A Conference between Mr. John Child, Mr. T. W. Mr. A. B. and Mr. F. M.
AS Physicians visiting their Patients, so Friends, one that is wounded in Spirit, enquire what is the cause of his grief: We pray you declare your mind herein.—To this, for a∣bout half an hour, they could obtain no Answer.
The Apostle Paul endeavoured to recover such again as had fallen from an Article of Faith,* 1.1 without which they could not be saved; and counselled others in meekness to instruct such as op∣pose themselves, if God peradventure would give them Repentance to the acknowledgement of the truth. What do you think of Spi∣ra's condition?
Spira's condition was nothing to mine; for wrath is come and coming on me to the utmost, because I have forsaken that which I believed to be true, to embrace that which I knew to be false, thro' slavish fear to keep my self from sufferings.—I sought to be great in the world, but God crost me therein in all my de∣signs. And since the hand of God hath been upon me, my Spirit hath often-times risen against God that gave me nourishment by food and sleep. (And looking to the Ceiling, said,) I see as it were a little light thro' a cranny or crevise, as if I would desire to pray. (then Tears came down his Cheeks abundantly, and he said,) If it would please God to manifest himself to me, I should be such a Mo∣nument of Mercy as never was in the world, to be a warning to all others.
It's the Apostles councel, that we confess our faults one to another, and pray one for another, that we may be healed.
(With Tears said) I cannot get this base heart to open it self farther.
Shall we pray for you?
No, no, no.
It's desired you would set down in Writing the heads of your chief Trouble.