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LIFE OF GOD

SOUL OF MAN

o

BOSTON:
NICHOLS AND NoC|TE>3.
iS6S. ''*"^" '^'

J >.'^5

THENEWYORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY^

(^793478) A ASTOR,LENOXAND TlLDtNFOUNDATIONS! H^1935 L CAMBRIDGEt fRESSOFJOHNWILSONANDSON. IrCc<<

PREFACE.

nr^HERE arebookswhich nevergrowold:

andthispreciousHttlevolume,byHenry

ScouGAL, is to be numbered among them.
In it is an eternal freshness and beauty, its
bloom actually brightening wdth advancing
time. These words, for two centuries, have
beenbreadoflife to thousands. They have,
through that longperiod,guided, comforted,
andinspired; from thatfact,theypossess ad-
ditionalinterest,fortheyhavestoodtheseverest
test,andbeenfoundadequatetomeetthedeep-
estAvants of humannature in its mosttrying-
needs. This "Life of God in the Soul of

Man"hassomethino-ofthatdivine lifewithin

.itselfwliich can impart of itsown fulnessto everysoul readytoreceive. Theverybreath

iv Preface.

ofJehovahmaybefeltthroughit. Itkindles

in the soul a sympathetic power, andlifts it intoconnectionwithhigher realms. With its holy fervor there is blended a naturalcalm- ness. Healthandhealingareinitsinfluence. Practicalthroughout,thereis also a heavenlv spirituality. Rising above all narrow limita-

tions,thedevoutofeverynamemayholditin

reverence,andcherish itscounselswithgrati-

tudeandlove. To the young, itwill prove,

armorofstrength; totheaged,perpetualreno- vation; while Christians of all communions will find withinit a foretaste ofimmortality. The life towhich itwould lead is a heaven uponearth,andthatisbutthecommencement

ofaheaven withoutend. Toallwhohold in

honorChristandhisgospel,tothosewhowould love God andman,toeachonewhowould so live in time as to make it the joyous gate- w^ay to a glorious eternity, thislittlevolume shouldbeheartilywelcome;andwedoubtnot suchwelcomeitwillwidelyreceive. Henry Scougalwas the son ofthe Bishop

Preface. V

of Aberdeen,inScotland. Born,June, 1650, attheageoffifteenheenteredtheUniversit}', and at the early ao-e of twenty he became professor of philosophy. Haying most ac- ceptabl}^fulfilled this importantoffice for four 3^ears, he prepared himself for the ministry, andwas established in a smallyillage about twentymilesfromAberdeen. Fromthisplace, howeyer, he was soon urged to enterupon the Professorship of Diyinity in King's Col- leo-e,whichduties he discharij^edwith honor: but,attheearh'aixeoftwenty-seyen,hishealth gayeway,andon the 13th ofJune, 1678, he closed his briefbutuseful career. One year before his departure, this inyaluable treatise was giyen to the world. It was modestly written, only for priyate use; but Bishop Burnet, seeing it, appreciated it so highly that he hastened to giye it to the world with the most generous and earnest com- mendation. "Itwaswritten,"he says,"by a piousandlearnedcountrymanofmine,forthe

vi Preface.

privateuse of a noble friend ofthe author's, without the least design of making it more public. Others,seeing it, were much taken, bothwith theexcellent purposes itcontained, andthegreatclearnessandpleasantnessofthe style, the naturalmethodand shortness ofit, and desired itmight be made a more public good." Some timeafter,another editionofthis in- comparable treatise was published, with a preface by the Principal of the College of Edinburgh, in which he says, "Since I had the happiness of becoming acquainted with thisbook,Ihaveheartilyblessed God forthe benefit I have received by the perusal ofit, and have earnestlywished it had a place in everyfamily; wascarefullyperused byevery- onewhocanread; andthatthe sentiments of pure and undefiled religion it contains, were impressed upon every heart.''

Amongotherspecial excellencies,the same

writerdwellsupon'"theprudenceandcharity.

Preface. vii

the author discovers, in avoidino- matters ot doubttiildisputation,aboutwhichthebestand wisestmendiffer,whileheis treating ofmat- ters of the greatest importance, aboutwhich all good and wisemen must agree.''—"Had we more," he adds, ''of that true Christian spiritso beautifullydelineated and sowarmly recommendedinthisbook,I cannotbutthink thatthetiercenessofourcontentions and ani- mosities about things of lessermoment must considerablyabate." The present editionofthis volume is pub- lished by therequestof one who, for nearly eighty years, hasfound in it a continued re- source andpleasure. Now atthe advanced age of ninety, with a keen appreciation of present enjoyments and privileges, he looks tbrward with growing earnestness and happv anticipation to the sublimerealitiesofthe fu-

ture. Much that he has enjoyed, through

his pleasant pilgrimage, aswellas the heav- enlvVision which kindles before the eve of

\-iii Preface.

Faith, is associated with this little volume, familiartohimfrom his 3^outh. Having de- rived so muchhappiness and advantage from it himself, he desires to place it within the reachofothers,confidentthat,withthe bless- ing ofProvidence, it can only beproductive of increasino- crood. R.C.W.

Boston.December,1S67.

CONTENTS.

• TheOccasionofthisDiscourse
• MistakesaboutReligion
• WhatReligionis
• ThePermanencyandStabilityofReligion
• ReligionaDivinePrinciple TheP'reedomandUnconstrainednessofReligion S
• WhattheNaturalLifeis
• ThedifferentTendenciesoftheNaturalLife....
• WhereintheDivineLifedothconsist
  • Words Religion better understood by Actions than by
• DivineLoveexemplifiedinourSaviour
• OurSaviour'sConstantDevotion
• OurSaviour'sCharitytoMen
• OurSaviour'sPurity
• OurSaviour'sHumility
• APrayer
• TheExcellencyandAdvantageofReligion
• TheExcellencyofDivineLove
• TheAdvantagesofDivineLove

Contents.

TheWorthoftheObject 45 TheCertaintytobeBelovedAgain 46 ThePresenceoftheBelovedPerson 48 TheDivine Love makes us partake ofan Infinite Happiness 49 HethatlovethGod finds Sweetness in everyDis- pensation 51 TheDutiesofReligionareDelightfultoHim ... 52 TheExcellencyofCharity 54 ThePleasurethatattendsCharity 56 TheExcellencyofPurity 58 TheDelightaffordedbyPurity 59 TheExcellencyofHumility 60 ThePleasureandSweetnessofanHumbleTemper. 62 APrayer 65 TheDespondentThoughtsofsomeNewlyAwakened toaRightSenseofThings 66 TheUnreasonablenessoftheseFears 69 Wemustdowhatwecan,anddependonthe Divine Assistance 74 WemustshunallMannerofSin 78 WemustknowwhatThingsareSinful So WemustresisttheTemptationsofSin.byconsider- ingtheEvilstheywilldrawonus 82 WemustkeepaConstantWatchoverOurselves.. 87 WemustoftenexamineourActions 89 ItisfittorestrainOurselvesinManyLawfulThings. 91 \'emuststrivetoputOurselvesoutofLovewiththe World 93

Contents. xi

WemustdothoseOutwardActionsthatare Com- manded 98 Wemustendeavor toformInternalActsofDevo- tion,Charity,&c. 100 ConsiderationaGreatInstrumentofReligion... loi TobegetDivineLove,we mustconsidertheExcel- lencyoftheDivineNature 104 WeshouldmeditateonGod'sGoodnessandLove. 108 TobegetCharity,we mustrememberthatallMen arenearlyrelateduntoGod 113 ThattheycarryGod'sImageuponthem 114 TobegetPurity,weshouldconsidertheDignityof ourNature 116 WeshouldmeditateoftenontheJoysofHeaven. 117 HumilityarisesfromtheConsiderationofourFail- ings 118 ThoughtsofGodgiveus theLowestThoughtsof Ourselves 120 Prayer, another Instrument of Religion, and the AdvantagesofMentalPrayer^121 ReligionistobeAdvancedbythesameMeansby whichitisBegun; andtheUseoftheHoly Sacrainenttowardsit 124

APrayer^126

THE LIFE OF GOD

SOUL OF^lAX.

THE LIFE OF GOD

SOUL OF MAN.

IV/TYDearFriend,—Thisdesignationdoth give vou a title to all the endeavors wherebyIcanserve 3'ourinterests; and your pious inclinations doso happilyconspirev/ith my duty,thatIshallnot need to step outof my road to gratify you; but I may atonce performanofficeoffriendship, and discharge

anexerciseofmyfunction,sincetheadvancing

ofvirtueandholiness(whichIhopeyoumake yourgreateststudy)isthepeculiarbusinessof

myemployment. This,therefore,isthe most

proper instancewherein I canvent myaffec-

tion, and express mygratitude towards you;

andIshallnot anylonger delaythe perform- anceofthepromiseImadeyoutothispurpose. ForthoughIknowyouareprovidedwithbet- ter helps of thisnature than any I can offer

The Life ofGod

you; norare 3^ouliketomeetwith anything

here which you knew not before; yet I am

hopeful,thatwhatcomethfromonewhomyou

arepleasedtohonorw^ith yourfriendship, and which is more particularlydesignedfor your use,willbekindlyacceptedbyyou: andGod's

providenceperhapsma}^sodirectmythoughts,

that something orother may proveuseful to

you. Nor shall I doubtyour pardon, if, for

mouldingmydiscourseinto the betterframe,

I lay a low foundation, beginning with the natureandpropertiesofreligion,andallalong

givesuchw^avtomvthoughtsinthe prosecu-

tion ofthe subject, as may bring me to say

manythingswhichwerenotnecessary, did I

onlyconsidertowhomIamwriting.

MistakesaboutReligion

T CANNOT speak of religion, but I must lament,that,amongsomanypretenders to it, so fewunderstand w^iat it means: some placing itin the understanding, in orthodox notionsandopinions; andalltheaccountthey

/;/ the SoulofMan.

can give oftheirreligion is,that theyareof thisorthe other persuasion, and havejoined themselvestooneofthose manysectswhere- into Christendom is most unhappilydivided. Others placeitintheoutwardman,in a con- stantcourseof externalduties,andamodelof performances: iftheylivepeaceablywiththeir neighbors,keep atemperate diet,observe the returnsofworship,frequentingthechurchand theircloset,andsometimesextendtheirhands to thereliefofthepoor,theythink theyhave sufficientlyacquittedthemselves. Othersagain put all religionin the affections,in rapturous heatsandecstaticdevotion; and all theyaim at,is,topraywithpassion,andthinkofheaven with pleasure, andto be affected with those kind andmelting expressionswherewith they court their Saviour, till thevpersuade them- selvesthattheyaremightilyinlovew^ithhim; andfromthence assumeagreatconfidence of their salvation, w4iich they esteem the chief ofChristian graces. Thus arethose things which have anyresemblance ofpiety,and at thebestarebutmeans ofobtaining it,orpar- ticular exercisesofit,frequentlymistaken for

TheLife ofGod

thewhole ofreligion; nay, sometimes wick-
ednessandvicepretendtothatname. Ispeak
notnowofthosegrossimpietieswherewiththe
heathens were wont to worship their gods

:

therearebut too manyChristianswhowould consecratetheirvices,andhallowtheircorrupt affections; whose rugged humor, and sullen pride,mustpassforChristianseverity; whose fiercewrath,andbitterrac^eacrainsttheir ene- mies, mustbe called holy zeal; whose petu- lancy towards their superiors, or rebellion against theirgovernors,must have the name ofChristian couracre and resolution.

WhatReligionis

TDUTcertainlyreligionisquiteanotherthing;
andtheywhoareacquaintedwith it,will
entertain far different thoughts, and disdain
all those shadows and false imitationsof it.
They knowby experience, thattrue religion
isanunionofthesoulwithGod,a real parti-
cipation ofthedivine nature, the veryimage
ofGoddrawnuponthesoul; or,intheApos-

in the SoulofMan,

tie's phrase, it is Christformed zuithin tis. Briefly,Iknownothowthenatureofreligion canbemorefullyexpressed,thanbycallingit

adivinelife. Andunder thesetermsI shall

discourseofit; showing first howit iscalled
alife,andthenhowitistermeddivine.

ThePermanencyandStabilityofReligion

TCHOOSEtoexpressitbythenameoilife

;

first,becauseofitspermanencyandstabil-
ity. Religionisnotasuddenstart,orpassion
ofthemind; notthough itshouldrise tothe
height ofa rapture and seemto transporta

man to extraordinary performances. There

arefewbut have convictions ofthe necessity
ofdoing something forthe salvation oftheir

souls, which may push them forward some

stepswithagreatdealofseeminghaste. But
anontheyflagandgive over: thevwere in a
hotmood, but nowtheyare cooled: theydid
shoot forth fresh and high, but are quickly
withered, because they had no root in them-

TheLife ofGcd

selves. These sudden fits may be compared

totheviolentandconvulsivemotionsofbodies newly beheaded, caused bythe agitations of the animal spirits, afterthesoulis departed: which,howeverviolentandimpetuous, canbe ofno longcontinuance: whereas the motions of holy souls are constant and regular, pro- ceedingfromapermanentandlivelyprinciple. Itistrue,thisdivinelifecontinuethnotalways inthesamestrengthandvigor,butmanytimes sufferssaddecays; and holymenfindgreater difficultyinresistingtemptations,andlessalac- rityin the performanceoftheirduties: yetit is notquite extinguished, nor are they aban- donedtothe powerofthosecorruptaffections whichswayandoverruletherestoftheworld.

THE FREEDOM ANDUNXONSTRAINEDXESS OF

RELIGION.

A GAIN, religion may be defined by the name of life^ because itis aninward, free,andself-movingprinciple;andthosew^ho havemadeprogressinit,arenotactuatedonly

in the SoidofMan,

byexternal motives, driven merelybythreat- enings,norbribedbypromises,norconstrained by laws; but are powerfullyinclined to that which is good,anddelightintheperformance

ofit. The lovewhich a pious manbears to

Godandgoodness,isnotsomuchbyvirtueof a command enjoining him so to do, asby a newnatureinstructingandpromptinghimtoit

;

nor dothhe payhis devotionsas an unavoid- abletribute,onlytoappeasethedivinejustice, orquiet his clamorous conscience; but those religious exercises are the properemanations of the divine lite, the natural employments

of the new^-born soul. He prays, and gives

thanks, and repents, not only because these things are commanded,but ratherbecausehe is sensible of his w^ants, and of the divine goodness,andofthefollyandmiseryofasin- ful life. His charity is not Ibrced, nor his almsextorted from him: his love makeshim willingtogive; andthoughtherewerenoout• wardobligation,hisheartzvotilddeviseliberal thing's. Injustice and intemperance, and all othervices, are ascontrarytohis temperand constitution, asthe basest actions areto the

lO TheLife ofGod

mostgenerousspirit,andimpudenceandscur- rility to those who are naturally modest: so

thatImaywell sa}^withSt.John, Whosoever

is born ofGod^doth notconiniit sin;forhis seedremaineth in hini,andhecannotsin,be- causehe isborn ofGod. Though holy and religiouspersonsdomucheyethelawofGod, and have a great regarduntoit;yetitisnot somuchthesanctionofthelaw,asitsreason- ableness, andpurity, and goodness,which do prevail with them: they account it excellent and desirable in itself,andthatinkeepingof itthere isgreat reward; andthatdivinelove wherewith theyareactuated,makesthem be- comealawuntothemselves.

Qiiislegemdetamantibus?
Majorestamorlexipsesibi.
Whoshallprescribealawtothosethatlove?
Love'samorepowerfullawwhichdoththemmove.
In aword,whatourblessed Savioursaidof
himself,isin some measure applicable to his
followers,thatitistheirmeatanddrinkto do
theirFather'szvill: and asthe naturalappe-
tite is carried out toward food, though we
shouldnotreflectonthenecessityofit for the

/;/ the SoulofMan. ii

preservation ofour lives; so are theycarried
withanaturalandunforcedpropensiontoward
thatwhich is good and commendable. It is
true,externalmotivesaremanytimes ofgreat
usetoexciteandstirupthisinward principle,
especially in its infancy andweakness, when

itisoftensolanguidthattheman himselfcan

scarce discern it, hardl}^ being able to move one step forward, butwhen he is pushed by hishopes,orhis fears; bythepressure ofan affliction,orthesenseofamercy; bythe au- thorityofthelaw,orthepersuasionofothers. Now, if such a person be conscientious and uniforminhisobedience,andearnestlygroan- ingunderthesenseofhis dulness,and is de- sirous to perform his duties with more spirit and vigor: these are the firstmotions of the divine life, which, though it be faint and weak, will surely be cherished bythe influ- ences ofheaven, and growunto greater ma- turity. Buthewho is utterlydestitute ofthis inwardprinciple,and doth notaspire unto it, but contents himselfwith those performances whereunto he is prompted b}^ education or custom,bythe fear of hell,orcarnal notions

12 TheLife ofGod

ofheaven, can no more be accounted a reli-
gious person, than a puppetcan be called a
man. This forced and artificial religion is
commonlyheavyand languid,likethemotion
of a weight forced upward: it is cold and
spiritless, like the uneasy compliance of a
wife married against herwill, who carries it

dutifully toward the husbandwhom she doth

notlove,outofsomesenseofvirtueorhonor. Hence also this religion is scant and nig- gardly, especially in those duties which do greatestviolenceto men's carnalinclinations; andthoseslavishspiritswillbe sure to do no more than is absolutelyrequired: itis a law thatcompelsthem,andtheywillbeloathtogo beyondwhat it stintsthem to; nay,theywill

ever be putting such glosses on it, as may

leavethemselvesthegreatestliberty; whereas the spiritoftruereligion isfrank andliberal, far from such peevishandnarrowreckoning; and he who hath given himselfentirely unto God, will neverthink he doth too much for him.

/;/ the Soulofj\Ian. 13

RELIGION A DIVINE PRINCIPLE.

T3Y this time I hope it doth appear, that
rehgion is, with a great deal of reason,
termed a lifc^ or vital principle; and that it
isver}'necessarytodistinguishbetweenit,and
that obedience which is constrained and de-
pends on external causes. I come next to

give an accountwhyI defineditbythename

ofdivinelife. Andso it maybe called, not

only in regard to its fountain and original, havingGodforits author, and beingwrought inthesouls ofmenbythe powerofhisHoly Spirit; but also in regard of its nature, reli- gionbeingaresemblanceofthedivineperfec- tions, the image ofthe Almighty shining in

thesoulofman: nay,itisarealparticipation

of his nature; it is a beam of the eternal light, a drop ofthat infinite ocean ofgood-

ness; and theyw^ho areenduedwith it, may

be said tohave (j^oddzvelliug in their souls andChristformedzuithinthem.

TheLife ofGod

WhattheNaturalLifeis

T3EFORE I descend to a more particular consideration ofthat divine life wherein truereligiondothconsist,itwillbefittospeak a little of that natural or animal lifewhich prevails in those who are strangers to the

other. AndbythisIunderstandnothingelse,

but our inclination and propension toward thosethingswhich are pleasing and accepta- ble to nature; or self-love issuing forth and spreadingitselfintoasmanybranchesasmen haveseveral appetites and inclinations. The rootandfoundationoftheanimallifeIreckon tobesense,takingitlargely,as itis opposed unto faith, and importeth ourperception and sensationofthings thatare either grateful or troublesometous. Now,these animal affec- tions considered in themselves, and as they areimplantedin us bynature, are notvicious or blamable; nay, they are instances ofthe wisdomoftheCreatorfurnishinghiscreatures withsuchappetitesastendto the preservation andwelfareoftheirlives. Theseare instead

/;/ the Soul ofAlan.

ofa lawunto the brute beasts,wherebythey are directedtowards the ends forw4iich they weremade. Butman,beingmadefor higher purposes, andtobe guided bymore excellent laws,becomes (xuiltvandcriminalw4ienhe is so far transported by the inclinations ofthis low^erlife,astoviolatehisduty,orneglectthe higherandmorenobledesignsofhiscreation. Ournaturalaffectionsarenotw^ioll}"tobe ex- tirpated and destroyed, but only tobe mod- eratedand overruled bya superior and more excellentprinciple. Inaword,the difference

between a religiousandawickedmanis,that

intheonedivinelilebears sway,in the other
theanimallitedothprevail.

THE DIFFERENT TEXDENXIES OF THE NATU-
RAL LIFE.
"pUTitisstrange toobserve,untowhatdit-
ferentcourses this natural principle will
sometimes carrythosewhoarewhollyguided
by it, according to the diverse circumstances
that concur with it to determine them; and

l6 TheLife ofGod

then not considering this,doth frequentlyoc-
casion verydangerousmistakes,making men
think well of themselves by reason of that
seemingdifferencewhichisbetweenthemand
others; whereas perhaps their actions do all
the while flow from one and the sameorigi-
nal. Ifwe consider the natural temper and
constitutionofmen's souls,we shallfindsome
tobeairv,frolicsome, andlight,whichmakes
their behavior extravagant and ridiculous

;

whereas others are naturally serious and se- vere,and theirwhole carriagecomposed into such gravity as gains them a great deal of reverenceandesteem. Someareofanhumor- some, rugged, and morose temper, and can neither be pleased themselves, nor endure that others should be so. But all are not bornwithsuchsourandunhappydispositions; forsomepersonshaveacertainsweetnessand benignity rooted in their natures, and they find the greatest pleasurein theendearments of society, and the mutual complacency of friends, and covetnothingmorethantohave

everybody obliged to them. And it is well

that nature hath provided this complexional

in the SoulofMan. 17

tendernesstosupplythe defectoftrue charity inthe world,and to incline mento do some- thing for one another's welfare. Again, in regard of education, some have never been taught to follow any other rules, than those of pleasure or advantage: but others areso inuredtoobservethestrictestrulesofdecency and honor, andsome instancesofvirtue,that they are hardly capable of doing any thing which they have been accustomed to look upon as base and unworthy. In line,it is no small difference in the de- portmentofmerenatural men,thatdotharise fromthestrengthorweaknessoftheir wit or judgment, and from their careor negligence in using them. Intemperance and lust, in- justiceandoppression,and allthoseotherim- pietieswhichaboundintheworld,andrender itsomiserable,arethe issuesofself-love,the effect of the animallifc^ when it is neither overpowered by religion, nor governed by natural reason. But if it once take hold of reason,and getjudgmentandwittobe ofits party,it willmany times disdain thegrosser sort ofvices, and spring up unto fair imita- 2

1

8

The Life ofGod

tionsofvirtue andgoodness. Ifa man have

but so much reasonastoconsider the preju-
dice which intemperance and inordinate lust
dobringupon his health, his fortune,and his

reputation, self-love may suffice to restrain

him; andonemayobservethe rulesofmoral

justicein dealingwithothers,asthebestway to secure his own interest, and maintain his creditintheworld. Butthisisnotall. This

natural principle,bythe helpofreason, may

take a higher flight, and come nigher the

instances ofpiety and religion. It may in-

cline a man to the diligent study of divine

truths: for why should notthese, aswell as

otherspeculations,bepleasant and gratefulto

curiousand inquisitiveminds? It maymake

menzealous in maintaining and propagating
such opinions as theyhave espoused,and be
very desirous that others should submit unto
theirjudgment,andapprove thechoiceofre-
ligionwhichthey themselves have made. It

maymake themdelight to hear andcompose

excellent discourses aboutthemattersofreli-
gion;for eloquenceis verypleasantwhatever

bethe subject. Nay, someit maydispose to

in the Soul ofAlan. 19

no small height of sensible devotion. The
glorious things that are spoken of heaven,

may make even a carnal heart in love with

it; themetaphorsandsimilitudes madeuseof
inscripture,ofcrownsandsceptres,andrivers
of pleasure, &c. will easily affect a man's
fancy,andmakehimwishtobethere,though
he neither understandnordesire those spirit-
ual pleasures which are described and shad-
owed forthbythem: andwhen suchaperson
comes to believe that Christ has purchased

those glorious things for him, he may feel a

,kind of tenderness and affection towards so great a benefactor, and imagine that he is mightilyenamouredwith him,andvetallthe while continue a strangerto the holytemper

and spirit of the blessed Jesus. And what

handthe naturalconstitution mayhave inthe

rapturous devotions of some melancholy per-
sons,hathbeen excellentlydiscovered oflate
byseverallearnedandjudiciouspens.

To conclude: there is nothing proper to

make a man's life pleasant, or himself emi-
nent and conspicuous in the world, but this
natural principle,assistedby wit andreason,

20 The Life ofGod

mayprompt himtoit. AndthoughIdo not

condemn these things in themselves, yet it
concernsusneartytoknowandconsidertheir

nature, both that we may keep within due

bounds,and also thatwe maylearn never to

valueourselveson theaccountofsuchattain-
ments,norlaythe stressofreligionuponour
naturalappetitesorperformances.

\VHEREINTHE DIVINE LIFE DOTH CONSIST.

TT isnowtimetoreturnto the consideration
ofthatdivinelifewhereofIwasdiscours-
ingbefore;that lifewhich is hidwith Christ
in God,and therefore hath no glorious show
orappearanceintheworld,andtothenatural

manwillseemameanandinsipidnotion. As

the animal life consistethin that narrow and confined lovewhich isterminated on aman's self,andinhispropensiontowardsthosethings that arepleasingtonature; sothedivine life standsin an universal and unbounded affec- tion, and in the mastery over our natural inclinations, that theymay never be able to

in the SoulofAfan. 21

betray us to those things which we know
to be blamable. The root ofthe divine Hfe
isfaith; the chiefbranches are,love toGod,
charityto man, purity and humihty: for (as
anexcellentperson hathwellobserved) how-
everthese namesbecommonandvulgar,and
make no extraordinary sound; yet do they
carrysuchamightysense,that thetongue of

man or angel can pronounce nothing more

weighty or excellent. Faith hath the same place in the divine life which sense hath in the natural, being indeed nothing else but a kindofsense,orfeelingpersuasionofspiritual things. Itextendsitselfuntoalldivinetruths: but, in our lapsed estate, it hath a peculiar relation to the declarations of God's mercy and reconcilableness to sinners through a Mediator; and therefore, receiving its de- nomination from thatprincipalobject,isordi- narilytermedfaithin Jesus Christ, Thelove ofGodis adelightful and affec- tionate sense ofthe divine perfections,which makes the soul resign and sacrifice itself whollyuntohim,desiring above allthings to pleasehim,anddelightinginnothingsomuch

22 TheLife ofGod

asinfellowshipandcommunionwithhim,and
beingreadytodo orsufferany thingfor his
sake,or athis pleasure. Though this affec-

tion may have its first rise from the favors

and mercies of God towards ourselves, yet doth it in its growth and progress transcend such particular considerations, and ground itself on his infinite goodness manifested in all theworks ofcreation and providence. A soul thus possessed with divine love, must needs be enlarged towards all mankind in a sincere and unbounded affection, because of the relationthe}^havetoGod,being his crea- tures, and having something of his image stampeduponthem. Andthis is thatcharity Inamedasthesecondbranchofreligion,^and under which all the parts ofjustice, all the dutiesweowe to ourneighbor,are eminendy comprehended: for hewhodoth trulyloveall the world, will be nearly concerned in the interestofeveryone; and sofarfromwrong- ingorinjuringanyperson,that hewillresent anyevil thatbefalls others,as ifit happened tohimself.

/;/ ihc SoIII ofMan. 23

^yj)iirity,Iunderstandadueabstractedness

from the bodv,and masteryover the inferior appetites; orsuchatemperand disposition of

mind, as makes a man despise, and abstain

from all pleasures and delights ofsense or fancywhicharesintulinthemselvesortendto extinguishorlessenourrelish ofmore divine andintellectualpleasures; whichdothalsoin- feraresolutenesstoundergoallthosehardships

he may meet with in the performance ofhis

duty. So that not only chastityand temper-
ance,butalsoChristian courage and magna-

nimitymaycomeunderthishead.

Humilityimports a deep senseofourown weakness, with a hearty and affectionate ac- knowledgmentofour owingallthatweareto thedivinebounty; which is always accompa- niedwithaprofoundsubmission tothewill of God, and great deadness towards theglory oftheworld,andapplauseofmen. Thesearethehighestperfectionsthat either menorangelsarecapableof;thevervfounda- tionofheavenlaidin the soul. x\nd he who hathattainedthem,needsnotdesiretoprvinto the hidden rolls of God's decrees, or search

24 TheLife ofGod

thevolumesofheaven,toknowwhatis deter- minedabouthis everlasting condition;but he

mayfindacopyofGod'sthoughts concerning

him written in his own breast. His love to

GodmaygivehimassuranceofGod'sfavorto

him; andthosebeginningsofhappinesswhich hefeelsintheconformityofthepowersofhis soultothenatureofGod,andcompliancewith hiswill,areasurepledgethathisfelicityshall be perfected, and continued to all eternity.

Anditisnotwithoutreason that one said, "I

hadratherseethereal impressions ofa God- likenatureuponmyownsoul,thanhaveavision

fromheaven,oran angel sentto tellme that

mynamewasenrolledinthebookoflife."

RELIGION BETTER UNDERSTOOD BYACTIONS

THANBYWORDS.

"\"\7'HENwehavesaidall that we can, the
secretm3'steriesofanewnatureanddi-
vine life can never be sufficiently expressed

;

languageandwordscannotreachthem:norcan theybetrulyunderstoodbutbythosesoulsthat

/;/ the Soul ofMan. 25

areenkindledwithin, and awakened unto the senseandrehshof spiritualthings. The7'eisa spirit in man, andthe inspirationoftheAl- mightygivethhimtindei'standing. Thepower

and lifeofreligionmaybebetterexpressedin

actionsthaninwords;becauseactionsaremore
lively things, and do better representthe in-
wardprinciplewhencetheyproceed;andthere-

fore we maytake the best measure ofthose

gracious endowments from the deportment of
thoseinwiiom theyreside; especiallyas they
areperfectlyexemplifiedintheholylifeofour
blessed Saviour; a main partof whose busi-
nessinthisworld,was,toteachbyhispractice
whathedidrequireofothers, andtomakehis
ownconversationanexactresemblanceofthose
unparalleledruleswhichheprescribed:sothat
ifevertruegoodnesswasvisibletomortaleyes,
itw^asthenwhenhispresencedidbeautifyand
illustratethislowerworld.

26 TheLife ofGod

DIVINELOVE EXEMPLIFIED IN OUR SAVIOUR:
Hisdiligencein doingGod'sivill, andHispatiencein
bearingit.
"^I^HAT sincere and devoutaffectionwhere-
withhisblessedsoul did constantly burn
towardshisheavenlyFather, didexpressitself
inan entireresignationtohiswill. Itwashis
verymeat^todothe zuill, andfinish the work
ofhivithatsenthim. Thiswastheexerciseof
his childhood,and the constant employment

ofhisriperage. Hesparednotravailorpains

while hewas abouthisFather'sbusiness,but tooksuchinfinitecontentandsatisfactioninthe performance of it, thatwhen,beingfaint and wearywithhisjourney, he rested himselfon Jacob'swell,andentreatedwateroftheSama-

ritan woman; the success of his conference

withher,andthe accession thatwas made to
thekingdomofGod,filledhismindwith such
delight,asseemedtohaveredoundedtohisvery
body,refreshing his spirits, and making him
forgetthethirstwhereofhecomplainedbefore,
andrefusethemeatwhichhehadsenthis dis-

in the Soul ofMan. 27

ciples to buy. Norwas he less patient and
submissivein suffering the will ofGod, than

diligentindoingofit. Heenduredthesharp-

estafflictionsandextremestmiseries that ever
wereinflictedonanymortal,withoutarepining
thought,ordiscontentedword. Forthoughhe
was far from a stupid insensibility,or a fan-
tasticorStoicalobstinacy, andhadas quicka
senseofpain as other men, and the deepest
apprehensionofwhat he was to suffer in his
soul, (ashisbloodyszvcat,andthesoreamaze-
mentandsorrozvwhichheprofessed,doabun-
dantlydeclare); yetdidhe entirely submitto
that severe dispensation of Providence, and
willinglyacquiescedinit.

AndheprayedtoGod,that(fitwerepossi-

ble^(or,asoneoftheEvangelistshathit,ifhe
were zvilling,) that cup anight be removed;

yet he gendy added. Nevertheless, not my

zvill, but thine be done. Of what strange importance are the expressions, fohnxii. 27, where he first acknowledgeth the anguish

ofhisspirit,Novjismysoultroubled; which

wouldseemtoproduceakind of demur.And

what shall Isayf and then he goes on to

28 TheLife ofGod

deprecatehissufferings,Father^savemefrom thishour; whichhehadnosooneruttered,but hedoth,asitwere,onsecond thoughts,recall

it in thesewords,Butfor this causecatne I

into the world; and concludes,Father, glo- rify thy name. Now, we mustnot look on this as any levity, or blamable weakness in

theblessedJesus. Heknewallalongwhathe

wastosuffer,anddidmostresolutelyundergo it. Butitshows usthe inconceivable weight andpressurethathewastobear;which,being soafflicting,andcontraryto nature, he could notthink of withoutterror; yet, considering thewillofGod, and the glory w^hich was to redoundtohimfromthence, he was not only contentbutdesiroustosufferit.

OurSaviour'sConstantDevotion

A NOTHER instance of his love to God, w^as,his delightin conversingwith him byprayer;w^hich made himfrequently retire fromtheworld,andwiththe greatestdevotion andpleasurespendwholenightsin that heav-

in the SoulofMan. 29

enlyexercise,thoughhehadnosinstoconfess,
andbutfewsecularintereststoprayfor;which,
alas! arealmosttheonlythingsthat are w^ont

todrive us to our devotions. Nay,we may

sayhisw^holelifew^asakindofprayer,acon- stant course of communion with God; ifthe sacrificewasnotalwaysoffering, yet was the firestillkeptalive: nor was ever the blessed Jesussurprisedwiththatdulness or tepidityof spiritwhichwemustmanytimeswrestle with, beforewe can befitfor theexercise ofdevo- tion.

OurSaviour'sCharitytoMen

TN thesecond place, I should speak ofhis
loveand charitytowardsallmen. Buthe
whowouldexpressit, musttranscribethe his-
toryofthegospel,and commentupon it: for
scarceanvthino;isrecordedtohavebeendone
orspokenbyhim,whichwasnotdesignedfor
thegoodandadvantageofsomeone or other.
Allhismiraculousworkswereinstancesofhis
goodness,aswellashispower; andtheyben-

30 TheLife ofGod

efited those on ^Yhom they were wrought, as wellastheyamazedthebeholders. Hischar- itywasnotconfinedtohiskindredorrelations; norwas allhiskindness swallowedup in the endearmentsofthatpeculiarfriendship which he carried towards the beloved disciple, but everyonewashisfriendwhoobeyedhisholy commands^Johnxv.14;'dndizuhosoeverdidthe willofhisleather,thesamewastohimashis brotheriandsister,andmother. Neverwasanyunwelcometohimwhocame withanhonestintention; nordidhe denyany requestwhichtendedtothegoodofthosethat asked it. So that what was spoken of that

RomanEmperor,whomforhis goodness they

calledthedarlingofmankind,wasreallyper- formed byhim; thatneveranydepartedfrom him with a heavy countenance, except that

richyouth,Markx.whowassorrytohearthat

thekingdomofheavenstoodatsohigharate,
andthat he could not save his soul and his

moneytoo. AndcertainlyittroubledourSav-

iour,toseethatwhenapricewasin his hand
togetwisdom,yethehadnohearttoit. The
ingenuitythatappearedinhislirstaddress,had

in the SoulofMan. 31

alreadyprocured some kindness for him; for itissaid,avdycstisbelwldiiighivi,lovedhim. Butmustheforhissakecutouta new wayto heaven,andalter the nature ofthings,which

makeitimpossiblethatacovetousmanshould

behappy?

And what shall I speak ofhis meekness,

whocouldencounterthemonstrous ingratitude
and dissimulation of that miscreant who be-
trayedhim, in no harsher terms than these,
yudas, hetraycstthoitthe Son ofman zuifh a

kissf What further evidence couldwedesire

ofhisferventandunboundedcharity,thanthat
hewillinglylaiddownhislifeevenforhismost
bitterenemies; and,minglinghisprayerswith
hisblood,besought theFather that his death
mightnotbelaidtotheircharge,butmightbe-
come the meansofeternal life to those very
personswhoprocuredit?

T

OurSaviour'sPurity

HE third branch of the divine life is
ptirity; which, as I said, consists in a

32 The Lifo ofGod

neglect ofworldlyenjoyments and accommo- dations, and a resolute enduring of all such troubles aswe meetwith in the doing ofour duty. Now, surely, if ever any personwas whollydeadtoallthe pleasuresofthenatural life, it was the blessed Jesus, who seldom tasted themwhen theycame in his way;but never stepped outof his roadto seek them.

He allowed others the comforts of w-edlock,

and honored marriagewithhispresence; and suppliedthewantofwinewith a miracle,yet hewouldnotworkoneforthereliefofhisown hunger in the w^ilderness: so gracious and divinew^asthe temper ofhissoul,inallowing to others such lawfulgratificationsashimself thoughtgood to abstain from, and supplying notonlytheirmore extremeandpressingne- cessities,butalsotheirsmallerandlessconsid- erable w^ants. We many times hear of our Saviour's sighs, and groans, and tears; but never that he laughed, andbut once that he rejoiced in spirit; sothat through his w-hole lifehedidexactlyanswerthatcharactergiven ofhim by the prophet of old,that he w'as a man ofsorrows^ and acquainted zvithg')'ief.

in the SoulofMan. 33

Norwerethe troublesanddisaccommodations ofhis lifeotherthanmattersofchoice. For neverdidthereanyappearonthestageofthe world with greater advantage to have raised

himselftothehighestsecularfelicity. Hewho

couldbringtogethersuchaprodigiousnumber offishesintohisdisciples'net,and,atanother time,receive thattribute fromafishwhichhe wasto payto the temple, might easily have madehimselftherichest personintheworld. Nay,withoutanymoneyhe couldhavemain- tainedanarmypowerfulenoughtohavejostled CcBsaroutofhis throne; having oftenerthan once fed several thousandswith a fewloaves and small fishes. But, to show how small esteem he had of allthe enjoyments in the world, hechose tolive in so poor andmean a condition, that though thefoxes hadholes

^

andthe birdsoftheairhadnests.,yethewho
was lord and heir ofall things, had 7iot

whereontolayhishead. Hedidnotfrequent

the courts ofprinces,norafiect theacquaint-
ance or converse of great ones; but, being
reputed thesonofacarpenter, hehadfisher-
men and suchother poorpeople forhiscom-
3

34 TheLife ofGod

panions,andlivedatsucharateassuitedwith
themeannessofthatcondition.

OurSaviour'sHumility

A NDthusI ambroughtunawarestospeak
of his humility^ the last branch of the
divine life; wherein he was a most eminent
patterntous, thatwemightlearn ofhimtohe
meek and lozvly in heart. I shall not now
speak of that infinite condescension of the
eternalSonofGod,intakingournatureupon
him; but only reflecton our Saviour's lowly
and humble deportment while he was in the

world. He had none of those sins and im-

perfections whichmay justlyhumble the best

ofmen; but hewas so entirelyswallowedup with a deepsenseofthe infiniteperfectionsof God,that he appeared as nothinginhis own

eyes,Imean, sofarashewasacreature. He

considered those eminent perfections which shinedin his blessedsoul,asnothisown,but thegiftsofGod; andthereforeassumednoth- ing to himself for them, but with the pro-

in the SoulofMan. 35

foundest humility renounced all pretences to
them. Hencedidherefusethatordinarycom-
pellation ofgood master, when addressed to

his human nature,byonewhomitseemswas

ignorant ofhis divinity: Whycallestthoume

goodPthere isnonegood, butGodonly:As ifhe had said,The goodness ofanycreature

(and such only thou takest me tobe) isnot

worthytobe named ortaken notice of; itis
God alone who is originally and essentially

good. He nevermadeuse ofhis miraculous

power for vanity or ostentation. He would

not gratify the curiosity of the Jews with a
signfromheaven,someprodigiousappearance
in theair: norwould hefollowthe advice of
his countrymen and kindred,whowouldhave
hadallhisgreat worksperlbrmedin theeyes
oftheworld,forgaininghimthegreaterfame.
Butwhenhischarityhadprompted himtothe
reliefofthe miserable,his humilitymadehim
manytimesenjointheconcealmentofthemir-
acle; andwhen the glory of God, and the
designforwhich he came into the world, re-
quiredthepublicationofthem,heascribedthe

36 The LifeofGod

honorofalltohisFather,tellingthem,thatof
himselfhewasabletodo7iothing.
I cannot insist on allthe instances of hu-
mility in his deportment towards men; his
withdrawing himself when they would have
made hima king, his subjection,notonly to
hisblessedmother,buttoherhusband,during
his youngeryears; andhis submission toall
theindignitiesandaffrontswhichhisrudeand
malicious enemies did put upon him. The
historyof hisholylife,recordedbythosewho
conversedwithhim,isfullofsuchpassagesas

these. And indeedthe serious and attentive

studyofit,is the bestwaytogetrightmeas- ures ofhumility, and all the other parts of religionwhichI havebeenendeavoringtode- scribe.

Butnow,that I maylessen yourtrouble of

readingalongletter,bymakingsomepauses

in it,letme here subjoin a prayerthatmight

beproperwhen onewho had formerlyenter-
tainedsomefalsenotionsofreligion,beginsto
discoverwhatitis.

/;/ the SoulofMan. 37

APrayer

"TNFINITEandeternalMajesty,authorand
fountain ofbeing and blessedness, how
littledowepoorsinfulcreaturesknowofthee,
orthewaytoserveandpleasethee! Wetalk
ofreligion,andpretenduntoit: butalasI how
feware therethat knowand considerwhatit
means! Howeasilydowe mistaketheaffec-
tionsofournature, andtheissuesof self-love
forthosedivinegraceswhichalonecanrender

us acceptable in thy sightI It may justly

grieve me, to consider, that I should have
wandered so long, and contented myselfso
often with vainshadows and false images of
pietvandreligion: yetI cannotbutacknowl-
edgeandadore thygoodness,who hast been
pleasedin some measure toopenmine eyes,

andlet me seewhatitis atwhich I oughtto

aim. I rejoice to consider whatmighty im-

provements mynatureiscapable of,andwhat

a divine temper ofspirit doth shine in those

whom thou art pleasedtochoose,andcausest

to approach unto thee. Blessed be thine in-

38 The Life ofGod

finite mercy, who sentest thine own Son to dwell among men,andtoinstructthembyhis example aswell as his laws, givingthem a

perfect patternofwhattheyoughttobe. Oh

that the holy life of the blessed Jesus may

be always in mythoughts, and before mine

eyes,tillIreceiveadeepsenseandimpression
ofthose excellent graces that shined so emi-

nentlyin him; andletmeneverceasemyen-

deavors,tillthatnewanddivinenatureprevail

inmysoulandChristbeformedwithinme."

THE EXCELLENXYAND ADVANTAGE OF

RELIGION.

A ND now,mydear friend,having discov-
eredthenatureoftruereligion,beforeI
proceed any further^, it will not perhaps be
unfittofixourmeditationsalittleontheexcel-

lency and advantages of it; thatwe may be

excitedtothemorevigorousanddiligentprose-
cution ofthose methods wherebywe mayat-
tainso£ri*eatafelicitv. Butalas! whatwords
shallwefindtoexpressthatinwardsatisfaction,

ill the Soul ofAlan. 39

those hidden pleasures which can never be righdyunderstood,butbythoseholysoulswho feelthem? Astrangerintermeddlethnotwith theirjoy. Holiness is the righttemper, the vigorousandhealthfulconstitutionofthesoul. Its faculties had formerl}^been enfeebled and disordered,sothattheycouldnotexercisetheir natural functions; it had wearied itselfw^ith endless tossings and rollings, and was never able to find any rest: now, that distemper being removed, it feels itself well; there is adue harmonyinitsfaculties,andasprightly vigorpossessetheverypart. Theunderstand- ingcandiscernwhatisgood,andthewillcan cleaveuntoit: theaffectionsarenottiedtothe motionsofsense,andtheinfluenceofexternal objects; but they are stirred by more divine impressions,are touched bya senseofinvisi- blethings.

L

TheExcellencyofDivineLove

ETusdescend,ifyouplease,intoanearer
and more particular view ofreligion, in

40 TheLife ofGod

thoseseveralbranchesofitwhichwerenamed before. Letus consider thatlove and affec- tionwherewith holysouls are united to God,

thatw^e maysee what excellency and felicity

isinvolved in it. Love is that powerfuland prevalent passion, by which all the faculties and inclinations of the soul are determined, and on which both its perfection and happi- nessdepend. Theworthand excellencyofa soulis tobe measured by the object of its

love. Hewholovethmeanandsordidthings,

doth thereby become base and vile; but a
noble andwell-placed affection,doth advance
andnnprove the spirit into a conformit}^with
the perfections which it loves. The images
ofthesedofrequentlypresentthemselves unto
the mind,and, bya secretforceand energy,
insinuateintotheveryconstitutionofthe soul,
and mouldand fashionituntotheirownlike-

ness. Hence we may see how easily lovers

orfriendsdoslideintotheimitationoftheper-
sonsw^homthey affect, andhow, even before
theyareaware,theybegin toresemble them,
not only in the more considerable instances
of their deportment, but also in their voice

the SoulofMan. 41

andgesture, andthatwhichwecalltheirmien

and air. And certainly we should as well

transcribe the virtues and inward beauties of the soul, ifthey were the object and motive of our love. But now, as all the creatures we conversewith have their mixture and al- loy,w^earealwaj^sinhazardtobesullied and corruptedby placingour affections on them. Passiondotheasilyblindour eyes,so thatwe firstapprove,andthenimitate the things that areblamable in them. Thetruewayto im- proveandennoble our souls,is,bvfixing our

love on the divine perfections, that we may

have them always before us, and derive an impression ofthem on ourselves,and behold- ingwithofenface^asinaglass,thegloryof the Lord, zue maybe changed into the same

image,fromglory toglory. Hewho witha

generous and holy ambition hath raised his e3^estowardsthatuncreated beautyand good- ness,andfixedhis affection there, is quiteof anotherspirit,ofa more excellent and heroic temperthantherestoftheworld; and cannot butinfinitely disdain all mean and unworthy things; will not entertain any low or base

42 The Life ofGod

thoughtswhichmight disparagehis high and noble pretensions. Love is the greatest and mostexcellent thingwe aremasters of; and therefore itis follyand baseness to bestowit unworthily. It is indeed the only thing we cancallourown. Otherthingsmaybetaken fromusbyviolence; butnone can ravish our love. Ifany thing,else be counted ours, by givingourlovewegiveall,sofaraswemake over our hearts and wills,b}' which we pos- sessourother enjoyments. Itis not possible

to refuse him anvthincr,towhom bvlovewe

have given ourselves. Nay, since it is the privilege of gifts to receive theirvalue from themindofthegiver, andnottobe measured by the event, but by the desire; he who

lovethmayinsome sensebe saidnotonlyto

bestow all that he hath, but all things else

which may makethe belovedperson happy,

since he doth heartilywish them, and would readily givethem,iftheywerein his power. In which sense itis that one makesbold to say, Thatdivine lovedoth in a mannergive Godunto himsefbythe complacencyit takes inthe happinessandperfectionofhisnature.

in the SoulofAlan. 43

Butthoughthismayseemtoo strained an ex-

pression,certainlyloveistheworthiestpresent we can offerunto God; and it is extremely debasedwhenwebestowitanotherway. When this affection is misplaced, it doth oftenventitselfinsuchexpressionsaspointat its genuine and properobject, and insinuate whereit ought to be placed. The flattering andblasphemous termsofadoration,wherein men do sometimes express their passion,are thelanguageofthataffectionwhichwasmade anddesignedforGod;ashewhoisaccustomed tospeaktosomegreat person, doth, perhaps, unawares, accostanother with those titles he was wont to give to him. Butcertainlythat passion which accounteth its object a Deity, oughttobebestowedonhimwhoreallyis so. Those unlimited submissions, which would debase the soul if directed toanyother,will exaltandennobleitwhenplacedhere. Those chains and cords of love are infinitely more gloriousthanlibertyitself; thisslaveryismore noblethanailtheempiresintheworld.

44 TheLife ofGod

TheAdvantagesofDivineLove

\ GAIN, asdiv^ine love doth advance and ^ ^ elevatethesoul,soitisthatalonewhich can make it happy. The highest and most ravishingpleasures,themostsolidandsubstan- tialdelights,thathuman nature is capable of, arethosewhicharisefromthe endearments of awell-placed and successful affection. That whichimbitterslove, and makesit ordinarily averytroublesomeand hurtful passion,is the placingitonthosewhohavenotworthenough todeserveit,or affection and gratitude to re-

quireit,orwhose absence may deprive us of

thepleasureoftheirconverse,ortheirmiseries

occasion our trouble. To all these evils are

theyexposed,whosechiefandsupreme affec- tionisplacedoncreatureslikethemselves:but theloveofGoddeliversusfromthemall.

tn the SoulofMan. 45

THEWORTHOFTHEOBJECT.

L^IRST,I say,love must needs be misera-

ble, and full oftrouble and disquietude, whenthereisnotworthandexcellencyenough intheobjecttoanswer the vastness ofits ca- pacity. Soeagerand violent a passion, can- notbutfretandtormentthespirit,whereitfinds notwherewithtosatisfyitscravings. And,in- deed,solargeandunboundedisitsnature,that itmust be extremely pinched and straitened, whenconfinedtoanycreature; nothing below aninfinitegood can aftbrd it room to stretch

itself,andexertits vigorand activity. What

is a little skin-deep beauty, or some small degreesofgoodness,tomatchorsatisfyapas- sionwhichwasmadeforGod,designedtoem-

braceaninfinitegood? Nowonderlovers do

sohardlysuffer any rival, and do not desire thatothersshouldapprovetheirpassionbyim- itatingit. Theyknowthescantinessand nar- rownessofthe good which they love, that it cannotsufficetwo,beingineffect toolittle for one. Hence love, which is strong-as death,

46 The Life ofGod

occasioneth jealousy which is cruel as the grave; the coals whereof are coals of fire, which hath a most violent flame. Butdivinelovehathnomixtureofthisgall

;

whenonce the soul is fixed on that supreme
andall-sufficient good, it finds so much per-
fectionandgoodness,asdoth notonlyanswer
andsatisfyitsaffection, but master and over-
powerittoo: itfindsallitslovetobe toofaint
andlanguidforsuchanobleobject,andisonly
sorrythatitcancommandnomore. Itwisheth
fortheflames ofa serafh. and longs for the
timewhenitshall be wholly melted and dis-
solvedintolove: andbecauseitcandosolittle
itself,itdesirestheassistanceofthewholecrea-
tion,thatangelsandmenwouldconcurwithit
intheadmirationandloveofthoseinfiniteper-
fections.

THECERTAINTYTOBEBELOVEDAGAIN.

A GAIN,loveis accompaniedwith trouble,
whenitmissethasuitablereturnofaffec-
tion: loveis the mostvaluable thina" we can

in the SoulofMan. 47

bestow,andbygivingit,we do in effect give allthatwehave; and therefore it needs must beafflicting tofind so great a gift despised, thatthe present which one hath made ofhis wholeheart, cannot prevail toobtain any re- turn. Perfectloveisakindofself-dereliction, awanderingoutofourselves; itis a kind of voluntarydeath,whereintheloverdiestohim- self,andallhis own interest, notthinking of them,norcaringfortheman}^more,andmind-

ingnothingbuthowhemaypleaseandgratify

the partywhom he loves. Thus he is quite

undoneunlesshe meets with reciprocal aliec- tion; heneglectshimself, and the other hath noregardtohim; butifhe be beloved, he is revived,asitwere,andlivethin the soul and

careofthe person whom he loves; and now

hebeginstomind his own concernments, not somuchbecausetheyare his, asbecause the belovedispleasedtoown an interestin them.

Hebecomesdearunto himself, because he is

sountotheother.

Butwhyshould I enlarge on so known a

matter? Nothingcanbemoreclear,thanthat thehappinessoflovedependson thereturn it

zj.8 TheLife ofGod

meetswith. Andhereinthedivinelover hath

unspeakablytheadvantage,havingplaced his
affectiononhimwhose nature is love; whose
goodness is as infinite as his being; whose
mercypreventeduswhenwewerehisenemies,
thereforecannotchoosebut embraceus when
we are become his friends. It is utterlyim-
possible that God should deny his love to a
soulwhollydevotedtohim,andwhich desires
nothingsomuch as to serve and please him.

Hecannotdisdainhisownimage,northeheart

inwhichitisengraven. Loveis all the trib-
utewhichwecanpayhim,anditis the sacri-
ficewhichhewillnotdespise.

THE PRESENXE OFTHE BELOVED PERSON.
A XOTHERthingwhichdisturbsthepleas-
ure oflove, and renders it a miserable
andunquietpassion,isabsenceandseparation
fromthosewelove. Itisnotwithouta sensi-
bleaffliction that friends do part, thoughfor
somelittletime. It is sad to be deprived of
thatsocietywhichissodelightful; ourlifebe-

in the SoulofMan. 49

comestedious,beingspentinanimpatientex-

pectationofthe happyhourwherein we may

meetagain. ButifDeathhathmadethesep-
aration,assometimeorotheritmust,thisocca-
sionsagriefscarcetobeparalleled byallthe
misfortunesofhumanlife,andwhereinwepay
dearenoughforthecomfortsofourfriendship.
Butohhowhappyare thosewho haveplaced
theirloveonhimwhocanneverbeabsentfrom
them! They need but open their eyes, and
theyshalleverywherebeholdthetraces ofhis
presence and glory, and converse with him

whomtheirsoulloveth. And this makes the

darkestprison,orthe wildest desert, not only
supportable,butdelightfultothem.

THE DIVINE LOVE MAKES US PARTAKE OF

ANINFINITE HAPPINESS.

TN fine, a lover is miserable if the person

whom he loveth be so. They whohave

made an exchange of hearts by love, get therebyaninterestin oneanother's happiness andmisery: andthismakesloveatroublesome 4

50 The Life of God

passionwhenplacedonearth. Themostfor-
tunate person hath griefenough to mar the
tranquiUityofhisfriend; anditishardtohold
out,when we are attacked on all hands,and
suffernotonlyinourownpersonbutinanoth-
er's. ButifGodweretheobject ofourlove,
weshouldshareinaninfinitehappiness,with-
out any mixtureor possibilityof diminution;
weshouldrejoicetobehold the glor}"ofGod,
andreceivecomfortand pleasure from all the
praiseswherewithmenandangelsdoextolhim.
Itshoulddelightus beyond all expression, to
consider, that the beloved ofour souls is in,
finitelyhappyinhimself, andthatall his ene-
miescannotshakeorunsettle histhrone; that
our Godisintheheavens^anddothwhatsoever
hefleascth.
Behold,onwhatsurefoundationsbis happi-
nessisbuilt,whosesoul ispossessed withdi-
vinelove; whosewill istransformed into the
willofGod,andwhosegreatestdesireis,that

hisMakershould bepleased. Ohthepeace,

therest,thesatisfactionthat attendeth such a temperofmind!

/;/ the SotilofMan. 51

HETHAT LOVETH GOD FINDSSWEETNESS IN

EVERYDISPENSATION.

T^T'HAT an infinite pleasuremust itneeds be,thus, asitwere,to lose ourselves inhim,and,being swallowed upin the over- coming sense of his goodness, to offer our- selves a living sacrifice, always ascending unto him in flames of loveI Never doth a soul know what solid joy and substantial pleasure is, till, once being weary of itself, it renounces all property, gives itself up to theauthorofitsbeing, andteelsitselfbecome a hallowed anddevoted thing; and can say, fromaninwardsenseandfeeling,Mybeloved isjiime, (Iaccountall his interestmineown)

and Iam his: I am content to be anything

for him, and carenot for myself, but that I

may servehim. A. personmoulded into this

temper,wouldfindpleasurein all thedispen- sations ofprovidence. Temporal enjoyments would have another relish, when he should taste thedivine goodness in them, and con- siderthem as tokensoflove sentbyhisdear-

TheLife ofGod

est Lord and master. And chastisements,

though they be not joyous but grievous,
would hereby lose their sting: the rod as
well as the staff would comfort him: he
would snatch a kiss from the hand that was
smiting him, and gather sweetness fromthat
severity. Nay,hewouldrejoice,that though
God did notthewill ofsuchaworthless and
foolishcreatureashimself,yet hedidhisown
will,andaccomplishedhisowndesigns,which
areinfinitelymoreholyandwise.

THE DUTIES OF RELIGION ARE DELIGHTFUL
TO HIM.

^I^HEexercises ofreligion,which toothers

are insipid and tedious, do yield the
highest pleasure and delight to souls pos-
sessedwith divine love. Theyrejoice when
they are calledtogo up to the houseofthe

Lo7'd, that they may see his -power and his

glory^ as they haveformerly seen it in his sanctuary. They never think themselves so happy as when, having retired from the

/;/ the Soul of 3 fan. 53

world, and gotten free from the noise and hurryofaffau's,andsilencedalltheirclamor- ous passions, (those troublesome guestswith- in,) theyhave placed themselves in thepres- ence of God, and entertain fellowship and communionwith him. Thevdeligrht toadore his perfections,andrecount hisfavors,and to protest their affection to him, and tell him a thousand times that theylovehim;tolayout their troubles orwants before him, and dis- burden their hearts in his bosom. Repent- ance itself is a delightful exercise, when it floweth from the principle oflove: thereisa secret sweetness \A'hich accompanieth those tears of remorse, those meltings and relent- ings of a soul returning unto God, and la- menting its formerunkindness. The severitiesofa holylife,and that con- stant watch which we are obliged to keep over our hearts and ways, are very trouble- some to those who are overruled and acted by.an externallaw,and have no lawin their minds inclining them to the performance of theirduty. Butwhere divine lovepossesseth thesoul,itstandsassentineltokeepoutevery

54 The Life ofGod

thing that may offend the beloved, and doth

disdainfully repulse those temptations which assault it. Itcomplieth cheerfulh^ not only with explicit commands, but with the most secretnotices ofthebeloved's pleasure; and is ingenious in discoveringwhatwill be most grateful and acceptable unto him. It makes mortification and self-denial change their harsh anddreadful names,andbecome easy, sweet, anddehghtfulthings.

ButIfindthispartofmyletterswellbigger

than I desi^jned: indeed who would not be
tempted todwell on so pleasant atheme? I
shall endeavorto compensate itbybrevityin
theotherpoints.

THE EXCELLE^XY OF CHARITY.

'T^HEnext branch of the divine life is an
universal charityandlove. Theexcel-
lency of this grace will be easily acknowl-
edged. For what can be more noble and
generous than a heart enlarged to embrace
the whole world, whose wishes and designs

in the Soul ofMan. 55

are levelled at the good and welfare of the
universe,whichconsidereth everyman'sinter-

estas its own? Hewho loveth his neighbor

as himself can never entertain any base or injurious thought, or be wanting in expres- sions ofbounty: he had rathersufferathou- sandwrongs,thanbeguiltyofone; andnever accountshimself happy, but when some one or other hath been benefited by him. The malice or ingratitude of men is not able to resist his love: he overlooks their injuries, and pities their folly, and overcomes their evilwith good; and never designs anyother revengeagainst his mostbitterand malicious enemies,thantoputall theobligationshecan upon them, whether they will or not. Is it anywonderthat suchapersonbe reverenced and admired, and accounted the darling of mankind? Thisinward goodnessandbenig- nityofspirit reflects acertain sweetness and serenity upon the very countenance, and makes it amiable and lovely. It inspireth the soulwith anoble resolution andcourage, and makes it capable of enterprising and effecting the highest things. Those heroic

56 The Life ofGod

actionswhichwe arewonttoreadwithadmi- ration,haveforthemostpartbeen theeffects ofthe love ofone's country, or of particular friendships; and certainly a more extensive and universal affection must be much more powerfuland efficacious.

THE PLEASURE THATATTENDS CHARITY.

A GAIN,ascharityflowsfrom anoble and excellenttemper, so itis accompanied with the greatest satisfaction and pleasure. Itdelightsthesoultofeel itselfthusenlarged, and tobe deliveredfrom those disquietingas well as deformed passions, malice, hatred, and envy; and become gentle, sweet, and

benign. Had I m}^ choice ofall things that

might tend to my present felicity, I would

pitch upon this, to have my heart possessed

with the greatest kindness and aflection to-

wards all menin the world. I am sure this

would make me partakein all the happiness

ofothers; theirinward endowments,andout- wardprosperity: every thing thatdid benefit

in the SoulofMan. 57

and advantage them, would afford me com-

fortand pleasure. Andthough I should fre-

quenth^ meet with occasions of grief and compassion,yetthereis a sweetness in com- miseration, which makes it infinitely more desirable thana stupidinsensibility: and the consideration of that infinite goodness and wisdom which governs the world, might re- press any excessive trouble for particular calamities that happen in it: and thehopes orpossibility ofmen's after-happiness, might moderate their sorrow for their present mis- fortunes. Certainly, next to the love and enjoyment of God, that ardent charity and affectionwherewithblessed souls do embrace one another, is justly to be reckoned asthe greatest felicity of those regions above: and didituniversallyprevailintheworld,itwould anticipatethatblessedness,and makeus taste ofthejoysofheavenuponearth.

58 The Life ofGod

THE EXCELLENCY OF PURITY.
'HPHAT which I named as a third branch

of rehgion, was purity: and you may

remember I described it to consistin a con-
tempt of sensual pleasures, and resoluteness
to undergo those troubles and pains we

may meet with in the performance of our

dut}^. Now, the naming of this may suffice

torecommend it asa most noble and excel-
lentquality. There isnoslaverysobase,as

thatwhereby aman becomes adrudgetohis

own lusts; nor any victory so glorious, as
that which is obtained over them. Never
can that personbe capable ofanythingthat
isnobleandworth}',whoissunkin thegross
andfeculent pleasures ofsense,orbewitched
withthe lightand airygratificationsoffancy.
But the religious soul is of a more sublime
and divinetemper; itknowsit wasmadefor
higher things, and scorns to step aside one
footoutofthewayofholiness,fortheobtain-
inganyofthese.

in the SoulofMan. 59

THE DELIGHTAFFORDED BY PURITY. A ND this purity is accompanied with a great deal of pleasure: whatsoever defiles the soul disturbs it too; all impure delights have a sting in them, and leave smart andtrouble behind them. Excess and intemperance, and all inordinatelusts, are so much enemiestothe healthofthe body, and the interestsof this present life, that a little

consideration might oblige any rational man

toforbear themon thatveryscore: andifthe religious person go higher, and do not only abstain from noxious pleasures, but neglect thosethatareinnocent,thisisnottobelooked upon as any violentand uneasy restraint,but asthe effectofbetterchoice,thattheirminds are taken up in thepursuit of more sublime and refined delights, so that they cannot be

concerned in these. Anyperson that is en-

gaged in a violent and passionate affection,
will easily forget his ordinary gratifications,
will be little curious about his diet, or his
bodily ease, or the divertisements he was

6o TheLife ofGod

wontto delic^htin. No wonderthen ifsouls

overpoweredwithdivine love,despise inferior pleasures,andbe almost readytogrudge the

bodyitsnecessaryattendanceforthe common

accommodationsoflife,judging all theseim-
pertinent totheir main happiness, and those
higherenjoyments theyare pursuing. Asfor
the hardships theymeet with, they rejoice in
them, asopportunities to exercise and testify
theiraffection: andsince theyare abletodo
solitdeforGod,theyaregladofthe honorto
sufferforhim.

THEEXCELLENCY OF HUMILITY.

'T^HE last branch of religion is Juimility

;

and howeverto vulgarand carnal eyes

thismayappearan abject,base,anddespica-

ble quality, yetreallythe soulofman is not

capable ofa higher and more noble endow-
ment. Itisasillyignorancethatbegetspride:
buthumilityarisesfromaneareracquaintance
with excellent things,which keeps menfrom
doatingon trifles,oradmiring themselvesbe-

in the Soul ofMan. 6i

causeofsomeprettyattainments. Nobleand
welleducatedsoulshavenosuchhighopinion
ofriches,beauty,strength,andothersuchlike
advantages, astovalue themselves for them,
or despise those thatwant them: and as for
inwardworthandrealgoodness,thesensethey
have of the divine perfections makes them
think very meanlv of any thing they have
hitherto attained, and be still endeavorin<r to
surmount themselves, and make nearer ap-
proaches to those infinite excellencies which
theyadmire.

Iknownotwhatthoughts peoplemayhave

ofhumility,butIseealmosteverypersonpre-
tending toit, and shunning such expressions
and actions as maymakethem be accounted
arrogantandpresumptuous; sothatthosewho
are most desirous of praise, willbe loath to

commend themselves. What are all those

complimentsandmodesofcivility,sofrequent in ourordinaryconverse,butsomanyprotes- tations of the esteem of others, andthe low thoughtswe have ofourselves; andmust not that humilitybe anoble andexcellentendow- ment, when the very shadows of it are ac- countedsonecessaryapartofgoodbreeding?

62 TheLife ofGod

THE PLEASURE AND SWEETNESS OFAN

HUMBLE TEMPER.

A GAIN,this grace,is accompaniedwith a greatdealof happinessandtranquilHty: the proud and arrogant personis atrouble to allthatconversewithhim,butmostofallunto himself; everythingisenoughtovexhim;but butscarceanythingissufficienttocontentand

pleasehim. Heisreadytoquarrelwithever}-^

thingthatfallsout,asifhehimselfweresuch a' considerable person, that God Almighty should do everything togratifyhim,and all thecreatures ofheavenand earthshouldwait upon him,and obeyhis will. The leaves of high treesdo shakewitheveryblastofwind: andeverybreath,everyevilwordwilldisquiet

andtormentanarrogantman: butthehumble

personhaththeadvantagewhenheisdespised, thatnone canthinkmore meanlyofhimthan he doth of himself; and therefore he is not troubled at the matter, but can easily bear those reproacheswhichwoundtheothertothe

soul. Andwithal,ashe is lessaftected with

/;/ the Soulof 3 fan. 61,

injuries, soindeed he is less obnoxious unto

them: contention, zuhichconieth offride,be-

trays a man into a thousand inconveniences,

whichthoseofa meekand lowlytempersel- dom meetwith. True and genuine humility begettethbothavenerationandloveamongall w^ise and discerning persons; whilepridede-

featethitsowndesign, anddeprivethamanof

thathonoritmakeshimpretendto. But as the chief exercises of humilitv are those which relate unto Almighty God, so theseareaccompaniedwith the greatest satis- factionandsweetness. Itis impossibleto ex- press the great pleasure and delight which religious persons feelinthelowestprostration of their souls before God, when, having a deep sense of the divine majesty and glory,

theysink(ifImaysospeak)tothebottomof

theirbeings, andvanish and disappear in the presenceofGod,byaseriousand affectionate acknowledgment of their own nothingness, and the shortness and imperfections of their attainments; when they understand the full senseandemphasisofthePsalmist's exclama- tions, Lord, zuhat is manf and can utter it

64 The Life ofGod

with the same affection. Never did any
haughty and ambitious person receive the
praises and applausesof men with so much
pleasure, as the humble and religious do re-
nouncethem:Not unto 21s, OLord.,notunto
us,butuntothyname,giveglory,dec.
Thus have I spoken somethingof the ex-
cellencies and advantage of religion in its
several branches; but should be very inju-
rious to the subject, did I pretend to have
given any perfect account of it. Let us ac-

quaint ourselveswith it, my dear friend; let

us acquaintourselves with it, and experience willteachusmorethanallthateverhath been spoken or written concerning it. But if we

maysupposethesoultobe alreadyawakened

unto some longing desires after so great a blessedness,itwill be goodto givethemvent and suffer them to issue forth in some such aspirationsasthese:

in the Soul ofMan. 65

APRAYER.

f~^OOD God! what a mightyfeHcityis this towhichwearecalled! Howgraciousl}^ hast thou joined our duty and happiness to- gether; andprescribed that forourwork,the

performancewhereofisagreatreward! And

shallsuchsillywormsbeadvancedtoso great aheight? Wiltthouallowustoraiseoure3xs tothee? Wiltthouadmitandacceptouraffec- tion? Shall we receive the impression of thy divine excellencies, by beholding and admiring them, and partake of thy infinite blessednessand glory,bylovingthee,andre-

joicing in them? Oh the happiness ofthose

soulsthathavebroken the fetters ofself-love,
and disentangled their affection from every
narrow and particular good; whose under-
standingsareenlightenedby the Holy Spirit,
andtheirwillsenlargedtotheextentofthine;
who lovethee above all things,andallman-
kind for thysake! I am persuaded,OGod!

I am persuaded,that I can neverbe happ}',

tillmycarnalandcorruptaffections be morti-

5

66 TheLife ofGod

fied,and thepride andvanityofmyspiritbe

subdued, and tillI come seriously to despise
theworld, andthinknothing ofmyself. But

ohwhen shallitoncebe! Ohwhenwiltthou

come unto me, and satisfy my soul withth}^

likeness, making me holy as thou art holy,

even in all manner of conversation! Hast

thougivenmeaprospectofsogreatafelicity,

andwiltthounotbringmeunto it? Hastthou

excitedthesedesiresinni}-soul,and wiltthou

notalsosatisfythem? Ohteachmetodothy

will,forthou art ni}^God; th}^spiritis good,

leadmeintothelandofuprightness. Quicken

me,O Lord, forthyname'ssake, and perfect that which concerneth me. Th}^ mercy, O Lord,endurethforever; forsakenotthework ofthineownhands.

THE DESPONDENTTHOUGHTS OF SOMENEW-

LY AWAKENED TO A RIGHT SENSE OF

THINGS.
THAVE hitherto consideredwhereintruere-
ligion doth consist, and how desirable a

in the Soul ofMan, 67

thingitis. ButwliQiioneseeshowinfinitely
distantthe commontemperand frameofmen

are fromit, he may perhaps be ready tode-

spond and give over,and think it utterlyim-

possible to be attained. He maysitdownin

sadness, andbemoan himself,andsay,inthe
anguish and bitterness of his spirit, "They
are happy indeed w^hose souls are awakened
untothe divine life,who are thusrenewedin

the spirit of their minds. But, alas! I am

quite ofanotherconstitution, andamnotable

toeffectsomightyachange. Ifoutwardob-
servances could have done the business, I
mighthavehopedtoacquitm3'selfbydiligence
andcare: but sincenothing butanewnature

can serve theturn,what am I able to do? I

couldbestowallmygoodsinoblationstoGod,
oralmstothepoor; but cannotcommandthat
love and charity, withoutwhich thisexpense

would profit me nothing. This gift ofGod

cannotbe purchased withmoney. Ifa man should give all the substanceofhishousefor love,itwould utterlybe contemned. I could pine and macerate my body, and undergo many hardships and troubles; but I cannot

(^68) TheLife ofGod

get all m}'corruptions starved, nor myatiec-

tionswhollyweanedfromearthlythings: there

arestill some worldly desires lurkingin my

heart; and thosevanities that I haveshutout
ofthe doors,arealwaysgettinginbythewin-

dows. Iammanytimesconvincedofm}^own

meanness, ofthe weakness ofmy body, and

thefar greaterweakness ofmysoul; butthis

doth rather begetindignation and discontent,

than true humilityin myspirit: andthoughI

should come to think meanly of myself, yet
Icannotendurethatothersshouldthinksotoo.

Inaword, when I reflect on myhighest and

most specious attainments, I have reason to
suspect,that theyareallbuttheeffectsofna-
ture,theissuesofself-loveactingvmderseveral
disguises: andthisprincipleissopowerfuland
sodeeplyrootedinme,thatI can neverhope

tobedeliveredfromthedominionofit. Imay

tossandturnasadooron thehinges; butcan
nevergetclearoff,orbequiteunhingedofself,

which is still the centre of all my motions.

Sothat all theadvantageIcandrawfromthe
discovery ofreligion,is but to see at a huge

distance that felicitywhich I am not able to

in the SoulofMan, 69

reach: like a man in a shipwreck, who dis-

cerns the land, and envies the happiness of those who are there, but thinks itimpossible forhimselftogetashore."

THE UNREASONABLENESS OF THESE FEARS.

^I^HESE, I say, or such like desponding

thoutrhts, mav arise in the minds of

those persons w^ho begin to conceive some- what more of the nature and excellency of religion than before. .They have spied the land, andseenthat itisexceedinggood; that itflowethwith milkand honey; buttheyfind thev have the children of iVnak to grapple with; manypowerful lustsand corruptions to overcome,andtheyfeartheyshall neverpre-

vail against them. But whyshould we give

way to such discouraging suggestions? why

shouldwe entertainsuch unreasonable fears, which damp our spirits, and weaken our hands, and augment the difficulties of our

way? Let us encourage ourselves, my dear

friend, let us encourage ourselves with those

70 TheLife ofGod

mightyaids we aretoexpectin this spiritual
warfare; forgreaterishe thatisfor us,than
all that can rise up against us: Theeternal
God is otir refuge^ and itnderneath are the
everlasting arms. Let 21 s be strong in the
Lord, and tn the-power ofhis might;for
he it is that shall treaddozvn our enemies.
God hatha tender regard unto the souls of
men,and is infinitelywillingtopromote their

welfare. He hathcondescendedtoourweak-

ness,and declaredwithan oath,that he hath no pleasure in ourdestruction. There is no such thingas despite-or envy lodged in the bosomofthateverblessedbeing,whosename

and nature is love. He createdus atfirst in

a happy condition; and now, when we are fallenfromit,hehathlaidhelpupononethat is mightytosave,hath committed thecare of oursoulstonomeanerperson thantheeternal Sonofhis love. Itis hethat is theCaptain of our salvation; and what enemies can be toostrong forus,whenweare fighting under his banner? Did not the Son of God come downfromthebosomofhisFather,andpitch his tabernacle amongstthe sons ofmen,that

/;/ the Soul ofAlan.. 71

he might recover and propagate the divine life, and restore the image of God in their souls? All the mighty works which he per- formed; all the sad afflictionswhich he sus- tained, had this for their scope and design; for this didhe laborand toil; forthisdid he bleed and die: I/at/ihe wroughtno deliver- anceintheearthf Shallhenotseethetravail ofhissoul? Certainlyitisimpossiblethatthis greatcontrivanceofheavenshouldproveabor- tive,thatsuchamightyundertakingshouldfail andmiscarry. Ithath alreadybeen effectual forthesalvationofmanythousands,whowere once asfar from the kingdom ofheaven as wecansupposeourselvestobe: andourHigh Priestcontimiethforever^and isabletosave them tothe 2itterniostthatcome unto Godby

him. He is tender and compassionate; he

knoweth our infirmities, and had experience of our temptations: A bruised reed will he

not breaks and smoking fax zvill he not

qztench^tillhe sendforthjudgment untovic-

tory. He hath sent out his Holy Spirit,

whosesweet,but powerfulbreathingsarestill moving upanddo^vn intheworld,toquicken

72 The Life ofGod

and revive the souls of men, and awaken them unto the sense and feeling of those di- vine things for which theywere made: and is readyto assist suchweak and languishing creatures as we are, in our essays towards holiness and felicity; andwhen once ithath taken hold of a soul, and kindled in it the smallest spark ofdivine love, it will be sure to preserve and cherish, and bring it forth into a flame, which many waters shall not quench, neither shall the floods be able to drownit. Wheneverthisdaybeginstodawn, and theday-star toarisein theheartyitwill easilydispelthepowersofdarkness,andmake ignorance and folly, and allthe corrupt and selfishaffectionsofmen,flee awayasfast be- fore it as the shades ofnightwhen the sun Cometh out of his chambers: for the -path ofthe just is as the shining lights which shineth more andmore tmto the-perfectday. Theyshallgo onfrom stre^igth to strength, tillevery one ofthemappear before Godin Zion

.

Whyshouldwethinkitimpossible,thattrue
goodnessanduniversalloveshouldever com.e

m the SoulofMan. 73

toswayandprevailinour souls? Is notthis theirprimitivestateandcondition; theirnative andgenuineconstitutionastheycamefirstfrom thehandsoftheirMaker? Sinandcorruption arebutusurpers; and though they havelong keptthepossession,y^.froui thebeginning-it was not so. That inordinate self-lovewhich onewouldthinkwererootedinourverybeing, andinterwovenwiththeconstitutionofourna- ture,isneverthelessofforeignextraction, and had no place at all in the state ofintegrity. Wehavestill so much reason left as to con- demn it. Our understandings are easily convinced,thatweougrhtto bewhollvdevoted

tohimfromwhomwehaveourbeing, and to

lovehiminfinitelymorethanourselves,whois infinitelybetterthanwe; andour wills would readilycomplywiththis,ifthey werenotdis- orderedandput out oftune. x\nd is nothe w4iomadeoursouls,abletorectify and mend themagain? Shallwe notbeable,byhis as- sistance,to vanquish and expel those violent intruders,andturntoflighttheamnies ofthe aliensf

Nosoonershallwetakeuparmsinthisholy

74 TheLife ofGod

war,butweshallhaveallthesaints on earth, andalltheangelsin heaven engaged on our party. Theholychurchthroughouttheworld isdailyintercedingwithGodforthesuccessof

allsuchendeavors. Anddoubtlessthoseheav-

enlyhostsaboveare nearly concerned in the
interests ofreligion,and infinitelydesirous to
seethe divine life thriving and prevailing in
thisinferiorworld; and that the will ofGod

maybedonebyuson earth, as itis done by

themselvesinheaven. Andmaywe notthen

encourage ourselves, as the prophet did his
servant,whenheshowed him the horses and
chariotsoffire,Fearnot^fortheythatbewith
us,aremorethantheythatbeagainstns.

\VE MUSTDO WHAT WE CAN, AND DEPEND

ONTHE DIVINE ASSISTANCE

\ WAYthenwith all perplexing fears and

despondingthoughts. Toundertakevig-

orously,andrelyconfidentlyonthe divine as-
sistance,ismorethanhalfthe conquest. Let
usarise,andbe doing, andthe Lordwillbe

in the SoulofMan. 75

withlis. Itistrue,religioninthesoulsofmen is the immediate work ofGod; and all our naturalendeavorscanneitherproduceitalone, normeritthosesupernatural aids by which it mustbewrought: theHolyGhost must come uponus, and the power ofthe Highest must overshadowus,before that holything can be begotten,andChristbeformedinus. Butyet wemustnotexpectthatthiswholeworkshould bedone without any concurring endeavors of ourown: wemustnotlieloiteringintheditch, andwaittillOmnipotencepullusfromthence. No,no: wemustbestirourselves,and actuate thosepowerswhichwehavealreadyreceived: w^emustputforth ourselves toour utmostca-

pacities,andthenwemayhope thatourlabor

shallnotheinvainin the Lord. All the art

andindustryofmancannot form the smallest

herb,ormakea stalk ofcorn to grow in the field: itis the energy ofnature, and the in- fluencesofheaven,whichproduce this effect; it is God who causes thegrass togrow,and herbfortheservice ofman: and yet nobody willsay,thatthelaborsofthehusbandmanare uselessorunnecessary. So likewise the hu-

76 The Ltfe ofGod

mansoulisimmediatelycreatedbyGod; it is

hewhobothformethandenliveneththe child: andyethehath appointedthemarriage-bed as theordinarymeansforthepropagationofman- kind. Thoughthere must intervene a stroke ofOmnipotencetoeffectthismightychangein oursouls,yetoughtwetodo what we can to fitandprepareourselves. Forwemust break upourfallowground,androotout the weeds, andpullupthethorns,thatsowemaybemore ready to receive the seeds ofgrace, and the dew ofheaven. It is true, God hath been foundofsomewho souijht him not; he hath cast himselfintheirway,whowere quiteout ofhis; he hath laid hold upon them, and stoppedtheir courseof a sudden: for sowas St.PaulconvertedinhisjourneytoDamascus. ButcertainlythisisnotGod'sordinarymethod of dealino^ with men. Though he hath not tiedhimselfto means,yet he hath tied us to theuseofthem; andwehavenevermorerea- sontoexpectthedivineassistance, than when wearedoino-our utmost endeavors. It shall therefore be my next work, to show what course we ought to take for attaining that

in the SoulofMan. 77

blessedtemperIhavehithertodescribed. But

here,if,indeliveringmyownthoughts,Ishall

chanceto differfromwhat is or maybe said
byothersinthismatter, Iwouldnotbethought
tocontradictandopposethem,morethanphy-
siciansdo,when the}'prescribe several reme-
diesfor the same disease, which perhaps are

allusefuland good. Everyone maypropose

the method he judges most proper and con-
venient; buthedoth nottherebypretend that
thecurecanneverbe effected, unless thatbe
exactlyobserved. Idoubtit hath occasioned
much unnecessary disquietude to some holy
persons,thattheyhavenotfoundsucharegular
and orderlytransactionintheir souls,asthey
haveseen describedinbooks: thattheyhave
notpassedthrough allthose steps and stages
ofconversion,whichsome(whoperhapshave
felttheminthemselves) havetooperemptorily
prescribed unto others. God hath several
ways ofdealingwith the souls ofmen: and
itsufficethiftheworkbeaccomplished,what-
ever the methods have been.
Again, though, in proposing directions, I
must follow that order w^hich the nature of

78 TheLife ofGod

thingsshallleadto; yetIdonotmeanthatthe samemethodshouldbesopunctuallyobserved inthepractice,asifthelatterruleswerenever tobeheeded,tillsomeconsiderable time have beenspentinpractising theformer. The di- rectionsIintendaremutuallyconduciveoneto another; andarealltobe performed as occa- sionshallserve,andwefindourselvesenabled toperformthem.

WE MUST SHUNALLMANNER OF SIN.

"DUTnow,thatImaydetainyouno longer,
"^ ifwedesiretohaveoursouls mouldedto

thisholyframe,tobecomepartakersofthedi- vine nature, and have Christ formed in our hearts, we must seriously resolve, and care- fullyendeavortoavoidandabandonallvicious andsinful practices. Therecan be notreaty ofpeace,tilloncewelaydowntheseweapons ofrebellionwherewithwefightagainstHeaven: nor can we expect to have our distempers cured,ifwebedailyfeeding on poison. Ev- erywilfulsingivesamortalwoundtothesoul.

in the SoulofMan. 79

andputsitatagreaterdistancefrom Godand goodness: andwecanneverhopetohave our hearts purified fromcorrupt affections,unless we cleanse our hands from vicious actions. Now,inthiscase,wecannotexcuse ourselves bythe pretence ofimpossibility; for sure our

outwardmanis some way in our power; we

havesome command ofour feet, and hands,

andtongue,nay,andofourthoughtsandfan- ciestoo; atleastsofarastodivertthem from impureandsinfulobjects,andtoturnourmind anotherway: andwe should find this power andauthoritymuchstrengthenedandadvanced, ifwe werecarefultomanageand exercise it. In the meanwhile,Iacknowledgeourcorrup- tions are so strong, and our temptations so many,thatitwillrequireagreatdealofstead- fastness and resolution, of watchfulness and care,topreserveourselves,eveninthisdegree ofinnocenceandpurity.

8o TheLife ofGod

WEMUST KNOWWHAT THINGS ARE SINFUL.
\ ND,first,letusinformourselveswell,what
those sins are from which we oughtto

abstain. Andherewemustnottakeourmeas-

ures from the maxims ofthe world, or the

practicesofthosewhomincharitywe account

goodmen. Mostpeoplehaveverylightappre-
hensionsofthesethings,and are not sensible
ofanyfault,unlessitbe gross and flagitious

;

andscarcereckon anyso great as thatwhich
theycallpreciseness: andthosewhoaremore
serious, do many times allow themselvestoo
greatlatitudeandfreedom. Alas! how much
prideandvanity,andpassionandhumor:how
muchweakness,folly,andsin, dotheveryday
showitselfintheirconverseand behavior. It

maybe theyare humbledfor it, and striving

againstit, andaredailygainingsomeground

;

but then the progress is so small,and their
failingssomany,thatwehave need tochoose
an exacter pattern. Every one of us must
answerforhimself, andthepractices ofothers
will never warrant and secure us. It is the

171 the SoulofAlan. 8i

highest folly to regulate our actions by any otherstandardthanthatbywhichtheymustbe judged. If everwewouldcleanseourivay^it mustbebytakingheedthereunto according-to

the word ofGod, And thatword which is

quick and -powerful^ and sharper than any
two-edgedsword,piercingeventothedividing
asunder ofsoulandspirit, andofthejoints
andmarrow,andisadiscernerofthethoughts
andintentsoftheheart,willcertainlydiscover
many things to be sinful and heinous,which
passforveryinnocentintheeyesoftheworld:
letusthereforeimitatethePsalmist,whosaith,
Concerningtheworksofmen,bythewordsof

thylips,Ihave kept myselffrom the paths

ofthe destroyer. Let us acquaint ourselves
withthestrictand holylaws ofourreligion;
let us consider thediscourses of our blessed
Saviour, (especiallythatdivinesermon on the
mount,) andthewritings ofhis holyapostles,

W'here aningenuousandunbiassedmind may

clearly discern those limits and bounds by

whichouractionsoughtto be confined. And

thenletusneverlookuponanysinaslightand
inconsiderable; butbefullypersuadedthatthe
6

82 The Life ofGod

smallest is infinitelyheinous in the sight of God,andprejudicialtothe soulsofmen; and that, ifwe had a right sense ofthings,we should beasdeeplyaffectedwith the least ir- regularities, as nowwe are with the highest crimes.

WE MUSTRESIST THE TEMPTATIONS OFSIN,

BYCONSIDERING THE EVILS THEY WILL

DRAW ON US.

13 UT now, amongst those thingswhichwe
discover tobe sinful,therewillbesome,
untowhich,throughthedisposition ofour na-
ture, or long custom, or the endearments of
pleasure,weare so muchwedded,that itwill
be likecutting offthe right hand,or pulling
outtherighteye,to abandonthem. Butmust
wethereforesitdownandwait till all difficul-
ties areover,and every temptation be gone?
Thisweretoimitatethefool in the poet, who
stoodthewholedayattheriverside,tillallthe
watersshould run by. Wemust notindulge
ourinclinations, as we do little children, till
theygrowwearyofthethingtheyareunwill-

in the SoulofMan. 83

ingtoletgo; wemustnot continue our sinful practices,inhopes that the divine grace will one day overpower our spirits, andmake us hatethemfortheirowndeformity. Letussupposetheworst,thatweareutterly destitute of any supernatural principle, and wantthattastebywhichweshoulddiscernand abhorperversethings: yet sure we arecapa-

ble ofsome considerationswhich may be of

forcetopersuadeus tothis reformationofour lives. Ifthe inward deformity and heinous natureofsincannotaffectus,atleastwe may befrightedbythosedreadfulconsequencesthat attend it: that same selfish principle which pushethus forward unto thepursuit ofsinful pleasures,willmakeusloathtobuythematthe

rateofeverlastingmisery. Thuswe mayen-

counter self-love with its own weapons, and
employ one natural inclination for repressing
theexorbitancesofanother. Letus therefore
accustomourselvesto consider seriously,what
afearfulthingitmustneedsbe to irritate and

offendthatinfinite Being, on whom we hang

anddependeverymoment; who needs but to
withdrawhismerciestomakeus miserable,or

84 TheLife ofGod

hisassistancetomakeusnothing. Letusfre- quenth' remember the shortness and uncer- taintyofourlives,andhowthat,afterwehave takenafewturnsmorein theworld,and con- verseda little longer amongst men, we must allgodownintothedarkandsilentgrave,and canynothing alongwithus but anguish and regretforallour sinful enjoyments; and then thinkwhathorrormust needs seize the guilty soul,tofinditselfnaked and all alone before thesevereandimpartialjudgeoftheworld,to renderanexactaccount, not onlyofits more importantandconsiderabletransactions,butof everywordthat the tongue hath uttered, and theswittestandmost secretthous^htthat ever passedthroughthemind. Letussometimesrep- resentuntoourselvestheterrors ofthatdread- fulday,whenthefoundationsoftheearthshall beshaken,and the heavens shall pass away withagreatnoise,andtheelementsshallmelt withferventheat,andthepresentframeofna- turebe dissolved,and our eyes shall see the blessedJesus (who came once into the world inallhumilitytovisit us, to purchase pardon for us, and beseech us to acceptof it) now

in the SoulofMan, 85

appearing in the majesty of his glory, and descendingfromheaveninflamingfire,totake vengeance on those that have despised his mercy,andpersistedinrebeUionagainst him: when all thehidden things ofdarkness shall be broughtto light, and the counsels of the heart shall be made manifest: when those secret impurities and subtle frauds whereof the world didnever suspect us, shall be ex- posedandlaidopentopublicview,and manv thousand actionsw^hich we never dreamed to be sinful, or else had altogether forgotten, shall be charged home to our consciences, withsuchevident convictionsofguilt,thatwe shallneitherbeabletodenynorexcusethem. Then shall the angelsin heaven,and allthe saints that ever lived on the earth, approve that dreadful sentence which shall be passed on wicked men; and those who perhaps did love and esteem them when theylived inthe world, shalllook upon them withindignation and abhorrence,and never make one request for their deliverance. Let us consider the future punishment of evil doers, shadowed forth in scripture by metaphors taken from

^6 The Life ofGod

thosethings that aremostterrible and griev-
ous inthe world, andyet all do not suffice
to convey unto our minds any full appre-
hensions of them. When we have joined
together the importance of all these expres-
sions, and added unto them whatever our
fancy can conceive of misery and torment,
we must still remember, that all this comes
infinitely short ofthe truth and realityofthe
thincj.
It istrue, thisisasad and melancholysub-
ject; thereis anguish and horrorin the con-
sideration ofit;butsure itmustbe infinitely
moredreadfultoendureit: and suchthoughts

asthese maybeveryuseful tofrightus from

the courses thatwould lead us thither; how

fond soeverwemaybeofsinfulpleasures,the

fear ofhellwouldmake us abstain: ourmost
forwardinclinationswillstartleandgiveback,
whenpressedwiththatquestionintheprophet.
Who among us can dzvcll with everlasting
hitrnings?

To this vervpurpose itis,that the terrors

ofanotherworld aresofrequenth^represented in holv writ, and that in such terms as are

in the SoldojMan. 87

most properto affect and influence a carnal
mind: these fears can never suffice to make

anypersontrulygood,but certainlytheymay

restrain us from much evil, and have often
made way for more ingenuous and kindly
impressions.

WEMUST KEEP A CONSTANT WATCH OVER

OURSELVES.

"DUT it will not suffice to consider these thingsonceandagain,nortoformsome resolutions ofabandoning oursins,unlesswe maintainaconstantguard, andbe continually watchingagainst them. Sometimesthemind is awakened to see the dismal consequences ofavicious life,and straightwe are resolved to reform: but, alas! it presently falleth asleep, and we lose that prospect which we had ofthings, and then temptations take the advantage; theysolicitand importuneuscon- tinually, and so do frequently engage our consentbeforewe are aware. It is the folly and ruinofmostpeople toliveat adventure,

TheLife ofGod

and take part in every thing that comes in theirway, seldom consideringwhat theyare about to sayor do. Ifwe would have our resolutions take effect, we must take heed unto our ways, and set a watch before the door of our lips, and examine the motions thatariseinourhearts,andcausethemtotell us whence they come, and whither theygo; whether it be pride or passion, or any cor- ruptandvicious humor, thatprompteth us to anvdesign; andwhetherGodwillbeoffended,

or anybody harmed by it. And ifwe have

no time for long reasonings, let us at least
turnoureyestowardGod, andplaceourselves
inhis presence,toask hisleave andapproba-
tionforwhatwedo: letusconsiderourselves
under the all-seeing eye ofthat divineMaj-
estv, as in the midstof an infinite globe of
light,whichcompasseth us about bothbehind
and before, and pierceth to the innermost
cornersofour soul. The sense andremem-
brance of the divine presence is the most
ready and effectual means, both to discover
whatis unlawful, and to restrainus from it.
There are some things a person couldmake

111 the SoldofMan. 89

shift to palliate or defend, and yet he dares notlookalmightyGodin theface,andadven- ture upon them. If we look unto him, we; shall be lightened; ifwe sethim always be- fo7'eus, he willguide us byhis eye,andin- struct us in the zvay wherein we ought to walk.

^VE MUST OFTENEXAMINE OUR ACTIONS.
^I^HIS care and watchfulness over our ac-
tions,mustbesecondedbyfrequent and
serious reflections upon them, not only that

wemay obtain the divine mercy andpardon

for our sins, by an humble and sorrowful
acknowledgment of them; but also that we

mayre-enforceandstrengthenourresolutions,

and learn to decline or resist the temptations
bywhichwe havebeenformerlyfoiled. Itis
an adviceworthyofaChristian,thoughitdid
first dropfrom a heathen pen, "That before
we betake ourselves to rest, we renew and
examine all thepassages ofthe day,thatwe

mavhavethe comfort ofwhat we have done

90 TheLife ofGod

aright,and mayredresswhatwefindto have

been amiss,and make the shipwrecks ofone
day be as marks to direct our course in an-

other." This may be called thevery art of

virtuous living,and wouldcontributew^onder-
fullytoadvanceourreformation,andpreserve
ourinnocency. But,withal,wemustnotfor-
gettoimplorethedivineassistance,especially
againstthosesinsthatdomosteasilybesetus:
andthoughitbe supposedthatourhearts are
notyetmouldedintothatspiritualframewhich
should render our devotions acceptable, yet,
methinks, such considerations as have been

proposed to deter usfrom sin, may also stir

us upto some natural seriousness,and make our prayers against it as earnest,at least,as theyarewontto be against other calamities: andIdoubtnotbutGod,w^hoheareththecry ofthe ravens,will have some regardeven to such petitions as proceed from those natural passionswhich himselfhath implantedin us. Besides, that those prayers against sin, wdll be powerful engagements on ourselvesto ex- citeustowatchfulnessandcare; andcommon ingenuitywillmakeusashamedtorelapseinto

in the Sotd ofMan. 91

thosefaults,whichwehavelatelybewailedbe-
fore God,and againstw^hichwe have begged
hisassistance.

ITIS FITTO RESTRAINOURSELVES IN MANY

LAWFULTHINGS.

'T^HUS are we to make the firstessay for
recoveringthedivinelife,byrestraining
the natural inclinations, that they break not
outinto sinful practices:butnowImust add,
that Christian prudence will teach us to ab-
stain from gratifications that are not simply

unlawful, and that notonlythat we may se-

cure our innocence, w^hich would be in con- tinual hazard ifwe should strain our liberty to the utmostpoint; but also,that herebywe

may weaken theforces of nature, and teach

our appetitestoobe}'. We mustdowith our- selves asprudent parentswiththeirchildren, whocross theirw^ills in manylittleindifferent things,tomakethem manageableandsubmis-

sivein moreconsiderableinstances. Hewho

would mortify the pride and vanity of his

92 The Life ofGod

spirit, should stop his ears to the most de-
servedpraises: andsometimesforbearhisjust
vindicationfromthecensuresandaspersionsof
others,especiallyiftheyreflectonlyupon his
prudence and conduct, and noton his ^•irtue

and innocence. He who would check a re-

vengeful humor,would dowell to deny him-
selfthesatisfactionofrepresentinguntoothers
the injuries which he hath sustained; and if
we would so take heed to ourways,thatwe
sin not with our tongue, we must accustom
ourselves much to solitude and silence, and
sometimes,withthePsalmist,Holdour-peace

evenfromgood,tilloncewehavegottensome

commandoverthat unrulymember. Thus,I

sav,wemaybind upour natural inclinations,

andmakeourappetitesmoremoderateintheir
cravings,bvaccustomingthemtofrequent re-
fusals: but it is not enough to have them
under violenceand restraint.

in the Soul ofMan. 93

WEMUSTSTRIVETOPUTOURSELVES OUTOF

LOVEWITH THEWORLD.

/^URnextessaymustbetoweanouratlec- tions from created things, and all the delights and entertainments ofthe lowerlife, whichsinkanddepress the soulsofmen,and retardtheirmotionstowardsGodandheaven

;

andthiswe must dobypossessingourminds with a deep persuasion of the vanity and emptinessofworldlyenjo3'ments. Thisis an ordinary theme, and everybody can make declamations upon it: but.alasI how fewun- derstand and believe what they say! These notions float in our brains, and come sliding offourtongues,butwe haveno deepimpres- sion of them on our spirits,we feel not the truthwhich we pretend tobelieve. We can tell that all the glory and splendor, all the pleasures and enjoyments of the world, are vanity and nothing; and yet these nothings takeup allourthoughts, and engross all our affections; theystifle thebetterinclinationsof oursoul,and inveigleusintomanyasin. It

may be, in a sobermood, we givethem the

94 TheLife ofGod

slight, and resolve to be no longer deluded with them; butthesethoughts seldomoutlive the next temptation; the vanities which we have shutout atthedoorgetin atapostern: there are still some pretensions, some hopes that flatter us: and afterwe have been frus- trated athousand times,we must be continu- ally repeating the experiment: the least dif- ference ofcircumstances isenough to delude .us, and make us expect that satisfaction in one thingwhichw^e havemissed in another: but could we once get clearly off, and come to a real and serious contempt of worldly things,thiswereaveryconsiderable advance-

ment in ourway. The soul ofman is of a

vigorousand active nature, and hath in it a
raging and inextinguishable thirst, an imma-
terial kind offire, always catching at some
object or other, in conjunction wherewith it
thinks to be happy; and were it once rent
fromtheworld,and allthebewitching enjoy-
mentsunder the sun,itwould quicklysearch
aftersome higher andmore excellent object,
tosatisfyitsardent and importunatecravings

;

and being no longer dazzled with glittering

/;/ the SoulofMan. 95

vanities, would fix on that supreme and all- sufficientGood,where itwould discoversuch beauty and sweetness, as would charm and overpower all its affections. Theloveofthe world,andtheloveofGod,arelikethescales ofabalance: astheonefalleth,theotherdoth rise: when our natural inclinations prosper, andthecreatureisexaltedinoursoul,religion isfaint,anddoth languish: but when earthly objectswitherawayandlosetheirbeauty,and thesoul beginstocoolandflaginitsprosecu- tionofthem,thentheseedsofgracetakeroot, andthe divinelifebeginstoflourish and pre- vail. It doth, therefore, nearh' concern us, to convince ourselves of the emptiness and vanityofcreature-enjoyments, andreasonour hearts outoflovewith them: letus seriously consider allthat ourreason, orourfaith, our own experience,orthe observation ofothers, can suggest to thiseffect; letus ponder the matteroverandover,andfix ourthoughtson thistruth,till we become reallypersuaded of it. Amidst all ourpursuits and designs, let usstopandaskourselves,Forw^hatendis all this? at what do I aim? can the gross and

96 TheLife ofGod

muddypleasuresofsense,or a heapofwhite and yellowearth,ortheesteem and affection ofsillycreatureslikem3'self, satisfyarational and immortal soul? Have I not tried these things already? will they have a higher rel-

ish,andyieldmemorecontentmentto-morrovv^

thanyesterday,orthenextyearthantheydid

thelast? Theremaybesome littledifference

between thatwhich I am now pursuing, and

thatwhich I enjoyed before; but sure my

former enjoyments did show as pleasant,and
promisedasfair,before Iattained them: like
the rainbow, they lookedvery glorious at a
distance;butwhenI approached,Ifoundnoth-

ingbutemptinessandvapor. Ohwhatapoor

thingwouldthelifeofmanbe,ifitwerecapa-

bleofnohigherenjoymentsI
I cannotinsist on this subject: and there

is the less need,whenI remembertowhomI

am writing. Yes, my dear friend,you have

hadas great experienceofthe emptinessand
vanityofhumanthings,andhaveatpresentas
fewworldlyengagementsas anythatIknow.
I have sometimes reflected on thosepassages
ofyourlifewherewith youhavebeenpleased

tn the Soulof 3 fail. 97

to acquaint me; and methinks, through all, I candiscernadesignofthedivineProvidence towean your affections fromeverythinghere below. The trials 3'ou have had of those thingswhichtheworlddoatsupon,havetaught you to despisethem; andyouhavefoundby experience,thatneithertheendowmentsofna- ture, northe advantages offortune, are suffi- cient for happiness; that every rose hath its

thorn, andtheremaybeawormatthe rootof

thefairestgourd; somesecretandundiscerned

grief,which may make a person deserve the

pityofthosewho perhapsdo admireorenvy
their supposedfelicity. If any earthly com-
forts have gottoomuchofyourheart,Ithink
theyhavebeenyourrelationsandfriends; and
the dearest of these are removed out ofthe
world, so that you must raise yourmind to-
wards heaven, when you would think upon
them. Thus God hath provided that your

heart maybe loosedfromtheworld,and that

he maynot have any rival in your affection,

which I have always observedtobesolarge
and unbounded, so noble and disinterested,
that 110 inferiorobjectcananswerordeserveit.
7

98 The Life ofGod

WEMUSTDOTHOSEOUTWARDACTIONSTHAT

ARECOMMANDED. "^^7HEN we have got our corruptions re- strained, andournatural appetites and inclinations towards worldly things in some measuresubdued,wemustproceedtosuchex- ercisesas havea moreimmediatetendencyto excite and awaken the divine life: and,first, letusendeavorconscientiouslytoperformthose dutieswhichreligiondothrequire,andwhere- untoitwouldinclineus,ifitdidprevailinour souls. Ifwecannotgetourinwarddisposition presentlychanged,letusstudyatleasttoregu- lateouroutwarddeportment: ifourheartsbe not vetinflamedwithdivinelove,letus,how- ever,own ourallegiance tothat infinite Maj- esty,byattending his service,andlisteningto hisword,byspeakingreverentlyofhisname, andpraisinghisgoodness,andexhortingothers to serve andobeyhim. Ifwewantthatchar- ity,andthosebowelsofcompassionwhichwe oughttohavetowardsourneighbors,yetmust wenotomitanyoccasionofdoingthemgood:

in the SotilofAlan. 99

ifourhearts be haughtyand proud,we must
nevertheless study a modest and humble de-
portment. Theseexternalperformancesareof

littlevalueinthemselves,yettheymayhelpus

forwardtobetterthings. Theapostleindeed tellsus,thatbodilyexercisefrojitethlittle; but heseemsnottoaffirmthatitisaltogetheruse- less: itis always good tobe doing what we can,forthenGodiswonttopityourweakness, andassistourfeebleendeavors; andwhentrue charityand humility,and other graces ofthe divineSpirit, cometo take root in our souls, they will exert themselves more freely, and with less difficulty, if we have before been accustomedtoexpresstheminouroutwardcon- versations. Nor needwe fear theimputation ofhypocrisy,thoughouractionsdothussome- whatoutrunouraffections,seeingtheydostill proceed from a sense of our duty; and our designis nottoappearbetterthanweare,but

thatwemayreallybecomeso.

793478A

lOO TheLife ofGod

WE MUST ENDEAVOR TO FORMINTERNAL

ACTS OFDEVOTION, CHARITY, &c. T3UTasinwardactshaveamoreimmediate influence on the soul, to mould it to a righttemperandframe,sooughtwetobemost frequent and sedulousintheexerciseofthem. Letus be often lifting up our hearts toward God; andifwe do notsaythatwe love him above all things,let us at least acknowledge thatitis our duty, and wouldbe our happi- nessso todo; letuslamentthedishonordone unto himby foolish and sinful men, and ap- plaudthepraisesandadorationsthataregiven him by that blessed and glorious company above: letus resign and yield ourselves up unto him a thousandtimes,tobegovernedby

hislaws,anddisposedofathispleasure. And

though our stubborn hearts shouldstartback and refuse; yet let us tell him we are con- vincedthat hiswillis alwaysjustand good

;

andthereforedesirehimtodowithuswhatso-

everhepleaseth,whetherwewillornot. And

so,for begettinginusanuniversalcharityto-

/;/ the SotilofjMan. loi

wardsmen,we mustbe frequentlyputtingup wishesfortheirhappiness,andblessingevery person thatwe see; and whenwe havedone anythingfor the relief of the miserable,we

may second itwith earnest desires that God

wouldtakecareofthem,anddeliverthemout ofalltheirdistresses. Thusshouldweexerciseourselvesuntogod-

liness. Andwhenweareemployingthepow-

ers thatwe have,the SpiritofGodiswontto strike in, and elevate these acts of our soul be3'ondthe pitch ofnature, and give them a divineimpression: and,afterthefrequentreit- eration ofthese,we shall find ourselvesmore inclinedunto them,theyflowing with greater freedom and ease.

CONSIDERATION A GREAT INSTRUMENT OF
RELIGION.

T SHALL mention buttwo othermeans for begetting that holy and divine temper of spiritwhichis the subject ofthe presentdis-

course. Andthe firstis, a deep and serious

I02 The Life ofGod

considerationofthetruthsofourreHgion, and
that both astothecertaintyandimportanceof
them. Theassentwhichisordinarilygivento
divine truths,isveryfaint and languid; very
weak and ineffectual; flowing only from a
blindinclinationtofollowthatreligionwhichis
in fashion, or alazyindifference anduncon-

cernednesswhetherthingsbesoornot. Men

are unwilling to quarrel with the religion of theircountry,and sincealltheirneighborsare Christians,the}^are content tobe so too; but they areseldom atthe pains to consider the evidencesofthosetruths,ortopondertheim- portance andtendencyofthem; andthenceit is that they have so little influence on their affections and practice. Thosespiritless and paralytic thoughts (as one doth rightly term them) are notabletomove thewillanddirect thehand: wemustthereforeendeavortowork upourminds toa seriousbeliefandfull per- suasionofdivinetruths,untoasenseandfeel- ing of spiritual things. Our thoughts must dwelluponthem,tillwearebothconvincedof them,and deeplyaffectedwith them. Letus urge forward ourspirits,and make themap-

in the Soul ofAlan. 103

proachtheinvisibleworld; and fixourminds uponimmaterialthings,tillweclearlyperceive thattheseareno dreams; nay,thatallthings

aredreamsandshadowsbesidesthem. When

we look about us and behold the beautyand
magnificence of this goodly frame, the order
and harmony of the whole creation, let our
thoughtsfrom thence take theirflighttowards
that omnipotent wisdom and goodness which
didatfirstproduce,anddothstillestablishand

upholdthe same. Whenwereflectuponour-

selves,letus consider thatwe are nota mere
pieceoforganizedmatter; a curiousandwell
contrived engine; that there is more in us
thanfleshandbloodandbones; evena divine
spark, capable to know and love and enjoy
ourMaker; andthoughitbenowexceedingly
cloggedwithits dulland lumpish companion,
yetere longitshallbedelivered,andcansub-
sistwithout the body, aswell as that can do
withoutthe clotheswhichwe throwoft'atour
pleasure. Letus oftenwithdrawourthoughts
fromthisearth,thissceneofmisery,folly,and
sin,andraisethemtowardsthatmorevastand
glorious world, whose innocent and blessed

I04 The Life ofGod

inhabitants solace themselves eternallyin the divinepresence,andknownootherpassionbut anunmixedjoy,andanunbounded love: and then consider how the blessed Son of God came down tothis lowerworldtolive amono-o us,and dieforus,thathemight bringustoa portionofthesamefelicity; andthinkhowhe hath overcome the sharpness of death, and openedthekingdomofheaventoallbelievers, and is nowset downon therighthandofthe Majestyonhigh; andyetisnotthelessmind- ful ofus,but receiveth ourprayers,and pre- senteth them unto his Father; and is daily visiting his church with the influences ofhis Spirit,asthesunreachethuswithhisbeams.

TO BEGETDIVINE LOVE,WEMUSTCONSIDER

THEEXCELLENCYOFTHEDIVINENATURE.

'HPHE serious andfrequent consideration of
these,andsuchotherdivinetruths,isthe
mostproper methodto begetthat livelyfaith
whichis the foundationofreligion,thespring

in the SoulofMan. 10 =

and root ofthe divine life. Let me further

suggestsomeparticular subjectsofmeditation
forproducingtheseveralbranchesofit. And,
first,toinflameoursoulswiththeloveofGod,
letus consider the excellency of his nature,
and hislove andkindnesstowards us. It is
littleweknowofthedivineperfection,andyet

that litde may suffice to fill our souls with

admirationandlove; toravishouraffectionsas
well as to raiseour wonder: for we arenot
merelycreatures ofsense, that we should be
incapableofanyotheraffectionbutthatwhich
entereth by the eyes. The character of any

excellentperson whom we have neverseen,

willmanytimes engage ourhearts,andmake

ushugelyconcernedinallhisinterests. And

whatisit,Ipra}^you,thatengagesussomuch

tothose with whom we converse? I cannot

thinkthatitismerelythecoloroftheirface,or
their comely proportions; forthenwx should
fallinlovewithstatues andpictures andflow-

ers. These outward accomplishments maya

littledelight the eye,butwould neverbeable toprevailsomuchontheheart,iftheydidnot representsomevitalperfecdon. Weeithersee

io6 TheLifeofGod

orapprehendsomegreatnessofmind,orvigor of spirit, or sweetness of disposition; some sprightliness, or wisdom, or goodness, which charmourspirit,andcommandom*love. Now these perfections are notobvioustothe sight, the eyescan onlydiscernthesignsandeffects ofthem; and if itbe the understandingthat directsthe affection,andvital perfectionspre- vail with it, certainly the excellencies of the divine nature (the traces whereof we cannot but discoverin everythingwe behold)would notfailtoengageourhearts,ifwedidseriously viewand regardthem. Shallwe notbe inli- nitel}'moretransportedwiththatalmightywis- domandgoodnesswhichfillstheuniverse,and displaysitselfinallthepartsofcreation,which establisheth the frame ofnature, and turneth themightywheels ofprovidence,andkeepeth theworldfromdisorderandruin,thanwiththe faint rays ofthe same perfectionswhich we

meetwith in ourfellow-creatures? Shallwe

doatonthe scatteredpiecesofarudeandim-
perfectpicture,and neverbeaffectedwiththe
originalbeauty? Thiswereanunaccountable
stupidity and blindness. Whatever we find

in the SoitlofAlan. 107

lovelyin a friend,or in a saint,oughtnotto engross, but to elevate our affection. We shouldconcludewithourselves,thatiftherebe so much sweetnessin a drop, there mustbe infinitelymore in the fountain; iftherebe so muchsplendorinaray,whatmustthesunbe initsglory? Nor can we pretend the remoteness ofthe object,as ifGodwere attoogreat a distance for our converse or ourlove: He isnotfar fromeveryoneofus;forinhimwelive^and move,andhave ourbeing. Wecannotopen oureyes,butwemustbeholdsomefootstepsof his glory; and we cannot turn them toward him,butweshallbesuretofindhisintentupon us; waiting,asitwere,tocatch a look,ready to entertain the most intimate fellowship and communion with us. Let us therefore en- deavortoraiseourmindstothe clearestcon- ceptionsofthedivinenature. Letusconsider allthat hisworksdodeclare,orhisworddoth discoverofhim untous; andletusespecially contemplatethatvisible representationof him whichwasmadeinourownnaturebyhisSon, whowasthebrightnessofhisglory,andtheex-

io8 TheLife ofGod

fress imageoj"hisperson; andwhoappeared in theworld to discoveratoncewhatGodis, and whatw^e oughtto be. Letus represent himunto ourminds asw^e findhimdescribed in thegospel; and therewe shallbehold the perfections of thedivine nature, though cov- ered with the veil ofhuman infirmities; and whenw^ehaveframeduntoourselvestheclear- est notion thatwe can ofa Being, infinite in powder, in wisdom, and goodness; the author and fountain of all perfections, letus fix the

eyesof our soul upon it, that our eyes may

affectourheart,andwhilewe aremusing,the
firew'illburn.

WE SHOULD MEDITATEON GOD'S GOODNESS

AND LOVE.

"PSPECIALLY,ifhereuntoweaddthecon-
sideration ofGod's favor and good-will
towards us; nothing is more powerfulto en-
gage our affection, than to find thatwe are
beloved. Expressions ofkindnessare always
pleasing and acceptable unto us, though the

in the So2d ofMan. 109

person should be otherwise mean and con- temptible; but to have the love of one who is altogether lovely,to knowthatthe glorious Majestyofheaven hath any regard unto us, howmustitastonishanddelightusI howmust it overcome ourspirits, and meltour hearts, andputourwholesoulintoaflame! Nowas the word ofGod is full ofthe expressions of his love towards man, so all his works do loudlvproclaim it; he gaveusourbeing,and b}'preservingusinit, dothrenewthedonation

everymoment. He hath placed us in a rich

and well-furnished world, and liberall}^ pro-
vided for allournecessities: herainethdown
blessings from heaven upon us, and causeth
theearthtobringforthourprovision; hegiv-
ethusourfoodandraiment,andwhilewe are
spending theproductions of one year, he is

preparingfor us against another. Hesweet-

enethourliveswithinnumerablecomforts, and
gratifieth every faculty with suitable objects

;

theeye ofhis providenceisalways upon us,
and he watcheth foroursafetywhen we are
fastasleep,neithermindinghimnorourselves.
But lestwe shouldthink thesetestimonies of

no The Life ofGod

his kindness less considerable, because they are the easyissues ofhis omnipotent power, anddo notputhimtoanytroubleorpain, he hathtakenamorewonderfulmethodtoendear himself to us: he hath testified his affection tous,bysuffering aswell as by doing; and because he couldnotsufferin hisownnature heassumedours. TheeternalSonofGoddid clothehimselfwiththeinfirmitiesofourflesh, and left the company ofthose innocent and blessedspirits,w^hoknewwellhowtoloveand adore him,that he might dwell among men, and wrestle with the obstinacy ofthat rebel- liousrace,toreducethemtotheirallegianceand fidelity,andthentoofferhimselfupasasacri- ficeandpropitiationforthem. Irememberone ofthepoetshathaningeniousfancytoexpress thepassionw^herewith he foundhimselfover- come aftera longresistance: "That the god oflovehadshotall his goldenarrowsathim, but could neverpiercehis heart,tillatlength heput himselfinto thebow,anddarted him- selfstraight into his breast." Methinks this doth some w^ay adumbrate God's method of dealingwithmen: hehadlongcontendedwith

in the Soulofj\Ian. iii

astubborn world, and thrown do^^'n many a blessing upon them; and when allhis other gifts couldnotprevail,he at last madeagift ofhimself,totestify his affection and engage theirs. The account which we have of our Saviour'slifeinthe gospel,dothallalongpre- sentuswiththestoryofhislove; allthepains thathetook, andthetroublesthatheendured, w^erethewonderful effects,anduncontrollable evidencesofit. Butoh,that last,that dismal scene! Isitpossibletorememberit,andques- tionhis kindness, ordeny him ours? Here, here it is, mydear friend,thatwe should fix our most serious and solemn thoughts, that

Christmaydwell in ourhearts byfaith: that

we,beingrootedandgroundedinlove,maybe

able to comprehend, with all saints, whatis breadthandlengthanddepthand height; the andto knowtheloveofChrist,whichpasseth

knowledge,thatwe maybe filledwith allthe

fulnessofGod. Weoughtalso frequentlytoreflectonthose particulartokensoffavorandlove,whichGod hathbestowedonourselves; howlonghehath bornewith ourfollies and sins,andwaited to

112 TheLife ofGod

begraciausuntous; wrestling,asitwere,with the stubbornness ofour hearts, and essaying everymethodto reclaimus. Weshouldkeep aregisterinourmindsofalltheeminentbless- ingsanddeliveranceswehavemetwith; some whereofhavebeensoconveyed,thatwemight clearly perceive they were not the issues of chance,butthe gracious effects ofthe divine favor,and the signal returns of our prayers. Noroughtwetoimbitterthethoughtsofthese thingswith anyharsh or unworthy suspicion, asiftheyweredesignedonpurposetoenhance ourguilt,andheightenoureternaldamnation. No,no,m}^friend,Godislove,andhehathno pleasurein the ruin ofhis creatures; ifthey abuse his goodness, and turn his grace into wantonness, and thereby plunge themselves intogreaterdepthsofguiltandmisery,thisis the effect of their obstinate wickedness, and notthe design ofthose benefitswhich he be- stows. Ifthese considerationshadoncebegottenin our hearts a real love and affection towards AlmightyGod,thatwould easilylead us unto theotherbranchesofreligion,andthereforeI shallneedsaythelessofthem.

in the SoulofMan. 113

TO BEGET CHARITY WE MUST REMEMBER

THAT ALL MEN ARE NEARLY RELATED

UNTO GOD.

"XT7"Eshallfindourheartsenlargedincharity towards men, byconsidering the rela- tionwherein theystand untoGod,andtheim- pressesofhis imagewhich arestampedupon them. They arenot only his creatures, the

workmanshipofhis hands,butsuchofwhom

hetakethspecialcare,andforwhomhehatha

verydearandtender regard; havinglaidthe
designoftheirhappinessbeforethefoundations
oftheworld,andbeingwillingtoliveandcon-
verse with them to all the ages of eternity.
The meanest and most contemptible person

whomwe behold, is the offspringofheaven,

one of the children ofthe Most High; and
howeverunworthyhemightbehavehimselfof
thatrelation,solongasGodhathnotabdicated
and disowned himbyafinalsentence,hewill
haveustoacknowledgehimasoneofhis,and
assuchtoembracehimwithasincereandcor-

dial affection. Youknowwhat agreat con-

8

114 The Life ofGod

cernmentwearewonttohaveforthosethatdo

anywise belongto thepersonwhomwelove

;

howgladlywe layholdon everyopportunity togratifythechildorservantofafriend; and sure ourlove towardsGodwould asnaturally spring forth in charity towards men, did we mind the interest that he is pleased to take inthem,andconsiderthateverysoulisdearer untohimthanallthematerialworld: andthat he did not account the blood ofhis son too great a price lor their redemption.

THATTHEYCARRYGOD'SIMAGEUPONTHEM.

A GAIN,asallmenstandinanearrelation
toGod,sotheyhavestillsomuch ofhis

image stampedupon them,asmayobligeand

excite us to love them; in somethisimageis more eminent and conspicuous, and we can discernthelovelytracesofwisdomandgood- ness; andthough inothersitismiserablysul- liedanddefaced,yetitisnotaltogethererased, somelineamentsatleast do stillremain. All men are endued with rational and immortal

in the SoulofMan. 115

souls,withunderstandingsandwillscapableof the highest and most excellent things; and iftheybeatpresent disorderedandputoutof

tunebywickednessandfolly,thismayindeed

move ourcompassion,butoughtnotinreason

toextinguishourlove. Whenweseeaperson

in a rugged humor, andperverse disposition, full of malice and dissimulation, very foolish andvery proud,it is hard tofallinlovewith anobjectthat presentsitselfuntousunderan ideasolittlegratefulandlovely. Butwhenwe shallconsidertheseevilqualitiesasthediseases and distempers of a soul, which in itself is capableofallthatwisdomandgoodnesswhere- withthebestofsaintshaveeverbeenadorned,

andwhichmayonedaycometoberaisedunto

such heights of perfection asshall render it
a fitcompanion forthe holy angels, thiswill
turnouraversionintopity,andmakeusbehold
himwith such resentments aswe shouldhave
whenwe look upona beautifulbodythatwas
mangled with wounds, or disfiguredby some
loathsome disease; and howeverwe hate the
vices,we shall notcease to love the man.

ii6 The LifeofGod

TOBEGETPURITY, WE SHOULD CONSIDER

THE DIGNITYOF OURNATURE. TNthenextplace,forpurifyingoursouls,and disentangling ouraffectionsfromthepleas- ures and enjoyments ofthislower life,letus frequentlypondertheexcellencyanddignityof ournature,andwhatashamefulandunworthy thing itisforsonobleanddivineacreatureas

the soul ofman tobe sunk and immersedin

brutish and sensual lust,oramusedwith airy and fantastical delights, and so to lose the relishofsolidandspiritualpleasures; thatthe beast should be fed and pampered, and the

manand theChristianbe starvedinus. Did

we but mind whowe are, and for what we were made, this would teach us in a right sense to reverence and stand in awe of our- selves; itwould beget a modestyand shame- facedness,andmakeusveryshyandreserved intheuseofthemostinnocentandallowable pleasures.

ill the SoulofAlan. 117

WE SHOULDMEDITATE OFTEN ON THE JOYS

OF HEAVEN.

TTwillbeveryeffectualtothesamepurpose, thatwe frequentlyraiseourmindstowards heaven,andrepresenttoourthoughtsthe joys that are at God's right hand, thosepleasures thatendurefo?'evermore;foreverymanthat hath this hopein himpurifieth himself^ even as he is pure. If our heavenly country be much in our thoughts, it will make us, as strangers andpilgrims,toabstainfromfleshly lusts, whichwar against the soul, and keep ourselves unspotted from this world, that we

maybe fit for the enjoymentsandfelicitiesof

the other. But then we must see that our notionsofheavenbenotgrossandcarnal,that we dream not ofa Mahometan paradise, nor rest on those metaphors and similitudesby w^hich these joys aresometimes represented

;

forthis might,perhaps,havequitea contrary effect; itmight entangle us furtherin carnal affections,andwe should be readyto indulge ourselves in a very liberal foretaste ofthose

ii8 The Life ofGod

pleasures,whereinwehadplacedoureverlast- ing felicity. But when we come once to conceive aright of those pure and spiritual pleasures,when the happinesswe propose to ourselves isfromthe sight and love and en- joymentofGod, andourminds arefilledwith the hopes and forethoughts of that blessed estate; oh how mean and contemptible will allthingsherebelowappearinoureyesI with what disdain shall we reject the gross and muddypleasuresthatwoulddepriveusofthose celestial enjoyments, or an}^ way unfit and indispose us for them.

HUMILITY ARISESFROMTHECONSIDERATION

OFOUR FAILINGS.

^I^HElastbranchofreligionishumility,and

sure we can never wantmatter ofcon-
siderationforbegettingit: allourwickednesses
and imperfections,all ourfollies andoursins,

mavhelptopulldownthatfondandoverween-

ing conceit which we are aptto entertain of
ourselves. Thatwhichmakesanybodyesteem

in the SoidofMan. 119

us,istheirknowledgeorapprehensionofsome littlegood,andtheirignoranceofagreatdeal

of evil that may be in us; were they thor-

oughlyacquaintedwithus, theywouldquickly changetheiropinion. Thethoughtsthatpass in ourheart,in thebestandmostseriousday of ourlife, being exposed unto publicview^ would renderus either hateful or ridiculous: and now, however we conceal our failings fromone another, yet sure w^e areconscious ofthemourselves,andsomeseriousreflections upon themwould muchqualify and allaythe vanity of our spirits. Thus holy men have comereallytothinkw^orseofthemselvesthan ofanyotherpersonintheworld: notbutthat theyknewthatgrossandscandalousvicesare, in theirnature,more heinousthanthesurpri- salsoftemptations andinfirmity; butbecause theyw^eremuchmoreintentontheirowmmis- carriages,thanonthoseoftheirneighbors,and did consider all the aggravations ofthe one, and every thing that might be supposed to diminish and alleviate theother.

I20 TheLife ofGod

THOUGHTS OF GOD GIVE USTHE LOWEST

THOUGHTS OF OURSELVES.

TI)UT itiswellobservedby a pious writer,

that the deepest and mostpurehumility doth notsomucharise fromtheconsideration ofourown faults and defects,asfromacalm andquiet contemplation of the divine purity and goodness. Our spots never appear so clearly,aswhenwe place thembeforethisin- finitelight; andweneverseemlessinourown eyes,thanwhenwe lookdownuponourselves

from on high. Ohhowlittle,hownothingdo

all those shadows of perfection then appear, for which we are wont to value ourselves

!

That humility which cometh froma view of ourown sinfulnessandmiser}',ismoreturbu- lent and boisterous; but the other layeth us fullaslow,andwantethnothingofthatanguish andvexation wherewith our souls are aptto boilwhen theyare thenearest objects ofour thoughts.

in the SoulofAlan. 121

PRAYER,ANOTHERINSTRUxMENTOFRELIGION,

ANDTHEADVANTAGESOFMENTALPRAYER.

^I^HERE remainsyetanothermeansforbe- getting aholy and religious disposition inthe soul; and that is, fervent and hearty prayer. Holiness is the giftofGod; indeed the greatest gift he doth bestow, or we are capable toreceive; and he hathpromisedhis Holy Spirit tothose that ask it of him. In prayerw^emakethenearestapproachestoGod, andlieopentotheinfluencesofheaven: then itisthatthesunofrighteousnessdothvisitus withhisdirectestrays,anddissipatethourdark- ness,and imprinteth his image on our souls. I cannotnowinsiston the advantagesofthis exercise,orthedispositionswherewithitought tobeperformed,andthereisnoneedIshould, therebeing so manybooks thattreat on this subject; I shall only tell you, that as there isone sort ofprayerwhereinwe makeuseof the voice, which is necessary in public, and

may sometimes have its own advantages in

private; andanotherwherein,thoughweutter

122 The Life ofGod

nosound,yetweconceivethe expressionsand form thewords,as itwere,in ourminds: so there is a third and more sublime kind of prayer,wherein thesoultakesahigherflight, and havinorcollectedallitsforcesbvlongrand

seriousmeditation,itdartethitself(ifImayso

speak)towardsGodinsighs,and groans,and thoughts too big for expression. Aswhen, after a deepcontemplation ofthe divine per- fectionsappearinginallhisworks ofwonder, itaddressethitselfuntohiminthe profoundest adorationofhis majestyand glory: orwhen, aftersadreflectionsonitsvileness and miscar- riages,itprostrates itselfbefore himw^ith the greatestconfusion and sorrow, not daring to lift up its eyes,orutteronew^ordinhis pres- ence: or when, having well considered the beautyofholiness,andtheunspeakablefelicity ofthose that are truly good, it panteth after God,andsendethupsuchvigorousandardent desires as no words can sufficiently express, continuingandrepeatingeachoftheseactsas long asit findsitselfupheldbytheforceand impulseofthepreviousmeditation. Thismental prayerisofallothersthemost

in the Soul ofMan. 123

effectual topurifythesoul,anddisposeitunto

a holy and religious temper, and may be

termedthe great secret ofdevotion, and one ofthemostpowerfulinstrumentsofthedivine

life; anditmaybetheapostlehathapeculiar

respectunto it,when he saith,that theSpirit helpethourinfirmities^makingintercessionfor us withgroanings thatcannotbetittered; or,

the originalmaybear, thatcannotheworded.

YetIdonotsorecommendthissortofprayer, asto supersede the useofthe other; forwe have so manyseveral thingsto prayfor,and everypetitionofthisnaturerequirethsomuch time, andsogreatanintentionofspirit,thatit werenoteasythereintoovertake themall; to saynothing thatthe deepsighsandheavings ofthe heartwhich arewontto accompanyit, aresomething oppressivetonature, andmake ithardtocontinuelonginthem. Butcertainly afewofthese inwardaspirationswilldomore than a great manyfluentandmeltingexpres- sions.

12

4

The Life ofGod

RELIGIONIS TO BEADVANXEDBYTHESAME

MEANS BYWHICH ITIS BEGUN; ANDTHE

USE OFTHE HOLYSACRAMENTTOWARDS

IT. ^ I^HUS,mydearfriend,I havebriefly pro- posed the method whichI judgeproper for mouldingthesoul into a holyframe; and the same means which servetobegetthisdi- vinetemper,muststillbepractisedforstrength- ening and advancing it; andthereforeIshall recommendbutonemoreforthatpurpose,and that is the frequent and conscientious use of that hoi}' Sacrament, which ispeculiarly ap- pointed to nourish and increase the spiritual life,whenonceitisbegotteninthesoul. All theinstrumentsofreligiondomeettogetherin thisordinance; andwhileweaddressourselves unto it, we are put to practise allthe rules whichwerementionedbefore. Thenitisthat we make the severest surveyof our actions, and laythe strictest obligationson ourselves

;

then areour minds raisedtothehighestcon- tempt oftheworld,andeverygrace doth ex-

in the SoulofMan. 125

ercise itself ^Yith the greatest activity and
vigor; all the subjects of contemplation do
there present themselves unto us with the
greatest advantage; and then, if ever, doth
thesoulmakeitsmostpowerfulsalliestowards
heaven,andassaultitwithaholyandaccepta-

bleforce. And certainlythe neglectorcare-

less performance of this duty, is one of the chiefcauses that bedwarfs our religion, and makesus continue ofsolow a size. Butitistime I should put a close to this letter, which is grown to a far greater bulk than at first Iintended: ifthese poorpapers can do you the smallest service,Ishallthink myself very happy in this undertaking; at

least,I amhopeful youwill kindlyacceptthe

sincere endeavorsofa personwho\vould fain acquit himselfofsome part ofthat which he owesyou.

126 TheLife ofGod

A PRAYER.

" ANDnow, O most gracious God, Father and Fountain of mercy and goodness, whohastblesseduswiththeknowledgeofour happiness,andthewaythatleadethuntoit,ex- cite in our souls such ardent desiresafterthe

one,as mayputusforthtothediligentprose-

cution oftheother. Let us neither presume
on our own strength, nor distrustthy divine
assistance; butwhilewe are doingourutmost
endeavors,teachusstilltodependontheefor
success. Open our eyes, O God, and teach
usoutofthylaw. Blessuswithanexactand
tendersense ofour duty,and a knowledgeto

discernperversethings. Ohthatourwayswere

directedtokeepthystatutes,thenshallwenot
beashamedwhenwehaverespectuntoallthy
commandments. Possess our hearts with a
generous and holydisdain of all those poor
enjoyments which this w^orld holdeth out to

allure us,that theymaynever be able to in-

veigleour affections, orbetrayus to anysin:
turnawayoureyesfrombeholdingvanity,and

in the SoulofMan. 127

quicken thou us in thy law. Fill our souls with such a deepsense andfullpersuasionof thosegreattruthswhichthou hastrevealedin

thegospel,as mayinfluence andregulateour

whole conversation; and that the life which

w^e henceforthlive in theflesh, we may live

throughfaithinthe SonofGod. Ohthatthe

infinite perfections ofthy blessednature, and theastonishingexpressionsofthygoodnessand

love,mayconquerand overpower ourhearts,

thattheymaybeconstantlyrisingtowardthee

in flames of the devoutest affection, and en-
larging themselvesin sincereandcordiallove
towards alltheworld, forthysake; andthat

wemaycleanse ourselvesfromallfilthinessof

fleshandspirit,perfectingholinessinthyfear,
without whichwe can never hope to behold
andenjoy thee. Finally, O God, grant that
theconsideration ofwhatthou art, andwhat

weourselvesare,maybothhumbleandlayus

low before thee, and also stir up in us the
strongestand mostardentaspirations towards
thee. Wedesire toresign and give up our-
selvestotheconductofthyHolySpirit; lead
us inthytruth,andteachus, forthouartthe

(^128) Lifo ofGod in SoulofMan. Godofoursalvation; guideuswiththycoun- sel,andafterwards receiveus unto glory, for themerits andintercessionofthyblessedSon ourSaviour." Amen, THE END. CAMBRIDGE:PRESSOFJOHNWILSONANDSON.

t;