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INTRODUCTION.

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^Christian Reader,

THE love of Christ in his holy ones, and the great usefulness of such history, command me to take it.as a pleasing office, to commend this real description of a saint to ;hy serious perusal and imitation. The good acceptance and success of the late published life and death of Mr. Josefih Altiney the more encourageth me to serve thee in this. As to the credit of the narrative, let it be enough to tell thee, that his worthy brother Mr. James Janeivay\ (intimately acquainted with his most secret life) is the writer of it (I have no hand in it myself.) And if thou live in or near London, where he is now well known, I will not be beholden to thee to believe it ; especially, if thou also know the other most creditable attestors. I know that many such histories shew more what the writer could say, than what the person was or did. But here both he and his relations, and those whom he lived with, were all so near us, and are many of them yet so intimately known to me and others, that there is no place for doubting left us.

I confess such instances are very sad to my thoughts, while I am desiring the welfare of mankind,on earth. To hear of the death of an infant, who might have proved we know not what 5 or of an useless person, or of an aged

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christian, who hath profitably run out the course of nature, is nothing so sad to me, as to hear of the removal of such excellent young men, when they are prepared for their work, and just beginning it ! But God is infinitely wise, and just, and more merciful too than we can be. He knoweth what he doth and why ; and is accountable to none about the measure of his benefits, nor the reasons of his various disposal. But the great judgments which since his death have befallen these V-ingdoms, do partly tell us that it is no wonder, if. such men were taken from the evil to come, of whom the world has so notoriously declared itself unworthy : It is fitter for such lights to shine in heaven, than to be put under a bushel here on earth.

And for himself, he hath run long enough who hath touched the prize : He hath sailed long enough who is come safe t© the harbour : And he hath lived long enough who is readiest to die. Though I wonder at the lengthening of my own life, which has been threatened by God and man these thirty-three years or more ; yet, alas how much less have I lived than this man did, who am yet far short of his heavenly preparations ? I am ashamed to read that any thing of mine was a help to his attainments, and to find that at almost sixty years of age I am muck below what he was raised to at twenty-three. Oh that God would give my frozen age such warm reflections from these his remains, that (according to my need) I may receive more from him that is dead, than ever he did from me alive ! If his own reverend father received bo much from

iiim, why may not I also have some quldtsrifng even by the dead, through the frnits of the spirit left behind him, and the same spirit's quickening influx upon me ? And may I but so die., hew harmless, how welcome will death be ?

We think it great pity, that he lived to preach but two sermons in the world ! That some poor ignorant dull congregation had.not been instructed and awakened by his doctrine ; and his spiritual fervour had not by dispersed writings en-flamed the souls of thousands wHh the same heavenly love and zeal. But who knoweth yet but that this one narrative of his holy exemplary life and death, may do as much as more nUr merous or voluminous writings ? The many volumes of holy lives, of ancient doctors, martyrs, and later divines, philosophers and others in Germany, England, and other lands, have done much good, and are still very useful, and a pleasant and profitable recreation (O how much better than play-books and romances!) Butex-pe* rience tells us, that God still poureth forth as large measures of his spirit as heretofore he did. If holy Augustine's life, after so much pollution, & holy Ificrom'sWfe, qwifatctur so nonfuiabe vir-genem, were so laudable and exemplary, O how much praise do I owe God, for his grace upon his servants, who am yet acquainted with so great a number of holy, laborious, faithful ministers, who I have great reason to believe, not only to have all their lives been free from all gross heinous sins ; but also to have laid out (heir zeal, their time, their labors, so sincerely and se!f-dc-*iyingjy for God, and the good of souls, as thai

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I cannot but hope, that if those who are against their preaching of the gospel, were but as well acquainted with them as I am, they would be their friends, and forward to promote the work. I know one temptation the reader is like to meet with, to hinder his profiting by his example : Even to think that Mr. Alleine and Mr. Janeway by overdoing did but cut short their own lives ; and that their excessive labors in meditation, prayer, and other duties, did deprive the church of the benefit of much more, which they might have avecl to do : And therefore .that such examples are not to be imitated, but stand as warnings to us, not to overdo and destroy our bodies as they did. To which I answer ; 1. I am one myself, that wish both of them had done somewhat less in that part of duty which hurt the body, and overmatched their strength. And I am not persuading you, that every man must needs preash as oft as Mr. Alleine, or study and meditate as long as he and Mr. Janeway did : Mea have their various capacities, and opportunities, and works. 2. But yet I dare not charge them with sin ; because I know not their particular motives. 3. And perhaps their lives had been as short if they had done less, as are the lives of many hundred students, who favor themselves more than any wise man would wish.— And it was God's mercy that they who had but a short life to live, should do more than many that live to the period of nature's course. And Methuselah's life and their's is equalled now. Whom have you known that by longer living, hath £ot more hcly readiness to die ? 4. But I

beseech you distinguish well, between that part of their work, which was really like to overthrow their natures, and the rest which had no such tendency * And do not make the avoiding- the former a pretence against your imitating of the latter. It is not studying, meditating, praying, preaching, according to the measure of nature's strength, that much shorteneth life, I think that learned man wrote not foolishly, who maintained that studies tend to long life. For my own part I was feeble before I was a hard student : And studies have been a constant pleasure to me. And let any man judge whether constant pleasure tends to shorten any man's life ? Indeed that which destroys the health of students is, 1. The sedentariness of their lives.— 2. And want of temperance and clue care of their diet. 3. And want of sufficient cheerfulness. 4. And taking colds. Could students but more imitate the laboring man, and take just hours and opportunities for bodily labour (not playful walks and exercises, that never warm and purge the blood) and did they eat and drink wisely, and live joyfully, and avoid colds, they might bestow the rest of their time in the hardest studies, with little hurt ; (except here and there a melancholly or diseased man.) I doubt not but such narratives as this, will tempt many a slothful sensual scholar to indulge his sensuality as the wiser way ; but at a dying hour he will find the difference. O what a comfort then is the review of a holy, heavenly, well-spent life ! I have often thought what the reason is that among the papists, if the live? of their saints be

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described in the highest strain, or their boots have even unreasonable pretensions of devotion, even to the laying by of our understanding, or to a kind of Deification, like Barbansons, Benedicts, de Renedietis, and divers others, it doth not offend men, hut the vulgar themselves do glory in the sanctity of others. Whereas if with us a man rise higher in holiness, and if in devout contemplation, yea or action, than others, he is presently the great eye-sore and obloquy of the world. I mean of the envious and ungodly part, which is too great. But the reason I perceive is, that among the papists, to be a religious man is to be a perfectist, who doth more than is commanded him, or is necessary to salvation, and so the people being taught that they may be saved without being such themselves, their spleen is not stirred up against them, as the troublevs of their conscience's peace ; but they are interested in their honor, as being the honor of their way Sc church t But with us men are taught that they must be religious themselves in sincerity, if they ever will be saved, and that without holiness none shall see God ; and that they are not sincere if they desire not to be perfect. And so they that will not be godly themselves, do think that the lives of the godly do condemn them.

I write not this to cast any disgrace on the true history of any holy men's lives : Nor shall it ever be my employment to reproach or hide God's graces in any, nor to make men believe that they are worse than they are. Whoever revile me for it, I will magnify and love that of God which jppearah in anv of his servants, of any ^ec\ or

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party whatsoever. When I read such writings as old Gerson, Guil Parisensis, and divers others, and such as Jos. Acosta and some others, Jesuits, and such lives as Nerius' and Mr. de Reuti's, &c I cannot but think that they had the spirit of God, and the mere do I hate all those mischievous engines, additions and singularities, which divide so many christians in the world, who have the same spirit, and will not suffer us to hold the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. O this unhappy pretended wisdom, and orthodoxness in the holding of our several opinions, is the knowledge that puffeth up, and hath bred the pernicious tympanity of the church, when it is charity that edifieth it : And the more men glory in their dogmatical knowledge, to the contempt and hurt of such as.differ from them, the less they know as they ought to know. And if any man have knowledge enough to kindle in his soul the love of God, the same is known and loved of God, and then he will prove that wise man indeed, at death and to eternity. 1 Cor. viii. 1, 2, 3.

Reader, learn by this history to place thy religion in love and praise, and a heavenly life

Learn to keep such communion with God, and to find such employment with thy heart by meditation, as thy strength, and opportunity, and other duties will allow thee : (For I urge thee to no more.) Learn hence to think after the good of souls, and to fill up thy hours with fruitful*duly ! And O that we could here learn the hardest lesson, to get above the love of life, and to overcome the fV'ars of death, and to long to see the glory si Christ, and triumphantly to pass by joy to joy.

0 blessed world of holy spirits ! whose nature,, work, and happiness is love : Not love of carnal self, and interest, and parties, which here maketli those seek our destruction most, who have the -highest esteem of our knowledge and sincerity (as thinking our dissent will most effectually cross their partial interest.) But the love of God in himself and in his saints checked by no sin, hind-red by no distance, darkness, deadness or disaffection ; diverted by no carnal, worldly baits ; .tempted by no persecutions or affections ; damped by no fears of death, nor of any decays or cessation through eternitv. To teach me better how to live and die, in faith, hope, and love, is that for which I read this narrative ; and that thou mayest learn the same is the end of my commending it to thee ! The Lord teach it effectually to thee and me. Amen.

Richard Baxter. August 28, 1672.

a mammpmrnm ana—uujjuumn—

The testimony of Mr. Samuel Borfet, sometimes Fellow of King's College in Cambridge, and a •very intimate acquaintance of J\/r. Janeway.

JBeloved Friends,

MY own mean esteem of the single weigh of that testimony expected from me concernini my dear brother on the account oi my intimac with him in King's College (the known menu rable passages of whose exemplary life and deat are now happily compiled and published foryoi special perusal) moves me to call in a twofold

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Recommendation thereof from you to those that knew him not, who being confirmed in the truth of this narrative, may thereby be won to believe, admire and emulate the signal grace of God in him.

I. That remembering so much thereof yourselves, and what'opportunity 1 had of knowing the certainty of all ; you would assure those who may enquire of you, that the impartial compiler hath kept within the bounds of truth and so-brietv, in prosecution of his honest aims, to advance the glory of God's rich mercy to this chosen vessel, and by reviving what remains, he could collect of this burning as well as shining light (alas how soon extinct) to awaken arid quicken the formal professors, if he may not' induce the profane scoffers of this age, to a more serious-study and improvement of those invincible realities, the clear evidence and powerful influence whereof, our good friend did so abundantly experience. The truth is, the transcriber (though best accomplished, antl most inwardly acquainted with what might conduce thereto) doth and could not but fall short of declaring the transcendant excellencies'of this sublime soul and precious saint, which (till towards his end, when his heart was too full to hold in what could be uttered) were much concealed even to those who knew him best, by reason of his great humility and modesty. These disposed him rather to receive than communicate, exefept where he had no expectation of the former, and either familiar intercourse Engaged, or the apprehended exigency of those :?iv heart was drawn out to in christian lore-and 1

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compassion, constrained to the latter. Yet many of those precious streams that did flow from him we must lament the loss of, through default of careful receivers or faithful retainers. He *|as of clear intellectuals, and a large heart both for craving and comprehending what was worthy his pursuit ; which being happily improved by his eaucation, and timely seasoned with a spiritual savour of gospel misteries (for obtaining which he had then w*Lh others, choice advantages) was a great help to his proficiency in acquaintance with the vital exercises and soul satisfying enjoyments of the divine life, above not only his equals, but seniors and instructors. He was much dissatisfied with any decays or abatements, till he could (if not alone, by imploring the assistance of christian friends) recover what he sometime had had such sweet experience of. And not content with any attainments, was still pressing unto what his prospect in the promises, encouraged by his happy prclibations, assured him was attainable* He was to this end a cheerful embracer and diligent improver of spiritual opportunities, exact in his christian watch, much wrestling (and very prevalent) with God in prayer, and with himself in his solitudes, striving to disentangle his heart from what might divert his holy ambition, and to raise it to the highest activity and capacity for glorifying and enjoying God in Christ, for the excellency of the knowledge of whom he accounted all inferior attainments but loss. What he had tasted and seen, he was grieved to see others neglect, desirous to bring others to experience, by earnest commending them to God, designing with

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himself, contriving with his spiritual confidence •what might conduce thereto.

He had a true sympathy with those that were bound with him heavenward. Their pressures and conflicts were his burdens : His prayers and counsels, their ready assistants : Their refreshments, his revivings : And their spiritual proficiency his joy.

He was a secret and compassionate mourner * as in general for the world's degeneracy, preten-- ded christians untbankfulness i'o? the gospel, the hazard run by innumerable precious souls ; so especially for the dreadful apostacies of some -, the then threatening decay and growing formality of Others, sometime seemingly forward ; which brought him higher to God, and more inflamed his holy zeal. But this chiefly was carried out to advance the power of religion in the family and persons he was peculiarly related to ; app bending there to lie his best opportunities as well as strongest obligations. And his success was very encouraging.

This is part of what I knew of Mm at Cambridge, who refer you for farther reviving your remembrance to the narrative. But both his spiritual receipts and expences were much in-1 creased the two last years of his life, when I had not opportunity of personal converse with him. And by reason of our distance (and at that time ignorant of his weak condition) I was not so happy as to share in the privilege of those who had the convenier.cy of receiving his last and sweetest breath. Though I soon after had the accoun (..while things were fresh in their memo-

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rics, and warm on their hearts) from the eye awl ear witnesses that some of them have now been induced to make more public. But next and chiefly :

2. I intreat you to recommend the truth of this narrative, by your faithful adhering to diligent promotion of what some of you learned from him, and others professed with him; That by imitating his good example, and improving his experiences with your longer opportunities, you may be such proficients in Christianity, as shining' like lights yourselves to hold forth the word of life for convincing the incredulous : That the misteries of regeneration, a life of faith in Christ, the fruitful improvement of union, and communion with him to a prospicucus conformity to him, crucifixion to the world by his cross, and a conversation with him in heaven while on earth O&erein proposed, herein exemplified) be no figments but great realities ; no slight matters, but of greatest consequence : Not such singula* ities, but that others, according to their measures taking the like course, may be experimentally acquainted with the surpassing sweetness of an interest therein. And the rather 1 am bold to intreat this of you, because I was privy to his soui"'^ concern, for the conccrnmen's of your souls. How oassionatelv he desired to see Christ formed in you, and rejoiced at anv evidence thereof.— How earnestly he would pray lor you all, and especially for those he had occasion to deal with, or cause to be jealous of. How affected he was with vour dangers and snares. And what ade-sire, lift had you might put-strip himself, wl b

could not take up his rest on this side heaven. The good Lord help every one of us to shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end, that we may not be slothful, but followers of them, who by faith and patience inherit the promises.

I have one farther request, that y-ou would pursue by your most earnest supplications the design of publishing this narrative, that God would make it prosperous to the pious ends therein proposed, and for which I hope by his providence it is reserved now for public view. Especially, that it may provoke to holy emulation ; not only ihose who were more peculiarly endeared to our special friend by natural or spiritual bonds ; (and that if any of these be fallen from their first love, they may be excited to repent, do their first works, and strengthen the things that remain ; lest having begun in the spirit, they wretchedly end in the flesh, and draw back to perdition) but also, some at least of them that succeed in the chambers and studies, which sometime were sanctified with the word and prayer, by those that singly, and jointly (as chamber-fellows and colleagues) earnestly implored the divine benediction on those two royal foundations he was member of : That the God of the spirits of all flesh would make them fruitful nurseries of such as might be eminent instruments of God's glory here, and turning many to righteousness, might shine as the stars for ever and ever. Wherein you may expect the hearty concurrence of

Your real Friend,

Samuel Borfet.

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The testimony of Mr. Marmaduke T^nnant ^sometimes minister ofTharfeld in Hertfordshire, an intimate acquaintance of Mr. John Janeway'a 9 and 07ie that was a constant visiter of him in his sickness, and an eye and ear witness of the most substantial things in this ensuing narrative. Christian Reader,

I CAN assure thee from mine own .knowledge (hat this Mr. John Janeivay was an excellent person, in respect of his natural parts, acquired gifts, and divine graces, Wherewith his heavenly Father adorned bim (considering his age) even far above the ordinal y rate of the best sort of scholars and christians. All which he exceed-i gly improved for the good of others (especially in his near relations) both in health and sickness, even :o the last bom o:' his afe. And when the immediate fore-i miners of death was upon him, so acted faith : nd hope, so lively, judiciously, and composedly (without the least shew ot human frailty) as :f jvith bodily eyes he saw the holy cr.; I standing before him, ready to receive a rry his precious soul into his Father's glo-

ry. Verily, he was i^ost lovely in his life, and ; more lovely at his-death, the like I never bc-! fore no. since. And I doubt not e *.- - ous consideration of this narrative of his if leath, wUl (through God's blessing)

hep; • < us in f ation of this saint indeed, in

• ■■»: i hrisjtian which reacts the same : "^ that it may do, is the hearty prayer of

thy friend in the Loid Jesus.

Marmaduke TenNant". Minister of the Gosfiel.

Christian Reader,

WHEN I seriously consider how much atheism and impiety abounds, and see how sensual delights are pursued, and religion in its power rejected, as a dull, sad and unpleasant thing ; when I see zeal decried as unnecessary, and lew acting in the things of God, as if they were indeed matters of the highest consequence, reality and substance, the greatest profit, and sweetest pleasure : I could not but do what in me lies to rectify these dismal mistakes, and justify wisdom from the imputation of folly : And demonstrate even to sense the transcendent excellency and reality of invisibles. The prosecution of which design I could not more effectually manage, than by presenting this narrative to the world. As for the truth of it, if the solemn testimony of several ministers (who were eye and ear witnesses ©["the most substantial things here presented) may be credited ; here thou hast three of them. As for myself I think I had as great an advantage to acquaint myself with the secret practices of this precious saint, as any one could well have ; besides my dearest intimacy, and special observation and perusal of his papers, I had a long account from his own mouth upon his death-bed of his secret and constant practice, and his experiences. And let me tell you, the halt is not told you : For the treachery of my memory hath not a little injured thee and him. Had this work been done exactly, I am persuaded it might have been of singular use to the world. In. some places I could not justly word it in his phrase ; but I assure thee thou hast the matter and substance.

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The weakness of the relr.ter is no small disadvantage to t subject ; but I might little excuse this, by telling thee that I think that none living will iiaVe the same opportunity in all things to look.into this Work as I had. I might also tell tha ■ i?\: rend, learned and holy men, whose

an O! v and request I could not deny, put me iipi And I was not altogether without some

h< 1 drawing some to the love and liking of

' iat had not only been strangers to the aver of it, but it may be had entertain-. indices against it. And of quicken-...■■■. t , .t had lost their former vigor ; and couragin'g some that were too ready to. go on ■ ■ ,v and desponding. If I may succeed in , I si all adore the goodness of God, and praise hirri with the strength of ray soul. That I >e subservient to the Lord in promoting

interest of religion : I beg thy fervent and constant prayers ; arid that every one that read' h .may imitate and experience all, and. ?.o I ;: ii. ed with grace and peace, is the prayer of yours in his dearest hovrt,

JAMES JANEWAY.

Invisibles^ MealitieSj

DEMONSTRATED IN THE HOLY LIFE AND TRIUMPHANT DEATH OF MR. JOHN JANEWAY,

SOMETIMES "ELLOW OF KING'S COLLEGE, < 5

CAMBRIDGE.

CHAPTER I.

AN ACCOUNT OF IIIM FROM HIS CHILDHOOD, $*& THK SEVENTEENTH TEAR OF HIS AGE,

R. JOHN JANEWAY was bbria Anno 1x533, Oct. 27, of religions parents, in Lylly in the county of Hart-: ford. lie soon gave his parents the hope of much comfort, and the symptoms of something more than ordinary quickly appeared in him, so that some who saw this child, much feared that his life would be but short ; others hoped that God had some rare piece of work to do bv or for this child before he died : he shewed that neither* of them were much mistaken in their conjecture concerning him. He soon out-ran his superiors for age, in learning. And it

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was thought by no incompetent judges, that for pregnancy of wit, solidity of judgment, the vastness of his intellectuals, the greatness of his memory, that he had no superiors, few equals, considering his asre and education.

He was initiated into the latin tongue by his own father ; afterwards he was brought iip for some time at Paul's school in London, where he made a considerable proficiency in Latin and Greek under the care of Mr. Langly. When he was about eleven years old he took a reat fancy to arithmetick and the Hebrew tongue.

About this time his parents removing

io a little village called A sped en, had the opportunity- of having this their son instructed by a learned neighbour, who was pleased to count it a pleasant diversion to read mathematics to him, being then about twelve vears old ; and I e made such progress in those profound

idles, that he read Oughthred with understanding before he was thirteen rears old. A person of quality, hearing of the admirable proficiency of this boy,

him with him'for some time, to read mathematics to him. That which made him the more to be admired was, that he did what he did with the greatest facility. He had no small skill in music and other concomitants of mathematics.

In the year 1646 he was chosen by that learned gentleman Mr. Rous, the provost of Eton College, one of the foundation of that school, being examined by Provost and Posers in the Hebrew tongue, which was thought was beyond precedent. Where he gave no unsuitable returns to the high expectations that were conceived of him.

After a little continuance at Eton he obtained leave of his master to go to Oxford, to perfect himself in the study of mathematics, where being owned by that great* scholar Dr. Ward, one of the professors of that university, he attained to a strange exactness in that study, nothing being within the reach of a man but he would undertake and grasp.—■ That great doctor gave him great help and encouragement, and looked upon him as one of the wonders of his age ; loved him dearly, and could for some

time after his death scarce mention his name without tears. When he had spent about a quarter of a year with Dr. Ward, he was commanded to return to Eton, where he soon gave proof .of his great improvement of his time while he was absent, by making an Almanack, and calculating of the eclipses for many years beforehand ; so that by rhis time he had many eyes upon hira as the glory of the school. That which put an accent on his real worth was, that he did not discover the least affectation or self-conceit, neither did any discernable pride attend these excellencies. So that every one took more notice of his parts than himself.

At about se\ en f een years eld he was chose to King's College in Cambridge, at which lime the electioners did even contend for the patronage of this scholar.— lie was chosen first that year, and an elder brother of his in the sixth place ; but he was very willing to change places with his elder brother, letting him have the first, and thankfully accepting of the sixth place.

Besides his great learning, and many

other ornaments of nature, his deportment was so sweet and lovely, his demeanor so courteous and oblieins:, even when he seemed unconverted, that he must be vile with a witness that did not love him. Yea many of them which had little kindness for moralitw much less for grace, could not but speak Well of him. His great wisdom and learning did even command respect, where they did not find it : He had an excellent power over his passions, and was in a great measure free from the vices which usually attend such an age and place.

But all this while it is to be feared that he understood little of the worth of Christ and his own soul ; he studied indeed the heavens, and knew the motion of the sun, moon and stars, but that was his highest ; he thought yet but little cf God, which made all these things, he pried but little into the motions of his own heart ; he did not as yet much busy himself in the serious observation of the wandering of liis spirit; tliQ creature had not vet led him to the Creator : but he was still too ready to take up with mere speculation ; but God who

from all eternity had chosen him to be one of those who should shine as the sun in the firmament forever in glory, did when he was about eighteen vears old, shine in upon his soul with power ; and did convince him what a poor thing it was to know so much of the heavens and never come there. And that the great* est knowledge in the world without Christ, was but an empty dry business. He now thought Mr. Bolton had some reason en his side, when he said, Give me the most magnificent glorious world-ling, that ever trod upon earthly mould,. richly crowned with all the ornaments and excellencies of nature, art, policy, preferment, or what heart can wish besides ; yet without the life of grace to animate and ennoble them, he were to the eve of heavenly wisdom but as a rot-ten carcase, stuck over with flowers, magnified dung, guiided rottenness, golden damnation. He began now to be of Anaxacroras's mind, that his work up-on earth was to study heaven and to get thither, and that except a man might be admitted to greater preferment thati this world can bestow upon her fayoi *

it were scarce worth the while to he born,

CHAPTER II.

Of his conversion, with visible proofs thereof,

S r TM~IE great work of conversion, it w T as not carried on upon his soul in that dreadful manner that it is upon some that God intends to communicate much to, and make great use of; but the Lord was pleased sweetly to unlock his heart, by the exemplary life, and heavenly and powerful discourse of a young man in the College, whose heart God had inflamed with love to his soul, he quickly made an attempt upon this hopeful young man, and the spirit of God did set home his counsels with such power, that they proved effectual for his awakening ; being accompanied with the preaching of these two famous worthies, Dr. Hill and Dr. Arrowsmith, together with the reading of several parts of Mr. Baxter's Saint's Everlasting Rest.

Now a mighty alteration might easily be discerned in him ; he quickly looks quite like another man : He is no« r so

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much taken up with things above the moon and the stars, that he had little leisure to think of these things only as they pointed higher. He began now not to taste so much sweetness in those kind of studies which he did so greedily employ himself in formerly. He now began to pity them who were curious in their enquiries after every thing but that which is most needful to be known, Christ and themselves ; and that which sometimes was his gain, he now counted his loss for Christ, yea doubtless he esteemed all things but as dune* and dross in com-parison of Christ and him crucified.— Not that he looked upon human learning as useless : But when fixed below Christ, and not improved for Christ ; he looked upon wisdom as folly, and learning: as madness, and that which would make one more like the devil, more fit for his service, and put a greater accent upon their misery in another world.

Mr. Janeway now begins to cast a-bout how he might best improve what he did already know, and to turn all his studies into the right channel : Grace did not take him off from, but made him

more diligent and spiritual in his study. And now Christ was at the end and bottom of every thing : How did he plot and contrive how he might most express his love and thankfulness to him who had brought him out of darkness into his marvellous light ? To this end he sent up and down packets of divine letters, in which he did discourse so substantially and experimentally of the great things of God, that it would not at all have unbecome some gray head to have owned what he did write.

He was not a little like young; Elihu, in whose words he used to excuse his freedom with persons of years, whose souls he did dearly pity. He said days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom, but there is a spirit in a man, and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding ; I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me ; behold my belly is as wine which hath no vent, it is ready to burst like new h )ttks, I will speak that I may be refreshed, Sic. O then how sweet was the savor of his graces ! He could not but speak the things which he

had seen and heard, and even invite all the world to taste- and see how good the Lord was.

He began first with his relations, begging and wooing of them to think of their precious and immortal souls, and to lay in speedy provisions for a death bed and eternity. Oh with what compassion did he plead the cause of Christ with their souls ! What pathetical expressions did he use, what vehement expostulations, how frequent, how particular in his applications to them ? O with what gravity and majesty would he speak of the mysteries of the gospel !

Read what his language was (when he was between eighteen and nineteen years old) in a letter to an ancient minister that he stood related to, who at that time walked very heavily.

His Letter.

Rev. Sir —There are two things, the want of which I have had experience of in your family, tho' not in every degree ; yet in that intense. :ss of degree wherein thev ousrht to be ; which are the real power of godliness and religion And then that which is the fruit of th<

former, that cheerfulness, delight, spiritual joy and serenity of mind which is to be had in religion and no where e\sz ; and that not in religion in its weakest degrees, but in a real vigor, power and life, and in a more close constant walking with God ; from a tender sense of the worth of souls, especially those of your family : And knowing the duty which my relation to it doth jay upon me, and having confidence of their well acceptance of it I have undertaken to open my thoughts unto them.

In most families in England I fear there is neither the form nor the power of godliness, where there is no fear of God, no regard of him, no acting under him, or in reference to him. These are in my opinion twice dead, nay not so much as having the dead carcase of religion : Objects of pity they are, and O how few are there that spend one compassionate thought upon them !

Others there are who some way or other, it may be from tradition from good parenrs, it may be from knowing the fashion of those in their rank ; it may be from the frequent inculcation of

good instructions from christian friends or godly ministers ; or some struggling eruptions of conscience, have gotten the outward husk or shell of religion with-out any kernel or solidity at all : And this generation doth usually trust to this their religion that it will bring them to a place like a sleeping place in heaven to keep them out of hell; though they live without God in the world. These are poor creatures too ; making haste to their own destruction, and know it not, yea thinking that they are in a fair way to heaven. Oh that there were never a family to which we are related, which gave too sad cause of fear, that it were in such a case or near such a case as this !

A third sort of people there are which have the reality of religion, but yet in much weakness, coldness, faintness, dimness, and intermission : Like Nilus's brood above half mad still ; beginning to have some life in their head, a little in their heart, but the feet of their affections and actions have little or no motion. And where shall we find a christian that is got any higher than this, yea that doth in good earnest strive to get any higher ?

Tow there are higher attainments to be eached after ; there is a having our conversation in heaven while we are upon rarth, neither doth this consist in some vcak discourses about God, heaven and he things of religion, it consists not in

,he mere praying twice a day, and in eeping the Sabbath in an usual manner i its order, it consists not in a few ;oughts of religious objects coming

into the mind in a common way, and as r.silv lost as eot. But true religion liseth the soul to longings, hungring > rid thirstings not without some enjoy-lents. Religion in power is to act for rod with strength, vigor, earnestness,

i itenseness, delight, cheerfulness, seren-y and calmness of mind. 'The fruits f the spirit are joy in the Holy Ghost nd peace: Fear, disquiet, and terrors re usually the introduction to a better tate, but they are not of the essentials f religion ; yea the contrary frame of

spirits is to be striven for.

To speak yet more plainly and to tell ou, Honored Sir, what my fears and salousies are, with reverence to yours ndterjdecafiecdoniaaUyouriamrly, 1 feel

you are subject to loo man}' desponding melancholiy thoughts. The causes whereof eive me leave with submission to guess at. The fxrst I think may be your reflecting on your entering upon the ministry without that reverence, care, holy zeal for God, love to Christ and compassion to souls, which is required of every one that undertakes that holy office ; it may be there was rather a respect to your own living in the world than of living to God in the world, be it thus, be it not as bad, or be it worse ; the remedv is the same. These have a wounding power in them, which will be felt to be grievous, when felt as they are in themselves, but continual sorrow and sad thoughts do keep this wound open too lonff, and not available to the having of it cured. Wounds indeed must be first opened that their filth may be discovered in reference to a purging and healing ; bat no longer than the Balm of Gilead is to be applied, that they may be healed. And when Christ is made use of aright, he leavetfe joy and comfort, yet a constant humility of spirit is no way inconsistent with the peace of God.

A second cause of vour heaviness nay be a sense of the state of the people ■vhich God hath committed to you, and indeed who can but mourn over people in such a condition ? Objects of pity they are, and the more because they pity not themselves. I have oiten wrestled with God that he would direct you in what is your duty concerning them, which I persuade myself is your earnest request. Now if after your serious examining of yourself what your conscience doth conclude to be your duty you do it, and see you do it ;—you are then to rest upon God for his effectual working. Let not any think to be more merciful than God, for wherein he doth, he goes beyond his bounds ; and this is no more cause of heaviness to you, than the opposition that the Apostles found at any time was, who notwithstanding rejoiced in tribulation.

Another cause of heaviness mav be what divisions are between yourself and some of your relations. O that a spirit of meekness and wisdom might remove all cause # of sorrow for that. But were the power of godliness more in

hearts and families, all the causes of such trouble would soon be removed, there would be less that would deserve reprehension, and there would be a fittedness of spirit to give and bear reproof; to give in meekness and tenderness, and to bear in humility, patience and thankfulness. Some cares and thoughts you may have concerning your family when you are gone. But let faith and former experience teach you to drive away all such thoughts. Your constitution and solitariness mav also be some cause of mel-ancholly ; but there is a duty which if it were exercised would dispel all, which is heavenly. Meditation and contemplation of the things which true christian religion tends to. If we did but walk closely with God one hour in a day in this duty, O what influence would it have into the whole day besides, and duly performed into the whole life. This duty with the usefulness, manner and directions, &fr. I knew in some measure before, but had it more pressed upon me by Mr. Baxter's Saint's Everlasting Rest, that can scarce be overvalued, for which I have cause forever to bless God. As for your dear

•vife, I fear the cares and troubles of the vorld take off her mind too much from walking with God so closely as she ought to do, and from that earnest endeavour after higher degrees of grace. I commend therefore to her and all this excellent duty of meditation ; it is a bitter sweet duty, bitter to corrupt nature, but sweet to the regenerate part, if performed. * I hitreat her and yourself, yea I charge it upon you with humility and tenderness that God have at least half an hour allowed him in a day for this exercise : O this nost precious soul-raising, soul-ravish-ing, soul-perfecting duty ! Take this from your dear friend as spoke with reverence \nd real love and faithfulness. My fear \nd jealousy lest I should speak in vain, maketh me say again : For God by me doth charge this upon you.

One more direction let me give, that none in your family satisfy themselves in family prayer : But let every one twice a day if it may be possible, draw near to God in secret duty. Here secret wants may be laid open ; here great mercies may be begged with great earnestness ; here what wanderings and coldness where-

in family duty, may be repented and a-mended. This is the way to get seriousness, reality, sincerity, cheerfulness in religion : And thus the joy of the Lord may be your strength. Let those which know their duty do it; if any think it not a necessary duty, let them fear least they lose the most excellent help for a holy, useful, joyful life under the assistance of God's Spirit; whilst they neglect that which they think unnecessary. Take some of these directions from sincere affection, some from my own experience,, and all from a real and compassionate desire of your joy and comfort. The Lord teach you in this and in the rest.— I intreat you never to rest labouring till on, and the foretastes of his comforts in this life, you have attained to true spiritual joy & peace in the Lord. The God of peace give you this direction and perfection in eternal life, in the enjoying of infinite holiness, purity and excellency thro' Christ. Thus praying I rest."

Zri another Utter to a reverend friericl that had

the care of many children, he thus advueth.

*■ Sir —Your charge is great upon-'a

temporal account, but greater upon aspir-

o / ,

ituai; many souls being committed to your charge. Out of an earnest desire of the good of souls and your own joy and peace, I importunately request that you should have a great care of your children, and be often dropping in some wholesome admonitions ; and this I humbly, with submission to your judgment in it, commend to you. Not to admonish them always together, but likewise privately one by one, not letting the rest know of it. Wherein you may please to press upon them their natural corruption, their necessity of regeneration, the excellency of Christ, and how unspeakable lovely it is to see young: ones setting; out for heaven. This way, I think, may do most good, having had experience of it myself in some small measure ; God grant that all may work for the edifying of those which are committed to you. I leave you under the protection of him that hath loved us, and given himself for us."

Thus you see how he seemed swallowed up with the affairs of another world.

D

CHAPTER III.

X-tis carriage when Fellow of the College at twenty years of age.

WHEN he was about twenty years old, he was made fellow of the College, which did not a little advance those noble projects which he had in his head, for promoting the interest of the Lord Christ. Then how sweetly would he insinuate into the young ones desiring to carry as many of them as possibly he could along with him to heaven : Many attempts he made upon some of the same house, that he might season them with grace, and animate and encourage those which were looking towards heaven.— And as for his own relations, never was there a more compassionate and tenderhearted brother. How many pathetica! letters did he send to them ! And how did he follow them with prayers and tears, that they might prove successful ! How frequently would he address himself to them in private J And how ready to improve providences and visits that lie might set them home upon them !— -How excellently would he set forth the beauty of Christ : He earnestly would-

persuade them to inquire into the state of their souls. ^How would, he endeavor to bring them off sandy foundations, and resting upon their own righteousness! In a word, he was scarce content to go to heaven without, and through mercy he was very successful among his own relations, and the whole family soon savored of his spirit : How were the children put upon getting choice scripture and their catechisms, and engaged in, -secret prayer and meditation. Father, mother, brethren, sisters,.boarders, were the better for his excellent example and holy exhortations. He was a good nurse if not a spiritual father to his natural father, as you may read afterwards ; and some of his brethren have cause to bless God forever that they ever saw his face, and heard his words, and observed his conversation, which had so much of loveliness and beauty in it, that it could not but commend religion to any that did take notice of it. He could speak in St. PauPs words, Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for you all is, that you may be saved.

Read what he said in the followincflineso

" Distance of place cannot at all lessen that natural bond whereby we are conjoined in blood, neither ought to lessen that of love. Nav, where true love is, it cannot, for love towards you I can only say this, that I feel it better than J can express it; as it is wont to be witl all affections ; but love felt and not ex pressed is little worth. I therefore desire to make my love manifest in the best way I can. Let us look upon one another not as brethren only, but as members of the same body whereof Christ is the head. Happy day will that be wherein the Lord will discover that union ; let us therefore breath and hunger after this, so that our closed knot may meet in Christ. If we are in Christ and Christ in us, then we shall be one with one another.

" This I know, you cannot complain for want of instruction, God hath not been to us a dry wilderness or a barren heath ; you have had line upon line, and precept upon precept; he hath planted you by the rivers of water. It is the Lord alone indeed who maketh fruitful, but yet we are not to stand still and do nothing. There

0

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is a crown worth seeking for; seek therefore, and that earnestly. O seek by continual prayer ; keep your soul in a praying frame ..; this is a great and necessary duty;, nay a high and precious privilege. If thou canst say nothing, come and lay thyself in a humble manner before the Lord. You may believe me, for I have through mercy experienced what I say. There is more sweetness to be got in one glimpse of God's love, than in all that the world can afford.— Oh do but try : Oh taste and see how good the Lord is. Get into the corner and throw yourself down before the Lord, and beg of God to make you sensible of your lost, undone state by nature, and of the excellency and necessity of Christ. Say, Lord give me a broken heart, soften and melt me. Any thing in the world, so I may be but enabled to value Christ, and be persuaded to accept of him, as he is tendered in the gospel. Oh that I may be delivered from the wrath to come : Oh a blessing for me, even for me, and resolve not to be content till the Lord have in some measure answered you, Oh my bow-

els yearn towards you , my heart works. Oh that you did but know with what affection I write now to you, and what prayers and tears have been mingled with these lines ! The Lord set these things home, and give you an heart to apply them to yourself; the Lord bless all the means that you enjoy for his blessing to ail in all. Give me leave to deal plainlv, and to come yet a little close to you, for I love your soul so well, that I cannot bear the thoughts of the loss of it.— Know this, that there is such a thing as the new birth, and except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. God's favor is not to be recovered without it.

" This new birth has its foundation laid in a sense of sin, and a godly sorrow for it, and heart set a<raiiist it; without this there can be no salvation. Look well about you and see into yourself, and thou wilt see that thou art at hell's mouth without this first step, and nothing but free grace and pure mercy is between you and the state of the devils. The

•

Lord deliver us from a secure, careless heart !—Here vou see a natural man's

condition. How darest thou then lie down in security ?—Oh look about for your soul's sake. What shall I say, what shall I do to awaken poor soul!—I say again, without repentance there is no remission ; and repentance itself may lose its labor if it be not in the right manner. Then~Gears, and groans, and prayers will not do without Christ.

" Most men when thev are convinced of sin, and are under fears of hell, run to duty and reform something:, and thus the wound is healed, and by this thousands fall short of heaven. For if we be not brought off from ourselves and our right-eousness as well as our sins, we are never liked to be saved. We must see an absolute need of a Christ, and give ourselves up to him, and count all but dung and dross in comparison of Christ's righteousness. Look, therefore, for mercy only in Christ, for his sake rely upon God's mercv. The terms of the gos-pel are, repent and believe ; gracious

terms ! -Mercy for fetching ; nay,

mercy for desiring ; nay, for nothing but receiving. Dost thou desire mercy and grace, I know then dost ; even this is

the gift of God to desire, hunger after Christ ; let desires put you upon endeavor, the work itself is sweet ; yet repentance and mourning itself hath more sweetness in it than all the world's comforts. Upon repentance and believing comes justification, after this sanctification, by the spirit dwelling in us. By this we come to the children of God, to be made partakers of the divine nature, to lead new lives, to have a suitableness to God. It is unworthy of a christian to have such a narrow spirit as not to act for Christ with all one's heart, and soul, and strength, and might. Be not ashamed of Christ, be not afraid of the frowns and jeers of the wicked.— Be sure to keep a conscience void of offence, and yield by no means to any known sin ; be much in Draver, in secret

A. <r

prayer, and in reading the scriptures.— Therein are laid up the glorious mysteries which are hid from many eyes. My greatest desire is, that God would work his own work in you. I desire to see you not as formerly, but that the Lord would make me an instrument of your 5puls good, for which I greatly long.

CHAPTER IV.

His particular addresses to his brethren for thetf soul's good, and the success thereof.

E wrote many Letters of this nature, and desired oftentimes to be visiting his brethren, that he might particularly address himself to them, and see what became of his letters, prayers and tears, and he was verv watchful over them, ready to reprove and convince them of sin, and ready to encourage any beginnings of a good work in them. To instance in a particular or two.

One time perceiving one of his brothers asleep at prayers in the family, he presently took occasion to shew him what a high contempt it was of God, what a little sense such a man had of his own danger, what dreadful hypocrisy, what a miracle of patience that he was not awakened in flames. After he had been awhile affectionately pleading with him, it pleased the Lord to strike in with some power, and to melt arid soften his brother's heart when he was about eleven years old, so that it was to be hoped tnat then the Lord began savingly to work upon the h-rxri of that child." For

from that time forward a considerable alteration might be discerned in him.— When he perceived it he was not a little pleased. This put him upon carrying on the work, that conviction might not wear off till it had ended in conversion. To this end he wrote to him to put him in mind of what God had done for his soul, begging of him not to rest satisfied till he knew what a thorough change and effectual calling meant. I hope, said he, that God hath a good work to do in you, for you, and by you ; yea I hope he hath already begun it.— But Oh take not up with some beginnings, faint desires, lazy seekings : Oh remember your former tears; one may weep a little for sin and yet go to hell for sin ; many that are under some such work, shake off the sense of it, murder their convictions and return again to folly. Oh ! take heed, if any drawback, the Lord will take no pleasure in them ; but I hope better things of you.

He would also observe how his brethren carried it after dutv, whether they seemed to run presently to the world with greediness, as if dutv were a task.

or whether there seemed to be an abiding impression of God and the things of God upon them.

His vehement love and compassion to souls may be further judged of by these following expressions, which he used to one of his relations. After he had been speaking how infinitely it was below a Christian to pursue with greediness the things which will be but as gravel in the teeth, if we mind not the rich provision which is in our Father's house. Oh what folly is it to trifle in the things of God ! But I-hope better things of you ; did I not hope, why should I not mourn in secret for you as one cast out among the dead ? Oh what should I do for you but pour out my soul like water and give my God no rest till he should graciously visit you with his salvation 7 till he cast you down and raise you up, till he wound you and heal you again.

Thus what with his holy example, warm and wise exhortations, prayers 3 tears, and secret groans, somewhat of the beauty of religion was to be seen m the family where he lived,

CHAPTER V.

His great love to, and frequency in the duty of jirayers, with remarkable success.

E was mighty in prayer, and his spirit was oftentimes so transported in it that he forgot the weakness of his own body and other spirits ; indeed the acquaintance that he had with God was so sweet, and his converse with him so frequent, that when he was engaged in duty he scarce knew how to leave that which was so delightful and suited to his spirit. His constant course for some years was this. He prayed at least three times a day in secret, sometimes seven times, twice a day in the family or college. And he found the sweetness of it beyond imagination, and enjoyed wonderful communion with God, and tasted much of the pleasantness of a heavenly life. And he could say by experience, that the ways of wisdom were ways of pleasantness, and all her paths peace. He knew what it was to wrestle with God, and was come to that pi'ss, that he could scarce come, off his knees without his Father's blessing. _ He was used to converse with God with a

h6lv familiarity as a friend, and wool:I upon all occasion run to him for advice, and had many strange and immediate answers of prayer* One of which I think is not altogether impertinent to give the world an account of.

His honored father Mr. William Jane-way, minister of Kelshali in Hartfordshire being sick, and being under somewhat dark apprehensions as to the state of his soul, he would often sav to his son John, oh son, this passing upon eternity is a great thing, this dying is a solemn business, and enough to make any one's heart ache, that hath not his pardon sealed, and his evidences for heaven clear, And truly son, I am under no small fears as to my own estate for another world.— Oh that God would clear his love !—Oh-that I could sa$ cheerfully, I can die, iind upon good grounds be able to look death in the face and venture upon eternity with well grounded peace and comfort.

His sweet and dutiful Son made a : suitable reply at present ; but seeing ruV dear lather continuing under despond

Ings of spirit (though no christians that knew him but had a high esteem of him for his uprightness) he got by himself and spent some time in wrestling with God upon his father's account, earnestly begging of God that he would fill him with joy unspeakable in believing, and that he would speedily give him some tok#n for good, that he might joyfully and honourably leave this world to go to a better. After he was risen from his knees he came down to his sick father and asked him how he felt himself. His father made no answer for some time, but went exceedingly (a passion thaf he was not subject to) and continued for some considerable time in an extraordinary passion of weeping, so that he was not able to speak. But at last having recovered himself, with unspeakable joy lie burst out in such expressions as these. Oh Son I now it is come, it is come, it is-come. I bless God I can die : The spirit of God hath witnessed with my spirit that I am h's child. Now I car* look up to God as my dear father, and Christ as my rei deemer ; I can now sen- this is a '. 3. i I

•SI

siid this is my beloved* My heart i£ full, it is brim full, I can hold no more. 1 know now what that sentence means, the peace of God which passeth understanding ; I know now what that white stone is wherein a new name is written, which none know but they which have it. And that fit of weeping which you saw me in, was a fit of overpowering love and joy, so great that I could not far heart contain myself: Neither cap* | express what glorious discoveries God hath made of himself unto me.— And had that joy been greater, I question whether I could have borne it, and /whether it would not have separated soul and body. Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me bless his -holy name, that hath pardoned all my sins and sealed the pardon. He hath healed my wounds, and caused the bones which he had broken to rejoice. Oh help me to bless the Lord! He hath put a new song into my mouth ; O bless the Lord for his infinite goodness and rich mercv ! Oh now I can die ! It is nothing, I bless God I can die. I desire to be dissolved and to be with

$6*

/Chiist. You may well think that his soil's heart was not a little refreshed to hear such .words, and see such a sight, and to meet the messenger he had sent to heaven returned back again so speedily. He counted himself a sharer With his father in this mercy, and it was irpoji a double account welcome, as it did so wonderfully satisfy his father, and as it was so immediate and clear an answer of his own prayers, as if God had from heaven said unto him, thy tears and prayers are heard for thv father : Thou hast like a prince prevailed with God : Thou hast eot the blessing : Thv fer-vent prayers have been effectual : Go down and see else.

Upon this, this precious young man •broke forth intp praises, and even into another ecstacy of joy that God should deal so familiarly v ith him ; and the

■m/

father and soa together were so full of joy, light, life, love and praise, that there was a little heaven in the place. He could not then but express himself w this manner. Oh blessed and forever blessed be Gqd for his infinite grace ! Oh who would net pray un-co God !—

&

Verily he is a God that heareth prayers, .and that my soul knows right well.! And then he told his joyful father how much he ,was affected with his former despon-dings, and what he had been praying for just before with all the earnestness he could for his souh and how the Lord had immediately answered him. His father hearing this, and perceiving that his former comforts came in a way of prayer, and bis own child's prayer too was the more refreshed, and was the more confirmed that it was from the spirit of God, and no de~ lesion. And i in mediately, his son standing by, he fell into another fit of triumph--ingjoy, his weak.body beingalmost ready r to sink under that weight of glory that did shine in so powerfully upon his soul.— He could then say, Now let thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. He could now walk through the valley of the shadow 01 death and fear no .evil. Oh how sweet a thing it is to have one's interest in Christ clear, how comfortable to have our calling and election made sure !—-How lovely is the sight of a smiling

e

Jesus when one is dying ! Kow refreshing it k whefi heart and flesh and all are foiling, to have God for the strength o** our heart and our portion forever ! O! did the foolish unexperienced world 1«j know what these things mean, did. they but understand what it is to be solaced with the believing views of glory, to have their senses spiritually exercised, con Id they but taste and see how sreed tic Lord is, it would soon cause them to disrelish their low and brutish pleasures, and look upon alj worldlv jovs as infinitely short of ouq glimpse of God's love ! After this his reverend father had a sweet calm upon his spirits, and went into the strength of that provision, that ricl: grace laid in till he came within the sates of New Jerusalem ; having all hi f . graces greatly improved, and shewed so much humility^ love to, <md admiring of God, contempt of the world, such prizing of Christ, such patience as few christians arrive to, especially his faith, |by which with extraordinary confidence ha tst his widow and eleven fatherless chi ilren upon the care of that God who had led hirn with this maui.a in his wil r

derriess state. The benefit of which faith ail his children (none of which were hi his life time provided for) have since o admiration experienced. And it is iree to be imagined how helpful thi§ , precious son John Jane way was to his father by his heavenly discourse s humble advice and prayers. After four months convict with a painful "consumption and hectic fever, his honored father sweetly slept in Jesus,

CHAPTER VI.

jfxis care of his mother and other relations after h is fa ther's (leath .

'TER the death of his lather he did what he could to supply fiis absence, doing the part of husband, son, brother : So that he was no small comfort to his poor mother in her disconsolate state, and ail the rest of his relations that had any sense of God upon their spirits. To one of which he thus addressed himself upon the death of a sw£et child :

n u Daily observation and every man's experience gives sufficient testimony to

£w3 /

St, that afflictions of what lamd soever, bv how much seldomer thev are, the more grievous they ?>eem. We have of a long time sailed in the rivers of blessings which God hath plentifully poured forth grnoriff us : Now if we come where the waves of affliction do but a little more than ordinarily arise, we begin to have our souls almost carried down N with fears and griefs; yea the natural man if not counterpowered by the spirit of God, will be ready to entertain mur-muring and repining thoughts against God himself. Whereas, if all our life had been a pilgrimage full of sorrows and afflictions (as we deserved) and ha.3. but rarely been intermingled with com-forts, we should have been mere fitted to bear afflictions : Thus it is naturally : But we outfit to counterwork against the stream of nature by a new principle Wrought in us, and whatsoever nature doth err in, grace is to rectify. And they upon whom grace js bestowed oupht to set grace on work. For where

O i >

fore is grace bestowed unless that it should act in us ; it hath pleased the Lord to make a breach in your family

m

There where the knot is fast tied ; when it is disunited, the change becomes greatest, and the grief is more enlarged. So that herein you who are most moved are most to be excused and comforted, the strength of a mother's affections I believe none but mothers know, and greatest affections when they are disturbed breed the greatest grief. But when afflictions come upon us what will be our duty ? Shall we then give ourselves up to be carried away with the grieving passions ? Shall we because of one affliction, cause our souls to walk in sadness all our days, and drive away all the light of comfort from our eyes by causing our souls to be obscured under the shades of melancholly ? Shall we quarrel with our Maker and call the wise righteous judge to our l>ar ? Doth he not punish us less than we deserve ?— Is there not mercy and truth in all his dispensations ? Shall we by continual sorrow add affliction to affliction, and so become our own tormentors ? Arc we not rather under afflictions to see if any way we may find a glimpse of God's love shining in towards us^ and so to raise up

pur souls nearer God. Is there note-nough in God and the Koly scriptures to bear up our spirits under any afflictions, let them be ever so great. What do you say to that word, Who is there among you that feareth the Lord, and that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and see^h no light, let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay himself upon his God ? Though all earthly comforts were lied away, and though you coujd see no light from any of these things below, yet if you look upward to God in Christ, there js comfort to be found, there is light to be espied ; yea, a great and glorious light, which if \ve can rightly dis^ .pern, it would put out the light of all lower comforts, and cause them to be vilely accounted of. But alas! alas 1 those heavenly comforts, though they are in themselves so precious, and if re-allv anil sensibly felt, able to raise a man's soul frqjn earth, yea from hell, to the foretastes of heaven itself, yet for want of a spiritual sense, they are by mOst of the world undervalued, slighted, and thought to be but fancies. Nay

let me' speak freely : Christians them selves, and those that we have cause to" hope are men of another world, and truly borri again, yet for want of a spiritual' quickness in this spiritual sight and sense, these comforts are too lowly and meanly esteemed of.

It is a spiritual sense that enableth a christian to behold a glorious lustre and beauty in invisibles, and raiseth the soul up to the gate of heaven itself, and when he is there, how can he choose to look down with "a holy slighting and contempt upon the sweetest of all earthly enjoyments ? How can he choose but think all creature comforts but small, compared with one look of love from Christ ? This heavenly comfort was that Which David did so much desire; Lord lift up the light of thy countenance upon nVe, was the language of his soul, and when* this was come, how was his heart enlarged ? Thou hast put joy and' gladness in my heart more than in the time when their corn and wine increased, He then that in afflictions won find CGmfort, must strive to see sph comforts to be the greatest, ev

Hz

edmfort* which is from God, in the face of Jesus Christ; this will be a cordial, this will be as marrow and fatness to the soul. They that have an interest hi Christ, what need they be moved and discomfited with anv worldly trouble ? Is not Christ better than ten children, is not his loving kindness better than life? Is not all the world a shadow, compared with one quarter of an hour's enjoyment of him,-even on this side of glory in some of his own ordinances.— O therefore strive to get your interest in this comfort secured, and then all is Well. lie that hath Christ hath all things-If God be reconciled to you through him, • then he will withhold no good thing fronv vou.

We poor foolish creatures do scarce' know what is good for ourselves, but it-

is no small encouragement to the people of God that wisdom itself takes cai m of them, and one that loves them better than thev love themselves looks after them : And he hath given his promise for it, that all shall work together for their £0<2d. And what better founr' tien of- comfort carf there be in the

world than this ! Why may you not then say with the Psalmist, Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me, hope in God. Let not your soul sink under afflictions, for what reason have you to be discomfited under them. Can you gather from thence, that the Lord doth not love vou ? No, surely, but rather the contrary, for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth i What son is he whom the Father chasteneth not ?— Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.

Let this serve as a remedy against excessive grief. Get your love to God increased, which if you do, the love of all other things will wax cold. And if you have given God your heart, you will give hi in leave to take what he will that is yours,, and what he hath you will judge rather well kept than lost.

Remember that scripture, and let it have its due impression upon your spirit ; He that loves father or mother, brother or sister, yea, or children more than me, is not worthy of me. O labor to

have' vour affections therefore more raiti ed up to hirn who is most worthy of them, let him have the uppermost and greatest room in your heart, and let your love to all other things be placed in subjection to your love of God, bd ruled by it, and directed to it. Be ouj earthly afflictions ever so great, yet le this love to God poise our souls so, tha they may not be overweighed with grie on the one side, or stupidness on the oth er side. Again let our souls be 1 awe< by that glorious' and omnipotency of God, who is able to do any thing am 1 who will do whatsoever pleaseth hir. both in b.eaven, and in earth ; at vvhos word and for Vvhose glory all things th?> are were made. And what are we poc creatures that we should dare to entertai anv hard thoughts of this God ! It i dangerous contending with God ! L'. us learn that great lesson of resignin up ourselves and all we have td God ; — let us put ourselves as instruments int the hands of the Lord to do what 1. pleaseth with us, and let us remembc that it was our promise and covenan tfith God to yield ourselves up to him

.anclto be wholly at his disposal. The sour is then in a sweet frame when it can cordially say, it is the Lord, let hirn do what seemeth good in his eyes 0 Not my will, but thine be done. Again let us know, that though we cannot always see into the reasonableness of the ways of God, (for his ways are often in the thick cloud, and our weak eyes cannot look into those depths in which he walketh) yet ail the ways of God are just, holy and good. Let us therefore have a care of so much as moving-, much more of entertaining anv unworthy thoughts asrainst Godo But let us sub-rnit willingly to the yoke which he is pleased to lay upon us, lest he break us, with his terrible judgments. And now it hath seemed good to God to hy this stroke upon you, I pray labor rigmly to improve it, and let this trial prepare you for greater. And seeing the uncertainty of all worldly things, endeavor with all your might to get your heart above them ; and I beseech the Lord who is the great physician of souls , and -knows how to apply salve to every sore of •fais, to comfort you with his spiritual com ;

forts, that he would favorably shine upon you, and receive you into a nearer union and communion with himself.— Into his hands I commit you, with him I leave you, praying that he would make up all in himself,"

He was an excellent example to his younger brethren ; and his wise instructions, and holy practices, did not a little influence them. He was a prudent counsellor, and an assistant that could not well be spared to his eldest brother : who was not a little sensible of that personal worth that was in his younger brother, whom he would prefer before himself, as one whom he judged God had honored with far greater parts, graces, and experiences than himself.— The younger also did as humbly and heartily respect and honor him, as a serious christian, and minister, and his elder brother, who had obliged him with more than ordinary kindness.

When he was but young, yet he began to be taken notice of bv ancient minis-ters and christians ! Though his modesty was so great, that his huge parts were not a little obscured thereby ; and

his vast worth vyas so ballasted vv Itb hiimiL itv, that he made so great noise in the world, and most were ignorant of his singular worth. A wise man that was inti-mately acquainted with him, would say of him, that he .was like deep waters that were more still, a man of hidden excellency. There are fewthat knew how clos~ r e walked with God, and at what a high rate hejtv xl and how great a trade he drove, for the riches of that other world ; all which he labored, as much as might be, to conceal

fseea

CHAPTER VII.

His return to College after his father's death. His holy projects for Christ and souls.

HEN his father was dead, he returned again to King's College, and was a member of a secret cabal which began to carry on noble projects, for Christ and souls, and to plot how they might best improve their gifts and graces, so as that they might be most serviceable to God and their generation. Their distort was frequently to meet together, to pray and to communicate studies and exneri-.

f :

ences, and to handle some question of divinity, or in some schoolastic way to exercise the gifts which God had given them. Some of this company did degenerate, but others lived to let the world understand, that what they did was from a vital principle ; amongst whom, this young man was none of the least; who had a design upon some of the juniors to engage them if possible before they were ensnared by wicked company, when they came fresh from school. After sometime, most of his dear companions were transplanted into gentlemen's families or livings ; and this Mr. Jane-way, being one of the youngest, was, for a while, left alone in the College. But he wanting the comfortable diversion of suitable godly society, fixed so intensely upon his studies, that he soon gave such a wound to his bodily constitution, that it could never be thoroughly healed.

CHAPTER VIII.

Ills departure from College to live in Dr. Cox* a

family.

FTER a while Dr. Cox wanting a tutor for his son in his house, sent to

the Provost of the College, to make choice of a man of true worth for him : In answer to this request, the Provost was pleased to send Mr. Janeway, who did neither shame him that preferred him, nor disappoint the expectations of him that entertained him ; hut by his diligence, profound learning, and success in his undertaking, did not a little oblige the relations of the pupil. But his pains were so great, and his body so weak, that it could not long bear up under such a work ; so that he was forced to ask leave of the Doctor to try whether the change of the air might not contribute somewhat to the mending of the temper of his body, which now began sensibly to decay.

Whilst he was in that familv, his car-riage was so sweet and obliging, and his conversation so spiritual, that it did not a little endear his presence to them : So that I question not but some of that family will carry a sweet remembrance of him along with them to their graves, and I oft heard him owning: the goodness of God to him, in the benefit that he got by the graces and experiences of some

christians in, and relating to that family, whose tender love to him he did grateful-}y resent upon his death-bed.

CHAPTER IX.

ffis retire into the country, and his first sickness,

HE now leaves the Doctor'shouse and retires himself into the country, to his mother and eldest brother, who did not spare to use their utmost diligence and tenderness to recruit the decays of nature, but hard study, frequent and earnest prayers, and long and intense meditations, had so ruined this frail tabernacle, that it could not be fully repaired ; yet, by God's blessing upon care and art, it was under-propped for some time.

Whilst he was in this declining condition, in which he could have little hopes of life, he was so far from being affright ed, that he received the sentence of death in himself with great joy, and wrote to his dearest relations to dispose them to a patient compliance with such a dispensation, as might separate him and them for a while : And to wean their affections from him, lie solemnly professecj,

that as for himself he was ashamed to desire and pray for life. O, saith he, is there any thing here more desirable than the enjoyment of Christ ? Can I expect any thing below, comparable to that blessed vision ! O that crown ! that rest which remains for the people of God ! And (blessed be God) I can say, I know it is mine. I know that when this tabernacle of clay shall be dissolved, that I have a house not made with hands.; and therefore I groan, not to be unclothed, but to be-clothed upon with Christ. To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

I can now through infinite mercy speak in the apostle's language, I have fought the good fight, henceforth there is laid up for me a crown incorruptible, that fad-eth not away.

When he perceived one of his nearest relations distressed at the apprehension of his death, he charged him not to pray for his life, except i^were purely with respect to the glory of God. I" wish, said he, I beg you to keep your minds in a submissive frame to the will of God concerning me. The Lord take you nearer to himself, that you may walk

,}vithrjiim ; to whom if I go before-I..hope /you will follow after. Yet after this, he was through mercy finely recovered, and his friends were not without some hopes of his living to be eminently instrumental for God's glory in his generation.

After he was recovered In some measure, he fell again to his former practice of engaging deeply in the secret and great duties of religion which he constantly practised (except when God discharged him by sickness) secret prayer, at least three times a day, sometimes seven, yea more : Besides family and college duties, which were before hinted, he set apart an hour every day for set and solemn meditation ; which duty he found unspeakable to improve his graces, and to make no small additions ;lo his comforts : His time for that duty was commonly in the evening, when he usually walked into the field, if the weather would permit ; if not, he retired into the church, or an empty solitary room, Where (observing his constant practice, that, it possible, I might be acquainted with the reason of his retiredness) I once hid myself, that I might take the more

exact notice of the intercourse that f judged was kept up between him and God. But, O what a spectacle did 1 see ! Surely a man walking with God,' conversing intimately with his Maker, and maintaining a holy familiarity withV the great Jehovah. Methought I saw one talking with God ; methought I saw a spiritual merchant in an heavenly exchange, driving a rich trade for the treasures of the other world. O what a glorious sight it was [ Methinks I see him still; how sweetly did his face shine I O, with what a lovely countenance did he walk up and down, his lips going, his' Body oft reaching up, as if he would have taken his flight into heaven ! His looks, smiles, and every motion spake him to be upon the very confines of glory/ O had one but known what he was then* feeding on. Sure he had meat to eat which the world knew not of ! Did we but know 1 how welcome God made him when He Brought him-into his banqueting house. That which one might ettsi-" ly perceive hfs heart to be most fixed upon was, the infinite love of' God in Christ to the poor lost sons and daught;

ers of Adam. What else meant his high expressions ? What else did his own words to a dear friend signify, but an extraordinary sense of the freeness, fulness and duration of that love. To use his own words, God (saith he) holds mine eyes most upon his goodness, his un-measureable goodness, and the promises which are most sure, and firm in Christ. His love to us is greater, surer, fuller than ours to ourselves. For when we loved ourselves so as to destroy ourselves, he loved us so as to save us.

CHAPTER X.

His Exhortation to some of his friend'},

AND that he might engage others in more ardent affections to God, he put words into their mouths : Let us then (saith he) behold him, till our hearts-desire, till our very souls are drawn out after him, till we are brought to acquaintance, intimacy, delight in him ! O that he would love me, O that I might love him ! O blessed are they that know him, and are known of him ! It is good for me to draw near to God. A day in his

sourt is better than a thousand elsewhere :' My soul longeth, yea fainteth for the courts of the Lord, my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. O that I were received into converse with him, that I mi^ht hear his voice, and see his countenance ! For his voice is sweet and Kis countenance is comely ! O that I might communicate myself to God, and that he would give himself to me ! O that I might Jove him ! That I were sick of love, that I rnight die in love ! That! might lose myself in his love, as a small drop in the unfathomable depth' of his love I That I might dwell in his eternal love ! O (saith he to a dear friend under some fears as to his state) stand still and wonder, behold his love and admire ; now, if never yet, consider what thou canst discover in this precious Jesus. . Canst thou not see so much till thou canst see no more ; not -because of its shortness, but because of thy darkness ?

Here is' a sea ! fling thyself into it/ apd thoif shalt be compassed with the Height, and depth, and breadth, and , length of love, and be filled with all the**

G

fulness of God. Is not this enough ?—

o

What wouldst thou have more ?■ Fling away all besides God ; God is portion enough, and the only proper portion of the soul; Hast thou not tasted, hast thou not known, that his love is better than wine ? Hast thou not smelt the savor of his precious ointments, for which the virgins love him ? This is he who is altogether lovely. And while I write,, niv heart doth burn, mv soul is on fire.. I am sick of love.

Bear soulj come near and look upon his face, and see whether thou canst choose but love him. Fall upon him ? embrace him, give him thy dearest, choicest love ; all is too little for him : Let faith and love kiss him ; you shall be no more bold than welcome. Fix thine eves again and again upon him, and look upon his lovely, sweet and royal face ; till thou art taken with this beau^ tiful person, who hath not his fellow upon the earth, his equal among the angels. Come near, still contemplate his excellency, review each part, and thou wilt find him to be made up of love;: 7-vind thy affections about him, bind thy

;Soul to him with the cords of love.~ Thus shalt thou find a new life to animate thy soul ; thou shalt then feel u new warmth to melt thy heart ; a divine fire-to burn up corruption, and to break forth into a flame of heavenly love.-— Dwell in this love, and thou shalt dwell -in God, and God in tkee. But methinks, I see you almost all in tears because thou feelest not such workings of love towards God. Weep on still ; for love hath tears as well as grief: And tears of love shall be kept in his bottle, as well as they ; yea, they shall be as precious jewels, and as an excellent ornament. Hast thou felt such meltings of loving grief ? Know, that they are no other than the streams of Christ's love flowing to you, and through you, and from you to him again. And thus is Christ delighted in beholding of his own beauties, in his spouse's ^ye.

I have prayed for a blessing for you, and on those related to you, and if they prove of any power by the spirit of God to you, it will be matter of joy and praise. By your dear friend,

.John Ja-ne.wax,

CHAPTER XL

His temptations from Satan.

j/nT^HUS you have a taste of his spirit, JL and may perceive what it was that he had his heart most set upon, and what kept his graces in such vigor and activity, and how desirous he Mas that others should be sharers with him in this mercy : Yet, for all this, he had his gloomy davs, and the sun was sometimes over-cast, his sweets were some time embittered with dreadful and horrid temptations. The devil shot his poisonous arrows at him ; yet, through the captain of his salvation, he came more than a conqueror out of the field* He was> with Paul, many times lifted up into the third heavens, and saw and heard things unutterable : But lest he should be exalted above measure there was a messenger of satan sent to buffet him,

It would make a christian's heart even ache to hear and read what strange temptations this gracious soul was exercised with. But he was well armed for such a conflict, having on the shield of faith, whereby he quenched the fiery darts of that wicked one : Yet, this fight cost him

i i

the sweating of his very body for agonies of spirit ; and tears and strong cries to heaven for fresh help. As for himself, he was wont to take an arrow out of God's quiver, and discharge it by faith and prayer, for the discomfiture of his violent enemv. who was at last fain to fly. These temptations and conflicts with Satan did not a little help him afterwards in his dealings with one that was sorely af-ilicted with temptations of a like nature, And because I judge it of singular use to tempted ones, and finding very many of late to be exercised in this kind, I shall insert a letter of his, suitable to all christians in the like case.

Jl letter of Mr. John Janeivat*s',

" Dear Friend —-Your letters are bitter in the mouth but sweet in the belly ; they Contain matter of joy, mider a dismal as-V pect ; they are good news, brought by a messenger in mourning ; I had rather hear of that which is matter of substantial, real joy, tho' mh:ed with many sighs, & interrupted with many groans and sobs ; than of thatkmghter, in the midst of which. :4c hairt is sad? g

• You say you are troubled with bias-pheraous thoughts ; so then, though they are blasphemous, yet they are trouble ; and thoughts they are too, and that neither sent for, nor welcome ; and so are not assented to in your mind. What then shall we think^of them ? If they were of your own production, your heart would be delighted in its own issue ; but you do nothing less. Sure then, they are the injections of that wicked one, who is the accuser of the brethren, and the disturber of the peace of the people of God. But doth satan use to employ those weapons but against those that he is in some fear of losing ? He is not wont to assault and fight against his surest friends in this manner. Those that he hath fast in his own possession, he leads on as softly and quietly as he can ; fearing lest such disturbance should make them look about them, and so they should awake, and see their danger : But as for those that have m some measure escaped his snares, he follows them hard, with all the discouragements he can. Surely these things can be no other but a bitter relish of those things which you know 19

be bitter after that you have tasted the honey and the honey-comb ; after you have seen how good the Lord is. What then shall I call these motions of your niind ? They are the soul's loathing the morsels which satan would have it to swallow down ; yea, they are the soul's striving with satan, whilst he would rav-ish the spouse of Jesus ; And Let the en emv of all goodness know, that he shall .ere long pay dearly for such attempts, But you will say, if these horrible thoughts be not your sin, yet the}' are y.our trouble and misery, and you desire to be freed from them ; and the most loyal and loving spouse had rather be de-ltvi red from those assaults. But you will ask, how shall I get i've^ from them ? First, see that you possess your soul in patience ; and know this, that God hath an over-ruling hand in all this ; and wait upon him, for he can and will bring forth good out of all this seeming evih At present you are in the dark and see no light ; yet trust in the Lord, and stay 3 ourself upon your God. Can Christ forget the purchase of his own blood, the price of his soul, those whom he hath sq

intimately endeared to himself? Can $ mother forget her sucking child ? Yet God cannot forget his. God hath loving and gracious intents in all this, and his bowels yearn towards his. Yea, our Saviour suffers with us, through his ardent love by sympathy, as well as he hath suffered for us. But, for your being be-rid of these thoughts, you know who hath all power in his hand, who doth employ this power in a way of love towards his. This power is made yours through the praver of faith : But for your own work, do this.

First. Let not such thoughts have any time of abode in your iviirid, but turn them out with all the loathing and abhor* -rence you can ; but not with so much trouble and disturbance of mind as I ber licvc you do. For by this the devil is pleased, and he makes you your own tormentor.

Secondly. Always then divert your thoughts to some £ood thins*, and let those very injections be constantly tne occasion of your more spiritual meditation. Think the quite contrary, or fall - j ra} ing with earnestness : ancl the dev>

it will be wcarv if he finds his deskrtis thus broken, and that those sparks of hell (which he struck into the soul to kindle and inflame corruption) $o put warmtli into grace, and set faith arid prayer a working ; when he perceives, that what he intended as water to cool your love to'God, proves like oil to make it -flame the more vehemently ; he will be discouraged. Thus resist him, and he will 'p'r. from vou.

Thir CpiVsider that this is no new thine:: I not in this ignorant of

satan's :, if any soul hath es-

caped ' hains of darkness, if he

will h ha , he shall have it with as mi as the devil can lav on :

and, his had their wills, no

good man should have one peaceable hour: But, blessed be God for his ever-lasting and unchangeable love to his v that the devil cannot pluck us out of those \almighty arms, with which he doth em brace his dear children.

Dear heart, my prayer for you is, that God would give thee the peaceable fruit of righteousness after all thy afflictions, that thou ma vest come out of these trials'.

refined and purified, and more fit for thy master's use ; having this the end of all, to purge away thy dross, and take away thv sin.

Thus hoping that at the length, God would turn thy mourning into joy, thy trouble into triumph, and all thy sorrows into a sure and stable peace ; I leave you with him, and rest,

Yours in our dear Lord,

John Jane way."

HE was much afraid of decays in grace, of apostacy ; yea, flatness of spirit, either in himself c jthers : And if he suspected any thing of this nature in his nearest relations, he would do what he could possibly, to recover them out of the snares of satan, and to quicken them to higher and more noble, vigorous spiritual acts of religion. He labouied to maintain a constant tenderness and sensibility upon his heart ; and to take notice of the least departure of his soul from God, or God's absenting of himself from the soul (which was an expression that was much in his mouth.) He had •a godly jealousy over his brothers : Om

of which was awakened by his serious-and particular application of himself tcr Him, when he was about eleven years old : But he knew, that conviction and conversion are two things, and that many are somewhat affected by a warm exhortation, who quickly wear off those impressions, and return to their former trifling with God, and neglect of their" souls. Wherefore, he desired to carry on the Work that he had some hopes was well be'ffiHi : He labored to build sure v and to build up ; that he might be rooted and grounded in the faith, stedfast and immovable-^ always abounding in the work of the Lord. Wherefore he followed him, not only with private warnings, and frequent pathetical counsels and directions, but with letters,-one of which spoke m this language.

cAnother of his U iters of firivate warning and pathetical Counsel.

u YOU live in a place where strict ^ind close walking with God hath few or no examples, and most are apt to be like their company : and God's own children are to apt to forget their first love :■ Our

hearts are too apt to be careless andto ; * neglect our watch : We are ready to grow formalin duty, or less spiritual; and then it, may be, le'ss frequent : And conscience^ is put off with some poor excuse ; and thus religion withers, and one that seemed once a zealot may come to be a lao-dicean ; and some that looked once as if , they were eminent saints, may fall to just nothing. It is too common, to have a name to be alive, and yet be dead : Read' this, and tremble lest it should be your case. When we are lazy and asleep, our adversary is awake : When we are slothful and negligent, then he is diligent, I consider vour aee, I know where you dwell, I am hot unacquainted with .your temptations. Wherefore I cannot but be afraid of yon, lest by both inward and outward fire, the bush be singed ; though if God be in it, it cannot be burnt up.

Give me leave to be in some measure fearful of you, and jealous of you ; and i^ mind you of what yon know already. Principles of civility will be but as broken reeds to stay our 1 souls upon, without those higher principles which' a?e planted in the soul, by the working •

of the spirit of God. Oh, rcmcrhi what meltings sometimes you have had ; remember how solicitously you did enquire after Christ, how earnestly you seemed to ask the way to Zion with your face thitherward. Oh take heed of losing those impressions you once had ; take not up with a slight work. True conversion is a great thing, and another kind of business than most of the world take it to be. Be not satisfied with some convictions, taking them for conversion, nor with resting iiva formal profession.

There is such a thing as being almost a-christian ; nay, as drawing back into perdition : And some that are not far from die kingdom of Heaven, may never come there. Beware lest you lose the reward : The promise is made to him that holdeth fast, and holdeth out to the end and overcomelh.

Lsbor to forget what is behind and to press fbrwurd towards things that are before. He that is contented with just grace enough to get to heaven, and escape hell, and desires no more, maybe ssfre that he hath none at all ; and is far

M

from being made partaker of the divine nature. Labor to know what it is to converse with God ; strive to do every thing as in his presence ; design him m all; act as one stands within sight of the °rave and eternitv. I sav aeain, do what you do, as if you were sure God stood by and looked upon you, and exactly observed and recorded every thought, word and action ; and you may very well suppose that, which cannot be otherwise.

Let us awake, and fall to our work in good earnest : heaven or hell are before us, and death behind us. What,, do we mean to sleep ? Dulness in God's service is very uncomfortable, and at the best will cost us dear : and to be contented with sifch a frame, is a certain symptom of a hypocrite. Oh how will such tremble, when God shall -call them to give an account of their stewardship ; and tell them, they may no longer be stewards. Should they fall sick, and the devil and conscience fall upon them, What an inconceivable perplex::? iyculd thev then be in !

Ob, live more upon invisibles, and set the thoughts of their excellency put life into your performances. You must be contented to be lauehed at for preciseness and singularity. A christian's walking is not with men but with God ; and he hath great cause to suspect his love to God, who doth not delight more in conversing with God and being conformed to him, than in conversing with the world, and being conformed to it.

How can the love of God dwell in that man, who liveth without God in the world ? Without both continual walking with him in his whole conversation, and those more peculiar visits of him in prayer, meditation, spiritual ejaculations, and other duties of religion : and the workings of faith, love, holy desires, delight, joy and spiritual sorrow in them ! Think not, that our walking with God cannot consist with worldly business : Yes, but religion makes us spiritual iu common actions, and there is not any action in a man's life, in which a man is not to labor to make it a religious act, hy a looking to the rule in it, and eyeing

of 'God's glory ; and thus, he may be said to walk with God. To this we in List endeavor to rise, and never be content till we reach to it, and if this seem tedious (as to degenerate nature it will) we must know that we have so much of enmity against God still remaining, and are under depravation and darkness, and know not our true happiness :—Such a soul is sick, and it hath lost its taste, which doth not perceive ^m incomparable sweetness in walking "vith God, without whom all thing else under .heaven are gall and bitterness, and to be little valued by every true christian.

But, we arc all apt even to the worst, to say, that we preler God above all twine's , but we must know that we have very deceitful hearts : And those, who Joeing enlightened, know for what high ends the}' should act, and what a fearful .condition even a hazard in oar case, is ; these, I say, will not believe their own hearts without diligent search and good grounds.

Rest not in any .condition in which your security is not founded up-

jon that sure bottom, the Lord Jesus Christ. Labor to attain to this, to love God for himself, and to have your heart naturalized and suited to spiritual things. Oh for a heart to rejoice and work risrht-

J o

eousness ! Oh that we could do the will of God with more activity, delight and constancy ! If we did know more of God, we should love him more ; and then God would still reveal more of himself to us, and we should see more and more .cause to love him, and wonder that we love him no more. Oh this, this is our happiness, to haye a fuller sight of God, £o be wrapped up, & fdled with the love of Christ. Oh let mv soul forever be thus .employed! Lord, whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none in earth that f can desire in comparison of thee."

You hear what kind of language he spate ; and you may easily perceive what it was that swallowed up his heart, itnd where his delight, treasure and life was. Oh, much do most of us who go for Christians, fall short of these things ! And how vast a distance between hi experience and ours ! And what reason

h.

m

have we to read these lines with blushing, and to blot the paper with tears ? And to Jay aside this book awhile, and to fall up* on otir fixes beloi e the iLord, and bemoan the cursed unsuitable:: ess of our Jicarts unto God, and to 1 v it. at we do so'it v understand what',.o-,swa-- ins: with £}od, d tiding by faith means ! Oh, at what a rate do *on$e chnstiaissli^ei And how low, flat -r'd dnii as mothers. His love to Christ aai souls, made hini veiy desirous to spend, and be spent, in the work oi the mi nisi rv ; accordingly he did comply with the first loud and clear call to preach the everlasting gospel ; and thon^i. lie was but about two and twenty years old, yet he came to that work like one that understood what kind of employ* no no preaching was. lie was a workman that needed not be ashamed, that was thoroughly furnished for every word and work ; one that was able to answer gainsaycrs ; one in whom the word of 'God dwelt richly ; one full of the spirit and r over : one that hated sin with a perfect hatred,/and loved holiness with all his soul ; in whom religion in its beauty did shine ; one that knew the

terrors of the Lord, and knew how to beseeeh sinners in Christ's stead to be reconciled unto God ; one that was a son of thunder, and son of consolation. In a word, I may speak that of him which Paul spake of Timothy, that, I knew none likerininded, that did naturally care for souls. And had he lived to have preached often, Oh what use might such a man have been of to his genera^ tion ! One, in whom learning and holi? ness did as it were strive which should excel. He never preached publicly but twice, and then he came to it as if he Jiad been used to that work forty years ; delivering the word of God with that power and majesty, with that tenderness and compassion, with that readiness and freedom, that it made his hearers almost amazed, He was led into the mystery of the gospel, and he spoke nothing to others but what was the Ian-guage of his heart, and the fruit of great experience, and which one might easily perceive had no small impression first upon his own spirit.

His first and last sermons they were upon communion and intimate converse

Kv'nh God, out of Job xxii. 21. A sub r ject that few christians under Heaven were better able to manage than himself, frnti that scarce any con let handle so feel-in eh-as he : For, he did for some con-side .; ;e time maintain such an intimate familiarity with God, that be seemed to converse with him, as one friend doth converse wkh mother. This text he iv ie some entrance into, whilst he was here : but the pt Meeting ox his acquaintance v/h'h God, was a work litter lor another world,

He was one that kept an exact watcli over his thoughts, words and actions. and made a review of all that passed him, at Least once in a day, in a sckirm manner. He kept a diary, in which he did write down every evening what the frame of his spirit had been all the day long, especially in every duty. Iletcoif: notice what incomes and profit he received in his spiritual traffick ; what returns from that far country ; what answers pf prayer, what deafness and Sat-pess, and what observable providences did present themselves, and the sub stance of what he had been doing ; and

£3

:&ny wanderings of thoughts, inordinary in any passion ; which, tho' the world could not discern, he could. It cannot be conceived by them w r ho do not practice the same, to what a good account did this return t This made him to retain a grateful remembrance of mercy, and to live in a constant admiring and adoring of divine goodness ; this brought Mm to a very intimate acquaintance with his own heart ; this kept his spirit low, and fitted him for freer communications from God ; this made him more lively and active ; this helped him to walk humbly with God ; this made him speak more affectionately and ex, perimentally to others of the things of God. And in a word, this left a sweet calm upon his spirits, because he every night made even his accounts ; and if his sheets should prove his winding-sheet, it had been all one ; for he could say, his work was done : so that death coukl not surprise him.

Could this book [of his experiences, and register of his actions] have been read, it might have contributed much to the ccmpleating of this discourse, and

\ \

-ihe quickening of some, and the com fortius: of others. But these things b ing written in characters, the world Jiath Jost this jewel.

He studied the scriptures much, and they were sweeter to him than his food ; and he had an .excellent faculty in opening the mind of God in dark places

In the latter part of his lire he seemed quite swallowed up with the thoughts of Christ, heaven, and eternity ; and the nearer he came to this, the more swift his rnctio i was to it, and the more unmixed his designs for it ; and he would much persuade others to an universal free respect to the glory of God in all things.; and making religion one's business, and not to mind these great

ngs by the by.

eg52szr33rtyRi."w»*yiSC'»»«s««v

W

CHAPTER XII.

Ministers not to carry on low designs.

E was not a little concerned abGut

ministers ; that, above ail men,

they should take heed, lest they carried

.on poor low designs, instead of wholly

eieg of the iuteres: of God, and sou is.

$3

He judged, that to take up prcachfo_ as a trade, was altogether inconsistent tvilh the high spirit of a true gospel minister : He desired, that those which seemed to be devoted to-the ministry. would be such ? first, heartily to devote their all to God ;• and then that thev should endeavor to have a dear love to immortal souls.

He was very ready tcr debase himself, and humbly to acknowledge what he found amiss in L'mseif, and labored to amend himself and others, " This (saith he) I must seriously confess, that I must needs renroaeh mvself for de-iieiency in a christian spiritual remembrance of \-on, (speaking to a dear friend)* and for a decay in a quick tender touch, as of other things, so of what relates to voursclf in the spirituality of it. Not that 1 think not of you or of God ; but tha f my thoughts of you, and'spiritual Things are not so frequent, savoury and affectionate*, as they ought to be.

By this reiiectipfi you may easily perceive that I see farther in duty than I d in practice. The truth of it is I grudge' 1 that thoughts and afectiens shonldruti'

*96

6tU any whither freely, but to God. ~ And what I now desire for myself, I de-sire for you likewise, that God would sweeten the fountain, our natures I mean, that every drop flowing from thence may savour of something of God within. Thoughts are precious, affections are more precious, the best that we are worth ; and when thev flow in a wrong channel, all God's precious dispensations towards us are lost ; all that God hath spent upon us, is lost, and spent in vanity. I speak this,- out of a dear respect to your soul, and God's honor, Whom, I- am loth, should be a loser by his kindnesses. I know vou have ma-ny objects, upon which you may be too' apt to let out your dear affections. I say again, my jealousy is, lest (there being' so many channels wherein thev mav run) God lose his due. I desire, therefore,* in humility and tenderness, that this may be a hint to you from the spirit at God, to look inwards to the frame and* disposition of your soul, and to make trial thereof, by the natural outgoings of your affections and then expostulate t! :ase with your own souk If Chri

have my warmest love, why is it thus with me ? If God have my heart, why am I so thoughtful about the world ? If I indeed love him best, how cometh it to pass that Ifind more strong, delightful, constant actings of my affections towards my relations, myself or any worldly thing, than I do after him ? Oh the depth of the heart's deceitfulness !

Dear and honored friend, trust not a surmisal, trust not to a slight view of your heart, or the first apprehensions you may have of yourself; but go down into the secrets of your heart, try and fear, fear and try. An evidence is abundantly more worth than all the trouble that you can be at, iri the acquiring of it : And* the trouble there is ground for, in an unevidenced state, is far greater than that which may seem to be in searching for it. Yea to an awakened soul, what is the trouble in clearing its evidences, but their sense or fear of their not being clear, and of the deceitfulness of their hearts. The reality of that evil, which tender souls so dread, doth lie in its full weight (tho' not felt) on the drowsy, ungroundedly secure sinner.

I speak in love ; Give me leave to remember you of some touches that you had formerly upon your spirit under the means of grace ; remember how much you were sometimes affected under preaching. Did you never say, that these sermons upon hardness of heart 3 softened yours ? Inquire I pray, whether those convictions which were then upon your heart, are not worn off' by the incumbrances of the world : If upon enquiry, you should find they are, it's high time for you to look about you and repent, and not only to do your first works, but to strive to outgo them.

I have with grief taken a review of the frame of my own spirit, when I was at your house ; and I have no small sense of the distemper of my soul, w here by I was betrayed to too great an indifference in the things of God : And finding by sad experience, that I was more apt (a-mongst those carnal comforts and affairs)-to lose that relish and savour of divine things that I was wont to have ; and-those delightful appearances of God f which I was through rich grace ac-

laifited with while I was more sennet

.tered from the world and earthlv delights

« o

{not but that I find my heart at the best, under the highest advantages of closest communion, too unwilling to endeavor after, and maintain that gracious sense and acknowledgement of God which I would fain obtain unto :) I say observing my own experiences, and knowing that your heart was something a kin to mine, fearing lest multiplicity of business should expose you also to the same hazard : — christian compassion could not but put me upon arming of you against those temptations, to which your occasions make you subject.

The desire of mv soul for vcu is, that von mav travel safelv through a dangerous wilderness to a blessed Ca-naan ; that you may quit yourself like a Christian in the opposing and conquering all your enemies; and at last come triumphing out of the field: And that you may behave rourself like a pilgrim and stranger in a far country, who are looking for a city that hath foundations : And that we may meet together with joy at our father's house, and sit down with him in eternal tlorv, Oh that word glo«

.,ry :1s. so weighty, if we did believe it ? that it would make the greatest diligence we can use to secure it t seem light. Oh that far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ! Oh for more faith !— Lord increase our Faith ! And then there would Ipe nothing wanting to make, us put forth the utmost strength of our soul, and to improve every moment of time, to catch hold of all advantages, and to make use of all means possible for the attainment of such glorious ends.

But, O these unbelieving hearts !-— Let us join, our complaints and let us all break forth into bitter lamentations, over them. May not we with as good reason as that distressed father over his possessed child, bring our hearts into the presence of our saviour, and cry out with tears, and say that it is these unbelieving hearts which sometimes cast us into the fire, and sometimes into the water. Yea worse, every time we forsake God, and prefer any thing before him, we part with life for death, with heaven for helh

Give me leave to come yet a little nearer to you : What an advantavr;..

would a full persuasion of the truth and excellencies of Gospel discoveries bring to your soul, if you woulcj. but seriously, and with all your strength, drive on true spiritual designs. Oh, how easily might ycu then go under all your burdens. If your care for the things of this world were but rightly subordinate to the things of eternity, how cheerfully might you go on with your business ! If you sought first the kingdom of heaven and the righteous-ness thereof, then all other things would be added (so far as they are necessary or good for you.)

Let me therefore at this time put yoij upon that duty of raising your mind -♦from earth to heaven, from the creature to the Creator, from the world to God. Indeed, it is a matter of no small diffi T culty to discover that disorder that is in our souls, when we are solicitous about temporary objects and employments :— But there is but few surer discoveries of it, than insensibility and not complaining pf it. For when the soul is indeed raised to spiritual objects, and to underhand

; dearly its eternal interest; when it doth in good earnest take God for its portion, and prefer him above all, then.it willquickly be sensible of the soul's outgoings after other objects, and even grudge that any time should be taken up in the pursuit of the creature, and that any below God should be followed with earnest pleasure and constancy. It would have God have the best, and it would do nothing else but love, serve and enjoy God. For my own part I cannot but wonder that God will .give us leave to love him. Oh blessed goodness, Oh infinite condescension ! Those that believ-ingly seek him he is not ashamed to be called their God. I am sensible irr some measure of your burdens, and/,indee4 that must needs be a burden that keeps 4 ^ the soul from pursuing its chiefest good. My prayers for you are, that you may have such teachings from God as may make you understand how far heavenly things are more precious than earthly, and that you may with all your might, seek, mind and" love that which hath most of true excellency in it, which hath the only ground of real comfort here and c-f eternal happiness hereafter.

!0*J

CHAPTER XIII.

E was full of pity and compassion

__ to souls, and yet greatly grieved

and ashamed that he did no more to ex-•press his sense of the worth of souls, and that his bowels did no more sensibly yearn over them, whom he had just cause to fear were in a christless state, Though there were few of his kindred and relation, nay of his neighbors and acquaintance but he did make a personal application to, either bv letters or conference : Yet for all this, who more ready to cry out or want of love to souls, and unprofitableness to others in his generation, that he was no more full of compassion, and that he made no better improvement of all the visits that he made ; in which we should not make carnal pleasure and recreation our end, but the imparting and receiving of some spiritual gift. This made him, after a considerable absence from a dear friend, to groan out these .complaints. " God by his providence hath oft brought us together ; but to how little purpose, God and our consciences know. As for my part, I may justly be-'rvail my barrenness. O that I should bf

pf so little use where I come ! O that my tongue and heart should be still so unfruitful ! I am ready to hope sometimes, that, if it should please God in his providence to bring us again together, we may be more profitable one to a-n other.

And this indeed makes me more desirous of coming to you again, than any ihing else, that I may do some good among: you. O how few studv to ad* yance the interest of Christ and the benefit of another's soul in their visits, as they should and might do ! I am not able, at present, to order my affairs so as to come comfortably over to you, but I hope ere long, the Lord will give me leave to see vou, and be refreshed by vou. I desire to supply my absence by this sure token of my remembrance of you ; and also that I might have an opportunity for that which we ought to eye most in the enjoyment of one another's socie r ty. But I have found, that partly because of the narrowness of my heart, r,ot being; enlarged to brine; forth into act what I have greatly desjred, partly because of the malice of the enemy of our

:105

souls, who endeavours all that possibly he can, to lay stumbling blocks m our way to real union and nearer acquaintance with God and christian communion : From these, and other causes it is,, that I have been too little beneficial to you formerly.

It may be, I may write that with freedom, which in presence I should not have spoken. I shall take occasion from your desire of my presence with you to look higher to the desire of our souls to be in conjunction and communion with the highest good, who fills up all relation to our souls ; who is our father., ourhusband v our friend, our God ; yea our all in all. But when I say, he is all in all, I mean more than that which we count all : For every one doth confess, that it is God alone that doth bless all other things to us, and that it is not out of the nature of those things that we enjoy, that they are .blessings; but it is God which makes them comforts to us. And thus God is to be acknowledged all in all, common enjoyment !

But, besides this, God is something to the soul, which he is by himself, and

pot in the meditation of the creatures » where God is as a portion, and lived upon as our true happiness : He is not only the complement of other things, but he himself is the soul's sufficiency* I am a little obscure, I desire to be plainer, I mean, that through the dispensation of the gospel, God is to be lived upon, delighted in and chosen before all : For this very end, hath Christ appeared, that he might make God approachable by man, and that we who are afar off, may be made nigh.

There is a nearness to God w r hich we are not onlv allowed but called to in the loving dispensations of the gospel, so that now we are not to be strangers any longer, but friends : we are to have fellowship and communion with God. Why do not our hearts even leap for joy ? Why do not our souls triumph in these discoveries of love ? Even because we know not the greatness of our privileges, the highness of our calling, the excellency of our ad-% r ancement, the blessedness of this life, the sweetness of these employments, the satisfaction of these enjoyments, the comfort of this heavenlv life, the delights of

this communion with GocL We know not the things which belong to our peace : : And thus when God calls us to that which he sent his son for, when Christ offers us that which cost him so dear, y0 with the greatest unworthiness, vilest ingratitude, refuse, slight and contemn it* What think we ? Doth it not go even to the heart of Christ, and (to speak after the manner of men) doth it not grieve him to the soul, to behold his greatest love scorned, and the end of his agony to be more vilelv accounted of than the

mi

basest of our lusts ?

Let us therefore according t6 that hi eh calling wherewith we are called, en-ter into a more intimate acquaintance with God, and as we find our souls acting, naturally towards those things' which are naturally dear to lis ;' so let us strive to lighten our spiritual:affections.

We are very apt to look upon duties as burdens rather than privileges, and seasons of enjoying the greatest refreshments ; but these apprehensions are very low and earthhv O that we could at te2th set ourselves to live a spirits

life, to walk with God, and out of a new nature, to savour and relish those things which are above ! Could we but really, intensely, believingly desire that which is real happiness, and the heaven of heaven, union and communion with God, these desires would bring some comfort.

As for me, you must give me allowance to get my affections more emptied into God ; though it be with a diminution of love to you ; and blessed will that L.av be when all love will be fullv swallowed up into God» But spiritual love doth not destrov natural affections, cr relative obligations, but perfect and rectify them : And so I mav, giving up: myself to God be still yours.

CHAPTER XIV.

His trouble at the barrenness of Christians.

JE was not a little troubled at the barrenness of christians in their discourse, and their not improving their society for the quickening and warming of their hearts ; the expenee of precious time, unaccountably, the ill-managements of visits, and the impertmency.of <■

w

their talk/ he oft reflected upon with W holv ifiaiernatioh. It vext him to the soul, to see what prices sometimes were put into the hands of christians, and how little skill and will they had to improve them, for the building up of one another in the most holy faith : And that they who should be encouraging of one another in the way to Zion, communicating of experiences, and talking of their cbun-trv, and of the clory of that kingdom which the saints are heirs' of, could sat-isfy themselves with empty common" vain stuff, as if Christ, heaven'and eternity were not things of as great worth as any thing else, that usually sounds in' the tars and comes from the lips of professors. That the folly of common discourse among christians might appear more, and that he mieht discover'how little such laifeua&e did Become those that profess thenlseVes Israelites/and' that say, they are Jews : He once sat down silent and took out his pen and ink/ and wrote down in short-hand the discourses that passed for some time to gether among those pretended to mo

f-*»

than common'understanding hi the things of God : And after a while he took his paper and read it to them, and asked them whether such talk was such as they would be willing God should record.—* This he did, that he might shame them out of that usual, unobserved and unla-ixiented unprofitable communication and fruitless squandering away of that inestimable jewel, opportunity.. Oh, to spend an hour or two together, and to hear scarce a word for Christ, or that speaks people's hearts in love with holiness : Is not this writing a brave, rational, divine discourse ? Fie, lie. Where's our love tc God and souls all this while ? Where's our sense ol the preciousness of time, of the greatness of our account ?• Should we talk thus, if we believed that we should hear of this 'ix&ain at the day of judgment ? And do we not know that we must frive an account of every idle word ? Is this like those that understand the language of Canaan ? Did saints in former times use their tongues to no better purpose ? Would Enoch, David, or Paul have talked thus ! Is this the sweetest communion of saints upon earth ?—~

til

How shall we do to spend eternity m ■speaking the praises of God, if we cannot find matter for an hour's discourse ?

Doth not this speak aloud our hearts to be very empty of grace, and that we have little sense of those spiritual and e-■ternal concerns upon us:?

As the barrenness and empty converse of christians was a sin that he greatly bewailed, so the want of love amongst christians, and their divisions, did cost him many tears and groans ; and he did what he could to heal all the breaches that he could, by his tender, prudent and christian advice and counsel ; and if prayers, tears and intreaties and counsels would prevail and cement differences, they should not long be open. Nay if his letters would signify any thing to make an amicable and christian correspondence, it should not be wanting.—> And because the wounds of division are still bleeding, I shall insert two healing letters of his, which speak what spirit lie was of: Which take as follows.

112 CHAPTER XV.

..Two letters to cement differences, and cause love ainong christians.

T cannot be expected that wounds snould be healed till their cause is removed ; that which moveth me to write to you at present, and put me upon intentions of writing again, is, that I may do my utmost, by mouth and pen, for the removal of that which is the cause of the inward grief and trouble of my soul, aqd I am persuaded of others also, as well as mine, viz. those divisions that I could not but observe to be between yourself and another christian friend. I hope, after ray asking counsel not only of iv y own heart, but of God also ; he hath directed me to that which may be to hjs glory, and the good of your soul ; and not only for the removing grief, but the rejoicings of the hearts of them upon whom former divisions had any effect.

I therefore desire you to entertain these following lines, as the issues of deep affection to your soul, and the honor of religion : And I beseech yon read them, not only as from me, who desire your good with the strength cf my souL

%

but as from God himself, of whose love your good improvement will be a token. That end which I propose to myself, I cannot but persuade myself, you yourself design, commend and desire : which is christian charity, and that.sweet meek gospel spirit, which is so highly and frequently commended by our savior to the practice of his disciples. Oh, thai where there has been any breaches there might be- the nearer union; and that ye might be joined together in the same spirit, might keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

And for this end that you would remove all old hindrances ; watch continually lest you give, and be careful not to take occasion of offence. The necessity, usefulness, sweetness of true spiritual love appears by the word of God's frequent urging of it, by 'the sense of christians, the uncomfortableness and deformity of the contrary. 'Now, that you may in an unmtermitted constancy enjoy peace within and without, and re* joice my soul ; I desire you to join your* own endeavors with the consideration

k

pf those things which I shall now anil

hereafter send to you.

» »

First, consider that it is a christian's duty to go out of himself, to lay down his own ends and interests, and wholly to take upon him God's cause; to do all for God, and to act as under God, to be God's instruments in our souls and bodies wjiich are God's : Thus did God create man for his own Glory, and not that man should seek himself. And when man fell, he fell out of God into himself; out of that divine order and composure of mind in which God had made him, into confusion ; from a love pf God, into a corrupt self-love and self-seeking. Now if we do but descend into our souls^ and observe the actings, intents and contrivances of them, we cannot but observe how confusedly and abominably all work together for the pampering, pleasing and advancing of self We are not to think that if we do not presently discover this in ourselves, that it is not so with us. For in some degree it is in every one, even in the truly regenerate $ as far as they have the relicks of corruption in them

so far the}' have ii; their souls this selfi love. Now this disorder In out?

minds thereby they are taken off frpm their rierht ends, in that very natural cor-roption and depravedness which we re ? ceived from Adam, and it is, and to a spiritual sense, ought to be worse than hell itself; in as much as the cause doth eminently contain all and more evil ihan the effect.

This is the spiritual death, whereby we are dead in sin, the fruit of the first curse, thou shalt die the death. The soul's life in this world, is its beinir in God, and living to God, and enjoyment of God ; and tli£ soul's eternal life will be, so to know God as to be formed jntohis likeness, and to be received into a full participation of, and commun* ion with God. The soul's death here, is its being fallen off from God and its being carried into its self; and its eternal death will be an utter reparation from him.

Now mankind being thus fallen from God, Christ is sent from this very end, to bring man back again to God : And then man is brought unto God, when he

is brought out of that state ®f self-love into that state whereby he gives up himself wholly to God. Thus the soul being quickened by the spirit of God, leaveth off living to its-self, which was its death ; and lives to God, which is its life. Here comes in the great duty of denying ourselves for Christ's sake ; — which indeed were not duty,- if there were nothing: in us contrary to God.

This then is our duty not to seek our own things before the thing's of God : to lay God's glory as the foundation of all our actions, and if there be any thing in us contrary to that, to give it no leave to stand in competition with God.

Now were these deeply rooted in our hearts, how would contention, anger, wrath and heart burning, and all things of this nature cease ? Such influence would be the taking of God's part a-gainst self have into the quiet and peace of men, that it cannot be without it.

We see how wisely God hath ordered things, that the very act of man's being off from God, should be the cause of confusion, war and misery : And what can

more ji&t-amj equal than this, that

h¥7

•i

God who is the author of our beirfc should be the end of our being ? O then that once our minds were again reduced to this frame, to live wholly to God.— O that we were wrought into a thorough prejudice against self which stands between us and true peace ! I beg of you to spare some time from the world, and retire into privacy, where you may apply this to your own soul.

My prayer to God for you out of the strong yearnings of mv soul towards you is, That he would make this effectual to its hilended end, for tjfe inward peace of your soul, for your comfortable walking with God in this life, and that cpn-. dition wherein the wisdom of God hath placed you. I write these lines with ; the strength of affection : I feel fear, {?;rief, compassion, working strong! v.— Oh pity me in the midst of all these, whilst I cannot call to remembrance the cause of these without a flood of tears, fulfil therefore my joy, in being of o. mind : Yea, if there be any consolation in Christ, if anv comfort in love, if anv fellowship in the spirit, if any bowels of mercy ; fulfil ye my joy, and he like-

blinded, having the same love., being of one accord, of one mind, Phil. 2. 1. 2. I leave you to the love and mercy of God, and to the workings of his spirit, which alone is able to put life and power into these words : Which that he would do, is the earnest request and fervent prayer of yours,

John Jane way.

Now upon a faithful perusal of this letter, it pleased the Lord to give a meek and more complying spirit, and in a ^great measure it wrought its intended effect. The noble design of this sweet peace-maker, took so far as to produce an ingenuous acknowledgement, and sorrowful bewailing of the want of that self-denial, humility, meekness and love which doth so much honor to our sacred profession. Upon the hearing of this eood news, how strangely was this s:ood man transported ! Unon the receipt of a letter from the former • friend, Which -gave no small satisfaction and hopes that the former endeavors were not in vain. And that he misht drive the nail.

o

to the head, he speedily backs his former letter, with a second '; which speaks these words.

DEAR FRIEND,

MY soul is enlarged towards you r and my affections work within me ; and yet give me leave now to lay aside those ilames of natural affection, and to kincHe My soul with divine love. Here there is" no fear of running out too far while all is in Christ, and for Christ. Oh that now I could let out the strength of my soul, not as to yourself but as to God ! Oh that my heart were more enlarged, that it may be comprehensive of a more full true christian love t God fc$ altogether loVelv- and to be loved for himself, and we are so far dark, ignorant and blind, as we do not see and account him most amiable. Oh let me have such discoveries of his excellency, that my heart may pant, thirst and break for its earnest longings after the richest' participations of him ; that I may forever be swallowed up of his love ! Oh that I mav love him a thousand times' more than I do ! That I may rejoice in

m

him, and take the sweetest complacency, and delight in him alone ; and that I could let out my affections most, wKere' I see any thing of himself, any beams of the image of his holiness, and that beafeth the impression of his spirit.—•',' Had vou visited me from the dead, could mv affections'have moved more stronp*-ly, or my rejoicings have been greater than they were at the receipt of those lines which I had from you, wherein so much of Christ in you, and the goodness of Christ to me did appear. . Fulfil my joy in the Lord.; refresh my bowels, and let not my rejoicing be in vain. \t it hath pleased the Lord to make the imperfect and weak endeavours of his unworthy servant any way subservient to his own glory in you, it is that which I account myself unworthy of, and desire to receive it from him as a manifestation of the riches of his free goodness to myself ; knowing myself unworthy to be his instrument in the' meanest*service, much more in so great a one as this is. Hoping and persuading myself of the effectual work of my former letter, I am encouraged to write again both beoatrse

cfi in y promisc, and your expectalio: and the weighty nature of the subject that I was then upon, which'was love. True christian love, which is a thing so comely, so beautiful and sweet, and of such weighty power in all actions to make them divine and excellent, that there is no labor Lost in endeavouring to get more of it, even in those in whom it most aboundeih. The apostle, I Thes. iv. 9, 10, though he knew that thev were, taught of God to love one another, and that they did it towards all the brethren, vet even them he beseecheth to abound more and more in that grace of love.— The former principle out of which this love doth ari.se (as 1 informed you in my former It -tter) was the putting off our own interests and putting On" God's. Now I shall proceed in mindin'tr vou of another Christian duty, which is effectual in the knitting us together in a firm operative' love, [\nd that ib this ; that a christian is to walk as one that is a member of Christ Jesus. Into what near and close union are those that are given him by the Father received ! Mow hath the Holy Ghost chosen

L

out all the nearest natural relations to express and shadow out the closeness of that spiritual relation that is between Christ and his ! Christ is our king, and we his people ; he is ou-r master, and we are his servants ; he is our shepherd, and we the sheep of his pasture ; he is our friend, and we his ; he is our husband, and we are .his spouse ; he the vine, we the branches ; he our head, and we are his members ; he is in us, and we in him ; he is our life. This duty will have influence-upon our affections these ways*

First. As Christ b our head, and we are his members, so he hath an absolute' command over us. And where this relation is real, obedience to the commands of Christ is sweet, and without constraint and force : Now this is Christ's command, that we should love one another : By this, salth he, shall all men know vou are hiy disciples*, if vou love one another. Those relations into which Christ receiveth his, sneak and hold forth a willing, cheerful, full submission to the commands of Christ, imd what duty is there in all the gospel which is more frequently and earnestly pressed

than this : A new commandment give I unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you, so love one another. So full is the whole scripture of obligations, both upon conscience and ingenuity to tlBsduty, that the whole stream of it seems to run into this channel of love. But Christ's command is such an obligation, as one that hath any spiritual sense to feel Ihc strength of it, canno* break. It is Christ hath commanded, and shall not we obey ? Shall not the love of Christ constrain us ? Shall we be so unkind to him who hath been so kind to us, as to stand it out with him in so equal a command ? Shall not the sweetness of Christ overcome us, that seeing his love was so great as not to spare his life for us, yea, and suffer more for us I believe than we think he did, nay, I may say, than we can conceive he did ; and that which commends his love to us is, that he should do and suffer so much for us, that of his creatures we were become his enemies ? Why should we not then cheerfully submit to him in this one command, Love one another ? Doth not the very word love carry in it #t the first hearing abundance of allur-

ing violence ? This Is Christ's yoke, and here we may well say, his yoke is easy, and his burden light. What is there in a life of divine love that we need be afraid of ? What is there in this command that is grievous ? How can this voke be uneasy? What reason to be loth to take it on ? But such is the base degeneracy and unreasonableness of corrupted natures that when any thins: comes in competition with self-love, then all bonds must be broken, all yokes must be cast off, and nothing will then keep r.s in, but we must and will take our own part, though never so bad : And our own part in the heart of passion must seem best, thcugli it be ccnticry to infinite righteousness, which is God biraself* O that we could once learn to lay aside this natural prejudice which we ha ve aga inst ivhatsoe ver dpth th wart our humors, though it be never so just, holy and rational. O that we could look more narrowly, and search more exactly into ourselves, with a spiritual eye, and then we could not but see t.bat whicli would make us loath ourselves, and to become abominable ill our own eves.

'

end rather take any part than -gut p\vi\ we should see so much deceitfulness in ourselves, as that we should think out-case bad, though it seemed never so

7 o

good to our natural self, till we apply it tG the rule. Rule, nature would have none but itself ; and though in our better composure of mind, we may receive some other rule ; yet in our passions we cannot spare time to go to any other rule ; but we take that which is next to hand, and self will be sure to be that. But we must, if we will be true christians, learn to diny self, and wholly to submit ourselves to the command of Christ, as our only rule. O let the power of Christ's Invc and command make iis obedient to this command of love !

SccowUy. If we are to walk as members of Christ, who is our head, this hath influence upon our affections to oblige us to love one another, as from the command which the head hath over the members, so, from the conformity that is to be in the members to the head. The head and the members are not of two several natures ; but the same na*

,\me passeth from the head thro' ail the members : Now, if we he fc grafted into Christ, we must become of the same nature with him: Let us be followers of Christ as dear children, and walk in love, p Christ also hath loved us, Paul bids us to be followers of himself, as he was follower of Christ ; Christ then is to be our great pattern : l]f commands us to learn of him, for he was meek. 1 or us to think to attain unto a perfect conformity to him, is in vain ; but as much as pur natures are capable of, wc are to strive for it. .Christ's love to us, hath breadth, and length, and depth, and heigjtfi which passeth Knowledge* Greater ioyc hath no man than this, that a man should lav down his life for his friend, but herein Christ commended his love to us, in that while we were enemies, Christ died for us. Behold what manner of [eye is this, that Christ hath bestowed on us ! Hereby perceive we the love of Goel (that is Christ) because he laid down his life for us, 1 John, iii. 16. His inference is there the same as mine, and that in a higher degree ; we ought to Jay down our Jives for the brethren. If

UTe, then sin ; then passion and wrath ; then a base, proud, self-pleasing and contradicting humour. Do we see any loveliness or beauty in Christ Jesus ? Is there no excellency in his sweetness, pity and patience "? Is not his loving-kindness amiable ? And would not something like this in us be desirable ? Had he more reason to love us than we have to love pne another ? O let our scuis be overcome wkh the thoughts: of .this love of Christ : Let our hearts be kindled anc| blown up into a flame of -love by it. O when shall this dear, precious, pure, eternal love of his overpower our souls ? When shall it have its proper effect upon us, to make .us to .desire earnestly to be like our beloved ! When shall we put on his beauty ! Q how lovely should we then look ! Let us put off that deformity that is upon our souls, which makes us so unlike to Christ ; yea, which makes us loathsome in his eye. Pride, passion, worldiiness, are those soul deformities which keep Christ at such a distance from us, and which hinder his more sweet, frequent and intimate converse with us

«2S

It is only that Oi himself which Christ seeth in us which he delighteth in. For in him is the perfection of all beauty and exceliencv ; :,nd whatsoever loveliness is in any thing eise, comes from him, is like him, and leads to him. Would we know how much we are beloved of him, let us see how much we are like him ; for he c-mnot bill Jove that which is like Him* self, and if we would be like him, we must put on love, for God is love, and he that dwelieth in love dwelieth in God, and God in Jiira, 1 John iv. 16.

Thirdly. ]f we one I it to walk towards one ano her as members of the same bor jjv, whereof Christ is the head, v. hat can speak a oser tin ion trjan comniembeiv ship ? >■ man ever yet hated his own flesh, but -urisheth and cherishcth it. But we do i. ■ feel the power of.this oneness as we oi Jit to do. We are many, and where the, is division, there will be dissention : That we may therefore be more one, 'et us be more in putting of! purself, and racing into Christ. * Here 'let us look into the loathsomeness of our natures, whilst off frcrn God, which is £he cause of all this confusion, and if we

tinpt sec its -deformity in itself, let us see it in reflection on its bitter effects ; and when we see our own deformity, for we shall see less cause to love ourselves, and more cause to love others, than Christ had to love us. Let us look upon our oneness in Christ, and see if we can thence become one in affections. Christ saith, I, and the children which thou hast given me ,* we have one spiritual Father, we are brethren, let us love as brethren. The cause of this union is our being made partakers of Christ's nature, and being baptized into the same spirit with him : And if we have at any time experienced the more lively and full incomes of this spirit of Christ, how did it set the heart on fire ! The soul is then too narrow to contain its own affections, how dearly then could we look upon a saint ! How did pride and wrath vanish, and melt down into meekness, humility and iove ! Did we never experience what this meaneth ! Then let the remem-brance of the sweetness of it renew it in us. O, a life of spiritual love is a life indeed, a heaven upon earth ! This is a good rule ; when we lind ourselves in a

m

-spiritual temper, let us .examine ourselves then, and enquire how we like such a frame: Let us remember the voice of the spirit in us, and labour to have out; judgment and .affections always alter, so balanced.

Fourthly. Are we members of Christ, we do not say, we do not love Christ. If we do indeed love Christ, let us love him wherever we lind him. Christ is in all those that are his. Let us fear offending Christ in his, for what is done to them, he will take as done to himself. It will be said in that great day, inasmuch as ye did it unto these, ye did it -unto me. Let us think what we will of it at present, the world will find this true to their cost. And if we act as in Christ, we shall find ourselves as much concerned \cv him, as for ourselves, and more too. O tire wrongs thai are done to hum, we shall reckon dorse to us. If we are •Christ's, Christ's interest will be ours, and his injuries ours. If wd are Christ's, we will be as fearful of offending of any of his, as of wronging ourselves. Christ 1 imsclfxs above the reach of our wrongs, *o be touched bv them in himself; but

i"\ his members he suffers to this very cL v. If then Christ and we are one, and Christ and all his are one ; let us love Christ in his. let us rejoice in Christ in his members, let ns endeavor to requite Christ m his members :- Let us fear grieving: the spirit of Christ, in grieving: the spirits of any of his dear ones. Wound not Christ in wounding* the heart of his beloved. O (he preciousness, pleasure? and profit of this love ; I beg of God to give you a full enjoyment of that sweetness and the joyful fruits of it, the Lord refresh you with a quick and constant liense and sight of his eternal love towards your soul ; to which the assurance of true christian love by the effectual work of the comforter may brine: vou. Bv this we know that we are passed 1 from death to life, because we love the brethren, 3t it shall please the Lord to give me leave to see vou again, I shall come with strong expectations, and earnest desires of seeing a sweet alteration for the better in you in your deportment and carriage touvirds one that did deserve better at your hands:. And what an effect hope of this nature frustrated, will produce, I beseech yc,

to judge. I pray God to fill you with" peace and joy. My hand is weary with writing, but my mind still runs forth in desires and prayers for you. I hope the Eord will take away all cause of writing any more of this subject unto you. Your letter save my hopes a <*ocd beginning : I beseech the Lord to carry on what he hath begun to the glory of his goodness, that I may at every sight of you, see more of the image of Christ in you, and more of the power and beauty of this grace of love, and that I mav find voir drawn nearer to heaven, and see von with Christ in heaven when time shall be no more. I leave you in the arms of

love. Jo K N J A X £ W AY.

BY all this van may easilv perceive'"' what spirit acred him, and how much h was troubled for any divisions amongst the people of God. Indeed he was of so loving and lovely a disposition, that he even commanded the affections of most that knew him ; and so humble he was, that he was ashamed to be lov< ' v his own sake.

I can never forget a strange expression that I have heard from him, concerning one that had a very ardent love for him. I know this, saith he, that I love no love but what is purely for Christ's sake, would Christ might have all the love, he' alone deserves it :■ For my part, I am afraid and ashamed of the love and respects of Christians. He saw so much pride, peevishness and division amongst professors, that it did not a little vex his righteous soul, and made him think long to be in a sweeter air, where there should be nothing but union, joy and love. He could not endure to hear christians speak reproachfully one of another, because they were of different judgments and persuasions. There where he saw most holiness, humility and love, there he let out ; most of his affections. And he was of that holy man's mind, that it wore pity that the very name of division were not buried, and that the time would come that we might all dearly pay for our un-brotherlv, nav unchristian animosities.

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CHAPTER XVI.

An account of the latter fiart of his life.

FOR the latter part of his life, he lived like a man that was quite weary of the world, and that looked upon himself as a stranger here, and that lived in the constant sight of a better world. He plainly declared himself but a pilgrim that looked for a better country, a city

4 ' •

that had foundations,, whose builder and maker was God. His habit, his language, his deportment, all spoke him one of another world. His meditations were so intense, long and frequent, that they ripened him apace for heaven, but somewhat weakened his body. Few christians attain to such a holy contempt of the world, r:id to such clear, believing, joyful, constant apprehensions of the transcendent glories of the unseen world.

He made it his whole business to keep up sensible communion with God, and to grow into a humble familiarity with God, and to maintain it. And if by fea-son of company or any necessary diversions, this was in any measure interrupted, he would complain like one out of his element, till his spirit was recovered

into a delightful more unmixed free intercourse with God. I]c was never so well satisfied, as when he was more immediately engaged in what brought him nearer to God ; and by this he enjoyed those comforts frequently, which other christians rarely meet with. Lis graces and experiences towards his end grew to astonishment. His faith got up to a full assurance ; his desires into a kind of en-joyment and delight. He was oft brought into the banqueting house, and there Christ's banner over him was love ; and he sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was pleasant unto his taste. His eyes beheld the King in his beauty, and while he sat at his table, his spikenard did send forth its pleasant smell; He had frequent visions of glo.-rv, and this John lav in the bosom of his master, and was sure a very beloved disciple, and highly favored. His Lord oft called him up to the mount to him, and let him see his excellent glory. O the sweet foretastes that he had of those * Measures that are at the ri^ht hand of God. Mow oft was he feasted with the fc&at of fat things, those wipes en the lees

■

well refined ; and sometimes he was like a giant refreshed with new wine, rejoicing to run the race that was set before him, whether of doing or of suffering. He was even sick of love, and he could say to the poor unexperienced world, G taste and see ! And to christians, come and I will tell you what God hath done for my soul. G what do christians mean that they do no more to get their senses spiritually exercised ? G why do they not make religion the very business of their lives ? O whv is the soul, Christ and srlo-ry so much despised ? Is there nothing in communion with God ? Are all those comforts of christians that follow hard after him worth nothing ? Is it not worth the while to make one's calling and election sure ? G why do men and women jest and dally in the great matters of eternity ? Little do people think what they slight, when the}' are seldom and formal in secret duties, and when ,they neglect that great duty of meditation, which I have through rich merer found so sweet and refreshing : G what do christians mean, that they keep at such a distance from a Christ ? Did thev but

know the thousandth part of that sweetness that is in him, they could not choose but follow him hard ; they would run and not he weary, and walk and not faint.

He could sensibly and experimentally commend the ways of God to the poor unexperienced world, and say, his ways are pleasantness ; andjustiiy wisdom, and say, her paths are peace. He could take off those aspersions, which the devil, and the atheistical frantic sots do cast upon Godliness in the power of it. Here is one that could challenge all die atheists in the world to dispute ; here is one could bring sensi* b!e demonstrations to prove a deity, and the reality and excellency of invisibles ; which these ignorant fools and mad men make the subject of their scorn : Here is one that would not change delights with the greatest epicures living, and vie pleasure with all the sensual rich gallants of the world. Which of them all could in the midst of their jollity say, This is the pleasure that shall last forever ? Which of them can say among their cups and whores, I can now look death in the face ; and, this very moment I can b©

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content, yea glad, to leave these delights, as knowing I shall enjoy better, And this he could do, when he fared deliciously in spiritual banquets every day : He could upon better reason than he did say, Soul, thou hast goods laid up for many years : He knew full well, that what he did here enjoy, was but a little to what he should have shortly. In his presence there is fullness of joy ; at his right hand there are pleasures ibrevermore. Where is the Belshazzar that would not quake in the midst of his cups, whilst he is quailing and carousing in bowls of the richest wine, if he should see a hand upon the wall writing bitter things against him, telling him that his joys are at an end, and that this night his soul must be required of him, that now he must come away, and give an account of all his ungodly pleasures before the mighty God"? Where is the sinner that cpuld be content to hear the Lord roaring out of Zion, whilst he is roaring in the tavern ? Which of them would be glad to hear the trumpet sound, and to hear that voice, Arise ye dead and come to judgment ? Which of

them would rejoice to see the mountains quaking, the elements melting with fcr-vent heat, and the earth consumed with flames ; and the Lord Christ whom they despised, coming in the clouds with millions of his saints ancj angels, to be avenged upon those that .knew not God, and obeyed not his gospel. Is not that a blessed state, when a man can lift up his head with joy, when others tremble with fear and sink with sorrow ! And these was the condition of this holy young man. In The midst of all worldly com-fdrts he longed for death ; and the thought of the day of judgment made all his enjoyments sweeter. O how did he long for the coming of Christ I Whilst some have been discoursing by him of that great and terrible day of the Lord, he would smile, and humbly express his delight in the forethought of that approaching hour.

I remember once there was a creat talk, that one had foretold that doomsday should be upon such a day ; altho' he blamed their daring folly, that would pretend to know that which was hid from the Angels themselves, and thitt

p

the devil could not acquaint them with , yet granting their suspicion to he true, what then, said he ? What if the clay of judgment were come, as it will most certainly come shortly ? If I were sure the day of judgment were to begin within an hour, I should be glad with all my heart. If at this very instant I should hear thunderings, and see such lightnings as Israel did at Mount Sinai, I am persuaded my very heart would leap for joy. But this I am confident of, thro' infinite mercy, that the very meditation of that day hath even ravished my soul, and the thought of the certainty and nearness of it is more refreshing to me than the comforts of the whole world. SureJv nothing can more re-vive my spirits than to behold the blessed Jesus, the joy, life and beauty of my Soul. Would it not more rejoice me, than Joseph's waggons did old Ja^ cob ? I lately dreamed that the day of judgment was come : Methought I heard terrible cracks of thunder, and saw dreadful lightnings ; the foundations of the earth did shake, and the heavens were roiled together as a garment ^

yea, all things visible were in a flame ; methought I saw the graves opened, and the earth and sea giving up their dead.; methought I saw millions of angels, and Christ comins: in the clouds. Me-thought I beheld the antient of days sit-ting upon his throne, and all other thrones cast down : Methought I beheld him whose garments were white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool : His throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire ; a fiery stream issued and came forth from him ; thousands of ten thousands ministered unto him ; and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him ; and the judgment was set, and the books were opened. O but with what an ecstacy q£ joy was I surprised ! Methought it was the most heart raising sight that ever my eyes beheld : and then I cried out, I have waited for thy salvation O God ; md so I mounted into the air, to meet 2iy Lord in the clouds.,

This I record, only to shew how far

he was from being daunted at the tho'ts

)f death or judgment : And to let other

ristianskiiQW what is attainable in this

A. TT,

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Jife ; and what folly it is for us to take up with so little, when our Lord is pleased to make such noble provisions for us, and by a wise and diligent improvement of those means which God hath offered us, we may have an entrance administered to us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Oh how comfortable, how honorable, and how profitable is this state ! These are your men that quit themselves like christians. This is true gallantry, noble manhood, real valor ! This was the condition of Mr. Janeway for about three years before he died ; I will not deny but that he had some clouds ; but he u-sually walked in a sweet, even, humble serenity of spirit, and his refreshing joys were more considerable than his des-pondings ; and though he daily questioned many actions, yet did not question his state, but had his heart fixed upon that rock that never winds nor waves could shake. His senses were still so spiritually exercised, as that he could look up to heaven as his. country

HZ

and inheritance, and to God as his father* and to Christ as his redeemer ; and (that which is scarce to be heard of) he counted it the highest act of patience to be willing to live, and a very great pitch of seif-denial to be contented to be in this world, and to dwell on this side a full and eternal enjoyment of that royal, glorious One, \i horn his soul was so much in love with. In a word, he had the most earnest desires to be dissolved and to be with Christ, that J ever saw, read or heard of since the apostles' times,

CHAPTER' XVII.

His last sickness and death,

AND now the time draws nigh, where^ in his longings shall be satisfied ; he is called to his last work ; and truly, his deportment in it was honorable-; his carriage so eminently gracious, so meek, patient, fruitful, joyful, and thankful, that it made all his friends stand and wonder, as being abundantly above their experience and reading ; and those christians that saw him, could not but ad-

Hi

mire God in him, and look upon hi in as one of the most singular instances of rich prace, and even bless God that their eves ever saw, or their cat's ever heard such things ;, and had such a sensible demonstration of the reality of invisibles.

He falls into a decfi consutn/ilion.

HIS body is now shaken again, and he falls into a deep consumption ; but, this messenger of God did not in the least damp him. Spitting of blood was nc ghastly thing to one diat had his eye upon the blood of Jesus ; faint sweats did not daunt him that had alwavs such revi-ving cordials at hand. It's matter of joy to him that he was now in some hopes of having his earnest desires satisfied.

After he had been awhile sick, a sudden dimness seized upon his eyes ; by and by his sight failed ; and there was such a visible alteration in him, that he and others iudsred these thinss to be the symptoms of death approaching. But when he was thus taken, he was not in the least surprized ; but was lifted up with joy to think what a life he was going to, looking upon deafh itself as one

of his maker's servants, and his friend that was sent as a messenger to conduct him safely to his glorious palace.

When he felt Ins body ready to faint he-called to his mother and said, dear mother I am dying, but I beseech you be not troubled;* for 1 am thro' mercy, quite above the fears of death, it's" no great matter. I have nothing which troubles' me but the apprehensions of your grief, ] am p*oin<? to Him whom' I love above lite. . •.

But it pleased the Lord to raise him' again a little out of his fainting lit, for fits master had yet more work for him to do before he mutt receive his "wages.— Altho' his outward man decayed apace, yet he is renewed in the inward man day Dv dav : His graces were never more ac~* tive, and his experiences were never greater. When one would have thought he should have been taken tip!, with his distemper, and that it had been enough for him tc grapple with his pains, then he quite forgets his weakness j raid is : so swallowed up of the life to come, that lie Had scarce leisure to think dfhis sickness*

For several-weeks together, I never Beard the least word that savored of any complaint or weariness under the hand of God, except his eager desire to be with Christ be counted complaining, and his hast* to be in heaven be called impatience. Now is the time when one midit have seen heaven and the glory of another world realized to sense. His faith grew exceedingly, and his love was proportionable, and his joys Were e-qual to both.

Oh the rare attainments ! The iuVh and divine expressions that dropped from his mouth !•' I have not words to express what a strange triumphant angelical frame he was in for some considerable time together. It was a very heaven upon earth to see and hear a mail admiring God at such a rate as I never heard any^ nor expect to hear nor see more, till I come to heaven. Those that did not see cannot well conceive what a swe«t frame he was in for at least ? ix weeks before he died. His soul w T as almost filled with those joys unspeakable and full of jHorv. How oft would fee cry out. Oh, that I could but let ypu

"^47

know what I now feel ! Oh, that I could shew.you what I see! Oh, that I could express the thousandth part of that sweetness I now find in Christ! You would Ml then think it well worth the while to make it your, business to be rehVious>»-Oh, my dear friends, we little think what a Christ is worth upon a death-bed. I would not for a world, nay for millions of worlds, be now without a Christ and a pardon. I would not for a world be to live any longer ; the very thoughts of 4 possibility of recovery, makes me even tremble.

When one came to visit him, and told him, that he hoped it might please God to raise him again, and that he had seen manv a weaker man restored to health, and that lived many a good year after: And t do you think to please me '(said he) by such discourse as this ?-r-No, my friend, you are much mistaken in me, if you think that the thoughts of life, and health, and the world, are pleasing to me. The world hath quite lost its excellency in my judgment. Oh how poor and contemptible a thing is it in c 11 its glory, compared with the glory

pf that invisible world, which I now live in the sight of! and as for life, Christ is jny life, health and strength; and I know I shall have another kind of life when I leave this. I tell you it would incomparably more please me if you should «ay to me [you are no man of this world, you cannot possibly hold out long i before to-morrow you will be in eternity.] I tell you I do so long to be with Christ that 1 could be contented to be cut to pieces, and to be put to the most exquisite torments, so I might die and be with Christ. Oh, how sweet is Jesus! Come Lord Jesus, come quickly. Death do thy worst! Death hath lost its terri-bleness. Death, it is nothing. I say, death is nothing (through grace) to .me. I can as easily die as shut my eyes, or turn my head and sleep : I long to be with Christ; I long to die; that was still his note.

His mother and brethren standing by him, he said, dear mother, I beseech you earnestly as ever I desired any thing of you in my life, that you would cheerfully give me up to Christ; I beseech you, do not hinder me now I am going

to rest and glory. I am afraid of your prayers, lest they pull one way and mine another.

And then turning to his brethren, he-spake thus unto them: I charge you ail do not pray for my life any more ; you do wrong me if you do.. Oh that glory, the unspeakable glory that I behold.—■ My heart is full, my heart is full. Christ smiles and I cannot but choose to smile ■; Can you find in your heart to stop me .who are now going to the complete and eternal enjoyment of Christ ? Would you keep me from my crown ? The arms of my blessed savior are open to embrace me ; the angels s-tand *;eady to carry my soul into his bosom. Oh did you but see what I see, you would all cry out vwith me, IJow long, dear Lord ; Come Lord Jesus, come quickly I Oh, why are his chariot wheels so slow a coming.

And all this while he lay like a triumphing conqueror, smiling ancl rejoi-cing in spirit.

There was never a day towards his end but (weak as he was) he did some special piece of service in, for his <rreat

n

master. Yea, almost every hour did produce fresh wpnderSo

A reverend, judicious, and holy minister came often to visit him, and discoursed with him upon the excellency of Christ, and the glory of the invisible world. Sir, said he, I feel something of it; my heart is as full as it can hold in this lowar state ; I can hold no more here. ,Oh that I could but let vou know what I

feel!

►

This holy minister praying with him,

his soul was ravished with the abundant

incomes of light, life and love; so thnt

he could scarce bear it, aor the thought

of staying any longer in the world, but

longed to be in such a condition wherein

he should have yet more grace and more

comfort, and be better able to bear that

weight of glory ; some manifestations

whereof did even almost sink his weak

body, and had he not been sustained by

a great power, his very joys would have

overwhelmed him ; and whilst he was in

these extacies of iov and love, he was

wonttocrv out:

m

Who am I Lord, who am I, that thou shouldst be mindful of me ! Why me,

J J

Lord, why me, and pass by thousands ;md look upon such a vi retch as me.— Oh, what shall I say unto thee, Oh thou preserver of men ? Oh, why me Lord, Why .me ? O blessed be free craec ! — How is it, Lord, that thou shouldst manifest thyself unto me, and not unto others, even so, Father, because it seem-eth good in thy eyes, thou wilt have mercy because thou wilt have mercy.— And if then wilt look upon such a worm# who can hinder ! Whd would not love thee ! Oh blessed Father ! Oh how i-.reet and gracious hast thou been unto me I Oh that he should have me in his thoughts of love before the foundations .of the world.

And thus he went on, admiring and adoring of God, in a more high and heavenly manner, than I can clothe with words. Suppose what you can on this side heaven ; and I am persuaded you might have seen it in him. Fie was wonderfully taken with the goodness of God to him in sending that aged experienced minister to help him in his last great work upon earth, Who am I, said he ; that God should send to me a messen-

ger one among a thousand, (meaning that minister who had been praying with him with tears of joy.)

Though he was towards his end most commonly in a triumphant joyful frame ; yea, sometimes even then he ;had some small intermissions in which he would cry out, Hold out faith and patience ;— yet a little while, and your work is done. And when he found not his heart wound ^lp to the highest pitch of thankfulness, admiration and love ; he would with great sorrow bemoan himself, and cry out in this language :

And what's the matter now, Oh mv soul, what wilt thou, canst thou thus uiir worthily slight this admirable and aston-ishino: condescension of God to thee ?— Seems it a small matter, that the great Jehovah should deal thus familiarly with his worm ; and wilt thou pass this over as a common mercy ? What meanest thou, O my soul, that thou dost not constantly ador§*^ind praise this rare, strong and unspeakable love! Is it true, Oh my soul, doth God deal familiarly with man, and are his humble zealous, humble constant love, praise and service

too Kood for God ? Whv art thou not Oil my soul, swallowed up every moment with this free, unparalleled, everlasting love.

And then he breaks out again in a-

pother -triumphant ecstasy of praise and

joy ; and expressed a Jittje of that which

■'-as unexpressible in some such words

as these :

Stand astonished ye heavens, and won-der O ye angels, at this infinite grace f ■Was ever any under heaven more beholden to free grace than I ? Doth God use to do thus with his creatures ? Admire him forever and ever, O ye redeemed ones! O those joys, the taste of which I have ! The everlasting joys which are at Ins richt hand for evermore ! Eternity, eternity itself is too short to praise God in. O bless the ,Lord with me, come let us shout for iov, and boast in the God of our salvation. O help me to praise the Lord, for his mercy endureth forever.

One of his brethren (that had formerly been wrought upon by his holy exhortations and example) praying with him, (as he apprehended) near his disso-

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134

Jution^ desired that the Lord would be pleased to continue those astonishing and soul supporting comforts to the last moment of his breath, and that he might go .from one heaven to another, from grace and joy imperfect, to perfect grace and glory ; and when his work was tdone here,, give him, if it were his will, the most easy and triumphant passage to rest; and that he might have an abundant entrance administered into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and saviour Jesus.Christ.

At the end of the duty, he burst out jnto a wonderful passion of joy. (Sure that was joy unspeakable and full of glory !) Oh what an amen.did he speak, a-men, amen, amen, Hallelujah.

It would have made any Christian's heart to leap, to have seen and heard, what some saw and heard at that time; and I question not, but that it will somewhat affect them to hear and read it ; — though it be scarce possible to speak the half of what was admirable ,in him ; for it being so much beyond precedent, it did even astonish and amaze those of us that were about him, that qui" relation

nust fall hugely short of wnat was reaL

I verily believe that it exceeds the' highest rhetoric, to set out to the life -/hat this heavenly creature did then deliver. I say again, I want words to speak, fnd so did he ; for he saw things unut-erable : But yet, so much he spake as ustly drew the admiration of all that saw* 'rim ; and I heard an old experienced chris-' tan and minister say it again and again, hat he never saw', nv? read, nor heard he like. Neither could we ever expect' to see the glories of heaven more demonstrated to sense in this world. He talked fe if he had been in the third Heavens, md broke out in such words as these :

O, he is come f he is come t O how ;weet ! how glorious is the blessed Jesus ! how shall Ido to speak the thou-andth part of his praises 1 O for words, o set out a little of that excellency ! 3ut it is unexpressible ! O how' excel--, ent, glorious and lovely is the precious esus ! he is sweet, he is altogether lovely ! and now I am sick of love, he hath •nvished my soul with his beauty ! I ;hall die sick of love !

O mv friends, stand by and wonder

o^iht look open a dying rilanf and wonder ; I cannot myself but stand and won-der I Was there ever greater kindness, was thare ever sensibler manifestations of rich grace ! O, why rhe, Lord, why me ! Sure this is akin to heaven, and i? I were never to eniov any more than this, it were well worth all the torments that men and devils could invent, to come through even a hell to such transcendent joys as these. If this be dyhig, dying is sweet : Let no true christians ever be afraid of dying. O death is sweet to me. This bed is soft. Christ*s arms and kiss-. es, his smiles and visits, sure they would turn hell into heaven. O that you did but see and feel what I do ! Come and behold a dying man more cheerful than you ever saw any healthful man in the midst of his sweetest enjoyments,' O sirs, worldly pleasures arc pitiful, poor, sorry things, compared With one glimpse of this glory which shines so strongly into my soul ! O why should any of you be so sad, when 1 am so glad : This,-this is the hour that I have waited for.

About eight and forty hours before his ith, liis eves were dim, and his sight

much failed; his jaws shook and trembled, and his feet were cold, and all the symptoms of death were upon him, and his extreme parts were already almost dead and senseless, and yet, even then his joys were (if possible) greater still: He had so many iits cf joy unspeakable, that he seemed to be 111 one coiitin ued act of seraphic love and praise. He spake like one that was just entering into the gates of the N'ew-Jerusa-lem : Trie greatest part of him was now in heaven ; not a word dront from his mouth but it breathed Christ and heayen. O what encouragements did he give to them which did stand by, to follow hard after God, and to follow Christ in an humble, believing, zealous course of life, and ad-ding, one degree of grace to another, and using all diligence to make their calling and election sure ; and that then, they also should find, that they should have a glorious passage into a blessed eternity.

But most of his work was praise, an hundred times admiring of the bottom-less love of God to him. O, why me, Lord, why me ! And then he would give instructions to them that came to see him*

O

«6

He was scarce ever silent, because the love of Christ and sduls did constrain him. There was so much work done for Christ in his last hours, that 1 am ready to think, he did as much in an Hour as manv do in a vear.

Every particular person had a faithful affectionate warning. And that good minister that was so much with him, us-c*d this as an argument to persuade him to be willing to live a little longer, and to be patient to tarry God's leisure ; sure God ftatb something for thee to do that is yet undone ; some word of exhortation to some poor soul, that you have forgot. The truth of it is, he was filled with trie love of Christ, that lie could scarce bear absence from him a moment. He knew lie should be capable of bearing greater glory above than he could here. It was the judgment 01 some that were with him, that his heart was not only ha-bituallr, but actually set on God all the day long, and nothing of human frailty that could be thought a sin, did appear for some time, except it were his compassionate desire to die, and difficulty to bring himself to be willing to stav below heaven.

lie was wont every evening to take his leave, of his friends, hoping not to see them till the morning of the resurrection ; and he desired that they would be sure to make sure a comfortable meeting at our Father's house in that other world.

I cannot relate the twentieth part of that which deserved to be written in letters of eold. And one that was none of the weakest, said, that he did verily believe, that if we had been exact, in our taking his sentences, and observing his daily experiences, he could not imagine a book could be published of greater use to the world, next the bible itself.

One rare passage I cannot omit, which ; was this, .that when ministers or christians came to see him, he would beg of them, to spend all the time that they had with him in praise. O help me to praise God, I have now nothing else to do from .this time to eternity, but to praise and Jove God. I have what my soul desires upon earth ; I cannot tell what to pray for but what I have graciously given in. The wants that are capable of supplying in this world are supplied. I want but one thing, and that is, a speedy lift to

heaven. I expect no more here, I can't desire more, I can't bear more. O praise, praise, praise that infinite boundless love-that hath, to a wonder, looked upon rny soul, and done more for me than thousands of his dear children, O bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. O help me, help me, O my friends, to praise and admire him that hath done such astonishing wonders for my soul ; he hath pardoned all my sins, he hath filled me with goodness, he hath given' m© grace and S'lory, and no crood thinsr hath he with-held from me.

Come help me with praises, all is too

little. Come help me, O ye glorious and mighty angels, who arc 5,0 well skilled in this heavenly work of praise. Praise him all ye creature's upon the earth, let every thing that hath being, help to praise him. Hallelujah, hallelujah', hallelujah : Praise is now mv work, and I shall be cpsrageG in that sweet employment for-ever. Bring the bible, turn to David's psalms, and let us sing a psalm of praise : Come let us lift up our voice in the praise of the most hi'eh ; L with vou as long

mv breath doth last, and when I have none, I shall do it better.

And then turning to some of his friends that were weeping, he desired to rejoice rather than to weep upon his account. Jt may justly seem a wonder how he could speak so much as he did, when he Was so weak ; but the joy of the Lord did strengthen him.

In his sickness, the scriptures that he took much delight in were the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth of John. The fiitv-fourth of Isaiah was very refreshing also to him .; he 'would repeat that word (with everlasting mercies will I gather thee) with abundance /pf joy.

He commended the study of the promises to believers, and desired that thev would be sure to make s^ood their claim to them, and they nwht come to the wells of consolation and drink thereof their fill.

According to his desire, most of the time that was spent with him, was spent in praise ; and he would still be calling out, more praise still. O help me, to

o

ml

praise him : I have now nothing else to do ; I have done with prayer and all other ordinances ; I have almost done conversing with mortals. I shall presently be beholding Christ himself, that died for me, and loved me and washed me in, his blood.

I shall before a few hours are over, be in eternity, singing the song of Moses,, and the song of the lamb. I shall presently stand upon Mount Zion, with au innumerable company of angels, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant. I shall hear the voice of much people, and be one amongst them, which shall say, hallelujah, salvation, glory,honor and power unto the Lord cur God ; and again, we shall say hallelujah. And yet a very litt|e while, and I shall sing unto, the Lamb a soil? of praise\ savin*% won-thy art thou to receive praise who wert Main, and hast redeemed us to God L thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, and hast made us unto God, kings and priests, shall reign with thee forever and

ever

*C3

Methinks I stand, as it were, with one foot in heaven^ and the other upon earth ; methinks I hear the melody of heaven ; and by faith, I see the angels waiting to carrv rnv soul to the bosom of Jesus, and I shall be forever with the Lord in glory. And who can choose but rejoice in all this.

In several times he spake this language, and repeated many of these words often, over and over again, with far greater affection than can be well worded.— And I solemnly profess, that what is here written is no hyperbole, and that the twentieth part of what was observable in him, is not recorded ; and though we cannot word it exactly as he did, yet i>ii have the substance, and many things in his own words, with little or no variation, f

The day before his death, he looked somewhat earnestly upon his brother James, who stood by him very sad ; of whom he judged that he was putting up some ejaculations to God upon his account : I thank thee dear brother, for thy love, said he, thou art now praying for me, and I know that thou lovest me

dearlv : But Christ lovcst me tzn thou-sand times more than thou dost : corne and kiss me, dear brother* before I die : And so with his cold dying lips he kissed luiri, and said, I shall go before, and I hope thou shait follow after to glory.

Though he was almost always praising God, and exhorting: them that were about him to mind their everlasting con-eerns, and secure an interest in Christ: and though he slept but very little for some nights ; yet he was not in the least impaired in his intellectuals, but his actions were all decent, arid becoming a man, and his discourse to a spiritual i;n r derstanding, highly rational, solid anjl divine. And so he continued to the last ir/mute of his breath.

A few hours before his death he called all his relations and brc ^:en together, that he might give them one solemn Warning more, and bless them, and pray for them, as his breath and strength would give him leave : Which he did with abundance of authority, affection and spirituality : Which take briefry as it follows.

First. He thanked his dear mother.for her tender love to him, and desired that she might be in travail to see Christ formed in the souls of the rest of her children, and see of the travail of her soul, and meet them with joy in that great day.

Then, he charged all his brethren and sisters in general, as they would answer it before God, that they should carry it dutiful to their mother. As for his eldest brother, William, (at whose house he lay sick) his prayer was, that he might be swallowed up of Christ, and love to souls ; and be more and more exemplary in his life, and successful in his ministry, and finish his course with

His next brother's name was Andrew, a citizen of London, who was with him in this triumphing state ; but (his necessary business calling him away) he could not then be by ; yet he was not forgot, but he was thus blessed : The God of heaven remember my poor brother al London : The Lord make him truly rich in giving him the pearl of great price, and making him a fellow-citizen

with the saints, and of the household of God ; the Lord deliver him from the sins of that city, may the world be kept out of his heart, and Christ dwell there-Oh that he may be as his name is, a strong man, and that I may meet him with joy.

Then he called his next brother, whose name was James {whom he hoped God had made him a spiritual father to) to whom he thus addressed himself: Brother James, I hope the Lord hath given thee a goodly heritage, the lines are fallen to thee in pleasant places ; the Lord is thy portion." I hope the Lord hath shewed thee the worth of a Christ. Hold on dear brother ; Christ, heaven and glory are worth striving for ; the Lord give thee more abundance of his gn.ee.

Then his next brother, Abraham, was called, to whom he spake to this purpose : The blessing of the God of Abraham rest upon thee, the Lord make thee a father of many spiritual children.

His fifth brother was Joseph, whom he blessed in this manner: Let him bless thee, O Joseph, that blessed him that xvas separated from his brethren. O

■

lev

thai his everlasting arms may take hold on thee ! It is enough, if yet thou may-' est live in his sight. My heart hath been working towards thee, poor Joseph, and I am not without hopes, that the arms of the Almighty will embrace thee. The God of thv Father bless thee with the blessing of heaven above.

The next was his sister Mary, to whom he spoke thus, poor sister Mary, thv bodv is weak, and thv davs will be filled with bitterness ; thv name is Ma-rail, the Lord sweeten all with his grace and peace, and give thee health in thy soul. Be p&tient, make sure of Christ, and all is well.

Then his other sister, whose name was Sarah, was called ; whom he thus blessed, sister Sarah, thy body is strong and healthful ; Oh that thy soul may be so too ! The Lord make thee first a wise virgin, then a mother in Israel ; a pattern of modesty, humilky and'ho-l'uess.

Then another brother, Jacob, was called, whom he blessed after this manner ; the Lord make thee an Israelite indeed, m whom there is no guile ! Oh that the--

may est learn to wrestle with God, and like a prince mayest prevail ; and not go without the blessing.

Then he prayed for his youngest brother Benjamin, who was then but an infant*; poor little Benjamin, Oh that the father of the fatherless would take care of the poor child, that thou, which never sawest thy father upon earth, mayest see him with joy in heaven : The Lord be thy father and portion ; mayest thou prove the son of thy mother's right hand, and the joy of her age.

Oh that none of us all may be found amongst the unconverted in the day of Judgment ! Oh that every one of us-may appear (with our honored father and dear mother) before Christ with joy, that they may say, Lord here are we, and the children which thou hast graciously given us. Oh that we may live to God here, and live with him hereafter.

And now, my dear mother, brethren and sisters, farewell r I leave you for awhile, and I commend you to God T and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified.

And now dear Lord, my work is done. I have finished my course, I have fought the good fight ; and henceforth there re-maineth for me a crown of righteousness ! Now come dear Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Then , that godly minister came to give him his last visit, and to do the office of an inferior angel, to help to convey this blessed soul into glory, who was now even upon Mount Pisgah, and had a full sight of that goodly land at a little distance. When this minister spake to him, his heart was in a mighty flame of love and joy, which drew tears of joy from that precious minister, being almost amazed to hear a man just a dying, talk as if he had been with Jesus, and came from the immediate presence of God : Oh the smiles that were then in his face, and the unspeakable joy that was in his heart ; one might have read grace and glory, in such a man's countenance. Oh the praise, the triumphant praises that he put up ! And every one must speak praise about him, or else they did make some jar in his harmony.

r

\ i

And indeed most did, as well as they could, help him in praise. So that t never heard, nor knew more praise given to God in one room, than in his* chamber.

A little before he died, in the prayer* or rather praises, he was so Wrapped up with admiration and joy, that he could scarce forbear shouting for joy. In the conclusion of the duty, with abundance of faith and fervency, he said aloud, a-men ! amen !

And now his desires shall soon be sat^ isfied : He seeth death coming apace to do his office, his jaws are loosened more and more, and quiver greatly; his hands and feet are cold as clav, and a cold sweat is upon him : But, Oh how glad was he when he felt his spirit just a going ! Never was death more welcome to any mortal, I think. Though the pangs of death were strong, yet, that far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, made him endure those bitter pains with much patience and courage. In the extremity of his pains, he desired his eldest brother to lay him a little lower, and

w take away one pillow from him, that he might die with the more ease : His brother replied, that he durst not for the world do any thing that might hasten his death for a moment. Then he was well satisfied, and did sweetly resign himself wholly to God's disposal : And after a few minutes., with a sudden motion gathering up all his strength, he gave himself a little turn on one side ; and in the twinkling of an eye departed to the Lord, sweetly sleeping in Jesus.

And now blessed soul, thy longings are satisfied, and thou seest and feelest a thousand times more than thou didst upon earth, and yet thou canst bear it with delight, thou art now welcomed to thy Father's house by Christ, the beloved of thy soul : Now thou hast heard him say, come thou blessed of mv Father ; and, well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord, and wear that crown which was prepared for thee before the foundation of the world.

O that all the relations which thou hast left behind thee, may live thy life, and

die thy death, and live with'Christ and thee, for ever and ever. Amen, Amen.

He died In June, 1657, aged 24, and was buried in Kehhall church, in Hart-Jordshire.

FINIS.

Page.

Chap. 12. Ministers not to carry on low-designs. 94

Chap. 13. His love and compassion to souls. 103

Chap. 14. His trouble at the barrenness of christians. 108

Chap. 15. Two letters to cement differences, and cause love among christians. 112

Chap. 16. An account of the latter part of his life. 134

Chap. 17. His last sickness and death. 143

|C7"* IP the chapters afifiear not to be well divided^ nor their contents iveil collected, let the reader know that a friend cf Mr. JjNEWAr y not hhn$elf % made the division of them.

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JAN 2 4 1936