A Staff of Comfort to Stay the Weak

Of Religion.

Objection.

There is much talking & strife about that, which men call Religion: but to this day I could never know certainly, what it should be.

Answ. It is that, which is prescribed in the holy Scriptures, called, the way of the Lord. Act. 18.25. the old way, and good way. Ier. 6.16. the path of life, Psal. 16.11. the perfect way, Psa. 101.2. the way of wisdom, Prov. 4.11. the right way, 2. Pet. 2.15. the way of understanding, Prov. 9.6. the way of life, Ierem. 21.8. the way of God, Matth. 22.16. Act. 18.26. the way of salvation, Act. 16.17. the way of truth, 2. Pet. 1.2. and the way of righteousness, 2. Pet. 2.21. This Religion, pure and undefiled before God, and the Father, is also to visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, & to keep our selves unspotted of the world, I am. 1.27.

Object. It may seem by this, that Religion is but one way: and yet there are many religions, that I know not which way to turn me.

Answ. Indeed there is but one true religion, as there is but one true God and Father of all, one Lord, one Spirit, one body, one faith, one hope of our vocation, and one Baptism, Ephes. 4.5. Therefore turn neither to the right hand, nor to the left, Prov. 4.27. For know, that he which wandreth out of the way of understanding, shall remain in the congregation of the dead, Prov. 21.16. but they that walk in the good way, shall find rest unto their souls. Ier. 6.16.

Object. But so many, though they be of diverse and differing opinions, do challenge to themselves this one Religion, and do so condemn one another, as I, (an ignorant man) cannot tell what to do, or how to know the truth.

Answ. Dearely beloved (saith Saint John ) believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God, 1. John. 4.1. despise not prophesying; try all things, and hold that which is good, 1. Thessal. 5.20.21. and then if any man will do the will of God, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. John. 7.17.

Object. Among the professors of that Religion, which some take to be the best, there are not wanting, errors, sects, and schisms.

Answ. There must be heresies, that they which are approved may be made manifest, 1. Cor. 11.19. for from without shall arise grievous Wolves, & enter into God's Church, not sparing the flock: and from within shall arise up men, speaking perverse things, to draw Disciples after them, Act. 20.29.30. Let not therefore this offend thee; for it must needs be, that offenses shall come, Matth. 18.7.

Object. Me thinks Religion is but a fancy, or a policy; because the most, of what Religion soever, do live, not answerable to their profession, but clean contrary.

Answ. Do not for this, condemn Religion itself: but consider, that many are called, but few are chosen, Mat. 20.16. That wide also is the gate, and the way broad, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat: because the gate is strait, and the way narrow that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it, Mat. 7.13.

Object. Nay, the bondage, and burthensomenesse of Religion may seem to be the cause hereof, which is too heavy for any man to bear.

Answ. The law of Christ is a perfect law of liberty, I am. 1.25. by which he hath made us free, Gal. 5.1. who exhorteth us to take his yoke on us, and we shall find rest unto our souls; for his yoke is easy, and burden light, Mat. 11.29.30. and his Commandments are not grievous, 1. John. 5.3.

Object. I was (I may tell you) of that Roman faith, spoken of through the world, as Saint Paul speaketh, Rom. 1.8. and 16.19. but now am of this, called the reformed Religion; I fear me, that I have done much amiss, in forsaking that, which the Apostle hath so commended.

Answ. Thou hast not forsaken that true and ancient Catholic faith, taught by Saint Paul, but now dost profess the very same, then taught by the Apostles, as that Same Epistle of Saint Paul, and the rest of the Scripture teach. But this present Romish religion thou hast done well to forsake, therein obeying Christ's commandment, showing thyself thereby one of God's people. Revel. 18.4. and saving thyself from that fearful vengeance, and those horrible plagues, which are to be poured out upon that Antichristian state. Revel. 14.9.10.

Object. This our Religion hath not so many goodly Ceremonies; nor holy Church ordinances, to keep the people in deuont exercises for the service of God, as that hath.

Answ. In vain they worship me (saith Jesus Christ) teaching for doctrines men's precepts. Mat. 15.9. They worship they know not what: we know what we worship: the true worshippers worship the Father in spirit, and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth, John. 4.22.23.24.

Ob. But yet this reformed Religion is everywhere spoken against of many: and this I can say, that men very wise in the world, men of great place, and very learned too, like that Religion, & cannot away with this, but for the present state.

Answ. Christianity in the Apostles time, was everywhere spoken against, Act. 28.22. was it therefore not y ^e Truth? And as for these wise men of the world, liking that, and disliking this spiritual worship of God, marvel not at it. For not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, nor many noble are called. 1. Cor. 1.26. And the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they be spiritually discerned. 1. Cor. 2.14

Object. Many among us nowadays fall to that Religion.

Answ. They are gone out from us, because they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would (no doubt) have continued with us: but they are gone out, that they might be made manifest; that they were not at all of us, 1. John. 2.19. And this is come to pass, because they professing the truth with us, yet received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Wherefore God hath sent them strong delusions, that they should believe a lie, 1. Thessal. 2.10.11. And for this cause also, when with us they knew God, they did not glorify him, neither were thankful, they became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened, and by professing themselves wise, they are now become fools, Rom. 1.21.22.

Object. But that Religion hath been spread mightily abroad, many Monarchs of the earth have with one mind given their power and authority to that See; and kindreds, tongues, and nations, have worshipped the same.

Answ. This is the power of the beast, Revelation. 13.7. and of the whore sitting upon the waters; that is, people, multitudes, nations, and tongues, Revel. 17.15. worshipping that beast: whose names are not written in the book of life, of that lamb, which was slain from the beginning of the world, Revel. 13.8.

Object. If this were so, men of wisdom and learning on that side would see it, without all doubt.

Answ. I may say with the Prophet: Stay and wonder; the Lord hath covered them with a spirit of slumber, and shut up their eyes: the Prophets and the chief Seers hath he covered, the vision of them all is become as the words of a book that is sealed up, which cannot be read, Esa. 29.9.10.11. They know not, they understand not, because he hath shut their eyes that they cannot see, and their hearts that they cannot understand nor consider, Esa. 44.18. and for that Satan worketh with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in thē that perish, that they might be damned, who believe not the truth, but take pleasure in unrighteousness, 2. Thessal. 2.10.12. Yea, they seeing, will indeed not see; and hearing, will not understand, because their hearts are hardened.

Object. Those of that Religion hope to advance again that supreme head (as they call him), and some with us fear that he will prevail, and get dominion over us.

Answ. Fear it not, their hope is vain; he is that man of sin now in a consumption. 2. Thessal. 2. his fall is certainly determined. Reu. 14.8. and 18.2. The Angel hath sworn by him that liveth forever & ever. There shall be now no more time for him to increase his strength, and to rise up again. The little book is eaten, the witnesses have prophesied, Revel. 10.5.6.10.11. and 11.3. The seventh Angel hath sounded his trumpet, & so the kingdoms become the Lord's, by little and little, Reve. 11.15. The viols have also a good space since, begun to be poured out, which are the last plagues of God's wrath. The Angels that pour them out, come out of the Temple, & so are for y ^e Church, & against the enemies thereof, whose power now they feel, & shall so do now forever, Reu. 15. & 16. The Lord hath given them blood to drink, for they are worthy, Reu. 16.6. Of the ten horns, some have begun to hate that whore: & in the time appointed, they shall make her desolate & naked, & shall eat her flesh, & burn her with fire, Reu. 17.16.

Object. But in the mean space they murder many of God's Saints.

Answ. Great is yet the Saints comforts: for whosoever will loose his life for Christ's sake, shall save it, Luk. 9.24. Mat. 10.39. and 16.15. Mar. 8.35. yea blessed are such, for they die in the Lord, and their works follow them, Revel. 14.13.

Object. These be good comforts; yet I read, that before the great overthrow of this romish state, & before Christ's coming, there shall be terrible days; in which men's hearts shall fail them with fear, which may make us greatly to be dismayed.

Answ. Oh, yet fear not little flock (saith our Savior) it is your Fathers pleasure to give you a kingdom, Luk. 12.32. In patience possess your souls; for there shall not an hair of your head perish, Luk. 21.18. Look up therefore and lift up your heads: for even when these things begin to come to pass, the day of your redemption draweth near, Luk. 21.28.

Object. Many think it an idle thing, to contend and strive about Religion, and to be so zealous for good things, as some hot spirits be.

Answ. Strive to enter in at the strait gate, for many will seek to enter, and shall not be able, Luk. 13.24. I follow hard, or press towards the mark (saith the Apostle) Philip. 3.14. who exhorteth to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, Rom. 12.11. And Christ Jesus gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purge us, to be a peculiar people to himself, zealous of good works: and Saint Jude doth exhort us also to contend earnestly for the faith, which was once delivered unto the Saints, verse. 3.

Object. There is for all this, small profit in keeping God's Commandments.

Answ. In keeping of them there is great reward, Psalm. 19.11. And godliness is great gain, 1. Tim. 6.6. It is profitable to all things, which hath the promise of this life, & the life to come, 1. Tim. 4.8.

Object. I have had now and then a mind, to have become á diligent reader of the Scriptures, but that again I thought thus: What profit is there in it?

Answ. The whole Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable to teach, to convince, to correct, and to instruct in righteousness, 2. Tim. 3.16. It converteth the soul, maketh wise the simple, rejoiceth the heart, enlighteneth the eyes, Psal. 19.7.8. It is a lantern unto our feet, a light unto our paths, Psal. 119.105. Making absolute and perfect the man of God unto all good works, 2. Tim. 3.17.

Object. These mere Bible-Clerks, that have nothing but Scripture, & such as addict themselves thereunto, making it their chiefest study, are held men unlearned, of weak apprehensions, without understanding and judgment.

Answ. David, the King of Israel, a man of war, valiant, and wise, saith: Oh how I love thy Law! it is my meditation all the day, Psa. 119.97. through which he did get understanding, verse. 104. and became wiser then his enemies; and got thereby more understanding then his teachers, and the ancient, verse. 98.99.110. a good understanding have they, that do thereafter, Psa. 111.10. It is the wisdom and understanding of God's people; and for their knowledge & obedience to this, they are accounted an understanding and wise nation, Deut. 4.6.

Object. But the study of this maketh men to err, to become Schismatics, and Heretics, and unquiet persons in the State.

Answ. It is a sure word, to which while we attend, we do well, 2. Pet. 1.19. and men err, not knowing the Scriptures, Mat. 22.29. Psal. 95.10.

Object. Many yet that read the Scriptures, do run into by-paths.

Answ. The unlearned, and unstable, do wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction, 2. Pet. 3.16. because to some it is given to know y ^e secrets of the kingdom of heaven, and not to other some, Mat. 13.11. to whom God giveth not eyes to see, nor hearts to perceive, Deut. 29.4. for he resisteth the proud, and giveth grace unto the humble. 1. Pet. 5.5.

Object. If religion were so good, so comfortable a thing as men say: then many that have seemed most forward, and zealous, would not forsake their such godliness, zeal, and sincerity, for earthly pleasures, which they once condemned; for profits, which they once neglected, and for honors, which seemed to be greatly despised, and which they formerly have inveighed against. This is to me a great stumbling block, and maketh me verily to think, that men, which speak so much of the comforts, and joy in Religion, do but counterfeit, and talk of more then either they feel, or Religion indeed can afford them.

Answ. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Ghost, Rom. 14. David felt God's word sweeter then honey, and the honey comb; and saith, they are more to be desired then gold, yea then much fine gold, Psal. 19.10. He rejoiced in the way of God's testimonies, as much as in all riches, Psalm. 119.14. and such joy and comfort found he in the exercises of Religion, that he wished to dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of his life, Psal. 27.4. Now he being a man after God's own heart, did not counterfeit; and therefore Religion giveth singular comfort to the truly godly. As for the backsliding of some from their godliness, zeal, and sincerity; it ought not to make us to be offended with Religion it self, to think it affoordes no comfort: for there be that hear and receive the word with joy, & yet for want of root, endure but a season, Matth. 13.20.21. Demas for profit forsook his profession, 2. Tim. 4.10. and zealous Jehu, for honor, left the true service of God, and worshipped Idols, 2. King. 10.31. Solomon the wise, that loved the Lord in the beginning, 1. King. 3.3. afterwards through fleshly pleasures, had his heart in his old age turned to vanity, 1. King. 11.4.

Object. These sorts of men, thus declining from goodness, do often prosper in this world: they get preferment in the Church, and in the Common-wealth: and are not the least adversaries to that their own former show of goodness; and therefore it may seem, that God is not offfended with them, neither is it any great matter, whether we be religious or profane so be it, that we walk wisely after the world.

Answ. It had been better for these persons, not to have known the way of righteousness, then after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. For it is happened unto them, according to the true proverb: The dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire, 2. Pet. 2.21.22. Howsoever they enjoy the world, as Jehu did, yet God taketh no pleasure in them, Hebr. 10.38. and unless they do repent with Peter, and return, confusion shall light upon them, Ier. 17.13. Psalm. 125.5. for the righteous shall not live for his former righteousness, in the day of his transgression, Ezech. 33.12. If he be turned away from his righteousness, & doth commit iniquity, according to the abominations that the wicked man doth, his righteousness that he hath done, shall not be mentioned; but in his transgression that he hath committed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die, he shall die even for the same, he shall even die for his iniquity that he hath done, Ezech. 18.24.26.

Object. Seeing this is so, that a man may enter into the profession of Religion, and afterwards slide back, and be plagued of God for the same, it maketh me fearful to begin to enter into that strait way, lest being weary of well doing, I fall away, and my last state be worse then the first, as Christ himself tells us.

Answ. The foundation of God remaineth sure, and hath his seal, the Lord knoweth who are his, 2. Tim. 2.19. they hear his voice, and follow him, John. 10.27. for all that the Father giveth him, shall come to him: and him that cometh, will he in no wife cast out: because he came down from heaven, not to do his own will, but the will of him that sent him: and this is the Fathers will that sent him; that of all which he hath given him, he should lose nothing, John. 6.37.38.39. for he giveth to them eternal life, and they shall not perish, neither shall any pluck thē out of his hands; his father which gave them to him, is greater then all, and no man is able to pluck them out of his Fathers hands. John. 10.28.29. Therefore fear not to come to him; for if thou be the Lord's, thou shalt also ever remain with him.

Of religious Persons.

Ob. GOd maketh no more reckoning of those persons that are called religious, then he doth of others, for anything I know.

Answ. If herein the Lord himself by his word may be believed: then verily the Lord doth most highly esteem of them, & most blessed are they. Blessed is the natiō, whose God is the Lord, and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance, Psal. 33.12. his eyes are upon them, verse. 18. with mercy he compasseth them, Psalm. 32.10. the Angel of the Lord campeth about them, Psalm. 34.7. to them there is no want, verse. 9. of that which is good, verse. 10. his eyes are upon them; his ears are open to their cry, verse. 15. and delivereth thē out of all their troubles, ver. 17. Psal. 22.24. from death, from famine, Psalm. 33.19. he upholdeth them, Psalm. 37.17. and preserveth them forever, verse. 28. for he delighteth in them to do them good, Ier. 32.41. Pro. 11.20. and he that toucheth them must know, that he toucheth the apple of God's eye, Zach. 2.8.

Object. If the Lord so delighted in them, and loved them, surely the world would not so hate them, as it doth.

Answ. Yes, because the Lord loveth them, and hath chosen them out of the world; therefore the world hateth them, John. 15.19. Christ our Savior, is the ever beloved of God; yet the world hated him, verse. 18. John. 7.7. so doth it all Christ's true Disciples, for that he hath given them his word, and because they are not of the world, John. 17.14.

Object. They be of the meanest sort of people, for the most part, that either are, or else do carry the show of hearty affection to Religion, which in reason, me think, should not be God's choice.

Answ. I thank thee (saith our Savior) O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight, Mat. 11.25. God calleth not many (though some) noble, mighty, and wise men after the flesh; but he chooseth the foolish things of the world, to confound the wise; the weak things to confound the mighty; & base things, and things that are despised hath God chosen; yea and things that are not, to bring to naught things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence, 1. Corinth. 1.26-29.

Object. They are despised, as of no value with men.

Answ. But with God they are a chosen generation, a peculiar people, 1. Pet. 2.9. and his chief treasury, Exod. 19.5. Psalm. 135.4. And take heed saith our Savior, that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their Angels do always behold the face of my Father, which is in heaven, Mat. 18.10.

Object. They be all accounted as base and vile, and are not of men beloved.

Answ. But they be precious in God's sight, honorable and beloved, who will give men for them, & people for their life, Esa. 43.4.

Object. None delight in their company.

Answ. But the Lord delighteth in them, Prov. 11.20. and a David, a man after the Lord's heart, hath his eyes upon the faithful: he delighteth in the Saints that are in the earth, and in them that excel in virtue, Psalm. 16.3.

Object. The best sort auoideth their company, and cannot endure them.

Answ. But God the Father, and Christ his son, will come unto them, and make their abode with thē, John. 14.23. and a David will have such to dwell with him, Psal. 101.6.

Object. These men are not so well esteemed of, as many others be, which are not of their stamp.

Answ. But (saith Solomon ) the righteous is more excellent then his neighbor, Prov. 12.26.

Object. They be hated of not a few.

Answ. They that hate the righteous, shall be desolate. Psal. 34.21.

Object. They be mocked, derided, and laughed to scorn.

Answ. So was David, Psa. 22.7. other godly men, Psalm. 123.3.4. and Jesus Christ himself, as that Psalm showeth; and the Evangelist, in Matth. 27.39. the servants may not look to be better then their Master.

Object. I think they carry a hell in their hearts, they are never merry like other men.

Answ. Solomon saith the contrary, that God giveth to a man, that is good in his sight, wisdom, and knowledge, and joy, Eccles. 2.26. and again he saith, the righteous sing and rejoice, Prov. 29.6. but in the Lord, Phil. 4.4. Psalm. 64.10. and in goodness, 2. Chro. 6.41. and this their joy shall not be taken from them, John. 16.22. folly is joy to him that is destitute of understanding, Prov. 15.21. but the godly cannot (as the fool doth) make a sport of sin, Prov. 10.23. and 14.9. and rejoice in doing evil, as the wicked do, Pro. 2.14.

Object. I cannot perceive for all this, that they think they may be merry.

Answ. They are exhorted to be merry, and to rejoice, Psal. 33.1. and heartily, Psal. 95.1. and continually, Phil. 4.4.1. Thess. 5.16.

Object. Yea, but I mean in honest mirth, in things indifferent.

Answ. Yes verily, they know that zealous David might play on a harp, and sing as he did, 1. Chron. 13.8. Holy Job might take pleasure in his harp and organ, cap. 30.31. and that the people of God may make good cheare, eat, & drink, and be merry, Nehem. 8.1. King. 4.20. But herein they rejoice, as if they did not rejoice, as the Apostle exhorteth them, 1. Cor. 7.30.

Object. If this be so, I could almost be one of these, but that the wicked are so over them, and will so be, I think forever, though they suppose the contrary.

Answ. The prosperity of the wicked is but slippery, Psal. 73.18.19. who one day shall burn as an oven, and be as stubble, and have neither root nor branch; when unto them that fear the Lord, the son of righteousness shall arise, who shall tread down the wicked, even as ashes, under the soales of their feet, Mal. 4.1.2.3. yea the Saints shall judge the world, 1. Cor. 6. and others shall be made to come and worship before their feet, Revel. 3.9. So as then shall men easily discern between the righteous and the wicked; between them that fear God, and them that fear him not, Mal. 3.18.

Of God's Church.

Ob. GOds people and Church here is tossed too and fro, as if God did altogether neglect us.

Answ. We are here but pilgrims and strangers, 1. Pet. 2.12. and not of the world, John. 15. yet God hath an eye unto us, 1. Pet. 3.12. he counteth all our wanderings, Psalm. 56.8. he followeth us, whither soever we go, Josh. 1.9. and causeth his Angels to take charge of us, Psal. 91.11. and 34.7. who always attend before God for our safety, Matth. 18.10. Hebr. 1.14.

Ob. Yet I am not a little troubled, to see the godly on the one hand so brought under, vexed, and persecuted; and the proud adversaries on the other hand so lifted up, living at ease, in all outward peace, and worldly contentments.

Answ. Fret not thyself because of the prosperity of the wicked neither envy at them, Prov. 23.17. and 24. 1. Psal. 37.1. for they shall soon be cut down like grass, and wither as the green herb, Psal. 37.2. yet a little while and the wicked shall not be: yea thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be, verse. 10. their arms shall be broken, verse. 17. they shall perish and become as the fat of lambs, they shall consume, into smoke they shall consume away, verse. 20. The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance, he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked: so that a man shall say; verily there is reward for the righteous; verily, he is a God, that judgeth in the earth, Psal. 58.10.11.

Object. Yea, but in the mean season they plot against the just.

Answ. The Lord shall laugh at them; for he seeth that their day is coming, Psal. 37.13.

Object. But they watch the righteous and seek to slay him: they have drawn out the sword to slay such as be of an upright conversation.

Answ. Fear them not, the sword shall enter into their own heart, Psal. 37.15.

Object. But they have gotten him into their hands, and condemned him.

Answ. The Lord will not leave him in their hands, nor condemn him when he is judged, Psal. 37.33.

Object. Oh, the enemy rageth, and seeketh to overflow us as a flood: what is to be done?

Answ. Stand still, fear not, behold the salvation of the Lord, Exod. 14.2. Chro. 20. for safety is of him, Pro. 21.31. who sitteth upon the floods, and is King forever, Psal. 29.10. and 96.10. to deliver his Saints out of the hands of the wicked, Psalm. 97.10.

Object. We are in present danger.

Answ. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psal. 46.1.5.

Object. We want strength.

Answ. The Lord will give strength unto his people, Psal. 29.11.

Object. Our enemies are irreconcileable, so as they will most cruelly torture and torment us, if they get us into their hands.

Answ. If our ways please the Lord, he will make our enemies be at peace with us, Prov. 16.7. and will show mercies unto us, y ^t they may have mercy upon us, Ier. 42.12. & 15.11.

Object. Ah, but we have by our sins so provoked him unto wrath, that we may justly fear he will indeed utterly cast us off.

Answ. The Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance, Psalm. 94.14. If we repent, he will, also repent of the evil, which he hath thought against us, Ierem. 18.8. for he retaineth not his anger forever, Mic. 7.18. it endureth but a moment, Psalm. 30.5. because he delighteth in mercy, Mich. 7.18.

Object. I wonder at this, that the Lord letteth many of them, that most sincerely serve him, to be persecuted, & murdered of the enemies.

Answ. Maruell not; for it is given to them in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake, Phil. 1.29. whose death is precious in God's sight, Psal. 116.15. whose suffering is also unto them an evident token of salvation; but unto their enemies, a manifest token of damnation, Phil. 1.28. for, it is a righteous thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them that trouble the godly; but to these, rest with God, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, 2. Thessal. 1.6.7.

Object. The Lord's wrath hath been long upon his people, even to consume them, and cruel tyrants have exercised their malice upon them, no small space of time.

Answ. The Lord will not leave his altogether unpunished; yet will he correct in measure, and not make a full end of them, Ier. 30.11. for it hath pleased him to make them his people. 1. Sam. 12.22. only he turneth his hand upon them, to purge purely away their dross, and to take away all their tin: afterwards they shall be accounted a righteous and faithful people, Esa. 1.25.26. for the tyranny of the enemies know, that they be but the rod of the Lord's anger, their power, his staff of indignatition, Esa. 10.5. the axe which he heweth with, ver. 15. to accomplish what he himself hath determined upon his people, and the very time is set down, Ier. 29.10. Gen. 15.13. which being expired, he will certainly set his people at liberty, Gen. 15.14.16. Ier. 29.10.11. Esa. 10.25.27. and destroy the adversaries, Gen. 15.14. Esa. 10.12.16.17.18.25.26. and 14.25. Ier. 30.16. and 50.18. and 51.24. therefore (saith he) rejoice O ye nations with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his people, Deut. 32.43.

Object. But they may be perhaps forgotten, and so be as a forsaken people.

Answ. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion of the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget; yet will not I forget thee (saith the Lord): behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands, Esa. 49.15.16. I have for a moment forsaken thee: but with great mercy will I gather thee: In a little wrath I hid my face from thee, for a moment: but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, & my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, saith the Lord thy Redeemer, that hath mercy on thee, Esa. 54.7-10.

Object. The Pope, and his power, make great preparation against us, of the reformed religion, to root us out, and to destroy utterly our names from under heaven.

Answ. Fear not, let us not be faint hearted, for these smoking firebrands, their counsel is wicked, & it shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass. Isaiah 7.4.7.

Object. These our enemies have their Diuiners, and their Wise men, they give credit to their Machiauilian Jesuits, and their conjuring Priests, mocking at the Preachers of God's word among us.

Answ. The Lord doth frustrate the tokens of the liars, and maketh the diuiners mad, and turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; but confirmeth the words of his servants, and performeth the words of his Messengers, Esa. 44.25.26.

Object. The Church is robbed of these servants and messengers, the true Pastors, by Antichrist; the vision thus failing, the people perish.

Answ. Return (saith the Lord) for I am merciful, I will not keep anger forever, but if you so do, I will give you Pastors according to my heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding, verse. 15. so will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey, Ier. 3.12.15. Ezech. 34.21.

Object. The shepherds feed themselves, & not their flocks, they eat the fat, and clothe themselves with the wool, but suffer the Lord's flock to be scattered, and to become a prey unto the beasts of the field. Few care to strengthen the diseased, to heal the sick to bind up that which is broken, to bring back that which was driven away, and to seek up that which is lost, but with force and cruelty to rule them.

Answ. Behold, (saith the Lord) I am against these Shepherds, and will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease for feeding the flock, neither shall these Shepherds feed thenselves anymore. I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. I will myself feed them in a good pasture, they shall lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away. I will bind up that which was broken: and will strengthen that which was sick. And I will set one shepherd over them, that shall feed them; and he shall be their Shepherd. I the Lord will be their God, and my servant a Prince among them: I the Lord have spoken it. Yea I will cause the evil beasts to cease, and will break the bands of their yoke, and deliver them out of the hands of those, that serve themselves of them. Ezek. 34.10.14.16.23.24.

Of a godly man's temptations, and of one called unto the state of grace.

Ob. WHen I was baptized, I made a straight covenant then to become a true and faithful servant to Christ; but yet, alas, I did sin and offend my God, through my wretched nature, contrary to my promise.

Answ. There is not a just man upon earth, that doth good and sinneth not. Eccles. 7.20. Who can say, I have made my heart clean, and am pure from my sin? Prov. 20.9. If we say we have no sin, we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us, 1. John 1.8. For there is no man that sinneth not, 2. Chron. 6.36. What is man that he should be clean, and he that is borne of a woman, that he should be righteous? Job 15.14. In many things we sin all, James 3.2.

Object. Oh but I am much grieved, that I cannot yet over-master wholly my corruptions so, as I would; I daily pray against them, and yet am not set free.

Answ. My grace (saith God to Saint Paul in the the like case) is sufficient for thee, either to prevent thy sinning, or to pardon the offense, 2. Cor. 12.9. And know for thy comfort, that thus striving, it is no more thou, but sin in thee, Rom. 7.19. From which body of death, thorough Christ Jesus thou shalt be delivered, Rom. 7.24.25.

Object. But besides my nature prone to ill, I have since I entered into a more conscionable profession of my Christianity, contrary to promise, and a very bold protestation before diverse, that if ever trouble should come for my religion, I would stand out to the faces of the adversaries; and though other should fall away of a dastardly fear, yet I would stand out to the death. Nevertheless, alas, at my first examination by base persons; before I was brought to any of authority, I, like a cowardly wretch, denied my profession; even my Lord and Savior, with swearing and cursing.

Answ. This fearfully befell the Apostle Peter, every way, and in every degree, as thou speakest of thyself, Matth. 26.33.35.70.72.74. Luke 22.33. But he remembering the words of Jesus, being heartily sorry, and bitterly weeping for his sins, verse. 75. the Lord was reconciled to him, affording him his favor with the rest, to be still one of his blessed Apostles; by whom he afterwards wrought mightily in word and deed; never mentioning to him his so fearful a denial of him: So albeit that thou hast fallen with him, yet if thou doest also in sort repent with him, be assured the Lord will receive thee to mercy, for he is one and the same forever.

Object. Ah, but such is my exceeding weakness (the Lord be merciful unto me) that I fall this way and that way, by this and that occasion so often, though not willfully, yet for want of strength to resist & bridle my sudden passions, as I fear utterly to be cast off at the length.

Answ. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord up holdeth him with his hand, Psalm. 37.23.24. & 145.14. For he that cometh unto Christ, in no wise he will cast out; because it is his fathers will, that of all which he hath given him, he should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day, John, 6.37.39.

Object. Yea, but when I so sin, I infinitely displease God, I cannot then, but look for damnation, though I be sorry from my very soul, when I do amiss in the very least measure, that may be.

Answ. Consider that the Lord pardoneth iniquity, & passeth by transgression, in his infinite mercy, and retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy, Mich. 7.18.

Object. I cannot think, though I turn, that he will turn towards me, and show me mercy, will he (think you)?

Answ. Surely he will turn again, he will have compassion, Mich. 7.19.

Object. But my iniquities have subdued me, and my sins are gone over my head.

Answ. The Lord will subdue them, and cast them all in the depths of the sea, Mich. 7.19.

Object. Yea, it may be so, if I had not been a backeslider, since I received a love of the truth.

Answ. Go and proclaim these words (saith the Lord) Return thou backsliding Israel, and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon thee; for I am merciful (saith the Lord) and will not keep anger forever: only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God, Ier. 3.12.13. and I will heal your backsliding, and will love you freely, for mine anger is turned away, Osea. 14.4.

Object. This and such like promises, are made to the posterity and children of the Patriarke Abraham: What is this to me, who am of the Gentiles, and not of the Jews? except I were one of Abraham's children, I can take no comfort by this promise or any other made to the godly among the Jews.

Ans. Knowest thou not, that he is not a Jew that is one outward; but he is a Jew that is one within, having the circumcision of the heart in the spirit. Rom. 2.28.29. and also this know, that he that believeth in Christ, is the son of Abraham, Luke 19.9. Gal. 3.7.29. And the promise doth belong also to the Gentiles, as many of them, as the Lord our God shall call, Act. 2.39. And in every Nation, he that feareth God, and worketh righteousness is accepted with him, Act. 10.35. The word of salvation is sent to everyone that feareth God, Act. 13.26. Even unto the Gentiles, Act. 28.28. The righteousness of God, is now by the faith of Christ unto all, and upon all that believe, for there is no difference, Rom. 3.22. The partition wall being now broken, Ephes. 2.14. So as those, which in times past, were not a people, are now the people of God, which had not obtained mercy; but now have obtained mercy, 1. Pet. 2.10. Ephes. 2.12.

Object. I am glad to hear this, yet there be so many crooked by-paths, & such turnings to the right hand and to the left, as I fear for want of wisdom and knowledge, and one to instruct me in the right way, to be misled.

Answ. God giveth to a man, that is good in his sight, wisdom, and knowledge, and joy, Eccles. 2.26. He will instruct him and teach him the way he shall choose, Psalm. 25.12. And in the way that he shall go, he will guide him with his eye, Psal. 32.8. Yea he shall hear a word behind him, saying: This is the way, walk thou in it, when he is turning to the right hand, and when he is turning to the left, Esa. 30.21.

Object. I feel myself heavily loaden with the burden of my sins, and am full of anguish of heart desiring to be delivered.

Ans. Come unto me (saith Christ) all ye that labor & are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Mat. 11.28.

Object. I am naked without raiment, poor and destitute of the graces of God.

Answ. Christ hath a robe of righteousness for thee, Revel. 19.8. and he will make thee rich, Reve. 3.18. and decke thee with ornaments, Ezech. 16.11.

Object. I am filthy with sin.

Answ. He will wash thee, and spread his skirts over thee, and cover thy filthiness, Ezech. 16.8.

Object. I am black, foul, and vncomly.

Answ. The Lord will make thee beautiful, and perfect it through his comeliness which he will put upon thee, Eze. 16.14. And though thou hast lien among the pots; yet shalt thou be as the wings of a Dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold, Psal. 68.13.

Object. I am of a troubled spirit, ah, deep are my wounds: the Lord hath slain me, and the arrows of God stick in me.

Answ. Christ Jesus is the Physician of the soul, Mat. 9, 12. The Lord killeth and maketh alive, Deut. 32.34. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds, Psal. 147.3. He maketh soar and bindeth up, he woundeth, and his hands make whole, Job. 5.18. Come (saith the Prophet Osea) let us return unto the Lord, for he hath torn and he will heal, he hath smitten, and he will bind us up, Chap. 6.1. For he is the father of mercies, and the GOD of comfort, 2. Cor. 1.3.

Object. But it may be long, ere the Lord thus in mercy look upon me.

Answ. After two days will he revive thee, and in the third day he will raise thee up, and thou shalt live in his sight, Osea 6.2.

Object. I thirst after his mercies, and hunger after righteousness: Oh I shall not be satisfied.

Answ. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied, Matth. 5.6. I will (saith the Lord) pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground, Isaiah 44.2. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of God's house (saith the Prophet) and he will make them that trust in him, drink of the rivers of his pleasures; for with the Lord is the fountain of life, Psal. 38.8.9. And of the water of Life, Christ Jesus giveth to all that will ask of him, John 4.10. And whosoever drinketh thereof, shall never be made athirst, but it shall be in him a well of water springing up to eternal life, Ver. 14.

Object. I cannot pray, but in great weakness.

Ans. Though we know not, what we should pray for, as we ought; yet the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and maketh intercession for us, with groans that cannot be expressed, Ro. 8.26.

Object. There is no assurance to be heard, though we do pray.

Answ. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what you will (saith our Savior) and it shall be done unto you, John 15.7. & 14.13. Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you, John 16.23. Therefore (saith he again) whatsoever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye shall receive, and ye shall have them, Mark. 11.24.

Object. But my faith is exceeding weak in Prayer.

Answ. If ye have faith, as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say to this mountain; remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove; or to this Sycamine tree, be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea, and it shall obey you; and nothing shall be impossible unto you, Mat. 17.20. Luke 17.6. Therefore pray with the Apostles, saying, Lord increase our faith, Luke 17.5. And cry, as the child's father in the Gospel, Lord I believe, help my unbelief, and the Lord will hear thee, as he did him, Mark 9.24.

Object. Satan sore assaulteth my faith, I fear it will fail me.

Answ. But Christ prayeth, that this faith fail not, Luke 22.32.

Object. This was Christ's speech to Peter, and the Apostle; but I doubt whether he will pray for me also, as well as for them.

Answ. I pray not (saith our Savior) for these alone, but for them also that shall believe in me through their word, John 17.20.

Object. I am very ignorant, and do want this heavenly wisdom and knowledge, which I see and admire in many, very silly and simple men to see too.

Ans. If any of you lack wisdom (saith S ^t . James ) let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. For the Lord giveth wisdom, out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding, Pro. 2.6. It is true that there is a spirit in man, but the inspiration of the almighty giveth them understanding, Job 32.8.

Object. I find such corruptions in me, and hereby judge myself so cursed a creature, as I often dare not be bold to draw near into God's presence.

Answ. We have a great high Priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the son of God, who is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, we may therefore go boldly unto the throne of grace, Heb. 4.14.15.16.

Object. I am fearfully tempted by Satan, sometime to presume, sometime to despair, and sometime to cast off religion, and to become a worldling, now to one thing, now to another, he scarce lets me rest. Surely, if I were God's child; I should not be so tempted of that hellish spirit.

Answ. Thou dost not conclude well, for this is a sure sign, that he hath not possession of thee: for where the strong man is, all is in peace, Luk. 11.21. Also Christ Jesus, the ever dearly beloved and only Son of the Father, was tempted by the devil, Matth. 4. who, though at Christ's command he departed from him, Ver. 10.11. Yet did he then leave him, but for a little season, Luk. 4.13.

Object. There is no way to drive him away.

Answ. Yes, resist the devil (saith Saint James ) and he will flee from you, Chap. 4.7.

Object. His power is mighty to do what he will, and goeth up and down, seeking like a roaring Lion whom to devour.

Answ. His power is limited, Job. 1.12. & 2.6. and without leave can he not enter into an heard of filthy swine, Mat. 8.31.

Object. There be many enchanters, witches, practicers of sorceries, diuiners, and lot-casters, to do us mischief: these be strong and powerful limbs of the devil, and do much hurt, their cursed doings are not to be avoided.

Answ. Haman and his consorts cast lots and took counsel at his wise-men, to bring a mischief vpō good Mordecai and the other Jews, but prevailed not, Ester, 3. & 7.10. Balac hired the witch Balaam, to curse God's people, but he could not do it, Numb. 23.13. For surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel, Vers. 23.

Object. I find plain contraries within me, mooning to good, and moving to that which is evil, and this continually: for if I decline never so little awry to the world, or pleasures, then their cometh someone place of Scripture or other, to my mind, which causeth my conscience to check me, and maketh me to fear; and if I be earnestly devoted to the best things, as to the reading of God's holy word, meditatiō of heavenly things, Fasting & Prayer; then il motions arise up in my heart, & my senses carry me away, and so interrupt this godly course, as I am much grieved herewith, and know not what to think or judge of this my estate.

Answ. This is the flesh lusting against the spirit, & the spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other, so that thou canst not do the things that thou wouldest, Gal. 5.17. Also this remembering of some Scripture when thou art amiss, to reclaim thee, is a token that the Lord hath put his Law into thy inward parts, and written it in thy heart, Ier. 31.33. To make thee fear him, that thou mayest not depart from him, Ier. 32.40. As also that God keepeth his promise made, Esa. 30.21. To give thee a word of direction, when thou art going wrong; thy state therefore is most blessed.

Object. I have (God be blessed) a competent means to live upon, and somewhat to spare now and then: yet when the poor craveth anything of me, I am not so ready to give, because I think it but cast away upon them.

Answ. Oh no, he that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given, will he pay him again, Pro. 19.17. Blessed is he that considereth the poor, the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble, the Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the earth, Psal. 41.1.2.

Object. I do fear to want myself.

Answ. He that giveth unto the poor, shall not lack, Prov. 28.27.

Object. But a man may be too liberal.

Answ. He that hath a bountiful eye, shall be blessed, for he giveth of his bread to the poor, Pro. 22.9. Give and it shall be given unto you, even a good measure, and pressed down, shaken together and running over, shall men give into your bosom, Luke, 6.38. There is that scattereth and yet increaseth; for the liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself, Pro. 11.17.24.25.

Object. The poor are very unthankfull.

Answ. Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days, Eccles. 11.1.

Object. Men do not praise nor esteem of him, that is merciful: he that gathereth riches and storeth up treasure, though he care not for the poor, he is made much off.

Answ. Oh, give not thy alms to be praised of men, but let it be in secret; and thy father that seeth in secret, will reward thee openly, Matth. 6.2.4. As for such as spare more than is meet, surely it tendeth to poverty, Prov. 11.24.

Object. I dwell amongst shameless sinners, woe is me, surely their deserved plagues are coming, and I shall not escape free from the same.

Answ. Surely a woe is unto them; it shall be ill with the wicked: But (saith the Lord) say ye to the righteous, it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings, Esa. 3.10.11. And so careful is the Lord for the safety of his people, as he will have all Israel on the shore, safe, before the wrath return to drown the Egypttians, Exod. 14. and Lot out of Sodom before he burn it with fire, Gen. 19.2. Pet. 2.5.6.7. and Noah in the Ark before the flood came, Gen. 6. & 7. Yea before destruction, he sends his Angel to mark those in the forehead, that sigh and cry for all the abominations, giving a charge to the instruments of his wrath, not to come near to any of these, Ezech. 9.4.6.

Object. It grieveth me to be as one alone, among so many mockers of religion, I cannot go to any neighbor that I have, for spiritual comfort.

Answ. Noah was with his family alone, in his generation, Gen. 6. Lot alone in Sodom, whose righteous heart was every day vexed, with the unclean conversation of the people, 2. Pet. 2.7. Elijah was, as it were alone in Israel: so as this is no otherwise with thee, then it was with these holy and righteous persons. But know, that a godly man is never alone, and that more are with him than against him, 2. King. 6.16. 2. Chron. 32.7.

Object. I dwell far from the Church, and without any nigh neighbors loving me, but rather hating me for my profession: and yet I carry my family (all that can understand) with me, leaving my house without any defense (in a manner), which makes me fear often a mischief to be done me, before I can return again.

Answ. The Angel of the Lord pitcheth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them, Psalm. 34.7. The Lord maketh an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side, Job. 1.10. Neither shall any (saith the Lord to Israel, and so now to the Israel of God) desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the Lord thy God, Exod. 34.24.

Of trouble for Religion.

Ob. I Am in great heaviness through the manifold temptations, troubles, and vexations that come upon me, for my Christian profession.

Answ. Sure it is, that tribulation is not joyous for the present, but grievous; nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, unto them that are exercised thereby, Heb. 12.11. Also consider, that unto us it is given for Christ (saith the Apostle), that not only we should believe in him, but also suffer for his sake, Philippians 1.29. And being partakers of the sufferings, so shall we be also of the consolations, 2. Cor. 1.7. Knowing that this is but the trial of our faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth (though it be tried with fire), that it might be found unto our praise, and honor, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ, 1. Pet. 1.7.

Object. I am loaden above measure with reproaches: the wicked enemies and ungodly vain persons do hate me, and speak all manner of evil against me, that they can imagine, separating me from their company, and do cast me out, as a man of an evil name, from among them.

Ans. Thus have the wicked done heretofore unto the godly, Lu. 6.23. Psa. 35.15.16. & 57.4. & 31.18. But (saith our Savior) blessed are you, when men shall hate you, separating you from there company, revile you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, casting out your name (as evil) for me, the Son of man's sake: Rejoice ye in that day, be exceeding glad, and leap for joy; for behold, great is your reward in heaven, Matth. 5.11.12. Luke 6.22.23. And because also the spirit of glory resteth on you, which on their part is ill spoken of, 1. Pet. 4.14. Therefore fear not the reproach of men, neither be afraid of their revilings; for the moth shall eat them like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool, Isaiah 51.7.8.

Object. Oh, but in the mean space I fear, by such unsufferable evils, such despiteful tauntings, odious reproaches, hateful slanders, & cruel persecutions, to be shaken off from my profession, & drawn from my steadfastness to the ways of the wicked.

Answ. We stand not of our selves, but we are kept (as Saint Peter saith) by the power of God unto salvation through faith, 1. Pet. 1.5. He worketh all our works in us, Isaiah 26.12. Trust therefore in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength Vers. 4. Cast thy burden upon the Lord; he will bear thee up, he will never suffer the righteous to be moved, Psal. 55.22. & 16.8. Also God is faithful, who will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able; but will with the temptation also make away to escape, that we may be able to bear it, 1. Cor. 10.13.

Object. My outward man is ready to perish, and I am in danger of my life every day, and for the maintenance of the truth.

Answ. Though our outward man perish; yet the inward man is renewed daily; and our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 2. Cor, 4.17. So that the sufferings of this present life, are not worthy to be compared with the glory, that shall be revealed in us, Rom. 8.18. Therefore faint not to death, knowing what Christ saith: that whosoever shall hate his life in this world, and shall lose it for his sake, shall keep it unto eternal life and find it, Matth. 10.39. & 16.25. John 12.25.

Object. I want strength, and feel myself to faint, under the burden of my heavy crosses.

Answ. Hast thou not known (saith the Prophet) hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth fainteth not, neither is weary? he giveth power to them that faint, and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength, Esa. 40.28.29. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint, Ver. 31.

Object. My trials and troubles are as waters, ready to drown me, and as fire to consume, the flame whereof is almost kindled upon me.

Answ. Fear not (saith the Lord to his people) when thou passest thorough the waters, I will be with thee; and thorough the rivers they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest thorough the fire, thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee, Esa. 43.1.2.

Object. The world is full of seducers, and I am of so mean a capacity, of so shallow a judgment, and so weak hearted, that (I fear) being set upon I shall turn aside, either to the right, or to the left.

Answ. To escape these, be humble, and God will teach thee the way thou shalt choose, Psal. 25. Glorify God according to thy present knowledge, and have a love to the truth, and pray, so God will not give thee over to thyself, and to believe lies, Rom. 1. 2. Thes. 2. And this understand, that to deceive the elect it is impossible, Matth. 24.24. Mark. 13.22.

Object. I am to be called before authority, to answer for my religion, which I am willing to do: but indeed, I fear I am not able to defend the truth, against their subtle sophistry.

Answ. Be not afraid, neither be troubled, but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts (saith Saint Peter ), and be ready always to give an answer to every man, that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and reverence, having a good conscience, 1. Pet. 3.14.15.16. Not being careful, neither taking thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say; for the holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour, what ye ought to say, Luke 12.11.12. And Christ will give you a mouth, & wisdom; which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay, nor resist, Luk. 21.15.

Object. Ah, the falseheartednesse of this world! when I was in prosperity and in peace, I had many that would say well of me; look upon me cheerfully, not holding it any disgrace to be in my company; and if any did oppose me, they were ready to answer in my behalf: but now as soon as authority called me in question, they are shrunk back; yea my nearest acquaintance have forsaken me, and do avoid my company for fear, though my cause be the truth, which they also profess.

Answ. Saint Paul saith, that at his first answering no man stood with him; but all men forfooke him, 2. Tim. 4.16. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with him, and strengthened him, and he was delivered out of the mouth of the Lion, Vers. 17. Let this be therefore thy comfort, that God doeth stand by thee; and consider also how Jesus Christ was thus dealt with. His Disciples (whom he calls friends) John. 15.14.15. forsook him and fled, and such as at other times applauded his doctrine, reverenced his person, admired his works, and wondered at his gracious words; did when he was taken of his enemies, leave him; and instead of their former crying Hosannah, now with the mighty they took part & cried, away with him, let him be crucified, Mat. 27.

Ob. I can have no rest, nor peace with the nighest of my blood, but they also are against me, only for my profession, and do seek my blood; yea I am not safe in mine own house, but therein have I adversaries. I thought I should have been more peaceable, but I find it clean contrary.

Answ. Doth not our Savior say: I came not to send peace, but rather a sword and division, Matth. 10.34. Luk. 12.51. I am come to send fire, Vers. 49. And to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against the mother, and the daughter in law, against hir mother in law, Matth. 10.35. There shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three, Luk. 12.52. A man's foes shall be they of his own house, Matth. 10.36. The brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death, Matth. 10.21. Yea, ye shall (saith Christ) be betrayed by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; being hated of all men for my names sake, Luk. 21.16.17. But there shall not a hair of your head perish: in your patience possess your souls, Vers. 18.19. For he that endureth to the end shall be saved, Matthew 10.22.

Object. I have lost many friends by rebuking sin, though I did it very respectively, in true love to the parties, in compassion to their souls, and in regard of God's glory, and discharge of my Christian duty; because men are so full of self-love, and for that the world affordeth so many flatterers, to whom men easily give an ear; that they cannot with patience hear a loving, wise, and Christian reprehension.

Answ. He that rebuketh a man shall find afterwards (though not perhaps at the first) more favor, than he that flattereth with his tongue, Prov. 28.23. He that saith unto the wicked, thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him; but to him that rebuketh him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon him, Prov. 24.24. When as he that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail, Job 17.5.

Object. The wicked do curse me for crossing their lewd courses, and because I am an enemy to their Idolatry, superstitions, and wicked vanities.

Answ. The curse that is causeless shall not happen unto thee. Prov. 26.2. And where God doth bless, the wicked cannot curse. Num. 23.8. So as with David, thou mayest say; it may be the Lord will look upon my affliction, and that the Lord will requite good for the cursing, 2. Sam. 16.12.

Object. I have lost very much for my conscience, and more than ever I look to get again.

Answ. Verily, there is no man (saith our Savior Christ) that hath forsaken house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my sake and the Gospels, but he shall receive an hundredth fold: now in this time house and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come, shall inherit everlasting life, Mark 10.29.30. Mat. 19.29.

Object. I am almost (for all this) made weary of my profession, by so many temptations and trials at home and abroad.

Answ. Be not weary of well doing, Gal. 6.9. But rather account it exceeding joy (saith Saint James ) when you fall into diverse temptations, knowing that the trial of your faith worketh patience, I am. 1.2.3. Patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, Rom. 5.4.5. For in due time we shall reap, if we faint not, Gal. 6.9. And blessed is the man, that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him, James 1.12.

Object. I have entertained such as have come with the truth of Christ, only for my spiritual comfort, and for the same have I been molested and troubled.

Answ. Howsoever men deal with thee, God will reward thee: for we read, that he which receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet, shall receive a Prophets reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man, in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward, Mat. 10.41.42. And for thy farther comfort, know who then were thy guests; even God the Father, and Christ his Son. For (saith he) he that receiveth whom I send, receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me, John. 13.20.

Object. Never man hath been so afflicted, and suffered the sufferings, which I have endured of my malicious enemies, for the truth.

Answ. For thy comfort, least thou shouldest be wearied and faint in mind, Heb. 12.3. Consider the Lord Jesus (thy master) who endured the speaking against of sinners, endured the cross, and despised the shame, Vers. 2.3. Behold, thy fellow servants, and holy men, and Saints of God recorded in Scripture, their like and far greater afflictions.

Object. I have been cast (as a malefactor) into the common goal, and straightly kept.

Answ. So were the Apostles, Act. 5.18. &. 12.4.

Object. I have been brought before authority, & before examination I have been commanded to be beaten, whipped, set in the stocks and imprisoned.

Answ. Thus were Paul and Silas dealt with, being grievously whipped unto blood, and then were thrust into an inner prison, Act. 16.22.23.24. Jeremiah was smitten, and put into the stocks, Ier. 20.2.

Object. Yea, but I having been examined and found not guilty, but innocent in the Judges own conscience; yet most unjustly, for fear and favor have I been commanded to be whipped, and delivered to the secular power to be put to death, and had died, but that God strangely delivered me.

Answ. Thus dealt Pilate, that fearful flattering and unjust Judge, with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Matth. 26.18.24.26. Who was not only in danger of death; but was put to death indeed, in his crucifying was very despitefully abused, Vers. 29.34.39.48. Mark 15.19.20.23.29.31.

Object. The prison I lay in was filthy and stinking.

Answ. The dungeon which Jeremiah was cast into was full of mire; so as the poor soul stuck fast therein, and had there died, being allowed no food at all to eat: but that one Abedmelech the Morian, went to the King himself, to get him delivered from thence, Ier. 38.6.9-13.

Object. I have endured manifold persecutions, besides these now mentioned.

Answ. By many tribulations have many of the most holy Saints of God, entered into the kingdom of God: they have been tried by mockings, scourgings, bonds and imprisonment, Heb. 11.36. They have been made gazingstockes, by reproaches and afflictions, and spoiled of their goods, Heb. 10.33.34. Some have been cast into a burning oven, Dan. 3. Others into the den of Lions, Dan. 6. Some have been stoned, some slain with the sword, some hewn in sunder; others wandered in Wildernesses, and Mountains, and Dennes, and Caues of the earth up and down, clad in sheep skins, and goats skins, being destitute, afflicted, and tormented, Hebr. 11.37.38. And wanting relief of men, have eaten no other food, then that the fowls of the heaven, (by God's admirable and most wonderful providence) did bring them, 1. Kin. 17.6.

Object. Men have lien in wait to take me, and diverse have banded themselves sometimes together, swearing to kill me, and cursing me; though I never had anything to do with them, nor ever gave them just occasion of offense, farther then they took offense, by my professing and defending the truth.

Answ. Jeremiah did not meddle with worldly businesses among the people, neither giving nor taking to usury, yet the people cursed him. The Jews lay in wait by the gates of the City, for Paul, (day and night) to kill him, Act. 9.24. being above forty men did swear his death, and never to eat or drink till they had done it, Act. 23.12.13.21. Though he was to them all a harmless person, neither had he given any just occasion to them (in any worldly respect) so to do. But God in mercy, provided means to deliver himself safely from them, Acts 9.25. & 23.30.31.

Object. These things are able to separate a man from Christ.

Answ. Verily no: the holy Prophets, Apostles, and Saints of God; have for the Lord's sake been killed all the day long, and been accounted as sheep to the slaughter, Rom. 8.36. 2. Cor. 4.11. Shall then tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword separate us from the love of Christ? Nay in all these things, we are more then conquerors, through him that loved us. And the Apostle is persuaded not only for himself; but also for those that be truly the Lord's; that neither death, nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Rom. 8.37.38.39.

Of one (as it were) wholly cast down with the sight of sin, & refusing comforts.

Ob. I Am none of Christ's: offer me no comfort.

Answ. Thou art baptized, and as many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, Galat. 3.27.

Object. I am in sin, and brought forth in iniquity.

Answ. So was zealous David, Psal. 51. Yet a man after the Lord's own heart, 1. Sam. 13.14. So as his natural corruption, did not hinder the work of grace.

Object. I am wrapped in Adams transgression, which I may mourn for, but not wipe away by repentance.

Answ. As by the offense of one, judgment came upon all to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men, unto justification of life, Rom. 5.18. For as by one man's disobedience, many were made sinners: so by the obedience of one, many shall be made righteous, Vers. 19. As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive, 1. Cor. 15.22. Therefore as thou doest look upon the first Adam, a living soul, the man by whō came death: so behold (with comfort) the second Adam, the quickening spirit, the man by whom cometh the resurrection of the dead, Vers. 20.45.

Object. I have given myself to the devil.

Answ. But ye are not your own (saith the Apostle) ye are bought with a price. 1. Corinth. 6.19.20. Therefore canst thou not give thyself unto him, being none of thine own to give.

Object. I need not give myself to him, for I am his already by nature.

Answ. But by faith in Christ we are all the children of God, Gal. 3.26. For as many as do receive him, to them he giveth power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name, John. 1.12.

Object. Though I should believe in Christ, and do his will, I cannot think either my estate, or any other man's, to be any whit better, or our selves to be in anymore happy case, then men are (or may be perhaps) by wit, education, learning, or otherwise.

Answ. Verily, except a man be borne from above, of water and of the spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God, nor enter thereinto. John. 3.3.5. But Christ Jesus hath made us Saints by calling, 1. Cor. 2. Kings and Priests unto God his father, Revel. 1.6. Yea, if we do what he commandeth us, he will call us his friends, and we shall be accounted as his brethren and sisters, Mark. 3.34.35. And shall be fellow-heirs with him in the life to come, Rom. 8.17. Gal. 4.7.

Object. I cannot get out of the hands of Satan, he is the strong man, able to keep possession, who ruleth in all that are his, (as a Prince) and are taken captive by him at his will.

Answ. Christ Jesus is able to cast him out, he is the stronger, Luke 11.22. Who came to destroy his works, Heb. 2.14. And to assure us hereof, God hath covenanted and sworn by an oath, to deliver his out of the hands of their enemies, to serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all the days of their life, Luk. 1.73.74.75.

Object. I find in myself no power to do, nay, not to will anything that is good.

Answ. It is God that worketh both to will, and to do, Phil. 2.13.

Object. But I am not worthy, that GOD should work any good desire, or any grace of godly practice in me: I cannot therefore see, upon what ground I may expect it, or look to become one of his.

Answ. God worketh in us the will and deed, of his own good pleasure, Phil. 2.13. It hath pleased him to make us his people, 1. Sam. 12.22. In Christ hath he chosen us, before the foundation of the world, having predestinated us unto the adoption of children, by Christ Jesus unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephes. 1.4.5.9.

Object. Oh, I am a sinner.

Answ. Christ Jesus hath power to forgive sins, Luk. 5.24. He came to call sinners, Vers. 32. and to save sinners, 1. Tim. 1.15. And shall save his people from their sins, Matth. 1.21.

Object. But God is angry with us for our sins.

Answ. But yet in Christ is he well pleased, Matth. 3.17. And who is like our God, who pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of his people? He retaineth not his anger forever; because he delighteth in mercy, he will have compassion, Mich. 7.18.19.

Object. God is of an everlasting remembrance; & therefore he cannot forget my sins, neither will he blot them out.

Answ. I have (saith the Lord) blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and as a cloud thy sins, for I have redeemed thee, Esa. 44.22. He will put them out of his remembrance, Ezech. 33.16. Cast them into the depths of the sea, Mich. 7.19. And remember them no more, Hebrews, 8.12. & 10.17. Yea, though thy iniquities should be many, and thy sin sought for, they shall not be found, because he hath pardoned them, Ierem. 50.20.

Object. God is a just and terrible God.

Answ. But he is also full of compassion, and gracious, the Lord is good and ready to forgive, Psal. 86.5.15.

Object. But he is not so to everyone.

Answ. He is plenteous in mercy, and good to all that call upon him, Psal. 86.5. & 145.9.18.

Object. I have lived, and so long continued a lewd and bad course, that it is in vain to look for mercy.

Answ. Let the wicked (saith the Prophet) forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon, Esa. 55.7. And spare them as a man spareth his own son, Mal. 3.17. As I live (saith the Lord), I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that he turn from his way and live; and if he turn, he shall not fall by his wickedness, in the day that he turneth, he shall surely live, and not die, Ezech. 33.11.12.15. & 18.21. For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Lam. 3.33.

Object. Though God be merciful, yet must also his justice be satisfied; which neither I, nor any other man can do: there is none therefore to work my peace with him.

Answ. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and he is the propitiation for our sins, 1. John. 2.1. Through whom we have peace with God by faith, Rom. 5.1. By whose death we are reconciled unto God, and have received the atonement, Vers. 10.11. Yea I, even I am he (saith the Lord) that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake, and will not remember thy sins, Esa. 43.25.

Object. I am under the Law.

Answ. God hath sent forth his Son, made of a woman; made under the Law: to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons, Gal. 4.4.5.

Object. But the Law is of force to condemn, and accurseth all that obey it not, and do not observe and keep all things therein contained, which I cannot do, and therefore my sin and judgment remaineth, and I am accursed.

Answ. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us, Gal. 3.13. an offering for sin, Esa. 53.10. Upon whom the Lord laid the iniquity of us all, Vers. 6. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes were we healed, Vers. 5. Therefore to such as are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation: for he doth justify, who then can condemn? Verse. 33.34.

Object. Oh, but all sinners are not alike, nor all sins: mine are as scarlet, and red as crimson.

Answ. Though your sins be as scarlet (saith the Lord), they shall be as white as snow: though they be red (like crimson), they shall be as wool, Esa. 1.18.

Object. Ah, but I have sinned horribly, in damnable idolatry, in filthy fornication, beastly adultery, in effeminatenesse, Sodomitry, theft, covetousness, and drunkenness; I have been a railer, and an extortioner, yea what not?

Answ. Such were some of the Corinthians, yet being truly penitent and called, they were washed, sanctified, and justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, & by the spirit of our God. 1. Cor. 6.11. Yea, the blood of Christ cleanseth us of all our sins, 1. John. 1.7.8.

Object. Yea, it might thus fall out well to them, being only offenders, (as ignorant heathen) against the moral Law, and Law of nature: but I was trained up in the Church of God; yet most wickedly, have I voluntarily been a devilish informer against the godly, getting authority to imprison them, and to put them to death, and so have I indeed done, and therefore am I a bloody and damned persecutor.

Answ. Manasseh was religiously brought up, yet he fell to wickedness, and did much evil in the sight of the Lord, and shed much innocent blood in Jerusalem, 2. King. 21.16. Yet when he besought the Lord, and humbled himself greatly before him, and prayed unto him, he was entreated of him, and he heard his supplication, 2. Chron. 33.12.13. Saint Paul was also a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an oppressor of the Saints, 1. Tim. 1.13. Breathing out (as a mad man) threatenings and slaughter, Act. 9.1. Voluntarily seeking & getting authority of the high Priest, Vers. 2. To bind all that called upon the name of Christ, Verse 14. He cast many of them into prison; and when they were put to death, he gave his sentence, yea he compelled them to blaspheme, Chap. 26.10.11. Yet was he received to mercy, and Christ Jesus counted him faithful afterwards, and put him in service, 1. Tim. 2.12.13.

Object. Though Saint Paul was pardoned, yet I cannot be pardoned; for he sinned in zeal, of ignorance, through unbelief, and was otherwise strict of life in his profession: but I professed Christ, and yet have done as much as ever Saint Paul did, and lived most filthily, which he never did; therefore my sin is impardonable, which I have done against Christ, & he will never forgive it me.

Answ. Whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him, Matt. 12.32. Yea all sins shall be forgiven to the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme, Mark. 3.28. For no sin is impardonable to the truly penitent, Ezech. 18.21.22. And the Lord excludeth none from mercy, but such as sin against the holy Ghost, Matth. 12.31.

Object. Alas, alas, woe is me, I am then damned: for I fear that I have sinned against the holy Ghost.

Answ. That thou doest fear and grieve, through fear that thou hast committed it, is an infallible argument, that thou hast not committed it: for such as once sin this sin, have no fear nor contrition of heart for sinning, for they cannot possibly repent. Again, it is not enough to make thee guilty of this; because thou hast been, and art yet one professing Christ, and hast persecuted others also professing him: But there must be the illumination of the spirit, and thou must have tasted of the good gift of God, which many professing him, (only by a formal education) never come to, and fall to persecute maliciously that known truth, despiting the spirit of grace, making a mock of Christ. Now thou holdest a profession of Christ, and desirest to be reconciled unto God; art sorry also that thou hast been so wicked, and lamentest they case, fearing to be guilty of this sin: all which (most certainly) may assure thee, that thou hast not sinned this sin, against the holy Ghost.

Object. Mine is a legal repentance, like that in Judas, Matth. 27. Not that godly sorrow which the Apostle speaketh of, 2. Cor. 7.10. Which I have not, nor cannot yet attain unto.

Answ. Behold, GOD hath exalted Jesus Christ with his right hand, both to give repentance to Israel, and also forgiveness of sins, Acts 5.31. Yea the Lord hath promised to work repentance, and the grace of conversion in all his, Ezech, 36.25.26.27. Therefore pray with David, Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me, Psalm 51.10.

Object. But I want the Spirit of God, to help me to pray.

Answ. The Father will give the holy Ghost to them that desire him, Luke 11.13. And Christ hath promised also to send him from the Father, John 15.26. And it is a part of the covenant made with his people, to put his spirit into them, Ezech. 36.27.

Object. It is too great a request to ask this (of myself) at God's hands; if Christ would do it for me, then should I have hope, otherwise I think my prayer but vain.

Answ. Hear then for thy comfort: I will (saith our Savior) pray the Father, and he will give you the Comforter, that he may abide with you forever, John. 14.16.

Object. Ah, for all this, I am afraid to go to God, because of my sins, for he saith: the foolish shall not stand in his sight, he hateth all them that work iniquity, and telleth them that he will not hear them, that their sins have made a separation between him and them.

Answ. The Lord speaketh to such as are not repentant, but live in their sins, and yet presumptuously come unto him, and think to be heard. But to other that be sorry for their sins, and feel the heavy burden of them, he most lovingly inviteth to come unto him, saying; Come vn-me all ye, that are weary and heavy laden, and I will ease you, Matth. 11.28. Believe in Christ, and thou hast peace with God, Rom. 5.1. And hast received by him the atonement, Rom. 5.11. Who is our high Priest making intercession, Rom. 8.34. Feeling our infirmities; and therefore mayest thou, and even all of us, go boldly to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need, Heb. 4.15.16.

Object. Christ is man, and so may invite us; but God doth not will me, or any such sinful wretches to come unto him.

Answ. Yea God doth beseech us, that we would be reconciled unto him, 2. Cor. 5.20.

Object. But God is a most righteous God, hating wickedness: I a lewd and sinful caitiff, void of all righteousness: there can verily then be no reconciliation, except there were a mediator between us.

Answ. There is one God, and one mediator between God and man, which is the man Jesus Christ, 1. Tim. 2.5. Who is made sin for us, which knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2. Cor. 5.21. He is our righteousness, Ier. 23.6. Our wisdom, holiness, and redemption, 1. Cor. 1.30. And he hath by his blood cleansed us of all our sins, 1. John. 1.7.

Object. This were no small comfort and encouragement to go to God, if Christ be indeed a sufficient Savior, and able to save us.

Answ. For this, hear what the Apostle saith, he is able to save them (to the uttermost), that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them: For he is the high Priest for us; holy, harmless, undefiled, sepated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens, He. 7.25.26. And is set on the right hand of the throne, of the majesty of God, Heb. 8.1. Rom. 8.34. Having obtained eternal redemption for us, Heb. 9.12.

Object. The Apostle was a Jew, and writeth here thus unto the Hebrews (a separated nation from all the world), I being no Hebrew, may have no benefit by Christ's death.

Answ. Jesus was to die, not for that nation only, but also that he should gather together in one, the children of God that were scattered abroad, John 11.52.

Object. Alas, that I knew not this before now, it is too late: death is seizing upon me: and I fear the time too short to call to God for mercy, and to repent.

Answ. The good thief upon the Cross, had but a little time: yet when he confessed his sins, condemned himself for the same, acknowledged his inflicted punishment justly deserved, reproving his fellow-companion in evil, professing his faith in Christ, and craving mercy at his hands, had presently a blessed promise of life, that he should (even that day) be with the Lord Jesus Christ in Paradise, Luk. 23.42.43.

Object. Yet one thing troubles me very much, I see many that say, Christ is their Savior, and that God is merciful, and hath forgiven them their sins, and yet have had the heavy rod of God upon them for all that: therefore in such a case it is but a conceit to think we are pardoned.

Answ. Though the Lord do afflict them, yet it is not a conceit to be persuaded of the pardon of their sins: for the Psalmist saith, Thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions, Psal. 99.8. And Nathan plainly tells David, that his sin was pardoned, and yet because by his deed, he had caused the enemies of God to blaspheme, his child did die, and afterwards in a diverse manner was he himself afflicted, 2. Samuel 12.11.13.14.

Object. But God perhaps, when he hath forgiven, may call back his mercy, and not show constantly his mercy according to his Word.

Answ. With the father of lights there is no variableness, nor shadow of turning, I am. 1.17. The Lord is good, his mercy is everlasting, and his truth endureth to all generations, Psa. 100.5. & 118.1.29. Israel shall be saved in the Lord, with an everlasting salvation: Ye shall not (saith the Prophet) be ashamed nor confounded, world without end, Esa. 45.17. The heavens shall vanish away like smoke (saith the Lord), and the earth shall wax old, like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished, Esa. 51.6.8. Matth. 24.35.

For the outward crosses of this life.

Ob. THough I fear God, I am in no better state then others, that make no conscience of their ways.

Answ. Touching these out ward things, all things come alike to all, and one condition to all, Eccles. 9.2.3. & 8.14. & 2.14.

Object. I have many bodily infirmities.

Answ. Isaac was blind, Gen. 27.1. Holy Zacharias dumb for a time, Luk. 1. Jacob halted, Gen. 32.31. Hezekiah was sick and and had the plague, Esa. 38.1.21. David decayed in strength and wanted bodily heat, 1. Kings 1.1. Job was full of sores, botches, and boils, Chap. 1.7. Elisha had his bodily infirmity, 2. Kings 13.14. Asa was extremely diseased in his feet, 2. Chron. 16.12. Peters mother in Law, was taken with a great fever, Luk. 4.38. And Mary Magdalene was possessed once with seven devils.

Object. I was rich, but my state is decayed.

Answ. It was Job's case, a just and holy man, Chap. 1. 15-18. & 2.7. & 16.12. But consider the end that he made, I am. 5.11. Job Chap. 42.

Ob. Oh, yet I cannot but grieve, when I consider my former estate and compare this with it.

Answ. No chastisement for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness, unto them that are exercised thereby, Heb. 12.11. And consider with thyself, if any iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacle, Job, 11.14. For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot, yea thou shalt be steadfast and not fear, thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that passeth away, Verse 15.16.

Object. I have very little to begin the world again with.

Answ. Seek unto God betimes, and make thy supplication to the almighty: though thy beginning be small, yet thy latter end shall greatly increase, Job, 8, 5.7.

Object. Oh, my poverty remaineth upon me, and I have nothing to live upon.

Answ. Christ Jesus was borne in a poor state, so lived, and so died poor. Remēber that thou broughtest nothing into the world, neither shall any man carry anything out of the world Naked we came, and naked shall we return, Job, 1.21 Eccles. 5.14. 1. Tim. 6.7. So as thou canst not be poorer, than thou camest hither, neither shall any other be better then thyself, in the end of their days.

Object. But yet these worldly wants (for the present) do much trouble me, and the cares thereof do so much disquiet me, as I know not which way to turn me, for none taketh care for me.

Answ. Be nothing careful, Phil. 4.6. Cast all care on the Lord, for he careth for thee, 1. Pet. 5.7. Our heavenly father knoweth that we have need of all these things, Mat. 6.32. Cast therefore thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee, Psal. 55.22.

Object. I live only from hand to mouth, and cannot get before hand, I have only food and raiment.

Answ. Be not covetous, content thyself with that thou hast, Heb. 13.5. If thou hast food and raiment, be therewith content. 1. Tim. 6.8. As Jacob was, Gen. 28.20. For the Lord hath said, he will neither fail thee, nor forsake thee, Heb. 13.6.

Object. This having but only for the present, maketh me too careful and doubting for the time to come.

Ans. Take no thought for tomorrow, Matth. 6.34. Luk. 12.22. But say with Abraham, God will provide, Gen. 22.8. Consider the Ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse nor barn, & yet God feedeth them. How much more are ye (saith our Savior) better than fowls? Luke 12.24-30. Psal. 104.27. & 145.15. Levite. 26.4. Matth. 6.25-31.

Object. But the world is now a hard world, and I fear famishing.

Answ. The Lord will not famish the soul of the righteous, Prov. 10.3. Love not thou sleep, least thou come to poverty, Prov. 20.13. The idle soul shall suffer hunger, Prov. 19.15. And he that followeth vain persons, shall have poverty enough, Prov. 28.19. But open thine eyes, and thou shalt be satisfied with bread, for the diligent hand and the blessing of the Lord maketh rich, Prov. 10.4.22. And his soul shall be made fat, Prouerb. 13.4.

Object. But the poor (especially being religious) are not beloved of worldlings, which do possess the things of the earth, and are hard hearted, unwilling altogether to relieve their wants, and therefore may we perish.

Answ. The Lord can give his people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so as they shall lend them, such things as they require, Exod. 12.36. And if man be merciless, he can make Ravens feed his servants, 1. King. 17.4. And send food from heaven, Exod. 16.35. So as they shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine, they shall be satisfied, Psal. 37.19.

Object. Alas, my charge is great, my labor and means very weak, to bear up daily such a heavy burden.

Answ. Walk before God, and be upright, he is all sufficient, Gen. 17. He can bless very small means, even a cruise of oil, and a little meal to nourish a whole family, 1. King. 17. He can feed a thousand with a loaf of bread, as he did five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, besides women and children, and cause to be taken up twelve baskets full of broken meat, Matth. 14.20. Know this, that man liveth not by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Object. But corn is so scarce, and at such an excessive rate, that we poor may think no otherwise, but to perish by famine, before the price will abate.

Answ. Knowest thou not, that ouernight in Samaria, that women eat their children for hunger, 2, Kings 6.28.29, and that an Asses head was at eighty pieces of silver, Verse 25; and yet the next day (according to the word of the Lord), a measure of fine flower was sold for a sheckle, & 2. measures of barley for a sheckle, in the gate of Samaria, 2. Ki. 7.1.16. For with God nothing is impossible.

Object. Yea, these had God's word to comfort them, to expect such mercy: but we have no such word for us.

Ans. Whatsoever things are written afore time, are written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope, Ro. 15.4. Also the Lord hath promised, not to famish the soul of the righteous, Pro. 10.3. He giveth meat to them that fear him, and is ever mindful of his promise, Psal. 111.5. The Lions roar and suffer hunger: but such as fear the Lord shall want nothing that is good, Psal. 34.9. In dearth he will redeem thee from death, so as thou shalt laugh at destruction and famine, Job, 5.20.22.

Object. I am not worthy that God should so provide for me.

Answ. God regardeth not thy worthiness: for of his goodness he provideth for the poor.

Object. My poverty maketh me to be despised of them that have wealth.

Answ. As for contempt, learn to contemn it, for the Lord regards thee, Psal. 40.17, and know that a little which a righteous man hath, is better than the riches of many wicked, Psal. 37.16. And that better is the poor, that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich, Prov. 28.6. & 19.1.

Object. My poverty hindereth me, that I cannot do the good I would, to such as suffer and are in bands for righteousness sake, which doth not a little grieve me: though I give my myte, yet it is nothing.

Answ. God doth accept the will for the deed; for if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not, 2. Cor. 8.12. A cup of cold water shall not lose the reward, Matth. 10.42. And the poor widows myte is more acceptable to God, than the superfluity of the wealthy, Mar. 12.43.44.

Of commom crosses, vexations, and outward molestations.

Ob. I Am crossed one way or other: the Lord is ever correcting me and trying me.

Answ. Happy is the man whom the Lord correcteth, Job, 5.17. Psalm. 94.12. For whom the Lord loveth, he chastiseth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth; for if we be without chastisemēt, whereof all are partakers, then are we bastards and no sons, Heb. 12.6.7. Also blessed is he that endureth temptations, I am. 1.12. For God doth thus prove his children, that he might do them good in the latter end, Deut. 8.16.

Object. I am injured unjustly, and it vexeth me to be wronged of them, that I do no wrong unto.

Answ. David was persecuted without cause, Psal. 119.161. So was Jesus himself; let not this therefore vex thee, knowing that it is thank-worthy to endure grief, suffering wrongfully: and it is acceptable to God to take it patiently, 1. Pet. 2.19.20.

Object. But such, as both by reason and religion are bound to me, have yet abused me.

Answ. David was abused of his familiar friend, Psal. 41.9. With whom he had taken sweet counsel, and walked into the house of God in company, Psal. 55.14. And Jesus Christ betrayed by Judas, one of his twelve chosen house-hold servants, and that with a token of love, and under a friendly salutation, Matth. 26. This is therefore no strange trial, but such as befell the best beloved of God.

Object. I have many adversaries, and am now at this present in great danger of them.

Answ. Dread them not, the Lord hath a hook to put in their nostrils, 2. Kings 19.28. He can confound their wisdom, as he did Ahithophel's, 2. Sam. 17.14, or strike them blind, as he did the Sodomites, Gen. 19, and the army of the Aramites, 2. King. 6.18, or hide thee from their wrath, as he did Elijah from the fury of Jezebel, 1. Kin. 18.12. & 19. And Jeremiah with Baruch, from the hands of the Princes, Ier. 36.26, or command them not to hurt thee, as he did Laban pursuing Jacob, Gen. 31.24.29, or turn their harts, as he did Esau's toward Jacob, Ge. 33. Making them to be at peace with thee, Prov. 16.7, or raise up for them enemies to keep them busied, that thou mayest escape, 1. Sam. 23.27.28, or else make their hearts melt, taking knowledge of thine innocence, and cause their own mouths to justify thee, and condemn themselves as Saul did, when he unjustly pursued after David, 1. Sam. 24.16.17.18. & 26.21.

Object. My adversaries are full of tricks and devises, to bring their matters about.

Answ. The Lord disappointeth the devises of the crafty, that their hands cannot perform their enterprises, Job, 5.12. Yea he taketh the wise in their own craftiness, Verse 15, and their own counsel shall cast them down, Job. 8.7.

Object. They are mighty and rich, and I am of a mean and poor estate.

Answ. But the Lord saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty, so as the poor hath hope, Job, 5.15.16. For the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

Object. They speak lies, and are false witnesses against me.

Answ. The mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped, Psalm. 63.11. And they shall be destroyed, Psal. 5.6. David's enemies did bely him. Psalm. 35.11. So did Naboth's, 1. King. 21. The Jews adversary Haman, Ester, 3.8, and others, Esdr. 4.12. And the enemies of the Lord Jesus did wickedly bely him; so as the malice of thine enemies herein, is no other than was Christ's, and all these before named. But hearken what is said, The almighty will witness for thee, though thine adversaries should write a book against thee, Job, 31.35.

Object. They travel with mischief, they have digged a pit, and spread a net, and have set traps in the way for me.

Answ. Let them travel with mischief, they shall bring forth a lie, Psalm. 7.14, and fall into the ditch which they have digged, Vers. 15, and in the net which they have hid, shall their own feet be taken, Psal. 9.15.

Object. In my adversity my friends forsake me, and for very fear of mine enemies, my dearest and nighest of blood have left me, and I am so destitute of succor.

Answ. Of such friends Job complaineth, Chap. 19.19, and David, Psalm. 31.11. & 38.11: but what though man leave us, the Lord will stand by us, 2. Tim. 4.16. And when father and mother do forsake us, the Lord will take us up, Psal. 27.10. For the Lord will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer, Psalm. 102.17, and will deliver them out of the hand of the wicked, Psal. 97.10, standing at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul, Psal. 109.31.

Object. I am in danger of imprisonment, and the cruelty of mine enemies is such, if they once throw me into prison, I shall never get out.

Answ. The Lord looketh down from the height of his sanctuary, from heaven doth the Lord behold the earth, to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to lose those that are appointed to death, Psal. 102.19.20. Jeremiah was in a dungeon, Iehoiaehim, 2. King. 25.27. Paul and Silas in prison, yet GOD delivered them; yea and Manasseh in chains, and that for his wickedness, yet then truly repenting and praying for mercy, the Lord set him also at liberty, 2. Chron. 33.11.12.13.

Ob. But I know the prison that I shall go to, is kept by a sturdy and hard hearted goaler, without any religion, therefore may I perish while I am there.

Answ. Joseph was cast into prison under a heathen, but the Lord being with him, and showing him mercy, gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison, Gen. 39.21: & S. Paul and Silas being at the first cruelly dealt with by a Goaler, under whom they were imprisoned, yet soon got special favor at his hands, the Lord having converted him to the faith of Christ, Acts, 16.24 33.34.

Object. Ah, I am cast down, my wicked adversaries have prevailed, I almost faint in this my trouble.

Answ. Be of good courage the Lord will strengthen thine heart, Psal. 31.24 & 27.14. Waite on the Lord, and he will save thee, Esa. 25.9. He will raise up all those that be bowed down, Psalm. 146.14. & 146.8. He lifteth up the meek, and casteth the wicked down to the ground, Psal. 147.

Object. It grieveth me to see how they now triumph, and rejoice over me, as one utterly forsaken, left destitute, and forgotten of God.

Answ. The Lord forgetteth not the cry of the afflicted, Psal. 9.12, he regardeth the prayer of the deftitute, Psal. 102.17, he is a refuge in times of trouble to the oppressed, Psalm. 9.9. & 14.6; yea, for the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I rise (saith the Lord) I will set him in safety, from him that puffeth at him, Psa. 12.5.

Object. But seeing I am not delivered, I fear God hath forsaken me, and the rather, for that I have used good and lawful means for deliverance, and yet since that time I have been worse dealt with then before.

Answ. So were the Israelites (for a while) worse dealt with by Pharaoh and the Egyptians, because Moses and Aaron were means for their deliverance, but at the length they were set free, Exod. 5.23. & 12.41. Waite therefore on the Lord, and he will save thee, Prov. 20.22. For the Lord forsaketh not them that seek him, Psal. 9.10. & 37.28. He saveth by his right hand them that put their trust in him, from those that rise up against them, Psalm. 17.7. Remember I pray thee, whoever perished being innocent, or where were the righteous cut off? Job, 4.7.

Object. I hope I should do well, but that I fear one man, that is high minded and mighty, who beareth the most sway, and is a great friend to my adversaries, and so my enemy, believing lies also and false reports against me.

Answ. Blessed is the man, that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside unto lies, Psal. 40.4. Why shouldest thou be afraid of a man that shall die, and even in a moment? Job, 5.20. or of the Son of man, which shall be made as grass? Isaiah, 51.12. If God be with us (saith the Apostle) who can be against us? Rom. 8.31. Therefore say with David, my defense is in God, Psal. 7.10. The Lord is on my side, I will not fear what man can do unto me, Psal. 118.6.

Object. Yea, but if I had some such great helps to stand for me, as they have for them, it were the better, and I should hope so the sooner to prevail.

Answ. It is better to trust in the Lord, then to put any confidence in man: it is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in Princes, Psal. 118.8.9; In whom there is no help, Psal. 146.3. For man's breath goeth forth, he turneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish, Vers. 4. Happy therefore is he, that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who keepeth truth forever, and executeth • udgement for the oppressed, Vers. 5.6.7. Turning the way of the wicked upside down, Vers. 9.

Object. I know it is best to trust in God, who is able to deliver, but what means to use, that God may deliver me, I know not.

Ans. Even humble and fervent prayer, for (saith the Lord) Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me, Psal. 50.15. For the Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him: to all that call upon him in truth, Psal. 145.18.

Object. I have often called, and (blessed be his name) he hath often heard me, but I may not yet think, that he will do so still.

Answ. The Lord will deliver thee in six troubles, yea in seven, there shall no evil touch thee, Job. 5.19. Many times did he deliver the Israelites, Psal. 106.43. For the goodness of God endureth continually, Psal. 52.1. And he delighteth to do good to his people, Ier. 32.41.

Object. I am constrained to make my suit unto the King, and I fear to think of it (though my cause be most just), because of the majesty of that his place and person.

Answ. Pray unto the King of Kings, for the Kings heart is in the hands of the Lord, as the rivers of water, he turneth it whether soever he will, Prov. 21.1.

Object. I fear that some have falsely informed against me, and so the truth of my cause shall not be understood.

Answ. What if they have? it is the honor of a King to search out a matter, Prov. 25.2. And the eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor, Prov. 22.12.

Object. But a wicked Zibah, in his treacherous courses by flattery, and his sinister practices misled David (a wise Prince) in matter of judgment.

Answ. A King that sitteth in the throne of judgment, scattereth away all evil with his eyes, Prov. 20.8. And a wise King scattereth the wicked, & bringeth the wheel over them, Vers. 26. For by taking away the wicked from before him, his throne is established in righteousness, Prov. 25.5. In his lips is a divine fentence, and his mouth transgresseth not in judgment, Prov. 16.10.

Ob. A David, though he be both a wise and a good King, yet is he but a man, and so may do amiss against me, a poor distressed Mephibosheth, made contemptible by my enemies.

Answ. Mercy and truth do preserve the King, and his throne is upholden with mercy, Prov. 20.28. To Kings it is an abomination to commit wickedness, Pro. 16.12. And the King that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever, Prov. 29.14.

Object. I should have good hope to speed, but that my adversaries can make friends, and have many devises to hinder my suite.

Ans. There are many devises in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand, Prov. 19.21. Many seek and will entreat the favor of the Prince, Vers. 6. But every man's judgment cometh from the Lord, Proverbs, 29.26.

Of evils in a Commonwealth.

Ob. I Think there was never a worse age, one cannot trust another; such deceit, lying, flattering, swearing, forswearing, mischief, and cruelty, yea and all iniquity: but truth and goodness few like and allow of.

Answ. Mans heart possessed with grief of present evils, which he only considereth off, maketh him forget what hath been. But behold thou now the former time, and weigh the complaints of the Prophets. Osea saith, there was in his days, no mercy, truth, nor knowledge of God in the Land; but swearing, lying, killing, stealing, and whooring, and blood touching blood, Chap. 4.1.2. They set traps and laid nets to catch men, many by deceit became great, and waxed rich, Chap. 5.26.27. Brothers would supplant one another, and neighbors would walk up and down with slanders, and one deceive another, they would speak peaceably with the mouth, but in heart would lay wait, Chap. 9.4.5.8. They were shameless in adulteries, and abominable whooredomes, like fed horses, neighing after their neighbors wives, Chap. 5. 8. Covetousness and falsehood reigned in Prophets, and Priests, soothing and flattering up the people, and that without shame, Chap. 6.13.14.15. Being in Esau's days as greedy dogs, never satisfied, Chap. 56.11. But neither they, nor the people were valiant for the truth. Ier. 9.3. None called for justice, none pleaded for truth, Esa. 59.4. The cause of the fatherless, and right of the needy they judged not, Ier. 5.28. Their Princes were rebellious, and companions of thieves, they loved gifts, and followed after rewards, Esa. 1.23. They altogether brake the yoke, and did burst the bands of their obedience towards God, Ier. 5.5. And the house of God in those wicked times by stealing, murder, adultery, and other sins was made a den of thieves, Ierem. 7.9-11. And therefore now no greater cause to complain of this age than formerly hath been, the consideration may work patience and prayer: yet not without grief of heart, as the evils did cause the godly men in those days to mourn.

Object. I cannot but marvel to see the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice.

Answ. Maruell not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth, and there is greater then they, Eccles. 5.8.

Object. It may seem that there is no providence, that God regardeth not, and that he doth not behold, what is done here upon earth.

Answ. The Lord from the place of his habitation, looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth, he fashioneth their hearts, he considereth all their works, and beholdeth all the sons of men, Psal. 33.13.14.15. Yea he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven, Job, 28.24. Psal. 113.6.

Object. This may be so in general in a confused manner: but he doth not take notice of every particular man's doing.

Answ. There is not any creature, that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and open to his eyes, with whom we have to do, Heb. 4.13. The ways of a man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his doings, Prov. 5.21. He seeth a man's ways, and counteth all his steppes, Chap. 31.4. His eyes are in every place, beholding the evil and the good, Prov. 15.3. He trieth the reins and the heart, Ier. 11.20. 1. Sam. 16.7. Though it be deceitful above all things, Ier. 17.9.10. And considereth our thoughts long before.

Object. Be it that God seeth thus, as is said; yet it may be, he is not able to rule and govern them.

Answ. God is greater than man, Job, 33.12. And doth what he will in heaven and in earth, for there is nothing too hard for him, Ier. 32.17. Psal. 135.6.

Object. Then it may seem, that he is respective of persons: if he can take order with them, and will not.

Answ. He doth not accept the person of Princes, nor regardeth the rich more then the poor, for they are all the work of his hands, Job, 34.19.

Object. Well, for all this, seeing that God forbids sin, and hateth iniquity, and yet men commit sin and iniquity: it seemeth not reasonable, that he should suffer them to live upon the earth.

Answ. God giveth not account of any of his matters, Job, 33.13. But what if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, doth endure (with much long suffering) the vassals of wrath made up to destruction, Rom. 9.22. Otherwise they should soon be cut down, and the Lord would rain upon them snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest, this should be their portion to drink, Psa. 11.5.6.

Object. Mee think yet, they should not be suffered to do what they list, as we see they do daily.

Answ. They do not what they list, though we think so, and that they themselves also be so persuaded. It is the Lord that doth only whatsoever he pleaseth, Psalm. 115.3. Job, 23.13. But they do not what they will, for they cannot speak but as he will, Prov. 16.1. Nor go, but by his direction, Vers. 9. Ierem. 10.23. Prov. 20.24. Their power, counsel and consent do that, which God's hand and his counsel determined before to be done, Act. 4.28. Therefore in all these things which come to pass, we may say with Eli: It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1. Sam. 3.18.

Object. But it may not seem credible, that the Lord doth hear and see all their ways, & the iniquity which they do commit; for it is so horrible, & the villainy thereof in many so outrageous, that man cannot endure it. Can God hear and see, and let them alone?

Answ. Mine eyes (saith the Lord) are upon all their ways, they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes, Ier. 16.17. For he that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall not he see? and he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know? Psal. 94.1.10.

Object. Belike then, the Lord is not angry with them, and therefore may they continue and proceed on, without fear of punishment.

Answ. Though the Lord keep silence a long time, when men do these things: yet one day will he reprove them, and set their sins in order before them, Psalm. 50.21. In the mean season, he is angry with the wicked every day, Psalm. 7.11. And he seeth and beholdeth mischief and spite, to requite it with his hand, Psa. 10.14. For the wicked, and him that loveth violence, doth his soul hate, Psal. 11.5. Yea he hateth all the workers of iniquity, abhorring the bloody and deceitful man, Psalm 5.5.6.

Object. The mighty sit in judgment to judge others: but none taketh notice of their proceedings.

Answ. Yes verily, God standeth in the congregation of the mighty. He judgeth among the God's, Psalm. 82.1. And sitteth in the throne judging right, Psal. 9.4. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness, his countenance doth behold the upright, Psal. 11.7.

Object. The poor complain, the oppressed are not relieved, the fatherless and widows are neglected, their cause cometh not before thē.

Answ. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment, for all that are oppressed, Psal. 103.6. He heareth the cry of the afflicted, Job, 34.28. He heareth the poor, Psal. 69, 33. He delivereth the poor in his affliction, Job, 36.15. The Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, & the right of the poor, Psal. 40.12. He is a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widow in his holy habitation, Psalm. 68.5. He will deliver the needy when he crieth, the poor also, & him that hath no helper, Psal. 72.14.

Object. But these want an advocate and Lawyer to plead for them, and therefore are they spoiled, of those that seek their overthrow.

Answ. The Lord will plead the cause of the poor and afflicted, and will spoil the soul of those that spoil them, Prov. 22.23. For their Redeemer is mighty, Prov. 23.11.

Object. Though a man may have his cause pleaded, justly defended, and sentence on his side pronounced, yet it may want execution.

Answ. The Lord also executeth righteousness and judgment, for all that are oppressed, 103.6. He establisheth equity, Psal. 99.4. For righteousness & judgment, are the habitation of his throne, Psal. 97.2.

Of Wars.

Ob. THere is a pressing of soldiers everywhere, we must into the wars: but how we shall prevail I cannot see.

Answ. Through God we shall do valiantly, for he it is that shall tread down our enemies, Psal. 60.12.

Object. We want strength and skill.

Answ. God girdeth his with strength unto the battle, & teacheth their hands to war, and with their arms to break even bows of steel, Psa. 18.32.34.39.

Object. We are very shortly to join in battle with a great host, which be the enemies of our faith and true religion.

Answ. Fear them not (saith the Lord) for I am with you: be not dismayed I will strengthen you, yea I will help you, yea I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness, Esa. 41.10. For the battle is not yours, but the Lord's: go out therefore against them; for the Lord will be with you, 2. Chron. 20.15.18.

Object. But we Captains fear, that many newly pressed are faint hearted and will not fight.

Answ. They shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle, and they shall fight because the Lord is with them, Zach. 10.5.

Object. The enemies serve under a mighty potentate, and are a great multitude.

Answ. Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for that King, nor for all the multitude that is with him, for there be more with us, than with him. With him is an arm of flesh: but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles, 2. Chron. 32.7.8. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host, a mighty man is not delivered by much strength, Psal. 33.16.

Object. But besides his own strength and puissance, he hath many Princes his confederates, who have joined their powers to his, and we are but an handful: therefore do they boast and make themselves sure of the victory.

Answ. Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself, as he that putteth it off, 1. Kin. 20.11. As did Benhadad, who came against Ahab with Horses and Chariots, and thirty two Kings also with him, Verse 1. Yet seven thousand two hundred thirty & two of Israel overthrew his host, and made him fly out of the field, Vers. 15.20. Zerah the Ethiopian came against Asa with a huge host, of a million of men, with many Chariots and horse-men, yet because Asa did rely upon the Lord, that innumerable multitude was overthrown, 2. Chron. 16.8. & 14.9.13. For it is nothing with the Lord to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power, V. 11.

Object. But besides the multitude (being two to one) the enemy hath by a stratagem of war, gotten us into the very midst of them, they have laid an ambushment, so as the battle is before and behind.

Answ. It is not policy that can prevail against the Lord. Jeroboam that Idolater came into the field with a chosen army of eight hundred thousand mighty men of valor, 2. Chron. 13.3. And Abiiah a true worshipper of God, but with half so many, being also compassed round with Jereboam's host, yet crying unto the Lord, he delivered them into the hand of Abiiah, who slew of them five hundred thousand chosen men, Verse 14-17. Because Judah relied upon the Lord God of their fathers, Vers. 18.

Object. They are well furnished with weapons.

Answ. No weapon that is framed against thee shall prosper, Esa. 54.17.

Object. They have gotten the places of advantage, the Hills and Mountains from us.

Answ. Truly in vain is safety hoped for, from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel, Jer. 3.23. Who is God in the valleys, as well as on the hills, to give his people victory, 1. King. 20.28.

Object. They be strong in horse-men.

Answ. A horse is a vain thing for safety, neither shall he deliver any by his great strength, Psal. 33.17. The riders on horses shall be confounded, Zach. 10.5.

Object. They have many Chariots.

Answ. Indeed some put their trust in Chariots, some in Horses, but let us remember the name of the Lord our God, whose Chariots are twenty thousand, even thousands of Angels, Psal. 68.17.

Object. Well, they be gathered together to bid us battle.

Answ. Behold they shall surely gather together, but not by me. Whosoever shall gather together against thee (saith the Lord) shall fall for thy sake, Esa. 54.15. Ob. But it seemeth to me impossible to escape in the battle, frō the shot of the Artillery, it flieth so thick vpō us.

Ans. Trust in God, and he shall cover thy head in the day of battle (Psalm. 140.7) under his wings; his truth shall be thy shield, and buckler, thou shalt not need to fear the terror of the night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, nor for the destruction that wasteth at noon. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh thee, Psal. 91.4-7.

Object. We want a wise and valiant man of war to be our Leader.

Answ. The Lord mighty in battle (Psal. 24.8.) shall go forth as a mighty man, like a man of war, he shall cry, yea roar; he shall behave himself mightily, and prevail against his enemies, Esa. 42.13.

Object. We want the company and countenance of mighty Princes, to help us.

Answ. Put not your trust in Princes, nor in the son of a man, in whom their is no help, Psal. 146.3. For he goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, in that very day his thoughts perish, Vers. 4. It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put any confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put any confidence in Princes, Psal. 118.8.9. For the eyes of the Lord run too and fro, throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them, whose heart is perfect towards him, 2. Chron. 16.9.

Object. They have strong helpers: but we have few, or none to take part with us.

Answ. Fear not, 2. Kin. 6.16. Though men do not aide us, yet God being for us, who can be against us, Rom. 8.31. For with them is only an arm of flesh: but with us, is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles, 2. Chron. 32.8. So as they that be with us, are moe then they that be with them, 2. King. 6.16. 2. Chron. 32.7.

Ob. Yet peradventure the enemy may force us to retire, and we are near no Castle, shelter, or place of refuge.

Answ. The Lord is a shelter, a strong tower, Psa. 61.3. A rock of salvation, Psal. 62.2. And our refuge, Psalm. 46.7. & 48.3. Yea, the name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it, and is safe, Prov. 18.10.

Of particular callings and courses of life, and first concerning Parents.

Ob. I Am a careful father, and yet am I vexed with a lewd and rebellious child,, which doth not a little afflict me.

Answ. Faithful Abraham (the friend of God) had a mocking Ishmael; good Isaac, a profane Esau; and zealous David, his most wicked and unnatural son Absalom.

Object. I have instructed him, but he is not the better, I will therefore leave him to himself.

Answ. A child left to himself, bringeth his Parents to shame, Pro. 29.15. But correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest, yea he shall give delight unto thy soul, Verse, 17.

Object. I am not in want myself, nor ever was destitute of competent means to live (I thank God), yet am I very much troubled about my children's welfare, how they should do after me, because I have little or nothing to leave them.

Answ. The Lord is a strong confidence to him that feareth him, and his children shall have a place of refuge, Prov. 14.26. The just man walketh in his integrity, and his children are blessed after him, Prov. 20.7. For the generation of the upright shall be blessed, Psal. 112.2. Of which David speaketh from his experience, saying, I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread, Psal. 37.25.

Object. I am desirous to have my children well brought up, and could be content to be at cost (to the utmost of my power) for the same, but that I cannot see how possibly they may come to preferment; for not men's deserts, but (for the most part) favor, friends, money, outward grace, and countenance of the world, fraud and flattery get men their places and preferments.

Answ. Behold, God exalteth by his power, Job, 36.22. Preferment (whatsoever man thinketh, or whatsoever means he useth to obtain it) cometh neither from the East, nor from the West, nor from the South: but God is the judge, he putteth down one, and setteth up another, Psalm. 75.6.7. Both riches and honor come from him. He reigneth over all. In his hand is power and might. In his hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all, 1. Chron. 29.12. He raiseth the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy and beggar out of the mire from the dung-hill, that he may set him with Princes, even with the Princes of his people, Psal. 113.7. And to make him inherit the throne of glory, 1. Sam. 2.8.

Of Death.

Ob. I Am but young, very healthful and strong, and yet nevertheless I fear sudden death, or untimely taking away.

Answ. If it be good for thee, & God so please thou shalt go to the grave in a full age, and as a ricke of corn cometh in due season to the barn, Job, 5.26. Howsoever know this, that there is an appointed time to man upon earth, Job, 7.1. His time is in God's hand, Psal. 31.15. His days and months are numbered, and his appointed bounds he cannot pass, Job, 14.5.

Ob. I feel an unwillingness in me to die.

Answ. Consider that it is the way of all flesh, Josh. 23.14. 1. King. 2.2. And that it is appointed unto men once to die, Heb. 9.27. And though the wicked die without hope, Prov. 11.7. Yet the righteous in death hath hope, Prov. 14.23. For we do know that if this earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hand, eternal in the heavens, 2. Cor. 5.1. And shall forever blessedly rest from our labors, Revel. 14.13. & 21.4.

Ob. Oh, but (I fear me) we are swallowed up of death, and so there is no more remembrance of us.

Answ. God is not God only of the living here on earth, but also of them that be departed this life, Matth. 22.32. Who will give us victory over death, through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1. Cor. 15.57. Who will raise us up at the last day, John. 6.44. For all that believe in him shall not perish, but have life everlasting, John, 11.25.26. & 8.51.

Object. But the elect of God are scattered all the earth over: Yea, and millions of men are dead and consumed to dust in the grave; it is not like that these can be brought together, to meet the Lord at his appearing.

Ans. Yes verily; for the Lord will send his Angels with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other, Matth. 24.31. The trumpet shall sound, and the dead also shall rise, 1. Cor. 15.52. For I know (saith Job ) that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, and though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God, whom I myself shall see, and mine eyes shall behold, and none other for me, Job, 19.25.26.27.

Ob. Yet those that are in the grave, dead and rotten when Christ cometh, cannot as soon appear and behold his presence, as those that be then alive; the consideration thereof may make us desire still to live.

Ans. They that are alive, and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them that are asleep, for the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Arch-angel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise: first thē, we which are alive and remain, shall together with them be caught up into the clouds, 1. Thess. 4.15.18.

Ob. This is comfortable, but, alas, one thing much troubleth my mind often, when I think upon my death: for my corruptions are so great, my faith so weak, Satan's suggestions so strong, & my own conscience so forcibly accusing many times, that I fear my end will be fearful.

Answ. The Lord doth know (though we do not) how to deliver the godly out of temptations, 2. Peter, 2.9. For he is our God, even the God of salvation, to whom belong the issues of death, Psalm. 68.20. By whose power (and not by our own) we are kept through faith unto salvation, 1. Pet. 1.5. Who also is faithful, and will not suffer his to be tempted above that they are able, but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that they may be able to bear it, 1. Cor. 10.13. So as thou mayest say (with Saint Paul ) that the Lord will deliver thee from every evil work, and will preserve thee to his heavenly kingdom, 2. Tim. 4.18.

Ob. Well, though I escape a fearful end before men: yet may I be damned at the last day.

Answ. He that heareth my words (saith our Lord Jesus) and believeth in him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but hath passed from death to life, John. 5.24.

Ob. But when we are in heaven, we may perhaps be cast out thence again, as the Angels were, and so be separated from Christ again.

Ans. No, we shall at the last day be like him, 1. John, 3.2. And appear with him in glory, Col. 3.4. And so shall we be ever with the Lord, 1. Thes. 4.17. Therefore let us comfort one another with these words, Vers. 18.

Ob. That shall be a happy day to the godly: but me think, he is slack in coming, the day is long too.

Answ. Be not ignorant of this one thing, that with the Lord a thousand years, is but as one day: neither is the Lord slack concerning his promise (as some men count slackness) but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance, 2. Pet. 3.8.9. For the long suffering of the Lord, we must account to be salvation, Ver. 15. To all that gladly expect his coming.

Ob. I have heard happily of many & sundry comforts, which might make glad the heart of the most pensive spirit, if there be no doubt of the truth thereof.

Answ. The words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth purified seven times, Psa. 12.7. Pro. 30.5. The testimony of the Lord is sure, Ps. 19.7. His word is truth, John. 17.17. It is true from the beginning, Psa. 119.160. It endureth forever, 1. Pet. 1.25 Blessed be God, & his mercies be magnified forever and ever, Even so