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. XXXVII. The Causes and Cure of this sad con∣dition.

HAving seene what a wofull case a man is in when God withdraweth, let us now weigh the Causes for which God dealeth thus with his peo∣ple.

[Cause. 1] 1 To put a difference betwixt heaven and earth. God is wont to fit his acti∣ons to times and seasons; Israel was a childe as well as we, yea the first borne, yet that Church had not so much of him, as the Churches of the Christians: It was not a time forfulnesse, while the Church was in her Infancy; God dealt with them as with children in minority, he gave them much of the world, and lesse of heaven; the Spirit of adoption was poured out more fully when the Church was growne more full. And as God reserved much till the Gentiles were called, that when his guests were more fully met, he might set out more

abundance of his provision; so God will keepe the rich store of consistent and abiding comforts till the great day, that when all the family shall come to∣gether, he may poure out the fulnesse of his hidden treasures upon them. We are now but in the way, and it is fit the best should come last; we are but yet in the morning of the day, the feast is to come; in the meane time a running ban∣quet, a break-fast, a taste shall suffice to stay the stomach, till the time come that the King of Saints with all his friends, shall sit downe together at the Royall Feast.

If you send your sonne to travel, you give him lesse than his inheritance, and you will send them forth by Sea and Land for your ends; so God hath sent you abroad, you are but travellers, therefore must not thinke it strange if you meet with stormes, and weary daies, and if you have not so constant a presence of God with you. The diffe∣rence of this life and the next, is not so much in the kindes of comfort, as in the degrees and continuance of them; this

life hath such a presence of God, as is with a kinde of absence. We know this, That while we are present in the body, we are absent from the Lord, 2 Cor. 5.6.

This life is but our seed time of com∣fort, Psal. 97.11. and the seed will have a time to be out of our hands, use, and sight, till the harvest come.

Now is working time, and the time of fight, and servants and souldiers must not expect any setled rest, till their service is done, and the warres cease. There remaines a rest for the people of God, Heb. 4.9.

All the Saints that have gone before us have found ill dayes and hard times, yea Iesus Christ himselfe till his houre came that he should be glorified, had trouble in the world, yea he dranke of this cup, which wee have in hand. This makes heaven sweeter, and puts the soule upon more longings for it, be∣cause there it knoweth it shall not feare, nor sorrow any more.

Constant joyes in such a condition as this is in the world, sute not more than constant feastings in times of heavi∣nesse;

we are freed from the power of sinne but in part, so we are but in part freed from afflictions. And it is proba∣ble, except grace were more abundant, that constant peace would have ill con∣sequents. Paul was tempted after his exaltation that he might not be exalted. Comfort belongeth not to sanctificati∣on, but glorification, therefore the ful∣nesse of it is kept till wee bee set in glo∣ry. Comfort is the reward of ho∣linesse, therefore the perfection and stability of it is kept till that time when holinesse shall be perfected; and the perfection both of grace and peace is deferred, that when Christ shall ap∣peare in glory, this may set out the day. When Christ came in the flesh, God powred out much of his Spirit at his ascension, and will powre it gloriously when all shall be consummate; then Christ shall shine among all his Saints, and the fulnesse of their perfections, as the Sunne attended with all the starres in their brightest glory.

Till that time, while you are children under tuition, and at schoole, you will

meet with frownes as well as smiles, and correction daies as well as play daies; and it is well the day is comming that hath no night, and joy that hath no sorrow with it.

[Cause. 2] Second Cause, in Iudgement to the world: God might send out his Saints as starres in glory, that all eyes might gaze on them, but he will not; all things are in a mystery and hidden to the world, the graces of the Saints hid un∣der many infirmities, and the comforts of the Saints under many sorrowes, in just judgement upon the world. God is wise and knoweth how to fit the same things for many ends. Christ came in a poore estate, and his glory and majesty was covered with a cloud and mantle of a meane outside; and why was this? It is true, it was for satisfaction of Ju∣stice, for the sinne of his people; but it was also in Judgement to the world; he was a precious one, yet because hee came not in State and pompe, he was a stone refused of the builders, and so a stone of stumbling, and a rocke of offence, 1 Pet. 2.7, 8. And because the Gospel

came not with humane dresse and ex∣ternall ornament; The preaching of the crosse, is to them that perish foolishnesse, 1 Cor. 1.18.

God hath not stooped in the matters of heaven to sense, as he hath in the matters of the world; he will not send unto men any from the dead, nor yet shall any walke among men with shining robes of heavenly glory. The things of this life, are seene, and tasted; but Spi∣rituall things are conveyed most in a spirituall way. If Adam had continued in his integrity, God would have mani∣fested himselfe to the world as a man to his friend, and not onely faith and rea∣son, but the senses should have beene blessed in communion with God; but now he so disposeth of all things, that even his people walke by faith, and not by sight: he will not give such a sensible demonstration of his bounty to the world, that it may justly perish in its wickednesse, if it will not beleeve Mo∣ses and the Prophets, and if they will not beleeve the Gospel.

The world is led by sense; though

the Scriptures testifie of the excellency of redemption, and adoption, and of the great happinesse of the Saints, yet they foolishly cast away faith and the word, and run to sense; and finding the heires of glory to be often sad, be∣holding not their comforts, but their sorrowes, they conclude that the way is worthlesse, and that religion is but a sower grape, and as bitter waters, and as the way of the desart.

[Cause. 3] Third Cause: To establish them in more full comfortsx: there was dark∣nesse before light in the world: after the strong winde which rent the moun∣taines and brake the rocks, came the still voyce in which God was, 1 Kings 19.11, 12. And as God often sends great comforts before great afflictions in the world, (Christ was transfigured in the Mount before his great agonie in the garden) so he often premiseth affliction of the soule before great comforts, and the soule is setled the more afterward, as the tree is rooted more by shaking: It is Gods method to bring first to Aegypt, and through the Sea, and

wildernesse, and then to Canaan. The Apostle prayeth that they may bee strengthened and established, but when? After yee have suffered a while, 1 Pet. 5.10.

When the soule hath passed through straits, and hath seene the wonders of the Lord in the deepes, it is ad∣vantaged much, to further establish∣ment.

1 Because that comfort and evi∣dence which comes so immediately from God is strongest, when a man hath beene taken off from all his foun∣dations, and God hath appeared unto him in the desart, it is a strong demon∣stration of his love, and wins the heart to much love, and to strong confidence; as if a friend when he is offended, and hath us at an advantage, so that he may in justice, and can undoe us, if then he spare, and not onely so, but is as Esau to Iacob, turning wrath into love, and anger into compassionate kindnesse, this much knits us to him to love him and cleave to him, as a good and a fast friend indeed.

2 God gives much proofe and evi∣dence of the truth of grace which he hath wrought in them, when he makes them see they had hearts that could love him, even when it was doubtfull to them whether he loved them; when the truth of grace is evidenced clearely, it brings much comfort, and what greater evidence of an upright heart, then to follow God when he seemes to flye away; and to love him when hee seemes to abhorre and hate them, to weep upon him in love when he seemes armed with weapons of deathy; and to powre out the soule to him, when hee seemes to be powring downe fire and brimstone upon them.

3 It gives hope that if darke clouds do arise, yet they shall be scattered a∣gaine; the sense of former troubles may helpe to conclude that such deeps are passable; and the soule will be apt to say there is hope concerning thisz experience of mercy is a great helpe to faith, and holds up the soule, that it will not fall so flat, and lie so long under discouragements againe; It will helpe

and furnish the heart to pray much, be∣cause God hath beene intreated in such times before; and to say as the Apostle, having delivered us from so great a death, in him we trust, that he will yet deliver us, 2. Cor. 1.10.

4. It workes more closing with Christ: the death of comfort occasions a grea∣ter life and strength towards Christ, both in desire of him, and dependance upon him; and for this cause God shakes the soule with earthquakes, that it may stand faster upon its true basis and foundation; that which at first brings the soule to Christ, is his worth, and our need: and the more wee see our selves necessitous, the more our hearts gather in to Christ; the soule must have some rest, and if it finde none within nor without, it is carried to Christ, as Noahs Dove to the Arke; That which is the first coard to draw to him, hath also a strength to bind to him; therefore God gives his people sad visions of sin, and wrath, that by being shaken, they may roote themselves more in Christ; this was Gods great ••ime to set up his

Son, as the hope and helpe of his peo∣ple, and as that glorious meanes, by which hee may diffuse the beames of his mercy and love upon men; and hee loves to see the Saints advancing him, by flying to him and abiding in him.

And the more they goe forth to Christ, and seeke the Father in the Son, the more they are blessed; Christ is the rock of the Saints, and when they are knit to it, they stand fast; the nearer they are to Christ, the nearer are they to all happinesse; God will not looke friendly upon the soule but through Christ; he will not poure out the spirit of comfort but through him; and as comfort comes by comming, so the oftner the soule comes, and the more it converseth with Christ, and resteth on him, the more comfort it will finde at last: Christ will tell you many se∣crets, and open his fathers bosome to you, when you stick close to him.

And this advantage comes by de∣sertions, that the soule is so frighted with those stormes which it met with, that it is afraid to bee any more out of

its harbour; but seekes to dwell under the wing of Christ, and to keepe closer to him than ever it did before; and so this affliction brings forth the peaceable fruit of righteousnesse in them which are exercised thereby, Heb. 12.11.

[Cause. 4] 4. Cause: The correcting and healing of some evill in his people: He doth it for their profit, that they may be partakers of his holinesse, Heb. 12.10. There are ma∣ny things in the Saints which are very repugnant to that filiall state, in which they are set by grace; and it is no won∣der if God take such courses, wherein he seemes not to bee a father to them, that are not as children to him: I will instance in some particular evils, which God will not beare with, but doth visit in his people, with this and other rods.

1. Deadnesse, and dulnesse of heart: Sometimes living men are in a livelesse state, their hearts are so benummed that they seeme to lye among the dead; the former vigor and activity of their gra∣ces is gone, and they are become barren and unfruitfull; now as in a lethargie, or apoplexie, Physitians use strong and

sharpe medicines; so God casts the soule into a feaver, to get off this stupi∣dity, and hangs their soules over the mouth of hell, and makes them to drink of that cup of red Wine, the dregs whereof the wicked of the earth shall wring out and drinke, Ps. 75.8. that by this strong potion, he may quicken their dull and sleepie spirits. Deadnesse is such a state, in which a man is neither receptive nor active, neither fit to receive good, nor to do good; and such a case is not tolerable: for in this, Gods ends are stopped; for he calleth out his people to be vessels to receive mercy, to hold forth his name; but he can doe neither that is dead: Nature it selfe loves not a dead thing, it is both unusefull and un∣comely, for where life faileth, there is corruption; as in the body, a mortified member doth putrifie, and not onely it selfe, but others; therefore as a man useth all meanes to recover the life and spirits in his body, so God doth with his people: David lay in a slumbering drousinesse a long time, but at last when he lay like Ionah, sleeping by the sides

of the ship, hee sent a storme into his soule to awake him, then he revives like another man.

2. Fearelesnesse of God: this is a tem∣per to which the Saints are apt to grow: as Children are wont to grow sawcy and presumptuously malepert and irre∣verent, till the fathers frowne and majesticke austerenesse take down their spirit. God will not be carelesly dealt with, though he allow us confidence and holy boldnesse in approach to him and converse with him, yet he expects a due sense of his Majestie and great∣nesse; Let us have grace whereby we may serve God with reverence and godly feare, for our God is a consuming fire, Heb. 12.28, 29. Though he be a father, yet he is a terrible, an holy, and an Almighty God; And therefore to correct the sin∣full boldnesse of his people, and to cause them to stand in awe of him, hee sometimes shuts in his favour, and keeps state by concealing himselfe, as the Persian Kings shunned familiaritie, and were seldome seene, that they might be morea honoured. The feare

of God is one of the maine pillars of his throne, and so farre as he is not our feare he is not our God; therefore he hath ever shewed himselfe, in his power and greatnesse unto men; when he came to give the Law, hee came in great Majesty, with fire, blacknesse, and darknesse, and tempest, and the sound of a Trumpet, &c. and so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly feare and quake, Heb. 12.18, 19, 21. yea and in the Gospell it was foretold, that God would shew wonders in Heaven above, and signes in the earth beneath, blood, fire and vapour of smoake; the Sun shall be turned into darknesse, and the Moone into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come, Ioel. 2.31. Rom. 10.13. Acts 2.19, 20, 21. When he came to publish peace to the Gentiles, hee came with great terror in judgement upon the Jewes, and struck off the branch natu∣rall, that the Gentiles might not be high minded but feare, Rom. 11.20. And in particular persons he so workes by in∣termixtures of frownes and favours, majesty and mercy, that they may

learne to walke as those Churches did, In the feare of the Lord, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, Acts 9.31.

It is not a servile seare, or a feare of discouragement which God expects; but a feare of reverence, a feare inter∣mixed and tempered with love; there is a great difference in feares; a man feares a beast and runs from him; a man feares an enemie, but hates him; but a child feares his Father and loves him: yea therefore hee feares, because hee loves; they shall feare the Lord and his goodnesse, Hos. 3.5.

3. Slightnesse of heart: there is a cer∣taine wantonnesse and trifling dispositi∣on in the heart, that men are apt to bee superficial and imperfect in their waies, and this God visits upon them.

1. Dallying with sinne: they will be playing with snares and baits, and allow a secret liberty in the heart to sin, con∣niving and winking at many workings of it, and not setting upon mortificati∣on with earnest indeavours; though they be convinced, yet they are not per∣swaded to arise with all their might

against the Lords enemies, but doe his worke negligently, which is an accur∣sed thing, and for this cause God ca∣steth them upon sore straits. The Israelites should have done the worke perfectly, when they were commanded to roote out the Canaanites, but because they were slack, and did it but by the halfes, therefore God left them as a scourge, and as briars and thornes to be alwaies an affliction to them. When you are pressed to fight for Christ, and have taken up armes against the rebels in your hearts, if you fight not with all your strength, and pursue the victory to the utmost, till you finde your ene∣mies dead before you; God may give you into their hands, to lead you into captivity, and to hold you in chaines that will eate into your soules, and may in this distresse stand afarre off as one that knoweth you not.

2. Dallying with duties; men doe them as if they did them not; without heart, in a loose, lazy, formall, livelesse manner; and when there is such idle∣nesse, and negligence, and indisposed∣nesse,

God comes in a way of anger, to whip up the slothfull and unfaith∣full spirit; Duties of godlinesse are not onely a debt to God, but a reward to us, therefore in slightnesse, there is not onely unfaithfulnesse, but unthankful∣nesse also; both the Majesty and the Mercy of God is despised; and can God be well pleased with such things? Remember the Wisemans counsell, Whatsoever thine hand findeth to doe, doe it with thy might, Eccles. 9.10. You are in an evill frame of heart, when you can doe the weighty things of God with slightnesse; and because you serve God so, hee therefore comes with a kinde of expulsion and banishment, and throweth you out of his sight, that you see what it is to dallie with God.

3 Dallying with Ordinances: Slight and carelesse attendance upon them; God comes in a way of gracious con∣discension, and stoopes downe with of∣fers of grace and mercy, to poore dust, and sets before them Jesus Christ, the most precious treasure of heaven and

earth, and calls them to a neare con∣junction, and communion with himself, and holds forth precious promises of life; but what is the carriage of the soule? It neyther mindes these, nor vouchsafeth God in all his goodnesse, so much as a looke; or if it be affected, yet but little; it makes no great haste, nor useth much sollicitousnesse, or pains about the matter, but as if the things were of no great importance, it is very moderate, and easie in making towards them: neither that high hand that holds them forth, nor that bloud that bought them, nor that worth that is in them workes much, but all is slighted; and therefore God comes in the quar∣rell of these high things, to vindicate them from our contempt, and teacheth the soule by the sense of misery to value mercy, and by the feare of hell to prize Christ, and to be more serious in the Ordinances, as meanes of that good, which they have learned to esteeme, by the want of it. The Apostles rule is to worke out our salvation with feare and trembling, Phil. 2.12. Salvation is a

tender businesse, and of great concern∣ment, and therefore will not be dallyed with; What thinke you? Shall God set that before you which is better than the world, for you to abuse? you your selves take away the bread when the childe playeth with it; and shall the bread of life be slighted? shall God stand waiting upon you with calls, and calls, and with gracious offers, and will you dally with him? Hence is that black cloud which now darkens the heavens over you. You are growne wanton, and except the Gospel come in a dresse to please you, you slight it, therefore God puts you into straits, and then you will come with a sto∣mackb, and in earnest.

4. Living too much upon the crea∣ture.

Quest. When is that?

Ans. 1. When it takes up so much of a mans time, strength, thoughts, affe∣ctions, spirits, that he is unfitted for God; when the soule is sicke with a surfet of the world, drunk with cares, feares, de∣lights, so that the heart is stollen away,

and an indisposednesse groweth upon the soule towards God. This was Solo∣mons case, till God fetched him by im∣bittering his waies to him. The world is allowed for a way, or Inne in our tra∣vells, but not for our home; to be a staffe in our hand, but not to have a throne in our hearts. For this cause God raines downe wrath and bitter∣nesse upon our spirits to weane us from the world, and thrusts out Hagar to give Sarah more full possession.

[unspec 2] 2 When a man cannot be without the world; When it gaines so much in our opinion, and affection, that we thinke there is no life or subsistence without it; this is that for which God comes and takes off the soule with a storme, and re∣scueth the poore captive with violence that was held in chaines, and makes him to see of how little use these things are in an evill day. When the soule falls to adulterous leagues with the world, that they are so conjoyned, that it lives and dieth with the world, God brings his bill of divorce, and turnes off as it were the disloyall soule to her misera∣ble

lovers, that it may see the folly and wickednesse of its way.

[unspec 3] 3 When a man can live without Christ; the pleasantnesse and abundance of earthly contentments have so be∣witched him, that he becomes like a Prince that hath such fulnesse that hee can raigne without Christ, and saith in his heart, as those, We are Lords, we will come no more unto thee, Jer. 2.31. Oh what unworthy carriage is this? What is Christ shut out, that the world may raigne? Expect God saying and doing to you as he did to them; Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her at∣tire? yet my people have forgotten me, daies without number. Thou shalt goe forth with thine hands upon thine head, for the Lord hath rejected thy confidences, and thou shalt not prosper in them, Jer. 2.32, 37. While the Sun shines, and the Sea is calme, you may sport your selves in the deepe, but when the storme comes, then the harbour will be preci∣ous. God will teach you that your life is in Christ, and in a day of feares, and affrightments of soul, you will say,

None but Christ, none but Christ; God will bring all the enemies of Christ un∣der his feete, and if there be a treache∣rous disposition, like Ioab exalting A∣doniah into the throne of David, God will bring it downe; Christ must have his owne place, the throne must not be given to another. If you so set up the world, that you count it happinesse, and seeke it more than Christ, and are more carefull to leave this then Christ unto your children, God will arme him∣selfe against you to subdue this treache∣rous conspiracy and rebellion against his anointed.

5 Intractablenesse and stiffenesse of heart; this is another cause of the clou∣ding of our comfort. God deales with the heart by coards of mercies, and by bonds of affliction, but mercies move not, and afflictions prevaile not, there∣fore God takes another course; as Physicians, when gentle meanes profit not, apply sharper. God wil not lose any whom he hath called; therefore if they be stubborn, and stand like rocks against all ordinary meanes, he will come upon

the tenderest part, and use the sharpest way; and when he comes in stormes and clouds, who can abide it? his re∣bukes are more terrible than thunder. The spirit of a man may sustaine his infir∣mities, but a wounded spirit who can beare? Now the soule is hard set, and comes upon her knees to submit her selfe, and melts like waxe, and yeelds to any thing; it seeth an absolute ne∣cessity of agreement with God, when it is beleaguerd with such trouble on eve∣ry side. David had enough upon him to have humbled him, but his heart was strong, till God put the cup of trem∣bling into his hand; and this wrought so, that it fetched up all, and brought the man in frame.

Clay is easily molded, but the mar∣ble must have many blowes; the Sun beames will melt the soft, but brasse must be put into the fire. A tender sprig is easily nipped, but a stiffe Oake must be hacked and hewed before it falls. A stout spirit brings much sorrow upon it; It is a grievous temper, if it be not bowed to God, it groweth worse and

worse; if it be bowed, it is often with great violence; in naturall causes resi∣stance increaseth the vigour and opera∣tion of contraries; when fire and water meet in strong opposition, how doth the stronger rage, till he have got the victo∣ry? If a man enter the lists with a stout & a strong Antagonist, he calls up all his spirits and power that he may get the conquest: If a King send to deale with rebells, if neither proffers, nor patience, nor counsells, nor favours can prevaile, he armes himselfe against them. God will overcome: if faire meanes doe not the worke, then he awakes himselfe as a Lyon, and comes as a man of warre, and lets flye his arrowes into the soule, Iob 6.4. God tryed Ephraim divers waies, but his heart yeelded not; at last when warning pieces did not bring him, God mounts his Canons against him, and gives him a broad side; For the iniquity of his covetousnesse I was wroth, Isay 57.16.17. and then hee strikes sayle and yeelds, Ierem. 31.19.

6. Rigidnesse and unmercifulnesse to the spirituall state of others; the

Saints are sometimes much wanting in bowells of pitty and tendernesse, and apt by censures, neglects, contempts, and rough dealing to break the bruised reed, & it is hard to pitty much till they have felt much: for this cause Christ was a man of sorrowes that we might be assured of his compassionc. In all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a mer∣cifull, and faithfull High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sinnes of the people; for in that he himselfe hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted, Heb. 2.17, 18. God chooseth broken vessels to powre comfort into, that it may diffuse it selfe upon others; Whe∣ther we be afflicted, it is for your consolati∣on, 2 Cor. 1.6. Sense of the paines of a wounded spirit, makes the heart ten∣der, and God loves such a spirit; he ab∣horres pride, insolence, and unmerci∣fulnesse in all, but most in his children; It is very unnaturall for fellow-mem∣bers to be incompassionate one to ano∣ther. The relation requires love, and

love calls for mercy. Christ is full of meeknesse, and will not quench the smoa∣king flaxe, nor breake the bruised reede: and he that abounds in mercy loves mercy.

What if thy brother be low in gifts and grace; yet know you not that the beauty of Christs body is made up, as of the summetry and congruity, so of the inequality of members? and the least infant in grace is as the apple of his eye: take heed of destroying by your uncharitable carriage, the Temple of Christ, or causing those to grieve whom he would not have grieved; Is it for you whom he hath spared, to deale so with your fellow servant? your hard dealing is the way to bring you into prison, and to lay you in chaines.

What if he be poore and meane? yet looke not over him with disdaine, Have not the faith of our Lord Iesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons, James 2.1.

In this you are corrupt Judges, Iudges of evill thoughts, ver. 4. these are chosen of God, rich in faith, heires of the King∣dome,

ver. 5. If ye despise the poore, it will occasion men to blaspheme that wor∣thy name by which you are called, ver. 7. The Law saith, If thou love thy neigh∣bour as thy selfe, ye doe well, ver. 8. You must be judged by this Law, and hee shall have judgement without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy, ver. 13.

What if thy brother have many fail∣ings, or have offended; remember the rule; Brethren, if a man be overtaken with a fault; restore such a one in the spirit of meekenesse, considering thy selfe, lest thou also be tempted. Be are ye one ano∣thers burthens, and so fulfill the Law of Christ, Gal. 6.1.20. Edoms sinne was great, because he added affliction to Iacobs troubles; Thou shouldest not have spoken proudly in the day of distresse, &c. As thou hast done, it shall be done to thee, thy reward shall returne upon thine owne head. Obad. 12.15.

7. Some great transgression: there are dayly infirmities, which have a par∣don in course, but though God be mer∣cifull to the weaknesse of his servants, yet if they sinne willingly, and put out

the light of Counsell, he will put out the light of comfort. If they breake the bonds of his government, he will cast them into bonds of distresse. David is a visible and knowne patterne in this case. Sometimes the Saints take head and run like the wilde asse in the desart, till her moneth come, in which she hath t••avell and sorrow; and sometimes they wound the honor of the gospel, & so bring a wound upon themselves; a sword is sheathed in their soules: and sometimes they will run to their old waies, and this reneweth their old feares, and breeds new troubles; some∣times they lye long unhumbled, till God awake them with rods, and raise them by kindling a fire about them; rebellion brings many loads; disobedi∣ence and impenitence are springs of bitternesse; a fire comes out of this bramble, to burne the Cedar of Leba∣non.

[Cause. 5] 5. Cause: to shew that He is the God of all comfort, 2 Cor. 1.4. He keepes the cisterne empty, that wee may looke to the Clouds above, that the pleasant

fruit of peace, hath her rootes in Hea∣ven; our owne hearts, though they may bee planted with pleasant trees, yet of themselves bring forth nothing but bryars. And God loves to shew himselfe the Lord of these treasures of comfort, that the heart may have no dependance but in him, and that it may alwaies feare, because hee can soone turne the cleares•• day into the darkest night. Comfort is not given us in ab∣solute possession, but wee are alwaies tenants at will. If God will, hee can in a moment lay our hopes and joyes in the dust, and strip us of all our garments of joy, and turne us into mourning; And as light in the aire, but as water, not in the spring, I but in the vessell, so it may soone bee cut off. God needs not goe farre to feeke a rod to whip us with: if he doe but withdraw his comforting Spirit, our spirit will soone proove an afflicting spirit. The peace of the soule, is by vertue of the power and presence of God, but if hee depart, all is in up∣roare; our owne thoughts will bee as scourges; the Roman Emperours, kept

Lions to destroy the Christians; and our hearts are grates and dens of Lions, if God let them loose, on the rendings that are by them! if God keepe not garrison, the enemies will breake in; so that all our peace is from him: the brightest starre that shines most with light of comfort, derives it from the Sun of righteousnesse. And therefore that they may have a sight of that darke and dismall nature of their owne hearts, he shuts in his light; and then when the soule lieth in a mournefull and distres∣sed case, in deepes where it findes no nottome, and whence none can deli∣ver; when a man seeth al creatures stan∣ding as dead pictures, and reckons him∣selfe past all hope; then, I say, God sheweth himselfe to bee the God of comfort, by commanding light to shine out of darknesse, and quieting the high and raging stormes, which did beare downe all before them.

[Cause. 6] 6. Cause: To revive their esteeme of mercy: When a man is first brought out of Babylon, bee is as those that dreame, the heart is full of gladnesse,

and the mouth of praise; the birds sing sweetly in the spring. When a man is newly brought out of the pit, and delivered from the sorrowes of death which did compasse him about, and from the paines of hell which gate hold of him, while the prints of the chaine are on him, and the scarres of his hurt remaine, he saith as David, I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice, and my supplications, Psal. 116.1. I was brought low and he helped me; Returne unto thy rest oh my soule, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soule from death, mine eyes from teares, and my feet from falling. The soule is in a float at present; but when the daies of mercy continue, the remembrance of the daies of sorrow weares off, and the fire of love begins to abate, and Christ is not of so high account: though at first hee was the chiefest of ten thou∣sands, the joy of their hearts; yet now his love and kindnesse groweth stale, therefore God sends back the soule in∣to her old prison, to feele the weight

of her ancient irons and chaines, and causeth her to put on her old cast gar∣ments of mourning, that sackcloth and ashes which shee wore in the daies of old, that by laying this rod upon her, as the Prophet spread himselfe upon the dead child, a new life comes into the dying love; and now mercy is raised to its former price, and Christ is advanced on high: now the soule returnes with redoubled strength, and with multipli∣ed and increased thankfulnesse.

[Cause 7] 7. Cause: That others may be in∣structed. Sometimes God chuseth the most eminent to set them out as demon∣strations of this, That assurance is not essentiall to holinesse, that their conjun∣ction is not indissoluble: weake ones might have thought their cause worse, if they had seene much grace alwaies, at∣tended with abundant joy; but now God sheweth, that comfort and rejoycing is not alwaies the portion of the Saints; that so in their darke nights when they see no light, they may live in hope that the Sun will rise: though their way be a darke way, it may be a sure way.

8. Cause: [Cause. 8] To fit for speciall service: They that goe downe into the deepes, see many wonders which others know not. Experience gives wisedome. Many are kept in a low way, and have neither strong feares, nor strong joyes; these are not as Davids Worthies, but are Christians of the lower rank, common souldiers; many are carried much aloft in great hopes, and flashes of joy, but they much overlooke the things be∣low; many infirmities and failings lye undiscovered: But when God fetches the soule downe, and sets it to dig be∣neath, this man is more enlarged in true wisedome and holinesse, and car∣rieth a fuller knowledge of sinne, and Christ, and of hell and heaven, than o∣ther doe, and so is made a stronger and more compleat man. As he that hath beene in all conditions, and hath tra∣velled through sea and land, and seene many Countries, gaines an excellency by his experience above others: An bome-bred spirit is a low spirit; God will not doe much with many, but leaves them to this worke mainely to

save their owne soules; but he will use some as his agents and factors in his great designes and affaires of mercy, & therefore traines them up to the know∣ledge of heights and depths. Some are ordinary passengers, and it is enough for them to looke to themselves being able to doe but little for others; but some must bee Pilots, and therefore must bee acquainted with winds, and seas, and rocks, and sands, that they may not onely save themselves, but others.

Afflictions come not empty handed, but like a darke cloud bring much after them; there are many things which a man cannot learne in bookes, but hee must learne it in himselfe; a Scholler may read and acquaint himselfe with the Art of navigation, but that will not make him a good Marriner; nor will the studie of warre make a soul∣dier, but experience makes both.

God doth all, as in great freedome, so in great wisedome, and having appoin∣ted men to severall ends, he leads them in severall ends, and workes them in

severall moulds; out of the same lump hee makes some differing from others in forme, quantity, and excellency; some metall which is for highest use he casts often into the fire. It may bee God may call you out to suffer much for him, and desertions are great pre∣parations; partly because they give much experience of the vanity of all creatures; he hath shewed you, learne how little they availe in the day of wrath; so that you may see you part not with so great matters, if you doe part with the world. God hath shewed you that life is not in them, and that you may live without them; And partly be∣cause having felt greater evils, you are more encouraged to indure the lesse. You will not feare to fight with a strippling, after you have encountred with a Goliah. Moreover, in the greatest deeps, have you not seene how all your feares have vanished, and all your sor∣rowes passed away by the light of Gods countenance shining forth upon you? and so you see that the joy of the Lord is strong. It is a signe of mucha love

and that you are highly set by with God, when he thus leads you into se∣verall states, for this is to lead you by the hand to see all that may bee seene; and if hee did not intend much good, hee would not bestow so much worke upon you; you stand in this in the grea∣test conformity to CHRIST, when through many tribulations and afflicti∣ons you enter into glory.

God keepes you from much soy∣ling by constant rubbing; and useth the sanne so much to blow away the chaffe, and keepeth you awake by these stirres; some troubles ennoble the spirit of a state, which would degenerate into effeminacy by constant peace: winds fanne the aire and purge it, and the running and restlesse waters are most cleare.

This may suffice to have pointed at some Causes of Gods cutting off the comforts of the Saints.

Having hitherto treated of the Case of the afflicted soule; I now come to the Cure. I shall not need to enlarge my selfe much here, having beene some∣what

copious in the Cure of the first kind of desertions. There are two sorts of men that walke much without the consolations; In the first, the cause is naturall; in the second, spirituall.

As for the first, who are oppressed with melancholly, that darke and dusky humor, which disturbes both soule and body; their cure belongs rather to the Physitian than to the Divine, and Galen is more proper for them than a Mini∣ster of the Gospell: It is a pestilent humor where it abounds, one calls it the devils bath.

These men cannot walke clearely; but as a light in a darke Lanthorne shines dimly, so is the soule in such a body; the distemper of the body cau∣seth distemper of soule, for the soule followes its tempera; this disease work∣eth strange passions and strange imagi∣nationsb, and heavy conclusions. It is not possible such a man should be quiet, till he be cured; the seas rage not more naturally when the windes blow, than this man: hee may sometimes be eleva∣ted as it were into the third heavens,

but anon he will bee brought as it were into the lowest hell. But I leave such with this advise, when they finde their temper to be naturally or accidentally melancholike, to use all such waies as God hath prepared in a naturall way; for as the soule is not cured by naturall causes, so the body is not cured by spirituall remedies.

But I shall direct my selfe to those whose heavinesse of spirit is from spi∣rituall causes.

• These persons are of two sorts, 1. Sleeping.
• These persons are of two sorts, 2. Awakened.

First, there are some slumbering and drowsie spirits who are fallen from their former comforts, and know it, but make up that want in the creature, in which they take delight, living in the meane time without God. As it was in the former kinde of desertion, so it is in this, God is departed, and either men know it not, or minde it not, but beare their dolefull losse with a stupid and a sinfull patience, or rather with a stupid dulnesse. But if you finde your selves in such a case, consider what a contempt

of God this is to bee willing to live without him, and to powre out your hearts upon the creature: you must looke for a bitter scourge, except you repent; or else God will leave you to walke on to your graves in a dull and a low way. It is a wofull change, to descend from communion with God and Christ, to these poore things be∣low; And how little doe you set by all precious promises, the favour of the great and eternall God, and the blood, and love, and presence of Jesus Christ, that can bee content to live in such a state? Looke upon others, how their soules have melted when God hath beene estranged from them; where is your love, faith, feare, hope, life, that you can indure to be so? if these were not all asleepe, you would take up a cry for your former happinesse, and sit downe and weepe over your present misery. Is the losse of a friend in the earth so grievous, and is a friend in hea∣ven of no more account? you live in a spirituall adultery, because your hus∣band is neglected, while other things

are entertained. Awaken your selves, and seeke to regaine your former peace and joy in God.

Secondly, some are awakened, and see their losse, and are affected with it: this sort, though it have more sorrow, yet is in a better way than the former.

• I will to both these propound some 1. Perswasives.
• I will to both these propound some 2. Directives.

For perswasion consider.

1. That comfort is your strength: The more a man seeth and feeleth the love of God, the more the heart is established. There are three great as∣saults and trials that a man is exposed to.

1. Tentations to sinne: He that will walke in the way of God, shall not alway saile in a calme, the great Levia∣than will shew himselfe, hee whose vi∣ctories have beene many, even among the highest Saints. Now if your hearts bee filled with comfort, you have a strength greater than the world. For the manifestation of divine love is the incendiary of love, which is stronger than death. So long as love to Christ is

kept up, the heart is safe, love is a strong garrison, and makes the soule impreg∣nable. And while you keepe a fresh and cleare sight of the love of God and Christ, it feeds love, and keepes it up in strength. Adde to this, that comfor∣table enjoyment of God, doth carry the heart aloft; it makes the conversa∣tion to be in heaven, and while a mans way is above, he is safe from the snares below. Then the heart is in danger to bee ensnared when it wanders in the creature; as the foule is in danger when she is upon the earth, but when she is mounted upon the wing then shee is safe.

2. Inward accusations: the world may accuse, but that is not so shaking as when Satan casts in objections; hee is a subtile sophister and comes oft with snarling and cunning disputes, and ex∣cept you be well setled, hee will drive you from your ground: except God cleare the state of your soules and give evidence to your graces, you will not bee able to hold up against Satan; I speake this to such who live with low

comforts, and content themselves with darke evidences; though you may hold out till you be set upon, yet when that comes, you will finde your selves weake.

3 Outward straits: what if a day of trouble come? you may see changes, you have no sure hold of any thing un∣der the Sun; and what shall support you in such a time? what an heavy thing will this be that you should finde trouble in the world, and no peace in heaven? Spirituall comfort would make you undaunted and strongi; What need he care whither he goeth that seeth Jesus Christ with him? you have heard of the patience of the Mar∣tyrs, and of their stoutnesse; such was their courage, that it could neither be corrupted, nor daunted; water could not quench it, famine could not starve it, fire could not burne it, wilde beasts could not devoure it; and what was that which gave them this strength,

but the sight of him that is invisible, and the sense of his favour and presence? a spirit of glory did rest upon them. The A∣postle acknowledgeth the force of peace towards God, and comfortable accesse to him; We rejoyce in hope of the glory of God, and not onely so, but we glory in tribulations also, Rom. 5.2.3. This was that which made him say, for which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day, 2 Cor. 4.16.

He is well fenced that is invironed with salvation, and that hath Christ with him; he reckons not much of the world, when he is sure of heavenk; therefore seeke to get abundance of comfort; labour to recover your losse, you will have need of all; what will you doe when you come to dye? how sad will death be, when you are going you know not whitherl? but death is but a shadow to him that meetes it with assurance of life.

2 Your sadnesse doth hurt to your selves, wasting your strength, and to o∣thers by discouraging them.

3 Your recovery is possible: you may attaine to your former comforts.

1 The same way is open still, there is the same mercy in God, the same Me∣diator, the same promises.

2 You are not now in farther distance from peace with God, than in former times; are you not now as capable as then when God found you in your bloodm, in enmity against him, in dark∣nesse, in bondage unto every lust, alto∣gether without him? did God appeare to you when you sought him not, and will he not be found when you inquire after him? is not his promise to re∣vive the spirit of the contrite? Esay 57.

3 Others have recevered: David was in these deepes, yet he was restored; this testimony God hath, that he is the God that comforteth those that are cast downe, 2 Cor. 7.6. therefore live in hopen.

4 He hideth his face that you may seeke after him: he goeth from you, that you may seeke after him; and the promise is, that they that seeke shall

finde, hee will open to them that knocke.

5 You have aright to peace and com∣fort, for it is that which Christ dyed for, and which he hath left as a lega∣cie to his people; Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, John 14.27.

Sit not therefore under discourage∣mentso, say not there is no hope, take heed of hard thoughts of God, who is a father of mercies; but incourage your selves in your Godp; weeping & mour∣ning are good fruits of love, but you must not stay here, but reach after that which is before you: this shall suffice by way of perswasion.

Now for direction let me propound a few counsells.

I Seeke the Father in the Sonne: Happily you have not held up Christ in your hearts, and for your strangenesse to the Son, the Father hath estranged himselfe; goe and carry Christ in your

armes, for he is deare unto him, and the Father hath determined to powre out all his love through the Son; Christ is set before you, stirre up your selves to take hold of him; if you will come to him, you have the Fathers heart. You make your case to be Christs case when you come to him, and he cannot bee denyed: the Fathers mercies melt at the Sons mediation. You may pray and weepe, and lift up your voyce on high, but execpt you come in Christ, all will not profit. Then a man comes in Christ, when he thankfully accepts of the offer of Christ, and devolves his cares upon him, desiring in his heart that Christ would undertake for him, and then beleeves that he shall be ac∣cepted; any one of these wanting, you come not in Christ. 1 You must enter∣taine the offer of Christ, counting him worthy of all acceptation. 2 You must cast your selves upon Christ, else hee will not undertake for you; holy de∣pendance engageth him, and makes him your friend. 3 Then you must beleeve that you shall finde God a friend; for

except you believe the promise, Christ will not move for you. But when you are thus come to him, then he will not faile you; the Son will be fast to you, him that commeth unto me, I will in no wise cast out, John 6.37. this is a preci∣ous word. Christ will not shut the doore upon you when you come: when you cast your selves into his armes, he will not, no, he will not cast you out, you have a sure hold; when you fall into his armes, you fall into his heart, and being in his heart, you will be sure, that if he have any power with the Fa∣ther, he will worke your peaceq.

Why doe you afflict your selves? if you beleeve, you shall be established; Christ will carry you in to the Father, and will draw out his kindnesse towards you. And know, that if the Father love the Son, hee will shew favour to his friends: and who can expresse that love that Christ beares to a mourning soule that flyeth for refuge to him? his love was such that he died for you, and will he not speake a good word for you?

You sit poring and searching for pillars of hope within you, and bestow much paines to answer, your owne feares, but the ready way to make the businesse cleare, is by going to Christ; stand not so much upon this quaere, Whether you have believed in truth or no, but put all out of doubt by a present faith. The doore is o∣pen, enter and live, you may more ea∣sily build a new house and fabricke of comfort by taking Christ, then repaire your old dwelling, and cleare all sutes that are brought against your tenure.

Heare, Christ calls you; Come unto mee all yee that are weary and heavy laden, and I will refresh you, Matth. 11.28. And, Ho, every one that thirsteth come, &c, Esay 55.1. Let him that is a thirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the waters of life freely, Apoc. 22.17. And now will you not goe? Oh, that you would goe; how soone would your mourning bee turned into joy, and your sadnesse into gladnesse? how would those everla∣sting

armes of mercy embrace you? and you should have future happinesse in a kinde of presencer.

[unspec 2] 2 Seeke peace much: Be not weary, but strengthen your selves in the pro∣mise, let this pillar hold up your trem∣bling hands, for he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry; Behold hee commeth, and his reward is with him. Oh me thinkes I see the fountaine ope∣ning it selfe to the thirsty, I see the clouds dissolving; prepare your vessels, stay a while, for I heare the sound of many waters; you are at the right doore, knock, and knock hard, the Lord is there, there dwells everlasting mercy; Harke how the Saints sing for joy, looke in and see Paradise, and ri∣vers of joy feeding them; how came they to get in but by lying at the gate? hold on, for in due time you shall reape if you faint not, Gal. 6. My friends, these are not dreames, but they are reall truths, which Jehovah will make good to them that believe. You come it may bee, but you come not in faith, and you stay not with patiencef, consult

with reason and with the Scriptures; Is there a way to God or no? if yea, which is that way? If God tell you this is the way, then walke in it, wait in it; and though you have lost your comfortable enjoyment of Christ, yet I say to you as the Angells to them, This same Iesu•• which is taken from you, shall so come as yee have seene him, Acts 1.11. Therefore keepe your eyes up∣ward, pray much, and the heavens will open; when you beleeve and pray, you have the key of heaven in your hand; those everlasting doores will o∣pen to you; therefore hold up your selves in seeking, it may bee you may meete with fire, and a tempest, and stormes, but stay, and the still voyce will come.

[unspec 3] 3 Come in much love to God: come as a friend, then come and welcome: many desire ease, and defire to be de∣livered from wrath and hell; but come in love, desire God to bee your friend, and bee willing to bee his friend; let love shew it selfe in two things.

1 Lament thy sinne: that hath cau∣sed a strangenesse betwixt God and you. Come weeping for sinne, and humbled for thy unkindnesse, and all is forgiven. You thinke too meancly of God, when you thinke hee hath much adoe to pardon you; He is ready to for∣give, and he overfloweth in pardoning mercyt. He expects your acknowledg∣ment and repentance, and then you are friends.

2 Come with new and strong engage∣ments of heart: bring your selves as an offering to him, and sacrifice your selves upon that golden altar, Jesus Christ; say, Lord if thou wilt love me, I will love thee; be thou mine, and I am thine, and will be thine.

Thus two old friends shall renew their friendship, and they that were at a distance, shall meet in love; he that did depart shall returne with kindnesse, and

he that was forsaken, shall be received with mercy; and the ancient joy which was in heaven at his first conversion, shall bee renewed at his restauration. Now clap your hands ye heavens and earth, for the sonne that was lost is found, and he that was dead is alive: The exile is received, and a covenant of peace is renewed betwixt a man of sorrowes, and the God of peace, through the Prince of peace; to whom be praise for ever.

Notes

• x

  Nube se∣let pulsa candidus ire Dies. Ovid.
• y

  Qui nec iratum ces∣sat colere numen. Sen Diis fruitur iratis, supe∣rat & cre∣scit malis.
• z

  O passi graviora: Da∣us dabit his quoque fi∣nem. Virg.
• a

  Persona Regis sub specie maje∣statis occu∣litur. Iust. l. 1.
• b

  Num tibi cum sauces urit sitis, aurea quae∣ris pocula? Hor. Ser. l. 1. Sat. 2.
• When a man lives too much on the creature.
• c

  Haudig∣nara mali miseris suc∣currere disco Dido. Virg
• a

  Afflict'•• dat intelle∣ctum: quos Deus diligit castigat. Deu•• opti∣mum quem∣que out mala vale∣tudine, aut luctu affuit Sen.
• The Cure
• Of melan∣cholicall persons.
• Balneum diaboli.
• a

  Mores se∣quuntur temperatu∣ram corpo∣vis. Gale••.
• b

  Terribilia de fide, hur∣ribilia de divinitate.
• Of the sleepie soule.
• Of the awakened
• Motive. 1. Com∣fort is your strength.
• i

  Si fractus illabatur or∣bis, impavi∣dum serient ruinae. Hor. Preme, Preme, ego 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Lyps. Auseret pe∣cunias? at babet in coe∣lis: Patriâ dejiciet? at in coeleslem civitatem mittet: vincula injiciet? at habet solutam consci∣entiam: carpus interficiet? at iterum resurget: cum umbra pugnat qui cu•• justo pugnat. Chrys.
• k

  Quam sordet mihi terra cum Coelum in∣tueor?
• l

  Animula vagula, blandula, quae nunc abibisin loca? A drian Si des pau∣lisper vive∣re, auri pu∣ri mille ta∣lenta me ho∣die tibi da∣turum pro∣mitto. Me∣gapetus a∣pud Lucian Motive 2. Hurt done by sadnesse Motive 3. Recovery is possible.
• m

  Qui fecit mundum ex mundo. Chrys.
• n

  Sperate & vosmet rebus serva∣te secundis.
• o

  Nemo d••∣sperct melio∣ra lapsus. Nondum omnium di∣erum soles occiderunt. Philip.
• p

  Peritus medicus po∣test omnes sanare infirmitates, si misericors vult. Fulg. Omn potenti medico nullus languir insanabilis occurrit, tu tautum doceri te sine, manum ejus ne re∣pelle, &c. Aug.
• Counsell 1. Seeke the Father in the Sonne.
• q

  Multo ef∣ficacior Christi mors in bo∣num, quam peccata no∣stra in ma∣lum. Chri∣stus potenti∣or ad sal∣vandum quam Dae∣mon ad per∣dendum. Bern.
• r

  Pulchewi∣mam insu∣lam vide∣mus, etiam cum non vi∣demus. Lyps ep. ad Cambden.
• Seek much
• f

  Futura expect••ns presentibus angor. Sen.
• Come in love.
• t

  Magnam injuriam Deo facit, qui diffidit de ejus mi∣sericordia. Aug. Bonitas invicti non vincitur, infiniti misericordia non si••••∣tur. Fulgent. Tua quidem malitia mensuram habet, Dei autem misericor∣dia mensuram non habet; tua malitia cir cumscripta est, &c. Chrys. Hom. 3. de poenitent. Si bis, si ter, si centies, millies peccas, coties p••••••••∣tentiam age, &c. idem.