The young mans conflict with, and victory over the Devil by faith, or, A true and perfect relation of the experiences of T.P., begun in the 15th and continued till the 17th year of his age ... by T.P.

The young mans conflict with, and victory over the Devil by faith, or, A true and perfect relation of the experiences of T.P., begun in the 15th and continued till the 17th year of his age ... by T.P.

Table of contents

§

Title page

To that little Flock in and about the County of Hartford, the Author sends Greeting.

PAULUS in his Unconverted state AEtatis suae 12.

READER.

The Second Part, being YOUTH in his unconverted state AEtatis suae 16.

YOUTH in his CONE•••• Etatis•uae 18.

Courteous Reader,

§

ERRATA in the Epistle Dedicatory.

Errata in the Book.

An Advertisement to the READER.

A CATALOGUE of BOOKS Printed and are to be sold by John Hancock Sen. & Jun, at the Sign of the Three Bibles in PopesHead Alley.

§

[Page]

[...]hough Satan doth in Chains of Darkness ly,

[...]et hath he pow'r on Earth mens Soules to buy,

[...]ut that's but limited: for here you see

[...]im foyl'd, & God my Gratious God to bee.

§

[Page]

THE YOUNG MAN [...] Conflict with, and Victory over The Devi [...] by FAITH.

OR, A True and Perfect Relation of the Experiences [...] T. P. begun in the 15th. and continued till t [...] 17th: Year of his Age, who (upon his first Co [...] victions, having an earnest desire to serve Chri [...] in the Work of the Ministry) was much tempte [...] to make a Contract with Satan, who often appeared visibly, and made Eminency in Learning th [...] grand Bait to catch his Soul; but (by an Omnip [...] tent Hand) was Prevented from that Agreement

Pub [...]ished for the Benefit of such, who have bin, or shall [...] tempted in the like manner; And Composed by way of Dialogue between four Interlocutors, Viz.

Evangelus, a Minister of the Gospel. Paulus, a young Convert Demas, an Apostate. Apollion, the D [...] vil.

By T. P.

MIC. 7.8.

Rejoyce not against me, O mine enemy, wh [...] fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall [...] a [...]ight unto me.

LONDON, Printed for Iohn Hancock Sen. & Iun. at [...]three Bibles in Popes Head. Alley in Cornhill. 16 [...].

To that little Flock in and about the County of Hartford, the Author sends Greeting.

[Page]

[Page]

SIRS,

WHEN I take a View of the Wonderfulness of Gods Providence in bringing me first among you, together with those Bonds of Love, by which I am held so fast, that it is my quotidian and daily study, how I may be further capacitated to serve you, and the Church of my Lord Iesus; Verily, I must confess, you are the People that have all my thoughts: And besides this, you are those who have the greatest interest in my Prayers; Others have some of my heart, but next to God you have all my heart, I have heard much of the love of a Minister to his People, as that I could scarce give credit unto [Page] it; but I do now believe it, because Experience has taught me so, though that by which I am obliged unto you is not the same as with a Minister and his People, it being only a sincere Love begotten by my frequent, painful and laborious Preaching unto you, without any further charge, and yet notwithstanding how do I love you, and pray for your happiness in this World, and the World to come; I can't endure to think of your damnation, no, not any of you. I am sick at the heart (many times) through fear, lest I should rise up in judgement against some of you, because there are those amongst you, that seem to takeiittle notice of God, Christ, and their immortal souls, though through grace all of you are not molested with the Contagion of this Distemper, which is so Epidemical, not only in foreign Places, but likewise in our English Island, as that it doth many times occasion Floods of Tears to run down from the eyes of Gods precious Servants, who, as so many [Page] Lots, do bewail the iniquities of this Land. Sirs, I have thought good to reach you with my Pen, when my Tongue cannot; and hence it is, that I dedicate this unto you in part, though it is possible I could have found out many others, whose Names I might affix in the Frontispiece of this Book, only my Love is most endeared to you; and wherefore do you think it is, that I should concern my self so much with you; would you know, take then these few Reasons.

First, because God made me not altogether for my self, but for you and others; we were not made for our selves, and therefore we act most like beasts, when we only minde our selves, and not others, who are our Kinsfolk, according to Creation; but when that goodness that is in us is so diffusive, as that it leads us forth to succour those who srand in need of our help, then we act as our selves, and like rational creatures, it is God that created me, and why did he create me, but that I should serve him, and in what [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [Page] better way can I do it, then in the first place to seek my own salvation, and after that, the salvation of you and others. But,

Secondly, the End of my Creation is not all by which I am induced to concern my self thus with you, but likewise the End of my Redemption requires me so to do; I, you, and all of us were no sooner created, but we fell from God; and through Adherence to the Devil, lost that glorious Image which he had invested us with, and thereby forfeited the favour of God, and so became the Children of Wrath; but now Iesus Christ, that immaculate and spotless Lamb of God, who knew no sin, became sin for us, by assuming the humane nature, and taking upon him the guilt of all our transgressions, Isa. 53.6. How then can I, you, or any of us, be slothful in Gods service, when he hath done so much for all of us as he hath done; May we not say as Bernard did concerning Christ,Dilexisti me Domine magis quam [...]ipsum. Thou hast loved me, Oh Lord, more then thy self! And [Page] now the End wherefore Christ did all this was, that we might be restored to Gods Image again, and to serve him in all manner of holiness; And in no better way can I do this, then in looking after my own soul and the souls of others.

Thirdly, the End of my Redemption doth not only require me thus to concern my self with you, but likewise the End of my Sanctification.

I am sanctified (as I hope) and am washed with the water of Regeneration. Now it is the duty of those who are sanctified, to lead other in the way to Sanctification and obedience of the Spirit; This our Saviour lays down as a Rule to Peter, That when he was converted,Luke 22.32. he should strengthen his Brethren. But

Fourthly, the very End of my Ministry requires me to have a diligent care of your souls; 'Tis a duty of us who are Preachers of the Gospel, to pity and look after poor souls that are in their blood; and God, yea, Angels and my own Conscience do bear [Page] me witness how I pity your souls, and that I could go hundreds of Miles barefoot [...]o do any of you good, though never so mean in life and descent; I was devoted from the Womb to the Ministry; and now when I come forth unto it, shall I not in any wise answer the end thereof, the Lord forbid.

Fifthly and lastly, not onely the End of my Creation, Redemption, Sanctification and Ministry; but likewise the end of my Preservation doth thus oblige me to you: Hath God done for me what he hath done, and shall I not to the utmost do what I can for him; Hath he wrought such deliverances for me, and shall I be slack and negligent in his service, far be it from me, and all those who have experienced the like that I have; And hath he moreover kept me hitherto, and must I not seek his glory; to such perverse walking the Lord put an end: Many other Obligations there are, by which [Page] I am bound to look after you; (viz.) I am a dying Creature, and therefore whilst I have life I must act for God, because when I am in the Grave I cannot write unto you, My Preaching-Work then will be over; And h [...]nce it is, that I do think it meet, whilst I am in this earthly Tabernacle, to put you in mind of these things, and to stirr you up to the doing thereof; And as the consideration of my Mortality should move me to do what I can for God; and you see likewise the consideration of yours should make you more willing to hear and receive,Post mortem nulla Paenitentia. what I and others do both Preach and write unto you.

And now, Sirs, what remains, but that you would follow those Practical things,Christi revere [...]se Tribunal. which the good Spirit of God may by these Lines put you in minde of; Consider, you must one day render an Account for all the good Sermons that you have heard; the Word will either prove a [Page] savour of life, or of death; you will either be the better for Sermons, or the worse, and therefore to you now I speak, that have often heard the vociferation of the Gospel, but are not as yet reformed; Consider, after Death comes Iudgment,Scio Domi [...]e Iesu quod districtus arbiter [...]mnium ven [...]urus clandestina hominum facta & verba cogit [...]ta in lucem proferes. G [...]rhard de extremo judicio. and then what will you do, will you not wish that you had taken the good Counsel of God given by his Ministers, will you not then remember these Sermons which once you, forgot as soon as ever you went out out of the Church, and will not the remembrance thereof be as a Worm gnawing of your Consciences in Hell,

Oh with what shame and confusion will ye then be cloathed, when all those secret sins, which you thought were impossible to be brought to light, shall be made manifest before the Lord Iesus, who is ( [...]) light it self. Moreover, consider that without you have an Advocate, the [...]e is no standing [Page] at this Tribunal, and who is this Advocate, but Iesus Christ will plead to the utmost for you, if you can but make sure of him, for without him nothing can be done, in order to your being sheltred from that wrath of God, which then shall be revealed on all those who have slighted this Advocate, and have accounted Sermons of no worth, further believe and consider, that if you have not the Lord Iesus to stand as your friend, you must be thrust down into Hell, and there howl with the damned for ever: And what think you now of these things, do you stedfastly believe them; if you do not, search the Scriptures, and there you will finde what I have said to be true; if you do believe them, why then do some of you live, as if there were neither God, Heaven, Hell or Iudgement; if these things are sincerely believed by you, stir up then, and lay hold upon God, and claim of him deliverance from wrath to come, for it is hastning apace, and w [...] unto you if you lay up nothing [Page] against this burning wrath of God for the time to come, is as sure as the time that is present, why therefore are you all for the present time, assure your selves, that the walking in repulse against these Considerations, and the sweet motions of the Spirit will make you smart one day. But

Finally, if you will all observe these things to do them, what a blessed Meeting shall we have, how wide will the Gates of Heaven stand open for u [...]? what a Welcom will God the Father give us, the very thoughts of it doth glad my very heart and soul; Suffer therefore the good Word of God to take Impression upon you; Endeavor to live a life of Grace here, that so you may live a Life of Glory hereafter; Persevere in all good, hold out to the end, for the Crown will make amends for all: Be constant in the use of means; Follow Peace with all men, be useful in your several [Page] Vocations, that in all things [...]u may be fit for the being received [...] into the Heaven of Heavens; [...]hich is and ever shall be the desire [...]d Prayer of him,

Who is, SIRS,

Your Souls Friend, THO. POWELL

[...]

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[...]

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PAULUS in his Unconverted state AEtatis suae 12.

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Evangelus.

WELL met, The first Salutation. Wha [...]soever is sinfull, is delightfull to the carnal eye. Friend; Whither are you going?

Paulus.

I am going to see a Play, for they say it is very well worth ones observation.

Evangelus.

How! to see a Play? I would not have you for a World, It is the work of a Minister to anticipate every sinful enterprize. could I but hinder you, I would, for there is nothing but wickedness and Profaneness for your Contemplation; and if this is worth your observation, judge you.

Paulus.

You talk more like a Phanatick then a Civil and honest man,A carnal man knows no difference between things spiritual and temporal, 1 Cor. 2.14. for I verily believe, there may be as much [Page] good gather'd from the observation of such a sight, as somtimes hearing of a good Sermon.

Evangelus.

A Repro [...]f Oh, what Prodigious and black ignorance is this, to think that more benefit may be received from open Prof [...]neness, then from hearing the Word of God; Have you not yet known the difference between evil and good.

Paulus.

How will sinners plead for the satisfaction of their sensual desires from evil examples. An Answer [...]o the aforesaid Plea.There are some (I believe) as good and as wise as your self, that goes to such places; and certainly, if it be lawful for them, it is lawful for me.

Evangelus.

That is true friend, if lawful for them, then it is for you; but it is not lawful for them, and therefore let such be never so wise, yet if they go to such Places as you plead for, they do in that fall short of being wise men; And moreover, herein is shewed much of your folly in grounding lawfulness for the same, on no other Foundation, but because such and such do so, whereas we that are Christians[Page]should endeavour to make our lives congruous with the Sacred Writ, yea, that which the Prophets and Apostles have built upon should be our Foundation.

Paulus.

Pray,Eph 2.20. This is a Proverbial speech amongst the Naturalists. Sir, keep your breath to cool your own Pottage, for every Tub must stand upon its own bottom, therefore catechise not me, for I will not be catechised by you, and as long as I have a mind to go, I will go.

Evangelus.

Friend, The End of our Creation are these two. 1. The Glory of God. 2. The good of each other. be not so touchy, for I mean you no hurt, nothing I am [...]o you: it is true, and that every Tub must stand upon its own bottom I know, yet considering that [...]very one was not made for himself, but for the Glory of God, [...]he good and benefit of each other,[Page]therefore it does behove us to be giving one another good Counsel; If you know any thing more then me, I'll learn of you: and if I know any thing more then you, you shall learn of me if you please.

Paulus.

Nay, this is very fair, I must needs confess.

Evangelus.

Divine cont [...]ivement. Well then, my friend, if it may s [...] please you, to deny your self of going t [...] that Place, first intended by you, I wi [...] then tell you what we will do in stea [...] thereof.

Paulus.

I don't much care if I do fo [...] once.

Evangelus.

What think you then of going t [...] yonder Grove; where we may sit down in the shade, and discourse concerning Soul-Affairs.

Paulus.

With all my heart, good Sir.

Evangelus.

Providentia guber. nat omnia. Well Friend, seeing then that Go [...][Page]his Providence has bin pleased to [...]ring us into one anothers Company; [...]ill you give me leave to ask you a [...]w Questions?

Paulus.

Yea, Sir, and I shall thank you [...]oo.

Evangelus.

What do you think then concerning Heaven? Practical Question.

Paulus.

It is a good place, no doubt.

Evangelus.

Yea, and how happy shall we be if we can but get thither.

Paulus.

Why, do you question getting thither?

Evangelus.

Yea, that I do;Heaven, though it is a Saints, yet it may be call'd in question by a Saint. Wicked men think, they bring assurance of Heaven with them into the world. Don't you?

Paulus.

No, I did never question getting to Heaven, since I have been born, I thank God for it.

[Page]Evangelus.

Questioning of our selves is a demonstration of our sincerity. I am apt to think, you might ha [...] had more cause to bless God, for qu [...] stioning your title to Heaven, the [...] for not questioning it; and I am [...] opinion, that you and others w [...] scarce get to Heaven, except yo [...] come first to doubt of your righ [...] thereto.

Paulus.

Strict Godliness in the eyes of the World is censuring.You are the strangest man that [...] ever met with in all my life; and indeed this is the fault which I find [...] to be in you Phanaticks, viz. you [...] censuring.

Evangelus.

Friend, you mistake us, and I suppose you do not very well understand me, for did you not say just now, that you questioned not getting to Heaven.

Paulus.

Yea, I did, what of all that?

Evangelus.

A Soul-searching question. I only then ask you, the Grounds on which you build your hopes for Heaven so stedfastly, without the least questioning assurance thereof.

[Page]Paulus.

The Mercy of God,Naturalists think God has no other Attribute, then his Mercy to glorifie. We are fallen with Adam. no better [...]rounds can there be.

Evangelus.

The Mercy of God▪ that's true, [...]iend; but Gods Mercy has bin [...]rfeited long ago through our diso [...]dience in Adam, have you now [...]ined it: if you have, pray tell me [...]w, and by what means?

Paulus.

Nay,Matters of sublime spirituality, are new things to the carnal eye. if so, the Lord look down [...]on me, for I never heard of this [...]fore.

Evangelus.

It is very true, my Friend; and [...]ce it is, that we have brought [...] with us into the World, by [...]ich we are made the Heires of [...]ath.

Paulus.

Be you sure, this is true.

[Page]Evangelus.

Do you believe all those Truths c [...] tained in the Holy Bible?

Paulus.

Do I believe them▪ yea▪ certain [...] or else I should be a Papist or an I [...]fidel.

Evangelus.

Then see this prov'd from these [...] Places of Scripture, Psal. 51.5. I [...] shapen in iniquity, and in sin did [...] Mother conceive me; And Eph. 2 [...] We are by nature the children wrath,Cum multis aliis. even as others. So Rom. 5. l [...] By one man sin entred into the wor [...] and death by him, and so death [...] over all men, for that all ha [...] sinned.

Paulus.

Nay, here is Scripture enoug [...] none can deny.

Evangelus.

A true Mi [...]ister, i [...] loth that any should perish, and go out of the World mistaken. Well then, seeing [...] it is as I say, had I [...] Grounds (do you thin [...] for speaking what I di [...] and therefore I pray [...][Page]willing to give me some further sa [...]faction touching the belief of your [...]vation.

Paulus.

Nay▪ Faith can puzzle carnal reason at any time. you have so puzled me, that [...]w I know not what to do, except it to tell you, that I pray Morning [...]d Evening.

Evangelus.

Well, what of all that? I hope you not expect to get to Heaven by your [...]ayer, do you?

Paulus.

Yes▪ Upon this Rock many are split. I do, or else I know not how to [...] to Heaven.

Evangelus.

Oh Friend, Whether ignorance is the Mother of Devotion, I leave it for you to judge; but ignorance, I am sure, is the [...] that breeds high thoughts of our selves, and low [...] of our Lord Jesus. had you been acquaint [...] with godly Ministers, or any of [...]ds People, and desired their Instru [...]ons, certainly you would have bin [...] now acquainted with the way that [...] to Heaven and eternal Happi [...]s, for thou art grossly ignorant thinking to be saved by Prayers.

[Page]Paulus.

I don't say Prayers only, [...] take in Reading of good Books, a [...] hearing of good Sermons.

Evangelus.

Eph [...].5, 8. By grace ye are saved. Nay, it is all one for that, [...] if you take in all good Works what [...] ever, they will prove insignificant [...] merit salvation.

Paulus.

Say you so, why I never heard [...] from our Minister, and he is a [...] good Church-man.

Evangelus.

Nay, as to that I know not, but [...] I'le assure you, that what I have hea [...] from you, as yet does rather savour Popery, then of true Christianity.

Paulus.

There is a [...]ind of zeal to be found in Naturalists.How! a Papist, Sir; God forbi [...] for I am sure I am so far from bei [...] a Papist, that if I do but meet [...] one, I go the other side of the [...] because I will not see him. I do hate him.

Evangelus.

So Carnality affects. Perhaps you walk more by custo [...][Page]then by judgement; for I'le assure you it is as I say.

Paulus.

Pray Sir, tell me then, what must save me, if good works cannot; Thanks be to God I met with you: or else I should have died in this mistake, notwithstanding our Minister.

Evangelus.

Why thus you see, What a sad con [...] deration is this, that when God has sent hi [...] Son into the World▪ he is not known by the best part of [...]. Friend, Gods dealings with us are various; but to gratifie your desire, let me ask you this Question; Did you never hear of Iesus Christ? Here has not bin so much as one word concerning him.

Paulus.

Nay, hold you; I have heard of Jesus; what of him?

Evangelus.

What of him▪ why it is he that must save you.

Paulus.

Its no marvel then, why I have heard such a talk concerning Jesus Christ, but I ever thought it was my good works that must save me.

[Page]Evangelus.

Behold the vast difference between a believer, and an unbeli [...]ver; One depends upon Christ for salvation; and the other depends upon duties for salvation. A true Believer is willing to be nothing, so that Christ may something, whereas an unbeliever acts to the contrary. Nay, Friend, I will shew you an insuffi [...]iency in that; and lik [...]wise, that salvation is only to be had in Christ, and by him you must be saved, if ever saved; Receive these Scriptures for the truth of both, Rom. 3.20. Therefore by the deeds of the Law no flesh shall be justified in his sight; for by the Law is the knowledge of sin; So the 28th. verse, Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law, Gal. 2.16.

Paulus.

Why then, by your Reckoning, I have all my work to begin before I can get to Heaven.

Evangelus.

If you understand no more then this, I must needs say, you are far from being a new creature; and if far from being a n [...]w creature, then far you [...]re from the Kingdom of Heaven.

[Page]Paulus.

How do you prove that?

Evangelus.

I prove it from these following Scriptures, Mark 16.16. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; and he that believeth not, shall be damned. So Luke 13.3, 5. I tell ye, nay, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish, Iohn 3.3, 5. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God; And what think you of th [...]se Scriptures?

Paulus.

Why, I think they are very good; but if I have all this to do, as you say, and am still to begin the Christians A, B, C; then I had as good desist a little while, seeing that as yet I am but young, and so for a time take my pleasure: and when I come to be old, I'le then take this way to serve God which you have prescribed; for I am afraid lest I should not hold out in serving God another way, in regard that I have taken so much pain▪ in the other, for indeed I am spent.

[Page]Evangelus.

Oh Friend, give not way to the Devil [...] ▪ these are only his suggestions, believe him not; for can you serve God in a more acceptable time then in the days of your Youth; Consider, I pray you, these following things.

First, Consider your Youth; God requires Eccl. 12.1. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.

Secondly, it is a Question whether you may live to an old Age, which if not, what will become of you.

Thirdly, grant that you live to an old Age, it is a Question whether the day of grace may last so long.

Fourthly, if the day of grace should last so long, it is a question, whether you will not, through the pains and imbecilities of old Age, be rendred incapable to serve God.

Fifth [...]y, Consider you may serve God when it is too late, but you can never serve him too soon.

Paulus.

Verily, this is true, I cannot deny it; but do you not think, that God is more glorified by an old Convert, then by a young.

[Page]Evangelus.

When you have such suggestions as these, endeavor to make them abortive at their birth; for any will tell you, that there is nothing more acceptable unto God, then when a young man offers up the Flower of his Age unto him; yea, and what does conduce more unto Gods glory then the same.

Paulus.

Well, I am now convinc'd of my folly, especially of confiding in good works for salvation.

Evangelus.

Well, bless God for it; and now seeing, through infinite mercy, an insufficiency in good works to save you, what think you of God?

Paulus.

Why, I think that he is a Spirit.

Evangelus.

He is so, Joh. 4.24 [...] [...]imonide [...] the more he stu [...]ied to know what God was, the harder still it seemed unto him. God cannot b [...] defined. my friend, and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in truth.

[Page]Paulus.

This I knew a great while ago.

Evangelus.

Very good, are there more Gods then one?

Paulus.

Y [...]a surely, there must be three Gods; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

Evangelus.

Know, Friend, that thou art wofully ignorant; for though there be three Persons in the Godhead; yet th [...]se three are but one in substance all this while; there is but one individual Deity; as the Fire does contain in it three Properties, 1. Its self. 2. Heat. 3. Light. So though there be but three ways of subsisting in the Godhead, yet all this while it is but individual.

Paulus.

Pray Sir, is there any Scripture for this?

Evangelus.

Yea, Scripture enough; see Deut. 6.4. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord, Isa. 44.6. I am the [Page] first, and I am the last, and beside me there is no God, Isa. 45.22. Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the Earth, for I am God, and there is none else. So 2 Cor. 8.4, 5, 6. and Eph. 4.5. 1 Tim. 2.5.

Paulus.

I confess these Scriptures do hit me;Some do think, if they do but read Gods Word, it is sufficient, thoug [...] they take no notice o [...] w [...]at [...] contained therein. for how many times have I read the Bible over▪ and yet▪ do not remember these places.

Evangelus.

You minded then well what you read, for certainly, if you had read diligently, and with a desire to know, you would have given a more pertinent Answer to such a Fundamental and Practical Point of Divinity as this. But this is not all, our Souls are spirits, Angels are spirits, and the D [...] vils are spirits; what difference is th [...] then between God and these?

[Page]Paulus.

Why, I suppose he is bigger then all of them.

Evangelus.

Bigger then all of them; this is no solid Answer. God, he is an increated Spirit, all others are created; God, he is an infinite Spirit, all others are finite.

Paulus.

Nay, this is very good.

Evangelus.

Well, I am glad you like it, but what difference is there between the Devils and the Angels.

Paulus.

Why, I suppose they are both Spirits, and both Angels, only the Angels in Heaven are the good Angels, and the Devils are the evil ones.

Evangelus.

Thou sayest right; the Devils th [...] are now in Hell were once righteous Angels, but through pride and malice they are now become, of all creatures, the most miserable; but where do the Devils inhabit?

[Page]Paulus.

I suppose the Devils do dwell in Hell,Chris [...]u [...] Leo dicitur, propter fortitudinem, Agnus propter inno entiam: Leo, quod invictus: Agnus quia mansuetus. Ipse Agnus occasu vicit Leonem, qui circuit quaerens quem devoret, Di [...]bolus Leo dictus [...]eritate, non virtut [...]. Aug. it being a Place prepared for them and the wicked.

Evangelus.

The habitation of the Devils is, Habitatio Diab [...]lorum est p [...]rtim A [...] partim in [...]ernus putat. Aug. 1.8. de Civ. Dei. c. 22. Illos usurpasse [...]erem ad exercenda [...] s [...]am dominationem in homines, vult Ambros. in [...]p. ad Eph. Ipsos antequam ad det [...]iora conversissent, [...]ris administrationem habuisse, tradit Theodor. epitom. divin. Decret. Denique Lombard l. 2. s [...]nt. dist. 6. cap. solet. Author est, Luciferum, Princip [...]m Diabolorum, relig [...]rum man [...]re in inferno, nec a [...] nos tentendos accedere: alios vero Diabolos alternis vicibus huc & [...] ferno ad animos hominum cruciandos vel deduce [...] ad infernum venir [...], qui [...]liis suc [...]edentibus ipsis [...] tantur in infernum. partly in Hell, and partly in the Air; The Devils do dwell in the Air unto the Day of Iudgement, and usurping the same, on purpose that they might rule in the hearts of men; But what difference is there between the spirits and our souls, for our souls, you know, are spirits?

[Page]Paulus.

Nay, I believe, now you ask me that which you cannot answer your self.

Evangelus.

Angeli sic [...]o [...]is exc [...]nt, ut in [...]rnis contempla [...]ionis gaudils non priventur. Greg. Tres vitales Spiritus c [...]e [...]it Omnipotens: unum, qui carne non tegitur; alium, qui carne tegi [...]ur, sed non cum carne moritur; alium, qui carne te gi [...]u [...], & cum carne moritur; Primus Angelorum, [...]ecundus Hominum, tertius Brutorum est. Als [...]ed. Think not so, friend; for the Angels were the firs [...] Creatures that God made, whereas our souls are not: the Angels are not covered with flesh, but our souls are; the Angels are perfect spirits, but our souls through union with their bodies are imperfect and impure; but enough of this, what think you now of Iesus Christ?

Paulus.

Who is Jesus Christ; why he is the Son of God?

Evangelus.

It is true, my friend, he is so; for God the Father testifies it, Mat. 3.17. The Chu [...]ch acknowledgeth it, Matth. 16.16. And the Devils confess it, [Page] Luke 4.41. But who do you think of these were first, God the Father, or God the Son?

Paulus.

There is a question indeed, surely the Father must be before the Son.

Evangelus.

Yea, friend, that is true; it is so in natural generation, Prov. 8. John 10▪ 30. Ego & Pater sumus unum. Christ is equal with the Father according to his Divine Nature, but inferiour according to his Humane. but here it is not; for Christ Iesus is co-eternal with his Father, and equal with him in Power and Glory.

Paulus.

This will not stand by reason.

Evangelus.

Divine Mysteries are not to be apprehended by carnal reason, for he who would see by an eye of Faith, must shu [...] out the eye of Reason; and what think you now of the Holy Ghost?

Paulus.

Why, I suppose he is God too, is he not?

[Page]Evangelus.

Yes, he is so; see 1 John 5.7. For there are three that bear Record in Heaven, the Father, Word and Holy Ghost, and these three are one.

Paulus.

Nay, this is very evident, you bring Scripture (I say) to prove what you say.

Evangelus.

Well, if so be you do believe what I have said concerning the blessed Trinity, say with me, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.

Paulus.

God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.

Evangelus.

Right, what think you now of the Creation of the World; did God make the World of somthing, or of nothing?The Phi [...]osophers [...] this Maxime, Ex [...]ihil [...] [...]hil fit.

Paulus.

Of somthing surely; for out of nothing, nothing can be made.

[Page]Evangelus.

Friend, what do you think Creation signifies?

Paulus.

Truly, I know not very well.

Evangelus.

Why, it signifies a making all things of nothing.

Paulus.

Say you so.

Evangelus.

Yea, and have you not read that the World was made only by the especial word of his Power, O [...]id! Metaph. After th [...] old Chaos was brought into form [...] the Poets did feign, That the World was divided into four Ages▪ The first was the Golden Age, the second was the Silver Age; the third, the bra [...]en Age; and the fourth, the ir [...] Age: The four Ages whereof by Perdic [...] is compared to the four Seasons of the Year▪ the first, resembling the Spring time, the second Summer, the third Autumn, the fourth Winter. Mun [...]us magnu [...] homo, homo parvus, mundus esse dicitur. not that we should understand that any word did really proceed from God, but only that he will'd it.

Paulus.

Did God, do you say, only speak [...] th [...] word, and was this World made; [Page] I cannot believe this, except you bring me Scripture.

Evangelus.

If Scriptures will convince you, I'le bring you Scriptures enough. See Psal. 33.9. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast, Heb. 11.3. Through faith we understand that the Worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen, were not made of things which do appear. So Rom. 4.17.

Paulus.

Mundus est Speculum A [...]ributorum De [...].All this now is very clear unto me.

Evangelus.

When we receive any benefit from God, we should keep [...]une with the P [...]almist. [...]enedi [...]ite, bless ye the Lord. I am glad of it, and therefore bless God; And now tell me, I pray you, what you what is your belief concerning the Incarnation of our Saviour?

Paulus.

I do believe that Jesus Christ did come into the World to save sinners.

[Page]Evangelus.

And that he was made Man.

Paulus.

No, I cannot think so, in regard that it is impossible for God to become man.

Evangelus.

Herein thou art grossly ignorant, because thou doest believe Christ came into the World, and yet cannot think he was made man.

Paulus.

No, nor I shall not, except you give me good Scripture for it.

Evangelus.

Nay, The Bereans were commended for examining of the Apostle Pauls doctrine; H [...] Mysterium est abscon [...]i [...]um a seculis, patefactum in tempore, Paradoxum & impossibile visum Iudais & Gentibus aestimatum, d [...]piis tanquam ma [...]eria sotidi Gaudii & consolati [...]is. you are to be commended for that, because you are not to take any thing from me, or any man, without Scripture, and therefore, if Scripture will do the business, Scripture you shall have enough: [Page]See John 1.14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. So 1 Tim. 3.16. And without controversie, great is the Mystery of Godliness, God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit seen of Angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Paulus.

I see Scripture does hold forth this truth but who would think that this should be so.

Evangelus.

[...]de in Be [...]am in lib. Confession is Christianae fidei c. 3. artic. 19. It is so, and that for these Reasons, as I suppose. 1. Gods Iustice by Man was offended, Deus homo fit, ut homo divinae gratiae & naturae particeps fi [...]t. Ger [...]d. med. 14. p 52. therefore by Man it was to be satisfied. 2. Christ was Man that he might die, for had he not been Man, he could not have died. 3. He was Man, that he might sympathize and condole with us in all our conditions and infirmities. 4. He was Man, [Page]that he might be d [...]ompleat Mediator. 5. He was Man, that he might make Man Partakers of the Divine Nature.

Paulus.

Then by this reckoning you must make Christ a sinner.

Evangelus.

So he is (i.e.) by Imputation. Jesus Christ is the greatest sinner in the World (saith Luth [...]) by imputation.

Paulus.

This is strange doctrine, methinks, to make Christ a sinner; [...] if also he is man, then consequentially he is not God.

Evangelus.

Your consequence is false, Vide Bezam i [...] lib. Co [...] fessionis Christianae fidei p. 13. c. 3. [...]rtic. 20. my Friend; for Christ is God-Man, God that he might satisfie, 1 Tim. Man that he might die, 2.5.

Paulus.

Well, these things are very deep and profound, therefore (I pray you) ask me somthing else, and I will meditate [Page] upon them when I come home.

Evangelus.

Very good, the next Question then shall be this, what think you then concerning the Resurrection?

Paulus.

Truly, Sir, this has been ever obscure to me, I could wish you would inform my judgement concerning it.

Evangelus.

This [...]ruth the Sadduces denied, Mat. 22.23. The great Mystery contained in this Truth, made the Philosophers to dream of a Transformation, one body being transform'd into the shape of another, or a Transmigration [...]oul, taking its flight out of one body into another. They could not think that one numerical and individual body, after it is corrupted in the water, consumed by fire, converted into earth, vanished into air, nay, eaten up by fishes, and those fishes ea [...]en by men, it was above them to think, that this same body should rise again. When Paul disputed this Point at [...] the great Philosophers of the Epicur [...]s laughed at him, What will this Babler say? They lookt upon this as babling. With all my heart, for I like this enquiring mighty well; Now that there shall be a Resurrection, it is evident from these Places of Scripture, Dan 12.2. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the Earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting 'contempt: Iohn 5.28, 29. Marvel not at this, for [Page] the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the Graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth, they that have done good, unto the Resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the Resurrection of damnation. So see 1 Cor. 15. and Rev. 20.12, 13.

Paulus.

Well, this truth I also believe; for I see, there are many Scriptures for the demonstration and proof of the same.

Evangelus.

What think you now concerning the last Iudgment, do you believe it or not?

Paulus.

I do believe that Jesus Christ will come at the last day, and judge the world.

Evangelus.

And are you willing, friend, that I should try your knowledg in this necessary truth.

Paulus.

Willing, why do you think I should be unwilling: pray don't question that, for I am so willing, as that I shall look upon you as my best friend, if you take the pains to inform me in this.

[Page]Evangelus.

Well then, seeing that I have such a free access unto you, I shall ask you these several Questions, in order to your better understanding of this great truth; what then is the last Iudgment?

Paulus.

Extremum judicium, est quando Dominus Iesus Christus in adventu suo, cum virtu [...]e magna & Maje [...]ate, extremam omnibus hominibus, juxta sua facta sententiam feret aequam & irrefragabilem, tum pils, tum impiis, aut ad vitam aeternam, aut ad supplicium aeternum. Et hoc frequenter debemus meditari cu [...] Hier [...]nymo, qui ait; Quoties illum diem considero, toto corpore contremisco; five enim comedo, sive bibo, sive aliquid aliud facio▪ semper videtur illa tuba terribilis sonare auribus meis? Surgite mortui, venite ad judiclum.The last Judgement is a day (as I suppose) wherein Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour, shall come down from Heaven with great Glory, to judge the whole World, and give unto every one according as his works shall be.

Evangelus.

Very well (my friend) for your Answer pleases me exceeding well, but how manifold is the coming of Christ?

[Page]Paulus.

How manifold is the coming of Christ; why, is there more comings of Christ then one?

Evangelus.

Yes, Christ coming threefold. Venit Christus occulte judic [...] dus, venie [...] & mani [...]este judicaturu [...]. friend, the Scriptures do hold forth unto us a threefold coming of Christ; the first was in the flesh about sixteen hundred years ago, when he came in the forme of a servant, taking upon him our sins; the second is, his coming now with the Power of the Gospel, in the hearts of sinners; and the third is, his future coming, when he shall in the end of the World come in glorious Glory, not to be exprest: And this is called his second Appearance to Iudgement, Acts 10 42. Christ is appointed by God the Father Iudge both of the quick and dead. So Acts 17.

Paulus.

These are wonderful things, pray tell me now, how Christ will judge the World?

Evangelus.

Visible in the clouds; for even as he ascended, so shall he descend; but wherefore do you think, my Friend, [Page] Christ will judge the World?

Paulus.

That he may render eternal life, with fulness of joy unto the godly, and eternal punishment to the wicked.

Evangelus.

You answer right, but what do you think will be the Order of this Iudgement?

Paulus.

Truly, Sir, I know not very well.

Evangelus.

Antecedent, Concomitant, and Subsequent. My friend, observe, there are certain Transactions that do pr [...]cede this day, certain Transactions done in the day, and certain Transactions that does ensue this day.

First, some things there be that ar [...] antecedent to, or coming before this day, which will be these, 2 Thes. 2. 1. A Subversion of the Roman Empire, Mat. 24. and the Man of Sin revealed. Luke 21. 2. The Rising of false Christs, and false Prophets. 3. Signe [...] that shall be in the Sun and Moon. 4. The Gospel being preached through [...] out all Nations. 5. Obedience yielded unto the Gospel by Iews and Gentiles [Page]and all that do pertain unto the Election of Gods grace.

Secondly, those Transactions done in this day are these. 1. The Son of Man shall be seen in the Air. 2. The dead shall rise, both righteous and unrighteous. Mat. 25. 3. Christ shall separate the bad from the good, and denounce the last sentence.

Thirdly, that which follows this day, is the proportioning of a reward unto every Mans work; and now tell me what thou thinkest of these things?

Paulus.

Truly, they are things that I never knew till now.

Evangelus.

Bless God then for what you know, and answer me this question, Is the Iudgement-Day known unto any or no?

Paulus.

None but unto God, as I suppose.

[Page]Evangelus.

Thou sayst right, for neither Men nor Angels know this day, but God himself, Matth. 4. And thus, friend, I have shewed you these Points of Divinity, to be believed of all that seek after an eternal life of Felicity, being these as follows, 1. God, or the Trinity. 2. The Creation of the World. 3. The hypostatical Vnion, or Christs assuming the humane Nature. 4 The Resurrection. 5. Iudgement. I come now to ask you how and by what means you may come to know God?

Paulus.

By the Holy Bible.

Evangelus.

It is true friend, the Scriptures, conteined in the Old and New Testament, is the only Rule by which we may come to know God and serve him [...] but tell me what thou doest understan [...] by the Old and New Testament.

Paulus.

By the Old Testament I understan [...] the Writings of Moses and the Prophets, and by the New Testament th [...] Writings of the Evangelists and Apostles.

[Page]Evangelus.

Your Answer as you should do; But are the Scriptures sufficient of themselves to work faith in us or no?

Paulus.

Truly, I am not able to determine of that.

Evangelus.

Why then I will tell you, the Scri [...]tures of themselves cannot work faith [...]n us, but by Gods Spirit cooperating [...]ith them; and hence it is, that the [...]ord is called a dead letter, 2 Cor. 3.6 not but [...]hat the Word is quickning, but be [...]ause the Word of it self without the Spirit, cannot so much as work any [...]race in us.

Paulus.

This I do believe.

Evangelus.

Then I hope you do believe the Scriptures to he so Canonical, as that [...]t is Blasphemy to esteem of any other Writings, to be of equal Authority with the same, and so consequentially [...]hose are to be blamed who annex the [...]pocrypha to the Bible, and do fre [...]ently take out certain verses conteined [...][Page] [...][Page] [Page]therein, as their texts, whenas the Scriptures, and only the Scriptures, are for a standing Rule in Gods Church.

Paulus.

But is not the Apocrypha the Word of God?

Evangelus.

No, for they were not written in the Hebrew Tongue, nor acknowledged a [...] Canonical by the Iews of old, to whom the keeping of the Oracles of God was committed.

Paulus.

I am now convinc'd of that, which I thought I should never have been perswaded to the contrary.

Evangelus.

Again, if you do grant the Scriptures to be infallible, you must then grant that the Scriptures are not to be ruled by the Church, but the Church by the Scriptures.

Paulus.

If so be the Scriptures do not depend upon the Church, for the Truth and Authority thereof, how then can we be assured that it is the Word of God.

[Page]Evangelus

Friend, herein you are grossly mistaken, for we may be assured of the Scriptures being the Word of God; which may be prov'd from several Testimonies and Arguments divine and humane; I 2.59. [...]1. 1 John 2.20, 1 Cor. 2.10. 11, 12, 13. 2 Cor. 2.21, 22. from Testimonies Divine, being two, internal and [...]xternal; One is the Testimony of the Spirit, who sometimes by special R [...]v [...]la [...]ion and Power do declare the [...] thereof, upon the Hearts and C [...]nsc [...]en [...]es of Men and Women; and th [...] is the divine internal Testimony: The d [...] vine external Testimony is the Scriptures, testifying of themselves; and hence it is many times, 2. Ti [...] 3.16. 2 Pet. 1 20.21. that they do run in this Order, (Thus saith the Lord) Thus saith God.

Now the Arguments to prove the same, are deduced and taken from. 1. The efficient causes of the Scriptures, viz. Men, t [...]e Calling, Miss [...] and Insperation of whom was divine.

[Page] Secondly, the Scope and End of the Scriptures being the glory of God, and the eternal salvation of our souls.

Thirdly, the subject-matter of the Scriptures, which is so full of Majesty and Div [...]nity, as that it is far beyond humane capacity to comprehend. This is sufficient to shew the Authority of the Scriptures, without depending upon the Church. Thus is the truth of the Scriptures, and the Authority of them evidenced without the help of the Church.

Paulus

Is not the Testimony of the Church then of some use?

Evangelus.

Yes, that I deny not, but the thing which I aim at is to shew, that the Authority and Truth of the Scriptures can be made apparent, from Gods Spirit, and from themselves, without the help of the Church, which assertion does contradict the Papist, who does audaciously affirm, that the Authority of the Scriptures do absolutely depend upon the Church, the absurd consequences of which opinion are these. 1. Of [Page]all, to hold that the Scriptures has no more Authority, but what the Vniversal consent of the Church gives unto it, is to make the Scriptures no otherwise, but a Nose of Wax, yea, it is to make the eternal and inviolable truth of God, rest upon the pleasure of men; verily the matter and scope of the Scriptures is to be denied and to be of no use at all, if this opinion is right, these and such like are the Absurdities that must of necessity be held by retaining opinions of this kind.

Paulus.

But did not Austin say, that he would not believe the Gospel, save that the Authority of the Church moved him thereto.

Evangelus.

The Papist do give a false interpretation upon his words, if we do but consider the whole tenor of his writing. For as Calvin well Observes, Austin had then to do with the Manichees, who arguing with them, spoke thus, I my self would not beleeve the Gospel, save that the Authority of the Church moved me thereto. Meaning, that he himself when he was a stranger from the faith,[Page]could not otherwise be brought to embrace the Gospel for the assured truth of God, but by this that he was overcome with the Authority of the Church. And what marvel is it, if a man not yet knowing Christ, have regard to men, therefore Austin does not there teach, that the faith of the godly is grounded upon the Authority of the Church.

Paulus.

I am very well pleased and satisfied in what has been said, have you any more Questions to ask me?

Evangelus.

Yes, friend, I have many Questions to ask you still. How do you prove, that Salvation is only to be had through Christ?

Paulus.

How do I prove it? I prove it from Acts 4.12. where it is thus written, Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other Name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

Evangelus.

Thou hast given the right Scripture;[Page]but now, if salvation is only to be had in and through Christ, does it not, do you think, concern you to have an interest in this Christ?

Paulus.

Yea, certainly that it does.

Evangelus.

Are you then interested in him?

Paulus.

Truly, I question it, but how may I come to have an interest in him?

Evangelus.

That must be by faith.

Paulus.

What is faith?

Evangelus.

Faith is a receiving of Iesus Christ into the Heart, as he is Priest, Prophet and King, with a fiducial dependance upon him, being fully satisfied, that there is salvation, in, through, and by none but him. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11.1.

[Page]Paulus.

How is this Faith attained?

Evangelus.

Rom. 1 [...].17. 1 Pet. 2.2. It is attained by a conscientious use of the Word, and increased by Prayer and Sacrament.

Paulus.

What is Prayer?

Evangelus.

Ou Prayers are our Sacrifices, and Christ alone is the Altar, where on we must offer them to God the Father. Prayer is the pouring out of our souls unto God in the Name of Christ, by the help of the Spirit, and with faith on the Promises, for those things which are agreeable unto his Will.

Paulus.

Prayer is the wing, wherewith the soul flye [...]h to heaven, and Meditation the eye, wherewith we see God. Amb. Whether it is lawfull pray unto Angels?This I remember, for it has been told me a great while ago.

Evangelus.

You understand herein, I shall examine by asking you several questions concerning this duty; as first, ought we to pray unto God, and only unto him?

[Page]Paulus.

Only unto him, excepting Saints and Angels.

Evangelus.

How do you mean Saints and Angels? I hope you don't hold praying to them.

Paulus.

Nay, I cannot think any otherwise, but that it is lawful to pray to them, for they are those who do make a way unto God the Father for us.

Evangelus.

I deny it, John 14.6 and therefore shall affirm, that Christ only is the way to the Father; but that I might further clear this truth, observe, 1. Prayer is a part of Divine Worship, (which all grant) and God only is the object of Divine Worship, therefore to pray unto any besides God, is a perfect violation of that Command, Deut. 6.1 [...]. Mat. 4.10. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 2. Consider, we have but one Intercessor and Mediator in Heaven, 2 Tim [...] 15. and therefore it is a high affront unto Christ, to make any use of others in [Page]that kind. 3. Consider that excellent place of Scripture, Rev. 19 10. And I fell at his feet to worship him; and he said unto me, see thou do it not, I am thy fellow-servant. And in the last place, consider here is but little encouragement for any of us to pray unto Saints, because the best Saints in Heaven is ignorant of our conditions here below, Isa. 63.16. John 14.21.

Paulus.

Why, truly all this is clear, none can deny.

Evangelus.

Well, friend, what think you of this question? can one pray, and not speak?

Paulus.

No, surely, that can't be.

Evangelus.

Yes, one may, for there is vocal Prayer, and mental Prayer: Vocal Prayer is the expressing our desires unto God by the words of our lips; Mat. 69. and Mental Prayer is the offering up of our desires unto God without the help of words, as Hannah prayed when her voice was not heard. 1 Sam. 1.13.

[Page]Paulus.

How may I pray, so as to finde acceptance with God?

Evangelus.

First, direct your supplications unto God. Secondly, Pray in faith, Thirdly, with a sense of your wants. Fourthly, with a sense of your unworthiness, to have any of your wants supplied. Fifthly, with Sincerity and Perseverance. Sixthly, beg what you beg in the Name of Christ. Seventhly, conclude your Prayer with a Doxology, being this, For thine is the Kingdom,Mat. 6. Power and Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Paulus.

I thank you, good Sir, for this seasonable advice.

Evangelus.

What think you now of the Sacrament?

Paulus.

It is an Ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ himself.

[Page]Evangelus.

Est Promissionis divinae sigi num a Deo institutum constat autem Elemento & verbo, ut ext [...]t memoria Promissionis. A Sacrament is a seal of the Covenant of grace, whereby as God doth oblige himself to give unto us all the benefits contained therein, so we in like manner do by that oblige our selves to be the Lords, and to be true and faithful [...] unto him.

Paulus.

This I now do understand.

Evangelus.

Very good, now how many Sacraments are there of use in thi [...] Gospel [...] Dispensation.

Paulus.

Surely, there are but two.

Evangelus.

There are but Sacraments in the Christian Church. Thou sayst right, and therefore the Papists herein are to be blamed, wh [...] say there are seven Sacraments, whereas we do deny any such number, and do affirm, that there are but two Sacraments, viz. Baptism and the Lords Supper: Baptism is a Sacrament, wherein the washing with wa [...]er, in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, doth signifie and seal our ingrafting into Christ; the[Page]Lords Supper is a Sacrament wherein these things given, viz. Bread and Wine are signified, exhibited and shewed forth unto us; the Body of our Lord Iesus which was broken, and his blood which was poured out abundantly for the remission of our sins. Circumcision and the Passeover was in the Law, in room whereof comes Baptism and the Lords Supper; Baptism in the room of C [...]rcuncision, and the Lords Supper in the room of the Passeover.

Paulus.

In this I am also very well satisfied.

Evangelus.

I am glad of that; Of Transubstantiation. but what think you of this? Is the bread really transubstantial, and turn'd into the Body of Christ?

Paulus.

Yes, that is really my belief; for does not our Saviour say, This is my Body, 1 Cor. 11.14.

Evangelus.

Friend, believe it not; because there is not Grounds whereupon Reason should be built, much less faith; Observe [Page]what I have to say contradictory to it; and you will finde, that such an opinion is against Scripture, Sense and Reason. Consider, these words (This is my body) is no proper but figurative expression; were all Scriptures to be understood literally, then there would be some reason for the understanding of this expression, to be as you would have it.

Paulus.

What do you tell me of Figures? surely, our Saviour would have spoken more plainly to his disciples than so, especially in the instituting of an Ordinance.

Evangelus.

Christ spoke intelligible enough; but tell me, is not that plain enough, when we take the words as they are frequently and commonly used in Scriptures.

Paulus.

Yes, That I can't deny.

[Page]Evangelus.

Well then, Three Acceptations of a Door in Scripture, threefold, 1. It is an Entrance into the heart, Cant. 5.4. Psal. 24.9.2. Church, Iohn 10.1 3. Heaven Mat. 25, 10. these words are common and frequent in Scripture, John 6.14. is thus written, I am the Way; so John 10. I am the Door; Christ properly is no Door, but only as a Door is an entrance into a Place, so Christ in this respect is an entrance into Heaven; Now compare this with the other Place of Scripture, (This is my Body) the true meaning is, This is a figure, sign, and Pre-Presentation of my Body; (This is my Body,) that is, as Bread doth nourish, strengthen and refresh the Body, and satisfie the natural appetite, so the Body and Blood of Christ, received by faith, doth strengthen, nourish, refresh and satiate the spiritual appetite. Observe, I pray you, how oppugnant this is to reason; for is it not absurd, that bread should be turn'd into another substance, and yet the accidents remain the same; there is the colour, [...]as [...]e and smell of the bread; if the bread in the Sacrament is turn'd into the real Body of Christ, then the Nature & End of a Sacrament would be destroyd[Page]the nature of a Sacrament is to be a Sign, and the Ends of it is to be a remembrance of Christ, both which supposes Christs Body to be absent. Again observe, our Lord Iesus mentions Bread after the words of Consecration, saying, (the bread which we break,) 1 Cor. 10.16. He that eateth this bread, 1 Cor. 11.27, 28. If the bread is turn'd into the real Body of Christ, then wicked Communicants may receive Christ, and Christs Body must be in a thousand Places at once; and now what say you unto all this?

Paulus.

I see now, as you say, that this opinion is oppugnant unto Scripture, Reason, and our three senses, viz. Seeing, Smelling and Tasting; I wish with all my heart that I could stay a little longer with you, for the benefit which I have received from you is unconceivable, but I am sent for an Errand and therefore cannot; yet if you please to inform me where you dwell, and what is your name, I shall thereby be much obliged unto you.

[Page]Evangelus

That you shall my friend, I dwell in such and such a place, my name is so and so.

READER.

AS Concerning this young man, being so willing to defer his Repentance unto an old Age, was the main Suggestion, which did keep him off from Closing with Jesus Christ (of whom is shadowes in this Dialogue, and signified by Paulus) together with his beleeving that God was more glorified by an old Convert, than by a young one, but when you come to understand how God dealt with this young man in bringing him off from all those letts and Impediments, by which he was kept from Closing with Christ, you will admire, it being in form following.

This young Man, as aforesaid, being much molested with Temptations of that kinde; One day above the rest, a Small-coal man going along [Page] the streets, did measure some thereof unto a Customer, who having no sooner done it, but he imm [...]tely fell down dead, (although he was as well as I am now at this present writing) which being noised abroad, and many coming to see him, he made one; who seeing him to lie dead on the ground, was amazed, especially when he understood the suddenness thereof.

Thus, after a little Contemplation upon him, he goes home; falling down upon his knees, saying to God, Lord have mercy upon me; and this was all he could say for an hour together, (somtimes it was) Lord have mercy upon me a sinner, and pardon my sins; thus continuing for the space of many weeks, despairing of Gods mercy to his soul; and being also convinced of his former ignorance, he is now glad to receive good Counsel from any body, his minde and will being changed, makes him to believe, that there is salvation only in Christ, and looks now upon [Page] all his duties, (as a Pauls indeed) accounting them but dross and dung compar'd with our Lord Christ.

But one day more than the rest, praying to God, does earnestly beg of him for a pardon of all his sins; Thus Expostulating with God for the attainment thereof, Lord, (saith he,) Thou hast given a Pardon unto some, and why not unto me? what way and course therefore may I take for the obtainment of the same; and immediately at his request, (after the performance of duty) the Lord was pleased to give in this Text of Scripture, Isa. 55.7. Let the wicked for sake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon; from hence he gathers hopes of Gods mercy unto his soul, but in temptations his hopes vanished away again; as to those other Scriptures [Page] which the Lord was pleased to han [...] forth unto him, for his stay and comfort in his journey to the heavenl [...] Ierusalem, is conteined in the ensuin [...] Dialogue.

And observe, what now treateth o [...] him, is about his converted estate; being the second Part.

The End of the First Part.

The Second Part, being YOUTH in his unconverted state AEtatis suae 16.

[Page]

Evangelus.

WELL met, A Salutation a [...] before. Friend; how is it with you now?

Paulus.

Now I wonder at my self,Especially of his future [...] state. how [...]norant I have bin; and especially [...]f my being so unconcern'd with my [...] estate as I have.

Evangelus.

Yea, The worke of God upo [...] a convert [...] soul is one of the greatest wonders and miracles in the world. Friend, when God is pleased to [...] a sinner a sight of his fearful [...] out of Christ, he is startled, and [...] amazed, at the consideration of [...] former security therein.

Paulus.

I have found it so, blessed be God [...] you.

Evangelus.

And blessed be God also, for that [...]rovidence which brought us then to[Page]gather, and which now has vouchsafed another like opportunity, wherein we may confer about the things of another world? how therefore (my friend) ha [...] God dealt with you since I last parted from you?

Paulus.

God (I hope) has blessed what then you said unto me, the verity of which has bin set home, by a specia [...] and extraordinary Act of Providence.

Evangelus.

What kinde of Providence (I pray friend) has been exercised towards you since I last saw you?

Paulus.

That, Sir, which the Lord was pleased to hand forth unto me (by you your self,) in answer unto those two suggestions, wherewith I was heretofore troubled, has bin seconded by the sudden death of a poor Small-coal-man.

Evangelus.

How, I pray?

Paulus.

He was going along the streets, [Page] who was measuring of a few Small [...]oal to one of his Customers,A Declaration of Gods Work upon his soul, and the blessed eff [...]cts it has produced, which may serve as an Item to others. God must have all the Glory, because it is he that worketh all our works in us and for us. did [...]mediat [...]ly fall down dead, al [...]hough he was as well as now you [...]nd I are in body, that the sight of [...]is d [...]ath together with the sudden [...]ess thereof, did startle me, and shew [...]d th [...] vanity of protracting and de [...]erring time and repentance as I [...]id.

Evangelus.

Oh! Glory unto the Father, Son and Holy Ghost be ascribed for ever! Oh, [...]ow is your heart affected with this!

Paulus.

I am so unsatisfi [...]d in minde, as that does render me very incapable [...]f performing any service unto God.

Evangelus.

Be sure you give not present Enter [...]ainment unto any thing suggested, [...]ithout special examination, what is [...] therefore in which you are unsa [...]sfied?

[Page]Paulus.

Either to despair or presume, is many times our condition.In Gods mercies.

Evangelus.

How so, for when you knew nothing [...] you could then render unto me God [...] mercy, as grounds sufficient, on whic [...] you built your hopes of salvation [...] Then (my friend) you had no cause s [...] to to do, but now you have, I dar [...] say.

Paulus.

A converted soul is migh [...]y inquisitive.I do suppose, it is all one for that [...] inform me, I pray you, then, how I may come to obtain Gods favour and grace; for I find, as once you tol [...] me, that I have lost it in Adam.

Evangelus.

Friend, as Gods favour was lost in Adam, so it is found in Chri [...]t, see [...] therefore the favour of God i [...] an [...] through Christ. Joh. 14.6.

Paulus.

I must first come to Christ and receive him, before I can make use of him to reconcile me unto God, wheras my faith is weak, and will not as yet lead me unto him.

[Page]Evangelus.

Does that faith which thou hast, assent to Gods Essence; and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Paulus.

Yea, I think it does so, if my heart deceives me not.

Evangelus.

Well, if so, then you have that which will commend you to Iesus Christ, and not only commend you un [...]o him, but likewise that which will [...]nable you to receive him▪ see Heb. 6.1. For he that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Paulus.

God will (I see) make use of you to do my soul good, but what do you think now of my Condition?

Evangelus.

Why, I do believe that thou art an [...]lected Vessel,

Paulus.

What is the reason do you think [...]hen that I should be all this while [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [Page] without an assurance of Gods Lo [...] and mercy to my poor soul.

Evangelus.

Wait, and thou shalt have it, an [...] consider well this Scripture, being Ma [...] 9.17. Neither do men put new win [...] into old bottles, else the bottles break and the wine runneth out, and the bottle perish: but they put new wine into ne [...] bottles, and both are preserved. Fro [...] which I would have you to note, tha [...] though God has his saving work i [...] your soul; yet many corruptions ther [...] are unsubdued, which must be morti [...]fied, before he sees it meet and convenient to give you assurance; nay, unti [...] then, perhaps God sees you uncapabl [...] as to the management thereof.

Paulus.

A sincere Saint bleseth God for every mercy.Blessed be God also for this goo [...] Counsel and Advice.

Evangelus.

If it has proved so to be, I desi [...] to bless God likewise.

Paulus.

Sir, being in haste, I must bid yo [...] [Page] farewel; but I shall consider upon what you have said.

Evangelus.

Farewel then, They part from each other. but I hope I shall see [...] again

Paulus

That you shall, for I cannot [...] [...]ee you now and then.

YOUTH in his CONE [...] Etatis [...]uae 18.

[Page]

Evangelus.

Ministers are glad when they can have any opportunity, wherein the Work of the Lord may be carried on. OH, my good friend, how glad a [...] I to meet with you, for I will a [...]sure thee, thou hast been much up [...] my heart; where has been your abo [...] all this while, that I have sought you [...] frequently, but could never have t [...] happiness to finde you until now.

Paulus.

Whether (Good Sir) you a [...] glad to see me I know not; but I a [...] sure, I am glad to see you: for m [...] wants and indigencies are innum [...] rable and how to express them un [...] any other (but your esteemed sel [...] I know not: in regard that hereto [...] fore you have been very benefici [...] unto mee. In the like strait th [...] now I am in, wherefore (worth [...] Sir) if the presen [...] opportunity do serve as well for you, as it does [...] [Page] [...]e, Administer something of Com [...]rt unto me I pray you?The sufferings of our Lord Jesus, are not only applicatory, but exemplary.

Evangelus.

It is a duty, my friend, incumbent [...]pon those who are Preachers of the Gospel, to imitate their Lord and Sa [...]iour, and to tread those same steps, [...]herein he before them did tread, who [...]lways made the extremity of sinners, [...]is opportunity to do his Fathers Work, [...]nd the like must I; speak on therefore, [...]nd welcom.

Paulus.

I am in such misery,These two extreams undoes many, elther we are prone to think our conditions better then they are, or worse then they are, Job 19.2 [...] Miserius nihil est misero se non miserante. None are in misery but they that can't pity themselves. that I know [...]ot what to do; my Condition is [...]ch that I am asham'd to make [...] known, and my crimes are so hor [...]id, that for a great time I have con [...]ealed them, and loth I am still to di [...]ulge and bring them to Light. Oh! [...]herefore pity me, pity me.

Evangelus.

Why dost thou say, thou art in such misery, as that thou knowest not what to do; I can't chuse but give [...]hee a check for saying thus, upon these several respects.

[Page] First, we ought not to despair [...] long as we have a God, which inde [...] we have, 1 Sam. 17.46.

Secondly, there is no malady so r [...] mediless, but God can apply a Reme [...] thereto; no wound so sore, but God ca [...] [...]eal; no misery so anxious and irr [...] coverable in our apprehensions, but [...] can extinguish the anguish there [...] heals it, and makes that which is i [...] possible with us possible with himsel [...] Gen. 18.14. There is no misery th [...] side of Hell and the Grave, but Go [...] out of his infinite free grace hath ap [...] pointed some proper means for th [...] same, viz. hearing and reading th [...] Word for the unconverted, Prayer an [...] receiving of the Sacrament for th [...] weak in Gifts and Graces, and Chris [...] unto all in general, who will receiv [...] him by faith, Mat. 11.28.

Thirdly, why doest thou say, tha [...] thy condition is such, as that thou ar [...] ashamed to make known; was not a [...] our conditions once s [...], for a natural condition is a damnable, cursed and ignominious condition, Eph. 3.

[Page] Fourthly, why doest thou make the aggravations of thy sins as an Argument to conceal them; whenas God in his Word has said, He that hideth his sins shall not prosper.

Finally, David used the aggravations of his sins, as an Argument with God to Pardon them.

Paulus.

Do you think (good Sir) that I am not a miserable creature, when the Sin against the Holy Ghost is imputed to me.

Evangelus.

This is a cunning stratagem of the Devil; The sin against the Holy Ghost is a final impenitency. Augustinus intellig [...]t percatum in Spiritum sanctum, [...] au [...] finalem impaenite [...]iam in iis, qui non accipiunt Evangelium aut desperationem. Qui [...] haec peccata proprio pugnant cum gratia & [...] abjiciunt. Nam cater [...] peccata, cum fugimus ad gra [...]tam remi [...]tuntur.[Page]Ideo sic interpretatur Augustinus dictum Christi: Qui dixerit verbum contra Spiritum sanctum, id est, qui [...]bum gratia, quod praedicatum, & confirmatum est Testimoniis spiritualibus, finaliter repudiat, is habet peccatum in Spiritum sanctum. Peccatum in Spiritum sanctum est, cum quis divina veritati, & quidem Evangelio cujus fulgore sic perstringitur, ut ignorantiam causari nequeat ta [...] destinata malitia resistit, in hoc ut resistat. Alsted. for those who have committed this sin, have never the Gift of Repentance, their hearts are so hard as that they cannot mourn; and indeed, the great reason rendred, why the sin against the Holy Ghost is unpardonable, is, because there's no repentance for the same; bat now this is not thy case.

Paulus

Sinners under [...]heir first convictions, takes themselves to be of all most miserable.Ah, but you do not know the misery that I am in.

Evangelus.

You cry out of your misery, but you do not tell mee wherein it does consist?

Paulus.

The Devil doth what he can, to divert us of those opportunities, which he thinks may prove most advantageous unto us, many times by dese [...]ing we are hindred from effecting what we hindred.My misery I would fain express, but I cannot, I see therefore that this opportunity will prove to be a lost opportunity, unto my soul, and O wretched man as I am: That I should make a Non-Improvement of those [Page] precious seasons which might be so exceeding advantagious unto me, I shall only now desire of you to appoint another time wherein I shall to the utmost (if God willing) lay open my deplorable Condition unto you.

Evangelus.

But heark you (my friend) do not think that I can be put off with such a frivolous excuse as this, As the Devil does endeavor to hinder Ministers, from doing their Fath [...]rs Work, so Ministers, in like manner, does endeavor to hinder the Devil from the Accomplishment of his cruel Designes. shall we meet together and go away without profit to each other, this is a temptation of the Devil, therefore adhere not to it.

Paulus

Sir,The Devil can frame excuses at his will. business does call me home, and I am also under such an indisposition of body, as that I cannot talk any longer with you?

Evangelus.

What then, It is the duty of Christians to pray one with another. shall we not pray before we part, if you will, I'le joyn with you.

[Page]Paulus.

No, (Good Sir) do you, and I will joyn with you.

A PRAYER Performed by the MINISTER.

O Most Glorious and Gracious Lord God, from everlasting to everlasting thou art the great Creator of Heaven and Earth, and the wise Disposer of all things which thou hast made; We the most unworthiest of all thy servants, do desire to prostrate our selves before thy Divine Majesty, under an humble acknowledgment of thy Goodness, thy Grace, thy Truth and Faithfulness: thy many mercies renewed & continued every day to us, and our great unworthiness of the least of them: We are not worthy of the crumbs that fall from thy Table; not only because we were born in sin, but because we have liv'd in sin, and have daily added to our sinnes, by the vanity of our thoughts, words and actions, and the unsu [...]ableness of the whole man to all [Page] thy Commands: We are ignorant of them, yea, we have digged to our selve [...] Cisterns that will hold no water; W [...] have doubted of thy Promises, broken thy Laws, polluted thine Ordinances, Profan'd thy Sabbaths, abused thy Mercies, slighted thy Iudgements, sinned against the light of our own Consciences, against Grace receiv'd, against the motions of thy Holy Spirit, against Heaven, and in thy sight, and we are not worthy to be called thy children; and therefore most iustly mayst thou pour down thy displeasure upon us, and empty the Vials of thy wrath upon us and ours; it is mercy, nay, infinite mercy and free grace, that we are this side of Hell and the Grave, but much more that we have an opportunity to plead with thee; how many are there in Hell, that would give ten thousand worlds for what we enjoy and have; We bless thee (O Lord) for Iesus Christ, by whose blood these Mercies were Purchased, and the Priviledges which we now enjoy, receive him for us, and accept us in him, [Page] magnifie thy grace in and through him towards us, by pardoning our sins, remiting our transgressions, sanctifying our nature, washing our souls in the water of Regeneration, and by evidencing thy favour unto us under all our cloudy and gloomy dispensations; and this is that (O God) which we are come about at this time; it is the Sun-shine of thy countenance, and strength against our adversary the Devil. Behold, O Lord, thy servant before thee, that is molested by Satan, and burried with his temptations. Behold, O Lord, the enemies which he hath to wrestle with: how are they increased both from without and from within; increase his faith, that his spiritual existence may be sustein'd; let him not perish in his distress and warfare for want of thy assistance; seeing, O God, that we sue not to thee for any terrene or earthly enjoyments, but for grace, that we may through strength received, therefrom be enabled to repel and quench all the fiery darts of the evil one; and therefore for the sake of thy Son Iesus hear us, and strengthen [Page] thy servant, whereby he may now at [...]ist conquer Satan, who has so much [...]deavored to overthrow him: Ap [...]ear for him (O blessed Iesus) unto [...]hom all Power is given in Heaven [...]nd in Earth; and being tempted, [...]nowest how to succour those that be [...]empted. And with us, sweet Father, [...]e mindful of all thine throughout the [...]hole World; Bless thy Church and Zi [...]n, bring home Iews and Gentiles, and [...]ll that belong unto the Election of thy [...]race; Give unto thy Son the Hea [...]hens for his inheritance, and the ut [...]ermost Parts of the Earth for his Possessions. O Lord, keep up England [...]rom falling from thee, let it not languish nor decay in Godliness▪ and let [...]ot wantonness under the means of [...]race procure any want of grace; thou [...]ast divided us, bring us together again; And thou who art a God of Order, O settle Order in thy Church, [...]d Vnity among thy Saints; Let [...]uch as do erre out of ignorance, learn [...]nowledge; and such as have sinn'd against knowledge, finde repentance; Endu [...] the Magistrates with the knowledge [Page] of thy Spirit of Grace and Wisdom, as well as with Power, that w [...] may live a peaceable and quiet life under them, in all godliness and honesty. O let thy Ministers be cloathed with holiness, write it on their Breasts, give them the Urim and Thummim, and let them shine by holiness of life, as well as by doctrine, and Crown all their labours with a Garland of Souls.

Remove not (O Father) thy Candlestick from us, for our unworthiness of it, and unthankfulness for it; but pardon our unpro [...]ableness under it, and teach us to profit more and more; And now, O Lord, comfort thy afflicted Servant before thee; stand by him, and be his Help; and all this we beg in the Name, and for the sake of Iesus Christ, to whom with thy self, and ever blessed Spirit of Grace, enable us to ascribe, as is most due, all Power, Praise, Glory, and sincere obedience, from us and all thine, now, henceforth, and for evermore. Amen.

[...]e dat [...] locum Diab [...]l [...]. Eph. 4.27 Well, I'le detain you no longer, only take this from me, Do not give place to the Devil.

[Page]

Reader,

Take notice, that this poor young [...]onvert, having taken his leave of this [...]recious Minister, doth in his return [...]omewards meet with a cursed in [...]rument of the Devil, being one De [...]as (by name) a sad Apostate, who [...]swades him to throw off Religion, [...]nd to turn Atheist (that is, nothing at [...]ll) of which this ensuing Dialogue [...]ill give a further account.

Demas.

How now, why do you look somelan [...]holy; no doubt but you have been with [...]ome Phanatick Priest or another, your [...]ountenance is so dreadful.

Paulus

I blame your folly,Accus [...] tuam stu [...] titiam. for he whom [...] have been with, let him go under what notion soever, is a holy man, and has been one of great use to me.

Demas.

I sware you talk more like a mad [...]an than any body else, The wicked of the World do [...]ccount godly sorrow nothing but madness & distraction I tell [...]ou; if you believe all what they[Page]say, you'll be distracted, if you are not already.

Paulus

Whether I am distracted or no, I matter not, for take notice, I must observe what they say unto me, because it concerns what I am to do for God, and for my own soul,

Demas.

Why, doest thou think there is a God?

Paulus.

Yes, as firmly as I do believe the Sun to be in Firmament on Noondayes.

Demas.

None are so impioūs, and sinfully audacious, as such who have fallen from the truth, wherof they were once Professors. Doest thee: I hope then, before I shall have done with you, to make you of the same opinion as I am.

Paulus.

There are many opinions in this world.What opinion (I pray) are you of?

Demas.

What opinion am I of? why I am of such an opinion, as that I can produce[Page]you one, whom I'le affirm to be God, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Om [...]iscient, and more just then the God [...]hom you serve; for I shall tell you, I have been of the same opinion with your [...]elf, and have believed on the same God [...]hich you believe, but now I am of an [...]ther mind, and I question not but that [...] shall make you of the same also, if you [...]e but ruled by me.

Paulus.

Pray what is he?

Demas

A sober Gentleman. Mark how the Atheist contradicts [...]imself to call his God a Gentleman, it seems then his God is not a spirit.

Paulus.

Will he do one no hurt? It is not good to be too inquisitive after evil spirits.

Demas

No he will not hurt you; for he is a harmless Gentleman, you may see him if you please.

Paulus

Pray then bring him and let me see him.True is that Adage Nemo l [...]editu [...] ni [...] [...] sci [...]so, No man is h [...]ted but by himself.

[Page]Demas

A Diabolical contrivement Rather than that, I would have you come to my House about ten a Clock to [...] morrow morning, and then we may talk together without any interruption: You know where I live.

Paulus

Well then Ile be sure to come, if I am in health.

Demas

Be sure you do not fail me.

Reader

Now followeth another Conference between Evangelus a Minister of th [...] Gospel, and Paulus the young Convert, who endeavours to hinder him from going, but cannot.

Evangelus

So, So, I see I am forc'd to visit you, before you will visit me.

Paulus

Truly (Sir) I can't help it, for I have been so out of order both in soul and body, (since I saw you last) a [...] that I am not fit to keep any body Company

[Page]Evangelus

Why did you not send for me all this while? A true Minister is at the Call of any that may want him. if you had, I should have come; for I doubt you have had no company, since I have been with you.

Paulus

Yes Sir, I have had some Company with me.

Evangelus.

What company, (I pray) good company?

Paulus.

Truly,Some evil company are so subtil, as we cannot mediately finde out what they are. I know not very well, it was a man, but what to make of him, I know not: For he has undertaken to bring me a Gentleman that is as fully God, as he whom I and you serve.

Evangelus.

Oh fie, The Christians God is but one God, Deut. 6.4. why are you so deceived, as to think any such thing? what evil company have you commun'd with, know you not, that there is but one God, and that is our God? what a blasphemous wretch was he that told you, from whence did he come, and where doth he dwell?

Paulus.

His name is Demas, Deceivers are here, and there, and every where. he came out of the Countrey, his place of abode [Page] (for a time) is in the City; and about ten of the Clock this Morning; I am bound by vertue of Promise to come and see him and the Gentleman.

Evangelus.

Holy Anticipation is allowed. Well, although you have promised to [...] come and see him, yet I do intend to prevent you.

Paulus.

Mark the fallacious way of arguing from a deceitful heart.No, pray Sir, say not so, for if I [...] should disappoint him, he would then [...] reflect upon us and our Religion, and cause the honour of Christianity to lie at stake, if you are loth to let me go alone, do you then go with me.

Evangelus.

I, nor you, neither shall go; if they will come to us, well and good; but for us to come to them, I do not approve of it; therefore think not of going, though you have promised, remembring the Proverb, Its better somtimes to break a Promise then to keep it.

Paulus.

How if they should come to me after you are gone.

[Page]Evangelus

Then send for me;We must have à care of challengeing the Devil, left therefore the Devil and I dare to meddle with them, if they come upon our own grounds.

[...]hereby God suffers him to conquer us, what we do in a way of Disputation with must be onely in our own defence.

Reader,

Now take notice, that after the departure of this Minister; these two Deceivers comes unto this sweet Convert; One of which proves no otherwise then the Devil, as you shall finde by the sequel of the story.

Demas and Apollyon.

How now, How Ironically do they speak. who taught you to break your Promise, did your Priests?

Paulus.

No,Necessitas [...]on habit legem. other busines [...] did intervene, so as yet I could not come according to promise.

Demas.

Well, this is the Gentleman of whom I spoke, and Promised to bring to you.

[Page]Paulus

Christians can't but shew themselves civilly to strangers.Is it so, I pray you; Sir, sit down, for you are very welcom.

Apollyon.

The Devil can carry himself as civil and sober as any. I thank you, Sir,

Paulus.

The young Mans Petition unto the Devil for concession, In a matter of special concernment.I did promiss to inform a friend of mine concerning you: Wh [...] promised to come unto me, and to make one of our Company.

Demas.

What is he, I pray?

Paulus

He is a Minister of the Gospel.

Demas.

'As there is no room for Gods children here below among the wicked, so likewise there shall be no room above in Heaven for the wicked among Gods children. The devil must have a word in. Oh it is no matter fo [...] him, another time we [...] serve as well as now, [...] moreover, I brought th [...] Gentleman with me, o [...] ly to speak concernin [...] affairs, privately among our selves.

Apollyon.

It will not be convenient to have an [...] besides our selves.

[Page]Paulus.

Well,Mitte Diabolum, let the Devil alone. Sir, what you please.

Apollyon.

Sir, The Devil, makes a bargain with the young man. I understand here, by my friend, that you are under some sore Conflict, wherefore I was desir'd occasionally by our self, and instrumentally by him, [...].e. Demas, to visit you; and so consequentially to administer somthing of [...]omfort unto you, in order to which I must have you to promise me these three several things. First, to deny the God whom now you serve. Secondly, [...]o abstain from the Company which you frequent. Thirdly, to believe what I shall say unto you.

Paulus

To any thing that is reasonable,The Bargain is accepted upon such, and such conditions. [...] shall yield, especially if you can but [...]move your self to be God, and him whom I serve to be no God, the pro [...]ation of which I expect through [...]ertue of promiss, made by your friend.

Demas

Well that he can do.

[Page]Apollyon.

The Devil is a brag. Yes, and easily too.

Reader,

Note, how Demas doth app [...] himself to Apollyon, prescribing a [...] ter what manner the Conferen [...] shall be carried on with conven [...] ency.

Demas.

The Devil must have one to help him. The only Method, as I suppose, carry on this Conference among [...] selves, is, (Good Sir) by letting hi [...] produce those Arguments, which has so prove a God; and so you to a [...] swer as he brings them, and pray [...] me how you like it?

Apollyon.

I like it very well; how do yo [...] like it, Sir?

Paulus.

I do like it very well also, provide [...] you will not let the plainness of [...] Arguments make any thing invalid.

Apollyon.

Well, produce your Arguments co [...] cerning the certainty of a God.

[Page]Paulus.

I shall after this manner express myself;The Trinity prov [...]d from five Considerations. And first of all, the Creatures do testify the truth of a Deity, and him whom I serve, in regard that it is he who gaveth being of all things, viz. The beings of the Heavens, and of the Earth, and all things contained therein. Secondly, that kind of Gubernation which is among all Creatures, whether humans, divine or diabolical, does evidence the one supream Government, which is of God. Thirdly, the great impression of a Deity upon the hearts of men, evidenced by the accusations of a guilty conscience; and likewise by that Worship which Heathens do ascribe unto fa se god, which being considered it doth exceedingly demonstrate that there is a true God, though they be ignorant of him. Fourthly, I do believe there is a [...]od, and that it is him whom I serve, because the Scriptures do directly make an obvious discovery and revelation of him. Fifthly and lastly, I do believe that all what I have said is true, because the Devils in Hell would [Page] tear us in pieces, were it not for the Existence of an Almighty God.

Apollyon.

Well, all this we do not deny: Vengeance will be executed upon the devil one day, for appropriating Gods titles unto himself. for wha [...] you have said as yet does prove me as much God as any other, therfore you must begin again.

Paulus.

As long as faith is in a soul, so long is the Reverence of a Deity continued.Nay, I would not for a thousand of Worlds think any otherwise, but that there is a true God [...] and he it is whom I serve.

Apollyon.

Nay, but I'le prove to the contrary, and will affirm, The devil is a blasphemous spirit. that the God whom you now serve, is a diabolical Spirity, and likewise is one whom I shall, in Process of time, inflict my wrath upon, for his carriage both to me and all mankinde.

Paulus.

Observe the Combate between youth and the devil.Why, is not that God whom I serve, now in Heaven, and surely if so, then he is the true God.

[Page]Apollyon.

That is true, The devil is a lying spirit. he is in Heaven, but it is only by usurpation.

Paulus.

Whose Throne is Heaven then?

Apollyon.

It is the Throne of the true God.

Paulus.

Who is the true God?The youth (through ignorance) familiarizes too much with the devil.

Apollyon.

He who now doth talk with you. Audacious blasphemy.

Paulus.

How come you to be out of your place then?

Apollyon.

I came out of my place for your sake.

Paulus.

Sir,A doubting soul affects nothing so much as plainness. I am in great distress, pity me therefore, and do not argue sophistically with me, who am not able at this time to answer you.

Apollyon.

Have a care you do not by me as the woman of Samaria did, Behold the devices of this fallen Angel, th [...] Lord keep us from him. when I appeared visibly on earth (to the whole world) for the sake of mankind.

Paulus.

O what shall I do?

[Page]Apollyon.

Believe in me that you may have life.

Paulus.

Lord have mercy upon me.

Apollyon.

The Devil can bring Scripture for a need. Why do you doubt, I am a Spirit do you not know that God is a Spirit John 4.24.

Paulus.

I do believe God is a Spirit.

Apollyon.

Why do you then contend with m [...] any further, who am so fully God as have declared unto you.

Paulus.

When we are tempted, we should rather say. Get [...]lee behind us, Satan; than to talk with him, and ask him Questions.Did you create the Heavens and th [...] Earth, and all thing contained ther [...] in.

Apollyon.

The Devil is made up with nothing but lies. Yea, and you too.

Paulus.

Lord have mercy upon me.

Apollyon.

How far does God somtimes suffer the Devil to usurp his Prerogative. Nay, him whom thou thinkest to be God, I made.

[Page]Paulus.

Pardon me then blessed God) that I have offered to con [...]end thus with thee;Oh poor young man! my bowels do yearn after thee, and all in thy condition; yet I doubt not, but God will raise thee up again, and shew thee the vanity of thy ways. [...]als by (I pray) my [...]alapert, audacious, [...]nd rustical carriage [...]owards thee; for I see now I am, [...]ike the woman of Samaria, who, through ignorance, ascribed the title of Sir ship unto him that was King over Heaven and Earth, even as I have done towards thee.

Apollyon.

I pardon thee, O Devil pardon thy self. because what thou hast done, has been through ignorance.

Paulus.

Yea (good Lord) that it was.Faith is batter'd.

Apollyon.

Well, time doth call me away, The Devil rehearseth over his bargain, that he might be sure, for he is fearful of his prey. for indeed I have many souls to look after, therefore I must leave you, only desiring you to remember those three things once Propos'd; viz. 1. The denying of God which once you serv'd. [Page] 2. The abstaining from those Ministers, which once you frequented. 3. The believing what I have said, and shall furthermore say unto you.

Paulus.

With all my heart, good Lord.

Apollyon.

Farewel ther, to-morrow-morning I'le come and see you again.

Paulus.

Oh, my Lord, go not away so soo [...] from me.

Apollyon.

It matters not, as long as I shall come so quickly unto you again.

Paulus.

Then farewel, my Lord.

Reader

Take notice, that when the Devil had parted from this Youth, Demas the day after comes according to promiss; But Apollyon is not with him; from whence we may gather thus much, It is impossible for the Devil to keep his promiss, in regard that he is the father of lyes and lyers, [Page] The end wherefore Demas came, you will understand by the ensuing discourse.

Demas.

How do you, my friend?

Paulus.

As well as any damned creature can do, but where is my Lord.

Demas.

He could not come through excessive want of him at another place; Observe this plain contradiction; for if he was God, then he could not have been hindred; moreover, this denies the Omnipresence of God, as well as his Omnipotence. but why doest thou say, thou art damned, for if so, then thou art irrecoverable; which if thou wert, Apollyon would not undertake to do any thing for you, neither should I have brought him to you.

Paulus

I believe you good Sir,Here is Thanksgiving without occasion, and a blessing of the devil instea [...] of God. T [...]e trying of no way conscientious, is the cause of ma [...]y tha [...] comes to be nothing. and therefore do desire to bless God for you, because you brought me acquainted with him.

Demas.

Alas, I have tried all ways, but could finde no rest, till I met with him, and so it will be with thee.

[Page]Paulus

Ha, how may one be deceived; for I thought that I was in the right way, and worship'd the true God, but it seemes it is otherwise, do you think therefore your God will receive me, after I have been serving a strange God?

Demas.

The devil and his companions are all one. A cursed inqui [...]tion. Yes, yes, I'le warrant that.

Paulus

When will he come to me then?

Demas.

Tomorrow morning precisely, at five of the Clock; I came therefore, as desired by him, to inform you of it, and likewise from my self to advise you of several things.

Paulus

Speak on, and well come.

Demas.

We are apt many times to welcom that, which in the cl [...]se, conduceth to cur ruine. First, be sure you do remember and [...]e [...]r in minde what Apollyon said unto you last; Now that which I have from my self unto you is this, Whatsoever my Lord shall require of you, condescend unto it immediately; therefore if he should require your self, give up[Page]your self unto him by a free Resignation of spirit, with [...]ut any doubting, for if you should in the juncture of time that he requires any thing of you, seem to refuse, he then departs from you totally and finally; This I know, because, through fear, I had like to have given him occasion my self; and hence it is that I caution you.

Paulus

The Lord your Master treble it into your bosome, for what you have done unto me.

Demas.

Nay, my Work is wages.

Paulus

I Question not but it is.

Demas.

Well, I must bid you adieu.

Paulus

And you also, but be sure yo [...] bring my Lord with you.

Demas.

Don't question that.

Reader

When this young Convert had departed [Page] from his two supposed friends▪ and from one especially, he walks abroad, and in his return homewards, finds a letter directed unto him by that Choice Minister of Jesus Christ, from whom he had abstein'd so long, and by whom he could not be found, through obligation unto a Promise. The Letter is as followeth.

To the Beloved of my Soul T.P.

My Son,

FOR so I may call thee, because in the Lord Iesus I begot thee, in whose Name I command attention unto the affectionate Exhortations of your distressed father, who through thy disobedience unto God, has almost brought his hoary head with sorrow unto the Grave: and for which cause I have made my tears my meat and drink, day and night, ever since I saw thee last. Ah Child, thou art gone, which vexe [...][Page]me sore; but the consideration of thy being gone from God, vexes me sorest of all; how happy wouldest thou make me, if I could but see▪ thy face before I go from hence, and be seen no more: I long to understand thy Conflicts, as once I did, that I might thereby administer something of comfort and advice, in a more sympathizing and condoling manner then ever. The thoughts of thy groans pierces me to the heart; but the thoughts of thy trials and temptations doth so oppress my spirits, as that I know not what to do; Art thou not therefore blameworthy, to carry thy self in such an occult and secret manner as thou doest; fall down, I beseech you, through the sense thereof; think not of being freed from Satan, while thou art such a friend unto him in keeping of his counsel. The Devil is a subtile enemy, adhere not to him, believe him no [...], and give no credit unto any of his suggestions; to be ruined is sad, but to be instrumental to thy own ruine is more sad: Something of the Devils wiles thoa hast already s [...]n:[Page]O therefore, let such an Experiment anticipate all his other designes from having effect; keep off from him, have nothing to do with him; for there is nothing but malice and evil in all his designes: I hear, you make a strict Inquisition after Satan, I pray wherefore is it? Have you a minde to lose your soul? Are you in love with your own damnation? Is the loss of Heaven, and the Enjoyment of God nothing? Will the Devil ve a better friend to you then God? Will the Flames of Hell be as sweet as a Bed of Roses? Will weeping in the Labyrinth of eternal misery, be more pleasant then the singing Hall [...]lujahs in the glorious Heavens? which is best to be chosen, misery, or felicity, Iudg you; which would you chuse, to sit at Gods right Hand, or his Left; why I tell you, if you combine with the Devil, you will then take Gods gre [...]test Enemies part, and thereby will lose all those perpetual, heavenly and celestial Ioys, Promised and Prepared for Gods Elect.

If thou believest and know what heaven is, live then as one that knows the[Page]same. Oh, go to the throne of grace, and leave it not, till thou doest find the grace of God and the Oyl of Consolation Pour'd into thy heart, and for the order of your appearing unto God, demean your self as the Prodigall, Luke 15. Cry as David, Psalm. 38.18. For I will declare my Iniquities, and will be sorry for my sins; how thy state now is, I know not, and therefore after what maner to write to thee I know not, I do believe your case is dreadfull, by the oppression of my own spirlt, and your being so long absent from me, and whether now this may come to you I cannot tell, therefore I shall desist from writing so amply as I would.

Aug. 16. 1672.

Your Father in the Lord Jesus W. W.

[Page]The young Man having received this Letter, reades it; and having read it, he considers upon it, and at last is affected exceedingly therewith; but these two Deceivers coming unto him again, doth through their vain discourse and diabolical concernment, make this Youth to yield unto them, so as that he forgets the Letter (which came from his dear friend) in which was conteined such wholesom, seasonable and compassionate Instructions.

Demas and Apollyon.

So, what now, I hope you have not transgress'd.

Paulus

Not I indeed.

Apollyon.

How then comes it to▪ pass you look so sad?

Paulus

I have by an unparalleld providence, received a letter from one who lov'd me, which is strange in regard that he knew not where I dwelt.

Apollyon.

The Devil proves there is no Providence by a Lie and corrects the young man for his illiterat [...]ness. Sha, Providence; there's not such things [Page]as that; for those things which you call Providence, are only things which falls out by chance; and you also talk illiterately and foolishly, to say that was unparallel'd, because such as this has bin common ere now.

Paulus

Nay, I do not know, but none shall make me to believe any otherwise but that it was Miraculous, if it will not hold with being unparallel'd.

Demas.

Pray let me speak a word in your ear. There are the whisperings of an evil spirit, us well as a good.

Paulus.

With all my heart, Good Sir.

Demas.

Pray now, have a care of carrying your self foolishly, left thereby you occasion him to depart, as I told you once before.

Paulus

Well I will.

Apollyon.

How are you compos'd in minde?

Paulus

Not very well, My Lord.

[...]

[Page]

[...]

[Page]

[Page]Apollyon

Behold the Devi [...]. How can you call me Lord? and adjoyn such an ep [...]thite (as my) thereto, whereas you have not given up your self unto me.

Paulus

Will you accept of me, Oh Lord?

Apollyon

If I had meant otherwise, I should not have ask' [...] you.

Paulus

The young Man speaks to the Devil after the Language of Canaan, which ou [...]ht to be used with God only.Lord I am at your service, do with me as seems good in thy sight.

Apollyon

Has that God which you serv'd, been good to you?

Paulus

Hard thoughts of God are the fruits of Atheism When th [...] soul has hard thoughts of God, the Devil will do what he can to multiply themTruly I must needs say this, that though I had many things of the other [...]od whom I serv'd yet he would not give me all as I desir'd.

Apollyon

That I believe, and shall I tell you those many things which you had of him were not so reall as they were Presented to you, being only shadows.

[Page]Paulus

It's likely so truely.The young man now accords with the Devil in everything A time appointed for the Contract.

Apollyon

Well if you are willing (as you say) to be my Servant, meet me about five of of the Clock at night, by the place where we use to meet, and bring with you your Penknise, Paper, and Pen, this is all, only be sure to meet me without fail, or else be it to your own peril.

Paulus

I'le be sure not to fail you.

Apollyon

Till then farewell.

Reader

Thus thou seest how this poor Convert is tossed up and down through the wiles and Machinations of Satan, how Sollicitous have been the vety powers of H [...]ll, to destroy the soul of this young man, how have they Combin'd together for the making of their stratagems effectual. For once he went with an intent to meet the Devil, and as he was entring into the appointed place, the Spirit of God interrupted [Page] him by setting home this Scripture, with such power, Mat. 16.26. For what is a man profited, if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul; At that he was forc'd to return home again, and ask God for pardon, and yet nevertheless Corruption being very prevalent and the Devil mighty busie, he was thereby impuls'd to make another attempt in the like manner, who accordingly did, as you may understand by what shall follow.

Apollyon.

The Devils salutation Well met (my Paulus) why does [...] thou muse with thy self?

Paulus

The young man is daunted.I am at a stand, and know not what to do.

Apollyon.

An Interrogation. At a stand, why so?

Paulus

He reasons with the Devil.You know (O Lord) the business which we are met about, and the weightiness thereof, therfore I hope, reason will shew why I look so.

[Page]Apollyon.

Friend, The Devil knows how to suit hims [...]If, according to the constitutions of People. The Devil makes many times, as if he was but indifferent, in those things which he is most earnest and desirous of. As for my part, it matters not, whether or no you consent to what I require; it was for your happiness that I requir'd this from you; but to conclude, take notice, that I will not be made a fool by such an one as you; Go therefore to your other God, and see what [...]e can do for you, for I scorn to receive you.

Paulus.

Good Lord, fret not your self so, for I am not going away from you, only I desire deliberation, suiting with a work of so great a concernment as this.

Apollyon.

Nay, The devil is an angry spirit. call not me Lord, except you were my servant; and as for your deliberation, you have had time enough already.

Paulus.

Ha,We are apt many ti [...]es to consider when it is too late. but I never did deliberate upon it till now.

[Page]Apollyon.

The Devil knows so well the advantage of consideration, as that if he should give way to it, he knows it would dash all his designes to pieces. If so be you could not deliberate, when you had time enough, expect it not now.

Paulus.

Well, if so, you will not give me leave to satisfie my self herein; I know not what to say to you.

Apollyon.

You know not what to say to me, say somthing or nothing; and if in this you be not satisfied, a Fig for you.

Paulus.

Be not angry, I pray.

Apollyon.

Here is cause to be angry, when you deal thus with me, Bla [...]hemy. who am so fully God. Consider the aggravation that does attend it, therefore in this one minute resolve me, either in the negative or affirmative.

Paulus.

What would you have me to do?

[Page]Apollyon

Only this, The Author dares not write here what he did write, lest it should prove a tentation. Put P [...]n to Paper and write thus.

Paulus.

Well,Note, thus far he went, and further he had gone, if divine Grace had not restrain'd him. I will write thus, (For)

Apollyon.

Proceed, The devils Advice to the yong man Divine Providence interrupts. The devil claims him before he is his. why stay you your hand?

Paulus.

I know not what the matter is, for I cannot move my hand.

Apollyon.

You had as good go on now, seeing that you have written the first word, viz. (For) for you are mine by what you have done already.

Paulus.

I defie you as yet,The young man defies the devil. for I know what I have done.

Apollyon.

A Nuncup [...]ti [...] Well is as good as a written one, A devilish machination it was, that which had almost prevailed upon the young man, in making of him to yield, by putting Pen to Paper, of which further observe. so that what you have not done by Pen you have done by word of Mouth, and therefore it is all one.

[Page]

Observ. I.

The young man supposing him, with whom he had conferr'd so long, to be the Devil, breaks forth into these breathings of spirit (unto the true God whom once he serv'd) viz. Now, now, now, O precious Saviour, give me somthing for my faith to act upon, by making of thy self unto me [...] present help in the time of need, and for the future try me.

Observ. II.

The Devil perceiving such sweet Motions to be upon the heart of the young man, and being destitute of all hopes in having him as his prey; doth by the Authority of God vanish and leave him for a time.

Observ. III.

This young man, as he was walking up and down, did experience more and more, that he with whom he conspir'd against his God, was the [Page] Devil, which caus'd him to cry out thus, O wretched man as I am, that I should go so far with the wicked one; how shall I escape damnation, whenas I have thus transgress'd.

Observ. IV.

This young man wondring at him self, did meditate upon several things; and as he was reading one place of Scripture, alluded to in a book, entituled, (The Sinners Sanctuary) being, Hebr. 10.23. Let us hold fast the Profession of our faith without wavering, for he is faithful that promised. The Devil assaults him again, and appears in the shape of a white Spaniel dog, with a Letter in his Mouth, saying unto him, Thou [...] not Elected; at which the young man rises up, and speaks to God as follows.

And I thought thou didst give unto at some token of love and mercy; but [...]ow I am afraid that I was deceived, and therefore if the manifestation which then I had was not right, skew it (I pray thee) unto thy servant;[Page]but if right, then be pleased to back it with another as Powerful as before, through the efficacy of some Scripture, co-essential with it, which the Lor [...] accordingly did in the very junctur [...] of time; and bringing also with th [...] same a Scripture essential thereto, viz Hos. 11.3. From whence he gathere [...] That the truth of Election did not consist in a bare knowledge thereof, bu [...] that Election might be where no appearance thereof could be foun [...] The Youth now travelling homeward doth in his way meet with a great ma [...] stiffe Dog, running round about him and catching hold on the left latchets o [...] of his shooes, doth vanish. And b [...] ing return'd safe home, he meets wit [...] the holy Minister who was so much concern'd with him, and the discours be [...] tween these two, it as f [...]lloweth.

Evangelus

Oh, My Lamb! Where hast tho [...] been all this while? For it rejoyceth my soul to see thee once more.

Paulus

Oh, but you have no cause to be glad in seeing me at this time, and i [...] such a condition.

[Page]Evangelus.

Why talkest thou thus (My Child) as now thou doest, tell me therefore to case my oppressed soul, where thou hast been, and what is the matter with thee?

Paulus.

I have been where I have seen a man that did come out of the Air,The young man talks lightheaded, through the excessive te [...]n▪ p [...]t [...]ons of the devil. The danger of shunning good Councel. yea, where I know not my self I have been.

Evangelus.

Obstinacy against good Councel doth always bring forth evil effects; for now have I prayed with thee, wept over thee, and given thee good Councel, but by none of these could I prevail, for fighting and rejecting of which thou art brought into unspeakable misery.

Paulus.

I am sensible of this,He despairs. but here lies my misery, it is too late.

Evangelus.

Do not say so, as long as we have a day in which we may work.

Paulus.

Did I belong to God, I should receive somthing of comfort from what [Page] you say, but you know not my condition, in vain therefore it is to take pains with such an one as I.

Evangelus.

Why not take pains with you now▪ I have done so once, and God has blest it; and I question not but he will d [...] the like now.

Paulus.

It is the sin of young Converts, to condemn and censure every thing, which seems not at the first view right.I believe nothing is too hard for God, and I know that he can save my soul, but I am sure he will not.

Evangelus.

The misery of this young man contributes anxiety to the Minister. My C [...]d, it pricks me to the heart, in hearing such blasphemy proceed from thee; certainly an evil spirit has bin busie with thee.

Paulus.

An ambiguous speech.Busie, yea, and more busie will he be.

Evangelus.

Child, I am thy friend, thou knowest it; do not therefore put me off with such Riddles, AEnigmaes, Allegories, and dark kinde of speeches as these are▪[Page] [...] I do not affect them, especially from [...]han one as your self.

Paulus.

I am afraid the devil has bin too [...]d for me.The grounds of fear.

Evangelus.

Wherein, my Lamb!

Paulus.

The last time that you was with [...] (you may remember) you en [...]ir'd of me, what company I had? [...] which I reply'd, A man that I [...]ew not very well.

Evangelus.

What, that irrenious fellow?

Paulus.

Yea, that fellow.

Evangelus.

But I hope, you have not seen him, the Gentleman which you spoke of, [...]ce that time.

Paulus.

Yes, but I have to my sorrow, I [...]nsure.

Evangelus.

I am afraid so too, The Ministers suspicion. what did you do [...]hen you were together?

[Page]Paulus

To rehearse I dare not, to con [...] I am [...]o [...]nd.

Evangelus.

The Minister se [...]ks a [...]er an interpretation of the young M [...] is Proverb. What means this (To reveal I [...] not, to conceal I am bound) who i [...] that you are so oblig'd to, as that dare not disoblige? none but surely.

Paulus

I wish it was so.

[...]vangelus.

Dally not with me, if it is to contrary, tell me so.

Paulus

He [...]eclare this A [...]ost [...]ey.Loth I am to tell you, beca [...] was once a Christian, or at least in pretence, once I did own Christians God. But who do think is my God now?

Evangelus.

The Ministers belief 'of the youth. Him, I hope, besides whom properly can be said to be God.

Paulus

Is not the Devil God?

Evangelus.

In what respect the devil is God. Yea, catachr [...]stically and impro [...] he is so called, but (I hope) [...][Page]him whom thou hast chosen.

Paulus.

What he is,The dev can transform him▪ self into many shapes. I know not, but he [...]es in the habit of a Gentleman.

Evangelus.

What is it the Gentleman which you [...] me of just now.

Paulus.

Yea, that is him whom I have own [...] to be God.

Evangelus.

How! Renounce it for the sake of our soul, I charge you.

Paulus.

It has bin past renouncing long [...]go.

Evangelus.

God forbid, I would not have it so [...]orten thousand worlds.

Paulus.

It is so confirm'd, as that ten thousand and ten thousand can't revoke it.

Evangelus.

What hast thou done then?

Paulus.

I have given my soul to him.

Evangelus.

Did he require it of thee, and hast thou done it?

[Page] The young man did go very near in contracting with the Devil, but he did totally contract with him, as you will find in fine. Yes, yes, yes.

Evangelus.

[...] Dost thou [...] know what thou h [...] done?

Paulus.

I think so, why what is the ma [...]ter?

Evangelus.

What is the matter? thou hast [...] Gods greatest enemies part.

Paulus.

Who is that, I pray?

Evangelus.

Satan, which is call'd the Devil.

Paulus.

The young man prays for a deprecation of his misery. Behold how his misery is augmented by many gradations.The Lord forbid.

Evangelus.

Nay, it is so, and Christ have mercy on thee; from a Christian thou ar [...] become a Wizard; and so consequentially thou art ripened for Hell, a [...] much as once I thought thou wert for Heaven; thy condition is such, as i [...] renders thee incapable of the love of[Page]God; so that now he hates you, his Children hates you, your Relation hates you; and, adieu, my friend, adieu.

Paulus

Attend (Good Sir) and do not you who has been alwayes my friend leave me now in my greatest perplexity. Examine me a little, before you give me over quite, and let the time before encourage you hereunto.

Evangelus.

I wish you were but more sensible; when I saw you first, you seem'd to be somwhat penitent; but I am afraid now God has stricken thee with a judicial hardness and blindness.

Note, in this Discourse comes Demas, who interrupts, and speaks as followeth.

Demas.

I wonder, Sir, you would urge him to renounce that which he hath seal'd to by his own blood, and calling God as a witness to the same.

[Page]Paulus.

O stop thy mouth; false thou hast been to me, for as to paper, yea, and also blood, I do deny, and therefore say no such word.

Evangelus.

Is this he (my Child) whom thou call'st Demas; if so then, that thou didst not enter into any combination with him and his Comrague the Devil by blood, return Praise to God, and matter not what they say: And wherfore dost thou (O Demas,) impute that to my Lamb, which he was never guilty of?

Demas.

Pray who be you, that you rage so much at me, as if I was engaged to the Devil, and as if I was the cause of troubling your friend; both of which I deny, and pray speak no more but what you can prove.

Evangelus.

Thou art a Liar, being like the Devil thy father; for we fear not thee nor any of thine, and it shall be prov'd that thou wert the great Instrument, which the Devil made use of to destroy my Child; but the God whom we[Page]serve has deceived thee, Glory be ascrib'd unto him for ever.

Demas.

Know you friend, I will not be th [...] taunted at by you; and did I b [...] bring the God whom I serve, yo [...] would tremble, meerly through a fight of him.

Evangelus.

We care not for you, nor your God; and if you should bring him hither, we would not stir out of our Places.

Demas.

I shall ere long make trial of that, and until then, farewell.

Evangelus.

And farewel y [...]u.

Paulus.

How glad am I that he is gone.

Evangelus.

Ha Child, An Exhortation to Thanksgiving. walk as long as you live in the sense of this mercy, of agracious God unto you, in restreining you from doing what you was tempted to; And now for the glory of this God, I do desire you to make a brief Confession of your being first acquain [...]ed with this Person, Motives to Confession▪ and so with the Devil, and [Page]what it was he required of you, tha [...] these things may be left as a Narra [...]tive of Gods dealings with you unt [...] succeeding Generations.

The CONFESSION of PAVLVS

When I first began to be troubled, this Person (Demas) being a [...] ancient Acquaintance of mine, wh [...] at first seem'd mighty zealous in the ways of Godliness, did of late visit me very often, and perceiving of m [...] to be somwhat unsatisfied, he demanded the Reasons thereof; and a [...] last understanding somthing of it, he told me that he had experienc'd the God whom I serv'd, not to be the true God, producing substantial Reasons (as I thought) for the proof thereof, which winn'd so upon me, and being likewise perceiv'd by him, it did make him somwhat prevalent with me, to grant leave that he might bring the Gentleman unto me, (i.e. Devil) which being granted, and concealing it from you, [Page] together with many temptatious that attended me. I did meet him at a certain time and place appointed, and so in process of time he got me to deny these three things. 1. To deny the God whom I serv'd. Observe the evil eff [...]cts that do ensue the concealing of suggestions. 2. To abstain from the Ministers I frequented. 3. To believe whatsoever be should say unto me; which after these were granted, he then made me to promise my soul unto him, in form as aforesaid, ( ) and as soon as I had set Pen to paper; and writ this word (For) I could not go any further, which being perceived by him, he cursed me, and withal told me, that if I did not write, it was all one, and I was his, as long as I had set Pen to Paper; only this he added, If I would write all, then he would be more merciful unto me at the expiration of my time; but if I did not, he then would use me [...]o much the more cruel; the saying of which does at this present time trouble my soul very much [...] [...]hinking that I am his: And therefore, I [Page] pray Sir, what think you of it?

Evangelus.

Child, that was only a temptation fram'd by himself, to draw you aside [...] set Pen to Paper.

Paulus.

Say you so, but what shall I [...] then with your God, which I on [...] worshipped, he, I suppose, will b [...] never recounted unto me, because have disowned him and all his Commandments.

Evangelus.

Truly (my Child) if so be it is a [...] things are Presented to me, I mus [...] needs say then, If your Head was [...] fountain of tears, and your Hands streams thereof, you could not sufficiently mourn for what you have done; and moreover, if God had damn'd you longere this had been committed, he would have been justified therein, but much more now, when you are guilty of that which I thought you would never have been guilty of. Nevertheless, from hence gather Hope, viz. Gods restraining of you to do what was intended, it being an infallible sign that[Page]God is willing to save thee.

Paulus.

O that I had but assurance of it.

Evangelus.

Nay, (no doubt) it may be a long time before God will give you an assurance of his love, in regard that you have by exceeding Provocations forfeited it.

Paulus.

Ha, but I am one, that can never be at peace, unless God doth immediately tell me that all my sins are forgiven, nay, I am afraid I shall kill my self, if God does not cast some favourable aspect upon me.

Evangelus.

How do you talk! have you not provoked God enough already, and will you provoke him still? have a care lest you do thereby augment your misery.

Paulus.

Alas, I am damn'd, I am damn'd, do not then blame me for speaking so.

Evangelus.

I must needs confess your case is desperate; but yet notwithstanding this,[Page]if you will go to God in his own way, you may find mercy.

Paulus

I have (without doubt) commited the sin against the holy Ghost, in regard of those several aggravations which do attend my Sins, for did you ever hear of any sav'd, who sin'd after their Baptism, and acknowledgment of the truth.

Evangelus.

Nam multa possunt ostendi veteris & Novi Testamenti exempla ubi lapsi remissionem peccatorum & absolutionem à Christo & Ecclesia sunt consecuti, viz. David, Manasse, Petrus, lapsa est Galatarum Ecclesia, & à Paulo ad poenitentiam revocata: & Paulus ipse Corinthium incestum jub [...]t recepi post poeni tentiam. Aug. The young mans sins of omission and commission. Yea, surely, for what think you of David, Manasse, Peter, and the Church of the Galatians, when called in by Paul to repentance.

Paulus

If I had but access to the Throne of grace, it would be something, but I have been for a year and an half (through sin) debarr'd there from, how think you therefore that I can go without Blushing.

[Page]Evangelus.

If thou wouldest have God to take any notice of thee, thou must go to the Throne of grace in great shame and confusion.

Paulus

What if I can't lift up so much as my eyes unto him.He cannot lift up his eyes to God.

Evangelus.

Yes, Luke 16. for have you not read of the Publicans demeanour before God?

Paulus

This is true, and therefore my dear friend, I am much oblidg'd to you, for all your love and pains with me, and if you will be pleas'd to tell me what I must do when I come home, I shall thereby be ingaged more than ever.

Evangelus.

First, Heb. 7.25 Ezek. 33.11. Psal. 32.5. Psa. 38.18 believe that God is still able and willing to save thee.

Secondly, confess thy iniquities, be sorry for them, and then ask forgiveness,[Page]with a firm resolution in the strength of Christ, to do so no more.

Thirdly, by the greatness of thy sins plead for a Pardon from God.

Fourthly, make Christ the Way to the Father, excluding altogether your own works and righteousness, from justification and salvation. Joh. 14.6. Mat. 26.41. 1 Thes. 5.17. Phil. 4.11 1 Tim 6.8 Eph. 4.27. Jam. 47.

Fifthly, omit no duty for your life.

Sixthly, endeavour to be content in all states and conditions.

Seventhly, be not a friend io the Devil, by concealing any of his Suggestions.

Eph. 4.27. 2 Co. 11.2. Eighthly, tempt not the devil.

Ninthly. For the future live with a more holy jealousie then [...]ver.

Paulus

This together with what you have formerly done for me, I shall remember (I hope) as long as I live.

Evangelus.

Nay, many things I have to say, [Page]but you cannot hear them now▪ I shall therefore reserve them till another opportunity that you and I may have; but in the mean time, the God of Heaven bless you, and so farewel.

FINIS.

Courteous Reader,

[Page]

Which Title thou shalt well deserve, if thou wilt but excuse the Author from such Errata's as have escaped the Press, being very many and great, his distance from the City not giving him the opportunity to peruse the sheets as they were done, the most material whereof are here subjoyn'd, and do beg the coverture of thy candid censure.

§

ERRATA in the Epistle Dedicatory.

Line 31 read not of any of you, line 177 leave out and. line 218. read but Iesus Christ who will plead.

Errata in the Book.

Page 3 line 4. in the Margent put Eph. 2.20. p. 8. l.6. put three for two. page 22. l 1. for 1 Iohn 5.7. put Acts 5.3. p. ib. l. 6. for I say r. I see. p. 34. l. 3. for 4. r. 24. p. 35. l. 1. for your r. you. p. 49. l. 3. for it r. them. p. 42. l. 17. for you understand r. your understanding. p. 57. l. 5. for that r. thus. p. 66. l. 3. for gratia r. gratiae. p. 66. in the last words of the Margent r we are hindred from effecting what we intended. p 67. in the Margent, for does. r. d [...]. p. 75. l. 4. for I shall r. shall I. p. 79. l. 13. for as yet r. as that.

Thus with many more, which would be tedious and somwhat vain to particularize, besides the mis-placing of Comma's, Periods and Marginal Notes.

An Advertisement to the READER.

[Page]

REader, Thou art desired to take Notice, that by Evangelus (one of the Interlocutors) is signified a holy Man and Minister, who often conversed with the Author when he was in his deplorable condition. By Paulus, the Author himself, considered in his unconverted and converted estate, together with his Conflict. By Demas, an Apostate and Atheist, who was instrumental to the bringing of the Author to his sad condition. And by Apollyon is signified the Devil himself, who often appeared visibly, designing thereby the Authors destruction.

Vale.

A CATALOGUE of BOOKS Printed and are to be sold by John Hancock Sen. & Jun, at the Sign of the Three Bibles in PopesHead Alley.

[Page]

TWelve Books Publish [...]d by Mr. Thomas Brooks.

1. Precious Remedies against Satans devices, or a Salve for Believers and Unbelievers Sores.

2. Heaven upon Earth, or a Discourse touching a well-grounded Assurance.

3. The unsearchable Riches of Christ.

4. Apples of Gold for young Men and VVomen.

5. String of Pearls, or the best things reserved till last.

6. The Mute Christian under the Smarting Rod.

7. An Ark for Gods Noahs.

8. Crown and Glory of Christianity.

9. The Privy Key of Heaven, or, A Discourse of Closet Prayer.

10. A Heavenly Cordial.

11. A Cabinet of Choice Jewels, or, A Box of precious Oyntment.

12. London's Lamentations. Mr. Calamy's Godly Man's Ark.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

The young mans conflict with, and victory over the Devil by faith, or, A true and perfect relation of the experiences of T.P., begun in the 15th and continued till the 17th year of his age ... by T.P.

Powell, Thomas, fl. 1674-1679.

Edition statement

1675

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A55568

ID [STC]

Wing P3076

ID [STC]

ESTC R17963

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12395415

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12395415

ID [VID]

61141

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A55568)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 61141)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 287:10)

Source

— The young mans conflict with, and victory over the Devil by faith, or, A true and perfect relation of the experiences of T.P., begun in the 15th and continued till the 17th year of his age ... by T.P., Powell, Thomas, fl. 1674-1679..

Extent

[17], 123, [4] p. : port.

Printed for John Hancock, Sen. & Jun. ...,. London :: 1675.. (Epistle dedicatory signed: Tho. Powell.) (Cropped t.p.) (Errata: p. [1] at end.) (Advertisements: p. [3] at end.) (Reproduction of original in British Library.)

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