The case and cure of a deserted soule, or, A treatise concerning the nature, kindes, degrees, symptomes, causes, cure of, and mistakes about spirituall desertions by Jos. Symonds ...

CHAP. XVIII. Perswasive considerations to move men to study the preservation of communion with God.

NOw having treated of the causes of the sad losse of Gods quickning presence, I come to consider of the cure and because as some are actually in this miserable state, and all are potentially in it, that is, though they are not in this maner deserted, yet they may be: I will accordingly prescribe rules,

• 1 Preservative for all.
• 2 Restaurative, for such as are in this state.

In the former I will propound some∣thing,

• 1 For perswasion.
• 2 For direction.

That which I perswade is, that men would labour to maintaine a constant communion with God, consider

[unspec 1] 1. You may lose much of God, as I have declared: the best may be in this

case, therefore be not secure;g though thou saylest now with a full gale, thou maist be becalmed, thy mountain is not so strong but it may be shaken,h dangers should make men wise, especially so great as this; though the promise as∣sures thee of life, yet thou art not out of danger of sicknesse, thou caryest a back∣sliding heart in thy bosome, and there are seducing spirits (many Legions) which seek to cloud the day of thy spi∣rituall prosperity: therefore watch, that you enter not into temptation. Mat. 26.41. But work out your salvation with feare and trembling. Phil. 2.12.

[unspec 2] 2. You may lose that quickly which will hardly be recovered; a Ship is easi∣ly born down the stream, but it is hard∣ly fetched up again; the Philosophers tell us that the way from the habit to the privation, is easier than the way from the privation to the habit; as a man may easier make a seeing eye blinde, then a blinde eye to see; a man may soon put an instrument out of tune, but not so soon put it in again; a man may lose more strength in a dayes sick∣nesse,i

then he can recover in many dayes of health: Therefore when thou art mounted aloft by plentifull supplies of grace, as upon Eagles wings, take heed of falling, for it is easier not to fal, then to rise; if thou provoke thy God to retire, it may cost thee many prayers and teares to get him to return, when thy lusts begin to stir, and to be armed with a new strength; these monsters will cost you labour and sweat to muz∣zle them, & subdue them: it is easier to keep out an enemy, then to expell him; a man may better keep an estate then get it: how did the Church seek Christ before she found him again? Cant. 5.

[unspec 3] 3. The losse will be grievous, it is most miserable to have been happy:k when you have found the sweetnesse of Gods presence, it will be a bitter thing to lose it.

[unspec 4] 4. It is possible to be kept, it is a com∣fort that care will keep it.

Object. But few do maintain a con∣stant

communion with God, but do at one time or other fall behinde hand.

Answ. 1. This doth not argue it im∣possible, but difficult.

2. The more difficult, the greater care is required, and a wise man stirres the more when a case is difficult.

Object. But God doth sometimes of his own pleasure shorten and diminish the influences of his Spirit,l even because he will, and that for ends best knowne to himselfe.

Answ. 1. If it be not for your default, it is not lost by you, though in such a cafe it be lost to you, because you have it not, yet you have not lost it, & so it is with∣out sin to you; as it is in bodily health, if it depart, but not by our default, by want of due care of it, we sin not, it is our present affliction, not our fault.

2. Whom God hath so left, he hath not left in that maner as he doth others, as we may see in examples. 1. He de∣nyeth not a generall assistance, but a spe∣tiall; that is, he withdrawes not all those workings of his power, by want of which an universall weaknesse and

dcadnesse overspreads his servants, but in some particular case only, as in Peter; Christ did not leave him to a generall declension, but to a particular slip. 2. He did sooner return to Peter, and caused Peter to return to himself. 3. He com∣municates more to them afterward: so Peter gained by his losse.

3. Wee are not so much to minde what God doth in the way of his free pleasure and absolute soveraignty, as what he doth in ordinary; nor so much what he will doe, as what he will that we shall doe: nor so much what the Issue of our work shall be, as what our rule is. This out of doubt we shall finde by an holy walking, even more of God, if not at this time in this thing, in this kinde or in this measure, yet in another, for our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor. 15.58. It is possible and frequent to finde little strength in some case, and much in another: it may be thy lusts may be working, but thy heart melting, fearing, mourning, warring, praying, and abounding in much spirituall life: it may be in afflictions thou maist have

more sorrow and unquietnesse of heart, being not so abundantly filled with spi∣rituall comfort; but this may be recom∣pensed in much meeknesse, humbleness, hungring after God, dependance upon him, &c. God will not be wanting to thee that failest not thy selfe, if thy love be constant to him, much more is his to thee: we say love descends stronglier then it ascends, the father loves the childe better than the childe loves the father; Gods love begets ours: there∣fore it is not only a preventing love, be∣fore ours, but an excelling love, above ours.

[unspec 5] 5. Consider the excellency of enjoy∣ment of God.

1. In the meanes of it, 1 the Son of God dyed to obtain it, his blood was poured out, that there might be a way for man to have Communion with God: we are made neare and have ac∣cesse to God, and favours from God, at no lesse price then the blood of the onely begotten Son of God.

2. The Spirit himself is imployed to poure in the treasures of divine grace.

3. All the Prophets, Apostles, Preach∣ers, yea, the Word and Sacraments are the instruments of conveyance of this high favour.

[unspec 2] It must needs be of great worth and excellency, for the effecting of which, such high persons, and excellent means are employed.

2. In the effects. 1. It brings great peace and solace, because it sets the soule in an harmonious statem.

1. A man carried on in a heavenly course, by a divine hand, hath concord betwixt Conscience and himselfe.

[unspec 1] Conscience, as it is a tutor for instru∣ction, so is a task master for exaction; as it shewes what we owe, so it demands it: now when a man hath his rent ready for his Lords Baily, he is not molested. Conscience will murmure and grumble if a man come short,n but holy walk∣ing keepes peace.

[unspec 2] 2. Concord betwixt the affection and condition; that is, when a man enjoy∣eth God, he hath what he would have: now if a man have what he loves, he is satisfied: as if you give a poore man

riches, his heart is eased. Whom doth the godly man love and desire in the world more then God? Psal. 73.25. he is his light, life, strength, Joy, all in all to him. Col. 3.11.

[unspec 3] 3. Concord betwixt inclination and action; when a man hath a principle that disposeth him to holinesse, and yet is hindered or perverted, this is a sick∣nesse and paine to the soule; as if you stop water in its course, it is full of un∣quietnesse: therefore when by divine assistance the soule is loosed of her bonds, and freed from impediments of running her desired course, it is peace.

[unspec 4] 4. Betwixt hope and reason: if a mans wayes be not exact, reason will give check to hope, and feare and anxiety will breake in, and it cannot be peace; but where reason concludes for hope, apprehending not only the excel∣lency of the end, and the possibility, but the probability and the certainty; if hope expect, and the understanding dispute against it, going about to over∣throw its title, it cannot but breed trou∣ble: supplies from heaven will prevent

this: for these supplies keep the soule in her way, and the way leads to the pro∣mise, and the promise strengthens hope, and in this way reason will joyn with it, the understanding will see all cleare, and so the heart will be quiet.

[unspec 5] 5. Betwixt the ordinances and our hearts; this concord lyeth not only in this, that a man shall more prize them, but also that he shall receive more by them. For,

1. The heart doth more sympathize, with thē, it is more receptive, Gods pre∣sence in the soule doth capacitate it, it makes it more meet for the Gospell; and as wood that is dry will take fire more then wood that is wet, because it is nearer the nature of fire, so the heart draweth more life, and partakes of the power of ordinances, by how much the more it hath a preparednesse through grace.

2. Where God is present in the soul, he is present in the ordinances; as all the servants are ready to serve him whom the master honours: God hath a more full command of all then any So∣veraigne,

and if he will that the meanes of grace shall bring in much of heaven, it will be done: and where a man is thus feasted with the fat things of Gods house, it is a great solace to him, partly because the things themselves are excel∣lent, and partly because they are testi∣monies of Gods speciall favour and grace.

6 Concord betwixt duty and ability: it is a great discomfort, when a man seeth his way and cannot walk in it, or when there is that disproportion of strength to his work, that he doth it not without much contention, difficulty, wearinesse; but when a man is able, then he is merry at his work, his labour is no paine; having the help of a God of power, He runs and is not weary, and walks and faints not. Esay 40.31. That is done with alacrity which is done with facility.

[unspec 7] 7 Concord with the Saints: holinesse is their proper quality, and therefore the more holinesse the greater agree∣ment, there will be a sweet consenting, and concentring with them; your moti∣on

on and theirs, your hearts and theirs your end and theirs will harmonize so sweetly, that you shall have their coun∣sell, countenance, company, comfort and it is a great solace to have commu∣nion with them, who are so neare •• God, and so full of God.

[unspec 2] 2 It brings glory. 1. A glorying spirit that is, it worketh joy and triumph i•• God, when the soule is caried in a holy course, the presence of God is so deare and the contentment and sweetnesse o•• his way so precious, that he not only blesseth his God, but he also blesseth himself in his God, he seeth that Gods with him, and this is a sign of his favour For wherein shall it be knowne here, that and thy people have found grace in the sight? is it not in that thou goest with us Exod. 33.16. And so a noblenesse o•• spirit is begotten in him, through which he is set above the world, so the through his God, whom he findes bet∣ter than a thousand worlds, he tramper upon the worldo. Rom. 8.31. And

neither enticed with hopes, nor deter∣ed with feares, but like a conquering Champion breakes through the armies, and hoasts of the world; what need he feare the assaults of creatures, that hath with him the power of the Crea∣tor? and how is he armed against all trouble, That hath the spirit of glory and of God resting upon him? 1 Pet. 4.14.

[unspec 2] 2 It is an honour to a man to be full of grace, and full of life; if reason which is but humane, do exalt a man so much above the beast, then how much more doth grace, which is divine, exalt the Saints above men? yea, if those orna∣ments of the reasonable creature, which are gotten by humane endea∣vour and are common to all, be such a crowne of glory, what honour is it to have the Spirit of God, making the godly the tabernacle of his rest, and fil∣ling them with the glory of his pre∣sence, and the blessed operations of his grace? To be trees even green and flourishing, filled with fruits of grace, to receive daily from heaven that which excels the Crownes of Kings,

to have Christ under thy roofe, sup∣ping with thee? Apoc. 3.20. To sit downe daily, not only with Abraham Isaac, and Iacob, but with Christ him∣selfe, to be led into his wine-celler, to have the mighty God walking with thee, what glory is all this to thee, which is the highest honour of the An∣gels?

[unspec 3] 3 It is an honour to have God co-work∣ing with thee, his hand with thine: a man would think it an honour to be with Princes in employment: while thou en∣joyest inward quicknings and assistance, as heaven joynes it selfe with thee, so thy work appeares to be a noble em∣ployment, and a service acceptable: As the sacrifice of Abel, Gen. 4. had this testimony of Gods acceptance, fire came from heaven upon it; as also af∣terwards in the Law: Levit. 9.24. So when God enkindles the soule with his Spirit, for spirituall Sacrifices, it is a signe that they are accepted of him. The Apostle by this proves his Minist∣ry to be of God, and according to God because God did work in him, and

gave him sufficiency to those great things. 2 Cor. 3.

[unspec 6] 6 Consider there is a necessity of di∣vine assistance; we are not like a Ship rigged and fitted, and sent out to Sea, and so left to shift for it selfe, but God is our continuall Pilot, and that power which wrought at first unto the work∣ing of Conversion, Ephes. 1. worketh still, Col. 1.18. unto fructification, aug∣mentation, and perseverance; what need we have of the help of this pow∣er may appeare, if we consider:

• 1 That the most excellent Saints have failed, [unspec 1] when they have been left to themselves.
• 2 That our taske is great. [unspec 2]
• 3 That our strength is small.

[unspec 3] 1 Through the debility of grace re∣ceived; It is but little which we have attained, and grace being so imperfect, there remaines in us a proportionable

• impotency to good.
• enmity to good.

[unspec 2] 2 Through the measure and mixture of a contrary principle; the flesh so root∣ed, so potent, so overspread, so active,

so chayning and pressing down, Heb. 12.1. that the Apostle not only saith, we cannot do what we would, Gal. 5.17. but also that himselfe cannot, his sin like a tyrant leading him captive whither he would not. Rom. 7.

[unspec 3] 3 Through exigences in our way, great feares, straights, extremities, which without the help of the Spirit, we could not passe through.

[unspec 4] 4 Through Satans mighty and subtile tentatious; all these, inherent corrupti∣ons, difficult occurrents, Satans work∣ings meeting with small measures of grace, must needs prevaile unto grie∣vous consequences without the support of the hand of the Almighty.

And though wee stand alwayes in need of a divine presence; yet at some∣times especially.

[unspec 1] 1 When we are put upon some speciall service, as Abraham, who was to leave all and to go he knew not whither. Gen. 12. how would reason and affe∣ction have barred and blocked up his passage, if he had not been mighty through God; so in that other busi∣nesse

of sacrificing his son. Gen. 22. Ezra when he was to take a long jour∣ney by a way that he knew not, asked of God a right way and safe protection from the hazzards that he might meet. Ezra 8.21, 22. and when our path is not a beaten way, or when it is a diffi∣cult way, and we are put upon new and speciall service, then is a time to crave the aide of God.

[unspec 2] 2 When there is some eminent weak∣nesse, and decay grown upon the spirit, by a customary carelesnesse, and long negligence in the way of holinesse; in such a case a man is like one in whom nature is so oppressed and over-master∣ed by the strength of a disease, that without the help of the Physitian hee cannot recover: this David found in his declined estate, which made him pray that God would set him right, restore and establish him, Create in me a cleane heart oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psal. 51.10.

[unspec 3] 3 When some lust hathp recovered

strength: when the Jebusites have made inroads upon Israel, and Babel hath pre∣vailed upon Sion; then we need the help of the Spirit to charme downe these spirits, to hush these windes, to deliver the poore captive out of chains; if lusts prevaile to lead captive, they will easily hold fast in captivity, and except redemption come from heaven, how should a feeble soule quit it selfe out of the jawes of Lions; yea, out of the hands of the powers of dark∣nesse?

[unspec 4] 4 In fierce assaults, and strong tenta∣tionsq; when Satan layeth siege to the soule, shooting his fiery darts, and using stratagems of policy, joyning his en∣deavours with our corruptions, as winde with tyde; then we have cause to pray as David, Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. Psal. 17.5. The Apostle also found he had need of help from heaven when he was assaulted; and therefore he prayed thrice, that the thing that he feared might depart from him. 2 Cor. 12. Christ hath taught us to pray daily,

Lead us not into tentationr, for it is dan∣gerous; and then tentations are most dangerous, when 1. most sutable, when Satan joynes with our disposition or constitution. 2 continuall. 3 when op∣portunity and power is greatest.

[unspec 5] 5 In great afflictions, wants, paines, dangers, persecutions, it is hard to en∣dure fights of afflictions, to suffer great and sore evils, especially when they are multiplyed and continued, whether our sufferings be corrections from God, or persecutions from men, wee need then a greater strength then our owne, for we see in both how the grea∣test champions have been foyled, when God hath for a time retreated, and left thē to try it out in their own strength: Iob, the mirrour of patience was overta∣ken with much impatience; and Peter that man of courages, was over-master∣ed with cowardize; the one so far, as to quarrell with his God, the other so far, as to deny his master; and these things

are written for ust.

[unspec 6] 6 When the meanes of grace are cut off from us; these are the food of the soule; and when these faile, it would be with the soule as with fire, which by withdrawing the fuell would be extin∣guished; or as with the body, which by want of nutriment would be famished. A garden, if when the heavens drop not in sweet showres, it be not watered by the Gardiner, withereth; this is our comfort, that though when the meanes of spirituall life are afforded, we must expect all supplies in that way, yet we are not set in such an absolute depen∣dance upon them, but that through God, when they are wanting we may be sustained: Light in the present ordi∣nary course of nature comes from the Sun and Stars; yet God gave light at first to the world, when yet they were not created, Gen. 1. So when the Sun

and Moone (the meanes of knowledge) shall not give light, The Lord shall be to thee an everlasting Light, and thy God thy glory. Esay 60.19. but if God should not feed us himselfe, when with Eliah we are in the wildernesse, how should we subsist?

[unspec 7] 7 When inward comforts are suspend∣ed, and the streames of living water flow not from the well of life, when stormes and tempests arise, and the waters of Marah overflow; then if God doe not uphold, the soul sinkes in the deeps, as David. Psal. 69.1, 2. Heman. Psal. 88. Iob 1.6. In times when the sweete gust and taste of those things which did re∣fresh the heart are cut off: if God put forth himselfe in a way of help, the thirst and labour of the heart, will bee much after God. Psal. 63.8. but if God withdraw his hand, either the heart ly∣eth sleeping and feeding upon inferiour things, like the Prodigall, who when he had not bread, fed upon chaffe and draffe; or else it faints in discourage∣ment, hangs the wing, and lyeth in fruitlesse and mournfull dejectment, ei∣ther

fearing to draw neare so great a God, or thinking it in vaine to stir. It is hard to live by faith, when all sense fai∣leth, and to retain a living hope, when feares break in like a flood.

All these things considered, doth it not much concern us to endeavour to keep the good hand of God with us in all our wayes? Let this suffice for per∣swasion.

Notes

• Labour to maintaine communi∣on with God: for,
• You may lose much.
• g

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Greg. Naz.
• h

  Animi motus & mores suum habent or∣bem, raro{que} consistunt. Cun. de re∣publ. Hebr. lib. 1.
• More then will easily be recove∣red.
• i

  Corpora tarde auges∣cunt, at cito extingunn∣tur, citius templum à Romanis de∣structum, quam à Iudaeis stru∣ctum. Sa∣van.
• It will be grievous.
• k

  Miserum est fuisse be∣atum. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Theophyl. ep. 37. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Eurip. in Hec. acriores sunt morsus libortatis intermissae. Cic. in Offic.
• Its possi∣ble to keep it.
• l

  Animus fortis crescit inipsa rerū difficultate. Bern. ep. 256.
• It is an excellent thing: in respect of 1 the meanes. 1 Christ.
• 2 The Spirit.
• 3. All or∣dinances.
• In respect of the ef∣fects. 1. Com∣fort and happy con∣cord.
• m

  Omne bonum con∣cordiae co∣gnatum est. Spond. in hom. Ilia. 2
• Betwixt conscience and him∣selfe.
• n

  Mens conscia ver∣bere caedit occultum quatiente animo tor∣tore flagel∣lum. Juven. de improb. Sat. 13.
• Betwixt the affecti∣on and condition.
• Betwixt inclinati∣on and action.
• Betwixt hope and reason.
• Betwixt the ordi∣nances and the heart.
• With the Saints.
• Effect, glory. 1. A glo∣rying spirit
• o

  Moreus Galeacius said, Hee that counts all the gold and silver in the world worth one •••• Communion with Jesus Christ, is worthy to be accursed.
• It is an ho¦nour to have God dwelling in us.
• Honour to have God wor∣king with us.
• It is ne∣cessary to have the assisting presence of God.
• The best have failed without it.
• Our taske great.
• Our strength little. 1 Grace low.
• There is a contrary principle.
• Exigences many.
• Satan mighty.
• But at sometimes especially divine as∣sistance is most ne∣cessary.
• In some great ser∣vice.
• When there is some emi∣nent decay
• Vide Them. sum. 1.2. q. 109. a. 7. Greg. de Valent. t. 2 disp. 8. q. 1. punct. 8.
• When some Iust hath reco∣vered.
• p

  Peccato in consuetudinem verso, nisi ineffabili divinae gratiae miraculo non resistitur. Bern. apud Guilielm. Paris. de tentat. & resist.
• In fierce assaults.
• q

  Vis. Pa∣risiens. de tentat. & resist.
• r

  In Mat. 26.41. Debuit jux∣ta vos diee∣re non qui∣dem surgite & orate, sed surgite & resistite, inquit Hieron. contr. Pelag. lib. 2. Iubet orare ne intenta∣tionem ducantur, i. e. ne ab ea vicantur. Aug. lib. de corr. & grat. cap. 6.
• In great afflictions.
• s

  Quos{que} ne∣ges unquam posse jacere cadunt. Ovid. am. lib. 1.
• t

  Ʋtruina majorum sit cautela minorum. Greg. Moral. David amieus Dei, & Solomon ama∣bilis ejus aucti sunt. Ʋt & ruinae nobis ad cautionem, exempla praeberent. Hieron. t. 1. ep. 9. Ad hoc peccata illorum hominum scripta sunt, ut Apostolica illa sententia ubi{que} tremenda sit, qui videtur stare, videat ne ca∣dat. Aug. de doct. Christ. lib. 3. cap. 23.
• In want of means.
• When comfort is suspended.