees and Tears, before th [...] Shore of Tyre was; The Elders of Ephes [...] being Witnesses; whom, at parting, as a choic [...] part of his dear Charge, He Surrendred an [...] Commended, unto the Tuition of Heave [...] Not expecting to see them or do for then any more, upon the Earth. Acts 20.32, 36 38. But Our Lord Jesus is an Example without Exception: And we have His Farewe [...] Prayer in the 17th Chap. of John as well a [...] [Page 13] His Farewell Sermon in the foregoing Chapters; Moreover, unto the Warranty of His own Pattern and Precept He hath graciously added [...]he further Encouragements of His Promises, That He will even Pardon our Sins to us in [...]nswer to our Prayers one for another, 1 John [...].16. Yea, that if we joyn together in desi­ [...]ing and requesting of Him, any thing what­ [...]oever, that it shall be done for us by His Fa­ [...]her which is in Heaven, Mat. 18.19, 20.

Thus we have proved, that this Way is [...]ighly warrantable; and very Possible and [...]racticable also; for Ab Esse ad Posse, valet [...]onsequentia, That that hath actually been one, is possible to be done; Coelius [lib. 20. [...]ap. 25] Relates, that when Themistocles, [...]pon a severe demand of Moneys from the [...]nhabitants of Andrios, told them that he brought. [...]wo Gods with him unto them, viz. Persuasion [...]nd Force: They replied, that they had two [...]reat Gods among themselves, that hindred [...]hem, to wit, Poverty, and Impossibility. But [...]s to the case in hand, the Saints are delivered [...]om them both. But 'tis the best we can do, [...]or (1.) 'Tis All that we can do, many [...]mes (2) It may Always be done. 'Tis (1) Only, (2.) Constantly Possible. True Christians, Disciples, do belong to Christ; Now [...]ad they not the Spirit of Christ, they were [...]one of His. Rom. 8.9. They have there­fore [Page 14] His Spirit, and He teacheth and helpeth them to Pray, Rom. 8.15, 26. And there is no Chosen Vessel but upon his Conversion, it may be said, Behold he prays. Acts 9.11. If Nathanael be an Israelite indeed, Christ hat [...], seen him Kneeling under the Fig-tree. John 1.47, 48. And in Prayer Jacob gets the name of Israel. Gen. 32.28. This therefore they can do for their Brethren, they can Pray for them, to the LORD; and many times they can do nothing else for them; their Wit, Strength, Purse, can't reach to Help them. The swel­ling Ocean may swallow up, or Enemies sink them, or Sickness make an end of them long before we can hear of it, or reach them Help with our other Talents: But now, so long as they do but keep within the compass of THIS World, let them go as far as ever they can, they can never get out of the reach of Prayer. Would we have frequent Intelligence of their Welfare, we may in a New and Living way, draw near to Him, that is always near to them, and have it: Hannah's Son Samuel was very Remote, when she had her first satisfactory Intelligence concerning him, after which her face was no more sad 1 Sam. 1 11, 17, 18. Nor was that the only case where­in Prayer hath condescended to become an Informer. Many Holy men of God in late [...] Times, and some of them in New-England [...] have obtained upon their Knees, happy [Page 15] Tidings from Remote Countries, and strange Assurances of things to come. They perceiv­ed well the Information, beholding no Infor­mer, but Prayer in Faith. King Edward the Sixth asking news concerning one, that he highly Respected, was told, that there was no hope of his Life; but he instantly replied, that he was well assured he would recover, for he had that morning begg'd his Life of God: and he recovered accordingly. Daniel indeed had swift Information from an Angel, but it was obtained by Prayer. Dan 9.21, 22. Are some of our dear Brethren Removing to a great and wide Distance from us, of many hundreds of miles; yet I do not see what should hinder, but that, if the fault be not our own, we and they may daily meet at the same Throne of Grace, and interchange some com­fortable Intelligence. Why should we not trust Faith in Prayer, when it hath been making Friends with Gods Name and Pro­mise for Information? [ Luk 16.7, 8] What though the Holy SPIRIT do more rarely afford the strong Pleadings of Faith, & mighty Assurances of particular Audience, as to outward Specialties of Persons and Cases, (notwithstanding 'tis not Enthysiastical to say, tha [...] the LORD is not wont, powerfully to bear in such persuasions of Audience af [...]er strong Cries, where he means to deny the Re­quest,) [Page 16] yet could we not double the Cape o [...] Good Hope, although they were beyond Hercu­les Pillars? And when the Wings of Faith & Prayer have mounted our Souls to the top o [...] the Promontory of Sacred and Surest Prospect, I mean the Promise, without doubt, the Eye o [...] Hope, will have a mighty advantage for the making of its most unashaming and most com­fortable Observations. Truly, if the means used, have a kindly operation, 'tis a promising sign, to a sick Patient. And if the Decree hav [...] joyned fervent Prayers and gracious Answer [...] together, as the appointed means to the ap­pointed and desired End, woe be to that Un­belief, that shall put them asunder. I remem­ber, when (Attending on the Colledge) I had been absent long from my nearest Relations, That HONORABLE PERSON, (with whom I Sojourned divers years, & from whom I my self, [as well as others, alike devoted to, and in Education for the Service of the Sanctuary] received much of the kindness of GOD, which the LORD of His Grace, reward with Everlasting Kindness;) He was pleased to ask me, whether my Friends at Home were in good Health or no? And when I answered, that I could not tell; he seemed to wonder at it, inquiring whether I had not, that morning been fervent in Prayers of Faith on their be­half: signifying further, that although other [Page 17] ways of Intelligence were shut up, yet some comfortable satisfaction concerning them, might be obtained in such a way; Oh! may we All now prove the Experiment by that Excel­lent man of Prayer, suggested seasonably unto One! We shall neither mistake the Paradox, nor miss of the Consolation: May our Spiri­tual Experience, be but the Interpreter. This is indeed considerable, but this is not All; For we may Save their Lives, and Assist their Glo­rious Design, by our Prayers on their behalf: Luther so [...]ke it by Experience, Est quaedam Praecum Omnipotentia: Nothing is too hard for the Prayer of Faith: Jobs Prayers were able to break the Ice, to clear the Passage for his three Friends: Job 42.1 — 8. Who can tell or think how much Good that man may do, for his Absent Friend, that is himself an honest Favourite with an Earthly Prince, and that is unweariedly improving all Opportuni­tles for his Friends advantage? Brethren! we also may help our Brethren, if we bestir our selves to take hold on God for them in this way of Prayer. And as often 'tis the only thing, so always, it is the most constant thing that we can do, one for another: If other help may seldom reach them, (yet by the Assist­ance of the Spirit of God) we may afford them the Help of Prayer every day, and often in a Day. Thus did Paul to the Saints in [Page 18] Rome. Rom. 1.9. God is my witness whom [...] Serve in the Gospel of His Son, with my ver [...] Spirit, that without ceasing I make mention o [...] you always in my prayers; And thus also t [...] Philemon, Phil verse 4 I thank my GOD, making mention of thee a [...]ways in my prayers: An [...] I verily believe that those Holy Persons foun [...] the benefit of Pauls Prayers every Day. Thu [...] 'tis Best, because most Lawful and Possible.

Secondly: Because it is as Needful a Lawful, that Parting or Parted Disciple should turn their several Cases into Prayer [...] Such as stay at Home have Need to Pray [...] Them that go abroad: Yea, a nec [...]ssity l [...]et on them; and Wo unto Them if they d [...] it not: They cannot Prove the Sincerity o [...] their Obedience to God, or Love to the Saints or obtain any comfor [...]ble Token and Evidenc [...] of their own future Prosperi [...], that do not Pray for their Brethren, who make a part of th [...] Church; in Praying for whom, they Pray f [...] the Peace of Jerusa [...]m, Psal 122 6. And suppos [...], their Br [...]thr [...]n should miscarry throug [...] the weakness or for the want of their Prayers, what horrib e Gui [...]t will un [...]voidably b [...] incurred. And they need O [...]e an [...]the [...] Prayers, in that, The Divine Order ha [...]h [...] Link't Men together, as that the one ( [...]und [...] He [...]ven) must be beholden to (because, d [...] pendent [Page 19] on) the other, for Preservation: None but a Cain will make it a Question, Am I my Brothers Keeper? How often doth the Lord permit the Devil to execute the Curses of Witches on their Neighbours, although, blessed be GOD, Balaam cannot Curse, nor yet Satan Execute when and where they sometimes could rejoyce to do it. Micah 6 5. How often doth the Lord fulfill the Blessings of the Saints? They that are blessed of the G [...]dly man, shall inhe­rit the Earth: Psal. 37.22. 'Tis Promised, that, One day, the Saints shall be inthroned as Co [...]ss ss [...]s with the Lord J [...]sus Christ, to Judge the World; And verily He seems loath to do any great thing without their Suff [...]rage now: They Bless and then He Blesseth Jobs Friends must be beholding to Jobs Prayers for their acc [...]ptance with the Lord, as hath been s [...]id. And Abimeleck to Abraham's, Gen. 20.7. [He sha [...]l Pray for the [...], and thou shalt Live] And Peter to the Churches Pray­ers Acts 12 5, 12. And Paul to Philemon's Prayers, Philem. v. 22. And to the Prayers of Others.

And the B [...]nedictory Op [...]ions of such Saints as stand near the Gate of Heaven, have been allow [...]d by the Lord, to have a more peculiar hand in the Distribution of Divine B [...]n [...]fits. As E [...]ijah's to E [...]sha 2 King 2 9. E [...]sha's to King Jo [...]s [...]; 2 King. 13.17. So Isaac's to [Page 20] Jacob of Old; Gen. 28. 1, 3. Jacobs to His Sons, Gen. 49.1. And Moses's to Israel Deut. 33.1. Yet Our own Single Prayers for our selves, have not so great and extensive an Effi­cacy as the Prayers of Many others for us may have, in which more Grace is Exercised, by more Subjects, the Lord being also more Glorifyed when after the Prayers, He receives the Praises, not of One but of Many Saints, for the Mercys which He hath bestowed.

But more particularly to accommodate this Article to the Case of our now Parting Brethren. It will evidently appear that Our joynt Prayers are Needfull for them, if we duly weigh [...]hese following Considerations. As Namely:

[1.] Our Prayers are Needfull to them, in regard of Those by Whom they are sent forth upon the Work of the Lord, and Whom they are departing from: They are of Us: We and They are of One People of God; They and we are likely to stand and fall to­gether. Now, One Achan may trouble all Israel. A man not long since in a Neigh­bouring Colony had one Leg cut off: and when, in another Room, the Chirurgeons slashed the Leg that was cut off, to make a more perfect discovery, The poor man felt the Pains of the Gashes, and Roared dreadfully [Page 21] for Anguish, until they left off: Even so, If it should fare ill with them, we should Cry out, and if we should Desert them an [...] Sin in Ceasing to Pray for them, they woul [...] feel it bitterly. Brethren! Our Sins, ar their Danger, and our Holy Devotion, may concur and conduce, not a little to their Safety and Prosperity. It may fare with the Hoste Abroad, even as the People that send them do demean themselves at Home: Hence the Lord gives a strict Caution, Deut. 23.9. When thine Host goeth forth—then keep thee from every Wicked thing Some Parents have had so strange a Sympathy with their Children, many Scores yea Hundreds of Miles distant from them; and some Veruous Wives, with their Husbands; as that no considerable danger or distress hath happ'ned to their Husbands or Children, but they have been distressed and in Agonys themselves, with a strange fear on their Spirits, concerning their Relations, that were in distress at the same Moments of Time. Some such Instances are recorded in faithful History, and more are ready at hand to be produced. Even so our Prayerlessness, as it will Indanger our selves [...]nd State, so we may fear, they, that may [...]e Abroad, may Feel it and Rue it.

They therefore have no small Need, that we duly seek the Lord on their behalf. There [Page 22] were some of whom the Apostle John Writes, 1 Joh. 2.19. They went out from us, but they were not of us: But of these our Beloved Brethren, it will rather be spoken, They were of us and went, as they were sent forth by us, 2 Cor. 8.23 All Extraordinary Calling unto the Service of the Kingdom of Christ, was not so immediately from God, as ever, to exclude the Ministry of Man; as appears in the History o [...] the Calling of Elizeus and Matthias. Wickliff, Luther, Zwinglius, and other Reformers an [...] Restorers of the Church, were neither Prophets, Apostles, nor Evangelists, to speak properly▪ but having received singular Gifts from God, such as the Lord saw His Church stood i [...] need of, and living in the time when all goo [...] Order was disturbed and so being Necessitated and Spirited, to act some things besid [...] and beyond the Common Order; their Action and Successes somewhat, though but a littl [...] resembling what was performed by Prophet and Apostles of old; therefore we find them by some Godly Writers Metonimically calle [...] Extraordinary and Apostolical Ministers o [...] the Church of God: Truly they had tom [...] Uncommon Seals set unto their Ministry, bu [...] neither were Miracles necessary to attend The [...] Ministry, nor yet the Ministry of all such o [...] old as had a Proper Extraordinary Calling, a [...] the Examples of many Old Testament Prophets [Page 23] and of John the Baptist do shew. And al­ [...]hough the Church Militant, is now without the Apostles Cares to spread and Propagate the Gospel, all over the World; Yet it is not the will of Christ, that that Work should [...]all to the Ground: But as there is an Ordi­nary Ministry, which hath its whole Direction [...]rom the will of God revealed in the Scrip­ [...]ures, and from those Media which God hath [...]ppointed in His Church, and deriving Power [...]f administring Divine things alone immedi­ [...]tely from God, though their Call is by man, from [...]he Lord, who also (not without good Education [...]y men for the most part) hath qualify'd [...]nd fitted them for their Calling: I say, as [...]here is such a Ministry for the building up of [...]e Church Catholick in the several similary Visible particular Parts of it, viz. Particular [...]ongregational Churches, so there is an Incum­ [...]ency of Duty on this Ministry and these [...]hurches to expend and bestow both Pray­ [...]rs and Pains for the stretching forth the Curtains of their increated Solomon, and the [...]athering of others, even of Strangers, into the [...]eep fold of Jesus Christ, and Settlement of [...]ospel Order and Ordinances among them. It [...]as meet that first the Law should go forth of [...]ion, and the Word of the Lord from Jeru­ [...]lem, by the Ministry of the Apostles; but [...]erward the Gentiles must Call one another, [Page 24] and spread it from Nation to Nation; Isai 2 [...] 2— 5 and from Neighbourhood to Neigh­bourhood. As Leaven is first laid in, and then it diffuseth, and spreads it self gradually, Mat. 13.33. And as from one grain of Mustard-seed, a whole Field of it is propaga­ted at length: So 'tis as to the Glorious Cit [...] of God; time was, when it had but one Hous [...] in it, but Zerubbabel holds the Plummet till it b [...] fully Built to the very Suburbs: The Wor [...] is carried on by Him that gives Gifts unt [...] men, and Pastors and Teachers to build up the Body of Christ, till we all come, &c. Eph 4 10— 13. And the Word is to be committe [...] to faithful men, who are to transmit it further 2 Tim. 2.2. Thus, the Temple is often bu [...] even in Troublous Times; Dan. 9 25. and [...] the Church begin to neglect to disperse the Go [...] pel abroad, in comes Persecution, & disperset [...] the Church, to the wonderful Increase of B [...] lievers in the World. Acts 8.4, 5, 6. O [...] Candle may serve to light up many more and One Church may lend materials to the fu [...] nishing of Another Cant. 8.8, 9, 10. T [...] Candlestick that holds the Candle must n [...] Monopolize its light and influence: Our L [...] banon is not for our selves only, but to enclo [...] others with Doors of Cedar. Our Mines Treasures must stand open to our Solomon [...] Build more Palaces of Silver with. T [...] [Page 25] Church that is already Organ [...]ed, [...] with Christ, of Common Council, Care and Endea­vour, for the Communication of what may tend to the New Up-springing & Maturity of Sister Churches. Yea every Believer hath some degree of a Catholick Spirit in him, wishing that all the World, and striving to the utmost of his Influence, that all that are near him, may become a [...]together such as he is [ex­cept his Bonds,] Acts 26 29.

And, as for New-England, Let our ancient Charter [...] speak, what our Fathers Professed Intention a [...]d Design was in coming hither, Ʋiz Not only purely and peaceably to Enjoy, but also generousl [...] an [...] chari [...]ably to Spread and Propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and [...]o direct the blind Pagans in the way to blessedness for ever. Some that have seen our first Times, can Remember, how much the Indian Work was then in the H [...]a [...]ts and [...]ra [...]ers of the Saints, and how it Flourished, and how many of those American Converts have had a Triumphant Pass [...]ge into G [...]ory; but since that Work is grown out of our Hearts and Prayers, 'tis dolefull to observe what dark and deadly S [...]mptoms, in most places, do app [...]ar upon the face thereof. When Gods Times to favour a People are come: His [...]aints do greatly pitty their Stones and Dust, [...]sal. 102.13, 14. But when the Lords [Page 26] Rem [...]bran [...]rs hold their peace, The Lord Himself also holds His Hand, as if He had for­gotten His Work; for, His stated Order, He will observe, and stands upon His Honour and Glory, of being sought unto by the House of Israel to do it for them, Ezek. 36.37. The Lord recover and revive that work, and our Prayers for it, for His Holy Name sake. Amen. But to proceed, were not our Fathers a Ge­neration of Witnesses and Confessors of the Lord Jesus Christ? Did not God the Father of Christ put His Son into Possession of these Ends of the Earth, by livery and seizin, when He cast out many of the Heathen, and planted His People here, in their stead? And were not these Churches of Christ Jesus to be Pillars for th [...] Truth, 1 Tim. 2.15? When Israel Apostatized to Idolatry, many of Asher, forsook their Inheritances, and came and dwelt in Judah for Religions sake, and when Prophecy was restored to Israel, behold a Pr [...]phetess of the Daughter [...] of Phanuel of that Tribe: Luk. 2.36. And are the Days near for the Illumination of the Dark Parts of the World? May we not humbly Hope, that New-England (though Sinful) shall have an hand therein [...] What if the Lord will have His Word go forth along into this America, from His Jerusa [...]em here? and that too, whilest our Sins and Hi [...] Judgments are upon us, that so no flesh ma [...] [Page 27] glory in His sight? And if the Lord have de­signed these Churches unto such work; Suppose, we should be slack & negligent herein, Quere, whether God may not find out ways to scatter and disperse us abroad, and compel us to At­tend it? Acts 8.4-6

And I will add this further, Hath the Lord made the Offers of the Gospel by the Ministers of these Churches, Acceptable unto any Consi­derable Places [sometimes deeply prejudiced a­gainst us and our way of Worshipping the Lord, by occasion of Auncient Severities] and opened a Door unto us, to shew them the Kindness of God, for their Everlasting Good? And hath the Lord In­clined some other Places more remote, to send [...]ither for Spiritual Help, rather than to other Lands? And hath the Lord Inclined the Hearts of sundry of our Dear Brethren, both Ministers and other Christians, to accept of Mission unto such Service; and are they now going forth, [One of them having been lately Separated to the Pastoral Office, over a Little Church, with Fasting and Prayer, by the Reve­ [...]end Elders and Messengers of divers of our Churches] And shall we not Kneel for [...]hem before the Lord? What we All owe [...]o God and to His Kingdom, we have Sepa­ [...]ated them to discharge it for us, and they [...]re New Englands Offering to the LORD JE­SƲS [Page 28] CHRIST, for the Service of His King­dom: and how shall we Sanctifie them other­wise, than by Prayer? 1 Tim. 4.5. And are we not more peculiarly obliged to be much in fervent Supplications for them, than the Churches of God in other Countries are, since they are peculiarly Ours, and our Offering to the LORD? Do we not yet know that we stand but in ill Terms with the Lord our God, and that an Offering will not be easily Accepted from declined and pro­voking New-England? And have we not th [...] greater need to use what humble Importunity we can? Paul desires the Brethren to pray for Him, that his Charitable Offerings an [...] Services might be accepted of the Saints; Rom 15 31. But verily we have need also to pra [...] hard, that our poor Oblations may be ac­cepted of the Lord: For if our hearts be not much in, and our Prayers with our Gratula­tory Sacrifice to the Lord, how can we ex­pect, that he should regard it at all? Qui frigide orat, docet negare. Our dear Brethren, now going forth from us, have a greater depen­dance (under Christ) upon our poor Prayers for them, than we can e [...]sily apprehend for, if we desert them, considering their relation to us, they may fear, that the Lord wi [...] also; But His Ways and His Thoughts ar [...] high above ours, as the Heavens are abov [...] [Page 29] the Earth, which is, through Christ Jesus, our only hope and stay, when we see the Glory of His Paternal Holiness and Severity, and our own Vileness Well, I will be humbly bold to say, that a Price is this day put into our Hands, may we have Hearts to improve it. 'Tis too sadly evident, to be conceal'd or dissembled, that we have lost much of our wonted frequency and ancient intimacy with the Lord, and that a lamentable estrangedness of Spirit is grown between the Lord and New-England; Now, as wise Courtiers when under a Cloud, seek, and make much of some Ingratiating Errand into the presence of their Prince, especially some matter of migh­ty Consequence to the Realm and State; So were we wise Christians, we should prize highly any good Errand, into the Presence of the Lord, especially such an Important Errand as this, wherein the Great Affairs of His King­dom and G [...]ory and of the Souls of men are con­cerned May we obtain such Grace, that the Lord, may s [...]e our hearts once purely and throughly concerned, and warmly engaged a­bout such things as are chiefly in the Lords Eye and Heart; as hereby, Religion may b [...]gin to be Revived within us, so a fair way will be paved for us, by His Infinite Grace, for our Returning into His Favour and Ac­quaintance again. Our Brethren then, that [Page 30] have so earnestly desired our Prayers this Day, might use the words of the Apostle in another case, and say, We ask Your Prayers, not only, or not so much, that we desire and need the Gift, and the Help thereof, but, that FRUIT may abound unto YOUR ac­ [...]ount, both now, and in the day of Christ. Your Applications to the Throne of Grace for us, shall further Your Own We [...]come at that Throne, as well as Ours; and moreover, whatsoever we shall obtain and prevail to do, by the force of your Prayers (next under CHRIST) and by the force of New Englands Prayers 'twill be accepted as if New-England and you had done it your selves.

[2] As our Prayers are needful for them in Regard of Our selves that send them, so also in Regard of Themselves that are sent; The Places they are sent unto, The Work they are sent upon, and the great dependance that will be upon their Success therein.

As for some of the Plantations which they are sent unto, Is not their Mode of Settlement an high Provcoation to the Lord? Who can justify their laying out of, and s [...]parate Settling upon such large, Scattered, distant Plantations, and Farms, as Bid Defiance unto Civil Cohabitation in convenient Vicinity, and so not only to Religion and the Worship of God, not so to [Page 31] be attended and maintained, but even to Civility it self? And who then can much wonder if many of the Rising Generation should grow Atheistical, Ignorant, Erroneous, Profane, Profligate, and Abominable, having no such Publick Spiritual Means to restrain them from Vice, and to have promoted their Conversion, as in other Places is Enjoyed? Is not World­liness a Reigning Sin among them? Now the Friendship of the World is Enmity to God; and he that Loveth the World, the Love of the Father is not in him, 1 Joh. 2.15. And how many are grown Old in a custom of Sinning? and can they change? Can they learn to do well, who are accustomed to do evil? And how inveterate have some been in their Prejudices against even Godliness it self, because of the Vices of some, that have made a Profession thereof! As if Christ and His Family were to be abhorred because there was one Horrible Judas there. Such Great Sins will not be Pardoned, without Great Suit at the Throne of Grace. One, that was meditating in the Field in one of those Places, was much surprised and aff [...]cted, when he suddenly met with a great Parcel of milk white Dry Bones, [...]n Embleme of the Dead Souls that Ezekiel was Commanded to Prophecy over, that they might live. Verily their Spiritual Resurrection will not be obtained without Prayer. The [Page 32] Lord will be sought to for the Life of such Souls, Ezek. 36.26, 37. Yet at the Faith and Prayer of others for them, God can Par­don mighty Sins, Mat 9 2. And cast out Monstrous Devils and Lusts, that will not otherwise be ejected but by Fasting and Prayer, Mark 9.29. Oh! Can we endure to see the Destruction of so many English People, and not make an Out-cry of Prayer to the Lord on their behalf? [Esther 8.6.]

And now that the Gospel in the pure and powerful Dispensation of it, is advancing to them, and their Eternal State is put upon the Turning Point; What a Precipice of Infan­dous Ruine stand they upon; and how shall they escape if they neglect so great Salvation? and when the Lord once puts them thus upon the Wheel, (and God knows whether as to many of them, it may not be the last proba­tion time, that ever they shall have) our hearts should tremble for them, least that they be Marred in the hands of the Potter: and now that they are Brought to the Birth, why should Precious Immortal Soul: perish, in any part, for want of the Sacred Midwifery of Prayer! Do not some Fields among them promise well, and seem white already for the Harvest; But then also our Duty remains upon us, Luk. 10.2. To Pray to the Lord of the Harvest, &c.

Dares any man presume to say or think, that he hath one spark of true Grace in his Heart, that can forbear to pray now?

Again, the weakness of these our Dear Bre­thren that are Sent doth bespeak our Prayers on their behalf. Though the Lord hath sig­nally preserved them from Spots, (Blessed be His Holy Name! yet Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Have they not been born and bred in the very depth of the Apo­stacies of these Churches? However, it is with them personally, yet doth not Publick Guilt involve them as well as others? As for Satan (whose Kingdom they are sent to de­stroy, in the Name of Christ) He will stand at theirs (as He did at Joshua's) Right-hand, to resist them: Not only with cursed Tempta­tions; but also with cruel Accusations; May He but see them Cleathed with filthy Raiment be­fore the Angel: Now, If the Lord mark Iniqui­ty, they cannot stand: And oh! how much Faith and Holiness do they and we want? The Babe wants of the Stature of Manhood, much more than He hath already atteined. So it is with the New Creature at first: Oh! How much is lacking in Faith, hope, love, zeal, purity, and what is wanting of Perfect­ion of Sanctification, is doubtless made up with Imperfection and Corruption: But they ought to be extraordinarily holy, abstaining, [Page 34] not from Evil only, but even from all appea­rance of Evil, that adventure upon such Ex­traordinary Service, and most strictly must they walk, that have such and so many Eyes upon them, that will judge of our whole Re­ligion, wholly by their Conversations? If Sa­tan should trip them (and he will be sure to do the utmost that he shall be permitted to­wards it) what a scandal would arise to Re­ligion, what an incurable ruine to that Work under their hands! Say then uprightly, D [...] not they stand in need of Prayers? Again, th [...] Devil bearing them such a cruel spite: Though there be an open Door, yet they must ex­pe [...] many Adversarie [...]: The many monstrou [...] Militant Members of [...]atan Mystical will be rallyed up against th [...], if God restrain them not; and do not they need Prayers then, that must do well and bear ill, and must adventure all for Jesus Christ? and so more than Fight with Beasts at Ephesus. Besides, they are young and in [...]xperienced, and in that respect have this principally to comfort them: Judg. 7.2, 4. That It may be they are not too many for God to work by. Prayers of Saints were most needful to the Apostles them­selves, much more unto These Our Brethren: For,

1. Then, the Spirit was more plentifully poured out, but less now.

[Page 35]2. They had Miracles to confirm their Of­fice and Doctrine, which are not ordinarily to be expected now. And

3. Souls are as sorely prejudiced, blinded, and hardened now, as ever in the Apostles Dayes: Do we indeed understand the Perils and Toils and Tryals that the Work will unavoi­dably expose them unto, that we do our part [...]o ingage them in, and can we find in our hearts to leave them in the lurch now, and so [...]in against the Lord, in ceasing to pray for [...]hem? God forbid it should be so.

Thus we have seen that it is most needful. Consider we in the last place, that 'tis the most [...]owerful and successful thing that we can do [...]or our Brethren, to put in daily for them at [...]he Throne of Mercy. When did the Lord [...]ay unto the Seed of Jacob, that they should [...]eek his Face in vain! Are not fervent Suppli­ [...]nts such Favourites, as cannot possibly miscar­ [...]y in their well grounded Suits for Grace? [...] Joh. 5 14, 15 If King David stood so much upon His Honour, that He would not [...]ecal His banished (though his Heart was set [...]pon it) until one of his most noble Peers, [...]id supplicate Him for it: Well may the Lord [...]o so too; But God is of one mind: Can Prayer turn Him? Verily His invariable mind [...]nd d [...]cree is, that His outward Works shall [...]urn upon the Wheel of Prayer, Mat. 6.6. [Page 36] and that our hearts and desires within us shall bear the Counter part unto His Will and Designs without us, referring to what desira­ble good shall come to pass, and be wrought in the World. The Holy Spirit helps our infirmities, and teaches us to Pray, Rom. 8. The Lord therefore can no more be out of Love with Evangelical Prayer, than with His own Will and Work And if the Spirit helps our infirmities, Our infirmitie [...] (no more than El as his Passions) shall no [...] hinder the Success of our Prayers, any more than the acceptance of our Persons in Christ Jesus. 'Though we have Dross in our most golden Prayers, yet we have a curious and careful Refiner at the Altar of Incense into whose Golden Censer they must pass, before they pass unto the Father. We are Interc [...]ssours, but not of Mediation, we are Priests unto God, yet (saith Judicious Ames,) not so much as Subordinate to Christ in His Priestly Office He offers, He presents and pleads His ow [...] Blood and M [...]rits in the holi [...]st of all; w [...] stand without, and desire to receive His benefits; we open our Mouths wide (by Hi [...] Spirit) and stand in the capacity of Reciever [...] whereas He stands alone in the high Qualit [...] of a Mediatorial Procurer of Blessings. B [...] how is the Grace and Blessing in the Ne [...] Covenant most Free, when as it is not to b [...] [Page 37] attained without much Pains in Prayer? Yet what can be more free and easy than to Ask and Receive? How can we take in much Mercy, if we don't open our Mouths wide? If we open them wide, what doth God gain by it? If He fills them, Is it not of Grace? What is this mite of Duty, and Acknowledg­ment, to the Millions Per Annum, that it is re­payed withal? And whence have we this poor mite also? Doth not the same bountiful Hand that bestows the consequent Blessings, Create and Assist the antecedent Prayers for them? Is not Gospel-Prayer a part of Salvation, and a good step into it, making way for further steps and degrees of Salvation. Gods Decrees are Absolute, His Gifts free and absolute, without the Scientia Media, & the moral conditionateing Terms on which the first Grace & all Salvation some say is to be had, and without the won­der [...]ul Merits of Condignity and Supererroga­tion or of Congruity and the other Paradoxes of the Jesuites. You will say then, wherein consists the Efficacy of Prayer? Since if we do but what is duty to do, what thanks do we deserve; and what Obligations in any wise can we lay the Lord under thereby? Yea in our best Prayers we come short of our Duty? I Answer, In that, the Grace and Exercise also of Prayer in the up grown, is given in Con­ [...]unction with other Mercys inseparably, for [Page 38] the Jewel of Salvation is set in the Gold-Ring of Prayer: He that calleth on the Name of the Lord shall be Saved: Hold fast the Ring and you secure the Jewel. In the bails and bundle of Life and Blessings; the Covering that all is bound up in, is Prayer. If you come not at that to lay it open, you can come at no other particulars of the Invoice of Salvation. The Lord Jesus hath sent us the Treasures of His Goodness Lockt up in the Glorious Cabinet of the New Covenant and Promise, and in the Lock thereof is put the Key of Prayer; now God hath Ordained such an Order and Me­thod in the Application of the benefits, that we shall first take and use the Key and thereby come at further Mercys: and the Eterna [...] Decree is so Absolute, that we can no more fail of the means set down in that decree, than we can fail of the end; and therefore they speak what is not meet to be spoken of God, that say, They and their Brethren shall do well enough, if it be so decreed, whether they Pray or no; as if God had certainly decreed the End without the Means. And they Blas­pheme the Lord Jesus Christ, who look to Prayer, more than unto Christ Himself; when as Prayer without Christ is worse than nothing. 'Tis CHRISTS NAME mainly and not our Prayers that hath Power with God and with Christ Joh. 14.23. What eve [...] [Page 39] yee Ask in MY NAME, I will do it. Christians! If when you stand in need of Atonement, Pardon & other Blessings, you fly to your Pray­ers, but neglect Christ, His Blood and Inter­ [...]ssion, and free Promise of Grace to Sinners; God may break your Prayers to pieces and make them Nehushtans, and you shall be so shut up, that you shall not be able to Pray, till you mend that Great Fault. But if you [...]arry Christ and His Name, in the Vessel of your Prayers, you shall arrive at your de­sired Port in Safety. The Promises Assure us of the Prevalency of Prayer, and Innumerable Experiences of Saints are so many Seals to the Assurance. What frequency and fervency of Prayer was used by the Fathers of New-Eng­land, and Oh with what Glorious Successes! Time would fail, to mention other Instances, faithfully Recorded by one of our Reverend Seers, in his precious B [...]k, Intituled, The Pre­va [...]ency of Prayer, to which I refer you.

So much shall suffice for the Demonstra­tion of the DOCTRINE.

I Proceed to the APPLICATION.

And omitting what might be spoken by way of Inference, for Information, Humiliati­on, [Page 40] Caution, Reproof, Tryal and Comsort, least I should be too Prolix, I shall only add somewhat, by way of Exhortation unto the great Duty of Prayer; and particularly, Let us from what we have now had of the Word of the Lord, be effectually moved to turn our Brethrens Cases into Prayers. Two Sorts of Prayer Let me Urge upon you, in the Name of the Lord, the God that Heareth Prayer; viz.

[1.] Proper Prayer. And [2.] Practical Prayer, as some Distinguish them.

Firstly; Proper Prayer, both Mental and Vocal, not Publick only, but also Private and Secret. Make dayly most Religious Repre­sentations of your Wills and Desires as to these Matters, unto the Lord, and Pour out your Hearts before Him: We have proved that it is not needless: GOD Will have Our Good Will to His Doing of our Neighbours Good. Yea, (as Proud as we are, and prone to de­spise our sinful Brethren and their Prayers) the Most High will make us stoop to them, to beg their Prayers, before He will stoop down to us, with such Mercies and Bounties as only can lift us up. I add, He is a Stranger in Is­rael that hath not heard of the deplorable E­state of Religion (not to mention Morality) in some of the English Plantations in thi [...] Ame­rica; and for what an astonishing Number of years, Ignorance, Atheism, Profaneness and [Page 41] Confusion have prevailed, not only to the amazement of their Neighbours, but also un­to the Grief and Lamentation of all Good and Wise men, among themselves, who still found their Essays and Motions for general Refor­mation, without the desired success. And in truth, we are swallowed up, when we venture to wade into the deep Mysteries of the hidden Counsels of the Wisdom, Soveraignty, and Holiness of God; and the Interpreter had need be One of a Thousand [ Job 33.23, 24] Who shall only declare so much thereof, as must be Heard and Ʋnderstood, be­fore the Lord will alter the Course and Tenor of His Dispensations; The Good Lord give every of Them to have such an Interpreter a­mong them, for His Mercies sake, Amen. But if any Thunders have uttered the Voice of God, yet I must confess and bewail my dulness of Hearing, and Apprehension, and Unfitness to declare and expound the same: Only One thing hath been so plainly spoken, and is so agreeable to our present Subj [...]ct, and to the like Discoveries of Gods Mind and Way, that are made and exhibited to us in His Written O [...]acles, as that I cannot forbear to give an hint thereof: And what is the Voice of the Lord unto some of the Plantations! A­mong many other Things, doth not the Lord say, ‘ Oh my poor People, whom I have [Page 42] permitted to spread abroad in the Wilder­ness, and to labour under Spiritual Difficul­ties! I know the Prejudices you have long had, against your Neighbours the Churches of New-England, especially for some of their Strictnesses and Severities in their Excess of Zeal for My Name: I am not ignorant, how fast your hearts have been shut against them, and how uncapable of receiving any Spiritual Advantage from them. I also have seen all their Transgressions and Declensions, and have variously Punished them, using both ordinary and extraordinary Means for their Recovery; and many of you, for your part, have (as Jobs three Friends) reputed them, Wicked Hypocrites, and their strict Pro­fession to be nothing but a vile Formality, for which the Divine Vengeance comes down upon Them; yet although the Distance be­tween you is so wide, I that have Mercies in store for you both, am absolutely resol­ved, that th [...]y shall not be b [...]stowed, until the difference be made up, yea, I am re­solved, that your Offerings to the Lord, shall be put into Their Hands, and that you shall be much in Their Hearts and Prayers, before you be Accepted to highest Favour's, and B essings, to become a Name, a Praise, and a G ory to Me in the Earth; and they shall ex­press their most aff [...]ctionate R [...]gards, (for [Page 43] My sake) Unto you with Christian Solli­citudes for your everlasting Wefare, before I shall turn Their Captivity. See Job 42.7, 8, 9, 10.’

I proceed to say, that to me, it is no Won­der that choicest Blessings are but sparingly be­stowed upon particular Persons and Families and Churches too, since (while Iniquity a­boundeth) Love and Zeal, Wax cold, and there are so few Church Fastings and Prayers, & Family Fastings and Prayers, & the Private Meetings of the Ʋpright, are by so many laid aside. Oh sensible Believer! ‘Art thou un­der the Frowns of the Lord, and is He sparing of His B essings? Thus saith the Lord God unto thee [Isa 50.2. & 59 1] 'Tis not, because My Hand is shortned; 'Tis not, because Mine Ear is grown Heavy; 'Tis not, because My Goodness is Exhausted; I certainly intend to give you the Bl [...]ssings which you need, in great Abundance; but, First of all, I must have more of your own h [...]arty Good Will and Desires for it, than Yet I have seen: You must come to see that they are Gifts Worthy and Fit for a GOD of Infinite Power, Riches, and Good­ness, to give; and to you most Needful, and such as you will Glorify Me for: So must you Open your Mouths wide, that I may f [...]ll them. [Psal. 81.10.] And Ʋrge Me, with [Page 44] your restless Importunity, And I will not say you Nay; But this is not all, for Secondly, There are several dear Friends and Children of Mine, whom I must and will Honour, and Gratify, in the same Matter, at the same Time; Go and acquaint them with your Case, Get them together, before Me, that I may take their Sufferage, Consent, Request. If they do not pitty you, the Set Time for My Favour in your Case, is not yet fully come. Psal. 102.13, 14. But Know, for your Comfort, that I have Decreed it, that both They shall will, and I Work, for My Glory, and your Comfort.’ Well, we are now be­fore God, and our Brethren have beg'd our Prayers, and under God and Christ, have a great Confidence of them, Let us not say them Nay; Or be willing that God should say us Nay. Stir we up our selves to take hold of God with the Effectual Fervent Prayers, that avail much. Help them to Work the Engine that turns about the Hearts of men and the Face of God; and hold out to the End: Be [...]bove Guilt, Fears, Faintings, in the Name of Christ! Let us not be Out done, by Women that have done great things in this way! See that Gentile Woman in Matt. 15 22-28. How M [...]destly Impudent and Invincible she is; [to use the Words of Nazianzen, concerning that Heavenly Heroesse and Powerful Amazon, his [Page 45] Sister] Not her Sex, not her Nation, not her Sins, not her Misery, nor yet her Delays, from the LORD, can discourage her: Will Christ give No Answer? I'le at it again, (thinks she) Here's no Denyall yet: Doth He give a Discouraging, Chiding, Ʋpbraiding Answer? 'Tis well (thinks she) His Majesty Vouchsafes, at all, to Reply; that He condescends to Argue the Case, and Capitulate, as having tak [...]n it into Consideration: Calls He her, Dog? Here's Encouragement; May she be of the number of Houshold Animals, she is content, and puts in hard for Crums and Scraps: She will not take a Denyall; Well, the Lord at length al­lows her to be Her own Carver; She is Humble in Asking, but have it, she Will: And instantly, and fully, she has even What she will. Was there ever Faith and Courage more Magnanimous and Masculine.

If God hath made us Kings and Priests, Rev. 5.10. and if ever we Reign with God over Heaven and Earth, while we are on this side Heaven; it is at least partly Spiritually by Importunate Prayer. The Lord admires that Champion Iacob, and Honours Him to all Generations: What is thy Name? Saith He: It is (as a Learned Author expresseth it) as if he should have said, I never met with such a Fellow: Now as the Infants Cries and Tears can do any thing with the Parents, [Page 46] so Jacob, He wept and made Supplication to the Angel, (that is) CHRIST, and Prevailed [Gen. 32.24, 27. Hos. 12.4.] [Like as He Commanded Athens of old, that could do any thing with Her, who could do every thing with Him that Sway'd that State [...]] But on the other hand consider, He that Prays coldly, begs a Denyal. Now shall not these things move us? Do not our Brethrens urgent Ne­cessities, urge our urgent and fervent Supplica­tions? Inasmuch as, if we turn th [...]ir Cases in­to instant Prayers to God, He will, and per­haps instantly too, turn their Cases into Bles­sings. And if this Branch of the Exhortation Laden with the full ripe Clusters of Eschol, fall chiefly to our Share, that Stay at Home; Let the other Branch be especially for such as Move Abroad, to carry with them: It Urgeth upon YOU the Wise Merchandize of Pra­ctical Prayer. There is in every act of Gos­pel Obedience, a certain Power to Impetrate Blessings at the Hands of God. [ Ames. Me­dul. p. 266. Amst.] This is figuratively deno­minated Prayer: [...]et is it so necessary, as that no Prayers are, with the Lord acceptable and prevalent without it. Obedience is better than Sacrifice [1 Sam. 15.22.] If we separate Prayer from Obedience, we maim the Sacri­fice, and shall offer a blind, lame, corrupt un­acceptable, abominable thing. But one point [Page 47] of Obedience, I would take leave to Re­commend especially unto you, and leave it with you, before we take our Leave; and [...]hat is the Obedience of Endeavour; You must Watch as well as Pray against Tempta­tion; [Mat. 26.41.] You must Work for, as well as Pray for, the Salvation of Souls, and the Inlargement of the Kingdom of Christ Iesus. Ʋp and be Doing, and the Lord will be with you. The Ʋse and Application of Means Natural, for this or that End, what is it, but an Application to the God of Nature for that End. God is said to Hearken to it, as if it were a Prayer unto Him [Gen. 30.17.] In vain doth Balaam desire the End of the Righteous, that would not Use their Way. The Child of Grace, when he desires the Breast of Blessing, you shall see his Eyes, Lips, Tongue, Hands, Feet, all move together: The Sluggard desireth: and hath nothing, Prov. 13.4. but Hunger and Nakedness, Prov. 23.21. because his hands refuse to labour. Prov. 21.25. Is [...]ael bound for Canaan must Stand still from Dif­fidence and Distraction, but not from Endea­vour, Exod. 14.13, 15. — And the Lord said unto Moses, wherefore Cryest thou unto me: Speak thou unto the Children of Israel, that they Go FORWARD.

Now that nothing may Discourage your and our Faith in Prayer, and Courage in En­deavour, [Page 48] Let me remove some Objections out of the way and so Conclude.

The Objections that I suspect, refer chi [...]fly to these Four Heads.

• [1] The Work.
• [2.] The Call.
• [3.] The Times.
• [4] The Events

1. The Work it self: 'Tis unreasonable that any Doubt should arise, whether it be the Lords or no. Truly, the SIGNS of the Work of the Lord, are to be seen upon it. Is it not for the Glory of G [...]d, and Good of men? Do not both Piety and Charity constrain unto it? Or was it set about without thoughts, cares, counsels, prayers, fears? Is not the Open Door that is afforded, an Answer of many Publick Prayers? Doth it not begin Low? hath it not occasioned some Commotion in some Places? Hath it no Adversaries? Is it n [...]t contrary to the Interests of the World, the Flesh and the Devil? Hath it not been strange­ly forwarded by Oppositions? Hath not the Progress of it exceeded our rational Expectations? How many Divine Commands and Promise refer unto such Work to be done in the Latte [...] Dayes, whereof some have been already me [...] tioned. Although I well remember what h [...] said of old, viz. Careat. succ [...]ssibus opto, Quisqui [...] ab Even [...], Facta notanda Putet: Yet I wi [...] [Page 49] say, is it not Encouraging to recognize and consider, what smiles of Heaven have been thus Early upon it? (If it must indeed be put to the test of present appearances of Providence) Is there any one Person living, that knew the former wide Distances, Deep Prejudices, Jea­lousys and Animosities, that admires not, with what a Temper (agreable to Christianity) Our Godly Ministers, in their several Turns, Waiting upon them, and Christs Gospel with them have been Received and Entertained; and how many Worthy Gentlemen in the place which is referred unto, have appeared to forward the Work? ( One of whom being present at a Town Meeting, wherein many appeared, very desi­rous to hinder it) stood up, and had Wisdom and Courage enough to say, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this Counsel and [...]his Work be of men, it will come to nought; but [...]f it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, least haply [...]ee be found even to fight against God [as it is in Acts 5.38, 39.] I will be bold then to sup­pose, yea conclude, That such and so many Signs, may be sufficient to create some Hope, at least, That this Work is of the Lord; And [...]ou may therefore adventure upon it, with Cheerfulness and Confidence.

[2] Perhaps, your Call unto the Work, will be Objected against, on account of your [...]nability, Ʋnworthiness, Want of Ordination, as [Page 50] to some of you; Absenc [...] from the Ordinances of God, Absence from Friends, Straitness as to Temporals, &c. But,

1. If you complain, how much you fall short of the sufficient Abilities of others for so great a Work. Then I reply; The Apostolical Qu [...]stion remains still to be Answered, Who is sufficient for these things? 2 Cor. 2.16. Yet remember, If there be not Gifts, if there be not Grace, sufficient in you, yet there is Grace sufficient for you; and you know, in and with whom. 2 Cor. 12.9. Pauls presence was thought mean and speech cont [...]mp [...]ible. 2 Cor. 10.10. Yet he acknowledgeth the Grace of GOD, that he was, what he was 1 Cor 15 10. He was not too Great for G [...]d to Work by: He could hold the earthen V [...]ssels and Lamps while the Lord fulfilled the Work, to allude to Judg. 7.2, 20 Yet he that undertakes the Work of God, in the Strength and Abi [...]i [...]ies of a Man, will out Shame the Work and B [...]eak himself. Jeremys insufficiency would not A­vail, as a sufficient excuse, to [...]xempt him from the Work of God. Jere. 1 6, 7, 8 Their said I, Ah Lord GOD! I cannot speak, for I am a Chi [...]d. But the Lord said unto me, say not I am a Chi [...]d: For thou SHALT GO to All, to whom I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee, th [...]u SHALT SPEAK: — For I AM WITH THEE, &c. Hearken to the Conference of [Page 51] GOD & Moses: Exod. 4.10, 11, 12. Moses said, I am not Eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy Servant, but I am slow of speech, &c. And the LORD said unto him, WHO hath MADE Mans mouth? — Have not I the LORD? Now therefore GO: And I will BE WITH thy Mouth, and TEACH thee, what thou sha [...]t say. And the Lord was Angry, Verse 14. when he demurred after this.

2. If against the Divine Validity of your Call, [...]ou Object your own Ʋnworthiness; you must give me leave to A [...]swer, That this Ob­jection would not be accepted in Joshua's case, who was before the Ange [...], Cloathed with filthy Garments, Zech. 3.3. but was most happily removed and so (I trust in God through Christ) shall yours. 'Tis not unusual for the Lord to bring His Servants unto a deep and most Soul humbling Sense of their Vileness just upon their Entrance into His Work, which wonder­fully prepares them, for it, and His M [...]rcy in it. So in Isa. 6.5 The Prophet Crys out, Wo is me! I am undone! A man of Ʋnclean Lips &c. I shall not therefore go about to diminish your apprehensions, and sense of greatest Unworthi­ness of any part of the Lords Work and much more of so great and extraordinary a part of it; but Instructing you unto highest adm [...] rations at His Grace to you therein, shall only Remember you of what the Great Apostle of [Page 52] the Gentiles said in his own case: Eph. 3.8 Ʋnto me, who am LESS THAN THE LEAST of all Saints, is this Grace given, tha [...] I should Preach among the Gentiles the Ʋnsearchable Riches of CHRIST.

3 But, you will say, some Object agains [...] the Divine and Orderly Call and Mission of One of you, because he carries Brethren with him. Unto which I might Answer, that we find not only Evangelists, but also Messenger [...] of Churches, of the Fraternity, attending such as were sent forth upon such Work of old, & that the Fathers of New-England did so much in England, in order to the Work of Christ here, as may allow me to say in this Case, that that man now varys a large point from the wisdom of the Wisest, that Sets his Heart to every word that is spoken. Eccles. 7.21 YOU well know, what Importunity was used with our Ministers, by Letters, and otherwise, that both a Minister should be Sent to those Remote Places, and that He should be here Or­dained also: Sundry Godly Christians there, being both prepared for, and longing after the Enjoyment of A [...]l the Edifying Ordinances of God; there being withal in all that Country neither Ordained Minister, nor any Church, in full Gospel Order, and so neither Imposition of the Hands of the Presbytery, nor Donation of the Right-hand of Fellowship to be expected there, [Page 53] or from any Place, much nearer to them than our selves. And some of YOU can tell, how often, our Reverend Brother was offered Or­dination to this Work of Christ, in foro Eccle­siastico, in a Way, not disagreeable to what we find in Acts 13.2, 3. whereunto many Churches in the Neighbourhood, might also have been Concurring and Assisting. But this being a Rarity, not easily to be justifyed from preceding Examples in New-England, where there hath been seldom any Occasion to think of the Ordination of a Minister, until by some time of Preaching, and Conversing with Them, His Doctrine, Abilities and Conver­sation, (b [...]sides good Testimony from Ministers and Christians, in the Vicinity) come to be Approved by the Congregation themselves, over whom He is to be the Overseer, and He he by Them, or the most of Them, Elected to be their Pastor or Teacher. A Practice War­ranted by Acts 6 3-6. As also by Acts 14.23. The Original word there used, signifying Ordination not without but by and with the Suffrage of many, manifested by lifting up of Hands; Authors, both Sacred and Profane a­mong the [...]raecians, always using that word in such a Sense (as the Learned Cartwright hath E [...]aborately and Unanswerably Evinced) ac­cording to the proper N [...]tation thereof: This (I say) being a R [...]it [...] here, our Brother mo­destly [Page 54] Declined it, though the Extraordinari­ness of the Case seemed to allow, yea, require the same. And his Aversion to it being known unto Sundry Brethren of our Churches, [ Who when they were in those Remote Parts met with such Solicitations from some Godly Inhabitants there (whose Souls longed for more Communion of Saints, and for all Gods Holy Ordinances, but were loth to remove from that Place, if they might obtain the same there) as prevailed upon them to resolve to return to them, and take up their settled A­boad among them] They being now Bound thither, desired to Gather into a Church, that so a Minister might be Ordained in the ordinary Way, whom they might carry with them thither: But these being too Few, some Others Influenced (as I cannot but believe) by the Holy Spirit of God, with a deep Concern­ment of Spirit, least That which they thought to be the Work of God, should fall to the Ground, for want of two or three Hands more, offered their Conjunction and Assistance, All of them obtaining Letters of Dismission from their respective Churches unto so good a work, full of Complacency and Benedicti n. These therefore having improved what advantages the time would allow, for the proving of one another both Gifts and Graces, and peculiar­ly their intended Pastors, &c It is come to [Page 55] this, That a Godly Minister hath been by most Publick and Solemn Ordination Separa­ted to, and Sent forth upon the Service of the Gospel and Kingdom of the Son of God, advantaged with the Attendance, Submission & Assistance of sundry Godly Brethren, who ac­knowledge Him as their Pastor in the Lord. What is there, abating Humane Weakness, in all this, that the Godly will condemn, or that is Disagreeable to the Holy Word of God? But it is Objected, that the Brethren aim not at the promoting of Christ's Glory and King­dom, but only or mainly at Secular Advantages. To this I Reply: If Suspicion may make Guilty, who can be Innocent? not to say how Impro­bable the Suspicion is as to some of them who are not likely to mend their Estates in divers years by their Removal, they being so com­fortably Seated here. Moreover, if men must ever be Discouraged from doing what they are well satisfied is Right and Good, because they have deceitful Hearts, & because irregular aims & thoughts (notwithstanding all their watch­fulness) will sometimes (to their sorrow and self-loathing for them) croud in: Then fare­wel all well Doing in the World: For with Rust, and Dross sufficient to imploy our own Fi es, and GODS Furnace too, all our Lives long, is our most Golden Sincerity in this World alloyed; and, Who can understand his [Page 56] own Errors? Besides that, they have solemnly Professed, that Religion is chief in their Eye, which they would not lose for all the World, but would firstly promote in their Removal, and not their own Estates, except subordinate­ly, subserviently, and secondarily thereunto: And as far as they can understand their own deceitful hearts (that though renewed, yet in this World, can be so but in part) contrary and sinister Designs, and Desires, they Know of none, they Allow of none Nor have they yet been Left of God, (so great hath been His Mercy towards Them) to Forfeit their Credit, so as to deserve that they should not be Belie­ved. I bese [...]ch you therefore, My Brethren, to Suspect your own H [...]arts, and to Charge and Judge your selves, as much as you can, yet ne­ver be Discouraged, if by others you chance to be Over-charged.

4 But you will say, Others of Ʋs are not Ordained, Is Our Ca [...]t clear? Answ If God furnish men with Ministerial Gifts and Grace discerned and approved by the Spirits of the Prophets, and with an Holy Propensity of Mind, and an humble self dedication unto the Work of the Ministry in general, and if the best advice that can be had after solemn seek­ing of God, carry them to such a Peop [...]e in par­ticular, who accept them in the Lord, and de­sire the Continuance of their Godly L [...]ours [Page 57] among Them, I believe such men are Sent of God and Christ to such a People; and as I never yet saw, so I am apt to think I never shall, any solid Confutation of the Scriptures and Arguments produced by my Predecessor in this Church, viz Your Judicious Teacher now with God, the very Reverend and Aged, Mr. Richard Mather, in his Printed Answer to Mr. Rutherford. Now all this may be said con­cerning You, and something more, namely that you being present at Private Meetings of Mini­sters, for Fasting and Prayers (not to mention the frequent Publick Prayers that are made on your behalf) have been most solemnly Pre­sented before the Lord for this Service of His Kingdom in many ardent Supplications for His Assistance, & Acceptance therein. Obj But do we not read in the Works of the Learned Clarkson, that Laborious Searcher into Anti­quity, that for the first Three Hundred Years after Christ's Ascension, every single Con­gregation though consisting but of twenty Souls, or under, had an Ordained Bishop, then so called more usually than Pastor, & among the copious Instances given, few or none of Ministers any where in all the World that were not Ordained Bishops, though in the Smallest Places. Answ. If in the Primitive Times, Deacons must first be proved before Their Installment into, and Instatement in their [Page 58] Office and Work, then much more Ministers, and doubtless the Primitive Church allowed some to Preach as Probationers; though we meet not with multitudes of Instances: I know the extream strictness and caution of the Churches of the Reformation in France, in this matter, who allow not an Unordained Proba­tioner to Preach, except an Ordained Mini­ster be present to give a word of Exhortation after he hath Done, which is needless as to your selves; yet notwithstanding what hath been mentioned, I could rejoyce, if some further steps were taken, and I hope in Gods good time it shall be so. If you find Converts in the Pla­ces you are going unto, I hope you will ha­ [...]ten them into Church Estate as fast as you can, that You may (if God incline your hearts to settle with them) or some Others, be Or­dained to the Work of Christ among Them.

Yet again, If you say, are any of us Called of God to live without any of the Ordinances of God, and so to Jeopard our own S [...]uls: I pray Read, Rom 9 3. Ezek. 11.16. D [...]n. 12 3 Jam 5 19 Or, if you say, we want our Friends, look upon Mark 10.29, 30.

III. But the Times are Apostatick rather than Apostolick; Pride budding, Faction in Fashion, Strife Rife, with Stoutness, Rashness, Harshness, Slander, Scorning among too ma­ny; once Holiness was on Tavern Pots and [Page 69] Trooping Bridles, Zech. 14.20, 21. Now, how much Lewdn [...]ss! Most are sound in Profession, yet as to Practice of Godliness with not a few; the very Form is going after the Power, &c. For Answer, Read Hag. 2.13, 14. with Hag. 1.13. All's Ʋnclean, yet Work, and I'le be with you: Read also Rom. 11.15.

Obj. But we should have been Earlier.

Answ. Beware of Further Guilt, by letting slip the Present Time: Take the Night, if the Day be lost: Luk. 11.5 - 8 In the Night we have seen the Bow in the Cloud. Object. But Discontented People will Remove if we Go. Answ S [...] if you Stay also: But Woe to us, [...]f we sl [...]ck for this Peril. Esther 4.11 14. Because some Crums go awr [...], shall we Lose the whole Meal of Mercy? But the Times are Troublous Yet see Dan 9 25. The Ap [...]stles also [...]ut forth in a Tempest, having Wind and Tide against them. Lastly, Obj [...]ct not E­ [...]ents; to Paul and You alike Ʋncertain, Acts 20.22. Run the 'venture. 2 Sam 10 12. Know, There is something worth the Seeking, [...]f GOD Lights the Candle Luk. 15 8. Your [...]ains is well Paid, with the Gain of One [...]oul. Jam. 5.20. If you Convert None [...]hat are Fallen, you have your Hire, If you [...]onfirm those that Stand Eph 4.12, 13. However, Your Work will R [...]tu [...]n into Your [...]n Bosome. Psal. 35.13. And Despair not [Page 60] of Supply. GOD, not Man, maintains His Ministers, though by Man Read Luke 22 35. Psal. 34.9, 10. Obj. How shall we do, if Sincere Saints of other Perswasions offer themselves? Ans. If sound in main Points and if they will not disturb you in your way, Receive them, Rom. 14.1. Luk. 9 49, 50. Did not Godly Father Garnsey live and dy in the Communion of this Church of Dorchester: al­though an Episcopal man invariably? And was it not to his and our Edification.

Obj But the Gospel like the Sea, what it Gains in one place, it loseth in another: Are you in New-England, willing to part with the Gospel?

Answ. This was the Objection and Scandal of the Jews of old. But we rather hope for life from the Dead by the Emulation, Rom. 11.14, 15

Obj. We would desire to be Lions, if the Glory of God called us so to be: and nescit remeare. Leo, Prov. 30 30 But it is not in us, we are born as the wild Ass Colt, Job 11.12.

Answ. Your Humility is to be Commended, yet (in a sense) The Lord may have NEED of you, Luke 19.30-33. and may Honour you, if you will let him Ride you whither He pleaseth Yea, the weak and foolish shall be as Davi [...] also Zech. 12.8

Obj. But had not God raised up of the Son [Page 61] of Israel [and of New-England] to be Pro­phets [ Amos 2.11.] In the Schools of the Prophets at Bethe [...], and Jericho, (2 King. 2.3, 5. 1 King 18.4. 1 Sam. 19.20. He had not had Seven Thousand Knees that had not Bowel to Baal there, notwithstanding all the Sons of the Prophets in Judah hardby. And so Uninviting unto Strangers should your poor Maintenance in New-England have been, that One Fifty of your Congregations would have been without a Learned, Able, Godly Ministry, had you depended wholly on Other Countreys for Supply, and so would have soon D [...]generated, and so we fear Our Children will do. Ans. Be Content to Creep before you Fy: Yet Lay Foundations for Great Matters in your day of Small things. Less than Eighty Pounds Per An­num, in M [...]ney, would have more than bought New England Presidents Salary, allowed him by the Country for many years; yet God gave us an Inva [...]uable Man, and Oh what a Blessing with Him! You that go to Remote Parts will be most happily Situated to spread Religion in the American Islands & Continent. If Schools of Learning fundamentally n [...]c ss [...]ry, to the Pro­pagation of Godlin [...]ss forward to the Nations and down-ward to Posterity, will not agree with the Governm [...]nt and People there; I charge you in the Name of G [...]d & the Lo [...]d Jesus Christ, and as you have any regard to the Souls [Page 62] of your Posterity (after that you have laboured with them, what you can for their Good) to Return to us again. However, Despair not, 'till you have made the Tryal. To Conclude then, Trust GOD; Urge Man, and at it again and again; Watch much; Guard well; Pray hard and never give in; Work hard & never be Weary; Ly Low, and look High; be upright though you hear Hypocrites for't; rather Dy in Gods cause, than hear Cowards; Walk Close­ly with CHRIST; Sowe your s ed in Tears: Look hard for Tryals; and Hope to the End; Propagate what Good you have seen or gotten with Us, but leave Our Vices, behind you, Provoke not the Spaniard; Debauch not the In­dians with Drink; be Just to all men; and be sure you Divide not one from another, or from your Worthy Easter. Sacrifice the World to Re­ligion evermore; and be of Publick Spirits: Eye Christs Second Coming, as much as Antient Believers did His First, and long for it: Do all you do, humbly & valiantly in the Name of the Son of God: and often say one to another as J [...]ab to his Broth [...]r: 2 Sam. 10.12. Be of Good courage and let us play the men, for our People, and for the Citys of our God; and the LORD do that which seemeth Him Good

Now the LORD the G [...]d of our Fathers, & New Englands God be with you for Ev [...]r. Farewel Dear Brethren in the Lord, and be sure [Page 63] you Pray for us: and God forbid that we should SIN agai [...]st the LORD in Ceasing to Pray for You, 1 Sam 12.23 Man is nothing in GODS Work, and of himself can do No­thing, but what is worse than N [...]thing and will come to Nothing or worse: Set we then the LORD on work, by humble Prayer, that the LORD may be All in All. Now the Good Lord do away with His own most Precious B [...]ood, the Imperfections and Infirmities in this present Service, attending a poor Sinful Worm, that knows but in part and Prophecys but in part, and in a very small part too; and make His own Word however, the Power of God to Your Salvations; for His own Names Sake. AMEN.