Divine contemplations, and spiritual breathings of Mr. Henry Dorney

1655. To C. A. D. N^o 24.

YOurs of the 25^th of September last I received, and do thank you for your Christian Love and Tenderness therein exprest, and for the Heads of that searching, refreshing Sermon; for indeed, no∣thing can be refreshing, but what is searching and convincing. The Vertue and the Excellency of Go∣spel-Remedies can never be welcome, nor do their work, till they be permitted to search and over∣come; that Truth may break forth to Victory, and there may be healing without Putrefaction at the bottom. And when a poor Soul cannot order his own Distempers, yet then to consent to, and approve of the Soveraignty of the Medicine, and Skill of the Physician. Could I come up to that Truth, Faith, and Resignment, I should then more magnifie that Grace, and be more fruitfully refreshed in the Sal∣vation of God. There is a pure Releif in the Go∣spel, conveyable only by the Arm, the Spirit of the Lord; but it is oftentimes, in a great measure, spoiled and defiled in a carnal way of Endeavour to receive it. To entertain spiritual Truths in the Spirit, and to be subjected to their Law, and formed over into their Mould, Complexion and Constitution; this I think were Religion indeed. For my own part, I view these things at such a distance, that sometimes I even doubt whether there be any more than Notion left; or if more, what it is that holds up any Connexion betwixt my confused heart and that spiritual Interest. I am carried up and down by him as a lighted Candle in a windy place, and its Flame ever ready almost to flee from the Wick, were it not preserved by the Hollow of his Hand: his Discipline I cannot want

and live. And it is refreshment to me that your heart is under a constant pursuit of that Mark, of the Prize of the high Calling. Draw Water still from the Fountain as much as you can. Be a Stran∣ger to all Instruments, Means and Helps, while you use them. Know none but God, taste none but him in all the Earth; and remember the gauled Feet of your Fellow-travellers. I received a Letter from Mr. Cr. I pray return the Inclosed to him; his Ad∣vice is very savoury. I think indeed, Christ best approves of a holy Latitude for Affection and Com∣munion amongst his Members.