A discourse concerning trouble of mind and the disease of melancholly in three parts : written for the use of such as are, or have been exercised by the same / by Timothy Rogers ... ; to which are annexed, some letters from several divines, relating to the same subject.

The LETTERS that were sent from several Divines to the Author, are these following.

LETTER I.

From Matching-Hall in Essex, Nov. 21. 1690.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sir, I took the first oppor∣tunity to read your good Book; and besides the many useful things which are there to be lear∣ned in detail, the general scope and occasion of it did much affect me, partly with gratitude, partly with an awful fear, with the former, to consider, how it might have been with me; with the latter, considering how it may be with me; I see in what others suffer, what I might have suffered; and what am I that God should ex∣empt me from the lot of others better than my self? It is likely now it is over, you may have cause to say, That all the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth; and the comforts that you have in the return of the morning after a night, like theirs that live under the Poles, may more than recompence all your sorrows and pains. And God hath thereby fitted you to support

and comfort others from your own experience; yet it is a favour to be freed from such pains and terrors. Those that go down to the Sea in Ships, and do business in great waters, see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep; but when he commandeth and raiseth up the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof, they mount up to Heaven, they go down again to the depths, their soul is melted because of trouble, and they are at their wits end; so that many would be afraid to pur∣chase their experience so dear, or to venture to Sea in a storm, tho they might with pleasure re∣late their adventures, when the danger is over. Some have a smooth and even way through the world, while others are like those that go over Salisbury Plain, or some such place, where they have sometimes a clear prospect of the City, and their way to it, when they get upon the high ground; but when they are down in a valley, quite lose the sight of it, and may fear they shall never find the way to it: Some by a fidu∣cia perfugii, keep on a fair and softly pace to∣wards Heaven, and never have any experience, either of the ravishing joys, or amazing terrors of others, who are sometimes lift up to Heaven in ravishing comforts, and sometimes cast down to Hell with fears and terrors. But tho, through the mercy of God, I have had a safe and easie passage hitherto through the world, I know not what storms I may meet with before I get into harbor. I remember that great man Mr. Marshal, (of whom we were lately speaking) told me not long before he died, That through the mercy of God he had much peace and quietness in his

own mind, tho he was not acquainted with the ravishing joys which others felt, but knew not how it would be with him before he came to die, he did depend upon God, and was at his mercy not only for his Salvation, but for the comfort and assurance of it. Many charge the Doctrine of Assurance and Perseverance, as ten∣ding to licentiousness, and emboldening men to sin, but if there were nothing else to be said in the case, those terrors which they who are sure to go to Heaven, may here fall under, are suffi∣cient to check mens boldness and presumption; if I were sure that what I eat would not present∣ly kill me, yet if I knew that it would most likely breed the Gout, or the Stone, I should forbear it. Tho God may not send us to Hell, he may bring Hell to us, and make us feel the an∣ticipations of it in our Consciences; who knows the power of his wrath? Or who can endure his terrors, if he run upon us like a Giant, take us by the neck, and shake us to pieces! We have need to pray, that he way not be a terror to us in the day of evil; we are always at his mercy, and depend upon him for the comfort and evidence of Grace, as well as for the habit and exercise of it. If he give quietness, none can cause trouble; but if he hide his face, who can behold him! I have some∣time been on a mountain in the skirts of the Alpes, when one while we have had the Sun shining out clear, and presently a Cloud hath come, and we have been as in a thick mist, and could nor see a step before us. God when he pleases, can hold us as over the bottomless pit, as some will hold Children over some dangerous

place to affright them; he can keep our minds intent upon our sin, so as it shall be ever be∣fore us; he can suffer our judgments to be so clouded, that we shall have such dark appre∣hensions of things, as to look upon those eviden∣ces which we have stored up against an evil day, as self-deceivings and delusions; he can let Sa∣tan loose upon us to dispute us out of all our hopes; he can make our hearts soft, so as our fears and troubles shall make a sensible impres∣sion upon us, and be as an heavy burden, up∣on a galled back. He can bring our souls to the grave, and our lives to the destroyers, set∣ting us upon the very borders of Eternity, so as we cannot relieve our selves, by putting far from us the evil day. And thus he deals sometimes with such as are to him as the apple of his eye; he uses his Soveraignty in distributing both comforts and terrors; but an humble submission and resignation of our selves to his good will and pleasure, will be the best means to prevent such storms, or at least the best posture for them to find us in. I am

Your Real Friend Hen. Lukin.

LETTER II.

From Sissafernes in Hartfordshire, Nov. 4. 1690.

Dear Sir,

I Have Read your Practical Treatise upon Sick∣ness and Recovery, which you, have lately published to the World, and am glad to find so Universal and deep a sense of the goodness of God, manifested in your own wonderful and late return to the Ministry, as is exprest in those Lines, which I take as a real Copy, transcribed from the Original in your inward Parts. I hope Grace, Mercy, and Truth, will keep you, and preserve alive those sparks of Zeal in your Soul, to fly always upwards to God, which have been kindled by him. If the Lord shines forth more clearly and influentially upon you after so black a Cloud, I question not but the Light of His Countenance will make amends for the Darkness you lay under. The most vi∣olent Storms can never beat off the Loving-kindness of the Lord from One of his, tho' sometimes, in the deep Waters, all hopes of being saved may be taken away by them. Bles∣sed be the Lord, that threw out a Plank to save you in a time of need, and secured you comfort∣ably upon dry Land, when you thought of no∣thing but of being Shipwrack'd, and swallowed up in the deepest Mire. You have found a Rock, when you fear'd a Gulf; and may stand upon one that is higher than you, when you had

been carried so near unto the Land of forgetful∣ness, that God seemed to be just a laying you in the lowest Pit, in Darkness, in the Deeps, with his Wrath lying hard upon you, and afflicting you with all his Waves. Doubtless God hath thus cloathed you with the Garment of Salva∣tion, that you may encourage others to put on Christ, tho Hell be naked before them, and de∣struction hath no covering from those that are not hid in him. God hath emptied you of your own Fulness that you may be filled with Him that filleth all in all. You have been taught, even under Judgment, to sing of Mercy; and in every part of Salvation, to cry, Grace, Grace, unto it; having seen that his Grace is sufficient for you. He hath given you a Sip of Wrath, that the Cup of your Consolation may drink the sweeter, and that you may tast the more, how good the Lord is, that would not leave you to take up the Full Draught, or wring out the Dregs in your Cup of Bitterness and Astonish∣ment to all Eternity. I desire to adore the Di∣vine Goodness on your behalf, that he hath vi∣sited you with his own Presence, tho he had his way in the whirlwind, and in the storm, when he came unto you. I bless the unsearchable Riches of his Grace in our Lord Jesus Christ, that he hath shed abroad any sense of his Love upon your Soul, who had poured so much of his displea∣sure forth, that you complain of his Anger in every stroke of the Rod of God upon you. I rejoyce abundantly, that he hath bowed his ear unto Prayer for you, when you thought he had bent his Bow like an Enemy; that he hath

botled up your Tears, when your Roarings were poured forth like the Waters; that God hath form'd you into a Vessel of Mercy, when you thought he had slung you away as a Vessel wherein is no Pleasure. In a word, I rejoyce with comfort and enlargements, that the Lord hath given us so good hopes through Grace, that you are Sealed up unto the Day of Re∣demption, who did once mournfully express it in my own Hearing, That you were Sealed up unto the Black Day of Wrath, and should not see me until the Heavens were no more. No more at present, but my Hearty Requests at the Throne of Grace, That He, who hath been the Author of your Faith, may be∣come the finisher of the same, and confirm you unto the End, till an Abundant Entrance (through the Broad Gate of Assurance) be administred unto you into the everlasting King∣dom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I am,

SIR,

Your Affectionate Friend, Servant, and Brother in the Lord, J. HUSSEY.

LETTER III.

Dear Brother,

AS the tidings of your Distemper affected my Soul, and drew out my heart to make request unto God for you; so the tidings of your deliverance from trouble, confirmed by so evident a demonstration of it as your ap∣pearance both in the Pulpit and Press, hath much affected me with joy and thankfulness to the Lord. In your Book I read the Wisdom and Goodness of God in his severest dealings with his afflicted Servants, and the accomplish∣ing of what Job speaks, That when he hath tried them, he brings them forth at gold; you have not been in the Furnace in vain; but to humble and prove you, and do you good in the end: O how good is God! good in himself, good and kind to all his Creatures, but especially good to Israel. You have had abundant experience of it; he hath upheld you when falling, and raised you up when you was bowed down; and hath turned for you your mourning into dancing; hath put off your sackcloth, and girded you with gladness, that your soul may sing praise unto him, and not be silent; and you have well done in making so publick an acknowledgement of your thankful∣ness to God; that as deliverance hath been granted at the request of many, so by the many who have been concerned for you, thanks may be given unto the Lord on your behalf. I am persuaded the Lord hath taught you the truth

of that, (viz.) That the School of the Cross is the School of Light. You had not known so well, ei∣ther your own vanity, or the Vanity of the Creature, and of all humane help; nor the marvellous loving-kindness of the Lord in step∣ping in betwixt the Bridge and the Water many times for your help, had you not learned these things by being in the School of Affliction; and I am encouraged to believe, that the Lord hath reserved you, and restored you, that you may be, through his Grace, greatly instrumental for the glory of his Name, in turning many to righ∣teousness, the most eminent Servants in the Lord's work have been prepared for it by mani∣fold temptations; our Blessed Redeemer himself was tempted, that he might be able to succour those who are tempted; and the Lord comforts his Ser∣vants in all their tribulations, that they might comfort others with the same comfort wherewith they have been comforted of God; the Lord hath brought you out of the depths of distress, that you may be the more skilful Pilot to lead others through the Waves and Billows which they are afraid will swallow them up. Now, Dear Brother, What doth the Lord require of you, but what Paul sets before young Timothy? 1 Tim. 4.12. Be you an example to Believers, in word, in conversa∣tion, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity, your sound speech, holy converse, servent love, and spiri∣tual mindedness; rightly improving spiritual Gifts, both in sincere professing and publishing of the truth; and unspotted purity of life, will be a speaking Rule to others, and so adorn both your Person and Profession, that it will appear

you have been with Jesus, and that the Life of Christ doth shine forth in you. And that you may be long a shining and burning Light in this World, and at last be abundantly recom∣penced with the Reward promised to the Wise and Faithful, is the fervent desire and prayer of

Your Ʋnworthy, but Affectio∣nate Brother in the service of the Gospel, RALPH WARD.

York, Nov. 6. 1690.

LETTER IV.

From Steeple in Dorsetshire, May 1. 1691.

My Dear Friend,

I Did hope, when I was last in London, to have had the satisfaction of a free and large Conversation with your self; and to have dis∣cours'd some particular matters with you; but I was unhappily defeated. I am now at too great a distance to use so much freedom with you, as some of my Circumstances would prompt me to, if I were placed so near you, as would admit of my waiting on you personally. But tho I do not think it proper to desire satis∣faction from you by Letter about some things, which would be of great use to my self, and about which I believe you can better resolve me than other of my Acquaintance; yet if it be

consistent with your conveniences, I would be glad that you and I might maintain a corre∣spondence sometimes by writing. I heartily bless God for his gracious dealings with you, and for the good, I hope, he hath done me, by what you have published to the World. I have found my self obliged frequently to peruse your Book; and the oftner I do read it, the more I am affected with it. I heartily wish, English People might become so sensible of their great concernment, that you might have encourage∣ment to publish what you intimate in your Pre∣face you did design. It is what I earnestly long to see, and what I am persuaded would be of singular use, if people were a little awakened out of their Lethargick Distemper, Peradven∣ture God will use it to rouze and awaken many, who otherwise will sleep on, and continue in their doleful regardlesness and formality. It would greatly rejoice me to understand by a line or two from you, that I have some ground to hope to see that Tract in Print. The Lord preserve his faithful Messengers, and arm them against Discouragements. Remember Eccles. 11.1, & 6. I am,

Your Affectionate Friend, SA. BOLD.

LETTER V.

Dear Mr. Rogers,

SIR, I thank you for your Discourses on Sickness and Recovery; I trust, that God that hath given you (as it were) a resurrection from the dead, hath designed you for more than ordinary work in your Generation. Your Deliverance and Salvation has been extraordi∣nary; and tis more than probable, that so must your After-work be. God, who gives to his Servants the Talents of Gifts or Graces will find imployment for them answerable unto the same. I long to see something you hint in your Epistle before your Book, about your spiritual Conflict under your bodily Affliction; It will be, I hope, of use to all tender afflicted Con∣sciences. I have blessed the Lord on your be∣half, for his signal favour shown you in your wonderful recovery. And shall pray to God for you, That he will please to continue your life, health, and opportunities to you, that you may be eminently useful in your Ministerial Ca∣pacity for his Name. Your dear Parents would have rejoyced (if they had been alive) to have heard and seen the fruits of your Labours. Dear Sir, though I am a little straitned for time at present, yet my heart is inlarged towards you; wishing you all health and happiness in this World, and in the next, Eternal Felicity. I am,

Dear Sir,

Your unfeigned Well-wisher and Servant, GEO. NICHOLSON.

From Hudleskeugh in Cumberland, Apr. 17. 1691.

LETTER VI.

Dear Sir,

IT was your signal happiness to be deeply writ upon the hearts of many of God's pray∣ing Servants, when in your own apprehension you seemed as if you had been cast out of God's heart: And I heard some, when you were at your lowest ebb, express their saith and hope, That God was but preparing you by those af∣flictive Methods for more eminent Service. And now it cannot but greatly rejoice me, to see such blooming appearances of the Issue answer∣ing both their Prayers and Hopes. Ministers, of all Persons, had need to set up upon a good stock of Experience, spiritual and useful Expe∣rience! And no School more proper to improve us in that kind, than the School of Affliction; which made Luther sometimes say, That Affli∣ction, Temptation and Prayer, were the three Things that made a Minister. And hence it is, that God in his wise and holy Providence, many times puts his Servants to School under the prepara∣tory Pedagogy of Affliction, whom he designs for more than ordinary usefulness. When we enter upon the service of Souls, we know not what Cases may occur, to require our wise and tender management: And a Scribe cannot be better instructed for the Kingdom of God, than when he has felt in himself what he meets with in others. When we have been brought to the mouth of the Pit our selves, and there have

been conscious to the thoughts and fears, and workings of our own hearts, we can better tell how to minister proper applications to others in the like condition. When we have our selves been toss'd upon the tumultuous waves of tem∣ptation, and one deep has call'd to another, to put the greatest discouragement upon our condition, we are the better furnish'd to speak a word in season to others under the like circumstances. Every Storm weathered, furnishes the Pilot with more dextrous skill, not only to work his own Vessel in succeeding Tempests, but to be singularly helpful to others, when they fall in∣to the like depths and Straits. Our Blessed Lord himself learned experience by the things which he suf∣fered: And if he must be put to School to lead him into a practical experience of what he was to pity and help in others; How much more is it requisite in such poor unskilful Crea∣tures as we! A Wise and Holy God has been hewing you upon the dark Mountains; and I hope it has been to make you a more expert and polite Pillar in his Sanctuary: And the more workmanship he has bestowed upon you, the more eminent Station probably he designs for you. God works his greatest works many times in the dark, and forms his most curious Pieces in the gloomy shades of Adversity; so that neither our selves, nor others, can tell what he is a-doing, till he hath accomplish'd his Work. He throws us into the Furnace, Lead or Iron, and for a long time no body can tell what he will make of us: Sometimes he looks as if he would consume, and make an utter end of us:

And yet at last he brings us forth as Gold. We go into the Fire light, and foolish, and frothy; and when he has melted and tried us, what time he sees meet, he brings us forth serious, holy and gracious Souls. When we thought we should have lost Life, and Soul, and All, we have lost nothing but our dross and feculency, to make us more refined for Temple-service, When you seriously reflect upon your by-past days of trouble, whatever thoughts you had then, yet, I hope, now you can say through grace, that God has made you no loser, but a blessed gainer by that gloomy dispensation. And what wisdom, and grace, and experience you have obtained, I pray God you may be helped humbly to imploy in his Holy Sanctuary. We should labour to diffuse a more shining and burning Light, when God has been trimming us from our dross and filth, and has set us up again in his Temple-Candlestick. God has been dressing and trimming you a long time; and after a long and dismal time of complica∣ted afflicton, he has restored you to your sta∣tion in the Assemblies of his People: Now the good Lord make both your gifts and graces so much the more resplendent, not only for your own sake, but also that you may minister the more light and warmth to others in their way to glory. You promise a Second Volume of Discourses, giving account of the spiritual part of your Affliction, which I shall be very glad to see, as soon as your leisure will permit you to make it publick. In the mean time I commend you to God, and to the riches of his Grace, in

hopes that what God has done for you, is but a pledge of what he designs to do by you. To which I shall only add my earnest Prayers, and tell you, That it is in all sincerity.

SIR,

Your affectionate Fellow-labourer in the Work, of the Gospel, THO. WHITAKER.

Leeds, Nov. 25. 1690.

LETTER VII.

SIR,

I Do now at last return you my hearty thanks for your Book; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I should not have been thus far behind in ex∣pressing my gratitude, but that I have been hin∣dred by weakness: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . It was a Book to me both seasonable and suit∣able; I pray God it may be as well improv'd, as 'tis generally liked by Christians. If I were to give an account of my Visitation, it would in very many things correspond with yours. I have been for some years past under an Hy∣pochondraical evil habit of body, which has had many grievous Symptons attending it; viz. Vertigo's, Convulsions, Paralytick Effects, with a Fever, thought to be Hectical; and with

it I have had an universal languor and decay of Spirits; together with dreadful Temptations, Clouds, Confusions and Terrors of Soul, &c. so that there was no hope, or help to be expe∣cted, but from Heaven, in answer to many Prayers, which (through mercy) were succes∣ful; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . though still I am under weakness; though I hope rather going forward, than contrary. As to my Soul, I have not been without good ex∣periences (blessed be the free Grace of God!) I cannot, neither may I trouble you, to enlarge upon any of these things. My old Enemy will not lay down but by force; strong Temptations and Corruptions, &c. are my daily Exercise: Good Sir, help me by your Prayers over to the Lord Jesus; there's as much in that, as if I had made more words; Pray Sir, forget me not, and please to put others in remembrance of me; you know what Graces are necessary to such a Condition. 'Tis a true saying, Tranquillus Deus, tranquillat omnia; the Lord teach me to be as humble as he would have me be; and in eve∣ry thing give thanks. I desire to rejoice with you, and them that rejoice concerning you, for your restauration. Good Sir, again remember them that are still out in the storm; such have need of patience, &c. I know not how to break off. But time and strength failing me, I remain,

Daventry, March 10. 1690/1.

SIR,

Your Friend and Servant, Joh. Worth, Jun.

LETTER VIII. From a Young Student in Divinity.

Dear and much respected Cousin,

LOng Experience proves it, beyond a thou∣sand Arguments, that they who have made choice of God for their happiness, must expect none here; 'tis a contradiction to expect Hea∣ven on Earth, or to look for a setled duration where all things rush round in vicissitude. I can∣not tell what they may find who have the world at will, but I am sure Believers, upon a refle∣ction and consideration of the hard usage, and unquieting perplexities which they are still meeting with, cannot but long to be where the weary are at rest. The Saints who have now got to the end of their way, may well rejoyce, for they have good reason for it: happy are they who have got safely to their Father's House through so many threatning Difficulties. When others are lawless as to their practices, we are limited to the holy Rule of the Word; our life must be a life of Self-denial, mortification, and contempt of the World. I know not what thoughts many Professors may have of Religion; but for my self, when I seriously think what a life a true Christian's is, I am ready to cry out, True Religion is a rare thing! Dear Cousin, What manner of men should you and I be, who are designed for such special work! I desire to bear part in the praises for your wonderful De∣liverance;

the Lord teach us the true nature of Thankfulness, that we may live more to, and for God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I desire an interest in your Prayers, that God would keep me from Melancholly, which I am inclined to; and that God would bless my study to me, and make it successful; and in so doing, you will add one more to the Favours you have bestow'd on

Rauthmell in Yorkshire, No∣vemb. 17. l690.

Your very Loving Cousin, THO. BARNS.

LETTER IX. To a Relation of the Author's who was long under Melancholly, from a Minister who several years was under that Disease.

My dear Christian Friend,

AS Christ has given me any bowels of mer∣cy, I cannot but pity you under your Soul-affliction, and disquietment of spirit, be∣ing greatly oppressed by Satan, that malicious and active Spirit, who hates you for the Truth's sake; and (no doubt) therefore hates you, be∣cause he finds in you the love of the truth, by the proper and convincing evidences of it; And that you might not have any comfort by it, as

the work of the Spirit of Grace in your heart, as also that God might not have from you the praise and glory due unto his Grace for it, (for he envies him all the worship and glory that's given him by his Saints in Heaven and Earth.) Therefore he does all he can to hide the know∣ledge of it from you, by clouding your mind, by darkning your evidences by his own malici∣ous suggestions against you, as also by stirring up all sorts of sin in you, but more especially Unbelief, the sin of sins, his First-born, the Mother of all Abominations in the Soul, and so the Provocative; whereby, he well knows, if he can work it up to its perfect and full domi∣nion, he shall effectually hinder the income of all peace and joy, and so fill the poor despairing Soul with all heaviness and horror, never to be removed but by faith, and its actings on Jesus Christ, the King of Righteousness, and the King of Peace. I beseech you therefore (Dear Sister, and the Lord himself work it in you!) turn away your mind from all the malicious, deceitful, lying Suggestions of the Adversary, whom you know, by the Scripture of Truth, to be a Lyar and a Murtherer from the beginning; and will do all that he can to beguile you of the Grace of God in you, as also of all that mercy, pardon and peace, which God has provided in his Son, for all believing, broken-hearted Sin∣ners, such as (I doubt not) you are, whatever you may seem to your self in your present dark∣ness, and hour of temptation. Turn your self (yea the Lord do it for you, and in you;) from him, to your Saviour, who will not ac∣cuse

you with the Father, as he does; but is pleading his Sufferings, and presenting his Blood and Atonement made thereby, for you: Look to him (dear Sister) look to him, whom you shall find to be as the true Brazen Serpent to your love-sick Soul, which has been sore wounded by that fiery-flying Serpent, and old Dragon; but your Lord has overcome him by death, and you also (I doubt not) have over∣come him in divers Combats and Temptations already, and shall overcome him fully and fi∣nally by the Faith of your mighty Redeemer, and the Captain of your Salvation; who, as he is able to save you to the utmost, so I doubt not, he will do it, whatever your Doubts and Fears may be at present. He is with you, ta∣king care of your Soul, and all its Concerns, though your eyes are withheld, that you can∣not discern him, as it was sometimes with the Apostles themselves; but he will ere long ma∣nifest himself to you and then you shall know and acknowledge also. That he has born with you, and will be with you for ever; even as I now do, though I were as much to seek for his gracious presence with me, as you are, or can well be. The Lord himself even our Lord Je∣sus Christ, work this very thing in you, and cause you to hold fast your confidence firm unto the end; and you shall find, that it has great re∣compence of reward, as the Apostles has testi∣fied to the Hebrews; For he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry: He will not only come to Judgment at the last day; but he will come to you in the Spirit, and judge for

your Soul against your Enemies, to deliver you from all, even Sin (which is such a burthen to you;) As also from Satan, the great Troubler of your peace, who does either accuse you falsly, or aggravates all your Infirmities and Miscarriages, though such as he has tempted you to, above all reason. I shall be glad to have some account from you, how it is with your Soul;. . . . . . . . . . I shall endeavour (what lies in me, as enabled by the Spirit of Christ) to be a helper to your faith and joy. . . . . . . . . . . . I shall add no more at this time, but only to let you know, That I have you, and others in your con∣dition, daily in my prayers; so I commend you to the mercy of God in our dear Redeemer, I am,

Your very affectionate Friend, and Brother in Christ, GEORGE PORTER.

Febr. 21. 1688/9.

LETTER II. Written to a Relation of the Author's by one that had been under Melancholly.

Mrs. Rogers,

IF you dare believe one that hath been in your Case (which I confess is very sad, and much to be pitied) you have very much of a

Bodily distemper, and tho, by reason of your Clouds, you cannot hope for relief, either by spiritual or natural means, yet know, that no∣thing is too hard for God to do; use both, and look up to God as well as you can, for a Bles∣sing: The Lord's arm is not shortned that he can∣not save; nor his ear heavy, that he cannot hear. And tho your Sins, and sad Apprehensions, keep you in sadness, that you cannot see the Lord Jesus, nor call him yours, yet he sees you bemoaning your Misery and Disability to love and serve him. I know you would give all the World, were it at your disposal, for a glimpse of this favour. Do not side with your Enemy so far as to believe that you would not accept of the Lord Jesus to be your King, as wil∣lingly as to be your Saviour; If you can get so much ground of your self, then judge you are not alone in this, for those that have been in deep Melancholly, have not only had hard thoughts of themselves, but hard and sinful thoughts of God, as if he delighted in the death of a Sin∣ner (although he hath sworn the contrary.) In that dismal condition they could not see the loveliness of Christ, nor hardly discern desires after him, unless only to be saved from Hell; they could plead against themselves, That their Day of Grace was past, and that they had sin∣ned the unpardonable sin, and that for several years. Much more I could say, but I know it is to no purpose, none can speak to the heart but God alone; only I beg of you to cherish that hope you have, which the Devil would have you disown; but had you none, you would

not ask any to pray for you. I knew one that was in so despairing a Condition that did not that; nor believed it more possible to be saved, than the Devil: At length was persuaded to use a Steel Course, and Drink the Waters, and other means, which, by God's Blessing, did good; and as the bodily distemper wore off, more clearness came into the Mind, and hope returned, which before seemed to be quite dead; and tho the Party still hath Clouds, . . . . . . . . . . . and Satan is apt to put in, that all is naught still, through God's Mercy, the poor creature can reply, I am changeable in my frame, God is unchangeable in his Covenants. Tho I can∣not find the sensible joy, nor love, nor delight that I would; yet blessed be God that he ina∣bles me to wait on him, in the use of the means, by which he hath promised to renew my strength; and tho I want that sweet sensible Communion with God, which is the Life of Heaven, Is it not a Mercy that I can hope in his Mercy? Have I deserved such high favours, that I must be always full of Joy! This is what I would; but if the Lord will keep me a poor Beggar, 'tis infinite Mercy that I am not in Hell; and that the desire of my heart is after him, I chuse to love him, I cast my self on him, I neither expect nor desire any other Saviour; if I perish, it shall be in serving him as well as I can, and let him do his will: There is forgiveness with him, that he should be feared. This poor Crea∣ture often thinks of that Scripture, when Christ spoke to Thomas, Thou seest and be∣lievest,

blessed are they that do not see, yet believe. You say this is no Comfort to you, it is not your Case; true, but you know not how soon it may be: This Party that I speak of, was in your Case, and I verily believe in worse; there∣fore, pray cast not off your confidence, the Lord I verily hope will shew you Mercy: But you must wait; be not impatient; Is not Re∣demption from Hell, and hope of Heaven-worth waiting for?. . . . The Lord shine in upon your Soul, and let you see, that whatever he doth is in love and faith∣fulness. Pray for me, that I may not forget how it hath been with, nor be insensible of your Condition, or others in your case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I am in some small manner sen∣sible of your trouble, I wish I were abundant∣ly more so; for then I should hope to be here∣after, a partaker with you in your Joys.

July 24. 89.

LETTER III. To a Relation of the Author's.

MY very kind, and dear Friend, whom I much respect and love in the Lord, even as I have Cause; having found you to be one, who (I am persuaded) Love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, which you have fully manifested by your longings after him, and your great in∣ward sorrow, when you could not enjoy him as you would: And now he is returned unto

you, your soul is at rest, rejoycing in him, as the Lord your Righteousness, Peace, and Life, in whom you have all your soul needs and de∣sires. And the Lord manifest himself to you more and more, and fill you with abun∣dance of Peace and Joy in Believing; which (I doubt not) you desire for this end, That his Joy being your Strength, and your Heart enlarged by it, you may be able to run the ways of his Commandments, and to serve him not only in sincerity, but with all gladness, in all love and thankfulness, for all his loving-kindness, and all the great things he has done for your soul, in bringing it out of that hor∣rible pit of darkness, and the shadow of death, wherein you saw neither Sun, nor Moon, nor Stars, but were afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted; without all light, comfort and joy; tho the Father of Lights, and the God of all Consolation were with you, when you perceived him not, and could discover no tokens of his Gracious Presence, as neither could I, in the like gloomy Condition: But I now find, as you also do, blessed be the Father of Mercies, That he was ready at hand, to give forth Light and Joy, when his own set time came; which tho we did not wait for in a due manner, by Faith, Patience, and Humility, yet he passed by all our unbelief, impatience, and peevishness, and visited our sinful Souls, in his tender Mercy, notwithstanding all whereby we had provoked him, to turn his short with∣drawing from us, into an everlasting departure from us, and have left us wholly to the unbe∣lief

and frowardness of our own evil hearts: Wherefore, let us magnify his Name toge∣ther, and let his high praises be in our hearts and mouths as long as we live, and unto all Eter∣nity; for he is most worthy to be praised: And blessed be his Name for ever and ever, Amen. And let us walk circumspectly and humbly with him all our days, that we grieve not his good Spirit any more, and provoke him to withdraw from us, and to take his blessed influences and com∣forts from us, as he has done. He is the life of our souls, and the joy of our hearts; without him, we are but a sink of all filth, and a hell of sorrow and confusion. . . . . . . . . . . . I hope you will give me the contentment, to let me see you as oft as you can; I shall be glad to be a means to help forward your Faith and Joy, unto a more full settlement of Spirit, and more abundant rejoycing in the Lord Jesus: Thus, with my constant Prayers for you, I commend you to the Grace of God, in Christ, and Rest

London, Febr. 8. 1689.

Your most Affectionate Friend and Brother in the Lord, GEORGE PORTER.

LETTER IV. To a Relation of the Authors.

Mrs. Rogers,

I Have read your doleful Letter, wherein you express your distress of mind under which you lately labour'd; 'twas indeed a very sad

misapprehension of God, and of your own condition; but yet this is no more than what hath befaln many a dear Servant of God, who have managed the same Objection against them∣selves, and have labour'd under the same afright∣ments. This you counterballance with the com∣fortable account you give of God's great Mercy to you in commanding down these waves and storms: I rejoice with you in this, and pray that God would please to confirm and settle you in the sense of his Love. And that you may go for∣ward in your present peaceable Estate, I would advise you to take a due care of your Body, and to reduce it into order; I know well you are na∣turally melancholly, and you may be assured the Devil took no small advantage from thence, to raise up your distressing fears; and if you take not heed, to take away this advantage, he may (except God wonderfully prevent) raise up trouble to you a second time: 'Tis not possible for me at so great a distance to direct you in this matter; Physicians upon the place that see you, and can occasionally fit or change their prescriptions, are only fit to advise you. This being cared for, I shall only put you in mind of a few things, which I would have you to establish upon your mind; and these are such as a review of your apprehensions in your former trouble will help you to understand. First then, Call to mind that such dreadful Terrors as you have had, are not to be understood as certain evidences of God's rejecting those that are so afflicted; tho you so concluded against your self, yet the pre∣sent peace which God in great mercy hath given

you, is enough to tell you, that you were mistaken when you thought so. Heman's Case, and the instances of many others of your own Acquain∣tance, may abundantly satisfy you, that these things may befall the precious Servants of God. Secondly, Note also, That a true converted Per∣son may be brought to that pass, as to deny all the Evidences of Grace which he formerly had, and may condemn himself for an Hypocrite, when at the same time these Evidences appear to By-standers, and shine through the black Cloud of their terror. Thirdly, 'Tis further to be noted, that the sad Speeches such Men utter, and the desperate conclusions that such do make, are little else than the Discourses of those that are distracted; nor will God rigidly press them upon us, as sins of that nature which we would take them to be. God, in Mercy, considers our distress, and will more gently pass by such extra∣vagancies, than we can readily believe. 4. You should also call to mind, that you and others in this Case, boldly venture to determine that, which neither you nor no Man else can know; as that you were cut off, reprobated, made to be destroyed, no time of Mercy left, &c. This was a conclusion which you had no warrant to make, nor could you prove it: If you concluded your present state to be bad, you should not have ta∣ken upon you to pronounce God's purpose to have been against you for the future; Who knows the Mind of God? 5. I also think that you might possibly have some disadvantage, by some darkness of mind, about the nature of Faith; some expressions in your Letter (where you com∣plain

you could not believe) look as if you thought Faith must be a believing that our sins are pardoned; I will not much insist on this, be∣cause I may mistake: But if you had such a mi∣stake in your mind, 'tis no wonder to say you could not believe. These things you may do well to consider as mistakes, which the disordered Reason you had, run upon, to the increase of your trouble; and now, while you are in the calm, fix the contrary upon your mind, and come up as fully as you can to these following conclu∣sions. 1. Let the amiable, lovely, and compassio∣nate Nature of God be deeply impressed upon your mind; think often, seriously meditate, That God is Love, That he delights not in the death of sin∣ners; That he is willing to save. 2. Make much of the probability, or even possibility of Salva∣tion, even when the assurance of Faith is want∣ing; 'tis a great stay, to be able to nourish hope concerning this thing. 3. Persuade your self for certain, That God's Decree is no rule for you to go by, and that you must interpret his Decree by his Promises; for it's certain his Decree doth not contradict his Promise. 4. Assure your self, that if God sincerely incline your heart to accept of Christ as your Righteousness and Lawgiver, and endeavour faithfully to live accordingly, he will undoubtedly fulfil his Promise of Peace and Par∣don to you; and that it is a comfortable evi∣dence of his special Grace. 5. Do not think you want Faith, because you have not assurance; Faith is such a belief of the proffer of Salvation by Christ in the Gospel, as makes us willing to accept it upon God's terms. 6. Listen not to severe and ma∣lignant

suggestions of Satan against the Merci∣fulness and Goodness of God; if any such thoughts come into your mind, cast them out presently, and raise up your mind unto a detesta∣tion of them. 7. Be thankfully content with that measure of Peace which God hath given you, expect not more than you ought, but patiently wait, in holy walking, and dependance upon God, till he inlarge you with Joy and Peace in believing; 'tis a mercy that he allows us peace∣able encouraging hopes; all must not expect to be treated in his Banquetting-house, with his Banner of Love over them. 8. Live watchfully; Lament daily sailings, and so make up Peace with God daily; expect it best, you will have cause of complaint against your self, but still con∣sider God's merciful Promise to Pardon; and that for common infirmities, he will not be severe, nor should we affright our selves with them; consider these few things, and endeavour to set∣tle your mind upon them; God that hath brought you up out of the horrible Pit, will, I hope, pre∣serve you from the like distress. I am glad to hear your Brother is grown better; in time he may be capable to do Service, which I earnestly desire, and shall pray for. I am

Newcastle, Jan. 28. 89.

Your assured Friend, RICH. GILPIN.

LETTER V. Written to another Relation of the Au∣thor's by an Old and Experiencad Chri∣stian.

My dear Friend,

I Would not have difference in Opinion, or alterations in worldly Conditions, to breed a distance between us; The Lord pardon us, for we are apt to grow cold in love. And, O that the ancient Spirit of Love among Chri∣stians might be revived, which would more ho∣nour Christ, than all our Conformity, or Non∣conformity! For the Kingdom of Christ, and the glory of Christianity, lies not in Forms and Opinions, but in Power, and Holiness, and Righteousness, and Joy of the Holy Ghost, and love to one another.

I have been under deep Melancholly, and many Temptations, and Buffetings of Satan, and ma∣ny have passed by me, as the Levite did the wounded Man in the way to Jericho, and have not only withdrawn from me, but censured me also. I hope I shall love and pardon all those who in the hour of temptation withdrew from me, and stood afar off, because of my sorrow; nay those, who added affliction to my affliction. It were a shame for me to complain of any un∣kindness of my Friends, when Christ hath been so kind to me; he helped, succoured me, stood by me, when all forsook me; I looked on my right hand, and on my left hand, and there

was none that cared for my Soul; even then did the Lord appear a present help, else the great waters of Unbelief and Despair had over∣whelmed me; for I have had greater Conflicts with Satan greater shakings of Spirit than I had at my first Conversion. I have been ready to give up all for lost; yet all hath been in or∣der to clearer manifestations of Everlasting Love; Christ hath carried me through several Graves, several Chambers of Darkness, and Fields of Temptation, yet all in order to light and triumph, and greater discoveries of his Power, Wisdom, Faithfulness, Love to me; I have exceedingly put Christ to it, as much as ever any; I would not believe, unless I might put my Finger in his Wounds; unless I had such and such clear manifestations and sealings given him. O this unbelieving and proud temper of spirit hath cost me very dear; though Christ hath wonderfully indulged me, I have put him to take strange courses with me; nay, to throw me with Jonas into the Belly of the Whale, and of Hell it self, that he might fur∣ther convince me of my disobedience and unbe∣lief, and of his mighty glorious power, in pre∣serving and delivering me out of the gulph of Temptations. He hath shewed many Mira∣cles of mercy and grace towards me, too big for me to express. Heaven only is fit sufficiently to declare those wonderful dealings of his. If ever any was a pattern of rich grace, I am. You never so grieved, and wounded, and tempted Christ, as I have done; and therefore never was cast into those Hells, scorched in those Fires,

scourged with those Rods, exercised with those Temptations, that I have been exercised with. I cannot tell what God hath been doing to me. As the Heavens are high above the Earth, so are his thoughts above all my thoughts, or words. Sure I am, I should have been in Hell, and in Chains of darkness, if I had had my desert. But God hath stretched out his Arm of power and love, and fetched me up out of the lowest Pit, where I was sunk, and displayed the banners of his Love over me, and opened his heart, and shewed me his Blood. That thus he should deal with me, the very worst piece of old Adam; nay, a piece of Hell, Angels and Men may stand amazed at; so great, and so unexpected were the manife∣stations of his Love. But what shall I say, It is Christ, it is Christ, an Infinite Person; 'tis im∣possible for any other (Men or Angels all put together) to contain such his Love; such strange Love, to such an unworthy Wretch! I write and speak what I do not fully compre∣hend: If I did fully know it, Mortality could not bear it; it would immediately be swallow∣ed up; and sink under the weight of Infinite Love. Ah, but dear Friend, I am not yet out of Gunshot, I see a great Field of Enemies be∣fore me; a Devil full of Policy and Malice, a desperate wicked World, a Heart, in which is a World of evil, nay an Hell of Wickedness; all these I have to grapple with, each of them stands armed with thousands of Temptations; I must fight, and overcome too, else undone for ever. I confess it is a good Fight, a glorious

Fight, because I have such a good Captain; but often I am sorely put to it; when I take a view of my Enemies, I think I shall never be able to stand against such Principalities and Powers. The Enemy hath too dangerous Correspondence within me; Spiritual Pride and Security, Lord keep me humble and watchful, and eying the Enemy, and also eying my Captain. Living out of my self, and fighting in his strength, and then my Soul shall tread down Strength daily, and triumph always in Christ, and in the power of his might.

I hear the Lord is pleased to keep you under the Rod, and to exercise you with the Infirmi∣ties of a dying body, as he doth me; He hath worn (as I may say) his Rods upon me, as a stubborn Child. He hath tried his Axes, and Hammers, and Saws upon me; you cannot ima∣gine what a Rock I am under all his stroaks. I hope Afflictions work more kindly with you than they do with me; and that you are found better metal in the fire than I am. I hear you are under Melancholly as well as I, though not in so great a degree. Satan can make use of it to raise strange storms and tempests, and confu∣sions and darknesses in the Soul, as I have found by experience, though Christ turned all to good. Such Melancholly Persons had need be pitied, and tendred; Men usually do not pity them, Christ will. I could tell you many experiences of a Melancholly Condition, but the time fails me. Let us lift up our heads in faith and patience, our Redemption draweth near; shortly we shall be out of the reach of

Satan, Sin, Melancholly, Sickness, &c. we have a Jordan to go over, but the Ark goes before us; it shall be made passable. Christ will take us by the hand, and bring us through to the other side. I mention you daily in my prayers, do you the like. I am

Yours in Christ; your Fellow-soldier, and Sufferer, T. L.

LETTER VI. Sent to a Relation of the Author's.

Christian Friend,

THE Lord hath made me so sensible of your disconsolate Condition, that you are seldom out of my thoughts, and frequent re∣membrances in my Prayers, that God would give you comfort and peace in believing, which he can convey by what instrument he pleaseth. We read in Job 33.23, 24. If there be a messen∣ger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom. Elihu in these words makes a defence for God's proceedings with man; where he shews, it is not man's Ruine that God desires by his various methods; he speaks in dreams, and by afflictions; and he sends a Messenger sometimes with the affliction, to shew unto a man his uprightness. I hope

God hath no design to manifest his wrath to you, but to give you evidences of your sinceri∣ty; for if you did not love God, you would not lament for his absence as you do. Supposing that your delays in opening to Christ have caused him to depart from you, never to return more; if you had rejected the good motions of the Spi∣rit, it appears by your sorrow, that it was not out of malice, nor no other fault, but what the Spouse was guilty of: If he should cast off every one that does not always readily obey his call, he would not manifest so great willing∣ness to receive all those that come to him: You may be, and I doubt not but you are mistaken in your Condition, as Mrs. Honnywood was, whom God convinced by a Miracle. Peter, tho he de∣nied his Lord, and forswore him, yet he mani∣fested himself first to him, rather than to any of the other Disciples, and took care that he should have the first news of his Resurrection. Christ is a merciful and faithful High-Priest; he consi∣ders our Infirmities; he is full of bowels of Compassion, and came to seek and save that which was lost. Give no credit to Satan, who would make you believe that God is not willing to be reconciled, who sends Ambassadors on pur∣pose to beseech us to be so: If we do our utmost, we cannot depend on our own Righteousness, but must rely on the mercy of God in Christ; which if you do, it will be the way to comfort here, or at length you will come safe to Heaven, which is the Prayer of

Your Compassionate Friend, G. D.