Mentis humanæ metamorphosis, sive conversio, The history of the young converted gallant, or, Directions to the readers of that divine poem written by Benjamin Keach, intituled Warre with the devil here shewing the readers thereof how to read the same poem aright in these four respects, viz. I. in reference to the substance or history thereof, II. in reference to the intent or mystery thereof, III. in reference to the consequent doctrine thereof, IV. in reference to practical application thereof / compiled in a poem by J. Mason, Gent. ... — Mentis humanae metamorphosis
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THE HISTORY OF THE Young Converted Gallant. OR DIRECTIONS TO THE Readers of that Divine Poem, WRITTEN By
BENJAMIN KEACH; INTITULED Warre with the Devil. Here shewing the Readers thereof, how to Read the same Poem aright, in these four Respects;
viz.
I. In Reference to the Substance, or History thereof.
II. In Reference to the Intent, or Mystery thereof.
III. In Reference to the Consequent Doctrine thereof.
IV. In Reference to Practical Application thereof.
Compiled in a Poem by
J. Mason Gent. of
Fordham in
Cambridge-shire.
Licensed Sept. 27. 1675.
Roger L'estrange.
London, Printed by
F. L. for
B. Harris at the
Stationers Arms in
Sweethings-Rents by the
Royal Exchange, 1676.
THE Young Converted Gallant. The First Part; OR First Direction General to the Readers of the Divine Poem aforesaid, in Reference to the Substance, or Personal History thereof.
GOod Readers see, who take that book in hand
You read aright; that is, to understand;
For else, I fear, that some Misapprehension
May judge that work at best, but Man's invention,
Some Pious Fancy, not a Real Truth,
Concerning this un-named New-Born Youth.
Had but the Author told this Convert's Name,
All might have given Credit to his Fame;
[Page 2]But since his Praise, and Virtue is so much,
Without a Name, he may be called
None-such.
For, in the compass of our Hemisphere,
No-such New-star, or Comet doth appear;
There's no such Figure in the Heav'nly Plain,
Between
Orion's Hilt, and
Charles — his Wain:
No such young Saint, which by just steps doth clime
The Ladder of Conversion in his Prime;
Descending and Ascending by degrees,
Christ's Cross betimes, with humble heart & knees.
Yet to cut off all doubt, I'le here proceed,
And take for granted what I there do read,
And tell the progress of this Converts Way,
In his low state; and first Refining Day.
For such, by right, each Reader ought to be,
And so make good this following Historie.
Advertisement.
SIRS,
IN the Reading of this Convert's Story, observe aright the several Steps, or Degrees of his Conversion; namily, six Descending, and six Ascending: the six Descending shew the Virtues and graces proper to Repentance, and Mortification, in forsaking and eschewing of evil: the other six Ascending, shew the Virtues and Graces of Obedience, and Renovation in Practising the Good.
II. The Second Mortifying Grace, or Virtue; or the second Step and Degree in his Conversion, Descending; Namely, Impartiality in Iudgment, Concerning Sin, and Errour, Vice and Vanity, and every Evil.
THus, first brought low in Spirit, meek & mild,
Fit to receive Instruction as a Child;
He in his Youth a new Christ Cross doth learn,
'Twixt Good and Ill, the difference to discerne;
To chuse the Good, and to refuse the Ill,
The next hard Cross unto a Gallant's Will:
For it is Death unto a High-born Spirit,
To judge aright the sin he doth inherit.
But now his Conscience is awak'd from sleep,
And made alive; late risen from the deep;
[Page 6]And by that Light of Conscience, wond'rous clear,
The Pow'rs of Darkness he doth see, and hear,
VVith open Eyes he sees how vain a King
Did rule his soul, and sense in every thing;
For 'tis a saying, and a Truth of Old,
All that doth glister is not perfect Gold.
Yea, thus our Father first lost Paradise,
A False-appearance did delude his Eyes;
And since that day to this, a Glistering show
Deludes us all; we nothing rightly know,
'Till Conscience doth consume man's vain Desire,
Like to a shining, and a burning Fire.
The Process followeth.
Thus, this enlightned Convert doth begin,
To judge aright of Vanity and Sin;
To pass a Righteous Sentence on Truth's side,
And not Prevaricate with Pomp, and Pride:
If Conscience should mistake, yet Truth cannot,
'Though that o're-see, yet this will hit the blot.
3. The Third Mortifying Grace, or Virtue; being the third Step, or Degree of Conversion, Descending: Namely, Execution of Iudgment: OR THE Performance of the Will, In forsaking Vanity, Gallantry, and Pride of Gentility.
THus, having well
Decree'd what he foresees,
He hast's to
Execute his
Just Decrees,
And to Perform what he Resolv'd before,
To set upon the Work, and Droll no more;
For many do Resolve, but few Obey
(Like this True Convert) what they think, or say:
So light, so loose, so empty and so drie
Are Mans best Thoughts in his vain Gallantry:
For all his Resolutions are a Jest,
And he a Gallant Hypocrite at best;
Like to a Barren Cloud that mounts on high,
Yet never yields a Shower from the Skie;
His Life's a Dream, and in a Dream he walks,
He's fast asleep, and in his Sleep he talks:
[Page 10]Because his Will the first Birth doth suprize,
And suffers not the Second Birth to rise;
Which should give Life and Vigour to the Will,
To Execute his Thoughts against the Ill.
Therefore I here will let my Readers see,
How these two Births do Differ or Agree.
The Difference of the two Births, Old, and New.
Many Degenerate Gentile Sparks there are,
But to find one Regenerate, is Rare;
Many High-born, (and that's no News to hear)
But one New-born, a Wonder doth appear;
Of such a One our News-books never told,
Nor yet the
Belgick's Mercury of old:
And therefore marvel not if I supply,
The Old Defect with this New History.
Two kinds of Birth the Scripture well explains,
Esau the First,
Jacob the Last obtains.
These Names, two Natures do imply; and so
The Last supplants the First, and brings it low.
For a New Nature, doth a New Name take,
And a New Birth doth a New Christian make;
'Till now, this Gallant did Usurp that Name,
But his New Birth makes him to be the same.
And far more Noble is this Second Birth;
For this from Heaven comes, but that from Earth:
Yea, this is Born of God, but that of Man,
This calls God, Father; That, nor will, nor can.
[Page 11]This Noble Birth transcends each Coat of Arms.
All natural Extract, or the Field Alarms:
And for this Birth this Youth, himself bereaves
Of his First Birth, and its Vain-glory leaves,
With all its tinckling Titles of Degrees,
To which men bow their heads, and bend their knees.
This was the third hard Cross to this poor soul,
For all the Powers of Hell this work controul;
Old Satan's Kingdom cannot stand one hour,
In that poor heart, where Pomp hath lost its power.
The End of the Third Degree in Conversion, Descending; and Third Mortifying Virtue; Called Execution of Iudgment, and Will. In forsakeng all Vain Gentility.
The Fourth Mortifying Grace, or Virtue; Being the Fourth Step or Degree in his Conversion, Descending, Called, Rationality, or True Discretion. In Bridling of the Wit, and Lordly Tongue.
THus now bereft of his Gentility,
For Conscience sake in deep Humility.
And of that Vain Imagination late,
Which Airie Titles bred in his first 'state,
Such as the Vulgar their Commanders give,
Though ne're so Vile, 'though ne're so Vain they live;
He now doth wonder how he play'd the child▪
With those fine Rattles which his Wits beguil'd.
And next he strives with all the Power he can,
In all his Words to prove a Rational Man:
For Speech is given unto all, but few
Attain in Speech the Moderation due.
Therefore himself he now doth Recollect,
And both his Tongue, and his wild Wit Correct.
[Page 14]He that can Rule his Wit, doth Rule his Tongue,
5. The Fifth Mortifying Grace or Virtue; being the Fifth Step or Degre in his Conversion, Descending; Namely, Abstemiousness, or Continence, in Meats, Drinks, & Cloaths, and all Sensuality.
THus when his Reason into Light was brought,
And from its dark Eclipse to clearness wrought
Having first learn'd himself thus to deny
Of Gentile talk, and all Vaniloquie,
Lo! this Young
* Heir, born to a large possession,
Leaves all to follow Christ in strict Profession,
And in New-life, with dayly Sin-denyal,
Bears his first Cross in many a tempting tryal.
For now his Joyes run a contrary way,
Quite cross to what they ran in his First-day.
His Hawks and Hounds he leaves; for all his care
Is to find out the Truth, not hunt the Hare:
His Fleet-Race Horses all are quite out-run,
For he hath now a larger Rarce begun:
[Page 23]His Tables, Cards and Dice he flings away,
The Sixth Mortifying Grace, or Virtue; Being the Sixth Step or Degree in his Conversion, Descending; Namely, Solitude, or Separation from all Uain and Uicious Society.
HAving finished the six Degrees Descending the Hill of Pride in the Heart of Man, through the six Virtues of Mortification and Repentance in the work of sin-denyal; now remain the six Degrees Ascending the Hill of Holyness, in the heart of man, through the six graces of Obedience ond Renovation in the work of Self denyal, as concerning this young Convert.
1. The First Grace or Degree of his Conversion Ascending, Namely, his Resignation, Trust and Dependance upon Gods Good-Will and Providence (not relying on his wealth) with industry, Labour and Diligence in his Affairs and Calling, which is Husbandry.
FIrst, his n
[...]w Course of Goodness
* he begins,
With leaving of the City, and her sins;
[Page 31]London he quits, and so himself doth Solace
With lawful Joys in his own Country-Palace.
From Court to Cart he turns in Duty bound
To manage his Estate, with Judgement sound;
Wise to foresee, and warie to prevent
Each dangerous cross, least he too late repent.
Yet if Afflictions happen or sad loss,
As sent from God he gently bears his Cross;
And now begins to exercise his hands
In taking pains about his house and Lands,
To Plant and Set, to Lop, to Prune, and Graft,
With all the Mysteries of the Rurall Craft:
To overlook his Cattle, great and small,
His Herds, and Flocks, at pasture or at stall;
To see his Lands well Till'd, and Closes fenc'd,
His grounds in season all well drain'd and trench'd.
And to avert the dregs of gentile sloth
(Which to the Soul's a Canker and a Moth)
He sometimes puts his hand unto the Plow,
And sometimes to the Forke or Spade doth bow;
Sometimes perhaps he takes the Flayle in hand,
And with strong Nerves doth well the same command.
For God to Man this priviledge allows,
To eat his Bread with sweat of his own brows:
And 'tis an Ordinance for ever blest
Six days to labour, and the seventh to rest.
Nor doth this Convert Gallant here
[...]eny
His Grand-Sire
NOAH'S Trade was Husbandry;
[Page 32]And he like him doth plant and plow and sow
With his own hands, nor scorns to reap and mow;
Without disparagement to'his birth or name
His Honour, Worship, Credit, or his Fame.
For there's no Title (do what Heraulds can)
Excell's the Primitive Name of Husbandman.
A Title, Great and Good. Knight, 'Squire, and Gent.
Are all but upstart terms of Ornament,
And to themselves no good at all can do
With their brave Swords, and Belts, and Feathers too▪
It is the Plow that keeps them all alive,
Whilest they for Titles and Preferment strive.
And thus he spends his time in lawful pains,
Respecting more Gods Honour then his Gains;
To him alone he looks, on him doth' call,
For now he finds God's Blessin'gs all in all,
Gods favour and his blessing far surmount
The high'st promotion in the World's account,
Therefore his Gold is not his God, or Treasure,
But only doth depend on his good Pleasure:
And thus his lands and large revenues are
All sanctifi'd and blest with pains and care,
And such a one each Gallant ought to be,
And so make good this Converts History.
The end of this Degree Ascending in the First step, viz.
Good Husbandry and Industry.
The Fifth Degree of his Conversion, Ascending; Consisting of Equity, Justice, Impartiality, Magnanimity, Wisdom, and the like Vertues in the Administration of Justice, call'd thereto.
HAving well learn'd to rule himself aright,
He's fit to rule th'unruly by his light,
By truth's just light I say, not might alone,
For might ne're governs well when light is gone.
Thus arm'd with Christian Courage, Truth and Grace,
He next accepts a Ruling Elders place;
Resolv'd to serve his Country with his Sword,
Like
Joshua dreading no mans look or word.
Adorn'd with every virtue, power, and state.
Essential to a true-made Magistrate;
To guide and judge, to Counsel and direct,
To curb the Proud, and lowly to protect,
For he keeps not his Courts of Law and Leet,
For Fees and Fines, but Justice due and meet.
[Page 40]His Sword and Belt are now no more his own,
But Consecrate to Justice and her Throne:
His two-edg'd Blade he wears no more in vain,
For Fancy, Fashion, Favour, Feare or Gain;
But as a needful Instrument of Power,
Vertue to serve when Vice would her deflowre.
For he that's just himself may others guide,
And wear the Sword of Justice by his side;
A Joy to good, and to the bad a Terrour,
A Friend to Truth, a Foe to Vice and Errour.
The Sword belongs unto the just and true
To give to Just and Unjust both their due;
And for no other end should it be worn
By any man, that to the Truth is sworn.
Lo! such a one each Gallant ought to be,
And so make good this Converts History.
The End of the Fifth Degree in Conversion, viz.
Impartial Iustice in his Office, Place, and Calling.
The Sixth Degree in his Conversion, Ascending; Consisting of Sanctification, Illumination, Divine Knowledge, Right Information and Instruction, with the like Graces, proper to an Eminent Converted Person in his Calling.
RIghtly adorn'd with Robes of Sanctity
He takes his highest and his last Degree,
Which to the top of
Syon Hill doth reach,
Where he the true and living word doth Preach.
For fill'd with Light Divine, free from all taint,
He of a Gallant
[...]urnes a Preaching Saint,
Not for base Lucre, Honour, or Renown,
A Golden Miter, or a Triple Crown,
Nor yet for high Preferment Tythes, or Hire,
But from an inward call, and free desire.
He to his birth accounts it no disgrace,
Well to perform a Teaching Elder's place▪
[Page 42]To high and low he doth Instruction give,
Exhorts, Reproves, and shews them how to live,
Confuting all the Atheists of the Land,
And all Apostates who the Truth withstand.
Yea in the Faith his Family he teaches,
His House a Temple is in which he Preaches.
Nor doth he Preach by Notion or conceit▪
From other hands, which often proves a cheat.
He needs no book; the book he preacheth by
In his own soul doth ever open lye.
For he that speaks the thing that he is not,
Is often hit, and often makes a Blot;
But he that writes or speaks the thing he is,
Can neither write or speak that thing amiss:
For he is taught of God, who well can teach
Both high and low his saving truth to preach.
And now he wears a Breast plate shining bright
With twelve rich Pretious stones, all full of Light:
The
Vrim and the
Thummim he doth wear,
Both his pure life and his pure Doctrine are,
For there is none too Great or Honourable,
To preach a Saviour born within a Stable,
To Preach Christ Jesus in the open light
There's none forbidden, neither Lord nor Knight
For he is Lord of all, the Lord of Lords,
Who laughs to scorn their bul-rush glit'ring swords
He wears a Sword bright shining on his thigh,
That soon cuts down all Pride, be't ne're so high.
And this our Convert Galiant here well knows
☞This saving truth too high and low he shews;
[Page 43]He tells how God by his own power and might,
Hath brought his soul from darkness into light;
And shews by what degrees that light is wrought
Within the heart, and to perfection brought.
And let none murmur, at his Heav'nly unction,
A gift Divine above each earthly function;
For he fears not the persecuting rage
Of
Rome's conforming, and confining Cage,
Nor yet her bloody power, which ever acts
By Fire, and Sword, Imprisonment, and Wrack
But on he goes the Truth still to dispence,
'Though all the Fiends of Hell should take offenc
[...]
Because his Faith on that firm rock is grounded,
In his New-Birth, which cannot be confounded.
Lo! such by right each Christian ought to be,
Of whatsoever title, or degree.
The end of the Twelve Graces or Degrees in True and real Conversion. The Six first Descending, and pointing to Repentance: The six last Ascending, and pointing to Obedience in the Faith dying to sin, and living to Righteousness.
THE Second Part of this Book; And Second Direction. TO THE READER OF THE Foresaid Divine Poem, touching the Young Converted Gallant. In reference to the Intent, Moral, and Mystery thereof.
The Entrance thereto.
THus have you heard the story plainly told,
Touching the person of this Convert bold,
[Page 50](Though here not nam'd:) But now lets inward look,
The Exception, or Excepted Party under a True Conversion. Shewing what is meant by this Youth in his Converted State, namely, the Church Elect out of the World, though in the World. As also the
* Mind of Men in its New Birth, and in its new essential Property, or Principle of Divine Light and Grace.
THus having pass'd through
Babylon the Great,
We now are come to
Syons Holy Seat:
Where the true Church of Christ doth firm abide,
The Church Select, that's call'd his faithful Bride,
[Page 78]Whom he hath chose, and mark't out for his own,
With his two Seals of Truth and Love well known.
And by those Marks as Sacred Scriptures tell
You well may know them all where ere they dwell,
Not who they be, but what they be I show,
How many or how few no man doth know,
And having told the Mystery of sin,
The Mystery of Grace I here begin.
The First Mystery of Grace and Godlyness opened. Namely, Purity of Life. The First Mark.
THough I, in general terms have spoken much
Of the Worlds way, I mean not all are such:
All are not caught with snares of Lust and Pride,
Some few there are who have themselves deny'd.
[Page 79]There are some thousands never bow'd to
Baal
And a few names in
Sardis, righteous all,
Those Virgins chast and pure; those few I mean,
Who like true
Nazarites keep their Garments clean,
THE Third Part of this Book; And Third Direction. TO THE READER OF THE Book aforesaid: Concerning the Consequence, or Doctrine, following the History and Mistery thereof.
THE Fourth Part of this Book; And Fourth Direction. TO THE READER OF THE Book aforesaid: Concerning the Application thereof, in general and in special.
☞ The First Application General: Directed to all Real Converts, and real Readers hereof, as lovers of the Truth, and as Legitimate and true Christians.
I Love that Reader who shall view this Book
With serious thought; and to himself doth look:
[Page 107]Who learns to read his inward soul thereby,
And the whole matter to himself apply.
[...]or 'tis not made for vain applause or praise▪
Or the vain glory of the Poets Bayes,
But for a light to every one that reads,
To guide him right in all his words and Deeds.
[...]nd though some few should give it commendation
INtelligent Readers, either Convertible, or Converted; for your sakes I begun this small Book of Conversion, under the Title of a
Young Converted Gallant; as a new and rare subject; and now as you see, and read, I have
[...]lso finished the whole matter throughout the four
[...]arts thereof; hoping that you have perused it
[...]ith a right Mind, in a right understanding, for
[...]se it will signifie little, and edifie less: but remain dark letter to you all: For without a right un
[...]erstanding of the Truth there can be no true and
[...]ght real Conversion in any one: And here are
[Page 140] many positive Fundamental Truths couched, and many doubts and controversies briefly resolved; and if you diligently, and with serious eye do observe them, they will be very helpful to you all, and so likewise very acceptable without offence, but if any be offended they will turn to his damage.
The careless, scornful, slight Reader will profit nothing by this Book; who reads here a little and there a little like some News Book, and so flings it aside; in him the Fire is quite gone out, and all his fuel is turn'd to ashes, there is no spark of conversion left in him; in vain it is to add the breath of the Bellows, where there is not a spark of fire left to begin withal. But whereever there is a spark of goodness left or lyes hid in any heart, verily it will receive life and light from this truth, and will revive, and grow up into a holy flame, and desire after the Truth more and more: I say this writing will certainly have an influence, and a good effect upon every one that reads it night and morning, with serious meditation.
Therefore let none be offended at the Truth here written, either high or low, Gentry or Commonalty, learn'd or unlearn'd, Roman Catholick or Protestant, the sound reacheth you all, and you hear it, that Pride and Lust may have a fall; and many high and low will repent thereof, and become the Converts there described; but many will not, till destruction overwhelm them in their sensuality▪
[Page 141] sin and ignorance; as it is written,
Many in the last Times
*shall be purified, whitened and tryed, but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.
Therefore so read, as you may understand what you read distinctly; even to a Conversion visible to all, that all who see your new carriage, new Life, new looks, new habit and conversation, may reod a right Conversion in you, and glorifie God through your example. And be not ashamed of Jesus Christ and his Cross, into which you say you were baptized, and vowed to fight under his Banner, against the vanities and pomps of this world; be not found lyars before him, but make your vow and promise good, in laying down the Pride of your Gentility, and the lust of your sensuality, the two Temptations here set before you in this book, for a warning to you all in this last age.
** And for this end observe yet more punctually what I have set down in the 66 page hereof, for your better Intelligence concerning the three Ranks of Christians in reference to the title of our Authors Book, on which I here write, call'd,
War with the Devil; craving his acceptance and yours of these my labours seconding his; though he and you are altogether unknown to me, and I to him and you.
The three Ranks of Christians, as to Christs Cross.
[Page 142]1. The first Rank I call Cowards or Runagadoes in Christianity, and are as yet no Soldiers of Christ, under his Cross and Banner.
2. The second are the Beginners or new Soldiers of Christ, who have begun to fight under his Banner; Listed Soldiers.
3. The third are called the old Souldiers of Christ:
Veterani, old standers in the Army, that have fought the good fight under the Cross of Christ, nigh or even to the end.
And in these three Looking-glasses every man and woman may easily discern in which of the 3 Ranks they are found.
☞ 1. By the first therefore understand loose Christendome in general, the formal and verbal Professours of Christianity of Christ, and his dayly Cross; living still in their sensuality, and Pride of Gallantry, Unconverted, turning the back in the Battle against the World, the Flesh, and the Depil, meer Hypocrites as yet, that are ashamed to own the Cross of Christ in self denyall, least they should want a livelyhood, or be laugh'd at for their Conversion. These are call'd Christians
secundum dici, not
secundum esse.
[Page 143]☞ By the second understand that Church of Christ, and those Christians, who are as it were come out of
Babylon, Travellers toward
Jerusalem, and their Heavenly rest; but are not yet fully come thither: Notwithstanding they have given up their names to Christ their Captain, and are sworn, listed and inrolled Soldiers, Converted to the real Profession of the truth, and pure life as it is in the Leader Jesus, the Saviour, Guide, and Governour of them, by his word and spirit in the renewing of their Faith and Conscience; and these are Christians
Secundum esse.
☞ By the third Rank understand that small Church of Christ, few and rare, and hard to be seen; who not only are come out of
Babylon (in this world) but have travelled quite through from
Babylon to
Jerusalem, even to Mount
Sion, the place of
* rest, and Peace in their Faith and Conscience; and this is the persevering party, even to the end in this Holy War, or Spiritual War-fare; having put on the whole Armour of God, and not put it off till they be Conquerours over themselves, and all their spiritual enemies: These
** follow the Lamb whereever he goeth, cloathed in white; The World knows them not, for they are not of this World, though in it: for their Conversation is in Heaven, and their love in Heavenly things;
[Page 144] And thus
* they rest from their sins; from Avarice, Pride, Lust, Ambition, Extortion, Oppression, Drunkenness, Wantonness, and every iniquity; and at their death they rest also from their labours, troubles,
* persecutions, and afflictions.
54 And these I have typed forth by a similitude of the Magnetick Needle in the Marriners Compass, ever Pointing to the North Star, where it Resteth, and no place else through a secret instinct in the inward hidden attractive love point.
The Portraicture of the Marriners Compass by Sea and Land in the 32 Points thereof: wherein the Needle first touched with the Mag
[...]es or Loadstone, never resteth till it come to the North-point, and there standeth fixed. And here are only 12 Figured instead of many thousands, pointing all to the same place, though thousands of miles asunder, and so make a full Communion.
Behold in these 12 Figures a lively Type or Similitude of the True Church or Communion of Saints throughout the world at this day; Whose Hearts all pant and point one way; and so are
[Page 146] already in Heaven, where their Conversation is, looking to the true North Star there, Jesus Christ: their hearts all touched with one and the same spirit, though far distant in place from each other, yet there they fix and rest as one full body; all of one mind and one kind.
INtentive, and Unanimous Readers, let us (for the Truth sake) contemplate yet a little further this comparison, and see into the Heighth, Depth, Length, and Breadth thereof; for it is worth the knowing, that by the natural Mystery we may learn the Supernatural, and try our selves thereby.
For verily there is not a greater secret in nature or art, then this of the Compass, if we rightly consider all the properties thereof.
And, therefore having given you the Pourtraicture thereof, I will also here in the next place give you the Description of it, and so proceed to application for Instruction sake in the work of Conversion.
The Pilots compass is a round box of Wood, hollow and plain: In the Verge of it are set down the 32 Points of the Winds: and in the middle or Center stands a sharp Pins point, whereon the
[Page 148] Needle by a hollow Dent becomes Voluble, and turneth round thereon, tumbling and shaking 'till it leaves them all, and fixeth in the North point only, toward the Polar Star. And over it is a plate of Glass or Chrystal, to preserve it from all violent motion by the wind, and to keep it from the Air, dust, or any foulness, least it lose its Magnetick vertue: And so is placed in the Ship near the Helme, as a Directour to the Pilot, how to Steer his course aright from place to place till he come to his rest or wished Harbour.
But there yet remain two greater wonders; Namely, the Load-stone, or Magnet, and also the Load Star or North-point. The Loadstone is the efficient cause of the Needles Conversion; and the Load-star is as the final cause of its conversion: for there it ends and terminateth in rest: and from both these the Needle receiveth the power of Conversion, else it could have none.
And it must first receive vertue from the Load-stone before it can turn to the Load Star, as I have said before: And then having been touched thereby, and joyned thereto, and as it were gendring together, it attracts to it self a secret love or inclination to the North-Poynt, with eager desire. But why or how, this can be in nature, no wit of man could ever yet find out: for it is
Digitus Dei, the Finger of God, a wonder in Nature for a lesson to Mankind.
Now in the next place observe the unparallel'd
[Page 149] properties of these three; The Stone, the Needle, and Star: For these three act as one in this work.
1. The Load stone draws, and attracts the Needles Point, figured as you see like a Lilly, and as it were kisseth and embraceth it, and anointeth, or baptizeth it with a secret invisible vertue; and this is the first change.
2. Then the Needle rejoyceth in the vertue thereof, as made Convertible thereby to its place of rest, and this the second change.
3. Lastly, the Star or Morth point standeth fixed and cnmoveable to receive the Aspect and Reflexion of the Needle towards it in mutual Conjunction, and this the third and last change in this great Mystery of nature.
Further observe, one Load stone (though there be many) can inspire, and new inform a Million of Needles, and no Stone else can do it; Marble, Coral, Agate, Diamond, Ruby, Saphyre, or Pearle, nor all the Stones in
Aarons Breast-plate, nor in the Royal Crown, nor yet the rare Elixar or Philosophers Stone, can give it the vertue of Conversion to the Heavenly North-Star.
Neither can a Needle made of any Mettal but firm Steel receive this vertuous Tincture of Love, Gold, Silver, Copper, or Lead are not capable of this hidden vertue, with all their Worldly Glory,
[Page 150] and Splendour: they cannot receive a kiss of Love from the Magnet; for they have not a Magnetick Principle in them; nor any Heavenly inclination, nor are they capable of this Communion and Unity, as to point all to one place in the Heavens; Earth is their Center, and there they end in the grave of Corruption.
But these Love-touched-Brethren stand ever in Communion, though far asunder; the place and object of rest, make them one in nature and in society; inseperable companions in love and vertue, though differing in locality, remote from each other.
A Little Application will serve to the Intelligent Reader. The Mystery is written in Capital Letters, he that runs may read at first sight.
Behold all of you (young and old, men and women) the wonderful power of God in the Creation, in this, and in all his works of wonder: and so let all fall down and worship him, adore, admire, and be converted unto him, who hath made Heaven and Earth: O draw neer unto him (as the Needle to the Magnet) and he will draw neer to you: Magnifie him and glorifie his Name, that his vertue, his power, his Love, Fear, and Faith may touch your hearts and anoint them with his secret spirit of Grace in Conversion; that you may become all Elect Vessels of Honour in his sight; and so be renewed in soul and body, mind and spirit, ever looking up to Heaven, and panting after your Saviour, who is gone before to prepare a rest for the blessed, that look towards him, above all the Profits, or Pleasures, or Glories of this world.
[Page 152]For he is in Heaven looking down upon you, and after you, as waiting for you; and I when I ascended saith he, will draw up all men after me: Namely, all that are capable to be drawn unto him in real Conversion from this world, and the things thereof: Every Sinner, Swearer, Drunkard, Thief, Whore and Adulterer, Extortioner, and vain glorious, or covetous soul, he waits for to come unto him, to rest in him from sin, to take up his dayly cross, and follow him; for of such little Children is the Kingdom of Heaven; and all that be his already thus do; he knows them, and they him: for they have already received many a kind kiss from him; they are joyned as the Needle and Magnet, mutually together, and receive vertue of his vertue daily, and cannot be drawn from him. their hearts are with him, though their bodies are here below; and thus they all make one Assembly of Saints on Earth, fixed on him in Heaven.
For by this Needle of pure firm Steel, understand the Heart of Man; his Soul and Mind:
Mens Humana, the Humane understanding, mind, & spirit, sanctified, and made Heavenly and Divine.
* The Lovers of Gold, and Silver, and Brass, and Pretious Stones, Jewels, and Glories of this World, Titles of Honour, and Gentility, pleasures of Sensuality, attain not this Conversion; Those 32 points must all be left, when the Word
[Page 153] of God, and his Spirit, touch the True Mettled Heart, as prepared for the Bosome of Jesus Christ, the True North-star, in whom is their Rest and Peace, through a pure Lile, Faith, and Conscience; and in no other, but him.
Readers; Take it into deep consideration, for it is Truth here told you: Hereby you may see, and know your selves, and your sins; your Salvation, or your Damnation. — Much more might here be said, but I bid you all farewel, and wish you may live well, and so dye well; which you cannot do, except you first bid the World farewel, and dye to that, whilst here you live. The whole Compass of this Earth through all its round Circle of 32 points must be left for Heaven-sake, in all its Longitudes, and Latitudes, and Degrees thereof: All must be left for one Pearl, one only Treasure, for which the Merchant, or Mariner, sold all he had, to purchase it: And where the Treasure is, there will the Heart be, whether in Heaven, or in Earth: But on Earth the Needle (the Heart, or Mind of Man) hath no rest, it is a Pilgrim there, and travelleth to its Resting-place above all Earthly Joys, State and Delight; which Resting-place is Invisible: it is a Misterie above Nature; the Natural minded, unconverted Man can have no propensity, or inclination to it: the Heavenly converted Soul seeks, and finds it, and is fixed in it; as the
[Page 154] Needle to the North-point, its proper place of Rest. For, after all, Fixation crowns the work: The Needle would be a cast away, were it not both Toucht, and Fixt: For otherwise it could give no Direction, no true Instruction; nor be of any use & service for its maker or its master: but being Fixed after long Trembling and Quaking, and seeking Rest, it secretly and silently rejoyceth with an Allelujah to its Creator: Rejoycing that it is Fixt to-towards him; as all true Saints do, and ever did.
Therefore said
David, that sweet Singer of
Israel, in the midst of all his Troubles, and Tryals; My Heart is fixed, O God my Heart is fixed, I will sing, and give praise.
Awake my Harp, &c. Psal. 50.7. And again,
Psal. 59.16.
I will sing of thy Power, I will sing a loud of thy mercy, early in the morning; unto thee, O my strength will I sing: For God is my Defence, saith he,
and the God of my mercy. In him my Heart is fixed, He is the God of my salvation and deliverance, the God that giveth me Life, Strength, Health, Food and Raiment; The God who hath anointed me with the Spirit of Grace, and with the inward light of his Countenance; who hath pardoned my sin, and redeemed my Feet from Death: Who hath given me a New Heart, to love his Commandments, And his Law is sweet to my Lips as the Honey and the Honey-comb, more delightsome than my dayly-food; yea, than all the Glories of my Kingly-crown
[Page] [...]n him my heart resteth, to him will I sing and give praise.
But the Needle (the Heart or mind of Man) cannot come to this place of Rest, and Perfection, till it first be Baptized & Annointed (like the Heart of
David) by the Holy Ghost. The Heart must become a Child in its Humility, taken up into Christs Arms and blest. For the word of God; namely, the Prophets and Apostles, bring the Heart as a New-born Infant unto Christ, inwardly in Spirit, that like the Needle touched with the Load-stone, it may be made Partaker of this Heavenly-Nature, and so be made like unto him, conformed to his Image (lost in the first
Adam,) & then it is inabled to stand fixed, and at Rest, in the midst of all this worlds Tryals and Temptations, as converted unto him, who is the Rest and resting-place to all that be His.
Therefore great need is there to all mankind of this Conversion; of this outward and inward unction, this divine Metamorphosis or change of the Mind, this New-birth, for without it none can make war with the Devil, The world, and the flesh; none can become Old Souldiers of Christ: Or Conquerours over Sin, Hell and Death, without it; for this is the one thing necessary to everlasting Joy, Rest, and Perfection here, and for evermore. For it is the Saints Jewel, their white-stone, by which all are Purified, Sanctified, and Justified to all eternity: Yea this is the sure infallible mark
[Page] of the True Church on Earth, the Lilley-hearted Church, the Lillies of the Vallies, the Lillies and Roses in
Solomon's Garden, here Typed forth by this lively similitude of the little Needle.
Loe Readers, if all this be true, if the case thus stands, before the Throne of Jesus Christ, where is then all Pride, Envy, Dispute, Wars, Jars and Contention about Religions? All Religions, and Opinions, Institutions, Signs, Services and Sacrament must be subordinate, and stoop to this one things necessary; this Place of Rest and Fixation; which is an humble clean Heart directed to God and Goodness, in Jesus Christ alone. And then farewell Sensuality and Gentility, Riches and Honour for this one treasure, this essential Principal of Rest and everlasting Happiness.
And thus much for the similitude, omitting all Curiosity of discourse concerning Magnetick Bodies in general, as likewise the variation of the Needle, on this, and that side the Aequator; with all other abstrusities in this matter; And only wish after all, that my writing here might beeome magnetick to my beloved Readers, and might attract some at the least to true Love of the Saints Jewel here described, and so become members of the universal Lillie Church, with their Lillie-pointed Hearts, touched with the Load-stone of divine Love and Grace.
And thus much of-this Book, written occasionly from the sight of that Divine Poem aforementioned,
[Page] in the beginning; written by the hand of One, altogether unknown unto me, hoping it will prove acceptable to him, and to the Lovers and Believers of the Truth, as it is in Christ Jesus, the fountain of all Truth; Remaining to them all a Servant to my Power in the service of the said Truth.
WHereas His Majesty hath been gratiously pleased by his Letters Pattent, to grant and confirm to
Richard Hains, the sole cleansing, the Seed called
Trefoil, Nonsuch, or
Hop clover, from its Husk, and course Grass (he being the first that made the discovery) with prohibition to all others to cleanse the same; which Seed, thus cleansed, is very profitable to many places of this Kingdom, especially for dry Lands, as Chalkey, Rocky, and Hilly Grounds,
&c. which are Naturally barren, and will produce little, or no Pasture.
These are to certifie all Gentlemen, Farmers, and others willing to improve such barren Grounds so as with the expence of six shillings, to make Land, which without it is dear of half a Crown an Acre by the Year, to be worth 15, 20, or 25, shillings
per Acre: and for their farther information.
They may have a Printed account of the Nature, use, and advantage of the said Seed, cleansed as aforesaid.
At Mr.
Russels Coffee-house in
Bartholomew-close, near
West-Smith field.
The said Seed, so cleansed, is to be sold by Mr.
[Page]Thomas Mottershed at the Cross keys in
Lumbard-street; and Mr.
William Lucas at the naked Boy in the
Strand, and not else-where in
London.
The way for sowing it, is with Oats, and Barley; and the first Weeks of
January, February, March, and
April, the said
Richard Hains himself will be in
London, and may be spoken with at the said Mr.
Russels Coffee-house every day in the forenoon, ready to give any Persons farther directions, and satisfaction.
Courteous Reader,
Be pleased to take notice, that these Books following are Printed for, and sold by Benjamin Harris,
at his Shop, at the Sign of the Stationers Arms in Sweethings-Rents,
at the East-
end of the Royal Exchange
in Corn-hill.
1.
WAR with the Devil, or
the Young Mans Conflict with the powers of darkness, in a Dialogue, discovering the corruption and vanity of Youth, the horrible nature of sin, and the deplorable condition of fallen Man, also a definition, power, rule, and Conscience, and the nature of true conversion; to which is added, an
Appendix, and taining a Dialogue between an old
Appostate, a young
Convert, by
B. K. the third Impression.
[Page]2.
Darkness vanquished, or
Truth in its primitive purity; being a Treatise of laying on of hands, in answer to Mr.
Henry Danvers, by
B. K.
3.
The Grand Imposter discovered, or
the Quakers Doctrine weighed in the Ballance, and found wanting, in a Dialogue between a young Convert, and a Quaker, by the same Author,
B. K.
4.
Love to the life, or
some Meditations of loving, and washing in the blood of Christ; together with a tast of Gospel promises, as the Churches stock, or Believers patrimony, by
Richard Mayhew, Minister of the Gospel
5.
The Parable of the Kingdom of Heaven expounded, or
an Exposition upon the first 13
Verses of the 25th.
Chapter of Matthew, by
Hanisor Knollis Minister of the Gospel, in Octavo.
6.
The accomplished Ladies delight, in Preserving, Physick, Beautifying, and Cookery. 1. Containing the Art of Preserving, and Candying, Fruits and Flowers; and the making of all sorts of Conserves, Syrups, and Jellies. 2. The physical Cabinet, or excellent Receipts in Physick and Chyrurgery; together with some rare beautifying Waters to adorn, and add loveliness to the Face, and Body; and also new and excellent secrets, and experiment in the Art of Angling. 3. The compleat Cooks guide, or directions for dressing all sorts of Flesh, Fowl, and Fish, both in the
English, and
French Mode, with all Sauces, and Sallets; and the making Pyes, Pasties, Tarts, and,
[Page] Custards, with the forms and shapes of them, in Octavo.
7.
Baptism discovered, plainly, and faithfully, according to the Word of God; wherein is set forth the glorious Pattern of our blessed Saviour Jesus Christ the Pattern of all Believers in his subjection to Baptism; together with the Example of thousands who were Baptized after they believed. By
John Norcot, a Servant of Jesus Christ, and of his Church.
8-
Mentis Humanae, metamorphosis sive conversio, The History of the young converted Gallant, or directions to the Readers of that Divine Poem, Entituled
War with the Devil. By
John Mason of
Fordham in
Cambridge-shire.
9.
Anima Astrologiae, or
a guide to Astrologers; being the considerations of
Guido Bonatus, and the choicest Aphorismes of
Cardan 7.
Segments Englished; a Piece long expected, and highly useful to all Artists in giving Judgements; and recommended as such: By
William Lilly, Student in
Astrology.
ANY Person in the Countrey desirous to know the natural Fate of themselves or Children, as far as the same depends on second Causes, sending the time of their their Birth or substance of there desires, to
Henry Care Student in Physick and Astrology, at the Sign of the Duke of
Monmouth in
Fetter-Lane, near
Fleet-street, may have their Nativities Calculated or Questions resolved according to Art, and Judgments thereupon, thereupon, As to the general Accidents of Riches, Honour, Marriage, Diseases, Troubles,
&c. To befall them in their whole Lives paying (by the Carrier or any Friend here) 5
s. for a Nativity, 2
s. for a Question, upon the Receipt of an Answer which they shall receive with great Integrity and Satisfaction.