An offer of farther help to suffering saints, or, The best work in the worst times wherein the necessity, excellency, and means of preparation for sufferings are clearly evinced, and prescribed : in which, as in a glass, the people of God may see how to dress themselves for death, or any other suffering to which the Lord shall call : added as an appendix to the Sufferers mirrour.

CHAP. II. Demonstrating the Excellency of a prepared Heart, for the worst of Sufferings.

NOw to evince the Choiceness and Excellency of a ready and prepared Spirit to entertain, and chearfully obey a call from God to the greatest Sufferings, thereby to set an edge upon your De∣sires, and quicken your Endeavours after it; be pleased to ponder these following Particulars, wherein much of its Excellency will appear.

1. It will bring the heart to an holy Rest and Quietude in a Suffering hour, and so prevent that Anxiety and perturbation of Spirit, which puts the sinking weight into Affliction. The more Care, Fear, and Trouble thou hast before a Trouble comes, the more Calm, Quiet, and Composed thy Spirit will be when the Affliction is come indeed. It is admirable to consider with what peace and holy submission Job entertain'd his Troubles, which considering the kind and quality of them, together

with the manner in which they befell him, one would think they should (at least) have startled and amazed him, and put his Soul (though gracious) into a strange Confusion: But you see the contra∣ry, he is very quiet and composed in his Spirit, little Tumult or Disorder appears in his Thoughts, but he worships God, owns his Hand, and submits to his Will, Job 1.20, 21. Whence was this? Sure∣ly had they come by way of Surprize, as holy as he was he could not have carried it thus; but he had in the dayes of his Peace and Prosperity prepared for such a Day as this, and so they neither came un∣expectedly, nor found him unprepared for them, Job 3.25, 26. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, yet trouble came. The thing which he feared (as he saith there) came upon him. He laid it to heart before it came, and therefore it neither brake nor distracted his heart when it came.

So Habakkuk he stood upon his Watch-Tower, i. e. recessum mentis, saith Mr. Calvin; his own re∣tiring Thoughts, making Observations from the Word upon probable Events. Yea, and seeing a Storm of Judgement gathering in the Clouds of the Threatnings, he trembled in himself before it fell, Cap. 3.16, 17. And see what advantage this was of to him, Vers. 17.18. he had Rest in the Day of Trouble; yea could rejoyce, when all outward Staves and comforts were gone. There is a double Rest in the Day of Evil; a Rest of Deliverance, and a Rest of Contentation; it was this later that this holy man enjoyed in that Evil Day, and that as the con∣sequent of his serious Preparation.

But now if Troubles come by way of surprisal, How amazing and ruining do they often prove? 'Tis a sad thing to feel Trouble before we see it, and to be past hope before we have any ••fear. Those Trou∣bles

(saith one) that find men secure, do usually leave them desperate. What advantage hath that Enemy to ruine you, that comes upon your back, and falls upon you unawares? This is the misery of the careless World. For Man also knoweth not his time, as the Fishes that are taken in an evil Net; and as the Birds that are caught in the snare, so are the Sons of Men snared in an evil time, when it falleth on them suddainly, Eccles. 8.12. Thus perish∣ed the old World: But one Noah provided for the Flood, and onely he with his Family preserved in it; all the rest were eating and drinking, marrying, and giving in Marriage, till the Flood came and swept them all away, Matth. 24.38. Men will not use their fore-seeing Faculties; but because it's all well, yet therefore they conclude it shall be so to morrow. Philosophers tell us, that immediatly before an Earth-quake, the Air is very quiet and serene; and before the great Rain falls, the Wind usually lies. We may not conclude Rest and Peace from the Report our Senses make to us, from the posture of second Causes, (and yet what is there, look which way you will, but speaks Troubles and Distresses coming upon the World) but rather we should make a Judgment from the Word, upon condition of the Times; for there you have the Decrees of God, and a Draught of the Designs of Providence, to the end of the World, Zeph. 2.1, 2. Here you may see the Signs of the Times, and what days are to be expected. And then, if you can upon this fore-sight, get into your Ark before the Cataracts of Heaven be opened, and the Sea-Shores unbar'd, and the Waters prevail above the Mountains; Oh what a benefit will this be! how mayst thou sit (Noah like) medius tranquillus in undis! Safe from the fear of evil, and enjoy rest and peace in thy own

Spirit, when the Earth is full of Uproars, Tumults, and Desolations.

2. It is a blessed and excellent thing to prepare for sufferings, because such preparations do plainly speak a truly gracious heart, that is in earnest with Christ, and is serious in the matters of Religion. Believe it Soul, this one thing will be the clearest discovery of the integrity of thy heart in professi∣on. He that makes account of sufferings, and is seriously at work upon his own heart, to fit it for sufferings, and take his Lot with Christ where ever it falls, this is the man that hath deliberately closed with Christ upon his own terms, and is like to be the durable Christian.

As for Hypocrites (Christs Summer-Friends) they have either their Exceptions and secret Re∣servations, to secure a Retreat, if ever it come to hot service, or else they rush inconsiderately into the profession of Christ, never examining the terms which he proposes to all that will follow him, nor sealing those Indentures, Mark 8.34. upon which he onely allows us to call him Master.

The necessity of a rational and advised closure with Christ upon these terms, is by himself fully set forth in that excellent Parable, Luke 14.25, 26, 27, 28. wherein consider, (1.) The occasion, ver. 25. There were great Multitudes with him, Christ began to grow in request among them, they flockt from all parts to him, to hear him; but Christ knew well enough, that if once they should come to un∣derstand their work, and what the Conditions and Terms of their admission into his service are, it would quickly thin and diminish that great multi∣tude, and reduce that great Host like Gideons, into a little handful. (2.) And therefore he resolves candidly and plainly with them: and in ver. 26, 27.

he propounds his Terms, and writes down his Con∣ditions, the sum of which is this, he must deny himself, that is, at least in praeparatione animi, in the prepara∣tion of the mind, if not actually: So that this is the Hinge upon which all our Profession turns, and the stress of the whole business lies. And (3.) to evince the rationality of his Terms, and that he expected no unreasonable thing at their hand, he clears it by a double instance, or resemblance, to what men use to do in other cases. (1.) That of a Builder, no man that exerciseth Reason will begin to build an House, and not be provided to defray the Charge of it: It were a ridiculous vanity, for a man to lay a large Foundation, and not have a stock to carry up the Walls, and compleat the Work. (2.) That of a Souldier, no man would with 10000. engage an Army of 20000. that would be impar congressus, an unequal Match indeed; what could he expect but to be overpowred with Numbers, and swallowed up? Possibly they may intend to face, but no man would think they intended to fight the Enemy on such a disadvantage.

Why thus stands the case, In our ingaging in the Profession of Christ, a man must sit down and com∣pute the cost and charges of being a Christian, and deliberately weigh the worst, as well as the best; and having so done, if then he be content to run all ha∣zards with Jesus Christ, and expects to save no more but his Soul, (for indeed he that thinks to save any thing but his Soul by Religion, is a Fool for so think∣ing). If I say he be content to fore-go and hazard all the rest for Christ and accordingly when dan∣gers appear, and difficult times come on, doth in good earnest fit and make ready himself for the worst he can fore-see, why this is the man, that deals honestly with Christ, and is sincere, hearty,

and reall in his Transactions with him. For want of this consideration at first, and suitable preparations from time to time, as need requires, and new trou∣bles approach; I say, for want of this it is, that so many faint and fall back in the day of trouble, and furnish Hell with so many Tryumphs over Religi∣on, and the sincere-hearted Professors of it. It was for want of depth of Earth, (i. e.) a deep considera∣tion, and rooted Resolution at first, that the Stony∣ground Hypocrite so quickly withered, when the Sun of Persecution began to shine fervently upon him, Mat. 13.5, 6.

And wherefore is it think you? that God doth make such deep Wounds by Conviction upon mens hearts at first, and terrifie them with such dreadful Representations of their guilt, in the Glass of the Law, Act. 2.37. Rom. 7.9. Why surely, as God aims at the unbortoming of the Man by this, and striking him off that false and conceited Foun∣dation of his own Righteousness, so he doth it to make Christs Terms and Conditions appear ratio∣nal and easie to him, that being delivered out of that miserable state by Christ, he may never open his mouth grudgingly and repiningly against Christ, whatever Troubles he shall from thence∣forward meet with for his sake, Ezek. 16.63.

So that it must needs be a good proof and testi∣mony, of the sincerity of our hearts, in the professi∣on of Christ, when we thus fit our selves to suffer with him, and are content to bear his Cross, as well as wear his Crown: And is it not a blessed thing, for a man to find a fair Evidence of this in his own heart? What can be more comfortable to him on Earth?

3. This preparation is an excellent thing, because it's that which prevents and cuts off the scandal of

the Cross, and the offence that others take at the sufferings of Christ.

Now, by Christs own Testimony, that Soul is blessed that is not offended in him. Mat. 11.6. And truly, there are not many among the Throng of Professors, upon whose Heads this blessing falls; how many in a suffering hour, are disguised as persons that have met with a disappointment? They expe∣cted much peace, honour, and prosperity, from Christ, as Mat. 20.20, 21. but finding now their Expectations frustrated, and their Carnal Interests rather exposed, then secured by their profession of him, they go back like those, Joh. 6.66. and walk no more with him. And it is very observable, that Christ dates the offence that men shall take at him, from the beginning of sorrows, Mat. 24.8, 9. All these are the beginning of sorrows, and then shall many be offended. This is the beginning of Apostacy from Christ. But now if thou be one that makest it thy business, to fore-see and provide for Troubles be∣fore they come upon thee, this will prevent thy of∣sence when they come, Joh. 16.1, 2, 3, 4. Fore-sight of them takes off both the strangeness and terrour of them. Great peace (saith the Psalmist) have they that love thy Law, and [nothing] shall [offend] them; or, be a stumbling block to them, as it is in the Heb. No! Why they meet with Prisons, Death, Banishments, yea, but they shall not stumble or be offended at these things, but pass peaceably over them, because they meet with no more then they expected.

And is not this a blessed thing, think you, that whatever falls out in thy way shall not offend thee, or make any alteration on thy Judgment of Christ and his ways, but he shall be as lovely, and his ways as sweet and desirable under Persecution, Scorn, and

Contempt, as in the greatest flourish of Prosperity? Yea, though thou be broken in the place of Dragons, and covered with the shadow of Death, yet shall not thy heart be turned back, nor thy steps decline from his ways, Psal. 44.18, 19, 20. Why, this blessed∣ness comes upon the heart of the prepared Chri∣stian.

4. A fourth Excellency of preparation for suf∣ferings lies in this, that it hath a tendency to con∣vince and awaken the secure and drowsie World. O! If the Lords people would but fall about this work in earnest, and live as people that are provi∣ding for a Storm, and resolved in the strength of God to run all hazards and hardships for Christ, I am perswaded it would be of more ease to startle and convince the World, then all the Sermons that ever they heard. For here is that which dashes and cuts the Throat of all our Labours; we preach up Self-denial and Contempt of Life and Liberty for Christ. Now though they hear us preach the neces∣sity and excellency of these things, and here you profess them as your Principles; yet when they look upon the Lives of Professors in Times of Dan∣ger, and find no proportion betwixt your professi∣on and practice, when they see you cling to the World, and are as loth to give it up as others; that Prisons and Sufferings are as formidable things to you as others, and that you live not loose from these things, as men that are in a preparedness to let them go, and give them up for Christ: Why then they conclude, that you dare not trust your own Prin∣ciples when it comes to the push; and how can they be perswaded to believe, that which they think your selves do not really believe? They have Eyes to see what you can do, as well as Ears to hear what you can say; and as long as they see you do no more

then others, you may talk your hearts out, e're they will believe your way is better than others.

But now when Persecution ariseth, did they see you providing your selves for it, and putting on your Harness to enter the Lists, carry your dearest Enjoyments in your hands, and put on the shooe of preparation, to follow the Lord through the rough∣est wayes of Sufferings: this would convince to purpose, and preach the excellency of Christ, the vanity of the Creature, the rationality and certain∣ty of Christian Principles, in a more intelligible and rouzing Dialect to them, than all our cheap and easie Commendations of them did. And hence it is, that Noah was said to condemn the World, Heb. 11.7. By Faith Noah being warned of God, of things not seen as yet, (i. e.) of the Deluge that was com∣ing, though no appearance of it yet, the Heavens being as clear as ever: yet believing the Threat∣ning, he was moved with fear: the fear of God, an effect of his Faith in the Word of God, moved, (i.e.) impelled him to his Duty: Set him about his pre∣paration-work, to provide an Ark; and this was it by which he condemned the World, left them excuse∣less: For they not onely heard of an approaching Flood by his Ministry, but now saw he himself be∣lieved what he preached, by his daily preparations against it came. O consider this, how much it would tend to the Worlds Conviction. Now they will see that you are in good earnest, and that there is a reality in godliness. This will induce them to search into the matter more then ever, and remove those prejudices they have taken up against the good ways of God, as if they were but Phan∣tasms and Conceits.

5. In the next place, this fore-sight and prepa∣ration, must needs be an excellent thing, because

the Spirit of God every where sets an honourable Character upon it, and always mentions such per∣sons with some singular commendation and respect. These onely are the Wise-men in the Judgment of God; and all the rest (what great Polititians so∣ever they are famed to be among men) are ac∣counted Fools, Prov. 22.3. Eccles. 2.14. The Wise-mans Eyes are in his head; that is, he is a fore∣seeing man; but the Fool goes on and is punished: Ru∣shes on without consideration, suspecting no dan∣ger that he at present sees not, and so smarts for his folly. Beloved, there are Signs of the Times, as well as of the Weather, Math. 16.3. You may see the Clouds of Judgment gathering before the Storm falls upon you: And this is the meaning of Zeph. 2.1, 2. Gather your selves together, before the Deerce bring forth, and the Day pass as the Chaff. Where there is a Conception of Judgment, there will be a Firth, unless the Reformations and Prayers of the Saints give it a miscarrying Womb. But it requires Wisdom to discern this; they must be men of much observation, that can descry it at a great distance: yet this may be done, by considering what GOD hath done in like Cases in former Ages, when Na∣tions have been guilty of the same sins as now they are: For God is as just now as then, and hates sin as much as ever he did; and partly, by attending to things present, to what fulness and maturity the sins of a Nation are grown, Joel 3.16. or what be∣ginnings of Judgment are already upon a people, as Harbingers and Fore-runners of more at hand, Luke 2.30, 31. 1 Sam. 2.12. Or what is the u∣niversal Vote and Cry of Gods Ministers, who are his Watch-men to fore-see danger, Ezek. 3.17. and his Trumpeters to discover it, Numb. 10.8. and when these have one mouth given, certainly there

is much in it, Luke 1.70. Or lastly, by pondering those Scripture-Prophecies that yet remain to be fulfilled: They must all go out their times, and ac∣complish their full number of Years and Moneths; but certainly they shall be fulfilled in their Sea∣sons.

By attending to these things, a Christian may give a near guess at the Judgments that are ap∣proaching a Nation, and so order himself accord∣ingly, Eccles. 8.5. A wise mans heart discerns both time and judgment. And this is (even in the Judg∣ment of God) a choice point of Wisdom. Where∣as on the contrary, heedless and careless ones, that regard not these things, are branded for Fools, and upbraided with more bruitishness than the Beasts of the Field, or Fowls of the Air, Math. 16.3. Jer. 8.7. The Stork in the Heavens, the Swallow, Turtle, and Crane, observe their Seasons of departing, and returning, upon the approach of the Winter and Spring, and that by a natural instinct, whereby they prolong their lives, which else must perish. But though God hath made Man wiser then the Fowls of the Air, and Beasts of the Earth, which by in∣stinct will quit colder Climates, or run to the Hedg when Winter or Storms approach, yet the Hea∣vens may be astonished at this, to see Nature cast by sinne so far below it self, and that in reasonable Creatures.

But now, if this be fore-seen, then there is a singular advantage in a mans hand, either to use the means of preventing those approaching Calami∣ties, Zeph. 2.3. or if it cannot be prevented, yet to take Sanctuary in Christ, Mic. 5.5. to run to the Promises and Attributes, Esa. 26. ult. and so have a good Roof over his Head while the Storm falls, and the Weather is tempestuous abroad. And

therefore certainly, this Preparation is an excellent thing. Whatever the Spirit of God speaks in the commendation of fore-seeing Evils, is with re∣spect to this Duty of preparing for them; for fore-sight of Evils, without preparation, rather in∣creases, then diminishes the misery.

6. A sixth Excellency of Preparation, lies in the influence that it hath into a Christians stability in the evil day. You cannot but know, that your stability in that critical hour of Temptation, is a choice and singular Mercy, in as much as all you are worth in the other World depends upon your standing then, Rev. 21.7, 8. Rom. 2.6, 7. Luke 22.28. Neither can you be ignorant how much you are like to be tryed and put to it then, whether you respect the Enemy that engages you, Eph. 6.12. or your own weakness, who have been so often foil∣ed in lesser tryals, Jer. 12.5. All the Grace you have, will be little enough to keep the Field, and bear you up from sinking; and therefore it cannot but be a blessed thing, to be able to stand and cope with the greatest difficulties, in such a nick of triall as that will be. Now he that expects to do this, must put on the whole Armour of God. See Ephes. 6.12, 13, 14. There's no expectation of standing in the evil day, except your feet be shod, that is, your Wills prepared, with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace.

It is true, that our ability to stand, is not from our own inherent grace; for by his strength shall no man prevail, 1 Sam. 2.9. and yet it is as true, that without grace, both inherent in us, and excited and prepared for action, we cannot expect to stand: For these two, Grace inherent in us, and Grace exciting and assisting without, are not opposed, but co-ordinated. Grace in us, is the Weapon by which

our Enemy falls; but then that Weapon must be managed by the Hand of the Spirit.—Well then, look upon this as a choice mercy, which tends so much to your stability.

7. A seventh Excellency of a prepared Heart, is, that it is a very high testification of our love to Jesus Christ, when we thus shew our willingness to take our Lot with him, and follow him whereever he goes. What an high expression of love was that of Ruth, to her Mother Naomy; I will not go back, but where thou lodgest I will lodge, and where thou goest I will go. 'Tis excellent, when a Soul can say to Christ, as Ittai to David, 2 Sam. 15.21. Surely, in what place my Lord the King shall be, whether in Death, or in Life, even there also will thy Servant be. This is love indeed, to cleave to him in a time of such distresses and dangers. This is love which the Waters cannot quench, nor the Flood drown, Cant. 8.6. Probatio amoris, est exhibitio operis: If you love Christ indeed, shew your love by some fruits of it; and surely, this is a very choice fruit and proof of it. There be many that profess a great deal of love to Christ, but when it comes to this Touch-stone, it appears false and counterfeit, but a meer flourish, when no danger is near: But that Soul which buckles on the Shooe of Preparation, to follow him through Thorns and Briars, and over the Rocks and Mountains of Difficulties and Troubles, loves him indeed, Jer. 2.2, 3. Beloved, it's one of the choicest Discoveries of your love to your Master Christ; yea, it is such a testification of love to him, as Angels are not capable of. They shew their love by their readiness to do his Will, in the execution of which they fly as with Wings, Ezek. 1.24. But you onely have the happiness of testifying your

love, by your readiness to suffer for him, and is not this excellent?

8. When the Heart is prepared for the worst Sufferings, it's an Argument that your Will is sub∣dued to the Will of God; for till this be done in a good measure, you cannot stand ready to suffer for him: But now, to have the Will subdued by Grace to the Will of God, is a very choice and excellent frame indeed; for in this the main power of Grace lieth: Look in what Faculty the chief Residence and strength of sinne was, in the same, the chief Residence and power of Grace, after Conversion, is also: Now it is in the Will, that the strength and power of sinne (before Conversion) lay. See Joh. 5.40. Psal. 81.11. Jer. 44.16, 17. And indeed, it was the Devils strong Hold, which in the Day of Christs Power, he storms and reduces to his Obe∣dience, Psal. 110.3. Oh what a blessed thing is this! the Will rules the Man, it hath the Empire of the whole Man, it commands the Faculties of the Soul, imperio politico; and it commands the Mem∣bers of the Body, imperio despotico: Now to have Christ and Grace rule that, which rules and com∣mands your inner and outer Man too, is no small Mercy: And a better Evidence that it is so can∣not be given than this, that you stand ready, or do seriously prepare your selves to suffer the hardest things for Christ: If your Will can like that Work, it's an Argument Grace hath conquered and sub∣dued indeed.

9. This Preparation of Heart to Duty, is an ex∣cellent thing, because God is so abundantly plea∣sed with it, that he oftens excuses them from suf∣ferings in whom he finds it, and accepts it, as if the service had been actually done. So Abraham, Gen.

22.12. he was ready to offer up his Isaac's life to God; but God seeing his Servants heart really pre∣pared, and ready for that difficult service, and high point of Self-denial, provided himself another Sa∣crifice instead of Isaac. Abraham shall have his Isaac back again, and that with advantage; for he hath with him not onely a choice Experiment of his love to God, but Gods high approbation of him, and acceptation of his Offering. It was all one, in respect of Divine acceptance, as if he had bin slain; and so the Scripture represents it, Jam. 2.21. And in this sense, that Promise is often made good to Gods People, who stand ready to give up their Isaacs, their lives, liberties, and dearest enjoyments, to the Lord; He that will lose his life for my Names sake shall save it, Luk. 9.24.

Now what a blessed thing is this! you may this way have the Crown of Martyrdom, and yet not shed one drop of blood for Christ actually. Ah how kindly doth God accept it at his poor Creatures hands, when he sees how willing they are to serve him with their best enjoyments! It is well (saith he to David) that it was in thy heart, 1 King. 8.18.

10. And then lastly, to add no more, it is be∣yond Controversie an excellent and blessed thing; because should such a Christian, after all his pains and preparations, be overborn, and fall by Temp∣tation, yet this preparation of his heart excuses his fall, from those aggravations that are upon the falls of others, and will give him both support under such a condition, and encouragement to hope for a speedy recovery out of it. Ah! it's no small comfort, when a poor Soul that hath been overborn by tem∣ptation, can come to God and say, Lord, thou knowest that this was not a wilful departure from my duty, but

contrary to the bent and resolution of my heart, thou sawest my diligence before-hand to prepare for it; thou sawest my fears and tremblings of heart about it; O Lord forgive, O Lord recover thy Servant, wash away this spot, it is one of the spots of thy children, an infir∣mity, not a Rebellion: This may much stay the Soul.

Surely in this case, thou hast many grounds of comfort that another wants: For thy sin being but an infirmity, (1.) It's that which is common to all Saints, Psal. 103.11, 12, 13, 14. (2.) God hath mercy and pardons for such sins as these; else woe to the holiest Soul, Psal. 130.3, 4. Solomon, upon this ground, pleads for mercy for them that prepared their hearts, 2 Chron. 30.18, 19. and God hath laid in sweet grounds of encouragement for such Souls, Numb. 15.27, 28. Heb. 5.2. How tenderly doth Christ deal with the Disciples under this kind of sin, Mat. 26.41. and though they forsook him for a time, yet received them again! though they fled from him, yet they all returned again, and appeared boldly for Christ afterwards, and sealed their Con∣fession of him with their blood: and that which re∣covered them again was this, that their fall and de∣parture was contrary to the resolution and standing frame and bent of their hearts; for they resolved all to cleave to him to the death, Mat. 26.35. where∣as those that engaged in a profession of him inconsi∣derately, and never resolved nor prepared for the worst, fell off from him, and never returned any more, Joh. 6.66. So then, upon the whole, you can∣not but grant, that it is a very blessed and excellent thing, to prepare thus for the greatest Sufferings that can befall us for Christ: We come next to shew wherein it lies.