Invisibles, realities, demonstrated in the holy life and triumphant death of Mr. John Janeway, Fellow of King's Collegde in Cambridge. By James Janeway, Minister of the Gospel

CHAP. II. (Book 2)

Of his Conversion, with visible proofs thereof. (Book 2)

THE great work of Conversion, it was 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 un∣lock his heart, by the exemplary life, and Hea∣venly and powerful discourse, of a young man in the Colledge, whose heart God had inflamed with love to his soul, he quickly made an at∣tempt 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 Preach∣ing of these two famous worthies, Dr. Hill, and Dr. Arrowsmith, together with the reading se∣veral parts of Mr. Baxters Saints Everlasting Rest.

Now a mighty alteration might easily be de∣scerned in him, he quickly looks quite like ano∣ther man. He is now so much taken up with things above the Moon and Stars, that he had lit∣tle leisure to think of these things, only as they pointed higher. He began now not to tast so much sweetness in those kind of studies, which he did so greedily imploy himself in formerly. He now began to pity them which were curious in their

inquiries 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 loss for Christ, yea doubtless he esteem∣ed all things but as dung and dross in comparison of Christ, and desired to know nothing but Christ and him crucified. Not that he looked upon humane 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 ano∣ther world.

Mr. Janeway now begins to cast about how he might best improve what he did already know, and turn all his studies into the right chanel; 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 in a little like young Elihu, whose words he used to excuse his freedom with per∣sons 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 un∣derstanding; I am full of matter, the spirit with∣in me, constraineth me, behold my belly is as wine which hath no vent, it is ready to burst like new bottles, I will speak that I may be refreshed, &c. O then how sweet was the favour 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 pro∣visions for a death-bed, and eternity. O with what compassion did he plead the cause of Christ with their souls! what Pathetical expres∣sions 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 antient Minister that he stood rela∣ted to, who at that time walked very heavily.

His Letter.

Reverend Sir,

THere are two things, the want of which, I have had xperience of in your Family, though not in every degree; yet in that intense∣ness of degree wherein they ought to be; which are the real power of Godliness and Religion; and then that which is the fruit of the former, that chearfulness, delight, spiritual joy and se∣renety of mind which is to be had in Religion and no where else; 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 lay upon me, and having confidence of their will 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 Re∣ligion: objects of pity they are, and O how few are there that spend one passionate thought upon them.

Others there are who some way or other, it may be from tradition from good Parents, it may be from knowing the fashion of those in their rank; it may be from the frequent inculca∣ting of good instructions from Christian Friends, or Godly Ministers; or some strugling erupti∣ons of Conscience; have gotten the outward husk or shell of Religion; without 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, or keep them out of Hell; though they live with∣out 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 for Heaven. O that there were never a Fa∣mily to which we are related which gave too sad cause of fear, that it were in such a case, or neer such a case as this is. A third sort of people there are (and but few of these neither) which have the reality of Religion; but yet in much weakness, coldness, faintnefs, dimness and intermission; like Nilus's brood above half mud 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 ear∣nest strive to get any higher! Now there are higher attainments to be reached after; there is a having our conversation in Heaven while we are upon Earth, neither doth this consist in

some weak disconrses about God, Heaven and the things of Religion, it consists not in the meer praying twice a day, and in keeping the Sab∣bath in an usual manner▪ in its order, it consists not in a few thoughts of Religious objects come∣ing into the mind in a common way and as easi∣ly got as lost. But true Religion raiseth the soul to longings, hungrings and thirstings not without some enjoyments. Religion in power is to act for God with strength, vigor, earnestness, intenseness, delight, cheerfulness, serenety and calmness of mind. The fruits of the spirit are joy in the Holy Ghost and Peace: fear, disqui∣et and terrors are usually the introduction to a better state, but they are not of the essentials of Religion; yea the contrary frame of spirit is to be striven for. To speak yet more plainly and to tell you, Honoured Sir, what fears and jealousies are, with reverence to your self, and tender affection to all your family, I fear that you your self are subject to too many de∣sponding melancholy thoughts. The causes where∣of give me leave with submission to guess at. The first I think may be your reflecting on your entring upon the ministry without that reve∣rence, 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 remedy is the same. These have a wondring

power in them, which will be felt to be grie∣vous, when felt as they are in themselves, but continual sorrow and sad thoughts do keep this wound open too long, and are not available to the having of it cured. Wounds indeed must be first opened that they may be cleansed, they must be opened, that their filth may be discover∣ed in reference to a purging and healing; but no longer than the balm of Gilead is to be apply∣ed, that they may be healed. And when Christ is made use of aright he leaveth joy and comfort, yet a constant humility of spirit is no way inconsist∣ent with this peace of God.

A second cause of your heaviness may be a sense of the state of the people which 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 often wrestled with God that he would direct you in what is your duty concerning them, which I perswade my self is your earnest request. Now if after your seri∣ous examining of your self 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 nore 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 rejoyced in tribulation. Ano∣ther cause of heaviness may be what divisions

are between your self and some of your Relati∣ons. 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 ten∣derness, 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 experi∣ence teach you to drive away all such thoughts. Your constitution and solitaryness may also be some cause of melancholy; but there is a duty which if it were exercised would dispel all; which is heavenly meditation, and contempla∣tion of the things which true Christian Religi∣on tends to. If we did but walk closely with God one hour in a day in this duty, O what in∣fluence would it have into the whole day besides, and duly performed into the whole life. This duty with the usefulness, manner and directi∣on, &c. I knew in seme measure before, but had it more pressed upon me by Mr. Baxters Saints Everlasting Rest, that can scarce be overvalued, for which I have cause for ever to bless God. As for your dear Wife, I fear the cares and troubles of the world take off her mind too much from walking with God so close∣ly as she ought to do, and from that earnest in∣deavour

after higher degrees of grace. I com∣mend therefore to her all this excellent Duty of Meditation; It is a bitter sweet Duty, bit∣ter to corrupt nature, but sweet to the Regene∣rate part, if performed. I intreat her and your self, 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 most precious Soul-raising, Soul-ravish∣ing, Soul-perfecting duty! Take this from your dear Friend, as spoke with reverence, and real love, and faithfulness. My fear and jealousie left I should speak in vain, maketh me say again; I, or God by me, doth charge this upon you.

One more direction let me give, that none in your family satisfie themselves in family prayer. But let every one twice a day, if it may be pos∣sible, draw near to God in secret duty. Here secret wants may be laid open; here great mer∣cies may be begged with great earnestness; here what wandrings and coldness was in family-du∣ty may be repented of and mended. This is the way to get seriousness, reality, sincerity, chear∣fulness 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 necessa∣ry duty, let them fear lest they lose the most ex∣cellent help for a holy, useful, joyful life un∣der the assistance of Gods Spirit, whilst they neg∣lect 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 you have attained to true spiritual joy, and peace in the Lord. The God of Peace give you his direction, and the foretasts of his com∣forts in this life, and perfection in eternal life, in the enjoying of infinite holiness, purity, and excellencie through Christ. Thus praying, I rest—

In another Letter to a Reverend Friend that had the care of many Children, he thus ad∣viseth.

Sir;

YOVR Charge is great upon a Temporal Account, but greater upon a Spiritual; 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 would have a great care of your chil∣dren, 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 altogether, but like∣wise privately one by one, not letting the rest know of it. Wherein you may please to press upon them their natural corruption, their ne∣cessity of Regeneration, the Excellency of Christ, and how unspeakably lovely it is to see young

ones setting out for Heaven. This way I think may do most good, having had experience of it my self 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 pro∣tection of him that hath loved us, and given him∣self for us.—

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