The one necessary thing to be sought briefly touched in a four-fold dialogue upon some of the great and most concerning truths of practical religion.

DIALOGUE III. (Book 3)

QUEST. I.

SInce we should find our delight most, where our true interest and greatest concernes ly; the late occasion we

had to converse together on so necessar, and weighty a sub∣ject, doth press me to follow the same yet further, and to gain such an hour, when so many are unprofitably lost; and now let me seriously ask, may there not be a safe owning of some more laxe conception of practical Religion, than what you have hitherto spoke seems to allow, since it seemes very sad and affrighting to look on so great a part of those, who own the Doctrine of the Church, if there be not some grea∣ter latitude for Christians, both in their principles and practsce, yea whilst this wants not a great patrociny in the present time?

ANSWER. It is not strange, where the truth is not received in love, that men kindle a light to themselves, and walk in the sparks thereof, but I hope you debate not the Scripture, where the safe way of being eternally saved can only be known; yea, that it is sure, could we make this way more large and br••ad, there were no conceiveable interest or gain to conceale the same, which were so pleasing to most in these times. But since there is one way, and here alone must all the redeemed of the Lord get safe to that blessed land which is above, I hope ye dare own no other conception thereof, than is there expresly shewed. 1. That it is such, where there is no possible latitude for shifting off Fear, Tenderness and Diligence in our Chri∣stian walk, and thus to make sure for eternal life. 2. That this is the strait and narrow way, where the multitude is not to be found, even of such as are under the outward call of the Gospel; and it is sure, another way will never be found to the second coming of Christ. Luk. 13: v. 24? 3. Such, as there can be no following the Lord there with a hid reserve, or regarding iniquity in the heart.

Psal. 66: 18. or a cleaving to any private interest, so as to keep it up deliberatly, and not adventure the same for Jesus Christ, were it as their right eye, or right hand. Matth. 5: 29? 4. There is no possible conception of Religion men can have from the Scripture to take off that indispensible necessity of the new birth, and writing of the Law upon the heart by the Spirit of God, yea thus to know Religion as an internal thing, which must first begin at the heart, before it come to the practice. Joh. 3: 3. 5. It is beyond debate also, that men must bring not their work only, but their thoughts and the principles of their motion to that Test of the Law, which is Holy and Spiritual. Matth. 5: 28. and that what be done, it be from integrity and uprightness of heart. But it is strange, what is there to enforce any to this, when such is the way of the Lord, that if there could be a latitude for a change, I am sure, none ever who knew it on trial, could have a wish or desire beyond what it is, nor is it possible for any to know the spirituality and power of Religion, and not know that sweetness and facility, that is thus in following thereof.

QU. II.

I cannot debate such clear and evident truths, though it may be matter of astonishment to see, what essayes are by many, to oppose not only the power and spirituality of Religion in its practice, but in its principles also. But what do you meane by the delights and sweetness thereof, you have now spoke? Is it not from what is in hope, and in another world, but not here in the present enjoyment; since you know what prejudice is every where against this way, yea nothing seems more sad and afflicting than the Christians life within time, so as it is not conceiveable oft what can be comforting in their lot?

ANSW. This question, though strange and amazing in it self, yet is not for such as look but at a distance on the truth of Godliness, that lyes so hid and deep upon the

soul, and to whom a Christians life is indeed a mistery, but I judge it be not easy even for such to shift off, or get hid from their eyes the truth of these things, which so clearly shew the alone sweet and desireable lot within time, must be that of a serious Christian, what ever the world be to him; with which. 1. The greatest Princes, the rich, and those that have lived most in the pleasures of this life, would be glade to die and joine interests then. 2. Is such, as hath made it sweet and easy, yea on deliberat choice to many, to quite their greatest interest and Comforts within time; which flesh and blood could never have parted with, if the exchange had not been known to be much more gainful. 3. How desirable is that lot, where the Christian can follow his interest, by being abased as well as abounding, and by every thing that doth occurre, may know how to be furthered thus in his way; yea rise by that which would most seeme to bear him down, and lay him in the dust; yea thus to gain by greatest losses. 4. Such is the Christians lot, that as his duty and Comfort can never part, or the Testimony of his Conscience anent integrity and straightness cease to be matter of his rejoicing, so a serious subjecting and resignation to the Lord, will never cease to be his reward also in the close. 5. How sad and af∣flicting this lot may oft seeme, it is here also their Joy is sowen by weeping, where that Seed was never yet lost Psal. 126: 5? 6. Would you truely know the sweetness of a Christian lot? O do but come near and try, what Joy and Satisfaction is to be found in the cottage of such as knowes the truth of living near God, and under the lively hope of the Glory which is to be revealed, more than in the most stately & magnifick dwellings of others; what the mornings and evenings of many such are, their hid and retired walks, yea their Comforts sometimes in the night season; how sweet to tell the hours, as they are going by, which they know are bringing them more near to the eternity of Joy, and putting over some part

of their appointed griefs here; with what refreshment these can look up to the Heavens, to the Sun, Moon and Stars, and triumph in the works of his hand, who hath formed the same, whilst they know what a marvel∣lous change ere long shall be in their state, when they shal be above these, yea shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father. Matth. 13: v. 43. Hath not such, and they only the most desireable part even here, yea can truely feast upon their browu bread, with a satisfaction, be∣yond what ever the voluptuous man knew, who knowes not that true peace & serenity of mind in Jesus Christ, which guardes the heart from that dreadful sting that fol∣lowes on the pleasures of sin? It is such can truely say (which was the word of one of the Ancients) O quam suave est carere hisce suavitatibus, how sweet to him was it to want these carnal delights, wherein others were wallowing; whilst their all is in Jesus Christ. But if you say, why is not this more discerneable amongst Christians? is not the cause here, that a living and vigorous Christian is become so rare a sight at this day? 7. It is these, who with Joy can converse with the thoughts of approaching death, whilst the sting and terrour thereof is taken away. 8. It is these, who in the serious observing of provi∣dences both to themselves and others needs look no where, where they may not see what should tend to a further strengthening of them in the way of truth, and that the God whom they serve, assuredly is what he hath declared himself to be. 9. It is these, who with greatest quiet dare commit their interest to him, as know∣ing in whom they have beleeved, and what ever confluence of manifold temptations may sometime meet in their lot, yet knowes they shall not be tempted above measure, but are still under his tender and watchful care, who even while he smites with one hand, does uphold with the other. 10. Such is their lot; as that which would seeme the greatest pain in the Study of Godliness, which is by Mortification, to do violence to the flesh and lusts

thereof, leads in also the greatest pleasures and de∣lights.

QU. III.

I must confess, it is strange what prejudice most have at serious Godliness which they never knew upon trial: But what you me ane in this last instance of that interest Mortification to the flesh hath, in the Comforts and En∣joyments of the Christians life, is such I cannot easily com∣prehend.

ANSW. This can alone be known upon trial. Yet do but seriously consider these 1. That the Scripture hath so exprefly conjoined them together. Matth. 11: 29. take my yoke on you, and learne of me &c. and you shall find rest to your soul, which would seeme a strange way to so desire∣able an enjoyment. 2 You know this also to be attested by the Saints in all ages, and with the greatest certainty of trial, what inexpressible sweetness and delight they have known and experienced in a suffering lot for Christ, and in such things, which in themselves were most im∣bittering and grievous to the flesh. 3. None yet ever knew the Truth and Power of Religion, and not this also, that by a natural result, what ever tends to an abate∣ment of the power of sin, in resisting thereto, how sore and grieving soever it would seeme at first, leads into the greatest Delights and Comfort in the close. 4. It is here the Christians promised reward to wrestling against corruption, and a Body of Death, is in some degree given in, so as to know upon their own soul the Truth of that Peace, which is in a closs walking by this blessed rule of the Scripture. Gal. 6: 16. 5. And what a sweet Jubilee hath oft followed in their soul, on resisting and getting victory over some predomlnant evil, beyond what ever was known, in the furthest yeelding and indulgenee to the flesh? 6. Is not the most truely Comforting use and enjoyment of the world found, by having the heart much subdued thereto, and thus kept off that dreadful rock

of Love to the World, and eager desires after the same, whereon so many thousands have at last made ship∣wrack?

QU. IIII.

VVhat are there not allowed desires after the world; and that it is truely warrantable for men to seek a further increase to their estate, and some larger interest this way?

ANSW. Since this is an unquestionable Talent men have for their Masters use, and are accountable for, it puts it beyond question, that there is both a warrantable following and enjoying thereof, with Christian Sobriety; but these also would be deeply pondered herewith. 1. That Love to the world and things thereof, is so expresly a Scripture signe of a reprobat state. 1 Joh. 2: 15. and that no covetous shall inherit the Kingdome of Heaven 1 Cor. 6: 10. which was so convincing in the primitive times, as Cove∣tousness upon any visible evidence was then a publick scandal of the Church. 2. How such is the deceitfulness of riches, as is shewed by our blessed Lord himself. Mat. 13 v. 22. that as briars and thornes this native tendency is to choak the Word of the Gospel, and make it unfruitful, even whilst it seemes to have come forward some length. And if any cannot bear this, who may be in saddest hazard to split on such a rock, let them but go in and try the Scrip∣ture thereanent; and not think strange, that we neither may nor dare conceale the truth herein, without applying it to mens Conscience.

QU. V.

VVhat suteable improvement is that which is necessarily called for, of the measure and talent which men have of things of the world, as might most tend to a solide peace and quiet of mind before the Lord herein, and to guard against such dreadful and evident hazard of eternal perishing, or spliting on that rock, on which the Holy Ghost hath set so signal a Beacon, by most express and multiplied warnings from the Scripture?

ANSW. It is a great proposal you now make, to which in a few words, and with some seriousness I shall make this answere. 1. To consider what use ye would choose to make, or wish to have made of your interest in the world, if ye were at this hour to die, so as with peace on such an account to enter into eternity. 2. That this i;'not left arbitrary to any their trading with such a Talent, and be concerned how to consecrat the gain thereof to the Lord; but it is a High Peece of Justice, and no less necessity to shew mercy to those who are true∣ly distressed, than to pay our Debts, since the great Law∣giver hath not left this indifferent more than the other, as is clear. Luk. 16: 10, 11, 12. 3. You would consider that riches is given to men as Stewards, and not Proprietors, Matth. 25: v. 14. I meane so as to reckon they may do herein at their own pleasure; and is unfaithfulness here a small weight to ly on the Conscience, and have no other account of their Masters goods to give, but that they ap∣plyed them to their own use only? 4. Do but lay to heart, that such is this great Duty, in a faithful answering to ones Talent and measure of the things of the world, in a tender respect to the Condition and Necessity of the Saints, as in the Day of the Lord it is most noticed, and that which will be brought in Judgment against the reprobate, yea on which that dreadful Sentence there passeth, depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire &c. Matth. 25: vers. 41. 5. To be faithful thus in answering to that Talent is clear, that it is to give and lay out your self this way, vvhere you can expect no returne, or Compensation, other∣wise it is but a self interest you follow, and not a giving to the Lord, nor is it a casting thy bread on the waters, Eccles. 11: 1. 6. To be faithfulhere is something else than that occasional outgiving to the necessities of any, on some present and pressing Object, since the Scripture, is so express, that here should be some proportion to every ones Measure and Estate, which ought to be seriously considered and laid aside, for which see that appointment

Deut. 14: 22. & 16: 12. and how there it is held forth on moral & immutable grounds. 1 Cor. 16: ••. that every one should, as his measure can admit, be concerned in the improvement thereof. 7. This is not to entertaine only some pressing call for this end, when it comes their way, but to search out the cause of the distressed. Job. 29: v. 16. Eccles. 11: 2. for thus the liberal man deviseth liberal things, &c. even in seeking Objects, that so excellent a grace may not want its exercise, each according to his Talent, where it may be truely said, thev receive more than they give: Which was a choice word of one, what ever I give, that I have, whilst the withholding of that which is.thus required, hath visiblv tended to poverty in many signal instances. 8. To be faithful here▪ is to have a serious respect to the end; that it be to a Disciple in the name of a Disciple, with a due regard to their present distress, and not by partiality, on some private interest and respects that may rise thereto, else they have cause to feare, that both Principal & Interest is lost, nor can they put this debt on the Lord, where such a sad bvass is with it. Matth. 10: v. 42? 9. To be faithful here is to follow this closly, so as not to be seen of men, else such have their reward, where this is an influencing motive, yea not to let the left hand know what the right hand doth. Matth 6: 3. Here the giver should shut his eyes when he opens his hand, with de∣sire that it may never be known, untill the dav of the Lord, that great day of retribution, when that which hath been done in secret shall be rewarded openly. Mat. 6: v. 4? 10. Here also is to be understood to give with∣out grudging, cheerfully, as the true way to lay up trea∣sure to themselves, knowing that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9: 7. 11. To be faithful here, is to be given to Hospitality▪ with a tender regard forentertaining of stran∣gers, for in such habite Angels have been entertained. Heb. 13: v. 2. 12. The bounds and limites of our actings here must not ouly be the houshold of faith, but a Tenderness, Condescendence and Readiness to help and relieve any

distressed, even the Worst of men, as they have oppor∣tunity, which is so expresly required 1 Thes. 3: ver. 12. to abound in love towards all men, so as to do good, to be use∣ful, and exerce Tenderness toward all, which should be found a more effectual mean to gaine credit to the Gospel, than what is the way of many, who have a name and repute of Religion in this age.

QU. VI.

VVhat you have now spoke anent those, who have a large interest in the world, and in what termes they have it, is undeniable, I confess, from the Scripture; but this concernes a few, in respect of such as are of a Low and meane Condition in the VVorld, and what can these have to compense the want of such a Talent and make their lot desireable or sweet?

ANSW. I hope you will not bring these things under question, which may convincingly answer this. 1. That a serious Christian could yet never be so Low, but he hath much more than he wants, though he should be put to such a reckoning with Job. I have now neither Children, Friends, Honour, or Estate in the world to call mine own: but I know and am sure that my Redeemer lives. Job. 19: v. 25. and do you think that a mans lot, or the comforta∣ble enjoyment thereof consists in the abundance of the things he possesseth Luk. 12: 15. 2. Have the poor and despised cause to quarrel with their lot, if they be in truth par∣takers of the Grace of God, when it is so clear, there can be no substantial good in riches or honour, which the Lord hath cast out of the Counsel of his Love to∣wards those, on whom he hath set his heart from eternity? 3. Yea hath he not designed the most of the Elect to a poor, Low and afflicted Condition here? For you see your calling Brethren, how not many wise, not many noble &c. according to the flesh hath he chosen, 1 Cor. 1: 26, 27. 4. Hath not such a peculiar income in the way of the Promise, which these who are full, and abound most in the world

cannot understand, and is not owned in the Scripture to be under such a necessity to live by faith, which made the Apostle give such a strange account, 2 Cor. 12; 9, 10. I take pleasure in my infirmities, in distress, inpersecutions, &c. that the power of Christ may rest on me. O what strong and vigorous acts of faith and love have oft followed the Christians low and meane state in the World, whereto such as were at ease have been wholly strangers. 5. Have such cause to quarrel with a low and despised lot, who the less they have here, whilst they have a sure evident for Heaven, knowes they have the more before them? And whilst others may reckon what they have by year and property, can make another account what is their interest for all eternity, and not grudge the hireling's wages, who know they are Sons, and to abide in the house for ever, Joh. 8: 35. 6. Would such, were it put to their choice, have their good things in this life, or do they expect to find a Heaven out of Heaven, and is not that lot with greatest advantage suited to each of his Saints, that is most for promoting their eternal interest, and to make them meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light. Col. 1: ver. 12. 7. It is not by the bulk you can judge on the Christians condition here in the World, a little gold is of more value than a great heap of some other metals, and a little that the righteous hath is more than▪ the riches of many wicked, Psal. 37: ver. 16. For there lyes the blessing; and what a difference is there betwixt such, whose heart is gone up after his treasure, that is laid up for him in Heaven; and those, who mind earthly things and have their heart in their belly, Phil. 3: ver. 19?

QU. VII.

Such have a sweet and comforting part, whether the VVorld smile or frown, who know there is an eternity of joy before them: But you see how many are not more low in their outward state, than dreadfully wicked and loose, without thc least serious weight of Religion on their soul.

ANS. This may shew, that no affliction, or the saddest lot here can of it self lead into Jesus Christ, with∣out the efficacious and irresistible power of grace; but as to their part, who•• are so visibly active to their own ruine, I must say, there seemes not a more sad and astonishing sight, than such are, 1. Who thus follow the world with a weeping eye, and have their heart cleave so fast to it, which will scarce bestow one flattering smile on them, & knowes not what gain they••might make of their present Affliction and strait. 2. Who thus seek the living among the dead, & their reliefe from the airth from whence they see they cannot have it, who have such greatest things laid in their offer, to make them here and for ever bles∣sed. 3. That the very report of the gain of Godliness should not press them once to be this length, to know upon trial, vvhat might be the certainty thereof, and if such an advantage can be truely reached here, as to make the poor mans life more Sweet and Comforting under all the toile of his hand, than if he had the greatest estate of the earth. 4, It may seeme strange, what these can possibly reckon upon their Condition in being men, as desireable above that of the beasts of the field, who have so little either in hand, or hope to be comforting; to know only a sensual life with so small and almost indiscerneable advan∣tage to satisfy the senses. It is true, many such entertain a hope of a blessedness to come, whilst they are wholly strangers to a life of grace here: But Oh! It is at such a rate, that the Scripture of God must be false, if theirs be true. 5 How amazing also is it, to see for what these pe∣rish, and lose their immortal soul, which is in it self a higher interest, than the glory and riches of all the Mo∣narchies in the Earth, yea of more value, than the Sun and Moon? Yet as if this were but some triffle, how easily do such hazard the same for the smallest gain; yea it may be said, are content to serve Satan withont the wages of visible pleasure and satisfaction which others have in the world. 6 Yea how strange is it, how many such,

whose trade and imployment lyes most at sea, who thus have such peculiar enforcing Arguments, to be serious about Religion, yet are so visibly loose in their walk, and strangers to a Christian life.

QU. VIII.

It is sure, there are such of that imploy∣ment, and I hope not a few, whose being convincingly serious in the things of God, with a Christian walk, to the credit of the Gospel, is beyond question. But since what you have spoke as to many of these, is too visi∣bly manifest, what are these pressing Motives and Argu∣guments that such, whose calling lyes most on the Sea, have more than others to take Religion deeply to heart?

ANSW. You may judge what a pressing call such have to be in greatest earnest about their eternal state. 1. Who are through most of their time so near a bordering with eternity, in deaths often; and their life hanging so frequently in suspence before their eyes. 2. Such, who cannot but have their conscience oft struck with the sense of a God-Head, by seeing his marvellous power shewed forth in the Depths, so as it may be said, they live and converse amongst wonders, to see that great Body of the Sea, how it is with such advantage made passable for Transport and Commerce; the regular course of its ebbbings and flowings, with the singular use and subserviency of the tides; how it is shut up also with gates and barres, and hath its appointed bounds, without which there could be no reason how a bank of sand could restraine the great Oceans breaking forth. O! what a book is thus spread open for sea - faring men to read, and bring near their thoughts with wondering, to Fear and Worship him, whose voice is so known on the wighty waters; who turnes the most impe∣tuous storme into a calme at his pleasure, which is so far above all hnmane reach, & causeth the swelling of an enraged sea in a moment to know his command and be still 3. What ought such to be, who have not only been oft surprised

with preventing mercy, when they were not aware from dashing on some shelve or rock, or falling in on a bank of sand, and thus brought out of greatest hazard, even before they were put in fear: But have oft likewise been rescued from the very Jawes of present Death, in that manner, when no visible or ordinary means could ever have answered thereto. Oh! Can such deliverance be so easily forgot, and what were then their thoughts of entring into endless eternity, and meeting grim death with such a surprise? was it not then a matter of earnest to pray? Or would you then have dared to break forth into an Oath? yea what a blessed state were you then made to reckon those in, who had been formerly serious about Religion, and how soon may such a surprisal meet you again? 4. What ought such to be, and are accounta∣ble for, who knowes how many thousands have been swallowed up in these devouring Depths, and hears of such ordinary shipwracks, whilst they are yet preserved? Oh! Doth not this marvellous longsuffering and tender∣ness of the Lord have some serious voice? Hath it yet never tended to melt your heart with sorrow and contri∣tion, for so sad a returne you have hitherto given to such forbearance. 5. What solemne and express engage∣ments are many, if not most of such under, and accoun∣table for, which their lips have uttered, when trouble was upon them, and when they were at the very brink of perishing, that if some extraordinary cast of providence had been deferred but a very few moments longer, they had been lost? Now set me seriously ask, what did you really intend? Was it to deale deceitfully with the most High, and be no more serious in the thoughts of this when ye were once at land? If it be so, how can you dare to pray and plead with the Holy Lord in a new Strait: Oh! let me beseech you, lay this to heart, and that to make use of your present calmes at sea, for making sure your eter∣nal interest, would help to make a sweet calme within on your soul when a storme arises. 6. Let me but add this

what advantage such have, who have so clear an embleme of their life and condition here so frequently before them, how thus they are under saill, and moving to that port where once the anckor must be cast down never to be weighed again: yea how there can be no safe reckoning to get safe to that blessed, O blessed and desireable port of glory, without knowing how their course lyes, which from the Scripture is more infallibly clear, than they can be by any Carte or Compass? Let me but further add, how strange it is to see some of these, so far from under the aw and dread of God; that they are not more concerned to put to sea, and work on the Sabbath, without any convincing necessity, than on any other day?

QU. IX.

VVhat, is there such a necessity for strict observance of the Sabbath, as there is no warrantable liber∣ty, both for recreation, and mens ordinary business, after the publick worship is once past?

ANS. I hope you will not dare to debate, 1. That the Christian Sabbath hath by the holy Ghost that impress and authority put upon it, of being the Lords day, a day which is set a part and consecrat to him, on a higher ac∣count, than the first creation, wherein God manifested in our nature did rest from all his works, for the Redemption of his Church; and from the new Creation; and saw that all which he had done was very good; that day never to be forgot, wherein the Redemption of his Church being perfected, he had a full acquitance for the whole debt of his elect Church; that day also, on which his most usuall and solemne appearance to his Disciples after his Resurrection, was; and shall we deny such a tribute of our observance thereof, on so great an account: and to him, who hath given us our time, and is Lord of the Sabbath? 2. Since it is the alone prerogative of God to make a day holy, and that the first day of the week is that piece of our time, which is only set apart for him under the New Testament, should not such a solemne and consecrat time be applyed to spirituall duties? and is the highest of sacriledge to turne that which is holy to

civill or common actions, when they are no works of ne∣cessity or mercy, for then is such a day no more holy but common. 3. You know how deep the prophanation there∣of hath been oft found to draw on mens conscience, so as it is rare to see a flagitious person under any remorse, when brought to a scaffold, but hath been then enforced to cry out of the breach of the Sabbath, and how their guilt here∣in did stare them in the face, as a provoking cause of what had thus befallen them 4. Should not these dread∣full marks of the holy judgement of God, which have been thus put both on persons and places, have an aw and dread on mens consciences; yea such instances, with these signall and convincing circumstances, as all might see, who looked but at a Distance thereon, the stroke pointing as with a finger, at the provoking cause? 5. Do we hope for an everlasting Sabbath in heaven, whilst here a few hours in spirituall converse with God, and the souls resting and solacing it self in him, is so burdensome a work; yea, whilst it is sure, the greatest of delights and pleasure known upon the earth are these which are Spirituall, to such as ever knew what it is to be Christians?