The afflicted and retired mans meditations, concerning the excellency of the spirit With a discovery of the twofold-mind; the danger of the one, the comfort and safety of the other. First, here is observed, what it is for to be carnally minded. Secondly, means to suppress a carnal frame of spirit. Thirdly, the dreadful state of a carnal minded man. Fourthly, how the spirit is a Christians help. Fifthly, means to obtain the spirit. Sixthly, the characters of a spiritualized Christian. Seventhly, the glorious priviledges of a spiritual minded man. And a few meditations by way of observation: with a dialogue between Christ and a sinner; Christ and a Christian; Christ and the afflicted person: as also, a word to the remnant of the womans seed: with a loud call to all saints, to love one another upon the account of son-ship, and not onely upon the account of fellowship. Written by Samuel Bradley, who hath love for all that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, who prayes for Zions unity.

Observation, III.

If faithful we be, to the Lord indeed, Then him obey we shall, and that with speed.

And on the means of Grace we shall attend, Our Pretious Soul from harm he will defend.

Christ's Counsel choice, come let us then observe, Our feeding shall be sweet, we shall not starve.

The Manna from on high, it shall come down, With adornments of Grace, Christ will us Crown.

Like children dear, let's walk with God this day, And none but his sweet voice let us obey.

Come let our love run forth onely to him, Our chiefest Joy, who did Redemption bring.

Yea, from the Grave, Death, Hell, and Wrath also, Us captives free did Christ our Lord we know.

After this Christ, let us now go with speed, That freely did let out his Blood and bleed.

That so he might the Fathers wrath appease, Us wounded sinners heal, and give us ease.

In this sweet Jesus, come let us delight, That will proud lust destroy, corruptions smite.

Communion choice we then shall have with him, That is our High Priest, Prophet, and our King.

The Unction rare, on such it shall come down, That on the Head of Christ doth set the Crown,

That reverence him, yea honour and adore, The Lord of Life our Prince for evermore,

Such to the death, that do contend for him, Shall in his Kingdom the High praises sing.

A Faithful frame of Heart doth much adorn, A Christian in his race and profession.

And much well pleasing is it to the Lord, A faithful frame of heart, if he afford.

This jewel rare, if on us he bestow, Oh! more of his choice love, then shall we know.

And sweet profit by it we shall then find, Such in this race Christ will not leave behind.

Upon his Royal Throne, all they shall sit, And honour Christ alone, none shall it let.

The lovely Songs of Christ, the Lamb most choice, The faithful they shall sing, and hear his voice.

Then Crowned such shall be, by Christ their King, With the Crown of Glory; and they shall bring,

Honour and Praise to him, whom it is due, And reign with him; this number is but few.

On such our Lord on Earth he will bestow, A Token of his Love, his chosen shall it know.

Yea, as an earnest of Glory to come, True saving Grace shall flow from Christ the Son.

Grace he'l afford, to help us in our Life, And comfort us therewith in time of Death.

The promise of his Grace will us revive, And in the hour of death make us alive.

His Spirit choice will us uphold in trouble, If faithful we shall be, on us he will it double.

While we do live, a comfort it shall be, And take away the sting of Death, you'l see.

The faithful shall the Presence of Christ find, And after death to such he will be kind.

If faithful we do keep unto the Death, Christ will bestow on us a Crown of Life.

Notes

• Rev. 2.10.
• Col. 4.2. James 2.25.
• Psal. 119.6. John 8.31.
• Psal. 84.11.
• Ephes. 5.1. John 10.4.
• Psal. 73.25.
• Hos. 13.14. Isa. 51.1.
• Heb. 9.12.
• 2 Cor. 5.19. Isa. 53.5.
• Psal. 37.4 Micha 7.19
• 1 John 1.3. Acts 5.31.
• 1 John 2.20 vers. 27.
• Prov. 3.9. Acts 5.31.
• Rev. 2.10. Psal. 149.6.
• Gen. 39.9.
• Gen. 22.9.
• Hos. 2.19.
• Rev. 3.21.
• Rev. 3.21. Col. 3.4.
• Rev. 14.4. Rev. 15.3.
• Tim. 2.4. vers. 8.
• Isa. 10.22.
• Psal. 84.11.
• 1 John 16.
• Heb. 4.16. 1 Cor. 15.55
• Rev. 21.4.
• Joh. 14.18. 2 King. 2.9.
• Rom. 8.37.
• Mat. 25.34
• 1 Pet. 5.4.