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CL  13  K ^ R Y 

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Theological    Se  rIvLn  a^r  y  , 

PRINCETON,    N.J. 

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A       DONATION 

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THEROJSrand  ASPASIO: 

O   R,    A 

SERIES 

O  F 

D  I  ALOGUES 

AND 

LETTERS, 


UPON    THE 


Moft  LnportafJt  and  Interejiing  Subjedls, 


IN    THREE    VOLUMES. 
By  J  AM  E  S  ^  H  E  R  V  E  Y,    A.  M. 

JRedor  of  IFeJion-Favell^  in  NorthamptonJ})ire. 

Fur  T^ion's  Juke  ivill  1  not  hold  my  Peace,  and  for  JerufalemVy«/f<?  / 
<Txill  not  reji,  until  tie  Righteoufnefs  thereof  go  forth  as  Bright' 
nefs,  and  the  Salvation  thereof  as  a  Latnp  that  burneth.  Ifai,  \\\\.  i . 

VOL.     III. 


LONDON: 

Printed   for  John  and    James  Riving  ton,    at  the 
Bible  and  Crown,  in  St,  PauPs  Chiirch-yanL 

M  DCCL  V. 


S     E     R     I     E 


O   F 


LETTERS. 


LETTER    VI. 

T  HERON       to       ASPASIO. 

Hear  A  s'p  a  s  i  o, 
2^.t*5*^i0i?p^  H  E  laft  Evening  was  one  of  the 
•^^  finell  I  ever  faw.     According  to 
S^J  my  C adorn,  I  made  an  Excur- 
^0^^^^    iion  into  the  open  Fields ;  and 
v,v^..  .yu  ^  ^^j^^g^j  nothing  to  complete  the 

Satisfa6lion,  but  my  Friend's  Company  *.  I 
could  not  but  obferve,  hov/  much  your  im- 
proving Converfation  heightened  the  Charms 
of  Nature.     When  Religion  applied  Philofo- 

phy, 

*  Tu  qtiod  abes  cxcepioy  cater  a  latus. 

Vol.  III.  '      B 


2  Th£Ron/(?Aspasio.         Let.  6. 

phy,  every  Thing  was  inJlruBive,  as  well  as 
plcajing. — Not  a  Breeze  fwept  over  the  Plains, 
to  clear  the  Sky,  and  cool  the  Air;  but  it 
tended  alfo  to  difperfe  our  Doubts,  and  in- 
liven  our  Faith  in  the  fupreme  all-fufficient 
GOOD. Not  a  Cloud  tinged  the  Firma- 
ment with  radiant  Colours,  or  amufed  the 
Sight  with  romantic  Shapes ;  but  We  beheld 
a  PicLure  of  the  prefent  World,  of  \X.sfadi?ig 
Acquifitions  2>.\\A  fantaflic  Joys,  in  the  mimic 

Forms  and  the  tranfitory  Scene. Even  the 

weakeft  of  the  Infeft-tribe,  that  fkim  the  Air 
in  fportive  Silence,  addrefled  Us  with  the 
ftrongefl  Incitements,  and  gave  Us  the  loudefl 
Calls,  to  be  aBhe  in  our  Day,  and  ujefiil  in 
our  Generation.  They  cried,  at  leaft  when 
You  lent  them  your  Tongue, 

^iich  is  vain  Life^  an  idle  Flight  of  Days^ 
Afiill  dehifive  Round  of  fickly  Joys, 
A  Scene  of  little  Cares,   and  trifling  Pajpons, 
If  not  ennobled  by  the  Deeds  of  Virtue, 

How  often,  at  the  Approach  of  fober  Eve, 
have  We  ftole  along  the  Cloyfters  of  a  fequef- 
-tred  Bower  j  attentive  to  the  Tale  of  fome 
querulous  Current,  that  feemed  to  be  flruck 
with  Horror  at  the  awful  Gloom  -,  and  com- 
plained with  heavier  Murmurs,  as  it  pafTed 
under  the  blackening  Shades,  and  along  the 
PvOot-obll:ru6ledChan]iel. — Or  elfe,  far  from  the 

bab- 


Let.  6.         Thei^on/^Aspasio.  3 

babbling  Brook,  and  foftly  treading  the  grafly 
Path,  We  liflened  to  the  Nightingales  Song : 
while  every  Gale  held  its  Breath,  and  all  the 
Leaves  forbore  their  Motion,  that  they  might 
neither  drown  nor  interrupt  the   melodious 

Woe. From  both  which   penfive    Strains, 

You  endeavoured  to  temper  and  chaflife  the 
exuberant  Gaiety  of  my  Spirits.  You  con- 
vinced me,  that  true  Joy  is  a  ferious  Thing  *  : 
Is  the  Child  of  fedate  Thought,  not  the  Spawn 
of  Intemperate  Mirth  :  nurfed,  not  by  the  Sal- 
lies of  diflblute  Merriment,  but  by  the  Exer- 
cife  of  ferene  Contemplation. 

Sometimes,  at  the  gladfome  Return  of  Morn, 
we  have  afcended  an  airy  Eminence  j  and  hail- 
ed the  new-born  Day  -,  and  followed,  with 
our  delighted  Eye, '  the  Mazes  of  fome  glitter- 
ing Stream. Here  riijlnng^  with  impetuous 

Fury,  from  the  Mountain's  Side ;  foaming 
over  the  rifted  Rocks,  and  roaring  dov/n  the 
craggy  Steep.  Impatient,  as  it  were,  to  get 
free  from  fuch  rugged  Paths,  and  mingle  with 

the  Beauties  of  the  lower  Vale. There, 

flackening  its  headlong  Career,  and  fmooth- 
ing  its  Eddies  into  an  even  Flow.  Vv^hile, 
deep  embofomed  in  the  verdant  Mead,  it  glides 
through  the  cheriflied  and  fmiling  Herbage. 
Sometimes,  loft  amidft  clofaig  Willows; 
fomctimes,  emerging  with  frefli  Beauty  from 

the 

■*  Res  fever  a  ejl  vcrum  Gaiidlum,  Sen. 

B  2 


4  TiiERON/oAsPAsio.         Let.  6. 

the  leafy  Covert  j  always,  roving  with  an  Air 
of  amorous  Complacency  ;  and  carelTing,  as 
•it  were,  the  fringed  Banks,  and  flowery  Glebe. 
— Reminded,  by  this  watery  Monitor,  of  that 
Conftancy  and  Vigour,  with  which  the  Af- 
fe6lions  Ihould  move  towards  the  great  Ctiiter 

of  Happinefs,  CHRIST  JESUS of  that 

determined  Ardour,  with  which  we  fiiould 
break  through  the  Intanglements  of  Temp- 
tation,  and^Obfbacles  of  the  World,  in  order 

to  reach    our  everlailing  Rcji and  of  the 

mighty  DifFt-rence  between  the  turbulent,  the 
frothy,  the  precipitate  Gratifications  of  Vice, 
and  the  calm,  the  fubftantial,  the  permanent 
Delights  of  Religion. 

Or  elfe,  with  eager  View,  we  have  furveyed 
the  extenfive  Profiecl,  and  wandered  over  all 
the  Magnificence  of  Things — an  endlefs  Va- 
riety of  graceful  Obje6ls,  and  delightful  Scenes ! 
Each  foliciting  our  chief  Regard ;  every  one 
worthy  of  our  whole  Attention  ;  all  confpir- 
ing  to  touch  the  Heart  with  a  mingled  Tranf- 
port  of  Wonder,  of  Gratitude,   and  of  Joy. 

So  that  we  have  returned  from  our  rural 

Expecition,  not  as  the  Spendthrift  from  the 
Gaming-table,  cuifing  his  Stars,  and  raving 
at  his  ill  Luck  5  gulled  of  his  Money,  and 
the  derided  Dupe  of  Sharpers :  Not  as  the 
Libertine     from     the     Ilcufe     of    Wanton- 

nefs. 


Let.  6.         Theron^'oAspasio.  5 

nefs  *,  furfeited  with  the  rank  Debauch,  dog- 
ged by  Shame,  goaded  by  Remorfe,  with  a 
thoufand  recent  Poiibns  tingling  in  his  Veins. 
But  we  returned,  as  Ships  of  Commerce  from 
the  ^oA/^/z  Continent,  or  t\\Qfpicy  Iflands,  with 
new  Acceliions  of  fubUme  Improvement,  and 
folid  Pleafure.  With  a  deeper  Veneration  for 
the  Almighty  CREATOR}  with  a  warmer 
Senfe  of  his  unfpeakable  Favours  ;  and  with 
a  more  inflamed  Defire,  "  to  know  him  now 
"  by  Faith,  and  after  this  Life  to  have  the 
"  Fruition  of  his  glorious  GODHEAD." 

Sometimes,  with  an  agreeable  Relaxation, 
we  have  transferred  our  Cares,  from  the  Wel- 
fare 

*  Solomon^  in  order  to  deter  unwary  Youth  from  thofe 
Sinks  of  Uncleannefs,  reprefents  the  Harlot  under  the  Cha- 
racter of  a  peftilent  Hag,  or  baleful  Sorcerefs.  Her  Feet 
^9  down  to  Death,  Prov.  v.  5.  Her  Hoiifc  is  the  high  Road 
)o  Hell ;  Prov.  viii.  27.  yea,  her  Gucjh  are  in  the  Depths  of 
Hell;  Prov.  ix.  18.— The  fecond  Claufe  feems  to  be  em- 
phaticaL  The  original  Exprefiion  is  in  the  plural  Number 
0"T1  I  choofe  therefore  to  render  it,  not  fimply  The  Road^ 
but  more  largely  The  high  Road:  from  which  many  other 
Ways  of  Guilt  branch  out,  in  which  many  other  Paths  of 
Ruin  coincide.  There,  Murder  is  often  icnown,  to  drench 
her  Dagger  in  Blood  ;  and  Robbery  forms  tlie  ralii  Reiblve, 
which  ends  in  the  ignominious  Halter.  There,  Intempe 
ranee  daily  brews  the  Bowl,  which  enervates  the  Conftitu- 
tion,  and  transforms  the  Man  into  a  Bead.  While  Difeafe, 
pale  cadaverous  noifome  Difeafe,  anticipates  the  Putrefac- 
tion of  the  Grave,  and  caufes  the  wretched  Marfps  of  Fice 

to  rot  even  above  Ground Well  may  ever}'  one,  that  loves 

Life,  and  would  fain  fee  good  Days,  cry  out  with  a  Mixture 
ofDeteftation  and  Dread;  "  O  my  Soul,  come  not  tiiou 
«'  into  their  horrid  Haunts  I" 

Vii  mcliora  piis,  Errorem^ne  HJlibus  ilium  !        Y'lri. 

B3 


6  THERoN^i?AsPAsio.         Let.  6, 

fare  of  the  Nation,  to  the  Flourilhing  of  the 
Farm  j  and,  inftead  of  enacting  Regulations 
for  the  civil  Community,  we  have  planned 
Schemes  for  the  Cultivation  of  our  Ground, 
and  the  Profperity  of  our  Cattle, — Inftead  of 
attending  to  the  Courfe  of  Fleets,  and  the 
Deftination  of  Armies,  We  have  dire6led  the 
Plough,  where  to  rend  the  grally  Turf;  or 
taught  the  Honeyfuckle  to  wind  round  the  Ar- 
bour, ■  and  the  Jefiamine  to  climb  upon  the 

"VVall. Inftead  of  interpofmg  our  friendly 

Offices,  to  reconcile  contending  Kingdoms ; 
We  have  formed  a  I'reaty  of  Coalition^  between 
the  ftranger  Cyon,  and  the  adopting  Tree ; 
nnd,  by  the  remarkable  McHoration  of  the 
enfuing  Fruit,  demonftrated  (would  contend- 
ing Empires  regard  the  Precedent)  what  Ad- 
vantages flow  from  pacific  Meafures,  and  an 
amicable  Union. — Inftead  of  unraveUng  the 
Labyrinths  of  State,  and  tracing  the  FinefTes 
of  foreign  Courts  -,  We  have  made  ourfelves 
acquainted  with  the  Politics  of  Nature,  and 
obferved,  how  wonderfully,  how  myfterioufly, 
that  great  Proje6lrers  a{5ls. — In  this  Place  flie 
rears  a  vaft  Trunk,  and  unfolds  a  multipHcity 
of  Branches,  from  one  fmall  Berry.  She  qua- 
lifies, by  her  amazing  Operations,  a  few  con- 
temptible Acorns,  that  were  formerly  carried 
in  a  Child's  Lap,  to  bear  the  Britip  Thunder 
round  the  Globe,  and  fecure  to  our  Illand  the 

Sove- 


Let.  6.        The  RON  to  Aspasio.  7 

Sovereignty  of  the  Ocean. — In  another  Place, 
fhe  produces  from  a  dry  Grain,  fi7'ft  the  green 
Blade  j  then  the  turgid  Ear ;  afterwards  the  full- 
grown  and  ripened  Corn  in  the  Ear  *.  Repay- 
ing, with  exadt  Punftuality,  and  with  lavifh 
Ufury,  the  Hufbandman's  Toil,  and  the  Huf- 
bandman's  Loan  :  caufing,  by  a  moil  furprif- 
ing  Refurre6tion,  the  Death  of  one  Seed,  to 
be  fruitful  in  the  Birth  of  Hundreds. 

But  I  forget  your  Caution,  Afpafio  ;  forget, 
how  kindly  you  have  checked  me,  when  I 
have  been  haranguing  upon,  I  know  not 
what,  Powers  and  Works  of  Nature.  Where- 
as, it  is  GOD  who  worketh  hitherto  -f- :  who 
to  this  Day  exerts,  and  to  the  End  of  Time 
will  exert,  that  fecret  but  unremitted  Energy, 
which  is  the  Life  of  this  majeftic  Syftem,  and 
the  Caufe  of  all  its  ftupendous  Operations. — 
Let  this  fhew  you,  how  much  I  want  my 
Guide,  my  Philofopher,  and  Friend.  With- 
out his  prompting  Aid,  my  Genius  is  dull  j 
my  Refle6tions  are  auk  ward  ;  and  my  religi- 
ous Improvements  jejune ;  fomewhat  like  the 
bungling   Imitations    of  the  Tool,    compared 

with   the   mafterly  EfleiSls  of  Vegetation. 

However,  I  will  proceed.  Yet,  not  from  any 
View  of  informing  my  Jfpafio^  but  only  to 
draw  a  Bill  upon  his  Pen  ;  and  lay  him  under 
an  Obligation  to  enrich  me  with  another  Let- 
ter, 

*  Mark  iv.  28.  f  John  v,  17. 

B  4 


8  Theron/(?Aspasio.         Let.  6, 

ter,  upon  the  grand  and  excellent  Subje6l  of 
his  lall. 

Art  is  dim-fighted  in  her  Plans,  and  defec- 
tive even  in  her  moft  elaborate  Eifays.  But 
Nature,  or  rather  Nature's  fublime  AUTHOR, 
is  indeed  a  Defigner  and  a  Workmen  that  need 
not  be  afiamed"^.  His  Eye  ilrikes  out  ten  thou- 
fand  elegant  Models,  and  his  Touch  executes 
all  with  inimitable  Perfection. — What  an  ad- 
mirable Specimen  is  Here>  of  the  divine  Skill, 
and  of  the  divine  Goodnefs !  This  terraqueous 
Globe  is  intended,  not  only  for  a  Place  of 
Habitation,  but  for  a  Storehoufe  of  Conveni- 
encies.  If  We  examine  the  feveral  Apart- 
ments of  our  great  Abode ;  if  We  take  a  ge- 
neral Inventory  of  our  common  Goods  -,  We 
fnall  find  the  utmoft  Realbn  to  be  charmed 
with  the  Difplays,  both  of  nice  Oeconomy, 
and  boundlefs  Profufion. 

Obferve  the  Surface  of  this  univerfal  Mef-^ 
fuage.  The  Ground,  coarfe  as  it  may  feem, 
and  trodden  by  every  Foot,  is  neverthelefs  the 
Laboratory,  v/here  the  moft  exquifite  Opera- 
tions are  performed ;  the  Shop,  if  I  may  fo 
fpeak,  where  the  finell  Manufaftures  are 
wrought.  Though  a  Multitude  of  Genera- 
tions have  always  been  accommodated,  and 
though  a  Multitude  of  Nations  arc  daily  fup- 

pliecj 

*  2  Tim.  iii.  15. 


Let.  6.         Theron/oAspasio.  9 

plied  by  its  Liberalities,  it  flill  continues  in- 
exhauflible.  Is  a  Refource,  that  never  fails  ; 
a  Magazine,  never  to  be  drained. 

The  Unevemiefs  of  the  Ground,  far  from 
being  a  Blemifh  or  a  Defedj  heightens  its 
Beauty,  and  augments  its  Ulefulnefs. — Herey 
it  is  fcooped  into  deep  and  fheltered  Vales, 
almofl  conftantly  covered  with  a  fpontaneous 
Grov^th  of  Verdure :  which,  all  tender  and 
fucculent,  compofes  an  eafy  Couch,  and  yields 
the  mofl  agreeable  Fodder,    for  the  various 

Tribes  of  Cattle. "Thef-ey  it  is  extended  into 

a  wide,  open,  champain  Country :  which,  an- 
nually repleniflied  with  the  Hufbandman's 
^eed,  fhoots  into  a  copious  Harveft.  A  Har- 
veft,  not  only  of  that  principal  Wheat,  which 
is  the  Staff  of  our  Life,  and  ftrengthens  our 
Heart ;  but  of  the  appointed  Barley  *,  aiid  va- 
rious other  Sorts  of  Grain,  which  yield  an 
excellent  Food  for  our  Animals ;  and  either 
enable  them  to  difpatch  our  Drudgery,  or  elfe 
fatten  their  Flefh  for  our  Tables. 

The  Furrows,  obedient  to  the  Will  of  Man, 
vary  their  Produce -f-.  They  bring  forth  a 
Crop  of  tall,  flexile,  flender  Plants  %  -  whofe 
thin  filmy  Coat,  dried,  attenuated,  and  ikil- 

fully 

*  Ifai.  xxvlii.  25. 

t  One  may  venture  to  fay  of  the  Earth,  with  regard  ta 
its  vegetable  Operations ; 

Omnia  transformat  fefe  in  Miracula  Rerum, 
X  Flax  and  Hemp. 


lo  Theron^oAspasio.        Let.  6. 

fully  manufa6lured,  transforms  itfelf  into 
feme  of  the  moil  necefTary  Accofnmodations  of 
Life,  and  genteeleft  E?nbelUJJjments  of  Society. 

It  is  wove  into  ample  Volumes  of  Cloth  ; 

which,  fixed  to  the  Maft,  give  Wings  to  our 
Ships,  and  v^aft  them  to  the  Extremities  of 
the  Ocean. — It  is  twifted  into  vaft  Lengths  of 
Cordage ;  which  add  Nerves  to  the  Crane,  and 
lend  Sinews  to  the  Pulley ;  or  elfe,  adhering 
to  the  Anchor,  they  faften  the  VefTel  even  on 
the  flu6luating  Element,  and  fecure  it  even 

amidfl:  driving  Tempefts. It  furniflies  the 

Duchefs  with  her  coflly  Head-drefs,  and  deli- 
cately fine  Ruffles.  No  lefs  ftrong  than  neat, 
it  fupplies  the  Plowman  with  his  coarfe  Frock, 
and  the  Sailor  with  his  clumfy  Trowfers.  Its 
Fibres,  artfully  ranged  by  the  Operations  of 
the  Loom,  cover  our  Tables  with  a  graceful 
Elegance,  and  furround  our  Bodies  with  a  che- 
rifliing  Warmth.  On  this  the  Painter  fpreads 
the  Colours,  which  inchant  the  Eye  j  in  this 
the  Merchant  packs  the  Wares,  which  enrich 
the  World. 

Yonder,  the  Hills,  like  a  grand  Amphithe- 
atre, arife.  Amphitheatre  !  All  the  pompous 
Works  of  Roman  Magnificence,  are  lefs  than 
Mole-banks,  are  mere  Cockle-fliells,  compar- 
ed with  thofe  majeflic  Elevations  of  the  Earth. 
Some  clad  with  manthng  Vines  -,  fome  crown- 
ed with  towering  Cedars ;  fome  ragged  with 

mif- 


Let.  6.        Theron/oAspasio.  ii 

mifliapen  Rocks,  or  yawning  with  fubterra- 
neous  Dens.  Whofe  rough  and  inacceflible 
Craggs,  whofe  hideous  and  gloomy  Cavities, 
are  not  only  a  continual  Refuge  for  the  wild 
Goats,  but  have  often  proved  an  Afylum  to 
perfecuted  Merit*,  and  a  Safeguard  to  the 
rnoft  valuable  Lives. 

At  a  greater  Diftance,  the  Moiintaim  lift 
their  frozen  Brows,  or  penetrate  the  Clouds 
with  their  afpiring  Peaks.  Their  frozen  Brows 
arrefi  the  roving,  and  condenfe  the  rarefied  Va- 
pours -f-.  Their  caverned  Bowels  collect  the 
dripping  Treafures,  and  fend  them  abroad,  in 
gradual  Communications,  by  trickling  Springs. 
While  their  fVeep  Sides  precipitate  the  watery 
Treafures ;  rolling  them  on  with  fuch  a  forci- 
ble Impulfe  J,  that  they  never  intermit  their 

unwearied 

*  To  David,  from  SauVs  Malice  j  to  EUjah,  from  Je- 
zehePs  Vengeance ;  to  mapy  of  the  primitive  Chr'ijUans,  from 
the  Rage  of  perfecuting  Emperors  :  they  wandered  in  Defarts 
and  in  Mountains,  in  Dens  and  Caves  of  the  Earth.  Heb, 
xi.  38.  • 

t  Therefore  ftyled — Nimhoja  Cacumina  Monti;,     Virg. 

X  It  is  obferved,  that  the  largeft  Rivers  in  the  World, 
thofe  which  roll  the  heavieft  Burden  of  Waters,  and  per- 
form the  moft  extenfive  Circuit  through  the  Nations,  gene- 
rally take  their  Rife  from  Mountains.  The  PJnne,  the 
Rhone,  and  the  Po,  all  defcend  from  the  Jlps.  The  Tygris 
derives  its  rapid  Flood,  from  the  everlafting  Snows,  and  fteep 
Ridges  of  Niphates.  And,  to  mention  no  more  Infbnces, 
the  River  Ama-Lones,  which  pours  itfelf  through  a  Multitude 
of  Provinces,  and  waters  near  eighteen  hundred  Leagues  of 
Land,  has  its  Urn  in  the  Caverns,  and  its  Impetus  from  the 
Pre<:ipices,  of  that  irnmenfe  Range  of  Hills  the  Andes, 

If 


12  Theron/oAspasio.         Let.  6. 

unwearied  Courfe,  till  they  have  fwept  through 
the  moil  extenfive  CUmes,  and  regained  their 
native  Seas. 

The  Vineyard  fwells  into  a  Profufion  of 
Clufters :  fome,  tinged  with  the  deepeil  Pur- 
ple, and  delicately  clouded  with  Azure  :  fome, 
clad  with  a  whitidi  tranfparcnt  Skin,  which 
fliews  the  tempting  Kernels,  lodged  in  lufcious 
Nectar. — The  Vine  requires  a  ftrong  Reflec- 
tion of  the  Sun-beams,  and  a  very  large  Pro- 
portion of  Warmth.  How  commodioufly  do 
the  Hills  and  Mountains  minifcer  to  this  Pur- 
pofe !  May  We  not  call  thofe  vaft  Declivities, 
the  Garden-%valls  of  Nature  ?  Which,  far  more 
effectually  than  the  moft  coflly  Glaffes,  or  moil 
artful  Green-houfes,  concenter  the  folar  Heat, 
and  complete  the  Maturity  of  the  Grape. 
Diftending  it  with  a  Liquor  of  the  finefl  Scent, 
the  moft  agreeable  Relilh,  and  the  moft  ex- 
alted Qiialities :  fuch  as  diffipate  Sadnefs,  and 
infpire  ^''ivacity  :  fuch  as  make  glad  the  Heart 
of  Man,  and  moft  fweetly  prompt,  both  his 
Gratitude,  and  his  Duty,  to  the  munificent 

GIVER. 1  grieve,  and  1  blufla  for  my  Fel- 

low- 

If  the  Reader  Is  inclined  to  fee  the  Origin  and  Forma- 
tion of  Rivers  defcribed,  in  all  the  Sublimity  of  Diction, 
and  with  all  the  Graces  of  Poetry,  He  may  find  this  Enter- 
tainment in  Mr,  77>c77//c'w's  Autumn,  /,/«.  781.  Laft  Edit. 

Jmazing  Scene  !  behold,  the  Glooms  difclofe. 

J  fee  the  Rivers  in  their  infant  Beds  ! 

Deep,  deep  J  hear  tha/iy  laboring  to  ^et  free  !  &C« 


Let. 6.        Theron  ^  AsPASio.  13 

low-creatures,  that  Any  fhould  abufe  this  In- 
dulgence of  Heaven.  That  Any  fliould  turn 
fo  valuable  a  Gift  of  GOD  into  an  Inilru- 
ment  of  Sin.  Turn  the  moil  exhilarating  of 
Cordials  into  Poifon,  Madnefs,  and  Death. 

The  Kitchen-garden  prefcnts  Us  with  a  new 
Train  of  Benefits.     In  its    blooming  Orna- 
ments, what  unaffe6led  Beauty  !    In   its  cu- 
linary Produ6lions,  what  diverfified  Riches  1 
It  ripens  a  Multitude  of  nutrimental  Efculents, 
and  almoft  an  equal  Abundance  of  medicinal 
Herbs  ;    diftributing     Refrefliments    to     the 
Healthy,  and  adminiilering  Remedies  to  the 
Sick.—The  Orchard,  all  fair,  and  ruddy,  and 
bowing  down  beneath  its  own  delicious  Bur- 
den, gives  Us  a  frefh  Demonflration  of  our 
CREATOR'S  Kindnefs.     Regales  Us,  firfl, 
with    all   the  Delicacies  of  Summer-Fruits ; 
next,  with  the  more  lafling  Succeflion  of  au- 
tumnal Dainties. 

What  is  Nature,  but  a  Series  of  Wonders, 
and  a  Fund  of  Delights !  That  fuch  a  Variety 
of  Fruits,  fo  beautifully  coloured,  fo  elegantly 
fhaped,  and  fo  charmingly  flavoured,  fliould 
arife  from  the  Earth  !  Than  which  nothing  is 

more  infipid,  fordid,  and  defpicable. 1  am 

flruck  with  pleafmg  Aftoniihment  at  the 
Caufe  of  thefe  fine  EfFefts,  and  no  lefs  fur- 
prifed  at  the  Manner  of  bringing  them  into 
Exilknce.     I  take  a  Walk  in  my  Garden,  or 

a 


14  Theron  /o  AsPAsio.         Let. 6. 

a  Turn  through  my  Orchard,  in  the  Month 
of  December.  There  Hand  feveral  Logs  of 
Wood,  fallened  to  the  Ground.  They  are 
ere6l  indeed  and  fliapely,  but  without  either 
Senfe  or  Motion.  No  human  Hand  will  touch 
them ;  no  human  Aid  will  fuccour  them  ^  yet, 
in  a  httle  Time,  they  are  beautified  with  Blof- 
foms,  they  are  covered  with  Leaves,  and  at 
lafl  are  loaded  with  mellow  Treafures  -,  with 
the  downy  Peach  and  the  polifhed  Plum ;  with 
the  mufky  Apricot  and  the  juicy  Pearj  with 
the  Cherry,  and  its  coral  Pendants,  glowing 
through  Lattices  of  Green, 

a?id  dark 

Beneath  her  ample  Leaf,  the  lufcioiis  Fig, 

I  have  wondered  at  the  Stru6lure  of  my  Watch, 
wondered  more  at  the  Defcription  of  the  Silk- 
mills,  moil  of  all  at  the  Account  of  thofe  pro- 
digious Engines  invented  by  Archimedes.  But 
what  are  all  the  Inventions  of  all  the  Geome- 
tricians and  Mechanics  in  the  World,  com- 
pared with  thefe  inconceivably  nice  u^/^/o;;^^/*^  * 

of 

*  Automata^  or  felf-operathig  Machines ;  not  meant  to 
fet  afidc  the  Superintendency  of  Providence,  but  only  to 
exclude  the  Co-operation  of  Man. 

The  Word  aJ]o/;ta]7i  is  ufed  by  our  MASTER, 
Mark  iv.  38.  and  a  fine  expreilive  Word  it  is.  Signify- 
ing, fays  a  Greek  Scholiaft,  t«?  ix^yjvixc^  on  aar  avrxg 
tvi^y^a-cci.  —  It  fecms  to  give  us  the  true  Senfe  of  that  re- 
maricajble  Phrafc,  in  the  MofaicH\i\:ory  of  the  Creation,  "IC'}^ 
muT^  D^'T?^f  {^12  Gen.  ii.  3.    If^/M  God  cnated  and 

wadf. 


Let.  6.        Theron/^Aspasio.  15 

of  Nature  !  Thefe  felf-oprating  Machines  dif- 
patch  their  Bufinefs,  with  a  Punduality  that 
never  miftakes,  with  a  Dexterity  that  cannot 
be  equalled.  In  Spring,  they  clothe  themlelves 
with  fuch  unftudied  but  exquifite  Finery,  as 
far  exceeds  the  Embroidery  of  the  Needle,  or 
the  Labours  of  the  Loom.  In  Autumn,  they 
prefent  Us  with  fuch  a  Collation  of  Sweet- 
meats, as  not  only  regale  our  Palate,  but  fur- 
pafs  all  that  Fancy  could  imagine,  or  Appe- 
tite crave. So  that  thofe  coarfe  and  fenfdefs 

Logs,  firft  decorate  the  divine  Creation,  then 
perform  the  Honours  of  the  Table. 

If,  amidft  thefe  ordinary  Productions  of  the 
Earth,  GOD  appears  fo  great  in  Counfel  and 
mighty  in  Work  * :  what  may  We  expe6l  to  fee, 
in  the  Palaces  of  Heaven  ;  in  the  Hierarchies 
of  Angels  \  and  in  that  wonderful  R  E- 
DEEMER,  who  is,  beyond  all  other  Objecls, 
beyond  all  other  Manifeflations,  the  V/ifdom 
of  GOD,  and  the  Power  of  GOD -f! 

The  Foreji  rears  Myriads  of  mally  Bodies. 
Which,  though  neither  gay  with  Bloilbm.s, 
nor  rich  with  Fruit,  fupply  Us  with  Timber 

of 

?nade,  appears  tautological,  and  is  by  no  means  an  exa(5l 
Tranflation,  It  fhould  rather  be  interpreted,  JVhich  GOD 
created  in  order  to  ttiake :,  to  make,  by  theCe  proliiic  In- 
ftruments  and  reproducing  Principles,  a  continual  Si^c- 
ceflion  of  Animals,  Vegetables,  and  Creatures. 

*  Jer,XKX\i.  19,  t   i  Cor.  1.24. 


1 6  T  H  E  R  o  x^  /(9  A  s  p  A  s  I  o.         Let.  6, 

of  various  Kinds,  and  of  every  defirable  Qua- 
lity J.  But  who  fliall  cultivate  fuch  huge 
Trees,  diffufed  over  fo  vafl  a  Space  ?  The 
Toil  were  endlefs.  See  therefore  the  all-wife 
and  ever-gracious  Ordination  of  Providence  ! 
They  are  fo  conftituted,  that  they  have  no 
Need  of  the  Spade  and  the  Pruning-knife. 
Nay,  the  little  Cares  of  Man  would  diminifh, 
rather  than  augment  their  Dignity  and  their 
Ufefulnefs.  The  more  they  are  negle6led, 
the  better  they  thrive  j  the  more  wildly  grand 
and  magnificent  they  grow. 

When  felled  by  the  Axe,  they  are  fawed 
into  Beams,  and  fullain  the  Roofs  of  our 
Houfes  :  they  are  fafnioned  into  Carriages, 
and  ferve  for  the  Conveyance  of  the  heaviefl 
Loads. — Their  Subftance  fo  pliafit,  that  they 
yield  to  the  Chizzel  of  the  Turner,  and  are 
Imoothed  by  the  Plane  of  the  Joiner  j  are 
wrought  into  the  niceft  Diminutions  of  Shape, 
and  compofe  fome  of  the  fineft  Branches  of 
houlhold  Furniture. — Their  Texture  fo  folidy 

that 

%  Tully  has  given  Us  an  Abridgment  of  all- the  preced- 
ing Particulars.  Which,  I  think,  is  one  of  the  tineftLand- 
fchapes  in  Miniature,  that  the  defcriptive  Pen  ever  drew.— . 
Terra  un'werfa  cernatur,  vejitta  Floribus^  Herbis^  Arboribus, 
Frugibiis ;  quorum  omniuin  incrcd'ibilis  Multihido  infattabili 
Varietate  dijVinguitiir .  Adde  hue  ForJiiim  gelidas  Pc  ennitateSy 
Liquores  perlucidos  Aniniumy  Riparum  Vejlitus  viridiJJimoSf  Spe- 
luncarurn  concavos  Altitudines^  Saxor24m  Afperiiatcs^  impenden- 
tium  Montium  AltitudiueSy  Immenfitatcfque  Camporum.  De 
Nat.  Deor.  Lib.  II. 


Let.  6.       Theron  /o  AsPAsio.  17 

that  they  form  the  moft  important  Parts  of  thofe 
mighty  Engines  j  which,  adapting  themfelves 
to  the  Play  of  mechanic  Powers,  difpatch  more 
Work  in  a  fmgle  Hour,  than  could  otherwife 
be  accomplifhed  in  many  Days.— At  the  fame 
Time,  their  Preffure  is  fo  light,  that  they  float 
upon  the  Waters ;  and  glide  along  the  Surface, 
almofl  with  as  much  Agility,  as  the  finny  Fry 
glance  through  the  Deep.— Thus,  while  they 
impart  Magnificence  to  Architedure,  and  be^ 
How  numberlefs  Conveniencies  on  the  Family; 
they  conftitute  the  very  Bafis  of  Navigation, 
and  give  Life,  give  Being  to  Commerce; 

Amidft  the  inacceflible  Depths  of  the  Forefl, 
an  Habitation '  is  afiigned  for  thofe  ravenous 
Beads,  whofe  Appearance  would  be  frightful, 
and  their  Neighbourhood  dangerous  to  Man- 
kind.    Here,  the  fternly  majeftic  Lion  roufes 
Himfelf  from  his  Den,  and  awes  the  favage 
Herds  with  his  Roar.     Here,  the  fiery  Tyger 
fprings  upon  his  Prey,  and  the  gloomy  Bear 
trains  up  her  Whelps.     Here,  the  fwift  Leo- 
pard ranges,  and  the  grim  Wolf  prowls,  and 
both  in  queft  of  Murder  and  Blood. — Were 
thefe  horrid  Animals  to  dwell  in  our  Fields, 
what  Havock  would  they  make  ?  What  Cofifier- 
nation  would  they  fpread  ?  But  they  voluntarily 
bury  themfelves,  in  the  deeped  Recefles  of  the 
Defart:  while  the  Ox,  the  Horfe,  and  the  fer- 
viceable  Quadrupeds,  live  under  our  Infpec- 
Vol,  III,  C  tion, 


i8  Theron/oAspasio.       Let.  6. 

tion,  and  keep  within  our  Call :  profiting  Us 
as  much  by  their  Prefence,  as  the  others  oblige 
Vs  by  their  Abfence. 

If,  at  any  Time,  thofe  fhaggy  Monflers 
make  an  Excurfion  into  the  habitable  World, 
it  is  when  Man  retires  to  his  Chamber,  and 
fleeps  in  Security.  The  Sun,  which  invites 
other  Creatures  abroad,  gives  them  the  Signal 
to  retreat,  ^be  Sun  arifethy  and  they  get  tbem 
cway^  and  lay  them  down  in  their  Dens  *, 
Strange  1  That  the  orient  Light,  which  is  fo 
pleafmg  to  Us,  fliould  ftrike  fuch  Terror  on 
them  !  Should,  more  efFe6lually  than  a  Le- 
gion of  Guards,  put  them  all  to  Flight,  and 
clear  the  Country  of  thofe  formidable  Ene- 
mies I 

If  We  turn  our  Thoughts  to  the  Atmofpherc, 
We  find  a  moft  curious  and  exquifite  Appara- 
tus of  Air.  Which,  becaufe  no  Object  of  our 
Sight,  is  feldom  confidered,  and  little  regard- 
ed ;  yet  is  a  Source  of  innumerable  Advan- 
tages. And  all  thefe  Advantages,  (which  is  al- 
moil  incredible)  are  fetched  from  the  very 
Jaws  of  Ruin.  My  Meaning  may  be  obfcure, 
therefore  I  explain  myfelf. 

We  live  plunged,  if  I  may  fo  fpeak,  in  an 
Ocean  of  Air.  Whofe  Frejjure^  upon  a  Per- 
fon  of  moderate  Size,  is  equal  to  the  Weight 

oi 
♦  PfaL  civ.  22, 


Let.  6.      Theron/{?Aspasio.  19 

of  twenty  thoufand  Pounds.  Tremendous  Con- 
fideration !  Should  the  Ceiling  of  a  Room,  or 
the  Roof  a  Houfe,  fall  upon  Us  with  half  that 
Force,  what  deftru6live  Effects  muft  enfue. 
Such  a  Force  would  infallibly  drive  the  Breath 
from  our  Lungs,  or  break  every  Bone  in  our 
Bodies.  Yet,  fo  admirably  has  the  divine 
WISDOM  contrived  this  aerial  Fluid,  and  fo 
nicely  counterpoifed  its  dreadful  Power,  that 
We  receive  not  the  flighteft  Hurt ;  We  fuffer 
no  manner  of  Inconvenience ;  We  even  enjoy 
the  Load.  Inftead  of  being  as  a  Mountain  on 
our  Loins,  it  is  like  Wings  to  our  Feet,  or 
like  Sinews  to  our  Limbs. — Is  not  this  common 
Ordination  of  Providence,  thus  confidered, 
fomewhat  like  the  Miracle  of  the  burning 
Bufh;  whofe  tender  and  combuilible  Sub- 
ftance,  though  in  the  midft  of  Flames,  was 
neither  confumed  nor  injured  *  ?  Is  it  not 
almoft  as  marvelous,  as  the  Prodigy  of  the 
three  Hebrew  Youths  ?  Who  walked  in  the 
fiery  Furnace,  without  having  a  Hair  of  their 
Head  fmged,  or  fo  much  as  the  Smell  of  Fire 

paffing  on  their  Garments  -f-  ? Surely,  We 

have  Reafon  to  fay  unto  GOD;  01  how  ter-* 
rible,  yet  how  beneficent,  art  Thou  in  tijy 
Works! 

The  Air,  tliough  too  weak  to  fupport  our 
Flight,  is   a  Thoroughfare   for  innumerable 


Wings, 


*  £W,  iii.  2.  f  Dan.'nu  27, 

C    2 


20  Th  E  RON  /o  Asp  Asio.       Let.  6* 

Wings.  Here  the  whole  Commonwealth  of 
Birds  take  up  then'  Abode.  Here  they  lodge 
and  expatiate,  beyond  the  Reach  of  their  Ad- 
verfaries.  Were  they  to  run  upon  the  Earth, 
they  would  be  expofed  to  ten  thoufand  Dan- 
gers, without  proper  Strength  to  refill  them, 
or  fufficient  Speed  to  efcape  them.  Whereas, 
by  mounting  the  Skies,  and  lifting  themfelves 
up  on  high,  they  are  fecure  from  Peril,  they 
fcorn  the  Horfe  and  his  Rider  *. — Some  of  them 
perching  upon  the  Boughs,  others  foaring 
amidft  the  Firmament,  entertain  Us  with  their 
Notes  :  Which  are  mufical  and  agreeable,  when 
heard  at  this  convenient  Diflance ;  but  would 
be  noify  and  importunate,  if  brought  nearer 
to  our  Ears. — Here,  many  of  thofe  feathered 
Families  refide,  which  yield  Us  a  delicious 
'Treat;  yet  give  Us  no  Trouble,  put  Us  to  no 
Expence,  and,  till  the  Moment  We  want  them, 
are  wholly  out  of  our  Way. 

e  Air,  commiffioned  by  its  all-bountiful 
AUTHOR,  charges  itielf  with  the  Admini- 
ftration  of  feveral  Offices,  which  are  perfedly 
obliging,  and  no  lefs  ferviceable  to  Mankind. 
— Co-operating  with  our  Lungs,  it  vefitilates 
the  Blood ;  cools  and  qualifies  the  vital 
Warmth,  promotes  and  exalts  the  animal  Se- 
cretions. Many  Days  We  might  live,  or  even 
whole  Months,  without  the  Light  of  the  -Sudl, 

or 


Let,  6.       Theron/oAspasio.  21 

or  the  Glimmering  of  a  Star.  Whereas,  if  We 
are  deprived,  only  for  a  few  Minutes,  of  this 
aerial  Support,  We  ficken.  We  faint.  We  die. 
■ — The  fame  univerfd -Nurfe  has  a  confiderable 
Hand,  in  cherilhing  the  feveral  Tribes  of 
Plants.  It  helps  to  transfufe  vegetable  Vigour 
Into  the  Trunk  of  the  Oak,  and  a  blooming 
Gaiety  into  the  Spread  of  the  Rofe. 

The  Air  undertakes  to  convey  to  our  No- 
ftrils  the  extremely  fubtil  Efflwviay  which  tran- 
fpire  from  odoriferous  Bodies.  Thofe  detached 
Particles  are  fo  imperceptibly  fmall,  that  they 
would  elude  the  mofl  careful  Hand,  or  efcape 
the  niceit  Eye.  But  this  trufty  Depofitary  re- 
ceives and  efcorts  the  invifible  Vagrants,  with- 
out lofmg  fo  much  as  a  fmgle  Atom.  Enter- 
taining Us,  by  this  means,  with  the  delightful 
Senfations,  that  arife  from  the  Fragrance  of 
Flov/ers ;  and  admonifliing  Us,  by  the  Tranf- 
miffion  of  offenfive  Smells,  to  withdraw  from 
an  unwholefome  Situation,  or  beware  of  any 
pernicious  Food. 

The  Air,  by  its  undulating  Motion,  conduds 
to  our  Ear  all  the  Diverfities  of  Sound  y  and, 
thereby,  difcharges  the  Duty  of  a  moft  feafon- 
able  and  faithful  Monitor.  As  I  walk  acrofs 
the  Streets  of  London ^  with  my  Eye  engaged  on 
other  Objefts  j  a  Dray,  perhaps,  with  all  its 
Load,  is  driving  down  directly  upon  me.  Or, 
fts  I  ride  alpng  the  Road,  mufmg  and  unap^ 

C  3  pie- 


52  The  R  ON  /(?  As  PAS  10.       Let.  6, 

prehenfive,  a  Chariot  and  fix  is  whirling  on, 
with  a  rapid  Career,  at  the  Heels  of  my  Horfe, 
The  Air,  like  a  vigilant  Friend,  in  pain  for 
my  Welfare,  immediately  takes  the  Alarm: 
and,  while  the  Danger  is  at  a  confiderable  Di- 
ftance,  dil])atches  a  Courier  to  advertife  me  of 
the  approaching  Mifchief.  It  even  thunders 
in  my  Ear^  and,  with  a  clamorous  but  kind 
Importunity,  urges  me  to  be  upon  my  Guard^ 
and  provide  for  my  Safety. 

The  Air  wafts  to  our  Senfe  all  the  Modukr 
tions  of  Miific,  and  the  more  agreeable  Enter- 
tainments of  refined  Converfation.  When 
Myrtilla  ftrikes  the  filver  Strings,  and  teaches 
the  willing  Harpfichord  to  warble  with  her 
CREATOR'S  Praife  :  when  her  facred  Sonata 
warms  the  Heart  with  Devotion,  and  wings 

our  Defires  to  Heaven. When  Clear  a  tunes 

her  Song,  or  the  Nightingale  imitates  her  m- 
chanting  Voice :  when  She  heightens  every  mcr 
lodious  Note,  with  her  adored  REDEEMER'S 
Name ;  and  fo  fmooths  her  charming  Tones, 
fo  breathes  her  rapturous  Soul,  "  that  GOD's 
"  own  Ear  liflens  delighted." — When  Wifdom 
takes  its  Seat  on  Mitids  Tongue  j  and  flows, 
in  perfpicuous  Periods,  and  inflru6live  Truths, 
amid  ft  the  chofen  Circle  of  his  Acquaintance. 
— ^When  Benevolence,  afibciated  with  Perfua- 
fion,  dwell  on  Nicanders  Lips ;  and  plead  the 
Caufe  of  injured  Innocence,  or  opprelTed  Vir- 
tue. 


Let,  6.       Theron/(?Aspasio,  23 

tue. — When  Goodnefs,  leagued  with  Happi- 
nefs,  accompany  Eufebius  into  the  Pulpit ;  and 
reclaim  the  Libertine  from  the  Slavery  of  his 
Vices  ;  difengage  the  Infidel  from  the  Fafcina- 
tion  of  his  Prejudices ;  and  fo  afteftionately, 
fo  pathetically  invite  the  whole  Audience,  to 
partake  the  unequalled  Joys  of  pure  Religion. 
' — In  all  thefe  Cafes,  the  Air  diflributes  every 
mufical  Variation  with  the  utmoft  ExaBnefs ; 
and  delivers  the  Speaker's  MefTage,  with  the 
moil  punctual  Fidelity,  Whereas,  without  this 
Internuntio,  all  would  be  fuUen  and  unmeaning 
Silence.  We  fhould  lofe  both  the  Pleafure  and 
the  Profit  J  neither  be  charmed  with  the  harm.o- 
nious,  nor  improved  by  the  articulate  Accents. 
The  Breezes  of  the  Air,  when  vague  and 
unconfined,  are  fo  very  gentle ;  that  they  iport, 
with  the  moll  inofFenfive  Wantonnefs,  amidfl 
Ophelias  Locks,  and  fcarce  difadjufl:  a  fingle 
Curl.  But,  when  colle(5led  and  applied  by  the 
Contrivance  of  Man,  they  a(5l  with  fuch  pro^ 
digious  Force 'y  as  is  fufficient  to  whirl  round 
the  hugeft  Wheels,  though  clogged  with  the 
mofl  incumbering  Loads.  They  make  the  pon- 
derous Millftones  move  as  fwiftly,  as  the  Dan- 
cer's Heel ;  and  the  mafTy  Beams  play  as  nim- 
bly, as  the  Mufician's  Finger. 

If  We  climb,  in  Speculation,  the  higher  Re- 
gions, here  is  an  endlefs  Succedion  of  ClouJsy 

C4  fed 


24  THERON/d?AsPASIO.         Let.  6, 

fed  by  Evaporations  from  the  Ocean.  The 
Clouds  are  themfeh^es  a  kind  of  Ocean,  fuf- 
pended  in  the  Air  with  amazing  Skill.  They 
travel,  in  detached  Parties,  and  in  the  Quality 
of  itinerant  Ciflerns^  round  all  the  terreftrial 
Globe.  They  fru6lify,  by  proper  Communir 
cations  of  Moifture,  the  fpacipus  Paftures  of 
the  Wealthy;  and  gladden,  with  no  lefs  libe- 
ral Showers,  the  Cottager's  little  Spot.  Nay, 
fo  condefcending  is  the  Benignity  of  their  great 
Proprietor,  that  they  fatisfy  the  defolate  and 
ijoafte  Ground  j  and  caufe^  even  in  the  moil:  un- 
cultivated Wilds,  the  Bud  of  the  tender  Herb  to 
fpring  forth  *.  That  the  Natives  of  the  lonely 
Defart,  thofe  favage  Herds  which  know  no 
Mailer's  Stall,  may  neverthelefs  experience  the 
Care,  and  rejoice  in  the  Bounty,  of  an  all-fup- 
porting  PARENT. 

How  wonderful !  That  the  Water,  which  is 
much  de?2fcr  and  far  heavier  than  the  Air, 
fliould  rife  into  it ;  make  its  Way  through  it ; 
and  take  a  Station  in  the  very  uppermoif  Re- 
gions of  it !  This,  One  fliould  imagine,  were 
aimoft  as  impoffible,  as  for  the  Rivers  to  run 
back  to  their  Source.  Yet  PROVIDENCE  has 
contrived  a  Way,  to  make  it  not  only  pra6ti- 
cable,  but  Matter  of  continual  Occurrence. 

How  wonderful !  That  pendent  Lakes  fhould 
|)e  difiufed,  ovfuid  Mountains  heaped  over  our 

Heads,  j 

*  Job  xxxviii.  27. 


Let.  6.       The  RON  /o  Asp  AST  o.  25 

Heads  -,  and  both  fuftained  in  the  thinneft  Parts 
of  the  Atmofphere !  We  Httle  think  of  that 
furprifing  Expedient,  which,  without  Conduits 
of  Stone,  or  Veflels  of  Brafs,  keeps  fuch  Loads 
of  Water  in  a  buoyant  State  j  and  with-holds 
them  from  rufhing  down,  with  furious  and 
diforderly  Violence.     Job  confidered  this,  not 
without  holy  Admiration,  and  grateful  Praife. 
Dojl  thou  know  the  Balancings  of  the  Clouds^ 
How   fucli    ponderous   Bodies  are  made   to 
hang   with  an   even  Poife,    and    hover  like 
the  lightefl  Down?    Thefe  are  the  wonderoiis 
Works  of  HIM  who  is  perfe^  in  Knowledge  *. 
He  bindeth  up  the  Waters  in  his  thick  Clouds ;  a?2d 
the  Cloud,  though  nothing  is  more  loofe  and 
fluid,  becomes,  by  the  ALMIGHTY'S  Order, 
firm  and  tenacious  as  Caiks  of  Iron  j  it  is  not 
rent  f  under  all  the  Weight. 

When  the  Sluices  are  opened,  and  the  Wa- 
ters defcend,  One  is  apt  to  fufpecl,  that  they 
fhould  guili  forth  in  Catara61s,  or  pour  them- 
felves  out  in  Torrents.  Whereas,  inftead  of 
fuch  a  precipitate  EfFufion,  which  would  be 
infinitely  pernicious,  they  coalefce  into  Globules, 
and  are  difpenfed  in  gentle  Showers.  They  are 
often  attenuated  into  the  Smallnefs  of  a  Hair  J  j 

they 

*  Jobuxxvn.  16.  t  Jobxxvl.  8. 

X  The  Hebrew  Words,  which  convey  the  Idea  of  gentle 
Rain,  fignify  a  Portion  of  Water,  made  fmall  as  a  Hair,  or 
divided  into  Milliom  of  Parts,  CUOlT  tDnV^  Deut. 
xxxii.  2. 


26  Theron/oAspasio.       Let.  6. 

they  fprcad  themfelves,  as  if  they  were  ftrained 
througli  the  Orifices  of  the  finefl  Watering- 
pot  j  and  form  thofe  fmall  Dj-ops  of  Rairiy 
which  the  Clouds  dijlil  upon  Man  abundantly  *. 
Thus,  inflead  of  drowning  the  Earth,  and 
fweeping  away  its  Fruits,  they  cherifh  univer- 
fal  Nature  j  and,  in  Conformity  to  the  Prac- 
tice of  their  great  MASTER,  dillribute  their 
humid  Stores  to  Men,  to  Animals,  and  Vege- 
tables, as  they  are  able  to  bear  them  -f-. 

Befides  the  Receptacles  of  Water,  here  are 
cantoned  various  Parties  of  Winds,  mild  or 
fierce,  gentle  or  boiflerous ;  furnifhed  with 
breezy  Wings,  to  fan  the  glowing  Firmament, 
and  diffufe  Refrefliment  on  a  fainting  World  : 
or  elfe,  fitted  to  a6l  as  an  univerfal  Befom -, 
and,  by  fweeping  the  Chambers  of  the  Atmo- 
fphere,  to  preferve  the  fine  aerial  Fluid  free 
from  Feculencies.  Without  this  wholefome 
Agency  of  the  Winds,  the  Air  would  ilagnate  5 
become  putrid  ^  and  furround  Us,  in  the  lite- 
ral Senfe  of  the  Words,  with  Darknefs  that 
might  be  felt  %.  Lojidon,  Paris,  and  all  the 
great  Cities  in  the  World,  inftead  of  being  the 
Seats  of  Elegance,  would  degenerate  into  Sinks 
pf  Corruption. 

At  Sea,  the  Winds  fwell  the  Mariner's 
Sails,  and  fpeed  his  Courfe  along  the  watery 
Way:   fpeed  it  far  more  efFe6lually,  than  a 

thoufand 

•*  Job  xxxvi,  28.        t  ^(^rk  iv.  33.        %  Exod,x.  ?i, 


Let.  6.       Theron/oAspasio.  27 

thoufand  Rowers,  bending  to  their  Strokes, 
and  tugging  at  the  Oar. — By  Lajidy  they  per- 
form the  Office  of  an  immenfe  Seed-man,  and 
fcatter  abroad  the  reprodu6live  Principles  of  a 
Multitude  of  Plants  j  which,  though  the  Staff 
of  Life  to  many  Animals,  are  too  fmall  for  the 
Management,  or  too  mean  for  the  Attention 

of  Man. HE  brhigeth  the  Winds  out  of  his 

Treafuries  *,  is  a  very  juft  Obfervation  ,  whe- 
ther it  relate  to  G  O  D*s  abfolute  and  uncon- 
troulable  Dominion  over  this  mofl  potent  Me- 
teor, or  to  its  welcome  and  falutary  Influence  * 
on  all  the  Face  of  Nature. 

Here  are  Lightnings  ftationed.  Though  dor- 
mant at  prefent,  they  are  in  a(5l  to  fpring, 
and  launch  the  livid  Flame:  whenever  their 
piercing  Flafh  is  neceffary,  to  deflroy  the  fid- 
phureous  Vapours  ;  or  diflodge  any  other  noxi- 
ous Matter,  which  might  be  prejudicial  to  the 
delicate  Temperature  of  the  ^Ether,  and  ob- 
fcure  its  more  than  cryilaUine  Tranfparency. 

Above  all  is  fituate  a  radiant  and  majeftic 
Orb,  which  inlightens  the  Trails,  chears  the 
Inhabitants,  and  colours  all  the  Productions  of 
this  habitable  Globe.  While  the  Air,  by  a  fm- 
gular  Addrefs  in  managing  the  Rays,  ampli^ 

fies 

**  Pfal.  cxxxv.  7.  ^am  falutares  autemdedit^  quam  tem 
pejiivos  non  modo  Hominian^  fed  ctiam  Pecudwn  Generic  lis  de- 
nique  omnibus  qua  oriuntur  a  Terra^  Ventos  ?  Riorum  Flatu 
nimii  temperantur  Calores^  ab  ufde?n  et'iam  maritimi  Curjus  ce-. 
lersi  csf  nrii  diriguntur^    De  Nat.  Deor.  Lib.  II, 


28  Th ERON  /c  Asp Asio.       Let.  6. 

fies  their  Ufefulnefs :  its  rejieSiing  Power  *  aug- 
ments that  Heat,  which  is  the  Life  of  Nature; 
its  rejraciing  Power  prolongs  that  Splendor, 
which  is  the  Beauty  of  the  Creation. — Thefe 
Emanations  of  Light,  though  formed  of  inac- 
tive Matter,  yet  (aflonifliing  Apparatus  of  al- 
mighty Wifdom!)  are  refined  almofl  to  the 
Siibtilty  of  Spirit,  and  are  fcarce  inferior  even 
to  Thought  in  Speed.  By  which  means,  they 
fpread  themfelves,  with  a  kind  of  inftantane- 
ous  Swiftnefs,  through  the  Circumference  of 
a  whole  Hemifphere;  and  though  they  fill, 
where-ever  they  pervade,  yet  they  flraiten  no 
Place,  imbarrafs  no  One,  incumber  Nothino:. 

Thefe  give  the  Diamond  its  Brilliancy,  and 
the  Velvet  its  Glofs :  to  thefe  the  chearful  Eye 

is 

*  The  Air  is  a  curious  Cover^  which,  without  oppreffing 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  Earth  with  any  perceivable  Weight, 
confines,  refledls,  and  thereby  increajcs  the  vivifying  Heat  of 
the  Sun.  The  Air  increafes  this  kindly  Heat,  much  in  the 
fame  manner  as  our  Garments  by  Day,  or  Bed-clothes  by 
Night,  give  additional  Warmth  to  our  Bodies. — Whereas, 
when  the  aerial  Veftment  grows  thin,  or,  to  fpealc  more  phi- 
lofophically,  when  the  Air  becomes  lefs  in  Qiiantity,  and 
more  attenuated  in  Quality,  the  folar  Warmth  is  very  fen^ 
fibly  diminifhed.  Travelers  on  the  lofty  Mountains  of  Ame- 
rica^ fometimes  experience,  to  their  terrible  Coft,  the  Truth 
of  this  Obfervation.  Though  the  Clime,  at  the  Foot  of  thofe 
prodigious  Hills,  is  even  hot  and  fultry ;  yet  on  their  Sum- 
mits, the  Cold  rages  with  fuch  exceffive  Sevcrit}'^,  that  it  is 
no  unufual  Calamity,  for  the  Horfe  and  his  Rider  to  be  frozen 
to  death. — We  have  therefore  great  Reafon  to  blefs  the  fu- 
preme  DISPOSER  of  Things,  for  placing  Us  in  the  commo- 
dious Concavity,  or  rather  under  the  chcrijking  Wings  of  ai^ 
Atmofphere, 


Let.  6.       The  RON  /(?  Asp  AS  10.  29 

is  obliged  for  its  lively  Sparkle,  and  the  mo- 
deft  Cheek  for  its  rofy  Blulh.  Thefe,  attend- 
ing the  judicious  Touches  of  the  Pencil,  bid 
the  Drapery  flow,  and  the  embodied  Figure 
rife ;  bid  the  Countenance  wear  the  calm  Se- 
renity of  Thought,  or  be  agitated  with  the 

wild  Tranfports  of  Paflion. Without  this 

Circumftance  of  Colour,  we  fhould  want  all 
the  Entertainments  of  Vifion,  and  be  at  a  Lofs 
to  diftinguifh  one  Thing  from  another.  We 
Ihould  hefitate  to  pronounce,  and  muft  take  a 
little  Journey  to  determine,  whether  yonder 
Inclofure  contains  a  Piece  of  Pafturage,  or  a 
Plot  of  arable  Land.  We  fhould  queftion, 
and  could  not  very  expeditioufly  refolve,  whe- 
ther the  next  Perfon  We  meet,  be  a  Soldier  in 
his  Regimentals,  or  a  Swain  in  his  Holy-day 
Suit  ?  A  Bride  in  her  Ornaments,  or  a  Widow 
in  her  Weeds.  But  Colour,  like  a  particular 
Livery,  chara6lerizes  the  Clafs,  to  which  each 
Individual  belongs.  It  is  the  Label,  which  in- 
dicates, upon  the  firft  Infpeftion,  its  refpec- 
tive  Quality.  It  is  the  T'icket,  which  guides 
our  Choice,  and  dire6ls  our  Hand  *. 

We 

*  This,  I  believe,  fuggefts  the  true  Senfe  of  thofe  noble 
Metaphors,  ufed  by  the  divine  Speaker.  It  is  turned  as  Clay 
to  the  Seal,  and  they  Jiand  as  a  Garment :  It,  the  Earth  and 
all  its  Productions  receive,  from  the  rifing  Sun,  both  Colour 
and  Beauty.     Juft  as  the  foft  Clay,  and  the  melting  Wax, 

receive  an  elegant  Impreflion  from  the  Seal. They  (the 

Morning  and  the  Day-fpring,    mentioned  m  a   preceding 

Verfe) 


30  Theron/(?Aspasio.       Let.  6. 

We  have  cuiforily  furveyed  the  upper  Rooms 
of  our  great  Habitation,  and  taken  a  Turn 
along  the  Ground-floor  j  if  We  defcend  into  the 
fubterraneous  Lodgments,  the  Cellars  of  the 
ftately  Structure,  We  fhall  there  alfo  find  the 
moft  exquifite  Contrivance,  a6ling  in  Concert 

with  the  moft  profufe  Goodnefs. Here  are 

various  Minerals^  of  fovereign  Efficacy  in  Me- 
dicine: that  redify  the  vitiated  Blood,  and 
quicken  the  languid  Spirits;  that  often  re- 
kindle the  fading  Bloom  in  the  Virgin's  Com- 
plexion, and  reinvigorate  the  infeebled  Arm 

of  Manhood. Here  are  Beds  fraught  with 

Metals  of  the  richeft  Value.  From  hence  come 
the  golden  Treafures,  from  hence  the  filver 
Stores,  which  are  the  very  Life  of  Traffic ;  and 
circulate  through  the  Body  politic,  as  the  vital 
Fluid  through  the  animal  Frame.  Which,  in 
the  refining  Hand  of  Charity,  are  Feet  to  the 
Lame,  and  Eyes  to  the  Blind,  and  make  the 
Widow's  Heart  fing  for  Joy. — Here  are  Mines, 
which  yield  a  Metal  of  meaner  Afpedt,  but  of 
a  firmer  Cohefion,  and  of  fuperior  Ufefulnefs. 

A 

Verfe)  fand  as  a  Garment ;  they  a6l  the  Part  of  a  magnifi- 
cent and  univerfal  Clothing ;  give  all  vifible  Objedls,  their 
comely  Afped,  and  graceful  Diftindions.  Jobxxii.\m.  14. 
What  bold  and  fine  Images  are  here  ! — The  Sea  had  been 
defcribed  as  an  Infant^  changeable,  froward,  and  impetuous, 
with  thick  Darknefs  for  its  Swadling-band.  The  Light  is  re- 
prefented  as  an  Handmaid,  attending  to  drefs  the  Creation ; 
and  executing  the  CREATOR'S  Orders^  with  a  Puniluaiity 
that  never  faa^,  with  a  Speed  that  cannot  be  equalled. 


Let.  6.       Theron/(?Aspasio.  31 

A  Metal,  that  furnifhes  almoft  all  the  Im- 
plements, with  which  Art  executes  her  various 
Deflgns.  Without  the  Afliitance  of  Iron,  Trade 
would  be  reduced  to  the  loweft  Ebb;  Com- 
merce would  feel  her  Wings  clipped ;  and 
every  Species  of  mechanic  Skill,  either  ut- 
terly fail,  or  be  miferably  baffled.  Without 
the  Affillance  of  Iron,  it  would  be  almoft  im- 
poffible  to  rear  the  fteady  Maft,  to  difplay  the 
daring  Canvas,  or  drop  the  faithful  Anchor. 
Deftitute  of  this  ever-needful  Commodity,  we 
Ihould  have  no  Plow  to  furrow  the  Soil,  no 
Shuttle  to  traverfe  the  Loom,  fcarce  any  Or- 
nament for  polite,  or  any  Utenfil  for  ordinary 
Life. 

Here  is  an  inexhaufted  Fund  of  comhuftible 
Materials  *,  which  fupply  the  whole  Nation 
with  Fewel.  Thefe  prefent  their  Miniftrations 
in  the  Kitchen ;  and  yielding  themfelves  as  Ali- 
ment to  the  Flame,  render  our  Food  both  pa- 
latable and  healthy. — Thefe  offer  their  Service 
at  the  Forge  -,  and,  with  their  piercing  Heat, 
mollify  the  moft  ftubborn  Bars,  till  they  become 

pliant  to  the  Stroke  of  the  Hammer. The 

Coah  pour  themfelves  likewife  into  the  Glafs- 

houfes^ 

*  As  for  the  Earth,  fays  yob,  out  of  it  cometh  Bread :  Corn, 
Vegetables,  and  whatever  is  good  for  Food,  fpring  from  its 
Surface.  While  under  it,  is  turned  up  as  it  were  Fire  :  its 
lower.Parts  n*nnn  its  deeper  Strata,  yield  combuftibie  Ma- 
terials ;  which  are  eafily  inkindled  into  Fire,  and  adminifter 
the  moft  fubftanti.il  Fewel  for  the  Flame.    Job  xxviii,  5, 


32  Theron/oAspasio.       Let.  6. 

houfes.  They  rage,  amidft  thofe  aftonifliing 
Furnaces,  with  irrefiftible  but  ufeful  Fierce^ 
nefs.  They  liquify  even  the  obdurate  Flint, 
and  make  the  moll:  rigid  Subftances  far  more 
ductile,  than  the  fofteft  Clay,  or  the  melting 
Wax  :  make  them  obfequious,  not  only  to  the 
lighteft  Touch,  but  to  the  Impreflions  of  our 
very  Breath. 

By  this  means,  we  are  furnifhed,  and  from 
the  coarfeft  Ingredients,  with  the  moft  curious, 
beautiful,  and  ferviceable  Manufa6lure  in  the 
World.  A  Manufa61:ure,  which  tranfmits  the 
chearing  Light  of  the  Sun  into  our  Houfes, 
yet  excludes  the  Annoyance  of  the  Rains,  and 
the  Violence  of  the  Winds.  Which  gives  7iew 
Eyes  to  decrepit  Age,  and  vafHy  ?no?'e  inlarged 
Views  to  Philofophy  and  Science :  which  leads 
up  the  Aftronomer's  Difcernment,  even  to  the 
Satellites  of  Saturn ;  and  carries  down  the  Na- 
turalift's  Obfervation,  as  far  as  the  Animal- 
cule Race :  bringing  near  what  is  immenfely 
remote,  and  making  vifible  what,  to  our  un- 
aflifted  Sight,  would  be  abfolutely  impercept- 
ible. 

We  have  alfo,  when  the  Sun  withdraws  his 
Shining,  an  Expedient  to  fupply  his  Place.  We 
can  create  an  artificial  Day  in  our  Rooms, 
and  prolong  our  Studies,  or  purfue  our  Bufi- 
nefs,  under  its  chearing  Influence.  With  beam- 
ing Tapers  and  ruddy  Fires,   We  chafe  the 

Darknefs, 


Let.  6.        Theron/oAspasio.  33 

Darknefs,  and  mitigate  *  the  Cold  ;  We  cherifh 
Converfation,  and  cultivate  the  focial  Spirit. 
We  render  thofe  very  Intervals  of  Time,  forne 
of  the  moft  delightful  Portions  of  our  Life, 
which  otherv^ife  would  be  a  joylefs  and  un- 
improving  Void. 

Thefe  obfcure  Caverns  are  the  Birth-place 
of  the  moft  fparkhng  Gems.  Which,  when 
nicely  polifhed,  and  prodigal  of  their  Luftre, 

ftand 

*  I  can  hardly  forbear  tranfcribing  the  grateful  and  pious 
Remark,  which  Socrates  makes  on  this  Occafion.  Demon- 
ftrating,  from  the  advantageous  and  benign  Conftitution  of 
Things,  G  O  D's  indulgent  Care  for  Mankind,  He  afks  ; 
To  Si  xcci  ro  TTV^  -tso^Kron  v[J.iv^  nnxa^ov  f/.iv  i|/up(^K?,  sTrmaoov 
^i  <rKO%g,  (TVVEofov  Ss  tt^^  TTOicrccv  rs^vriV)  axi  ira.vloi  oto.  u(pe~ 
Aftaj  evsKX  av6pw7rof  >iOiicc(TK£vx^ovloc.i  ;  fig  yocp  <rvvs?.ovli 
(iTTuv,  xJ'fv  oi^ioXo'yov  xvev  7rup(^  ocv^puttoi  twv  zt^(^  fioi/ yp^- 
eiiy^cov  nala(r>iBvxC,ov\oci. — To  which  his  Pupil  very  intelli- 
gently replies,  TTTfoSaAAft  x«j  t«]o  (PiXav^ccTntx.  Fid.  So- 
crat,  Memor.  Lib.  iv.  A  Work,  that  may  be  ranked  among 
the y7w^  Remains  of  Antiquity.  Equals  'tis  acknowledged, 
to  any  of  the  antient  Compolitions  in  Purity  of  Style,  and 
Dignity  of  Sentiment.  Superior,  I  think,  to  them  all,  for 
the  artful,  delicate,  and  happy  Manner  of  conveying  In- 
ftru6lion. 

I  wifh,  the  Author  of  the  preceding  Dialogues  had  been 
better  acquainted  v/ith  the  Socraiic  Method  j  and  I  could 
wifh,  that  young  Students  for  the  Miniftry  would  adopt  the 
Skill  of  this  heathen  Philolbpher.  Perhaps,  no  Qualification 
of  human  Growth,  would  more  effectually  contribute  to 
render  them,  what  St.  PWftyles,  ^Kj'aKlocs?.  It  feems  to 
be  the  moft  infinuating  zw^  Juccefsful  Way  both  to  convince 
and  inftrutSt.  Nay,  it  convirices  the  Opponent  out  of  his 
own  Mouth,  and  makes  the  Pupil  inftru6f  himfelf.  It  is 
what  the  Teacher  fcnt  from  GOD  prailifed,  in  thofe  in- 
comparable Sketches  of  obliging  ind  mafterly  Addreis,  The 
Parable  of  the  two  Debtors^  and  of  the  good  Samaritan^ 
Luk.  vii.  41.  Luk.x,  30, 

Vol.  IIL-  D 


34  The  RON  to  Aspasio.        Let.  6^ 

ftand  Candidates  for  a  Place  on  the  royal 
Crown,  or  a  Seat  on  the  virtuous  Fair  One's 
Breaft.  And,  I  will  not  with  our  Men  of 
Gallantry  fay,  emulate  the  living  Brilliancy  of 
her  Eyes  ;  but  ferve  as  a  Foil,  to  fet  off  the 
Lovelinefs  and  Excellency  of  her  accomplifhed 
Mind,  and  amiable  Converfation  :  whofe  Frice^ 
according  to  the  unerring  EHimate  of  Infpi- 
ration,  is  fuperior  to  Sapphires,  is  far  above 
Rubies  *. 

Here  are  parries,  ilocked  with  Stones,  in- 
ferior in  Beauty  to  the  Jeweler's  Ware,  but 
much  more  eminently  beneficial.  Which, 
when  properly  ranged,  and  cemented  with  a 
tenacious  Mortar,  form  the  convenient  Abodes 
of  Peace,  and  build  the  flrongtft  Fortifications 
of  War :  defending  Us  from  the  Inclemencies 
of  the  Weather,  and  the  more  formidable  Af- 
faults  of  our  Enemies.  Thefe  conftitute  the 
Arches  of  the  Bridge,  the  Arms  of  the  Mole, 
and  tlie  rocky  Girdle  of  our  Quays :  which 
convey  the  Traveler,  with  pcrfecl  Security, 
over  the  moil  rapid  Rivers  j  or  fcreen  the  Bark 
from  the  deftruclive  Inroad  of  tempelluous 
Seas. Thefe  ftony  Treafures  are  compara- 
tively y^,  while  they  continue  in  the  Bowels 
of  the  Earth  -,  but  acquire  an  increafing  Hard- 
nefs,  when  expofed  to  the  open  Air.  Was  this 
remarkable  Peculiarity  reverfed,  what  Diffi- 
culties 


Let.  6.  TheroN  /o  AsPAsio.  _  *  3.^ 
cnlties  would  attend  the  Labours  of  the  Ma- 
{on  ?  His  Materials  could  not  be  extracted  from 
their  Bed,  nor  fafhioned  for  his  Purpofe,  with- 
out infinite  Toil.  Were  his  Work  completed, 
it  could  not  long  withftand  the  Fury  of  the 
Elements  j  but  infenfibly  mouldering,  or  in- 
ceflantly  decaying,  would  elude  the  Expefta- 
tions  of  the  Owner  ;  perhaps,  might  prove  an 
immature  Grave,  inflead  of  a  durable  Dwel- 
ling. 

Here  are  various  Affortments  or  vaft  Layers 
of  Clay.  Which  however  contemptible  in  its 
Appearance,  is  abundantly  more  advantageous, 
than  the  Rocks  of  Diamond,  or  the  Veins  of 
Gold.  This  is  moulded,  with  great  Expedi- 
tion and  Eafe,  into  Veflels  of  any  Shape,  and 
of  almoft  every  Size.  Some,  fo  delicately  fine, 
that  they  compofe  the  moft  elegant  and  orna- 
mental Furniture,  for  the  Tea-table  of  a  Prin- 
cefs.  Others,  fo  remarkably  cheap,  that  they 
are  ranged  on  the  Shelves,  and  minifter  at  the 
Meals,  of  the  pooreft  Peafant.  All  fo  per- 
fe6lly  neat,  that  no  Liquid  takes  the  lead 
Taint,  nor  the  nicefi:  Palate  any  Difguii,  from 
their  cleanly  Services* 

A  Multiplicity  of  other  valuable  Stores,  are 

locked  up  by  Providence,  in  thofe  ample  Vaults. 

The  Key  of  all  is  committed  to  the  Manage- 

iiient  of  Indujiry ;  with  free  Permiffion  to  pro- 

D  z  duce 


'^6  Theroi>^/oAspasio.       Let.  6. 

duce  each  particular  Species,  as  Neceflity  fliall 
demand,  or  Prudence  dire6l. 

Which  fiiall  we  moft  admire,  the  bountiful 
Heart,  the  Uberal  Hand,  or  the  all-difcerning 
Eye  of  our  great  CREATOR  ?  How  obferv- 
able  and  admirable  is  his  Precaution^  in  re- 
moving thefe  ufeful  but  cumbrous  Wares, 
.  from  the  Superficies ;  and  flowing  them,  in 

proper  Repofitories,  beneath  the  Ground  ! 

Were  they  fcattered  over  the  Surface  of  the 
Soil,  the  Earth  would  be  embarrajj'ed  with  the 
enormous  Load.  Our  Roads  would  be  block- 
ed up,  and  fcarce  any  Portion  left  free  for  the 
Operations  of  Hufbandry. W^ere  they  bu- 
ried extremely  deep,  or  funk  to  the  Center  of 
the  Globe,  it  would  cofl  Us  immenfe  Pains  to 
procure  them  ;  or  rather,  they  would  be  quite 
inaccejfible. — Were  they  uniformly  fpread  into 
a  Pavement  for  Nature  ;  the  Trees  could  not 
ftrike -their  Roots,  nor  the  Herbs  flioot  their 

Blades,  but  univerfal  Sterility  mufl  enfue. 

Whereas,  by  their  prefent  Difpofition,  they 
furnifh  Us  with  a  Magazine  of  metalHc,  with- 
out caufing  any  Diminution  of  our  vegetable 
Treafures.  Foflils  of  every  noble  and  fervice- 
able  Kind  enrich  the  Bowels,  while  Bloom  and 
Verdure  embellifh  the  Face  of  the  Earth. 

So  judicious   is   the    Arrangement  of  this 
grand  Edifice  !  So  beneficent  the  Deltination 

of 


Let.  6.        Theron/(5Aspasio.  37 

of  its  whole  *  Furniture  !  In  which,  all  is  re- 
gulated with  confummate  Skill,  and  touched 
into  the  higheft  Perfedion.  All  mod  exaftly 
adapted  to  the  various  Intentions  of  Provi- 
dence, and  the  manifold  Exigencies  of  Man- 
kind :  to  fupply  e'Dcry  Want,  We  can  feel ;  and 
gratify  every  Wijh,  We  can  form. 

Infomuch  that  the  vv^hole  Syftem  affords  a 
favourite  and  exalted  Topic  of  Praife,  even 
to  thofe  diftinguiflied  Beings,  who  Jiand  on 
the  Sea  of  Glafs,  and  have  the  Harps  of  GOD 
in  their  Hands.  They  lift  their  Voice  and 
fuig,  Great  and  marvelous  are  thy^  Works,  O 
LORD  GOD  Almighty -f! — And  is  there  not 
Reafon,  my  Afpafw  would  fay,  infinite  Reafon, 
for  Us  to  join  this  triumphant  Choir  -,  and  add 
Gratitude  to  our  Wonder,  Love  to  our  Hal- 
lelujahs ?  Since  all  thefe  Things  are  to  Us, 
not  merely  Obje6ls  of  Contemplation,  but 
Sources  of  Accommodation :  not  only  a  ma- 

jeific 

*  No  Notice  is  taken  of  the  Ocea7i,  in  this  little  Rent-roll 
of  Nature's  Wealth  ;  becaufe,  a  diftina  Sketch  is  given  of 
that  <^rand  Refervoir  and  its  principal  Services,  in  LctlcrYK. 

f'iifw/.  XV.  3.  Great  and  marvelous  are  thy  JForks^  O 
LORD  GOD  Almighty  I  Jujl  and  true  are  thy  Ways,  Thou 
KING  of  Saints  I  The  firft  Part  feems  to  mean,  what  the 
infpired  Writer  calls.  The  Song  cfMofes.  The  Second  con- 
tains,  what  He  ftyles.  The  Song  of  the  LAMB.  The  firft, 
I  Ihould  imaeine,  relates  to  the  ftupendous  Works  of  Crea- 
tion. The  £cond  alludes  to  the  far  more  wonderful  Scheme 
of  Redemption.  The  former,  defcribing  the  Sytlem  of  Na- 
ture, is  recorded  by  Mofes ;  the  latter,  comprehendmg  the 
Salvation  of  the  Saints,  is  accompliihed  by  CHRIST. 

D  1 


38  The  RON  to  Asp  as  10.       Let.  6, 

jeftic  Spe61:acle,  bright  with  the  Difplay  of  our 
CREATOR'S  Wifdoin,  but  an  ineftimable 
Gift,  rich  with  the  Emanations  of  his  Good- 
nefs.  The  Earth  hath  He  Jet  before  the  Inha- 
bitants of  Glory,  but  the  Earth  hath  He  given 

to  the  Children  of  Men'^. Having  given  Us 

Ourfelves ;  given  Us  a  World  -,  has  He  not  a 
Right,  a  moft  unqueftionable  and  unrivaled 
Right,  to  make  that  tender  Demand  ?  My 
Son  J  give  me  thy  Heart  -f-. 

Shall  I  add  another  PafTage  ?  Which,  view- 
ed with  any  but  the  laft  Paragraph,  will  be 
like  the  Head  of  Goldy  eminent  and  confpicu- 
ous  on  Feet  of  Iron  and  Clay.  It  is  taken  from 
the  fineft  philofophical  Oration,  that  ever  was 
made.  I  never  read  it,  but  with  a  Glow  of 
Delight,  and  with  ImprelTions  of  Awe.     It  is, 

in  fhort,  inimitably  fpirited  and  fublime. 

You  think,  perhaps,  I  aft  an  impolitic  Part, 
in  being  fo  lavifh  of  my  Praife ;  and  that  the 
Quotation  muft  fuffer,  by  fuch  an  aggrandiz- 
ing Introduction.  But  I  am  under  no  Appre- 
henfions  of  this  Kind.  Forbear  to  be  delightr 
ed,  if  You  can  j  ceafe  to  admire,  ifYou  can ; 
When  You  hear  OMNISCIENCE  itfelf  declar- 
ing. That,  on  the  Sight  of  this  univerfal  Fa- 
bric, emerging  out  of  Notliing,  The  Morn- 
ing Stars  sang  together,  and  all  thj^ 

Sons  of  GOD  shouted  for  Joy  J. The 

Syflem 
*  Pfal  cxv.  16.      t  Frov.  xxiii.  26,      %  Job  xxxviii.  5, 


Let.  7'        Aspasio/<jT  HERON.  39 

Syflem  was  fo  graceful,  fo  magnificent,  and, 
in  all  Refpecls,  fo  exquifitely  finiflied  ;  that  the 
moft  exalted  Intelligences  were  charmed,  were 
traniported.  They  knew  not  how  to  exprefs 
themfelves  on  the  great  Occafion,  but  in  Shouts 
of  Exultation,  and  Songs  of  Praife.  Is  it  pof- 
fible  for  Imagination  to  conceive  an  Enco- 
mium, fo  juft,  fo  high,  fo  beautifully  noble  ! 
— I  am  fure,  after  fo  much  Delicacy,  and  Ma- 
jefty  of  Sentiment,  any  thing  of  mine  mud 
be  intolerably  flat ;  unlefs  You  will  except  this 
one  Profefiion,  that  I  am,  with  the  moll  cor- 
dial Sincerity, 

My  dear  Afpafio, 

inviolably  yours, 

Theron. 


LETTER       Vn. 

AsPAsio    to    Theron. 

My  dear  T  h  e  RO  N, 

IF  You  write  with  fuch  a  View,  and  from 
fuch  a  Motive,  as  are  mentioned  in  your 
laft,  expe6l  no  more  free-will  Offerings  from 
my  Pen.     In  this  one  Inftance,  I  fliall  think 
it  my  Puty  to  be  covetous.     I  fliall  aft  the 
D  4  Mifer 


40  AsPASio  fo  Thekon.        Let.  7. 

Mifer  out  of  Principle  y  and  hardly  perfuade 
myfelf  to  part  with  a  fmgle  Line,  till  it  is  be- 
come an  undeniable  Debt.  I  mufl  turn  your 
cv/n  Artifice  on  Yourfelf ;  and  lay  You  under 
a  Neceffity  of  obliging,  entertaining,  and 
edifying  me  by  your  Correfpondence. 

For,  give  me  Leave  to  afTiire  You,  that  I 
am  alvv'ays  delighted,  and  aWays  improved  by 
your  Epiftles.  They  fhew  mc  a  Multitude  of 
Beauties  in  the  Creation,  which  I  fliould  not 
otherwife  have  difcerned.  They  point  out  the 
infmite  Power,  the  unfearchable  Wifdom,  and 
the  charmingly  rich  Goodnefs  of  the  glorious 
MAKER.  Such  a  Phiiofophy  turns  all  Na- 
ture into  a  School  of  Inftruclion,  and  is  an 
excellent  Himd?naid  to  true  Religion.  It  makes 
every  Obje6l  a  Step,  better  than  a  golden  Step, 
to  raife  both  our  Knowledge  and  our  Affec- 
tions to  the  adorable  and  immortal  CAUSE 
of  all. 

While  I  am  roving  heedlefly  along,  your 
Remarks  often  interpofe,  like  fome  intelligent 
faithful  Monitor,  who  claps  his  Hand  upon  my 
Breaff,  and  fays ;  Stand  Jiill,  and  co?iJider  the 
'wondrous  Works  of  GOD^\ — Willingly  I  obey 
the  Admonition  ;  the  Chriftian  may,  with  pe- 
culiar Complacency,  behold  this  grand  Maga- 
zine of  Wonders,  this  copious  Storehoufe  of 
Bleffings;    and,    confcious  of  an  Intereft   in 

JESUS^ 
*  yob  xxxvii,  14.' 


Let.  7*        AsPASio  /c  Theron.  ^i 

JESUSy  has  a  Right  to  call  them  all  y6/j 
cwn  *.  He  may  look  round  upon  prefent 
Things  'y  look  forward  unto  future  Things ; 
and,  trufting  in  his  SAVIOUR's  Merit,  may 
confidently  fay—-"  Not  one  only,  but  both 
*'  thefe  Worlds  are  mine.  By  virtue  of  my 
«  REDEEMER'S  Righteoufnefs,  I  pofTefs 
"  the  necefTary  Accommodations  of  this  Life ; 
*'  and,  on  the  fame  unfhaken  Footing,  I  fland 
"  intitled  to  the  inconceivable  Felicity  of  a 
«  better." 

Surely  then  it  w^ill  be  as  pleafing  an  Employ, 
and  as  important  a  Search,  to  examine  thtFa- 
Udity  of  oxxY  Title  to  all  Things,  as  to  eft im  ate 
the  Value  of  our  prefent  Poilelfions.  Tou  have 
executed  the  one.  Let  me  attem.pt  the  other.-— 
You  have  furveyed  material  Nature :  it  ap- 
pears to  be  void  of  all  Defeft  -,  and,  for  the 
Purpofes  w^hich  it  is  intended  to  anfwer,  com- 
pletely finiihed.  Is  not  our  SAVIOUR's  Obe- 
dience, the  Provifion  miade  for  indigent  and 

guilty  Souls,  equally  perfefc  ? Since  this  is 

everlafting  and  immutable  ;  fmce  the  other  is 
tranfient  and  periihabie  -,  doubtiefs  We  may 
argue  with  the  judicious  Apoftle :  If  that  which 
is  to  be  done  away,  which  will  foon  be  confign- 
ed  over  to  DilTolution,  is  glorious ;  ?nuch  more 
that  which  remaineth,  whofe  blcffed  EffeCls  con- 
tinue to  eternal  Ages,  is  glorious  f . 

We 

*  iC(7r.  iii.  21.        t  2  Ccr.  iii,  II. 


4?  AsPAsio  /^  Theron.        Let. 7. 

We  are  every  One,  as  an  uncle aji  Tubing  *, 
Our  very  Nature  is  contaminated.  Even  Sane- 
tification,  though  it  deflroys  the  reigning,  does 
not  wholly  fuperfede  the  polluting  Power  of 
Iniquity.  So  that  whatever  Graces  We  exer- 
cife,  whatever  Duties  We  perform,  (like  the 
Rays  of  Light  tranfmitted  through  coloured 
Crlafs,  or  like  generous  Wine  ftreaming  from 
a  defiled  Caik)  they  receive  fome  improper 
1 'inge,  or  contra6l  fome  debafmg  Taint.  But 
CZ/i-J/^'/was  intirely  free  from  this  in?mt€ 
Contagion.  He  had  no  erroneous  Apprehen- 
fions  in  his  Mind,  no  corrupt  Bias  upon  his 
Will,  nor  any  irregular  Concupifcence  in  his 
Affections- 

Being  thus  perfeclly  undefiled.  He  did  n& 
Sin  J  neither  ivas  Guile  found  in  his  Mouth -f.  All 
his  Thoughts  were  innocent,  all  his  Words 
were  irreproachable,  and  every  Action  blame- 
lefs.  The  mofl  accomplifhed  among  the  Chil- 
dren of  Men,  when  furprifed  in  fome  un- 
guarded Moment,  or  alTaulted  on  fome  weak 
Side,  have  been  betrayed  into  Error,  or  hur- 
ried into  Sin.  Even  Mofes  fpake  unadvifedly 
with  his  Lips ;  and  Aaron,  the  Saint  of  the 
LORD,  warped  to  idolatrous  Praftices.  They 
were  like  fome  ftagnating  Lake  j  in  'which, 
the  Dregs  being  fubfided,  the  Waters  appear 
clean ;  but,  when  flirred  by  Temptation,  ox 

agitate4 

♦  Ifaiah  Ixiv.  6,  t  I  Pit.  ii,  22: 


Let. 7'         AsPAsio  to  Th^ron.  43 

agitated  by  Affli6lion,  the  Sediment  rifes,  and 
the  Pool  is  difcoloured.  Whereas,  CHRISl' 
may  be  compared  to  a  Fountain,  that  is  all 
Tranfparency,  and  pure  to  the  very  Bottom : 
which,  however  fliaken,  however  difturbed,  is 
nothing  but  fluid  Cryllal  5  permanently  and 
invariably  clear. 

It  was  a  fmall  Thing  for  the  biefled  JESUS, 
to  have  no  depraved  Propenfity  5  He  v^as  born 
in  a  State  of  co?2fiimmate  ReBitude^  and  adorn- 
ed with  all  the  Beauties  of  Holinefs.  HOLI- 
NESS TO  THE  LORD  was  infcribed,  not 
on  the  Mitre  J  but  on  the  Heart  of  our  great 
HIGH-PRIEST.  Therefore  He  is  flyled  by 
the  Angelic  Harbinger  pf  his  Birth,  THAT 

HOLY  THING*. Jn  the  Prophecy  of 

Zechariah,  the  Dignity  of  our  REDEEMER'S 
Nature,  and  the  Perfection  of  his  Obedience, 
are  difplayed  by  the  Similitude  of  a  Stone  -f-, 
adorned  wdth  cxquifite  Engraving.    Wrought, 

not 

*  Luhe  i.  35. — Which  is  fpoken,  in  ContradtJi'mSiion  to 
the  State  of  all  other  Births ;  and  implies  the  univerfal'^rtvz.- 
lence  of  original  Corruption,  this  one  Inftance  only  excepted. 
For,  if  other  Infants  were  holy  at  their  firft  Formation,  and 
made  after  the  Image  of  GOD,  this  Remark  had  been  tri- 
vial and  impertinent,  if  not  droll  and  burlefque ;  like  fay- 
ing with  great  Solemnity,  "  The  Child  fhall  have  a  Mouth 
*'  and  a  Head  j  aye,  and  Eyes  in  the  one,  and  Lips  to  the 
*«  other." 

t  Zechar.  iii.  9,  10,  Behold  the  Stone  that  I  have  laid  be- 
fore Jofhua  :  upon  one  Stone  Jliall  be  fevcn  Eyes ;  beheld!  I  wilt 
engrave  the  Graving  thereof,  faith  the  LORD  of  Hofls,  mA 
i  will  remove  the  Iniquity  of  tlmt  Land  in  one  Day. 


44  Aspasio/(?Theron.         Let.  7. 

not  by  Bezakel  or  AhoUaby  though  divinely 
infpired  Artifts,  but  by  the  Finger  of  JEHO- 
VAH Himfelf ;  and  more  highly  finifhed,  than 
it  is  pofTible  for  human  Skill  to  equal,  or  hu- 
man Thought  to  conceive. 

The  whole  Tenour  of  our  LORD's  Con- 
duct, was  a  living  Exemplification  of  Piety 
and  Morality,  in  their  mofl  extenjive  Branches, 
and  moft  amiable  Forms.  Saints  of  the  high- 
eft  Attainments,  have  fallen  fhort  of  the  Glory 
of  G  O  D  J  have  been  far  from  reaching  the 
exalted  Standard  of  his  Precepts.  But  CHRIST 
failed  in  no  Point,  came  fhort  iii  no  Degree. 
— We  formerly  obferved  the  great  Sublimity, 
and  vaft  Extent  of  the  divine  Law.  From 
whence  appears  the  extreme  Difficulty,  nay 
the  utter  Impoffibility  of  our  Juftification,  on 
Account  of  any  Duties  performed  by  Our- 
felves.  How  fhould  We  rejoice  then  to  con- 
template the  vicarious  Righteoufnefs  of  our 
condefcending  and  adorable  SURETY?  As 
the  Mercy-feat  was  exa6lly  commenfurate  to 
the  Dimenfions  of  the  Ark ;  fo  did  our  LORD's 
Obedience  mo^  fully  quadrate  with  all  and  every 
Demand  of  the  divine  Law.  It  flowed  from 
thofe  noble  Principles,  fupreme  Love  to  GOD, 
and  unfeigned  AfFe6lion  to  Mankind. 

From  thofe  two  capital  Sources,  let  Us  trace 
our  LORD'S  Obedience,  through  fome  little 

Part 


Let. 7-        AsPASio  /o  Theron.  45 

Part  of  its  illuflrious  Progrefs. His  Delight 

in  GOD  was  confpicuous,  even  from  his 
early  Years.  The  facred  Solemnities  of  the 
San6luary,  were  more  engaging  to  his  youth- 
ful Mind,  than  all  the  Entertainments  of  a 

Feflival. When  He  entered  upon  his  Mi- 

niftry,  whole  Nights  were  not  too  long  for  his 
copious  Devotions.  The  lonely  Retirements 
of  the  Defart,  as  affording  Opportunity  for  un- 
difturbed  Communion  with  GOD,  were  more 
defirable  to  CHRIST,  than  the  Applaufes  of 
an  admiring  World. 

So  ceafelefs  and  tranfcendent  was  his  Love 
to  GOD,  that  He  never  fought  any  feparate 
Pleafure  of  his  own ,  but  always  did  thofe 
Things,  which  were  pleafing  in  his  FATHER'S 
Sight.  His  own  Will  was  intirely  abforpt  in 
the  Will  of  the  MOST  HIGH;  and  //  was 
his  Meat  and  Drink,  refrefhing  and  delightful 
as  the  richeft  Food,  or  as  royal  Dainties,  to 
finijh  the  Work  that  was  given  Him  to  do  *. 

So  intirely  devoted  to  the  Honour  of  GOD, 
that  a  Zeal  for  his  Houfe,  and  for  the  Purity 
of  his  Ordinances,  is  reprefented  by  the  evan- 
gelical Hiftorian,  as  eatijig  Him  up  -f-.  Like 
a  heavenly  Flame,  glowing  in  his  Breaft,  it 
fometimes  fired  Him  with  a  graceful  in- 
dignation; fometimes  melted  Him  into  godly 
Sorrow  3  and,  by  exerting  itfelf  in  a  Va- 
riety 

*  John  IS,  34.  t  John'ii.  17. 


46  AsPAsio  /(/  TheroiNT.        Let. 7<f 

riety  of  vigorous  Efforts,  confumed  his  vital 
Spirits. 

So  a6live  and  unremitted  was  the  Obedience 
of  the  blefled  JESUS,  that  the  Sun  did  not 
enter  upon  his  Race  with  a  more  conftant 
Affiduity,  nor  difpatch  his  Bufinefs  with  greater 
Expedition  :  and  fure  I  am,  that  radiant  Lu- 
minary never  difpenfed  Beams,  half  fo  bright, 

or  a  thoufandth  Part  fo  beneficial. Short 

v^as  his  Span,  but  how  grand  and  extenfive^ 
were  his  Services.  So  grajid,  that  they  bring 
more  Glory  to  GOD,  than  all  the  Admini- 
firations  of  Providence,  and  all  the  Phas- 
nomena  of  Nature.  So  extenfive^  that  they 
Ipread,  in  their  gracious  Efficacy,  to  the  Ends 
of  the  Earth,  and  to  the  clofmg  Period  of 
Time.  Nay,  they  will  diffufe  their  blefled  In- 
fluence even  to  the  celeftial  World,  and  have 
no  other  Limits  of  their  Duration  than  the 
Ages  of  Eternity. 

Moft  affe6lionately  concerned  for  the  Wel- 
fare of  Mankind,  He  fpent  his  Strength,  not 
barely  in  relieving  them,  when  his  Aid  was 
implored  j  but  mfeeking  the  Affli6led,  and  of" 
fering  his  AfTiftance.     With  great  Fatigue  *, 

He 

*  JESUS  be'mg  weary  with  his  yourney,  sicx^'t^slo  j<1w?. 
John  iv.  6. — slug  is  thus  explained  by  a  Gree^  Commenta- 
tor, aTTAwf,  xoci  ug  £Tup^£.  Our  LORD  fat  down,  with- 
out Ceremony  and  without  Complaint,  even  on  the  rough  Place : 
contented  to  ufe  it,  juft  as  He  found  it ;  neither  defiring  a 
fofter  Seat,  nor  wiflling  for  ajiy  better  Accommodation. — I 

rather 


Let. 7.         AspAsio  /i5  Theron.  47 

He  travelled  to  remote  Cities ;  and  with  no 
lefs  Condefcenfion,,  He  vifited  the  meaneil  Vil- 
lages; that  All  might  have  the  Benefit  and 
Comfort  of  his  Prefence.  Though  Multitudes 
of  miferable  Objects  were  brought  to  Him 
from  every  Quarter,  yet  he  was  pleafed  even 
to  prevent  the  Wifhes  of  the  DiitrelTed,  and 
went  about  doing  Good, 

He  gave  Sight*,  and  all  the  agreeable  Scenes 
of  Nature,  to  the  Blind  ;  Health,  and  all  the 
choice  Comforts  of  Life,  to  the  Difeafed.  He 
expelled  malevolent  raging  Daemons  5  and  re- 
{fored,  what  is  more  precious  than  the  Light 
of  the  Body,  or  the  Vigour  of  Conftitution, 
the  calm  Pofleflion  of  the  intellecluai  Facul- 
ties.— What  greatly  furpajfed  all  the  preceding 
Bleffings,  He  releafed  the  wretched  Soul  from 
the  Dominion  of  Darknefs,  and  from  the 
Tyranny   of  Sin.     He   made    his  Followers 

Partakers 

rather  think,  the  Adverb  refers  to  the  preceding  Adje(nive 
>tfxo'7r*axc<;?,  which  fignifies  a  State  of  very  great  Fatigue; 
weakening  a  Perfon  to  fuch  a  Degree,  that  He  can  hardly 
walk  vj'v^Jieady  Steps,  or  even  fit  in  an  zipright  Attitude. 
The  facred  Hiftorian  feems  to  mean,  that  our  LORD  fat 
in  fuch  a  Pofture,  as  fpoke  the  Laflitude  of  his  Body ;  de- 
clared the  Failure  of  his  Spirits  ;  ^n^  Jl)ewedW\n\  to  be  fpent 
with  the  Heat  of  the  Day,  and  the  Toil  of  Traveling. 
Which  Circumftance  gives  a  moft  beautiful  Heightening  to 
his  Charity  and  Zeal,  fo  generouHy  and  fo  fucceisfully  ex- 
erted in  the  following  Conference. 

*  Exapic-oiTo  TO  pAETTiiv,  is  the  delicate  and  noble  Ex- 
preffion  of  the  Evangelift,  Luh  vii.  21.  He  made'  thm  a 
Prefent  of  Sight.  Silver  and  Gold  had  He  none  ;  but  thefe 
were  his  Gifts  i  fuch  were  his  Alms, 


4^  A-s  p  A  s  I  o  /<?  T  H  E  R  o  N.        Let.  7. 

Partakers  of  a  divine  Nature,  and  prepared 
them  for  a  State  of  never-ending  Blii's. 

Such  pricelefs  Treafures  of  Wifdom  and 
Beneficence  flowed  from  his  Tongue,  and 
were  poured  from  his  Hands  1 — How  different 
thefe  Triumphs  of  Mercy,  from  the  Trophies 
ere6led,  by  wild  Ambition,  ia  the  bloody  Field ! 
If  Heathens  celebrated  thofe  mighty  Butchers, 
who  made  Cities  their  Slaughter-houfe  ;  made 
half  the  Globe  their  Shambles  ;  and  meafured 
their  Merit,  by  the  Devaftations  they  fpread ; 
how  fhould  Chrijiians  admire  this  heavenly 
BENEFACTOR,  who  rofe  upon  a  wretched 
"World,  with  HeaUng  under  his  Wings  !  Who 
diftributed,  far  and  near,  the  unfpeakably 
rich  Gifts  of  Knowledge  and  Hohnefs,  of 
temporal  Happinefs  and  eternal  Joy ! 

Nor  were  thefe  righteous  A6ls  his  flrange 
Work,,  bat  his  repeated,  his  hourly^  his  almoll 
incejjant  Employ.  Sometimes,  We  hear  Him 
preaching  in  the  Temple,  or  publifhmg  his 
glad  Tidings  in  the  Synagogues.  Sometimes, 
We  fee  Him  teaching  in  private  Houfes,  or 
bringing  forth  the  good  Things  of  his  Gof- 
pel  on  the  Deck  of  a  Ship.  At  other  Times, 
He  takes  a  Mountain  for  his  Pulpit  j  the  Hea- 
vens are  his  Sounding-board  j  and  all  that  have 
Ears  to  hear,  are  invited  to  be  his  Audi- 
ence.  Does  He  lay  afide  this  folemn  Of- 
fice ?    It  is  only  to  carry  on  the  fame  Defign, 

in 


Let.  7*        As  PAS  10  /o  The  RON.  49 

in  a  more  condefcending  and  familiar  Manner. 
If  he  meets  with  the  Pharifces^  He  difcovers  their 
Errors,  and  reproves  their  Vices  ;  He  confutes 
their  Obje6lions,  and  (in  cafe  they  are  not 
abfohitely  inaccefiible  to  wife  Counfd)  recli- 
fies  their  Miftakes.  If  He  vouchfafcs  to  he 
prefent  at  a  Feaft,  He  fiirniflies  the  richefl:, 
incomparably  the  richefl:  Part  of  the  Treat. 
Money  and  Milk  are  under  his  T'oi^giie  ^.  He  in- 
culcates Lowlinefs  of  Mind  on  the  Vain  -f- ; 
He  recommends  diilnterefted  Charity  to  the 
SelfifhJ  ;  and  promifes  Pardon  to  the  weeping 
Penitent  j|. — Is  He  retired  from  other  Compa- 
ny, and  furrounded  only  by  his  chofen  Atten- 
dants ?  His  Converfation  is  a  Sermon.  Whe- 
ther He  fit  in  the  inner  Chamber,  or  travel  on 
the  public  Road,  or  walk  through  the  Corn- 
fields, He  is  ftill  profecuting  his  great  Work ; 
training  up  his  Difciples  for  their  facred  Func- 
tion ;  and  imparting  to  them,  what  they  may 

communicate  to  Others. Is  He  retired  from 

all  Company  ?  Even  then  He  does  not  difcon- 
tinue  his  Labours  of  Love,  but  adds  the  fer- 
vent Interceflions  of  the  Night,  to  the~  chari- 
table Toils  of  the  Day.  Yes,  w^hen  All  but 
Himfelf,  lay  funk  in  foft  Repofe,  this  ADVO- 
CATE for  a  guilty  World,  was  engaged  in  an 
Exercife  of  Benevolence;  which,  though  fccret 

and 

*  Cnnt.  iv.  ir.  f  Lukexw.  8.  %  Luke  x\x.  I2. 

II  Luke  vil.  48. 

Vol.  IIL     '  E 


£o  Aspasio/(jTheron.       Let.  7. 

and  unobferved  as  the  falling  Dews,  was  far 
more  beneficial  to  our  befl  Interefts,  than  thofe 
pearly  Drops  to  the  languilhing  Herbs. 

Mod  charming  and  unparalleled  Benignity  ! 
Hq  forgot  his  daily  Food,  i2eg!e5ied\\\s  neceffary 
Kt^c,  to  fpend  and  be  fpent  for  the  Salvation 
of  Mankind.  Neither  the  Hardfliips  of  conti- 
nual Self-denial,  nor  the  Calumnies  of  inve- 
nomed  Tongues,  could  divert  Him  from  pur- 
fuing  this  favourite  Bufinefs. — He  fought  none 
of  your  Honours,  coveted  none  of  your  Re- 
wards, O  ye  Children  of  Men!  What  He 
fought,  what  He  coveted,  was,  to  wear  out 
his  Life  in  your  Service,  and  lay  it  down  for 
your  Ranfom.  This  was  all  his  Defire,  and 
this  indeed  He  defired  earneflly. He  long- 
ed (beneficent,  bleifed  Being  1)  Lie  long- 
ed for  the  fatal  Llour.  He  feverely  rebuked 
one  of  his  Difciples,  who  would  have  dif- 
fuaded  Llim  from  going  as  a  Voluntier  to  the 
Crofs.     Lie  was  eveny^r^/Vnzf^i*,  under  a  Kind 

of 

*  Lu^e  xir.  50.  The  original  Word  (ruv£p^o/xaj  fccms  to 
exprefs  the  Condition  of  a  Perfon,  wedged  in,  on  every  Side, 
by  a  tumultuo|i3  Throng  of  People.  His  Hands  are  ham- 
pered, and  his  Body  is  confined  in  a  moving  Prifon.  He  is 
crufhcd  by  the  Crowd,  and  pants  for  Breath. — How  mull 
iuch  a  One  long  to  be  dlfengagcd  from  thefe  very  uncofy  Cir- 
cumftances  !  With  equal  Ardour  did  cur  mofi:  beneficent 
LORD  defire  thofe  Sufferings,  which  were  to  overwhelm 
Him  v/ith  Difcrcfs,  but  exalt  Us  to  Happinefs ;  were  to  bathe 
his  Limbs  in  Blood,  but  cleanfe  our  Souls  from  Sin. — Ot 
oX^c«,  f^iys  the  fame  Hiftorian,  ^-ovs^HC-i  crj  k«»  aTroGAi^Bcri, 
Lti^^e  viii.  45. 


Let.  7.       AspasIo/^Theron.  51 

of  holy  Uneafinefs,  till  the  dreadful  Work 
was  accomplillied ;  till  He  was  baptized  with 
the  Baptifm  of  his  Sufferings^  bathed  in  Blood, 
and  plunged  in  Death. 

By  this  moil  meritorious  Obedience  and 
Death,  what  did  He  not  deferve  ?  What  did 
He  not  procure?  He  procured  thofe  ineilima- 
ble  Bleffings,  the  Pardon  of  Sin,  and  Recon- 
ciliation with  GOD.  Procured  them  (O !  Love 
unmerited  and  unmeafurable !)  for  Prodigals, 
for  Traitors,  for  Rebels. — To  this  it  is  owing, 
that  We,  who  were  Enemies  againft  GOD, 
may  call  the  K I N  G  of  Heaven  our  Father  j 
may  have  free  Accefs  to  Him  in  all  our  Diffi- 
culties ;  and  may  hope  to  reign  with  Him  in 
everlafting  Glory. 

Was  ever  Goodnefs  like  this  Goodnefs  *"  ? 
Were  ever  Bleffings  comparable  to  thefe  Bleff- 
ings ? 

*  Codrus,  it  is  true,  devoted  Himfelf  to  Death  for  the 
Atheniam ;  and  Curtius  threw  Himfelf  into  the  yawning 
Gulph,  for  the  Pre'fervation  of  the  Romans. — But  thefe  died, 
being  mere  Creatures,  and  guilty  Creatures  :  whereas,  the 
dying  JESUS  was  perfectly  innocent,  and  fupremely  glo- 
rious.— T'hefe  died,  only  ^^.  little  before  their  Time  :  but 
CHRIST  died,  though  He  had  Life  in  Himfelf,  and  None 
could  have  taken  it  from  Him,  had  He  not  ^voluntarily  re- 
iigned  it. — Thefe  died  for  their  valuable  Friends,  for  their 
affectionate  Relations,  for  their  native  Country  :  but  CHRIST 
died  for  Slaves,  for  Enemies,  for  the  Ungodly. — They  died 
an  honourable  Death  :  but  CHRIST  fubmitted  to  the  moH: 
ignominiotis  Execution  ;  CHRIST  died  under  the  Imputation 
of  horrid  Crimes,  and  in  the  Form  of  an  execrable  Male- 
faiflor. — In  all  thefe  Inftances,  as  the  Heavens  are  higher 
than  the  Earth,  fo  is  CHRIST'S  Love  greater  than  their 
Love  i  his  Philanthropy  than  their  Patriotijm, 

E  2 


^2  Asp  A  sio  /o  Th  ERON.        Let.  7 

ings  ?  or  purchafed  with  fadi  a  Price  ? — Hide, 
hide,  your  diminilhed  Pleads,  ye  httlc  tranfi- 
tory  Donations  of  Silver  and  Gold.  The 
Riches  of  a  thonfand  Mines,  bedowed  to  feed 
the  Hungry  and  clothe  the  Naked,  are  the 
moll:  contemptible  Trifles,  if  mentioned  with 
the  Charity  of  the  teachings  the  healings  the 
bleeding  JESUS.  Kingdoms  given  away  in 
Alms,  if  viewed  with  this  infinitely  noble  Be- 
neficence, w^ould  make  juft  the  fame  Figure, 
as  a  Spark  from  the  Summer-hearth,  under 

the  potent  and  boundlefs  Blaze   of  Noon. 

This  is  indeed  Love  that  pajjeth  Knowledge  *. 

Amidft  all  thefe  Miracles  of  Power  and  of 
Love  (any  one  of  which  would  have  intitled 
Him  to  univerfal  Admiration,  and  everlading 
Honour)  how  humble  was  our  SAVIOUPv  !  O 
Humility — Virtue  dear  to  the  mofl  High  GOD, 

and  peculiarly  amiable  in  Man never  didfl 

Thou 

*  Eph.\\\.  ig.  This  Expreffion,  as  -JiUothe  pr'mcipalQ'w- 
cuip.ftance  of  Superiority  hinted  in  the  preceding  Note,  arc 
founded  on  the  Divinity  of  our  LORD.  And  indeed  the 
Kxpreffion  is  fearce  juftifiable,  the  Ailcrtion  is  hardly  true, 
upon  any  other  Suppofition.  A  Creature  dying  for  a  Crea- 
ture, is,  though  great,  yet  not  tncomprehenfible  Goodnefs. 
But,  when  We  view  the  Sufferings  of  CHRIST^  and  the 
Bleflings  of  Redemption,  furroundcd  v/ith  all  the  Splejidor 
of  th.e  DEITY  ;  they  dazzle  our  Underflanding,  and  fill 
Us  with  holy  Aflonifhment.  They  appear  to  be  the  EftcvSts 
of  a  Love,  never  to  be  fpoke  of  but  in  the  Language  of 
JVonder^  never  to  be  thought  of  but  with  an  Extafy  of 
Delight. 


Let.  7«        As  PAS  I  o  ^5  The  RON.  53 

Thou  appear  in  fo  charming  a  Drefs,  or  lb 
flriking  a  Light. 

At  his  Birth,  not  accommodated  with  a 
magnificent  Palace,    but  lodged  in  a  Stable, 

and  laid  in  a  Manger. As  He  advanced  in 

Years,  not  attended  and  ferved  with  a  royal 
Revenue,  but  earning  his  Bread  by  the  Sweat 

of  his  Brow. When  tie  entered  upon  his 

miniflerial  Office,  not  the  leafl:  oftentatious 
Parade  appeared,  in  the  Performance  of  all 
his  wonderful  Works.  So  far,  fo  very  far 
from  affe6ling  the  Acclamations  of  the  Po- 
pulace, that  He  often  impofed  Silence  on  thofe 
unfpeakably  indebted  Lips,  which  were  ready 
to  overflow  with  Praife,  and  would  fain  have 
been  the  Trumpets  of  his  Fame. 

Though  a  Voice  from  Heaven  proclaimed 
Him,  The  BELOVED  of  his  Almighty  FA- 
THER ;  He  difdained  not  to  own  the  ignoble 
Character  of  the  Carpenters  Son  *.  Though 
PRINCE  of  the  Kings  of  the  Earth,  He  con- 
defcended  to  wafh  the  Feet  of  mean  Fifliermen, 
and  vile  Sinners  f .  Though  PROPRIETOR 
and  LORD  of  the  whole  Vf  orld,  He  was  con- 
tent to  be  more  deflitute  than  the  Fowls  of 
the  Air,  or  the  Foxes  of  the  Defai  1 1 :  more 
deilitute  (aftonifhing  Abafement !)  than  the 
moft  infignijlcant  and  mofc  tei'i/ Animals, 

Gran- 

*  Matt.  xiii.  53.       t  Johny^xiu  14.       %  Matt.\\\\.  20. 
E   3 


54  As  PA  SI  o  ^0  The  RON.       Let.  7. 

Grandeur,  We  find,  is  apt  to  beget  Expec- 
tations of  fuperior  Regard  :  confequently, 
gives  a  keener  Edge  to  every  Affront,  and 
renders  the  Mind  more  tenderly  fenfible  of 
every  Dirrefpe6l.  But  our  hOKD's  Meeknefi 
was  as  great  as  his  Dignity  j  and  that,  through- 
out a  Series  of  fuch  unfufj'crabk  Provocations, 
as  were  equaled  by  nothing,  but  the  Sweet- 
nefs  of  his  forgiving  Grace. 

When  rudely  affronted.  He  calmly  bore, 
and  kindly  overlooked  the  Infult. — When  con- 
tradided  by  petulant  and  prefiimptuous  Sinners, 
He  endured,  with  the  utmoft  Serenity  of 
Temper,  their  unreafonable  Cavils,  and  their 
obffinatePerverfenefs. — When  his  Invitations, 
his  endearing  Invitations,  to  be  wife  and  happy, 
were  ungratefully  and  frubbornly  rejecled  3  in- 
flead  of  remitting,  He  renewed  them  ;  and, 
with  ftill  warmer  Affection,  importuned  his 

Hearers  not  to  forfeit  their  oivn  Mercies. ■ 

When  all  the  winning  Arts  of  Perfuafion  were 
ineffedual,  He  added  his  Tears  to  his  flighted 
Intreaties  j  and  lamented  as  a  Brother,  when 
fcornfully  repulfed  as  a  Teacher. 

Though  his  Difcipks  flept,  flupidly  flept, 
when  his  bitter  Cries  pierced  the  Clouds,  and 
were  enough  to  awaken  the  very  Stones  into 
Compailion  3  did  their  divine  but  ilighted 
MASTER  refent  the  Unkindnefs  ?  Did  He 
refufe  to  admit  an  Excufe  for  their  NeglecSl  ? 

Yea, 


Let.  7.        A  S  P  A  S  I  O  /(?  T  H  E  R  O  N.  ^5 

Yea,  He  made  their  Excule ;  and  that  the 
moft  tender  and  gracious  imaginable  j  'J'he  Spi- 
rit  is  wilHfig^  but  the  FlcJJj  is  ^weak  *. — When  his 
Enemies  had  nailed  Him  to  the  Crofs,  as  the 
bafeft  Slave,  and  moll  flagitious  Malefaclor ; 
when  they  were  glutting  their  Mahce,  with  his 
Torments  and  Blood  ;  and  fpared  not  to  revile 
Him,  even  in  his  lafl  expiring  Agonies ;  far, 
very  far  from  being  exafperated,  this  HERO 
of  Heaven  repaid  all  their  Contempt  and  Bar- 
barity, v/ith  the  moft  fervent  and  effeftual 
Supplications  in  their  Behalf.  FARTHER, 
forgive  them^  was  his  Prayer  :  for^  they  know 
not  what  they  do  -f-,  was  his  Plea. 

Nor  v/as  his  Re/Jgnation  lefs  exemplary  than 
his  Meeknefs.  He  went  out  to  meet  Afflic- 
tions, when  they  cam.e  in  his  F  A  T  H  E  R's 
Name,  and  commiflioned  from  his  FATHER'S 
Hand.  He  gave,  without  the  leaft  Reluc- 
tance, his  Back  to  the  Smiters,  and  hid  not 
his  Face  from  Shame  and  Spitting.  Though 
his  Soul,  his  very  Soul  was  penetrated  with 
the  keenefl  Senfations  of  Anguillii  yet,  no 
impatient  Thought  difcompofed  his  Mind,  no 
murmuring  Word  forced  its  V/ay  from  his 
Lips.  FA  THE  Ry  Jiot  my  Willy  but  thine  be 
done^y  was  his  Language  ;  when  the  Sorrows 
of  Death  compalfed  Him,  and  the  Pains  of 

Hell 

*  Matt.  XXVI.  ^i.  I  Lii/(v  xxiii,  34.  J  Ltd-e 

xxii.  42. 

E4 


56  AspasioZ-jTheron.        Let.  7.' 

Hell  gat  hold  upon  him  *.  JVhcii  they  gaped 
upon  him  '•julth  their  Mouthy  and  J  mote  Him  upon 
the  Cheek  reproachfully.  When  his  Face  iv  as  fold 
'with  Spittings  aiid  on  his  Eyelids  was  the  Sha- 
dow of  Death.  When  GOD  delivered  Him  to 
the  Ungodly,  and  turned  Him  over  into  the  Hands 
of  the  wicked.  Tea,  when  the  A L MIGHT T 
ft  him  for  the  Mark  of  his  Arrows^  and  brake 
Him  with  Breach  upon  Breach.  When  the  Wea- 
pons of  his  Wrath  cleft  his  very  Reins  afunder, 
arid  poured  his  Gall  upon  the  Earth  '\'.  Amidft 
all  this  exquifite  Diflrefs,  He  finned  not  oy  the 
leafl  irregular  Perturbation  j  but  l)0\ved  his 
Head,  and  dutifully  kiflcd  the  divine  V-.odi,  and 
ordially  blcfTed  his  very  Murderers. 
Thus  did  the  whole  Choir  of  aBive  and 
pq/jiveWrtuts  abound  and  fhine  in  our  LORD : 
abound  with  the  richeft  Variety,  and  fhine 
with  the  highefl  Lufac.  Infinitely  fui-paffing 
that  curious  AlTemblage  of  coitly  Gems,  which 
lludded  the  Aaronic  Breail-plate  %  3  and,  as 
far  as  earthly  Things  can  reprefent  heavenly, 

type- 

*  Pfal.  cxvi.  3. 

t  Thcie  tragical  Images  are  borrowed  from  the  Book  of 
'Job.  who  was  an  eminent  'Fvpc  of  a  fufFering  SAVIOUR  ; 
and,  though  they  are  the  very  Eloquence  of  Woe,  do  not 
exaggerate,  nay,  cannot  cxprefs,  that  inconceivable  Anguifh ; 
which  wrung  a  bloody  Sweat  from  our  bleiTed  MAS  FER's 
Kody,  and  forced  from  his  Lips  that  melanclioly  Exclama- 
tion —  My  Soul  is  forrozvful — exceeding  J'crrotvful — Jorrotvful 
t'jcn  zmto  Death.     See  "Job  xvi. 

X  Exod,  xxviii,  17,  18,  19,  20. 


Let.  7'       AsPAsio  /o  TiiERON.  57 

typefied  the  Splendor  of  our  REDEEMER'S 
Righteoufnefs. 

In  all  this,  he  a(5led  as  GOD's  righteous  Ser- 
vant, and  as  his  People's  righteous  Surety. — By 
all  this,  He  fulfilled  every  Jot  and  Tittle  of 
the  divine  Law  j  nay,  He  more  than  fulfilled. 
He  magnified  it.  He  gave  it  (if  I  may  apply 
the  moft  beautiful  Allufion  that  ever  was  ufed, 
to  the  moft  noble  Subject  that  ever  was  difculT- 
ed)  good  Meafure,  prejfed  down^  and fimken  toge- 
ther, and  running  over  *. 

He  defied  the  moft  vigilant  of  his  Enemies 

to  convince  him  of  Sin. A  more  malignant, 

a  far  more  fagacious  Adverfary  than  the  Scribes 
and  Pharifees,  could  dete6l  no  Blemifli  in  our 
LORD  JESUS,  the  Prijice  of  this  World,  that 
infernal  Tyrant,  who  had  deceived  and  in- 
flaved  the  Nations  of  the  Earth,  came  and  found 
nothing  in  Him  -f ;  not  the  leafl:  Corruption  in 
his  Nature,  nor  tlie  leaft  Defeat  in  his  Obedi- 
ence. 

He  hath  done  all  T'hings  well  i,  was  the  gene- 
ral Acclamation  of  Mankind :  or,  as  the  Words 
may  be  rendered,  He  hath  done  ail  Things 
finely  and  gracefully^.  With  every  Circum- 
ftance,  that  can  conllitute  the  Propriety  and 
Dignity,  the  Utility  and  Beauty  of  A6tion. 

/ 

*  Lukev'u  38.         t  John  XIV.  30.        J  Mar^  vii.  ^y. 


58  Asp Asio  /i>  Theron.       Let.  7, 

/  have  glorified  T'hee  on  Earth  *,  was  his  own 
Profeffion  before  the  moil  High  GOD.  I 
have  glorified  Thee,  in  all  that  I  a6led,  in  all 
that  I  rpoke,  in  all  that  I  fuffered.  1  have  dif- 
played  the  ?4agnificence  of  thy  Majefty,  the 
Riches  of  thy  Grace,  and  the  Honour  of  all 
thy  Attributes.  Infomuch  that  whofofeetb  ME, 
feeth  the  FATHER  -f  j  whoever  is  properly  ac- 
quainted with  my  Perfon  and  my  Work  of  Re- 
demption, fees  the  invifible  and  knows  the  in- 
comprehenfible  D  E I T  Y  5  fees  his  venerable, 
his  amiable,  his  adorable  Perfe6lions,  in  the 
clearefc  Mirror,  and  in  the  brighteft  Light  J. 

GOD  alfo,  who  is  the  fupreme  Standard 
and  unerring  Judge  of  Excellency,  bore  his 
Teftimony  to  our  bleffed  MEDIATOR.  He 
fpoke  it  once,    yea  twice,  and  with  a  Voice 

from  Heaven. In  the  Conflitution  of  the 

material  World,  when  it  came  forth  from  the 
CREATOR'S  Hand,  Omnifcience  itfelf  could 
difcern  no  Flaw.  Neither  could  Juftice  itfelf, 
upon  the  flri6lefl  Inquiry,  difcover  any  Fai- 
lure in  the  Obedience  of  our  SURETY.  As 
therefore  it  was  faid,  concerning  the  V/orks 
of  Creation,    I'hey  are  all  "jery  good\^  ,  So  it 

was 

*  yohn  xvii.  4.  t  yohn  xii.  45. 

X  Therefore  CHRIST  is  faid  to  be  ixTrx-j'yxariJi.x  td?  ^o^ngy 
Heb.  i.  3.  Not  barely  the  Glory,  but  the  very  Br'ightnefs  of 
his  FATHER'S  Glory  :  Or,  the  Glory  of  the  GODHEAD, 
beaming  forth  with  adcciuatet  that  is,  with  ineffable  and  infi- 
nite Splendor. 

II  Gm,  i.  31. 


Let.  7'       Aspasio/^jTheron.  59 

was  faid,  concerning  our  SAVIOUR,  and  by 
the  fame  Almighty  MAJESTY,  In  Him  I  am 
nvell  pleafed*. 

You  took  Notice,  and  very  juftly,  how  much 
the  Produ6lions  of  Nature  exceed  and  eclipfe  the 
Attempts  of  human  Skill.  We  are  pleafed 
with  the  Performances  of  the  Painter :  but  do 
they  equal  the  native  Blufli  of  the  Rofe,  or 
the  artlefs  Glow  of  a  Pea-BloiTom?  We  are 
charmed  with  a  fine  Piece  of  Enameling  j  but 
is  it  fit  to  be  compared  with  the  natural  Polifh, 
of  a  thoufand  Shells  which  are  formed  in  the 
Ocean,  or  a  thoufand  Seeds  v/hich  fpring  from 
the  Earth  ?  We  admire  the  Virtues  of  the  an- 
tient  Saints  j  Men  "  that  were  honoured  in 
"  their  Generation,  and  the  Glory  of  their 
"  Times  -f-."  We  admire  the  Meeknefs  of 
Mofesj  and  the  Magnanimity  of  Elijah-,  the 
exalted  Piety  of  Ifaiah,  and  the  inlarged  Wil^ 
dora  of  Daniel  \  the  active  Spirit  of  yo/Jnia^ 
and  the  paliive  Graces  of  Jeremiah.  But  what 
Proportion,  put  them  all  together — what  Pro- 
portion do  they  all  bear  to  HIS  Obedience,  'idho 
is  gone  into  Hea^uen,  Angels  and  Authorities  and 
"Powers  bei?ig  made  fubjeB  unto  Him  %  -^  Who  is 
called  the  HOLY  ONE  and  the  JVS>T:\\  ;  not 
only  by  way  of  Emphafis,  but  by  way  of  Ex~ 
clufwn.     Becaufe,  no  Perfon  is  worthy  of  the 

Cha- 

*  Matt.  iii.  17.  f  Ecclef.  xliv.  7. 

X  1  Pet.  iii.  22;  II  A(^s  iii.  14. 


6o  AsPASio  /5  Theron.       Let. 7. 

Charca<5ler,  no  Duties  deferve  to  be  mentioned, 
when  CHRIST  and  his  Merits  are  under  Con- 
fideration. 

If  then  We  talk  of  Merit,  what  Merit  muft 
there  be  in  fuch  immaculate  San6lity  of  Soul, 
and  fuch  exemplary  Holinefs  of  Conduct  j  fuch 
ardent  Zeal  for  GOD,  and  fuch  compaffionate 
Good-will  to  Man;  fuch  confummate  Wor- 
thinefs,  and  extenfive  Ufefulnefs  ?  Such  as  were 
utterly  unknown  before;  have  been  abfoiuLely 
tinequaled  fnice ;  and  never  w  ill,  nor  can  be 
paralleled,  throughout  all  Ages ! — O  m,y  "TAe- 
ron  !  What  is  the  D?'Gp  of  a  Bucket  to  the  un- 
fathomable Waves  of  the  Ocean  ?  What  is  a 
Grain  of  Sand  to  the  unmeafurable  Dimen- 
fions  of  the  Univerfe  ?  What  is  an  Hour  or  a 
Moment  to  the  endlefs  Revolutions  of  Eternity  ? 
Such  are  all  human  Endowments,  and  all  hu- 
man Attainments,  compared  with  this  m.atch- 
lefs  Righteoufnefs  o^CHRIST  JES  US. 

Think  not,  that  what  I  have  written  is  the 
Language  of  Rant.  It  is  a  Paraphrafe,  though, 
I  muit  confcfs,  but  a  fcanty  Paraphrafe,  on 
David's  Pradice  and  David's  Faith.  My  Month 
fiall  fiew  forth  thy  Righteoufnefs  and  thy  Salva- 
tion all  the  Day  *,  for  I  know  not  the  Numbers 

thereof 

*  Pfal.  Ixxl.  15.  I  cannot  but  obfcrvc,  that  Rightccvfncfi 
and  Salvation  are  frequently  connc6ted,  by  the  Author  of  the 
Pfahm^  and  by  the  Prophet  Ifa'iah.  In  order  to  intimate, 
that  the  one  is  founded  on  the  other  \  the  latter  derives  its 

Origin 


Let.  7-       Aspasio/oTheron.  6i 

thereof.  The  glorious  Righteoufnefs  o(CHRIS% 
and  the  great  Salvation  obtained  thereby,  He 
declares,  fliall  be  the  chofen,  the  principal  Sub- 
je6l  of  his  Difcourfe.  x4.nd  not  on  a  Sabbath 
only,  but  on  every  Day  of  the  Week,  of  the 

Year, 

Origin  from  the  former;  there  can  be  no  Salvation  without 
a  Righteoufnefs,  a  real,  proper.  Law-fulfilling  Righteouf- 
nefs.  At  the  fame  Time,  lam  fenfible,  that  the  Word 

Righteoufnefs  may  fignify  GOD's  Goodnefs  in  making,  and 
Faithfulnefs  in  performing,  his  Promifes  unto  David.  Sal- 
vation may  likewife  denote  the  Delivery  of  that  afHifted  Hero 
from  all  hisPerfecutors,  and  his  Efbablifhment  on  the  Throne 
of  Ifrael. 

But  if  We  fliould  confine  the  Senfe  to  thefe  narrow  Limits, 
how  comfortlefs  the  Favour  even  to  David  Himfelf,  confi- 
dered  as  an  immortal  Being.  How  much  more  infignificant 
to  Us  and  Others,  on  whom  the  Ends  of  the  World  are 
come.  And  how  very  unworthy  of  that  infinite  GOD,  who 
is  the  Father  of  the  Spirits  of  all  Flefli ;  who  fees,  at  one 
View,  whatever  is,  or  has  been,  or  ftiall  exift ;  who  there- 
fore, when  He  fpeaks,  fpeaks  to  all  his  Children,  in  every 
Period  of  Time,  and  in  every  Nation  under 'Heaven.  As 
much  as  a  Tutor,  v/hen  delivering  his  Lectures,  adJrefl'es 
Himfelf  to  all  his  Pupils,  v.-hether  they  fit  at  his  Right-hand 
or  his  left,  before  Him  or  on  every  Side. 

Whereas,  if  Righteoufnefs  fignifies  the  meritorious  Obe- 
dience of  CHRIST.,  and  Salvation  Implies  the  Benefits  of 
his  Redemption,  the  Senfe  is  no  longer  fhriveled,  impove- 
rifhed,  and  mean  j  but  rich^  ^^ig^ilU  and  magnificent.  It 
pours  Confolation  among  all  People,  Kindreds,  and  Tongues. 
It  is  worthy  of  that  GOD,  who  feeth  the  Things,  and  re- 
gardeth  the  Perfons,  which  are  not  as  though  they  were.  It 
comports  exafily  with  that  Revelation,  in  which  CHRIST 
is  the  Jlpha  and  Omega^  the  Beginning  and  the  Ending,  the 
Sum  total. 

'^I'his  Note  is  already  too  long  ;  otherwlfe  I  ftiould  take 
leave  to  gratify  my  Inclination,  and  give  a  Sandlion  to  my 
Sentiment,  by  tranfcribins  Vitringa^  Expofition  of  Ifiai, 
xlv.  8. 


6z  AsPASio  to  Theron.       Let.  7. 

Year,  of  his  Life.  And  not  barely  at  the  ftated 
Returns  of  folemn  Devotion,  but  in  every  for 
cial  Interview,  and  all  the  Day  long. — Why 
will  He  thus  dwell,  perpetually  and  invari- 
ably dwell,  on  this  one  Theme  ?  Becaufe,  He 
knew  no  End  thereof .  It  is  impofiible  to  meafure 
the  Value,  or  exhauft  the  Fulnefs  of  thefe  Blef- 
fings.  The  Righteoufnefs  is  unfpeakable,  the 
Salvation  is  everlafting.  To  compute  the  Dura- 
tion of  the  One,  Numbers  fail ;  to  defcribe  the 
Excellency  of  the  Other,  Words  are  at  a  Lofs. 
Here  therefore  Millions  of  Sinners  rxi2iy  fuck^ 
and  be  fatisjicd  with  thefe  Breafs  of  Conflations : 
yea,  Thoufands  of  Millions  may  ?nilk  oiit^  and 
be  delighted  with  the  Abundance  of  their  Glory  *. 
— Here  we  fhall  find  the  Do6lrine  of  Supere- 
rogation^ no  longer  a  Chimera,  but  a  delight- 
ful Reality.  Here  indeed  is  an  immenfe  Sur- 
plufage,  an  inexhauliible  Fund  of  Merit  -f-, 
Sufficient  to  enrich  a  whole  World  of  indigent 
and  milerable  Creatures :  fufficient  to  make 
their  Cup  run  over  with  a  fuperabundant  Ful- 
nefs 

*  Ifai.  Ixvi.  II. 

f  Yet  here  is  no  rich  Fund  (as  a  learned  Writer  afTerts)  no 
Fund  at  7^ y  for  the  Pope's  Treafury  of  meritorious  Jupererogat^ 
ing  Actions :  unleis  CHRIST  dvA  the  Pope  are  to  be  placed 
upon  the  fame  Footing  ;  unlefs  the  ineffably  excellent  (Obe- 
dience of  a  divine  REDEEMER,  and  the  miferably  defec- 
tive Duties  of  finful  Men,  are  to  be  deemed  equally  valuable. 
— Since  this  v^'ill  hardly  be  admitted  by  Proteflants  \  I  be- 
lieve, AJpafio  may  fafely  call  the  Obedience  of  CHRIST^  The 
true  Supererogation  ;  as  Mr.  Ainhrofe  has  called  the  Blood  of 
CHRIST,  The  true  Purgatory. 


Let.  7.       As  PAS  10  /o  The  RON.  63 

nefs  of  Peace  and  Joy,  fo  long  as  Time  fhall 
lafl,  and  when  Time  fliall  be  no  more.  For, 
to  ufe  the  Apoftle's  weighty  Argument,  If  by 
one  Mmis  Offence^  Death  reigned  by  07ie  j  much 
more  they  which  receive  Abundance  of  Grace ^  and 
of  the  Gift  of  Righteoufiefs,  JJjall  reign  in  Life 
by  one,  JE SUS  CHR IS T *.  If  ofie  Offence, 
committed  by  one  mere  Man,  made  all  his 
Pofterity  chargeable  with  Guilt,  and  liable 
to  Death:  how  much  more  fliall  the  jnajzi- 
fold  Inflances  of  our  divine  R  E  D  E  E  M- 
E  R's  Obedience ;  his  long,  uninterrupted,  con- 

fummate  Righteoufnefs  j how  much  more 

fhall  they  abfolve  all  his  People  from  Condem- 
nation and  Punifhment,  and  intitle  them  to 
the  Honours  and  Joys  of  Immortality ! 

Which  will  appear  in  a  clearer  Light,  if,  to 
the  Perfeftion  of  his  Obedience,  We  add  the 
Majejiy  of  his  Perfon.  A  proper  Subject  this, 
for  fome  future  Letter. — In  the  mean  Time,let 
me  defire  my  Friend,  the  Friend  of  my  Bofom, 
to  contemplate  our  LORD  JESUS  under  that 
lovely  and  augufr  Charad:er,  Glorious  in  Ho- 
liness "f.  And  for  my  Part,  I  will  not  ceafe 
to  pray,  that  a  Senfe  of  this  fupereminently 
grand  and  precious  Righteoufnefs  may  be  writ- 
ten on  my  I'herons  Heart. On  thofe  living 

Tables,  may  it  be  like  Figures  cut  on  a  Rock 
of  foUd  Marble,  or  infcribed  on  the  Bark  of  a 

growing 

*  Rom.  V,  ij,  f  Exod,  XV.  II. 


64  .     A  S  P  A  S  I  O  /i?  T  H  E  R  o  N.        Let.  7. 

growing  Tree :  be  lofting  in  its  Duration  as 
the  former,  3.nd  fpreaJwg  in  its  Influence  as  the 
latter. — It  will  then  be  a  fure  Proof,  that  his 
Name  is  written  in  the  Book  of  Life ;  and  it 
fhall  then  be  a  pleafmg  Pattern  for 

the  AffeBion^ 
the  Gratitude^ 

and  the  FriendJJjipy  of 

his  A  s  p  A  s  1  o. 

P.S.  You  give  a  moft  aflonifhing  Account  of 
the  Prejjiire  of  the  Atmofphere.  Aflonifh- 
ins:  indeed !  That  we  fliould  be  continu- 
ally  furrounded,  continually  overwhelmed, 
with  fuch  a  tremendous  Load  3  and  not 
be  cruflied  to  death,  no,  nor  be  fenfible  of 

the  leaft  Weight. This,  I  think,  may 

ferve  to  rcprefcnt  the  State  of  a  Sinner, 
zinawakened  from  carnal  Security.  Loads, 
more  than  mountainous  Loads  of  Guilt, 
are  upon  his  Soul,  and  He  perceives 
not  the  Burden.  For  this  Reafon,  He  is 
under  no  Apprehenfions  of  the  Vengeance 
and  fiery  Indignation,  which  Hedeferves; 
He  has  no  fuperlative  Efteem  for  the 
Atonement  and  Merits  of  the  REDEEIM- 
ER,  which  alone  can  deliver  Him  from 
the  Wrath  to  come.  But,  if  once  his  Con- 
fcienccyi-r/f,  what  his  Lips,  perhaps,  have 
often  repeated  j     We  do  carnefily  repent  Us 

of 


Let.  8.       Aspasio/(?Theron.  6^ 

of  thefe  our  Mifdoings ;  the  Remembrance  of 
.  them  is  grievous  tmto  Us,  the  Burden  of  them 
is  intolerable ;  then  how  will  He  prize  fuch 
a  Text;  The  LORD  laid  on  CHRIST  the 
Iniquity  of  Us  all !  How  will  He  long  for 
an  Intereft  in  the  LAMB  of  GOD,  ivhich 
taketh  away  the  Sin  of  the  IVorld !  Then, 
that  JESUS  who  hdiS  finified  the  Tranfgref- 
Jioriy  and  brought  in  everlajling  Righteoufnefs^ 
will  be  all  his  Salvation,  and  all  his  Defire. 


LETTER       VIIL 

AsPASio  to  Theron. 

Dear  Theron, 

I  HAVE  juft  been  reading  that  exquifitely  fine 
Piece  of  facred  Hiftory,  The  Life  of  Jofeph. 
AHiftory — filled  with  furprifing  Incidents,  and 

iinexpefted  Revolutions adorned  with  the 

mod  heroic  Inftanccs  of  triumphant  Virtue, 
both  amidft  the  Allurements  of  Temptation, 
and  under  the  Preifures  of  Affli6lion ani- 
mated with  fuch  tender  and  pathetic,  fuch 
melting  and  alarming  Touches  of  natural  Elo- 
quence, as  every  Reader  muft  feely  and  every 
true  Critic  will  admire. 

Vol.  III.  F  When 


66  AsPAsio  /<j  Theron.  Let.  8. 
When  I  came  to  that  remarkable  Injunc- 
tion, with  which  the  generous  Viceroy  dif-" 
miffed  his  Brethren ;  Te  fiali  tell  my  Father  of 
all  t?iy  Glory  in  Egypt  * 1  paufed 1  pon- 
dered— I  was  flruck.  Certainly,  this  was  in- 
joined,  not  by  way  of  OHentation  ^  but  on  ac- 
count of  the  Pleafure,  which,  He  knew,  it 

Would  yield  the  good  old  Patriarch. Was  it 

fome  kind  prompting  Angel,  or  the  Voice  of 
Gratitude  and  Devotion,  that  whifpered  in 
my  Ear  ?  "  Should  not  the  Children  of  Men 
"  likewife  tell  one  another  of  all  the  Glory  -f*, 
«  which  their  REDEEMER  poffeffes  in  Hea- 
"  ven  and  on  Earth  ?  Will  not  this  afford 
"  them  the  fublimeft  Pleafure  Here,  and  be  a 

"  Source 

*  Gen.  xlv.  13. 

t  To  fee  the  Glory  of  CHRIS  T,  is  the  grand  Bleiling, 
which  cur  LORD  iblicits  and  demands  for  his  Difciples,  in 
his  laftfolemnlntcrceflion.  JoJmxvW.  24.  It  is  that,  which 
will  complete  the  Bleflednefs  of  Heaven  ;  and  fill  its  Inhabi- 
tants with  Joy  unfpeakable  and  glorious. — Surely,  then.  We 
lliould  endeavour  to  anticipate.,  in  fome  Degree,  that  celef- 
tial  Bli(s  ;  and  habituate  our  Souls  to  this  facred  Exercife, 
which  will  be  our  Bufmefs  and  our  Reward  to  endlefs 
Ages. 

Should  the  Reader  defire  Affiftance  in  this  important 
Work,  I  would  refer  Him  to  a  little  Treatife  of  Dr.  Owen's,, 
intitlcd,  Meditations  on  the  Glory  of  CHRIST:~'Tis  little 
in  Size,  not  fo  in  Value.  Was  I  to  fpcak  of  it,  in  theclaf- 
i^lcal  Style,  I  fhould  call  it,  aureus.,  gemmeus^  mel/itus.  But 
I  would  rather  fay,  it  is  richly  repleniihed  with  that  UnSlio)i 
frorn  the  HOLT  ONE,  which  tends  to  inlightcn  the  Eyes, 
and  chear  the  Heart ;  v/hich  fweetens  the  Enjoyments  of 
Life,  foftens  the  Horrors  of  Deaths  and  prepares  for  the 
Fruitions  of  Eternity. 


Let.  8.       AspAsio/i?THERON.  dj 

"  Source  of  divine  Satisfaction  for  ever  and 
*^  ever  ?" 

Though  I  had  almofl  determined  to  v^rite 
no  more,  till  You  could  make  a  Demand, 
upon  the  Foot  of  Value  received  \  willingly  I 
recede  from  my  intended  Refolution,  and  obey 

this  pleafmg  Hint. But  who  can  declare  the 

noble  Aas  of  the  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST, 

or  Jheiv  forth  all  his  Praife? However,  if  I 

may  but  lifp  out  his  adorable  Name,  and  pre- 
fent  my  Friend  with  a  Glimpfe^  or  a  broken 
View  of  his  divine  Perfe6lions,  even  this  will 
be  defirable  and  delightful.  Far  more  defirable 
and  delightful,  than  to  behold  Rome  in  its 
Magniiicence,  St.  Paul  in  the  Pulpit,  or  King 
Solomon  on  his  Throne  ^. 

Let  me  take  the  Lark  for  my  Pattern; 
which,  as  I  was  lately  returning  from  an  Even- 
ing  Ramble,    attracted  my  Obfervation. 

Warbling  her  CREATOR'S  Praife,  fhe 
mounted  in  the  ferene  Sky.  Still  (he  v/arbled, 
and  frill  fhe  mounted,  as  though  flie  meant  to 
carry  her  Tribute  of  Harmony  unto  the  very 
Gates  of  Heaven.  Having  reached,  at  laft, 
her  liighefl:  Elevation,  and  perceiving  herfelf 
at  an  immenfe  Diftance  from  the  ftarry  Man- 
fions,  file  dropped  on  a  fudden  to  the  Earth ; 

and 

*  Thefe,  if  I  remember  right,  are  the  three  Things, 
which  St.  Augujime  dech\red,  would,  of  all  others,  nioft 
eminently  gratily  his  Cariofity. 

F    2 


63  As  PA  SI  o  /o  The  RON.       Let.  8. 

and  difcontinued,  at  once,  both  to  fing,  and  to 

foar. Now  the    Morning  appears,  and  is 

av/akening  the  World,  our  little  Songfter  re- 
tunes  her  Throat,  and  re -exerts  her  Wings. — 
As  I  have  endeavoured,  very  imperfectly  en- 
deavoured, to  ftrike  out  2ifiadowy  Draught  of 
our  LOR  D's  complete  Obedience  j  I  would, 
though  unequal  to  the  Taflc,  once  more  re- 
fume  my  Pen,  and  attempt nothing  like  a 

pifplay,  but  only  a  faint  Sketch  of  his  ejfenfial 
Dignity. 

Firfb  let  me  obferve,  that  for  fame  Time 
paft.  We  have  been  vifited  with  the  moil  un- 
comfortable Weather  J  dewlefs  Nights^  and^//- 
t7'y  Days.  The  Firmament  was  more  like  a 
glowing  Furnace,  than  the  Region  of  refrefli- 

ing  Rain. The  Earth  lay  parched  with 

'Third,  and  chapped  with  Heat.  The  Mea- 
dows were  drained  of  their  Humidity,  and  all 

the  Flowers  hung  their  fading  Heads. The 

Streams,  which  ufed  to  flow  parallel  with  the 
verdant  Margin,  abandoned  their  Banks  j  and 
funk,  diminilhed  and  difcoloured,  to  the  Bottom 

of  their  oozy  Channels. Nature  in  general 

feemed  to  be  refigning  the  *'  Robe  of  Beauty, 
"  for  the  Garment  of  Heavinelb-."  Drought  was 
in  all  our  Borders ;  and  Famitie,  We  feared, 
was  not  far  behind. — Clouds  of  Duir,  obfcured 
the  Airj  tarnilhed  the  Hedges  >  and  almofl 

fmo- 


Let.  8.       Aspasio/oTheron.  69 

fmothered  the  Traveler:  but  not  one  Cloud 
o{ fleecy  TVhife  appeared,  to  variegate  the  blue 
Expanfe,  or  give  Us  Hopes  of"  a  reviving 
Shower  *. 

It  reminded  me  of  that  awful  Threatening, 
denounced  by  Mojes  on  a  wicked  People  i  T^hy 
Heaven,  that  is  over  thy  Head,  Jhall  be  Bf^a/s  ;  a?2d 
the  Earth,  that  is  under  Thee,  fiall  be  Iron  \. — 
It  made  me  apprehenfive  of  that  terrible  State, 
which  the  .Prophet  fo  emphatically  defcribes; 
"The  Field  is  wajied,  and  the  Land  mourneth.  'The 
Seed  is  rotten  under  the  Clods,  and  the  Harveft 
perifieth.  The  Garners  are  laid  defolate,  and  the 
Barns  are  broken  down. — The  7iew  Wine  is  dried 
up  ;  the  Oil  langiiijheth ;  and  all  the  Trees  of  the 

Field  are  withered. How  do  the  Beafts  groan  I 

The  Herds  of  Cattle  are  perplexed.  Tea,  the 
Flocks  of  Sheep  are  made  defolate.  Becaufe,  the 
Rivers  of  Waters  are  dried  up,  and  the  Fire  hath 
devoured  the  Pafiures  of  the  Wildernefs  %. — But, 
blefTed  be  the  .Divine  PROVIDENCE,  our 
Fears  are  vanillied,  and  a  mod  joyful  Change 
has  taken  Place.  The  LORD  Xx^'&ifent  a  gra- 
cious 

*  At  fuch  a  Junfture,  how  pertinent  is  the  Quefllon, 
propofed  by  the  Ahnighty  MAJESTY?  yoh  xxxviii.  37, 
38.  Who  cannu7nber,  niuiter  or  arrange,  the  Clouds  in  Wif- 
dom  ?  So  as  to  have  them  ready  at  hand,  on  any  Emergen- 
cy. And  who  can  efnpty  thofe  Bottles  of  Heaven,  in  copious 
but  feafonable  EfFufions  upon  the  Earth  ?  When,  as  in  the 
Cafe  defcribed  above,  the  Dujl  of  the  Roads  is  attenuated  into 
Powder,  pVl*jS  r\p'^2.  ^fi'i  i^^^  ^^°<^^  of  the  Valley  arc  glued 
fa/f  together,   ^p2y 

f  Dei^t.  xxviii.  23.  X  Jod\.  10,  Uq. 

'     F3 


70  Aspasio/oThf.  RON.       Let.  8. 

cious  Rain  on  his  Inheritance^  and  refrejljed  it^ 
nvhen  it  was  weary  *. 

Ycilciday  in  the  Afternoon,  the  Wind  fliift- 
ing  to  the  South,  rouied  the  dormant  Clouds, 
and  brought  Ibme  of  thofe  agreeable  Strangers 
on  its  Wings. — At  firft,  they  came  failing  in 
fmall,  and  thin,  and  fcattered  Parties.   Anon,  " 
the  flying  Squadrons  advanced  in  larger  De- 
tachments,   more   clofeiy   wedged,    and   more 
deeply  laden.     Till  at  laft,  the  great  Rendez- 
vous completed,  they  formed  into  a  Body  of 
fuch   prodigious   Depth,  and  extended  their 
Wings  with  fuch  an  unmeafui  able  Sweep,  as 
darkened  the  Sun,  and  overfpread  the  whole 
Hemifphere. 

Juft  at  the  Clofe  of  Day,  the  Gales  that 
efcorted  the  fpongy  Treafures,  retired  j  and 
configned  their  Charge  to  the  Difpofai  of  a 
profound  Cahn.  Not  a  Breeze  fhook  the  mod 
tremulous  Leaf.  Not  a  Curl  rufiied  the  fmooth 
expanfiveLake.  All  Things  were  ftill,  as  in  at- 
tentive ExpeBation.  The  Earth  fecmed  to  gafp 
.after  the  hovering  Moifture.  Nature,  with  her 
fijppliant  Tribes,  in  expreflive  pleading  Siknce, 
folicited  the  falling  Fruitfulnefs.  Nor  pleaded 
long,  nor  folicited  in  vain. 

The  ShowerSy  gentle,  foft,  and  balmy,  de- 
fcend.  The  Vellels  of  Heaven  unload  their 
precious  Freight,  and   enrich  the  penurious 

Glebe, 
*  P/al.  Jxviii.  9. 


Let.  8.       Aspasio/^Theron.  71 

GJebe.  Through  all  the  Niglit,  the  liquid 
Sweetnefs,  incomparably  more  beneficial  than 
trickling  Silver,  diftils ;  fnedding  Herbs,  and 
Fruits,  and  Flowers. — Now  the  Sun,  mild  and 
refulgent,  iflues  through  the  Portals  of  the 
Eafl.  Pleafed,  as  it  were,  to  have  emerged 
from  the  late  aggravated  Darknefs,  He  looks 
abroad  with  peculiar  Gaiety,  and  the  moil 
engaging  Splendors.  He  looks  through  the 
difburdened  Air,  and  finds  a  gladdened  World, 
that  wants  nothing  but  his  all-chearing  Beams, 
to  render  her  Satisfa6lion  complete. 

l!he  Glory  comes  ! — Hail  to  thy  rijing  Ray, 
Great  Lamp  of  Light,    and  fecond  Source  of 

Day! 
Who  robe  the  World,  each  nipping  Gale  remove, 
^reat  every  Senfe,  and  beam  creati?ig  Love  *. 
At  his  aufpicious  Approach,  the  frefhened 
Mountains  lift  their  Heads,  and  linile.     The 
Garden  opens  its  aromatic  Stores  j  and  breathes, 
as  from  a  fuming  Altar,  Balm  to  the  Smell, 
and  Incenfe  to  the  Skies.     The  little  Hills, 
crowned   with   fpringing   Plenty,    clap   their 
Hands  on  every  Side.     The  moiftened  Plains, 
and  irriguous  Valleys,  hmgh  and  fing.     While 
their  Waters,  lately  exhaulled,  again  are  made 
deep,  and  their  Rivers  run  like  Oil  -f*. 

The 

*  Thefe  beautiful  Lines  are  borrowed  from  the  Sea-piece, 
Canto  IV.  A  narratory,  philofophical,  and  defcripthe  Poemj, 
written  by  my  ingenious  Friend,  Dr.  Kirkpatrkkt 

I  Ezek,  xxxii._i4. 


72  Aspasio/oTheron.       Let.  8, 

The  Earth,  jaturated  with  the  Bounty  of 
Heaven,  and  ^/^ZW  with  humid  Life,  wears  a 
thoufand  Marks  of  Gratitude  and  Complacen- 
cy. Wafned  by  the  copious  Rain,  how  bright 
and  vivid  is  the  univerfal  Verdure  !  The  green 
Carpet  below,  may  almofl:  vie  with  the  blue 
Canopy.  Sihove. — The  Forell,  and  every  Tree, 
burnifli  their  Colours,  and  array  themfelves  in 
their  finell:  Apparel.  Which,  as  on  a  Day  of 
general  Feflivity,  i^  delicately  decked  with 
Gems :  Gems  of  unfullied  Luflre,  and  of  ge- 
nial Moifture. — From  every  Failure,  and  from 
all  the  Grove,  the  Voice  of  Pkafure  and  of 
Melody  refounds.  While  the  ofiicicus  Zephyrs 
waft  the  floating  Harmony,  blended  with 
native  Perfumes ;  gently  waft  them  to  the 
Senfes,  and  touch  the  very  Soul  with  Tranf- 
port. 

Could  there  be  a  more  brilliant  Appearance, 
or  more  exuberant  Demonftrations  of  Joy, 
even  to  celebrate  the  Anniverfary  of  Natures 
Birth  ?  With  what  admirable  Propriety  has  the 
Pfalniiji  compared  yonder  orient  Sun,  in  all 
his  fparkling  Grandeur,  to  a  young  exulting 
Bridegroora  -f  -,  who  comes  forth,  with  every 
heightened  Ornament  from  his  Chamber,  to 
fliew  Flimfelf  in  the  moft  diflinguiflied  Period 
of  his  Life,  and  to  receive  the  BlelTing  that 
confummates  his  Happinefs ! 

This 

*  PJal.  xix.  5. 


Let.  8.       As  PAS  lo  /o  The  RON.  73 

This  moft  charming  and  equally  majeftic 
Scene,  recals  to  my  Memory  that  fine  Defcrip- 
tion  of  the  MESSIAH,  extant  in  the  lall  lovely- 
Strains  of  the  Ifraelitijh  Swa?z  * — HE  jhall  be 
welcome  and  falutary  as  the  Light  of  the  Morn- 
ing 5  when  the  Sun  arifeth,  to  chafe  the  malig- 
nant Shades,  and  pour  Day  through  the  re- 
viving World,  -  He  fhall  be  as  the  Light  of  a 
Mornings  thai  is  mofl  ferenely  fair;  without 
either  Storms  to  difturb,  or  Clouds  to  obfcure 
the  glorious,  the  delightful  Dawn.  Yea,  his 
Appearance  fliall  be  more  beautiful  and  his  In- 
fluences m^re  beneficial  -f-,  than  the  clear  Shining 

of 

*  2  Sam.  xxiii.  3.  Ifraelitijh  Swan — In  Allufion  to  ihofc 
well-known  Lines  of  the  Poet, 

Mult  a  Dirceeum  levat  Jura  Cygnum. 

And  not  without  a  Reference  to  the  popular  Notion,  that 
the  Swan  fings  the  moft  melodious  Notes  in  its  laft  Moments. 
Fuit  kac  facundi  Senis  quafi  cygnea  Vox.     TuUy. 

f  More  beaut  if uli,  more  beneficial ^  than  the  dear  Shining.—' 
Thus  We  have  ventured  to  trandate,  or  rather  to  paraphrafe, 
the  Words  HjIJO  That  the  Prefix  Q  often  occurs  in  the 
Acceptation  of  comparative  Pre-eminence^  is  plain  from  a 
very  remarkable  Paffage  in  Pfal.  xix.  11.  Where  our  in- 
fpired  Author,  quite  ravifhed  with  the  Love  of  the  facred 
Oracles,  declares  -,  They  are  defirable  beyond  Gold^  even  be- 
yond fine  Gold ;  and  fweet  beyond  Honey ^  even  beyond  the 
Droppings  of  the  Honeycomb. 

If  this  Senfe  is  admitted.  We  fhall  have  a  fine  Compa- 
rjfon,  and  a  grand  Advance  upon  it ;  acknowledging  the 
Infuffciency  even  of  the  boldeft  and  brighteft  Images,  to  re- 
prelent  the  Glory  of  CHRIST'S  Kingdom,  and  the  Benig- 
nity of  his  Adminiilration— Perhaps,  the  Tranflation  may 


74  Aspasio/^jTheron.       Let.  8. 

of  that  grand  Luminary,  after  a  Night  of 
fettled  Gloom,  and  Shov/ers  of  inceffant  Rain. 
When  his  Beams  Ihed  animating  Warmth, 
and  vital  Luftre,  on  the  tender  Grafs  im.pearled 
with  Dews,  and  on  all  the  green  Treafures  of 
the  teeming  Earth. 

As  We  have  already  contemplated  the  blefled 
JESUS,  under  the  amiable  Chara^ler  of  the 
JUST  ONE  J  the  foregoing  Paflage  of  Scrip- 
ture reprefents  Him  to  our  Faith,  in  the  more 
majeitic  Quality  of  THE  LORD  OF  GLORY. 
— Or  rather,  unites  the  two  grand  Peculiari- 
ties, which  render  Him  unparalleled  in  his  per- 
fonal,  and  allfuficiejit  in  his  mediatorial  Ca- 
pacity. 

Great,  unfpeakably  great  and  glorious  would 
our  5A VIOUR  appear  j  if  We  had  no  other 
Manifeflations  of  his  Excellency,  than  thofe 
which  preceded   his  myllerious    Licarnation. 

In  the  antient  Scriptures,  He  ftands  cha- 

rafterized,  as  the  fupreme  Obje6l  of  G  O  D's 
ineffable  Complacency ;  veiled  with  a  Glory, 
prior  to  the  Birth  of  Time,  or  the  Exiftence 
of  Things  j  even  the  Glory ,  which  He  had  with 
the  FATHER,  before  the  World  was  "^^ — He  is 

evejy 

be  too  free  and  daring,  and  not  approve  itfelf  to  the  exaft 
Critic.     The  Senfe,  however,  is  unqueftionably  juft  ;  agree^ 
able  to  the  whole  Tenour  of  Scripture  ;  and  can  wajit  no 
Recommendation  to  the  intelligent  Chrijlian^ 
*  "John  xvii.  5. 


Let.  8.       Aspasio/oTheron.  75 

every  where  exhibited,  as  the  ultimate  Defire 
of  all  Nations ;  the  Ible  Hope  of  all  the  Ends 
of  the  Earth ;  the  Seed,  of  ineilimable  and 
univerfal  Importance,    in  whom    all   People, 

Nations,  and  Languages  fliould  be  blelTed. ■ 

Li  thofe  royal,  or  rather  divine  A^s  and  Mo- 
numents, He  is  publicly  recognized,  as  The 
RULER  of  GOD'S  People :  Whofe  Dominion 
is  an  everlafting  Dominion,  and  his  Kingdom 
from  Generation  to  Generation.  And  how 
auguft,  how  venerable,  is  this  SOVEREIGN ! 
Since  it  was  the  higheil  Honour  of  the  mofl 
eminent  Saints,  and  renowned  Monarchs  *, 
t®  acl  as  his  Harbingers.  Every  infpired  Pro- 
phet was  his  Herald,  deputed  to  blazon  his 
Perfe6lions,  or  foretel  his  Coming.  The 
Splendor  of  the  Temple,  the  Richnefs  of  its 
Ornaments,  and  the  Solemnity  of  its  Services, 
were  the  Enfigns  of  his  Grandeur ;  were  his 
facred  Regalia,  intended  to  ufher  Plim  into 
the  World  with  becomine  State. 

Does  not  all  Mankind  agree  to  eflimate  the 
Merit  of  the  Pra61ice,  according  to  the  Dig- 
nity oi  the  Perfon  ?  If  a  Neighbour  of  in^- 
rior  Rank,  vifit  fome  poor  afflifted  Wretch, 
in  a  coarfe  Garret,  and  on  a  tattered  Bed ;  it 
is  no  very  extraordinary  Favour.     Bat  if  a 

Lady 

*  Mofes,  for  Inftance,  and  Jo/Jnia,  David  and  Solomon, 
TZ7J^^'\  ^?"Sly  marked  Types,  of  our  great  LAW- 
PREACHER  ^^^^^'  '^  cur  Divine  RULER  and 


76  Asp  AS  10  /o  The  RON.       Let.  8. 

Lady  of-  the  firft  Diflin61ion,  or  a  Nobleman 
of  the  highefl  Order,  perform  the  fame  Of- 
fice J  it  is  a  much  more  remarkable,  a  much 
more  admired  Inftance  of  felf-denying  Cha- 
rity. On  the  Foot  of  this  Calculation,  to 
what  2i  JiLpereminent  Height  will  the  Worthi- 
nefs  of  our  LOR  D's  Obedience  rife  !  It  will 
rife,  like  fome  magnificent  Edifice,  whofe  Ba- 
fis  refts  upon  the  Center ;  whofe  Dimenfions 
fill  the  Hemifphere ;  and  whofe  Turrets  glit- 
ter in  the  Sky.  Or  rather,  it  will  extend  it- 
felf  to  Immenfity  J  where  Length,  and  Breadth, 
and  Height,  and  all  Dimenfions  are  loil.     Ef- 

pecially,  if  We   confider The  NameSy    He 

bears  j  and  the  Honours,    He  receives the 

Works y  He  has  done ;  and  thofe  mightier  Works, 
He  is  appointed  to  do. 

'     The  Names,  He   bears. The  Title,    by 

which  JESUS  of  Ncizareth  is  diftinguifhed  in 
the  heavenly  World  ^  the  Name  v/ritten  on 
his  Veflure,  and  on  his  Thigh,  is,  KING  OF 
KINGS,  AND  LORD  OF  LORDS*— The 
Defcription,  v/hich  the  incomprehenfible  JE- 
HOVAH gives  of  the  Surety  for  fmful  Men, 
runs  in  this  exalted  Strain ;  THE  MAN  THAT 
IS  MY  FELLOW  f-     Which  the  Apoftle  ex^ 

plains, 

*  Rev.  xix.  16. 
t  Zech.   xiii.   7.     ir\'>*'^V     ContribuUs  Vfl  Cccquolh.     My 
Fellow,  or  my  Equal, — The  original  Expreflion  occurs  no 

where. 


Let.  8.       Aspasio/oTheron.  77 

plains,  ill  that  memorable  and  majeftic  Claufe; 
He  thought  it  no  Robbery  to  be  equal  with  GOD  *, 

The 

where,  but  in  this  Verfe  of  Zechariah,  and  in  the  Book  of 
Leviticus.  In  one  Text,  it  is  explained  by  Brother^  or  Par- 
taker of  the  fame  Nature.  In  every  other  Place,  I  believe, 
it  will  be  found  to  fignify,  not  barely  a  Neighbour,  but  an 
Equal;  one  that  ftands  upon  the  fame  Level,  with  regard 
to  the  Claims  of  Equity,  and  the  common  Rights  of  Life. 
— In  either  Senfe,  it  militates  ftrongly  for  the  Divinity  of 
our  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST. 

*  Phil.  ii.  6.  Some  Writers,  I  am  aware,  have  endea- 
voured to  interpret  away  this  Evidence  of  our  LOR  D's 
Divine  Nature.  But  I  think  with  great  Injury  to  the  Con- 
text, and  no  lefs  Violence  to  the  Phrafe. 

Ap7r;*;J]a@j,  as  far  as  I  can  obferve,  denotes,  not  the 
Prize  or  Spoil,  but  the  J^  of  plundering  or  taking  the  Spoil ; 
Ipfa  rapiendi  ASiio.  Vid.  Steph.  Thefaur.  Grac.  Ling. — If  fo, . 
the  Text  moft  naturally  implies,  that  CHRIST  counted  it 
no  A61  of  Robbery;  no  Invafion  of  Another's  Prero- 
gative ;  but  looked  upon  it  as  his  unqueftionable  Right,  to 
ht  equal  with  GOD,  and  to  receive  Divine  Honours. — Ne- 
verthslefs  [aXXcc,  Rom.  v.  14.)  He  was  fo  far  from  tena- 
cioufly  inlifting  upon,  that  He  willingly  relinquiflicd  the 
Claim.  He  v/as  content  to  forego  the  magnificent  Diftinc- 
tions  of  the  CREATOR,  and  to  appear  in  the  Form  of  a 
Creature.  Nay,  to-  be  made  in  the  Likenefs  of  the  fallen 
Creatures  ;  and  not  only  to  fliare  the  Dif grace,  but  to  fuf- 
fer  the  Punifnment,  due  to  the  meaneji  and  vileji  among 
them  all. — An  Example  of  Humility,  worthy  to  be  difplay- 
ed  by  the  Eloquence  of  an  Apoftle  !  Worthy  to  be  an  ever- 
lafting  Pattern  for  all  Believers  ! 

But  however  A^Tral^ui^  be  tranflated,  the  Strefs  of  the 
Argument,  1  apprehend,  lies  upon  the  Word  icrx.  It  this 
fignifies  a  real  and  proper  Equality,  the  Proof  feems,  to  me 
at  lead,  irrefragable. — Hov/  fhall  We  determine  the  exact 
Significancy  of  this  important  Word  ?  By  having  recour/e 
to  Homer's  Works,  or  to  Heathen  Authors  ?  This,  in  caic 
Xh&facred  Writers  will  decide  the  Qi_ieflion,  is  like  going 
from  Jerufalem  to  Athens  for  the  Solution  of  a  religious 
Doubt,  even  while  the  College  of  Apofties  is  fittir.;^?  at  the 

former 


7^  As  PAS  I  o  /(?  The  RON.       Let.  8* 

—The  HOLY  GHOST,  fpeaking  by  the  Pro- 
phet Ijaiab  of  the  Virgin's  Son,  enumerates 
leveral  grand  Dillinclions,  both  of  his  Perfon, 
and  his  Oiiice.  He  ftyles  the  Child,  that 
fhould  be  born,  "The  WONDERFUL  COUN- 
SELLOR, the  EVERLASTING  FATHER, 
the  MIGHTY  GOD,  the  PRINCE  OF 
PEACE  *. — The  fame  infpired  Writer,  though 
eloquent  above  all  Orators,  and  more  fublime 
than  the  loftieft  Poet,  cries  out  in  rapturous 
Afconifliment  j  Who  can  declare  his  Genera- 
tion •f  f'  What  Pencil  can  pourtray,  what  Lan- 
guage can  exprefs,  his  matchlefs  Excellencies  ? 
And  may  We  not  with  equal  Propriety  de- 
mand J  Who  can  declare  the  meritorious  Per- 
fection of  his  Righteoufnefs  ?  It  is  precious 
beyond  Comparifon  :  beyond  Imagination  pre- 
cious. 

The  Honours^  which  our  LORD  receives, 
are  proportioned  to  the  illuftrious  Chara6lers, 

which  He  fuftains. "John  the  Baptift,  than 

whom  a  greater  Prophet,  or  a  better  Judge, 
was  not  born  of  Woman,  profeiies  Himfelf 

un- 

former  Place  — The  Word  occurs  five  or  fix  Times  in  their 
Writings.  They  ufe  it,  it  is  true,  in  the  adje6live  Form. 
But  the  Adjeclivc  is  very  fufficicnt  to  fettle  the  Signification 
of  the  Adverb.  If  I  knovi^  the  Meaning  of  »(r0^,  I  fliall 
be  at  no  lofs  to  undcrftand  the  Import  of  iff-a. — See  Matt. 
XX.  12.  Luke  vi.  34.  "John  v.  i8.  ASh  xi.  17.  Rev,  xxi.  16. 
In  all  M'hich  Places  it  expreflls,  not  a  bare  Rejauhlance  or 
Likenefs  only,  but  a  real  and  proper  Equality, 

*  Jfai.  ix.  6.  t    IJui.  liii.  8. 


Let.  8.       Aspasio/^Theron.  79 

unworthy,  tojioop  down  and  unloofe  the  Latchet 
of  his  Shoes  "* :  unworthy,  though  a  burning 
and  ihining  Light  in  his  Generation,  to  per- 
form the  meaneft  Service  to  this  PRINCE  of 

Heaven. Stephen^  who  leads  the  Van  in  the 

noble  Army  of  Chrijiian  Martyrs,  beheld  fuch 
a  Reprefentation  of  his  crucified  MASTER'S 
Glory ;  as  enabled  Him  to  exult  with  divine 
Delight,  even  amidfl  the  furious  Aflaults  of 
his  Perfecutors,  and  under  the  violent  Blovv^s 
of  his  Murderers f.  AfTured,  that  JESUS 
has  all  Power  in  Heaven  and  Earth,  by  an  A6t 
of  the  mofl:  folemn  Worfhip,  He  commits  his 
departing  Soiily  that  moll  important  of  all 
Trufls,  to  his  REDEEMER'S  Hand  t— Nor 
by  the  firft  Martyr  alone,  but  in  all  Churches 
of  the  Saints,  and  in  every  Age  cf  Chrijiiaii- 
ity,  has  the  LORD  JESUS  been  addreifed,  as 
the  conftant  Objeft  of  his  People's  Adoratioji ; 
and  acknowledged,  as  the  ever  faithful  De- 
pojitary  of  their  eternal  Interefis. 

When  Ifaidh  beheld  a  vifionary  Manifefla- 
tion  of  CHRIS r\l  the  firfl-born  Sons  of 
Light  were  waiting  around  Him,  in  Poflures 
of  dutiful  Submiflion.  Thofe  celeftial  Beings, 
whofe  very  Feet  are  too  bright  for  Mortals  to 
view,  veiled  their  Faces  before  his  infinitely 
fuperior  EIFulgence.     The  Seraphs,  who  are 

all 

*  Mark  i.  7.  t  Jjfs  vii.  56.  t  Jjis  v-ii.  59. 

jj  I/ai.\i.  I,  2,  &C,     Johnxii./^i, 


8o  A  S  P  A  S  I  O   /C   T  H  E  R  O  N'.         Let.  S. 

all  Zeal  and  all  Love,  celebrate  his  Perfec- 
tions, and  cry  one  to  anotherj  The  whole  Earth 

is  full  of  his  Glory. And  is  not  Hca^-cen  filled 

with  his  Honour  ?  Does  not  Heaven  refound 
with  his  Praife  ?  The  beloved  Difciple,  in  a 
Vifion  no  lefs  clear  and  far  more  magnificent, 
beholds  the  LAMB  that  was  flain,  flanding  in 
the  midfl  of  a  refplendent  T'hro?ie,  mofl  beau- 
tifully adorned  with  a  circling  Rainbow,  and 
terribly  dignified  by  the  Blaze  of  Lightnings, 
and  the  Sound  of  Thunders.  Before  this  au- 
guft  Throne,  and  at  the  Difpofal  of  the  once 
flaughtered  SAVIOUR,  are  feven  Lamps  of 
biirniiig  Fire ;  expreflive  of  the  DIVINE  SPI- 
RIT, in  all  the  Variety  of  his  miraculous 
Gifts,  and  fan(5lifying  Graces  *. — Four  and 
twenty  Elders,  clothed  in  white  Raiment,  with 
Crowns  on  their  Heads,  and  the  Harps  of 
GOD  in  their  Hands,  fall  proftrate  in  deepeft 
Homage  before  the  LAMB.  They  ftrike  the 
golden  Strings,  and  fing  that  fublime  eucha- 
riilic  Hymn  j  'T^hou  art  worthy  to  take  the  Book, 
mid  to  open  the  Seals  thereof :  for  Thou  wafifaitiy 
and  hajl  redeemed  Us  to  GO D  by  thy  Bloody  out 
of  every  Kindred,  and  Tongue,  and  People,  and 
Nation  'y  and  hajl  made  Us,  unto  our  GOD,  Kings 
and  Priefts  •\. 

Behold  the  Hierarchies  of  Angels :  they  are 
in  Number  ten  tlioufand  Times  ten  thoufand, 

and 

*  Rev.  iv.  5.  t  '^f'y-  V.  9>  10. 


Let.  8.        Aspasio/(?Theron.  8i 

and  Thoufands  of  Thoufands. — Hark  !  They 
raife  their  Voice,  and  awaken  all  the  Powers 
of  Harmony. — Who  is  the  Subject,  and  what 
is  the  Burden  of  their  Song  ?  Worthy  is  the 
LAMB  that  wasjlaiuy  to  receive  Power ^  a?id 
Riches^  and  Wifiom,  and  Strejigth^  and  Honour ^ 
and  BleJ/ing, — Nor  thefe  alone,  but  every  Crea- 
ture which  is  in  Heaven,  and  on  the  Earth, 
and  under  the  Earth,  and  fuch  as  are  in  the 
Sea,  join  the  immenfe  Chorus.  They  cry,  in 
loud  refponfive  Strains  of  Melody  and  Devo- 
tion J  Blejjingj  and  Honour ^  and  Glorj^  and  Power ^ 
be  unto  Him  that  fitteth  upon  the  T^hrone^  and  unto 
the  LAMB  for  ever  and  ever  *. 

This,  You  obferve,  is  the  dev^out  Acknow- 
ledgment, not  only  of  the  Cherubim,  the  Se- 
raphim, and  the  Spirits  of  juft  Men  made 
perfect,  but  of  every  Creature. — The  Sun,  the 
Moon,  and  the  Stars,  which  garnifh  the  Hea- 
vens— Beads  and  creeping  Things,  Mountains 
and  Hills,  fruitful  Trees  and  all  Cedars,  wiiich 

repleniih  the  Earth Metals  and  Minerals, 

Gems  and  Foffils,  the  fubterraneous  Riches  of 
Nature,   or  Things  which  are  under  the  Earth 

' Even  all  thofe  Objefts,  which  my  Theron 

lately  contemplated,  do,  in  their  way,  mag- 
nify the  LORD  JESUS.  They  bear  witnefs 
to  his  Power,  as  their  Creator  ;  they  are 
fubfervient  to  his  Interefls,  as  our  Mediator  ; 

and, 

*  Rev.v,  II,  1^3  13. 

Vol.  III.      -  G 


82  Aspasio/(?Theron.       Let.  8. 

and,  in  this  manner,  they  glorify  his  facred 
Name. 

Under  fuch  Views  of  the  blefTed  RE- 
DEEMER, inlargcd  and  elevated  even  to  Afto- 
nifhment,  is  it  poffible  to  over-rate  the  Worth 
of  his  mediatorial  Obedience  ?  Is  it  pofTible  to 
lay  too  much  Strefs  on  his  expiatory  Sacrifice, 
or  afcribe  too  much  Efficacy  to  his  vicarious 
Righteoufnefs. 

To  the  Honours,  which  He  receives,  let  Us 
add  the  Works,  which  He  has  done.  By  thefe, 
in  the  Days  of  his  Flefli,  were  difplayed  the 
Greatnefs  of  his  Glory,  and  the  Might  of  his 
Majefly. 

Behold!  fays  the  Almighty  FATHER;  my 
Servant,  He  who  condefcends  to  become  my 
Servant  in  the  matchlefs  Work  of  Redemp- 
tion J  JJoall  deal  prudently,  fhall  conduct  Him- 
felf  with  all  the  Dignity  and  all  the  Sanftity 
of  Wifdom.  In  confequence  of  which.  He 
Jloall  be  exalted,  be  extolled,  and  be  very  high^'. — 
The  Paraphrafe  of  the  Jewijlj  Commentators 
on  this  beautiful  Climax  is,  though  inadequate, 
not  contemptible.  "  The  MESSIAH,  they 
*'  fay,  fliall  be  higher  than  Abraham,  more 
►  "  illuflrious  than  Mcfes,  and  exalted  abo^e 
"  the  Angela  of  Light,  even  above  the  prime 
"  Mlnijlers  -f  of  Heaven." — What  follows,  is 

aix 

*  Ifai.  Hi.  13. 

t  Prime  MiniJlers,  this  is  almofl  a  literal  Tranflation  af 
their  Words,  r\yar\  ON'^PD 


Let»  8.       A  s  p  A  s  I  o  ^(?  T  H  E  R  o  M.  83 

an  Attempt  to  render  this  Expolition  fome- 
what  lefs  defedive. 

Here,  could  You  open  my  Chamber-door, 
and  peep  upon  your  Friend,  You  would  find 
Him  in  the  fame  Attitude,  and  under  the  fame 
Perplexity,  which  were  formerly  obferved  in 
Fhocton,  Sitting  one  Day,  amidfl  an  Alfem- 
bly  of  the  People,  and  preparing  to  make  a 
public  Oration,  He  appeared  uncommonly 
thoughtful.  Being  afked  "-he  Reafon,  "  I  am 
"  confidering,  faid  He,  how  I  may  yZ^cr/^//, 
"  what  I  fliall  have  Occafion  to  fpeak." — The 
Compafs  of  my  Subjeft,  would  demand  many 
Volumes  ;  whereas,  the  Limits  of  my  Letter, 
will  allow  but  a  few  Paragraphs. 

Oar  LORD  gave  Sight  to  the  Blind.  He 
poured  Day  upon  thofe  hopelefs  and  benight- 
ed Eyes,  which  had  never  been  vifited  with 

the  leaft  dawning  Ray. The  Dumb,  at  his 

Command,  found  a  ready  Tongue,  and  burft 
into  Songs  of  Praife.  The  Deafwei'e  all  Ear, 
and  liiiened  to  the  joyful  Sound  of  Salvation. 

The  Lame,  lame  from  their  very  Birth, 

threw  afide  their  Crutches,  and  full  of  Tranf- 
port  and  Exultation,  leaped  like  the  bounding 

Roe  *. He  reftored  Floridlty  and  Beauty  to 

the 

*  We  have  the  fincft  Reprefentatlon  of  this  Event, 
given  Us  by  the  Infpired  Hillorian,  Ji^s  iii.  8,  And  He  u\ip- 
ing  up,  Jkod,  and  walked,  and  entered  with  them  into  the 
Teinfle;  walkings   and  hoping,  and  praifrng  GOD. — The 

G    2.  very 


84  A  s  p  A  s  I  o  /o  T  H  E  R  o  N.       Let.  8. 

the  Flefli,  emaciated  by  confumlng  Sicknefs, 
or  encruftcd  with  a  loathfome  Leprofy. — All 
Manner  of  Difcafes^  though  blended  with  the 
earheft  Seeds  of  Life,  and  riveted  in  the  Con- 
flitution  by  a  long  inveterate  Predominancy — 
Difeafes,  that  baffled  the  Skill  of  the  Phyfician, 

and  mocked  the  Force   of  Medicine thefe 

He  cured,  not  by  tedious  Applications,  but  in 
the  Twinkhng  of  an  Eye ;  not  by  coflly  Pre- 
fcriptions,  or  painful  Operations,  but  by  a 
P/ord  from  his  Mouth,  or  a  Touch  from  his 
Hand  j  nay,  by  the  Fringe  of  his  Garment, 
or  the  bare  A6t  of  his  Will. 

Any    one    of    thefe    Miracles,    had    been 
enough  to  endear  the  Charadler,  and  eter- 
nize 

very  Language  fecms  to  exult,  in  a  redundant  Flow  of  ex- 
prcfTive  Phiafes  ;  juft  as  a  poor  Cripple,  that  never  knew 
cither  the  Comfort  of  bodily  Vigour,  or  the  i'leafure  of  local 
Motion,  may  be  fuppofcd  to  do,  when  fuddenly  and  unex- 
pectedly blefled  with  both.  He  would  exert  his  new  ac- 
quired Powers  again  and  again  ;  firft  in  one  Attitude,  then 
in  another.  Sometimes  to  try,  whether  He  was  really 
healed,  and  not  under  the  pleajing  ]])elurion  of  a  Dream; 
fometimes  from  a  Tranfport  of  confcious  Delight,  and  to 
cxprefs  the  Sallies  of  Joy  that  fprung  up  in  his  Heart. 

Though  I  acknowledge  Mr.  Pope's  Dcfcription  to  be  ex- 
tremely beautiful, 

The  Lame  their  Crutch  foreg9y 

And  leap  exulting  like  the  hounding  Roe. 

Yet  I  cannot  perfuadc  myfelf,  that  it  Is  to  be  compared  witli 
St,  Luke's  Draught,  either  in  the  Variety  of  Figures  ;  in  the 
Richncfs  of  Colouring  ;  or  in  that  Exuberance  of  St)'lc, 
which,  on  this  Occafioa,  is  fo  happily  fignificant,  aiid  i^pci- 
fe£lly  piliurej\ue. 


Let.  8.        Aspasio/oTheron.  S^ 

nize  the  Memory  of  another  Perfon.  But 
they  were  common  Things,  Matters  of  daily 
Occurrence,  with  our  Divine  MASTER.  The 
Years  of  his  pubHc  Miniftry,  were  an  unin- 
termittcd  Series  of  fuch  healing  Wonders  ;  or, 
if  any  Inter miifion  took  place,  it  was  only  to 
make  way  for  more  invaluable  Miracles  of 
Ipiritual  Beneficence. 

Behold  Him  exercifing  his  Dominion,  over 
the  vegetable  Creation.  A  Fig-Tree^  adorned 
w4th  the  moft  promifing  Spread  of  Leaves, 
but  unprodudive  of  the  expefted  Fruit,  withers 
away  at  his  Rebuke.  It  is  not  only  flripped 
of  its  verdant  Honours,  but  dried  up  from 
the  very  Roots  *,  and  periflies  for  ever.  A 
fearful,  yet  fignificant  Intimation,  of  that  final 
Ruin,  which  will  overtake  the  fpecious  Hypo- 
crite. Who,  while  lavifli  in  outward  Profef- 
lion,  is  deftitute  of  inward  Piety. 

His  Eye  pierced  through  the  whole  World oi 
Waters  ;  difcerned  the  Filh,  that  had  juft 
fwallowed  a  Piece  of  Money  ;  and  guided  its 
Courfe  to  Peters  Hook  -f.  He  makes,  if  it 
be  his  fovereign  Pleafure,  the  great  Deep  his 

Re^ce^ 

*  Mark  xi.  20. 
t  Mat.  xvii.  27.  How  wonderful  Is  this  feemingly  lit- 
tle Miracle  !  Or  rather,  what  a  Clujler  of  Wonders  is  com- 
prized in  xKisfingle  A£t  ! — That  any  Fifli,  with  Money  in 
its  Mouth,  fhould  be  catched— with  Money  jud  of  fuch  a 
Value — and  in  the  very  firft  Fifii  that  offered  itfelf — What 
a  pregnant  Difplay  of  Omn'ifc'ience  to  know,  of  Oninlpotsnce 
tQ  over-rule,  all  x\\Qk  fortuitous  Incidents ! 

G  L 


S6  A  s  p  A  s  I  o  /'o  T  H  E  R  o  N'.        Let.  8, 

Revenue ;  and  bids  the  fcaly  Nations  bring  him 
their  Tribute. 

The  Waters  themfelves,  it  may  be  faid,  are 
far  more  unmanageable,  than  their  Inhabitants. 
Who  can  controul  that  outrageous  Element^ 
Which  has  dellroyed  fo  many  gallant  Fleets, 
with  the  Armies  they  bore  ;  and  which  would 
laugh  at  the  Oppofition  of  the  united  World. 
The  LORB  JESUS  walks  upon  its  roll- 
ing Surges  *,  and  fpeaks  its  moil  tempeftuous 
Agitations  into  a  Calm.  The  Waves  of  the 
Sea  are  mighty,  and  rage  horribly,  but  yet  the 
LORDj  who  loved  Us,  and  waflied  Us  from 
our  Sins  in  his  own  Blood,  is  mightier. 

The  Winds  are  yet  more  ungovernable,  than 
the  madding  Ocean.  When  theie  arc  hurled -f* 
abroad,    to  Ihatter  the  Forefts,    and    lliake 

the 

*  He  treadeth  upon  the  TVaves  of  the  Sea,  is  one  of  the 
Prerogatives,  afcribed  to  the  moft  high  GOD,  yob  xix.  8. 
The  original  Word  ^^,1^^)^  fignifies  a  Sea,  that  rolls  Moun- 
tain-high \  and  fuch,  Wc  have  Reafon  to  fuppole,  were 
the  Waves  on  which  our  LORD  walked  ;  fince  the  VefTcl, 
to  which  He  bent  his  Courfc,  was  j3a(ravt^oo.£j/cy,  lafied, 
battered,  tormented,  by  their  vehement  Concullions.  Matt. 
xiv.  24. 

t  This  is  the  literal  Tranflation  of  that  beautiful  Hebrew 
Phrafe,  which  occurs  Jmab  i.  4. — The  facred  Writer,  de- 
fcribing  the  ftormy  Mcilenger,  which  was  difpatched  to  ar- 

reft  a  fugitive  Servaiit,  fays  ^'OH The  LORD  hurled 

forth  a  great  Wind.  The  fame  Expreffion  is  applied  to  Sauly 
{1  Sam.xv\\\.  11.)  when  He  darted  his  Javelin  zt  David, 
with  a  Defign  to  transfix  and  nail  Him  to  the  Wall. — What 
an  elegant,  and  how  awiul  an  Image  !    Storms  and  Tcm- 

pefts. 


Let. 8.        AsPAsio  /£)  Theron,  87 

the  Shores,  Who  can  curb  their  Rage  ?  What 
can  withftand  their  Impetuofity  ?  Even  the 
boifterous  Winds  hear  the  SAVIOUR'S 
Voice ;  and,  as  foon  as  they  hear,  obey.  His 
Voice,  more  powerful  to  reflrain,  than  brazen 
Dungeons  to  confine,  chides  the  furious  Whirl- 
wind. The  furious  Whirlwind  is  awed  into 
immediate  *  Silence.  That  v/hich  a  Moment 
ago,  heaved  the  Billows  to  the  Clouds,  and 
filled  with  Outrage  the  howling  Firmament ; 
now,  gently  whifpers  among  the  Shrouds, 
and  fcarcely  curls  the  fmooth  Expanfe. 

Something  there  is,  even  within  the  narrow 
Compafs  of  our  own  Brea/is,  which  affords 
Room  for  more  fignal  Exertions  of  D  E I TY, 
than  the  turbulent  Billows,  or  the  refiftlefs 
Storm.  Agreeably  to  the  Suggeftion  of  a 
Prophet }  For  lo  I  He  that  formeth  the  Moufi- 
tai?iSy  and  createth  the  Wind,  andy  as  a  more 
pregnant  Proof  of  divine  Perfe6lion,  declareth 

unto 

pefts,  with  all  their  irrefiftible  Fury  and  dreadful  Ravages, 
are  like  rnijfrue  Weapons  in  the  Hand  of  JEHOVAH. 
Which  He  launches  with  greater  Eafe  and  furer  Aim,  than 
the  moft  expert  Warrior  emits  the  pointed  Steel. 

*  Irmnediate — This  Circumftance,  as  very  much  aggran- 
dizing the  Miracle,  is,  with  great  hiftorical  Propriety,  re- 
marked by  the  Evangelift.  The  Sea  is  known  to  have  a 
prodigious  Swell,  and  very  tremendous  Agitations,  for  a  con- 
iiderable  Time  after  the  tempeftuous  Wind  ceafes.  On 
this  Occafion,  and  in  Obedience  to  its  MAKER'S  Will, 
it  departs  from  the  cjiabliped  Laws  of  Motion. — No  fponer 
is  the  Word  fpoken,  but  there  is  a  Calm  ;  not  an  advanc- 
ing, but  an  injiantaneoiu  Calm  ;  not  a  partial,  but  diperfecl 
Calm,  Matt,  viii.  26.  Mark  Iv.  39. 

G4 


88  AsPAsio  /o  Theron.       Let.  8. 

unto  Ma?t  ivbcit  is  his  T'hought^  the  GOD  of 
Hofts  is  his  Name  *  j  the  Pofleflbr  of  fuch  fur- 
pafling  Power  and  Wifclom,  muft  unqueilion- 
ably  be  the  fupreme  LORD.  And  Who  is 
this,  but  JESUS  CHRIST?  He  knew,  what 
was  in  Man  -f-.  He  difcerned  the  Secrets  of 
the  Heart  j  difcerned  the  latent  Purpofe,  be- 
fore it  difclofed  itfelf  in  Action  j  even  be- 
fore it  was  uttered  in  Speech  -,  nay,  while 
it  lay  yet  an  uninformed  Embrio  in  the 
Mind. 

His  Glance  pierced  into  Futurity  :  efpied 
Events,  in  all  their  Circuniflances  t,  and  with 
the  greatefl  Perfpicuity,  before  they  came  into 
Being.  The  hidden  Things  of  Darknefs  were 
open,  and  the  Contingencies  of  to-morrow  were 

pre- 

*  A7noi  iv.  13. 
t  'John  ii.  25.  This  all-difcerning  Intelligence  of  the 
DEITY,  is  verv  emphatically  exprefTed  by  the  Pfalmift, 
Pfahcxxxxx.  1,2,  fa'r.  Though  the  Sentiment,  in  ^w^Claufe, 
fecnis  to  be  fomewhat  weakened  by  our  Verfion.  There  is 
not  a  Word  in  my  Tongue,  would  have  a  nobler  Turn,  and 
more  extenfive  Meaning,  if  rendered  ;  Before  the  JVord  is 
on  my  Tongue,  Thou,  O  LORD,  knoxveji  it  altogether. 

X  In  oil  their  Circumjiances. —  See  a  very  remarkable  Ex- 
emplification of  this  Particular,  Mark  xiv.  13.  There  Jball 
meet  You — not  barely  a  Perfon,  but  the  Sex  and  Age  are  both 
fpecified — not  two,  or  fevcral,  but  one  Man  — not  within  any 
given  Space  of  Time,  but  at  the  iieiy  Injlant  of  your  Arrival 
• — not  empty-handed,  but  bearing  a  ^'^^r^t'/— not  of  Wood  or 
Metal,  but  an  earthen  P/Vf/;rr — filled,  not  with  Wine  or  Milk, 
but  with  JVatcr — carrying  it  into  that  very  Houfe,  where  the 
Pnparation  was  made,  and  the  Paflbver  was  to  be  cele- 
l^iuted. — What  a  Multitude  of  Contingencies!  All  minutely 
foretold  by  our  LORD! 


Let.8.        AsPASio  to  Theron.  89 

prefent,  to  his  all-pervading  Eye.  Nay,  the 
unthought-of  Revolutions  even  of  diflant  Ages, 
the  aftonifhing  Cataftrophe  of  dilTolving  Na- 
ture, and  the  awful  Procefs  of  everlafting 
Judgment,  He  clearly  forefav^,  and  particu- 
larly foretold. 

Nor  does  He  only  penetrate  the  Receffes,  but 

over-rule  the  Operations  of  the  Soul. He  fo 

intifnidateddi  Multitude  of  facrilegeous Wretches, 
that  they  fled,  not  before  his  drawn  Sword,  or 
bent  Bow,  but  at  the  Shaking  of  his  fingle 
Scourge  *. — He  fo  a%vedj  by  one  fhort  Remon- 
ilrance  'f-,  an  Aflembly  of  conceited  and  often- 
tatious  Pharifees,  that  they  could  neither  gain- 
fay,  nor  endure  the  Energy  of  his  Difcourfe. 
Though  not  to  endure,  was  a  tacit  Acknow- 
ledgment 

*  John  ii.  14, 15,  &c.  St.  yerom  looks  upon  this  Miracle, 
as  one  of  the  greateft,  that  our  SAVIOUR  wrought.  And 
indeed  the  Circumftances  are  very  extraordinary. — That  one 
Man  fhould  undertake  fo  bold,  and  execute  fo  hazardous  a 
Tafk — One  Man,  without  a  Conmiijfion  from  Cccfar ;  with- 
put  any  Countenance  from  the  'Jetv'ijh  Rulers ;  without  any 
Arms,  either  to  terrify  the  Multitude,  or  defend  Himfelf. — 
That  He  fhould  caft  out  the  whole  Tribe  of  mercenary  Traf- 
fickers ;  wreft,  from  thofe  Worfhippers  of  Wealth,  their 
darling  Idol ;  and  trample  under  Foot  their  great  Diana — • 
And  all,  without  Tumult  or  Oppofition  ;  not  one  of  the 
facrilegeous  Rabble,  daring  to  "  move  the  Hand,  or  open 

**  the  Mouth,  or  peep." Whoever  refle6ls  on  the  fierce 

and  ungovernable  Nature  of  an  incenfed  Populace ;  or  con- 
fiders  the  bitter  and  outrageous  Zeal  of  Demetrius  and  the 
Craftfmen,  on  a  lefs  irritating  Occafion  ;  may  poflibly  find 
Himfelf  almoft,  if  not  altogether,  of  the  Latin  Father'^ 
Opinion. 

t  John  viii.  7, 


90  AsPAsio /(?  Theron.        Let. 8. 

ledgment  of  Guilt,  and  muft  cover  them  with 

public  Confufion. With  a  Word,  the  moft 

mild  and  gentle  *  imaginable,  He  flung  fuch 
Terror  into  a  Band  of  armed  Men;  as  blafted 
all  their  Courage,  and  laid  them  Jlunned  and 
pro  ft  rate  on  the  Ground. 

All  Hearts  are  in  his  Hand.    He  iurneth  them, 

as  the  Rivers  of  Water,  whitherJoe'Der  He  'will  \  ; 

with  as  much  Eafe,  and  v/ith  the  fame  effica- 

^cious  Sway,  as  the  Current  of  the  Rivers  is 

turned  by  every  Inflexion  of  the  Channel. 

Follow  me,  was  his  Call  to  'fames  and  fohn : 
Follow  me  t,  v/as  all  He  faid  to  Levi  the  Pu- 
blican. Though  the  firft  were  engaged  in  all 
the  Ardour  of  Bufinefs ;  though  the  laft  was 
fitting  at  the  very  Receipt  of  Cuftom  -,  yet  both 
He  and  they,  without  any  Demur,  or  the  leafl 
Delay,  left  their  Employ,  left  their  neareil 
Relations,  and  refigned  their  earthly  all,  to 
attend  a  poor  and  defpifcd  MASTER. — Their 
Acquaintance,  no  doubt,  would  remonflrate 

a 

*  John  xviii.  6.  f  Prov.  xxi.  I. 

%  Mark  ji.  14.  He  faid  in  the  Beginning,  Let  there  be 
Light ;  tliere  was  Light :  Let  there  be  a  Firmament ;  'twas 
fprcad  abroad  :  Let  there  be  a  World',  it  arofe  of  Nothing. 
—In  the  Days  of  his  Flefli  Hkewife,  He  fpeaks,  and  it  is 
dene.     His  Word  is  a  Work.     He  fays  to  the  Difciples, 

Folloiv  7ne ;  they  come to  the  Leper,  Be  ckcji ;  He  is 

cleanfed— to  the  Paralytic,  Arife,  take  up  thy  Bed.  end  walk  ; 
'tis  all  performed,  as  foon  as  commanded. —  Surely  then  We 
muft  confcfs,  This  is  the  Voice  of  a  GO D,  not  of  a  Mant 
r£uv,6-)lw  is  our  LOR  D's  iifual  Word,  v.'hen  He  grants  a 
miraculous  Cure  :  which  exadly  corrcfponds  with  that  ad- 
mired and  magnificent  Expreffion  ^n*  ^^^'  ^'  3* 


Let.  S.       AsPASio  /^  Theron.  91 

a  thoufand  Inconveniencies ;  their  Enemies 
would  not  fail  to  cenlure  them,  as  raih  Enthu- 
fiafts ;  but  all  thefe  Confiderations  were  lighter 
than  Dufl,  were  lefs  than  nothing,  when  fet 
in  competition  with  two  Words  only  from  J  E" 
SU S  of  Nazareth.  ImprefTed,  deeply  imprefC- 
ed  by  his  powerful  Summons,  fuch  Lofs  they 
counted  Gain,  and  fuch  Obloquy  Glory. 

He  planted  Bowels  of  Compafiion  in  the 
unfeeling  avaricious  Wretch ;  and  elevatedy 
beyond  the  Height  of  the  Stars,  Defires  that 
lay  groveling  even  below  the  Mire  of  the  Swine. 
The  Slaves  of  Sin  He  reflored  to  the  Liberty 
of  Righteoufnefs  5  and  unhappy  Creatures, 
who  were  degenerated  into  the  Likenefs  of  the 
Devil,  He  renewed  after  the  Image  of  the 
blefled  G  O  D. — Thefe  were  the  Eifeds  of  his 
perfonal  Preaching;  thefe  are  flill  the  Con- 
quefls  of  his  glorious  Gofpel ;  and  do  not 
thefe  declare  his  Dominion  over  the  In- 
teliedual  Oeconomy  ?  That  the  JVorld  of 
Mindsy  as  well  as  of  material  Nature,  is 
open  to  his  Infpe6lion,  and  fubjecl  to  his 
Controul  ? 

The  Dead  feem  to  be  more  remote  from  hu- 
man Cognizance,  than  the  Secrets  of  the 
Breaft ;  lefs  Hable  to  any  human  Jurifdi6lion, 
than  the  warring  Elements.  What  Potentate 
can  ifTue  a  Writ  of  Releafe  to  the  Grave  ?  Or 

cite 


92  AsPAsio  ^i>  Theron.        Let.  8.' 

cite  the  diflodged  Soul,  to  re-enter  the  breath- 
lefs  Corpfe  ? — Ytt  this,  even  this,  our  mighty 
MEDIATOR  executed.  Pie  opened  the  Eyes, 
that  WQve  fu?ik  in  their  Sockets,  2iX\d.Jeakd  in  the 
Tomb.  He  bid  the  Heart,  that  had  forgot  its 
vital  Motion,  fpring  into  renewed  and  vigo- 
rous Life.  The  crimfon  Flood,  long  congealed 
by  the  icy  Hand  of  Death  3  that  had  not  only 
loft  its  Pulfe  by  Stagnation^  but  likeviife  chang- 
ed its  very  Texture  by  FutrefaBioji  *  j  circu- 
lates, at  his  Order,  all  florid  and  mantHng 
with  Health,  through  the  wondering  Veins. 
— The  Spirit^  that  had  taken  its  Flight  into 
the  uroifible  State,  had  taken  its  Place  in  eternal 
Habitations,  returns,  at  our  REDEEMER'S 
Signal,  to  the  Tenement  of  mouldering  Clay ; 
and,  by  the  amazing  Vifit,  proclaims  his  Sove- 
reignty over  thofe  iinkncwn  Realms^  and  their 
myfterious  Inhabitants, 

As  He  recals  from,  fo  He  admits  into,  the 
Abodes  of  future  Happinefs.  In  the  very  loweft 
Depths  of  his  Humihation,  He  difpofed  of  the 
Seat^  of  jB/Z/f,  and  the  T'hrones  of  Glory.  His 
Hands,  when  fwollen  with  Wounds,  and  nailed 
to  the  Tree,  evidently  fullained  the  Keys  of 
Hell  and  of  Death -f.  Then,  even  then.  He 
opened  and  He  fliut  either  the  Gates  of  the 
Grave,  or  the  Portals  of  Paradife.     What  He 

fpeaks 
*  Johnxl  39.  t  ^^'  *•  1 8' 


Let.  8.        Aspasio/oTheron.  9;^ 

fpeaks  to  the  penitent  Thief,  is  the  Language 
of  fupreme  Authority  j  To  Day  Jhalt  thou  be 
with  me  in  Paradife  *.  'Tis  a  royal  MafidamuSy 
not  an  humble  Petition. 

Does  our  lord's  Superiority  extend  to  thole 
malignant  Beings,  the  Devil  and  his  Angels  ? 
— Even  thefe,  in  fpight  of  all  their  formidable 
Strength  -f*,  and  inextinguifiable  Rage,  He  makes 
his  Footftool.  He  brake  the  Teeth  of  thofe 
infernal  Lions  j  and  refcued  the  helplefs  Prey, 
on  which  their  bloody  Jaws  were  clofmg.  At 
his  Command,  they  abandon  their  Conquefls ; 
and  relinquifli,  however  indignant,  however 
reliiSiant,  their  long-accuftomed  Habitations. 
His  fingle  Command,  more  forcible  than  ten 
thoufand  Thunderbolts,  difpoflefTes  a  whole  Le- 
gion %  of  thofe  fierce  and  haughty  Spirits : 
drives  them,  all  terrified  and  deprecating  fe- 
verer  Vengeance,  to  feek  Refl  in  foJitary 
Defarts,  or  to  herd  with  the  moft  fordid 
Brutes. 

As  the  blefTed  JESUS  treads  upon  the  Necks 
of  thofe  Powers  of  Darknefs,  He  receives  the 
willing  Services  of  the  Angels  of  Light,     They 

that 

*  Ltih  xxiii.  43. 

t  Milton,  defcribing  the  Power  of  the  apoftate  Angels, 
fays; 

The  leajl  of  Whom  could  wield 

Thefe  Elements ;  and  ann  Him  %vith  the  Force. 

Of  all  their  Regions,  B.  VI,  221, 

X  Mark  v.  9. 


94  AsPAsio  /o  Theron.        Let.8, 

that  excel  *  in  Strength,  and  are  a5live  as 
Flames  of  Fire,  even  they  fulfil  his  Com- 
mandment, and  hearken  unto  the  Voice  of  his 
Words.  They  graced  the  Solemnity  of  his 
Birth  i  they  attended  Him,  after  his  Tempta- 
tioii  in  the  Wildernefs  3  they  were  the  firfl  joy- 
ful Preachers  of  his  triumphant  Refurreclion ; 
and  now  He  is  feated  on  the  Right-hand  of 
the  MAJESTY  in  the  Higheft, 

They  ft  and  with  JVi?igs  oiitfpready 

Lifening  to  catch  their  Majiers  leaft  CommaTidy 
Andfiy  through  Nature^  eer  the  Moment  end» 

Behold 

*  Would  any  One  fee  a  Sketch  of  the  Glory  and  Excel- 
lence of  the  angelic  Nature  ?  Let  Him  fee  it,  in  that  inimi- 
tably fine  Stroke  of  the  facred  Pencil.  I  faw  another  Angel 
come  doxvn  from  Heaven^  having  great  Power ^  and  the  Earth 
was  lightened  with  his  Glory.  Rev.  xviii  i.  The  lafl:  Claufe 
is,  I  think,  one  of  the  moil  mafterly  Touches  of  defcriptive 
Painting,  extant  in  Hiftory,  Poetry,  or  Orator}^  Milton 
gives  Us  a  Stri<2ure  of  the  fame  Kind,  and  on  the  fame  Sub- 
je61:.  But  the  poetic  Flighty  though  very  fublime,  is  greatly 
inferior  to  the  apocalyptic  Vifion. 

On  He  led 

His  radiant  Files,  dazling  the  Moon. 

In  this  Cafe,  We  have  a  whole  Brigade  of  celeftlal  Warri- 
ors; in  the  former,  only  a y7«^/^  angelic  Being.  Thofe  are 
reprefcntcd,  as  irradiating  the  Night,  and  outfhining  the 
Moon:  this,  as  exceeding  the  Brightnefs  of  the  Sun;  dif- 
fufing  additional  Splendors  on  the  Day;  and  illuminating, 
not  a  vaft  Plain,  not  a  vafter  Kingdom,  but  the  zuhole  Face 
of  the  Globe. —  \i  fiich  be  the  Luftre  of  the  Servant,  what 
Images  can  difplay  the  Majcfty  of  the  LORD  ?  Who  has 
thonjnnd  Thoufands  of  thofe  glorious  Attendants  7nmijhring 
unto  Him,  and  ten  thoujand  limes  ten  thoujand Jlanding  before 
Him?  Dan.  vii,  lo. 


Let. 8.       AsPASio  /f?  Theron."  95 

Behold  Him,  now,  doing  according  to  his 
Will,  in  the  Armies  of  Heaven,  and  among 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  Earth — Swaying  the 
Sceptre,  over  the  Legions  of  Hell,  and  the 

Powers  of  Nature exercinng  Dominion,  in 

the  Hearts  of  Men,  in  the  Territories  of  the 
Grave,  and  Manfions  of  difembodied  Spirits. 

Then  let  my  T^heron  determine under  fucli 

Views  of  our  S  A  V I O  U  R's  unequaled  Ma- 
jefty,  and  unbounded  Sovereignty,  let  Him  de- 
termine— whether  it  be  fafer,  to  refc  our  infi- 
nite and  eternal  Interefts,  on  our  own  Righte- 
oufnefs,  rather  than  on  His. 

We  have  felecled  forae  few  Manifeflations 
of  our  redeemer's  excellent  Greatnefs,  Even 
the  Evangelical  Hifcorians,  give  us  no  larger 
a  Proportion  of  his  aftonifhing  Deeds,  than 
the  Firfl-fruits  bear  to  a  copious  Harveft.  Yet, 
were  they  all  particularly  enumerated,  and 
circumftantially.  difplayed,  they  would  appear 
incQ7ifiderable ;  compared  with  thofe  far  more 
dijiinguijhed  Trophies  of  Almighty  Power, 
which  He  has  decreed,  in  fome  future  Period, 
to  erecl  *. 

He 

*  The  Dignity  of  our  LORD,  conTidered  as  the  CRE- 
ATOR and  PRESERVER  of  all  Things,  is  not  men- 
tioned Here  ;  becaufe,  it  is  profefl'edly  attempted,  in  The  De- 
fiant upon  Creation^  fubjoined  to  the  fiift  Volume  of  Medtta- 
tions  among  the  Tombs^  Sic.  To  which  I  beg  Leave  to  refer 
my  Readers.  And  fhall  more  than  make  iimeiids  for  the 
prefent Omiffion,  by  tranfcribing  a  Pa/Hise  fiom  the  Night- 

Thon?hti  . 


96  Aspasio/oTheron.        Let.  B* 

He  will  gather  to  his  facred  Fold,  the  People 
of  his  antient  Church  j  though  they  are  ^tf- 
perfed  into  all  Lands,  and  mofl  inveterately 
prejudiced  againft  the  Truth  of  his  Gofpel. — • 
How  mighty  was  his  Hand,  how  illuflrioufly 
outftretched  his  Arm,  when  He  made  a  Path 
through  the  Surges  of  the  Ocean  -,  drove  the 
Torrent  of  Jordan  backwards  s   and  fetched 
Rivers  of  Waters  from  the  flinty  Rock !  Far 
more  mighty  will  be  its  Operations,  when  He 
fliall  remove  the  feemingly  unfurmountable 
Obftru(5lions,  to  the  general  Rejloration  of  the 
yews ;  fhall  throw  all  their  religious  Appre- 
henfions  into  a  new  Channel ;  and  caufe  Tears 
of  penitential  Sorrow  to  ftart  from  their  ftony 
Eyes,  Confeflions  of  unfeigned  Faith  to  ifTue 
from  their  blafpheming  Lips. — Yet  thus  it  will 
Qfluredly  be.     In  the  Volume  of  the  divine 
Book  it  is  written,  'They  JJmU  look  on  Him^  whom 
they  have  pierced,   and  mourn*.     They  fhall 

adore 

noughts ;  which  prcfents  Us  with  a  magnificent  Difplay  of 
this  great  Truth 

. THOU,  by  whom  all  mrlds 

Were  made,  and  one  redeem'd  ;  whofe  regal  Powers 

On  more  than  adamantine  Bajis  fix'dy 

O'er  more,  far  more  than  Diadems  and  Thrones 

Inviolably  reigns  ;  beneath  whofe  Foot, 

And  by  the  Mandate  of  whofe  aivful  Nody 

All  Regions,  Revolutions,  Fortunes,    Fates ^ 

Of  High,  ofLoiv,  of  Mind  and  Matter^  roll 

Through  the  fliort  Channels  of  expiring  TimCy 

Or  fmelefs  Ocean  of  Eternity. 

Nisht-Thoughts,  N«  IX. 

*  Zech,:di.  10. 


Let.  8.      AsPAsio  /(?  Theron.  97 

adore  as  the  MESSIAH,  the  defpifed  Galilean  j 
and  fix  all  their  Hopes  of  final  Felicity  on  that 
very  Perfon,  whom  their  Fathers  flew  and 
hanged  on  a  Tree. 

Amazing  Revolution  in  the  religious  World ! 
Yet  this,  together  with  tiie  DejlruSiion  of  An- 
tichrift,  and  the  Illumination  of  the  benighted 
Gentiles^  may  pafs  for  fmall  Incidents ;  com- 
pared with  xhoiQ  Jlupe?idous  Events,  which  will 
dignify,  and  fignalize  the  clofmg  Scene  of  Af- 
fairs. 

Then,  fliall  the  LORD  JESUS  be  mani- 
fefled  in  unfpeakable  Glory  j  and  exert  fuch 
A6ls  of  Omnipotence,  as  will  be  the  7'error  of 
Hell,  the  Joy  of  Heaven,  the  Wonder  of  Eter- 
nity.  Then,  will  He  put  an  End  to  Time, 

and  bid  the  Springs  of  Nature  ceafe  to  operate. 
Then,  fliall  his  tremendous  Trumpet  rend  the 
univerfal  Vault,  and  pierce  the  Dormitories  of 
the  Dead. — Then,  will  He  Jloake  the  Earth  out 
of  its  Place  *,  and  before  his  majeftic  Prefence 
the  Heavens  fialljiee  away-f. — Then  fhall,  not  a 

Nation 

*  Job  ix.  6. 

t  How  grand  is  the  Idea,  when  David  prays  !  Bow  thy 
Heavens.^  O  LORD,  and  ame  down  ;  touch  the  Mountains,  and 
they  Jhall  J7noke.  Much  grander  is  the  Image,  when  fit  fays  ; 
The  Springs  of  TVatcrs  lucre  feen,  and  the  Foundations  of  the 
World  were  difcovered,  at  thy  Chiding,  O  LORD,  at  the  Blaji 
of  the  Breath  of  thy  Difpleafiire.  Tranfcendently  and  inimi- 
tably grand  is  this  Defcription,  thoup;h  given  Us  by  themcft 
plain  and  artlefs  Writer  in  the  World.  I  faw  a  great  white 
Throne,  and  hUM  THAT  SAT  ON  IT,  frm  who/e  Face  the 

Vol.  III.  H  Heavens 


98  AspAsio  /(J  Theron.       Let.  8, 

Nation  only,  but   Multitudes,  Multitudes  of 

Nations, 

Heavens  and  the  Earth  fled  away,  and  there  was  no  Place  found 
for  them.  Rev.  xx.  11. 

In  Virgil's  admired  Reprefentation,  Jupiter  hurU  his 
Thunder,  and  a  Mountain  falls  at  the  Stroke  ; 

— — — . . • Ille  flagranti 

Aut  Atho,  aut  Rhodopen,  aut  alta  Ceraiinia  Tela 
Dcjicit.  Georw.  I.  331. 

In  Homer's  more  terror-ftriking  Piece,  Neptune  fhakes  the 
wide-extended  Earth.  The  A-Iountains  tremble  to  their  Cen- 
ter i  the  Ocean  heaves  its  Billows  j  and  Cities  reel  on  their 
Foundations. 


-Aulap  £V£p6£  TlccTii^awv  slivx^e 


Tcciav  a7r£jp£<r»5iu,  opfwu  t  aiTTfjva  xuf/ivx, 

Iliad.  T.  57. 

Here,  the  SON  of  the  eternal  GOD  appears  only,  and  all 
Nature  is  alarmed  :  nor  Heaven  nor  Earth  can  keep  their 
Standing  :  they  flee  avvay,  like  the  frighted  Roe. —  How 
groveling  are  the  loftieft  Flights  of  the  Grecian  and  Roman 
Mufe,  compared  with  this  Magnificence  and  Elevation  of 
the  prophetic  Spirit ! 

Let  Us  confider  the  Paflage  a  little  more  attentively.  Volet 
ha:c  fi(b  Luce  videri.  Mafterly  Performances,  the  more  clofely 
they  are  examined,  the  more  highly  they  charm. — It  is  not 
faid,  A  few  Herds  of  the  Foreft,  a  few  Kings,  or  Armies, 
or  Nations  ;  but  the  tvholc  S)flcm  of  created  Things. — It  is 
not  faid.  They  were  thrown  into  great  Commotions,  but 
they  fed  intirely  azvay  ;  not,  they  ftartcd  from  their  Foun- 
dations, hutthcy  fell  into  Difjlution;  not,  they  removed  to 
a  didant  Place,  hxit  there  was  found  no  Place  for  than;  they 
ceafed  to  exift  ;  they  were  no  more. — And  all  this,  not  at 
the  ftria  Command  of  the  LORD  JESUS ;  not  at  his  awful 
Menace,  or  before  his  fiery  Indignation  ;  but  at  the  hare  Pre- 
fefice  of  his  Majefty,  fitting  with  fcrene  but  adorable  Dignity 
on  his  Throne. 

If  this  is  not  the  true  Sublime,  in  its  utmoft  Scope,  and 
richcfl-  Beauty,  I  muft  confefs,  I  never  faw  it,  nor  ever  cx- 
i^<St  to  fee  ic. 


Let.  8.        A  SPAS  10  to  Therom.  9.^ 

Nations,  he  born  in  a  Day  *  5  yea  rather,  in  an 
Hour,  in  a  Moment,  in  the  Twinkling  of  an 
Eye. — All  that  are  adeep  in  the  Beds  of  Death ; 
even  thofe  who,  perifhing  in  T'empcjis^  are  funk 
to  the  Bottom  of  the  Ocean  ^  or,  fwallowed  up 
by  Earthquakes,  are  buried  at  the  Center  of 
the  Globe ;  all  lliall  hear  his  Voice  j  and  hear- 
ing, fliall  awake  J  and  awaking,  fliall  come 
forth. — Every  human  Body,  though  j^ges  have 
revolved,  fmce  it  gave  up  the  Ghoft }  though 
Worms  have  devoured  the  Flefh,  and  DifToiu- 
tion  mouldered  the  Bones;  though  its  Parts 
have  been  grinded  by  the  Teeth  of  Beafts,  or 
confumed  by  the  Rage  of  Fire  ;  difiipated  in 
'viewlefs  Winds,  or  fcattered  over  the  boimdlefs 
Globe }  lofl  to  our  Senfes,  and  loft  even  to  our 
Imagination  ;  yet  will  every  human  Body  then 
be  reftored;  its  Limbs  realTembled,  and  not 
an  Atom  wanting  -,  its  Frame  rebuilt,  and  ne- 
ver be  demolifhed  more. 

Then,  fliall  'the  unnumbered  Myriads  of 
departed  Spirits  return  from  their  feparate 
Abodes;  and,  commifiioned  by  HIM  who  is 
the  Refiirrecfion  and  the  Life,  reanimate  each 
his  organized  Syftem. — Then,  will  Mifery  and 
Happinefs,  both  confiimmate,  and  both  everlajl- 
ing,  be  awarded  by  the  SAVIOUR's  Sentence. 
— Then,  will  He  condemn  the  ungodly  World, 
and  the  rebellious  Angels,  to  Chains  of  Dark- 

H  2  nefs, 

*  Ifa'u  Ix.  8. 


100  A  s  p  A  s  I  o  /o  T II E  R  o  N.      Let*  B. 

ncfs,  and  Dungeons  of  Defpair.  Then,  will 
He  invcil  the  Rightccus  with  the  Inheritance 
of  Heaven,  and  inflate  them  in  the  Fulnefs 
of  Joy.  His  Word  will  be  Fate;  Immiitahi' 
lity  fcals,  and  Eternity  executes,  whatever  He 
decrees. 

And  has //6w  yE^i!/^',  fo  glorious,  fo  ma- 
jeftic,  fo  adorable — has  HE  vouchfafed  to  take 
our  Nature,  and  become  our  Righteoufnefs  ? 
Was  HE  made  under  the  Law  ?  Did  HE  fulfil 
all  its  Demands  ?  Give  perfect  Satisfaction  to 
the  penaly  and  yield  perfect  Obedience  to  the 
preceptive  f  On  purpofe,  that  the  Merit  of  all 

might  be  made  over  to  Us  ? Aflonifliing 

Condefcenfion !  Ineffable  Grace !  What  Thanks 

are  due,  to  fuch  infinitely  rich  Goodnefs ! 

What  a  Pvcmedy  is  here,  for  tiie  Impotence  and 
Guilt  of  fallen  Man ! — What  a  fure  Founda- 
tion of  Hope,  and  what  an  abundant  Source 
of  Joy,  to  every  One  that  belicveth  ? 

It  is  declared  by  the  Oracle  of  GOD,  That 

fucb  an  HIGH-PRIESi:  became  Us,  was  abfo- 

lutely  necefiary  for  our  obnoxious  and  ruined 

Condition,  who  is  holy,  barmlcfs,  undefiled,   fe- 

parate  from  Sifi?iers and  made  higher  than  the 

Heavens  *.  It  appeal's,  I  flatter  myfelf,  from 
the  Letter  already  in  your  Hand,  That  CHRIST 
fully   anfwered  the   former  Charadler;    and 

from 

*  UgL  viii.  26» 


Let.  8.       Aspasio/oTheron.  ioi 

from  this  Epiille,  I  hope  it  will  appear,  That 
He  is  the  very  Perfon  clcfcribed  in  the  latter 
Claufe. 

Eflimate  now,  my  dear  Friend,  efiimate  if 
You  can,  the  Glory  and  Excellency  of  this  fu- 
blime  Perfon.  Then  may  You  learn,  how  to 
ftate  the  Worth  of  his  Riffhteoufnefs,  and  the 
Degree  of  Affiance  fuited  to  his  Merits.  Rather 
you  will  perceive,  that  his  fpotlefs  Birth,  his 
perfectly  obedient  Life,  his  exquifitely  bitter 
Death,  are  a  Satisfa6lion  of  unknown  Digni- 
ty ;  precious  "*,  far  beyond  all  the  Graces  of 
Men,  and  all  the  Duties  of  Angels;  able  to  fave 
to  the  uttermoil,  all  that  rely  on  them,  and 
come  unto  GOD  through  them. 

Confonant  to  this,  are  the  Sentiments  of 
that  penetrating  Critic  and  profound  Scholar, 
Dr.  Lighffoot.  Who,  treating  of  our  S  A  V  I- 
OUR's  Obedience,  fays — "  Add  to  all  this  the 
"  Dignity  of  his  Perfon,  who  performed  this 
"  Obedience :  that  He  was  G  O  D  as  well  as 
**  Man :  and  his  Obedience  is  infinite.  Such 
"  as,  in  its  Validity,  fubdued  Satan,  and  in 
"  its  All-fufficiency  fatisfied  the  Jufdce  of 
"GO  D." — After  which,  our  celebrated  Au- 
thor makes  this  important  and  delightful  Im- 
provement j  "  Think,  Chrifiian,  what  a  Stock 

"of 

*  This  is  exprefled  by  the  facred  Hiflorian,  with  an  Ener- 
gy which  no  Tranflation  can  equal ;  rriv  Ti|a7iu  t»  T£|i,ur^jW,£v»$ 
((V  (liiArKTOivJo  oiwo  u«vv  IcrpanA.    Matt,  xxvii.  g, 

H3 


102  Asp  A  SI  o  to  Theron.       Let.  8. 

"  of  Obedience  and  Righteonfnefs,  here  is  for 
"  thee,  to  anfwer  and  fatisfy  for  thy  Difobedi- 
"  ence  and  Unrighteouinefs,  if  Thou  become 
"  a  Child  of  the  Covenant.  Here  is  enough 
"  for  every  Soul  that  comes  to  Him,  be  they 
"  never  fo  many.  Like  the  Widow's  Oil  in  the 
"  Book  of  Kings ^  there  is  enough  and  enough 
"  -again,  as  long  as  any  Vellel  is  brought  to 
"  receive  it  *. 

We  need  not  v^onder,  that  Gentiles^  who  are 
ignorant  of  the  R  E  D  E  E  M  E  R  3  that  Jews, 
who  treat  Him  with  contemptuous  Scorn  j 
that  Frcfejjors  of  Religion,  who  deny  his  eter- 
nal GODHEAD;  place  little,  if  any  Confi- 
dence in  his  Righteoufnefs.  But  it  is  frrange, 
that  Chrijlians,  who  know  the  S  A  V I O  U  R  5 
who  acknowledge  his  Divinity  3  and  believe 
Him  to  be  exalted  above  all  Elcfiing  and 
Praife — it  is  exceedingly  llrange,  that  they  do 
not  rejoice  in  Him;  make  their  Bcafl  of  Him  ; 
and  fay,  with  a  becoming  Difdain,  of  every 
other  Dependance,  Get  ye  hcjice  -f- ! 

Such  an  Affcmblage  of  divine  Perfe61ions, 
muft  110 arrant,  muft  demaiid,  the  moft  undi- 
vided, and  the  mod  unbounded  Confidence, 
— There  never  was,  no,  not  in  all  Ages,  nor 
in  all  Worlds,  any  thing  greater  or  richer, 
more  dignified  or  exalted,  than  the  Obedience 

of  our  L  O  Pv  D. Nay ;  it  is  impoflible  for 

Men 

*  LightfQof%  Works,  Vol.  II.  p.  1258,      f  JJa't,  xxx,  22, 


Let.  8.       AsPAsio  /^  Theroin.  103 

Men  or  Angels  to  imagine,  what  could  be  fi 
fuited  to  our  Wants,  fo  proper  for  our  Reli- 
ance, or  fo  fure  to  anfwer,  more  than  anfwer 
all  our  Expeftations. 

Upon  the  Whole  J  let  me  intrcat  my  'Theron 
to  contemplate  our  LORD  JESUS  CHRISTy 
under  that  moft  iiluflrious  Chara61er,  defcrib- 
ed  by  the  Prophet,  yf  PRIEST'  upon  his 
THRONE^.  Dignifying  the  facerdotal 
Cenfer  by  the  regal  Diadem ;  adding  all  the 
Honours  of  his  eternal  Divinity^  to  the  Sacri- 
fice of  his  bleeding  Humanity. — Then,  I  pro- 
mife  myfelf.  You  will  find  it  almoft  impoflible, 
not  to  adopt  the  emphatical  and  ardent  Pro- 
tellation  of  the  Apolf  le  -,  GOD  forbid,  that  I 
fdould  glory,  that  I  fiiould  confide,  free  only  in 
the  Obedience  and  the  Crofi  of  CHRIST  JESUS 
my  LORD! 

When  You  made  the  Tour  of  France  and 
Italy,  and,  eroding  the  Alps,  gained  the  Sum- 
mit of  fome  commanding  Ridge — When  You 
looked  round,  with  Aftoniihraent  and  Delight, 
on  the  ample  Plains,  which,  crouded  with  Ci- 
ties, and  adorned  with  Palaces,  flretch  their 
beauteous  Tra6ls  below — "When  You  furveyed 
t\\Q  famous  Rivers,  that  roll  in  filent  but  fhin- 
ing  Dignity ;  flating  the  Boundaries  of  King- 
doms, and  wafting  Plenty  through  the  glad- 
dened Nations — When  You  (liot  your  tranf- 
H  4  ported 

*  Zech,  vi.  1 3. 


104  AsPAsio/oT HERON,      Let,  8, 

ported  View  to  the  Ocean,  whofe  unmeafur- 
able  Flood  meets  the  Arch  of  Heaven,  and 
terminates  the  Landfchape  with  inconceivable 
Gi-andeur — Did  You,  then,  choofe  to  forego 
the  Pleafure  refuldng  from  Ibch  a  Profpcct,  in 
order  to  gaze  upon  the  naked  Cragg  of  fume 
adjacent  Rock  ?  Or,  could  You  turn  your  Eyes 
from  thofe  magnificent  Obje6ls,  and  fallen 
them  wnxh.  pleafed  Attention  upon  a  fidlow 
Puddle,  that  lay  ftagnating  at  your  Feet  ? 

You,  Who  have  beheld  the  Scene,  can  ac- 
commodate the  Simile,  with  peculiar  Advan- 
tage. For  which  Reafon,  I  fhall  wave  the  Ap- 
plication i  and  only  beg  leave  to  tramcribe 
into  my  Paper  a  Wifh,  that  is  now  warm  on 
my  Heart,  and  is  often  breatbed  in  Supplica- 
tion from  my  Lips May  the  FATHER  of 

our  Spirits,  and  the  Fountain  of  Wifdom.,  give 
Us  an  inlightened  Vftderfiatzdijig,  to  KNOW  Hi jn 
that  is  true :  grant  Us  the  ineiiimable  Blefling, 
that  We  may  B  E  IN  Hi?/i  that  is  true,  even  in 
his  SON  JESUS  CHRIST.  For,  this  SAVIOUR 
is  the  true  GOD,  and  that  Privilege  is  Lifi 
eternal  "*. 

My  Theron  needs  no  Arguments  to  convhice 
Him,  that  fuch  a  Prayer  is  an  A61:  of  rational 
nnd  real  Friend (liip ;  is  the  moft  genuine  and 
fubflantial  Proof,  that  I  am 

His  truly  affeSliouate 

ASPASIO, 

*  I  John  v.  20, 


Let.  9.      Theron/oAspasio.  105 


LETTER    IX. 

Theron      to      ASPASIO. 

Dear  A  s  ?  a  s  i  o, 

OUR  two  Letters  have  reached  my 
Hand  ;  and  I  hope,  they  have  not  milied 
my  Heart.  I  might  inform  You,  what  Plea- 
fure  they  gave  me,  and  how  highly  I  efleem 
them.  But  You  defire  no  fuch  CompUments: 
YoLi  defire  to  fee  me  impreffed  with  the  Senti- 
ments, and  Hving  under  their  Influence.  This 
would  be  the  moll  acceptable  Acknowledg- 
ment to  my  Afpafio,  becaufe  it  would  be  the 
mofl  happy  Etfe6l  to  his  T^heron.  May  every 
Day,  therefore,  bring  a  frefli  Acceffion  of 
Juch  Gratitude  to  me,  and  oi  fuch  Satisfa6lion 
to  You  ! 

To  watch  for  my  Soul,  and  pray  for  my 
Salvation,  I  am  thoroughly  convinced,  is  the 
trueft  Inllance  of  rational  and  exalted  Friend- 
fliip.  Every  Claim  to  that  amiable  Chara6ler, 
is  defeBive  and  njaiji,  if  it  does  not  extend  to 
our  fpiritual  Interefts,  and  our  everlafting 
Welfare.  For  which  Reafon,  I  need  not  in- 
treat  Tou  to  continue  and  perpetuate  this  beil 

Ex- 


io6  Tmeron/(9Aspasio.      Let.  9, 

Expreflion  of  fecial  Kindnefs.  Or  if  I  do,  it 
is  rather  to  teftify  how  much  I  prize  the  Fa- 
vour, than  to  prompt  your  affeftionate  and 
ready  Mind. 

Your  laft  found  me  at  a  Friend's  Houfe, 
that  hes  pretty  near  the  wejlern  Ocean. — Yef- 
terday,  waked  by  the  Lark,  and  rifing  with 
the  Dawn  *,  I  ftroiled  into  the  fragrant  Air, 
and  dewy  Fields.  While,  as  Shakefpeare  with 
his  ufual  Sprightlinefs  expreiTes  himfelf, 

-— — yocu?id  Day 

Stood  tip-toe  on  the  mijly  Mountains  'Top. 

Sweet  was  the  Breath  of  Morn,  and  fweet 

the  Exhalations  of  the  frefhened  Flowers 

Grateful  v/ere  the  foft  Salutes  of  the  cooling 
Zephyrs,  attended  with  the  Charm  of  earliefl 
Birds — Delightful  the  Sun,  painting  with  his 
orient  Beams  the  Chambers  of  the  Firmament, 
and  unveiling  the  Face  of  univcrfal  Nature. 

My  Mind,  but  little  aifefted  with  thefe  in- 
ferior Entertainments,  was  engaged  in  con- 
templating 

*  Evandrum  ex  humili  Te6lo  Lux  fufcitat  alna, 

Et  matut'mi  Valuer um  fub  Culmine  Cantus,  Virg. 

Lrix  alma A  lovely  ExprefHcn  !    Dcfcribing  the  Mild- 

nefs,  the  Beauty,  and  the  chearing  Efficacy  of  the  riling 
Sun.  It  Is,  I  think,  incapable  of  an  equal  Tranflation  ; 
but  reminds  me  of  a  vciy  fine  Compariibn  in  our  facred 
Eclogues,  which  reprefcnts  the  charming  Appearance,  and 
the  benign  Influence  of  the  Gofpel-church,  at  its  firfl:  Open' 
ing  on  the  Gentile  JVorld—lVho  h  this  that  looketh  forth  as  th& 
Morning  f  Cant,  VI.  lo. 


Let.  9*      The  RON  to  Aspasio.  107 

templating  an  Object  of  infinitely  fuperior 
Dignity.  In  contemplating  that  ADORABLE 
BEING,  who  raifed — from  nothing  raifed  this 
ftupendous  Syflem  of  Things ;  and  fupports 

with  his  Word  fupports  the  magnificent 

Frame.  Who  (to  fpeak  in  the  Language  of 
his  own  SPIRIT)  openeth  the  Eyelids  of  the  Morn- 
ings and  commandeth  the  Day-fpring  to  know  its 
Place  *.  Commandeth  the  Light,  by  its  punc- 
tual and  pleafing  Miniftrations,  to  draw  afide 
the  Curtain  of  Darknefs;  and  difcover  the 
Skies,  fhining  with  Glories  3  and  difclofe  the 
Earth,  blooming  with  Beauties. 

FATHER  of  Light  and  Life,  faid  my  tran- 
fported  Mind, 

<Thou  GOOD  SUPREME  ! 

O  teach  me  what  is  good!    Teach  me  THT~ 
SELF. 

Save  me  from  Folly ,  Vanity ,  and  Vice, 
From  every  low  Piirfint  I  and  feed  my  Soul 
With  Faith,  with  confcioiis  Peace,  and  Virtue 

pure. 
Sacred,  fiibfiantial,  neverfading  Blifs  ^  ! 

Wrapt  in  Wonder,  and  loft  in  Thought,  I 
rambled  carelefly  along,  till  I  was  inienlibly 
brought  to  the  Shore.  Which,  in  thefe  Parts, 
is  prodigioufly  high   and    ftrong  :    perfectly 

well 

*  Job-xxxy'm,  12,  t  Thm/on's  Wmt^r, 


I08  THERONifcAsPASIO.         Let.  9. 

well  fitted,  to  ftand  as  an  everlailing  Barrier  *, 
againfl  the  impetuous  Stroke  of  confli6ling 
Winds,  and  the  ponderous  Sweep  of  dalliing 
Surges. Not  that  the  Omnipotent  ENGI- 
NEER has  any  Need  of  thefe  impregnable 
Ramparts.  HcrCj  it  is  true,  they  intervene ; 
and  not  only  reprefs  the  roiling  Invader,  but 
fpeak  the  amazing  Majefty  of  their  MAKER. 
In  other  Places,  all  fiich  laboured  Pvlethods  of 
Fortification  are  laid  afide.  The  CREATOR 
fliews  the  afloniflied  World,  that  He  is  con- 
fined to  no  Expedients ;  but  orders  all  Things 
according  to  the  Pleafure  of  his  own  Will.  He 
bids  a  low  Bank  of  defpicable  Sand,  receive 
and  repel  the  moil  furious  Si:ocks  of  aflault- 
ing  Seas :  And,  though  the  Waves  thereof  tofs 
theinjekes  with  incredible  Fierceneis,  yet  can 
they  not  prevail',  though  they  roar,  and  fetm  to 
menace  univerfal  Defl:ru(pLion,  yet  cnn  ihey  not 
fafs  over  -f  this  flightefr  of  Mounds. 

A  winding  Paflage  broke  the  Declivity  .... 
the  Defcent  j  and  led  me,  by  a  gradu  il  ^]ov)c, 
to  the  Bottom.— The  Moon  beiijg  in   Lvr;  ml 

Quarter, 

*  Thefe,  doubtlefs,  arc  "  the  Doors  and  tl.:  (..as," 
which  the  ALMIGHTY  mentions  in  the  Couric  :f  his 
awful  Interrogatories  to  Job.  The  TnnJJ'y  Doors,  that  can 
never  be  forced  j  the  folid  Bars,  that  can  never  be  broke  ; 
and  I  may  add,  the  confpicnons  Columns,  on  which  his  Pro- 
vidence has  infcribed  that  fovereign  Mandate,  Ncplus  ultra. 
Or,  as  the  Prohibition  runs  in  his  own  majpilic  Words, 
llithp-to  Jhalt  thcu  go^  hut  no  farther.     Job  xxxviii,  lO. 

f  Jer,  V.  22. 


Let.  9«       Theron  to  iisPAsio.  109 

Qiiarter,  and  the  Tide  at  its  greateft  Recefs, 
I  walked  for  a  while,  where  briny  Waves  were 
wont  to  flow. — —The  ebbing  Waters  had  left 
a  vacant  Space,  feveral  Furlongs  broad  -,  equal, 
in  Lengthy  to  a  very  extended  Vifta ;  frnooth  on 
its  Surface,  as  the  mofl:  level  Bowling-green ; 
and    almofl:    as  firm^  as  the  befl:  compacted 
Cawfay.     Infomuch,    that  the   Tread   of    a 
Horfe  fcarce  impreffes  it,  and  the  Waters  of 
the  Sea  never  penetrate  it.     Exclufive  of  this 
wife  Contrivance,  the  fearching  Waves  would 
infmuate  themfelves   into    the  Heart  of  the 
Earth.     The  Earth  itfelf  w^ould  be  hollow  as 
an  Honey-Comb,   or  bibulous   as  a    Sponge. 
And  the  Sea,  foaking  by  Degrees  through  all 
its  Cavities,  would,  in  Procefs  of  Time,  for- 
fake  its  Bed,  and  mingle  with  the  Plains  and 
Mountains.     But  this  clofely  cemented  or  glu- 
tinous Kind  of  Pavement,  is  like  claying  the 
Bottom  of  the  univerfal  Canal.     So  that  the 
returning  Tides"  confolidate,  rather  than  per- 
forate its  Subilance :  as  a  Fluids  they  prevent 
the  Sun  from  cleaving  it   vs^ith  Chinks ;  as  a 
mfcous  Fluid,  they  fhut  up  the  Interfliices  of  the 
Sand,  and  hinder  the  Water  from  exfuding 
through  its  Pores. — Such,  I  hope,  will  be  the 
Cafe,  with  this  Soul  of  mine,  and  the  Temp- 
tations that  befet  me.     Befet  me  they  do,  they 
will.     But  may  they  never  win  upon  my  Af- 
fedions,  nor  gain  Admittance  into  my  Heart ! 

Let 


no  Theron  to  AspAsio.      Let. 9. 

Let  them  make  mc  humble,  and  keep  me  vi- 
gilant 5  teach  me  to  walk  clofely  with  my 
GOD,  and  urge  me  to  an  incclTant  Depend- 
ence on  CHRIS'T.  Then,  inftead  of  being 
ruinous^  they  may  become  advantageous ;  and 
inftead  of  Ihattering,  will  only  cleanfe  the 
Rock,  on  which  they  dafli. 

The  mighty  Waters,  refllefs  even  in  their 
utmoft  Tranquillity,  with  a  folemn  *  but  pla- 
cid Murmur,  flruck  my  Ear.  The  Billows, 
fometimes  advancing  to  kifs  the  Sand  ;  fome- 
times  drawing  back  their  curly  Heads  into  the 
Deep  5  whitened,  at  their  Extremities,  into  an 
agreeable  Foam.  Which,  with  the  refleclive 
Reprefentation  of  the  azure  Canopy,  formed 
the  Appearance  of  a  moft  fpacious  Mantle, 
tinged  with  a  beautiful  Blue,  and  edged  with 

Fringes  of  Silver. Dignity  and  Elegance^  I 

find,  are  the  infeparable  Chara6leriftics  of  the 
CREATOR'S  Workmanfhip.  As  Comfort  and 
Happinefs,  I  fometimes  perceive,  are  the  very 
Spirit  of  his  Gofpel,  and  the  genuine  Produce 
of  his  Commands. 

On  one  Side,  the  Atlantic  Main  rolled  its 
Surges  from  World  to  World. — What  a  Spec- 
tacle 

*  This  is  defcribed  with  inimitable  Propriety  by  Homer  j 
5»l  (J'  axswu  Trapa  0»y»  7roAu(|>AoKrCoK>  9aX«0"<r7)f. 

And  only  not  quite  fo  beautifully  by  Adilton  ; 
He  fald  ;  a7id  as  the  Sound  nf  J  Voters  deep 
Hoarfe  Murmur  ecbo'd  to  bis  Words  Jpplaufe, 


Let.  9'       Theron/oAspasiow  in 

tacle  of  Magnificence  and  Terror  !  Wliat  an 
irrefiflible  Incitement  to  Reverence  and  Awe  ! 
How  it  fills  the  Mind,  and  amazes  the  Ima- 
gination !  'Tis  the  grandefc  and  moft  anguffc 
Obje£l  under  the  whole  Heavens.— It  reminds 
me  of  that  apocalyptic  Vifion,  which  'Johuy, 
the  inraptured  Seer,  beheld  !  As  it  were  a  great 
Mountain  burning  with  Fire,  was  ca/i  into  the 
Sea  J  and  the  third  Part  of  the  Sea  became  Blood-, 
and  the  third  Part  of  the  Creatures  which  were 
in  the  Sea^  and  had  Life,  died ,  and  the  third 
Part  of  the  Ships  were  dejiroyed^.  I  have  not 
Penetration  enough,  to  difcover  the  fpiritual 
Meaning  of  this  PafTage ;  but,  I  difcern  a 
moil  dreadful  Grandeur ^  in  its  plain  and  literal 

Senfe. If  We  confider  the  wonderful  Com- 

pafs,  and  the  terrible  Force,  of  fuch  an  enor- 
mous Mafs  of  Fires  if  We  confider  its  hor- 
rible and  de{lru(5live  EfFe6ls,  on  fuch  a  vaft 
Body  of  Waters,  as  the  third  Part  of  the 
Ocean ;  how  tremendous  and  aftonifliing  is 
the  Idea  !  Surely,  nothing  but  divine  Infpira- 
tion  could  fuggeft  thefe  Images ;  as  None  but 
an  Almighty  BEING  can  execute  this  Ven- 
geance. Who  would  not  fear  an  eternal 
KING,  that  has  fuch  Weapons  and  fuch  Artil- 
leiy,  referved  again/i  the  Day  of  Battle  andlVar-f-. 

Spacious  as  the  Sea  is,  GOD  has  provided 
a  Garment^  to  cover  it.     Immenfe  as  the  Sea  is, 

GOD 

*  Rev.  viil,  8,  9.        t  y<?^xxxvlii,  23. 


112  Theron/^jAspasio.       Let.  g. 

GOD  has  prGTpai'Qdfwadling  Bands ^  to  inwrap 
it.  Ungovernable  as  it  may  feem  to  Us,  He 
over-rules  it  with  as  much  Eafe,  as  the  Nurfe 
manages  a  new-born  Infant  *.  An  Infant  it 
is,  before  Almighty  Power  j  and  to  an  Infant 
it  is  compared,  by  JEHOVAH  Himfelf : 
though,  to  our  Apprehenfion,  it  raves  hke  a 

Jiupendoiis  Madman, But,   if  HE  command, 

it  opens  a  peaceful  Bofom,  and  receives  his 
People.  It  fmooths  the  Way  for  their  Paf- 
fage,  and  ftands  as  a  Bulwark  for  their  De- 
fence. They  march  through  the  midfi  of  the 
Sea  upon  dry  Ground,  and  the  Waters  are  a  Wall 
unto  them  on  their  Right-hand  and  on  their  left  \, 
If  he  reverfes  his  Mandate,  they  drive  down^ 
with  an  irrefiftible  Sweep,  upon  the  Hofts  of 
Pharaoh ;  and  overwhelm  the  Chariots  and 
Horfes  of  Egypt.  They  pour  Confufion  upon 
Arrogance  %>    ^^^  difappoint  the  Defigns  of 

Perfe- 

*  Job  xxxviii.  8,  9.  t  Exod.  xlv.  22. 

:j:  Arrogance — This  is  defcribed  with  exquifite  Delicac)', 
in  the  E7rivi>tiou  or  triumphant  Song  of  Mofes.  Tl^e  Enemy 
faidy  I  will  purfue  ;  I  will  overtake  ;  I  ivill  divide  the  Spoil ; 
my  Liift  /hall  be  fatisfied  upon  them  :  I  will  draw  my  Sword^ 
mine  Hand  Jhall  dejiroy  ^Aw/.— What  fwclling  Words  of  Va- 
nity are  here  !  The  very  Spirit  of  a  Thrafo  breathes  in  every 
Syllable  of  this  beautiful  Frofopopccia.  Nev^r  was  the  Lan- 
guage of  Blujler,  Ferocity^  and  Rhodomonta'de.,  fo  finely  mi- 
micked.— How  noble  is  the  Turn,  and  how  exalted  the  Sen- 
timent, that  follows  !  THOU  didji  bloiv  with  thy  JPind\  the 
Sea  covered  tl/em  ;  they  fank  as  Lead  in  the  mighty  IVaters. 
The  G  O  D  of  Ifrael  need  not  fummon  all  his  Power,  or 
level  the  rl^ht-aiming  lliundcr-buks  i  He  only  blows  with 

his 


Let.  9.       Theron/oAspasio.  lij 

Perfecution   and  Cruelty. If   He  fays,  BS 

Jiill:  the  bellowing  Surges  are  hi^flied  \  and 
the  gentleft  Lamb  is  not  fo  quiet.  If  He  fays, 
Dejiroy :  even  the  quiefcent  Waters  kindle  into 
Rage  J  they  rife  in  their  MAKER'S  Caufe  j 
and  ten  thoufand  Lions,  ftung  with  Hunger, 
and  ruddling  upon  the  Prey,  are  not  fo  fierce. 
When  He  bids  .them  execute  any  other  Com*- 
miflion  ;  the  Horfe  broke  to  the  Bit,  the  Spa- 
niel difciplined  to  the  Signal,  are  not  half  {o 
dutiful  and  obfequious.— ^ — And  lliall  our  Paf- 
fons  be  more  wild  than  the  Winds,  more  tur- 
bulent than  the  Billows  ?  Forbid  it,  Almighty 
LORD  !  Thou  that  ruleji  the  Raging  of  the  Sea ; 
{i?jd  the  Noife  of  bis  Waves,  reftrain,  fubdue, 
£172(1  calm  the  Madnefs  of  the  People. 

The  Eye  travels  hard.  It  wanders  over  a 
Vaft,  vaft  Length  of  fluftuating  Plains  *.  It 
reaches  the  Limits  of  the  Hemifphere,  where 
Skies  and  Waves  feem  to  mingle.  Yet  it  has 
fcarce  made  an  -Entjy  upon  the  World  of 
W^aters.  What  I  here  difcern,  is  no  more 
than  the  Skirts  of  the  great  and  wdde  Sea. 
Tra6ls  incomparably  broader,  are  flill  behind  ; 
and  Tracts  of  unbounded  Extent,  are  behind 
even  thofe. — Great  then,  O  my  Soul,  incon- 
ceivably great,   is  tliat   adored  and  glorious 

SOVE- 

his  Wind,  and  the  great  Mountain   breaks  like  a   Bubble. 
AH  this  inlolent  and  formidable  Parade  is  quaflied  ;  finks  into 
Nothing  ;   expires  in  Shame  and  Ruin.     Exod.  xv.  9,  10. 
*  ' -"^  "■  '"•-  -■  Campofque  natant{S,         Lucret. 

VuL.m.       -        I 


114  The  RON  /(?  AsPASTo.       Let.  9, 

SOVEREIGN,  who  fitteth  upon  this  Flood, 
as  upon  a  Throne  *.     Nay,  Who  holds  it, 
diffufcd  as   it  is   from   Pole   to  Pole,  in  the 
Hollow  of  his  Hand  -,  and  before  whom,  in 
all  its  prodigious  Dimenfions,  it  is  but  as  the 
Drop  of  a  Bucket. — How  fhall  Reptiles  of  the 
Ground  fnik  low  enough  in  their  own  Appre- 
henfions !    What  Humiliation  can  be  fuffici- 
ently  deep   for   finful    Mortals,    before   this 
^'  High  and  Ploly  ONE  !"  Yet  how  may  they 
rife  on  the  Wings  of  Hope  !  How  may  they 
Joar  on  the  Pinions  of  Faith  !    When,  in  the 
Language  of  his  Prophet,  and  in  his  own 
son's  Name,  they  thus  addrefs  the  everlaft- 
ing  GOD-     Aivake  I  Aivake !  Put  on  Stre7igthy 
O  Arm  of  the  LORD  !  Aivake ,  for  our  Suc- 
cour and  Security,  as  in  the  antiejit  Days^  in  the 
Generations  of  old.     Art  Thou  not  it^  that  hath 
cut  Rahab,  and  wounded  the  Dragon  f  Art  Tbou 
not  it,  which  hath  dried  the  Sea,  the  Waters  of 
the  great  Deep  ?  "That  hath  made  the  Depths  of 
the  Sea,  a  Way  for  the  Ranfomed  to  pafs  over-f^ 

Plow  grand,  furprifmgly  grand  and  majef- 
tic,  are  the  Works,  as  well  as  the  Nature,  of 
an  OMNIPOTENT  Being!  What  are  all  the 
Canals  in  all  the  Countries  of  the  Earth, 
compared  with  this  immenfe  Refervatory  ! 
What  are  all  the  fuperb  Edifices,  erected  by 
royal   Munificence,    compared    with   yonder 

Con- 

*  Fjd.-x.xix.  10,  "t  Ifaiah\i,(),iQ> 


Leti  9'       Theron/{?Aspasio.  115 

Concave  of  the  Skies  !  And  what  are  the 
moft  pompous  Illuminations  of  Theatres  and 
triumphant  Cities,  compared  with  the  refplen- 
dent  Source  of  Day  !  They  are  a  Sparky  an 

Atora^  3.  Drop. Nay,  in  every   Spark,  and 

Atom,  and  Drop,  that  proceeds  from  the 
Hand  of  the  ALMIGHTY,  there  is  the  Ma- 
niieftation  of  a  Wifdom  and  a  Power  abfo- 
lutely  incomprehenfible. 

Let  us  examine  a  fingle  Drop  of  Water, 
the  very  leaft  Quantity,  that  the  Eye  can  dif- 
cern  ;  only  fo  much,  as  will  jufl  adhere  to  the 
Point  of  a  Needle.  In  this  almofl  impercep- 
tible Speck,  a  famous  Philofopher  compute 5 
no  lefs  than  thirteen  thoiifand  Globules.  Amaz- 
ing to  conceive  !  Impofiible  to  explicate  ! — If 
then,  in  fo  fmall  a  Speck,  abundantly  more 
than  ten  thoufand  Globules  exifl,  what  My- 
riads of  Myriads  mufh  float  in  the  unmea- 

fured  Extent  .of  the  Ocean  ! Let  the  ableft 

Arithmetician  try  to  comprehend  in  his  Mind, 
not  the  internal  Conilitution,  but  only  the 
Number  of  thefe  fluid  Particles.  As  well  may 
He  grafp  the  Winds  in  his  Fill:,  or  mete  out 
the  Univerfe  with  his  Span,  as  execute  the 

Talk. If  then   We  are  utterly  unable   to 

num.ber  (which  is  the  j7joJ}  fuperficial  of  all 
Refearches)  even  the  moft  common  Works  of 
the  great  JEHOVAH  j  how  can  We  pretend 
to  lay  open  the  Secrets,  and  penetrate  the  Re- 
I  a  ceffes 


11 6  T  H  E  R  o  nWo  A  s  p  A  s  I  0.       Let.  9. 

cefTes  of  his  infinite  Mind  !  How  can  We  pre- 
tend to  invciligate  the  whole  Procefs,  and 
folve  all  the  Difficulties,  of  that  highejl  and 
deepcft  of  the  divine  Schemes,  Redemption  ! 

I  have  fometimes  been  offended,  I  muft  con- 
fefs,  when  You  have  inlarged  upon  the  tnyfte- 
rious  Truths  of  Chrijiianity.  But  I  perceive, 
the  Beam  was  in  my  own  Eye,  when  I  fan- 
fied,  the  Mote  was  in  my  Friend's.  Is  there, 
in  every  Ray  of  Light,  and  in  every  Particle 
of  Matter,  a  Depth  of  Contrivance  unfathom- 
able by  the  Line  of  any  human  Underftand- 
ing  ?  And  fliail  there  be  nothing  abftrufe  or 
profound,  nothing  but  what  is  level  to  our 
yr<2/7M' Apprehenfions,  in  the  great  ^T'hings  oi 
GOD's  Law,  and  the  glo-icus  -[-  things  of  his 
Gofpcl  r  To  expect  this,  is  juft  as  wife  in  it- 
felf,  and  juft  as  congruous  to  Nature,  as  to 

€xpe6l a  Sea,  whole  Cavities  might  have 

been  digged   by  our  Spade a   Sky,   whole 

Arches  are  meafurable  by  our  Compafs — -a  Sun^ 
whofe  Orb  may  be  included  in  our  Lanthorns> 

When  therefoje  I  read  of  ONE  uncreated 
and  eternal  BEING,  fubfillmg  in  THREE 
Divine  PERSONS;  when  1  hear  of  an  in- 
finitely pure  and  perfect  GOD,  made  Flcfh 
for  tJie  Redemption  of  fmful  Men  ;  when  I 
meditate     on    tlie    righteous   and    untverfal 

JUDGE, 

*  'nnin  ♦nn  Hon  vHi.  12. 


Let.  9.       Theron  /(?  AsPAsio.  117 

JUDGE,  reconciling  the  World  unto  Him- 

felf,  by  the  Death  of  his  own  SON  j when 

a  thoufand  curious  and  inquifitive  Thoughts 
are  ready  to  arife  on  the  Occalion  j  I  will  bid 
them,  firft  found  the  Depths  of  2,  Jingle  Drop, 
and  then  apply  their  Plummet  to  the  boundlefs 
Ocean.  This,  I  am  very  fure,  is  not  weak 
Credulity,  nor  wild  Enthufiafm  ;  but  the  ma- 
turefl:  Dictate  of  Reafon,  and  the  very  Preci- 
fion  of  Truth. — Let  then  the  great  CREATOR 
make  that  fublime  Declaration ;  Ai  the  He  a- 
'vens  are  higher  than  the  Earthy  fo  are  my  Ways, 
than  your  Ways ;  and  my  I'looiights  than  your 
T'hoiights  *.  Let  every  human  Creature  add 
that  humble  Acknowledgment  3  O  the  Depths 
of  the  Riches^  both  of  the  Wifdom  and  Knowledge 
of  GOD  I  How  unfearchable  are  his  "judgments ^ 
and  his  Ways  paji  finding  out  -f-  /  And  not  De- 
votion only,  but  Reafon  and  Truth,  will  fay 
Amen  to  both. 

You  fee,  Afpafio^  how  I  am  trying  to  adopt 
your  Spirit.  You  will  obferve  the  Vv'illing  Scho- 
lar, though  not  the  great  Proficient. But 

ftay  !  Is  this  right .''  To  divert  from  fuch  com- 
manding Subjecls,  and  take  Notice  of  mere 
Punctilios  ? — My  Friend  may  fpare  his  Frowns, 
J  am  furprifed  and  angry  at  myfelf.  Away 
with  the  litde  Arts  of  Self-recommendation. 


Ifai.  Iv.  9.  t  Rqui,  xi.  33, 


54^ 


n8  Theron/oAspasio.       Let.  9. 

Self  fhould  be  forgot,  fliould  be  /wallowed  up 
and  lojl  in  devout  Aftonifhment,  when  We 
are  viewing  the  Magnificence,  and  meditating 
on  the  Vv^onders  of  Creation. 

Behind  me,  and  far  off  to  the  North,  Cam-, 
brias  dufkyCoalls  juft,  andbutjufl,  emerged. 
Loft  were  all  her  Woods  and  Mountains.  In- 
flead  of  ornamented  Towns,  and  cultivated 
Plains,  a  confufcd  Mift,  or  a  low-hung  Cloud, 
feemed  to  hover  on  the  Ocean's  remotefr  Brim. 

Behind  me  I  Remembrance  is  roufed  at  the 

ExprefTion,  and  Confcience  fliarpens  her  Sting. 
Ah  !  how  often,  and  how  long,  have  I  treated 
in  this  very  Manner,  the  nobleft  Scenes,  and 

the  fublimefl  Joys !    Have  turned  my  Back • 

ungrateful  and  befotted  Creature  ! — upon  the 
heavenly  Country,  and  wandered  from  the  Re- 
gions of  infinite  Delight !  Therefore  now  they 
appear  ditn.  I  have  fcarcely  a  Glimpfe  of  their 
tranfcendent  Excellencies.  Or  if  I  fee  therr^ 
by  Faith,  it  is   with  frequent   Intermifiions, 

and  much  Obfctirity. Turn  me,  O  Thou 

GOD  of  my  Salvation,  turn  me  from  pur- 
fuing  Phantoms,  and  attach  miC  to  thy  blefied 
Self.  Let  me  henceforth  fteer  an  invariable 
Courfe  to  IMMANUEL's  Kingdom.  May 
its  Treafures,  as  I  advance,  open  to  my  View, 
and  its  Glories  brighten  in  my  Eye.  O  !  may 
fome  Odours,  better,  far  better,  than  Babcean 

fpicy 


Let.  9.       Theron/oAspasio.  119 

fpicy  Odours  *,    exhale  from  the  delectable 

Hills,  and  the  celeflial  Shores  ! But  chiefly 

thou  eternal  SPIRIT  breathe  upon  my  Soul, 
both  by  thy  convhicing  and  comforti?ig  Influ- 
ences !  Nor  ever  ceafe  to  fvvell  my  Sails,  and 
fpeed  my  Progrefs ;  till  I  arrive  at  the  Land, 
that  is  very  far  offi  and  fee  the  KING,  the 
KING  of  Grace  and  of  Glory,  in  all  bis  in- 
effable Beauty  -f. 

On  my  Left-hand,  a  Range  of  ntoiintaiirous 
Cliffs  rofe  in  a  perpendicular  Dire6lion.  The 
huge  Pile  extended,  as  far  as  the  Sight  could 
difcern,  its  black  Boundaries.  Here,  bending 
inwards  to  the  Land  ;  there,  bellying  out  into 
the  Deep  ;  every  where  proje6ling  a  Shade, 
feveral  Leagues  a-crofs  the  Ocean. 

The  Height  of  thefe  Cliffs  fo  prodigious, 
that  every  human  Creature  who  comes  near 
the  Summit,  flarts  back  terrified  and  aghajl. 
Only  a  few  ftraggling  Goats  venture  to  graze 
on  the  Top :  and  thefe,  to  a  Perfon  walking 
below,  appear  but  as  Specks  of  moving  White. 
While  the  Sea-mews,  that  winnow  the  Air 

about 

*  Alluding  to  thofe  Lines  in  M'lltnn. 

■ — A%  tvhen  to  them  xvho  fall 

Beyond  the  Cape  of  Hope,  and  now  are  paft 
Mofambic,  off  at  Sea  North-eaji  iVinds  blow 
Sabaean  Odour,  from  the  fpicy  Shore 
Of  Araby  the  blefl,  and  many  a  League 
Chear'd  with  the  grateful  Smell  old  Ocean  fmiles, 

B.  IV.  159. 
i'Jfaiah  xxxiii.  17. 

1  4 


120  The  RON  to  Aspasio.  Let,  9," 
about  the  middle  Steep,  look  like  winged  Ani- 
malcules, puiTuing  their  little  Sports  in  a  dif- 
ferent Region. The  AfpeB  of  thefe  Cliffs  fo 

wild  and  horrid,  it  is  impoffible  to  behold  them 
without  a  fliivering  Dread.  The  Spc6lator  is 
apt  to  imagine,  that  Nature  had  formerly  fuf- 
fered  fome  violent  Convulfions,  or  been  fliat^. 
tered  by  the  flaming  Bolts ;  and  that  thefe 
are  the  difmembered  Remains  of  the  dreadful 
Stroke.  The  Ruins,  not  of  Perfepolis  or  Pal^ 
myra,  but  of  the  World  ! 

Amazing  1  What  adventurous  daring  Crea^ 
ture  is  yonder,  gathering  Samphire  from  the  Ca- 
vities of  the  Rocks !  He  has  let  Himfelf  dow^ii 
feveral  Fathom,  beneath  the  bleak  and  dizzy 
Summit. — He  gleans  a  poor  Livelihood,  from 
the  Edges  of  Danger,  fhall  I  fay  ?  Rather, 
from  the  Jaws  of  Death.  I  cannot  difcern  the 
Rope,  to  which  He  clings.  He  feems  to  be 
fufpended  over  the  tremendous  Precipice,  by  a 

Thread,  by  a  Hair,  by  Nothing. I'll  look 

no  longer.  The  very  Sight  chills  my  Veins. 
While  I  view  his  perilous  Elevation,  I  can 
think  of  nothing  but  a  headlong  Downfal, 
and  fra6lured  Bones ;  of  Brains  left  to  reek 
on  the  pointed  Crags,  and  Blood  ftreaming 
on  the  difcoloured  Beach. 

Suppofe  (if  the  Mind  can  bear  fo  fliocking 
a  Suppofition)  fome  poor  Wretch,  expofcd  on 
tlie  Brow  of  this    ftupendous  Promontory  \ 

with-j 


Let,  9.       The  RON  /(5  As  PAS  10.  121 

without  any  Support  for  his  Feet  ^  and  dca-v^ 
ing  only  to  a  weak  llender  Shrub,  that  but 
jull  adheres  to  the  Interftices  of  the  Rock. 
What  tumultuous  Throbbings  feize  his  Breaft  ? 
What  a  dying  Palenefs  invades  his  Cheeks? 
And  what  Agonies  of  Fear  rend  his  Heart  ? 
As  He  hangs,  projeBing  over  the  ragged  Preci- 
pice 3  and  furveys  the  Ocean  deep,  wonderous 

deep  below ! The  Bough  gives  way.     His 

only  Hope  fails.     It  yields  more  and  more  to 
his  Weight.     Good  Heavens!   He  fmks !  He 
finks !  O !  for  fome  friendly  Hand,  to  fnatch 
him   from  perifhing!    Millions,    Millions  of 
Gold,  were  the  cheap  Pur  chafe  of  fuch  a  Mer- 
cy.— There  was  a  Time,  my  Soul,  when  thou 
waft  in  a  Situation,  equally  fhall  I  fay  ?  Infi- 
nitely more  dangerous.  Tottering,  not  only  on 
the  Verge  of  Life,  but  on  the  very  B7^i?ik  of  Hell. 
Remember   that  compaffionate  Arm,    whicl:^ 
was  ftretched  out,  in  the  very  Article  of  Need, 
to  refcue  Thee  from  imminent  and  everlafting 
Perdition.     Never  forget  that  gracious  Voice, 
which  faid — in  Accents  fweeter  than  the  Mufic 

of  the  Seraphic  Choir "  Deliver  him  from 

*'  going  down  into  the  Pit.  Let  his  Health 
^'  be  reftored,  and  his  Day  of  Grace  be  pro- 
."  longed." 

In  fome  Places,  the  hideous  Ruins  not  only 
tower  to  the  Skies,  but  lea?i  over  the  Strand. 
Prominent   and   frightfully  pendulous,   they 

nod 


122  Theron/oAspasio.       Let.  9. 

nod  Horror,  and  threaten  Deflrucllon  on  all 
below.  A  Perfon  congratulates  Himfelf,  when 
He  has  got  clear  of  the  bending  Precipice  5 
and  can  hardly  forbear  thinking,  that  the 
enormous  Load  is  with-held  by  fome  unfeen 
Hand,  till  the  execrable  Wretch^  doomed  to  a 
moft  aftonifliing  Vengeance,  is  come  within 
Reach  of  the  Blow.  And  truly,  if  he  had  the 
Strength  of  the  Elephant,  or  the  Firmnefs  of 
the  Behemoth,  this  would  grind  him  to  Pow- 
der, or  even  crulh  Him  into  Atoms. 

How  awful  to  confider,  that  there  is  a  Day 
coming,  Vvhen  wicked  Potentates,  and  haughty 
Monarchs,  will  beg  of  yonder  Seas,  to  ya^uvt 
compaflionately  deep,  and  hide  them  in  their 
darkeft  Abyflesj  hide  them  from  the  pierc- 
ing Eye,  and  avenging  Sword,  of  inflexible 
Juflice. — That  there  is  a  Day  coming,  when 
the  foft  Voluptuary,  the  wanton  Beauty,  and 
all  the  Ungodly  of  the  Earth,  will  befeech  thofe 
tremendous  Ridges,  with  all  their  unfupport- 
abie  Burden  of  craggy  Rocks,  to  rup  dow?i 
upon  their  guilty  Heads  '^.  If,  by  this  means, 
they  may  be  fcreened  from  the  infinitely  more 
dreaded  Weight  of  divine  Indignation. 

Vain  are  their  Cries  j  and  vainer  ftill  would 
be  their  Refuge,  Ihould  their  paffionate  Re- 
quells  be  granted.  Can  Floods  conceal  the  im- 
pious Wretches  \    when  the  Caverns  of  the 

Ocean 

*i^rt/.  vi.  I2j  13,  14, 


Let.  9-       Theron  /<?  AsPAsTo.  123 

Ocean  fball  be  laid  bare,  and  the  Foundations 
of  the  World  be  difcovered  ?  Can  Kocksfecrefe 
an  obnoxious  Rebel  j  when  Rocks,  with  all  their 
marble  Quarries,    and  adamantine   Entrails, 
Ihall  dilTolve  like  melting  Wax?  When  Hill?, 
that  plunge  their  Roots  to  the  Centre,  and  lofe 
their  towering  Heads  in  Air,  fhall  ftart  from 
their  affrighted  Bafe  *,  and  flee  away  like  a 
withered  Leaf ! — Good  GOD  !  What  racking 
Anguifli  muff  they  feel !  What  inexpreffibly  fe-^ 
verer  Torment  muff  they^d^^r  /  Who  can  im-r 
plore,  ardently  irr^plore  as  a  moft  defirable  Fa- 
vour, 

*  This  brings  to  our  Remembrance  a  moft  fublime  Dcr 
fcription  of  the  DIVINE  POWER,  which  arifes  in  a  beau- 
tiful Climate,  and  terminates  in  this  grand  Idea.  The  Vcice 
of  the  LORD  is  mighty  ifi  Operation,  the  Voice  of  the  LORD 
is  a  glorious  Voice.  The  Voice  of  the  LORD  hreaketh  the  Ce- 
dars ;  yea,  the  LORD  breaketh  the  Cedars  of  Lebanon.  Hs 
maketh  them  alfo  to  /kip  like  a  Calf;  Lebanon  and  Sirion  like  a 
young  Unicorn.     Pfal.  xxix.  4,  5,  6. 

The  Voice  of  the  L  O  R  D  is  mighty  in  Operation.  This  is 
the  general  Propofition ;  which,  in  the  following  Senten- 
ces,   We  fee  moft  magnificently  illudrated. The  Voice 

of  the  LORD  hreaketh  the  Cedars  j  when  He  fpeaks  in  Thun- 
der, and  bids  the  Lightning  execute  his  Orders,  the  Treqs, 
the  Cedar-Trees,  thofe  fturdieft  Productions  of  the  Earth, 
are  fhivered  to  Pieces. — Yea,  the  LORD  breaketh  the  Cedars  of 
Lebanon  ;  which,  for  Statelinefs  and  Strength,  furpafs  the 
Oaks  of  the  Foreft,  almoft  as  much  as  the  Oak  exceeds  a 
Shrub.— It  is  a  fmail  Thing  with  JEHOVAH,  to  rend  the 
Trunks,  to  tear  up  the  Roots,  and  make  thofe  mafiy  Bodies 
Jkip  like  a  Calf;  even  Lebanon  and  Sirion,  the  Mountains  ori 
which  they  grow,  tremble  before  their  GOD.  They  arc 
thrown  into  ftrange  Commotions ;  they  are  ready  to  fpring 
jFrom  their  Foundations  j  and,  with  all  their  Load  of  Woods 
jind  Rocks,  appear  like  fome  affrighted  or  fome  fportivc 
Animal,  ihdit^arts  with  Horror,  or  kaps  with  Exultation. 


124  T  H  E  R  O  N   /(?  A  S  P  A  S  f  o.         Let.  ^. 

vour,  what  Imagination  itfelf  fliudders  to  con- 
ceive. 

In  feme  Places,  thefe  mountainous  Declivi- 
ties lift  their  Brow  aloft;  plant  their  Bafis 
deep ;  and,  inflead  oi portending  a  Fall,  dtify  the 
Fury  of  the  mofl  impetuous  Elements.  Firmly 
confolidated,  and  fledfaflly  eflablifhed,  they 
have  withftood  the  united,  the  repeated  Af- 
faults  of  Winds  and  Waves,  through  a  long 
Series  of  revolving  Ages. The  facred  Wri- 
ters, I  obferve,  felecl  almofl  all  the  flriking 
Images,  which  the  whole  Creation  affords ;  in 
order  to  communicate  their  heavenly  Ideas, 
with  the  greatelt  Advantage.  Ifaiah,  defcrib- 
ing  the  Seacrity  of  the  Righteous,  takes  his 
Comparifon  from  the  grand  Spe6lacle  before 
my  Eyes.  He  fiall  dwell  on  high :  his  Place  of 
Defence  Jloall  be  the  Munitiom  of  Rocks  ^  3  inac- 
celhble  as  thofe  lofty  Ridges,  immoveable  as 
their  everlafting  Foundations, 

Should  it  be  alked,  what  thefe  Munitions 
of  Rocks  may  fignify  ? — I  find  two  Places  of 
Refuge  and  Safeguard,  pointed  out  in  Scrip- 
ture ;  to  either  of  which,  1  believe,  the  Meta- 
phor is  applicable.  He  had  Horns,  fays  one  of 
the  divine  Pindarics,  coming  out  of  his  Hand : 
there  was  the  Hiding  of  his  Power  -f*.     Uncon- 

troulable 

*  Jfai.  xxxiii.  16. 

f  Habnk.  iii.  4.    Horr.s  were  an  Emblem  of  Strength.     A 
Horn  of  Salvation^  is  put  for  a  mighty  and  eftcftual  Salva- 
tion, 


Let.  9.       Theron  /o  AsPAsio.  125 

troulable  and  omnipotent  Power  was  lodged 
in  the  great  JEHOVAH's  Hand  j  and  this  was 
the  fure  Defence,  this  the  impregnable  Garri- 

fon,    for  all  his  People. The  Church   of 

CHRIST  is  faid  to  be  i?i  the  Clefts  of  the  Rock  *  .• 
That  fpiritual  Rock,  of  which  the  Ifraelitez 
drank  in  the  Wildernefs ;  whofe  facred  Clefts 
were  opened,  when  the  bloody  Spear  tore  up 

the 

tion.  Lule  ii.  69.  Tlioii  haft  heard  me  from  among  the  Horns 
pf  the  Unicorns ;  Thou  haft  refcued  me  from  the  moft  potent 
and  formidable  Enemies.  Pfal.  xxii.  21.  Here  the  Word 
feems  to  denote  that  Power  of  JEHOVAH,  to  which  no- 
thing is  impoflible.  And  more  than  feems,  if  We  confult 
the  next  Claufe. — "There  was  the  hiding  of  his  Power ;  or,  as 
it  may  be  rendered,  his  povocrf id  Hidings  a  moft  fecure  Re- 
fuge, a  San6luary  abfolutely  inviolable.  I  have  accommo- 
dated this  PafTage  to  a  different  Senfe,  Meditat.  Vol,  I.  p.  183. 
But  the  true  Signification,  moft  fuitable  to  the  Context,  and 
moft  fubfervient  to  the  Prophet's  Defign,  is,  I  apprehend, 
given  by  Theron.  It  is  fomewhat  Uke  a  noble  Sentiment  in 
the  Night-Thoughts ;  which,  with  a  fmall  Alteration,  may 
fcrve  as  a  Paraphrafe  on  the  Text : 

J7id  Nature's  Shield  the  Hollow  of  his  Hand. 
*  Cant.  ii.  14.  Should  the  Reader  have  an  Inclination  to 
fee  this  facred,  but  myfterious  Book  explained,  I  would  re- 
fer him  to  Dr.  GilPs  Expofition  of  the  Canticles.  Which  ha* 
fuch  a  copious  Vein  of  fandlified  Invention  running  through 
it,  and  is  interfperfed  with  fuch  a  Variety  of  delicate  and  bril- 
liant Images,  as  cannot  but  highly  entertain  a  curious  Mind, 
Which  prcfeiits  Us  alfo  with  fuch  rich  and  charming  Dif- 
plays  of  the  Glory  of  CHRIST'^  Perfon,  the  Freenefs  of  his 
Grace  to  Sinners,  and  the  Tendcrnefs  of  his  Love  to  the 
Church,  as  cannot  but  adminifter  the  moft  exquifite  Delight 
to  the  believing  Soul. — Confidtrcd  in  hoth  thefe  Vicwb,  I 
think,  the  Work  refemblcs  the  Paradifiacal  Gari:;n,  de- 
fcribed  by  Milton;  in  which 

Blofl'oms  and  Fruits  at  once  of  golden  Hue 
Jppeardj  wjth  gay  gnattid d  Cihun  nux'd^ 


126  The^on^oAsi^asio.       Let  9. 

the  REDEEMER'S  Side,  and  cut  a  wide  and 
deadly  PalFage  to  his  Heart.  Surely,  the  Inha- 
bitants of  this  Reck  have  Reafon  \ofmg  *.  What 
fhould  difquiet  them  ?  Who  can  deftroy  them  ? 
Why  Ihould  not  the  Voice  of  Joy  be  in  their 
Dwellings,  and  that  Hymn  of  holy  Triumph 
in  their  Mouths  ?  We  have  a  ftrong  City :  Sal- 
i)ation pall  GOB  appoint.  Salvation  itfelf, /or 
Walls  and  Bulwarks  f. — Happy  fhould  I  think 
myfelf,  if  I  was  interefted  in  this  SAVIOUR, 
and  eilablifhed  on  this  Rock. 

Yonder,  on  the  Summit  of  the  mod  confpi- 
cuous  Cleft,  is  erefted  a  grand  and  ftately  Pile. 
At  the  Top,  my  Giafs  difcovers  a  magnificent 
Lanthorn ;  at  the  Foot,  are  the  Huts  of  Fifher- 
men,  furrounded  with  various  Sorts  of  Nets. 

It  is,  I  fuppofe,  a  Light-honfe.     Intended  to 

apprife  the  Sailor,  of  devouring  Gulfs,  and 
deilrudive  Shoals  j  or  elfe  to  conduct  Him, 
into  a  fafe  Road,  and  fecure  Harbour. 

Both  the  Situation  and  Defign  of  the  Build- 
ing read  me  a  Lellbn :  the  one  of  awful  Ad- 
monition, the  other  of  comfortable  In{lrud:ion. 
Comfortable  InjlriiBion.  How  malTy  and  pon- 
derous is  the  Edifice!  Yet,  there  is  not  the 
lead  Reafon  to  be  apprehenfive  of  a  Failure 
in  the  Foundation.  Was  the  Structure  ten 
thoufand  times  larger,  the  folid  Rock  would 
fuppoit  it,  with  the  utmoft  Eafe,  and  the  ut- 

moft 
*  ^«/,  Ixii.  II.  t  i'i?'.  xxvi.  u 


Let.  9.       Theron/£?Aspasio,  127 

mofl  Steadinefs.     Such  is  CHRIST,  fuch  are 
his  Merits,  fucli  his  glorious  Righteoufnefs,  to 
thofe  wife  and  blelfed  Souls,  who  reft  all  the 
Weisiht  of  their  everlaftin?  Interefts  on  Him 
alone.     Sidcbj  did  I  fay  ?  Much  furer.   For  the 
Mowitams  may  depart,  and  the  Hills  be  j^emoved^' ; 
but  this  divine  and  eternal  Bafis  can  never  fmk, 
can  never  be  fliaken. — Awful  Admonition.  For, 
it  recals  to  my  Memory  that  alarming,  yet 
welcome  Text  -f*,  which  You  flyled  the  fpiri- 
tual  Light-houfe.   Which  has  been  as  fervice- 
able  to  my  diftreffed  Mind  and  bewildered 
Thoughts,    as   fuch  an   illuminated  Watch- 
tower  to  the  wandering  and  benighted  Mari- 
ner.    May  I  often  view  it !  Ever  attend  to  its 
faithful  Dire6lion  !  And  be  led  by  its  Influen- 
ces,   into  the   Haven,   the  defired  Haven  of 
Peace  and  Salvation ! 

How  changeable  is  the  Face  of  this  liquid 
Element !  Not  long  ago,  there  was  nothing, 
from  this  flony  Boundary,  to  the  Horizon's 
utmoft  Verge,  but  the  wildeft  Tumult  and 
mofl  horrible  Confufion.  Now,  the  flormy 
Flood  has  fmoothed  its  rugged  Brow,  and  the 
watery  Uproar  is  lulled  into  a  profound  Tran- 
quillity. Where  rolling  Mountains  rufhed  and 
raged,  tlu'eatening  to  dafli  the  Clouds,  and 

deluge 

*  Ifai.  liv.  10,         t  See  Rom.  ix.  30.  31,  32.  and  Vq\., 
IL  Letter  V.  '  ' 


128  Theron/^jAspasio.       Let.  9, 

deluge  the  Earth  j  there  the  gcntleft  Undulatiom 
play,  and  only  juft  wrinkle  the  Surface  of  the 
mighty  Bafon.  Where  the  dreadful  Abyfs 
opened  its  wide  and  unfathomable  Jaws,  to 
fwallow  up  the  trembling  Sailor,  and  his  fliat- 
tered  Veiled  there  a  calm  and  clear  Expanfe 
diffufes  its  ample  Bofom,  alluring  the  Fifh  to 
balk  in  the  Sun,  and  inviting  the  Sea-fowl  to 
watch  for  their  Prey. 

In  this  fair  floating  Mirror,  I  fee  the  Pi6lure 
of  every  Cloud,  that  paflcs  through  the  Regi- 
ons of  the  Sky.     But  in  its  uncertain  and 
treacherous  Temperature,  I  fee  more  plainly 
the  inconftant  and  ever-variable  Condition  of 
human  Affairs. — I  durfl:  not  be  Surety  to  the 
Mariner,  for  peaceful  Seas  and  foothing  Gales. 
I  could  not  afcertain  the  Continuance  of  this 
Halcyon  Weather,   fo  much  as  a  fmgle  Day, 
or  even  to  the  next  Hour.     And  let  me  not 
fondly  promife  myfelf  an  uninterrupted  Tenor 
of  Serenity  in  my  Mind,  or  of  Profperity  in 
my  Circumftances.   Sometimes,  my  Heart  ex- 
ults under  the  Smile  of  Heaven,  and  the  Fa- 
vour of  GOD.    But  foon  j  ah  !  too  foon  I  am 
clouded  with  Fear,  and  oppreffed  with  Corrup- 
tion.    I  figh  out  that  pailionate  Acknowledg- 
ment, Wretched  Man  that  I  am  !  And  add  that 
wiihful  Inquiry,  Who  Jhall  delhcr  inc  f  For  this 
difordered  State  of  Things,  the  afiiided  Pa- 
triarch'ti  Complaint,  is  the  mod  appofite  Mot- 
to, 


Let.  9-      Theron/oAspasio."  12^ 

to,  and  the  mofi:  wholefome  Memento ;  Changes 

and  War  are  around  me^\ But  there  is  a 

World,  where  difaftrous  Revolutions  will  be 
known  no  more.  Where  our  Enjoyments  will 
no  lon^ti'  JiuBuate  like  the  Ocean,  but  be  more 
fledfaft  than  the  Rocks,  and  more  immoveable 
than  the  Shores. 

Here,  I  fee  an  immenfe  CoUeclion  of  Wa- 
ters, in  a  State  of  deep  Repofe.  Could  I  ex- 
tend my  View  to  fome  remoter  Trails,  I  fliould 
behold  every  Thing  fmoother  and  calmer  ftill. 
Not  a  Furrow  finks,  nor  a  Ridge  fwells,  the 
Surface  of  the  Ocean.  'Tis  all  like  a  glafly 
Plain.  The  Waves  are  afleep.  Echo  is  hufhed. 
Not  a  Gale  ilirs.  The  Sea  Magnates ;  the  Ma- 
riner is  becalmed;  and  the  Veflel  fcarcely  creeps. 
— Whereas,  could  I  furvey  the  Straits  of  Ma- 
gellan or  the  Gut  of  Gibraltar,  I  fhould  find  a 
very  ftriking  Difference.  There,  the  Waters 
prefs  in  with  Vehemence,  and  rufli  forwards 
with  Impetuofity.  All  is  there  in  ftrong  Agi- 
tation, and  rapid  Progrefs.  The  Ship  is  whirled 
through  the  narrow  Pallage ;  and  rides,  as  it 
were,  on   the  Wheels .  of  the    Surge,    or   on 

the  Wings  of  the  Wind. This,  my  dear 

Afpafio^  is  a  true  Image  of  what  I  have  been, 
aPid  of  what  I  am.  Some  Months  ago,  when 
I  was  infenfible  of  Guilt,  ail  my  Prayers  were 
liftlefs,  and  all  my  Religion  was  a  Ipiritual 

Le- 
*  Job  X.  17. 

Vol.  III.       '  K 


130  Theron'/(9  AsPAsio.      Let.  9^ 

Lethargy.  I  felt  not  ia  my  Heart,  what  I  ut- 
tered with  my  Tongue.  Hojcmnahs  were  but 
an  empty  Ceremony,  and  Confellions  froze  on 

my  formal  Lips. But,  fmce  the  SPIRIT  of 

GOD  has  awakened  mc  from  my  Dream,  and 
CQnvinced  me  of  my  Sinfulnefs,  I  can  no  longer 
be  fatisfied  with  indolent  and  yawning  Devo- 
tions. Tryals  and  Temptations  put  flrong 
Cries  into  my  Mouth.  My  Soul  mourns  before 
the  LORD  :  my  Defires  plead  with  the  blefled 
GOD :  and  I  am  ready  to  fay,  as  the  Patriarch 
of  old,  *'  I  cannot,  I  mull  not,  1  will  not  let 
*^  Tihee  gOj  iinlefs  T^hou  bkfi  me^." 
.  I  fee  no  Flocks  of  Sheep,  with  fober  Afli- 
duity,  nibbling  the  grafTy  Plains.  No  fportive 
Lambs,  with  innocent  Gaiety,  friiking  along 
the  funny  Banks.  Here  are  no  Stables  for  the 
generous  Steed,  nor  Paftures  for  the  lufly 
Heifer.  Neverthelefs,  thefe  watery  Regions 
are  flocked  with  Colonies  of  proper  and  pecu- 
liar Inhabitants. Who  are  clothed  and  ac- 

coutered  in  exa6l  Conformity  to  the  Clime, 
Not  in  fweliing  Wool,  or  buoyant  Feathers ; 
not  in  a  flowing  Robe,  or  a  full-trimmed  Suit ; 
but  with  as  much  Compactnefs,  and  with  as 
little  Superfluity,  as  poffible.  They  are  clad, 
or  rather  ficathed  in  Scales :  which  adhere 
clofely  to  their  Bodies,  and  are  always  laid  in 
a  Kind  of  natural  Oil.     Than  which  Apparel 


nothing 


*  Gen.  xxxil.  26. 


Let.  9'      TH^RON/fpAsPAsio.  131 

nothing  can  be  more  lights  and  at  the  fame 
Time  nothing  vaovQfoIid.  It  hinders  the  Fluid 
from  penetrating  their  Flefli  3  it  prevents  the 
Cold  from  coagulating  their  Blood ;  and  en- 
ables them  to  make  their  Way  through  the 
Waters,  with  the  utmoft  Facility. — They  have 
each  a  curious  Inflrument  *,  by  which  they 
increafe  or  diminifh  their  fpecific  Gravity : 
and  fink  like  Lead,  or  float  like  a  Cork ;  rife 
to  what  Height,  or  defcend  to  what  Depths 
they  pleafe. 

This  is  the  Abode  of  Leviathan^  hugeft  of 
living  Creatures.  Before  whom  the  broad- 
limbed  Elephant,  and  the  tall-necked  Came], 
are  mere  Shrimps.  A  ftretched-out  Promon- 
tory, when  He  lleeps ;  a  moving  Ifland,  when 
He  fwimsj  "  making  the  Sea  to  boil  like  a 
"  Pot,"  when,  unweildily  v/allowing,  He  takes 
his  prodigious  Paitime. — Here,  the  voracious 
Shark,  that  Tyrant  of  the  fluid  Kingdoms, 
caid  Aflafiin  of  the  finny  Nations,  roams  and 
commits  his  Ravages :  imbrues  his  horrid 
Fangs,  and  marks  his  rapid  Path,  with  Blood. 
— Here  dvv^elt  that  great,  and  greatly  furprif- 
ing  FiJ}.\  whofe  Fiercenefs  and  Avidity  the  Al- 
mighty SOVEREIGN  employed  as  his  Purfui- 
vant,  to  arrefl:  a  fugitive  Prophet.  Whofe 
ample  Jaws,  or  capacious  Entrails,  were  the 
Dungeon  to  confine  a  rebellious  Subjecf,  and 

K  2  the 

*  The  Air-l?ladder, 


132  Theron/'oAspasio.      Let.  9. 

the  Cabin  to  lodge  a  penitent  Offender.  Whofe 
Bulk  and  Strength  and  Speed  were  a  kind  of 
Veffel,  tranfporting  this  Convift  to  the  Bottom 
cf  the  Mountains^  and  the  Bars  of  the  Earth  *. 
After  the  Criminal  was  iufiiciently  chaftifed, 
and  properly  humbled,  they  ferved  as  a  Galley 
with  Oars,  to  convey  Him  fafe  to  Land. 

In  the  fame  Element  refides,  (at  leaft  takes 
up  Part  of  his  Refidence)  that  formidable  Mon- 
fter,  who  is  made  without  Fear,  and  has  not 
his  Like  upon  Earth.  He  efteemeth  the  pointed 
Iron  as  Straw,  and  ponderous  Brafs  as  rotten 
Wood.  His  Heart  is  as  hard  as  a  Piece  of  the 
nether  Millflone,  and  his  Scales  are  a  Coat  of 
impenetrable  Mail.  Strength  not  to  be  refift- 
ed,  much  lefs  to  be  fubdued,  lies  intrenched  in 
his  fmewy  Neck.  His  Eyes  are  like  the  Eyelids 
of  the  opening  Day  j  and  when  He  rolls  thofe 
glaring  Orbs,  there  feems  to  be  another  Morn 
rifen  on  Mid-noon.  His  Teeth  are  terrible, 
jagged  for  Rapine,  and  edged  with  Death. 
His  Throat  is  as  a  burning  Furnace ;  Clouds 
of  Smoke  roll  from  his  Noilrils,  and  Flakes 
of  Fire  iiiiie  from  his  Mouth.  None,  no  not 
the  moft  refolutc,  dares  provoke  Him  to  the 
Combat,  or  even  ftir  Him  up  from  his  Slum- 
bers. He  laiigheth  at  the  fliaking  of  the  Spear, 
and  Sorrow  marcheth  in  Triiwiph  before  Him  "f*. 

When- 

*  "fonah  ii.  6. 

t  Jcb  xli.  22.  nDSn  Vl'in  V^fjS  Maror^  fays  Bochart^ 
pacUh  iiwjuam  Alctator  i^  Comfs,  iu/nidiquf  Anuambuh  Re- 


Let.  9-      Theronz'^Aspasio.  133 

Whenever  He  raifeth  Himfelf,  the  Mighty 
are  afraid  ;  wherever  He  aclvanceth,  Ruin  is. 
there. — If  a  mere  Creature  is  capable  of  fpread- 
ing  fuch  Alarm  and  Dread  j  how  greatly  is  the 
CREATOR  himfelf  to  be  feared  !  Who  can 
turn  the  moft  harmlefs  Inhabitant  of  the^ 
Ocean,  into  a  ravenous  Alligator,  or  a  horrid 
Crocodile  !  Who  can  arm  every  Reptile  of  the 
Ground,  with  all  the  Force  and  Rage  of  a 
Lion! 

'Tis  impoffible  to  enter  on  the  Mufler-roII, 
thofe  fcaly  Herds,  and  that  minuter  Fry, 
which  graze  the  Sea-weed,  or  flray  through 
the  coral  Groves.  They  are  innumerable,  as 
the  Sands  that  lie  under  them ;  countlefs,  as 
the  Waves  that  cover  them. Here  are  un- 
couth Animals,    of  monjiroiis  Shapes  *,    and 

amazing 

gis.  Terror  and  Anguilh  are  a  kind  of  advanced  Guard  to 
this  Monarch  among  the  Reptiles.  Or,  they  go  before  the 
Monfter,  as  the  Man  bearing  a  Shield  went  before  the  Ph'di- 
Jiine  Giant. — The  original  Word  occurs  in  no  other  Part  of 
the  {acred  Book.  I  cannot  recolleft  any  ExprelTion,  which 
fo  fully  reprefents  its  Meaning,  as  hIomcr\  j'.uJ'iowv,  or  Xcuo- 
phons  yx-j^ixaS'o'A  ;  both  which  are  intended  to  defcribe  the 
Ardor  and  A6tion  of  a  high-mettled  prancing  Steed. 

*  Monjlrom  Shapes — Such  as  the  Sivord-Jijh  ;  v>'hofe  npper 
Jaw  is  lengthened  into  a  ftrong  and  fiiarp  Sword.  With 
which  He  fometimes  ventures  to  attack  the  Ships,  though 
armed  with  Thunder  ;  and  is  capable  of  piercing  their  Sides, 
though  ribbed  with  Oak.  This  may  be  called  the  CJmmpion 
of  the  Waters.  Who,  though  never  exceeding  fixtccn  Feet  in 
Length,  yet,  confiding  in  a  Weapon  at  once  fo  trufty  and  \o 
tremendous,  fcruples  not  to  give  Battle  even  to  the  Whale 
Himfelf.— The  Sun-fiJ}:i  has  no  Tailj  feems  to  be  all  Head  ; 

K  3  and 


1-24  Theron  to  AsPASio.      Let,  9, 

amazing  Qualities  *.  Some,  that  have  been 
difcoveied  by  the  inqiiifitive  Eye  of  Man  ;  and 
many  more,  that  remain  among  the  Secrets  of 
the  hoary  Deep. — Here  are  Sholes  and  Sholes, 

of 

and  was  it  not  for  two  Fins,  which  a6t  the  Part  of  Oars, 
would  be  one  entire  round  Mafs  of  Flefli. — The  Polypus, 
remarkable  for  its  numerous  Feet,  and  as  many  Claws  j  by 
which  it  has  the  Appearance  of  a  merelnfedl,  and  feems  fit- 
ted only  to  crawl.  At  the  fame  Time,  an  Excrefcence,  arif- 
ing  on  the  Back,  enables  it  to  fleer  a  fteady  Courfe  in  the 
Waves.  So  that  it  may  pafs  under  the  twofold  Chara6fcr  of 
a  Sailor  and  a  Reptile. — Horace  intimates,  that  the  Britijh, 
Ocean  is  famous  for  producing  Sea-monflers ; 

Te  hellucfus  qui  remotis 

Ohjlrepit  Oceanus  Briiannis. 
*  Ama%ing  ^wlities — Among  thefe  may  be  reckoned  the 
Torpedo,  which  benumbs  on  a  fudden,  and  renders  impotent, 
whatever  Fifli  it  affaults.  And,  which  is  a  more  extraordi- 
nary Property,  ftrikes  even  the  Fifherman's  Arm,  when  He 
offers  to  lay  hold  on  it,  with  a  temporary  Deadnefs.  By  this 
means,  it  poflefTes  the  double  Advantage,  of  arrefting  its 
Prey,  and  fccuring  itfelf — The  Cuttie-fjh.,  furnifhed  with  a 
liquid  Magazine,  of  a  Colour  and  Confiftence  like  Ink. 
Which,  when  purfued  by  an  Enemy,  the  Creature  emits, 
and  blackens  the  Water.  By  this  Artifice,  the  Foe  is  be- 
wildered in  the  Chace ;  and  while  the  One  vainly  gropes  in 
the  dark,  the  Other  feizes  the  Opportunity,  and  makes  his 
Efcape.  — The  Nautilus^  whofe  Shell  forms  a  natural  Boat. 
The  dextrous  Inhabitant  unfurls  a  Membrane  to  the  Wind, 
which  ferves  him  inftead  of  a  Sail.  He  extends  alfo  a  Couple 
of  Arms,  with  which,  as  with  two  flender  Oars,  He  rows 
Himfelf  along.  When  He  is  diipolcd  to  dive,  He  ftrlkes  Sail ; 
and,  without  any  Apprchenfion  of  being  drowned,  finks  to 
the  Bottom.  When  the  Weather  is  calm,  and  He  has  an 
Inclination  to  take  his  Pleafure,  He  mounts  to  the  Surface  ; 
and,  fclf-taugiitin  the  Art  of  Navigation,  performs  hisVoyage 
without  cither  Chart  or  Compafs :  is  Himfelf  the  Vejfel^  the 
Riggings  and  the  Pilot. — For  a  more  copious  Illullration 
of  this  amufing  and  wonderful  Subjed,  fee  Nat.  Dijpl.  Vol.. 


Let.  9.      Theron/oAspasio.  135 

of  various  Chara6lers,  and  of  the  moil:  diver- 
fified  Sizes ;  from  the  cumbrous  Whale,  whofe 
Flouncings  tempeft  the  Ocean,  to  the  evancf- 
cenf  Anchovy,  whofe  Subftance  difTolves  in  the 

fmalleft   Fricajfee. Some,    lodged   in   their 

pearly  Shells,  and  fattening  on  their  rocky 
Beds,  feem  attentive  to  no  higher  Employ, 
than  that  of  imbibing  moifl  Natriment.  Theie, 
but  a  fmall  Remove  from  vegetable  Life,  are 
almofl  rooted  to  the  Rocks,  on  which  they  lie 
repofed.  While  others,  aftive  as  the  winged 
Creation,  and  fwift  as  an  Arrow  from  the  In- 
dian Bow,  fhoot  along  the  yielding  Flood, 
and  range  at  large  the  fpacious  Regions  of  the 
Deep. 

Here  is  the  ^ortoife,  who  never  moves  but 
under  her  own  portable  Pent-houfe.  The  Lob- 
Jier,  which,  whether  He  fleeps  or  wakes,  is 
itill  in  a  State  of  Defence,  and  clad  in  jointed 
Armour.  The  Oyjler,  a  fort  of  living  Jelly, 
ingarrifoned  in  a  Bulwark  of  native  Stone. 
With  many  other  Kinds  of  Sea-reptiles,  cr,  as 
the  Pfalmift  fpeaks,  T'hings  creeping  innumer- 
able *. 1    am   furprifed    at  the  Variety  of 

their  Figure,  and  charmed  with  the  Splen- 
dor of  their  Colours,  Unfearchable  is  the 
Wifdom,  and  endlefs  the  Contrivance,  of  the 
all-creating  God ! — Some  are  rugged  in  their 
Form,  and  little  better  than  hideous  in  their 

K  4  Afpe6l» 

*   ?fal,  civ.  24. 


136  Theron  to  Asp  AS  10.     Let.  9. 

Afpe6l.  Their  Shells  feem  to  be  the  rude  Pro- 
du6lion  of  a  diforderly  Jumble,  rather  than 
the  regular  Effe6ts  of  Skill  and  Dedgn.  Yet 
We  fliall  find,  even  in  thefe  Jecmlng  Irregula- 
rities, the  nicefi  Difpofitions.  Thefe  Abodes, 
uncouth  as  they  may  appear,  are  adapted  to 
the  Genius  of  their  refpe(5tive  Tenants^  and  ex- 
a6liy  fuited  to  their  particular  Exigencies. 
Neither  the  Ionic  Delicacy,  nor  the  Corinthian 
Richnefs,  nor  any  other  Order  of  Archite6lure, 
would  have  ferved  their  Purpofes  half  fo  well, 
as  this  coarfe  and  homely  Fabric. 

Some,  on  the  other  Hand,  are  extremely 
neat.  Their  Stru61ure  is  all  Symmetry  and 
Elegance.  No  Enamel  in  the  World  is  com- 
parable to  their  Polifh.  There's  not  a  Room  of 
State,  in  all  the  Palaces  of  Europe,  fo  brilli- 
antly adorned,  as  the  Dining-room  and  the  Bed- 
chamber of  the  little  Fifli,  that  dwells  in  Mo- 
ther of  Pearl.  Such  a  lovely  Mixture  of  Red, 
and  Blue,  and  Green,  fo  delightfully  flaining 
the  moil  clear  and  gliflering  Ground,  is  no 
where  elfe  to  be  feen.  The  royal  Power  may 
covet  it,  and  human  Art  may  mimic  it;  but 
neither  the  one,  nor  the  other,  nor  both  united, 
will  ever  be  able  to  equal  it. 

But  what   I  admire  more,  than  all  their 
Streaks,  their  Spots,  and  their  Embroidery,  is. 
The  extraordinaiy  Provifion  made  for  their 
Kofcty, — Nothing  is  more  relifhing  and  palat- 
able 


Let.  9-       Theron  to  Aspasio.  137 

able  than  their  Flefh.  Nothing  more  heavy 
and  fluggifli  than  their  Motions.  As  they 
have  no  Speed  to  efcape,  neither  have  they 
any  Dexterity  to  elude  the  Foe.  Were  they 
naked  or  unguarded,  they  mufl  be  an  eaiy 
Prey  to   every  Free-booter,    that  roams   the 

Ocean. To  prevent  this  fatal  Confequence, 

what  is  only  Clothing  to  other  Animals,  is  to 
them  a  Clothings  a  Hoiife,  and  a  Cajile.  They 
have  a  Fortification,  that  grows  with  their 
Growth,  and  is  a  Part  of  themfelves.  By  this 
means,  they  live  fecure  amidft  Millions  and  Mil- 
lions of  ravenous  Jaws:  by  this  means,  they  are 
imparkedy  as  it  were,  in  their  own  Shell ;  and, 
fcreened  from  every  other  Aflault,  are  referved 
for  the  Ufe  and  Pleafare  of  Mankind. 

This  is  the  Birth-place  of  Cod,  the  landing 
Repafl  of  Lent.  This  is  the  Nurfery  of  Jur- 
hot,  for  its  exquifite  Reliih  juflly  ftyled.  The 
Pheafant  of  the  Waters.  Hence  comes  the 
Sturgeon,  delicious  even  in  Pickle,  and  a  Re- 
gale for  royal  Luxury  :  Hence  the  Flounders^ 
dappled  with  reddifli  Spots,  and  a  Supply  for 

vulgar  Wants. Here  dwell  the  Mackarel, 

decked,  when  haled  from  their  native  Ele- 
ment, richly  decked  with  the  moil  glofly  Dies ; 
the  Herring,  whofe  Back  is  mottled  with  Azure, 
and  his  Belly  fleek  with  Silver  :  the  Salmon,  iu 
plainer  Habit,  but  of  larger  Subflance,  and 
l}igher  Efleem,  than  either  or  both  the  pre- 
ceding, 


138  Theron  /(5  Asp Asio,      Let.9. 

ceding. — Thefe,  when  fliotten  and  lean,  wan- 
der wildly  up  and  down  the  vaft  Abyfs.  When 
flump  and  delicate^  they  throng  our  Creeks, 
and  fwarm  in  our  Bays :  they  repair  to  the 
Shallows,  or  haunt  the  running  Streams.— 
Who  bids  thele  Creatures  evacuate  the  Shores, 
and  difperfe  themfelves  into  all  Quarters,  when 
they  become  worthlefs  and  unfit  for  our  Ser- 
vice ?  Who  rallies  and  recals  the  undifciplined 
Vagrants,  as  foon  as  they  are  improved  into 
defirable  Food  ?  Who  appoints  the  very  Scene 
of  our  Ambufhes,  to  be  the  Place  of  their 
Rendezvous  ?  So  that  they  come  like  Volun- 
teers to  our  Nets  ? Surely,  the  Furlow  is 

figned,  the  Summons  iffued,  and  the  Point  of 
Reunion  fettled,  by  a  Providence  ever  indul- 
gent to  Mankind  5  ever  ftudious  to  treat  Us 
with  Dainties,  and  load  Us  with  Benefits  *. 

Wc  have  wondered  at  -f-  our  SA  VIO  TJRs 
Penetration  and  Power — his  Penetrafiofijwhich, 
though  the  Sea  v/as  at  a  Diflance,  and  Walls 
intervened,  difcerned  the  Fiih,  that  had  juft 

fwallowed    a  Piece  of  Money his  Power, 

which,  without  any  Delay,  brought  the  law- 
lefs  Rambler,  charged  with  the  filver  Spoil, 
to  Peters  Hook.  But  is  it  not  more  wonder- 
ful, to  obferve  fuch  innumerable  Multitudes 
of  finny  Vifitants,  annually  approaching  our 
Shores,  and  crouding  our  Banks  ?  Which  fur- 

nifl^ 

♦  P/al.  Ixviii.  19.  t  See  Later  VIII.  p,  85, 


Let.  9.     Theron/{?Aspasio.  139 

nifh  our  Tables  with  a  wholfome  and  de- 
licate Repaft  \  at  the  fame  Time,  that  they 
yield  to  our  Nation  a  Re-renue  *,  more  cer- 
tain, and  no  lefs  confiderable,  than  the  Mines 
of  Peru. 

Thefe  approach,  while  thofe  of  enormous  Size 
and  tremendous  Appearance  abandon  the  Shores. 
The  latter  might  endanger  the  Fifhermans 
Safety,  and  would  certainly  fcare  away  the  ¥a- 
luable  Fifh  from  our  Coafts.  They  are  there- 
fore reflrained  by  an  invifible  Hand,  and  ab- 
fcond  in  the  AbyiTes  of  the  Ocean.  Jufl  as 
the  wild  Beafts  of  the  Earth,  impelled  by 
the  fame  over-ruling  Power,  hide  therafelves 

in  the  RecefTes  of  the  Foreft. A  Ship,  in- 

fefted  with  a  peftiiential  Diflemper,  is  obliged 
to  keep  off  at  Sea,  and  perform  ^arantine. 
In  like  manner,  thefe  Monfters  of  the  Deep, 
are  laid  under  a  provide fitial  Interdi<5i.  As 
their  Prefence  would  always  be  pernicious,  they 
are  never  fuffered  to  come  near  s  their  Quaran- 
tine is  perpetual. 

AJk  now  the  Beafis^  and  they  fiall  teach  T'hee ; 
and  the  Fowls  of  the  Air^  and  they  jhall  tell 
thee  :    or  Jpeak  to  the  Earthy  and  it  pall  teach 

Thee  y 

*  We  are  told  by  the  afore-mentioned  Author,  That  the 
Banks  of  Nnvfoimdland  alone,  bring  in  to  the  Proprietors  of 
that  Fifhery,  a  Revenue  of  feveral  Millions  every  Year. — 
And  they  will,  in  all  Probability,  be  an  unimpaired  Refource 
cf  Treafure,  when  the  richeft  Mines  now  wrought  in  the 
World,  are  choked  up  or  exhaufted. 


140  The  RON  to  A  SPAS  10.      Let.  g? 

T^hee  *  j  and  the  Fifies  of  the  Sea  fiall  declare 
unto  T'hee — That  the  LORD  is  gracious — That 
his  tender  Mercies  are  over  all  his  Works 


That  to  Us  He  is  fuperabiindantly  and  pro- 
fui'ely  good.  Having  ordered  all  Things  in 
the  Surges  of  the  Ocean,  as  v\^ell  as  on  the 
Surface  of  the  Ground,  for  our  rich  Accom- 
modation, and  for  our  greatefl  Advantage. 

One  Circumftance,  relating  to  the  Natives  of 
the  Deep,  is  very  peculiar,  and  no  lefs  ailo- 
niflihig.  As  they  neither  fovv^,  nor  reap  j  have 
neither  the  Produce  of  the  Hedges,  nor  the 
Gleanings  of  the  Field  ;  they  are  obliged  to 
plunder  and  devour  one  another,  for  necefTary 
Subliftence.  They  are  a  kind  of  authorized 
Banditti,  that  make  Violence  and  Murder  -fr 
their  profeiTed  Trade. — By  this  means,  prodi- 
gious Devaflations  enfue  j  and,  without  pro- 
per, without  very  extraordinary  Recruits^  the 
whole  Race  muft  continually  dwindle,  and  at 
length  be  totally  extincl. — Were  they  to  bring 
forth,  like  the  mofl  prolific  of  our  terreflrial 

Ani- 

*  ^oyxii.  7,  8.  The  Earth  is  rcprefcnted,  as  bearing 
witncfs  to  the  immenfe  Benignity  of  the  blefl'cd  GOD. 
Some  Minutes^  or  a  fliort  Jh/fraSf,  of  her  Tcftimony  on 
this  Occafion,  may  be  feen  in  Letter  VI. 

t  To  this,  I  believe,  the  Prophet  alludes,  in  that  re- 
markable Expreflion  ;  Thou  tnoke/i  Alcn  as  the  Fijhes  of  the 
Sea.  Thou  fuffercfl:  Men  to  commit,  without  Rcftraint  or 
Controu],  all  Manner  of  Outrages.  What  fliould  be  a 
civil  Community,  is  a  Scene  of  Oppreflion.  The  Weakeft 
aj-e  a  Prey  to  the  Strongeft,  and  every  One  feeks  the  De- 
ihuclion  of  his  Neighbour.     Habak,  i.  14. 


Let.  9»      The  RON  to  Aspasio.  141 

Animals,  a  Dozen  only,  or  a  Score  at  each 
Birth  ;  the  Increafe  would  be  unfpeakably  too 
fmall  for  the  Confumption.  The  weaker  Spe- 
cies would  be  deftroyed  by  the  flronger ;  and, 
in  Time,  the  llronger  mufl  perifli,  even  by 
their  fuccefsful  Endeavours  to  maintain  them- 
felves. — Therefore,  to  fupply  Millions  of  Af- 
fafiins  with  their  Prey,  and  Millions  of  Tables 
with  their  Food,  yet  not  to  depopulate  the 
watery  Realms ;  the  Iflue  produced  by  every 
Breeder  is  almoft  incredible.  They  Ipawn, 
not  by  Scores  or  Hundreds,  but  by  Thoufands 
and  by  Millions  *.  Kfmgle  Mother  is  pregnant 
with  a  Nation.  By  which  amazing,  but  moft 
needful  Expedient,  a  periodical  Reparation  is 
made,  proportionable  to  the  immenfe  Havoc. 

As  the  Sea  is  peopled  with  animated  Inha- 
bitants, it  is  alfo  variegated  with  'vegetable  Pro- 
ductions. Some,  foft  as  Wool  %  others,  hard 
as  Stone.  Some  rife,  like  a  leaflefs  Shrub  j 
fome  are  expanded,  in  the  Form  of  a  Net ; 

fome 

*  Mr.  P^W  found  34.2,144  Eggs  in  the  hard  Roe  of  a 
Carp,  fixteen  Inches  long.  Mr.  Letvenhoeck  counted,  in  a 
Cod  of  an  ordinary  Size,  9,384,000  Egss. — A  Fecun- 
dity perfedly  amazing  !  But  admirably  adapted  to  the  prelf- 
ijig  Exigencies  of  the  watery  World  j  admirably  contrived 
for  the  Benefit  and  Delightof  Mankind  !  — If  We  advert  to 
this  Peculiarity,  it  will  give  the  utmoft  Emphafis  to  the  Pa- 
triarch's metaphorical  Expreflion,  and  an  inimitable  Beauty 
to  his  prophetic  Wiih,  y^"^  ^^y  Let  thcfc  my  Grandfom  groxv 
into  a  Multitude  ;  let  them  multiply  abundantly,  even  like  th.Q 
Fifties  of  the  Ocean,    Qm,  xlviii,  16, 


142  T H E R o N  toAsPAsio.      Let. 9* 

fome  grow  vvdth  their  Heads  downwards,  and 
feem  rather  hanging  on,  than  fpringing  from, 
the  Juttings  of  the  Rocks.  Thefe  may  with 
much  greater  Propriety,  than  the  famous 
Plantations  of  Semiramhy  be  called  pcnfile  Gar- 
dens.  But,  as  You  and  I  have  never  vifited 

the  Forefts  of  the  Ocean,  nor  taken  fo  much 
as  a  fmgle  Turn  among  thofe  fubmarine  Groves  ; 
as  MofeSj  Jofhua,  and  Jonah,  the  only  Writers 
that  ever  made  the  wonderful  Tour,  intent 
upon  more  Important  Themes,  have  left  Us  no 
Memoirs  relating  to  this  curious  Point  j  I  fhall 
not  venture  to  advance  any  thing  particular 
on  the  Subje6f.  Only  one  Remark  I  would 
offer  in  general — 

The  Herbs  and  Trees,  which  flourifh  on 
the  dry  Land,  are  maintained  by  the  Juices, 
that  permeate  the  Soil,  and  fluftuate  in  the 
Air.  For  this  Purpofe,  they  are  furnifhed 
with  heaves,  to  colle6l  the  one ;  and  with 
Roots,  to  attraft  the  other.  Whereas,  the  Sea- 
plants,  finding  fufficient  Nourifhment  in  the 
circumambient  Waters,  have  no  Occafion  to 
detach  a  Party  of  Roots  into  the  Ground, 
and  forage  the  Earth  for  Suftenance.  Inftead 
therefore  oi penetrating,  they  are  but  juft  tacked 
to  the  Bottom  ;  and  adhere  to  fome  folid  Sub- 
fiance,  only  Vv'ith  fuch  a  Degree  of  Tenacity, 
as  may  fecure  them  from  being  tofled  to  and 
fro,  by  the  random  Agitation  of  the  Waves. 

Wc 


Let.  9'      Theron^AspasioJ  143 

We  fee  from  this,  and  numberlefs  other  In- 
ftances,  what  a  Dherjity  there  is,  in  the  Ope- 
rations of  the  great  CREATOR'S  Hand.    Yet 
every  Alteration  is  an  Improvement,  and  each 
new  Pattern  has  a  peculiar  Fitnefs  of  its  own. 
- — The  fame  Oeconomy  takes  place,  fuch  a 
Difference  of  Adminiflration  I  mean,  in  his 
Government  of  the  rational  World.  In  "choof- 
"  ing  an  Heritage  for  his  People,"  and  alTign- 
ing  a  Condition  to  each  of  his  Servants,  there 
is  a  great  Variety  with  refpe6l  to  Individuals ; 
yet  a  perfe6l  Uniformity,  and  complete  Har- 
mony, with  refpedl  to  the  Whole. — Some  He 
calls  out  to  a  Courfe  of  diflinguifhed  Labours. 
They  make  an  illuftrious  Figure  in  Life,  and 
appear  as  a  City  Jet  on  an  *  Hill  I  Others  He 
configns  over  to  Obfcurity.    They  are  like  the 
Prophets,  whom  good  Obadiah  hid  in  a  Cave, 
and  are  flyled  his  fecret  Ones  -f .     77?^',  the  Ce-' 
dars,  that  Hand  confpicuous  on  the  Top  of 
Lebanon :  thefe,  the  Violets,  that  lie  concealed 
at  the  Foot  of.  a  Briar. 

St.  Paul  was  eminently  qualified  for  bufy 
Scenes,  and  the  moft  extenfive  Services.  He  is 
introduced,  therefore,  into  Places  of  Concourfe. 
His  Miniflry  lies  amidft  the  mofl  renowned 
and  populous  Cities.  Even  his  Imprifomnent 
at  Rome,  feems  to  have  been  a  providential 
Expedient  for  fixing  Him,  as  it  were,  on  the 

^tags 
*  Matt.  V,  14,  t  Pjal  Ixxxiii.  3. 


144  'The RON  to  Aspasio.      Let.9V- 

^tage  of  public  Obfervation,  and  in  the  very  ^ 
Center  of  univerfal  Intelligence.  Where  his 
Preaching  was  like  plunging  a  Stone  into  the 
Midft  of  a  fmooth  Canal  \  v/hich  afFe6ls  not 
only  the  neighbouring  Parts  of  the  Surface, 
but  fpreads  the  floating  Circles  over  all  the 

wide  Expanfe. Whereas,  the  beloved  Johii, 

vi\iO  feems  lefs  fitted  to  buille  among  a  Croud, 
is  fent  into  the  unfrequented  folitary  Ifland ; 
there  to  indulge  the  Flights  of  heavenly  Con- 
templation;  and  receive,  with  uninterrupted 
Attention,  the  myflerious  Vifions  of  GOD. — 
"Job  fliall  have  Thorns  in  his  Path ;  have  the 
Dunghil  for  his  Seat  -,  and  be  expofed,  as  a 
Mark,  to  all  the  Arrows  of  Tribulation.  So- 
lomon fliall  dip  his  Foot  in  Oil ;  fliall  be  ele- 
vated on  the  Throne  of  Royalty;  and  furround- 
ed  with  the  moft  lavifli  Carefles  of  Heaven. 

In  all  this  feeming,  this  more  than  feeming 
Contrariety,  there  is  a  Difplay,  not  only  of 
Ibvereign  Authority,  but  of  confummate  Pro- 
priety.  The  great  HEAD  of  the  Church, 

a6ls  like  a  judicious  Genej-al-,  and  appoints 
fuch  a  Station  to  each  of  his  Soldiers,  as  cor- 
refponds  with  the  Ability  He  gives.  He  a6ls 
like  the  mofl  fkilful  Phyfcicm  ;  and  prefcribes 
fuch  a  Remedy  for  all  his  Patients,  as  is  moft 
nicely  fuited  to  their  refpecSlive  Cafe.  He 
knows  the  precife  Point  of  Time,  the  particu- 
lar Place  of  Abode,  the  peculiar  Circumftances 

of 


Let.  9«       Theron  to  Aspasio.  14^ 

of  Condition,  which  are  moft  proper  for  each 
and  every  of  his  Children  ;  and,  Hke  a  tender 
as  well   as   unerring  Father^  what  He  knows 

to  be  beft,  that  He  conflantly  allots. 1  laid, 

like  a  General,  like  a  Phyficians  like  a  Father* 
But  the  Comparifon  is  low  3  the  Language  is 
inexpreflive;  CHRIST'  is  ^// that  is  implied 

in  thefe  Relations,  and  unfpeakably  more 

O  !  that  We  may  rejoice  in  the  Superintendency 
of  fuch  a  SAVIOUR;  and  not  only  refgn 
Ourfelves  to  his  Will,  but  thmik  Him  for  ma- 
naging the  Reins ;  thaiik  Him  for  dire6ling  our 
Paths.  Since,  whatever  our  froward  and  pe- 
tulant Faffions  may  fuggeft.  The  L  O  R  D's 
Ways  are  fo  far  from  being  unequal,  that  He 
orders  all  Things  i?i  Number ^  Weight,  ■  and 
Meafure. 

All  is  fo  very  different  from  the  Profpc6ts, 
which  lately  prefented  tliemifelves,  that  I  can 
hardly  forbear  afking,  Whether  I  am  not  tranf- 
lated  into  a  new  M^orld? — Where  are  the  wav- 
ing Hillocs,  covered  with  the  CREATOR'S 
Bounty  ?  Where  are  the  fruitful  Vallies,  made 
vocal  with  his  Praife  ?  No  cultured  Field,  no 
opening  BlofTom,  not  fo  much  as  a  green  Leaf 
appears.  None  of  my  late  Entertainments  re- 
main, but  only  the  cooling  Zephirs.  Which 
are  no  longer  perfumed  v/ith  the  Breath  of 
Flowers,  but  impregnated  with  the  Frefinefs 

Vol.  IIL     -  L  of 


146  Theron  /5  AspAsio.       Let.  9, 

of  the  Ocean. Yet,  though  all  thofe  lovely 

Landlbhapes  are  withdi'awn  -,  though  the  gurg- 
ling Fountain  is  filenced,  and  the  blooming 
Garden  loft :  I  am  not  far  from  the  Origin, 
both  of  the  Odours,  which  exhale  from  the 
one ;  and  of  the  Cryftal,  which  flows  from  the 
other.  I  am  now  upon  the  Margin  of  that 
grand  Refervoir,  which  fupplies  the  Country 
with  its  Fertility,  and  the  Parterre  with  its 
Beauty. — The  Sea  is  the  inexhauftible  Ciftern 
of  the  Univerfe.  The  Air  and  Sun  conflitute 
the  mighty  Engine,  which  works  without  Inter- 
miflion,  to  raife  the  liquid  Treafure.  While 
the  Clouds  ferye  as  fo  many  Aquedudfs,  to  con- 
vey the  genial  Stores  along  the  Atmofphere  > 
and  diftribute  them,  at  feafonable  Periods,  and 
in  regular  Proportions,  through  all  the  Re- 
gions of  the  Globe. 

I  queftion,  whether  the  united  Application 
of  Mankind  could,  with  their  utmoft  Skill, 
and  with  all  pofTible  Percolations,  fetch  a  fmgle 
Drop  oi  perfcBly  fweet  Water  *,  from  this  un- 

mea- 

*  I  have  not  forgotten,  what  was  lately  affirmed  in  ouy 
public  Papers  ;  That  a  certain  ingenious  Gentleman,  I  think 
in  the  City  of  Durham,  had  found  out  the  Art  of  j'weetcn'ing 
Sea-water. — What  he  produced,  might  probably  approve  it- 
felf  to  the  Tafte,  and  not  be  without  its  Ufefulnefs.  Yet  I 
cannot  but  query,  whether  it  will  be  found  to  have  all  thof^ 
fine,  balmy,  falutiferous  Qualities,  which  diftinguifli  and 
recommend  the  Ra'in-TVater.  Which  has  been  exhaled  by 
the  kindly  Warmth  of  the  Sun  ;  has  been  filtrated  by  paffing 
and  repairing  through  the  Regions  of  the  Air  j  has  been  cla- 

rifiesT 


Let.  9«      Theron  to  Aspasio.  147 

meafurable  Pit  of  Brine.  Yet  the  A6lion  of  the 
folar  Heat  draws  off,  every  Hour,  every  Minute, 
Millions  and  Millions  of  Tons,  in  vaporous  Ex- 
halations. Which,  being  fkilfully  parceled  out, 
and  fecurely  lodged  in  the  Bottles  of  Hea-ven  *, 
are  fent  abroad,  fweetened  and  refined,  with- 
out any  brackifli  Tin6lure,  or  the  leafl  bitumi- 
nous Sediment. — Sent  abroad  upon  the  Wings 
of  the  Wind,  to  difiil  in  Dews,  or  pour  them- 
felves  in  Rain ;  to  ooze  from  the  Orifices  of 
Fountains  -f-  ^  to  trickle  along  the  Veins  of  Ri- 
vulets i  to  rife  in  the  Cavities  of  Wells ;  to 
roll,  in  many  a  headlong  Torrent,  from  the 
Sides  of  Mountains ;  to  flow,  in  copious 
Streams,  amidfl  the  Bofom  of  burning  Defarts, 
and  through  the  Heart  of  populous  King- 
doms. In  order  to  refrefli  and  fertilize,  to 
beautify  and  enrich,  every  Soil,  in  every  Clime. 
How  amiable  is  the  Goodnefs,  and  how 
amazing  is  the  Power,  of  the  World's  ador- 
able 

rified  in  the  higheft  and  pureft  Tra£ls  of  the  Atmofphcre  ; 
has  been  farther  refined  and  perfe6led  by  the  fearching  Agen- 
cy of  the  Winds. — I  (hould  very  much  wonder,  if  the  fiiny 
Alembic  could  equal  this  grand  Apparatus  of  Nature. 

*  So  the  Clouds  are  elegantly  ftyled  in  facred  Writ,  y^b 
xxxviii,  37. 

t  We  are  obliged  to  Clen::ns  Romanus^  for  the  mod  juft 
and  elegant  Reprefcntation  of  Fountains  and  their  Ufeful- 
nefs,  that  perhaps  any  where  ex  ills.  Avjvaoi  ri-uyr,yon  vr^f^ 

^o'Ptoii  Tag  ■srp©^  ^uy,v  avOpwTroj?  y-oc^ag,  i  Epift  ad  Corinth. 
He  calls  Fountains^  the  Breajh  or  Teats  of  the  Earth.  Ths 
Comparifon,  I  believe,  is  his  own  :  and  nothing  can  exceed 
it,   as  to  Propriety  and  Beauty. 

L  2 


148  Theron  to  Asp  A  SI  o.       Let.  9. 

able  MAKER  ! How  amiable  his  Gcodnejs ! 

in  dlftributlng  fo  largely,  what  is  To  abfolutely 
neccdary,  and  fo  extcnfivcly  beneficial.  That 
Water,  without  which  We  can  fcarce  per- 
form any  Bufmefs,  or  enjoy  any  Comfort, 
fliould  be  every  One's  Property.  Should  fi:rcam 
by  our  Houfcs  j  fhould  fiart  up  from  the  Soil ; 
fliould  drop  down  from  the  Clouds;  fliould 
take  a  Journey,  from  the  Ends  of  the  Earth, 
and  the  Extremities  of  the  Ocean,  on  purpofe 
to  ferve  Us. — How  amazijig  his  Power  !  That 
this  boundlefs  Mafs  of  fluid  Salt,  fo  intoler- 
ably naufecus  to  the  human  Tafle,  fliould  be 
the  original  Spring,  which  deals  out  every  pa- 
latable Draught  to  Mankind,  and  quenches 
the  Tliirft  of  every  Animal  I  Doubtlefs,  the 
•  Power  by  which  this  is  cffe61ed,  can  extra6i 
Comfort  from  our  Afiiiclions,  Advantage  from 
our  Calamities,  and  ?nake  ail  Things  icork  toge- 
.  thcr  for  our  Good  ■*. 

Vail  and  various  are  the  Advantages  •^, 
which  We  receive  from  the  liquid  Element : 
*Lv?/?,  as  its  unbounded  Extent ;  Taricus,  as  its 

ever-mutable  Suiface. The   fweet  Waters 

gllcfe 

*   Rem.  viii.  ?8. 

■\  The  high  Vc:!ue  which  Mankind  fet  upon  this  Element, 
and  the  many  Benefits  they  receive  from  its  Miniilration, 
both  thcfc  Particulars  are  very  flrongly  expreiTcd  by  the  Hc~ 
hrcvji.  Who  call  a  Pool  or  Refei  voir  of  Water  n3*1^  ;  ^^  hich 
denotes,  in  its  primary  Significatiou,  <7  i^/f^/V/^.  Cant,  \ii-  \^ 


Let  9'       The  RON  to  Aspasio,  149 

glide  along  the  Earth,  in  fpacions  Currents : 
which  not  only  exhilarate  the  adjacent  Coun- 
try, by  their  humid  Train,  and  exhaling  Moi- 
flure;  but,  by  giving  a  brilk  Impulie  10  the 
Air,  prevent  the  unwholefome  Stagnation  of 

their  own  Vapours. They  pais  by  opulent 

Cities,  and  receiving  all  their  Filth,  rid  them 
of  a  thoufand  Nuifances.  Which,  when  once 
committed  to  thefe  fluid  Scavengers^  are  as  ef- 
fectually fecreted,  as  if  they  were  buried  ever 
fo  deep  in  the  Earth. — Yet,  though  they  con- 
defcend  to  fo  mean  an  Employ,  they  are  fitted 
for  more  honourable  Services.  They  enter  the 
Gardens  of  a  Prince,  and  compofe  fome  of  the 
moft  delightful  Ornaments  of  the  Place.  They 
glitter  upon  the  Eye,  as  they  float  in  the  ample 
Carml.  They  amufe  the  Imagination,  as  they 
afcend  in  curious  Jet  d  Eaiis.  They  yield  a 
nobler  Entertainm.ent,  as,  forming  themfelves 
into  Sheets  of  Hoping  Silver,  they  fall  in  grace- 
ful or  in  gx:2iXi^Cajcades. — If,  inftead  of  Beau- 
tifiers,  You  think  proper  to  make  ufe  of  them 
as  Drudges^  they  ply  at  our  Mills  3  they  toil 
inceffantly  at  the  Wheel  j  and,  by  v/orking  the 
hugeft  Engines,  take  upon  themfelves  an  un- 
known Share  of  our  Fatigue,  and  fave  Us  a 
proportionable  Degree  of  Expence. 

So  forcibly  they  acl,  when  coilev?Led;  and 
mod  furprifmgly  they  infinuate,  when  detashed. 
They  throw  themfelves  into  the  Body  of  a 

L  3  Plant  i 


150  Theron/^Aepasio.       Let.  9. 

Plant;  they  penetrate  the  mhiiiteft  of  its  or- 
ganized Tubes ;  and  find  a  Paflagc  through 
Meanders,  too  final  I  for  the  Eye  to  difcern,  too 
numerous  and  intricate  even  for  Imagination  to 
follov/. — How  difficuhly  does  a  Labourer  that 
ferves  the  Mafon,  pufh  his  Way  up  the  Rounds 
of  a  Ladder,  bending  under  the  Burden  of 
Mortar  on  his  Head  !  While  thefe  Servants  in 
the  Employ  of  Nature,  carry  their  Load  to  a 
much  greater  Height ;  and  cUmb  with  the  ut- 
moil:  Eafe,  even  without  the  Afiiflance  of  Steps 
or  of  Stairs.  They  convey  the  nutrimental 
Stores  of  Vegetation,  from  the  lowefi  Fibres, 
that  are  plunged  into  the  Soil,  to  the  very  top- 
viofi  I'wigs  that  wave  amid  ft  the  Clouds.  They 
are  the  Caterers  for  the  vegetable  World :  or 
(if  I  may  be  allowed  the  Expreflion)  the  Sut^ 
lersy  that  attend  the  whole  Hoft  of  Plants  j  to 
furnifh  them  with  feafonable  Refrefliment, 
and  neceifary  Provifion.  By  means  of  which, 
the  Trees  of  the  LORD  are  full  of  Sap,  even  the 
Cedars  of  Lebanon  which  HE  hath  planted^. 
And,  notwithftanding  their  vaft  Elevation, 
and  prodigious  Diffufion;  though  they  are 
abandoned  by  Man,  and  deprived  of  all  Cul- 
tivation 3  yet,  not  a  fmgle  Branch  is  deftitute 
of  Leaves,  nor  a  fmgle  Leaf  of  Moifture. 

Befides  the  falutary,  cleanly,  and  ferviceable 
Circulation  of  the  Rivers ;  the  Sea  has  a  Li- 

bration, 

*  FJal  civ.  16. 


Let.  9«       The  RON  to  Aspasio.  151 

bration,  no  lefs  advantageous,  and  much  niore 
remarkable.  —  Every  Dcty,  this  immenfe  Col- 
lection of  Waters,  for  the  Space  of  five  or  fix 
Hours,  jioni)s  tov^ards  the  Land  j  and,  after  a 
fhort  Paufe,  retires  again  to  its  inmofb  Ca- 
verns }  taking  up  nearly  the  fame  Time  in  its 

Retreat,  as  it  required  for  its  Accefs. How 

great  is  the  Power,  that  fets  the  whole  fluid 
World  in  Motion  1  That  protrudes  to  the 
Shores  fuch  an  inconceivable  Weight  of  Wa- 
ters, without  any  Concurrence  from  the  Winds, 
frequently  in  dirc6t  Oppofition  to  all  their 
Force  1  How  gracious  alfo  is  the  Providence, 
which  bids  the  mighty  Element  perform  its 
tumbling  Revolutions,  with  the  moft  exact 
Pundtuality !  Was  it  fuffered  to  advance,  with 
a  lawlefs  and  unlimited  Swell  -,  it  might  fweep 
over  Kingdoms,  and  deluge  whole  Continents, 
Was  it  irregular  and  uncertain  in  its  Ap- 
proaches, Navigation  would  be  at  a  Stand,  and 

Trade  become  precarious. But,  being  con- 

ftant  at  its  fiated  Periods^  and  never  exceeding 
its  appointed  Bounds^  it  creates  no  Alarm  to  tlic 
Country,  and  affords  very  confiderable  Aids  to 
Traffic. 

The  Tide,  at  its  Flow^  rufhing  up  our  large 
Rivers,  clears  and  deepens  the  Pallages  in 
many  Places  fpreads  a  copious  Flood,  where  a 
dry  and  empty  Wafte  lay  before. — Is  the  Sai- 
lor returned  froi^i  his  Voyage,  and  waiting  at 

L  4  the 


152  Theron  i^o  AsPASio.       Let.  9. 

the  Mouth  of  the  Channel  ?  The  Fhx  is  ready 
to  convey  his  Veflel  to  the  very  Doors  of  the 
Owner  J  and  without  any  Hazard  of  ftriking 
on  the  Rocks,  or  of  being  faflened  in  the  Sands. 

■ Has   the    Merchant   freighted   his   Ship  ? 

Would  He  have  it  transferred  to  the  Ocean  ? 
The  B.efux  tenders  its  Service  j  and  bears 
away  the  Lead,  v/ith  the  utmoft  Expedition, 

and  vvith  equal  Safety. Behold,  O  Man  ! 

How  greatly  thou  art  beloved,  hov/  highly  fa- 
-ocurcd  by  thy  MAKER  !  In  vv^hat  Part  of  his 
Works  has  He  forgotten  or  overlooked  thy 
V/elfare  ?  Shew  me  a  Creature,  point  out  a 
Spot ;  in  the  Formation  or  Difpofition  of 
which.  He  has  not  been  mindful  of  thy  Inte- 
refls  ?  He  has  made  Thee  to  ha^oe  Do7?iiniofj  ever 
the  IVorks  of  hh  Hafids^  and  has  put  all  T'hings  in 
SubjeSfion  under  thy  Feet,  All  Sheep  and  Oxen ;  the 
Fczcls  of  the  Air  J  and  the  Fifes  j  yea,  and  the 
Surges  of  the  Sea  *,  are  fubfervient  to  thy  Benefit, 
Even  thefe,  wild  and  impetuous  as  they  are, 
yield  their  willing  Backs,  to  receive  thy  Load  j 
and  like  an  indefatigable  Bcafl  of  Burden,  carry 
it  to  the  Place,  which  Thou  flialt  nominate. 

What  preferves  this  vail  Flood  in  a  State  of 
perpetual  Purity?  It  is  the  univerfal  Sewers, 
into  which  are  difcharged  the  Refufe  and  Filth 
of  the  whole  World.  That  which  would  dt- 
iWt  the  Land,  and  pollute  the  Air,  is  tranfmit- 
tcd  to  the  Ocean,   and  neither  Mifchicf  nor 

Jn-.' 
»  Pfal.  vili.  6,  7,  8. 


Let.  9'       Theron  to  Aspasio.  153 

Inconvenience  enfue.  Thofe  Swarms  of  Lo- 
ciijis — which,  while  Uving  were  a  Plague  to 
Pharaoh  J  by  their  luthed  Intruiion  -,  and  when 
dead,  might  have  caufed  a  more  dreadful 
Plague,  by  their  noifome  Stench- — fv^^ept  into 
the  Sea,  were  neither  peftilential,  nor  ofFen- 
five.  How  then  is  this  Receptacle  of  every 
Nuifance  kept  clean  ?  Why  does  it  not  con- 
tract a  noxious  Taint,  and  difFufe  a  deftruc- 
tive  Contagion  ?  Such  as  would  render  it  a 
Grave  to  the  aquatic,  and  Batie  to  the   ter- 

reftrial  Animals  ? 'Tis  owing,  partly  to  its 

inceffant  Motion,  partly  to  its  faline  Quality* 
By  the  One,  it  is  fecured  from  any  internal  Prin- 
ciple of  Corruption  ;  by  the  other,  it  works  it- 
felf  clear  from  every  adventitious  Defilement. 

A  Dire6lory  this,  and  a  Pattern  for  me  ! — ■ 
Thus  may  divine  Grace ^  like  the  penetrating 
Power  of  Salt,  cure  the  Depravity  of  my  Heart, 
and  re6lify  the  Diforders  of  my  Temper  !  Sea- 
fon  my  Words,  and  make  all  my  Converfation 

favoury ! Thus  may  a  continual  Courfe  of 

Aclivity\  in  my  fecular  and  my  facred  Voca- 
tion, prevent  the  pernicious  Effects  of  Indo- 
lence !  Let  me  daily  cxercife,  or  be  attempting 
to  exercife,  the  Graces  of  Chriitianity.  Left 
Faith  become  feeble  3  left  Hope  contra6t  Dim- 
nefs  J  and  Charity  wax  cold. 

Now  the  Tide  begins  to  flow.  Wave  rifes 
\ipon  Wave,  and    Billow  rolls  over   Billow. 

No. 


154  THERON/i)AsPAsio.      Let.  9. 

Nothing  can  divert,  nothing  retard  its  Pro- 
grefs  i  no,  not  for  a  Moment.  Though  Ca- 
mitus  be  in  the  Way  *  j  though  his  royal  Au- 
thority, and  flri6l  Prohibition,  nay,  though 
all  the  Forces  of  his  Kingdom  oppofe  ;  it  will 
never  difcontinue  the  advancing  Swell,  till  it 

has  reached  the  deftined  Point. So,  may  I 

always  abound  in  Communion  with  GOD,  or 
in  Beneficence  to  Men  >  refigning  one  religi- 
ous 

*  Alluding  to  a  memorable  and  inftruftive  Story,  record- 
ed of  King  Conutm.  Who,  probably  without  having  read, 
had  neverthelefs  thoroughly  learned,  that  excellent  LeiTon 
of  Horace  j 

Regum  thnendorum  in  proprios  Greges^ 
Reges  in  ipfos  Imperium  eji  Jovis. 

Some  of  his  abje£l  and  defigning  Flatterers,  had  the  impi^ 
cus  JlJJiirance  to  tell  Him,  "  His  Power  was  more  than  hu- 
*«  man." — To  convince  them  of  their  Folly,  and  rebuke 
them  for  their  Falfhood,  He  ordered  his  royal  Chair  to  be 
placed  on  the  Extremity  of  the  Shore,  juft  as  the  Tide  be- 
gan to  flow.  Here  He  took  his  Seat,  in  the  Prefence  of 
the  Parafites,  and  many  other  Attendants.  Then,  with  all 
that  Dignity  of  Air,  and  Severity  of  Accent,  which  fove- 
reign  Authority  knows  how  to  affume.  He  faid  — "  Thou 
**  Sea,  the  Land  on  which  I  fit  is  mine  ;  nor  has  any  One 
"  dared  to  invade  my  Rights,  or  difobey  my  Commands, 
*'  without  fuffcring  the  derervcdPuniflimcnt.  I  charge  Thee, 
*'  therefore,  on  Pain  of  my  higheft  Difplcafure,  not  to  enter 
*'  thefe  Territories,  nor  touch  the  Feet  of  England's.  A-lo- 
<'  narch." 

When  the  rude  Waves  made  bold  to  enter  on  the  forbid- 
den Ground  ;  nay,  when  thofe  uncourtly  Things  prefumed 
to  rufh  upon  the  royal  Scat,  and  even  to  dafh  his  Majcfty's 
Pcrfon  J  He  flarted  from  his  Throne,  and  bid  every  Beholder 
obferve  the  Impotence  of  earthly  Kings.  Bid  them  remem- 
ber. That  HE  alone  is  worthy  of  the  Name,  whom  Winds 
jmd  Waves  and  univerfal  Nature  obey. 


Let.  9'      Theron  /o  AsPAsio.  155 

ous  or  charitable  Employ,  only  to  enter  upon 
another  J  and  be  thus  prefling  forward,  Jlill 
preffing  forward,  to  the  Prize  of   my  high 

Calling  in  CHRIST  JESUS. Differing 

from  thofe  regular  Viciffitudes  of  the  Ocean, 
only  in  one  Particular ;  That  my  Endeavours 
never  ebb,  my  Soul  never  draws  back.  Since  this 
would  be,  if  temporary,  to  my  grievous  Lofs; 
li  finaU  to  my  aggravated  Perdition. 

Confider  the  Sea  in  another  Capacity,  and 
it  cormedls  the  remoteft  Realms  of  the  Univerfci 
by  facilitating  an  Intercourfe  between  their 

refpe6live  Inhabitants. What  flioit-fighted 

Beings  are  Mankind  !  How  extremely  fuper- 
ficial  their  Views  !  How  unavoidable  there- 
fore their  frequent  Miftakes  !  The  Antients 
looked  upon  this  bottomlefs  Deep,  as  an  un- 
f  affable  *  Gulph.  If  our  Fore-fathers  were  fo 
egregioufly  miflaken  in  this  Initance ;  let  not 
Us  too  peremptorily  pronounce  upon  any  diffi- 
cult or  myllerious  Point.  Left  fucceeding  Ge- 
nerations, or  a  more  inlightened  State,  fhould 
cover  Us  with  the  double  Confufion,  of  childifn 
Ignorance,  2ind  foolifi  Conceit. 

We  have  clearly  demonftrated,  and  happily 
experienced,  the  verv  Reverfe  of  that  grey-head- 
ed 


■Dcus  alfcidit 


Prudcns  Occam  d'lJJociab'iU 

Terras,  Hor. 


156  Thkron  to  Asp  A  5  TO.       Let.  9. 

eel  Surmife  to  be  true.  The  Ocean,  infi-ead  of 
being  a  Bar  of  Separation,  is  the  great  Bond 
of  Union.  For  this  Purpofe,  it  is  never  ex- 
baiificd^  though  it  fupphes  the  whole  Firma- 
ment with  Clouds,  and  the  whole  Earth  v/ith 
Rains.  Nor  ever  over-fows,  though  all  the 
Rivers  in  the  Univerfe  are  perpetually  aug- 
menting its  Stores,  and  pouring  in  their  tri- 
butary Floods. By  means  of  this  Element, 

We  travel  farther,  than  Birds  of  the  ftrongefl 
Pinion  flyj  and  difcover  Trafts,  which  the 
Vultures  Eye  has  never  feen  *.  We  make  a  Vi- 
fit  to  Nations,  that  lie  drowned  in  their  mid- 
night Slumbers,  when  every  induftrious  Per- 
fon  on  this  Part  cf  the  Globe,  is  beflirring 
Himfelf  in  all  the  Hurry  of  Bufmefs.  We 
cultivate  an  Acquaintance  with  the  Sun-burnt 
NegrOy  and  the  (hivering  Icelander.  We  crofs 
the  flaming  Line,  We  penetrate  the  frozen 
Pole,  and  wing  our  Way  even  round  the 
World. 

This  is  the  great  Vehicle  of  Commerce. 

Not  to  rriention  the  floating  Caflles,  which 
contain  v;hole  Armies  j  which  bear  the  Thun- 
der, the  fiery  Tempcfts,  and  all  the  dreadful 
Artillery  of  War  ;  what  a  Multitude  of  Ships, 
of  the  largefl:  Dimenlions,  and  mofl:  prodigi- 
ous Burden,  are  continually  palling  and  repaf- 
fmg  this  univerfal  Tlioroughfare  !  Ships,  that 

are 

*  "Job  xxviii.  7. 


Let.  9.       Theron  /o  AsPAsio.  1^7 

are  freiglited,  not  with  Sacks,  but  with  Har- 
vefls  of  Corn  ;  that  carry  not  Pipes,  but  Vin- 
tages of  Wine;  that  are  laden,  not  with  Bars 
of  Iron,  Blocks  of  Marble,,  or  Wedges  of 
Gold,  but  with  whole  Qiiarries  of  maffy  Stone, 
and  whole  Mines  of  ponderous  Metal.  All 
which,  lodged  in  thefe  volatile  Storehoufes^  and 
a6luated  bv  the  Breath  of  Heaven,  are  waft- 
ed  to  the  very  Ends  of  the  Earth :  wafted, 
enormous  and  unwieldy  as  they  are,  more  ex- 
peditioudy  than  the  light  Berliji  bowls  along 
the  Road  ;  ahnoft  as  fpeedily,  as  the  nimble- 
footed  lloe  bounds  over  the  Hills  *. 

Aftonifliing  Ordination  of  eternal  Wifdom! 
Yet  mofl  gracioufly  contrived  for  the  Benefit 
of  Mankind  !  I  can  hardly  fatisfy  my  View, 
in  beholding  this  rolling  Chaos  ;  I  can  never 
ceafe  my  Admiration,  in  contemplating  its 
amazing  Properties. — That  an  Element,  (o 
iiujlable  diVid  fugitive y  Ihould  bear  up  fuch  an 
immenfe  Weight,  as  w^ould  bend  the  firmefk 
Floors,  or  burif  the  flrongell  Beams !- — That 
the  th'ut  and  yielding  Air  fliould  drive  on,  with 
fo  much  Facility  and  Speed,  Bodies  of  fuch 
exceffive  Bulk,  as  the  Strength  of  a  Legion 

would 

*  A  Ship,  under  a  biifk  and  fteady  Gale,  will  fail  at  the 
Rate  of  216  Miles  in  24  Hoiirs  :  perfevering,  if  the  Wind 
continues  favourable,  in  the  fame  rapid  Career,  for  feveral 
Days  together.  A  Courfe,  which,  confidering ,  both  its 
Swiftntjs  and  Duratioti^  cannot  be  equaled  by  the  ableft 
Horfe,  perhaps  nc4  by  the  niinbkft  Creature  that  tieada  tliti 
Cround, 


158  Theron  to  AspAsio.      Let,^, 

would  be  unable  to  move. — That  the  Air  and 

the  Water,    a6ling   in    Conjunclion,    Ihould 

carry  to  the  Diflance  of  many  thoufand  Miles, 

what  the  united  Force  of  Men  and  Machines 

could  fcarcely  drag  a  fmgle  Yard. — Puny  and 

defpicable  are  our  Attempts :  but  great  and 

marvelous  are  /y^;r  Works,  O  LORD  GOD 

Almighty  !  If  thou  wilt  work^  fays  the  Prophet, 

who  or  what  fiall  let  it  *?  Neither  the  Mean- 

Tiefs  of  the  Inflrument,  nor  the  Greatnefs  of 

the  Event.     A  SUng  and  a  Stone  fhall  lay  the 

gigantic  Bravo  in  the  Dull  -f-.     An  Ox-Goad 

fhall  do  more  Execution   than  a  Battery  of 

Cannon  J.     Even  a  Worm  JJmU  threjl^  the  Moim- 

tains^  and  beat  them  f?n ally  and  make  the  Hills  as 

Ckaffl       GOD    ALL-SUFFICIENT    is 

his  Name,  and  out  of  Weaknefs  He  maketh 

his  Strength  perfe6l. — O  !  that  We,  my  dear 

Afpafio that  I  efpecially may  be  Urong 

in  the  LORD,  and  in  the  Power  of  his  Might ! 

Then,  as  the  light  Air  is  made  to  a^l  with  a 

more  forcible  Impulfe,  than  the  mofl  vigorous 

Engines ;  as  the  fluid  Water  is  made  to  fuftain 

more  ponderous  Loads,  than  the  moll  fub- 

flantial  Works  of  Mafonry  j  fo  We,  who  in 

Ourfelves  are  nothing  but  Impotence^  fliall  be 

enabled  to  triumph  over  the  Legions  of  Hell, 

and  tread  down  all  the  Temptations  of  the 

World. 

liovv 

*  Jfai.  xliii.  13.         f  i  ^aiiu  xvii,  15.       %  ']ndg,  iii.  31, 


Let.  9*      Theron  to  AsPAsio.  159 

How  are  the  Mariners  condudled  through 
this  fluid  Comjnony  than  which  nothing  is  more 
wide,  and  nothing  more  wild  ?  Here  is  no 
Track  to  be  followed  j  no  Pofts  of  Direction 
to  be  confulted  ;    nor    any  Shepherd's  Hut, 

where  a  Traveler  may  afk  the  Way. Are 

they  guided  by  a  Pillar  of  Fire  in  the  Night, 
or  a  moveable  Cloud  in  the  Day  ?  As  the  Sons 
of  Jacob  and  Jofeph  were  efcorted  through  the 
eaftcrn  Defarts.  No  j  but  by  a  mean,  con- 
temptible, and  otherwife  worthlefs  Fo//iL 

The  Apoftle  James  mentions  it,  as  a  very  ob- 
fervable  Fa6l ;  that  tht  Ships,  which  are  fo  great, 
and  driven  of  fierce  Winds,  yet  are  turned  about 
with  a  very  fmall  Helm,  whitherfoever  the  Go- 
vernor lifteth  *.  Is  it  not  equally  wonderful, 
that  they  fhould  be  led  through  fuch  a  path- 
lefs  and  unmeafurable  Wafte,  by  fo  fmall  an 
Expedient,  as  the  Intervention  oilh^Loadflojie  ff 
— Till  this  furprifmg  Mineral  was  difcovered, 
and  its  Properties  were  improved,  Navigation 
lay  in  its  Cradle.  Was,  at  beft,  a  mere  In- 
fant, that  crept  timoroufly  along  the  Coafts ; 
was  obliged  to  keep  within  fight  of  the  Shores  j 

and, 

*  yam.  iii.  4. 

t  I  am  aware,  that  other  Expeclleius  are  ufed,  for  fbap- 
ing  a  proper  Courfe  on  the  Ocean  ;  fuch  as  making  Obier-- 
vations  from  the  Sun  by  mathematical  Inftruments.  But 
thefe,  I  beHevc,  are  only  fubordinate  Aids  to  the  Nee;iio. 
The  grcmd  Regulator  is  the  Magnet.  I  have  heard  an  ex- 
perienced Sailor  declare ;  He  would  rather  be  without  hi; 
^adrantj  than  without  his  Compafs, 


i6o  The  RON  fo  Aspasio.       Let.  g* 

and,  if  driven  out  beyond  the  narrow  Sphere 
of  her  Land-marks,  could  neither  afcertain 
her  Situation,  nor  purfue  her  Voyage.     But 

this  Guide when  every  Beacon  on  the  Top 

of  the  Hills,  is  vanifhed  from  the  acuteft  Kenj 
when  nothing  but  Skies  are  ken  above,  and 

Seas  alone  appear  below tbis  Guide  points 

out  the  proper  Paflage.  This  communicates 
an  Intelligence,  that  fliines  clear  in  the  thickefl 
Darknefs,  and  remains  fleady  in  the  moft  tem- 
peiluous  Agitations.  This  has  given,  not  in- 
deed Birth,  but  Maturity  to  Navigation  ^  and 
turned  her  fwadling  Bands  into  Wings,  This 
has  emboldened  her  to  launch  into  the  Heart 
of  the  Ocean,  and  enabled  her  to  range  from 
Pole  to  Pole. 

Thus  does  GOD,  both  in  the  Operations  of 
Nature,  and  the  Adminillrations  of  Pj'ovi- 
dence,  accompli fla  the  moft  important  Ends  by 

the   mofl:    inconjiderable  Means. When  the 

formidable  Sifera  is  to  be  cut  off,  the  Blow 
fhall  be  given,  not  by  fome  puifTant  Cham- 
pion, but  by  the  Hand  of  a  Woman  *.  When 
'Jericho  is  to  be  demoliflied,  thofe  impregnable 
Fortifications  fhall  fall,  not  beneath  the  Stroke 
of  battering  Engines,  but  before  the  Sound  of 
Ram's  Horns  -f-. — When  a  hundred  thoufand 
Midianites  are  to  be  routed,  the  LORD  of 
Hofts  will  gain  this  fignal  Victory,  not  by  nu- 
merous 

*  J^'^i'  ^v.  9.  t  JoJf^'  vi.  5. 


Let.  9-      Theron/oAspasio.  i6r 

merous  Legions  completely  armed,  but  by  a 
Handful   of  Ifraelitesj    accoutered  only  with 

Trumpets,    Lamps,    and  Pitchers*. Who 

would  have  thought,  that  from  the  Root  of 
j^^6',  a  Root  out  of  a  dry  Ground,  flicald 
arife  that  great  Tree,  whAohJirefches  her  Boughs 
unto  the  Sea^  and  her  Height  unto  the  Heai'ens, 
and  her  Branches  unto  the  Ends  of  the  Earth  ? 
That  the  defpifed  Galilean  and  the  Carpenter's 
Son,  fhould  be  the  SAVIOUR  of  the  World, 
and  the  HEIR  of  all  Things  ?  Nay;  that  a 
Perfon,  humbled  like  the  meaneft  of  Slaves, 
and  executed  like  the  vileft  of  Malefactors  j 
nailed  to  a  Crofs,  and  laid  proftrate  among 
the  Dead i  that  PIE  fliould  refbore  Life  and 
Immortality  to  ruined  Sinners;  fliould  open 
the  Gates  of  Grace  and  Glory  on  lofl  Man- 
kind ?  That  a  few  illiterate  Mortals,  taken 
from  the  Barge,  the  Oar,  and  the  Net,  fliould 
confute  Philofophers,  and  convert  Kings  ; 
fhould  overthrow  the  Strong-holds  of  Idola- 
try, and  plant  Chi'ijlianity  on  its  Ruins ! — This 
is  a  Circumftance,  which,  though  a  Stum- 
bling-block to  fome  People,  has  confiderably 
ftrengthened  my  Faith.  It  is  perfectly  agree- 
able to  the  ALMIGHTY'S  Manner.  It  is  (if 
I  may  fo  fpeak)  the  diftinguifhing  T'urn  of  his 
Hand,  and  the  peculiar  ^tyle  of  his  Works. 
Whence  does  He  raife  the  charmingly  beauteous 

Flower  ? 

*  "Judg.  viL  19. 

Vol.  III.  M 


i62  Theron  io  AsPAsio.      Let.  9. 

Fiower  ?  Whence  the  magnificent  Myriads  of 
the  Foieft-oaks  ?  Whence  the  boundlefs  and 
ineftim able  Stores  of  the  Harveft?  From  Prin- 
ciples which  bear  not  the  leafl  Proportion  to 
their  Effefts. — Befides  3  this  molt  emphatically 
fpeaks  THE  GOD.  \t  Jl^eim  the  Light'mg 
down  of  his  glorious  Arm  *j  and  abfolutely  pre- 
cludes all  the  Pretenfions  of  human  Arro- 
gance, or  finite  Power.  It  appropriates  the 
Honour  to  that  fupreme  AGENT,  before 
whom  the  Eafy  and  the  Arduous  are  both  alike. 
All  Men  that  fee  it  mufl  confefs,  this  hath 

GOD    DONE. 

Through  this  Channel,  are  imported  to  our 
liland  the  choice  Productions,  and  the  pecu- 
liar Treafures,  of  every  Nation  under  Hea- 
ven. So  that  We  can  breakfaft  upon  a  Dilfo- 
lution  of  the  American  Kernel  -f-  3  and  fee  the 
rich  nutrimental  Liquor  froth  in  our  Cups, 
without  ever  tempting  the  foaming  Brine, 
We  can  fteep  the  delicately-flavoured  Chincfe 
Leaf,  in  the  Waters  of  our  own  Well ;  or 
fpend  the  Afternoon  in  our  own  Parlour,  and 
be  regaled  with  an  Lifufion  of  the  finely- 
fcented  Arabian  Berry.  We  can  feafon  the 
friendly  Bov;l  with  the  Juices  of  the  Orange^ 
or  refrefh  our  clammy  Palate  with  the  Pulp 

of 

*  Ifai.  XXX.  30. 
•}■  Called  the  Cacoa,  which  affords  the  principal  In^redi- 
qit  of  CkociUitei  and  grows  on  a  fmall  Tree  in  Jmtrica, 


Let.  9*      Theron  /o  AsPAsio.  163 

of  the  Tmnarind  -,  without  feehng  that  fervent 
Heat,  which  imparts  fuch  a  poignant  ReUfh 
to  the  former ;  without  fufFering  thofe  fcorch- 
ing  Beams,  which  give  a  Fever-coohng  Virtue 
to  the  latter.  We  can  pile  upon  our  Salvers 
a  Pyramid  of  Italian  Figs ;  fill  the  Interftices 
with  the  Sky-dried  Railins  of  Malaga;  and 
form  a  Summit  for  the  inviting  Strudure, 

with  the  Pijlacia  Nut  of  Aleppo. By   this 

means,  the  Eaftern  Spices  exhale  their  Odours 
on  our  Tables,  and  the  Weflern  Canes  tranl- 
fufe  their  Sweetnefs  into  our  Viands.  We 
clothe  our  Bodies  with  the  vegetable  Fleeces  * 
of  the  South,  and  line  our  Apparel  with  v/arm 
furry  Spoils  from  the  North.  We  can  wear 
the  Pearl,  polilhed  in  the  AbyfTes  of  the  Ptr- 
fian  Gulph;  and  walk  on  the  Carpets,  manu- 
fadured  in  the  Dominions  of  the  Great  Mogul -j 
yet  neither  expofe  Ourfelves  to  the  Rage  of 
boifterous  Seas,  nor  the  more  dreaded  Treache- 
ry of  barbarous  People. In  fliort  5  by  this 

wonderful  and  invaluable  Expedient  of  Navi- 
gation, every  Tide  conveys  into  our  Ports  the 
Wealth  of  the  remotefl  Climes,  and  brings 
the  Abundance  of  the  Univerfe  to  be  unladen 

on 

*  Cotton.,  which  Is  a  Sort  of  Wool,  encompafling  the 
Seed  of  a  Tree. — Its  Fruit  is  of  an  oval  Form,  about  the 
Size  of  a  Nut.  As  it  ripens,  it  grows  black  on  the  Out- 
fide  ;  and,  by  the  Heat  of  the  Sun,  opens  in  feveral  Places, 
difcovering  the  Cotton  through  the  Clefts,  which  is  ^f  an 
admirable  Whitenefs.     See  Chamb.  Di£i. 

M  2 


164  The  R  ON  /o  Asp  AS  10.     Let.  9. 

on  our  Qtiays.  London  becomes  a  Mart  of 
Nations  j  and  almoft  every  private  Houfe  in 
the  Kingdom,  is  embellifhed  and  accommo- 
dated from  the  four  Quarters  of  the  Globe. 

Almoji  eirry  private  Houfe — Is  not  this  more 
like  rhetorical  Flourifli,  than  real  Truth  ?  Are 
not  all  the  Advantages  I  have  mentioned,  the 
peculiar  Portion  of  the  Rich  ?  Is  not  the  Sea, 
like  the  grand  and  gay  World,  fomewhat  ca- 
pricious and  partial^  Beftov^^ing  lavifhly  her 
Favours  on  the  Wealthy,  at  the  fame  Time 

that  She  negle6ls    the  Needy  ? Quite  the 

Reverfe.  Like  her  fublime  CREATOR,  She 
is  no  Refpe6ler  of  Perfons,  but  deals  out  her 
Liberahtics  to  All  j  to  the  Wealthy,  fuch  as 
are  fuitable  to  their  Circumftances  ;  to  the  In- 
digent, fuch  as  are  beft  adapted  to  their  Con- 
dition. If  She  ornaments  the  Abodes  of  the 
firfl-.  She  employs  the  Hands  of  the  laft  j  fur- 
nifhes  thefe  with  ufeful  Labour,  thofe  v^ith  ele- 
gant Accommodations.  What  a  Multitude  of 
induftrious  People  acquire  a  Livelihood,  by 
preparing  the  Commodities  intended  for  Ex- 
portation !  And  v^hat  a  Multitude  of  dextrous 
Artificers  maintain  their  Families,  by  manu- 
fa6luring  the  Wares  imported  from  abroad ! 

It  is  reckoned  a  valuable  Species  of  Bene- 
ficence, to  provide  proper  Work  for  the  Poor. 
This  withdraws  them  from  many  Tempta- 
tions, and  preferves  them  from  much  Wicked- 


Let 9'  Theron  ^i?  AspAsio."  '  165 
nefs.  It  hinders  them  from  being  a  Burden 
to  themfelves,  and  a  Nuifance  to  the  Public. 
They  might  otherwife  be  idle^  and  as  Vermine 
on  the  Body  poUtic  :  or  even  ?nutinous,  and  as 
Vipers  in  the  Bowels  of  the  Nation.  Whereas, 
by  exerting  themfelves  in  a  due  Subordina- 
tion, and  with  becoming  Diligence,  they  are 
the  very  Sinews  of  the  Community  ;  or  like 
the  grand  Wheel  in  the  Machine  of  State, 
whofe  inceflant  A6livity  diflributes  Plenty,  and 
pours  innumerable  Conveniencies  through  the 
whole. — What  a  Majier  then,  or  rather  what 
a  Miftrefs^  is  the  Sea !  How  extenfive  her  Cor- 
refpondence,  and  how  large  her  Demand  for 
Workmen  !  Into  what  Branch  of  Trade  does 
fhe  not  enter  ?  What  kind  of  ingenious  Sci- 
ence, or  ufeful  Toil,  does  fhe  not  befriend  ? 
How  many  Millions  of  honefl  but  needy  Per- 
fons  are  engaged  in  her  Service  ?  And  how 
amply  are  they  repaid  for  their  Pains  ! — T'hey 
that  go  down  to  the  Sea  in  Ships ^  and  occupy  their 
Bujinefs  in  great  Waters,  thefe  Men  fee  the  Works 
of  the  LORD,  and  his  Wonders  in  the  Deep^ 
They  alfo  that  dwell  among  their  own  Peo- 
ple, and  abide  in  the  Villages,  even  they  en- 
joy the  Bounty,  and  fhare  the  Advantages  of 
the  Ocean.  For,  though  it  is  falfe  Philofo- 
phy,  to  fuppofe  the  Waters  themfelves  fbrained 
thi'ough  fubterranean  Paffages,  into  the  inland 
Counties  3  yet,  it  is  an  undeniable  Truth,  that 
Vol.  III.  _  M  3  their 


i66  Theron  ^(9  Asp  AS  10,       Let.  9. 

their  beneficial  EffeSis  are  transfufed  into  every 
Town,  every  Hamlet,  and  every  Cottage. 

Surely,  the  Inhabitants  of  our  Ifle,  have 
Reafon  to  turn  the  Prediclion  of  Mofes,  con- 
cerning the  Tribe  of  Jofeph,  into  a  devout 
and  grateful  Acknowledgment. — Blejfed  of  the 
LORD  is  *  our  Land.  Blejfed  njoith  the  preci- 
ous 'Thiiigs  of  Heaven,  'with  the  Dew,  and  with 
the  Deep  that  coiicheth  beneath.  With  the  precious 
things  brought  forth  by  the  Sun,  and  with  the 
precious  Things  thrujl  forth  by  the  Moon.  With 
the  chief  things  of  the  ancient  Mountains,  and 
with  the  precious  Tubings  of  the  everlafling  Hills  : 
a7td  with  the  precious  Things  of  the  Earth,  and 

the  Fulnefs  thereof  A^. May  we  alfo  enjoy  the 

Good- 

*  h  (fo  I  would  traiiflate  the  Original)  not  he ;  in  the 
pred'iflive,  not  precatory  Form-  This  implies  a  Fulnefs  of 
Faith,  and  diilinguiflies  Prophecy  from  Prayer ;  beft  fuits 
the  extraordinary  Illumination  of  Mojes  j  and  does  moft 
Honour  to  the  omnifcient  SPIRIT. 

f  /)eKf,  xxxiii.  13,  14,  15,  16.  Here  fe ems  to  be  a 
beautiful  and  poetical  Nummary  of  the  Riches  of  Nature. 
— The  precious  'Things  of  Heaven  ;  or  Rain^  which  defcends 
from  the  upper  j  and  Dezv,  which  is  formed  in  the  lower^ 
Regions  of  the  Firmament. — The  Deep  that  couchcth  beneath  \ 
Seas,  Rivers,  Fountains,  Wells,  which  lie  in  the  Bofont 
of  the  Soil ;  and  are  Sources  of  Fertility  and  Plenty. — The  pre^ 
cious  Things  brought  f 07-th  by  the  Sun,  mull  certainly  denote 
the  Herbs,  Plants,  Trees,  and  all  Manner  of  Vegetables y 
with  their  refpedlive  YvuMs.— The  precious  Things  thrujl  forth 
hy  the  Moon,  may  probably  refer  to  the  ?nineral  Kingdoms  ; 
in  the  Formation  of  which,  that  Ruler  of  the  Night  may 
have  a  confiderable  Influence.  The  Moon  is  confellcdly  the 
Paitnt  of  Tides  ;  and  may  put  in  Molion  thofe  bituminous 

and 


Let.  9-      Theron/^Aspasio.  167 

Good-will  of  HIM,  who  dwelt  in  the  Bufi  *,  and 
the  Grace  of  HIM,  who  hung  on  the  Tree ! 
May  the  eternal  GOD  be  our  Refuge,  and 
his  everlafling  Arms  underneath  both  Us  and 

our  Interefls  ! Happy  then  wilt  Thou  be, 

thrice  happy,  O  England  !  Thy  temporal  Ad- 
vantages, and  thy  fpiritual  Privileges  confi- 
dered,  it  may  truly  be  faid,  V/hoj  or  what 
Nation,  is  like  unto  T'hee  f 

This  for  my  Country  3  now  let  me  wiOi  for 
myfelf  5 

GOD  of  all  Worlds !  Source  and  Supreme  of 

'Things  ! 
From  whom   all  Life^  from  whom    Duration 

fprings  ! 
Intenfe  O  !  let  me  for  thy  Glory  burn. 
Nor  fruitlefs  view  my  Days  and  Months  return. 

Give 

and  faline  Fluids,  which,  cIrcuJatIng  through  the  Pores  of 
the  Earth,  and  fixing'in  Beds  of  homogeneous  Matter,  are 
fuppofed  to  commence  Minerals. — As  our  facred  Philcfo- 
pher  has  already  fpecified  the  vegetable  Produdions,  the 
principal  Things  of  the  Mountains  and  Hills^  fliould  fignify  the 
Sheep,  Goats,  and  other  valuable  Animals  that  feed  upon 
thofe  vaft  Declivities.  If  fo,  the  precious  Things  of  the  Earth, 
may  exprefs  thofe  Herds  of  larger  Cattle,  which  have  their 
Pafturage  in  the  Plains,  Vallies,  and  lower  Grounds.  A 
Senfe,  which  recommends  itfelf  from  this  Confideration, 
That  the  Wealth  of  the  Antients  confifted  chiefly  in  Cat- 
tle.— Tfje  Fulnefs  thereof  may  be  a  Kind  of  Recapitulation  : 
a  comprehenfive  Term,  including  the  whole  Produce  of  the 
terraqueous  Globe  ;  the  magyiifiant  Liberality  of  ] EH O- 
VAH  to  his  People. 
*  Deut.  xxxiii.  i6. 

M  4. 


1 68  The  RON  /<?  Asp  AS  10.      Let.  9. 

Give  me  with  Wonder  at  thy  Works  to  gloWy 
To  grajp  thy  Vifion^  and  thy  T'ruths  to  know  : 
0\r  Time's  tempeftuous  Sea  to  reach  thy  Shore, 
And  live  J  and  Jing,    where  Time  Jl:all  be  no 

more. 

You  fee,  Afpafio,  I  have  been  Hudying  the 
Volume  of  Nature ;  endeavouring  to  read  its 
ca])ital  Chara6lers,  and  learn  fome  of  its  in- 
f}:ru6live  Lefibns.  The  Sea  has  been  the  Page ; 
but  XxQw  fuperficial  is  my  Perufal,  and  no  lefs 
fcanty  my  Knowledge.  Little,  very  little  have 
I  feen  or  conceived,  relating  to  thofe  Works 
of   Vv^onder,    which   the  vaft  unfathomable 

Deep  contains the  Plants  it  produces,  and 

the  Creatures  it  nourifhes its   ftupendous 

Rocks,  and  fubterranean  Caves the  Heaps 

of  Pearl,  which  are  its  native  Growth ;  and 
the  Loads  of  Gold,  which  it  has  gained  by 

Shipwreck. So  fuperficial  are  my  Views  of 

CHRIST -yfo  fcanty  is  my  Acquaintance  with 
the  Gofpel. 

You,  I  prefume,  are  fitting  at  the  Feet  of 
that  fuWime  TEACHERi  and  attending  to 
the  Dictates  of  HIS  Mouth,  in  whom  are 
hid  all  the  Treafiires  ofWifdom  and  Knowledge  *. 
Let  me  promife  myfelf  a  Communication  of 
your  Thoughts,  as  I  have  freely  tranfmitted  a 
Specimen  of  mine.  And  I  will  make  no  Scruple 

to 

*  Ccl.  ii,   -?. 


Let.  9«      Theron  to  Aspasio.  169 

to  acknowledge  the  Superiority  of  the  Ex- 
change s  that  I  receive 

Or,  as  the  eloquent  Ifaiab  fpeaks ;  For  Brafs 
you  will  bring  Gold,  and  for  Iron  you  will  bring 
Silver  * :  rendering  me,  by  this  Intercourfe, 
your  more  obliged,  though  it  is  fcarce  pollible 
for  me  to  be,  more  than  I  already  am. 

Tour  affeSlionate 

Theron. 

P.  aS.  Monfieur  Pafchal,  who  was  remarkably 
fond  of  Brevity,  makes  an  odd  Excufe  for 
tranfgreffing,  on  a  particular  Occafion, 
his  favourite  Rule.  He  intreats  his  Friend 
to  pardon  the  unufual  Length  of  his 
Epiftle,  by  afluring  Him,  T^hat  he  had 
not  Time  to  make  it  fiorter. — I  cannot,  it 
muft  be  confefled,  adopt  this  Philofopher's 
Apology.'  For,  I  have  purpofely  length- 
ened my  Letter,  with  a  View  of  fetting, 
in  this  one  Circumflance,  a  Pattern  for 
my  Afpajio, 

*  I/ai.  Ix.  17. 


LET- 


I  JO  AspAsio  /o  Theron.    Let.  10. 


LETTER       X. 

AsPAsio  to  Theron. 

Dear  Theron, 

IT H A N K  you  for  your  Letter y  becaufe  it 
entertains  and  improves  me :  I  thank  you 
for  your  Pojifcript,  becaufe  it  is  my  Encourage- 
ment and  my  Apology. 1  am  fet  down  to 

write,  with  a  copious  Stock  of  Materials.  It 
will  be  far  more  difficult  to  contra6f,  than  to 
anlarge.  I  muft  therefore  acknowledge  myfelf 
obliged  to  your  Candour,  for  alllgning  me  the 
ea/ier  Talk. — That  Prolixity,  which,  in  others, 
might  be  an  inexcufable  Fault ;  is,  in  me,  an 
A61  of  Complaifance,  and  Matter  of  Duty. 

Though  abfent  from  You,  I  went  with  You 
in  your  late  Ramble.  Your  defcriptive  Pen  has 
made  me  Partaker  of  the  ideal  Delight :  may 
Divine  Grace  enable  me  to  fliare  in  the  Jpiri- 

tual  Improvemefit ! When  you  difplayed  the 

Beauties  of  the  Morn,  breaking  forth  from  the 
Obfcurity  of  Night  -,  when  you  adopted  that 
noble  Afpiration  from  our  philofophic  Poet^ 
I  could  not  forbear  adding — "  Thus  may  the 
•^  gracious  GOD,  who  commands  the  Light  to 
'■'  Ihine  out  of  the  Midnight  Darknefs,  fhine 

"  into 


Let.  10.     AsPAsio  to  Theron.  171 

**  into  our  Hearts;  and  give  that  incompar- 
"  ably  glorious  Knowledge,  the  Knowledge  of 
"  his  bleffed  SELF !  Which,  though  difcern- 
<*  able  through  all  the  Tra6ls  of  Creation,  and 
"  derivable  from  every  Work  of  his  Almighty 
**  Hand ;  yet  no  where  beams  forth  with  fuch 
**  complete  and  fuch  amiable  Luflre,  as  in  the 
*'  Perfon  of  JESUS  CiiRZSr*."— Here  we  be- 
hold all  the  fublime  Perfe6lions  of  the  DEITY, 
not  only  manifefled  with  inimitable  Splendor, 
but  operating  for  our  own  Advantage.  We 
behold  them,  as  Job  fpeaks,  fo?^  Our/elves  -f ; 
and  cannot  but  receive  inexpreflible  Refrefli- 
ment  and  Joy  from  the  View. 

When  you  walked  beneath  the  Shade  of 
thofe  huge,  horrid,  and  enormous  Clefts ;  both 
amufed  and  alarmed  at  their  llupendous  Mag- 
nitude, and  frightful  Irregularity — When  you 
cafl  your  Eye  upon  the  wide-expanded  Sur- 
face of  the  Ocean When  you  furveyed  the 

far  more  unme'afurable  Arches  of  the  Sky 

And  meditated,  in  that  awful  Solitude,  on  the 
wildeft  and  moft  magnificent  Appearances  of 
Nature — I  felt  the  fame  Kind  of  devout  Afto- 
nifhment  with  yourfelf  While  the  Soul  was 
wrapt  mpenfive  Stilnefi,  and  pleafing  Dread  X^ 

mc- 

*  2  Cor.  iv.  6.  t  Joh  xix.  27. 

X  It  feems  to  have  been  fuch  a  Kind,  not  of  anxious  but 
of  pleafing  Dread,  which  feized  the  Difciples  on  the  Mount 
of  Transfiguration :  wav  yoi.^  iK(po^oi,  for  they  were  ftruck 
With  a  profound,  but  delightful  Awe.    Delightful,  otherwife 

Peier 


172  AsPAsio  /oTheron.     Let.  10, 

methought,  I  heard  a  Voice,  or  fomething  like 
a  Voice,  from  the  filent  Spheres,  as  well  as 
from  the  founding  Seas.  It  feemed  to  echo  back, 
what  the  mighty  Angel,  whom  "John  faw  fly- 
ing in  the  midft  of  Heaven,  once  proclaimed  -, 
"  Worfiip  HIMj  who  made  Heaven  and  Earthy 
"  and  the  Sea,  and  the  Fountains  of  Water  *. 
"  W^orfliip  Him,  who  ftretched  out  that  azure 
"  Pavilion  with  fuch  amazing  Grandeur :  who 
*'  meafured  yonder  World  of  Waters,  in  the 
"  Hollow  of  his  Hand  :  and  before  whom, 
*'  this  immenfe  Range  of  mountainous  Clifts, 
"  is  but  as  Dull  upon  the  Scale." 

When  you  defcribed  the  dijmal  Situation  of 
a  Wretch,  expofed  on  the  Edges  of  the  tre- 
mendous Precipice  -,  hanging  over  the  ragged 
Rocks,  and  the  unfathomable  Gulphs  and 
cleaving  only  to  a  flender,  treacherous,  break- 
ing Bough :  how  heartily  did  I  join  in  your 
adoring  Acknowledgments  to  that  kind,  inter- 
pofmg,  blelTed  Pland,  which  refcued  us  both 
from  an  infinitely  more  threatening  and  dread- 
ful Danger  !  Refcued  us,  as  Slaves^  from  the 
Dominion  of  the  Devil :  fnatched  us,  as 
Brands,  from  the  inextinguifliable  Burnings. 
And  bid  Us  (O  marvelous,  fuperabundant 
Goodnefs !)  bid  Us  poffefs  Xht  Liberty  of  Righ- 

teoufnefs  ^ 

Peter  would  not  have  propofed  to  build  Tabernacles  therCj  nor 
have  wilhed  to  continue  in  thofe  Circumftances,  Mari  ix.  6. 

*  Rev.  xiv.  7. 


Let.  10.     Aspasio/oTheron.  173 

teoulhelsj  bid  us  inherit  the  Kingdmn  of 
Heaven. 

When  You  mentioned  the  paft  Indolence, 
and  the  prefent  Fervour  of  your  Prayers,  I 
could  not  forbear  reiterating  my  Praifes  to 
GOD  on  your  Behalf.  This  is  a  Proof,  my 
dear  'Theron,  that  you  are  going  in  the  Way 
everlafting ;  for  it  is  written,  They  Jliall  corns 
with  Weepings  and  with  Supplications  will  1  lead 
them  *.  This  is  the  Work  of  the  PI  O  L  Y 
GHOST,  dwelling  in  your  Heart ;  for  what 
faith  the  Scripture  ?  7  will  pour  upon  them  the 
Spirit  of  Grace  and  of  Supplication  -f-.  And  our 
LORD  Himfelf  mentions  this,  as  the  Indica- 
tion of  a  true  Converfionj  Behold!  He  pray ^ 
eth  %. — Had  not  aSW  prayed  before  ?  Yes ;  and 
made  long  Prayers  too.  But  he  never,  till  that 
Inftant,  was  fenfible  of  his  undone  and  dam- 
nable Condition.  Never  cried  to  GOD  from 
the  Depths  of  his  Diftrefs,  or  from  the  Depths 
of  his  Heart.  Nor  ever  folicited  the  Throne 
of  Grace,  in  the  all-prevailing  Name  of  JE^ 

SUS  CHRIST. His  Prayers,  till  then,  were 

like  the  MoteSj  which  flu6luate  to  and  fro  in 
the  Air,  without  any  vigorous  Impulfe,  or  any 
certain  Aim.  But,  in  that  Hour,  they  were 
like  the  Arrow^  which  fprings  from  the  iirained 
Bowj  and,  quick  as  Lightning,  flies  to  the 
Mark. 

I 

^Jer,  xxxiii.  8.-       f  Zechar.  xii.  10.        %  /i^s'ix,  11, 


174  AsPAsio  to  Theron.     Let.  io. 

I  was  pleafeci  to  find  You,  in  the  Procefs  of 
your  Letter,  infenfibly  forgetting  the  Narra- 
tive ;  and  fo  engaged  by  the  Subject,  that  you 
ipoke  not  as  the  Relater,  but  as  the  Beholder, 

Thus  may  We  always  be  affected,  when 

We  fludy  the  Oracles  of  Truth.  Study  them, 
not  as  cold  unconcerned  Critics,  who  are  only 
to  judge  of  their  Meaning}  but  as  Perfons 
deeply  inter efied  in  all  they  contain.  Who  are 
particularly  addrefled  in  every  Exhortation, 
and  dire6led  by  every  Precept.  Whofe  are  the 
Promifes,  and  to  whom  belong  the  precious 

Privileges. When  We  are  enabled  thus  to 

realize  and  appropriate  the  Contents  of  that  in- 
valuable Book ;  then  we  lliall  tafle  the  Svveet- 
nefs,  and  feel  the  Power  of  the  Scriptures. 
Then  We  fhall  know,  by  happy  Experience, 
that  our  divine  MASTER'S  Words,  are  not 
barely  Sounds  and  Syllables,  but  they  are  Spi- 
rity  and  they  are  Life  *. 

1  was  flill  more  agreeably  entertained  with 
your  Picture  of  Commerce^  and  of  the  Advan- 
tages We  receive  from  Navigation.  One  Ad- 
vantage, however,  I  can  fpecify,  which  is 
greater  than  any,  greater  than  all.  You  have 
celebrated.  An  Advantage,  that  will  endear 
and  ennoble  Navigation,  fo  long  as  tlie  Sun 
and  Moon  endure.  The  Gofpel,  my  dear 
Friend,  the  glorious  Gofpel  came  to  our  Ifland 

through 

*  "John  vi.  63. 


Let.  lo.     AsPAsio  to  Tkeron.  175 

through  this  Channel.  The  Volume  that  com- 
prizes it,  and  the  Preacher  that  pubHflied  it, 
both  were  imported  by  Shipping.  And  may 
We  not  fay,  with  the  inraptured  Ifaiah  ?  How 
beautiful  are  the  Feet  of  them^  that  bring  glad 
Tidings  of  good  Things  *  /  It  is  pleafant  to  hear 
their  Voice  j  pleafant  to  contemplate  their 
Meffage ;  and  pleafant  even  to  behold  the 
Ground  on  which  they  trod,  or  the  very  Waves 

over  which  they  failed. This  made  the  holy 

Prophet  rejoice  in  Spirit,  when  he  fore  fa  w  the 
extenfive  Spread  of  his  MASTER'S  Glory,  and 
the  certain  Commencement  of  our  Happincfs. 
This  put  into  his  Mouth  that  afFe6i:ionate  and 
congratulatory  Addrefs^  which  is,  in  a  very 
particular  Manner,  directed  to  Us  and  our 
Countrymen :  Sing  unto  the  LORD  a  ?jew  Song, 
and  his  Praife  from  the  Ends  of  the  Earth :  ye 
that  go  doivn  to  the  Sea,  and  all  that  is  therein  -, 
ye  Ifles,  and  the  Inhabitants  thereof.  Let  the 
Wilderjiefs  and  the  Cities  thereof  lift  up  their 
Voice-,  let  the  Inhabit aiits  of  the  Rock  Jing,  let 
them  jhout  from  the  Top  of  the  Mountains.  Let 
them  give  Glory  unto  the  LORD  j  aftd  declare  hi$ 
Praife  in  the  Iflands  "f-. 

We  read,  in  Ezekiel,  of  the  moji  magnificent 
Fleet,  that  ever  ploughed  the  Seas.  The  Mafts 
were  of  Cedar  J,  and  the  Benches  of  Ivory. 

Fine 

*  Ifal.  lii.  7.         f  Ifai,  xlii,  lo,  II,  I2, 

X  E%ek.  xxvii.  5. 


176  AsPAsio  /o  Theron.     Let.  io. 

Fine  Linen,  beautified  with  Embroidery,  float- 
ed to  the  Winds,  and  formed  the  Sails.  Blue 
and  Purple  rigged  the  Veflel,  and  clothed  the 

ineaneft  Mariner. Let  Us  fuppofe,  that  the 

Freight  of  this  fplendid  Navy,  was  propor- 
tioned, in  Value,  to  its  fumptuous  Tackling. 
Yet  how  poor,  how  defpicable  were  either, 
were  both,  if  eftimated  with  the  Treafures  of 
the  Gofpel :  thofe  divine  T'reafures,  which  fpring 
from  the  Imputation  of  our  REDEEMER'S 
Righteoufnefs !  And  which  have  much  the 
fame  kindly  Lifluence  on  religious  Fra6lice,  as 
Navigation,  with  all  her  Improvements,  has 
upon  Traffic. — Give  me  leave  to  confirm  this 
Aflertion,  by  felefting  a  few  Inftances,  and 
applying  them  in  a  few  Interrogatories. 

One  of  the  Benefits,  proceeding  from  the 
Imputation  of  CHRIST^s  Righteoufnefs,  is 
Pardo?2.  Pardon,  not  partial,  but  complete.  A 
Pardon  of  each  Sin,  be  it  ever  fo  heiiious-,  si 
Pardon  of  all  Sins,  be  they  ever  fo  numerous. 
For  thus  faith  GOD  the  LORD,  who  fent 
both  his  Prophets  and  Apoftlcs,  preaching 
Peace  by  JESVS  CHRIS'T.  I  will  pardon  all 
their  Iniquities^  'whereby  they  have  Jinned,  and 
whereby  they  have  tranfgrejfed  againfi  me  -f-.— 
To  learn  the  defirable  Nature  of  this  Blefling, 
let  Us  flep  back  into  the  Annals  of  Hiftory, 

and 

*  y^r.  xxxiii.  8. 


Let.  loV      As  PAS  10  to  Theron.  177 

and  attend  a  traitorous  and  unhappy  Noble- 
man to  his  vindiBhe  Exit.  His  Body  is  de- 
manded by  the  Minifters  of  Juftice.  Reluc- 
tant and  trembhng  He  is  condu6led  to  the 
Scaffold.  There,  the  alarmed  Criminal  {t^s 
the  mourning  Block.  Sees  the  glittering  Ax. 
Sees  the  Coffin  prepared  for  his  Corpfe.  Sees 
thoufands  of  anxious  Spe6lators ;  waiting, 
with  eager  Looks  and  throbbing  Hearts,  the 
fearful  Cataftrophe.  In  a  Word  j  he  fees  Death 
advancing,  with  all  the  Solemnities  of  Horror 

and  Woe. Time  elapfes.     The  preparatory 

Ceremonies  are  difpatched.  The  fatal  Mo- 
ment is  arrived.  No  longer  Refpite  can  be  al- 
lowed. He  mufl  fubmit  to  immediate  Execu- 
tion. Accordingly  he  proflrates  himfelf  to  re- 
ceive the  Stroke.  But — feized  with  new  Ter- 
rors, at  the  poifed  Ax,  and  approaching  Blov/, 
He  ftarts  from  the  dangerous  PoUure. — Again 
he  bends,  and  again  fnatches  his  Neck  from 
the  impending  Edge.- — A  third  Time,  He  lifts 
his  pale  Countenance,  to  the  pitying  Crowds, 
and  departing  Light. — Once  more  He  bows  to 
the  Block,  and  once  more  raifes  his  Head,  in 
wififul  ExpeBatioji  of  the  royal  Clemency.— — 
Had  a  MefTenger  appeared,  at  this  critical  In- 
ftant,  with  a  Shout  of  Joy  upon  his  Tongue, 
and  a  fealed  Pardon  in,  his  Hand  3  O!  how 
tranfporting  the  News !  How  inexprejfihly  'wel- 
come the  Favour ! — What  was  denied  to  his  paf- 
VoL.  IIL        ■"         N  fionate 


178  AspAsio  io  Theron.      Let.  \q\ 

fionate  Defires ;  denied  to  the  importunate  So- 
licitations of  his  Friends  3  is  freely  offered  to 
Us  in  the  Gofpel  of  CHRIST:  a  Pardon  of 
infinitely  higher  Confequence;  which  oblite- 
rates Millions  and  Millions  of  rebellious  A6ls  : 
which  extends  its  blelfed  Effefts,  not  merely 
through  the  little  Span  of  Life,  but  beyond 
the  Gates  of  the  Grave beyond  the  Boun- 
daries of  Time through  all  the  Ages  of 

Eternity. 

How  unfathomable *is  that  immenfe  Flood, 
on  which  my  T'heron  lately  exercifed  his  Con- 
templation !  The  toiling  Plummets,  with  all 
their  Length  of  Cordage,  are  unable  to  find  a 
Bottom.  Were  the  hugefl  Millflones,  or  the 
highefl  Towers,  or  the  mofl  fpacious  Cities, 
caft  into  this  prodigious  Gulph,  they  would 
be  totally  overwhelmed,  and  irrecoverably  loft. 
Therefore  the  infpired  Prophet,  to  fhew  the 
boiindlefs  Extent  of  the  divine  Mercies  in  y£- 
SVS  CHR  IS  T,  and  to  denote  the  Fuhiefs  of 
their  Pardon  who  are  cleanfed  in  the  R  E- 
D  E  E  M  E  R's  Blood,  hath  illuftrated  both  by 
this  grand  Similitude.  "T/jou  wilt  cafi  all  their 
Sins  into  the  Depths  of  the  Sea  * — not  one,  or  a 
few,  but  all  their  Sins — not  barely  behind  thy 
Back,  but  into  the  Sea — and  not  into  the  fhal- 
lower  Parts,  but  into  the  very  Depths  of  the 

Ocean fo  that  they  fliall  never  rife  up  in 

Judg- 

•  Miih.  vii,  19, 


Let.  10.      AsPAsio  /«?  Theron,  179 

Judgment  i  never  be  taken  notice  of;  no,  nor 
ever  be  remembered  any  more. 

With  an  A61  of  total  Indemnity,  let  Us  join 

a   thorough   Refioratioii  to    Favour, If  the 

Wrath  of  an  earthly  King  be  as  the  Roai-ing  of 
a  Lion  *  ;  how  much  more  tremendous  is  his 
Indignation,  who  is  able  to  cafl  both  Body 
and  Soul  into  Hell!  If  the  Favour  of  an 
earthly  Sovereign  be  as  Dew  upon  the  Grafs-, 
how  much  more  defirable  and  delightful  HIS 
Loving-kindnefs,  whom  all  Things  in  Heaven 

and  Earth  obev! By  the  Righteoufnefs  of 

JESUS  CHRISr,  we  are  freed  from  all  fore- 
boding Apprehenfions  of  the  former,  and  efla- 
blifhed  in  the  comfortable  Pofleffiion  of  the  lat- 
ter. The  Gofpel  renews  and  ratifies  that  joy- 
ful Proclamation  of  the  angelic  Hofl,  Peace 
on  Earth,  and  Good-will  to  Men  -f-.  G  O  D  is 
not  only  pacified  towards  Believers,  but  well 
pleafed  with  them  in  his  dear  SON.  They  are 
the  Objects  of  his  complacential  Delight,  and 
He  rejoices  over  them  to  do  them  Good. 

Nay,  they  are  made  Children,  Sons  and 
Daughters  of  the  LORD  Almighty  t^  And  if 
Sons,  then  Heirs  of  GOD,  and  joint  Heirs  with 
CHRIST \\. — The  chief  Captain  mentioned  in 
the  ABs,  purchafed  his  Freedom  of  the  Impe- 
rial City  Roj}jey  vv'ith  a  great  Sum  of  Mo- 
ney. 

*  Prov.xlx.  12.  t  LukeVu  14.         %  2  Cor,  vi.  18. 

\  R?m,  viii.  17, 

N  a 


l8o  ASPASIO   to   T  HERON.         Let.   lO. 

ney  *.  If  fuch  a  little  tranfient  Immunity, 
was  fo  valuable  in  his  Efteemi  who  can  ex- 
prefs  the  Worth,  who  can  conceive  the  Dig- 
nity, of  this  divine  Adoption  ?  Yet  it  belongs 
to  Thofe,  who  receive  the  Gofpel,  and  are  in- 
terefted  in  CHRIST. — They  have  Accefs  to  the 
omnipotent  BEING  5  fuch  free  and  welcome 
Accefs,  as  a  beloved  Child  to  an  indulgent  Fa- 
ther. To  Him  they  may  fly  for  Aid,  in  every 
Difficulty ;  and  from  Him  obtain  a  Supply, 

in  all  their  Wants. GOD,  as  the  facred 

Charter  runs,  is  their  GOD.  All  his  love- 
ly, all  his  adorable  Perfe6lions,  are  their  glo- 
rious Inheritance,  and  exceeding  great  Re- 
ward. That  eternal  Power,  to  which  nothing 
is  impoffible,  exerts  itfelf  as  their  Guard-,  and 
that  unerring  Wifdom,  from  which  nothing 
is  concealed,  acls  as  their  Guide,  His  very  Ju- 
flice  is  no  longer  an  incenfed  Adverfary,  de- 
manding Vengeance  or  meditating  Deftruc- 
tion ',  but  a  faithful  Guarantee^  to  provide  for 
the  pundlual  Execution  of  the  REDEEMER'S 
Treaty,  and  their  complete  Enjoyment  of  its 

various  Bleffings. What  a  Privilege  is  this  ! 

Rather  what  a  Chiller  of  Privileges  is  Here ! 
Weigh  the  Kingdoms  of  the  World  -,  caft  all 
the  Glories  of  them  into  the  Scale ;  and  they 
will  be  found,  when  compared  with  thefe  di- 
vine Prerogatives,  emptier  than  the  Bubble 
that  burfls,  lighter  than  the  Spark  that  expires. 

In 


Let.  10.      Asp  A  sio  /<?  Theron.  iSi 

In  the  Gofpei  are  given  exceeding  great  and 
precious  Promifes.  Of  fuch  Value,  that  they 
were  procured  by  the  Blood  of  CHRIST-,  of 
fuch  Cerfai?ity,  that  they  are  ratified  by  the 
Oath  *  of  J  E  H  O  V  A  H.  So  durable,  that, 
though  all  Flefh  is  Grafs,  and  all  the  Good- 
iinefs  thereof  as  the  Flower  of  the  Grafs,  this 
Word  of  our  GOD  abideth  for  ever  -f-  -,  fo 
efficacious,  that  there  are  no  fuch  Cordials  to  re- 
vive our  fainting,  and  no  fuch  Bulwarks  to 
fecure  our  endangered  Souls.  With  thefe  the 
Bible  is  as  richly  replenifhed,  as  the  clear  mid- 
night Sky  is  befpangled  with  Stars.  They  are 
all  Tea  and  Amen,  configned  over  as  a  fure 
unalienable  Portion,  to  them  that  are  in  yESUS 

CHRIST^. 

Another  Benefit,  given  in  Confequence  of  the 
REDEEMER'S  Righteoufnefs,  is  the  fanBify- 
ing  SPIRIT.  A  moft  comprehenfive  Bleffing 
this!  Our  SAVIOUR  intimates,  that  it  in- 
cludes every  heavenly  Gift,  is  an  Aflemblage 
of  all  good  Things  ||, — How  fingular  a  Com- 
fort muil  it  be  to  blind  Bartimeus,  to  have  his 
Eyes  opened,  and  behold  the  all-chearing 
Light  of  the  Sun  §  !  So,  and  far  more  com- 
fortable, are  the  inlightening  Influences  of 
the  blefled  S  P I R I T  i  when  they  Ihine  upon 
the  wretched  Creature,  who  fits  in  Darknefs 

and 

*  Heb.  vii.  17.  f   I  Pet.  i.  23.  %  2  Cor,  i.  20. 

II  Compare  M&tt,  vii.  11.  with  Lukei^iu  13.  §  Mart 

N  3 


i82  Aspasio/oTheron.    Let.  lo. 

and  the  Shadow  of  Death. How  peculiar  a 

Mercy  for  the  impure  and  abhorred  Leper,  to 
be  healed  of  his  inveterate  Difeafe !  To  feel 
the  foothing  Senfations  of  Eafe,  where  Sores 
rankled  and  Pain  raged !  Inftead  of  infcebling 
Languors  and  loathfome  Deformity,  Vigour 
braces  his  Limbs,  and  Comelinefs  blooms  in 
his  Countenance  *.  Equally  benign  and  equal- 
ly falubrious,  is  the  Agency  of  the  Divine 
SPIRIT,  on  our  depraved,  polluted,  fenfual 

Minds. How  fignal  was  the  Recovery,  and 

how  welcome  the  Change !  When  that  un- 
happy Creature,  fo  wildly  agitated  by  a  viif- 
chievoiis  T)ccmon,  was  reinftated  in  the  peace- 
ful Pofielhon  of  Himfelf  and  his  Faculties  \ 
When,  inftead  of  unnaturally  cutting  his  own 
Flefli,  or  committing  barbarous  Outrages  on 
innocent  Travelers,  He  fat  compofed  and  at- 
tentive at  the  Feet  of  JESUS  -f  I  Receiving 
heavenly  Inftruclion  from  his  Lips,  and  learn- 
ing the  Meeknefs  of  Wifdom  from  his  Ex- 
ample. So  falutary  and  beneficial  is  the  tranf- 
forming  Power  of  the  HOLY  GHOST  the 
Comforter  i  foftening  the  rugged,  fweetening 
the  morofc,  and  calming  the  pafiionate  Tem- 
per.— It  is  undoubtedly  the  utmoft  Improve- 
ment and  the  higheft  Happincfs  of  our  Na- 
ture, to  have  the  Image  of  the  bleiTed  GOD  re- 
inftamped  on  our  Hearts.    This  is  an  Earneft, 

and 

*  Matt,  viii.  3.  t  MarJi  v.  15. 


Let.  10.    Asp  AS  10  /(?  The  RON,  183 

and  an  Anticipation  alfo,  of  endlefs  Felicity. 
A  Bud,  that  will  bloom  in  Heaven,  and  open 
into  immortal  Glory.  A  Dawn,  that  will  fhine 
more  and  more,  till  the  Sun  of  Righteonfnefs 
arifes,  and  brightens  it  into  everlafting  Day. 
This  Bud  the  fanftifying  SPIRIT  ingrafts,  this 
Dawn  the  Grace  of  our  LORD  JESUS 
CHRIST'  ditfufes,  in  the  barren  and  be- 
nighted Soul. 

In  a  Word ;  get  this  Righteoufnefs,  and  You 
have  a  Title  to  all  Bleffings,  whether  they  be 
prefent  or  future,  bodily  or  fpiritual,  temporal 
or  eternal.  From  the  neceflary  Conveniencies, 
of  Bread  to  eat,  and  Raiment  to  put  on ;  even 
to  the  Crowns  of  Glory,  and  the  Fulnefs  of 
Joy  J  a//,  ally  are  owing  to  our  REDEEMER'S 

Righteoufnefs. You  fee  now,  I'heroji,  That 

our  Scheme,  has  no  Tendency  to  impoverifh 
your  fpiritual  Condition,  or  diminifh  your  true 
Riches :  any  more  than  thofe  Tracts  of  Wa- 
ter, which  furround  our  Ifland,  are  detrimen- 
tal to  the  Wealth  of  its  Inhabitants.  Detri- 
mental !  No ;  they  are  an  inexhauftible  Source 
of  Treafure.  They  convey  to  our  Ufe  the 
choiceft  Accommodations,  and  the  moft  ele- 
gant Delights.  Such  as  would  in  vain  be  ex- 
pe6led,  if  the  whole  Ocean  was  converted  into 
the  fineft  Meads,  and  moll  fertile  Paftures.  So 
—but  to  apply  this  Comparifon,  would  fore- 
ilal  your  principal  Queilion. 

N  4  "  Do 


184         Aspasio/^^Theron.       Let.  10. 

"  Do  not  thefe  Favours,  though  unfpeak- 
"  ably  precious  in  themfelves,  tend  to  the  In- 
"  troduftion  or  Support  of  Ungodlinefs  ?" — 
Quite  the  Reverfe.  Have  We  Redemption 
through  our  SAVIOUR s  Blood,  even  the  For- 
givenefs  of  our  Sins  ?  We  are  redeemed,  not 
that  We  may  fmk  in  Supinenefs,  or  launch 
into  Licentioufnefs,  but  that  We  may  be  a  pe- 
culiar People,  zealous  of  good  Works  *. 

Are  We  made  the  Children  of  GOD?  Then 
let  our  Light  fo  fliine  before  Men,  that  others, 
feeing  our  good  Works,  may  glorify  our  FA- 
THER vv^hich  is  in  Heaven  -f-.  This  is  the  ge- 
nuine Confequence  of  fuch  a  Do6lrine,  and 
the  proper  Effe6t  of  fuch  a  Benefit. — Are  We 
vefted  with  facred  Privileges  !  This  fiiould  ad- 
monifh  us  to  walk  worthy  of  FIIM,  who  hath 
called  us  to  his  Kingdom  and  Glory  J.  Shall 
the  Citizens  of  Heaven  be  animated  with  no 
higher  Views,  than  tlie  Slaves  of  Appetite,  and 
Drudges  of  the  World  ? — Are  We  conflituted 
Heirs  of  the  Promifes  ?  The  Grace  which  they 
afcertain,  is  intended  to  make  Us  Partakers  of 
a  Divine  Nature  || ;  and  the  Encouragement 
which  they  adminifler,  fhould  incite  Us  to 
cleanfe  Ourfelves  from  all  Filthinefs  of  Flefh 
and  Spirit,  and  to  perfect  Holinefs  in  the  Fear 
of  GOD  §. — Such  high  Immunities  are  a  mod 

en- 

*  Tit.'ix.  14,         t  Mntf.  V.  16,         X  I  ^hefflut  12* 

fl    2  Pet.  \.  i.  ^2  C;;-.  vu.    I. 


Let.  10."      A  SPA  SI  o  /o  The  RON.  185 

endearing  Perfuafive,  not  to  difgrace,  but  mag- 
nify, not  to  provoke,  but  pleafe,  their  un- 
fpeakably  beneficent  AUTHOR. 

I  might  farther  obferve,  that  Holinefs  is 
one  of  the  moft  diftinguifhed  Bleflings  in  our 
Syftem.     Nay,  is  the  very  central  Blefling,  to 
which  all  the  others  verge  ;  in  which  they  all 
terminate. — Were  We  chofen  from  Eternity  ? 
It  was  for  this  Purpofe,  that  We  may  be  holy 
and  unblameable  in  Love  *. — Are  We  called 
in  Time  ?    It  is  to  this  Intent,  that  We  may 
fhew  forth  the  Praifes  of  Him,  who  hath  call- 
ed Us   out  of   Darknefs  into  his  marvelous 
Light  f. — Are  We  created agai?z  in  CHRIST 
JESUSF   It  is,  to  capacitate  Us  for  accept- 
able Service,  and  to  furnifh  Us  unto  every 
good  Work  J.     /  will  put  my  Spirit  within  Tou, 
faith  the  LORD.     For  what  End?    That  Te 
may  walk  in  7ny  Statutes^  and  keep  my  'Judgments^ 
and  do  them  §.     Here  comes  in  your  favourite 
Endowment,    fmcere   Obedience.     Far,   very 
far   from   difcarding   fmcere  Obedience,  We 
would  only  introduce  it,  under  its  due  Cha- 
rafter,  and  in  its  proper  Order.    JJiider  its  due 
Charadler ;  as  the  Fruit,  not  the  Caufe,  of  our 
Intereft  in  CHRIST  %  Righteoufnefs.     In  its 
due  Order;  as  following,  not  preceding,  the 
Gift  of  Juftification, 

Thefe 
*  Eph.  i.  4.  ^  I  iV/.  ii.  9.  X  E^h,  ii.  10, 


1 86  Aspasio/oTheron.      Let.  lo. 

Thefe  Privileges,  my  dear  T'heron,  are  falu- 
tary,  as  the  Pool  of  Bethefda'^.     They  are  re- 
florative,  as  the  Waters  of  Siloajn  -j-.     Or  like 
that  facred  Stream  flov/ing  from  the  ^aiiciuary, 
which  healed  the  Rivers,  healed  the  Sea,  and 
made  even  the  Defart  flourifh  J. — If  Juflifi- 
cation  by  the  Righteoufnefs  of  CHRIST  had 
a  Tendency  to  fubvert  the  Foundation  of  Ho- 
linefs ;  to  confirm  the  hypocritical  ProfefTor, 
in  his  Neglect  of  moral  Duties ;  or  difcourage 
the  fmcere  Convert,  from  the  Purfuit  of  real 
Virtue  ;  it  v^rould,  doubtlefs,  be  unworthy '  of 
any  Acceptation,  or  rather  worthy  of  univer- 
fal  Abhorrence.     But  I  dare  appeal,  not  only 
to  the  Nature  of  the  Doctrine,  and  the  Rea- 
fon  of  Things,  but  to  the  Experience  of  All 
— Yes,  of  all  who  have  tnjledy  that  the  LORD 
is  gracious^.     How  were  they  affe6led,  when 
they  have  been  enabled  to  believe,  that  GOD 
is  reconciled,    has   received  the  all-fatisfying 
Atonement,  and  placed  his  SON's  Righteouf^ 
nefs  to  their  Account  ?  That  He  regards  them 
as  his  Children,  and  will  receive  them  to  his 
Glory  ? Have  they  not,  under  /?/f/6  Convic- 
tions, felt  their  Hearts  exulting  with  confcious 
Joy  ;  and  every  Power  of  their  Soul  fpringing 
forwards,  to  glorify  their  heavenly  FATHER 
— glorify  Him  by  every  Inftance  of  Obedience, 
Fidehty,  and  Zeal  ? 

Can 

■   *  John  V.  4.  t  Jo^^fi  ix.  7.  %  £^^>  xlvii.  8,  9*1 

§  I  P(t.  ii.  3. 


Let.  10.      Aspasio/oTheron.  187 

Can  fuch  invaluable  Benefits  have  a  preju- 
dicial Influence  on  our  Pra6lice,  if,  to  the 
Confideration  of  their  fuperlative  Worth,  We 
add  that  unequaled  Price^  by  which  they  were 

purchafed? HE,  who  was  high  above  all 

Height,  humbled  Himfelf  to  be  made  of  a 
Woman,  and  born  in  a  Stable ;  that  We  might 
be  admitted  into  the  Family  of  GOD,  and, 
exalted  to  the  Manfions  of  Heaven.  And  will 
this  great  Humiliation,  which  is  the  Bafis  of 
our  Happinefs,  prompt  Us  to  look  down  with 
Contempt  on  Others,  or  entertain  arrogant 
Thoughts  of  Ourfelves  ? 

The  ONLY  BEGOTTEN  and  the  fupreme 
Delight  of  the  FATHER,  was  numbered  with 
TranlgrefTors,  and  ranked  with  Felons ;  that 
We  might  be  joined  to  the  innumerable  Com- 
pany of  Angels,  and  aflbciated  with  Saints  in 
Glory  everlafting.  And  will  any  One  make 
this  a  Precedent  or  a  Plea,  for  walkifjg  in  the 
Counfel  of  the  Ungodly  j  for  fianding  in  the  Way 
of  Sinners ;  or  fitting  in  the  Seat  of  the  Scor?i- 

All  manner  of  Evil  was  fpoken  of  the  fault- 
lefs  JESUS  5  his  blelfed  Name  was  vilified  by 
blafpheming  Tongues,  and  his  unblameable 
Condudl  blackened  with  the  fouleft  Afperfions; 
on  purpofe  that  We  may  be  applauded,  when 
We  are  judged  5  and  each  hear  thofe  tranf- 

porting 

*  Pfal.  I  I. 


1 88  Aspasio/oTheron.      Let.  lo. 

porting   Words,    Well    done    thou    good 

AND    FAITHFUL    SERVANT*!     Will    tllis    em- 

bolden  Us  to  diJl:o?2our  our  LORD,  and  Jlain 
our  holy  Profeffion  ?  Shall  We  from  hence  be 
induced  to  open  the  Mouths  of  his  Enemies, 
and  give  them  Occafion  to  fpeak  reproach- 
fully ? 

HE  v^^ent,  galled  with  the  Laflies  of  the 
Scourge,  and  penetrated  with  the  pungent 
Thorns  j  He  went,  loaded  with  the  execrable 
Crofs,  and  marking  the  Way  with  his  preci- 
ous Blood  J  thus  He  went  to  his  ignominious 
and  tormenting  Exit :  that  We  may  enter  into 
Sion  with  Songs  of  Triumph  on  our  Lips, 
and  with  everlafling  Joy  on  our  Heads.  Does 
this  invite  Us  to  go,  crowned  with  Rofe-buds, 
to  the  Houfe  of  Riot ;  or  go,  muffled  in  Dif- 
guife,  to  the  Midnight-Revel  f  Will  it  not  ra- 
ther incline  Us,  to  fit  down  at  his  pierced  Feet^ 
and  bathe  them  with  Tears,  and  take  Delight  f 
in  mourning  for  our  crucified  LORD? 

Behold  !  He  hangs  on  the  curfed  Tree. 
There,  there  He  hangs ,  rent  with  Wounds, 
and  racked  with  Pain.  He  pours  his  Groans, 
and  fpills  his  Blood.     He  bows  his  Head,  his 

patient 

*  Matt.  XXV.  21. 
•\  This  is  a  Cafe,  in  which  Homers  rtlapTrufxta-^x  yooio 
may  be  literally  and  moft  eminently  verified.  Iliad  "¥. — The 
Sorrow,  arifing  from  fuch  tender  and  grateful  Views  of  our 
crucified  LORD,  is  that  evangelical  godly  Sorrow,  which 
worketh  Repentance  unto  Salvation  not  to  h  repented  of,  2  Cor, 
?ii,io» 


Let.  10.      Aspasio/oTheron.  189 

patient  princely  Head,  and  dies — aflonifliing, 
ravifliing  Confideration  1  He  dies  for  Tou  and 
me.  And  will  this  harden  our  Hearts,  or  arm 
our  Hands,  to  crucify  Him  afrefh  by  any  al- 
lowed Iniquity  ?  Does  not  Reafon  fuggeft,  and 
Chriftianity  di6late,  and  all  that  is  ingenuous 
inforce,  the  Apoftle's  important  Inference  ?  If 
One  died  for  All,  then  they  which ^  live,  Jhoidd  not 
henceforth  live  unto  themfelves,  but  unto  Him 
which  died  for  them  "*. 

He  thought  upon  Us,  long  before  the  Foun- 
dations of  the  World  were  laid  j  He  remem- 
bers Us,  now  he  is  exalted  to  the  Right-hand 
of  the  MAJESTY  in  the  Heavens  s  and  will 
never,  never  forget  Us,  through  all  the  Revo- 
lutions of  Eternity.  And  is  this  a  Motive  to 
forget  his  Name  3  to  difregard  his  Word  ;  or 
to  imitate  the  fliameful  Neutrality  and  Indif- 
ference of  Gallio  ?  Imprefled  with  a  Senfe  of 
this  invariable  and  everlafting  Kindnefs,  furely. 
We  fhall  declare  Ourfelves,  as  thofe  Captives 
in  Babylon,  concerning  their  dear  native  City 
Jerufalem  :  If  I  forget  "Thee,  O  blefled  JESUS, 
Let  my  Right-hand  forget  her  Cunning  \  if  I  do 
not  remember  T'hee,  let  my  I^ongue  cleave  to  the 
Roof  of  my  Mouth  -f-. 

' Remember  'Thee  ! 

Ay,  my  dear  LORD,  while  Me?nory  holds  a 
Seat 

in, 

f  2  Cor,  V.  15".  t  -P/«/.  cxxxyii.  5,  6. 


ipo  AsPAsio  to  Theron.      Let.  io« 

Jn  this  devoted  Breajl — Remember  Thee  ! 
TeSy  from  the  liable  of  my  Memory 
III  wipe  away  all  trivial  fond  Records ^ 
Which  Touth  and  Obfervation  copied  there. 
And  thy  Remembrance  all  alone  fhall  live 
Within  the  Book  and  Volume  of  my  Brain  *. 

Is  it  polTible,  Therony  for  the  Contemplation 
of  fuch  Goodnefs,  to  weaken  the  Motives,  or 
relax  the  Springs  of  Obedience  ?  As  foon  may 
lenient  Balms  kill,  and  rankeft  Poifons  cure  ? 

Is  fuch  a  Behef  calculated  to  difcourage 

Duty,  and  patronize  Licentioufnefs  ?  Juft  as 
much,  as  venial  Showers  are  fitted  to  cleave 
the  Earth  v^'ith  Chinks,  or  Summer-funs  to 

glaze  the  Waters  with  Ice. When  Anthony 

made  an  Oration  to  the  Soldiers,  on  Occafion 
of  Ccefars  Death ;  when  He  fliewed  them  their 
honoured  Mafter's  Robe,  transfixed  with  fo 
many  Daggers ;  when  He  reminded  them  of 
the  Vi6lories  they  had  won,  under  their  afTaf- 
fmated  Commander;  when  He  farther  in- 
formed them,  that  their  murdered  General  had 
remembered  them  in  his  Will — had  bequeath- 
ed all  his  fine  Gardens,  and  beautiful  Walks, 

to  their  Ufc  and  Delight ; Heavens  !   How 

they  took  Fire !  Revenge  fparkled  in  their  Eyes : 
Revenge  flamed  in  their  Bofoms  :  Revenge  was 
all  their  Cry.     They  flew  to  the  Houfes  of 

the 
f  Shakcfpean, 


Let.  10.      AsPASio  if<?  Theron.  191 

the  Confpirators ;  laid  them  even  with  the 
Ground  j  and  had  they  met  the  Owners,  would 
have  tore  them  Limb  from  Limb. — Some  fuch 
Refentment  againft  Sin,  will  a  Senfe  of  our 
adored  REDEEMER'S  Sufferings  excite :  Ef- 
pecially,  when  fet  home  by  his  B  L  E  S  S  E  D 
SPIRIT,  and  confidered  in  Conne6lion  with 
thofe  deteflable  Iniquities,  which  caufed  them ; 
and  with  thofe  invaluable  Bleflings,    which 

were  procured  by  them. Nothing,  nothing 

is  fo  efFe6lual,  to  beget  the  moft  irreconcilable 
Abhorrence  of  all  Ungodlinefsi  to  make  the 
Remembrance  of  it,  bitter  as  Wormwood  ; 
the  Temptations  to  it,  horrible  as  Hell. 

Let  me  remind  You  of  an  Incident,  related 
by  your  favourite  Hiftorian  Xenophon, — Cyrits 
had  taken  captive  the  young  Prince  of  Armenia^ 
together  with  his  beautiful  and  blooming  Prin- 
cefs;  whom  He  had  lately  married,  and  of 
whom  He  was  paflionately  fond.  When  both 
were  brought  to  the  Tribunal,  Cyrus  afked  the 
Prince  j  what  He  would  give,  to  be  reinftated 

in  his  Kingdom  } He  anfwered,  with  an 

Air  of  Indifference ;  "  That,  as  for  his  Crown, 
"  and  his  own  Liberty,  He  valued  them  at  a 
"  very  low  Rate.  But,  if  Cyrus  would  reftore 
"  his  beloved  Princefs,  to  her  native  Dignity 
"  and  hereditary  Pofleflions,  He  fliould  infi- 
"  nitely  rejoice  5    and  w^ould  willingly   pay 


192  AsPASIO/i>THERON.         Let.  10. 

**  (this  He  uttered  with  Tendernefs  and  Ardour) 
"  would  willingly  pay  his  Life  for  the  Pur- 
"  chafe." — Could  fuch  a  Declaration,  fo  highly- 
endearing,  alienate  the  Affedlions  of  the  Prin- 
cefs,  or  induce  Her  to  violate  her  Fidelity  ? 
Let  her  own  Conduct  anfwer  the  Query. 
When  all  the  Prifoners  were  difmilTed  with 
Freedom,  it  is  impoffible  to  exprefs,  how  they 
were  charmed  with  the  royal  Generofity.  Every 
one  extolled  their  common  Benefa6tor  to  the 
Skies.  Some  celebrated  his  martial  Accom- 
plifhments.  Some  applauded  his  focial  Vir- 
tues. All  were  prodigal  of  their  Praifes,  and 
lavijh  m  grateful  Acknowledgments.  And 
You,  faid  the  Prince,  (addreffing  himfelf  to 
his  Bride)  what  think  You  of  Cyrus  "i — I  did 

not  obferve  Him,  replied  the  Princefs. Not 

obferve  Him  ! Upon  what  then  was  your 

^^Kention  fixed  ? — Upon  that  dear  and  generous 
Man,  who  declared,  "  He  would  purchafe 
"  my  Liberty,  at  the  Expence  of   his  very 

"  Life  ^''"." Was  her  Heart  imprefied,  were 

all  her  Thoughts  ingroffed,  by  that  benevo- 
lent Offer  ?  And  fliall  ours  be  lefs  affected  with 
the  incomparably  more  tender  and  endearing 
Love  of  CHRIST'? — He  was  not  only  willing, 
but  adfiially  laid  down  his  Life  for  Us  j  a  Life 
immenfcly  precious,  and  of  higher  Dignity  than 

all 

T«uT»v,     Xenoph.  Dt'  Cyri  Injht,  Lib,  III, 


Let.  10.     Aspasio/oTheron,  193 

all  Heavens. — He  laid  down  his  Life,  not  for 
amiable  Perfons,  or  worthy  Creatures,  but  for 
vile  Earth,  and  miferable  Sinners. — Fiirchajing 
thereby  for  Us  and  our  Children,  Privileges  of 
ineflimable  Worth,  and  of  everlafling  Dura- 
tion. 

Surely,  fuch  Beneficence,  fo  unmerited,  fo 
unequaled,  mufl  win  *  the  mofl  relu6lant,  and 
melt  the  moft  obdurate  Heart.  The  Heart, 
that  is  not  wrought  upon  by  this  Miracle  of 
Divine  CompafTion,  muft  be  Steel,  muft  be 
Adamant ;  quite  impenetrable,  and  abfolutely 
incorrigible. — "  OThou  ever  blefled,  thou  all- 
"  gracious  REDEEMER,  thy  Love  to  Us  is 
"  wonderful -J  pajjing^  I  will  not  fay,  the  Love 

''of 

*  Beneficia.,  fays  one  of  the  Antients,  qui  invemt,  Compe- 
des  invenit.  Which  fine  Sentiment  may  almoft  ferve  as  a 
Comment,  on  the  beautiful  and  tender  Declaration  of  GOD 
by  his  Prophet  Hofea  ;  I  drew  them  to  Obedience  with  Cords 
of  a  Man^  with  Bands  of  Love.  Chap,  xi,  14.  HE  who 
made,  and  intimately  knows  our  Frame,  knew  that  thefe 
Motives  would  be  moft  pov/erful  in  Operation ;  moft  power- 
ful on  Creatures,  capable  of  Love,  and  fufceptible  of  Gra- 
titude. Therefore  He  calls  them,  The  Cords  of  a  Man. — 
And  if  a  Deliverance  from  temporal  Bondage,  if  the  Settle- 
ment of  Ifrael  in  all  the  Plenty  of  Canaan^  conftituted  fo 
fweet  an  Incitement  to  Duty  ;  doubtlefs,  the  everlafling  Be- 
nefits mentioned  by  Jfpafio,  together  with  all  the  endearing 
Circumftances  of  their  Procurement,  muft  be  abundantly 
more  engaging.  — May  the  SPIRIT  from  on  High  rend  the 
Veil  of  Ignorance  and  Infenfibiiity  !  Let  into  our  Hearts  the 
Knowledge  and  Faith  of  thefe  great  evangelical  Truths  !  We 
(hall  then  want  no  farther  Demonftration,  either  of  the  Pro- 
priety of  the  Remark,  or  the  Efficacy  of  the  Principles. 

Vol.  Ill,  -  O 


194  AsPASio  io  Theron.     Let,  lo. 

"  of  Women  *,  but  the  Power  of  Language,  and 
*'  the  Reach  of  Thought !  Who  can  hold  out 
"  againft  fuch  charming  Attraclives  ?  Who 

*'  can  refift  fuch  heavenly  Goodnefs  ? Only 

"  let  a  Senfe  of  thy  Love  be  alu^ays  warm,  al- 
"  ways  operative  on  our  Minds.  This  fliall 
*'  be  inftead  of  a  thoufand  Arguments  to  en- 
**  gage,  inftead  of  ten  thoufand    Motives  to 

**  cjuicken  our  Obedience." Other  Motives 

may  produce  fome  eternal  Services,  or  hypo- 
critical Performances.  Terrors  may  extort  the 
Drudgery  of  the  Pland.  Bribes  may  gain  the 
Adulation  of  the  Tongue.  But  this  concili- 
ates the  Will  J  this  profelites  the  AfFedlions ; 
this  captivates  the  very  Soul  5  and  makes  all 
its  Powers  like  the  Chariots  of  Ammi-jiadib  -j-, 
ready,  expedite,  and  a<5live  in  Duty. 

Hear  the  holy  Apoftle,  giving  an  Account 
of  Himfelf  and  his  fpiritual  State.  He  fpeaks 
in  Language  fomewhat  fimilar,  though  greatly 
fuperior,  to  the  Profellion  of  the  Armenian  Prin- 

cefs. "  So. great  is  the  Glory,  fo  rich  is  the 

«'  Grace,  fo  fuperabundant  are  the  Merits  of 
*'nfy  REDEEMER,  that  I  am  determined  to 
«<  know  nothing  but  CHRIST  JESVS  and  Him 
"  crucified X" — Aik  the  fame  zealous  Apoftlej 
What  prompted  Him  to  fuch  indefatigable  Di- 
ligence, and  animated  Him  with  fuch  invin- 
cible Fortitude  ?  Why  did  He  decline  no  Toil, 

and 

*  2  Sam.  i.  25.        f  Cant,  vi,  12.         %  2  Cor,  ii.  2. 


Let.  10.     AsPAsio  to  TheRon.  19^ 

and  dread  no  Danger ;  rejoice  in  Tribulation ^ 
and  glory  in  the  Reproach  *  j  welcome  Perfe- 
cution,  and  defy  Death?  This  is  his  Reply j 
"  T^he  Love  of  CHRIST"  conjlraineth  •f'  me ;  bear- 
"  eth  me  on,  with  much  the  fame  fbrong,  ftea- 
"  dy,  prevailing  Influence,  which  Winds  and 
"  Tide  exert,  v/hen  they  waft  the  VefTel  to  its 
"  deftined  Harbour/' 

Shall  we  hear  what  another  Difciple,  one  of 
the  moft  advanced  Proficients  in  Divine  Love^ 

fays 

■  *  That  fupreme  Affeaion  to  the  blciTed  JESUS,  which 
reigned  in  the  Hearts  of  his  priinitive  Difcipies,  could  never 
have  been  fo  emphatically  difplayed  by  any  Strokes  of  Elo- 
quence, as  by  their  own  chearful  and  heroic  Manner  of  ex- 
prefling  themfelves,  with  relation  to  their  SufFerings, — Far 
from  regretting,  I  take  Pleafwe  {I'nys  the  Apoftle) /'«  y^/c- 
iions ;  and  embrace  them,  when  occurring  in  my  Divine  iVIA- 
STER's  Service,  with  a  real  Complacency,  ju^okw.  2  Cor. 
xii.  10.  — To  Tou,  adds  the  fame  Apoftle,  and  fpeaks  in  a 
congratulatory  Strain,  it  is  given  {s^oc^tcr^n)  as  a  defirable 
Privilege,  to  fuffer  for  the  adorable  JESUS,  Philip,  i,  29. 
— St.  Luke,  recor<iing  the  abufive  and  cruel  Outrages,  com- 
mitted on  two  Difcipies,  for  preaching  boldly  in  the  Name  ■ 
of  CHRIST,  ufes  a  Phrafe  remarkably  gallant  and  fpirited  : 
Tbey  departed  fran  the  Council  rejoicing,  o\i  y.izln^iui>n(Txv  a7t- 
jtAaorS-rvat,  thcft  they  were  counted  worthy  to  fuffer- Shame  \  had 
the  Honour  of  being  vilified  and  reproached,  in  fo  venerable 
and  glorious  a  Caul'e. — This  PaiTage  is  a  fine  Exemplinca- 
tion  of  the  Figure,  which  Rhetoricians  ftyle  Oxy?norum. 
And  Horace's — Duke  Periculum — Splendid}  mendax — j^vj  he- 

atus  Vulnere feem  fiat  and  jejune  upon  the  Comparifon, 

A^sw.  41. 

f  Could  You  ftation  a  Coward,  in  the  MiJfi:  of  a  nume- 
rous Army  advancing  to  the  Battle ;  or  rather,  could  You 
place  a  Boat  on  the  impetuous  Catarads  of  the  Nile;  You 
would  fee  what  is  meant  by  the  fignificant  Word,  (ru^?p^t-t 
3.  Cor,  V.  14.     - 

O  2 


1^6  Aspasio^oTheron.     Let.  io. 

fays  upon  the  Subje6l?  One,  who  learned  his 
Knov/ledge,  not  in  the  School  of  Philofophy, 
but  on  his  SAVIOUR'S  Bofom.  I'Jois  is  the  Love 
ej  GODi  that  we  walk  after  bis  Commandtnents  *. 
This  is  the  natural  Fruit,  this  the  certain  Evi- 
dence, of  Love  to  that  glorious,  tranfcendent, 
and  adorable  BEING.  What  ?  Not  that  We 
fupinely  negle6l,  much  lefs  that  We  profanely 
violate,  his  facred  Precepts ;  but  that  with  A{- 
fiduity  and  Delight,  We  make  them  the  P.ule 
cf  our  Conduct. — Charity  edijieth  -f- :  this  Di- 
vine Love,  far  from  razing  the  Foundations, 
far  from  demolifliing  the  Stru6lure,  buildeth 
lip  %  the  fair  Fabric  of  univerfal  Godlinefs. 

Let  me  borrow  an  Illuftration  from  your 
own  Leter.  When  a  Pebble  is  caft  into  the 
fmooth  Canal,  it  moves  the  Center,  and  forms 
a  Circle.  The  firft  creates  a  fecond :  the  fecond 
breaks  into  a  third :  they  continue  to  multiply 
and  expand  themfelves,  till  the  whole  Surface 
is  covered  with  circular  Undulations.  Thus, 
the  Love  of  an  all-gracious  REDEEMER  |(, 
when  ficd  abroad  in  the  Soul  by  the  HOLT 

GHOST, 

*  2john-ver.  6.         f  2  C^r.  viii.  i.          ij   OixcxJ'o/aej. 

jl  I  cannot  but  think,  the  Reafoning  is  much  more  juft, 
and  the  Principle  much  more  efficacious,  in  Afpafio\  Maa- 
ncr  of  ftating  the  Affair,  than  in  the  following  famous  Lines : 

Sclf-loz'c  hut  f ewes  the  virtuous  Mind  to  wakey 
As  thefmall  Pebble Jiirs  the  peaceful  Lake  : 
The  Center  mov'd^  a  Circle  Jirait  fucceeds, 
JwtberjVdli  andjlill  amtber  fpreads, 

Friendy 


L^t.  10.     AsPAsio  /(3  Theron.  197 

GHOST*,  will  diffufe  itfclf  through  every 
intelle6lual  Faculty,  and  extend  to  every  Spe- 
cies of  Duty.  Till  the  whole  Heart  is  filled 
with  the  Image,  and  the  whole  Bthaviour  re- 
gulated by  the  Law,  of  the  bleiTed  GOD. 

So  that  I  am  perfuaded,  there  is  a  great  deal  of 
Truth  and  Solidity,  as  every  One  muft  acknow- 
ledge, there  is  a  peculiar  Spirit  and  Beauty,  in 
the  Apoftrophe  of  our  Poet  s 

I'alk  they  of  Morals  ?  O  thou  bleeding  Love  I 
Thou  Maker  of  new  Morals  to  Mankind, 
The  grand  Morality  is  Love  of  THEE  -f. 

You 

Friend,  Parent,  Ne'tghhour,  firjl  it  will  cmhrace. 
His  Country  next,  and  next  all  human  Race : 
Wide  and  more  wide  tlj  Overflowings  of  the  Mini 
Take  every  Creature  in  of  every  Kind. 

Self-love  too  often  a6ls  on  the  Affeclions,  as  a  BJaft  on  the 
Leaves,  Jhrivels  and  contrails  them.  But  the  Love  of 
CHRIST,  like  a  vernal  Sun  on  the  tender  Buds,  opens  and 
expands  them  ;  till  they  become  wide,  as  the  Extent  of  his 
gracious  Redemption  ;  wide  as  the  Compafs  of  his  rational 
Creation. — By  Self-love  I  am  almoft  necefiarily  determined 
to  malign  the  Pcrfons,  who  crofs  my  Inclinations,  and  ob- 
ilrud  my  Interefts.  From  the  Love  of  CHRIST,  I  have  a 
cogent  Reafon,  and  a  moft  prevailing  Inducement,  to 
love  my  very  Enemies. — How  does  St.  Peter  analize  this 
Subject:?  Not  in  Mr.  Pope's,  not  in  Lord  Bolingbroke\  Me- 
thod. Godlinefs,  or  a  fupreme  Love  to  the  gracious  GOD, 
He  reprefents  as  the  Root  or  Trunk :  then  brotherly  Kindnefs^ 
or  an  afFe^lionate  Regard  to  Relations,  Friends,  Neighbours, 
as  fomc  of  the  grand  and  mafter  Branches  :  after  this  C/'i?- 
rity,  or  a  difFufive  Good-will  to  all  Mankuid,  as  the  Sprea-i 
of  Boughs,  which  complete  and  adorn  the  Tree.  2  Pet.  i.  7. 
*  Ro/n.  V.  3.  t  Night-Thoughts^  N"  IV. 

03 


jgS  AsPASio  to  Theron.     Let.  lo. 

You  mentioned  the  LoadfionCy  as  moft  fig- 
nally  and  moft  extenfively  ferviceable  in  the 
ica-farins:  Bufinefs.     Such  is  Faiths  fo  efhca- 
cious,  in  praclical  Chrijlianity. — This,  perhaps, 
You  think  a  fcanty  and  defcclive  Principle. 
The  Property  of  fliewing  the  northern  Part  of 
the  World,  may  feem  equally  mean  and  incon- 
fiderable.     But  as  the  one  is  the  very  Soul  of 
Navigation,  the  other  is  the  very  Life  of  Ho- 
linefs. — It  is  fomevv^hat  like  the  Stone,  which 
the  Babylonian  Monarch  fav^  in  his  Dream,  cut 
frofn  the  Rock  without  Hands  *.  Which,  though 
defpicable  to  human  Appearance,  was  mighty 
in   Operation  3  deftroyed  the  fuperb  Statue  j 
became  a  great  Mountain,  and  filled  the  whole 
Earth.     Thus  will  Faith  exert  and  difFufe  its 
kindly  Energy  j  to  every  Corruption,  that  it 
may  be  fubdued  i  to  every  Virtue,  that  it  may 
be  cherifhed, 

Faith  is  a  real  Perfuafion,  That  the  blefled 
JESUS  has  fhed  his  Blood  for  me,  and  fulfil- 
led all  Righteoufnefs  in  my  (lead:  that,  through 
this  great  Atonement  and  glorious  Obedience, 
He  has  purchafed,  &vQT\for  my  fmful  Soul,  Re- 
conciliation with  GOD,  fan6lifying  Grace, 
^nd  every  fpiritual  BlelTmg  -f*. 

When 

^^  Dan.  ii.  34. 

t  This  IDefinition  of  Faith  may  poflibly,  at  the  firft  View, 
ftartle  and  alarm  even  fome  pious  People.  But  if  they  pleafe 
to  take  it  in  ConncSlion,  with  that  Explanation  and  Adjuft- 
fnent,  which  are  delivered  in  the  ywr/^^w//;  Dialogue,  I  hope, 

all 


Let.  10.    AsPAsi o  /(?  Theron.  199 

When  the  ALMIGHTY  funk  the  Cavities 
of  the  Ocean,  and  replenifhed  them  with  the 
liquid  Element,  He  provided  an  inexhauftible 
Source  of  Moiflure,  for  the  Refrefliment  of 
every  Animal,  and  the  Nutriment  of  every  Ve- 
getable. In  like  manner,  where-ever  He  works 
this  true  Faith,  He  plants  the  Seed  of  imive?'" 
fal  Holinefs,  and  provides  for  the  Propagation 
of  every  Virtue.  This  Perfuafion  of  the  Divine 
Good-will,  overcomes  our  natural  Relu61ance, 
and  excites  a  fervent  Defire,  to  pleafe  our  molt 
merciful  FATHER.  This  Experience  of  the 
abundant  Grace  of  CHRIST'^  attrafts  and  af- 
fimilates  the  Soul  j  turning  it  into  his  amiable 
Likenefs,  "  as  the  Wax  is  turned  to  the  im- 
"  printed  Seal." — What  will  be  the  Language 
of  fuch  a  Perfon  ? 

"  Did  my  exalted  MASTER  empty  Himfelf 
"  and  become  poor,  that  his  moil  unworthy 
"  Servant  might  be  filled  with  all  the  Fidnefs  of 
"  God  *  ?  And  fliall  not  I  chearfully  deny  my- 
"  felf  the  expenfive  Pleafures  of  the  World, 
"  that  I  may  have  fomewhat  to  beftow  on 

"  his  needy  Children  ? Has  the  Death  of 

"  CHRIST,  as  a  Punifhment,  fatisfied  the  moil 
"  rigorous  Juflice  for  my  Sins ;  as  a  Price,  has 

"  it 

all  Caufe  of  DifTatisfadion  or  Surprife  will  vanifli.  The  Sen- 
timent, I  hope,  will  be  found,  not  only  comfortable  for  the 
Siimer,  but  agreeable  to  Scripture  i  and  truly  unexaptioful'lf, 
as  well  as  highly  defirable. 
*  Eph.  iii.  19. 

O  4 


2CO  AsPAsio  /<?  Theron.     Let.  10. 

"  it  redeemed  me  from  every  Evil  -,  and,  as  a 
''  Sacrifice,  made  my  Peace  with  GOD  Moft 
*'  High  ?  And  fliall  I  not,  by  thefe  Mercies  of 
*'  my  dying  LORD,  be  induced  to  prefent  all 
*'  the  Members  of  my  Body,  and  all  the  Fa- 
"  culties  of  my  Soul,  as  a  living  Sacrifice  *  to 
"  his  Honour  ?  To  be  employed  in  his  Service, 

"  and  refigned  to  his  Will  ? Do  I  believe, 

"  that  my  SAVIOUR  has  not  only  refcued  me 
^'  from  Hell,  but  eftabliflied  my  Title  to  all 
"  the  BleJJings  included  in  the  Promifes,  and 
"  all  the  Felicity  laid  up  in  Heaven  ?  And  can 
''  I  negle6l  to  feek  thofe  invaluable  BlefTings,  or 
-**  forbear  to  afpire  after  this  immenfe  Felici- 
"  ty  ?  Can  I  be  fo  ungrateful  as  to  affront,  fo 
"  infetifible  as  to  forget,  the  infinitely  beneficent 

"  Procurer  of  both  ? Am  I  perfuaded,  that 

"  the  Prince  of  Peace  is  entered  into  Glory  as 
*'  my  Forerunner  -f*,  and  has  prepared  Manfions 
"  of  Blifs  for  my  final  Reception  ?  And  fliall  I 
*'  not  follow  Him  thither  in  my  Hopes  and 
**  my  Affections  ?  Be  as  a  Pilgrim  below,  and 
^*  have  my  Converfation  above  ? — Is  not  this 
**  a  moft  fweet  and  efi'e6lual  Method  of  gain- 
**  ing  my  Heart;  and  if  my  Heart,  then  all 
^*  my  Powers,  to  his  blefled  Self  ?" 

Such,  my  dear  T'heron,  will  be  the  EffeBs  of 
Faith.  Therefore,  it  is  not  in  vain,  much  lefs 
Xo  the  pifcouragement  of  real  Virtue,  that  the 

Scrip- 
f  ^om.  xii,  I.  f  Hel>,  vi.  20, 


Let.  10.     AsPASio  to  Theron.  201 

Scripture  lays  fuch  a  Strefs  upon  Faith  :  fo  fre- 
quently urges  the  Importance  and  Necefllty  of 
Faith :  reprefents  Faith,  as  the  principal  Work 
of  the  Divine  SPIRIT,  and  the  great  Inftru- 
ment  of  receiving  Salvation.  Becaufe  it  is  a 
fure,  a  fovereign  Means  oi  purifying  the  Heart  *, 

and  never  fails  to  work  by  Love  '\. Was 

Faith,  as  fome  People  are  apt  to  imagine,  like 
a  Candle  put  under  a  Bufhel,  or  like  the  Lamps 
that  burn  in  Sepulchres ;  it  would  then  be  an 
infignificant  Labour  to  inculcate  it,  and  no 
better  than  an  empty  Flourilh  of  Words,  to 
celebrate  it.  But  nothing  is  more  certain,  than 
that  Faith  is  a  vital^  an  operative^  a  vi5iorious 
Principle. 

CHRIST  IS  a  Store-houfe  of  all  Good. 
Whatever  is  neceflary  to  remove  our  Guilt, 
whatever  is  expedient  for  renewing  our  Na- 
ture, whatever  is  proper  to  fit  Us  for  the  eter- 
nal Fruition  of  GOD,  all  this  is  laid  up  in 
CHRIST.  ■  All  this  is  received  by  Faith,  for 
Application,  Ufe,  and  Enjoyment. — Accord- 
ingly, when  Zacchem  believed.  He  com- 
menced a  new  Man :  his  Bowels  yearned  with 
Companion :  the  rapacious  Publican  became  a 
Father  to  the  Poor  J,  and  a  Friend  to  the 
Needy  in  his  Diftrefs.  —  When  the  Macedonia 
ans  BELIEVED,  how  eminently  was  their  Spi- 
rit ennobled,    and  their  Practice  improved! 

Though 
f  4^s  xy.  ^.         t  Gal  V.  6.         X  Lnke  xix.  %, 


202  The  RON  io  Aspasio.     Let.  lo. 

Though  prefled  with  Afflictions,  their  Souls 
overflowed  with  Joy  ;  and  even  in  the  deepeft 
Poverty,  they  fignahzed  themfelves  by  the 
Abundance  of  their  Liberahty  *. — When  the 
jirji  CowoerU  believed,  the  Change  in  their 
Behaviour  was  fo  remarkable,  the  Holinefs  of 
their  Lives  fo  exemplary  j  that  they  won  the 
Favour,  and  commanded  the  Refpccl,  of  all  the 

People  '\. In  fhort  j  it  is  as  impoffible  for 

the  Sun  to  be  in  his  meridian  Sphere,  and 
not  to  diffipate  Darknefs,  or  diifufe  Light  -,  as 
for  Faith  to  exift  in  the  Soul,  and  not  exalt 

the  Temper,  and  meliorate  the  Conduft.- 

That  my  dear  Theron  may  be  ejlablifiedm  Faith, 
may  encreafe  in  Faith,  may  abound  in  Faith,  is 
the  moft  affeftionate  Wifli,  that  Thought  can 
fuggeft,  or  Friendftiip  adopt.  May  his  Faith 
therefore  be  eftablifhed  like  the  Mountain- 
Oaks  }  enlarge  like  the  progreffive  Stream  ;  till 
it  fwells  and  fpreads  like  the  overflowing 
Flood +  ! 

I 

*  2  Cor.  viii.  2.  Here  is,  efpecially  in  the  Original,  as 
fine  an  Antithefn^  perhaps,  as  ever  was  penned.  Since  my 
Jaft  Notes  were  fo  copious,  I  fhall  forego  the  Pleafure  of 
particularizing  the  Beauties  of  this  Claufe.  I  leave  it  to  the 
Lover  of  facred  Literature,  to  admire  the  Apoftle's  Ex- 
preflion,  to  be  charmed  with  the  Spirit  of  the  Macedonicm 
Believers,  and  to  derive  Edification  from  both. 

f  A6ls  ii.  47. 

\  Thefe  Images  We  may  venture  to  ftyle  beautiful,  be- 
caufe  they  are  borrowed  from  the  Apoftle ;  ^fSatB/xEvoi  £u 
th  •srfr£».  Col.  ii.  7.  7n-po>to7rri  thj  suTiui,  Phil.  i.  25. 
v^sTE^au^avjt  7]  TTjpf.  2  Thejf.  i.  3. 


Let.  II.     AsPAsio  to  Theron.  203 

I  intended  to  have  clofed  my  Letter,  and 
confirmed  my  Point,  by  a  very  memorable  Storv. 
But  however  your  Patience  may  perfevere,  my 
Time  fails,  and  my  Hand  is  weary.  The 
next  Pofl,  if  nothing  unexpe6led  intervenes, 
fhall  bring  You  the  Sequel.  May  it,  when 
brought  to  my  Friend,  be  as  a  Nail  fafteiied  in 
a  jure  Place,  and  give  the  Rivet  of  Conviction 
to  all  thefe  important  Truths ! — In  the  mean 
Time,  or  rather  at  all  Times,  I  remain 

Cordially  and  invariably  TourSy 

A  s  p  A  s  I  o. 


LETTER    XI. 

AsPAsio    to    Theron, 

.    Dear  Theron, 

F^  AIT H  in  the  imputed  Righteoufnefs  of 
JESUS  CHRIST  is  a  fundamental  Prin^ 
ciple,  in  that  invaluable  Syftem  of  facred  and 
divine  Philofophy — the  Gospel.  By  which 
the  HEAVENLY  TEACHER  is  continually 
training  up  Millions  of  rational  and  immor^ 
tal  Creatures,  for  the  true  Perfedion  of  their 

Nature  -, 


204  AsPAsio  fo  Theron.     Let.  II. 

Nature  j  for  the  final  Fruition  of  their  GOD  5 
or,  in  other  Words,  for  a  State  of  confummate 
Happinefs  and  everlalting  Exaltation. — In  this- 
School,  may  You  and  I  be  humble  Students, 
and  daily  Proficients  !  While  Others  are  ambi- 
tious of  glittering  Diftin6lions,  and  founding 
Titles,  may  it  be  our  higheft  Aim,  our  great- 
efl  Glory,  to  anfwer  the  Charadler — of  Be- 
lievers !  By  this  Chara6ler,  the  fupreme  LORD 
diilinguifhes  his  chofen  People,  and  denomi- 
nates the  Heirs  of  Salvation. This  Charac- 
ter Hands  faireft  in  the  Book  of  Life,    and 

brighteil  in  the  Annals  of  Eternity. This 

Character,  hov^ever  negle6led  or  difefteemed 
among  Men,  will  be  remembered  and  had  in 
Honour,  when  the  pompous  Names  of  State/- 
?nan  and  Generalijjimo  are  known  no  more. 

As  Faith  is  of  fuch  fmgular  and  extenfive 
Efficacy  in  genuine  Chriftianity,  methinks,  I 
would  have  all  our  Meditations  terminate  on 
its  glorious  Object,  and  be  calculated  to  invi- 
gorate  fo  beneficial  a  Principle. — When  we  re- 
fle6l  on  that  flupendous  A61,  the  Creation  of 
the  World  out  of  Nothing ;  let  Us  remem- 
t)er,  it  was  HIS  A61,  who  obtained  eternal 
Redemptiojifor  Us.  When  we  contemplate  that 
immenfe  Theatre  of  Wonders,  the  Heavens 
and  their  fliining  Hofts ;  let  Us  not  forget, 
that  they  are  all  HIS  Work,  who  brought  in 
everlajiing  Right eouf?iefs  for  Us. — Do  We  turn 

our 


Let.  II.     AsPASio  /(?  Theron.  205. 

our  Thoughts  to  the  Ocean,  that  fpacious  and 
magnificent  Canal,  which  covers  more  than 
half  the  Globe  ?  It  was  formed  by  H/aS  Word, 
and  is  obedient  to  HIS  Will,  who  loved  Us  and 
wafied  Us  from  our  Sins  in  his  own  Blood.  Do 
We  take  a  View  of  the  Earth,  that  grand  and 
inexhauflible  Magazine,  which  furnilhes  fuch 
a  MultipHcity  of  Conveniencies,  for  fo  many 
Minions  of  Creatures  ?  It  is  all  HIS  Property, 
and  wholly  at  HIS  Difpofal,  who  e?nptied'^ 
Himfelf  for  pur  Sake,  and  had  not  where  to  lay 
his  Head. — For  thus  faith  the  infpired  Philo- 
fopher ;  thus  faith  the  Oracle  of  Faith  3  All 
*I'hings  were  made  BT  Hi^n^  and  FOR  Him. 

The  great  CREATOR  has  enriched  this  ha- 
bitable Globe  with  a  Profufion  of  Good.  He 
has  adorned  it  with  a  Variety,  an  Order,  and 
a  Beauty,  which  are  perfe6lly  charming.  He 
has  ennobled  it  with  a  Dignity,  a  Sublimity, 
and  a  Grandeur,  which  are  at  once  delightful 
and  aftonifliing.  In  all  this,  Reafon  cannot 
but  difcern  a  clear  Manifeftation  of  Power,  a 
bright  Difplay  of  Wifdom,  and  a  rich  De- 

monflration    of    Benignity. -But   will   the 

CREATOR  himfelf  vouchfafe  to  be  made 
Flefh,  on  Purpofe  that  He  may  obey  and  die 
for  his  guilty  Creatures  ?  This  is  what,  nei- 
ther the  utmoft  Penetration  of  Men,  nor  the 
very  fuperior  Intelligence  of  Angels,  could 
ever  have  demonftrated,  difcovered,  or  con- 
ceived, 

J  Exivwfl-fv  wvTpi',  Phil,  ii,  7. 


2o6  AsPAsio  to  Theron.     Let.  ii. 

ceived.  This  exceeds  whatever  the  Elements 
have  produced,  v^hatever  the  Sun  has  beheld, 
as  much  as  the  Extent  and  Magnificence  of 
the  planetary  Syftem  exceed  the  Dimenfions 

and  the  Furniture  of  a  Shepherd's  Hut. 

To  reveal  this,  is  the  blefled  Peculiarity  of 
the  Gofpel.  To  know  this,  is  the  diftinguifh- 
ing  Prerogative  of  a  Believer.  To  apply  this, 
to  dwell  upon  this,  to  conneSf  this  with  all  our 
Obfervations  of  the  Univerfe,  fhould  be  our 
favourite  and  habitual  Employ.  This  will 
improve  Wonder  into  Devotion,  and  raife  the 
Delights  of  Science  into  the  Joy  of  Salvation. 
This  will  render  every  philofophical  Specula- 
tion a  Strengthener  of  our  Faith ;  and  make 
the    various    Scenes  of  Nature,  a  Guide   to 

Grace,  and  a  Step  to  Glory. When  this  is 

done,  then  all  Things  attain  their  proper  End ; 
and  as  they  are  by  CHRIST,  fo  they  are /or 
CHRIST. 

But  I  forget  myfelf,  my  Bufmefs,  and  my 
Promife.  I  am  to  eftablifli  the  Point  by  in- 
conteftable  Fa6l,  not  to  embellifli  it  by  loofe 
Harangue.  With  Pleafure  I  addrcfs  myfelf  to 
difcharge  my  Obligation  j  and  exemplify,  in  a 
very  memorable  Inftance,  the  Power  of  Faith 

on  religious  Pra6lice. From  whence  fliall  I 

fetch  my  Exemplification  ?  From  the  Memoii-s 
of  the  indefatigable  Apoflle  of  the  Gentiles  ? 
Here  I  find  one,  moft  concifely,  and  at  the 
fame  Time  moft  forcibly  difplayed. 

Jfter 


Let.  II.     AsPAsio  to  Theron.  207 

After  thefe  Thijigs  were  ended,  fays  the  facred 
Hiflorian,  Paul  purpofed  in  the  Spirit ,  when  He 
had pajjed  through  Macedonia  and  Achaia,  to  go 
to  yerufalenij  faying.  After  I  have  been  there,  I 

mufi  alfo  fee  Rome  * Who  can  obferve,  and 

not  admire,  this  plain  unambitious  Manner 
of  relating  a  Series  of  Labours,  the  moft  iig- 
nally  fuccefsful,  and  moft  extenfively  ufeful  ? 
Nothing  in  human  Condu6l  ever  furpaffed  the 
Greatnefs  of  the  one,  and  perhaps  nothing  in 
hiftorical  Compofition  ever  equaled  the  Sim- 
plicity  of  the  Other. 

St.  Paul  had  already  reduced  Ephefas  and 
Afta  to  the  Obedience  of  CHRIST.  Pie  had 
already  brought  Macedonia  and  Achaia  into 
Subje6lion  to  the  Gofpel.  He  had  long  ago 
erected  the  Standard,  and  fpread  the  Triumphs 
of  Chriftianity  in  the  Regions  of  Arabia.  Yet, 
as  if  He  had  hitherto  atchieved  nothing,  He 
bends  his  Forces  towards  Jerufalejn.  Then 
he  marks  out  Ro?ne  for  the  Seat  of  his  fpiritual 
Warfare.  After  this,  he  forms  the  fame  be- 
neficent Defign  upon  Spain :  including,  in  his 
comprehenfive  Plan,  the  Metropolis  and  the 
Boundaries  "f  of  the  World. — The  Univerfe  is 

but 

*  y^^s  xix.  21. 

t  Spain  was  then  fuppofed  to  be  the  Boundary  of  the 
Wejiern^  as  the  Ganges  was  reckoned  the  Extremity  of  the 
Eajiern  World. 

Omnibus  in  Terris  qua  funt  a  Gadibus  ufque 
Auroram  ^  Gangen,  Juv.  Sat.  x. 


2o8  AsPAsio  /o  Therom.      Let.lii 

but  jufl  large  enough,  to  be  the  Scene  of  his 
Adion ;  and  He  never  difcontinues  the  chari- 
table Campaign^  but  with  the  lail  Breath  of  his 
Life. 

Whicli  of  your  Alexanders^  which  of  your 
CcefarSy  v/hich  of  all  the  Heroes  celebrated  in 
Grecian  or  Roman  Story,  can  vie  with  the  Zeal 
and  Magnanimity  of  this  poor,  defpicable 
Tent-maker  ?  So  poor^  that  he  was  conftrained 
to  work  with  his  own  Hands,  for  a  Morfel  of 
Bread  :  fo  defpicable^  that  fometimes  He  had 
fcarcely  Clothes  to  cover  his  Nakednefs,  and 
was  frequently  treated  as  the  OfFscouring  of 
all  Things.  Notwithflanding  all  thefe  Dif- 
couragements,  what  did  He  not  attempt,  what 
did  He  not  accomplifli,  for  the  Honour  of 
his  MASTER,  and  the  Good  of  his  Fellow- 
creatures  ? He  embarks  in  a  Shallop  j  He 

has  neither  Shield  nor  Spear ;  yet  he  pur- 
pofes  to  command  the  Ocean,  and  conquer 
the  Globe.  What  Greatnefs  of  Soul  was  here  ! 
He  experts  *  nothing  but  Poverty,  Contempt, 
and  Death  J  yet  his  Heart  is  big  with  the 
Hope  of  enriching,  ennobling,  and  faving 
Ages  and  Generations.  What  Benevolence  of 
Spirit  was  this ! Should  you  inquire,  con- 
cerning this  illuilrious  Champion  of  the  Crofs  3 
Who  were  his  potent  Auxiliaries  ?  None  but 
the  Divine  SPIRIT. — ^^What  were  his  mighty 

Weapons  ? 
*  J^s  XX.  23. 


Let.  ir.  AspAsio  ^^Theron.  209 
Weapons  ?  Nothing  but  the  Word  of  Grace. 
Whence  proceeded  his  intrepid,  his  enter- 
prizing,  his  all-conquering  Refolution  ?  On- 
ly from  Faith,  a  lively  Faith  in  yESUS 
CHRIST. 

This,  I  think,  is  a  fufficient  Confirmation 
of  my  Do6lrine. Neverthelefs  I  have  ano- 
ther Inftance  to  produce.  One  that  was  ex- 
hibited in  an  Age,  when  the  glorious  Objedl 
of  our  Faith,  fhone  with  dim  Lullre,  and 
with  diftant  Beams.  Yet  it  may  juftly  be  ad- 
mired, and  will  hardly  be  eclipfed,  by  the 
moft  inlightened  among  the  Chrijiian  Saints. 

To  keep  You  no  longer  in  Suipence,  the 

Cafe  I  mean,  is  that  which  Mofes  records,  and 
the  Apoftle  celebrates.  By  Faith  Abrahanty 
when  he  was  tried^  offered  up  Ifaac  :  and  He  that 
had  received  the  Promifes,  offered  tip  his  only  be- 
gotten Son^. — As  this  is  fo  fmgular  an  Exam- 
ple of  the  efficacious  and  triumphant  Opera- 
tion of  Faith  ;  unequaled  in  any  Nation  of 
the  World,  or  under  any  Difpenfation  of  Re- 
ligion i  You  will  give  me  leave  to  dwell  a  little 
on  fome  of  its  marvelous  Circumftances. 

Abraham  was  an  eminent  and  difllnguifhed 
Servant  of  the  Mofl  High  GOD.  Favoured 
with  peculiar  Manifeftations  of  the  Divine 
Will,  and  dignified  with  the  honourable  Title 

of 

_  *  Hcb,  xi.  17. 

Vol.  III.  P 


210  Aspasio/oTheron.     Let.  ii. 

of  his  maker's  Friend*.  Yet  even  this 
Man,  is  harafled  with  a  long  Succeflion  of 
Troubles ;  and,  which  was  reckoned  in  thofe 
Ages  the  moft  deplorable  Calamity,  goes  child- 
lefs  •^. 

Long  He  waits,  worfhiping  GOD  with  the 
mofb  patient  Refignation.  At  length,  an  Oracle 
from  the  LORD  gives  Flim  Hope,  gives  Him 
AfTurance  of  a  Son.  Joyfully  he  receives  the 
Promife,  and  refts  in  humble  Expeftation  of  its 

Accomplifhment. Several  Years  run  their 

Rounds,  but  no  pleafmg  Infant  prattles  in  his 
Arms,  or  is  dandled  upon  his  Knees.  At  lafl,  the 
Handmaid  becomes  pregnant.  But  what  a  DiJ- 
appointment  was  here !  This  is  the  Son  of  the 
Bond-woman,  not  of  the  free. 

How  affli6ling  the  Cafe  of  this  excellent  Per- 
fon  !  His  Kinsfolk  and  Acquaintance  fee  their 
Olive-branches,  flourifliing  round  about  their 
Tables.  Even  his  ungodly  Neighbours  have 
Children  at  their  Defire,  and  leave  the  Refidue 
of  their  Subflance  for  their  Babes.  But  Abra- 
ham,  the  Worfhiper  of  the  ALMIGHTY, 
the  Favourite  of  Heaven — this  Abraham  is  de- 
ftitute  of  an  Heir,  to  fupport  his  Name,  to 

pro- 

*  2  Chron.  xx.  7.     Ifai.  xli.  8. 

t  There  was  fo  much  Gall  in  this  Calamity,  that  it  embit- 
tered every  other  Species  of  Happinefs.  Vilited  by  this  Af- 
fliction, the  Patriarch  could  tafte  no  Joy  in  his  late  fignal 
Viflory  \  all  his  worldly  Profperity  was  infipid  ;  and  He  feems 
to  have  been  incapable  of  relifhing  any  other  Comfort  \  JFhat 
tv.'It  Thou  give  mcy  feeing  I  go  cbildlefs  ?  Gen.  xv.  2. 


Let. 1 1.     Aspasio/(?Theron.  211 

propagate  his  Family,  and  inherit  the  Bleffing. 
— O  the  Straits !  to  which  the  BeUever  is  fome- 
times  reduced  !  How  does  a  fovereign  Provi- 
dence try  his  Faith,  as  it  were  in  a  Furnace 
of  Fire !  Not  that  it  may  be  confumed,  but 


efined,  and  come  forth  with  augmented  Luflre; 
to  the  Praife  of  ever-faithful ^  all-fufficient  Grace. 

G O D  is  pleafed  to  renew  the  Giant,  and 
afllire  Him  more  expHcitly,  That  Sarah  fliall 
have  a  Son.  But  this  Notice  comes  at  a  very 
late  Period  in  Life ;  when  Sarah  is  advanced 
in  Years,  and  too  old,  according  to  the  Courfe 
of  Nature,  to  conceive.  However,  the  pious 
V2itv\.2LVch.Ji aggers  ?iot  through  Unbelief -,  but  hopes 
even  againft  Hope  *  .? — Is  it  improbable  ?  Is  it 
difficult .?  Nay,  is  it  to  all  human  Appearance 
impoffible  ?  So  much  the  fitter  for  the  Exer- 
tion, and  fo  much  the  more  proper  for  the  Dif- 
play  of  Almighty  Power. 

At  laft,  the  Gift,  fo   earnellly   defired,   is 

vouchfafed.     Sarah  has  a  Child a  Son an 

Ifaac.  One  who  fhould  be  a  Source  of  Confo- 
lation  and  Delight  to  his  Parents  j  fliould  fill 
their  Mouth  with  Laughter  -f-,  and  their  Tongue 
with  Joy. — With  tender  Care,  doubtlefs,  this 
pleafant  Plant  is  reared.  Many  Prayers  are 
put  up,  for  his  long  Life,  and  great  Happi- 
nefs.     The  fond  Parents  watch  over  Him,  as 

over 

*  Rom.  iv.  18,  20. 

t  Pfah  cxxvi.  Z,  This  is  the  Im^^ort  of  the  //f^r^Name 
Jfaac. 

P    2 


212  AspAsio  to  Theron.     Let.  ii. 

over  the  Apple  of  their  own  Eye.     I'heir  Life 

is  bound  up  in  the  Life  of  the  Lad. He 

grows  in  Grace,  as  he  grows  in  Stature.  So 
amiable  is  his  Temper,  and  fo  engaging  his 
Behaviour,  as  could  not  fail  of  endearing  him 
even  to  a  Stranger ;  how  much  more  to  fuch 
indulgent  Parents,  after  fo  long  a  State  of 
Barrennefs,  and  fo  many  Expeclations  fo  fre- 
quently fruftrated. 

Now,  methinks,  we  are  ready  to  congratu- 
late the  happy  Sire;  and  flatter  Ourfelves, 
that  his  Tribulations  have  an  End.  That  the 
Storms,  which  ruffled  the  Noon  of  Life,  are 
blown  over;  and  the  Evening  of  his  Age 
is  becoming  calm  and  ferene. — But  let  not  Him 
that  girdeth  on  his  Har?iefsj  boajl  Himfelf,  as  He 
that  ptitteth  it  off'^.  Our  Warfare  on  Earth  is 
never  accompliflied,  till  We  bow  our  Head, 
and  give  up  the  Ghoil.  The  fliarpefl  fevereft 
Trial  is  ftill  behind.  GOD,  the  fupreme  and 
uncontroulable  GOD,  demands  the  Child. 
'Tis  the  divine  Will,  that  He  make  his  Exit, 
juft  as  He  arrives  at  Manhood. — "  Abraham ^ 
"  where  now  are  all  thy  pleafmg  Profpedls  ? 
*'  How  often  didft  Thou  fay,  in  thy  fond  de- 
*'  lighted  Heart ;  T^his  fame  jlmll  comfort  JJs  con- 
"  cerning  our  It  rouble  -f*.  Many  have  been  my  Sor" 
"  rows  i  but  this  Child  Jhall  dry  up  my  T'ears,  and 
*'  bri?ig  me  to  my  Grave  in  Peace. — Alas  !  This 

**  lovely 

*   1  Kings XX.  II,  t  G^w.  V.  29. 


Let.  II.      Aspasio/^jTheron.  213 

*^  lovely  Flower  is  to  be  cut  down,  in  its  ful- 
"  left  Bloom.  All  thy  fliining  Hopes  are  over- 
"  caft  in  a  Moment." 

Abraham  *  s  fays  GOD Abraham  knows 

the  Voice.  It  was  the  Voice  of  condefcending 
Goodnefs.  He  had  often  heard  it  with  a  Rap- 
ture of  Delight. — Inftantly  He  replies,  "  Here 
"  /  am.  Speak,  LORD  i  for  thy  Servant  is  all 
"  Attention."  Hoping,  no  doubt,  to  receive 
fome  frefh  Manifeftation  of  the  divine  Good- 
will to  Himfelf  and  his  Family  5  or  fome  new 
Difcovery  of  the  Method,  in  which  the  divine 
Wijdom  would  accomplifh  the  Promife,  that 
all  the  Nations  of  the  Earth  Jhoiild  be  blejjed  i?i 

Him. Take  thy  Sow,  and  might  He  not  rea- 

fonably  expect,  that,  fnice  his  Son  was  advanced 
to  Years  of  Maturity,  He  fiiould  be  direfted, 
how  to  fettle  Him  in  the  World  with  Honour 
and  Advantage ;  where  to  find  a  virtuous  and 
fruitful  Partner  of  his  Bed? He  is  com- 
manded, 

*  The  Sentence,  with  which  the  infpired  Hiflorian  intro- 
duces this  affecting  Narrative,  is  unhappily  tranflated  in  our 
Bibles  ;  CD^'^I1^^  HN*  HDJ  GOD  did  tempt  Abrahmn. — 
This  Expreflion  feems,  more  than  feems  to  clafh  with  the 
Do£trine  of  St.  Ja7nes,  chap.  i.  ver.  13.  And  cannot  but  found 
harfh  to  thofe  Ears,  which  have  been  accuftomed  to  under- 
ftand  by  Tempter  and  Tanpting^  Perfons  utterly  odious,  and 
Pradices  extremely  pernicious. — Whereas,  the  true  and  na- 
tural Signification  of  the  Original  is,  He  tried  or  explored. 
GOD  founded  the  Depth,  and  meafured  the  fieight  of  his 
Servant's  Faith  j  in  order  to  erect  an  Everlafling  l\lonument 
of  the  victorious  Efficacy  of  this  divine  Principle  ;  and  exhi- 
bit an  illuftrious  Pattern  to  all  them,  who  fhould  hereafter 
believe. 

P  3 


214  Aspasio/^jTheron.     Let.  II. 

manded,  not  barely  to  take  his  Son,  but  his 
077ly  Son  -y  his  Son  Ifaac ;  whom  He  lo'ved. 
How  muft  thefe  afFe6ling  Images  awaken  all 
that  foft  Complacency,  and  all  that  tender 
Triumph,  which  are  known  only  to  the  fond 
feeling  Heart  of  a  Parent !  Mull:  not  fuch  an 
Introduction,  fo  remarkably  endearing,  heigh- 
ten his  Expectation  of  fome  fignal  Mercy,  to 
be  conferred  on  the  beloved  Youth  ^  and  would 
it  not  render  the  Bleffing  peculiarly  acceptable, 

more  than  doubly  welcome  ? Was  He  not 

then  fhartled  ?  Was  he  not  horribly  amazed  ? 
When,  inftcad  of  fome  renewed  Expreflion  of 
the  Divine  Favour,  He  received  the  following 
Orders.  1'ake  now  thy  Son — thy  only  Son — Ifaac 
— whom  'Thou  loveji — and  get  thee  into  the  Land 
of  Mori  ah,  and  offer  Him  therefor  a  Burnt -Of •- 
feringy  upon  one  of  the  Mountains  which  I  will 
tell  thee  of*. — Was  ever  MefTage  fo  alarming  ? 
Each  Word  more  piercing  to  parental  Ears, 
than  the  keenefl  Dagger  to  the  Heart.  Every 
Claufe  brings  an  additional  Load  of  Mifery^ 
till  the  whole  Command  fwells  into  the  moil  ac- 
cumulated and  aggravated  Woe. 

Abraham,  take  thy  Son. Who,  but  Abra- 
ham, could  have  forbore  remonftrating  and 

pleading,  on  fuch  an   Occafion  ? Ananias, 

being  charged  with  a  Commifilon  to  Saul  the 
Perfecutor,  takes  upon  Him  to  argue  the  Cafe 

with 

*  Ccn.  xxli.  2. 


Let.  II.     AsPAsio/t?THERoN.  215 

with  his  Almighty  SOVEREIGN.     LORD,  I 

have  heard  by  Many  concerjiing  this  Man,  how 
much  E'uil  He  hath  dojie  to  thy  Saiftts  at  yeru- 
falem  j  and  here  He  hath  Authority  from  the  chief 
Priejis,  to  bind  All  that  call  upon  thy  Name  *. 
Sure,  it  can  never  be  fafe  or  expedient,  to 
prefent  myfelf  voluntarily  before  Him  3  who 
came  hither  breathing  out  Threatenings  and 
Slaughter  againfl  me.  What  is  this,  but  to 
court  Danger;  and  run,  with  open  Eyes,  into 
Ruin  ? — Thus  Ananias :  and,  with  how  much 
greater  Appearance  of  Reafon,  might  Abraham 
have  replied  ? 

"  LORB,  Shall  I  lofe  my  Child  ?  Lofe  Him, 
*'  almofl  as  foon  as  I  have  received  Him  ? 
"  Didfl  Thou  give  Him,  only  to  tantalize  thy 
"  Servant?  Remember,  gracious  GOD,  the 
"  Name  He  bears.  How  fhall  He  anfwer  its 
"  chearing  Import  ?  How  fhall  He  be  a  Source 
"  of  Satisfaftion  to  his  Parents,  or  the  Father 
"  of  many  Nations,  if  Thou  takeil  Him  away 
"  in  the  midft  of  his  Days  ? 
^  "  If  Sin  lies  at  the  Door,  let  me  expiate  the 
"  Guilt.  Let  thoufands  of  Rams,  let  every 
"  Bullock  in  my  Stalls,  bleed  at  thy  Altar. 
"  My  Wealth,  blefled  LORD,  and  all  my 
"  Goods,  are  nothing  in  comparifon  of  my 
"  Ifaac,  Command  me  to  beg  my  Bread,  to 
^'  be  ftript  of  all  my  PofTeffions,  and  I  will 
P  4  "  blefs 

*  J^six.  14. 


2l6  ASPASIO   to  T HERON.       Let.  II. 

"  blefs  thy  holy  Name.     Only  let  my  Child, 
"  my  dear  Child,  be  fpared. 

"  Or,  if  nothing  will  appeafe  thy  Indigna- 
"  tion  but  human  Blood,  let  7ny  Death  be  the 
**'  Sacrifice.  Upon  me  be  the  Vengeance.  I 
"  am  old  and  grey-headed.  The  befl  of  my 
**  Days  are  pail,  and  the  befl  of  my  Services 
"  done.  If  this  tottering  Wall  tumbles,  there 
"  will  be  little,  or  no  Caufe  for  Regret.  But, 
"  if  the  Pillar  of  my  Houfe,  and  the  Founda- 
*'  tion  of  my  Hopes — if  He  be  fnatched  from 
*^  me,  how  fliall  I  endure  to  live  ?  Or  what 
"  Good  will  my  Life  do  me  ?  O  my  Son  !  my 
"  Son  !  would  GOD  I  might  die  for  ^hee  *. 

"  If  it  mufl  be  a  blooming  Youth,  in  the 
*'  Prime  of  his  Strength,  be  pleafed,  mofl  mer^ 
"  ciful^  O  D,  to  fetch  it  from  fome  fruitful 
**  Family.  There  are  thofe,  who  abound  in 
"  Children.  Children  are  multiplied  unto  them, 
"  and  though  many  were  removed,  yet  would 
"  their  Table  be  full.  There  are  thofe,  who 
**  have  Flocks  and  Herds  ^  whereas,  I  have 
"  only  this  one  little  Lamb  -f- ;  the  Solace  of 
"  my  Soul,  and  the  Stay  of  my  declining  Years. 
"  And  fhall  this  be  taken  ^way,  while  all  thofe 
*'  are  left?" 

Yes,  Abraham  j  it  is  thy  Son,  and  not  An- 
other's, that  is  marked  out  for  the  Vidlim. — 
What  Diflrefs,  had  He  not  been  fupported  by 

Faith, 

*  2  ^ams  xviii.  33.  t  2  ^am,  xii.  3. 


Let.  II.     AsPAsio  to  The  RON.  217 

Faith,  what  exquifite  Diflrefs  miift  have  over- 
whelmed this  affedionate  Parent !  How  could 
He  refrain  from  crying  out,  and  with  a  Flood 

of  Tears  ? "  If  the  Decree  cannot  be  re- 

"  verfed ;  if  it  mufl  be  the  Fruit  of  my  own 
"  Body;  O!    that  Ifimael,    the  Son    of   the 

"  Hand-maid How  fliall  I  fpeak  it  ?    My 

"  Heart  bleeds  at  the  Thought ;  at  the  Thought 
"  even  of  his  expiring  Agonies,  and  untimely 
"  Death.  But  as  for  IfaaCy  the  Son  of  my 
*'  beloved  Spoufe,  the  Son  of  my  old  Age, 
"  the  Crown  of  all  my  Labours — I  fliall  ne- 
"  ver  furvive  fuch  a  Lofs.  The  Blow  that 
"  goes  to  his  Heart,  mufl  be  fatal  to  Us 
"  both. 

"  Yet,  if  He  mtiji  die,  and  there  is  no  Re- 
medy ;  may  He  not  at  leafl  expire  by  a  na- 
"  tural  Diflblution  ?  May  not  fome  common 
"  Diflemper  unloofe  the  Cords  of  Life,  and 
"  lay  Him  down  gently  in  the  Tomb  ?  May 
"  not  his  fond  Mother  and  myfelf  feat  his 
"  clofing  Eyes,  and  foften  his  dying  Pangs  by 
"  our  tender  Offices  ?" — No,  Abraham,  Thy 
Son  muft  htJJaughtered  on  the  Altar.  He  fhall 
have  no  other  Bed  of  Death,  than  the  Pile  of 
hewn  Wood ;  no  other  Winding-lheet,  than 
his  own  clotted  Blood.  The  facriticing  Knife, 
and  not   any   common   Difeafe,    fliall  bring 

Him  to  his  End. And  think  not  to  fatisfy 

thy  forrowing  Fondnefs,  by  paying  Him  the 

laft 


cc 


2i8  Aspasio^oTheron.     Let.  II. 

lafl  Honours  of  a  decent  Interment.  It  is  my 
Pleafure,  that  He  be  cut  in  Pieces  j  confumed 
to  Afhes ;  and  made  a  Burnt-offering,  So  that 
nothing  (hall  remain,  to  be  preferved,  or  em- 
balmed. It  fhall  not  be  in  thy  Power  to  footh 
thy  Grief,  by  reforting  to  his  Grave,  and 
weeping  at  his  Sepulchre,  and  faying.  Here 
lies  Ijaac, 

"  But  if  all  mufl  be  executed  -,  GOD  grant, 
"  thefe  Eyes  may  never  behold  the  difmal 
*^  Tragedy  !  If  my  Ifaac  muft  be  bound  Hand 
"  and  Foot  for  the  Slaughter ;  if  He  muft 
*'  receive  the  Steel  into  his  Bofom  j  and  welter 
"  in  his  own  innocent  Blood  j  Heaven  forbid, 
"  that  I  fliould  behold  fo  killing  a  Spectacle." 

Even  this  Mitigation  cannot  be  granted. 
Thou  muft  not  only  be  an  Eye-witnefs  of  his 
Agony,  but  be  the  Executioner  of  thy  Ifaac, 
Thy  Hands  muft  lift  the  deadly  Weapon ; 
thy  Hands  muft  point  it  to  the  beloved  Breaft; 
thy  own  Hands  muft  urge  its  Way,  through 
the  gufhing  Veins,  and  fhivering  Flefli,  till  it 
be  plunged  in  the  throbbing  Heart.  GOD 
will  not  permit  the  Work  to  be  done  by  Ano- 
ther. The  Father,  the  Father  muft  be  the 
Butcher. 

Is  not  the  wretched  YdiXhcr  Jliimied  and  thun^ 
derjiruck  .^  Does  He  not  ftand  fixed  in  Horror, 
and  fpeechlefs  with  Grief.  What  Words  can 
be  mournful  enough  to  exprefs  his  Sorrows  ? 


Let.  II.     AsPAsio  to  The  RON.  219 

—Unheard  of,  fliocking  Affair !  Nature  re- 
coils at  the  very  Thought !  How  then  can  the 

beft  of  Fathers  perform  the  Deed  ? How 

fhall  He  anfwer  it  to  the  Wife  of  his  Bofom, 

the  Mother  of  the  lovely  Youth  ? How  can 

He  juftify  it  to  the  World  ?  They  will  never 
be  perfuaded,  that  the  GOD  of  Goodnefs  can 
delight  in  Cruelty,  or  authorize  fo  horrid  an 

A6lion. Will  they  not  take  up  a  taunting 

Proverb,  and  fay  at  every  Turn  ?  "  There 
"  goes  the  Man,  the  Monfter  rather,  that 
"  has  imbrued  his  Hands  in  his  own  Son's 
"  Blood !  This  is  He  that  pretends  to  Piety  ; 
"  and  yet  could  be  fo  favage,  as  to  aflaffinate, 
"  cooly  and  deliberately  affaffinate,  a  good,  a 
"  duteous,  an  only  Child !" — Might  not  Thou- 
fands  of  fuch  Refle6lions  croud  into  his 
Thoughts,  and  rack  his  very  Soul  ? 

But  G  O  D  is  unchangeable.  Pofitive  is  his 
Word,  and  muft  be  obeyed.  Obeyed  imme- 
diately too.  Take  now  thy  Son.  The  LORD's 
Command  requireth  Speed.  No  Time  is  to 
be  loft,  in  bidding  Adieu  to  his  Relations,  or 
in   fruitlefs  Supplications    for  revoking   the 

Doom. Nay,  cheat-fully  as  well  as  inftantly 

muft  this  Command  be  fulfilled.  The  great 
JEHOVAH  expe6ls  Alacrity  in  his  Service. 
— Prodigious  Tryal  indeed  !  Yet  not  too  great 
for  a  Faith,  which  the  Divine  SPIRIT  infufes, 
^nd  the  Divine  SPIRIT  fuftains. 

The 


2  20  AsPAblO/^THERON.       Let.  II. 

The  Patriarch  knew  full  well,  that  Obedi- 
ence is  no  Obedience,  unlefs  it  be  willing  and 
chearful.  Therefore  He  confults  not  with 
Flefli  and  Blood.  He  is  deaf  to  the  Arguings 
of  carnal  Reafon,  and  regards  not  the  Yearn- 
ings of  paternal  Affeftion.  Without  a  mur- 
muring Word,  without  a  Moment^  Delay  *, 
He  fets  forward  on  his  Journey.  Not  fo  much 
as  betraying  the  leaft  Uneafinefs,  to  alarm  his 
Wife  i  nor  heaving  the  leaft  Sigh,  to  furprife 

his  Attendants. And  canft  Thou,  Abraham^ 

can  ft  Thou  perfift  in  thy  Purpofe  }  Can  thy 
Heart  firmly  refolve,  can  thy  Hand  fteadily 
execute,  this  inexpreflibly  fevere  Talk  .^  Moft 
triumphant  Faith  indeed  !  Defervedly  art 
Thou  ftyled,  The  Father  of  the  Faithful^, 
Thy  Faith  is  ftronger  than  all  the  Tics  of 
Affe6lion  j    ftronger   than   all  the   Pleas   of 

Nature,    or   all    the    Terrors    of    Death 

even  of  a  Death,  far  more  dreadful  than  thy 
own. 

And  now  muft  He  travel,  during  three  tedi- 
ous, and  One  would  think,  moft  melancholy 
Days.  With  his  Ifaac  conftantly  before  his 
Eyes  ',  with  the  bloody  Scene  continually  in 
his  Apprehenfions  j  and  nothing  to  divert  his 
Mind,  from  dwelling  on  every  bitter  Circum- 
ftance,  and  all  the  grievous  Confequences. — 

On 

*  For  it  is  written,  He  arofs  early  in  the  Morning,  Vcr.  3. 
f  Ro?n,  iv.  18. 


Let.  II.      AsPASIO/oT  HERON.  221 

On  the  third  Day^  Abraham  lifted  up  his  Eyes, 
and  beheld  afar  off'  the  appointed  Place.  His 
Servants  are  ordered  to  keep  their  Diflance  j 
while  Himfelf  with  the  Fire  and  the  Knife  in 
his  Hands,  and  his  Son  with  the  Burden  of 
Wood  on  his  Shoulders,  proceed  on  their 
Way,  and  afcend  the  Mountain. — Who  does 
not  pity  the  fweet  Youth,  toiling  under  that 
Load,  which  muft  foon  reek  with  his  Blood, 
and  foon  reduce  Him  to  Afhes  ? — Mean  while 
the  intended  Vi6lim,  wondering  to  fee  all  thefe 
Preparations  made,  and  no  proper  Animal 
near,  afks  this  pertinent  Queflion ,  My  Father, 
behold  the  Fire  and  the  Wood  !  But  where  is  the 
Lamb  for  a  Burnt -off ering"^ — Sure,  this  endear- 
ing Speech,  which  difcovered  fuch  a  Know- 
ledge of  Religion,  and  fuch  a  Concern  for  its 
Duties,  muft  roufe  the  Father's  Anguifh,  and 
fliake  his  Refolution.  How  can  He  be  the 
Death  of  fo  much  Innocence,  and  fo  much 
Piety  ? 

Faith  overcomes  all  Difficulties.  Unmoved 
and  inflexible,  the  Prophet  replies  ^  GOD 
will  provide  Himfelf  a  hamb  for  a  Burjit-offer^ 

ing,  my  Son. Methinks,    I  fliudder,  as  We 

draw  near  the  direful  Cataftrophe.  The  Altar 
is  built :  the  Wood  laid  in  Order :  all  Things 
are  prepared  for  the  folemn  Sacrifice. — And 
now  the  Father  addreffes  Himfelf  to  the  fatal 
Bufinefs, — It  does  not  appear,  that  the  amiable 

and 


2  22  Aspasio/oTheron.    Let.  1 1, 

and  pious  Youth  rcf.fled  or  gainfayed.  He  had 
Strength  enough  to  oppofe,  and  Speed  enough 
to  efcape  *.  But  fmce  his  CREATOR  called, 
He  was  content  to  go.  Neverthelefs,  that  the 
Work  of  Defliny  might  be  fure,  and  no  one 
Circumflance  relating  to  a  Sacrifice  omitted, 
Abrahmn  binds  his  Soji. 

I  have  known  a  ftubborn  Malefa6lor,  quite 
imalarmed,  when  fentenced  to  the  ignomini- 
ous Tree ;  not  at  all  imprefTed,  with  all  the 
Reprefentations  of  eternal  Judgment  ;  yet, 
when  a  Perfon  came  to  meafure  Him  for  his 
Coffi?!^  the  hardened  Wretch  was  hard  no  lon- 
ger.    He  ftarted  ;  turned  pale  ,  and  trembled 

in  every  Joint. Even  fuch  a  Circumflance 

makes  no  ImprefTion  on  Abraham  j  neither  al- 
ters his  Purpofe,  nor  changes  his  Countenance. 
He  meafures  his  Ifaac  j  meafures  thofe  Limbs, 
which  He  had  fo  frequently  and  fo  tenderly 
carefTed;  and  if  not  for  the  Coffin,  yet  for 

immediate  Slaughter. Having  bound  Him, 

bound  Him  for  the  Sword  and  for  the  Flame, 
He  lays  Him  upon  the  Altar  on  the  Wood. 
There,  now,  lies  Ifaac  j  the  dear,  the  dutiful, 
the  religious  Ifaac  I  Abraham's  Joy ;  Sarah's 
Delight  i  the  Heir  of  the  Promifes !    There 

He 

*  According  to  the  Hiftory  of  "Jofephus,  Ifaac  was,  when 
He  ofFered  himfelf  to  the  Slaughter,  about  twenty-five  Years 
old.  Others  think,  his  Age  was  thirty-three ;  which  makes 
Him  more  exadtly  refemble  his  fuhrenng  LORD.  Either 
Account  will  jullily  Jfpafia\  Suppolitioa, 


Let.ii,     AsPAsio  /o  Theron.  223 

He  lies,  all  meek  and  refigncd  3  expecting, 
every  Moment,  the  Stroke  of  Death  to  fall. — 
O  Parents  !  Parents !  Do-  not  your  Bowels 
yearn  ?  Is  not  Humanity  itfelf  diflrefled  at  the 
Scene  ?  Say,  thou  who  art  a  Father,  what 
thinkefl  Thou  of  Abrahams  Obedience  ? 
Couldfl  ThoUj  tofuch  a  Son,  have  2i3it(lfucb 

a  Part  ? See  !    the  Father,  relblute  to  the 

very  lafl,  unflieaths  the  murdering  Blade; 
makes  bare  the  innocent  Bofom ;  and  marks 
the  Place,  where  Life  may  find  the  fpeediefl 
Exit.  His  Heart  is  fixed  I  He  ftretches  his 
Arm  J  and  now,  even  now  is  aiming  the  mor- 
tal Blow — When — rejoice  O  ye  Worfliipers 
of  a  gracious  GOD  !  Break  forth  into  Singing, 
Ye  that  are  in  Pain  for  the  tried  Parent !  The 
LORD  Almighty  interpofes,  in  this  Article  of 
extreme  Need  *.  The  Angel  of  the  Covenant 
fpeaks  from  Heaven,  and  with-holds  the  wil- 
ling 

*  Upon  this  moft  feafonable  Interpofition,  the  infpired 
Hiftorian  makes  a  very  judicious  and  edifying  Remark. 
"Which  feems  to  be  greatly  obfcured,  if  not  intirely  fpoiled,! 
by  our  Tranflation;  In  the  Mount  of  the  LORD  it Jhall  he' 
feen.  I  muft  confefs,  I  have  always  been  puzzled  to  find, 
not  only  a  pertinent  Senfe,  but  any  Senfe  at  all,  in  thefe 
Words.  Whereas,  the  Original  is  as  clear  in  its  Signifi- 
cation, as  it  is  appofite  to  the  Purpofe. — Hi*?"!'  TWTV  "IPH 
In  the  Mount  the  LORD  willbefecn^  q.  d.  Tiiis  memorable 
Event  gave  rife  to,  at  leaft  is  an  eminent  Exemplification 
of,  that  proverbial  Expreflion,  which  is  commonly  ufed  at 
this  Day.  In  the  Mount  of  Difficulty,  or  in  the  very  Cii- 
fi3  of  Need,  when  Matters  Yeem  to  be  irretrievable  and  dcf- 
perate,  then  the  LORD  appears  as  a  prefent  Help.  Man's 
Extremity  is  GOD's  Opportunity.     See  Gin,  xxii.  14. 


224  AspAsio  /^  Theron.     Let.ii, 

ling  Hand,  in  the  very  A61  to  flrike.  GOD, 
who  only  intended  to  mamfefl  his  Faith,  and 
make  it  honourable^  bids  Him  defift.  GOD 
applauds  his  Obedience ;  fubftitutes  another 
Sacrifice  in  Ifaacs  ftead  j  renews  his  Covenant 
with  the  Father  j  and  not  only  reprieves  the 
Life  of  the  Son,  but  promifes  Him  a  numer- 
ous and  illuflrious  Ifllie.  Promifes  to  make 
Him  the  Progenitor  of  the  MESSIAH,  and 
thereby  a  public  Blefling  to  all  the  Nations  of 
the  Earth. 

Tell  me  now,  'T'herojij  was  there  ever  fuch 
an  aftonifiiing  Effort  of  Obedience  ?  Such  a 
perfe6l  Prodigy  of  Refignation  ?    Yet  THIS 

HATH  FAITH  DONE  *• If  you  fliould 

alk, 

*  Heb.  xi.  17.  By  Falth^  Abraham,  when  He  ivas  ir'iedy 

offered  up  Ifaac. The  Faith,    of   which    fuch   glorious 

Things  are  fpoken,  to  which  fuch  admirable  Atchievements 
are  aicribed,  throughout  this  whole  Chapter,  was  a  Faith 
in  "  the  Seed  of  the  Woman,"  the  promifed  MESSIAH. 
— Or,  could  it  be  demonftrated  (which,  I  will  venture  to 
conclude,  is  impoflible)  that,  in  all  thefe  heroic  Inftances 
of  Obedience,  fo  nobly  defcribed  by  the  eloquent  Apoftle, 
there  was  no  believing  Regard  to  CHRIST;  no  Apprehen- 
fion  of  his  unfpcakable  Love  ;  no  Application  of  his  tran- 
fcendent  Merits ;  our  Argument  would  not  lofe  its  Force, 
but  ftrilce  with  redoubled  Energy.  For,  if  a  Belief  in  very 
inferior  Manifeftations  of  the  divine  Goodnefs,  Faithful- 
nefs,  and  Power,  wrought  fo  efficacioufly  on  thofe  anticnt 
Worthies  ;  how  much  more  vidorioufly  muft  the  fame 
Principle  a£l,  under  far  brighter  Difplays  of  all  the  fupreme 
Perfcdions,  in  the  Perfon  of  JESUS  CHRIST!— I  would 
only  add,  that  fo  long  as  this  Chapter  remains  in  the  Bible, 
it  will  lurnilh  an  unanfwerable  Confutation  of  thofe  Objcc- 

tionsy 


Let.  II.      Aspasio/<?Theron.  225 

afk,  How  was  it  poflible  for  Abraham  to  per- 
form all  this,  in  the  Manner  defcribed  ?  The 
Anfwer  is  obvious.  Becaufe,  Abraham  believ- 
ed ;  or,  in  other  Words,  was  fully  perfuaded, 
that  the  GOD,  who  had  given  Him  this  Son 
from  the  barren  Womb,  was  able  to  raife  Him 
again  from  t\\^  fmokhig  *  Aflies.  As  the  fame 
GOD,  who  required  this  Sacrifice,  had  expreily 
declared.  In  Ifaac  Jhall  thy  Seed  be  called ,  the 
Patriarch  doubted  not,  but  in  a  Way  knov/n 
to  infinite  Wifdom,  he  would  certainly  accom- 
plifh  the  Promife.  Pience  he  made  no  Difpute, 
and  felt  no  Reluftance.  His  Faith  banifhed 
every  uneafy  Apprchenfion,  and  neither  Fear 
nor  Sorrow  had  Place  in  his  Bread.  By  Faith 
He  was  enabled,  fpeedily  and  chearfully,  with- 
out fo  much  as  a  parting  Tear  -f-,  to  obey  this 
unparalleled  Precept. 

And 

tions,  which  fuppofe  the  Dodlrine  of  Faith  to  have  an  un- 
kindly Influence  on  reHgious  or  virtuous  Pradlice.  Againft 
all  fuch  Cavils,  it  will  Ji and  faji  for  ever  more  as  tl^e  Mooriy 
and  as  the  faithful  JVitnefs  in  Heaven. 

*  He  feems  to  have  expected  not  only  the  certain,  but 
the  immediate  Reftoration  of  hh  flain  Son.  That  he  v/>^uld 
be  revived  on  the  very  Spot  j  before  He  left  the  Place  ;  fa 
as  to  accompany  his  Return.  For,  he  fays  to  his  Servants, 
not  /,  but  fFe  will  go,  and  worfliip,  and  return.  HliTl^J 
Ver.  5. 

f  This  Account,  is  fo  very  extraordinary,  that  I  (hall  not 
be  furprifed,  if  the  Reader  finds  fome  Difficulty  in  giving  hi$ 
Affent  to  it.  Efpccially,  as  He  may  have  accuftomed  Him- 
felf  to  form  very  different  Conceptions  of  this  remai  kablc  Af- 
fair; and  may  poffibly  be  confirmed  in  a  different  Train  of 

Vol.  III.  -  Q^  Ideas, 


226  ASPASIO  to  T  HERON.        Let.   II, 

And  if  all  this,  which  would  other  wife  have 
been  utterly  impracj^icable,  was  wrought  by 
Faith ;  You  need  not  fufpccl,  of  Wcakncfs  and 
Injufficiency^  fo  approved  a.  Principle.  Far  from 
enervating,  it  will  invigorate  every  good  Dif- 
pofition;  and  inftead  of  damping,  will  give 
Life  to  every  religious  Duty. — Cherifh  Faith, 
and  You  will  of  courfe  cultivate  Obedience. 
Water  this  Root,  and  the  Branches  of  univerfal 

God- 

Ideas,  by  feeing  a  Reprefentation  of  the  Story  in  a  celebrated 
Print.  Where  the  Father  appears,  clafpinghis  Son  in  a  ten- 
der Embrace ;  bedewing  Him  with  his  Tears  i  and  fuffering 
as  much  througli  Grief,  as  the  devoted  Youth  is  going  to 
fufter  by  the  Knife. — But  the  Engraver^  I  apprehend,  had 
not  fo  attentively  examined  the  Circumftances  of  the  facrcd 
Narrative,  nor  fo  carefully  compared  them  with  other  Paf- 
fages  of  Scripture,  as  a  judicious,  ingenious,  and  worthy 
Friend  of  mine.  From  whom  I  learnt  to  confider  this  won- 
derful Tranfa(ftion  in  the  above-reprefented  View.  And  I 
jnuft  confcfs,  the  more  I  revolve  it  in  my  Mind,  the  more  I 
am  convinced  of  its  Propriety. 

I  flatter  myfclf,  the  Reader  will  be  of  the  fame  Opinion, 
if  he  pleafes  to  confult  the  Tenth  Chapter  of  Leviticus. 
Where  Nadah  and  Abibu^  the  Sons  of  Aaron^  are  devoured 
by  Fire  from  before  the  LORD.  Yet  Aaron  is  not  allowed  to 
mourn,  even  at  fuch  a  terrible  and  afflii5live  Vifitation.  And 
when,  through  the  Frailty  of  human  Nature,  He  could  not 
wholly  refrain.  He  durfl  not  prcfume  to  eat  of  the  Sin-ofler- 
ing.  Such  Thing! ^  fays  He,  have  befallen  /w,  if  1  had  eaten  of 
the  Sir -offering,  Jhould  it  have  been  accepted  in  the  Sight  of  the 
LORDi* — Let  me  add,  that  we  find  not  the  leall  Indica- 
tloii  of  fuch  agojiizing  Sorrow,  nor  indeed  of  a;/)' Sorrow  at  all, 
in  the  Hiftory  as  related  by  Mofes.  Neither  could  Abraham 
have  been  a  proper  Tvpe  of  the  eternal  FATHER,  making 
his  onlv  begotten  SON  a  Sacrifice  for  Sin,  if  He  had  not  of- 
fered Him  wilFnigly.  And  indeed  to  olTcr  willingly,  feems  to 
have  been  abfolutely  nccefjary  in  every  acceptable  Oblation. 
Sec  2  Cor,  ix.  7. 


Let.  II.      As  PAS  10  to  The  R  0  1^.  227 

Godlinefs  will  aflliredly  partake  the  beneficial 
Effe6ls ;  will  fpread  their  Honours,  and  bring 

forth  their  Fruits. Through  the  Power  of 

Faith,  the  Saints  have  wrought  Righteoufnefs, 
in  all  its  magnanimous  and  heroic  A6ls. — The 
Do^rine  of  Faith  is  called  by  St.  PW,  A  Doc- 
trine according  to  Godli?iefs  * ;  exquifitely  con- 
trived to  anfwer  all  the  Ends,  and  fecure  every 
Intereft  of  real  Piety. — The  Gi-ace  of  Faith  St. 
jfude  ftyles,  Our  mofl  holy  Faith  -f- ;  intimating, 
that  it  is  not  only  produ6live  of  Holinefs,  but 
that  the  moil  refined  and  exalted  Holinefs  arifes 
from"  this  Stock. 

Let  Us  then  be  diligent  to  obtain,  and  care- 
ful to  increafe,  Faith  in  JEmS  CHRIST.  Let 
Us  maintain  the  fame  zealous  Solicitude  for  this 
leading  capital  Grace,  as  the  renowned  Epami- 
nondas  expreifed  for  his  Shield.  When  that 
gallant  General  was,  in  an  Engagement  with 
the  Enemy,  llruck  to  the  Ground ;  his  Soldiers 
carried  him  off,  breathlefs  and  fainting,  to  his 
Tent.  The  very  Moment  he  opened  his  Eyes, 
and  recovered  the  Ufe  of  Speech,  he  alked — 
not  whether  his  Wound  was  mortal  ?  not  whe- 
ther his  Troops  were  routed  ?  But  whether  his 

Shield  was  fafe  ? May  We  be  enabled,  my 

dear  Friend,  to  keep  our  Shield  fafe  !  May  We. 
htjlrong,  hcfieady,  be  lively  in  Faith!    Then, 
I  doubt  not,  We  fhall  give  Glory  to  GOD,  re- 
ceive 

*  I  Tim,  vi,  3.  I  Jude  20. 

Q2 


228  AsPAsio  /(?  The  RON.       Let.  12. 

ceive  Comfort  to  Ourfelves,  and  abound  in  the 
Works  of  the  LORD. 

Nothing  can  be  more  pertinent  to  my  Pur- 
pofe,  than  the  Apoftle's  Prayer ;  That  We  may 
know  what  is  the  Hope  of  our  Calling  in  CHRISI* 
yESUSy  and  what  is  the  exceeding  Greatnefs  of 
his  Fewer  to  themward  who  believe.  And  nothing 
can  be  more  exprefjroe  of  the  very  Soul  of 

Tour  affectionate 

Asp  A  SI  o. 


LETTER       Xn. 

Aspasio/^Theron. 

T  is  very  probable,  while  I  am  reading 
yours,  You  are  perufmg  mine.  But  how 
unlike  is  my  Friend  to  the  Reprefentation  He 
receives  !  How  unlike  the  fatisfied,  unfufpe6l- 
ing,  chearful  Abraham  !  Why  this  dejected  Air 
in  your  Temper  ?  Why  thofe  penfive  Strokes 
in  your  Letter  ? — Let  me  anticipate  your  Re- 
ply,   and   make  Anfwer   to   myfelf. This 

Gloom,  I  truft,  is  a  Sign  of  approaching  Day. 
Jull  before  the  Morning  Dawn,  the  no^lurnal 
Darknefs  is  blackeft.  And  jufl  before  the  Ap- 
pearance of  the  SUN  OF  RIGHTEOUSNESS, 

the 


Let.  12.      AsPASio  /£j  Theron.  229 

the  Penitent's  Diftrefs  is  frequently  the  deepefV. 
I  promife  myfelf,  the  Hour  is  at  Hand,  which 
will  put  off  your  Sackcloth y  and  gird  Ton  with 
Gladiiefs, 

Another  favourable  Pi-efage  is,  That  You 
take  the  dire6l  and  certain  Way,  to  obtain 
fubflantial  Comfort.  The  Righteoufnefs  of 
our  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  after  which  You 
inquire,  about  which  You  are  folicitous,  is  a 
never-failing  Spring  of  Confolation.  Becaufe 
it  acquits  from  all  Sin  -,  fecures  from  all  Con- 
demnation J  and  renders  the  Believer  unblam- 
able and  unreprovable  in  the  Sight  of  GOD. 
Therefore  fays  the  HOLY  GHOST,  His  Name 
is  as  Ointment  poured  forth  * ;  even  that  divinely 
precious  Name by  which  He  has  been  cele- 
brated in  the  preceding  Epiftles  3  by  which  He 
is  diftinguillied  in  the  Scriptures  of  Truth  -,  by 
which,  I  hope.  He  will  be  more  and  more  re- 
vealed in  my  Therons  Mind THE  LORD 

OUR  RIGHTEOUSNESS.  The  Difcovery  of 
Him  under  this  moil  amiable  and  glorious  Ca- 
pacity, will  indeed  be  like  breaking  open  a 
Vial  of  the  richeft  Unguents.  Which  not  only 
fill  the  Room,  and  regale  the  Senfe,  with  their 
delightful  Fragrance  j  but  refrefh  the  Spirits; 
and  rejoice  the  very  Heart.-- — -Might  my  Writ- 
ing, or  my  Difcourfe,  be  as  the  Alabafter-bcx 
to  contain,  to  convey,  and  prefent  thef;  reviv- 


ing 


Cant,  i,  3; 


230  AsPASio  to  Theron.     Let.  12. 

ing  Odours  j  how  highly  ihould  I  thmk  my- 
felf  honoured,  and  how  fignally  my  Endea- 
vours blelTcd  ! 

You  afk,  "  How  this  Righteoufnefs  of  the 

«  Divine  REDEEMER  becomes  ours  ?" It 

is  a  Queilion,  which  I  receive  with  the  utmoft 
Pleafure  \  and,  with  equal  Pleafure,  fliall  at- 
tempt an  Anfwer.  Or  rather,  as  the  SPIRIT 
of  our  GOD  prompted  the  firfl,  may  the  fame 

unerring  Guide  fuggeft  the  laft ! This  He 

has  abundantly  done  by  his  Prophets  and 
Apoflles.  So  that  I  need  only  have  Recourfe 
to  their  Writings,  and  colleft  fome  of  the 
Hints,  which  lie  treafured  up  in  thofe  Store- 
houfes  of  Wifdom. 

There  We  are  often  told  of  Union  with 
CIIRIST:,  Believers  are  faid  to  be  in  CHRIST^, 
and  to  be  one  with  CHRIST  f .— What  is  ftill 
higher,  and  implies  a  greater  Degree  of  Near- 
jiefs,  They  are  Members  oj  his  Body^  of  his  Flejh^ 

and  of  his  Bones  J. And,  which  denotes  the 

moft  intimate  Connexion  imaginable,  They 
that  are  joined  to  the  LORD  JESUS,  are  one 
Spirit  II  with  Him  ! — As  thefe  Expreflions  ap- 
peal* dark,  and  their  Senfe  lies  deep,  it  has 
pleafed  our  all-condefcending  INSTRUCTOR 
to  illuilrate  them,  by  a  Variety  of  fignificant 
Types,  and  lively  Similitudes.     This  Remark 

very 

*  Coh  \.  2.  t  Hah,  ii.  it,  %  E^h,v,  30, 

)!__!  6V.  vi.  17. 


Let  12.     Aspasio/oTheron.  23  j 

very  opportunely  reminds  me  of  an  Engage- 
ment, which,  fome  Time  ago,  I  undertook  to 
execute,  but  have  hitherto  omitted — -To  make 
it  evident,  that  the  blefied  Doclrine,  for  which 
We  have  been  pleading,  is  deducibk  from  feve- 
ral  Scripture  Images.  A  flicrt  Delcant  upon 
fome  of  the  principal,  will,  I  hope,  at  once 
difcharge  my  former  Obligation,  and  fatisfy 
your  prefent  Inquiry. 

This  was  fliatiowed  forth  by  the  coftly,  odo-' 
riferous,  flowing  Unguent,  which  was  poured 
upon  Aaron  %  Headj  and  ran  down  upon  his 
Beard,  and  defce?ided  to  the  Skirts  *  of  his  Cloth- 
ing, So,  the  Merits  of  our  great  HIGH- 
PR  I E  S  T  are  derived  down  to  all  the  Faith- 
ful ;  even  thofe  of  the  meaneft  Station  in  Life, 
and  the  lowefl:  Attainments  in  Religion. 

Was  it  not  typefied  by  that  inilruclive  Vi- 

fion,  which  the  Prophet  Zechariah  faw  ?  I  have 

looked^  and  behold  I  A  Candle/lick  all  of  Gold ^  with 

a  Bowl  upon  the  T'op  of  it^  and  his  feven  Lamps 

thereon^  and  feven    Pipes   to  the  fe-ven  harrips, 

which 

*  Pfal.  cxxxlii.  2.  What  We  render  Sh'rfs^  is,  in  the 
Original,  VDIID  *3  27;^  Mouth,  or,  as  the  Word  is  tranf- 
lated  (Job  XXX.  i8.)  The  Collar  of  his  Garments.  It  is 
hardly  fuppofeable,  that  the  confecrating  Oil  fiowed  down  to 
the  very  Bottom  of  the  facerdotal  Veftments.  But  it  might 
probably  reach  the  upper  Hem,  or  the  Opening  round  the 
Neck  ;  what  the  Greeks  call  i^i^ili^x'xr.Xiov  —  This  Senfe  will 
fufficiently  preferve  the  Gradation  ;  The  He ^d;  the  Be.vd ; 
the  Clothes.  Which  feem  to  denote  CHRIST,  his  more  ad- 
vanced Saints,  and  Believers  gf  a  lower  Clafs. 

<V4 


232  Aspasio/oTheron.       Let.  12. 

which  were  upon  the  T'op  thereof:  And  two  Olive- 
trees  by  it,  one  upon  the  right  Side  of  the  Bowl, 
and  the  other  upon  the  left  Side  thereof;  which, 
through  two  golden  Pipes,  empty  the  golden  Oil  out 
of  thcmfehes  *.   The  Bowls  and  the  Lafjips  were 
a  proper  Emblem  of  Behevers :  who  are,  by 
Nature,  dry  Veflels,  and  deflitute  of  all  Good  j 
yet  fliould  fhine  as  Lights,  in  the  midft  of  a 
crooked  and  perverfe  Generation. — The  Olive- 
Jrees,  arrayed  in  Verdure,  and  abounding  with 
Sap;    always  emptying  themfelves,   yet  ever 
full ;  are  a  very  juft  Reprefentation  of  CHRIST, 
of  his  unchangeable  Love,  and  his  inexhaufl- 
ible  Grace. — The  golden  Pipes,  through  which 
the  Olive-branches  tranfmit  their  Oil,  feem  to 
be  figurative  of  Faith,  in  its  various  and  re- 
peated A6lings.     By  means  of  which,  the  un- 
fpeakable  Benefits  of  a  REDEEMER  are  com- 
municated to  our  Souls,  and  replenifh  thele 
empty  Bafons, 

Another  Type  the  Apoflle  mentions.  The 
firft  Adcun,  He  fays,  was  a  Figure  of  Him  that 
was  to  come  -f-.  So  eminent  a  Figure,  and  cor- 
refponding  in  fo  many  Inftances,  that  He  flyles 
our  LORD  JESUS  the  lafi  Adam  t  And 
why  ?  Becaufe,  like  the  firft,  He  was  a  Cove- 
nant-head to  his  People,  and  tranfa6ted  in  their 
Stead,     Infomuch,    that  what  He  did,    and 

what 

*  7aechar/\v,  2,  3,  12,  |  Rom.v.  14. 

t  I  Qqx,  XV.  45. 


Let.  12.      AsPAsio  to  Theron.  233 

what  He  fufFered,  is  placed  to  their  Account. 
Is  Adams  Sin  imputed  to  all  his  natural  Off- 
fpring?  So  is  CHRISTs  Righteoufnefs  to  all 

his   fpiritual   Seed. The   Confequences   of 

both,  render  the  Doctrine  more  plain,  and 
the  Truth  more  undeniable.  All  Men  are 
judge dy  condemned y  dead^^  doomed  inevitably 
to  the  Death  of  the  Body,  and  juftly  liable  to 
the  Death  of  the  Soul,  on  the  Score  of  Adam's 
TranfgrelTion.  All  Believers  are  acquitted,  jiif- 
tifiedy  faved  \  j  faved  from  the  firft  Death, 
and  made  Heirs  of  the  Refurreflion  j  faved 
from  the  fecond  Death,  and  intitled  to  Life 
eternal 5  by  virtue  of  CHRISTs  Obedi- 
ence. 

This  Union  with  CHRIST,  was  not  only 
prefigured  by  Types,  but  is  difplayed  by  a  Va- 
riety of  Similitudes,  taken  from  the  moft  fa- 
mihar  Occurrences  of  Life.  By  which  it  ap- 
pears, that  our  Divine  MASTER  would  have 
Us  live  under  the  habitual  Belief  of  this  mo- 
mentous Truth,  and  in  the  co7iftant  Enjoyment 

.  of  this  diftinguifhed  Privilege. You  cannot 

vifit  a  Friend,  or  view  your  Children ;  You 
cannot  enter  your  Garden,  difcourfe  with  your 
Spoufe,  or  contemplate  your  own  Body,  with- 
out a  Reprefentation  and  a  Remembrancer  of 
this  precious  BlelTing. 

CHRIST 
*  Rom,.\,  J5,  16,  t  Rom.  y.  19,  21. 


234  AsPAsio  to  Theron.      Let.  12. 

CHRIST  fays  to  his  Difciples,  Henceforth  I 
call  Tou  not  Servants  but  Friends  *,  Friends  are 
a  fecond  Self  -f-.  St.  Paulj  fpeaking  of  Onejimus, 
ufes  this  remarkable  Phrafe,  Receive  Himj  as 
Myfelf-j  and  which  is  ftill  more  emphatical,  Re- 
ceive hi?n,  that  is  mine  own  Bowels  J.  CHRlST^'s 
Friendfliip  muft  affuredly  be  of  the  mofl  ten- 
der and  exalted  Kind.  It  muft  be  equal,  it 
muft  be  infinitely  fuperior,  to  Jonathans. — Jo- 
nathan loved  David  as  his  own  Soul.  But 
CHRIS'T  loved  Sinners  with  a  Love  ftronger 
than  Death.  They  were  dearer  to  Him  than 
his  own  ineftimable  Life. — Jonathan  expofed 
Himfelf  to  imminent  Danger,  in  vindicating 
David's  Condu6l.  JE  S  US  furrendered  him- 
felf to  certain  Death,  in  making  Reconcilia- 
tion for  our  Offences. Jonathan  interceded 

once  and  again  with  his  Father  in  David's  Be- 
half.  CHR  IS'T  ever  liveth  to  make  Intercef- 

fion  for  TranfgrefTors. Jonathan  Jiripped 

Hifnfelf  of  the  Robe  that  was  upon  Him,  and  gave 
it  to  David,  and  his  Gartnent,  even  to  his  Sword, 
and  his  Bow,  aiid  his  Girdle  ||.  Our  REDEEM- 
ER, without  ftripping  Himfelf,  has  clothed 
Us  (fuch  is  the  Prerogative  of  a  Divine  Per- 
fon!)  with  the  Robe  of  his  Righteoufnefs, 
and  with  the  Garment  of  his  Salvation.     He 

has 

■*  yohnxv.  15. 

t  Horace  calls  Virgil^  Anhna  Dlmidiutn  ?nea, 

X  Phium,  13,  17.  H  I  Sam,  xviii.  4* 


Let.  12.      AsPASio  io  Theron.  23^ 

has  configned  over  to  Us  all  the  Merit  of  his 
holy  Life  and  propitiatory  Death. 

CHRIST  ftands  related  to  his  People,  not  as 
a  Friend  only,  but  as  a  Parent.  He  is  called 
by  a  Prophet,  THE  EVERLASTING  FA- 
THER* i  and  \¥e  are  faid,  by  an  Apoftlc,  to 
be  his  Children  f . — Children  look  upon  them-, 
felves,  as  interefted  hi  the  Wealth  of  their  Pa- 
rents. They  expeft,  and  not  without  reafon- 
able  Ground,  to  reap  Benefit  from  it,  while 
the  Parents  live  j  and  to  become  Poffeffors  of 
it,  when  they  die.  Accordingly  the  Father 
fays  in  the  Gofpel ;  Sojty  all  that  I  have  is  thine  J. 
— Since  the  high  and  holy  I M  M  A  N  U  E  L 
vouchfafes  to  be  our  FATHER,  can  we  fup- 
pofe  Him  lefs  generous  than  an  earthly  Pa- 
rent ?  Or  that  his  Children  fhall  have  lefs  to 
hope,  than  the  Heirs  of  an  earthly  Progeni- 
tor ?  Doubtlefs,  We  may,  We  ought  to  regard 
all  his  communicable  Goods,  all  the  Benefits 
refulting  from  his  meritorious  Sufferings  and 

perfe6l  Obedience,  as  our  Portion. Efpeci- 

ally,  fmce  He  is  the  Teftator  ||  alfo  j  has  be- 
queathed them  to  Us  by  Will  -,  and,  having 
fubmitted  to  Death,  they  become  legally  ours. 

/  am  the  Vine,  fays  our  LORD,  Te  are  the 
Branches  §.  They  that  believe,  are  ingrafted 
into  CHRIST, — Take  Notice  of  a  Cyon.  What 

are 

*  Ifai.  v\,  9.  t  Heb.  il.  1 3.  X  Luh  XV.  31, 

Ij  Heb.'ix.  1 6.         §  John-HY,^, 


23^  AsPAsio  ^^  Theron.       Let.  12. 

are  the  Confequences  of  its  Ligrafture  f  It  is 
embodied  with  the  Subflance  of  the  Tree,  and 
partakes  of  its  Fatnefs.  The  Sap,  attracted 
by  the  Root,  circulates  into  it  3  gives  it  vege- 
table Life  J  fills  it  with  Buds,  decks  it  with 

BlofToms,  and  loads  it  with  Fruit. If  then 

we  are  one  with  CHRIS  1^,  as  much  as  the 
Branch  is  one  with  the  Stock,  it  muil  follow, 
even  upon  the  Principles  of  common  Experi- 
ence, that  his  Wifdo?jt  is  ours,  to  inlighten  Us ; 
his  Right eotifjiefs  is  ours,  to  juftify  Usj  his  Spi- 
rit  is  ours,  to  fan6lify  Us ;  his  Redemption  is 
ours,  to  make  Us  completely  and  eternally 
happy. 

CHRIST  IS  united  to  his  People  by  a  Tie, 
clofer  and  dearer  than  the  parental.  They  are 
not  only  his  Children,  but  his  Spoiife.  He  is 
often  called  their  Bridegroom,  and  is  not 
afliamed  to  avow  the  tender  Engagement :  I 
ivill  betroth  Thee  to  Me  for  ever;  yea,  I  will  be" 
troth  Thee  unto  me  i7i  Right eoiifnefsy  and  in  fudg- 
ment,  and  in  Loving-kindnefs^  a7ui  in  Mercies. 
I  will  even  betroth  Thee  imto  Me  in  Faithfulnefs  *. 
The  condefcending  GOD  multiplies,  diverfiiies, 
accumulates  his  Words.  And  this,  with  admir- 
able Propriety,  as  well  as  furpafling  Good- 
nefs.  The  Honour  is  {o  highy  and  the  Favour 
fo  great y  We  fliould  hardly  know  how  to  be- 
lieve it,  and  hardly  venture  to  apply  it.   Left 

there- 

*  //^/.xi,  19,  20. 


Let,  12.      AspAsio  /(?  Theron.         ^37 

therefore,  by  a  fmgle  Expreffion,  it  ihould  not 
be  fufficiently  eflablifhed,  it  ftands  ratified  by 
repeated  Afieverations,  and  with  all  the  Energy 
of  Language.  So  that,  be  the  Grace  ever  fo 
aftonifliing,  We  are  aflured,  the  Fa6l  is  equal- 
ly certain ;  He  that  is  our  MAKER,  is  alfo  our 
HUSBAND  *. 

Let  Us  confider  what  follows,  upon  fuch  an 
Union.  We  may  take  for  an  Example,  the 
Cafe  of  Boaz  and  Ruth.  Soon  as  their  Nup- 
tials were  folemnized,  fhe  that  was  poor,  be- 
came rich :  from  a  Gleaner  in  the  Field,  fhe 
commenced  Mijirefs  of  the  Harveft :  and,  from 
abiding  by  the  Maidens,  had  a  Seat  at  the  Ma- 
iler's Table. — And  if  we  are  united  to  CHRIS'T 
by  a  Marriage  Contrail,  the  fame  Efte61s  will 
take  place.  We  that  were  poor,  are  rich  in 
Him.  We,v\^ho  had  Nothing,  pofTefs  all  Things 
in  CHRIST.  We  that  dwell  in  Duft,  are  made 
to  Jit  together  with  our  divine  HUSBAND  in 
heavenly  Places  -f*. 

If  you  choofe  fome  modern  Exemplifica- 
tion, what  can  be  more  pertinent,  than  the 
remarkable  Inflance  of  your  Neighbour  Art- 
etta?  She  was  lately  left  a  Widow,  by  the  dif- 
folute  and  extravagant  Bellario.  Her  Circum- 
flances  miferably  embarralTed,  and  the  little 
Eflate  deeply  m.ortgaged.  Her  Friends  looked 
fhy,    and   her   Creditors   became  clamorous. 

Every 
*  IJaU  liv.  9,  t  Eph,  ij.  6. 


238  AsPAsio  to  Theron.      Let.  12. 

Every  Day  made  fome  new  Difcovery  of  Debts, 
contra6led  by  the  Deceafed  j  and  the  Affairs  of 
the  Survivor  appeared,  every  Day,  with  a  more 

melancholy  Afpedl. But,  having  won,  firft 

the  Compaflion,  then  the  Affection,  of  the 
wealthy  and  illuftrious  Philander-,  how  hap- 
pily is  the  Face  of  Things  altered !  All  her 
Debts  devolve  upon  Him,  and  all  his  Dignity 
is  derived  to  Her  *,  He  flands  refponfible, 
for  whatever  She  owes :  and  She  is  a  Sharer, 
in  whatever  He  pojfejfes.  Though  little  lefs  than 
ruined  by  her  late  Hufband,  She  is  more  than 
reftored  by  her  prefent ;  and  has  Reafon  to  re- 
joice in  his  Affluence,  and  to  glory  in  his  Ho- 
nours.  Have  not  We  alfo  Reafon  to  rejoice 

in  our  heavenly  BRIDEGROOM  ?  Since  a  far 
more  glorious  Exchange  fubfifts  between  Him 
and  his  myflical  Spoufe.  He  has  bore  the 
Ciirfe^  that  We  may  inherit  the  Bkjfing,  Sifi 
was  charged  on  Him,  that  Righteoufnefs  might 
be  imputed  to  Us.  In  a  Word  5  He  has  fu- 
ftained  all  our  Miferies,  that  He  might  impart 
to  Us  all  his  Benefits.  Has  the  Law  any  De- 
mand? It  mufl  go  to  Him  for  Satisfa6lion. 
Have  We  any  Wants  ?  We  may  look  to  Him 
for  a  Supply.     TO  H I M,  T^hcron,  in  whom  it 

has 

*  IJhi  Tu  Qiiusy  ibi  Ego  Ca'ia,  was  the  Romon  Maxim." 
Agreeably  to  this  Rule,  which  has  obtained  among  all  civi- 
lized Nations,  the  Scripture  calls  the  Church  by  the  Name  of 
her  divine  Hnjband.  Compare  Jtretn.  xxiii.  5,  6,  wi^l^  ,7'-'- 
rem.  ^ycxiii.  15,  16. 


Let.  12.      Aspasio^<?Theron.  239 

has  f  leafed  the  FATHER,  that  all  Fulnefi  JJmild 
dwell  *. 

If  any  Thing  can  exprefs  an  Union,  more 
intimate  and  infeparable  than  the  conjugal,  it 
is  that  of  the  Members  with  the  Head.  And 
this  Image  is  ufed  by  the  HOLY  GHOST,  to 
fhadow  forth  the  Connection  between  CHRIST 
and  the  Faithful.  He  is  the  Head  over  all  Things y 
with  refpe6l  to  Rule  and  Supremacy  j  but  a 
Head  of  Union  and  Influence,  with  Refpeft  to 

the  Church  -j-. The  Head  and  the  Members 

conftitute  one  natural  Body ;  CHRIST  and  his 
Church  compofe  one  myftical  Body.  What 
Kindnefs  is  done,  what  Injury  is  offered  to  the 
Members,  the  Head  regards  them  as  done  to 
itfelf.  Accordingly,  CHRIST  fays  to  the 
outrageous  Satily  who  made  Havock  of  the 
Church  ;  Saul  J  Saul,  ivhy  perfecufefi  Thou  ME  J  ^ 
He  declares,  concerning  thofe  indigent  Chrijli" 
ans,  to  whofe  Neceffities  We  adminifter  Re- 
lief; Inafmuch  as  Te  have  done  it  unto  them,  Te 

have  done  it  unto  ME  ||. The  Animal  Spirits 

formed  in  the  Head,  are  formed  for  the  Bene- 
fit of  the  whole  Body,  and  defigned  for  the  Ufe 
of  all  the  Members.  So  the  Righteoufnefs 
wrought  by  JESVS  CHRIST,  is  wrought  out 
for  his  whole  myftical  Body,  and  intended  for 
the  Advantage  of  all  his  People;  to  be  the 

Caufe 

*  Col  \.  19.  t  Eph,  i,  22.  X  Mt,  ix.  4, 

U  -Matt,  xxy.  40.  . 


240  A  S  P  A  S  I  O  /O  T  H  E  R  O  N.        Let.  1 2 * 

Caiife  of  their  Juftification,  and  the  Purchafe 
of  their  Salvation. 

Being  then  fo  nearly  related,  fo  clofely  unit- 
ed to  the  bleffed  JESUS,  it  is  no  Wonder,  that 
Believers  are  now  loved  with  the  fame  fatherly 
Love,  and  will  hereafter  be  Partakers  of  the 
fame  heavenly  Glory. — What  might  We  not 
expecl  from  the  Divine  REDEEMER,  if  He 
vouchfafed  to  acknowledge  but  one  of  thefe  en- 
dearing Names  ?  Since  He  is  related  to  Us  by 
till  the  Ties  of  Affinity  and  Affeftion;  may 
We  not  promife  Ourfelves,  and  with  the  Af- 
furance  of  Hope,  every  good  Thing ;  Even  all 
the  Fulnefi  of  GOD  *  our  Saviour? — Does  not 
each  of  thefe  tender  Relations,  fubfifting  be- 
tween CHRIST  and  his  Saints,  imply  an  in- 
tire  Property  in  one  another,  and  a  mutual 
Participation  of  all  that  belongs  to  either  ?  My 
Beloved  is  mi?ie,  and  I  am  bis,  is  the  undoubted 
Effect  of  this  divine  Union. 

How  pleafmg,  yet  how  amazing  theThought! 
Shall  We,  who  fay  to  Corruption,  Thou  art  my 
Father ;  and  to  the  Worm,  Thou  art  my  Mo- 
ther ajid  my  Sifter  %  -,  fhall  IFe  be  permitted  to 
fay,  concerning  the  HEAD  of  all  Principality 
and  Power,  fp'^e  are  Members  of  his  Body,  of  his 

Fleftj,  and  of  his  Bones  ||  f What  a  Mercy 

might 

*Epl\  iii.  19.        ty^^xvii.  14.        ||  Ej>h.  v.  30. 


Let.  12.     AsPAsio  /o  Theron.  2ii 

might  We  efteem  it,  not  to  be'confounded  be^ 
fore  a  MAJESTY  fo  exalted  and  fublime  ! 
What  a  Favour,  to  obtain  the  leafl  propitious 
Regard  from  the  KING  immortal  and  invi- 
fible  !  What  an  Honour,  to  be  admitted  into 
his  Family,  and  numbered  among  the  Mean- 
eft  of  his  Servants  !— But  to  be  his  adopted 
Children  ;  to  be  his  efpoufed  Bride ;  to  be  the 

Members  of  his  facred  Body To  have  HIM 

for  our  everlafting  Father,  HIM  for  the  Bride- 
groom of  our  Souls,  HIM  for  our  heavenly 
Head',  who  is  the  MAKER  of  all  Worlds, 
and  the  Objed  of  Worfhip  to  all  Creatures  I 
What  Words  can  duly  celebrate,  w-hat  Heart 
can  fufficiently  admire,  the  Condefcenfion  and 
the  Love  of  our  adorable  JESUS?  Or  who 
can  juftly  queftion  the  Fruits  of  fuch  a  Fcl- 
lowfliip,  and  Confequences  of  fuch  an  Union? 
Queftion  them  !  No,  the  Fruits  are  as  infallibly 
fure,  as  the  Privilege  is  inexpreflibly  great. 

Let  me  once  again  introduce  a  great  and 
venerable  Witnefs  of  both  thefe  Truths.  "  La- 
"  ban  fpake  high,  when  He  faid  j  Thefe  ChiU 
*'  dre?2  are  mine,  and  all  thefe  Things  thou  feefi 
"  are  mine.  But  how  high  and  glorious  is 
*'  that,  which  may  be  faid  of  a  juftified  Per- 
"  fon  !  All  thou  heareft  of  CHRIST  is  thine; 
"  his  Life  is  thine,  his  Death  is  thine,  his  Obe- 
'-'  dience.  Merit,  Spirit,  all  thine'*." Rich 

and 
*  See  Dr.  Lightfooth  Works,  Vol.  11.  p.  1077. 

Vol.  III.-  R 


242  AsPASio  to  Theron.    Let.  i2r 

and  important  Words !  Than  which  nothing 
can  give  Us  ajufler  or  fuller  Explanation  of 
the  Apoflle's  AfTertion,  We  are  Partakers  of 
CHRIST'*;  We  are  complete  in  CHRIS'tf. 
When  fome  foreign  Ladies,  of  the  firfl  Qua- 
lity, paid  a  Vifit  to  Leonidass  Queen  ;  the 
Talk  turned  upon  their  rich  Clothes,  their  cofl- 
ly  Jewels,  and  fplendid  Equipage,  After  they 
had  feverally  difplayed  their  own  Grandeur, 
they  inquired  after  her  Majeily's  Finery.  What 
She  had  to  diftinguifh  Her  from  the  Vulgar  ? 


-She  replied.  My  illujirioiis  Hujba?id 


+  . 


What  elfe  ?  My  illujirioiis  Husband. And  as 

often  as  They  repeated  the  fame  Queftion,  She 
returned  the  fame  Anfwer. — Could  this  Queen 
fpeak  in  fuch  admiring,  rejoicing,  felf-gratu- 
lating  Terms,  of  her  royal  Confort  ?  And 
fliall  not  vile  Sinners  look  upon  their  RE- 
DEEMER— that  all-glorious,  yet  all-conde- 
fcending  Bridegroom ;  who  is  full  of  Grace 
and  Truth,  full  of  Merit  and  Righteoufnefs 

fhall  not  they  much  more  look  upon  HIM 

as  their  Honour  and  their  Joy ;  the  Obje6l  of 
their  Dependence,  and  the  Caufe  of  their 
Boafling  ? 

I 

*  Heh.  jii.  14.  t  Col  ii.  10. 

%  The  amiable  and  heroic  Panthea  exprefles  Herfelf  in 
much  the  fame  Manner,  concerning  her  gallant  Hufband 
Abradatci ;  2j  yce.^  (i/.oi'ys  /"-eJ'ij"©^  KOirfJ^os  £«r)j.  Xenoph. 
Cyrcpisd.  Lib.  VI. 


Let.  12.     AsPAsio  to  Theron.  24^ 

I  fhould  find  it  difficult  to  refrain  from  the 
farther  Profecution  of  fo  engaging  a  Topic, 
did  I  not  propofe  to  wait  upon  You  very  fpeedi- 
ly.  Then  I  fhall  have  an  Opportunity  of 
pouring  into  your  Bofom  all  the  Fulnef?  of 
my  Heart,  with  regard  to  this  delightful  Sub- 
je6t.- — ^\\\  the  mean  time,  let  me  exhort  my 
dear  Friend  to  be  of  good  Comfort.  Hea'^i- 
nefs  may  endure  for  a  Night,  but  Joy  comet h  in 
the  Morning*,  This  Sorrow  of  which  You 
complain,  may  be  the  Seed  of  fpiritual  and 
eternal  Confolation. 

While  I  am  writing,  there  appears  full  in 
my  View,  one  of  the  finefl:  Rainbows,  I  ever 
beheld.  //  compaffeth  the  Heaven  with  a  glorious 
Circle ;  fo  glorious,  that  it  is  no  Difparage- 
ment  of  the  Almighty  CREATOR,  to  fay, 
the  Hands  of  the  MOST  HIGH  have  bended 
it  \, — On  what  Foundation,  would  I  afk,  is 
that  beautiful  and  (lately  Arch  raifed  ?  From 
what  Source,-  do  all  its  radiant  and  lovely  Co- 
lours fpring  ?  It  is  raifed  on  a  gloomy  AfTem- 
blage  of  Vapours ;  and  all  its  rich  Tinctures 
fpring  from  a  louring  Cloud.— Thus  does  the 
bleffed  GOD,  on  a  Con  virion  of  Guilt  and 
a  Senfe  of  Ruin,  fpread  Faith,  paint  Holinefs, 
and  diffufe  Gladnefs.     May  all  thefe,  e'er  long, . 

arife  in  my  T^herons  Bread  !   And  each  be 

bright, 

*  Pfal,  XXX.  S'         t  Ecdus.  xliii.  I2, 

R  2 


244  AsT Asio  to  Theron.     Let.  i f' 

bright,  as  that  refplendent  Bow lofting^  as 

the  Sun  that  creates  it ! 

In  the  mean  time,  it  is  the  ardent  Defire  of 
my  Soul,  and  fliall  be  my  frequent  Prayer  to 
GO  D,  ^hat  both  our  Hearts  may  be  comforted^ 
beins'  knit  together  in  Love,  unto  all  Riches  of  the 
full  Aff'urance  of  JJnderfianding  *,  in  this  great 
Myftery  of  GodHnefs. — What  Vigour  of  Ex- 
preffion,  what  Exuberance  of  Ideas,  and, 
above  all,  what  diftinguifhed  Privileges  are 
Here  ! — AJjiirance — Full  AfTurance — Riches  of 
the  full  Ailurance — All  Riches  of  the  full  Af- 
furance  of  Underftanding — in  reference  to  our 
Union  with  CHRIST,  and  its  unutterably  pre- 
cious EfFefts ! — Can  the  Orator  exprefs  more  ? 
Can  the  Sinner  wifh  for  more  ?  Can  the  Saint, 
I  had  'almoft  faid,  can  the  Archangel  enjoy 
more  ? — May  this  be  the  Portion  of  my  dear 
Theron,  and  of 

His  ever  fait  hf id 

A  S  P  A  S I  0. 


*  Col.  il  2. 


D  I  A- 


DIALOGUE     XV. 


S  P  A  S I O  had  taken  Leave  of  his 
Friend  CatnilhiSj  and  was  come  to 
revifit  Theron.  Whofe  Thoughts 
fcemed  to  be  in  a  State  of  much 
Fluctuation,  and  no  fmall  Anxiety. 
Hoping,  that  fome  proper  Converfation  on  the 
Grace  and  Privileges  of  the  everlafting  Gofpel, 
might  compofe  and  comfort  his  Mind.  Might, 
while  his  Heart  was  foftened  by  humbling 
Convictions,  fix  the  Stamp  of  genuine  Chrifti- 
anity;  and  deliver  his  whole  Soul  into  the 
Mould*  of  evangehcal  Religion. 

men 


*  Deliver  into  the  Mould —T\iii,  is  the  literal  Tranflation, 
and  exact  Senfe  of  St.  PauH  Phrafe  ;  Ek  oy  Trapsi^wOrli  t^ttos 
SiSx-/jf,i:.  Ro?n.  vii.  17. — Which,  as  it  contains  a  beautiful 
Ailufion^  conveys  alfo  a  very  injiru^ive  Admoyition.  Inti- 
mating, that  our  Minds,  all  pliant  and  duiflile,  fiiould  be 
conformed  to  the  refined  Precepts  of  the  Gofpel,  as  Jiqui'l 
Metals  take  the  Figure  of  fome  elegant  Mould,  into  v/hicb 
they  are  caft* 

R3 


i246       D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV, 

TVJcen  Sorrow  wounds  the  Breajiy  as  Ploughs 

the  Glebe, 
And  Hearts  obdurate  feel  her  fof  tuning  ^howr^ 
Her  Seed  celejiial  then  glad  Wijdom  fows  : 
Her  golden  Harvejis  triumph  in  the  Soil, 

He  arrived  pretty  late  in  the  Evening ;  and, 
being  fomewhat  weary  with  the  Journey,  foon 

withdrew  to  his  Repofe. The  next  Morn^ 

ing,  as  ^heron  walked  abroad,  to  tafle  the 
cool  Delights  of  the  Dawn ;  He  was  agree- 
ably furprifed,  by  meeting  Afpafw. 

i'her.  So  foon  awake,  my  worthy  Friend  ! 
And  after  fo  much  Fatigue  on  the  preceding 

Day !' 1  had  not  the  lealt  Expe6lation  of 

your  Company,  till  Breakfaft.     Then  indeed 

I  promifed  myfelf  a  double  Regale The 

Refrefliments  exhibited  on  the  Table ;  and 
thofe  wholefome  Words  of  our  LORD  JESUS 
CHRIST*y  which,  more  precious  than  Man- 
na, drop 

A/p.  How,  Theron  ! — Have  you  alfo  learnt 
thofe  foothing  Arts,  which  polifli  the  Speech, 
to  deprave  our  Sentiments  ?  Could  I  have  fuf- 
pe6led  the  inchanting  Wiles  of  Flattery,  from 
my  fincere,  my  tried,  my  bofonl  Friend  ? 

^her.  Your  Friend  is  itill  fuicere,  and  his 
Words  are  very  remote  from  Flattery, — How 
welcome  to  the  windbcund  Mariner,  weary 

with 
5  I  Tim.  y'u  3; 


DIALOGUE    XV.         247 

with  Expectation,  and  fick  with  Difappolnt- 
ments,  is  the  Vifit  of  a  propitious  Gale  !  How 
welcome  to  the  Fields,  parched  with  Drought, 
and  gafping  for  Moifture,  are  copious  Show- 
ers of  Rain  !  How  acceptable  to  the  Ifraelitesy 
traveling  through  the  inhofpitable  Defarts, 
and  pining  away  for  want  of  the  Fruits 
of  the  Earth,  was  the  miraculous  Supply  of 

heavenly  Bread  ! Yet,    neither   propitious 

Gales  to  the  wind-bound  Mariner,  nor  copi- 
ous Showers  to  the  thirlly  Soil,  nor  heavenly 
Bread  to  the  famiflied  i/rW/V^j,  could  be  more 
welcome,  than  your  late  Converfation,  and 
later  Correfpondence,  to  my  anxious  Soul. 

Afp.  Why  I  thought  you  looked  upon  my 
Notions  as  chimerical.  Is  I'heroji  alfo  become 
credulous  ?  Like  one  of  Us  weak-headed  Be- 
lievers ! Has  He  quitted  the  Strong-holds 

of  Reafon  ?  Is  He  vanquiflied  by  the  Sling- 
ftone  of  Faith  ?  Or  can  He  fubmit  to  this 
ftrange  Method  of  Salvation,  by  embracing  the 
Righteoufnefs,  and  relying  on  the  Obedience 
of  Another? 

T:'her.  I  find,  my  Reafon  was  a  feeble  Guide  ; 
or  I  myfelf  not  faithful  to  its  genuine  Dic- 
tates. I  was  blinded  with  Prejudice.  I  was 
intoxicated  with  Pride.  A  vain  Conceit  of 
my  moral  Powers  betrayed  me,  as  I  fear  it 
has  betrayed  many,  into  a  Contempt  of  the 
evangelical  Righteoufnefs.  I  held,  what  I 
R  4  thought 


248         DIALOGUE    XV. 

thought  an  Honour  to  human  Nature.  I  now 
retra6l  my  Opinion.  My  true  Glory  and  real 
Happinefs  I  would  derive   from  the  bleffed 

JESUS. — No  more  Banter,  ^Jpa/w : Have 

done  : — I  am  ferious,  and  very  much  in  ear- 
ned. So  much  in  earnefl,  that  if  all  my  Ac- 
quaintance of  the  Pharifaical  Turn,  or  all  my 
Brothers  of  the  Smile,  fliould  rally  me  on  the 
Subje6li  I  would  frankly  acknowledge  my 
Error,  and  as  freely  fign  my  Recantation. 

Jfp,  My  dear  T'heron^  I  applaud  your  Refo- 
lution.  You  have  no  more  Caufe  to  be  afliam- 
ed  of  fuch  a  Pra6lice,  than  Philip  had  to  be 
aihamed  of  the  Imperfection  in  his  Limbs. 
When  being  obferved  to  go  lame,  with  a 
Wound  received  in  Battle,  he  had  this  Confo- 
lation  fuggefted  by  one  of  his  Courtiers :  "  Ne- 
"  ver  blufli,  my  royal  Sir,  for  a  Defe6l,  which 
"  puts  You  in  mind  of  your  Valour^  every 
*'  Step  You  take." — To  facrifice  our  Preju- 
dices, in  the  Search  of  Truth,  is  no  lefs  ho- 
nourable, than  to  be  marked  with  a  Scar,  in 
the  Defence  of  our  Country. 

I  beg  Pardon  for  my  Pleafantry.  Since  you 
are  fo  very  ferious,  a  gay  Air  was  quite  unr 
feafonable. — You  cannot  often  complain,  that 
J  am  guilty  of  this  Fault.  Nor  can  You  eafily 
imagine,  the  Satisfaction  I  fhall  enjoy ;  if, 
dther  my  Letters,  or  my  Difcourfe,  have  ad- 
iniaillered  any  Advantage  to    my  Friend.     I 

Ihall 


DIALOGUE     XV.         249 

iliall  note  it  down,  among  the  diftinguifhed 
Blefllngs  of  my  Life  j  and  have  an  additional 
Obligation,  to  love  the  beneficent  AUTHOR 
of  all  Good. 

But,  as  I  cannot  be  a  Furtherer  of  your 
Happinefs,  without  the  greateft  Delight  j  fo  I 
cannot  be  a  Witnefs  of  your  Solicitude,  without 
a  painful  Regret.  You  mufl:  therefore  permit 
me  to  afk  the  Caufe  of  that  unufual  Vehemence^ 
I  obferve  in  your  Speech  -,  and  of  that  deep 
Concern^  which  I  read  in  your  Countenance. 

T^her.  I  have  been  confidering  very  atten- 
tively. What  is  the  prefent  State,  and  what  is 
likely  to  be  the ^;?^/  Condition  of  my  Soul. 

. My  Hopes  and  Fears 


Start  up  alarmed;  and  o'er  Life's  narroivVerge 
Look  down — on  what  1  Afathomlefs  Abyfs^ 
A  vajl  Eternity  ! 

My  Sinsy  at  the  fame  time,  like  an  armed 
Hofl,  are  fet  in  dreadful  Array,  and  furround 

me  on  every  Side. Jujiicey  like  an  injured 

and  incenfed  Foe,  unfheaths  the  Sword,  and 

makes  a  loud  Demand  for  Vengeance. No 

Righteoufnefs  of  my  own   prefents   itfelf,    to 

which  I  may  fly  for  Refuge. The  Method 

of  Salvation,  in  which  I  formerly  confided,  is 
a  Bridge  broken  down  5  and  leaves  me,  without 
^ny  Poffibility  of  Efcape,  abandoned  to  the 
approaching  Enemy. 

To 


250  D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV. 

To  a  Perfon  in  fuch  deplorable  Circum- 
flaiices,  how  reviving,  how  delightful,  is  the 
very  Thought  of  being  interefled  in  the  great 
REDEEMER'S  Righteoufnefs !— I  don't  won- 
der now  at  a  Saying  of  Luther  s  j  which  I 
have  fometimes  exploded,  as  llrangely  extra- 
vagant: "  That,  upon  theDifcovery  of  this  glo- 
"  rious  Righteoufnefs,  the  Gates  of  Paradife 
"  feemed  to  fly  open  before  Him,  and  the 
^^  Dawn  of  Heaven  was  all  in  view." 

Talking  in  this  manner,  they  capie  to  an 
elevated  Terrace.  Which,  about  an  Hour  be- 
fore, had  been  lliaved  by  the  Scythe,  and 
emitted  all  the  Frefhnefs  of  new-mown  Herb- 
age.  On  one  Side,  a  fine  Champaign  Country 

ftretched  its  wide  Dimenfions. — On  the  other, 
a  Flower-Garden  exhibited  the  laft  Ornaments 
of  the  Year. — Here,  You  might  ft  ill  fee  the 
tufted  Vermilion,  and  the  full-blown  Ivory, 
glittering  through  Spangles  of  liquid  Ciyftal. 

There,  You  might  trace  the  Footfteps  of 

the  early  Cattle,  by  many  a  recent  Print  on 

the  dewy  Lav/n. On  the  Vl^alls  and  Efpali- 

ers,  Autumn  had  fpread  her  Stores  j  and  was 
beginning  to  beautify  their  Rinds  with  many 
a  ruddy  Streaky  or  to  breathe  over  their  glofTy 
Skins  her  delicate  and  inimitable  Bloom. 

Afp.  See,  faid  Afpafio,  the  Wifdom  and  Be- 
nignity,  which,  in  amiable  and  infeparable 

Con- 


DIALOGUE     XV.         251 

Conjunftion,  difplay  themfelves  through  the 
whole  Oeconomy  of  the  Univerfe  !  GOD  has 
made  every  I'hing  beautiful  in  his  ^ime  *  j  every 
Thing  ferviceable  in  its  Place.  A  little  while 
ago,  the  flowery  Meads  delighted  our  Eyes, 
and  the  melodious  Birds  charmed  our  Ears  ; 
now,  the  tafleful  Fruits  are  preparing  th^ir 
Dainties  5  and  prefenting  Us  with  a  Collation, 
to  regale  our  Palate, — The  whole  Earth,  and 
all  the  Seafons,  are  rich  with  our  CREATOR'S 
Goodnefs,  Yea,  the  whole  Earth,  and  all  that 
replenifhes  it,  all  that  furrounds  it,  are  full  of 
his  Prefence.     He^  HE  it  is,  who 

Warms  in  the  Sun^  refrejhes  in  the  Breeze^ 
Glows  in  the  Stars,  and  bloffoms  in  the  Threes ; 
Lives  through  all  Life  ^  extends  through  allLxtent^ 
Spreads  undivided,    operates  unfpent. 

An  habitual  Belief  of  this  Truth,  gives  Na- 
ture her  lovelieft  Afpe6l,  and  lends  her  the 
mofl  confummate  Power  to  pleafe.  The  Breath 
of  Violets,  and  the  Blufh  of  Rofes  ;  the  Mu- 
fie  of  the  Woods,  and  the  Meanders  of  the 
Stream  j  the  afpiring  Hill,  the  extended  Plain, 
and  all  the  Decorations  of  the  Landfchape  5 
then  appear  in  their  highell:  AttraClives  3  then 
touch  the  Soul  with  the  moft  refined  Satisfac- 
tion J  when   G  O  D  is  feen — when   G  O  D  is 

heard — and  GOD  enjoyed  in  all 

—Is 


252        DIALOGUE     XV. 

—  Is  Ihcron  lofl  in  Thought,  and  de- 
prived of  Speech  ?  Is  He  alone  filent,  while  all 
Things  fpeak  their  MAKER'S  Praife?  —  Does 
Faith  throw  a  Shade  over  the  Works  of  Crea- 
tion ?  Does  it  not  heighten  their  Beauties, 
and  enliven  their  Graces  ? — The  religious  is 
the  only  true  Philofopher ;  and  the  Pleafures 
of  Imagination  never  acquire  their  proper  Re- 
liili,  till  they  are  ripened  by  the  Exercife  of 
Devotion.  With  this  View  then,  lince  my 
Friend  forbears,  let  me  attempt  to  fpeak :  not 
to  increafe  his  Knowledge,  but  to  cherifh  Faith, 
and  cultivate  Devotion  in  Us  both. 

The  fpacious  Canopy  *  over  our  Heads,  is 
painted  with  Blue;  and  the  ample  Carpet  un- 
der our  Feet,  is  tinged  with  Green.  Thefe 
Colours,  by  their  foft  and  chearing  Qualities, 
yield  a  perpetual  Refrefhment  to  the  Eye  -f*. 
Whereas,  had  the  Face  of  Nature  gliftered  with 
White,  or  glowed  with  Scarlet ;  fuch  ardent 
and  dazling  Hues  would,  inftead  of  exhilarat- 
ing, 

*  If  the  Reader  has  Patience  to  go  through  the  following 
Eflay,  He  will  find  it,  in  the  liTlte,  not  altogether  foreign 
to  the  main  Subje6l. — If  He  pleafcs  to  confider  it,  as  a  kind 
of  praCl'ual  Comment^  on  that  lovely  Celebration  of  provi- 
dential Goodnefs,  Hh  tcndtr  Mercies  are  over  all  his  TVorks — 
This  may  poflibly  alleviate  the  Toil  of  perufing,  and  recon- 
cile Him  to  the  Length  of  the  Defcant. 

^ Gay  Green, 

Thou  fmllin^  Naturf's  un'iverfal Robe ! 

United  Li^ht  and  Shade  !  Where  the  Sight  dwellsy 

With  grcrwing  Strength^  and  iver-ncw  Delight. 

ThomfonV  Spring, 


DIALOGUE     XV.         253 

ing,  have  fatigued  the  Sight. — Befides  ;  as  the 
feveral  brighter  Colours  are  interfperfed,  and 
form  the  Pi6lures  in  this  magnificent  Piece  i 
the  Green  and  the  Blue  conflitute  an  admi- 
rable Groii?id,  which  fhews  them  all,  in  their 
highefl  Lurtre,  and  to  the  utmoft  Advantage. 

Had  the  Air  been  confiderably  gr offer,  it 
would  have  dimmed  the  Rays  of  the  Sun,  and 
darkened  the  chearful  Day.  Our  Lungs  had 
been  clogged  in  their  vital  Fun6lions :  Men 
had  been  fuffocated,  without  the  ftrangling 
Noofe  J  or  drowned,  without  the  overwhelm- 
ing Flood. — Was  it  feveral  Degrees  moxQfubtley 
Birds  would  not  be  able  to  wing  their  Way 
through  the  Firmaments  5  nor  could  the  Clouds 
be  fuflained,  in  fo  attenuated  an  Atmofphere. 
It  would  elude  the  Organs  of  Refpiration :  We 
fhould  gafp  for  Breath,  with  as  much  Diffi- 
culty, and  with  as  little  Succefs,  as  Fifhes  out 
of  their  native  Element. 

The  Ground  alfo  is  wrought  into  the  moft 
proper  Temperature.  Was  it  of  a  firmer  Con- 
iiftence,  it  would  be  impenetrable  to  the  Plough, 
and  unmanageable  by  the  Spade. — Was  it  of 
a  laxer  Compofition,  it  would  be  incapable  of 
fupporting  its  own  Furniture.  The  light 
Mould  would  be  fwept  away  by  whirling 
Winds  i  or  the  oozy  Globe  foaked  into  Sloughs 
by  the  defcending  Rains. — Becaufe,  every  Si- 
tuation fuits  not  every  Plant ;  but  that  which 

is 


254         D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV. 

is  a  Nurfe  to  one,  often  proves  a  Step-mother 
to  others ;  therefore,  the  Qualities  of  the  Earth 
are  fo  abundantly  diverfified,  as  properly  to 
accommodate  every  Species  of  Vegetation.  We 
have  a  Variety  of  intermediate  Soils,  from  the 
loofe  disjointed  Sand,  to  the y^^cohe five  Clay : 
from  the  rough  Projedions  of  the  o-aggy  Clift, 
to  the  foftly  fwelling  Bed  of  the  fmooth  Par- 
terre. 

The  ^ea  carries  equal  Evidences  of  a  mofl: 
wife  and  gracious  Ordination. — Was  it  larger^ 
We  (hould  want  Land  for  the  Purpofes  of 
Pafturage,  and  the  Operations  of  Hufbandry. 
We  fhould  be  deftitute  of  fufficient  Room  for 
Mines  and  Foreftsj  our  fubterranean  Ware- 
houfes,  and  our  aerial  Timber- Yards. — Was 
it  f?nalkj'y  it  would  not  be  capable  of  recruit- 
ing the  Sky,  with  a  proper  Quantity  of  vapor- 
ous Exhalations ;  nor  of  fupplying  the  Earth, 
with  the  neceflary  Quota  of  fructifying  Showers. 

Do  We  not  difcern  very  apparent  Strokes  of 
Skill,  and  the  moft  pregnant  Proofs  of  Good- 
nefs,  in  each  individual  Obje6l  ?  In  the  various 
tenants  of  the  Globe,  and  the  feveral  ApftiV" 
tenances  of  this  great  Dwelling  ?  —  It  is  need- 
lefs  to  expatiate  upon  the  more  eminent  and 
confpicuoiis  Beauties ;  all  that  fiines  in  the 
Heavens,  and  all  th^t  Jmiles  on  the  Earth.  Thefe 
fpeak  to  every  Ear,  thefe  fliew  to  every  Eye, 

the 


D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV.         255 

the  adorable  Munificence  of  their  MAKER. — 
It  is  needlefs  to  launch  into  the  Praifes  of  the 
Valleys,  delicately  clothed  with  Herbage ;  or 
of  the  Fields,  richly  replenifhed  with  Corn. 
Even  the  ragged  Rocks,  which  frown  over  the 
Flood  J  the  caverned  Quarries,  which  yawn 
amidft  the  Land ;  together  with  the  Moun- 
tains, th.oiQ  fiapelefs  and  e?2ormoiis  Protuberances, 
which  feem  to  load  the  Ground,  and  incumber 
the  Skies  j  even  thefe  contribute  their  Share, 
to  increafe  the  general  Pleafure,  and  augment 
the  general  Ufefulnefs.  They  variegate  the 
Profpedl  J  raife  an  agreeable  Horror  in  the  Be- 
holder i  and  infpire  his  Breaft  with  a  religious 
Awe.  They  add  new  Charms  to  the  wide 
Level  of  our  Plains  j  and  fhelter,  hke  a  Screen, 
the  warm  Lap  of  our  Vales. 

We  are  delighted  with  the  folemn  Gloom, 
and  magnificent  Afped,  of  the  Foreil.  One, 
who  faw  the  Cedars  of  X^/;^«o??,  was  tranfported 
with  Admiration,  at  their  ample  Trunks,  and 
towering  Heads  j  their  diffufive  Spread,  and 
verdant  Grandeur.  Compared  with  which, 
the  ftately  Elm  is  but  a  Reed ;  and  the  branch- 
ing Oak,  a  mere  Shrub. — Was  our  Sight  qua- 
lified for  the  Search,  We  fliould  difcover  a 
Symmetry  and  2iDignityy  altogether  as  perfe6l,  and 
far  more  wonderful,  in  thofe  Groves  o^Mofs  * 

v/hich 

*  See,  /or  a  Proof  of  this  Remark,  the  Explanation  ot 
the  tenth  PlatCy  in  that  very  curious,  very  entertaining,  and 


no 


£256        D  i  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV. 

which  adhere  to  the  rude  Stone.  We  (houlcl 
contemplate,  with  greater  Surprife,  if  not  with 
greater  Rapture,  thofe  diminutive  Plantations; 
which  ftrike  their  haily  Roots  in  the  mouldy 
Confeftion,  or  wave  their  curious  Umbrage 
over  the  perifhed  Pickle  *. 

Who  is  not  charmed  with  the  Vine,  and  its 
generous  warming  Juices  ?  With  the  Melon, 
and  its  delicious  cooling  Pulp  ?  Yet,  were  all 
our  Trees  to  produce  Fruits  of  fuch  exalted 
Qualities,  or  of  fuch  an  agreeable  Relifli,  what 
would  become  of  the  Birds!  How  fmall  a 
Scantling  of  fuch  choice  Delicacies,  would  vo- 
racious Man  refign  to  their  Enjoyment?  — 
That  Provifion  may  be  made  for  the  meaneft 
Va<rrant  of  the  Air,  as  well  as  for  the  moft 
renowned  Sovereign  of  a  Nation  ;  there  is,  in 

all 

no  lefs  Inftruvnive  Piece,  intitled  Micrographia  Rejlaurata.~r— 
Where  our  Author  compares  the  Size  of  this  little  Vegetable, 
with  the  Dimenfions  of  thofe  vaft  Trees,  which  grow  in  the 
vi"-orous  Climates  of  Guinea  and  Brazil.  The  Trunks  of 
which  are,  according  to  the  Report  of  Travelers,  twenty 
Feet  in  Diameter.  Whereas,  the  Body  of  this  minute  Plant, 
meafurcs  no  more  than  the  fixtieth  Part  of  an  Inch.  So  that, 
upon  a  Calculation,  the  Thicknefs  of  the  one  exceeds  that 
of  the  other,  2,985,984  Millions  of  Times. — So  prodigi- 
oully  various  are  the  Works  of  the  CREATOR  ! 

*  That  whitifh  kind  of  Down,  which  fhags  the  putrefying 
Pickle  ;  which  incrufts  the  Surface  of  fome  corrupted  Li- 
quors ;  and  conrtitutcs  what  We  call  Mouldincfs ;  is  really 
a  Clufter  of  little  Plants.  Each  has  a  Root  and  a  Stalk: 
Each  fprcads  its  Branches,  and  produces  Seed  in  Abundance. 

Radicefque  fuas  babet,  cxUemqiie  Coronam, 
Frondefquc^  Fru^urnqne  gcrit,  velut  ardita  ^wcus. 


DIALOGUE     X¥.         257 

all  Places,  a  large  Growth  of  Shrubs,  covered 
annually  with  a  Harveft  of  coarfe  and  hardy- 
Berries.  So  coarfe  in  their  Tafte,  that  they  are 
unworthy  the  Acceptance  of  Man:  fo  hardy  in 
their  Make,  that  they  endure  the  extremefi:  Se- 
verities of  the  Weather  ;  and  furnifh  the  fea-= 
thered  Tribe  with  a  ftanding  Repaftj  amidll 
all  the  Defolations  of  Winter. 

The  Fir,  with  her  filver  Bark,  and  fiiapely 
Cone  J  the  Beech  *,  with  her  quivering  Leaves, 
and  embowering  Shade  j  are  flately  Decora- 
tions of  our  rural  Seats.  But,  if  there  were 
no  intangling  T^hickets^  no  prickly  'Thorns^ 
where  would  the  Farmer  procure  Fences,  fo 
clofely  wattled,  or  fo  ftrongly  armed  -f-  ?  Flow 

could 

*  The  i^^V,  Beech,  &c.  Thefe,  and  fuch  like  Trees,  are 
called  in  Hebrezv,  tZyh^T\^  ^'-  ^"-  '9-  Which  Word 
is  rendered,  but  I  think  very  improperly,  Bufies.  It  rather 
fignifies  the  grand  and  moft  admired  Plants.  It  is  intended 
as  a  Contraft  to  the  coarfe  and  defpicable  Thorns,  mentioned 
in  the  preceding  Claufe.  And  both  taken  together  exprefs 
all  Sorts  of  Trees,  from  the  towering  Cedar  to  the  groveling 
Shrub. 

t  Something  to  tliis  Purpofe  is  hinted  in  the  Prophecy 
of  Ifaiah,  by  ^yZ^^  "i^-C'  DN*"!'  Terriculaynentum  Sent'mm  ^ 
Vepr'nim :  The  Terror  of  Thorns  and  Briars.  Meaning 
thofe  fliarp  and  ragged  Mounds,  with  which  Vineyards, 
Corn-fields,  and  other  cultivated  Spots,  were  ufuaily  in- 
clofed.  Which  deterred  the  moft  adventurous  Cattle  from 
forcing,  or  attempting  to  force,  a  Paflage. — The  Words 
are  fomewhat  oblcure,  and  have  been  ?reatlv  rn ifunderftood. 
But,  thus  interpreted,  they  aflbrd  an  eafy  Senfe,  and  per- 
fedlly  coincide  with  the  Context.  Implying,  *'  That  Places, 
*'  formerly  fenced  about  with  Abundance"  of  Care,  fhould 
"  lie  open,  and  expofed  to  every  wandcrincr  Foot.     That 

Vol.  III.  S.  "'        *'  Tilla-'e 


25^  DIALOGUE  XV. 
could  He  guard  the  Scene  of  his  Labours,  or 
lecure  his  vegetable  Wealth,  from  the  Flocks 
and  the  Herds  ?  Thofe  roving  Plunderers, 
which  accede  to  no  Treat)r,  but  that  oifG7xible 
Reflraint ;  fubmit  to  no  Laws,  but  thofe  of 
the  coercive  Kind. 

Moft  People  are  fond  of  the  Purflane's  flefhy 
Leaves,  and  the  ramified  Fatnefs  of  the  Bro- 
coli :  the  Potato's  mealy  Orbs,  and  the  Len- 
tile's  fucculent  Pods.  We  fpare  no  Toil,  We 
grudge  no  Expence,  to  have  them  flourifh  in 
our  Gardens,  and  ferved  up  at  our  Tables. — ■ 
But  there  are  innumerable  Herbs,  which  pafs 
under  the  contemptible  Character  of  Weeds-, 
and  yet  are  altogether  as  defirable  to  many 
Claflbs  of  Creatures,  as  thefe  culinary  Gifts  to 
Mankind.  Who  Ihall  be  at  the  Pains  to  plant, 
to  water,  to  cultivate,  fuch  defpicable  Produc- 
tions ?  Man  w^ould  rather  extirpate^  than  pro^ 
pagate,  thefe  Incumbrances  of  his  Acres.  There- 
fore Providence  vouchfafes  to  be  their  Gar- 
dener. Providence  has  wrought  off  their 
Seeds  into  fuch  a  Lightnefs  of  Subflance,  that 
they  are  carried  abroad  with  the  Undulations 
of  the  Air.  Or,  if  too  heavy  to  be  wafted  by 
the  Breeze,  they  are  faftened  to  Wings  of 
Down,  which  facilitate  their  Flight.   Or  elfe, 

are 

"  Tillage  fh<^,u!(I  be  difcontinueJ;  and   the  whole  Country 

*'  degenerate   into  a  cont'ufed,  difordcrly  Wafte  ;    without 

*'  either   the  l^iftributions  of  Property,   or   the   ImproYC- 

*'  ments  orinduflry."  //ui.v\i,2^.  \ 'vi.  Fitting,  in k'^. 


D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV.         259 

are  inclofed  in  a  fpringy  Cafe  ;  which,  forcibly 
bu riling,  flioots  them  abroad  on  every  Side. 
— By  fome  fuch  means,  the  reproducing  Prin- 
ciple is  difTeminated  i  the  univerfal  Granary 
filled ;  and  the  univerfal  Board  furniflied. 
The  buzzing  Infeft,  and  the  creeping  Worm, 
have  each  his  Bill  of  Fare,  Each  enjoys  a  never* 
failing  Treat,  equivalent  to  our  finefl  Venifon, 
or  to  the  "  Fat  of  Kidneys  of  Wheat  *." 

As  the  Seeds  of  fome  are  mofl  artfully  fcat- 
tered  abroad,  when  ripe  j  the  Seeds  of  others 
are  moil  carefully  guarded,  till  they  come  to 
Maturity ;  and,  by  both  Contrivances,  every 
Species  is  not  barely  preferved,  but  in  a  man- 
ner eternized. — Some  are  lodged  in  the  Center 
of  a  large  Pulp  ;  which  is,  at  once,  their  De- 
fence, and  their  Nourifliment.  This  We  find 
exemplified  in  the  talleful  Apple,  and  the  juicy 
Pear. — Some,  befides  the  furrounding  Pulp, 
are  inclofed  in  a  thick  Shelly  hard  and  irnpe-' 
netrable  as  Stone.  .  We  cannot  pluck  and  eat 
one  of  thofe  downy  Peaches,  or  incrimfoned 
Ne6larines,  which  fo  beautifully  embofs  the 
Wall,  without  finding  a  Proof  of  this  Precau- 
tion.— Call  your  Eye  upon  the  Walnuts, 
which  flud  the  Branches  of  that  fpreading 
Tree.  Before  thefe  are  gathered,  the  Increafe 
of  the  Cold,  and  the  Emptinefs  of  the  Gar- 
dens, 

*  The  Fat  of  Kidneys  of  Wheat,  Deut.  xxxii.  14.  A  Sen- 
tence, rich  with  Elegance  !  Such  as  would  have  {hone  in 
Pindar i  or  been  admired  by  Loyiginus, 

S  2 


26o         DIALOGUE    XV. 

dens,  will  fliarpeii  the  Appetite  of  the  BirdSr 
To  fecure  the  fine  Kernel  from  the  Depreda- 
tions of  their  bufy  aflailing  Bills,  it  is  fortified 
with  a  ftrong  Inclofure  of  Wood,  and  with  the 
Addition  of  a  difguftful  bitter  Rind. 

If  Grafs  was  as  fcarce  as  the  Guernfey -Lilly  ; 
or  as  difficultly  raifed  as  the  delicate  Tuberofe  j 
how  certainly,  and  how  fpeedily,  mufl  many 
Millions  of  Quadrupeds  perifli  with  Famine  \ 
Since  all  the  Cattle  owe  their  chief  Subfiflence 
to  this  Vegetable,  by  a  fingular  Beneficence  in 
the  Divine  Oeconomy,  it  waifeth  not^  like  the 
Corn-field  and  the  Garden-bed,  for  the  annual 
Labours  of  Man,  V^hen  once  fown,  though 
ever  fo  frequently  cropped,  it  revives  with  the 
returning  Sealon,  and  fiouriflies  in  a  kind  of 
perennial  Verdure.  It  covers  our  Meadows ; 
difFufes  itlelf  over  the  Plains ;  fprings  up  in  every 
Glade  of  the  Forefl: ;  and  fpreads  a  Side-board 
in  the  moft  fequeflred  Nook. 

Since  the  Nutriment  of  Vegetables  them- 
felves,.  lies  hid  under  the  Soil,  or  floats  up  and 
down  in  the  Air :  beneath^  they  plunge  their 
Roots  *  into  the  Ground,  and  difperfe  every 
V^ay  their  fibrous  Suckers,  to  explore  the  la- 
tent, and  attra6l  the  proper  Nourifhment : 
iiho'-cc^  they  expand  a  Multitude  of  Leaves  *, 
which,  like  fo  many  open  Mouths,  catch  the 

Rains 

*  *  '^joh  mod  beautifully  alludes  to  thefe  two  Sources  of 
vegetable  P'crtility  ;  My  Root  was  fpread  out  by  the  IVatersy 
mid  the  Dnu  by  alt  Nigbt  upon  my  Branch y  Job  xxi?c.  19. 


D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E     XV.  261 

Rains  as  they  fall ;  imbibe  the  Dews  as  they 
diilil  i  and  tranfmit  them,  through  their  nice 
Orifices,  to  the  Heart  of  the  Plant,  or  the 
Lobes  of  the  Fruit. 

I  have  touched  upon  the  infenfible  Creation  j 
and  pointed  out  the  Care  of  a  condefcending 
Providence,  exercifed  over  thefe  Imveft  Forma- 
tions of  Nature. — The  animal  World,  'Theroriy 
falls  to  your  Share.  It  is  yours  to  defcant  upon 
thofe  higher  Orders  of  Exiftence ;  and  fhew 
Us  the  Goodnefs  of  GOD,  extending  its  in- 
dulgent Regards  to  them  and  their  Interefts ; 
as  tenderly,  as  officioufly,  as  a  Hen  fpreadeth 
her  Wings  *  over  her  infant  Brood. 

^her.  The  Subje6t  is  in  good  Hands.  Let 
Part  the  fecond  be  of  the  fame  Strain  with  Part 
the  fir  ft,  and  there  will  be  no  Occafion  to  wifh 
for  a  new  Speaker.  As  to  myfelf,  I  have  very 
little  Inclination  to  talk.  But  I  have  an  Ear 
open  and  attentive  to  your  Difcourfe. 

Afp.  You  put  me  in  mind  of  the  Philofo- 
pher,  who  prefumed  to  read  a  Lecture  on  the 
Art  of  War,  in  the  Prefence  of  HannibaL  But 
his  Impertinence  was  "cohmtary,  mine  is  con^ 
Jirained, — Since  You  injoin  me  this  Office,  let 
Us  pafs,  from  the  vegetable,  to  the  animal 
World.     Here,  We  fliall  find   no  Tribe,  no 

Indi- 

*  This  feems  to  be  the  Image  ufed  by  the  rfalmijU  P*"^'. 
cxlv.  9.  And  a  moft  amiable  linage,  as  well  as  a  moft  pic- 
turefque  Reprcieritation,  it  is 


262        DIALOGUE     XV. 

Individual  negle6led.  The  fuperior  Claffes 
want  no  Demonftration  of  their  excellent  Ac- 
compUfliments.  At  the  firil  Glimpfe,  they 
challenge  our  Approbation ;  they  command 
our  Applauie.  Even  the  more  igmbk^  Forms  of 
animated  Exiflence,  are  mod  wifely  circum- 
flanced,  and  moft  liberally  accommodated. 

They  all  generate  in  that  particular  Seafon, 
which  is  fure  to  fupply  them  with  a  Stock  of 
Provifion,  fufficient  both  for  themfelves,  and 
their  increafmg  Families. — The  Sheep  yean, 
when  there  is  a  Profufion  of  nutrimental  Her- 
bage on  the  Soil,  to  fill  their  Udders,  and  create 
Milk  for  their  Lambs. — The  Birds  lay  their 
Eggs,  and  hatch  their  Young,  when  Myriads 
of  new-born,  tender  LifeBs  fwarm  on  every 
Side,  So  that  the  Caterer,  whether  it  be  the 
male  or  female  Parent,  needs  only  to  alight  on 
the  Ground,  or  make  a  little  Excurfion  into 
the  Air ;  and  they  find  a  Feafl  ready  drefl, 
and  all  at  free  Cofl,  for  the  clamant  Mouths 
at  home. 

Their  Love  to  their  Offspring,  while  they 
continue  in  a  helplefs  State,  is  invincibly  llrong. 
Whereas,  the  very  Moment  they  are  able  to 
ihift  for  themfelves  i  when  the  parental  Affec- 
tion would  be  attended  with  much  Solicitude, 
and  productive  of  no  Advantage  ,  it  vaiiijhes, 
as  though  it  had  never  been, — The  Hen,  that 
marches  at  the  Head  of  her  little  Brood,  would 

fly 


DIALOGUE     XV.         263 

fly  in  the  Eyes  of  a  MaftifF,  or  even  encounter 
a  Lion,  in  their  Defence.  Yet,  within  a  few 
Weeks,  flie  abandons  her  Chickens  to  the  wide 
World,  and  not  fo  much  as  knows  them  any 

more. 

If  the  GOD  of  Ifrad  infpired  Bezakel  and 
AhoUab  with  Wifdom,  and  Vnderpnding,  a?id 
Knowledge  in  all  Manner  of  Workmanjhip :  ths 
GOD  of  Nature  has  not  been  wanting,  in  his 
Inflru6lions  to  the  puny  Inhabitants  of  the 

Bough. The  ^kill,  with  v.diich  they  eredl 

their  Houfes,  and  adjuft  their  Apartments,  is 
inimitable.     The  Caution,  with  which  they  fe- 
crete  their  Abodes  from  the  fearching  Eye,  or 
intruding  Foot,  is  admirable.     No  General, 
though  fruitful  in  Expedients,  could  plan  ^ 
more  artful  Concealment.  No  Architeft,  with 
his  Rule  and  Line,  could  build  fo  commodious 
a  Lodgment. — Give  the  moft  celebrated  Arti-- 
ficer  the  fame  Materials,  which  thefe  weak  and 
unexperienced  Creatures  ufe.     Let  a  "Jones,  or 
a  De  Moivre,   have  only  fome  rude  Straws  or 
ugly  Sticks  j  a  few  Bits  of  Dirt,  or  Scraps  of 
Hair ;  a  forry  Lock  of  Wool,  or  a  coarfe  Sprig 
of  Mofs  J  and  what  Works,  fair  with  Delicacy, 
or  fit  for  Service,  could  they  produce  ? 

We  extol  the  Commander,  who  knows  how 
to  take  Advantage  of  the  Ground :  who  can 
make  the  Sun  and  Wind  fight  for  Him,  as 
well  as  his  Troops :  and,  by  every  Circumftance, 

S  4  embar- 


264        DIALOGUE    XV. 

embarrafles  the  Forces  of  the  Enemy,  but  ex- 
pedites the  Adion,  and  advances  the  Succefs 
6f  his  own.     Does  not  this  Praife  belong  to 
our  feathery  Leaders?  Who  pitch  their  Tent, 
or  (if  You  pleafe)  fix  their  penfile  Camp,  on 
the  dangerous  Branches,  that  wave  aloft  in 
the  Air,    or  dance  over   the  Eddies   of  the 
Stream.     By  which  judicious  Difpofition,  the 
vernal  Gales  rock  their  Cradle,  and  the  mur- 
muring Waters  lull  their  Young:  while  both 
concur  to  terrify  the  Shepherd,  and  keep  the 
School-Boy  at  a  trembling  Diflance. — Some 
hide  their  little  Houfhold  from  View,  amidfl 
the  Shelter  of  intangled  Furze.     Others  re- 
move it  from  Reach,  in  the  Center  of  a  thorny 
Thicket.    And,  by  one  Stratagem  or  another, 
they  are  generally  as  fecure  and  iinmolefled^  in 
their  feeble  Habitations  -,  as  the  Foxes,  that  in- 
trench themfelves  deep  in  the  Earth  j  or  as 
the  Conies,  that  retire  to  the  Rock  for  their 
*  Citadel. 

If  the  ^wan  has  large  fwecplng  Wings,  and 
a  copious  Stock  of  Feathers,  to  fpread  over  her 
callow  Brood ;  the  Wren  makes  up  by  Contri- 
vance, what  is  deficient  in  her  Bulk. — Small 
as  fhe  is,  fhe  intends  ^l-  to  bring  forth,  and 

will 

*  ^rov.  XXX.  26, 

t  Jfpafto  has  ventured  to  fay,  She  intends-^hn^.  one  is  zU 
moft  tempted  to  think,  from  the  Preparation  which  the  little 
Creature  makes,  that  She  had  really  fat  down,  and  counted 
the  Coft,  and  concerted  her  Scheme.  As  though  She  had 
4eliberat(.d  with  Herfclf — '^  I  iliali  lay,  not  a  Couple  of 


DIALOGUE     XV.         265 

will  be  obliged  to  nurfe  up,  a  very  numerous 
IfTue.     Therefore,  with  the  correfleft  Judg- 
ment She  defigns,  and  with  indefatigable  Af- 
fiduity  finifhes,  a  Nefl  proper  for  her  Purpofe. 
It  is  a  neat  Rotund ;  lengthened  into  an  Oval^ 
bottomed  and  vaulted  with  a  regular  Cojicave, 
To  preferve  it  from  Rain,  it  has  feveral  Coat- 
ings of  Mofs  :  to  defend  it  from  Cold,  it  has 
but  one  Window,  and  only  a  lingle  Door :  to 
render  it  both  elegant  and  comfortable,  it  has 
Carpets    and   Hangings   of  the   fineft   fofteft 
Down. — By  the  Help  of  this  curious  Man- 
fion,  our  little  Lady  becomes  the  Mother  of 
Multitudes.     The  vivifying  Heat  of  her  Body 
is,  during  the  Time  of  Incubation,  exceedingly 
augmented.     Her  Houfe  is  like  an  Oven,  and 
greatly  aflifts  in  hatching  her  Young.   Which 
no  fooner  burft  the  Shell,  than  they  find  them- 
felves   fcreened  from  the  Annoyance  of  the 
Weather  J  and  moft  agreeably  repofed,  amidfl 
the  Ornaments  of  a  Palace,  and  the  Warmth 
of  a  Bagnio. 

Perhaps,  We  have  been  accuftomed  to  look 
upon  the  Infedlsy  as  fo  many  rude  Scraps  of 

Creation, 

**  Eggs,  but  near  a  Score.  From  thefe  I  am  to  produce  a 
*'  Houfe  full  of  Young.  But  how  (hall  I  have  Warmth 
**  (unlefs  Art  fupply,  what  Nature  has  denied)  fufficient  to 
"  hatch  the  Embrios,  or  cherifh  the  Infants  ?" — The  Truth,. 
I  believe,  is  ;  That,  in  all  her  feeming  Forefight,  and  cir- 
cumfpedl  Behaviour,  She  a<5ls.  She  knows  not  what.  Only- 
She  ails,  what  eternal  WISDOM  knows  to  be  ncceflary, 
and  what  all-condefcending  GOODNESS  prompts  He^- 
(o  perform. 


266        DIALOGUE     XV. 

Creation,  and  to  rank  them  amongil  the  Re- 
fiife  of  Things.  Whereas,  if  We  examine  them, 
without  Prejudice,  and  with  a  Httle  Attention, 
they  will  appear  fome  of  the  moft  poliflied 
Pieces  of  divine  Workmanfhip.  —  Many  of 
them  are  decked  with  the  richeft  Finery. 
Their  Eyes  are  an  Affemblage  *  of  Micro- 
fcopes;  whofe  Mechanifm  is  nice  beyond  Ex- 
prellion.  Their  D?'ejs  is  a  A^eflure  of  refplen- 
dent  Colours;  fet  with  an  Arrangement  of 
the  mojft  brilliant  Gems.  Their  Wings  are 
the  fineft Expanfions  imaginable:  Cambric  is 
mere  Canvafs  j  and  Lawn  is  coarfe  as  Sack- 
cloth, compared  with  thofc  inimitable  Webs. 
The  Cafes,  which  inclofe  their  Wings,  glitter 
with  the  moft  glofly  Varnifli ;  are  fcooped  into 
ornamental  Flutings ;  are  ftudded  with  radiant 
Spots;  or  pinked  with  elegant  Holes. — Not 
one  among  them  but  is  equipped  with  Weap- 
ons, 

*  The  common  Fly,  for  inftance.  Who  is  furrounded 
•vt-ith  a  Multitude  of  Dangers,  and  has  neither  Strength  to 
refift  her  Enemies,  nor  a  Place  of  Retreat  to  fecure  Herfelf. 
For.which  Reafon,  She  had  need  to  be  very  vigilant,  and 
always  upon  her  Guard.  Yet  her  Head  is  fo  fixed,  as  to 
he  incapable  of  turning,  in  order  to  obferve  what  pafles, 
cither  behind  or  around  her.  —  Providence  therefore,  fur- 
prifinglv  wife  in  its  Contrivances,  and  equally  rich  in  its 
Gifts,  has  furniflied  her,  not  barely  with  a  Retinue,  but 
with  more  than  a  Legion  of  Eyes.  Infomuch,  that  a  fmgle 
Fly  is  fuppofed  to  be  Miftrefs  of  no  lefs  than  eight  thoufand. 
Every  one  of  which  is  lined  with  a  diftin6t  optic  Nerve.— 
By  means  of  this  coftly  and  amazing  Apparatus,  the  little 
Creature  (ecs  on  every  Side,  with  the  utmoft  Eafe  and  with 
inftantaneous  Speed  ;  yet  without  any  Motion  of  the  £ye,  or 
<tnv  Fledtion  of  the  Ncclu 


D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E     XV.  267 

ons,  or  endued  with  Dexterity,  that  qualify 
them  to  feize  their  Prey,  or  efcape  their  Foe  j 
to  difpatch  the  Bufinefs  of  their  refpeclive  Sta- 
tion, and  enjoy  the  Pleafures  of  their  particu- 
lar Condition. 

Now  I  am  in  a  talking  Humour,  give  me 
leave  to  celebrate  the  Endowments,  and  aflert 
the  Honours  of  my  puny  Clients.  Yet,  not 
fo  much  to  fupport  their  Credit,  as  to  magnify 
their  all-gracious  CREATOR. — What?  If 
the  Elephant  is  diflinguifhed  by  a  prodigious 
Probofcis  f  His  meaneft  Relations  of  the  reptile 
Line,  are  furniflied  with  curious  A?iten7id;  ^  re- 
markable, if  not  for  their  enormous  Magni- 
tude, yet  for  their  ready  Flexibility,  and  acute 
Senfation.  By  which  they  explore  their  Way, 
even  in  the  darkeft  Road :  they  difcover  and 
avoid,  whatever  might  defile  their  neat  Ap- 
parel, or  endanger  their  tender  Lives. 

Every  one  admires  that  majeftic  Creature 
the  Horfe-,  his  graceful  Head,  and  ample  Cheftj 
his  arching  Neck,  and  flowing  Mane ;  his 
cleanly  turned  Limbs,  and  finely- ad jufted  Mo- 
tions. With  extraordinary  Agifity,  He  flings 
Himfelf  over  the  Ditch  j  and  with  a  rapid 
Career,  pours  Himfelf  through  the  Plain.  With 
unwearied  Application,  He  carries  his  Rider 
from  one  End  of  the  Country  to  another ;  and 
with  undaunted  Bravery,  rufhes  into  the  fiercefl; 
Rage,  and  amidft  the  thickefl  Havock  of  the 

Battle, 


268         D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E     XV. 

Battle. — ^Yet,  the  Grafiopper  fprings  with  a 
Bound,  altogether  as  brilk,  if  not  more  im- 
petuous.— The  Anty  in  proportion  to  its  Size, 
is  equally  nimble  j  equally  flrong ;  and  will 
climb  Precipices,  which  the  mod  courageous 
Courfer  dares  not  attempt  to  fcale.  —  If  the 
Snail  is  flower  in  her  Motions,  She  has  no 
need  to  tread  back  the  Ground  which  She  has 
pafled.  Becaufe,  her  Houfe  is  a  Part  of  her 
travelling  Equipage:  and  whenever  She  de- 
parts, She  is  ftill  under  her  own  Roof  5  where- 
ever  She  removes,  is  always  at  Home. 

The  Eagle,  'tis  true,  is  privileged  with  Pini- 
ons, that  outftrip  the  Wind.  Elevated  on  which. 
She  looks  down  on  all  that  foars  ;  and  fees  fly- 
ing Clouds,  and  {training  Wings,  far  below. 
Her  optic  Nerve  fo  flrong,  that  it  meets  and 
fuflains  the  dazzling  Beams  of  Noon :  her  wide 
furveying  Glance  fo  keen,  that  from  thofe 
^wering  Heights,  it  difcerns  the  fmalleft  Fifli, 
which  fculks  at  the  Bottom  of  the  River. — 
Yet,  neither  is  that  poor  Outcaft,  the  groveling 
and  gloomy  Moh\  difregarded  by  divine  Pro- 
vidence. Becaufe  flie  is  to  dig  a  Cell  in  the 
Earth,  and  dwell,  as  it  v/erc,  in  a  perpetual 
Dungeon,  her  Paws  ferve  her  for  a  Pick-axe 
and  Spade.  Her  Eye,  or  rather  her  vifual 
Speck,  is  funk  deep  into  a  Socket,  that  it  may 
fuffer  no  Injury  from  her  rugged  Situation : 
it  requires  but  a  very  fcanty  Communication 

of 


DIALOGUE     XV.         269 

of  Light,  that  fhe  may  have  no  Reafon  to 
complain  of  her  darkUng  Abode.  I  called  her 
fubterranean  Habitation  a  Dungeon ;  and  fome 
People,  perhaps,  may  think  it  a  Grave.  But 
I  revoke  the  Expreflion.  It  yields  her  all  the 
Safety  of  a  fortified  C^/?,  and  all  the  Delight 
of  a  decorated  Grof. 

Even  the  Spider,  though  abhorred  by  Man- 
kind, is  evidently  the  Care  of  all-fuftaining 
Heaven.  She  is  to  live  upon  Plunder  -,  to  fup- 
port  Herfelf,  by  trapanning  the  idle,  infigni- 
ficant,  fauntering  Fly.  Suitably  to  fuch  an  Oc- 
cupation, fhe  pofTefTes  a  Bag  of  glutinous  Moi- 
fture.  From  this  flie  fpins  a  clammy  Thready 
and  v^^eaves  it  into  a  tenacious  Net,  Ex- 
pert as  any  pra6lifed  Sportfman,  flie  always 
fpreads  it  in  the  moft  opportune  Places.  Sen- 
fible  that  her  Appearance  v^ould  create  Horror, 
and  deter  the  Prey  from  approaching  the  Snare, 
when  watching  for  Sport,  flie  retires  from  Sight. 
But  conftantly  keeps  within  Diftance,  fo  as  to 
receive  the  very  firft  Intelligence  of  what  palTes 
in  the  Toils ;  and  be  ready  to  launch,  without 
a  Moment's  Delay,  upon  the  ftruggling  Cap- 
tive. And  what  is  very  obfervable,  when  Win- 
ter chills  the  World,  and  no  more  Infeds  ram- 
ble amidft  the  Air,  forefeing  that  her  Labour 
would  be  vain,  fhe  difcontinues  her  Work^  and 
abandons  her  Stand,, 

1 


270         D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV. 

I  muil  by  no  means  forget  the  little  Mo- 
narchy, that  inhabits  the  Hive.  The  Bees 
are  to  fiibfill,  not  as  a  lawlefs  Banditti,  but  as 
a  regular  Community.  'Tis  theirs,  to  earn  a 
decent  Livelihood  by  honefl  Induftry ;  not  to 
glut  themfelves  with  Carnage,  or  enrich  them- 
fclves  by  Rapine.  For  which  Reafon,  they  are 
a6luated  by  an  invariable  Inclination  to  So- 
ciety. They  poflefs  the  trueil  Notions  of  Oe- 
conomy,  and  have  ena6led  the  wifefl  Laws 
for  Government. — -Their  indulgent  CREA- 
TOR has  made  them  a  Prefent  of  all  necefTary 
Implements,  both  for  conftru6ling  their  Combs, 
and  for  compofmg  their  Honey.  They  have  each 
a  portable  VefTel,  with  which  they  bring  Home 
their  collected  Sweets :  and  they  have  all  the 
moil:  commodious  Storehoufes,  in  which  they 
depofit  their  deUcious  Wares. — Though  made 
for  Peace,  they  know  how  to  handle  the  Sword. 
They  can  take  up  Arms  with  the  utmoft  Re- 
folution  and  Intrepidity,  when  Arms  are  re- 
quifite  to  guard  their  Wealth,  or  repel  their 
Foes. — Without  making  Botany  their  Study, 
they  can  readily  diftinguifh  every  Plant,  that 
is  mofl  likely  to  yield  the  Materials  proper  for 
their  Bufmefs.  Without  ferving  an  Appren- 
ticefliip  in  the  Laboratory,  they  are  complete 
Praftitioners  in  the  Art  of  Separation  and  Re- 
finement. They  are  aware,  without  borrow- 
ing their  Information  from  an  Almanack,  that 

the 


DIALOGUE    XV.        271 

the  vernal  Gleams,  and  Summer  Suns,  con- 
tinue but  for  a  Seafon.  Mindful  of  this  Ad- 
monition *,  they  improve  to  the  utmofi:  every 
fhining  Hour  ;  and  lay  up  a  Stock  of  balmy 
Treafure,  fufficient  to  fupply  the  whole  State, 
till  the  Blolibms  open  a-frelh,  and  their  flowery 
Harvefl  returns. 

Let  the  Peacock  boaft,  if  he  pleafes,  his  ele- 
gant Topknot  and  lofty  Mien ;  his  Neck  adorn- 
ed with  varying  Dyes,  and  his  Train  befpangled 
with  a  Round  of  Stars. — Yet  let  him  know, 
that  the  defpifed  Butterfly^  and  even  the  loathed 
Caterpillar^  difplay  an  Attire  no  lefs  fumptuous ; 
and  wear  Ornaments,  altogether  as  genteel, 
though  not  quite  fo  magnificent.  —  If  Beauty 
fits  in  State  on  that  lordly  Bird,  flie  lliiines  in 
Miniature  on  the  vulgar  Infe(5l.  And  if  the 
Mafler  of  this  lower  Creation,  is  ennobled 
with  the  Powers  of  Peafon  -,  the  meanefl:  Clafles 
of  fenfitive  Exiftence,  are  endued  with  the 
Faculty  of  InJiinB.  Which  gives  them  a  Saga- 
city, that  is  neither  derived  from  Obfervation, 
nor  waits  for  the  Finifhings  of  Experience : 
which,  without  a  Tutor,  teaches  them  all  ne- 
cefTary  Skill  i  and  enables  them,  without  a  Pat- 
tern, to  perform  every  needful  Operation.  And, 
what  is  far  more  furprifing,  never  mifleads  them, 
either  into  erroneous  Principles,  or  pernicious 

Practices : 

*  Venturaque  Hyemh  memons^  JEJlate  Lahorem 
ExpcriuntWf  ^  in  medium  qutpjita  repotiunt,  ^'^ifg* 


272        DIALOGUE    XV. ' 

Praftlces :  never  fails  them,  in  the  nicell  of 
moil  arduous  of  their  Undertakings. 

Can  you  have  Patience  to  follow  me,  if  I 
flep  into  a  different  Element,  and  jufl  vifit  the 
watery  World  f — Not  one  among  the  innumer- 
able Myriads,  which  fwim  the  boundlefs  Ocean, 
but  is  watched  over  by  that  exalted  EYE, 
whofe  Smiles  irradiate  the  Heaven  of  Heavens. 
Not  one,  but  is  fupported  by  that  Almighty 
HAND,  which  crowns  Angels  and  Archangels 
with  Glory.  —  The  condefcending  GOD,  has 
not  only  created,  but  bemttified  them.  He  has 
given  the  moft  exact  Proportion  to  their  Shape, 
the  gay  eft  Colours  to  their  Skin,  and  a  poliflied 
Smoothnefs  to  their  Scales.  The  Eyes  of  fome 
are  furrounded  with  a  fcarlet  Circle ;  the  Back 
of  others  is  diverfified  with  crimfon  Stains. 
View  them,  v/hen  they  glance  along  the 
Stream,  or  while  they  are  frefh  from  their  na- 
tive Brine  j  and  the  burnifhed  Silver  is  not 
more  bright,  the  radiant  Rainbow  is  fcarce 
more  glowing,  than  their  vivid,  gliftering, 
gloffy  Plues. 

Yet,  notwithftanding  the  Finery  of  their 
Apparel,  We  are  mider  painful  Apprehenfions 
for  their  Welfare. — How  can  the  poor  Crea- 
tures live,  amidft  the  fuffocating  V/aters  ? — 
As  tliey  have  neither  Hands  nor  Feet,  how 
can  they  help  themfelvcs,  or  how  cfcape  their 

Enemies  ? 


D,I  A  L  O  G  U  E     XV.         27^ 

Knemies ? — We  are  foon  freed  from  our Feais 
by  obferving,  that  they  all  poilcfs  the  benefi- 
cial, as  well  as  ornamental  Furniture  of  Fins. 
Thefe  when  expanded,  like-Mafts  above,  and 
B^Uaft  below,  poife  their  floating  Bodies,  and 
keep  them  fteadily  upright.— We  cannot  for- 
bear congratulatirig  them  on  \hz.  flexible  Pla.y, 
and  vigorous  Aclivity  of  their  Tails.  With 
which  they  fhoot  themfelves  through  the  Paths 
of  the  Sea,  more  Aviftly  than  Sails  and  Oars 
can  waft  the  Royal  Yatch. — But  v/e  are  loft 
in  Wonder,  at  the  exquifite  Contrivance,  and 
deiicacC  Formation  of  their  Gills.  By  which 
they  are  accommodated,  even  in  that  denf^ 
Medium,  with  the  Power  of  Breathing,  and 
the  Benefits  of  Refpiration.  A  Piece  of  Me- 
chanifm  this,  indulged  to  the  raeaneft  of  the 
Fry  J  yet  furpaiung,  infinitely  furpaiiing,  in 
the  Finenefs  of  its  Struclure,  and  the.  Felicity. 
of  its  Operation,  whatever  is  curious  in  tjje 
Works  of  Art,  or  commodious  in  the  Palace^,, 
of  Princes.  1 

.l^her.  Some  Perfons,  Jfpajh,  have  the  AiX 
of  giving  Dignity  to  trivial,  and  ^ipirit  to  jejune 
Topics.  I  cannot  but  liiien,  with  a  plcafed 
Attention,  to  your  Difcourle  j  though  it  de- 
Icends  to  the  loweit  Scenes,  and  mcaned  Pro- 
ductions of  Nature. — To  make  fuch  philoio- 
phical  Remarks,  v/as  ufually  my  Province ;  to 
add    the    religious   Improvement,  yours.     But 

Vol.  Ill,  T  my 


274        DIALOGUE     XV. 

my  Thoughts,  at  prefent,  are  wholly  taken  up 
with  the  Confideration  of  my  S  AV I  O  U  R's 
Righteoufnefs.  I  can  hardly  turn  my  Views, 
or  divert  my  Speech,  to  any  other  Subje6l.'  All 
thofe  amiable  Appearances  of  the  external  Crea- 
tion, which  I  was  wont  to  contemplate  with 
Rapture,  afford  but  a  languid  Entertainment 
to  my  Mind. — Till  my  Intereft  in  this  Divine 
REDEEMER  is  afcertained,  the  Spring  may 
bloom  y  the  Summer  fhine  ;  and  Autumn  fwell 
with  Fruits  :  but  it  will  be  Winter,  chearlefs, 
gloomy,  defolate  Wijiter  in  my  Soul. 

Jfp.  You  fay,  'T'heroHy  You  attended  to  my 
curfory  Hints.  Then,  your  own  fuperior  Dif- 
cernment  could  not  but  perceive,  how  every 
Part  of  the  exterior  World  is  adjufted,  in  the 
moft  excellent  and  gracious  Manner. — Not 
the  coarjejl  Piece  of  ina6live  Matter,  but  bears 
the  Imprefs  of  its  MAKER'S  fafhioning  Skill. 
— Not  Vifwgk  Creature,  however  infignificant, 
but  exhibits  evident  Demonftrations  of  his  pro- 
vidential Care. — His  Hand  is  liberal,  profufely 
liberal,  to  all  that  breathes,  and  all  that  has  a 
Being. 

Let  me  only  alk  —  and  to  introduce  this 
Queftion,  with  the  greater  Propriety  j  to  give 
it  a  more  forcible  Energy  on  our  Minds  -,  wa-s 
the  principal  Defign  of  the  preceding  Remarks 
— Let  me  alk  -,  Docs  GOD  take  Care  for  Oxen  *  f 

Is 

■*  I  Csr.  ix.  Q. 


DIALOGUE     XV.         ^y^ 

Is  He  a  generous  Benefa(5lor  to  the  meaneft 
Animalsj  to  the  lowed  Reptiles  ?  Are  his  mu- 
nificent Regards  extended  farther  ftill,  and 
vouchfafed  even  to  the  moil:  vvorthlefs  Vege-' 
tables  ?  And  (hall  they  be  with-held  from  Tou^ 
my  dear  Friend,  and  from  me  f  —  Not  one 
among  all  the  numberlefs  Produflions,  which 
tread  the  Ground,  or  fland  rooted  to  the  Soil, 
,  wants  any  Convenience,  that  is  proper  for  its 
refpe6live  State.  And  will  his  heavenly  FA-* 
THER  deny  Theron,  what  is  fo  necelFary  to 
his  prefent  Comfort,  and  his  final  Happinefs  ? 
Impofllble  * ! 

^her.  I  wilh  for,  but  I  can  hardly  hope  to 
partake  of,  that  fpiritual  Blefling  j  which  aU; 

ways 

*  I  .know  not  how  to  forbear  tranfcribing  a  Paragraph, 
from  one  of  our  periodical  Papers ;  which  contains  a  Pro- 
pofal  for  adapting  natural  Philofophy  to  the  Capacity  of  Chil- 
dren. VVifhing,  at  the  fame  time,  that  the  ingenious  Au- 
thor would  inlarge  his  Sketch  into  aTreatife  ;  and  execute 
the  Plan,  which  He  has  fo  judicioufly  proje£led,  and  of  which 
He  has  given  Us  fo  delicate  a  Specimen. 

After  feme  Remarks  on  the  Sagacity  of  Birds,  their  In-- 
duftry,  and  other  furprihng  Properties,  He  adds ;  "  —  Is  it 
**  for  Birds,  O  LORD,  that  Thou  haft  joined  together  fo 
*'  many  Miracles,  which  they  have  no  Knowledge  of?  Is 
»*  it  for  Men  v;ho  give  no  Attention  to  them  ?  Is  it  for  the 
*'  Curious,  who  are  fatiified  with  admiring,  without  raifmg 
"  their  Thoughts  to  Thee  ?  Or  is  it  not  rather  vifible,  that 
'*  thy  Defign  has  been  to  call  Us  to  thyfelf,  by  fuch  a  Spec- 
"  tacle  ?  To  make  Us  fenfible  of  thy  Providence  and  in- 
*«.  finite  Wifdom  j  and  to  fill  Us  with  Confidence  in  ihy 
*'  Bount}',  who  watcheft,  with  fo  much  Care  and  Tender- 
**  nefs,  over  Biids,  though  two  of  them  are  fold  but  for  a 


«>  Farthing: 


Tz 


276         DIALOGUE     XV. 

ways  included  my  whole  Happinefs,  and  now 
ingrolTes  my  whole  Concern. 

Jfp.  Not  hope  to  partake  of!  —  What  Foun- 
dation,  what  Shadow  of  Pretence,  has  this  de- 
iponding  Temper,  either  in  Reafon,  or  in 
Scripture  ?  Is  it  not  written,  in  the  Book  of 
divine  Revelation  ?  Is  it  not  apparent,  through 
the  whole  Compafs  of  Nature  ?  That  the  Al- 
mighty LORD,  "  vs^ho  governeth  the  World 
*'  with  the  Palm  of  his  Hand  *,"  is  remote, 
infinitely  remote,  from  a  niggardly  Difpofition. 
He  not  only  provideth  for  the  Wants,  but  even 
fatisjics  the  Defire  of  every  living  '^hing  -f-. 

Confidcrthofe  ftately  Poppies,  which  are  now 
the  principal  Ornament  of  the  Garden.  They 
have  no  Tongue  to  reqiicO:  the  leafl  Favour. 
Yet  the  ever-gracious  MAKER,  clothes  them 
from  his  own  Wardrobe,  and  decks  them  \\\t\\ 
exquifite  Beauty. —  Obferve  the  ycwig  Ravens y 
that  fit  careleily  croking  on  yonder  Boughs. 
Do  they  cry  for  Food  ?  it  is  in  hoarfe  unmean- 
ing Accents.  Yet  the  all-fupporting  GOD, 
pverlooks  their  Ignorance  j  and  fuppiies  their 
every  Need,  from  his  own  fpontaneous  Bounty. 
— If  He  attends  to  the  former,  though  inca- 
5:!able  of  alking ;  if  he  accommodates  the  latter, 
though  infenfible  of  their  Benefa6tor  j  can  He 
difregard  our  prefling  Wants  ?  Will  He  rejeSl 
our  carnefc  Petitions?  Efpeciallv,  v/hen  We 

feek 

*  Eccluu  xvili.   3.  |-  Pfiil,  cxlv.   16. 


D  i  A  L  O  G  U  E     XV.         277 

feek  fuch  pure  and  exalted  Gifts,  as  it  is  both 
his  Dehght  and  his  Honour  to  bellow. 

O !  my  Friend,  look  abroad  into  univerfal 
Nature,  and  look  away  every  difquieting 
Thought. 

Ther.  Did  You  inquire  what  Pretence  I  have, 
for  this  defponding  Temper  ?  Alas !  I  have 
more  than  a  Pretence.  I  have  a  Reafon.  A 
P^eafon  too  obvious  j  my  great  Unworthimfs  ! 

Afp.  Pray,  where  was  the  Worthiness    of 
the  lliff-necked  Ifraelites  "^  Yet  the  LORD  bare 
them^  and  cai'ried  thein^  all  the  Days  cf  old'^,-— 
V/here  was  the  V/orthinefs  of  Said  the  Blaf- 
phemer  ?  Yet  the  blefled  JESUS  m?idQ  Uxm 
a  chofen  Veflel,  and  fet  Him   as  a  Signet  on 
his  Right-hand. — You  deferve  nothing  at  tlie 
Hand   of  GOD  our  Saviour.     Neither  did 
JofepHs  Brethren  deferve  any  Kindnefs,  from 
the  Viceroy  of  Egypt.     Yet  he  delivered  them 
from  Famine,  who  fold  Him  to  Slaveiy.     He 
fettled  them  in  the  choiceft  Territories,  v^^ho 
call  Him  into  the  horrible  Pit.     Pie  llievv^ed 
Himfelf  a  Friend  and  a  Father  to  thofe  unna- 
tural Relations ;  v/ho  v/ere  his  aclual  Betrayerp, 
and  his  intentional  Murderers. — And  can  You 
perfuade  yourfelf,  will  You  harbour  a  Sufpi- 
cion.  That  CHRIS'T  is  lefs  companionate  than 
Jofeph  ?  Shall  a  frail  Mortal  out-vie  IMMA- 
J\'(JEL  in  Beneficence? 

T  3  Ther, 

*  I^^aJ.  Ixiii.  9. 


2J^        DliV-LOGUE    XV. 

I'her,  Is  not  fome  Righteoufnefs  of  our  own 
indifpenfibly  required,  in  order  to  our  Parti* 
cipation  of  the  Righteoufnefs  of  CHRIST? 

j4Jp,  Yes,  fuch  a  Righteoufnefs  as  the  Sa^ 
maritan  Woman,  and  Zaccheus  the  PubUcan 
pofTeiled.  Or  fuch  as  the  Philippian  Jailor, 
and  the  profligate  Corinthians  might  boaft. — 
Zaccheus  was  a  Man  of  infamous  Character, 
and  Chief  among  the  Extortioners.  The  Jailor 
was  a  barbarous  Perfecutor,  and  in  Purpofe  a 
Self-murderer.  Yet  our  LORD  fays  of  the 
former,  This  Day^  without  injoining  any  Courfe 
of  previous  Preparation,  is  Salvation  come  to 
thine  Hotife  *.  St.  Paul  direds  the  latter,  with- 
out inlifting  upon  any  antecedent  Righteouf- 
nefs, to  believe  on  the  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST^ 
and  aflures  the  poor  alarmed  Sinner,  that,  in 
To  doing.  He  fhould  be  faved  -f-. 

So  that  nothing  is  required,  in  order  to  our 
Participation  of  CHRIST  and  his  Benefits, 
but  a  Conviftion  of  our  Need,  a  Senfe  of  their 
Worth,  and  a  Willingnefs  to  receive  them  in 
the  appointed  Way :  receive  them,  as  the  freeil: 
of  Gifts,  or  as  Matter  of  mere  Grace.  Comcy 
and  take  freely  J,  is  our  Master's  Language  j 
without  flaying  to  get  any  graceful  Qualities, 
3s  his  Meaning. 

Ther.  Surely,  to  come  without  any  Holinef^, 
^vithout  any  decent  Preparative,  mull:  be  a  grofs 

Indiznit\ 


*  l^Hk  xix,  9.         I  J£fsx\\.  31.         %Rev.  xxii.  17, 


D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV.         ^9 

Indignity  to  the  Divine  JESUS.  Whoever 
prefents  a  Petition  to  any  eartlily  Sovereign, 
will  think  it  abfolutely  necefiary,  not  to  ap- 
pear in  a  flovenly  Deftiabille,  much  lefs  in 
filthy  Raiment.  Does  not  our  LORD  Him- 
felf,  in  the  Parable  of  the  Wedding-Garment, 
inculcate  this  very  Point,  and  caution  Us 
againft  a  prefumptuous  Approach  ? 

Afp.  In  the  Parable  You  mention,  CHRIST 
is  both  the  Bridegroom,  the  Feall,  and  tlie 
Wedding-Garment  *,  And  wbo  are  invited  to 
an  Union  with  this  Bridegroom  ?  To  partake 
of  this  Feaft  ?  To  be  arrayed  vvith  this  Wed- 
ding-Garment ?  —  The  MelFengers  are  fent^ 
not  to  the  Manfion-houfes  of  the  Rich,  or  the 
Palaces  of  the  Mighty  -,  but  to  the  High- ways 
and  Hedges.  Where  Mifery  mourns  ;  and  Po- 
verty pines  i  and  Bafenefs  hides  her  Head. — »• 
7c  whom  is  their  Meffage  add  relied  ?  To  the 
Poor,  the  Maimed,  the  Halt,  the  Bliiid  -f-.  Per- 
fons,  who  haye  no  amiable  or  recommending 
Endowments,  but  every  loathfome  and  difguftful 
Property.  Yet  thefe  (mark  the  Palfage,  my 
dear  Friend ;  mark  well  the  encouraging  Cir- 
cumftance)  thefe  are  not  only  not  forbidden,  but 
intreated — importuned — and,  by  all  the  Arts 
of  Perfuafion,  by  every  weighty  or  winning 
Motive,  compelled  to  come  in,  —  And  after  all 

this, 

*  Matt.  xxii.  II.   Hac  Vejih  cji  Jiiji\tla   CHRIST  L 
Bengel.  in  Loc.  t  ^"'^^  '^iv-  ii- 

T4 


28#       D  I  A  L  O.G  U  E     XV. 

this,  furely,  it  cannot  be  an  Act  of  Prclump- 
tion  to  accept,  but  mull:  be  a  Breach  of  Duty 
to  refufe  the  Invitation. 

TZv;-.  You  take  no  Notice  of  the  Man, 
who  was  found  without  a  Wedding-Garment. 
Which  is  by  far  the  moft  a-lannijig  Incident, 
and  that  which  gives  me  no  fmall  Uneafmefs. 

Afp.  And  does  my  Theron  take  proper  No- 
tice of  the  Divine  Declaration  ?  I  have  prepar- 
ed my  Dinner^  fays  the  KING  eternal.  All 
Tubings  are  ready  *.  "  Whatever  is  neceflary 
"  for  the  Jiiftification,  the  Holinefs,  the  com- 
*'  plete  Salvation  of  Sinners,  is  provided  in 
"  the  Merit  and  the  Grace  of  my  SON. 
"  Let  them  come  therefore,  as  to  a  nuptial 
"  Banquet  ;  and  freely  enjoy  my  Munifi- 
"  cence  j  and  feafl  their  Souls  with  the  royal 
^'  Provifion." 

The  Man  without  a  Vv^edding-Garment, 
denotes  the  fpecio.us  (uperjicial  Profelfor  ;  who 
is  called  by  CHRISl^'s  Name,  but  has  never 

put  cji  CHRISTJESUS  by  Faith. Shall 

I  tell  You  more  plainly,  whom  this  Charac- 
ter reprefents  ?  You  yourfclf,  my  dear  1'bero?7y 
was  fome  Months  ago,  in  the  State  of  this 
unhappy  Creature.  When  You  trufted  in 
Y'ourfelf,  and  thought  highly  of  your  own, 
thought  meanly  of  your  SAVIOUR'S  Righ- 
teoufnefs. 

J 

*  Matt.  xxii.  4. 


« 


DIAL  OG  U  E  XV.  281 
I  congratulate  my  Friend,  on  his  happy 
Deliverance  from  fo  dangerous  a  Condition* 
You  and  I  are  now  like  the  returning  Prodigal. 
Let  us  remember,  that  He  had  no  Recom- 
mendation, either  of  Perfon,  of  Drefs,  or  of 
Gircumftance.  None  but  his  Nakednefs,  his 
Mifery,  and  his  Vilenefs.  Yet  He  was  re- 
ceived— received  with  inexpreffible  Indulgence  j 
and  clothed  with  that  firft,  that  bcfl^  that  di- 
ymt^Robe"^,  the  Righteoufnefs  of  JESUS 
CHRIST. 

■  Let  Us  accuftom  Ourfelves  to  confider  this 
incomparable  Robe,  under  its  evangelical  Cha- 
ra61:er.  It  is  not  a  Matter  of  Bargain,  nor 
the  Subje61:  of  Sale,  but  a  Deed  of  Gift.  The 
Gift  of  Righteoufnefs,  fays  the  Apoftle.  And 
Gifts,  We  all  know,  are  not  to  be  furchafedy 
but  received. 

Ther.  Is  nothing  then,  nothing  to  be  done 
on  our  Part  ? — No  Heavenly-mindednefs  to  be 
exercifed  ?  No  Viftory  over  our  Lufts  gained  ? 
No  Fruits  of  San6lification  produced  ? 

.^.  Thefe  legal  Apprehenfions!  Howclofely 
they  cleave  to  my  Tberoiis  Mind  !  But,  I  hope, 
the  Word  of  GOD,  which  pierceth  to  the  di- 
viding afunder  the  Soul  and  Spirit,  will  give 

the  fevering  Blow. And  what  fays  that  fa- 

cred  Word  ?  It  defcribes  the  Gofpel^  as  a  Will 

or 


zH         D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV. 

or  T'ejlament  *  j  and  all  its  glorious  Bleffings, 
as  Legacies  bequeathed  by  the  dying  JE  S  US, 

When   your   old  Acquaintance  Charicles, 

left  You  a  handfome  Legacy ;  what  did  you 
doy  to  eftabUfli  your  Title,  and  make  it  your 
own  ? 

I'her.  My  Title  was  pre-eflablifhed,  by  my 
Friend's  Donation.  I  had  nothing  to  do,  but 
to  claim,  to  accept,  and  to  poffefs. 

Afp.  Do  the  very  fame,  in  Jthe  prefent  Cafe. 
They  who  believe,  are  Heirs,  undoubted 
Heirs  of  the  Right eotifnefs  which  is  by  Faith  -|-. — 
Sure  you  cannot  fuppofe,  that  CHRISl^s 
Kindnefs  is  lefs  fincere,  or  that  CHRISTs  Do- 
nations are  lefs  valid,  than  thofe  of  an  earthly 
Teflator. 

^her.  This  Illuflration  hardly  reaches  the 
Point.  I  fpeak  not  of  doing  any  thing,  hy 
way  of  Merit,  but  by  way  of  Salification, 

*  Heb.  ix.  16,  17.  This  Notion  not  only  runs  through 
the  Scriptures,  but  ftands  confpicuous  even  in  their  Title- 
page, — What  are  they  called  ?  The  old  and  the  new- 
Testament. — What  is  a  Teftament  ?  An  authentic  Deed, 
in  which  Eftates  are  tranfmitted,  and  Legacies  bequeathed. 
In  other  Teftaments,  Ibme  earthly  Poflellion ;  in  this,  the 
heavenly  Patrimony,  even  all  the  Riches  of  Grace,  and  ths 
everlafting  Inheritance  of  Glory. — Did  we  confider  the  Scrip- 
tures in  this  Light,  it  would  be  a  moft  engaging  Invitation, 
to  fearch  them  with  Afliduity  and  Pleafure.  What  Child  is 
willing  to  continue  ignopfint  of  a  deceafed  Parent's  laft 
Will  and  Teftament  ?  Who  does  not  covet  to  know,  what 
Honours,  Hereditaments,  and  Wealth  devolve  to  his  En- 
joyment, by  fuch  an  intcrelting  and  venerable  Conveyance  ? 
t  Heb.  xi.  7. 


DIALOGUE     XV.         283 

\Afp.  I  can  think  of  no  ^Qualification,  iin* 
lefs  it  be  our  extreme  Indigence.  This,  in- 
deed, it  will  be  proper  to  have :  and  this,  I 
prefume,  you  are  not  without.  Other  Quali- 
fication, neither  Reafon  prefcribes,  nor  Scrip- 
ture requires. 

Reafon  prefcribes  no  other, — The  Gifts  of  the 
great  eternal  SOVEREIGN  are  intended,  not 
to  recognize  our  imaginary  Worth,  but  to  ag- 
grandize the  View  of  his  own  Mercy  and 
Grace.  To  anfwer  fiich  a  Defign,  the  Un- 
worthy and  the  Sinners  are  duly  qualified ; 
nay,  are  the  only  qualified  Perfons. 

Scripture  requires  no  other,- The  ever-mer- 
ciful SAVIOUR  fays  not  3  They  are  unqua- 
lified for  my  Merits*  They  have  no  valuable 
or  noble  Acquirements.  But  this  is  his  tender 
Complaint  j  T'hey  will  not  come  to  me^  juft  as 
they  are  j  with  all  their  Sins  about  them  -, 
with  all  their  Guilt  upon  them  ;  that  they  may 
have  Life  *. — Pray,  take  notice  of  this  Text ; 
and  you  will  fee  that  Sanftification,  Heavenly-r 
mindednefs,  and  a  Vi61:ory  over  our  Lufts, 
are  not  the  Qualities  which  He  requires^  but 
the  Bleflings  which  He  will  confer. 

Ther.  "  The  Unworthy  and  Sinners,  the 
**  only  qualified  /"  Of  this  Expreflion  I  cannot 
but  take  particular  Notice. — Then  fudas  Should 
lland  in  the  firft  Rank  of  qualified  Perfons  5 

ancj 
*  John  V.  40. 


284         DIALOGUE     XV. 

and  the  devout  Centurion,  i-vhofc  Prayers  and 

Alms  had  come  up  as  a  Memorial  before  GODy 

v/as  thereby  unqualified  for    the  Favour  of 

Heaven. 

Afp,  If  you  obferved  my  Exprefhon,  I  fpoke 
in  the  hypothetical  Manner.  Made  a  Suppo- 
fition,  rather  than  advanced  an  AfTertion.  If 
there  be  any  Qualification,  this  is  the  only 
one.  But,  flriftly  fpeaking,  there  is  no  fuch 
Thinf'-.  The  impuliive  Caufe  of  all  GOD's 
Goodnefs  exifts  in  himielf.  He  has  Mercy, 
not  becaufe  this  or  that  Perfon  is  amiable,  is 
meet,  or  qualified,  but  becaufe  he  ivill  have 
Mercv. — And  as  for  our  Need  of  Mercy  and 
Reconciliation,  arihng  from  our  Sinfulnefs, 
this  can  no  more  contlitute  a  real  Qualification 
for  the  Bleflings,  than  an  Acf  of  Rebellion  can 
qualify  for  the  firft   Honours  of  the  State. 

But  this  We  mufl  allow,  that  fuch  Need, 
fuch  Mifery,  fuch  Sinfulnefs,  illuflrate  the 
Freenefs,  and  manifeft  the  Riches  of  divine 
Grace.  And  this  We  fhould  never  forget, 
that  the  grand  End  which  GOD  propofes,  in 
all  his  favourable  Dlfpenfations  to  fallen  IVIan, 
is,  to  demonilrate  the  Sovereignty,  and  ad- 
vance THE  Glory  of  mis  Grace.  The 
LORD,  promifing  a  very  extraordinary  Deli- 
verance to  Ifrael,  fays  ;  not  for  your  Sakes,  be  it 
known  unto  Tou,  do  I  this  *  fignal  Acl  of  Kind- 

nefs. 

*■  Ez.eJr.  xxxvi.  32. 


DIALOGUE     XV.  285 

ncfs.  What  then  is  the  Inducement  ?  Wc 
find  it  in  the  following  Declaration ;  7,  even 
I  am  HE  J  that  blotteth  out  your  Tranfgrejjions 
FOR  MY  OWN  Sake  *.  A  Ray  of  the  lame 
undeferved  and  illuflrious  Goodnefs  beams 
forth,  in  that  great  evangelical  Text  j  Not  I?y 
Works  of  Rigbteoujhefsj  which  We  have  done^ 
whether  they  be  initial  or  habitual,  but  ac- 
cording to  his  Mercy  He  favcd  us-f. 

T^her.  This  is  inch  a  Gift ! — To  be  intercfted 
in  all  the  Merits  of  CHRIST!  To  have  his 
immaculate  Righteoufnefs  imputed  to  my  Soul ! 

So  that  from  henceforth  there  fliall  be  no 

Fear  of  Condemnation,  but  a  comfortable 
Enjoyment  of  freeil  Love,  and  a  delightful 
Expectation  of  compietefi:  Glorv  ! 

Afp.  If  this  rich  Donation,  furpafs  your 
very  Thoughts,  and  fill  You  with  grateful 
Aftonifliment  j  it  is  fo  much  the  better  adapt- 
ed to  difplay,  what  the  Scripture  very  em- 
phatically 

*  Ija'i.  xliii.  25.  '>y^^')  For  my  oicn  fah.  Wliich  teaches 
Us,  that  GOD,  and  nothing  in  the  Cieaturc,  is  the  ori- 
g;inal,  entire,  fole  Caufe  of  all  Grace  and  every  gracious 
Vouchfafement.  It  is  not  only  by  Him  and  through  Him, 
but /"s  Him,  and  for  the  Honour  of  his  adorable  JVJajeily, 
that  We  arc  pardoned,  accepted,  fiived  To  the  Pkaiss 
OF  THE  Glory  of  his  Grace,  is  a  proper  Alotto  for  all 
the  Difpcnfatlons  of  his  Goodnefs.  It  has  been  infcribed 
by  the  Hand  of  Truth  and  Inlpiratioii,  Epb.  i.  6.  Time  and 
Eternity,  inftcad  of  erafmg  the  Lines,  v/ill  ftamf5  them 
deeper,  and  open  them  wider. 

t  Tit.  iii.  5. 


286         DIALOGUE    XV. 

phatlcally  ftyles,  the  abimdant^  the  juperabiin^ 
danf,  the  exceeding  abundant  *  Grace  of  our 
GOD.— GOD  hath  Pleafure  in  the  Profper- 
ity  of  his  Servants.  He  is  a  boundlefs  Ocean 
of  Love ;  ever  flowing,  yet  abfohitely  inex- 
hauftible.  See !  What  an  innumerable  Va- 
riety of  Benefits,  are  tranfmitted  from  yonder 
Sun,  to  gladden  all  the  Regions  of  Nature  ! 
Yet  the  Sun  is  but  a  Spark ;  its  higheft  Splen- 
dor, no  more  than  a  Shade ;  its  uninterrupted 
and  moft  profufe  Communications  of  Light,  a 
poor  diminutive  Scantling ;  compared  vi^ith  the 
Riches  of  Divine  Benignity, 

The  Servant  in  the  Parable,  who  owed  ten 
thoufand  Talents,  craved  only  fome  kind  For- 
bearance. Whereas,  his  generous  Lord  gave 
him  an  Acquittance  in  full  ^  Iforga'-ce  T^hee  all 
that  Debt  -f-. — You  wonder,  and  very  deferv- 
edly,  at  fuch  vaft  Generofity.  But,  what  had 
been  your  Admiration,  if  the  noble  Mafl:er 
had  admitted  this  obnoxious  Slave,  to  a  Share 
in  his  Dignity  ?  What,  if  he  had  made  Him 
the  Heir  of  his  Houfe,  and  fettled  his  whole 
Eftate  upon  io  mean  a  Wretch  ?  This  perhaps, 
\'^ou  would  fay,  exceeds  the  Bounds  of  Credi- 
bility. Yet  GOD  Almighty's  ftupendous  Be- 
neficence exceeds  all  this.  He  not  only  fpares 
guilty  Creatures,    but  makes  them  his  ChiU^ 

dren  i 

*  TTTfcfaAXstra  ;(,apK.  iCor.'w.  14. — yvriffm^itTirtvaiv  , 
1)  X,oc^ii'  Rom.  V.  20. — T7rff£7rAs9v;«o-£v  n  X'^l'^f*  ^  ^'''^'  '•  H*  , 
t  Matt,  xviii.  32. 


DIALOGUE     XV.         287 

dren  j  makes  them  Inheritors  of  his  Kingdom ; 
and,  as  an  Introduction  to  all,  or  rather  as 
the  Crown  of  all,  makes  them  Partakers  *  of 
his  SON. 

ner.  The  Gift  is  ineftimable ;  of  more  Va- 
lue than  all  Worlds.  It  will  render  me  blefled 
and  happy,  Now  and  for  Ever.  And  may  fo 
unworthy  a  Creature  look  for  a  Bleffing,  fo 
fuperlatively  excellent  ? 

jifp.  Unworthy ! My  dear  Friend,  dwell 

no  longer  upon  that  obfolete  Topic.  The 
greateft  Unworthi72efs  is  no  Obje(5lion  in 
CHRISTs  Account,  when  the  Soul  is  con- 
vinced of  Sin,  and  the  Heart  defirous  of  a 
SAVIOUR.  And  as  for  Worthinefs,  this  is  as 
much  difavowed  by  the  Gofpel,  as  equivocal 
Generation -f-  is  exploded  by  the  Difcoveries 

of  our  improved  Philofophy. Nay  farther, 

this  Notion  is  diametrically  contrary  to  the  Gof- 
pel, and  XotiiXY  fubverjive  oi  the  Covenant  of 
Grace. 

^her.  In  what  Refpecls  ? 

Afp,  Becaufe,  it  would  make  our  own 
Duty  and  Obedience  the  Terms.  Whereas, 
the  Terms  were  CHRIS'T's  Suffering,  and 

CHRIST'S 

*■  Heb.  iii.  14. 
t  The  Ancients  imagined,  that  many  Vegetables  and  In- 
fedls  Were  produced  by,  I  know  not  what,  plaftic  Power  in 
the  Sun  and  other  Elements.  This  is  called  equivocal  Ge- 
neration. Whereas,  the  modern  Philofophers  maintain,  that 
€very  Individual  of  this  Kind,  derives  its  Being  from  fom» 
Parent- Vegetable  or  Parent- Animal.  This  i?  llyled  uni^ 
meal  Geueration. 


288         DIALOGUE     XV. 

CHRISTs  Obedience.  7'kfi  are  the  Hinge  on 
which  that  great  Tranfaclion  turns,  and  ou 
which  the  Hope  of  the  World  liangs. 

'T/ier.  Be  more  particular,  AJpafio. 

Afp.  The  firil  Covenant  was  made  with 
Adam^  for  Himfelf  and  Us.  Breaking  it.  He 
loll  his  original  Righteoufnefs,  and  became 
fubje6l  to  Death.  Was,  at  once,  a  Bankrupt 
and  a  Rebel. — Now  You  cannot  fuppofe,  that 
the  Almighty  MAJESTY  would  enter  into  a 
frefh  Covenant,  with  an  infohent  and  attaiitted 
Creature.  It  pleafed,  therefore,  the  SECOND 
PERSON  of  the  adorable  TRINITY,  to  un- 
dertake our  Caufe  ^  to  become  our  Surety ; 
and  put  Elimfelf  in  our  Stead.  With  Him  the 
fecond  Covenant  was  made.  He  was  charged 
with  the  Performance  of  the  Conditions  : 
thereby  to  obtain  Pardon  and  Righteoufnefs, 
Grace  and  Glory,  for  all  his  People.  /  have 
made  a  Covenant  -.viih  my  CHOSEN  *OA/'E, 

is 

*  Pfal.  Ixxix.  3.  It  is  generally  allowed,  that  this  Pialm, 
in  Its  Jul>/me/f  Seuk,  is  referable  to  CHRIST y  and,  in  its 
y}/// Extent,  IS  referable  o«A'  unto  CHRIST.  Iffo,  Ithink, 
it  would  be  more  fignificant  and  eniphatical,  to  render 
'l-HH  ^'-^y  chofcn  One. — This  will  furnifli  out  a  very  deaf 
and  cogent  Argument  to  prove,  that  the  Covenant  of  Grace 
was  made  with  our  LORD  JESUS.  Juft:  fuch  an  Argument 
as  the  Apoftle  ufes,  to  convince  the  Galatians,  That  the  Pro- 
mifcs  of  the  Covenant  were  made  to  the  fame  Divine  PER- 
SON, Gal.  iii,  16. — From  both  which  Premifcs  this  impor- 
tant Conclufion  follows ;  That  Juflification  and  every  fpi- 
ritual  Bleffing  are  the  Purcbaji:  of  CHRISTs  Obedience; 
are  lodged  in  Him  as  the  great  Proprietary  ;  are  communi- 
catcd  to  Sinners,  only  through  the  Exercife  of  Faith,  or  m 
a  Way  of  Believing,     Sec  Zav!'.  ix.  11. 


DIALOGUE    XV.        28^ 

IS  the  Language  of  the  MOST  HIGH.    And 

the  Terms  were  (You  will  permit  me  to  re- 
peat the  momentous  Trutli)  not  your  Wor- 
thinefs  or  mine,  but  the  Incarnation,  the 
Obedience,  the  Death  of  G  O  D's  ever-blefled 
SON. 

^her.  Has  Man  then  no  OiEce  alTigned,  no 
Part  to  a6l,  in  the  Covenant  of  Grace  ? 

Afp.  He  has :  but  it  is  a  Part,  which  my 
Friend  feems  very  loth  to  difcharge.  His 
Part  is  to  accept  the  Bledings,  fully  purchafed 
by  the  SAVIOUR,  and  freely  offered ^.o  the 
Sinner.  His  Part  is,  not  to  diflionour  the 
redeemer's  gracious  Interpofition,  and 
infinitely  fufficient  Performance,  by  hanker- 
ing after  any  Merit  of  his  own. 

T^her.  If  this  be  the  Nature  of  the  New 
Covenant,  I  muft  confefs,  I  have  hitherto 
been  ignorant  of  the  Gofpel. 

Afp.  And  from  hence  arifes  your  prcfent 
Diftrefs.  From  hence  your  Averfenefs  to  re- 
ceive Comfort. — You  are  a  Philofopher,  T^he- 
ron }  and  have  been  accuftomed  to  examine 
nicely  the  Proportion  of  Objects,  rather  than 
to  weigh  them  in  the  Balance  of  the  Sanc- 
tuary. Here  you  find  all  Proportion  fvval- 
lowed  up  and  loft.  This  quite  overthrows  all 
your  Conclufions,  drawn  from  the  Fitnefs  of 
Things.  Here,  Ma7i  is  nothing,  kfs  than  no- 
thing, while  Grace  is  all  in  all. — And  lliould 

Vol.  IIL  U  we 


290        DIALOGUE    XV. 

we  not,  however  unworthy  in  Ourfelves,  mag- 
nify the  Grace  of  our  G  O  D  ? 

JhtT.  Moft  certainly. 

Jfp.  How  can  this  be  done,  but  by  expe6l- 
ing  great  and  fuperlatively  precious  Bleffings 

from    his  Hand  ? Alexander,    You   know, 

had  a  famous,  but  indigent  Philofopher,  in 
his  Court.  Our  Adept  in  Science,  was  once 
particularly  ftraitcned  in  his  Circumftances. 
To  whom  fhould  He  apply,  but  to  his  Patron, 
the  Conqueror  of  the  World  ?  His  Requeft 
was  no  fooner  made,  than  granted.  Alexander 
gives  Him  a  CommilTion,  to  receive  of  his  Trea- 
furer  whatever  He  wanted.  He  immediately 
demands,  in  his  Sovereign's  Name,  a  hundred 
Talents*. — The Treafurer,  furprifed  at  fo  large 
a  Demand,  refufed  to  comply  :  but  waits  upon 
the  King,  and  repiefents  the  Affair.  Adding 
withal,  how  unreafonable  He  thought  the 
Petition,  and  how  exorbitant  the  Sum. — Alex- 
cndcr  heard  Him  with  Patience  :  but,  as  foon 
as  He  had  ended  his  Remonfl"rance,  replied  j 
"  Let  the  Money  be  inflantly  paid.  I  am  de- 
*'  lighted  with  this  Philofopher's  way  of  think- 
*'  ing.  He  has  done  me  a  fingular  Honour ; 
•*  and  fliewed,  by  the  Largenefs  of  his  Re- 
"  quell,  what  a  high  Idea  He  has  conceived, 
"  both  of  my  fuperior  Wealth,  and  my  royal 
"  Munificence." 

Thusj 
*  About  ten  thoufand  Pounds, 


DIALOGUE    XV.        igi 

Thus,  my  dear  Theron,  let  us  honour,  what 
the  infpired  Penman  ftyles,  'The  marvelous  Lov^ 
ing-kindnefs  of  JEHO  VAH.  From  the  King, 
whofe  Name  is  the  LORD  of  Hofts,  let  Us  ex- 

pe6t not  barely  what  correfponds  with  our 

low  Models  of  Generofity much  lefs  v^hat 

We  fuppofe  proportioned  to  our  fanfied  De- 
fers  but  what  is  fuitable  to  the  unknown 

Magnificence  of  his  Name,  and  the  unbound- 
ed Benevolence  of  his  Heart.  Then  We  fhall 
chearfully  and  affuredly  trull,  that  CHRIS'T 
JESUS  will  be  made  of  GOD  tolls  Wijdom, 
and  Righteoufncfs,  and  SanBifcationy  and  Re- 
demption, 

Ther.  I  have  not  only  no  Merit,  but  great 
Guih*.  Was,  by  Nature,  a  Child  of  Wrath. 
Have  been,  by  Pra6lice,  a  Slave  of  Sin.    And, 

what 

*  I  believe,  No  One  experienced  in  the  fptritual  Life  will 
fufpeft,  that  Theron  fpeaks  out  of  Charader.—Confcience, 
.when  once  alarmed,  is  a  flubborn  and  unceremonious 
Thing.  It  pays  no  Deference  to  Wealth  :  it  never  ftands  in 
awe  of  Grandeur  :  neither  caa  it  be  foothed  by  the  Refine- 
ments of  Education,  or  the  Attainments  of  Learning,  And 
We  generally  find,  that  a  moft  unaccountable  Propenfity  to 
Self-worthinefs^  ftrongly  pofTefles  the  new-awakened  Con- 
vert. He  is  perpetually  raifing  Objetlions,  founded  on  the 
Want  of  peifonal  Merit;  notwithftanding  all  our  Remon- 
flranccs,  to  quiet  his  Fears,  and  remove  his  Jealoufies.  It 
is  truly  a  hard  Talk,  for  a  Mind,  natur:iliy  leavened  with 
legal  Pride,  to  come  naked  and  miferable  to  CHRIST — to 
come,  diverted  of  every  Recommendation  but  that  of  ex- 
treme Wretchednefs  ;  and  receive,  from  the  Hand  of  un- 
merited Benignity,  the  free  Riches  of  evangelical  Grace. 

U   2 


292        DIALOGUE    XV. 

what'  is  worfe,  am  flill  corrupt  j  have  flill  a 

carnal  Heart. And   has  not  fuch  a  Wretch 

forfeited  all  Title  to  the  Divine  Favour  ?  Nay, 
does  He  not  deferve  the  Vengeance  of  eternal 
Fire  ? 

Jfp.  That  We  all  deferve  this  Mifery,  is 
beyond  Difpute.  I  am  truly  glad,  that  We 
are  fenfible  of  our  Demerit.  Here  our  Reco- 
very begins.  Now  We  are  to  believe,  that 
the  LORD  JESUS  has  fatisfied  Divine  Juftice; 
has  paid  a  glorious  Price,  on  purpofe  to  ob- 
tain for  fuch  ill-deferving,  fuch  Hell-deferving 
Creatures,  all  Pardon,  all  Holinefs,  and  ever- 
lafting  Happinefs.  According  to  the  Import 
of  that  charming  Scripture,  When  We  were 
Enemies  (and  what  is  there  in  an  Enemy,  to 
befpeak  Favour,  or  deferve  Benefits  ?)  JVe  were 
reconciled  to  GOD  by  the  Death  of  his  SON** 

^ As  it  is  Pride,  to  entertain  high  Notions 

of  our  own  Accomplifliments,  or  to  expert 
eternal  Life  on  the  Score  of  our  own  Obedi- 
ence J  fo  it  will  be  an  Affront  to  the  Grandeur 
of  C//i^/,S  T''s  Merits,  and  the  Freenefs  of 
his  Grace,  if  We  fuppofe  our  Crimes  too 
heinous  to  be  forgiven,  or  our  Perfons  too 
vile  to  be  accepted. 

You  have  great  Guilt.  But  is  this  a  Rea- 
fon,  why  You.  fhould  be  excluded  from  the 
Bleffings  of  the  Cov  eant  ?    Contemplate  the 

State 

*  Rom.  V.  10. 


DIALOGUE     XV.         293 

State  of  that  forlorn  and  wretched  Outcall, 
defcribed  in  the  fixteenth  of  Ezeklel.  An  In- 
fant in  its  Blood:  this  reprefents  a  Sinner,  who 
has  nothing  to  excite  Love,  but  all  that  may- 
provoke  Abhorrence.  Yet,  what  fays  the 
HOLY  ONE  of  Ifraen  When  I  Jaw  "Thee,  not 
waflied,  and  purified,  and  made  meet  for  my 
Acceptance,  but  polluted  in  thy  Blood  *  ;  loath- 
fome  with  Defilement,  and  laden  with  Ini- 
quity :  then,  even  then  IJaid  unto  Thee^  Live  : 
Ifpread  my  Skirt  over  'Thee  j  and  Thou  becamcji 
mine.  This  is  the  Manner  of  his  Proceeding, 
not  barely  to  one  Nation,  but  to  all  his  Peo- 
ple;  not  in  one  Period  of  Time  only,  but 
through  all  Generations. 

You  are 7?///  corrupt :  One  that  is  fenfible  of 
his  Corruption,  and  acknowledges  his  Sinful- 
nefs  !  Then  You  are  the  very  Perfouj  for  whom 
the  saviour's  Righteoufnefs  is  intended  5 
to  whom  it  is  promifed. You  are  a  Gover- 
nor of  the  County-hofpital,  Theron.  You  have 
been  induftrious  in  promoting,  and  are  acSliv^ 
in  fupporting,  that  excellent  Inititution ;  where 
Medicine  with  her  healing  Stores,  and  Reli- 
gion with  her  heavenly  Hopes,  a6t  as  joint 

Hand- 

*  The  Words  are  peculiarlyemphatical  j  not  only  doubled, 
but  redoubled.  To  denote,  at  once,  the  Sira7:genefs  of  the 
Fad,  yet  the  Certainty  of  the  Favour.  IVhen  I  pajfed  b^ 
thee^  andfaw  thee  polluted  in  thine  oivn  Blood,  I /aid  unto  thee 
when  thou  waft  in  thy  Bloody  Live  :  yea,  I J  aid  tint'j  thee  ivhtn 
thou  tvajt  in  thy  Blcod,  Liv(.      Ezek\  xvi.  6. 

u  3 


294        E>  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV. 

Handmaids  to  Charity.  What  are  the  Cir- 
Gumftances,  which  render  any  Perfons  the 
proper  Obje6ts,  for  an  AdmiiTion  into  your 
Infirmary  ? 

^her.  Their  Poverty,  and  their  Diflemper. 
Without  Poverty^  they  would  not  need ;  and 
free  from  Di/ie?npery  they  would  not  prize, 
the  Benefit  of  our  modern  Bethefda, 

Afp.  Apply  this  to  the  Cafe  under  Confide- 
ration.  The  whole  World  is  in  a  State  of 
fpiritual  Diforder.  CHRIST  is  flyled,  by 
an  infpired  Writer,  The  LORD  our  Healer*, 
The  Gift  of  his  Righteoufnefs,  the  Balm  of 
his  Blood,  and  the  Influences  of  his  SPIRIT, 
are  the  fovereign  Reflorative.  And  fure  it 
cannot  be  a  fanfiful  Perfuafion  of  our  Health, 
but  a  feeling  Convidion  of  our  Difeafe,  that 
renders  Us  proper  Objects  of  his  recovering 

Grace. He  came^  not  to  call  the  Righteous, 

the  Righteous  in  their  own  Eyes,  but  Sinners  -f-  5 
felf-condemned  and  ruined  Sinners,  to  exer- 
cife  Repentance^  and  find  Mercy. 

Ther,  But,  if  any  foolifli  and  refractory  Pa- 
tients have  abufed  our  Beneficence  j  it  is  a 
{landing  unalterable  Rule  of  the  Houfe,  ne- 
ver to  admit  them  a  fecond  Time ;  however 
prelfing  their  Exigencies,  or  however  power- 
ful their  Recommender.  I  have,  not  once 
only,  but  through  the  whole  Courfe  of  my 

Life, 

*  £xod,Y.v,  26.  t  Matt.ix.  13. 


DIALOGUE     XV.         295 

Life,  abufed  the  marvelous  Loving-kinduefs  of 
the  LORD. 

Afp.  And  is  not  the  LORD  fuperior  to  all 
his  Creatures,  in  A61:s  of  Fardon,  as  well  as 
of  Power  f  Yes ;  as  thofe  Fleavens  are  higher, 
than  this  proftrate  Earth  j  (6  much  more  in- 
larged  and  extenfive  is  the  divint^-  Clemency 

than  the  widell:  Sphere  of  human  Kind- 

nefs,  fhall  I  fay?  Rather  than  the  boldeil 
Flights  of  human  Irnagination.  Your  Statutes 
are  inexorable,  in  Cafe  of  one  notorious  L're- 
gularity  committed.  Buf  the  free  Gift  of  Grace 
is  vouchfafed,  notwithflanding  nmny  Offences ^ 
unto  fuftif cation  *.  It  is  the  Glory  of  our  Al- 
mighty RULER,  and  redounds  to  the  Honour 
of  his  crucified  SON,  to  pafs  over -f  not  a  fmgle 
Tranfgreffion  only,  but  a  Multitude  of  Pro- 
vocations ;  to  be  as  unequaled  in  Mercy,  as 
He  is  fupreme  in  Majefty. 

T^heron  paufed. — Thefe  Confiderations  feem- 
ed  to  operate :  This  Anodyne  to  take  effe^l. 
Defirous-  to  improve  the  favourable  Junc- 
ture, ^nd  fet  Home  the  needed  Confolation, 
Afpafio  added  : 

How  often  did  the  Inhabitants  of  ferufalein^ 
difregard  the  Warnings,  and  reject  the  Coun- 
fels,  of  our  blefTed  LORD  !  How  juftly  might 
He  have  fworn  in  his  Wrath  j  "  They  Ihali 
"  never  hear  the  joyful  Sound  of  my  Gofpel 

"  more. 

*  Rom,  V.  16.  t  Prov.  xix.  ii. 

U  4. 


296        D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV. 

*'  more.     The  BleiTings,  which  they  have  (6 
•*  wantonly  defpifed,  and  fo  wickedly  abufed, 

"  fhall  be  irrevocably  withdrawn." Inftead 

of  pafTmg  fuch  a  Sentence,  hear  the  Charge, 
which,  after  his  Refurreclion,  He  gives  to  his 
Apollles  :  T'bat  Repentance  and  Remijion  of  Sins 
fiouJd  be  preached^  in  my  Name^  to  all  Nations, 
BEGINNING  AT  JERUSALEM*. — At  Jerufalem, 
LORD!  Have  not  the  Men  of  that  ungrate- 
ful and  barbarous  City,  been  deaf  to  thy  ten- 
derefl  Importunities  ?  Did  they  not  perfecute 
Thee  even  unto  Death  ?  Are  not  their  Wea- 
pons ftill  reeking,  as  it  were,  with  thy  Blood  j 
and  their  Tongues  ftill  fhooting  out  Arrows, 
even  bitter  Words  ?  By  which  they  would 
murder  thy  Chara6ter,  as  they  have  already 
crucified  thy  Perfon.  Yet  thefe  Wretches  (and 
could  any  be  more  inhuman  ?  Could  any  be 
more  unworthy  ?)  are  not  only  not  abhorred, 
but  unto  them  is  the  Meffage  of  Grace,  and 
the  Word  of  Salvation  fent.  Nay,  to  fhew 
the  unparalleled  Freenefs  of  our  REDEEMER'S 
Grace,  Thefe  zvcfirji  upon  the  heavenly  Lift. 
The  glad  Tidings  of  Pardon  and  Life, 
which  are  to  be  publifned  through  the  World, 
muft  begin  (amazing  Mercy  !)  must  begin  at 
ycrufalem, 

I'her.  Thus  much  I  may  venture  to  profefs 
in  my  own  Behalf:  That  I  long  for  this  BlefT- 

ing 

*  Luke  xxiv.  47. 


DIALOGUE     XV.         297 

ing — I  pray  for  this  Bleffing But  I  cannot 

fee  my  Title,  to  this  comprehenfive  and  inef- 
timable  Bleffing,  clear. 

Afp.  I  behold  it  perfe6lly  clear,  and  afcer- 
tained  by  your  own  Confeffion. — Some  Days 
ago,  a  worthy  Clergyman,  who  lately  came  to 
fettle  in  the  Neighbourhood,  did  Himfelf  the 
Honour  of  making  one  at  your  Table.  Af- 
ter Dinner,  You  fhewed  Him  your  Library ; 
We  took  a  Walk  in  your  Garden ;  and  made 
the  agreeable  Tour  of  the  Fifli-Ponds.    Then 

^with  that  amiable  Franknefs  of  Mien  and 

Accent,  which  is  fo  peculiar  to  my  Friend, 

and  exceedingly  endears  all  his  Favours 

You  told  Him ;  "  That  He  was  as  welcome 
"  to  any  Book  in  your  Study,  as  if  the  whole 
"  Colle6lion  was  his  own.  That  if,  on  a 
"  Vifit  from  fome  Acquaintance  of  fuperior 
"  Rank,  He  fhould  wifh  to  be  accommodated 
"  with  a  more  delicate  Entertainment  than 
"  ufual ;  the  Productions  of  your  Waters, 
**  and  of  your  Hot-beds,  were  intirely  at  his 
"  Service.  And  that  his  Acceptance  of  your 
"  Offers,  without  the  leafl  Shynefs  or  Referve, 
"  would  be  the  moft  pleafnig  Compliment, 
"  He  could  pay  You  on  the  Occafion." 

What  fays  the  great  PROPRIETOR  of  all 
Good  ?  If  any  Man,  however  unworthy  his 
Perfon,  or  obnoxious  his  Character,  thirjl  \ 
thirit  for  the  Blcffings  of  my  evangelical  King- 
dom } 


298        DIALOGUE    XV. 

dom ;  let  Hhn  come  unto  rne^  the  Fountain  of 
thefe  living  Waters,  and  drink  his  Fill*. — You 
Yourfelf  acknowledge,  that  You  long  for  the 
facred  Privileges  of  the  Gofpel.  Your  Heart 
is  awakened  into  habitual  and  lively  Defires 
after  the  Salvation  of  CHRISr.  What  is 
this  but,  in  the  fpiritual  Senfe,  to  thirft  ?  To 
You  therefore  the  Promife  is  made.  To  You 
the  Riches  of  this  benign  Difpenfation  belong. 

That  Clergyman  has  not  the  leaft  Sufpicion 
of  being  difappointed,  in  cafe  He  fhould  fend 
for  a  Brace  of  Carp  from  your  Canal,  or  a 

fine  Melon  from  your  Garden. Why  is  He 

fo  confident .?  Becaufe  He  has  done  You  any 
fignal  Service  ?  No  j  but  becaufe  You  have 
pafled  your  Word,  and  made   the  generous 

Offer. And  why  fhould  You  harbour  the 

leaft  Doubt,  concerning  the  Divine  Veracity  ? 
Why  fhould  You  call  in  queftion  your  Right 
to  thefe  heavenly  Treafures  ?  Since  it  is  found- 
ed on  a  Grant,  altogether  as  free,  altogether 
as  clear,  as  your  own  indulgent  Conceflion ; 
and  infinitely  more  firm,  than  any  human 
Engagement.  Foundecf  on  the  Fidelity  of  that 
fublime  BEING,  who  ''  remembers  his  Cove- 
**  nant  and  Promife  to  a  thoufand  Genera- 
*'  tions." 

T^'her.  It  is  impofiible  to  confute,  yet  diffi- 
cult to  believe,  what  You  urge. 

*  John  vii.   37. 


D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV.         299 

Afp.  What  I  urge,  is  not  of  the  Voice  of  a 
few  dubious  Pafiages,  nicely  culled  from  the 
Book  of  GOD,  or  forcibly  wrefled  by  the 
Interpretation  of  Man.  The  whole  Tenour 
of  Inlpiration  runs,  with  the  greatefl  Perfpi- 
cuity,  and  the  greatefl  Uniformity,  in  this  de- 
lightful Strain. — Let  me,  out  of  a  Multitude, 
produce  another  Exprefs  from  the  Court  of 
Heaven.  Ho !  every  One  that  ihirfteth,  come 
Te  to  the  Waters^  even  He  that  hath  no  Money, 
Come'Tej  buy  and  eat :  yea-,  come,  buy  Wine  and 

Milky  without  Money  and  without  Price  *. 

Wine  and  Milk,  undoubtedly  fignify  the  Par- 
don of  our  Sins,  and  the  Juftification  of  our 
Perfons  j  the  Communications  of  fanctifying 
Grace,  and  the  Hope  of  eternal  Glory.  Thefe 
are  nourifliing  and  refrefhing  to  the  Soul,  as 
Milk  the  richell:  of  Foods,  and  as  Wine  the 
befl  of  Cordials,  are  to  the  Body.  Thefe, 
You  fee,  are  to  be  obtained,  without  Money, 
and  without  Price  :  without  any  Merit  of  ouf 
own  ;  without  any  Plea  deduced  from  Our- 
felves  J  by  poor,  undone,  perifliing  Bankrupts, 
— They  are  to  be  enjoyed  by  every  Ojie,  that 
unfeignedly  efteems  them,  and  earneflly  feeks 
them.  No  Exception  is  made.  No  exclufive 
Claufc  added.  It  is  not  faid.  Whoever  is  wor^ 
thy,  but  whoever  will,  let  Him  take  of  the 
Water  of  Life  freely  -f . — To  leave  no  Room 

for 

*  Ifai,  Iv.  I.  f  Kev.  xxii.  17, 


300        DIALOGUE    XV. 

for  any  mifgiving  Apprehenfions,  the  kind  In- 
vitation is  renewed  j  the  invaluable  Tender  is 
reconfirmed;  and  both  are  prefled  upon  Us 
with  the  moil  afFe6lionate  Vehemence. 

Had  our  heavenly  BENEFACTOR  permit- 
ted Us  to  draw  up  this  Inftrument  of  Convey- 
ance, and  word  it  according  to  our  own  W^ifh; 
what  Language  could  We  have  contrived,  to 
render  either  the  Grant  more  free,  or  our  Claim 
more  fecure  ? 

I'her.  Thefe  are  chearing  Truths.  They 
amount  to  little  lefs  than  a  Demonftration.  ■ 
And  I  am  ready  to  declare,  in  the  Language 
of  Agrippa-j  Almofi  Thou  perfuadefl  me  to 
commence  a  Believer. 

Afp.  And  why,  my  dear  Friend,  why  not 
altogether  f  Can  You  diftruft  the  Sincerity  of 
the  divine  Overtures  ?  If  the  Overtures  are  real,i 
your  Title  is  unqueilionable. — Nay  ;  there  is 
more  than  an  Overture.  You  have  an  aBual 
Gift,  from  the  Almighty  MAJESTY.  To  Us, 
fays  the  Prophet — including  all  that  wait  for 
the  Redemption  of  CHRIST,  and  the  Con- 
iblation  of  Ifrael — a  Child  is  born^.  To  Us — 
He  repeats  the  precious  Truth  ;  to  declare  his 
exuberant  Joy  -f ,     and    denote   the    abfolute 

Cer- 

*  Ifai.  ix.  6, 
f  Virgil  has  copied  the  Prophet's  ^ne  Manner.     He  re- 
prefents  Joy,  uttering  her  Sentiments,  in   the  fame  fpirited 
l^train,  with  the  fame  reiterated  Earneftnefs  : 

Jrlumilemque  videmus 

Italiam.  Italiam  primus  conclamat  Achates. 
Ifaliam  lata  Socii  Clamorejalutant^ 


D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV.         301 

Certainty  *  of  the  Thing — a  Son  is  given.  Even 
GOD'S  own  SON,  the  ever  blefTed  JESUS, 
to  be  our  PROPITIATION,  our  SURETY, 
our  complete  REDEEMER. 

Juft  caft  a  Look  upon  yonder  neat  Lodge. 
Though  placed  in  the  Center  of  a  fpacious 
Field,  it  feems  to  be  contiguous  w^ith  the  Ex- 
tremity of  the  Vifta.  The  Eye,  traveling  over 
fuch  a  Length  of  Ground,  has  almoft  loft  the 
Windov^s,  and  the  decent  Ornaments  of  the 
Front,  But  I  fhall  not  foon  lofe  the  Idea  of 
that  amiable  Munificence;  w^hich,  as  I  was 
rambling  one  pleafant  Morning,  and  acciden- 
tally called  at  the  Houfe,  I  learned  from  its 
prefent  Owner. — He  was,  I  find,  one  of  your 
Servants.  Had  fpent  feveral  Years  in  your 
Family.  When  He  fettled  in  the  World,  You 
beftowed  upon  him  that  commodious  Box,  and 
a  pretty  adjacent  Farm;  to  pofTefs,  without 
Moleftation  or  Controul,  during  his  Life. — 
Does  He  not  reckon  the  little  Eftate,  by  virtue 
of  your  Donation,  to  be  his  own  ?  As  much 
his  own,  for  the  Time  prefcribed,  as  if  He  had 

paid  an  Equivalent  in  Money  ? Since  the 

LORD  JEHOVAH  has  given  Us  his  SON 
and  all  his  unutterable  Merits ;  why  fhould 
We  not,  with  an  AfTurance  of  Faith,  receive 
the  incomparable  Gift  ?  Why  fliould  We  not 
confide  in  it,  as  firmer  than  the  firmeft  Deed  ? 

and 
_  *  See  Gi,'tt,  x\l  32, 


302         DIALOGUE     XV. 

and  far  more  inviolable,  than  any  royal  Pa- 
tent?— Efpecially,  fince  it  has  been  fealed  to 
•Us,  in  every  facramental  Ordinance  -,  and  wit- 
nelled  by  every  good  Motion  of  the  HOLY 
S  P I R I T  in  our  Hearts. 

'T^ber.  My  Servant  never  affronted  my  Au- 
thority. If  He  had  vilified  my  Chara6ler,  or 
infulted  my  Perfon,  fhould  I  then  have  been 
inclined  to  make  the  fame  advantageous  Set- 
tlement ? 

^Jp.  Herein  appears  the  infinite  Superiority 
of  the  divine  Bounty.  GOD  is  rich  in  Mercy, 
not  only  to  the  Obedient  and  Grateful,  but  to 
the  Unthankful  and  Unworthy,  ^o  the  LORD 
our  GOD,  fays  the  Prophet,  belong  Mercies  and 
Forghenejfes  i  in  Meafure  fuperabundant,  and 
in  Continuance  unwearied.  And  this,  notwiih- 
fianding  We  have  offended  Him,  by  our  mani- 
fold Failures  in  Duty.  Nay,  have  rebelled  * 
-  againft  him,  by  flagrant  Violations  of  his  Law. 

In 

*  Da7i.  ix.  9.  The  Original  is  ^^l*!^  than  which  no  Ex- 
preflion,  in  the  Hebrew  Language,  bears  a  more  obnoxious 
Signification.  It  denotes  the  moft  audacious  and  the  moft 
flagitious  Impiety.  It  denotes  that  Rebellion,  zuhich  is  as  the 
Sin  of  Witchcraft  \  and  that  Stitbbornnefs,  which  is  as  the  Ini- 
quity of  Idolatry.  Yet,  all  virulent  and  execrable  as  it  is, 
it  does  not  fupprefs  the  Yearnings  of  divine  Pity,  nor  fuper- 
fede  the  Exercife  of  divine  Forgivenefs. — With  a  Word  de- 
rived from  the  fame  Root,  Saul,  w^hen  exafperated  almoft  to 
IVIadnefs,  upbraids  Jonathan.  And  we  know,  Perfons  fo 
extremely  incenfed,  never  fpealc  in  the  foftefl Terms  ;  never 
touch  the  Subjed  with  a  Feather,  but  make  their  Tongue 
like  a  fharp  Sword. 

^  .  May 


DIALOGUE     XV.         303 

In  fweet  Concert  with  this  prophetical  Lef- 
fon,  fings  the  tranfportedPp/^v;//?;  T^hou,  LORD, 
in  thy  facred  Humanity,  haji  afcended  upon  high  : 
afcended,  from  the  low  Caverns  of  the  Tomb,  to 
the  higheft  Throne  in  the  highefh  Heavens. — 
7'hou  haJi  led  Captivity  captive  :  haft  abolifhed 
Death,  that  univerfal  Tyrant ;  and  fubdued 
thofe  Powers  of  Darknefs,  which  had  inflaved 
the  whole  World.- — Like  a  glorious  ^W  trium- 
phant Conqueror,  Thou  haft  alfo  received  Gifts ; 
not  merely  for  thy  own  Fruition,  but  to  con- 
fer on  Others,  by  way  of  honorary  and  inrich- 
ingLargenefs. — What  are  thofe  Gifts,  'Therojjf 

T^her,  The  Gifts  of  the  Gofpel,  I  fuppofe  : 
Pardon  of  Sin,  the  Influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  and  thofe  other  Privileges  of  Chrijii- 
afiity ;  which  conftitute  the  prefent  Happinefs 
of  Mankind,  and  prepare  them  for  future 
Blifs. 

Afp.  You  rightly  judge.  —  And  for  whom 
were  thefe  royal,  thefe  heavenly  Donatives  re- 
ceived ? 

'Ther, 
May  I  venture  to  add  ?  That  our  Tranflators  feem  to 
miftake  the  proper  AppHcation  of  the  afore-mentioned  Paf- 
fage.  They  reprefent  Saul's  Inveaive,  flying  as  ivide  of  the 
Mark,  as  it  is  over-ehnrged  With  Malice. — Son  of  the  perverfe 
rebellious  Woman!  This  might  beafferted,  without  theleaft 
Impeachment  o{  Jonathan's  perfonal  Loyahy. — Befides,  is  it 
not  exceffively  indecent,  as  well  as  abfolutely  unreafonablc, 
to  reflea  upon  the  Mother,  for  the  Mifdemeanours  of  the 
Son  ?  •—  Surely,  the  Claufe  fhould  be  rendered,  in  perfea 
Confiftence  with  the  Genius  of  the  Original  ;  Thou  Son  of 
perverfe  Rebellion  ;  or,  more  agreeably  to  the  Englijh  Idiom, 
Thou  perverfe  rebdlious  JVrsUh  !  i  Sam.  xx.  30, 


304        DIALOGUE    XV. 

Ther.  Let  me  recollect — Thou  receivedji  Gifts 

—  not  for  fallen  Angels,  hut  for  Men And 

not  for  thy  Friends,  but  for  thy  Enemies — yea, 
for  the  Rebellious  alfo  *.  —  Merciful  Heaven  ! 
What  a  Word  is  this !  And  does  it  come  from 
the  G  O  D  of  Truth  ?  —  Gifts  !  Divine  Gifts ! 
Gifts  of  unfpeakable  Value,  and  eternal  Dura- 
tion !  And  thefe  to  be  conferred  on  Enemies, 
on  the  Rebellious !  Wretches  who  were  defli- 
tute  of  all  gracious  Qualifications  ;  who  deferv- 
ed  not  the  leafl  Favour ;  but  had  Reafon  to  ex- 
pert the  Frowns  of  Indignation,  and  the  Sword 
of  Vengeance  1 

Afp,  Thus  it  is  written,  in  thofe  facred  Con- 
flitutions  i  which  are  far  more  ftedfaft  and  un- 
alterable, than  the  Law  of  the  Medes  and  Per- 

fans, Thus  it  is  fpoken,  by  the  Mouth  of 

that  almighty  B  E I N  G  j  with  whom  there  is 
no  Variablenefs,  nor  the  leaft  Shadow  of  Turn- 
ing.— Let  Us  not,  my  dear  Friend,  by  unrea- 
fonable  Unbelief,  fruflrate  all  thefe  Promifes, 
and  reje6l  our  own  Mercies.  Let  us  not,  by 
an  evil  Heart  of  Unbelief,  make  GOD  a  Lyar ; 
and  make  Ourfelves,  of  all  Creatures,  mofl 
miferable. 

But  fee !  —  The  Clouds,  that  hung  their  a- 
greeable  Sables,  to  damp  the  Ardour,  and  a- 
bate  the  Glare  of  Day,  are  departing.    The 

Sun 

*  Pfctl,  Ixviii.  1 8. 


DIALOGUE     XV.         305 

Sun  has  been  colouring  their  fleecy  Skirts,  and 
fpreading  over  the  floating  Screen  a  Variety  of 
interchangeable  Hues.  Now  He  begins  to  edge 
them  with  Gold,  and  fliine  them  into  Silver. 
A  fure  Indication,  that  (like  the  glittering^  but 
tra?ifitory  Toys,  they  reprefent)  they  will  Toon 
be  fwept  from  the  Horizon,  and  feen  no  more. 

The  bright  Orb,  while  We  are  fpeaking, 

burfl:s  the  Veil  j  and,  from  a  voluminous  Pomp 
of  parting  Clouds,  pours  a  Flood  of  Splendor 
over  all  the  Face  of  Nature. — We  fhall  quick- 
ly perceive  this  open  Situation,  too  hot  to  con- 
fill:  with  Pleafure  :  and  muft  be  obliged  to  feek 
for  Shelter,  in  the  fliady  Apartments  of  the 
Houfe. 

Will  you  admit  me,  liheron^  into  thofe  fliady 
Apartments  ?  May  I  hope  to  obtain  this  Fa- 
vour ? 

'Hher,  Hope  to  obtain  !  Afpafio  ! 1  am  fur- 

prifed  at  your  Queftion.  I  thought  You  had 
known  me  better ;  and  am  forry,  it  fliould  be 
needful  to  alFure  You,  that  my  Houfe  is  as 
much  your  own,  as  it  is  mine.  The  more 
freely  You  command  it,  the  more  highly  you 
will  oblige  me. 

Afp.  May  I  believe  You,  I'heron  ?  Do  you 
fpeak  from  your  Heart  ?  Or  muft  I  conclude, 
that  You  plaufibly  profefs,  what  You  have  no 

Intention    to   perform  ? Would    you    be 

pleafed,  if  I  fliould  obflinatelv  peififl;  m  tb'ele 

Vol.  III.  X  '  dilho- 


3o6        D  I  A  L  O  G  U  E    XV. 

difhonoura])le  Sufpicions,  notwithflanding  all 
your  friendly  Proteftations  ? 

I'hcr.  My  dear  Affafio,  I  fee  your  Defign.  I 
fee,  and  am  afliapaed.  Afhamcd  to  think,  that 
I  fhould  fanfy  myfelf  more  pun6lual  in  my 
ProfelTions,  than  G  O  D  is  true  to  his  Word, 

LO  RDy  I  believe.     Help  T^hou  mine  Un^ 

belief! 


D  I  A- 


DIALOGUE    XVI. 


H^^S^^^UR  Friends  had  agreed  upon 
t^  ^^  makins:  a  Vifit  to  P/6/7£7?5r.  They 
^^  SC  ^'^^^  through  a  fine,  open,  fruit- 
J0~9^f^  ful  Country.  Which  was  covered 
i^#^^J^  with  Crops  of  ripened  Corn ;  and 


occupied  by  feveral  Parties  of  Ruftics,  gather- 
ing in  the  copious  HarveJI. 

The  Rye,  white  and  hoary  as  it  were  with 
Age,  waved  its  bearded  Billows,  and  gave  a 

dry  bulky  Ruftle  before  the  Breeze. The 

Wheat,  laden  with  Plenty,  and  beautifully 
brown,  hung  the  heavy  Head  j  and  invited, 
by  its  bending  Pofture,  the  Reaper's  Hand. 
Piatts  oi  Barky,  and  Acres  oiOats,  flood  white 
or  whitening  in  the  Sun.  Upright,  and  per- 
feftly  even,  as  though  the  Gardener's  Shears 
had  clipped  them  at  the  Top,  they  gratified 
the  Spedator's  Eye,  but  gladdened  the  Farmer's 

X  2  Heart, 


3o8         DIALOGUE     XVI. 

Heart. Beans,  partly  clad  in  native  Green, 

partly  transformed  and  tawny  with  the  parch- 
ing Ray,  were  preparing  "the  laft  Employ  for 

the  crooked  Weapon. Some  of  the  Grain 

lay  flat,  in  regular  Rows,  on  the  new-made 
Stubble.  Some  was  ere6led,  in  graceful  Shocks, 
along  the  briftly  Ridges.  Some,  conveyed  home- 
wards on  the  loaded  Waggon,  nodded  over  the 
groaning  Axle. 

The  Villages  feemed  tobeem.pty,  and  all  their 
Inhabitants  poured  into  the  Plains.  Here  were 

Perfons  of  each  Sex,  and  of  every  Age. 

The  lufly  Toufhs,  {looping  to  their  Work,  plied 
the  Sickle  -,  or  fwept,  with  their  Scythes,  the 

falling  Ranks. The  buxom  LaJ/es  followed, 

binding  the  Handfuls  into  Sheaves,  or  piling 
the  Swarths  into  hafly  Cocks.  —  Difpcrfed  up 
and  down  were  the  Children  of  the  Needy,  glean- 
ing the  fcattered  Ears,  and  picking  their  fcanty 
Harveft. — Nor  were  the  o/^  People  abfent  5  but 
crawling  into  the  Sun,  or  fitting  on  a  fhady 
Eminence,  they  beheld  the  Toils — the  pleafing 
Toils  they  once  fultained. 

This  is  the  mofl  joyful  Period  of  the  Coun- 
tiyman's  Life ;  the  long  expe6ted  Crown  of 
all  his  Labours.  For  this.  He  broke  the  ftub- 
born  Glebe,  and  manured  the  impoveriflied 
Soil.  For  tliis.  He  bore  the  fultry  Beams  of 
Summer,  and  fhrunk  not  from  the  pinching 
Blafts  of  V/inter.    For  tl^js,  He  toiled  ;iway 

the 


DIALOGUE     XVI.  309 

the  Year,  in  a  Round  of  ceafelefs  but  willing 
A6livity.     Knowing,  that  the  Hiipandman  mnjl 

hbour^  before  He  partakes  of  the  Fruits  *. . 

And  will  not  the  bleffed  Hope  of  everlafling 
Life  ;  will  not  the  bright  Expe6lation  of  con- 
fummate  Blifs,  animate  Us  with  an  equally 
chearful  Refolution,  both  to  refift  the  Tempta- 
tions, and  difcharge  the  Duties  of  our  pre- 
fent  State  ? 

Short  feemed  the  Way,  and  quick  pafTed  the 
Time,  as  they  traveled  through  fuch  Scenes  of 
rural  Abundance,  and  rural  Delight. Be- 
fore they  were  aware,  the  Horfes  flopped  at 
Philenors  Seat.  Where  they  found,  to  their 
no  fmall  Difappointment,  that  the  Mafter  was 
gone  abroad.  They  alighted  however,  and 
took  a  Walk  in  the  Gardens. 

The  Gardens,  at  proper  Intervals,  and  in 
well-chofen  Situations,  w^ere  interlperfed  with 
Pieces  of  Statnarw  At  the  Turn  of  a  Corner, 
You  are  —  not  fhocked  with  a  naked  Gladia- 
tor, or  a  beaftly  Friatus  —  but  agreeably  fur- 
prifed  with  the  Image  of  TLdly,     He  feems  to 

be 

*  2  T'nn.  ii.  6.  Be%a  thinks,  that  in  fettling  the  Conftruc- 
tion  of  this  Verfe,  the  Adverb  urpwlou  fliould  be  connected 
with  the  Participle  xoTs-iajvla.  If  fo,  the  Tranflaticn  cxhibitcJ 
above,  may  bid  fair  for  Acceptance  ;  and,  one  of  the  moft 
celebrated  Hiftorians,  may  have  the  Honour  of  commenting 
on  the  greateft  of  the  Apoftles  ;  l^cc  ill'i  falfi  funt^  qui  dh'er- 
JiJJtmas  Res  expeclant^  Ignaz'ia:  Volupititrm^  (nf  Pravnia  Vir- 
tutis.  Saluft.  They  are,  beyond  all  Difpute,  moft  egrcgiou fly 
miftalccn,  who  hope  to  unite  thofe  incompatible  'i  hings, 
the  PJcalurcs  of  Indolence,  and  the  Rewards  of  Indudrv. 

X3 


3IO         DIALOGUE     XVI. 

be  juil  rifen  from  his  Seat,  and  upon  the  Point 
of  addreffing  Himfelf  to  fome  important  Ora- 
tion. A  reverential  Awe  appears  in  his  Coun- 
tenance ;  hke  one  fenfible,  that  he  is  to  plead 
before  the  Rulers  of  the  World.  Sedate,  at  the 
fame  time,  and  collected  in  Himfelf ;  like  one 
confcious  of  fuperior  Eloquence,  and  embold- 
ened by  the  Jullice  of  his  Caufe.  His  thought- 
ful Afpect,  and  gracefully  expanded  Arm,  fpeak 
to  the  Eye,  before  the  Tongue  has  uttered  a 
Syllable. 

You  enter  an  Alley,  lined  on  either  Side  with 
a  verdant  Fan  ;  and  having  no  Variety  of  Ob- 
jecls  to  diverfify  the  intermediate  Space,  your 
View  is  conduced  to  a  magnificent  Building 
at  the  End.  As  You  walk  along,  contemplat- 
ing the  maflerly  Performance  in  Architeft ure, 
an  unexpeded  Opening  diverts  your  Attention ; 
and  prefents  You  with  fome  fine  Imitation  of 
virtuous  or  heroic  Life. — Not  the  Macedonian 
Madman  -,  nor  Sivcdens  royal  Knight-errant ; 
nor  Ccefar^  infamoully  renowned  for  his  flaugh- 
tered  Millions  j  but  the  truly  gallant  Czar.  A 
drawn  Sword  in  his  Hand,  and  a  command- 
ing majeftic  Sternnefs  on  his  Brow.  The  Wea- 
pon is  held  in  the  moft  menacing  Poflure  ; 
and  many  a  Spe6fator  has  been  obferved  to 
Itart  back,  with  Apprehenfions  of  Fear.  It  is 
that  glorioufly  fevere  Attitude,  in  which  the 
grateful  Citizens  of  Narva  beheld  Him,  and 

in 


DIALOGUE     XVL         311 

in  which  all  Pofterity  will  admire  Him  j  when 
He  turned  upon  his  own  viftorious,  hut  un- 
governable Troops,  and  threatened  to  drench 
the  Dagger  in  their  Hearts,  if  they  did  not  im- 
mediately defifl  from  Rapine  *  and  Slaughter; 
immediately  allow  Quarter  to  their  vanquilhed 
Foes. 

Under  a  circular  Dome,  fupported  by  Pillars 
of  the  Doric  Order,  and  in  a  Spot  where  fc- 
veral  Walks  center,  ftands — not  the  Ve?ws  a 
Medlcis'y  corrupting,  while  it  captivates,  the 
World — but  a  Spartan  Mother.  Her  Habit 
decent  and  venerable  3  fomewhat  like  the  'JiinQ 
Matrona  of  the  Romans,  as  She  is  finely  depic- 
tured in  Mr.  Spences  Polymetis.  Her  Air  ftately 
andrefolved;  expreffive  of  Dignity,  yet  mingled 
with  Softnefs.  She  holds  a  Shield :  is  in  the 
very  A61  of  delivering  it  to  her  Son  -,  a  Youth, 
fetting  out  for  the  Army,  and  going  to  hazard 
his  Life,  in  the  Defence  of  his  Country.  She 
is  fuppofed  to  add  that  fpirited  and  magna- 
nimous Exhortation,  which  is  engraven  on  the 
Protuberance  of  the  Buckler — ^  tocv,  tj  stti  rxg 
— Bring  it  back,  my  Son^  as  thy  T^7'ophy ;  or,  be 
brought  back  upon  it,  as  thy  Bier. 

I 

*  "  As  foon  as  the  Soldiers  were  Maftcrs  of  the  Town, 
*'  (Narva)  they  fell  to  Plurider,  and  a;ave  themfelvcs  up  to 
*'  the  moft  enormous  Barbarities.  'T\\c  Czar  tau  from  Place 
*'  to  Place,  to  put  a  ftop  to  the  Diforderand  Mafiacre  He 
*'  was  even  obliged  to  kill  with  his  own  Hand  feveral  Jl'IuJ- 
**  covltesy  who  d;d  not  hearken  to  his  Orders." 

Vdialrc"^  KA\.  Ckul  XII. 
X4 


312         DIALOGUE     XVI. 

I  am  particularly  pleafed,  faid  T^heron^  witli 
the  Contrivance  of  this  lafl  Ornament.  It  is 
regulated  by  one  of  the  moft  refined  Rules  of 
Art  i  not  to  lavifh  away  all  the  Beauty  at  a 
fmele  View,  but  to  make  a  Ikilful  Referve  for 

fome  future  Occafion. The  Dome  and  the 

Columns  afford  Pleafure,  when  beheld  at  a 
confiderable  Diflance.  The  fine  Figure  in  the 
midft  difplays  its  Graces,  on  a  nearer  Approach. 
By  which  means,  the  Attention  is  kept  awake, 
and  the  Entertainment  continues  new. 

But  what  I  principally  admire,  is  the  S>pirtt 
or  ^tyle  of  the  Decorations  in  general.  They 
put  me  in  mind  of  a  very  jufl  Remark,  which 
Mr.  Fope  has  fomewhere  made.  It  is,  if  I  re- 
member right,  to  this  Effect. "  A  Man  not 

*'  only  fhews  his  Tafte,  but  his  Virtue,  in  the 
^*  Choice  of  his  Ornaments.  A  proper  Piece  of 
"  Hiftory,  reprefented  in  Painting  on  a  rich 
*'  Man's  Walls,  (or  exhibited  in  Imagery  amidji 
"  his  Gardens)  is  very  often  a  better  Leffon, 
"  than  any  He  could  teach  by  his  Converfa- 
*'  tion.  In  this  Senfe,  the  Stones  may  be  faid 
*'  to  fpeak,  when  Men  cannot,  or  will  not." 
—  All  but  the  comparati^ce  or  fatyrical  Part  of 
the  Obfervation,  I  would  apply  to  the  Profpe6l 
before  Us,  and  its  worthy  Owner. 

Afp.  Philenors  Gardens,  I  think,  are  more 
chaite  and  delicate  in  their  Ornaments,  than  a 
certain  collegiate  Church.     In  the  latter  Place, 

Wc 


■    DIALOGUE     XVI.         313 

We  might  reafonably  expect  a  Purity  and  a 
Decorum,  if  We  fliould  not  meet  with  the 
Symbols  of  Piety  and  Incitements  to  Religion. 
— What  would  a  judicious  Obferver  fay,  if,  in 
one  of  thofe  folemn  and  venerable  Edifices,  He 
(hould  fee  a  huge  brawny  Fellow  fluck  up 
againft  the  Wall  j  with  his  Pofteriors  half  barej 
his  whole  Body  more  than  half  naked  3  and  in 

an  Attitude  none  of  the  mofl  decent  *  ? 

Excufe  me,  ^heron.  I  confefs  myfelf  afhamcd 
of  the  Defcription,  How  then  can  the  Spec- 
tacle become  the  Houfe  of  Divine  Worfhip  ? 

T^her.  But  perhaps  this  fame  brawny  Fellow 
may  reprefent  a  Heathen  Demigod  j  one  of  the 
Idols  worfliipped  by  Antiquity;  the  tutelary 
Deity  oi  Valour, 

*  Referring  to  the  Monument,  lately  erecSled  for  AIa jor 
General  Flemming,  in  IVeJiinlnjlcr- Abbey.  Where,  un- 
der the  General's  Buft,  are  placed  Hercules  and  Pallas.  Her- 
cules., with  his  Club  and  Lyon's  Skin,  in  the  Manner  related 
above.  Pallas.,  with  a  Mirrour  and  a  Serpent  at  her  Side. — • 
As  this  Church  has  been  the  Burial  Place  of  the  moil  illuf- 
trious  Perfonages,  for  many  Centuries ;  as  it  is  the  Place, 
where  <?// our  Kings  receive  their  Crowns,  and  ;«rt»y  of  them 
depofit  their  Afhes  ;  as  it  is  fingularly  eminent  for  its  Anti- 
quities and  Monuments  ;  there  is  a  large  Refort  both  of  Na- 
tives and  Foreigners,  to  view  its  grand  and  awful  Curioiities. 
Whatever,  therefore,  is  erctffcd  in  an  Edifice  fo  diftinguifhcd, 
fhould  not  only  have  an  Air  oi  Elegance  in  the  Execution, 
but  a  Beauty  of  Holme js  in  the  Defign. — It  was  thought,  by 
a  very  fine  and  a  very  candid  Writer,  that  mere  Imfroj>ricty 
of  Tafte,  in  ornamenting  one  of  the  Monuments,  called  for 
his  Cenfure.  Surely  then  a  Violation  of  Decency.,  and  an 
Approach  to  Pagantjm.,  call  more  loudly  for  public  Ajiiiuad- 
vcffion,  and  proper  Reforiraiation.  Set-  ^e6t.  Vol.  I.  jN*-'  26, 


314        DIALOGUE     XVL 

Jfp,  And  will  this  juftify  the  Praftice  ?  Does 
not  this  add  Profanenefs  to  Immodcfty?  Arc 
We  Chrifiiam  to  thank  Hercules  for  the  Valour 
of  our  Warriors,  and  make  our  Acknowledg- 
ments to  Pallas  for  the  Condu6l  of  our  Gene- 
rals ?  Shall  We  Chrijlians  behold  with  Admira- 
tion, or  recognize  as  our  Benefactors,  what 
the  Apoftle  has  fligmatized  under  the  Charac- 
ter of  Devils  *  f 

If  H  E,  who  overthrew  the  Tables  of  the 
Money-changers,  had  taken  a  Walk  in  thefe 
famous  Cloyilers,  I  am  apt  to  fufpe61:,  He 
would  have  paid  no  very  agreeable  Compli- 
ment to  this  fine  Piece  of  Statuary.  T'ake  thefe 
'things  hence ^  would  probably  have  been  his 
Command  -,  and,  make  not  the  FrecinBs  of  your 
'temple  a  Chamber  o/' Pagan  Imagery ^  his  Re- 
buke -[-. — Neither  is  it  at  all  unlikely,  that  the 
Image  itfelf,  notwithftanding  its  inimitable 
Workmanfliip,  might  have  fhared  the  Fate  of 
its  Kinfman  D^^gon; 

'When  the  captive  Ark 


Maim'd  his    brute  Image ,    Head  and  Hands 

lopfd  off 
In  his  oivn  I'emple^  on  the  Groiindfell  Edge 
When  He  fell  fat  J  a?id  fanid  his  Worfippers  J. 

'Ther.  But  how  Ihould   the  Artifl  reprefent 
the  great  Atchievements  and  the  fhining  Qua- 
lities 

*  I  Car.  X.  20.         ijolm  ii.  i6.        %  Milton,  ^.  I.  458. 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         315 

lities  of  his  Hero,  if  You  will  not  allow  Him 
to  make  ufe  of  thQ^JignificajiJ  Emblems  ? 

Afp.  I  queflion,  whether  they  are  fo  very 
fignificant.  The  Mirrour  feems  to  charac- 
terize a  Fop,  rather  than  a  Soldier.  It  leads 
Us  to  think  of  a  foft  NarciJJiis,  admiring  Him- 
felf;  rather  than  a  fagacious  General,  planning 

the  Operations  of  the  Campaign. Befuies  ; 

is  facred  Literature  fo  deftitute  of  proper  Em- 
blems, that  We  muft  borrow  the  Decorations 
of  our  Churches  and  the  Trophies  of  our  Con- 
querors, from  the  Dreams  of  Superftition  or 
the  Delufions  of  Idolatry  ?  How  juft  and  ex- 
preffive  are  thofe  emblematical Reprefentatlons, 
exhibited  in  EzekieFs  Vifion  !  Where  A6livity 
and  Speed  are  fignified  by  Hands  in  Conjunc- 
tion with  Wifigs ;  and  the  deep,  the  compli- 
cated, yet  ever  harmonious  Schemes  of  Pro- 
vidence, by  a  Wheel  in  the  Middle  of  a  Wheel. 
With  what  Propriety  and  Force  are  the  noblefl 
Endowments  pidured,  in  the  Revelations  of 
St.  John,  and  their  grand  Machinery  !  Superior 
Wifdom  and  Benevolence  of  Heart,  are  de- 
fcribed  by  the  Face  of  a  Man-,  Strength  of 
Mind  and  Intrepidity  of  Spirit,  by  the  Vifage 
of  a  Lion ;  Calmnefs  of  Temper  and  indefa- 
tigable Application,  by  the  Features  of  an  Ox; 
a  penetrating  Difcernment,  and  an  expedi- 
tious Habit  of  adling,  by  the  Form  of  a  fil- 


ing Eagle  *. 


Thefe 

*  Kev.  iv.  7. 


3i6         D  I  A  L  O  G-U  E    XVI. 

Thefc  Hieroglyphics  are  graceful,  are  perti- 
nent, and  fuch  as  every  Spe6lator  will  under- 
fland.  Whereas,  the  Devices  of  our  new  mo- 
numental Encomium  are,  I  fear,  to  the  Un- 
learned hardly  inteUigible  j  to  the  Serious, 
little  better  than  profane ;  and  to  every  Be- 
holder, indelicate  if  not  immodeft. — Philenor, 
I  imagine,  would  blufh  to  admit  them  into 
his  Walks  or  Avenues.  And  I  am  forry  to 
find  them  received  into  the  mofl  antient  *, 
mofi:  renowned,  and  mofl  frequented  Church 
in  the  Kingdom. 

Talking  in  this  Manner,  they  come  to  a 
curious  Grove,  formed  on  that  uncommon  Plan, 
propofed  by  Mr.  Addifin^  in  one  of  his  SpeBa- 

tors. It  confifled  wholly  of  Rvergrcens.  Firs, 

clad  in  verdant  Silver,  pointed  their  refmous 
Leaves,  and  fhot  aloft  their  towering  Canes. 
Laurels  arrayed  in  glolTy  Green,  fpread  their 
ample  Foliage,  and  threw  abroad  their  ramb- 
ling Boughs. — Bay-trees  were  expanded  into  a 
Fan,  that  no  Weather  could  tarnifli ,  or  round- 
ed into  a  Column,  that  knew  not  how  to  moul- 
der. While  the  Laiiriifiinus  ran  out  into  a  beau- 
tiful 

*  Some  Antiquarians  trace  back  the  Origin  of  this  Church, 
even  to  the  Reign  of  Lucius.  Which  is  more  than  the  Space 
of  1500  Years,  Others  fuppofe,  that  iS't-Z'^rf,  King  of  the 
Eaji-Saxons^  about  the  Year  of  our  LORD  605,  built  the 
firft  religious  Structure  on  this  Spot.  All  agree,  that  it  was 
re-edified  and  inlargcd  by  Edward  the  Confejfor ;  and  that 
the  prefent  (lately  and  magnificent  Fabric,  was  founded  by 
Herny  the  third. 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         31- 

tlful  Irregularity  of  Shape  j  and  compa6led  her 
reddening  Gems,  in  order  to  unfold  her  whiten- 
ing Bloom. —  In  one  Place  lay  a  Dale,  gently 
finking,  and  coated  with  the  Cha?nomiles  natural 
Frieze ;  which  never  changes  its  Colour,  never 
lofes  its  Glofs.  Near  it,  and  fcooped.  You 
would  imagine,  from  the  fame  Hollow,  arofe 
a  Mount,  foftly  fwelling,  and  fhagged  with 
Furze;  gay  with  perennial  Verdure,  and  ge- 
nerally decked  with  golden  Bloflbms.  —  Here, 
You  are  led  through  a  ferpentine  Walk,  and 
Hedges  of  jBox  J  and  find,  perhaps,  a  folitary 
Pyramid  or  a  capacious  Urn,  each  compofed 
of  unfading  Tew.  There  You  look  through 
a  ftrait  Alley,  fenced  on  either  Side,  and  arch- 
ed over  Head,  with  mantling  FhiUrea-,  and 
fee,  at  the  Extremity,  an  Obelilk  fneathed  in 
A;)',  and  ornamented  with  fable  Clufters,  as 
with  Wreaths  of  living  Sculpture.-— Scattered 
up  and  down,  were  feveral  Sorts  of  Holly; 
fome  flriped  with  White  i  fome  fpotted  v/ith 
Yellow  J  fome  preparing  to  brighten  and  beau- 
tify the  Scene,  with  Berries  of  glowing  Scar- 
let. 

The  Heads  of  the  Trees,  arifing  one  above 
another,  in  a  gradual  Slope,  from  the  diminu- 
tive Mazerean  to  the  lofty  Cyprefs  ;  the  feve- 
ral Shadings  of  their  green  Attire,  greatly  di- 
verfified,  and  judicioufly  intermixed  j  afford, 
efpecially  in   the  Winter-feafon,  a   moll  hi- 

Ihcned 


3i8         DIALOGUE     XVI. 

livened  and  lovely  Profpe6l. — As  the  Sun-fhine 
is,  by  tlie  Frequenters  of  this  Grove,  ufually 
more  coveted  than  the  Shade  3  it  is  fo  difpofed, 
as  to  admit,  in  one  Part  or  another,  every 
Gleam  of  fine  Weather,  which  exhilarates  the 
Winter. 

Afp,  There  miift  be  fomething  unfpeakably 
pleafnig  in  a  Plantation,  w^hich  appears  lively 
and  fruitful,  v^hen  all  its  Neighbours  of  the 
Woodland  Race,  are  barren,  bleak,  or  dead. 
But,  how  much  more  chearing  and  delightful 
mull:  it  be  5  when  decrepit  Age,  or  bodily  In- 
firmities, have  impaired  the  Vigour,  and  laid 
wafte  the  Gratifications  of  our  youthful  Prime ; 
to  find  a  folid  iindecaying  Pleafure,  in  the  Fa- 
vour of  GOD,  and  the  Hope  of  Glory ! — Now 
indeed  the  feathered  Tribes  refort  to  the  more 
flowing  Umbrage  of  the  Poplar  and  the  Afh. 
But  amidft  Decembers  Cold,  You  fhall  obferve 
them  forfaking  the  leajlcfi  Woods,  and  flock- 
ing to  this  friendly  Receptacle  ;  hopping  acrofs 
the  funny  Walks,  or  fheltering  themfelves,  in 
the  wet  and  flormy  Day,  under  thefe  trufty 
Boughs.  So,  the  many  thoughtlefs  Creatures, 
that  turn  their  Back  upon  Religion,  amidH  the 
foft  and  foo thing  Careffes  of  Profperity ;  will 
want,  extremely  want,  its  Jovereign  Supports, 
under  the  fharp  and  diflrelling  AfTaults  of  Ad- 
verfity,  Sicknefs,  and  Death. This  Collec- 
tion, it  is  true,  may  not  equal  the  Groves  of 

annual 


D  I  A  L  O  Q  U  E     XVI.         319 

annual  Verdure,  in  Floridity  of  Drefs  5  but  it 
far  exceeds  them,  in  the  Duration  of  its  Or- 
naments. Ere  long,  yonder  fhewy  Branches 
will  be  ftript  of  their  Holiday  Clothes :  where- 
as, thefe  will  retain  their  Honours,  when  thofe 
are  all  Rags  or  Nakednefs.  Thus  will  it  be 
with  every  Refuge  for  our  poor,  imperfecl:, 
fmful  Souls ;  excepting  only  the  Righteoufnefs 
of  our  XOi^D  JESUS  CHRIST,  Every 
Thing  elfe  will  fade  as  a  Leaf^,  This,  my 
^heron,  and  this  alone  is  an  Kvergreen  :  always 
free  for  our  Acceptance,  and  always  efFe6lual 
to  fave. 

^ber.  An  Evergreen  it  is.  But,  like  the  ruddy 
and  golden  Fruits,  which  hang  on  the  upper- 
moft  Boughs  of  thofe  lofty  Trees  in  the 
Orchard,  it  feems  to  be  quite  out  of  my 
Reach. 

^Jp.  Are  You  fenfible.  That  You  neeJ  this 
immaculate  and  perfe£l  Righteoufnefs  of  our 
SAVIOUR? 

J'her.  Was  Jonab  fenfible,  how  much  He 
needed  the  cooling  Shelter  of  his  Gourd  > 
when  the  Sun  fmote  fiercely  upon  his  Temples, 
and  all  the  Fervours  of  the  fiery  Eafi:  were 
glowing  around  Him  ?  —  So  is  your  I'beron 
fenfible,  that,  without  a  far  better  Righteouf- 
nefs than  his  own.  He  mufi:  inevitably  be  con- 
demned by  the  Sentence  of  the  Law,  and  can- , 
not  fland  before  the  high  and  holy  GOD. 


320        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

Afp.  Remember  then  what  our  LORD  fays  io 
fiich  Perfons  j  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  are  'weary 
and  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you  Rejl  * . — How 
gracious  is  the  Invitation  !  Cojjie  unto  me,  the 
Giver  of  every  good  Gift,  and  the  overflowing 
Source  of  Happinefs. — How  extenfive  is  the  Of- 
fer !  All  that  are  weary  under  the  Servitude  of  Sin, 
ajid  heavy  laden  WiXh  the  Burden  of  Guilt.  ALL 
thefe  are  called,  and  Tou,  my  Friend,  in  the 
Number.  They  have,  not  a  Ticket,  a  Bond,  or 
fome  inferior  Pledge  of  Affurancej  but  they 
have  a  Fromife,  from  Faithfulnefs  and  Truth 
itfelf.  /  will  give  them  Reft,  fays  the  Strength 
of  Ifrael ;  whofe  Will  is  Fate,  and  his  Word 
the  Bafis  of  the  Univerfe.— And  if  CHRIST 
will  give  You  Reft  ;  He  will  wafli  You  in  that 
Blood,  which  atones  -,  and  inveil  You  with 
that  Righteoufnefs,  which  juftifies.  Since  no- 
thins:  fliort  of  thefe  Mercies,  can  afford  true 
Satisfa(5lion  to  the  awakened  Confcience. 

Permit  me  to  aik  farther — Do  you  earneflly 
defire  this  Righteoufnefs  ? 

T^her.  Will  yonder  Hirelings,  when  fatigued 
vv^ith  the  Heat  and  Burden  of  a  long,  labori- 
ous, fultryDay,  defire  the  Shades  of  the  Even- 
ing, and  the  Repofe  of  the  Night  ?  —  I  can 
truly,  on  this  Occafion,  adopt  the  Words  of 
the  Prophet)  'T^he  Defire  of  my  Soul  is  to  thy 
Name  f ,  blefled  JESUS,  and  to  the  Remem- 
brance of  thy  Righteoufnefs.  The  very  Men- 
tion 
*  Matt,  xi.  28.  t  ^<?^  xxvi,  8. 


DIALOGUE    XVI.        321 

tion  of  this  fpotlefs  Righteoufnefs  is  Mufic  to 

my  Ears.     Every  frefli,  though  diflant  Dif- 

covery  of  it,  gleams  Pleafure  upon  my  Mind. 

And   that  would  be  a  blefTed  Day,  a  Day 

greatly  to  be  diftinguifhed,  which  fliould  bring 

it  near  to  my  View,  and  home  to  my  Soul. 

Afp,  Behold  I  fays  the  SAVIOUR  of  the 

World,  I fi and  at  the  Door ^  arid  knock.     If  any 

Man  hear  my  Voice^  and  open  the  Door,  I  will 

cofue  in  unto  Him,  and  will  fiip  with  Him,  and 

He  with  me  *. — Have  you  not  fometimes,  ^he- 

ron,  been  overtaken  by  the  dark  and  tempef- 

tuous  Night  ?  When,  chilled  with  Cold,  and 

almoft  drowned  in  the  Rain,  You  arrived  late 

at  the  Houfe  of  fome  valued  Friend,  was  You 

not  willing  to   gain   Admittance  ?    Perhaps, 

You  thought  every  Moment  an  Hour,  till  the 

hofpitable  Door  opened :  till  you  exchanged  the 

difmal  Gloom,  and  the  driving  Storm,  for  the 

chearful    Light    and  the   amiable    Company 

within. The. adored  IM MANUEL  pro- 

feffes  Himfelf  equally  willing  to  come  unto 

You,  who  hearken  to  his  Voice,  and  confent 

to  his  Overtures.     Equally  willing  to  make 

his  Abode  with  You  3  to  manifeft  his  Glories 

in  You  i  and  communicate  his  Merits  to  You. 

All  which  will  be  refrefiing  to  the  finful 

Soul,  as  the  moil  famptuous  Jianquet  to  the 

famiflied  Stomach  and  craving  A})petite. 

Tier, 
*  Rev,  iii.  20, 

■'■   Vol.  III.     _  Y 


322       DIALOGUE    XVI. 

I'her.  I  cannot  open  my  Heart. 

Jfp.  CHR  IS  r  has  the  Key  of  David,  He 
cpenethj  and  none  can  jhut  \  He  Jhutteth,  and 
none  can  open  *.  And  what  fays  this  all-power- 
ful REDEEMER  ?  Who  does  whatfie'ver  pleafeth 
Him,  in  Heaven  and  Earth,  in  the  Sea,  and  in 
all  deep  Places,  even  in  the  Dej)ths  of  the  hu- 
man Heart.  Bleffed  are  they,  that  hunger  and 
thirji  after  Right  eoiijnefs,  for  they  Jhall  be  filed -f, 

' Since  You  hunger  after  the  Righteoufnefs, 

and  thirfl  for  the  Spirit,  of  the  crucified  holy 
JESUS,  Hehimfelf  has  pronounced  You  ^/^t'^. 
He  himfelf  has  engaged.  You  fliall  enjoy  the 
Defire  of  your  Soul  >  and  not  barely  enjoy,  but 
enjoy  it  abundantly,  You  fliall  be  filed,  filled 
"with  the  Fruits  of  the  everlafling  Goipel ;  be 
enriched  with  your  REDEEMER'S  Obedience, 
and  adorned  with  his  Image. — Then  be  not, 
my  dear  T^heron,.  be  not  faithlefs,  but  believ- 
ing. 

^her.  This  I  believe,  Afpafo — That  I  am  a 
loft  Sinner;  under  the  Curfe  of  the  Law> 
and  hable  to  the  Wrath  of  GOD.  That 
there  is  no  Relief  for  my  Diftrefs,  but  in 
CHRIST  and  his  tranfcendent  Merits.  HE, 
and  He  alofie,  is  able  to  fave  me  from  my  Guilt, 
and  all  its  difmal  Train  of  Miferies.  He  is  a 
SAVIOUR  fully  proportioned  to  my  V^ants; 
exadly  fuited  to  my  feveral  NecefTities. 1 

'  believe, 

*  Riv.iiu  7.  t  Matt,  V.  6, 


DIALOGUE    XVI.         52J 

believe,  and  am  perfuaded,  That,  if  I  was 
interelled  in  the  Divine  JESUS,  my  Soul 
fhould  live. 

^Jp.  Be  perfuaded  likewife.  That  there  is 
no  clogging  Qualification,  no  Worth  to  be  pof- 
fefled,  no  Duty  to  be  performed,  in  order  to 
your  full  Participation  of  CHRIST  and  his 
Riches.  Only  believe,  and  they  are  all  your 
own.  CHRIST"  dweUcth  in  our  Hearts — 
How?  By  legal  Works,  and  laborious  Pre- 
requifites  ?  No ;  but  by  Faith  *.     He  that  be^ 

lieveth  on  the  SON,  hath a  chimerical  ?  far 

from  it  i  a  real-  and  a  fubftantial  Happinefs  ; 
even  everlajiijtg  Life  -j*. 

'Ther,  Ah  !  my  Afpajio  !  I  cannot  believe.  I 
feel  my  Impotency.  My  Mind  is,  as  You  for- 
merly hinted,  like  the  withered  Arm. 

Afp.  It  is  no  fmall  Advantage,  Iheron,  to 
be  convinced  of  our  Inability  in  this  Refpe(5V. 
This  is,  if  not  the  Beginning  of  Faith,  the 
Sign  of  its  Approach  j  and  ihews  it  to  be,  if 
not  in  the  Soul,  yet  at  the  v^ery  Door. — Fear 
not,  my  Friend,  He  that  bids  You  llretch 
out,  will  ftrengthen  the  withered  Arm.  He 
firft  makes  Us  fenfible  of  our  Weaknefs,  and 
t\itr\  fulfils  all  the  good  Pleafire  of  his  Will,  and 
the  Work  of  Faith  with  Power  X- 

Can  You  doubt  of  his  WlUingnefs  ?    Then 
go  to  Mount  Calvary.   7'here  liftcn  to  the  Sound- 
ing 

*  E^h.m.  17.  t  John  iii.  36.  %  2Tbe{f.\.  II. 

Y    2 


324        DIALOGUE     XVI. 

ing  of  his  Bowelsy  and  of  his  Mercies  towards 
I^ou  *.  Has  not  every  Drop  of  Blood  a 
Tongue  ?  Cannot  You  read  a  Language  in 
each  ftreaming  Wound,  and  hear  a  Voice  in 

e\'ery  dying  Pang  ? Do  they  not  all  fpeak 

his  infinite  Love  even  to  wretched  Sinners  ? 
Do  they  not  all  addrefs  You  with  that  tender 
Remonftrance,  O  T^hou  of  little  Faith,   where- 

o  fore  dofi  thou  doubt -f? Nay ;  do  they  not  all 

declare,  with  an  Energy  fuperior  to  the  Force 
of  Words,  That  He  will  deny  You  no  Man- 
ner of  Thing  that  is  good  ? 

Who  gave  his  Bloody  what  Gift  will  he  with-hold  ! 

Ther.  I  am  afhamed  to  recoUedl,  what  mif- 
taken  Notions  I  once  entertained,  concerning 
the  Eafmefs  of  Believing.  As  though  it  were 
to  be  performed,  like  the  A6t  of  rifing  from 
our  Seat,  or  flepping  into  a  Coach,  by  our 
own  Strength,  and  at  our  own  Time.  What 
a  Stranger  was  I  then  to  the  Hardnefs  of  my 
Heart,  and  my  Bondage  under  Sin  ! 

Afp.  Since  you  are  fenfible  of  your  Impo- 
tence, beware  of  the  contrary  Extreme.  Becaufe 
You  cannot,  by  your  own  Strength,  exercife 
Faith,  let  not  this  occafion  a  tame  Refignation 
of  Yourfelf  to  Infidelity.  You  mufl  endea- 
vour, diligently  endeavour,  to  believe ;  and 
wait,  and   pray,    for   the  Divine  SPIRIT. 

Though 

*  ljai,\-^\xi.  15.         t  Matt.tCis.  31. 


DIALOGUE    XVI.        325 

Though  it  is  his  Office  to  teftify  of  CHRJsr, 
and  brmg  near  th^REDEE ME Rs  Righteouf- 
nefs  * :  Yet  his  Influences  are  not  to  fuperfede, 
but  to  encourage  our  own  Efforts. — ^JVork  out 
your  own  Salvation  with  Fear  and  Trembling ; 
here  is  our  Duty.  For  it  is  GOD  that  work- 
eth  in  you  both  to  will  and  to  do -f  -j  .here  is  our 
Encouragement.  And  O  !  what  a  glorious 
Encouragement,  to  have  the  Arm  of  Omni- 
potence flretched  out,  for  our  Support  and 
®ur  Succour  ! 

You  was  once,  Theron,  a  zealous  Advocate 
for  good  Works.  Now  You  feem  to  have 
abandoned  your  Clients.  Remember,  my 
dear  Friend,  what  our  LORD  JESUS 
CHRIST  faysi  Th's  is  the  Work  of  GOD, 
of  all  Works  mofl  acceptable  and  moft  ho- 
nourable to  the  Divine  Majefly,  that  Tou  be- 
lieve  on  Hinty  whom  He  hath  fcnt  J. 

Ther.  The  true  Belief,  according  to  your 
Notion,  Afpafwj  is  fo  refined  and  exalted  a 
Virtue,  that  I  very  much  quellion,  whether  I 
fhall  ever  be  able  to  attain  it. 

Afp.  If  you  are  unable  to  attain  it,  is  the 
LORD  unable  to  give  it  ?  Our  Sufficiency  for 
this  and  every  good  Work,  is  not  in  Ourfelves, 
but  in  G  O  D.  And  to  Him  Difficulties  are 
eafy.     Before  Him  Mountains  are  a  Plain. — 

You 

*  IJai.  xl.  13.         t  Phil.  ii.  12,  13,  J  Johnvl.  21. 

Y3 


326        DIALOGUE    XVL 

You  will  pleafe  to  remember,  that  Sinners  are 
faid  to  believe,  not  through  their  own  Ability, 
but  through  the  Aids  of  Grace  *.  And  You 
will  permit  me  to  alk,  How  you  became  ac- 
quainted with  my  Notion  of  Faith  ? 

Tber.  I  am  not  fo  inattentive  a  Reader  of 
your  Letters,  as  to  forget  your  Definition  of 
this  momentous  Article.  Faith,  you  fay,  is 
«  A  real  Perfuafion,  that  the  bleffed  JESUS 
"  has  fhed  his  Blood  ^cr  ?ne,  and  fulfilled  all 
*'  Righteoufnefs  in  my  Stead:  that,  through 
*'  this  great  Atonement  and  glorious  Obedi- 
•^  ence,  He  has  purchafed  even  for  my  finful 
"  Soul,  Reconciliation  with  GOD,  fan6lify- 
"  ing  Grace,  and  all  fpiritual  Blefllngs  -f-." 

J[Jp.  I  am  obliged  to  you,  l'hero?i,  for  the 
Honour  You  do  my  Letter  j  and  I  hope.  You 
will  pay  an  equal  Regard  to  the  Determina- 
tion of  our  Church.     You  once  apprehended, 
that  my  Attachment  to  the  Church  of  Efig- 
land  was  unfettled  and  wavering.    Judge  now, 
who  has  moft  thoroughly  imbibed  her  Doc- 
trines, and  is  mofl  invariably  tenacious  of  her 
true  Interefts. — In  the  firfl  Fart  of  the  Homily 
concerning  the  Sacrament,  We  have  this  De- 
finition of  Faith  5  "  It  is  a  Belief,  not  only 
"  that  the   Death  of  CiJi?  7^ 'T  is  available 
"  for  the  Remiflion  of  Sins,  and  Rcconcilia- 
*'  tion  with  GOD,  but  alfo  that  He  made  a 

«  full 

*  ASii  xviii.  27.  t  See  Letter  X. 


DIALOGUE    XVI.        327 

"  full  and  fufficient  Sacrifice  for  Thee,  a  per- 
"  fe6l  Cleanfing  for  thy  Sim  *.  So  that  thou 
"  mayil  fay  with  the  Apoftle,  That  he  loved 
"  Thee,  and  gave  Himfelf  for  Thee." 

My  Notion  of  Faith,  You  fee,  is  evidently 
the  Voice  of  the  Eflablifiiment ;  and,  I  think, 
it  gives  Us  a  clear  intelligible  Senfe,  fulted  to 
the  moft  common  Acceptation  of  the  Word. 
Such  as  would  naturally  arife  in  the  Mind  of 
a  Stranger,  who,  without  any  Biafs  on  his 
Judgment,  fhould  inquire  into  the  Purport 
of  our  Religion,  or  confider  the  Language  of 
our  Bible. 

Ther,  How  fuited  to  the  mofi:  common  Ac- 
ceptation  of  the  Word  ? 

Afp.  When  You  fent  a  MefTage  to  your 
Tenant — who,  in  his  laft  Sicknefs,  exprefled 
fo  much  Uneafinefs  oil  account  of  his  numer- 
ous  Family,  and  embarraffed   Circumflrances 

afluring  Him,  that  you  had  cancelled  the 

Bond,  and   forgiven  his  Debt.     When  You 

told  the  poor  Woman whofe  Hulband  fell 

from  the  loaded  Waggon,  and  broke  both  his 
Legs — that  you  would  order  a  Surgeon  to  at- 
tend Him,  and  would  continue  his  weekly 
Pay.  How  did  they  regard,  how  receive  your 
promifed  Kindnefs  ?  So  let  Us  credit  the  gra- 
cious Declarations  of  our  GOD;  y^  accept  his 

bcne- 

*  Anfwerable  to  this,  was  the  Do6^rine  of  the  primitive 
Church  j  n  Ztr^jj  i^io-nwuixi  tov  Qsov.     Chryfo/i. 

Y4 


328        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

beneficent  Offers ;  and  then  we  fhall  anfwer  the 
Import  of  the  Word — then  we  fliall  truly  believe, 

T^her.  I  named  the  Obje6l  of  my  Compaffion 
in  one  of  the  Inftances,  and  made  a  perfonal 
Apphcation  in  the  other.  Neither  of  which 
is  done  in  the  Scriptures. 

Afp.  Though  We  are  not  particularly  nam- 
ed, yet  We  are  very  exadly  defcribed,  by  our 
FaJTiily^  our  Inclination^  our  PraBice. — What 
fays  eternal  Wifdom,  when  fhe  makes  a  Ten- 
der of  her  ineftimable  Bleffings  ?  To  Touy  O 
Men,  not  to  fallen  Angels,  I  call ;  and  my  Voice, 
is  to  the  Sons  of  Men  *. — What  fays  the  holy  Apo^ 
file,  when  He  publiflies  the  Counfels  of  Heaven  ? 
'This  is  a  faithfid  Saying,  and  worthy  of  all  Accep- 
tation, that  CHRIST  JESUS  came  into  the  World 
tofave — the  Upright  ?  the  Unblameable  ?  Was 
this  the  Cafe,  our  Hopes  would  be  covered  with 
a  Cloud  J  or  rather,  totally  and  finally  eclipfed. 
But  fee  !  they  are  clear  as  the  Light,  and  con- 
Ipicuous  as  the  Noon-Day.  For  He  came  to  fave 

Sinners  -f-. Confonant  to   all  which,  is  the 

Declaration  of  another  facred  Envoy.  He,  the 
PRINCE  of  Peace,  the  KING  of  Saints,  the 

MONARCH  of  the  Univerfe,  fuffered  for 

whom  ?  They,  in  whofe  Behalf  this  matchlefs 
Ranfom  was  paid,  mull  have  an  undeniable 
Right,  to  look  upon  Redemption  as  their  own. 
And  blefled,  for  ever  blelTed  be  GOD,  it  is 
molt  peremptorily  faid,  He  fuffered    for  the 

*  Prov.  viii.  4.  -f  i  Tim.  i.  15, 


DIALOGUE    XVI.        329 

XJnjuJi  J  for  the  Tranfgrelfors  *.j — Are  We  not 
of  the  human  Family  ?  Are  we  not  Sinners  by 
Inclination  ?  Are  We  not  T'ranfgreffors  by 
Practice  ?  If  we  are  (and  upon  thefe  Quefti- 
ons  Incredulity  itfelf  will  fcarcely  demur)  let  Us 
not  frowardly  rejeft,  rather  let  us  thankfully 
receive,  thofe  fpiritual  Treafures,  which,  by 
virtue  of  the  afore-cited  Conveyance,  devolve 
Xofuch  Perfons. 

Hher.  What !  Can  that  be  an  Inducement, 
that  an  Encouragement  to  a  firm  afTured  Truft, 
which  I  fhould  think  more  likely  to  overthrow 
and  deflroy  all  our  Pretenfions  ? 

AJp.  This  may  probably  feem  flrange,  but 
it  is  true,  It  is  alfo  a  mofl  precious  and  in- 
valuable Truth.  Such  as  I  would  hold  fafl, 
and  never,  never  let  go.  When  I  fearch  for 
my  own  Endowments,  I  find  nothing  that  I 
dare  venture  to  plead.  Being,  in  my  beft  Mo- 
ments, and  amidfl  my  choicefl  Duties,  a  Sin- 
ner. As  this  is,  at  all  times,  my  undoubted 
Character  -,  I  have,  at  all  times,  an  undoubted 
Warrant  to  fay.  The  uncreated  WISDOM 
calleth  me:  the  blelied  JESUS  came  to  fave 

me: 

*  I  Pet.rn.  18,  For  the  Tranfgreffors.  This  feems  to 
be  the  Meaning  of  a^moov.  It  fignifies,  not  thofe  only  who 
have  defrauded,  or  over-reached  their  Neighbour,  but  Thofe 
glfo  who  have  tranfgrejfed  the  Commands  of  GOD  ;  who 
have  violated  the  Precepts,  of  either  or  both  the  Tables. 
It  is  oppofed  to  (Jixat©^.  Which,  We  are  fure,  denotes  a 
Perfon  who  has  fulfilled,  not  barely  fecial  Duties,  but  all 
Ifind  of  Rjghteoufnefs. 


330        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

me:  the  great  MESSIAH  fufFered  Death 
for  me. 

Let  me  illuflrate  the  Point.  Romulus^  You 
know,  the  Founder  of  the  Roman  Empire, 
was  a  poor  Prince :  had  but  a  Handful  of 
Subjefts,  and  very  fcanty  Territories.  What 
Expedient  could  He  devife,  to  inlarge  the  Boun- 
daries of  the  one,  and  augment  the  Number 
of  the  other  ?  He  iflued  a  Proclamation,  ad- 
dreffed  to  Outlaws  and  Criminals;  all  that 
were  involved  in  Debt,  or  obnoxious  to  Pu- 
nifliment.  Promifing,  that  as  many  as  would 
come  and  fettle  under  his  Dominion,  iliould 
be  fecured  from  Profecution,  and  vefled  with 
confiderable  Privileges. — A  Perfon  in  thefe  Cir- 
cumftances,  upon  hearing  the  welcome  Invi- 
tation, hangs  down  his  Head,  and  with  a 
deje6led  Air,  cries  -,  "  I  am  a  Debtor^  I  am  a 
"  Criminal  and  therefore  unworthy  of  the 
"  royal  Prote6lion."  What  Anfwer  fhould 
be  made  to  fuch  a  difpirited  Complainer  ? 
Make  the  fame  to  Yourfelf,  whenever  You  are 

inclined  to  renew  the  prefent  Objeclions. 

Remembering,  that  the  infinite  and  eternal 
SOVEREIGN,  to  difplay  the  Magnificence  of 
his  Majefly,  and  manifeft  the  Riches  of  his 
Goodnefs,  has  commiffioned  his  AmbalTadors 

to  publifh  in  eveiy  Nation  under  Heaven 

"  That  all  unhappy  Sinners,  who  are  opprejjed 
"  by  the  Devil  and  liabk  to  Damnation,  may 

"  come 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         331 

«  come  to  CHRIST,  and  rely  on  CHRIST. 
**  May,  in  this  Manner,  obtain  Pardon,  Righ- 
"  teoufnefs,  and  all  the  Privileges  of  Children." 
Tber,  At  this  Rate,  the  viieji  Mifcrea?its  have 
as  clear,  nay  have  the  very  fame  Offer  of  CHRIST 
and  his  Salvation,  as  the  highefl  Saint.  And 
if  they  accept  that  Offer,  have  the  fame  Title 
to  both. 

j4/p.  The  highefl  Saints  a6lually  receive 
CHR  IS  T  and  his  Salvation:  The  vileft  Mif- 
creants  are  gracioujly  invited  to  enjoy  the  Blefl^ 
ings.  The  former  have  gathered  the  Manna^ 
and  ufe  it  to  their  imfpeakable  Comfort.  It 
lies  round  about  the  Tents  of  the  latter  j  and 
whoever  w^ill,  may  take,  may  eat,  and  his  Soul 
Ihall  live. 

In  refpea  to  the  Offer  of  CHRIST,  there 
is  no  Difference.     All  have  fmned,  and  muft 
fue  for  fpiritual  BlefTings,  under  the  Charac- 
ter of  guilty  Creatures ;  muft  receive  them,  as 
the  IfTues  of  infinite  Mercy. — Ifaiah  was  a  Saint 
of  no  inferior  Rank  j  yet  He  breathes  the  Spi- 
rit I  am  defcribing,   and  a(5ls  the  Part  I  am 
vindicating.     Turn  to   that  Epitome  of  the 
Gofpel,    his  fifty-third  Chapter.     There  You 
find  Him  claiming  a  Share  in  the  greatefl  of 
all  Privileges,  Pardon  through  the  Blood  of 
CHRIST.     How  does  He  advance  and  main- 
tain his  Claim  ?  Not  in  the  Capacity  of  a /^;zr- 
tifiedy  but  under  the  Character  of  ^fir/ful  Per- 

fon. 


332        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

ion.  Thefe  arc  his  Words,  The  LORD  hath 
laid  on  Him,  that  is,  on  CHRIST  JESUS,  the 
Iniquity  of  Us  all.  Of  Me  and  my  Brethren  in 
Piety,  does  He  mean  ?  Rather,  of  me  and  my 
Fellow-Tranfgreflbrs.  In  the  preceding  Verfe, 
He  explains  Himfelf,  and  refolves  our  Quefli- 
on.  ^//  We,  like  Sheep,  have  gone  ajlray  -,  yet 
cur  Mifcarriages,  our  Dement,  our  Guilt,  the 
GOD  of  tranfcendently  rich  Grace  has  charged 
on  his  own  Son. 

Should  You  afk  the  higheft  Saints,  On  what 
their  Hopes  are  grounded?  This, or  fomething 

to  this  EfFe6l,  would  be  their  Reply "   On 

"  the  full  Grant  and  free  Exhibition  oi CHRIST, 
*^  recorded  in  the  Word  of  Truth.    There  We 
"  find  it  written,    To  You  is  preached  the  Re- 
«*  mijjion  of  Sifts  *.     Tfje  Promife  is  to  You  and 
*^  to   your   Children  -]-.     We   hefecch    You    in 
«  CHRIST'S  Stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  GODt 
<«  — We  remember,  Theron,  though  You  feem 
"  to   have  forgotten,    the  wretched  Outcafl, 
"  polluted  in   its  Blood,  yet  accepted  by  the 
"  Holy   One  of  Ifrael;   We  remember  the 
«'  heavenly  Gifts,  received  by  the  triumphant 
*^  Redeemer,  for  E?iefnies  and  for  the  Rebel- 
"  lipus ;  nor  can  We  eafily  forget  the  Promife 
"  of  Forgivenefs  which  was    made,  and  the 
**  BlcfTing  of  Forgivenefs  which  was   vouch- 
"  fafed,  even  to  the  Murtherers  of  the  LORD 
*' of  Glory  ||." 

The 

*  ASis  xiii.  38.         t  ^^'^^  5«i'  39-         X  2  Cor,\.  20, 
)|  hWxxA'mg  X.Q  Dialogiie  XN > 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         333 

The  free  Exhibition  of  CHRIST  in  the 
Word  of  Truth,  is  their  Foundation,  and  in- 
deed is  the  only  Foundation  of  Faith.  An 
Apoftle,  after  all  the  Labours  of  his  exem- 
plary Life,  can  have  no  better.  And  a  re- 
claimed Harlot  or  a  penitent  Thief,  in  the  firft 
Moments  of  their  Converfion,  may  have  the 
fame. — You  remind  me  of  a  valuable  Perfon, 
v^hom  I  once  numbered  among  my  Acquaint- 
ance, and  whofe  Way  of  Thinking  was  fome- 
what  fimilar  to  your  own.  Will  You  give 
me  Leave  to  relate  his  Cafe  ? 

Ther.  Moft  gladly.  It  will  be  fome  kind  of 
Confolation  to  hear,  that  Others  have  labour- 
ed under  the  fame  Difficulties  with  myfelf, 
and  been  fubje6l  to  the  fame  Diftrefles.  If  I 
am  informed  of  their  Deliverance  from  thefe 
Diftrefiss,  it  will  be  like  (hewing  me  an  open- 
ed Door,  for  efFeding  my  own  Efcape.  If  I 
am  likewife  acquainted  with  the  Manner  of 
their  Deliverance,  this  will  furnifli  me  wdth  a 
Clue  to  guide  my  Steps,  and  with  a  Pattern 
to  dire6l  my  Efforts. 

Afp,  This  Perfon  was  roufed  from  a  Habit 
of  Indolence  and  Supinenefs,  into  a  ferious 
Concern  for  his  eternal  Welfare.  Convinced 
of  his  depraved  Nature  and  aggravated  Guilt, 
He  had  Recourfe  to  the  Scriptures,  and  to  fre- 
quent Prayer.  He  attended  the  Ordinances 
of  Chriflianity,    and  fought  earneflly  for  an 

cfjured 


334        DIALOGUE    XVL 

ajfured  Intereft  in  CHRIST.  But  found  no 
Iteadfaft  Faith,  and  tafted  very  little  Comfort. 
At  length,  He  applied  to  an  eminent  Divine, 
and  laid  open  the  State  of  his  Heart.  Short, 
but  weighty,  w^as  the  Anfwer  he  received.  "  I 
"  perceive.  Sir,  the  Caufe  of  all  your  Diftrefs. 
"  You  do  not,  you  will  not,  come  to  CHRIST 
"  as  a  Sinner.  This  Mi/take  flands  between 
"  your  Soul  and  the  Joy  of  Religion.  This 
"  detains  you  in  the  Gall  of  Bitternefs ;  and 
"  take  heed,  O  !  take  heed,  left  it  confign  you 
"  over  to  the  Bond  of  Iniquity." — This  Ad- 
monition never  departed  from  the  Gentleman's 
Mind  J  and  it  became  a  happy  Means  of  re- 
moving the  Obftruclions  to  his  Peace.  Remem- 
ber this  little  Hiftory,  Theron ;  and  may  it 
prove  as  efficacious  for  your  Good,  as  it  is 
pertinent  to  your  Circumftances  ! 

But  we  digrefs  from  our  grand  Subje6l. 
Since  you  difapprove  my  Account  of  Faith,  I 
muft  defire  you  to  favour  me  with  a  Defcrip- 
tion  of  your  own.  For,  as  you  rightly  ob- 
ferve,  this  is  a  n:ery  i7iome?itous  Articlt.  It  is  the 
Channel  of  Conveyance  for  all  fpiritual  Goodj 
therefore  fliould  be  made  and  kept  as  clear  as 
poffible.  It  is  the  main  Arch  in  the  Stru6lure 
of  prac^tical  Godlinefs ;  therefore  fliould  be 
raifed  and  turned  with  the  utmoft  Care. 

Ther.  To  truft  in  CHRIST  as  an  all-fuffi- 
cient  SAVIOUR,  and  rely  on  Him  for  'wbok 
Salvation,  is  not  this  real  Faith  ? 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         335 

Afp.  If  you  truft  in  the  All-Sufficiency  of 
his  IVilly  as  well  as  of  his  Power,  You  piac- 
tife  tlie  very  Thing  I  recommend.  This  is  what 
the  Prophet  teaches.  Let  the  convinced  Sin- 
ner, ai>d  the  doubting  Soul,  truft  in  the  Name 
of  the  LORD,  2i\\AJiay  upon  his  GOD  *.  Let 
Him  not  only  reverence  CHRIST',  as  the  in- 
carnate GOD,  and  therefore  mighty  to  fave ; 
but  alfo  receive  CHRIST  as  his  GOD,  and 
therefore  willing  to  fave. 

I^her.  Palamons  iVccount  is  this — Faith,  He 
fays,  is  a  firm  Perfuafion,  that  JESUS  CHRIST 
has  filed  his  Blood,  and  fulfilled  all  Righte- 
oufnefs  J  has  fuflained  the  Punifhment  due  to 
Sin,  and  obtained  full  Reconciliation  with 
GOD.  That  all  this  Grace,  and  each  of  thefe 
Benefits,  are  free,  perfe6lly  free  for  You,  for 
me,  for  others.  That,  in  confequence  of  this 
Perfuafion,  the  Sinner  having  fled  to  CHRIST, 
and  trufled  in  CHRIST,  is  fometimes  enabled 
to  look  upon  all  this  as  his  own. 

AJp.  I  have  the  highefl  Regard  for  Pala- 
mons  Judgment  -,  and  I  cannot  but  think,  my 
Opinion  is,  in  fome  meafure,  confirmed  even 
by  his._The  Aa  offying  to  CHRIST,  im- 
plies a  Perfuafion,  that  He  fuffered  in  my  Stead, 
and  that  his  Death  is  my  Safeguard.  Would 
the  Manflayer  of  old  have  betaken  Himfelf  to 

the 

*  Ifai,  1.  10, 


336        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

the  City  of  Refuge,  if  He  had  not  firfl  been 
perfuaded,  that  it  was  intended  for  his  Pro- 
teaion  ? — The  Adl  of  trujii?ig  in  CHRISl', 
is  much  of  the  fame  Nature  -,  and  either  pre- 
fuppofes  or  includes  a  Perfuafion,  that  his 
Righteoufnefs  is  mine,  and  the  Caufe  of  my 
Juftification.  Would  any  Perfon,  of  the  leall 
Prudence,  erect  his  Houfe  upon  a  Piece  of 
Ground,  without  a  previous  Convidtion,  that 
the  Spot  was  his  own  ? 

So  that  I  am  ftill  inclined  to  abide  by  the 
good  old  Frotejlant  Doctrine,  which  has  been 
fo  fignally  inftrumental  in  demolifhing  the  Su- 
perftitions  of  Popery^  and  is  fo  eminently  con- 
ducive to  the  Holinefs  and  the  Happinefs  of 
Chriftians.  Efpecially,  as  I  apprehend,  the 
Determinations  of  Scripture,  and  the  Experi- 
ence of  fcriptural  Saints,  are  all  on  my  Side. 

T'her.  Where  has  Scripture  determined  on 
your  Side  ? 

AJp.  In  the  noblefl  Defcription  of  Faith, 
that  Language  itfelf  can  form.  The  Writer 
to  the  Hebrews^  having  mentioned  the  Life  of 
Faith  *,  the  Perfeverance  of  Faith  -f*,  and  the 
End  or  Reward  of  Faith  -f*,  proceeds  to  a  De- 
finition of  this  leading  Grace.  Now  Faith  is 
the  Subjiance  of  T'hitigs  hoped  for,  the  Evide?ice  of 
Takings  not  feen  %, — The  Evidence  ||,  exhibiting 

not 

*  Ueb.  X.  38.  It  tfeb'  x-  39-  X  ^^^'  ''i'  i* 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         337 

hot  a  faint  Surmife,  but  a  clear  Demon ftra- 
tion,  both  of  invifible  Bleflings,  and  of  our 
Right  to  enjoy  them. — 7'be  Subjlance'^^  realiz- 
ing what  is  promifed ;  and  giving  Us,  as  it 
were,  a  Pojfeffioji  of  good  Things  that  are  re- 
mote, a  prefent  PofTeflion  of  good  Things  that 
are  future. 

l'her»  One  would  conclude,  Afpajio^  from 
your  Explanation  of  the  Text,  that  no  Perfons 
have  true  Faith,  but  thofe  only  who  have  a 
full  Affurance.  Yet  this  fcems  to  be  quite  in- 
eonfiflent  with  fuch  FafTages  of  Scripture,  as 
make  mention  of  little  Faith  and  great  Faith  ; 
of  fome  Chriftians,  that  w^x^firong^  of  others 
that  were  weak  in  the  Faith. 

Afp.  This  is  undoubtedly  contrary  to  the 
Scriptures,  You  quote.  It  is  what  I  never  af-» 
firm  J  neither  can  it  be  deduced  from  any  of 
my  Aflertions.  I  would  only  maintain,  that 
an  Appropriation  of  CHRIST  is  elTential  to 
Faith :  that  None  have  the  proper  fcriptural 
Faith,  but  thofe  who  are  taught  by  the  in- 
lightening  SPIRIT  to  fliy.  He  fie  d  his  Bleed 
for  me  :  though  many  have  the  proper  fcrip- 
tural Faith,  who  cannot  fay  this  without  fome 
Mixture  of  Fluctuation  and  Doubt. 

fFe  he/ie'vej  afid  are  fure  -j-,  was  the  Language 
of  the  Difciples.  The  former  is  true,  the  lat- 
ter is  iriumpha?it  Faith.    Some  receive  CHRIS'T^ 

it 
*  TTTOfac*?.  t  Jo^^  VI.  6g. 

Vol.  III.  Z 


33^        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

if  I  may  fo  fpeak,  only  with  one  of  their  Fin- 
gers, others  with  both  their  Arms.  Yet  Each 
receiving  Him  really,  each  is  faved  by  Him 

eternally. There  are,  in  the  Houfliold  of 

■'GOD,  Babes,  Toiing  Men^  and  Fathers:  There 
is,  in  the  Subjecl  We  are  confidering,  Faith,  Af- 
furance  of  Faith,  2.^^  full  AiTurance  of  Faith. 
To  have  the  firft,  is  neceflary  y  to  have  the 
fecond,  is  delightful ;  to  poflefs  the  laft,  is  Hea- 
ven begun  in  the  Heart. 

T'her.  I  am  glad  to  find,  that  true  Faith  may 
confifl  with  fome  Remainders  of  Doubt.  That 
a  Perfon  may  be  fubje6l  to  the  one,  without 
being  deprived  of  the  other.  But  I  interrupt 
your  Difcourfe. 

Afp,  Faith  is  %led,  A  looking  unto  JESUS*. 
But  if  we  do  not  look  unto  JESUS  as  our 
own,  as  the  Propitiation  for  our  Sins,  what 
Comfort,  or  what  Benefit  can  We  derive  from 
the  Sight? — AReceiving  ofCHRISTf.  But 
can  I  have  any  Pretence  to  receive  Him,  or 
take  poileffion  of  his  Merits,  unlefs  I  am  con- 
vinced, that  they  are  intended  for  me  ?  This 
is  what  neither  the  Dilates  of  Confcience  will 
allov/,  nor  the  Laws  of  Reafon  authorize. — 
A  Reding  iip7i  CHRIST %,  But  how  can 
We  red:  on  a  Surety,  if  He  has  not  interpofed 
in  our  Behalf  ?  Or  how  confide  in  a  Payment, 
which  We  believe  to  be  made  for  Others,  not 
for  Ourfelves  ? 

Let 

*  Hsh.  xii.  2.        t  John  i.  12.         :|:  PJaU  xxxvii.  7. 


DIALOGUE    XVI.         339 

Let  Us  change  our  Situation,  and  view  the 
Point  in  another  Light.  Confider  the  blefled 
and  glorious  Objea:  of  our  Faith.  CHR IS T' 
is  reprefented  by  the  Similitude  of  Bread, 
heavenly  Breads  for  the  hungry  Soul.  Faith  is 
characterized  by  eatwg  the  Food  *.  And  can 
this  be  done  without  a  perfonal  AppHcation  ? 
— CHRIS  I'  is  held  forth  under  the  Image  of 
living  Wafers -ff  ever  running,  and  always  free 
for  the  thirfly  Appetite.  But  let  them  run 
ever  fo  copioufly,  let  them  be  prefented  ever 
fo  freely,  all  this  will  neither  quench  the  Thirfb, 
nor  refrefh  the  Spirits,  unlefs  they  are  drank. 
To  do  this  is  the  Bufmefs  of  F^kh.— CHRIST 
is  defcribed  as  a  Garme?it1^y  to  accommodate 
and  beautify  deftitute  and  defiled  Creatures. 
Faith  is  exprefTed  by  wearing  this  commodious 
Garment,  and  being  adorned  with  this  beauti- 
ful Clothing.  And  can  any  Idea,  or  any  Ex- 
preffion,  more  llrongly  denote  an  a6lual  Ap- 
propriation ? 

I'her.  It  is  evident,  that  many  holy  People 
in  former  Ages,  were  not  poiTelfed  of  Affur- 
ance.  It  is  no  lefs  certain,  that  many  excel- 
lent Peifons  in  our  own  Times,  fall  fliort  of 
this  exalted  Pitch.  What  is  the  Language  ot' 
David?  It  is  all  Defpohdency.  /  a?n  cajl  out 
of  the  Sight  of  thine  Eyes.  To  the  fame  melan- 
choly Tune  is  the  Harp  of  Afaph  ilrung  s  Is 

his 

*  John  vi.  58.  t  John  iv.  lO.  %  Ifa,  Ixi.  10. 


340         DIALOGUE     XVI. 

kis  Mercy  clean  gone  for  ever?  Doth  his  Promife 
fail  for  evermore  f  The  fame  jealous  and  dif- 
truftful  Air  breathes  in  the  Complaint  of  the 
Church  ;  T'he  LORD  hath  for fakcn  me^  and  my 
LORD  hath  forgotten  me  *. — Why  then  (hould 
Afpafio  fet  up  a  Rule,  ftrifter  and  higher,  than 
thofe  eminent  Saints  attained  ? 

Afp.  My  dear  Friend,  I  fet  it  not  up  as  a 
ftri6l  Rule,  but  I  fet  it  forth  as  a  diflinguiih- 
ed  Bleiling.  This  Bleffing  was  certainly  en- 
joyed by  the  holy  Men  of  old ;  but,  like  every 
other  Species  of  Felicity  in  this  World,  it  was 
enjoyed  after  an  imperfeB  Manner. — They  had*' 
an  allured  Perfuafion  of  G  O  D's  prefent  Fa- 
vour, and  of  their  own  final  Happinefs.  Ne- 
verthelefs,  this  AlTurance,  like  all  their  other 
Graces,  was  liable  to  the  Aflaults  of  outward 
Temptation,  and  inward  Corruption.  Which 
might,  for  a  while,  impair  the  Vigour  of  their 
Faith,  though  not  dejiroy  its  Being.  As,  un- 
der a  tranfient  Swoon,  the  Spirits  fail,  the 
Colour  departs,  but  the  vital  Principle  fub- 
lifls. 

You  may  farther  obferve,  concerning  thofe 
pious  Perfons,  that,  when  they  ceafe  to  exer- 
cife  this  chearful  Faith,  they  confefs  and  la- 
ment the  Failure ;  I  faidy  'This  is  my  Infirmity  -f. 
They  chide  themfelves  for  it  s  Why  art  Thou 
cajl  doissn^  O  my  Sold?  They  encourage  them- 
felves 
*  Ifal.xXvi.  14.  t  Pfal,  \xxy\u  10. 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         34V 

felvcs  againft  it;  Hope  in  GOD*  :  it  is  thy 
Privilege,  and  thy  Duty. — Nay,  the  Churcli, 
even  under  her  darkeft  Apprehenfions,  ftill 
{peaks  the  Sentiment,  ftill  retains  the  Grace, 
for  which  I  am  pleading.  My  LORD,  ut- 
tered by  her  Lips,  argues  an  applicatory  Faith 
in  her  Heart. — So  copious  and  pregnant  are 
the  Evidences  of  this  precious  Do61rine  !  It  is 
confirmed  by  that  very  PalTage,  v\/'hich  was 
produced  for  its  Confutation. 

^her.  If  this  be  the  Sentiment  of  tlie 
Church  in  general,  is  it  alfo  the  Temper  of 
her  particular  Members  ?  Were  they  animated 
by  this  firm  and  lively  Faith  ? 

Afp.  Hear  the  Declaration  of  the  Pfalmifl ; 
Blefs  the  LORD,  O  my  Soul;  and  all  that  is 
within  me,  blefs  his  holy  Name.  What  is  the 
Caufe  of  this  holy  Exultation,  and  devout 
Praife  ?  Is  it,  becaufe  GOD  polTibly  may,  be- 
caufe  He  probably  will^  No  j  but  becaufe  He 
a6tually  ^(7^^  forgive  :  Who  forgiveth  all  thine  Ini- 
quities-f. — Take  Notice  oi  Job's  Belief,  andy^^^'s 
Support,  amidft  all  his  unexampled  Sufferings: 
/  k?iow,  that  my  RE  DEE  ME  R  livefh  J  ;  not 
only  that  there  is  a  Redeemer,  but  that  He  is, 
together  with  all  his  faving  Benefits,  mine. 
Which,  being  a  Truth  fo  fweet  and  delightful, 
is  expreffed  a  fecond  Time  ;  whom  I  fiall  fee 
for  myfelf,  to  my  own  Advantage,  and  ^ov  my 

own 

*  Pfal.  xUi.  5.  t  Pf^<^-  ciii.  3.         X  Jol  xix.  ^r^. 


342        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

own  Comfort :  fee  Him  exerting  his  Almighty 
Power  and  infinite  Mercy,  to  refcue  my  Body 
from  the  Grave,  and  to  deUver  my  Soul  from 
Hell. — What  was  Danjids  Security  againft  the 
malicious  Attempts  of  his  Enemies,  both  tem- 
poral and  fpiritual  r  T^be  LORD  is  my  Light 
and  my  Sahation,  whom  then  JJ:all  I  fear  ^^  The 
LORD  is  the  Strength  of  my  Life,  of  whom 
thenjhalllbe  afraid^ '^  He  fays  not,  I  wif:,  I 
fray,  for  the  divine  Favour  and  the  divine  Suc- 
cour ',  but  I  am  perfuaded,  they  both  are  mine  : 
my  ineflimable  Portion,  and  my  inviolable  Safe- 
guard. 

Ther.  Is  this  the  Language  of  Believers  un- 
der the  new  Teftament  Difpenfation  ? 

Afp.  "Their  Faith,  You  may  depend  upon  it, 
could  not  be  weaker  or  lower,  whofe  Light 
was  much  ftronger,  and  whofe  Advantages 
were  much  higher. — You  hear  St.  Thomas  mak- 
ing a  Profefiion,  which  intirely  excludes  Doubt- 
ing J  My  LORD,  and  my  GOD  f .  St.  Paul 
anfwers  in  the  fame  heroic  Strain  i  /  know 
Whom  I  have  belie'ved,  I  am  perfuaded X-  With 
both  which  St.  John  is  exactly  confonant ; 
JESUS  CHRIST,  who  hath  loved  Us,  and 
wafied  Us  from  our  Sins  in  his  own  Blood, 

We  will  fuppofe  P^/f/^^c^/s  Faith,  to  be  found 
and  genuine  i  yet,  compared  with  this,  it  is 
certainly  of  tlie  enfeebled  and  infantile  Kind, 

Whereas, 

*  ?/<z/.  xxvii.  I.         t  J<^^^i  XX.  28.         t  2  Tm,  i.  I2, 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         343 

Whereas,  I  would  have  my  T'heron  poflefs  the 
manly,  the  geiierous,  the  triumphant  Faith. 
Not  fuch  as  hangs  in  Sufpence,  like  a  hover- 
ing Meteor  *  j  but  fuch  as  abides  fixed  and 
liable,  like  the  Stars  cf  Heaven.  Which,  if 
they  are  obfcured  for  a  little  Moment,  by  fome 
palling  Cloud,  are  fure  to  furmount  the  Ob- 
flru(5lion,  and  will  fliine  forth  again  with  un- 
diminiflied  Luftre. 

T^her.  Was  not  this  a  Privilege  pccuJiar  to 
the  Apoftles  ? 

Afp,  By  no  Means.  All  Believers  are  Bre- 
thren, and  have  like  precious  Faith-f,  CHRIST 
died  for  Us,  fays  the  Apoftle  :  not  barely  for 
me  his  Ambaliador,  but  for  7lu  who  are  his 
Followers,  and  to  whom  I  addrefs  this  Epiftle, 
——Why  fliould  I  multiply  Proofs  ?  Since  the 
beloved  Difciple  declares  j  Thefe  Takings  have  I 
^written  unto  Ton  that  belie^je  on  the  Name  cf  the 
SONof  GOD,  that  Te  may  knov/  that  Tehwce 
eternal  Life  %, 

T^her.  True,  'Afpafo.  This  coincides  with 
my  Apprehenfions,  and  corroborates  my  Caufe. 

The  Scriptures  are  v^'ritten tiril,  that  We 

may  belie'-ce,  and  be  intitled  to  eternal  Life — 
next,  that  We  may  have  the  Knowledge  of  our 

Belief, 

*  This  Situation  of  Mind  is  moft  appcfitely  defcribed  by 
St.  Luke^  Mn  //,£Tfwoj^£(r9£*  Be  not  like  the  Meteor,  which  is 
tieither  fixed  in  the  Sky,  nor  fallen  to  the  Earth  :  bin  pen- 
dulous and  flu£luatirg  between  them  both.     Cl^>p,  xii.  29. 

t  2jPc/.  i.  I.  t   1  J'^hu'J.  13. 

Z  d 


344         DIALOGUE    XVI. 

Belief,  and  a  Confcioufnefs  of  our  Title.  The 
infpired  Divine  fuppofes  his  Correfpondents  to 
pofTefs  the  former,  yet  not  to  have  attained 
the  latter. 

Afp.  I  query,  whether  He  makes  fuch  a  Sup- 
pofition.  He  feems  to  write,  not  with  a  View 
of  leading  them  to  either,  but  of  confirming 
them  in  both. — He  intimates,  that  the  Privi- 
lege and  the  Comfort  fhould  go  together.  And 
why  fliould  We  fludy  to  feparate  them  ?  Will 
this  turn  to  our  Advantage  ?  Mufl  it  not  ifTue 
in  our  Lofs  ? — Befides ;  according  to  your  own 
Interpretation,  whoever  falls  fhort  of  this 
chearing  Knowledge,  falls  fhort  of  one  great 
End,  for  which  the  Scriptures  were  written. 
He  receives  not  his  full  Reward.  He  only 
gleans^  where  He  might  reap. 

If  I  am  not  miftaken,  this  enters  into  the 
very  Eflence  of  the  Gofpel.  Is  the  Honey  in 
the  evangelical  Hive.  What  fays  the  Apoflle 
of  the  Gentiles  ?  I  preached  unto  Ton  the  Gofpel"^. 
And  what  is  the  Subflance  of  this  evangehcal 
Difpenfation  ?  T:hat  CHRIS'f  died  for  our 
Sim  -f. — That  fo  exalted  a  Perfon,  as  the  SON 
of  GOD,  and  LORD  of  Glory,  fliould  ^/>, 

is  wonderful That  He  fhould  die  for  Sins^ 

the  moft  abominable  Obje6ls,  and  for  Sinners, 
the  moft  deteflable  Creatures,  is  abundantly 
more  wonderful — That  He  fliould  die,  not  for 

Sins 

*  1  Cor.  XV.  I.  t  I  ^0^'-  XV,  3. 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         345 

Sins  in  general,  but  for  oitr  Sins  in  paiticular, 
this  is  inexpreflibly  wonderful,  and  at  the  fame 
time  infinitely  comfortable.  And  indeed  till 
this  is  preached,  thfe  Do6lrine  is  not  Gof- 
pel :  till  this  is  believed,  the  Convi6lion  is  not 
Faith.  At  leaft,  not  fiich  Faith,  as  I  wifh  for 
my  ^heron. 

Ther.  Will  not  this  difcourage  Some,  and- 
offend  Others,  who  are  not  arrived  at  fuch  a 
firm  Perfuafion  ? 

Afp»  I  would  not  offend  the  meanefl,  nor 
difcourage  the  weakeft  of  my  REDEEMER'S 
Servants. — As  for  Offence  j  that  cannot  be  given, 
and  ought  not  to  be  taken,  when  all  We  ad- 
vance, is  ftri6lly  conformable  to  the  unerring 
Rule  of  Truth. — With  regard  to  Difcourage- 
ment  5  this  furely  cannot  enfue,  from  inform- 
ing the  Sinner,  that  He  has  a  Right  to  apply 
CHRIST,  and  ^WCHRISt's  Merits  to  Him- 
felf.  In  this  Cafe,  to  douk  is  to  be  difcouraged. 
All  Sufpence  is  .uneafy.  But  when  it  relates 
to  our  fpiritual  Interefls  and  our  immortal 
State,  I  think,  it  muft  be  little  lefs  than  in- 
fupportably  affli61ive. — This  can  never  be  the 
Will  of  our  moft  gracious  CREATOR  and 
merciful  REDEEMER.— This  is  abfolutely  in^ 
confiftent  with  that  Peace  and  Joy,  which  are 

the  Birth-right  of  the  Believer. There  are 

alfo  feveral  Duties  which  can  hardly  be  per- 
formed, feveral  Graces  which  can  fcarcely  be 

exer^ 


346         DIALOGUE    XVI. 

cxercifed,  fo  long  as  this  Spirit  of  Diffidence 
prevails. 

I'her,  Name  them,  Afpafio. 

AJp.  I  am  afraid,  left  I  fhould  feem  to  ar- 
rogate the  Office  of  a  Treacher ;  which  neither 
becomes  my  Chara6ler,  nor  is  agreeable  to  my 
Temper. 

T!her.  Pray,  my  dear  Friend,  let  Us  wave 
Ceremony,  and  have  nothing  to  do  with  Com- 
pliments. My  Soul  is  in  Jeopardy.  My  pre- 
fent  Comfort,  and  my  everlafting  Happinefj, 
are  at  ftake.  And  fhall  We  fuffer  any  little 
Pun6tilios  to  overbear  fuch  weighty  Confide- 

rations  ? Suppofe,  You  are  a  Teacher ;  I 

have  great  Need,  and  am  very  delirous,  to  be- 
come your  Scholar.  For  I  freely  confefs,  that, 
knowing  as  I  may  feem  in  fome  other  Inftances, 
1  am  very  ignorant  in  the  great  Peculiarities 
of  the  Gofpel.  Nay,  though  I  have  read  the 
Scriptures  in  a  critical  View,  I  have  been  an 
utter  Stranger  to  their  fpiritual  Meaning.  Here, 
I  am  uninftru(5led  as  a  Babe  ;  here  therefore, 
I  ought  to  be  teachable  as  a  Babe.  Yes ;  in 
this  Refpe6l  I  v/ould  become  as  a  little  Child^^ 
that  I  may  enter  into  the  Knowledge,  and  pof- 
fefs  the  Privileges  of  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven, 

Afp.  Your  Anfwer,  T.%eron,  lliall  be  a  Law. 
— What  think  You  of  Delight  in  GOD?  This 
is  a  Chriftian  Grace.     But  how  can  two  walk 

toge^ 

*  Luke  xviii.  17. 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         347 

together y  except  they  be  agreed  ?  We  never  covet 
an  Intimacy  v^ith  the  Perfon,  who  declares 
Himfelf  our  Enemy.  Nay ;  if  We  do  but 
fufpeft,  that  He  bears  Us  a  fecret  Ill-will,  We 
fhall  be  jealous  of  trufting  Him,  and  averfe  to 
approach  him.  This  was  the  Cafe  of  our  firft 
Parents,  immediately  after  the  Fall.  Inftead 
of  drawing  near  to  their  CREATOR,  with 
Pleafure  and  Gratitude ;  they  fled  from  Him, 
with  Anxiety  and  Terror.  And  why  ?  Becaufe 
they  were  under  the  alarming  Apprehenfions 
of  his  Difpleafure. — Whereas,  let  Us  once  be- 
lieve, what  the  Apoftle  affirms  ;  When  We  were 
'Enemies y  W^e  were  reconciled  to  GOD  by  the 
Death  of  his  SON^.  Let  Us  cordially  credit, 
what  the  Prophet  repeatedly  declares  j  7'here- 
fore  will  the  LORD  wait,  that  He  may  be  gra- 
cious unto  Toil  J  and  therefore  will  He  be  exalted^ 
that  He  may  have  Mercy  upon  Tou  -f*.  Then  We 
fhall  feek  his  Face  with  Alacrity.  Our  Affec- 
tions will  be  on  the  Wing  to  falute  their  Al- 
mighty BENEFACTOR.  We  fhall  joy  in 
QOD  through  our  LORD  JESUS  CHRISTX. 

Prayer  is  one  of  the  Duties,  I  would  fpecify, 
I  wifh  my  dear  Theron  the  Spirit  of  Grace  and 
Supplication.  This  will  be  better,  incompa- 
rably better  and  more  advantageous,  than  a 
Key  to  hidden  Treafures.  But  how  can  you 
pray  with  humble  Boldnefs,    or   with  lively 

Hope, 
*  Rom.  V.  10.        t  Ifai.  xxx.  18,  %  Rom.  v.  11. 


348         DIALOGUE     XVI. 

Hope,  unlefs  You  believe  ?  Believe,  that 
CHRIST  has  expiated  your  Guilt,  and  is  your 
Interceiror  v^dth  the  FATHER.  Then,  and 
then  only,  can  You  have,  v^^hat  the  Apoftle 
calls,  Boldnefs  and  Accefs  with  Confidence  *.  Mark 
thefe  vigorous  Expreffions  •■,  and  at  your  Lei- 
fure  confider,  whether  they  countenance  the 
timid  and  mifgiving  Temper.  At  prefent  ob- 
fcrve,  how  yonder  Lark  foars  in  the  Sky,  as  if 
She  would  carry  her  Song  to  the  very  Gates 
of  Heaven.  An  Image  this,  of  believing 
Prayer.  Should  a  Fowler  fhoot  her  through 
the  Wing,  how  would  fhe  fall,  impotent  and 
fluttering,  to  the  Ground !  An  Emblem  that^ 
of  diftrufting  Prayer. 

Once  again ;  A  true  Chriflian,  inftead  of 
dreading,  /<?wi  the  Day  of  CHRIST'S  final 
and  glorious  Appearing'^.  St.  Peter  tells  Us, 
He  looks  for  it,  with  pleafing  Expectations,  as 
Siferas  Mother  for  the  triumphant  Return  of 
her  Son.     He  hajlens  to  it  in  ardent  Defires,  as 

the 

*  Eph.  iii.  1 2.  Ufotyxyuyv),  Accefs  with  a  chearing  and  grace- 
fill  A[Juronce  ;  fuch  as  thofe  Petitioners  enjoy,  who  are  in- 
troduced to  the  royal  Prefence  by  fome  diftinguiflied  Fa- 
vourite.—flapprxna,  A  Boldnefs  or  unrcflrained  Liberty  of 
Speech ;  fuch  as  Children  ufe,  when  they  prefent  their  Ad- 
dreffes,  and  make  known  their  Requefts,  to  an  indulgent 
Father. — Ev  -srfTroiSjKrfj,  JFith  a  well-grounded  and /ieady  Con- 
fidence, that  We  fhall  obtain  both  a  favourable  Acceptance, 
and  a  gracious  Audience. — And  all  this,  through  the  Faith  of 
CHRIST;  by  the  Worthincfs  of  his  Perfon,  by  the  Me- 
fit  of  his  Blood,  and  the  Prevalence  of  his  Interccflion, 
f  2  Tim.  iv.  8, 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         349 

the  enamoured  Bridegroom  to  the  wifhed  for 
Hour  of  his  Nuptials  *.  Which,  I  think,  can 
neither  be  a  rational  nor  a  pra6licable  Thing, 
unlefs  We  have  fome  chearing  and  eftablifhed 
Hope-f-,  that,  when  He  jJmll  appear^  WeJJoall  be 
like  Hiniy  and  fee  Him  as  He  is. 

'Ther.  If  this  is  the  Cafe,  what  can  be  the 
Reafon,  why  fo  many  People  are  totally  defti- 
tute  of  all  Aflurance  ?  Have  no  Notion  of  it, 
and  never  afpire  after  it  ?  Nay,  would  be  much 
furprifed,  perhaps  highly  difgufted,  at  the  very 
Mention  of  fuch  a  Do6lrine  ? 

jifp.  If  People  never  afpire  after  it,  I  very  much 
queftion,  whether  they  are  truly  awakened,  or 
really  in  earned.  They  are  like  the  Men  of 
Ephraimy  whom  the  Prophet  flyles  a  Cake  not 
turned  X',  neither  Bread,  nor  yet  Dough.  Or, 
as  our  LORD  explains  the  Proverb,  in  his 
Charge  againft  the  Church  of  Laodicea,  They 
are  neither  hot  nor  cold\\  3  but,  content  with  the 
Form,  are  unconcerned  about  the  Power  of 

Godlinefs Was  I  to  declare  myfelf  more 

plainly  upon  this  Inquiry,  it  fhould  be  in  the 
calm  and  moderate  Words  of  a  judicious  Di- 
vine i  "  I  do  not  affirm  that,  without  a  full 

"  Affur- 

*  2  Pet.  iii.  12. 
t  John  iii.  2.     The  Apoftle's  ExprelTion,  which  compre- 
hends both  Himfelf  and  his  Fellow-chriftians,  is  oi^x[/.iJ^  IFt 
know.     This,  in  the  very  loweft  Acceptation,  muft  imply 
Vhat  Af pa/to  calls  an  ejiablifljecl  Hope. 
'  X  Bo/.YilB,  II  iSrv,  iii,  15. 


350        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

"  Afiurance,  there  is  no  Faith.  But  this  I 
"  maintain,  that,  where-ever  the  latter  exifls, 
"  there  will  be  a  fincere  Purfuit  of  the  for- 
"  mer." 

Among  the  Reafons,  why  fo  few  Perfons 
attain  this  eminent  Bleffing,  We  may  reckon 
the  following. — They  underfland  not  the  per- 
fe6l  Freenefs  of  Grace,  nor  the  immenfe  Merits 
of  CHRIST'. — They  never  confider  the  un- 
fpeakable  Value  of  an  afTured  Faith  j  neither 
are  they  aware,  that  it  is  intended  for  the  En- 
joyment of  Sinners. — Either  they  feek  it  not 
at  all  i  or  elfe  they  feek  it,  where  it  is  not  to 
be  found  3  from  fome  Works  of  Righteoufnefs 
in  themfelves,  rather  than  from  the  gracious 
Promife  of  GOD  in  his  Word.  Which  is  al- 
together as  ill-judged,  and  as  fure  to  iffue  in 
Difappointment,  as  if  a  Perfon  fhould  look  for 
Ice  amidft  the  torrid  Zone,  or  expe6l  to  find 
fpicy  Illands  under  the  northern  Pole. 

But  whether  People  confider  it  or  no,  the 
Value  of  an  allured  Faith  is  indeed  unfpeak- 
able.  When  this  is  wrought  in  the  Heart, 
Peace  will  fland  firm,  and  Afflidlions  drop  their 
Sting.  Prayer  will  return  laden  with  Trea- 
fures,  and  Death  will  approach  ftript  of  its 
Terrors. — When  this  takes  place  in  the  Soul, 
all  the  fweet  PafTages  of  Scripture,  all  the  ten- 
der Love  of  CHRIST',  all  the  precious  Pro- 
mifes  of  the  Gofpel,    will  appear  with  new 

Charms. 


DIALOGUE    XVL         351 

-Charms.  You  will  then,  as  You  perufe  each 
facred  Page,  tajle  that  tJoe  LORD  is  gracious^. 
You  will  reap  a  Benefit,  and  enjoy  a  Delight, 
as  much  fuperior  to  thofe  of  the  doubting  Rea- 
der, as  the  Pleafure  of  eating  this  delicious 
Peach  is  fuperior  to  the  mere  Defcription  of 
its  agreeable  Relifli. 

Bear  with  me  a  Moment  longer,  T^heron, 
For  You  can  hardly  imagine,  what  an  Im- 
provement and  Exaltation  this  will  give,  to 
every  T^ruth  You  contemplate,  and  every  Ob- 
jeSi  You  behold. — When  You  contemplate  the 
renowned  and  aftonifliing  Events,  recorded  in 
the  Hiflory  of  Nations,  how  highly  delightful 
mufl  it  be  to  fay ;  "  All  thefe  paffed  under 
"  the  Superintendency  of  that  Haiid^  which 
"  was  pierced  with  Nails,  and  faftened  to  the 
"  Crofs  for  Me." — When  You  behold  the  Mag- 
nificence of  Creation,  and  the  Richnefs  of  its 
Furniture  j  the  Grandeur  of  Nature,  and  the 
Variety  of  her  Works  j  what  a  heightened 
Pleafure  mufl  they  impart,  if  your  Thoughts 
make  Anfwer  to  your  Eyes ;  "  All  hefe  were 
"  brought  into  ^yA^^nzzh-^  that  adorable  PER- 
"  SONy  who  fuflained  my  Guilt,  and  wrought 
"  out  my  juftifying  Righteoufnefs." 

Ther.  If  We  feel  an  Averfion  to  Sin,  and 
prize  the  bleffed  JESUS  above  all  Things  3 
if  the  prevailing  Bias  of  our  AfFedions  be  to 

the 

*   I   Pet,  ii,  3,, 


352        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

the  divine  REDEEMER,  and  the  habitual 
Breathinc^  of  our  Souls  after  a  Conformity  to  his 
Image  j  may  We  not  fuppofe  Ourfelves  pof- 
fefled  of  the  I'ruth  and  Reality^  though  We 
have  not  the  Confidence  and  Rejoicing  of  Faith  ? 
— I  fay  We  -,  becaufe  1  apprehend,  this  is  not 
my  peculiar  Cafe,  but  common  to  myfelf  and 
many  Others.  I  afk,  therefore,  in  their  Name 
and  in  my  owq.  May  We  not  fuppofe  our 
Condition  fafe,  though  We  dare  not  prefume 
to  ufe  the  Language  of  the  Spoufe,  My  Be- 
loved is  Mine  J  and  I  am  his  f 

Afp.  For  You  and  your  Aflbciates  to  ufe 
fuch  Language,  is  neither  more  nor  lefs  than 
to  declare  i  "  I  am  perfuaded,  that  Cffl^ZST 
"  is  faithful :  that  He  fays  what  He  thinks, 
"  and  will  do  what  He  fays."  And  is  there  any 
Prefumption,  or  any  Indecency  Here  ?  Surely 
the  Prefumption,  at  leaft  the  Indecency  lies, 
in  queflioning  his  Fidelity,  or  fufpecling  his 
Veracity. — You  afk,  Whether  fuch  a  State  is 
fafe^  and  fuch  a  Faith  reaH  I  would  anfwer. 
Why  fliould  not  fuch  a  State  be  happy ^  as  well 
as  fafe  ?  And  fuch  a  Faith  be  ajfured,  as  well 
as  real  ?  Why  fhould  You,  or  Any  One,  plead 
the  Caufe  of  Unbelief,  and  veil  it  with  the  fpe- 
cious  Pretext  of  Humility  ?  Let  thefe  Perfons 
know,  whatever  their  Names  or  their  Circum- 
flances  are,  that  they  have  as  good  a  Right 
to  adopt  the  Words  You  mention,  as  Phiknor 

has 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         353 

lias  to  call  thefe  Gardens  his  own. — Yet  they 
will  do  well  to  remember,  that  thefe  Qualifi- 
cations, however  amiable,  are  by  no  means- 
the  Gi'oiind  of  their  Right.  They  are  to  ad- 
vance their  Claim,  and  hold  fafi:  the  BlefTmg, 
not  as  Men  ornamented  with  fine  Endowments, 
but  as  poor,  indigent,  guilty  Sinners.  For 
fuch  the  SAVIOUR  is  provided  j  to  fuch  his 
Benefits  are  propofed  5  and  on  fuch  his  Grace 
will  be  magnified. 

But  fee,  Theron !  Yonder  black  and  low- 
hung  Cloud  points  this  Way.  It  feems  big 
with  a  Shower  j  it  marches  on  apace  j  and  will 
foon  be  over  our  Heads.  We  mufl  inftantly 
fly  to  Shelter. 

T^her.  It  is  w^ell  We  have  this  Summer-houfe 
for  our  Shelter.  The  thickeft  Boughs  would 
be  infufficicnt  to  fcreen  Us.  I  think,  I  never 
faw  a  more  impetuous  Burfl  of  Rain.  A 
Shower !  No,  'tis  a  defcending  Deluge.  The 
large,  ropy,  reeking  Drops,  come  down  like 
a  Torrent  *.     How  the  Roof  refounds,  and 

the 

*  Comedown  like  a  Torrent. — This  is  the  Import  of  that 
ftronge  pidurefque  Word  "|,'^1?  P/aL  Ixxvli.  17.  la  this 
Manner,  The  Clouds  poured  out  Water  ;  the  Jir  thundered ; 
and  thitie  Jrrows  went  abroad. — Mr.  Jddifjfi,  iflremennber 
right,  admires  the  Pfahnift's  Defcription  of  a  Storm (tt  Sea-, 
becaufe,  it  dwells  only  upon  the  grand  and  moj't  firiking 
Circumftances ;  without  defcending,  \\V^  Vhgil^%  enervated 
Reprefentation,  to  fuch  /////.,■  Particulars,  as  the  Cries  of 
Men,  and  theNoife  of  Oars.  Clamor  que  Vtr  Cm.,  Si-idorque 
Rudentum. — This  Defcription  oia  Teinpejt  is,  I  think,  equal- 
ly admirable  on  the  fame  Account,     1  he  three  g^re^iteft  and 

Vol,  III.  A  a  jiioit 


j54        DIALOGUE     XVI. 

the  Channels  begin  to  roar  ! Surprifing  ! 

What  a  dreadful  Fla/h.  was  there !  A  Sheet  of 
fulphureous  Fire,  launched  from  the  difmal 
Gloom,  and  wrapping  the  whole  Skies  in  a 
Blaze  i — Not  a  Moment's  Interval,  between 
the  Lightning's  Rage,  and  the  Thunders  Roar. 
How  fudden  and  vafl  the  Explofion  !  V/hat  a 
deep,  prolonged,  tremendous  Peal  enfues !  It 
feems  as  if  the  Poles  of  Earth,  and  the  Pillars 
of  Nature  cracked ;  or  as  though  the  Arch  of 
Heaven  was  dafhed  to  Pieces,  and  mingling 
with  the  Ruins  of  the  World. 

See,  my  dear  jifpafio  I  See  the  direful  Ha- 
vockj  the  horrid  EfFefts  of  this  elementary 

Tumult. Yonder  Oak, -which   reared    its 

towering  Head  aloft,  and  fpread  wide  its  grace- 
ful Branches,  is,  in  the  Twinkling  of  an  Eye, 
turned  into  a  77^/t^/  '^runk.  There  it  ftands, 
fmged  and  tore  j  flripped  of  its  verdant  Ho- 
nours, 

moft  terrible  Peculiarities  are  felefted  ;  and  exprefled  with  all 
the  Concifenefs,  yet  with  all  the  Vigour,  that  Langyage  caii 
anite. 

I  have  not  met  with  any  Commentator,  that  enters  into 
the  Spirit  of  the  next  Verfc.  And  in  our  Liturgy-Tranf- 
lation,  its  Majefty  finks  into  Meannefs,  its  Propriety  dege- 
nerates irtto  Tautology.  Whereas,  it  is  by  no  means  a  vain 
Repetition,  but  moft  fignificantly  difplays  the  Effc6is  of  what 
was  defcribed,  in  the  foregoing  Lines.  The  Voice  of  thy 
Thunder  Tvas  in  the  Heaz'en ;  it  not  only,  refounded,  but  re- 
foundcd  from  Pole  to  Pole,  and  filled  S^jS.l^  the  vaft  Cir- 
cumference of  the  Skies.  The  Lightnings  lightened  the  World -y 
ihey  not  only  flione,  but  fhone  far  and  near,  and  illumi- 
nated the  whole  World  with  their  Blaze,  The  Earth  trcmhhd 
to  i:s  Center,  and  Its  Inhabitants /z^?;?/^  with  H«nor. 


DIALOGUE    XVI.         ^SS 

noiirs  *,  and  furrounded  with  its  own  fliatter- 
td  Fragments.  How  fearful  is  the  Artillery  of 
Heaven  *  ! 

.^.  And  why — why  did  not  the  Blow  fall 
on  this  guilty  Breafl  ?  Why  was  not  the  fiery 
Bolt,  which  flewfo  near,  commiflioned  to  pierce 

our  Hearts? If  our  heavenly  FATHER 

Jias  been  fo  tenderly  careful  of  thefe  Bodies^ 
vvill  He  not  be  much  more  gracious  to  our  im- 
mortal Souk  ^  Will  he  not  clothe  them  with 
that  immaculate  Robe,  which  is  the  only  Se-^ 
curlty  from  the  Stroke  of  eternal  Vengeance } 
— And  let  me  alk.  Can  this  be  a  Security  to 
Us,  unlefs  We  are  veiled  with  it !  Could  this 
Building,  though  very  fubflantial,  have  fecured 
Us  from  the  rufhing  Rains,  if  We  had  not  be- 
taken Ourfelves  to  its  friendly  Covert ! 

CHRIST  is  reprefented,  in  the  Prophecy 
of  Ifaiab,  by  this  very  Image ;  as  a  Place  of 
Refuge  y  a}id  as  a  Covert  from  the  Storm  and  from 
Ram  -f-.  That  is,  His  Merits  and  Death  are  a 
fure  Prote6lion,  from  the  Curfe  of  the  Law, 
and  the  Damnation  of  Hell.  No  Fury  of  the 
Elements  fb  terrible  as  thefe  y  no  Bulwark  of 
Stone  fo  impregnable  as  thofe, — If  this  is  a  pro- 
per 

*  *  Does  not  this  give  Us  the  moft  awful  and  grand  Scnfe 
of  Vfalm  xxix.  9  ?  The  Voice  of  the  LO  RD,  when  uttered  in 
Thunder,  and  accompanied  with  Lightning,  nily'  ?jU*n' 
not,  difcovereth  the  thick  BuJJ)eSy  hut /trips  the  Fot\Jts ;  lays 
bare  the  branching  Woods  ;  reduces  the  moft  magnificent 
and  flourifliino;  Cedars  to  n:.ked-  and  withered  Trunks. 

t  Ifai.  \v.   6. 

Aa  2 


356        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

per  Emblem  of  CHRIS'T,  to  what  fliall  We 
liken  Fai/b  ?  To  a  Pcrfnafion,  that  the  Shelter 
of  the  Summer-houfe  is  free  for  our  Ufe  ?  That 
we  are  welcome  to  avail  Ourfelves  of  the  com- 
modious Retreat  ?  Would  this  defend  Us  from 
the  Inclemencies  of  the  Weather  ?  Would  this 
keep  Us  dry,  amidft  (what  You  call)  the  de- 
Icending  Deluge  ?  Would  this  bare  Perfuafion, 
unlefs  reduced  to  Pra6lice,  be  any  Manner  of 
Advantage  to  our  Perfons  ? — No.  We  muft 
actually^  to  the  Shelter,  and  We  muft  a6lu- 
2i\\y  apply  the  SAVIOUR;  otherwife,  I  fee 
not  what  Comfort  or  Benefit  can  be  derived 
from  either. 

T'/jer.  May  I  then,  from  this  Inftant,  look 
upon  CHRIST',  his  glorious  Perfon,  his  per- 
fect Righteoufnefs,  and  his  precious  Death,  as 
my  certain  Inheritance  ?  May  I  firmly  believe, 
that,  through  this  grand  and  immenfely  meri- 
torious Caufe,  I  Ihall  have  Pardon  and  Ac- 
ceptance, true  Holinefs  and  endlefs  Salva- 
tion ? 

Afp.  Why  fliould  You  not  believe  all  this 
firmly  ?  You  have  the  fame  Reafon  to  believe 
with  a  fteady  Confidence,  as  to  believe  witli 
any  Degree  of  Affiance.  It  is  the  free  Promife 
of  the  Gofpel,  addrefTed  to  Shiners,  that  war- 
rants the  latter;  and  the  very  fame  Promife, 
under  the  fame  Circumftances  of  tmmen'ted 
Munificence^  authorizes  the  former. 

Yott 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         357 

You  have  heard  my  Opinion,  hear  now  what 
our  LORD  Himfelf  fays ;  Let  Him  that  is  athirji^ 
come  J  and  who  fo ever  will^  let  Him  take  the  Water 
of  Life  freely  *.  He  may  partake  of  my  fpiri- 
tual  and  unfpeakable  Bleffings,  as  freely  as  He 
makes  ufe  of  the  moft  common  Refrefliments ; 
as  freely  as  He  drinks  of  the  running  Stream. 
This  is  his  royal  Proclamation. — Hear  his  gra- 
cious Invitation.  Look  unto  Me ^  and  be  ye  fav- 
ed  -j;  'y  faved  from^  your  difquieting  Fears,  by 
Juflification  j  faved  from  your  dominee^^ing 
Corruptions,  by  Sandification ;  faved  from 
every  Evil,  by  complete  and  eternal  Redemp- 
tion. To  whom  is  this  moft  afFc6tionate  Call 
dire6led  ?  Not  to  a  few  diflinguifhed  Favourites, 
but  to  all  the  Ends  of  the  Earth.  None  are  ex- 
cepted J  none  are  prohibited  j  and  can  my 
T^beron  imagine,  that  He  is  excluded  ?  —  Nay 
farther  j  Hear  his  earnefi:  Intreaty,  his  tender 
and  repeated  Importunity ;  As,  though  GOD 
did  befeech  Ton  by-Us-y  We  pray  Ton,  in  CHRIST' s 
Stead  J  be  ye  reconciled  to  G  O  D  t:  accept  his 
great  Salvation  :  and  enjoy  the  Comforts  of  his 
Grace. 

Should  not  this  three-fold  Cord  be  ftrong 
enough  to  draw  my  dear  Friend  ;  let  me  add, 
what  muft  abfolutely  fuperfede  all  Objections, 
the  plain,  exprefs,  peremptory  Command  of 
the  ALMIGHTY :  This  is  his  Cc?mnandy  that 

We 

*  ^ev^  xxii.  I  7.         t  Jf"-  '^^''''  2^2'         X  2  Cor,  v,  20, 
A  a   3 


333        DIALOGUE     XVI. 

We  fioiild  beliroe  on  the  Name  of  bis  Son  JESUS 
CHRIST''^.  Pray,  examine  the  Language j 
"Not  He  allows  only  ;  or  barely  advifes  j  but  He 
commands.  We  are  not  only  permitted,  but 
ftri6lly  required.  It  is  not  only  our  PrivilegCj 
but  GOD's  pofitive  Injunction.  —  Upon  the 
Difcovery  of  fuch  a  SAVIOUR,  methinks, 
every  Heart  Ihould  cry ;  "  O  !  that  I  might  be 
*'  permitted  to  approach  Him  !  To  folicit  an 
*'  Interefl  in  Him  !  How  gladly  would  I  wait, 
*'  ever  fo  long  a  Time,  in  ever  fo  mean  a 
"  Pofcure,  if  I  might  at  the  lafl:  receive  Him 

*'  as    my    Portion  ?" The   fuperabundant 

Goodnefs  of  GOD,  prevents  ourWiflies,  and 
exceeds  our  Hopes.  "  I  freely  give  my  SON, 
'^  faith  the  LORD,  and  all  his  Riches  to  You. 
"  I  befeech  You,  as  a  companionate  Friend^ 
"  not  to  refufe  Him.  I  injoin  You,  as  an  un- 
''  controulable  Sovereign,  to  believe  on  Him." 

How  gracious!  fupremely  and  amazingly 

gracious  is  this  Command  !  And  give  me  leave 
to  hint,  it  is  the  greatcft  and  mofl  important 
Command,  that  ever  ifllied  from  the  Throne 
of  Glory.  If  this  be  negle6led,  no  other  can 
be  kept  j  if  this  be  obferved,  all  others  will  be 
eafy. Now,  'Tkeron,  will  You  not  look  up- 
on CHRIST  and  his  all-fufRcient  Merits,  as 
your  cvv'n  ?  Is  not  your  Warrant  clear  and  un- 
exceptionable ?  Is  not  your  Obligation  flrong 
and  indifpenfible  ? 

Thv\ 


J' 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         359 

Ther.  Truly,  AJpnfio^  this  puts  all  my  mif- 
truftful  Apprehenfions  to  the  Stand.     Here  is 

a  Proclamation  from  the  blefTed  G  O  D 

feconded  by  his  Invitation accompanied  by 

his  Intreaty and  all  inforced  by  his  Com- 
mand. I  know  not  what  can  be  a  fuller  Proof 
of  your  Point,  or  a  ilronger  Inducement  to 
believe. 

Afp,  Yes,  1'he?'onj  I  can  produce  (if  fuch  a 
Thing  be  poffible)  ftronger  Proof  Hill.  Such 
as,  I  hope,  will  totally  rout  Unbelief,  and  drive 
all  her  Forces  from  the  Field. 

GOD  has  not  only  commanded  You,  to 
live  under  the  fweet  Perfuafion,  that  his  SON 
is  your  S  AV I O  U  R  ^  but  he  has  given  you 
the  grandefl  RafiJicatio?i  of  this  precious  Truth„ 
— He  has  pafled  his  V/ord ;  He  has  made  you 
a  firm  Promife  -,  nay,  He  has  given  you  7na?iy 
and  -u/^nWi  Promifes,  of  this  ineflimable  Blef^ 
fing.  And  GOD  is  not  a  Man^  that  He  fiould 
lie  ',  or  the  So?i  of  Man^  that  he  Jljould  repent. 
Heaven  and  Earth  may  drop  into  Nothing, 
fooner  than  one  Promife,  or  indeed  one  Jot 
or  Tittle  of  his  Promife,  fhould  fall  to  the 
Ground. 

Befides  this,  He  has  given  You,  if  I  may  ^o 
fpeak,  a  Note  under  his  own  Hand.  He  has 
recorded  his  Promifes  in  the  Bible,  and  ivritten 
them  with  an  evcrlafting  Pen.  So  that  they 
will  fland  confpicuous  and  indelible,  like  a 

A  a  4  Bill 


360        DIALOGUE     XVI. 

Bill  drawn  upon  Heaven,  and  a  Bafis  laid  for 
Faith,  fo  long  as  the  Sun  and  Moon  endure. 
Nay,   He  has  confirmed  all,  by  the  moft 
folemn  San6lion  imaginable  ^  by  his  Oath  ;  by 
his  c'wn  Oath  j  by  the  Oath  of  a  GOD,  Though 
his  Word  is  fure,  and  his  Promife  immutable. 
He  adds  (afloniihing  Condefcention  !  adorable 
Benignity  1)  He  adds  his  Oath  to  all.     He  not 
only  fpeaks,  but  fwears  5  fwears  by  Himfelf ; 
fwears  by  his  own  eternal  Exigence  -,  that  his 
Promifes  belong  to  whom  ?  Mark  this  Parti- 
cular  with    the  mofl   exa6l  Attention.     To 
whom  do  thefe  Promifes  belong,   which  are 
ratified  in  this  unequaled  and  inviolable  Man- 
ner ?  To  the  Holy,  the  Upright,  the  Accom- 
pliflied  ?  To  thofe,   fays  the  Scripture,  who  fly 
for  Refuge  to  the  Hope  fet  before  them  *.     The 
Hope   fet  before   them   in  the  Propitiation, 
the   Righteoufnefs,    the   ineffable   Merits,  of 
CHRIST, 

This  You  do,  Theron.:  I  know  You  do. 
Therefore,  as  furely^as  GOD  is  true,  as  cer- 
tainly as  G  O  D  exifts,  they  are  all  your  own. 
I  would  humbly,  yet  boldly  apply  to  my  Friend, 
what  the  great  JEHOVAH  fpeaks  by  the  Pro- 
phet s  "  As  I  live,  faith  the  LORD,  thou  Jhalt 
"  furcly  clothe  Thee  with  them  all,  as  with  an 
"  Ornament,  and  bind  them  on  Thee  as  a  Bride 
*'  doth  -f.     I  appeal  to  all  my  Perfeftions,  for 

"  th,e 
*  Heh,  vi.  173  18,  t  -^tf/*.  xlix,  18. 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         361 

"  the  Truth  of  this  facred  Engagement ; 
*«  and  let  every  one  of  my  fubhme  Attii- 
**  butes  witnefs  againft  me,  if  I  violate  my 
"  Word." 

Ther.  May  I  then  believe,  firmly  believe,  af- 
furedly  believe,  that  JESUS  the  Mediator, 
and  all  the  glorious  Benefits  of  his  Mediation, 
are  mine  ?  Pardon  me,  Afpafio,  for  reiterating 
the  Queftion.  I  am  really,  with  refpeft  to  the 
Obedience  of  Faith,  too  much  like  that  Saxon 
Monarch,  who,  for  his  Remifliiefs  and  Inac- 
tivity, was  firnamed  T'he  Unready  *. 

Afp.  I  do  more  than  pardon  you,  Theron.  I 
feel  for  you,  and  I  fympathize  with  you.  If 
there  isfome  of  the  Saxon  Prince's  Difeafe  run- 
jiing  in  your  Religion  -,  \  am  fure,  there  is  too 
much  of  it  in  mine  -,  and  I  fear,  it  is  an  epU 
demical  Diilemper.  But  let  Us  refle6l  a  Mo- 
ment— Suppofe  any  Neighbour  of  Subflance 
and  Credit,  fliould  bind  himfelf  by  a  deliberate 
Promife,  to  do  you  fome  particular  Piece  of 
Service — if  he  fhould  add  to  his  Promife  a 
Note  under  his  own  Hand — if  he  fhould  cor- 
roborate both  by  fome  authentic  Pledge — if  he 
fliould  eftablifh  all  by  a  moil  awful  and  folemii 
Oath — Could  you  fufped:  the  Sincerity  of  his 
Engagement,  or  harbour  any  Doubt  with  re- 
gard to  its  Execution  ?  This  would  be  moft 
unreafonable  in  any  One ;  and  to  your  gener- 
ous 
*  Ethkgd. 


362         DIALOGUE     XVI. 

oLis  Temper,  I  am  very  certain,   it  would  be 

impoflible. Let  us  remember,  that  GOD 

has  given  us  all  this  Caufe  for  an  AlTurance  of 
Faith,  and  more.  Nay  \  I  will  defy  the  mod 
timorous  and  fufpicious  Temper,  to  demand 
from  the  mofi  treacherous  Perfon  on  Earth,  a 
greater,  ftronger,  fuller  Security,  than  the  GOD 
of  infinite  Fidelity  has  granted  to  you  and  me. 

. After  all  this,  one  would  think,  Diffidence 

itfelf  could  not  hefitate,  nor  the  moft  jealous 
Incredulity  demur.  Shall  we,  can  we  with- 
hold that  Affiance  from  the  unchangeable 
CREATOR,  which  we  could  not  but  repofe 
on  a  falUble  Creature  ? 

^her.  You  roufe  and  animate  me,  AJpaJio, 
O  !  that  I  may  arife,  and  with  the  divine  Af- 
fillance,  fhake  off  this  Stupor  of  Unbehef ! 
Certainly,  it  can  never  be  honourable  to  GOD, 
nor  pleafmg  to  CHRIS'T,  nor  profitable  to 
Ourfelves. 

Jfp.  If  it  be,  then  cherifli  it,  indulge  it,  and 
never  relinquifh  it. — But  how  can  it  be  honour- 
able to  GOD  ^  It  depreciates  his  Goodnefs; 
it  is  a  Reproach  to  his  Veracity ;  nay,  the 
Apoflle  fcruples  not  to  affirm,  that  it  77iakes 
him  a  Liar  *.  Whereas,  they  who  be- 
lieve his  Teflimony,  glorify  his  Faithfuhiefs ; 
glorify  his  Beneficence;  and,  as  John  the 
Baptifl  fpeaks,  Jet  to  their   Sealy  that  GOD 

is 

*  I  John  V,  10, 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         363 

is  true  *.- — I  have  been  informed,  that,  when 
the  late  EleSlor  of  Hanover  was  declared, 
by  the  ParUament  of  Great-Britain^  Succeflbr 
.to  the  vacant  Throne;  feveral  Perfons  of 
Diftinflion  waited  upon  his  Highnefs,  in  order 
to  make  timely  Application  for  the  mofl  va- 
luable Preferments.  Several  Requefts  of  this 
Nature  were  granted,  and  each  was  confirmed 
by  a  kind  of  promifTory  Note.  Among  the  reft, 
one  Gentleman  folicited  for  the  Majlerjlnp  of 
the  Rolls.  Being  indulged  in  his  Defire,  he 
was  offered  the  fame  Confirmation,  which  had 
been  vouchfafed  to  other  fuccefsful  PetitionerSo 
Upon  which,  he  feemed  to  be  under  a  grace- 
ful Confufion  and  Surprize  3  begged  that  be 
might  not  put  the  royal  Donor  to  fuch  unne- 
ceffary  Trouble;  at  the  fame  time  declaring, 
that  he  looked  upon  his  Highnefs 's  Word^  as 

the  very  beft  Ratification  of  his  Suit. With 

this  Condu61:,  and  this  CompUment,  the  Elec- 
tor was  not  a  little  pleafed.  "  This  is  the 
*'  Gentleman,  he  faid,  who  does  me  a  real 
"  Honour;  treats  me  like  a  King;  and  who- 
"  ever  is  difappointed.  He  fhall  certainly  be 
"  gratified."  So,  We  are  aflured  by  the  Word 
of  Revelation,  that  He,  who Jlaggere  J  ?2ot  through 
Unbelief,  gave,  and  in  the  moft  fignal,  the  mofl 
acceptable  Manner,  Glo?y  to  GOD  -f-. 

h 

*  John'yi\.   3 J.  f  Rom,  iv,  20j 


364        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

Is  It  pkafmg  to  CHRIST? — Qiiite  the  re- 
verfe.  It  difhonours  his  Merit;  it  detra6ls 
from  the  Dignity  of  his  Righteoufnefs ;  it 
would  enervate  the  Power  of  his  Interceffion. 
Accordingly  you  may  obferve,  there  is  nothing 
which  our  LORD  fo  frequently  reproved  in 

his  Followers,  as  this  Spirit  of  Unbelief. 

What  fays  He  to  his  Difciples,  when  He  came 
down  from  the  Mount  of  Transfiguration  ?  O 
faithlefs  and  perverfe  *  Generation  !  They  were 

perverfe,  becaufe  faithlefs. What  fays  He  to 

the  Travelers,  whom  He  overtook  in  their 
Journey  to  E?nmaiis  ?  O  Fools,  andjlow  of  Heart 
to  belieye  -f-  /  They  were  Fools,  becaufe  (low  to 
believe. What  fays  He  to  the  Apoflles,  af- 
ter his  Refurreftion  ?  JESUS  upbraided  them 
with  their  Unbelief  %.  He  took  no  notice  of  their 

cowardly 

*  A»frp^a|t/-£u)i.  Malt.  xvii.  17.  A  believing  State  of 
Mind,  is  like  fome  well  arranged  and  beautiful  Syftem  of. 
Limbs.  Unbelief  SJJocates  the  Parts,  dijhrts  the  harmoni-^ 
ous  Frame,  and  disfigures  its  comely  Proportion. 

t  Avonloi.  Luke  xxiv,  25.  Not  thoughtlefs,  hut Jlupid  Cresi- 
tures  ;  void  of  Underftanding  ;  as  we  fay  in  Engli/h,  without 
common  Senfe  ;  or,  as  Horace  would  have  faid  in  Latin, 

O  tribus  Anticyris  Caput  itifanabile  ! 
'  X  Mark  xvi.  14.  The  Word  is  not  £7r£7»_«>io-£V,  as  in  Luke 
xvii.  3.  not  iXty^i^t  as  in  Tit.  i.  13.  but  ccvsi^nrsi  which 
fignifies,  not  barely  a  Rebuke,  but  a  Rebuke  accompanied 
with  keen  and  Jlingmg  Reflexions  ;  fuch  as  may  cover  the 
Face  with  Bluflbcs,  and  wound  the  Heart  w^ith  Anguifh.— It 
is  ufed,  by  the  Evangelift  Luke,  and  by  the  ApofHe  Peter^ 
to  defcribe  thofe  Calumnies,  Invectives,  and  Reproaches, 
with  which  the  Perfecutors  of  Chriftianity  endeavoured  to 
ri///and  affile  the  Chri/iians,  Luke  vi.  22.  i  P^t-  'v-  14- 
"^  — Though 


DIALOGUE  XVI.  365 
cowardly  and  perfidious  Behaviour;  He  in- 
veighed acrainft  none  of  their  other  Follies  and 
Infirmities ;  but  He  upbraided  them  with  their 
Unbelief.  Not  gently  rebuked.  No ;  this  was 
a  Fault,  fo  unreafonable  in  itfelf,  fo  reproach- 
ful to  their  MASTER,  fo  pernicious  to  them- 
felves,  that  Ht  fever ely  reprimanded  them  for  it  -, 
with  an  Air  of  Vehemence,  and  with  a  Mix- 
ture of  Invedlive. 

Is  it  prof  table  to  Ow fives  1 — Nothing  lefs.  It 
damps  our  Love,  and  diminiflies  our  Comfort, 
It  fubje6ts  Us  to  that  Fear,  which  hath  Tor- 
ment ;  and  difqualifies  Us  for  that  Obedience, 
which  is  filial.  In  a  Word ;  this  difiruftful 
and  unbelieving  Temper  weakens  every  Prin- 
ciple of  Piety,  and  impoverifhes  the  whole 
Soul.  Whence  come  fpiritual  Ofcitancy  and 
Remiflfnefs  ?  Whence  proceed  Sterility  and  Un- 
fruitfulnefs  in  the  Knowledge  of  CHRIS  Tf 
St.  Peter  afcribes  them  all  to  an  habitual  Un- 
belief. Such  Perfons,  he  fays,  have  forgotten 
that  they  were  purged  from  their  former  Sins  *. 
— In  the  Regenerate,  where  it  remains,  it  is 
very  detrimental ;  for  they  that  will  ?20t  believe, 
fiall  not  be  efiablified  -f- .-  In  the  Unregenerate, 

where 

"—Though  our  LORD  JESUS  was  moft  amiably  len- 
der and  gentle  ;  yet,  when  Seventy  was  neceffary  and  whole- 
fome,  Heknew  howto  be  fevere.  Our  all-wife  PHYSI- 
CIAN could  apply  the  Cfl«/?/V,  as  well  as  adminifter  ths 
Cordial. 

*  2  Pet.  i.  8,9,  t  -^^^  vii.  9, 


366        D'I  A  L  O  G  U  E     XVI. 

where  it  prevails,  it  is  abfolutely  deftruclive  > 
and  though  it  may  not  kill  like  an  Apoplexy, 
it  wafles  like  a  Confumption.  They  could  not 
enter  in^  becaufe  of  Unbelief  *. 

Let  Us  then,  my  dear  Friend,  cafl  away  this 
Sin  J  which  y3  eafily  befets  Us  both.  It  clogs  our 
Feet ;  it  hampers  all  our  Powers  j  and  hinders 
Us  from  runnings  with  Alacrity  and  Speed, 
the  Race  that  isfet  before  Us. — What  fays  David^- 
GOD  hath  fpoken  in  his  Holinefs -^ -^  hath  made 
an  exprefs  and  inviolable  Promife,  that  I  fhall 
be  Ruler  of  his  People  Ifrael.  I  will  rejoice 
therefore  \  Away  with  every  alarming  Appre- 
henfion  -,  I  will  even  exult  and  triumph.  Nay 
more  -,  I  will  divide  Shechem,  and  f?iete  out  the 
Valley  of  Succoth ;  I  wdll  look  upon  the  whole 
Land  as  my  own.  I  will  divide  it,  and  dif- 
pofe  of  it,  juft  as  if  it  was  already  in  my  Pof- 
feflion. — Why  fliould  not  you  and  I  alfo  fay  ? 
GOD  hath  fpoken  in  his  IMinefs\  hath  exprefly 
and  folemnly  declared,  T^he  Promife  of  an  all- 
fufficient  SAVIOUR  is  to  Ton,  We  will  rejoice 
therefore  -,  confiding  in  this  mofl  faithful  Word, 
We  will  bid  adieu  to  ail  difquieting  Fears,  and 
make  our  Boaft  of  this  glorious  REDEEMER. 
Yes  >  notwithilanding  all  our  Unworthinefs, 
CHRIST  and  his  Atonement,  CHRIST 
and  his  Righteoufnefs,  are  ours.     Amidft  all 

our 

*  Htb.  iii.  19.  t  PM  5x.  6, 


DIALOGUE     XVI.         367 

our  Temptations,  this  is'  our  Anchor  j  its  Hold 
is  firm,  and  its  Ground  immoveable  *. 

I'her.  I  have  heard  fome  People  diftinguifh, 
betvi^een  the  Faith  of  Relia?ice^  and  the  Faith 
of  AJfurance  j  between  the  reflex  and  the  diredi 
A(5l  of  Faith.  Methinks,  I  approve  thefe  Senti- 
ments, though  I  diflike  the  Terms.  The  Senti- 
ments are  finely  adapted  to  the  Relief  of  human 
Infirmity,  though  the  Terms  are  rather  too  ab- 
ftrufe  for  ordinary  Capacities  to  underfland. 

Afp.  I  cannot  fay,  that  I  am  vejy  fond,  either 
of  the  one,  or  of  the  other.  In  my  Opinion, 
they  both  partake  too  much  of  the  Subtilty 
of  the  Schools  j  and  are  more  likely  to  create 
Perplexity,  than  to  adminifter  godly  Edifying. 
For  which  Reafon,  I  fhould  choofe  to  drop 
the  difficult  Phrafes,  and  not  to  dwell  on  the 
nice  Diftin6tions. — Yet,  if  We  muft  not  dif- 
mifs  them,  without  fome  Notice,  I  would  juft 
remark 

That,  what  they  call  Faith  of  Reliance^  in- 
cludes or  prefuppofes  a  Degree  of  Allurance. 
Who  would  rely  upon  a  Satisfaftion  made, 

without 

*  This  very  important  Dodrine  is  more  copioufly  difplay- 
ed,  in  a  Sermon  of  Mr.  Erjkinis  on  the  AJfurance  of  Faiih^ 
Vol.  III.  p.  201. — Was  I  to  read,  in  order  to  refine  my 
Tafte,  or  improve  my  Style  ;  I  would  prefer  Bp.  Atterburfs 
Sermons,  Dr.  Bates's  Works,  or  Mr.  Seed's  Difcourfes.  But 
was  I  to  read,  with  a  fingle  View  to  the  Edification  of  my 
Heart,  in  true  Faith,  folid  Comfort,  and  evangelical  Holi- 
nefs  ;  I  would  have  Recourfe  t9  ^U,  Er/kine,  ajjd  take  his 
Volumes  for  my  Tutor, 


368        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

without  being  firft  perfuaded,  that  the  Satis- 
faction is  for  Him  and  his  Iniquities  ?  Reli- 
ance, feparated  from  this  Perfuafion,  feems  to 
be  neither  comfortable,  nor  reafonable. — As  to 
thofe,  who  are  zealous  Advocates  for  the  reflex 
Acl  of  Faith ;  who  advife  Us,  to  prove  our 
Title  to  Comfort,  by  genuine  Marks  of  Con- 
veriion  ;  and  teach  Us,  on  this  Column  to  fix 
the  Capital  of  AfTurance  -,  I  would  rather  prb- 
pofe  a  Queftion,  than  advance  Objedlions. — 
Is  not  this  fomewhat  like  placing  the  Dome  of 
a  Cathedral  upon  the  Stalk  of  a  Tulip  ? 

'T'he?\  No,  fay  They  j  it  was  the  Pra6lice  of 
the  Apoftle  Himfelf  i  and  He  has  left  it  upon 
Record,  as  a  Pattern  for  all  Pofterity  to  copy. 
JVe  know  that  We  are  pajjed  frofji  Death  tmto 
Life,  hecaiife  JVe  love  the  Brethren. 

Afp.  Obferve,  T'heron,  the  Procefs  of  the 
Apoflle's  Reafoning.  It  is  like  the  Form  of  an 
inverted  Cone ;  where  You  have  firfl  the  Point, 
and  from  thence  proceed  to  the  Bafe.  So  the 
facred  Writer  begins  with  the  lefs,  and  afcends 
to  the  greater  Proof.  He  fays,  in  one  of  the 
following  Verfes  j  Hereby  perceive  We  the  Love 
of  GOD  *,  becaife  He  laid  down  his  Life,   not 

merely 

*  I  John  iii,  i6.  The  Word  GOD  is  not  In  the  Original. 
It  was  omitted  by  the  Apoftle,  juft  as  the  particular  Name 
is  omitted  by  Mary,  when  She  ipeaks  to  the  Gardener  ;  Sh', 
if  thou  haft  home  Him  hence;  and  by  the  Church,  when  She 
addrcfles  the  facred  Obje6t  of  her  AfFeflion ;  Let  Him  kfsme 
with  the  Kjjjcs  of  his  Mouth :  John  xx.    15.     Cmtic,  i.  i. — 

In 


DIALOGUE    XVr.         369 

merely  for  Sinners,  hut  for  Us  in  particular. — 
Here,  You  fee,  is  Aflurance  by  the  direcl  Act 
of  Faith.  From  this  Truth  believed,  from  this 
Bleffing  receivedj^the  Love  of  the  Brethren 
takes  its  Rife.  Which  may  very  juftly  be  ad- 
mitted as  an  Evidence,  that  our  Faith  is  real, 
and  our  Aflurance  no  Delufion.  As  yonder 
Leaves  may  ferve  to  diftinguifli  the  particular 
Species,  and  afcertain  the  'healthy  State,  of  the 
Trees  on  which  they  grow. 

When  your  Tenants  bring  in  their  Rent, 
this  affords  no  contemptible  Evidence,  that  the 
Lands,  which  they  refpe6i:ively  occupy,  are 
yours.  But  this  is  a  Proof  which  does  not 
occur,  either  every  Day  or  every  Week  ;  it  is 
occafional  only,  and  of  the  fubordinate  Kind. 

The  grand  Demonllration,  that  which  is 

always  at  hand,  and  always  forcible,  is,  your 
Poffeffion  of  the  Deeds  of  Conveyance.  Thus, 
the  Promife  of  GOD  in  his  divine  Word  is  our 
Charter,  or  the  authentic  Conveyance  of  our 
Right  to  Pardon  and  Salvation.  Make  juft 
the  fame  Difference  between  this  Promife  and 

your 

In  all  which  Places,  there  is  a  Langunge,  a  very  emphatical 
Language,  even  in  the  Silence.  It  declares,  how  deeply  the 
Heart  was  pe/ietrated,  how  totally  the  Thoughts  were  pof- 
feiled,  by  the  beloved  and  illuftrious  SubjeiSi:.  It  exprefles 
alfo  the  fuperlative  Dignity  and  Amiablenefs  of  the  Perfon 
meant :  as  though  He^  and  He  alone^  either  was,  or  deferved 
to  be,  known  and  admired  by  j^ll.  For  which  Reafon,  to 
mention  his  Name,  or  difplay  his  Excellencies,  feemcd  as 
needlefsy  as  to  fhew  Light  to  the  opened  Eye. 

Vol.  III.  -        B  b 


370        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

your  own  Holinefs,  as  You  make  between  the 
Writings  of  your  Eftate  and  the  Receival  of 
the  Revenues,  You  will  then  judge  aright, 
becaufe  your  Judgment  wiU  -coincide  with  the 
Apoftle's. 

Befides  j  this  Method  of  feeking  Peace  and 
Affurance,  I  fear,  will  embarrafs  the  fimple- 
minded  -,  and  cherilli,  rather   than  fupprefs, 
the   Flu6luations   of    Doubt.     For,    let   the 
Marks  be  what  You  pleafe,  a  Love  of  the  Bre- 
thren or  a  Love  of  all  Righteoufnefs,  a  Change 
of  Heart  or  an  Alteration  of  Life  j  thefe  good 
Qualifications  are  fometimes  like  the  Stars  at 
Noon-Day,  not  eafily^  if  at  all,  difcernable  ;  or 
clfe  they  are  like  a  Glow-worm  in  the  Night, 
glimmering,  rather  than  fliining.     Confequent- 
ly  will  yield,  at  the  beft,  but  a  feeble,  at  the- 
worfl,  a  very  precarious  Evidence. — If,  in  fuch 
a  manner.  We  fhould  acquire  fome  little  Af- 
furance, how  foon  may  it  be  unfettled  by  the 
Incurfions  of  Temptation,  or  deftroyed  by  the 
Prevalence  of  Sin  !    At  fuch  a  Jun6lure,  how 
will  it  keep  its  Standing !  How  retain  its  Be- 
ing !  It  will  be  as  a  tottering  Wall,  before  the 
Tempefl ;  or  as  the  RuJJj  witlwut  Mire,  and  the 
Flag  without  Water*. 

Inflead  therefore  of  poring  on  our  ownHearts, 
to  difcover,  by  inherent  Qualities,  our  Intereft 
in  CHRIST',  I  fliould  rather  renew  my  Appli- 

catioix 

*  Jab  viii.   il. 


DIALOGUE    XVI.        371 

cation  to  the  free  and  faithful  Promife  of  the 
LORDi  afTert  and  maintain  my   Title,  on 

this  unalterable  Ground. "  Pardon  is  mine, 

"  I  would  fayj  Grace  is  mine,  CHRIST'  and 
"  all  his  fpiritual  Bleffings  are  mine.  Why  ? 
"  becaufe  I  am  confcious  of  fanftifying  Ope- 
"  rations  in  my  own  Breafl  ?  Rather  becaufe 
"  GOD  hathfpoken  in  his  Holinefs ;  becaufe  all 
**  thefe  precious  Privileges  are  configned  over 
"  to  me  in  the  everlafting  Gofpel,  with  a  Clear ^ 
*'  nefi  unqueflionable  as  the  Truth,  v/ith  a 
"  Certainty  inviolable  as  the  Oath  of  GOD." 

Caft  your  Eye  into  yonder  Meadow.  Take 
notice  of  that  induflrious  Fifhei-man-,  how  in- 
tent He  is  upon  the  Purfuit  of  his  Bufinefs. 
He  has  jufl  thrown  his  Net,  and  taken  a  con- 
fiderable  Booty.  You  do  not  fee  Him  fpend- 
ing  his  Time  in  idle  Triumphs,  on  Account 
of  his  Succefs.  He  does  not  fland  to  meafure 
the  Dimenlions  of  the  Fidi,  or  compute  the 
Value  of  his  Prize.  But  having,  without  De- 
lay, fecured  the  Captives ;  He  prepares  for  am- 
ther  Cail,  and  hopes  for  another  Draught.-— 
So  let  Us,  inflead  of  exulting  in  any  pali  Ac- 
quifitions,  feek  afrefli  to  the  inexhauif  ible  Ful- 
nefs  of  our  SAVIOUR,  for  renewed  Com- 
munications. That,  having  Life  and  having 
Peace  from  Him,  We  may  have  them  tnore 
abundantly  *.  Then  will  be  fullilled  the  Say- 
ing that  is  written  j  T^he  Jufi,  the  righteous  in 
B  b  2  JESUS 


373       DIALOGUE    XVI. 

JESUS  CHRIST— fiall  live,  fhall  be  deli- 
vered from  Condemnation  and  Death ;  fhall 
perfevere  and  advance  in  the  Life  of  Comfcit 
and  Holinefs — how  ?  By  refle6lLng  on  his  own 
Attainments?  No;  but  by  the  Exercife  of 
Faith  *.  By  cleaving  infeparably  to  CHRIST, 
and  by  depending  inceflantly  on  CHRIST. 

This,  I  verily  think,  nay  this,  the  Apoftle 
teftifies,  is  the  moft  effectual  Way  of  feeding 
that  Lamp,  and  quickening  that  Flame ;  which, 
having  cheared  Us  in  our  earthly  Pilgrimage, 
will  be  brightened  up  into  immortal  Glory  in 
die  Heavens. 

Here  they  went  in  ;  and,  after  a  flight  Re- 
frefhment,  took  Coach. — As  they  were  return- 
ing Home,  Theron  obferved,  with  Concern, 
the  changed  and  melancholy  Afpe6l  of  Things, 
in  the  Territories  of  the  Hulbandman.  The 
Fields  of  Corn,  which  a  little  while  ago,  were 
gracefully  erecl,  or  foftly  inclining  to  the 
Breeze,  lay  funk  and  flatted  under  the  impe- 
tuous Rains. — Such,  added  Afpafio,  fuch  I  ap- 
prehend will  be  our  Faith,  if  it  afpires  not 
after  AiTurance,  or  if  its  Alfurance  is  erected 
on  any  Endowments  of  our  own.  O  !  that  it 
might  be  rooted,  like  thofe  full-grown  Oaks, 
under  which  We  lately  walked !  ^nd grotmcied-f, 

like 

*  P.c?r..  i.  17. 
t  E-ootcd   and  grounded,    £^pj(^w,a£vot   Jca»  Ts^ey-iXiuiy-svot. 
T'hefe  are  the  Apoftle's  beautiful  Ideas,  or  rather  expreflive 
Similitudes,  each  compreheiidcU  in  a  fniirlc  W^'d.  E^h,  j.iiviS, 


DIALOGUE    XVI.        373 

like  that  well-built  Edifice,  which  is  ftill  in 

our  View  ! 1  join  with  my  Afpafio  in  this^ 

Wifh  ',  and  mufl  beg  of  Him  to  inform  me, 

how  I  may  attain  fo  defirable  a  Bleffing. 

You  have  cured  me,  'Therorij  of  making  Apo- 
logies :  O  !  that  I  might  be  as  fuccefsfully  in- 
ftrumental,  in  delivering  my  Fiiend  from  his 
Doubts  !  That  the  Gofpel  might  come  to  Us, 
as  it  came  to  the  'Thejfahnians^  not  in  Word  only^ 
but  in  Power^  and  in  the  HOLT  GHOST j  mid 
in  much  AJfurance  *  / 

Prayer  is  the  firfl  Expedient.  Every  good 
Gift  is  from  above,  and  cometh  dov/n  from 
the  FATHER  of  Lights.  CHRIST  is  not 
only  the  Objeft,  but  the  Author  and  Finifher 
of  our  Faith.  LORD,  incrcafe  our  Faith,  was 
the  Requeft  of  the  Difciples,  and  (liould  be 
the  prevailing  Language  of  our  Hearts. 

Seek  the  blejfed  SPIRIT.  That  He  may 
teftify  of  GOD,  teftify  of  CHRIST,  and  bear 
witnefs  with  our  Spirit. — Teftify  of  GOD,  that 
He  hath  given  unto  Us  eternal  Life. — Teftify  of 

CHRIST,  that  this  Life  is  in  his  SONf. 

Bear  witnefs  with  our  Spirit,  that  TFe  are  the 
Children  of  GOD  X- — By  doing  this,  He  is  an 
Earneji  §  of  our  eternal  Happinefs  and  Glory  : 
He  is  a  Seal  \\  of  our  Security  and  Perfeverance 
unto  the  Day  of  Redemption. 

Lay 

*  I  Theff.  i.  5.  t  I  John  v.  1 1.  %  Rom.  viii.  i6. 
§  2  Cor,  i.  22.  il   Eph.  i.  13. 

'   B  b  3 


374        DIALOGUE    XVI. 

Lay  up  many  of  the  divine  Promifes  in  your 
Memory.  Stock  that  noble  Cabinet  with  this 
invaluable  Treafure.  Faith  cometh  by  Joearing*, 
by   meditating  on,    and   praying   over,    this 

Word  of  Life,  and  Word  of  Grace. And 

never,  never  forget  the  Freenefs,  with  which 
the  Promife  is  made,  and  its  good  Things  are 
beftowed.  You  are  to  receive  the  one,  and 
apply  the  other,  not  with  a  full,  but  with  an 
empty  Hand ;  not  as  a  righteous  Perfon,  but 
as  an  unworthy  Sinner. 

^  Rom.  X.  17.  On  which  Account  the  Scriptures  are 
flyled,  The  Wordi  of  Faith,     i  Tim.  iv.  6. 


D  I  A- 


DIALOGUE   XVIL 


HE  next  Morning,  'Theroiz  ovditv- 
ed  a  cold  Collation  to  be  prepar- 
ed, and  his  Pleafure-Boat  to  hold 

itfelf   in  Readinefs. Breakfaft 

being  difpatched,  and  fome  neceffary  Orders, 
relating  to  the  Family,  given — Now,  fays  He 
to  Afpafio^  let  me  fulfil  my  Promife ;  or  rather 
let  us  execute  our  mutual  Engagement ;  and 
confign  the  Remainder  of  this  mild  and  charm- 
ing Day,  to  a  rural  Excurfion. 

We  will  take  our  Rout  along  one  of  the 
firteji  Roads  in  the  World.  A  Road,  incom- 
parably more  curious  and  durable,  than  the 
famous  Caufeys  raifed  by  thofe  puiilant  Hands 
which  conquered  the  Globe.  A  Road,  that 
has  fubfifted  from  the  Beginning  of  Time ; 
and,  though  frequented  by  innumerable  Car- 
riages, laden  with  the  heavieft  Burdens,  has 
B  b  4  never 


376        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

never  been  gulled,   never  wanted  Repair,  to 

this  very  Hour. Upon  this,  they  ftep   into 

the  Chariot,  and  are  conveyed  to  a  large  navi- 
gable River^  about  three  Quarters  of  a  Mile 

diftant  from  the  Houfe. Here  they  launch 

upon  a  new  Element,  attended  by  two  or 
three  Servants,  expert  at  handling  the  Oar, 
and  managing  the  Nets. 

Is  this  the  Road,  replied  AJpajio^  on  which 
my  Friend  beflows  his  Panegyric  ?  It  is  indeed 
more  curious  in  its  Structure,  and  more  dur- 
able in  its  Subftance,  than  the  celebrated  Ro- 
man Caufeys.  Though  I  muft  afTure  you, 
that  the  latter  are  very  high  in  my  Efleem.  I 
admire  them  far  beyond  Trajan%  Pillar,  or 
Caracallds  Baths  -,  far  beyond  the  idle  Pomp  of 
the  Rantheon^  or  the  worfe  than  idle  Magnifi- 
cence of  the  Amphitheatre,  They  do  the  truefl 
Honour  to  the  Empire ;  becaufe,  while  they 
were  the  Glory  of  Rome^  they  were  a  general 
Good  *  J  and  not  only  a  Monument  of  her 
Grandeur,  but  a  Benefit  to  Mankind. 

"But  more  than  all  thefe  Works,  I  admire 
that  excellent  and  divinely  gracious  Purpofe, 

to 

*  Thcfe  Roads  ran  through  all  Italy,  and  flretched  thom- 
felves  into  the  Territories  of  France.  They  were  carried 
acrofs  the  Alps^  the  Pyrenean  Mountains,  and  through  the 
whole  Kingdom  of  Spain.  Some  of  them,  towards  the 
South,  reached  even  to  ^Ethiopia ;  and  fome  of  them,  to- 
wards the  North,  extended  as  far  as  Scotland.  The  Remains 
of  feveral  of  them  continue  in  England  to  this  Day  ;  though 
they  were  made,  it  may  be,  above  1500  Years  ago. 


DIALOGUE    XVII.        377 

to  which  Providence  made  the  Empire  itfelf 
ilibfervient.  It  was  a  kind  of  Road  or  Cau- 
ky,  for  the  e'verlafting  Go/pel-,  and  afforded 
the  Word  of  Life  a  free  PaflagCj  to  the  very 
Ends  of  the  Earth.  The  evangelical  Dove 
mounted  the  Wings  of  the  Roman  Eagle  j  and 
flew,  with  furprifmg  Expedition,  through  all 

Nations. Who  would  have  tliought,  that 

infatiable  Ambition  and  the  moft  bloody  Wars, 
fhould  be  paving  a  Way  for  the  PRINCE  of 
Humility  and  Peace  t  How  remote  from  all 
human  Apprehenfion,  was  fuch  a  Defign ; 
and  how  contrary  to  the  natural  Refult  of 
Things,  was  fuch  an  Event !  How  remarkably 
therefore  was  that  Obfervation  of  the  Pfalmill 
verified  ;  His  Ways  are  in  the  Sea,  and  his  Paths 
in  the  great  Waters^  and  his  Footjieps  are  mt 
known  * .' 

Converflng  on  fuch  agreeable  Subje6ls,  they 
were  carried  by  the  Stream,  through  no  lefs 
agreeable  Scenes.  They  pafs  by  Hills,  clothed 
with  hanging  Woods;  and  Woods,  arrayed 
in  varying  Green.  Here,  excluded  from  a 
Sight  of  the  out-flretched  Plains,  they  are  en- 
tertained with  a  Group  of  luifub/Iantiallm^gQSy 
and  the  Wonders  of  a  j?iimic  Creation. — An- 
other Sun  fhines,  but  flript  of  his  blazing 
Beams,  in  the  watery  Concave  :  while  Clouds 
fail  along  the  downward  Skies,  and  fometimes 

dif- 

*  Pfal.  l.xxvii.   icj. 


378        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

difclofe,  fometimes  draw  a  Veil  over,  the  radiant 
Orb.  Trees,  with  their  inverted  Tops,  either 
flourifli  in  the  fair  Serene  below  j  or  elfe  paint, 
with  a  pleafing  Delufion,  the  pellucid  Flood. 
Even  the  Mountains  are  there,  but  in  a  head- 
long Poflure  J  and,  notwithflanding  their  pro- 
digious Bulk,  they  quiver  in  this  floating  Mir- 
ror, like  the  poplar  Leaves  which  adorn  their 
Sides. 

Soon  as  the  Boat  advances,  and  diflurbs  the 
placid  Surface ;  the  Waves,  pufhed  haflily  to 
the  Bank,  bear  off^,  in  broken  Fragments,  the 
liquid  handfchape.  The  fpreading  Circles  feem- 
ed  to  prophecy,  as  they  rolled  j  and  pronounced 
the  Pleafures  of  this  prefent  State — the  Pomp 
of  Power,  the  Charm  of  Beauty,  and  the  Echo 
of  Fame — pronounced  them  tranfient,  as  their 
fpeedy  Paflage  j  empty ^  as  their  unreal  Freight. 
— Seemed  to  prophecy  ?  It  was  more.  Ima- 
gination heard  them  utter,  as  they  ran  ; 

Thus  pafi  the  Jljadowy  Scenes  of  Life  away! 

Anon,  they  emerge  from  tliis  fluid  Alley, 
and  dart  amidfl:  the  Level  of  a  fpacious  Mea- 
dow. The  Eye,  lately  immured^  though  in 
pleafurable  Confinement,  now  expands  her  de- 
lighted View,  into  a  Space  almofl:  boundlefs, 
and  amidfl:  Obje6ls  little  fliiort  of  innumerable. 
. — Tranfported  for  a  while,  at  the  numberlefs 
Variety  of  beauteous  Images,  poured  in  fweet 

Con- 


DIALOGUE    XVII.        379 

Confufion  all  around,  flie  hardly  knows,  where 
to  fix,  or  which  to  purfue.  Recovering,  at 
length,  from  the  pleafmg  Perplexity  3  flie  glances, 
quick  and  inflantaneous,  acrofs  all  the  inter- 
mediate Plain,  and  marks  the  dii^ant  Moimfams, 
How  Clifts  climb  over  Clifts,  till  the  huge 
Ridges  gain  upon  the  Sky :  how  their  dimi- 
nifhed  Tops  are  drefled  in  Blue,  or  wrapped 
in  Clouds  ;  while  all  their  leafy  Stru6lures,  and 
all  their  fleecy  Tenants,  are  loft  in  Air, 

Soon  fhe  quits  thefe  aerial  Summits,  and 
ranges  the  rulTet  Heatb :  here,  fliagged  with 
Brakes,  or  tufted  with  Rufhes:  there,  inter- 
fperfed  with  flraggling  Thickets,  or  folitary 
Trees  i  that  feem,  like  difaffeaed  Partifans, 
to  fhun  each  other's  Shade. — A  Spire,  placed 
in  a  remote  Valley,  peeps  over  the  Hills.  Senfe 
is  furprifed  at  the  amufive  Appearance  ^  is  ready 
to  fufpedl,  that  the  Column  rifes,  like  fome  in- 
chanted  Edifice,  from  the  rifted  Earth.  But 
Reafon  looks  upon  it,  as  the  Earnefl  of  a  hid- 
den Vale,  and  the  fure  Indication  of  an  adja^ 
cent  Town,  Performing,  in  this  Refpe6l, 
much  the  fame  Oliice  to  the  Eye,  as  Faitb  exe- 
cutes with  regard  to  the  Soul,  when  it  is  tbe 
Evidefice  ofl'hmgs  not  feen^. 

Next,  fhe  roves,  with  increafmg  Pleafure, 
over  fpacious  Tradts  of  fertile  Glebe,  and  cul- 
tured Fields.    Where  Cattle,  of  eveiy  graceful 

Form^ 

*  Heb.  xi.  I. 


386        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

Form,  and  every  valuable  Quality,  crop  the 
tender  Herb,  or  drink  the  cryftal  Rills. — Pre- 
fently,  fhe  dwells  with  the  higheft  Compla- 
cency, on  T^oivns  of  Opulence  and  Splendor  ; 
which  fpread  the  facred  Dome,  and  lift  the  fo- 
cial  Roof.  Towns,  no  longer  furrounded  with 
the  flcrn  forbidding  Majefty,  of  unpaffable 
Entrenchments,  and  impregnable  Ramparts  j 
but  incircled  with  the  delicate,  the  inviting 
Appendages  of  Gardens  and  Orchards :  thofe, 
decked  with  all  the  foft  Graces  of  Art  and  Ele- 
gance 5  thefe^  blufliing  and  pregnant 'with  the 
more  fnbftantial  Treafures  of  fruitful  Nature. 
— -Wreaths  of  afcending  Smoke,  intermingled 
with  Turrets  and  lofty  Pinnacles,  feem  to  con- 
tend which  fliall  get  farthejl  from  the  Earth, 
and  ncareji  to  the  Skies.  Happy  for  the  Inha- 
bitants !  If  fuch  was  the  habitual  Tendency 
of  their  Defires  *  ;  if  no  other  Contention 
was  known  in  their  Streets. 

Villas, 

*  This  Comparifon,  I  think,  cannot  appear  vulgar  to 
thofe  PerfonSj  who  have  read,  and  who  reverence,  'The  Book 
of  Canticles.  There,  the  Church,  afcending  continually  in 
her  AfFe£tions,  to  her  beloved  JESUS,  and  to  her  heavenly 
Home,  is  characterized  by  this  very  Similitude.  IFho  is  this 
that  Cometh  out  of  the  Wilder nejs  like  Pillars  of  Smoke  ?  Cantic. 
iii.  6. — Though  it  muft  be  confefled,  that  this  Similitude, 
like  many  of  thellluftrations  ufed  in  Scripture,  might  have 
a  Sort  of  local  Propriety  ;  peculiar  to  the  People  of  that  Age, 
Country,  and  Religion.  It  might  probably  refer  to  thofe 
Colunms  of  Smoke,  which  arofe  from  the  Biiryit -Offerings 
or  fumed  from  th?  Altar  of  hunfe.     If  fp,  this  Circum- 

ftancc 


DIALOGUE     XVIL         381 

Plllasy  elegant  and  magnificent,  feated  in  thi 
Center  of  an  ample  Park,  or  removed  to  the 
Extremity  of  a  lengthened  Lawn  :  not  far 
frorn  a  beautiful  Refervoir  of  Handing  Waters, 
or  the  more  falutary  Lapfe  of  a  limpid  Stream. 

Villages,     clad    in   homely   Thatch,    and 

lodged  in  the  Bofom  of  cluflering  Trees.  Ruf- 
tics,  fmging  at  their  Work  ;  Shepherds,  tun- 
ing their  Pipes,  as  they  tend  their  Flocks  } 
Travelers,  purfuing  each  his  refpective  Way,, 
in  eafy  and  joyous  Security. 

Hov^  pleahng,  faid  Afpafio,  is  our  Situation  \ 
Hov^  delightful  is  the  Afped"  of  all  Things  ! 
One  would  almo ft  imagine,  that  nothing  could 
exceed  it,  and  that  nothing  can  increafe  ih 
Yet  there  is  a  Method  of  increafing  even  this 

copious 

fiance  muft  give  a  Solemnity  and  Dignity  to  the  Idea,  of 
which  many  Readers  are  not  at  all  aware,  and  which  in- 
deed no  modern  Reader  can  fully  conceive. 

May  I  take  leave  to  mention  another  Comparifon  of  this 
Kind  ?  The  Enemies  of  the  LO  RD  /ball  confume  as  the  Fat 
of  Lo?nbs  ;  yea,  even  as  the  Smoke  Jhall  they  unfume  away. 
Pfal.  xxxvii.  20. — As  the  Fat  of  Lambs,  is  not  to  Us  zjirik^ 
ing  Reprefentation.  But  to  thofe  who  attended  the  Altar, 
who  faw  the  unctuous  and  moft  combuftible  Parts  of  the 
Vi6lim  blazing  in  the  facred  Fire,  it  prefented  a  very  lively 
Image.  Which  was  ftill  more  appofite  and  fignificant,  if  the 
Pfaltn  was  fung,  while  the  Sacrifice  was  burning. — None  I 
believe,  in  fuch  a  Cafe,  could  forbear  either  obferving  or  ad- 
miring the  beautiful  Gradation  :  *'  They  fhall  perifh  as  yon- 
**  der  Fat,  which  is  fo  eafily  feton  fire  ;  and,  when  once  in 
"  a  Flame,  is  fo  fpeedily  confumed.  Nav,  they  fhall  be  as 
*'  \ht  Smoke,  which  is- ftill -more  tranfient.  Whofe  light 
*'  unfubllantial  Wreaths,  but  juft  make  their  Appearance 
^'  to  the  Eye  3  _and,  in  a  Moment,  vanifti  into  empty  Air." 


382         DIALOGUE    XVir. 

copious  Delight,  and  of  heightening  even  this 
exquifite  Pleafure. — Let  me  defire  my  Friend, 
anfwered  Theron,  to  explain  his  Remark  -,  and 
not  only  to  explain,  but  to  exemplify. — If  We 
view,  refumed  Afpafw,  our  own  profperoiis^  and 
compare  it  with  the  ajiicl edCow^it^ion  of  Others, 
the  Method  I  propofe,  will  be  reduced  to 
Praclice.  Such  a  dark  and  mournful  Contrafl, 
mufi:  throw  additional  Brightnefs,  even  upon 
the  brightefl  Scene. 

Above  Us,  the  Skies  fmile  with  Serenity ; 
below  Us,  the  Fields  look  gay  with  Plenty  j 
•  all  around  Us,  the  fportive  Gales 

Fanfting  their  odoriferous  Wings  difpenfe 
Native  Perfumes ;  and'whifper,  whence  theyjiok 
^hofe  bahny  Spoils. 

With  Us  all  Circumftances  are  as  eajy^  as  the 
Wafture  of  the  Boat  j  2iSfmooth^  as  the  Flow  of 
the  Stream. — But  let  Us  not  forget  thofe  griev- 
ous Calamities,  which  befal  our  Brethren,  in 
fome  remote  Tracts  of  the  Earth,  or  dillant 
Parts  of  the  Ocean.  How  many  Sailors  are 
flruggling,  vainly  flruggling,  with  all  the  Fury 
of  rending  Winds,  and  dafliing  Waves !  While 
their  Veiiel,  flung  to  and  fro  by  tempeftuous 
Billows,  is  mounted  into  the  Clouds,  or  plunged 
into  the  Abyfs.  Poflibly,  the  miferable  Crew 
hear  their  Knell  founded,  in  the  fliattered 
Mall  J  and  fee  Defb'U(^ion  entering;  at  the 

buril- 


DIALOGUE  XVII.  383 
burfting  Planks.  Perhaps,  this  very  Moment, 
they  pour  the  laft,  difmal,  dying  Shriek  ;  and 
fmk,  irrecoverably  fink,  in  the  all-overwhelm- 
ing Surge. — The  Traveler,  in  African  barren 
Waftes,  pale  even  amidfl  thofe  glowing  Regi- 
ons, pale  with  prodigious  Conilernation,  fees 
fudden  and  furprifmg  Mountains  rife.  Sees 
the  fultry  Defart,  afcending  the  Sky,  and  fweep- 
ing  before  the  Whirlwind.  What  can  He  do  ? 
Whither  fly  ?  How  efcape  the  approaching 
Ruin  ?  Alas  !  while  He  attempts  to  rally  his 
Thoughts  ;  attempts  to  devife  fome  feeble  Ex- 
pedient; He  is  overtaken  by  the  choking  Storm, 
and  fuffocated  amidfl  the  fandy  Immdatiofi. 
The  driving  Heaps  are,  now,  his  Executioner ; 
as  the  drifted  Heaps  will,  foon,  be  his  Tomb. 

While  TVe  poflefs  the  valuable  Privileges, 
and  tafte  the  delicious  Sweets  of  Liberty^  how 
many  Partakers  of  our  common  Nature,  are 
condemned  to  perpetual  Exile,  or  hammered 
to  the  Oar  for  Life  !  How  many  are  immured 
in  the  Gloom  of  Dungeons,  or  buried  in  the 
Caverns  of  the  Mines;  never  to  behold  the 

all-inlivening  Sun  again! While   Refped 

waits  upon  our  Perfons,  and  Reputation  at- 
tends our  Chara6lers  :  are  there  not  fome  un- 
happy Creatures,  led_  forth  by  the  Hand  of 
'uindiSti've  Jujiice,  to  be  Spectacles  of  Horror, 
and  Monuments  of  Vengeance?  Sentenced, 
for  their  enormous  Crimes,  to  be  broke  Limb 

by 


384        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

by  Limb  on  the  Wheel,  or  to  be  impaled  alive 
on  the  lingering  Stake.  To  thefe,  the  flrang- 
ling  Cord,  or  the  deadly  Stab,  would  be  a 
moft  welcome  Favour.  But  they  muft  feel  a 
thoiifand  Deaths,  in  undergoing  one.  And  this, 
too  probably,  is  but  the  Beginning  of  their 
Sorrows ;  will  only  confign  them  over  to  infi- 
nitely more  terrible  Torment. While  Eafe 

and  Pleafure,  in  fweet  Conjun61ion,  fmooth 
our  Paths,  and  foften  our  Couch  :  how  many 
are  toiling  on  the  Fever's  fiery  Bed,  or  toiling 
along  Affli6lion's  thorny  Road  !  Some,  under 
the  excruciating^  but  necefTary  Operations  of 
Surgery  r  their  Bodies  ripped  open,  with  a 
dreadful  Incifion,  to  fearch  for  the  torturing 
Stone ;  or  their  Limbs  lopped  off  by  the 
bloody  Knife,  to  prevent  the  Mortification's 
fatal  Spread.  Some  emaciated  by  pining  Sick- 
nefs,  are  deprived  of  all  their  animal  Vigour  5 
and  transformed  into  Speclres,  even  before 
their  Dilfolution  *.  Thefe  are  ready  to  adopt 
the  Complaint  of  the  Pfalmiji  -,  I  am  ivithcred 
like  Grafs  5  my  Bojies  are  burjit  up,  as  it  were  a 
Firebrand',  I  go  hence  like  the  Shadow  that  de- 
part eth.  While  Health,  that  ftaple  Blefling ; ' 
which  gives  every  other  Entertainment  its  Fla- 
vour and  its  Beauty  ^  adds  the  Glofs  to  all  We 

fee, 

*  A  very  little  Excurfion  of  Thought  will  eafily  convince 
the  Reader,  that  there  is  no  Period  ot  Time,  in  which  fome 
of  thefe  Calamities  do  not  befal  our  Fellow- creatures,  in 
one  Pait  of  the  World  ox  another. 


DIALOGUE     XVII.       38^ 

fee,  and  the  Gout  to  all  We  tafte;  Health 
plays  at  our  Hearts  -,  dances  in  our  Spirits  -, 
and  mantles  in  our  Cheeks,  as  the  generous 
Champain  lately  fparkled  in  our  Glafs. 

We  are  bleft  wath  a  calm  Poiieffion  of  Our- 
felves  J  with  Tranquility  in  our  Confciences, 
and  an  habitual  Harmony  in  our  Temper. 
Whereas  Many,  in  the  doleful  Cells  of  Lima- 
cy\  are  gnafliing  their  Teeth,  or  wringing  their 
Hands ;  rending  the  Air  with  Voilies  of  horrid 
Execrations,  or  burdening  it  with  Peals  of  dif- 
confolate  Sighs.  And  O  !  what  iMultitudes  are 
held  in  fpkndid  VaffalagCy  by  their  own  domi* 
neering  Paffions,  or  the  Vanities  of  a  bev/itch- 
ing  World.  Far  lefs  innocently,  far  more  de- 
plorably difordered  *,  than  the  fettered  Mad- 
man, they  are  gnawed  by  the  invenomed  Tooth 
of  Envy  ;  they  are  agitated  by  the  wild  Sallies 
of  Ambition  ^  or  feel  the  malignant  Ulcer  of 

Jealoufy, 

*  Give  me  any  Plague^  fays  an  apocryphal  Writer,  lid  the 
Plague  of  the.  Heart.  Ecclus.  xxv.  13.  Upon  which  judi- 
cious and  weighty  Apothegm,  Mafmiffh's  Speech  in  Mr. 
Thomfon'^  Sophonijla^  is  a  very  pertinent  and  aiFecting  Para- 
phrafe. 

O  !  fave  me  from  the  Tumult  of  the  Soul ! 

From  the  wild  Beajl  within  / — For^  circling  Sands, 

JVhen  the  fwift  U'hirlwind  whelms  them  o'er  the  Lands  \ 

The  roaring  Deeps,  that  to  the  Clouds  arife, 

JVhile  thwarting  thick  the  mingled  Lightning  fies  ; 

The  Monjier-hraod,  to  which  this  Land  gives  Birth, 

The  blazing  City,  and  the  gaping  Earth  ; 

Jll  Deaths^  all  Tortures^  in  one  Pang  ccmbln'df 

Are  gentle  to  the  Tempejl  of  the  Mini. 

Vol.  III.  '  C  c 


1^%6         DIALOGUE    XVII. 

Jealoufy,  rankling  in  their  Breads.  In  Some, 
Avarice,  like  a  ravening  Harpy,  gripes.  In 
Some,  Revenge,  like  an  implacable  Fury, 
rages.  While  Others  are  goaded  by  lordly  and 
imperious  Lufrs,  through  th&  loathfome  Se^iV- 
ers  of  impure  Delight  j  and  left,  at  laft,  in 
thofe  hated  and  execrable  Dens,  where  Re- 
morfe  rears  her  fneaky  Crefl,  and  Infamy 
fharpens  her  hiffing  Tongue. 


Why  this  long  Paufe  ?  replied  Theron.  Your 
Obfervations  are  as  ufeful,  as  they  are  juH. 
We  fhould  all  be  acquainted,  at  leaft  in  Spe- 
culation acquainted,  with  Grief ,  and  fend  our 
Thoughts,  if  not  our  Feet,  to  vifit  the  Abodes 

of  Sorrow. That,  in  this  School,  We  may 

learn  a  fympathizing  Pity,  for  our  diftrefled 
Fellow-creatures  J  and  fee,  in  this  Glafs,  our 
inexpreffible  Obligations  to  the  Goodnefs  of 
Providence.  Which  has  crowned  our  Table 
with  Abundance,  and  repleniflied  our  Cup 
with  Delicacies ;  permitting  neither  Penury  to 
flint  the  Draught,  nor  Adverfity  to  mingle  her 
Gall. — Go  on,  I  muft  Intreat  You,  \\\\.\\  your 
Dcfcription  of  comparative  Felicity.  We  have 
a  large  Circuit  ftill  to  make,  before  We  arrive 
at  our  intended  Port.  And  I  could  wifli,  that 
your  Difcourfe  might  keep  Pace  with  the  Cur- 
rent. 

Since 


DIALOGUE     XVIi.        387 

Since  You  approve  the  Subjeft,  anfwered 
Afpafw,  I  will  piirfue  it  a  little  farther. — We, 
the  Inhabitants  of  this  favoured  Ifle,  breaths 
an  Air  of  the  moil  ^^rf^<3^/?  Temperature,  and 
moft  wholfome  Qualities.  But  how  many  Na- 
tions languifh  under  brazen  Skies,  vaulted  as 
it  were  v/ith  Fire  ?  They  welter  amidft  thofe 
Furnaces  of  the  Sun,   till  their  "  Vifage  is 

"  burnt,  and  black  as  a  Coal  *." What  is 

far  more  difaftrous,  Beds  of  Sulphur  and  com- 
buftible  Materials,  lie  in  fubterraneous  Am- 
bufli,  ready  to  fpring  the  irrefijiible  Mine.  Ere 
long — perhaps,  on  fome  Day  of  univerfal  Fe- 
flivity  -f-,  or  in  fome  Night  of  deep  Repofe— 
to  be  touched  by  Heaven's  avenging  Hand. 
Then,  with  what  outrageous  Violence  will  they 

burft'! 

*  Lam.  iv.  8. 

t  There  is  a  remarkable  Paffage  in  Pfal.  Iviii.  lo.  which 
feems  to  denote  fome  fuch  unexpeiffed^  hut  fpeedy  and  bievit- 
able  Doom.  Jt  is  cbfcured,  not  a  little,  by  the  Verllon  ad- 
mitted into  our  Liturgy.  I  believe,  the  true  Tranllation 
may  be  feen  in  the  following  Italics^  and  the  true  Senfe  learnt 

from  the  inlerwo'ven  Paraphrafe. Speedily,  or  before  your 

Pots  can  perceive  the  Warmth  of  blazing  Thorns,  Jl}all  HE 
that  ruleth  over  all,  fweep  away  the  Wicked  :  fwetrp  him 
away  by  a  Stroke  of  jrightcous  Indignation,  as  by  a  fierce  and 
mighty  Tempeft ;  fo  that,  even  from  the  Fulnefs  of  his  Suf- 
ficiency, and  the  Height  of  his  Profperity,  He  ihall  be 
plunged  into  utter  Deftrudlion, — The  Word  'n>  which  is 
very  unhappily  rendered  raiv,  fignifies  a  Scate  of  Profperity 
ox  pkafwable  Enjoyment.  I  Sam.  xxv.  6. — The  whole  Verfe, 
in  a  Gradation  of  flriking  Images,  gives  Us  a  mod  awful 
Difplay  of  divine  Vengeance.  V^engeance,  quite  fuddcn, 
utterly  irrefiftible,  and  overtaking  the  I'ecure  Sinner,  aniidft 
all  the  Carelles  of,  what  tlie  World  calls,  Fc-)tune. 

C    C    2 


|88       DIALOGUE     XVIL 

burfi: !  Rock  the  Foundations  of  Nature  f 
Wrench  open  the  ponderous  Jaws  of  Earth  I 
And  fwallow  up  aftonifhed  Cities,  in  the  dark, 
tremendous,  clofing  Chafm ! 

Thefe  Earthquakes,  it  may  be,  both  precede 
and  portend,  the  Pejiilence  that  walketh  in  Dark- 
nejs,  and  the  Sicknefs  that  deflroyeth  at  Noo?i- 
day  *.  They  are,  at  once,  a  fearful  Omen,  and 
a  ruinous  Blow.  The  flagnating  Atmofphere, 
rank  with  malignant  Vapours,  becomes  a  Source 
of  deadly  Infeftion  :  or,  replete  with  poifonous 
Animalcules,  is  one  vaft  incumbent  Cloud  of 
living  Ba?ie.  If  the  a6live  Gales  arife,  they 
arife  only  to  ftir  the  Seeds  of  Difeafe,  and  dif- 
fufe  the  fatal  Contagion  far  and  near. Un- 
happy People  I  The  Plague,  that  fevere  Mi- 
nifter  of  divine  Indignation,  fixes  her  Head- 
quarters in  their  blafted  Provinces  j  and  fends 
Death  abroad,  on  his  pale  Horfe  -f-,  to  enipty 
their  Houfes,  depopulate  their  Towns,  and 
croud  their  Graves. 

Our  Ifland  is  feldom  vifited  with  either  of 
thefe  dreadful  Judgments  j  and  has  never  fuf- 
tained  any  very  confiderable  Calamity  from 
the  former.  However,  let  Us  not  be  prefump- 
tuoufly  fecure.  We  have,  not  long  ago,  re- 
ceived an  awful  Warning.  The  Rod  has  been 
ihaken,  or  rather  the  Sword  has  been  bran- 
diihed,  over  our  Territories. Who  can  for- 
get 
*  Fj'al.  xci.  6.                t  Rev.  vi.  8. 


DIALOGUE     XVII.        3^9 
get  the  general  Confternation,  that  felzed  our 
Metropolis,  on  Occafion  of  the  late  Earthquake  ? 
And  not  without  Reafon.     For,  of  all  divine 
Vifitations,  this  is  the  mofl  terribly  vindictive. 
The  Whirlwind  \sJlow  in  its  Progrefs ;  War  is 
gentle  in  its  Aflaults ;  even  the  raging  Pefli- 
lence  is  a  mild  Rebuke;  compared  with  tlic 
inevitable,  the  all-over-'whehjiing  Fury  of  an 
Earthquake.     When  it  begins,  it  alfo  makes 
an  End  *.     Puts  a  Period,  in  a  few  Minutes, 
to  the  Work  of  Ages.    Ruins  all,  without  Di- 
ftinftion  3  and  there  is  no  Defence  from  the 
deflruclive  Stroke. 

Should  almighty  Vengeance  ftlr  up  again 
thofe  fierce  fubterranean  Commotions :  fhould 
the  moft  high  GOD  bid  ftrong  Convuhions 
tear  the  Bowels  of  Nature,  and  make  the  Foun- 
dations of  the  W^orld  tremble  like  a  Leaf: 
What,  O  ye  carelefs  ones  f ,  What  will  You  do  ? 

Whither  will  You  fly  ? See  !  the  Pavement 

fmks  under  your  Feet.  Your  Houfes  are  tot- 
tering over  your  Heads.  The  Ground,  on 
every  Side,  cracks  and  opens  like  a  gapin^^ 
Grave ;  or  heaves  and  fwells  like  a  roHing  Sea. 
A  Noife  of  CraJJding  %  is  heard  from  without, 
occafioned  by  the  rending  Streets,  and  failing 
■Stru6lures.     Thunders,  infernal  Thunders  ||, 

bellow 

,    *   I  Sam.  iii.  12.       f  Ifa'i.  xxxii.  11.  %  Zeph.  i.  10. 

II  Before  the  Overthrow  of  Catania  by  an  Earthquake,  a 
Noife  was  heard,  vaft  and  horrid,  as  if  all  the  Artillery  in 
the  World  wai;  difcharged  at  once. 

C  c  ^ 


^00  DIALOGUE  XVII. 
bellow  from  beneath ;  mingled  with  defpairing 
Shrieks,  and  dying  Groans  from  thofe  wretch- 
ed Creatures,  who  are  jammed  between  the 
clofmg  Earth,  or  going  down  alive  into  the 
horrible  Pit  *. — Where  now  will  You  fly  ?  To 

your 

*  Very  memorable,  and  equally  tremendous,  is  the  Ac- 
cojjnt  of  the  Earthquake,  that  vifited  Sici/y,  in  the  Year  1693. 

■ Ii  fuook  the  v/hole  liland.     The  Adifchief  it  caufed,  is 

amazing.  Fifty-four  Cities  and  Towns,  befide  an  incre- 
dible Number  of  Villages,  were  either  demolifh^d,  or  greatly 
damaged.  Catania,  one  of  the  moft  famous  and 'flourifhing 
Cities  in  the  Kingdom,  was  intirely  deftroyed.  Of  18,914 
Inhabitants,   18000  pcrilhed. 

Another  Earthquake  almoft  as  dreadful,  and  in  the  fame 
Year,  fpreadDefolation  through  the  Colony  oi  Jamaica.  In  two 
Minutes  Tim.c,  it  fhook  down,  and  laid  under  Water,  nine 
Tenths  of  the  Town  of  Port-royal.  In  lefs  than  a  Minute, 
three  Quarters  of  the  Houfes,  and  the  Ground  they  ftood  on, 
together  with  the  Inhabitants,  were  quite  funk  :  and  the 
little  Part  left  behind,  was  no  better  than  Heaps  of  Rubbifli. 

The  Shake  was  fo  violent,  that  it  threw  People  down 

upon  their  Knees,  or  their  Faces,  as  they  were  running 
about  for  Shelter.  The  Ciround  heaved  and  fwellcd,  like  a 
rolling  Sea  ;  and  feveral  Houfes,  rtiil  fianding,  were  fliuffled 
fome  Yards  out  of  their  Places.  The  Earth  would  crack  and 
yawn  ;  would  open  and  fhut,  quick  and  fafi.  Of  which  hor- 
rid Openings,  two  or  three  hundred  might  be  (ecn  at  once. 
In  fome  whereof,  the  People  went  down,  and  were  fecn  no 
more.  In  fome  they  dcfcended,  and  rofe  again  in  other 
Streets,  or  in  the  Middle  of  the  Hirbour,  Some  fwiftly 
clofing,  feized  the  miferable  Creatures,  and  preli'ed  them  to 
Death  ;  leaving  their  Pleads,  or  half  tjaeir  Bodies  above 
Ground,  to  be  a  Spe£^acle  of  Terror,  and  a  Prey  to  Dogs. 
Out  ofothers  would  illue  whole  Rivers  of  Water,  fpouted 
to  a  great  Height  in  the  Air,  and  threatening  a  Deluge 
to  th;it  Part,  which  the  Earthquake  fpared. — Scarce  a  Plant- 
jng-houfe  or  Sugar-work  was  left  llanding  in  all  the  Ifland., 
Two  thoufand  Lives  were  loft,  and  a  thoufand  Acres  of 
Land  funk.     The  whole  was  attcnucd  with  frightful  Noifes, 

with 


DIALOGUE     XVII.        391 

yonr  flrong  Towers  ?    The}^  are  Ihattered  in 

Pieces. I'o  the  flronger  Rocks  ?  They  are 

thrown  out  of  their  Place. To  the  open 

Fields?  They  are  a  frightful  Gulph,  yawning 
to  devour  You. — Where-ever  You  iiv  ;  in  the 
Wildnefs  of  your  Diftratlion,  where-ever  you 
feek  for  Shelter ;  It  fhali  he,  as  if  a  Man  fed 
from  a  Lion^  and  a  Bear  met  Him ;  or  went  i?ito 
the  Houfe,  a?id  leaned  his  Hand  upon  the  Wall, 
and  a  Serpent  bit  Him  *. 

Yet,  there  is  one  Place  of  Refuge,  which 
will  prove  an  inviolable  Sanftuary,  and  a  per- 
fect Security.  I  mean,  the  great,  the  gracious, 
the  adorable  REDEEMER'S  Rij^hteoufnefs. 
Hither  let  Us  betake  ourfelves.  Now,  beiX)re 
the  Day  of  Defolation  cometh,  let  us  betake 
Ourfelves  to  this  Strong-hold.  Then,  fnall  We 
have  no  Reafon  to  fear,  though  the  Earth  be 
moved,  and  though  the  Elills  be  carried  into 
the  Midil  of  the  Sea.  For  thus  faith  G  O  D, 
the  omnipotent  and  faithful  GOD;  'The  Sun 
and  the  Moon  Jhall  be  darkened^  ajid  the  SUzrs 
fljall  withdraw  their  Shining.  The  LORD  alfo 
fdall  roar  out  of  Sion,  'and  utter  his  Voice  from 
Jertifalem.  The  'Heavens  and  the  Earth  fall 
Jhake;  but  the  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  will 

-  be 
with  brimftone  Blafts,  and  ofFenfive  Smells.  The  noifome 
Vapours  belched  forth,  corrupted  the  Air,  and  brought  on  a 
general  Sicknefs  ;  which  fwept  away  more  than  three  thou- 
land  of  thofe,  who  efcaped  the  Fury  of  the  Earthquake,  bee 
Chamb.  Di5f.  on  the  Word  Earthquake. 
*  dmij  V.  icj. 

C  c  4 


392       DIALOGUE     XVII. 

be  the  Hope  of  his  People y  and  the  Strength  of  the 

Children  oj  Ifrael  *. Or,  if  the  true  Believer 

is  involved,  in  the  fame  undiftinguiflied  Ruin 
with  the  Ungodly  -,  even  this  fhaJl  turn  to  his 
"Gain.  It  fhall  exempt  Him  from  the  linger- 
ing Pains,  and  the  melancholy  Solemnities  of 
a  dying  Bed.  Like  Elijah's  fiery  Chariot,  it 
fhall  fpccdily  waft  his  Soul  to  the  Bofom  of 
his  SAVIOUR.  V^hile  the  hideous  Cavern, 
that  vi^helms  his  Body  in  the  Center,  fliall  be 
its  Chamber  of  Reft,  till  the  beloved  BRIDE- 
GROOM comes,  and  the  Day  of  Refurre6lion 
dawns. 

We  lift  up  our  Eyes,  and  behold  the  radiant 
Colours,  which  flufli  the  Forehead  of  the 
Morning:  We  turn,  and  gaze  upon  the  no 
lefs  beautiful  Tinges,  which  impurple  the 
Cheek  of  Evening.  Wc  throw  around  our 
View,  and  are  delighted  with  numberlefs 
Forms  of  Fertility,  that  both  decorate  and  in- 
rich  our  Plains. Whereas,  other  Countries 

are  over-run  with  immenfe  Swarms  of  Locujis : 
which  intercept,  where-ever  they  fly,  the  fair 
Face  of  Day^  and  deftroy,  where-ever  they 
alight,  the  green  Treafures  of  the  Ground. 

Ah  !  what  avails  it,  that  the  laborious  Hind 
fows  his  Acres  J  or  the  Ikilful  Hulbandman 
prunes  his  Vineyard  ?  That  Spring,  with  her 

prolific 

*  Jcer\\\,  i6,  17, 


DIALOGUE    XVII.       393 

prolific  Moifture,  fwells  the  Budj  or,  with 
her  delicate  Pencil,  paints  the  BlofTom  ?  Nor 
Grain,  nor  Fruit,  can  hope  for  Maturity ; 
while  thefe  rapacious  and  baleful  Creatures  in- 
feft  the  Neighbourhood.  They  ravage  the 
Gardens.  They  ftrip  the  Trees,  and  Ihave  the 
Meadows.  Scarce  a  fnigle  Leaf  remains  on 
the  Boughs,  or  fo  much  as  a  fingle  Stalk  in 
the  Furrows.  A  Fire  devoureth  before  them^ 
and  behind  them  a  Flame  burneth :  the  Laiid  is  as 
the  Garden  of  Eden  before  them,  and  behind  them 
a  defolate  Wildernefs :  yea,  and  nothing  can  efcape 
them  *. 

Now,  let  the  dreadful  Artillery  roar  from 
all  its  iron  Throats,  and  difgoi-ge  the  heaviefl 
Glut  of  mortal  Hail.  Now,  Ye  Sons  of 
Slaughter ;  M.tnfkilfulto  deftroy  -f ;  now  hurl  the 
fulphureous  Globes,  which  kindle  into  a  Hur- 
ricane of  Fire,  and  burft  in  ragged  Inflruments 
of  Ruin. — To  no  Purpofe.  The  linked  Thun- 
derbolts are  turned  into  Stubbie;  the  burilinof 

o 

Bombs  are  accounted  as  Straw.  Thefe  Armies 

of 

*  A  Fire  devoureth  before  them^  and  behind  them  a  Flame 
hurneth.  Joel  ii.  3.  This  is  one  of  thofe  bold  and  exprejjive 
Metaphors,  in  which  the  Hebrew  Language  delights,  and  by 
which  it  is  eminently  diftinguifhed.  It  fignifies  a  total  De- 
vajlation  of  the  vegetable  Produce.  Such  as  muft  enfue,  if 
a  raging  and  refifllefs  Fire  attended  the  Progrefs  of  thefe  per- 
nicious Animals :  burning  with  fuch  vehement  Impetuofitv, 
that  None  could  quench  itj  fpreading  fuch  extenfive  Havock, 
that  nothing  could  efcape  it. 

-j-  Ezd.'iLyA,  31, 


394       DIALOGUE     XVII. 

of  the  Air,  laugh  at  all  tlie  formidable  Prepa- 
rations of  Vv^ar ;  and  when  they  fall  on  the 
Sword^  they  fcall  not  be  wounded^- — Surprifing 
and  awfal  Deflinaticn  of  the  everlafting  GOD  \ 
At  once,  to  ftain  the  Pride,  and  chaftife  the 
Guilt  of  Man !  Thefe  are  a  defpicable  and 
puny  Race  J  clad  in  no  Coat  of  Mail,  but 
cruflicd  by  the  flighteft  Touch.  They  wear 
neither  Sword,  nor  Scymeter,  nor  any  ofFen- 
iive  Weapon.  Yet,  in  fpite  of  oppofmg  Le- 
gions, they  carry  on  their  Depredations,  and 
pufh  their  Conquefts.  Terfor  marches  in  their 
Front,  and  Famine  brings  up  the  Rear.  They 
fpread  univerfal  Devaftation,  asrthey  advance  ; 
and  frequently  give  the  Signal,  for  the  Pefli- 
lence  to  follow.  Potent  Armies  lofe  their 
Hands,  and  haughty  Tyrants  tremble  for  their 
Dominions. 

O! 

*  The  Prophet  'Joel^  foretclHng  the  Plague  of  Locujis, 
gives,  under  the  Image  of  an  embattled  Hoji,  a  moft  awful 
Difplay,  of  their  terrible  Appearance  ;  their  impetuous  Fro- 
grefs  J  the  horrible  Dread  they  raife,  as  they  advance  ;  and 
the  irreparable  Mifchief  they  leave,  as  they  depart.  Adding, 
amonsrft  other  amazing  Circumftances,  IVheii  they  fall  upon 
the  Sword,  theyjhall  not  be  wounded.  Which  implies,  I  ap- 
prehend, that  no  Method  of  Slaughter  fhould  prove  deftruc- 
tive  lo  their  Troops  ;  or,  that  every  Expedient,  contrived 
lor  their  Suppreflion,  fhould  be  utterly  baffled.  Being, through 
their  immenfe  Numbers  as  invincible,  as  if  every  one  was 
abfolutely  invulnerable.  For,  though  Millions  and  Millions 
iJiould  perifh,  by  the  Weapons  of  War  j  even  fuch  a  Blow, 
in  reference  to  their  whole  collective  Body,  fhould  fcarce  be 
perceived  as  a  Lofs,  fcarce  be  felt  as  a  Wound  j  neither  di- 
miriilhing  their  Strength,  nor  retarding  their  March.  Jod 
ii.  ^» 


DIALOGUE    XVII.        395 

0 1  that  the  Natives  of  Great-Britaijt  would 
bethink  themfelves !  Would  break  off  their 
Sins  by  Righteoufnefs,  and  their  Iniquities  by 
cherifhing  the  Influences  of  the  Divine  SPI- 
RIT! Left  this  o'uerjlounng  Scourge  *,  under 
which  fome  neighbouring  Kingdoms  have 
feverely  fmarted,  fhould  be  commifTioned  to 
vifit  our  Borders,  and  avenge  the  Quarrel  of 

its  MAKE  R's  Honour. Diftant  as  thofe 

countlefs  Legions  are,  with  interpofing  Seas 
between ;  yet,  if  GOD  lift  up  a  Standard  from 
far,  or  but  hifs  -f-  unto  them  from  the  Ends  of 

the 

*  Overflowing  Scourge^  Ifai.  xxviii.  15.  It  is  the  Property 
of  a  Scourge  to  lajhy  of  a  River  to  oversow.  Tiie  facred 
Writer,  by  an  elegant  7rapovo/A«<ria  which  He  often  ufes, 
has  connected  thefe  different  Ideas  and  different  Effe<5ls.  The 
vindid:ive  Vifitation,  with  which  He  threatens  the  difobedi- 
ent  JewSy  ftiall  pierce  deep  as  a  Scourge,  znd  fpread  wide  as 
an  Inundation.  They  fhall  feel  it  to  their  very  Souls  ;  and 
it  fhall  involve  the  whole  Nation  in  Mifery,  Anguifh,  and 
Ruin. 

-  There  feems  to  be  fuch  a  Form  of  Expreffion  in  the  Ser- 
vice of  our  Church.  When  We  pray,  in  behalf  of  our  Fel- 
low-chriftians ;  "  pour  upon  them  the  continual  Dew  of  thy 
**  Bleffing."  That  which  may  be  refrefhing  and  falutary  as 
the  Dew,  yet  copious  and  abundant  as  the  Shower. 

t  Hi/s  unto  them.  Ifai.  v.  26.  With  great  Significancy, 
and  peculiar  Grandeur,  the  Prophet  applies  this  Expreffion 
to  the  LORD  GOD  of  Hefts,  influencing  the  moft  power- 
ful Armies,  q.  d.  "  They  come,  without  a  Moment's 
"  Delay,  and,  from  the  remoteft  Regions  of  the  Earth,  to 
"  execute  all  his  Pleafure.     Formidable  and  innumerable  as 

"  they  are,  they  come 1  fay  not,  upon  his  repeated  In- 

"  jundions,  or  at  \i\^Jiri£l  Command — but  at  the  firj}^  the 
"  VQVf  Jrnalleji  Intimation  of  his  Will."— Such  as  the  Shep- 
herds ufed  to  their  Flocks ;  fuch  as  the  Bee-men,  of  old, 

to 


396       DIALOGUE     XVII. 

the  Earth ;  they  come  with  Speed  Jhviftly. — Who 
will  convey  this  Wifh  to  the  Ears,  who  will 
tranfmit  it  to  the  Hearts,  of  my  Countrymen  ? 
That  our  Land  may  always  appear,  as  it  does 
at  prefent,  like  the  Darling  of  Providence. 
May  always  refound  with  the  Voice  of  Joy, 
and  be  filled  with  the  Fruits  of  Plenty.  May 
always  wear  the  Robe  of  Beauty,  and  be  adorn- 
ed with  the  Smile  of  Peace. 

How  great  are  the  Advantages  of  Peace! 
faid  T^beron.  Peace  at  her  Leifure  plans,  and 
leads  out  Induftry  to  execute,  all  the  noble  and 
commodious  Improvements,  which  We  behold 
on  every  Side.  Peace  fets  the  Mark  of  Pro- 
perty on  our  PofiefTions,  and  bids  Juflice  gua- 
rantee them  to  our  Enjoyment.  Peace  fpreads 
over  Us  the  Banner  of  the  Laws,  while  We 
tafte,  free  from  Outrage,  and  fecure  from  In- 
jury, the  Milk  and  Honey  of  our  honefl  Toil*. 

Amidfl 

to  their  Swarms ;  or  fuch  as  We,  in  thefe  Days,  to  fome  0*^ 

our  domeftic  Animals. The  Hebrew  plJi^  I  would  not 

tranflate.  At  his  IVh'ijUe ;  bccaufe  this  Phrafe,  in  our  Lan- 
guage, creates  a  vulgar  Sound,  and  conveys  a  low  Idea : 
but  fuch  is  the  Import  of  the  Original.  Which  denotes  all 
that  unconcerned  Eafe  of  A£tion,  without  any  of  the  offenfive 
Familiarity  of  Diftion. 

*  Pax  optima  Rerum^  fays  the  Latin  Poet. — But  the  Ori- 
entals^ I  think,  difcovcr  the  moft  fuperlative  Eftecm  for  this 
BleHing,  by  making  it  the  conftant  Form  of  their.Salutations, 
and  the  Subjcft  of  their  moft  cordial  Wiflics  for  their  Friends  j 
PEACE  BE  UNl'O  THEE  !— In  this ^r/  Sentence,  they 
feem  to  have  comprifed.a  whole  Volume  of  Mercies  :  mean- 
ing, by  their  fingle  CDl^t^S  all  that  the  Greeks  expreflcd  by 

their 


DIALOGUE     XVII.        397 

— Amidft  the  tumultuous  Confufions  of  fVar, 
who  could  have  a  Heart  to  contrive,  or  a 
Hand  to  accomplifli,  any  fuch  Works  of  Dig- 
nity and  Ufc  ?  In  thofe  Days  of  Darknefs  and 
Diflraclion,  how  languid  to  the  Sight  are  all 
the  dewy  Landfchapes  of  Spring  ?  How  infipid 
to  the  Tafle  are  all  the  delicious  Flavours  of 

Autumn  ? When  the  Nation  is  over-run 

with  Armies,  and  embroiled  in  Slaughter,  a 
trembling  Hearty  and  Failing  of  Eyes,  and  Sor- 
row of  Mind*,  are  the  difmal  Diftin^lion  of 
the  Times.  Inilead  of  a  calm  Acquiefcence  in 
our  Portion,  our  very  Life  hangs  in  continual 
Sufpence. 

But  what  are  all  the  Benefits  of  external 
Peace,  though  difplayed  in  the  faireft  Light, 

and  inlivened  by  the  flrongeft  Contrails 

What  are  they  all,  compared  with  the  BlefT- 
ings  of  the  Gofpel?  By  which  Sinners  may 
have  Peace  with  GOD  through  JESUS  CHRIST' 
our  LORD.     '    . 

This» 

their  p/aiptiu,  vyiocivsiv,  svzrpuTlnv ;  i.  e.  A  Confluence  of  that 
Joy  of  Mind,  that  Health  of  Body,  that  Pro/per ity  of  out- 
ward Circumftances,  which  complete  the  Kappinefs  of  Man- 
kind. 

We  have  a  fine  Defcription  of  Peace,  and  its  various  BlefT- 
ings,  I  Maccab,  xiv.  8,  9,  &c.  The  Pidure  is  very  exadl, 
though  perfedtly  artlefs.  Nothing  fhould  liinder  me  from 
tranlcribing  the  Paflage,  but  a  Fear  of  being  too  diffufive  in 
my  Notes.  Left  the  Reader,  vi^ho  expedts  a  Treat,  Ihouldl" 
complain  of  a  Glutt :  or  have  Reafon  to  object,  that  tha 
Side-board  is  more  copioufly  furnifhed  than  the  Table. 
*  Deut,  xxviii.  65. 


39^       DIALOGUE     XVII. 

This,  refiimed  AJpafio,  fuggefls  a  frefli  In- 
ftance  of  Happinefs,  which  IVe  poflefs,  and 
Others  want ;  never  to  be  omitted  in  our  Ca- 
talogue of  pecuhar  Mercies.  I  might  add,  ne- 
ver to  be  forgotten,  by  any  Chrijiian,  on  any 

Occafion. While  many  Kingdoms  of  the 

Earth,  are  ignorant  of  the  true  GOD,  and 
know  neither  the  Principles  of  Piety,  nor  the 
Paths  of  Happinefs  j  the  Day-fpring  from  on 
High  hath  vifited  Us,  to  give  the  Kfiou^ledge  of  Sal- 
vation^  and  to  guide  our  Feet  into  the  Way  of 

Peace. While  Millions  of  rebellious  Angelsy 

caft  from  their  native  Thrones,  are  referved  in 
Chains  of  Darknefs,  unto  the  Judgment  of  the 
great  Dayj  We,  though  rebellious  and  apo- 
flate  Sinners  of  Mankind,  are  delivered  from 
the  Wrath  to  come.  The  holy  JESUS  (blcf- 
fed  be  his  redeeming  Goodnefs!)  has  endured 
the  Crofs,  and  defpifed  the  Shame,  on  purpofe 
to  refcue  Us  from  thofe  doleful  and  ignomi- 
nious Dungeons  J  where  the 'Prifoners  of  Al- 
mighty Vengeance 

. CoJiverfe  ivith  Groans^ 

Unrefpitedy  impitied,  tinreprievd, 
Ages  of  hopelefs  End. 

Yes,  my  dear  T'heron;  let  me  repeat  your 
own  important  Words ;  "  What  are  all  the 
"  Benefits  of  external  Peace,  though  difplayed 
**  in  the  faireft  Light,  and  inlivencd  by  the 

*'  flrongefl 


DIALOGUE     XVII.        399 

'*  ftrongefl  Contrafcs What  are  they  all, 

"  compared  with  the  Blejjings  of  the  GcfpelT' 
— This  brings  the  Olive-branch  fi'om  Heaven, 
and  glad  Tidings  of  ReconciUation  vv'ith  our 
offended  GOD.  This  compofes  the  Tumult  of 
the  Mind  J  difarms  the  warring  Paffions;  and 
regulates  the  extravagant  Defires.  This  intro- 
duces fuch  an  Integrity  of  Heart,  and  Benevo- 
lence of  Temper,  as  conflitute  the  Health  of 
the  Soul.  This  fpreads  fuch  an  uniform  Beau- 
ty of  Holinefs  through  the  Conduct,  as  is  far 
more  amiable,  than  the  mofl:  engaging  Forms 
of  material  Nature. 

O  !  that  Thou  wouldefl  bow  the  Heavens  ! 
That  Thou  wouldefl  come  down,  celellial  Vi- 
fitantj  and  make  thy  flated,  thy  favourite 
Abode  in  our  Ifle  !  That  every  Breafl  might 
be  animated  with  thy  Power  5  and  every  Com- 
munity, every  Individual,  might  wear  thy  re- 
fplendent  Badge  ! — Then  fhould  it  be  the  leafl 
Ingredient  of  our  public  Felicity,  That  the 
Sword  of  Slaughter  is  beaten  into  a  Plough- 
fhare,  and  the  once  bloody  Spear  bent  into  a 
Pruning-hook.  It  fhall  be  the  loweft  upon  the 
Lifl  of  our  common  Bleffings,  That  Violence  ii 
no  more  heard  in  our  Land^  Wafiing  and  Dejiriic- 
tion  ^within  our  Borders.  Our  very  Officers  ivill 
be  Peaccy  and  our  ExaBors  *  Righteoujhefs.     We 

*   Ifa'iAx.  17.  Officers  and  ^.v<7J7<;r5  fignify  Pcrfons,  vefted 
with  public  Authority  :  who  have  it  in  their  Powf,  to  rule 

wi  h 


40O       DIALOGUE     XVII. 

Jhall  call  (and  the  Event  will  correfpond  with 
the  Name)  our  Walls  Salvation,  and  our  Gates 
Praife.  Then  fhall  every  Harp  be  taken  down 
from  the  Willows,  and  every  Voice  burft  into 
a  Song. — *'  Let  other  Climes — will  be  the  ge- 
*'  neral  Acclamation — 

"  Let  other  Climes  fupport  Myriads  of 
"  thofe  curious  LifeSlsy  which  draw  the  de- 
"  licate  Thread,  that  foftens  into  Velvet,  llif- 
"  fens  into  Brocade,  or  flows  in  gloffy  Satten  -, 
"  that  rellefts  a  lovelier  Glow  on  the  Cheek  of 
"  Beauty,  and  renders  Royalty  itfelf  more  ma- 
"  jeftic.  We  are  prefented  with  infinitely ^w^r 
"  RobeSy  in  the  imputed  Righteoufnefs  of  our 
"REDEEMER,  and  the  inherent  Sanc- 
"  tification  of  his  SPIRIT.  Which  beautify 
<*  the  very  Soul,  and  prepare  it  for  the  illu- 

"  flrious  Aflembly — of  Saints  in  Light-^ of 

"  Angels  in  Glory. 

"  Let 

with  Rigour.  But  thefe,  inftead  of  abufing  their  Power, 
fhall  conduit  the  Adminiftration,  with  all  poflible  Equity 
and  Gentlenefs  ;  with  a  parental  Tendernefs,  rather  than  a 
magijierial huHcnty.  So  that,  though  the  Title  and  Office 
of  an  Exadtor  may  remain  ;  nothing  of  the  domineering  In- 
folence,  or  oppreflive  Severity,  fhall  continue. — The  Pro- 
phet, who  always  delivers  his  Sentiments  with  the  utmoft 
Emphafis,  fays  ;  They  Ihall  be,  not  bearly  peaceable  and 
righteous,  but  pofTefled  of  thefe  Qualities  in  the  higheft  De- 
gree. Or,  which  Implies  more,  than  any  other  Words  can 
exprefs.  They  fhall  be  Peace  and  Righteoufnefs  itfelf. — The 
fame  beautiful  Figure  is  ufed  in  the  next  Claufe,  which  de- 
Jcribes  the  inviolable  Security  of  the  City,  together  with  the 
ynivexfal  both  Joy  and  Piety  of  the  Inhabitants. 


DIALOGUE     XVII.         401 

"  Let  eaftern  Rocks  fparkle  with  Diamonds, 
"  and  give  Birth  to  Gems  of  every  dazzUng 
*'  Tinfture.  We  have,  hid  in  the  Field  of  our 
"  Scriptures,  the  Pea?H  of  great  Price ;  the 
"  ivhite  and  precious  Sto72e  *  of  perfect  Abfo- 
"  lution  'j  a  Diadem,  which  will  fliine  with 
"  undiminifiied  Luftre,  when  all  the  brilliant 
"  Wonders  of  the  Mine  are  faded,  extinguiili- 
"  ed,  loll. 

"  Let  richer  Soils  nourifh  the  nobleft  Plants^ 
"  and  warmer  Suns  concoct  their  exquifite 
"Juices;  the  Lemon,  pleafmgly  poignant ^ 
"  the  Citron,  more  mildly  delicious  3  or  that 
"  Pride  of  vegetable  Life,  and  Compendium  of 
"  all.  the  Blandifhments  of  Tafte,  the  Pine^ 
"  apple.  We  enjoy  far  more  exalted  Dainties, 
"  in  having  Accefs  to  the  'free  of  Life-,  whofe 
"  Leaves  are  for  the  Healing  of  the  Nation's  -f-'j 
"  whofe  Boughs  are  replenifhed  with  a  never- 
"  failing  Abundance  of  heavenly  Fruits ;  and 
"  the  Nutriment  they  difpenfe,  is  BUfs  and 
'^  Immortality. 

"  Let  Iberian  Vines  fwell  the  ti'anfiucent 
"  Clufter,  and  burll  into  a  Flood  of  generous 
"  Wine  :  let  the  Tiifcan  Olive  extraft  the  Fat- 
*'  nefs  of  the  Earth,  and  melt  into  a  foft  mel- 
"  lifluous  Stream.  We  ihall  neither  envy, 
"  nor  covet  thefe  inferior  Gifts,  fo  long  as 
"  We  may  draw  Water  out  of  the  Wells  of 

"  Salva- 

*  Rev,  ii.  17.  \  Rev.  xx4i.  2. 

Vol,  III,  "  D  d 


402        DIALOGUE    XVIL 

"  Salvation.  So  long  as  We  may  receive  that 
"  Unaionfrcm  the  HOLT  ONE  *,  thofe  In- 
"  fluences  of  the  COMFORTER,  which  not 
"  only  make  a  chearful  Countenance,  but 
"  gladden  the  very  Heart.  Imparting  fuch  a 
"  refined  Satisfaction,  as  the  whole  World  can- 
"  not  give  ;  fuch  a  permanent  Satisfa«5lion,  as 
"  no  Calamities  can  take  away. 

"  Let  EtkiGpian  Mountains  be  ribbed  with 
"  Marble,  and  Peruvian  Mines  emboweled 
^^  with  Gold.  We  want  neither  the  impene- 
"  trable  Quarry,  nor  the  glittering  Ore ;  hav- 
®*  ing,  in  our  adored  MESSIAH,  a  fure  Foun^ 
**  dation  for  all  our  eternal  Hopes,  and  an  in- 
"  exhauilible  Fund  of  the  divineft  Riches. 

"  Be  it  fo ;  that  our  Ifis  is  but  a  creeping 
"  Drop  >  and  the  Thames  itfelf,  no  more  than 
"  a  fcanty  Rivulet  3  compared  with  the  mag- 
*'  nificent  Sweep  of  the  Ga?2gesy  or  the  flupen- 
*'  dous  Amplitude  of  Rio  de  la  Plata -f.     The 

*'  wretched 

*   I  John  ii.  20; 
t  This  River  is  near  two  hundred  Miles  broad,  where  it 
difcharges  itfelf  into  the  Sea.     It  pours   fuch  an    immenfe 
Qiiantity  of  the  liquid  Element  into  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  that 
in  fli  Water  may  be  taken  up  for  the  Space  of  many  a  League, 
Jt  continues  thus  o7na%ingly  vaji  through  a  Courfe  of  fix  hun- 
«lred  Miles  :  when  it  divides  into  two  mighty  Branches,  the 
Parana  and  the  Paraguay.     Which,  having  run  in  fcparate 
Channels,  fcvcral  thoufand  Miles  along  the  Country,  unite 
at  laft ;  and  form,  by  their  Conflux,  this  magnificent  and 
fpacious  ^trc;^nl.     Which  is  fuppofed  to  be  the   largeft  Ri- 
ver in  the  World. — To  frame  a  proper  Idea  of  this  prodi- 
gious Torrent,  We  ihouU  imagine  a  River,  taking  its  Rife 

bcvoiid 


DIALOGUE    XVII.        40J 

"  wretched  Natives,  even  on  the  Banks  of 
"  thofe  (lately  Rivers,  are  at  a  Dillance  from 
"  all  the  Springs  of  true  Confolation.  Where- 
"  as,  We  have  a  Fountain,  We  have  a  River, 
"  that  ililies  from  the  Ocean  of  eternal  Love. 
**  With  incomparable  Dignity,  and  with  equal 
"  Propriety,  it  is  ftyled  l^heRroer  of  Life  ^\  It 
"  vifits  the  Houfe  of  the  Mourner,  and  re- 
*'  vives  the  Spirit  of  the  Sorrowful.  It  makes 
*'  glad  the  City,  and  makes  happy  the  Ser- 
*■*  vants  of  our  GOD.  It  quickens  even  the 
"  Dead;  and  every  human  Creature,  that  drinks 
*'  of  its  Water,  lives  for  ever. 

"  Let  Afiatic  Iflands  boafl  their  Mountain^ 
**  of  Myrrh,  and  Hills  of  Frankincenfe.  Let 
"  Arabian  Groves,  with  a  fuperior  Liberality, 
"  diflil  their  healing  Gums  3  and  ripen,  foi* 
*'  vigorous  Operation,  their  vital  Drugs.  We 
'^  have  a  more  fiver eign  Remedy,  than  their 
*'  mofi:  powerful  Reftoratives,  in  the  great 
''  MEDIATOR'S  atoning  Blood.  We  have 
"  a  more,  refrejhing  Banquet,  than  all  their 
**  mingled  Sweets,  in  commemorating  his  Paf- 
'-'-  fion,  and  participating  his  Merits. 

*^  In  fliort^  We  have  an  Equivalent,  far 
*'  more  than  an  Equivalent,  for  all  thofe  choice 

"  Pro^ 

beyond  Jerufahm  ;  and,  after  having  received  all  the  Wa- 
ters of  Europe  into  its  capacious  Bed,  making  its  Entry  on 
the  Britifi)  Ocean,  by  a  Mouth  extended  from  Doviv  to 

*  Re^.^y^u  I. 

D  d   2 


404        DIALOGUE    XVIL 

"  Produ6tions,  which  bloom  in  the  Gardensr, 
*^'  or  bafk  in  the  Orchards  of  the  Sun,  We 
"  have  a  Gofpel,  rich  in  precious  Privileges^, 
"  and  abounding  with  ineftimable  Promifes : 
"  We  have  a  SAVIOUR,  full  oi  forgiving 
*'  Goodnefsj  and  liberal  of  reneisoing  Gi-ace.  At 
"  whofe  aufpicious  Approach,  Fountains  fpout 
"  amidft  the  burning  Defart  j  under  whofe 
"  welcome  Footfleps,  the  fandy  Wafte  fmiles 
*'  with  Herbage ;  and  beneath  his  potent  Touch, 
**  Tihe  Wildemefs  buds  and  bhjform  as  a  Rofe *. 
*'  Or,  to  fpeak  more  plainly,  the  defolate  and 
"  barren  Soul  brings  forth  thofe  Fruits  of  the 
"  SPIRIT,  which  are  infinitely  more  orna- 
**^  mental,  than  the  filken  Gems  of  Spring  j  in- 
"  finitely  more  beneficial,  than  the  falubrious 
'*  Stores  of  Autumn. 

"We  have  a  SAVIOUR— Tell  it  out 
•^  among  the  Heathen  j  that  all  the  Nations 
"  on  Earth,  may  partake  of  the  Gift,  and 
"  join  in  the  Song — A  SAVIOUR  We  have, 
"  whofe  radiant  Eye  brightens  the  gloomy 
"  Paths  of  Afiii6tion.  Whofe  efficacious 
**  Blefling  makes  all  Tubings  work  together,  for 
"  the  Gocd-f  of  his  People.  Death  gilded  by 
"  his  propitious  Smile,  even  Death  itfelf  looks 
"  gay.  Nor  is  the  Grave,  under  his  benign 
*'  A(lminiil:ration,  any  longer  a  Den  of  De- 
"  ilrudion  -,  but  a  fliort  and  ihady  Avenue  to 

"  thofe 

J/al.  XXXV.  I.  ^^    t  R^fi',  viii.  28,^^ 


* 


DIALOGUE    XVIL         405 

^^  thofe  immortal  Manfions  3  whofe  Foiindatiom 
"  are  laid  with  Sapphires ;  whofe  Windows  are 
"  of  Agate;  the  Gates  of  Carbuncle  ;  aiid  all  the 
"  Borders  of  pie af ant  Stones  *." 

Pardon  my  Rhapfody,  dear  T^hcron.  Your 
own  Remark,  added  to  the  grand  and  lovely 
Views,  have  warmed,  have  animated,  have 
almoft  tranfported  me. — T'heron  anfwered  not 

a  Word :  but  feemed  fixed  in  Thought. 

While  He  is  indulging  his  Contemplation, 
We  may  jufl:  obferve  fome  other  Peculiarities 
of  the  Profpe(^. 

Here  and  there,  a  lonely  Cottage  fcarcely 
lifts  its  humble  Head.  No  pompous  Swell  of 
proje6ling  Steps,  farrounds  the  Door  :  no  ap- 
pendent  Wings  of  inferior  Offices,  fkirt  the 
Edifice :  no  ftately  Plall,  flabbed  with  Marble, 
and  roofed  with  Sculpture,  receives  the  gaz- 
ing Stranger.  But  young-eyed  Health,  and 
white-robed  Innocence,  with  fweet-featured 
Contentment,  adorn  the  Habitation.  While 
Virtue  lends  her  Graces,  and  Religion  com- 
municates her  Honours,  to  dignify  the  Abode : 
rendering  the  blamelefs  Hutt  fuperior,  in  7^eal 
Majefty,  to  a  diflblute  Court. 

At  fome  Dillance,  appear  the  hoary  Re- 
mains of  an  antient  Monaftery.  Sunk  beneath 
the  Weight  of  revolving  Years,  the  once  ve- 
nerable 

*  Jfai,  Hv.  12. 

^         '  D  d  ij 


4o6        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

nerable  Fabric  is  levelled  with  the  Dufl.  The 
lofty  and  ornamented  Temple,  lies  rudely  over- 
grown with  Mofs,  or  flill  more  ignobly  co- 
vered with  Weeds.  The  Walls,  where  faint- 
ed Imagery  flood,  or  idolized  Painting  flione, 
are  clapfed  with  twining  Ivy,  or  fhagged  with 
horrid  Thorn. — Through  Illes,th at  once  echoed 
to  the  Chantor  s  Voice,  mingled  with  the  Or- 
gan's majeftic  Sound,  the  hollow  Winds  roar, 
and  the  dafning  Storm  drives.  Where  are, 
now,  the  filent  Cells,  the  vocal  Choirs,  the 
dufky  Groves  ?  In  which  the  romantic  Saints 
prolonged  their  lonely  Vigils,  by  the  midnight 
Taper;  or  poured  their  united  Prayers,  before 
the  Lark  had  waked  the  Morn ;  or  ftrolled,  in 
ever-mufin^  Melancholy,  along  the  Moonlight 
Glade. — Surely,  thofe  mouldering  Fragments 
teach,  and  with  a  much  better  Grace,  with  a 
much  ftronger  Emphafis,  what  formerly  their 
nnfocial  and  gloomy  Refidentiaries  profefled. 
They  teach  the  Vanity  of  the  World,  and  the 
iranfitcry  Duration  of  all  that  is  moft  flable, 
in  this  -Region  of  Shadows. 

Behold,  on  yonder  Eminence,  the  rueful 
Memorials  of  a  magnificent  Caftk.  All  dif- 
manlled,  and  quite  demoliihed,  it  gives  a  Shad- 
ing of  Solemnity  to  the  more  lively  Parts  of 
Nature's  Picture ;  and  attempers  the  rural  De- 
light, with  fome  Touches  of  alarming  Dread. 

' IVor^  deihudive  Wat\   has  fnatched  the 

{jcythe 


DIALOGUE     XVIL        407 

Scythe  from  the  Hand  of  Time,  and  hurried 
on  the  Steps  of  Deftlny.  Thofe  broken  Co- 
lumns, and  battered  Walls  i  thofe  proflrate 
Towers,  and  Battlements  daflaed  to  the  Ground; 
carry  evident  Marks  of  an  immature  Down- 
fal.  They  were  built  for  Ages,  and  for  Ages 
might  have  floods  a  Defence  and  Accommo- 
dation to  Generations  yet  unborn ;  if  haply 
they  had  efcaped  the  dire  Aflaults  of  holfile 
P.age. — But,  what  Vigilance  of  Man,  can  pre- 
vent the  Miner's  dark  xApproach  ?  Or  what  So- 
lidity of  Bulwark,  can  withftand  the  bellow- 
ing Engine's  impetuous  Shock? 

Thofe,  perhaps,  were  the  Rooms,  in  which 
licentious  Mirth  crowned  with  Rofes  the  fpark- 
ling  Bowl,  and  tuned  to  the  Silver- founding 
Lute  the  Syren's  inchanting  Song.  Thofe, 
the  Scenes  of  voluptuous  Indulgence,  where 
Luxury  poured  her  Delicacies :  where  Beauty, 
mfidious  Beauty,  pra6lifed  her  Wiles ;  and 
Ipread,  vvith  bewitching  Art,  her  w^anton  Snares. 
— Now,  inftead  of  the  riotous  Banquet,  and 
Intrigues  of  lawlefs  Love,  the  Owl  utters  lier 
hated  Screams  by  Night,  and  the  Raven  flaps 
her  ominous  Wing  by  Day, — Where  are  the 
Violet-couches,  and  the  Woodbine-bowers  -, 
that  fanned,  with  their  breathing  Sweets,  the 
polluted  Flame  ?  The  Soil  feems  to  fuller  for 
the  Abufes  of  the  Owner.  Blafted  and  dif- 
honoured,  it  produces  nothing  but  ragged  . 
D  d  4  BriarSj 


4o8       DIALOGUE    XVII. 

Briars,  and  noifome  Nettles;  under  whofe 
odious  Covert,  the  hiffing  Snake  glides,  or  the 

croaking  Toad  crawls. Fearful  Intimation 

of  that  ignGminioiis  and  doleful  Cataflrophe, 
■which  awaits  the  Sons  of  Riot !  When  their 
momentary  Gratifications  will  drop  like  the 
faded  Leaf  5  and  leave  nothing  behind,  but 
Pangs  of  Remorfe,  keener  far  than  the  pointed 
Thorn,  and  more  invenomed  than  the  Viper's 
Tooth. 

Perhaps,  they  were  the  beauteous  and  ho- 
noured Abodes,  where  Grandeur  and  Folitenefs 
walked  their  daily  Round,  attended  with  a 
Train  of  guiltlefs  Delights.  Where  amiable 
and  refined  Friendjkip  was  wont  to  fit  and 
fmile  'j  looking  Love,  and  talking  the  very 
Soul.  Where  Hofpitality,  with  Oeconomy  al- 
ways at  her  Side,  flood  beckoning  to  the  di- 
JireJJed^  but  indiijlriom  *  Poor  3   and  fhowered 

Bleff- 

*  I  fay  diftrefTed,  but  indujirious  Poor— Becaufe,  I  would 
not  be  underftood,  as  encouraging,  in  any  Degree,  the 
Relief  of  our  common  Beggars. — Towards  the  former,  I 
would  cultivate  a  tender  and  ever-yearning  CompafTion  j  I 
would  anticipate  their  Complaints  ;  and,  as  a  facred  Wri- 
ter dircdts,  would  even  seek  /<?  do  them  Good. — But  as  to 
the  latter,  I  frankly  own,  that  T  look  upon  it  as  my  Duty, 
to  difcourage  fuch  Cumberers  of  the  Ground.  They  are, 
generally  fpeaking,  lufty  Drones  ;  and  their  habitual  Beg- 
ging., is  no  better  than  a  fpecious  Robbing  of  the  public  Hive. 
For  {uchjiindy  Supplicants,  who  are  able  to  undergo  the 
Fatigue  of  Traveling  ;  able  to  endure  the  Inclemencies  of 
the  Weather ;  and  confequently  much  more  able,  were  they 
ft^ually  willing,  to  exercil'c  them.^elves  in  fome   Species  of 

laudably 


DIALOGUE     XVII.         409 

Bleflings  from  her  liberal  Hand. But  War, 

detefted  War,  has  ftretched  over  the  focial  and 

inviting 

laudable  Induftry — For  thefe,  the  Houfe  o^CorrcPAon  would 
be  a  far  more  falutary  Provifion,  than  any  Supply  from  our 
Table  ;  and  Confinetnent  to  Labour ^  a  much  more  beneficial 
Charity,  than  the  Liberality  of  the  Purfe. 

JVe  {hould  remember,    and  they  fliould  be  taught,  that 
the  Law  ordained  by  the   Court  of  Heaven,  is,  //  a  Mayi 
will  not  zuork^  neither  Jhall  He   eat.     If  then  We  contri- 
bute  to   fupport  them  in  Idlenefs,  do   We  not  counteraSI 
and  fruftrate  this  wife  Regulation,  eftablifhed  by  the  great 
SOVEREIGN  of  the  Univerfe  ?— Is  it  not  alfo  a  IVrong 
to  the  deferving  Poor,  if  We  fufter  thefe  Wens  on  the  Body 
politic  to  draw  off  the  Nourifhment,  which  ought  to  circu- 
late amongft  the  valuable  and  ufeful  Members  I — Money  or 
Viftuals  beftowed  on  thefe  worthlefs  Wretches,  is  not  real  Be- 
neficence, but  the  Earneji-penny  of  Sloth.  It  pays  them,  for  be- 
ing public  Nuifances  ;  and  hires  them,  to  be  good  for  nothing. 
Let    Us  then  unanimoufly  join,  to  fliake  off  thefe   dead 
Weights  from   our  Wheels,  and  diflodge   thefe  Swarms   of 
Vermin  from  our  State.     Let  Us  be  deaf  to  their  moft  im- 
portunate Clamours  ;  and  affure  Ourfelves,  that,  by  this'^de- 
termined  Inflexibility,  We  do  GOD,  We  do  our   Cofmnu- 
nity.  We   do    them,  the  mofl   fubftantial   Service.  —  Should 
they  implore  by  the  injured 'Nzme  of  jfESUS  j  for  the  Ho- 
nour of  the  LORD  JESUS,  let  Us  refolutely  with-hold 
our  Alms.     Their  Meaning  is, — *'  I  cannot  go  on,  in  my 
"  prefent  (hameful  and  iniquitous  Courfe  ;  I  can  no.  longer 
*'  continue  to  a6f  the  wicked  andjlothful  Servant ;  unlefs  You 
*'  will  adminifter   fome  kindly  pernicious  Affiftance.     For 
*'  CHRIST'S  fake,  therefore,  affiff  me  to  diflionour  my  Chrift- 
"  ianName,  and  to  live  more  infamoufly  than  the  vileftBeafts. 
**  For  CHRIST'S  fake,  help  me  to  be  a  Reproach  and  Burden 
■"  to  my  native  Country  ;  and  to  perfift  in   the  Way,  that 
<'  leads  to  eternal  Deftrudion." — This  is  the  true  Import  of 
their  Petitions.     And,  whether   the  Sanction  of  that  molt 
venerable  Name,  added  to  fuch  a  Requeft,  fhould  move  our 
Commiferation,  or  excite  our  Abhorrence,  let  every  think- 
ing Perfon  judge. 

I  truft,  the  Reader  will  be  fo  candid,  as  to  excufc  this  long 
fiigreffive  Note  j  and  do  me  the  Juftice  to  believe.  That  1 


4IO       DIALOGUE    XVIL 

inviting  Seat,  the  Line  of  Confufion^  and  the 
Stones  of  Emptinefs^ .  Now,  alas  !  nothing  but 
Delblation  and  Horror  haunt  the  favage  Re- 
treat. The  ample  Arches  of  the  Bridge,  which 
fo  often  tranfmitted  the  wondering  Paflengcr 
along  their  penfile  Way,  lie  buried  in  the  dreary 

Mote. Thofe  Relics  of  the  malfy  Portals, 

naked  and  abandoned,  feem  to  bemoan  their 
melancholy  Condition.  No  fplendid  Chariots, 
with  their  gay  Retinue,  frequent  the  folitary 
Avenues.  No  needy  Steps,  with  chearful  Ex- 
pectations, beiiege  the  once  bountiful  Gate. 
But  all  is  a  miferable,  forlorn,  hideous  Pile  of 
Rubbifh. 

Since  Riches  fo  often  take  to  themfelves  Wings, 
and  fly  away  :  fince  Houfes,  great  and  fair, 
reel  upon  their  Foundations,  and  fo  foon  tum- 
ble into  Duft  :  how  wife,  how  falutary,  is  our 
divine  M  A  S  T  E  R's  Advice  !  Make  to  your- 
fehes  Friends  with  the  Mammon  of  Unrighteouf- 
nefs }  thaty  when  the  World  fails  around  Tou, 
when  the  Springs  of  Nature yj// within  Youj 

they^ 

am  not  pleading  againft,  but  for  the  real  Poor  :  not  to  har- 
den any  One's  Heart,  but  rather  to  diref:  every  One's  Hand. 
— Give,  out  of  Gratitude  to  (7//^76'T',  out  of  Compafllon 
to  the  Needy,  and  be  for  ever  blefied.  But  give  not  to  in- 
corrigible Vagrants;  to  maintain  Impiety,  and  pamper  Indo- 
lence ;  left  it  be  demanded,  one  Day,  who  hath  required  this 
at  your  Hand?  Left,  by  fupporting  diflblute  Creatures  in 
that  abandoned  Sloth,  which  is  the  Nurfe  of  all  Vice,  We 
become  Partakers  of  their  Guilt,  and  acceffary  to  their 
R«iii. 

*  IJai,  xxxiv.  II. 


DIALOGUE     XVII.        411 

they,  as  WitnefTes  of  your  Charity,  and  Vouchers 
for  the  Sincerity  of  your  Faith,  7nay  receive 
Tou  hito  everlafiing  Habitations  *. — This  is  to 
lay  up  Treafure  for  Ourfehes  -f :  Whereas, 
whatever  elfe  We  amafs,  is  for  our  Heirs,  for 
our  Succeffors,  for  We  know  not  Who.  This 
Wealth  is  truly  and  emphatically  called  our 
own  t '  it  is  an  Advowfon  j  We  have  the  Per- 
petuity.  Whereas,  whatever  qlfe  We  polTefs, 
is  ours  only  for  a  T^/r«,  or  in  T'rufi. 

See  the  dreadful,  dreadful  Ravages  of  civil 
Difcord  !  Where-ever  that  infernal  Fury  ftalks. 
She  marks  her  Steps  in  Blood,  and  leaves  opu- 
lent Cities  a  ruinous  Heap||. — What  Thanks. 

then, 

*  Luke  xvi.  9.  t  Matt.  vi.  20.         %  Lukexy\.  12. 

II  The  EfFe6ts  of  what  Virgil  calls  Bella,  horrida  Belhy 
were  never  difplayed  in  Colours  th^tgJow,  and  with  Figures 
that  alarm,  like  thofe  which  are  ufed  by  the  Prophet  Jere- 
miah. Chap.  iv.  19,  &:c.  As  tliis  is  perhaps  the  greateft 
Mafter-piece  of  the  Kind,  the  Reader  will  permit  me  to 
inrich  the  Notes,  with  a  Tranfcript  of  the  PafTage. 

Firft  We  fee,  or  rather  We  feel,  the  EfFeds  of  War  on 
the  human-Mind  \  the  keeneft  Anguifti,  and  the  deepeft 
Difmay.  My  Bozvels  I  My  Bowels  !  I  am  pained  at  }?iy  very 
Heart.  My  Heart  maketh  a  Noife  in  me  ;  /  cannot  hold  my 
Peace  :  becaufe  Thou  haji  heard,  O  my  Soul,  the  Sound  of  the 
Trumpet,  the  Alarm  of  War. — DeJ1ru£fion  upon  De/huSJion  is 
cried  ;  for  the  Land  is  fpoiled.  Suddenly  are  my  Tents  fpoiled^ 
and  my  Curtains  in  a  Moment. — How  longjhall  I  fee  the  Stand- 
ard, and  hear  the  Sound  of  the  Trumpet  ? 

Then  We  fee  the  difmal  Devaftations  of  War ;  and  who 
docs  not  fhudder  at  the  Sight  ?  The  whole  Country  laid  in 
Ruins !  Deprived  of  all  its  Ornaments,  and  all  its  Inhabi- 
tants !  Reduced,  to  a  Solitude,  and  a  Chaos.  I  beheld  the 
Marth,  and  la  !  it  was  vjithqut  Form  and  void:  and  the  Hea- 
vens^ 


412        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

then,  what  ardent  and  ceafelefs  Thanks,  are 
due  to  that  all-fuperintending,  ever-gracious 
LORD,  who  has  dafhed  the  Torch  from 
her  Hand  J  has  broke  her  murderous  Wea- 
pons J  and  driven  the  baleful  Pell  f^om  our 

IJJandl May  the  fame  almighty  Goodnefs 

Ihortly  banilh  the  accurfed  Monlier  from  all 
,  Lands  !  Banilh  the  Monfter,  with  her  hated 
AfTociate  Rapine,  and  her  infatiable  Purveyor 
Ambition,  to  the  deepeft,  deepefl  Hell.  Brand- 
ed with  everlafting  Infamy,  and  bound  in  ada- 
mantine Chains,  there  let  them  gnafii  their 
Teeth,  and  bite  the  inevitable  Curb  ! — While 
Peacey  defcending  from  her  native  Heaven, 
bids  her  Olives  fpring  amidft  the  joyful  Na- 
tions :  and  Plenty^  in  League  with  Commerce, 
fcatters  Blefiings  from  her  copious  Horn. 
While  Gladnefs  fmiles  in  every  Eye  j  and  Love^ 
extenfive  univerfal  Love,  leveling  the  Parti- 
tion-wall of  Bigotry,  cements  every  Heart  in 
brotherly  Afre6lion. 

Near  thofe  Heaps  of  Havock,  lies  the  Spot, 
ever-memorable  and  flill  revered,  on  which  an 

obfti- 

vcnSy  and  they  had  no  Light. — 1  beheld  the  Mountains,  and  lo  ! 
they  trembled^  and  all  the  Hills  moved  lightly. — I  beheld,  and 
lo  !  there  was  no  Man,  and  all  the  Birds  sf  the  Heavens  were 
Jied.  —  I  behe'd,  and  lo  !  the  fruitful  Place  was  a  JVildernefsy 
and  all  the  Cities  thereof  were  brokeyi  down^  at  the  Prefence  of 
the  LOR  D,  and  by  his  fierce  Anger. 

If,  after  all  this  Profufion  of  Imagery,  bold  and  animated 
even  to  Aftonifhment,  We  can  have  any  Relifh  for  the  cold 
Corrednefs  of  a  heathen  Genius,  We  may  find  fomething 
of  the  fame  Nature  in  Horace^  Lib.  II.  Od,  i. 


DIALOGUE     XVII.         413 

obftlnate  and  fatal  Battle  was  fought. — The 
Hufbandman,  as  He  breaks  his  fallow  Lands,  or 
rend  the  grafly  Turf,  often  difcovers  the  horrid 
Implements,   and  the  more  horrid  EfFe6ls,   of 
that  bloody  Confli6l.     He  flarts,  to  hear  his 
Coulter  ftrike  upon  the  Boffes  of  a  rufly  Buck- 
ler, or  gride  over  the  Edge  of  a  blunted  Sword. 
He  turns  pale,  to  fee  human  Bones  thrown  up 
before  his  Plough  ;  and  itands  aghaft  to  think, 
that,  in  cutting  his  Fwroiv^  He  opens  a  Grave. 
—The  grey-headed  Sire  often  relates  to  his 
Grandfons,  hanging  with  eager  Attention  on 
the  Tale,"  and  trembling  for  the  Event — re- 
lates the  difmal,    the  glorious  Deed  of  that 
important  Day.— How,  the  Fields,   now  co- 
vered with  waving  Crops,  were  then  loaded 
with  mangled  and  ghaftly  Corpfes.     How  the 
Paftures,  now  green  with  Herbage,  were  then 
incrimfoned  with  human  Gore. — "  On  that 
"  extended  Common,  He  fays,  where  the  bufy 
"  Shepherd'  is  creeling  his  hurdled  Citadel,  the 
"  Tents  were  fpread,  and  the  Banners  difplay- 
"  ed  5  the  Spears  briftled  in  Air,  and  the  bur- 
"  nifhed  Helmets  glittered  to  the  Sun.     On 
^■^  yonder    rifmg  .  Ground,  where  the   frifking 
"  Lambs  play  their  harmlefs   Frolics,    flood 
"  the  martial  Files,  clad  in  Mail,  and  ranged 
"  in  Battle-array ;  flood  War,  with  all  its  col- 
"  le6led  Horrors,  like  fome  black  portentous 
*'  Cloud,    ready  to  burfl:  into  an  immediate 

'•  Storm 


414        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

"  Storm On  the  i%earer  Plain,  where   the 

*'  quiet  Steed  grazes  in  Safety,  and  thofe  fo- 
"  her  Oxen  chew  the  juicy  Herb,  the  fierce 
"  Incounter  mixed.  There,  the  Javelins, 
"  launched  from  nervous  Arms,  and  aimed  by 
"  vengeful  Eyes,  flew  and  reflew,  whizzing 
"  witli  Death.  The  Arrows  lightened  *  from 
"  the  Strings  ^  and  dienclied  their  keen  Points^ 
"  and  dipped  their  feathered  Wings  in  Blood. 

*' Soon    as  this  Shower  of  miilive  Steel 

"  ceafed,  inftantly  outfprung  Thoufands  of 
"  flaming  Swords.  They  clafli  on  the  brazen 
"  Shields  ;  they  cut  their  Way  through  the 
"  riven  Armour ;  and  flieath  their  Blades  in 
"  many  a  gallant  dauntlefs  Heart. — Here,  on 
"  this  diftinguifhed  Level,  the  proud  prefump- 
"  tuous  Enemy,  confident  of  Victory,  and 
**  boafting  of  their  Numbers,  poured  in  like 
*'  a  Flood,  There,  a  bold  determined  Batta- 
"  lion,  of  which  myfelf  was  a  Part,  planted 
"  themfelves  like  a  Rock,  and  broke  the  fierce 
"  Attack. 

"  Then,  adds  the  brave  old  Warrior,  then 
*'  the  coward  Herd  fled  before  the  Vengeance 
"  of  our  conquering  Arms.  Then,  thefc  Hands 

"  ilrewed 

*  Hahah.  iii.  1 1,  "in^ifl  p^l  literally  tranflated,  pre- 
fents  Us  with  that  beautifully  bold  Figure,  The  Lightening  of 
thy  Spear. — Which,  with  innumerable  other  Graces  of 
Speech,  that  give  Dignity  and  Spirit  to  our  modern  Com-' 
politions,  are  borrowed  from  the  Language  of  Si^n ;  are 
tranfplanted  from  the  School  of  the  Prophets,  — See  the 
Tame  Eleganee  of  Style,  Nabum  iii.  3,  Heb.  Bib, 


DIALOGUE     XVII.        415 

"  ftrewed  the  Plains  with  a  Harveft,  different 
"  far  from  their  prefent  Produ6lions.  Then, 
"  the  Fathers  J  fmitten  with  inexpreflible  Dread, 
^^  looked  7iot  back  on  their  Childre?i^'y  though 
"  fliuddering  at  the  Hfted  Spear,  or  fcreaming 
"  under  the  brandifhed  Sword.  T'he  Fathers 
"  looked  not  back  on  their  Children,  though  they 
"  fell  among  the  Slain,    gafhed  with  deadly 

"  Wounds; 

*  For  this  very  ftriking,  and  mofl:  terrific  Image,  We  are 
obliged  to  the  Prophet  Jeremiah.  Who,  in  a  few  Words, 
but  with  all  the  Pomp  of  Horror,  defcribes  the  Din  of  ap- 
proaching War,  and  the  Confternation  of  a  vanquifhed 
People.  Jt  the  Noife  of  the  Stampin^^  of  the  Hoofs  of  his 
firong  Horfes^  at  the  Ru/hing  of  his  Chariots^  and  at  the  Rumb- 
ling of  his  TVJieels,  the  Fathers  Jhall  not  look  hack  unto  their 
Children^  for  Feehlenefs  of  Hands^  Jerem.  xlvii.  3. 

Not  to  mention  the  Thunder-like  Sound  of  the  Di(5lIon  ; 
and  that  in  a  Lan2;uage  much  lefs  fonorous  than  the  origi- 
nal ;  I  appeal  to  evety  Reader,  Whether  the  lafi  Circum- 
ftance  does  not  awaken  the  Idea  of  fo  tremendous  a  Scene, 
and  fo  horrible  a  Dread,  as  no  Words  can  exprefs.  Virgil 
has  imitated  the  Prophet's  Manner,  in  that  very  delicate 
defcriptiveTouch  ;  where,  reprefenting  the  prodigious  Alarm, 
excited  by  the  Yell  of  the  infernal  Fury,  He  fays  ; 

Et  trepida  Matres  prejfere  ad  Pe6iora  Natos. 

That  is,  Each  frighted  Mother  clafped  the  Infant  to  her  flit- 
tering Bofom. 

No  One,  I  believe,  need  be  informed,  that  the  Pannic 
is  painted,  with  a  Very  fuperior  Energ)',  by  the  Poet  of  Hea- 
ven. In  the  Pagan's  Draught,  the  Effect  of  Fear  refuits 
from  the  Conftitution,  and  coincides  with  the  Biafs  of  Hu- 
manity. Whereas,,  in  the  Prophet's.  Pidlure,  it  counter-a^Sj 
It  fufpends,  it  intirely  over-hears  the  tendered  Workings  and 
flfongeft  Propenfities  of  Nature  ;  though  inftigared,  on  one 
Hand,  by  the  moft  importunate  Calls  of  exquihte  Diftrefs  I 
and  ftimulated,  on  the  other,  by  all  the  Soligitationi  of  the  moft 
yejirHing  Compaflion, 
1  ^  - 


4i6        DIALOGUE    XVIL 

"  Wonnds ;  or  lay  expiring,  in  Groans  of 
"  Agony,  under  our  Feet." 

The  Eye  is  pleafed  with  the  elegant  Gaiety 
of  the  Parterre  3  the  Ear  is  foothed  with  the 
warbling  Melody  of  the  Grove  j  but  grand 
Obje6ts,  and  the  Magnificence  of  Things,  charm 
and  tranfport  the  whole  Man.  The  Mind, 
on  fuch  Occafions,  feems  to  expand  with  the 
Scene,  and  fecretly  exults  in  the  Confcioufnefs 

of  her  Greatnefs. Intent  upon  thefe  large 

and  excurfive  Views,  our  Friends  fcarce  advert 
to  the  minuter  Beauties,  which  addrefs  them 
on  every  Side.  The  Swan,  with  her  fnowy 
Plumes,  and  loftily  bending  Head ;  with  all 
her  fuperb  Air  and  lordly  State,  rows  unno- 
ticed by. — Equally  unnoticed  is  both  the  Ar- 
ray and  the  A6lion  of  the  Duck ;  her  glolfy 
Neck  and  finely  chequered  Wings  ;  her  Diving 
into  the  Deep,  or  her  Darting  up  into  Day. — 
The  Swallow,  Ikimming  the  Air  in  wanton 
Circles,  or  dipping  her  downy  Breaft  in  the 

Flood,  courts  their  Obfervation  in  vain. 

Nor  could  the  fi?i?2y  Shoales  obtain  their  Re- 
gard, though  they  played  before  the  Boat  in. 
fportive  Chacci  or,  glancing  quick  to  the  Sur- 
face, fliewed  their  pearly  Coats,  bedropt  with 
Gold. — Thus  they,  engaged  in  fublime,  ne- 
glecl  inferior  Speculations.  And  if  the  Sons 
of  Religion  overlook  the  diminutive,  tranfienty 

delu" 


DIALOGUE    XVII.        417 

dehifory  Forms  of  Pleafure,  that  float  on  the 
narrow  Stream  of  Time,  or  flit  along  the 
(canty  Bounds  of  Senfe  j  it  is  only  to  contem- 
plate and  enjoy  a  Happinefs  in  their  GOD, 
which  is  elevated^  jiibjiantial^  and  immortal. 
Compared  with  which,  whatever  the  Eye  can 
furvey,  from  Pole  to  Pole,  from  the  rifmg  to 
the  fetting  Sun,  is  a  Cockle-fliell,  a  Butterfly, 
a  Bubble. 

From  this  open  and  inlarged  Scene,  they 
enter  the  Skirts  of  a  vaft,  umbrageous,  vener- 
able Foreji. — On  either  Side,  the  fl:urdy  and 
gigantic  Sons  of  Earth,  rear  their  aged  Trunks, 
and  fpread  their  branching  Arms.  Trees,  of 
every  hardy  Make,  and  every  majeftic  Form, 
in  agreeable  Diforder,  and  with  a  wild  kind 
of  Grandeur,  fill  the  aerial  Regions.  The 
huge,  expanfive,  roaming  Boughs  unite  them- 
felves  over  the  Current,  and  diffufe  "  their 
"  Umbrage,  broad  and  brown  as  Evening." 
The  timorous  Dee7-  ftart  at  the  Clafliing  of  the 
Waves.  Alarmed  with  the  unufual  Sound, 
they  look  up,  and  gaze  for  a  Moment :  then, 
fly  into  Covert,  by  various  Ways,  and  with 
precipitate  Speed  ;  vanifliing,  rather  than  de- 
parting, from  the  Glade. 

How  awful  to  refle<^,  as  they  glide  along  • 
the   fhelving   Shores,    and    the   mofs-grown 
Banks  5  as  they  fail  under  the  pendent  Shades 
of  quiveriqo-  -Poplar,  of  whiO;ling  Fir,    and 

Vol.  III.  "  E  e  the 


4ig        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

the  folemn-founding  Foliage  of  the  Oak — how 
awfnl  to  reflect,  "  Thefe  were  the  lonely 
"  Haunts  of  the  Z)r«/Vj,  two  thoufand  Years 
*'  ago  !  Amidft  thefe  duiky  Mazes,  and  fym- 
"  pathetic  Glooms,  the  penfive  Sages  ftrayed. 
"  Here,  they  fought,  they  found,  and  with  all 
"  the  Solemnity  of  fuperftitious  Devotion, 
"  they  gathered  their  Mijletoe^.  Here,  the 
*'  vifionary  Reclufes  fhunned  the  tumultuous 
"  Ways  of  Men,  and  traced  the  myllerious 
*'  Paths  of  Providence.  Here,  they  explored 
"  the  Secrets  of  Nature,  and  invoked  their 
-  fabled  Gods." 

Sometimes  wrapt  in  a  fudden  Reverie  of 
Thought,  fometimes  engaged  in  Converfation 
on  the  folemn  Appearance  of  Things,  the 
Voyagers  fcarce  perceive  their  Progrefs.  Be- 
fore they  are  aware,  the  venerable  Scene  ifs 
lofb  J  and  they  find  themfelves  advanced  upon 

the 

*  If  the  Reader  pleafes,  He  may  fee  thefe  pompous  So- 
lemnities defcribed,  in  Vanierii  Prad.  Ruji.  pag.  125,  &^c. 
Where,  the  curious  Narrative  of  PHn)\  is  embellifhcd  with 
the  harmonious  A^ww^t?  .J  oi  Virgil. — With  regard  to  the 
Reflections,  occalloned  by  this  Account ;  the  Comphments 
laviflied  on  the  French^  their  Religion,  and  their  Monarch  ; 
I  believe,  the  judicious  Protejlant  will  agree  with  me,  That, 
as  our  charming  Author  has  copied  the  Language,  and  en- 
tered into  the  Spirit  of  the  Antients  j  He  has  alfo  catched  a 
TiukStureof  their  Supcrftiiion.  Imbibing,  together  with  all 
their  Elcganciqs  and  Graces,  fome  of  their  fanfiful  and  legen- 
dary Levities. 

f-'eritm  ubi  pluro  uitcnt  in  Cartniney  non  Ego  paucis 

VjJ'indar  Mcu.  ula . 


DIALOGUE     XVII.        419 

the  Borders  of  a  beautiful  Lawn,  The  Foreft 
retiring  to  the  Right-hand,  in  the  Shape  of  a 
Crefcent,  compofed  what  Milton  flyles,  "  A 
"  verdurous  Wall  of  ftateheftAfpea;"  and  left, 
in  the  Midft,  an  ample  Space  for  the  Flourifli- 
ing  of  Herbage. 

Here,  faid  T:heron,  if  You  pleaic,  -We  will 
alight  J  and  leave  the  Bearer  of  om  floating  Se- 
dan, to  purfue  his  ceafelefs  Courfe — to  enrich 
the  Bofom  of  other  Vallies,  and  lave  the  Feet 
of  other  Hills — to  vifit  Cities,  and  make  the 

Tour  of  Counties to  refled  the  Image  of 

many  a  fplendid  Strufture,  which  adorn  his 
Banks;  and,  what  is  far  more  amiable, 
to  diftribute,  all  along  his  .winding  Journey* 
innumerable  Conveniencies  both  for  Man  and 
Beaft:  acquiring,  the  farther  He  goes,  and 
the  more  Benefits  He  confers,  a  deeper  Flow, 
and  a  wider  Swell;  to  the  remarkable  Confir^ 
mation  of  that  beneficent  Maxim,  i:bere  is  that 
fcatterethy  and  yet  increafeth. 
^  "Theron  and  Afpafio,  walking  acrofs  the  fpa^ 
cious  Amphitheatre,  feated  themfelves  at  the 
Extremity  of  the  Bend.  Before  them,  lay  a 
verdant  Area,  quite  even;  perfedly  handfomc; 
but  far  from  gay.  Green  was  all  the  Dreis! 
without  any  Mixture  of  gaudy  Flowers,  or 
glittering  Colours.  Only,  now-and-then,  a 
gentle  Breeze,  Ikimming  over  the  undulating  ' 
Mead,  imprelfed  a  varying  wavy  Glofs  on 
*   E  e  2  its' 


420         DIALOGUE    XVII. 

its  Surface.  The  whole  feemed  to  refemble 
the  grave  and  fober  Ornaments  of  maturer  Agey 
when  it  has  put  off  tlie  Trappings,  and  bid 
adieu  to  the  Levities  of  Youth. — The  broad, 
tranfparent  Stream,  ran  parallel  with  the  Lips 
*  of  the  Channel  -,  and  drew  a  Line  of  Cir- 
cumvallation,  as  it  were,  to  guard  the  calm 
Retreat.  It  appeared,  v/here  fhaded  with 
Boughs,  like  a  Barrier  of  poUfied  Steel;  where 
open  to  the  Sun,  like  a  Mirror  oi  fiowing  Cry^ 

JhiL The  eaflern  Edges  of  the  River,  were 

barricadoed  with  a  kind  of  mountainous  De- 
clivity j  on  whofe  rude  and'  rocky  Sides,  the 
timorous  Rabbit  burrowed,  and  the  bearded 

Goat  browzed. Not  far  from  the  Summit, 

two  or  three  Fountains  guflied  :  which,  unit- 
ing their  Currents  as  they  trickled  down  the 
Steep,  formed  a  natural  Cafcade  :  here,  it  was 
lofl  in  the  ruihy  Dells,  or  obfcured  by  the 
twifting  Roots  j  there,  it  burft  again  into 
View,  and  playing  full  in  the  Eye  of  Day, 
looked  like  a  Shett  of  fpouting  Silver. 

In  this  romantic  Retirement,  faid  Tbero;iy 
We  arc  quite  fequeftered  from  Society.  Ws 
feem  to  be  in  a  World  of  our  own  -,  and  fhould 
almoil  be  tempted  to  forget,  that  We  are 
incompallcd  with  a  kindred  Species  j  did  not 

the 

*  Tlic  Greek,  which  is  above  all  Languages  happy,  in  its 
beautiful  Variety  of  compound  Words,  \Qry  neatly  expreiles 
ihii)  Aj-ipcaiancc  hy-rtTo^nXrii;  ta  J'Jj, 


DIALOGUE     XVII.         421 

the  Mufic  of  tliofe  filver-tongued  Bells^  poured 
from  a  diftant  Steeple,  and  gliding  along  the 
gentle  Stream,  bring  Us  News  of  human 
Kind. 

Efcaped  from  Man,  and  his  bufy  Walks, 
methinks,  We  are  come  to  the  Houfe  of  Tran- 
quility. Such  a  deep,  undifturbed  Compo- 
dire  reigns  all  around.  It  is  as  if  fome  augull 
Perfonage  was  making  his  Entrance^  or  fome 
majeftic  Being  was  upon  the  Point  to  fpeak^ 
and  all  Nature  ftood  fixed  in  attentive  Expec- 
tation. No  Place  better  fitted  to  foothe,  or 
to  infpire,  a  contemplative  Sedatejiefs. 

Obferve  the  Simplicity  and  Grandeur  of 
thofe  furrounding  Trees :  the  beautiful  Plain- 
nefs  of  their  Verdure,  and  the  prodigious 
Statelinefs  of  their  Afpeft.  What  a  Speck  are 
our  Gardens,  and  what  a  mere  Divarf  are  our 
Groves,  compared  with  thefe  vaft  Plantations  ? 
Here  is  none  of  your  nice  Exa6tnefs,  but  all 
is  irregularly  and  wildly  great.  Here  are  no 
Traces  of  the  Shears,  nor  any  Footfleps  of  the 
Spade,  but  the  Handy- work  of  the  DEITY 
is  apparent  in  all. — Give  me  the  Scenes,  which 
difdain  the  puny  Affillance  of  Art,  and  are 
infinitely  fuperior  to  the  low  Toils  of  Man. 
Give  7?ie  the  Scenes,  which  fcorn  to  bribe  our 
Attention,  with  a  little  borrowed  Sprucenefs 
of  Shape  j  but,  by  their  own  native  Dignity, 
mimand  our  Regard.  I  love  the  Piofpe^ts, 
E  e  3     *  which, 


422        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

which,  the  Moment  they  are  beheld,  ftrike 
the  Soul  with  Veneration,  or  tranfport  it  with 
Wonder ;  and  cry  aloud,  in  the  Ear  of  Rea- 
fon,  Afcribe  Te  Grcatnefs  to  our  GOD. — Such, 
I  think,  in  a  very  eminent  Degree,  is  the 
Forefl ; 

High  waving  der  the  HillSy 


Or  to  the  vaji  Horizon  wide  diffuid^ 
A  boiindlefs  deep  Inwje?i/ity  of  Shade, 

Afp.  Solomons  refined  Genius  feems  to  have 
been  fond  of  the  fame  Situation,  and  delighted 
with  the  fame  Objefts.  Therefore,  at  a  great 
Expence,  and  in  the  moil  curious  Tafte,  He 

built  The  Houfe  of  the  Foreji. Ifaiah's  divine 

Imagination  was  charmed  with  the  fame  grand 
Speclacle.  More  frequently,  than  any  of  the 
Prophets,  He  derives  his  Illuflrations  from  it. 
One  Comparifon  I  particularly  remember. 
JSpeaking  of  the  AJJyrian  King,  and  his  mili- 
tary Forces,  He  likens  them  to  fuch  an  Affem- 
blage  of  Trees:  numerous^  as  their  amazing 
Multitudes :  ftrong^  as  their  mafTy  Trunks. 
Yet,  numerous  and  potent  as  they  were,  they 
ihould  all  be  brought  low,  and  laid  in  the 
Puft.  For  behold  I  the  LORD,  the  LORD 
(f  Hojls  f:all  lop  the  Bough  with  T'error,  and  the 
High  Ones  of  Stature  fiall  be  hewn  down,  and 
the  Haughty  f:all  be  humbled-,  and  he  JJ:all  cut 

down 


DIALOGUE    XVII.        423 

^own  the  'thickets  of  his  Foreft  with  Iron,  and 
Lebanon  fiall  fall  by  a  tnighty  one^. 

Then  He  pafles,  by  a  moft  beautiful  Tran- 
fition,  to  his  darling  Topic,  the  Redemption 
of  Sinners.  He  gives  Us,  together  with  one 
of  the  finefl  Contrails  -f  imaginable,  a  View 
of  the  MESSIAH  and  his  great  Salvation. 
When  thofe  lofty  Cedars  are  leveled  with  the 
Ground,  there  Jhall  come  a  Rod,  2l  Twig  fliall 
fpring  from  the  Stem  of  Jeffe,  and  a  Branch 
fiall grow  out  of  his  Roots  %.  Which,  notv/ith- 
ftanding  its  mean  Original,  and  unpromifmg 
Appearance,  fhall  rear  its  Head  to  the  Skies, 
and  extend  its  Shade  to  the  Ends  of  the  Earth. 

ther.  You  do  well,  Afpafio,  to  recal  my 
roving  Thoughts.  This  magnificent  Solitude 
had  captivated  my  Imagination,  and  I  was 
giving  a  Loofe  to  the  ufual  Sallies  of  my  Fancy. 
But,  with  a  willing  Compliance,  I  turn  to  a 

more  excellent  Subject. Only  I  mull  afllire 

you,  that  your  Remark  av/akens  a  painful 
Idea  in  my  Mind,  though  a  joyful  one  in  your 
own.  For,  my  Hopes,  which  were  once  high 
and  lifted  up,  are  now  too  much  like  that  de- 
voted proflrate  Foreft. 

Aft. 

*  -^^^;X.  33'^  34- 

•}■  This  fine  Contraft,  and  that  artful  Tranfitlon  are,  by 
the  injudicious  Divifion  of  the  two  Chapters,  very  much  ob- 
fcured,  if  not  quite  loft,  to  many  Readers.  The  Chapters, 
I  think,  fhould  by  no  means  be  feparated  j  but,  the  tenth  and 
the  eleventh,  as  a  Continuation  of  the  fame  Prophecy,  fhould 
be  united,  ~  \  Ifai,  xi.  i. 


424        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

Afp.  My  dear  T^hemi^  give  me  leave  to  fay^ 
they  were  never  rightly  founded.  They  were, 
what  >S/'^^^£'^rf  calls,  the  bajelefs  Fabric  of  a 
Vifan.  Now  the  fhadowy  and  tranfient  Hopes 
are  demolifliedj  that  folid  and  everlafting  Joys 
may  fucceed.  Let  them  reft  on  CHRIS'T, 
the  infinitely  glorious  REDEEMER,  and  they 
Ihall  never  be  overthrown,  never  be  removed 
any  more. 

Caft  a  Look  upon  yonder  Ivy.  What  can 
be  more  feeble  ?  It  has  not  Strength  enough 
to  withftand  the  flighteft  Blaft.  Nay,  if  left 
to  itfelf,  its  own  Weight  would  crufh  it  to  the 
Earth.  Yet,  by  twining  around  the  Oak,  how 
high  it  rifes,  and  how  firm  it  ftands  !  An  Em- 
blem of  our  State,  and  a  Pattern  for  our  Imi- 
tation.— Thus  let  Us,  who  in  ourfelves  are  no- 
thing, of  ourfelves  can  do  nothing,  let  us  fly 
to  CHRISr-,  rely  on  CHRIST;  and,  as 
Barnabas  that  true  Son  of  Confolation  fpeaks, 
cleave  to  the  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  with 
full  Piirpofe  of  Heart  *.  Let  us  determine  to 
know  nothing,  to  defire  nothing,  to  depend 
on  nothing,  but  JESUS  CHRIST  and  Him 
crucified.  Let  this  be  the  Motto  for  our  Faith, 
this  the  Language  of  our  Souls,  CHRIST  is 
AIL  Then  fnall  our  Hopes,  though  hitherto 
fmitten  with  a  Blaft,  revive  as  the  Corn :  Then 

iliaU 

*  A^s  xl.  23, 


DIALOGUE     XVII.       425 

(liall  our  Virtues,  though  in  themfelves  weaker 
than  the  Ivy,  mount  like  the  Cedars. 

T'her.  You  can  hardly  imagine,  kow  a  Senfe 
of  Guilt  and  Unvvorthinefs  opprefTes  my  Mind. 
I  am  often  difcouraged,  and  cannot  bring  my- 
felf  to  Se  fledfaft  in  Faith,  or  joyful  through 
Hope. 

Afp.  You  cannot  bring  yourfelf,  bat  GOD 
Almighty's  Power  and  Grace  can  bring  to  pafs 
thefe  dehrable  Effe6ts.  And  hear  what  the 
Prophet  fays  fartlier,  upon  the  charming  To- 
pic which  introduced  our  Difcourfe.  VVhen- 
ever  the  eloquent  Ifaiah  undertakes  to  difplay 
a  Truth,  He  gives  it  all  the  Energy,  all  tl:ie 
Beauty,  and  every  heightening  Touch,  that  it 
is  capable  of  receiving. — This  humble  Shoot, 
fpringing  from  the  Stem  of  Jeffe,  fliall  rife  to 
fuch  a  Pitch  of  Elevation ;  that  it  Ihall  be 
confpicuous  fai"  and  near,  and  Jiand  for  an 
Enfign  of  the  People,  It  fhall  be  feen,  not  hke 
a  Beacon  upon  the  Top  of  an  Hill,  by  the 
Ifraelites  only,  or  the  Natives  of  a  fmgle  Ter- 
ritory y  but  like  the  great  Luminaries  of  Hea- 
ven, fhall  be   vilible    in  every  Country,   and 

by  the  whole  inhabited  World. To  it  f:all 

the  Gentiles  feek ;  not  only  from  the  remotefh, 
but  from  the  mofl  barbarous  and  idolatrous 
Climes.  Thefe,  even  thefe  Perfons,  though  favage 
in  their  Nature,  and  deteftable  in  their  xMan- 
fttrs,  Ihall  be  freely  admitted,  fliall  find  Reft 

under 


426         DIALOGUE     XVII. 

under  his  Shadow.  Nay,  the  Refrefliment  which 
He  yields,  and  the  Comfort  which  they  receive, 
fliall  be  n*\  feafonable  only,  but  of  fovereign 
Efficacy  ;  his  Reji  p:>all  be  glorious  *. 

From  this  we  leanij  that  all  the  Bleffings  of 
CHRISTs  Mediation  are  defigned  for  Gen- 
tiles J  for  the  molt  abandoned  and  abominable 
Sinners. — That  they  are  fo  full  and  confum- 
mate,  as  to  create  a  Calm  of  Tranquility,  a 
glorious  ReJi,  in  the  nioft  troubled,  afflicted, 
guilty  Confciences. — And  I  dare  challenge  even 
my  T'hcrons  mifgiving  Mind,  to  fpecify  any 
Want  which  is  not  fupplied,  anjGrievance  which 
is  not  redrefled  by  the  Righteoufnefs  of  JESUS 
CHRIST^,  I  formerly  encountered  your  03- 
jeBions^  let  me  now  combat  your  Scruples, 

Ther.  Sometimes,  I  have  a  deep  and  diftrefT- 
ing  Convi6lion  of  my  extreme  Sinfulnefs. — 
'Tis  like  a  fore  Burden,  too  heavy  for  me  to 
bear. — 'Tis  like  the  vileft  Filth,  and  renders 
me  odious  to  mvfelf ;  how  much  more  lothe- 
fome  to  the  All-feeing  Eye  ? — It  appears  like 
a  Debt  of  ten  thoufand  Talents,  and  I  have 
nothing,  no,  not  any  thing  to  pay. — Then  I 
experience,  what  the  Ffalmiji  fo  pathetically 
laments  j  My  Sins  hair  taken  fuch  Hold  upon  me, 
that  I  am  not  able  to  look  up :  yea^  they  are  more 
in  Number  than  the  Hairs  of  my  Headj  and  my 

Heart 

*  Jfai,  xi.  10. 


DIALOGUE  XVII.  427 
Heart  is  ready  to  fail ;  my  Hopes  are  upon 
the  Point  to  expire. 

Afp.  Then,  Therouy  fly  to  that  juft  and  righ- 
teous ONE,  who  is  the  Strength  of  our  Hearts; 
the  Life  of  our  Hopes  3  and  our  Portion  for 
ever. 

If  Sin  is  a  fore  burden ;  look  unto  CHRIST, 
who  bore  it  all,  in  his  own  Body  on  the  Tree  -, 
and  removed,  intirely  removed  that  tremend- 
ous Load,  which  would  otherwife  have  funk 
the  whole  World  into  the  nethermoft  Hell. — If 
Sin  renders  us  filthy ;  let  Us  have  Recourfe  to 
that  Blood  of  Sprinkling,  which  cleanfes,  not 
from  a  few  Stains  only,  but  from  all  Guilt. 
By  which  the  moll  defiled  Tranfgreflbrs  be- 
come fair  as  the  faireft  Wool,  nay  whiter  than 
the  virgin  Snows  *. — If  Sin  is  a  Debt  -f  j  fub- 
je6ling  Us  to  Wrath,  and  binding  Us  over  to 
Punifliment ;  let  Us  confide  in  that  gracious 
Surety,  who  has  taken  the  Debt  upon  him- 

felf, 

*  PfaJ.  li.  7. 

t  By  thefe  three  Images,  the  PfalmiJI  difplays  the  horri- 
ble and  deftrudlive  Malignity  of  Sin,  together  with  the  free 
Nature  and  invaluable  Worth  of  evangelical  Forgivenefs. 
Blejfed  is  he  whofe  Trangrejfion^  as  an  infupportable  Load, 
(^IDi)  ^'-f  horc^  or  taken  away ,  whofe  Shi^  as  being  the  moft 
abominable  Filth,  (^"IDD'  is  covered  ;  unto  whom  the  LORD 
imputeth  not  (nt^'il*  ^^)  that  moft  ruinous  of  all  Debts,  Ini- 
quity.— It  is  pleafing  to  obferve  the  Vehemence  and  Arclouvy 
■with  which  the  royal  Penitent  fpeaks  on  this  favourite  To- 
pic. He  breaks  out  with  a  Kind  of  holy  Abruptncfs^  and 
pours  his  Soul  in  a  Variety  of  warm  Exprefiions.  As  one 
who  thought,  he  could  not  poflibly  enter  upon  the  Subjcdt 
foojoon,  or  dwell  upon  it  too  long,    Pfal,  xxxii.  i,  2. 


428        DIALOGUE    XVIf. 

lelf,  and  made  it  all  his  own.  And  not  only 
io,  but  has  paid  it;  paid  it  to  the  uttermofl 
Farthing,  to  the  very  lafl  Mite  :  So  that  Juf- 
tice  itfelf  can  demand  no  more. 

Let  me  confirm  and  illuftrate  this  comfort- 
able Truth,  by  a  fcriptural  Similitude.  No 
Similitudes  are  more  exacl,  and  none  fo  flrik- 
ing.  /  have  blotted  cut  as  a  thick  Cloud  your 
I'ranfgrejjions^  and  as  a  Cloud  your  Sim  *.  A 
little  while  ago,  the  whole  Expanfe  of  the  Sky 
was  covered  with  Clouds.  Nothing  could 
more  ftrongly  reprefent,  a  Multitude  of  Cor- 
ruptions befieging  the  Heart,  and  a  Multitude 
of  Iniquities  overfpreading  the  Life. — But 
where  is  now  that  immenfe  Arrangement 
of  gloomy  Vapours  ?  The  Sun  has  flione 
them,  and  the  Wind  has  fwept  them,  clean 
away.  There  are  none,  neither  great  nor 
irnall,  remaining.  From  one  End  of  the  wide 
extended  Hemifphere  to  the  other,  we  fee  no- 
thing but  the  clear  and  beautiful  Blue  of  the 
Firmament.  So,  feith  the  SPIRIT  of  GOD 
to  the  true  Believer,  Jo  totally  is  your  Guilt, 
hov/ever  horrid  and  enormous,  done  away 
through  the  dying  JESUS. 

I'her.  It  is  not  poffible  to  conceive,  nor  will 
the  whole  Creation  afford,  a  more  exquifitely 
fine  Comparifon.  Perhaps,  nothing  can  {o 
emphatically   defcribe    the    mofl    prodigious 

Multi- 
*  Jfal,  xliv.  22. 


dialogue;  XVII.      429 

Multitude,  intirely  obliterated,  without  the 
Uaft  T'race  of  their  former  Exiftence. — But  I 
am  not  only  chargeable  with  pafi  Iniquities ; 
I  am  alfo  liable  to  daily  Mifcarriages.  I  re- 
lapfe  into  Sin.  When  I  have  been  cleanfed, 
I  defile  myfelf  afrefli ;  and  when  I  would  do 

Good,  Evil  is  prefent  with   me. My  bed 

Hours  are  not  free  from  fmful  Infirmities,  nor 
my    beit   Duties  from   finful    Imperfeftions. 
Which,  like  a  Worm  at  the  Core  of  the  Fruit, 
cat  away  the  Vigour  of  my  Graces,  and  tar-  ' 
nifli  the  Beauty  of  my  Services, 

Afp.  Becaufe  You  are  daily  finning,  there 
is  a  Fount  ain  opened  for  Sin  and  for  Uncle aiinefs  *. 
The  Blood  and  Atonement  of  CHRIST  are 
compared  to  a  heavenly  Fountain.  In  which 
polluted  Sinners  may  wafli  daily,  waih  hourly; 
and  be  confiiantly,  perfectly  clean. — A  Ciftern 
may  fail,  may  be  broke  or  exhaufted.  But  it 
is  the  Property  of  a  real  Fountain,  never  to  be 
dried  up,  always  to  yield  its  Waters.  Such  is 
the  Efficacy  of  CHRISTs  Deatli;  not  to  be 
diminillied  by  univerfal  and  in-cefTant  Vk.  It 
removes  the  Iniquity  of  the  Land -f.  It  takes 
away  the  Sin  of  the  TVor^ldX,  It  is  new,  for 
ouf^  Application,  every  Morning;  new,  for 
this  blelied  Purpofe,  every  Moment.  On  which 
Account,  it  makes  complete  Provifion  for  our 
Cleanfmg,  our  Reftoration,  and  our  Comfort, 

— Elpe- 

*  Zech,\\\i,  I.  t  7cch.  iii,  9,  J  Johni.TX), 


430         DIALOGUE     XVII. 

— Efpecially,  as  it  is  not  only  fovereign  in  it- 
felf,  and  ever  free  for  our  Approach,  but  is 
ever  pleaded  by  a  great  HIGH-PRIEST  in 
our  behalf.  Therefore,  the  infpired  Cafuift 
directs  Us  to  this  Source  of  Confolation,  un- 
der all  the  Upbraidings  of  Confcience,  and  all 
the  Accufations  of  Satan.  If  any  Man  Jin^  We 
have  an  Advocate  with  the  FATHER,  JESUS 
CHRIST  the  Righteous  J  and  He  is  the  Propitia^ 
t ion  for  our  Sins  *. 

We  have  for  our  Advocate,  not  a  mean  Per- 
fon,  but  HIM  of  v^hom  it  was  faid.  This  is 

my  beloved  SON Not  a  guilty  Perfon,  who 

fVands  in  need  of  Pardon  for  Himfelf,  but 
JESUS  CHRIST  the  Righteous — Not  a  mere 
Petitioner,  who  relies  purely  upon  Liberality; 
but  one  that  has  merited,  fully  merited  what- 
ever He  afks ;  He  is  the  Propitiation  for  our  Sins, 
has  paid  our  Ranfom,  and  purchafed  our  Peace 
— In  confequence  of  which.  He  claims  rather 
than  alks  our  renewed,  our  irrevocable  For- 
givenefs — This  he  claims,  not  from  an  unre^ 
lentiiig  Judge,  but  from  his  FATHER  and  our 
FATHER — And  can  fuch  a  Plea  meet  with  a 
Repulfe  ?  Can  fuch  an  Advocate  mifcarry  in  his 
Suit  ? — If  the  Prophets  of  old  were  reckoned 
The  Chariots  of  Ifrael  atid  the  Horfemen  thereof  ^ ; 

be- 

*  I  lohn  ii.  I. 
*  2  Kingi  ii.  12.    xiii.  14.     There  is  a  peculiar  Beauty, 
and  molt  appofite  Significancy,  in  tiiis  proverbial  Saying,  as 

ufed 


DIALOGUE     XVII.         431 

becaufe,  like  their  Anceflor  "Jacobs  they  had 
Power  with  GOD,  and  prevailed  in  Prayer: 
O  !  what  a  Defence !  what  a  Security,  is  the 
divinely  excellent,  and  ever  prevailing  Inter- 
ceffion  of  JESUS  CHRIST! 

"  Your  Graces,  You  complain,  are  fuUied, 
"  and  your  Services  defe6live." — Then,  my 
dear  Friend,  renounce  them  in  Point  of  Con- 
fidence ;  and  gladly  receive,  cordially  embrace, 
the  all-perfe6l  Righteoufnefs  of  your  LORD. 
So  fhall  your  Juflilication  be  complete -j  and  your 
Services,  though  deficient  in  themfelves,  be 
"  accepted  in  the  beloved." — I  have  fomewhere 
feen,  painted  upon  a  flat  Surface,  an  aukward 
and  difagreeable  Countenance  :  In  which  was 
nothing  regular,  nothing  graceful,  but  every 
Feature  difproportionate.  Yet,  this  very  Face, 
received  on  and  refle6led  from  a  cylindrical 
Mirror,  has  put  off"  its  Deformity  ;  the  Linea- 
ments were  well  adjufted;  Symmetry  conne(5t- 
ed  every  Part,  and  Beauty  fmiled  throughout 
the  whole. — Like  the  jonner  our  Virtues  ap- 
pear j  when  compared  with  the  immaculate 

Purity 

ufed  by  the  anticnt  Ifraelltes.  Horfes  and'  Chariats  were 
deemed,  in  thofe  Ages,  the  principal  Strength  of  the  Bat- 
tle, the  moft  formidable  Apparatus  of  War.  Of  thefc  the 
Ifraelltes  were  intirely  deftitute.  Their  GOD  had  exprefly 
forbidden  them  to  multiply  Horfes  ;  and  We  never  read  of 
their  bringing  any  confiderable  Number  of  Cavalry  into  the 
Field. — But,  fo  long  as  they  enjoyed  the  Prefence  of  their 
Prophets,  they  wanted  not  this  Arm  of  Flejh.  They  had 
more  than  an  JEquivalent  for  Chariots  and  Horfemen,  in  the 
fervent  J  the  effa^ual  Prayers  of  thofe  holy  Men. 


432  DIALOGUE  XVII.. 
Pui-ity  of  GOD,  or  the  fublime Pcrfe6lion  of 
his  Law.  But  they  acquire  the  Amiablenefs 
of  the  lathTy  when  prefented  to  the  FATHER 
by  our  divme  MEDIATOR,  and  recommend- 
ed by  his  inconceivably  precious  Oblation  *. 

Milton,  taking  his  Hint  from  the  Revelations 
oi St.  Jobfiy  reprefents  our  great  HIGH-PRIEST, 
in  this  glorious  and  dehghtful  Attitude.  Re- 
prefents Him,  offering  up  the  Supplications 
and  penitential  Duties  of  our  firft  Parents , 
mixing  with  them  the  Incenfe  of  his  own  Me- 
rits ',  and  thus  interceding  before  the  Throne. 

Seey  FATHER!  what  frji  Fruits  on  Earth 

are  fprung 
From  thy  implanted  Grace  in  Man  !  'Thefe  Sighs 
A?id  Prayers^  which  in  this  golden  Cenfer  jnixd 
With    Incenfe,  I  thy  PRIEST  before  Thee 

bring, 

^ Now  therefore  befid  thi?ie  Ear 

To  Supplication  -,  hear  his  Sighs  though  mute  ! 

VnfkiU 

*  They^  the  Perfons  and  Performances  of  frail  Men,  fimll 
C67ne  up  with  Acceptance  on  mine  Altar^  faith  the  LORD.  Ifai. 
Jx.  7.— Which  is  explained  by  St.  Peter's  Comment  j  Te  are 
an  holy  Prie/ihood,  to  offer  up  Jpiritual  SacriJiceSy  acceptable 
unto  GOD  by  JESUS  CHRIST,  i  Pa  ii.  5.  And  ftill 
farther  afcertained  by  St.  PauPs  Pradtice.  Who,  when  He 
addreflcs  the  MAJESTY  of  Heaven  with  any  Petition,  or 
prefents  the  Tribute  of  Praife,  prefumes  not  to  do  either  the 
one  or  the  other,  but  in  the  blclled  MEDIATOR'S  Name. 
Bccaufc,  i,ecludcd  from  this  grand  Recommendation>  they 
would  be  of  en  fire,  to  the  awful  JEHOVAH,  "  as  Smoke 
«'  in  his  Noltrils  i"  accompanied  with  it,  they  are  acceptably 
«'  as  the  fwcet  fmelling  Incenfe," 


DIALOGUE    XVII.        433 

Unjkilful  with  what  Words  to  pray,  let  ME 
Interpret  for  Him ;  ME  his  Advocate 
And  Propitiation.     All  his  Works  on  MEy 
Goody  or  not  goody  ingraft :  MT  Merit  thofe 
Shall  perfedl -y  and  for  thefe  MT  Death  f: all 
pay  *. 

The  Poet's  Words  are  very  emphaticaL  Yet 
Words  can  no  more  exprefs  the  Prevalence  of 
our  LORD'S  Negotiation,  than  the  Pi6lure 
of  the  Sun  can  difFufe  its  Splendor,  or  convey 
its  Warmth. 

Ther.  My  fpiritual  Wants  are  many.  I 
have  many  Duties  to  difcharge,  and  many 
Temptations  to  withftand :  many  Corruptions 
to  mortify,  and  many  Graces  to  cultivate,  or 
rather  to  acquire.  Yet  have  I  no  Stock,  and 
no  Strength  of  my  own. 

Afp.  I  rejoice,  that  my  Theron  is  fenfible  of 

his  own  Indigence.     The  good  LORD  keep 

Us  both,  in  this  Refpe6l,  as  little  Children ; 

whofe  whole  Dependence  is  upon  their  Nurfe's 

Care,  or  their  Parent's  Bounty !    Then  may 

we,  having  fuch  a  Senfe  of  our  Poverty,  and 

having  a  great  HIGH-PRIEST  over  the 

Houfe  of  GOD,  come  boldly  to  the  Throne 

of  Grace.     We  may  apply,  through  the  Righ- 

teoufnefs  of  JESUS  CHRISTy  for  all  needful 

Succour,  and  for  every  defirable  Blelfing. 

If 
*  PanLoff.  B.  XI.  1.  22,  iffc. 

Vol.  III.  F  f  < 


434        DIALOGUE    XVJI. 

If  Solomon  could  fay ;  LORD,  remember  David, 
and  all  his  trouble.  If  Mofes  could  fay  j  LORD, 
remember  Abraham,  Ifaac,  artd  Jacob  thy  Ser~ 
rants.  How  much  more  confidently  may 
-^rfayj  "  LORD,  remember  JESUS,  the 
"  Son  of  thy  Love !  Remember  JESUS,  and 
"  all  his  Sufferings  J  JESUS  and  all  hisMe- 
"  rits.  Shall ,  they  be  fent  empty  away,  who 
"  have  their  SAVIOUR'S  Obedience  to  plead  ?". 

No  verily.     Though  they  are  -altogether 

unworthy  in  themfelves,  yet  worthy  is  the 
LAMB  that  was  flain,  for  whofe  Sake  their 
Petitions  fliould  be  granted,  and  their  every 
NecelTity  fupplied. 

Let  me  repeat  to  you  a  mofl  beautiful  and 
encouraging  Portion  of  Scripture.  Which 
you  may  look  upon,  under  all  your  Wants,  as 
Charte  Blanche  put  into  your  Hand  by  GOD 
all-fufficient.  Having  therefore.  Brethren,  Bold" 
nefs  to  enter  into  the  Holieji  by  the  Blood  of 
JESUS  ;  by  a  new  and  living  Way  which  he  has 
confccratcdfor  Us,  through  the  Veil,  that  is  to  fay, 
his  Flejlo ;  And  having  an  HIGH-PRIEST  over 
the  Hoiife  of  GOD  -,  let  us  draw  near  with  a 
true  Heart,  in  full  Ajjurance  of  Faith  ^. 

The  Apoftle,  in  this  Place,  and  throughout 
this  whole  Epiftlc,  alludes  to  the  Mofaic  Or- 
dinances ;  in  order  to  fhew,  that  the  Privileges 
of  the  Chrijlian  Difpenfation,  were  typefied  by, 

yet 

*   Hch,  X.  19,  20,  21,  22.^ 


DIALOGUE    XVII.        43^ 

yet  are  greatly  fuperior  to,  thofe  of  the  Je^vijh. 
— Among  the  Jews^  none  but  the  Hl^h-Prieft, 
was  permitted  to  fet  a  Foot  within  the  Holy 
of  Holies ;  and  He,  only  on  the  folemn  Day 
of  Expiation.  Whereas,  all  Cbriftians  are  al- 
lowed to  enter  into  the  immediate  Preience  of 
the  moft  High  GOD;  may  have  the  neareffc 
Accefs  to  HIM  who  dwells  in  the  Heaven  of 
Heavens  ;  and  this,  not  once  in  the  Year  only, 
but  at  all  Times,  and  on  all  Occafions. — The 
High-Priefl  never  made  that  awful  Approach, 
but  with  the  Blood  of  a  Jlaughtered  Animal. 
We  have  Blood  of  infinitely  richer  Value,  to 
atone  for  our  Failings,  and  recommend  our 
AddrefTes;  even  the  Blood  of  the  crucified 
yESUS. — Aaro72  entered  through  the  Veil  of 
the  Temple  ;  a  Way,  that  was  foon  to  become 
antiquated,  and  for  ever  to  be  aboliflied.  We 
enter  by  a  far  more  noble  Way  j  by  the  Flefli 
of  our  bleffed  REDEEMER,  given  as  a 
propitiatory  Sacrifice  for  our  Sins.  Which 
Way  is  both  72ew  and  living ;  fuch  as  never 
waxes  old,  will  fubfifl  to  the  End  of  Time, 

and  leads  to  eternal  Life. Trufling  in  this 

Sacrifice,  and  entering  by  this  Way,  which 
are  confecrated  on  Purpofe  for  our  Ufe,  We 
may  not  only  draw  near,  but  draw  near  ivifb 
Boldnefsy  with  an  humble    filial  Confidence; 

and  prefent  our  Supplications  with  Faith 

F  f  2  v/ith 


436         DIALOGUE    XVII. 

witli  Ajfiirance  of  Faith — with  full  Aflurance 
of  Faith. 

How  ilrong  is  the  Contrail !  How  fine  the 
Gradation  !  And  how  precious  the  Do6lrine  1 
What  fhall  we  fear,  if  we  beUeve  this  Text  ? 
What  can  we  lack,  if  we  improve  this  Privi- 
lege ? 

T^her.  There  may  come  Seafons  of  Defertiojiy 
when  all  Graces  are  languid,  if  not  dead  : 
When  the  Light  of  GOD's  Countenance  is 
fufpended,  if  not  turned  into  Darknefs :  and 
the  Man  is  more  hke  a  lifelefs  Log,  than  a 
zealous  Chrijiian.  Thefe  Frames  of  Mind  I 
have  heard  mentioned,  and  I  begin  to  know 
fomething  of  them  by  Experience. 

Afp.  Then  '^heron^  when  you  walk  in  Dark- 
ncjs^  and  fee  no  Light  of  fenfible  Comfort,  trujl 
in  the  Name,  the  unchangeable  Grace,  of  the 
LORD  J  and  fay  upon  the  Righteoufnefs,  the 
confummate  Righteoufnefs,  oi  your  GOD^\ 
This  is  not  barely  my  Advice,  but  the  Direc- 
tion of  an  infallible  Guide.  This  agrees  alfo  with 
the  Chara6ler  of  a  real  Chri/lian,  as  it  is  mofl 
exa6rly  drawn  by  an  unerring  Pen  ;  We  rejoice 
in  CHRIS'T  JESUS  and  have  no  Confidence 
in  the  Flefi  -f  -,  no  Reliance  on  any  Thing  of 

our 

*   lai.  1.  10. 
f  Phil.'uu  3.  Exat^ly  drau'ti—'PerhzpSy  (here  IS  nowhere 
extant  a  finer,  a  more  complete,  or   fo  lively  a  Figure  of 
the  true  Chnjf'um.     'Tis  in  Miniature^  I  own  :  but  it  com- 
prehends 


DIALOG  U  E    XVIL        437 

our  own,  either  for  prefent  Joy,  or  future 
Glory. 

To  rely  on  the  Elevation  of  our  Spirits,  or 
the  Inlargement  of  our  Devotion,  is  like  build- 
ing our  Houfe  upon  the  Ice :  which  may  abide 
for  a  Seafon  j  but,  upon  the  firfl  Alteration  of 
Weather,  ceafes  to  be  a  Foundation,  and  be- 
comes "  Water  that  runneth  apace."  Whereas, 
to  derive  our  Confoktion  from  the  MEDIA- 
TOR's  Righteoufnefs,  and  JEHOVAH's 
Faithfulnefs,  is  to  build  our  Edifice  upon  the 
Rock  :  virhich  "  may  not  be  removed,  but  iiand- 
"  eth  fail:  for  ever."  The  former  of  thele, 
even  amidft  all  our  Changes,  is  invariably  the 
fame.  The  latter,  notv^ithftanding  all  our 
Unw^orthinefs,  is  inviolably  fure.  Therefore, 
the  Fruit  of  that  Righteoufnefs  is  Peace,  and 
the  EffeB  of  this  Faithfulnefs  is,  if  not  rap- 
turous Joy,  yet  ^ietnefs  and  Ajfurance  for 
ever  -f*. 

So  that,  when  it  is  Winter  in  my  Soul,  and 
there  feems  to  be  a  Dearth  on  all  my  fcnlible 
Delights,  I  would  ilill  fay  with  the-Pfalmift  j 

"  V/hy 

prehends  all  the  majier  Lines  and  cvcxy  di/iinguiJJvKg  Feature. 
fVe  ore  they^  who  worJJnp  GOD  in  the  Spirit ;  with  the  fpi- 
ritual  Homage  of  a  renewed  Heart ;  with  Faith,  Love,  R( 
fignation.  And  rejoice  in  CHRIST  JESUS;  in  Hii 
look  for  all  our  Acceptance  vv^ith  GOD;  from  Him  d'. 
rive  all  the  Peace  of  our  Minds  ;  and  on  Him  place  all  th 
Hope  of  our  final  Felicity.  Jnd  have  no  ConfJer.ce  in  tl 
Flcjh  ;  renouncing  ourfelves,  in  every  View,  as  unprofi' 
able  Servants  ;  dilclaiming  all  our  own  VV^orks  and  Attai: 
ments,  as  defeiftive  Services.  *  Ijai.  xxxii.   17. 

F  f  3 


43S         DIALOGUE    XVII. 

'*  Why  art  thou  Jo  difqiiieted,  0  my  Soul?  CHRIST 
"  is  the  fame  amidft  all  thy  Derelictions.  He 
"  is  a  green  Fir-'T'ree  *,  that  never  lofes  its  Ver- 
"  dure.  Undei:  his  Shadow  Thou  mayft  always 
*'  find  Repofe.  His  Merit  and  Atonement  are 
"  Hill  mighty  to  fave;  they  conllitute  an  ever- 
*'  lafling  and  infinite  Righteoufnefs.  The  Pro- 
»'  miles  of  GOD,  through  his  Mediation,  are 
*'  yea  and  amen  "f*,  are  unqueflionably  and  una- 
*'  licnably  thine." 

Ther.  'Tis  very  probable,  I  may  meet  with 
Affit5iions\  Death  in  my  Family,  or  Difeafe 
in  my  Perfon.  Difappointments  may  fruftrate 
my  Defigns.  Providence  may  wear  a  frown- 
ing Alpeft,  as  thougli  the  LORD  had  a  Con- 
troverfy  with  his  finful  Creature,  and  was  mak- 
ing Him  to  poffefs  the  Iniquities  of  his  Youth. 
And  what  will  be  fufficient  to  fupport  and  to 
chear,  in  fuch  a  gloomy  Hour  %  ? 

Afp,  The  Righteoufnefs  of  CHRIST, 

Nothing  is  fo  fovereign,  to  calm  our  Fears, 
and  remove  all  Apprehenfions  of  the  di- 
vine-Wrath. Apprehenfions  of  the  divine 
Wrath,  would  draw  the  Curtains  of  Horror 
around  our  fick  Beds,  and  throw  upon  our 

lan- 

*  Hof,  xiv,  8.  t  2  Cor.  i.  20. 

X  The  Sufficiency  of  C//i^/iS"7's  Righteoufnefs,  to  an- 
fwcr  all  thcle  important  and  delightful  Ends,  is  exxellently 
liiCplaved  in  A4r.  Razv/ins  Sermons,  on  CHRIST  the  Ricr/j- 
teo'f'  cfs  of  his  People.  In  which  the  Public  have  feen  the 
grand  and  amiable  Eill-ntials  of  the  Gofpcl,  delivered  in 
mafculine  Language  ;  defended  by  nervous  Reafoningj  ai;d 
animated  by  a  lively  Devotion. 


DIALOGUE     XVII.         439 

languifliing  Eye-lids  the  Shadow  of  Death  *' 
But  a  believing  Improvement  of  CHRISl^'s 
Satisfa(£i:ion  for  our  Offences,  cka7's  up  the 
mournful  Scene,  and  takes  away  tlie  Sting  of 
Tribulation. 

Attending  to  this  great  Propitiation,  the 
Sufferer  fees  his  Sins  forgiven,  and  his  GOD 
reconciled^  From  whence  he  concludes,  that 
the  fevereft  Affli6lions  are  only  fatherly  Cor- 
re6lions ;  fliall  not  exceed  his  Ability  to  bear ; 
and  fliall  afluredly  obtain  a  gracious  LTue.  Hii 
can  fetch  Comfort  from  that  chearing  Word, 
I  will  be  with  him  in  T'rouble  :  And  cxpeci;  the 
Accomplilhment  of  that  moft  confolatory  Pro- 
mife,  /  will  deliver  Him,  ajid  bring  him  to  Ho- 
nour •\. Thefe  Supports  have  enabled  the 

Saints,  to  kifs  the  Rod,  and  blcfs  the  Hand, 
which  chaflifed  them.  To  pofTefs  their  Souls, 
not  in  Patience  only,  but  in  Thankfulnefs  alfo. 
While  they  have  looked  inward^  and  difcerned 
their  abfolute  Need  of  thefe  bitter  but  falu- 
tary  Medicines  :  Have  looked  upward,  and  be- 
held the  Cup  in  a  moft  vv'ife  and  tender  PHY- 
SICIAN'S Hand  :  Have  looked  forward,  with  a 
joyful  Hope,  to  that  better  World  i  where 
GOD  will  wipe  away  all  Tears  from  their 

Eyes, 

*  Alluding  to  that  Defcription  of  Trihtilation  and  h\\- 
guifh,  which,  I  believe,  no  Perfon  of  Senribility  can  read 
without  {huddering  ;  My  Face  hf aid  with  Jl^ecping,  and  on  mji 
fiye-iuh  is  the  ^haaonj  of  Death.      Job  xvi,  j6. 

t  PJal.  xci.  15. 

Ff4 


440        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

Eyes,  and  there  fhall  be  no  more  Sorrow,  nor 
any  more  Pain. 

'T'her.  The  lafl  Occafion  of  Need  is  the  try- 
ing Hour  of  Deathy  and  the  tremendous  Day 
of  judgment.  Will  this  Righteoufnefs  carry 
Us,  with  Safety,  through  the  darkfome  Valley ; 
and  prefent  us,  with  Acceptance,  at  the  dread- 
ful Tribunal  ? 

Afp.  It  will :  It  will. — This  filences  all  the 
Curfes  of  the  Law,  and  difarms  Death  of 
every  Terror.  To  believe  in  this  Righteouf- 
nefs, is  to  meet  Death  at  our  SAVIOUR'S 
Side ;  or  rather,  like  good  old  Simeo?tj  with  the 
SAVIOUR  in  our  Arms. — I'hey  overcame^  fays 
the  beloved  Difciple,  they  overcame  the  lall 
Enemy,  not  by  natural  Fortitude,  or  philo- 
fophic  Refolution,  but  by  the  Blood  of  the 
LAMB*;  by  a  believing  Application  of  the 
vidorious  REDEEMER'S  Merit. — IknoWy 
adds  the  heroic  Apoftle,  'who?n  I  have  believed 'f-y 
I  am  afiured,  that  my  JESUS  is  infinitely 
faithful,  and  will  not  defert  me ;  that  his  Ran- 
fom  is  abfolutely  fufficient,  and  cannot  deceive 
me.  Therefore,  with  a  holy  Bravery,  He  bids 
Defiance  to  Death  ;  or  rather,  triumphs  over 
it,  as  a  vanquifhed  Enemy  ;  7'hanks  be  to  GOD, 
who giveth  Us  the  Virion  through  our  LORD 
JESUS  CHRIST' i  /—Nay,  through  the  won- 
derful 

♦  Eev.  xii.  ii;         t  2  71m.  u  12.         %  i  Cer*  xv.  57. 


DIALOGUE     XVII.       441 

derful  Efficacy  of  CHRIS Ts  Propitiation, 
Death  is  ours  *  -,  not  our  Foe,  but  our  Friend 
and  Deliverer.  We  may  number  it  among  our 
Treafures ;  and  reft  fatisfied.  That  to  die^  is 
Gain, 

What  ?  Though  our  Flefh  fee  Corruption. 
Though  this  Body,  vile  at  prefent,  be  made 
viler  ftill,  by  dwelling  amidft  Worms,  and 
mouldering  in  the  Duftj  yet  through  HIS 
Righteoufnefs,  who  is  the  Refurre6lion  and 
the  Life,  it  fhall  fhake  off  the  Difhonours  of 
the  Grave :  It  fhall  rife  to  a  new  and  illuftri- 
ous  State  of  Exiftence :  It  fhall  be  made  like 
the  glorious  and  immortal  Body  of  our  triumph- 
ant LORD. — If  the  Body  be  fo  refined,  fo  ex- 
alted J  what  will  be  the  Dignity,  what  the  Per- 
feftion,  of  the  Soul !  Or  rather,  of  Soul  and 
Body  both,  when  they  are  happily  and  indif- 
folubly  united,  at  the  Refurreftion  of  the  Juft ! 

Shall  they  have  any  thing  to  fear,  when 

the  Judgment  is  fet,  and  the  Books  are  opened  ? 
'Tis  probable  there  will  be  no  Accufation,  'tis 
certain  there  is  no  Condemnation^  to  them  that  are 
in  CHRIST  JESUSi-.  Who  fhall  lay  any 
Thing  to  their  Charge?  It  is  GOD — not 
Man,  or  Angel,  or  any  Creature,  but  GOD 
— that  jujiifies  them.  The  GOD  whofe  Law 
was  broke,  the  GOD  to  whom  Vengeance  be- 

longeth, 

*  I  C(?r.  iii.  22,  t  Rom.vm.  i. 


442        DIALOGUE    XVII. 

longeth,  He  Himfelf  pronounces  them  inno^ 
centy  beeaufe  their  Iniquities  have  been  laid 
upon  CHRIST'-j  He  Himfelf  pronounces  them 
righteous  J  beeaufe  they  are  interefted  in  the 
Obedience  of  their  REDEEMER  j  on  thefe  Ac- 
counts, He  Himfelf  pronounces  them  ^/^^, 
and  gives  them  an  abundant  Entrance  into  the 
Joy  of  their  LORD. 

But  what  can  exprefs,  or  w^ho  can  imagine 
their  Happinefs,  when  they  take  up  their 
Abode,  in  the  Palaces  of  Heaven  j  amidft  the 
Choirs  of  Angels ;  and  under  the  Light  of 
GOD's  Countenance !  When  they  poflefs  the 
Hope  of  Righteoufiiefs  *  ;  when  they  wear  the 
Crown  ofRighteoufnefs-f;  and  receive  that  great, 
that  eternal  Salvation,  which  is  a  proper  Re- 
compence  for  the  Humiliation  and  Agonies  of 
JESUS  CHRIST  the  righteous  X- 

Come  then,  my  dear  Theron,  let  Us  hence- 
forth be  as  Branches,  ingrafted  into  the  hea- 
venly Vine  J  derive  all  our  Sap,  all  our  Moif- 
ture,  all  our  Confolation,  from  his  Fulnefs.  Let 
Us  live  upon  our  all-fufficient  REDEEMER, 
as  the  IJraelites  fubfilled  on  their  Manna  from 
Heaven,  and  their  Waters  from  the  Rock ; 
and  not  wilh  for  otko',  as  we  cannot  pollibly 
enjoy  better  Suttenance. 

I'her. 

*  Gal.  V.  5.  t  2  Tim.  iv.  8.  %  i  John  ii.  |, 


DIALOGUE    XVII.        443 

l^her.  Is  thifi  the  Meaning  of  our  LOR  D's 
Exhortation,  when  he  fhews  the  Neceflity  of 
eating  his  Flefij  and  dritiki?ig  his  Blood  f 

Afp.  'Tis  the  very  fame.  A  repeated  and 
incelfant  Application  of  our  SAVIOUR's  Me- 
rits, for  all  the  Purpofes  of  Piety  and  Salva- 
tion, is  the  Kernel  of  this  Nut,  the  Meaning 
of  this  Metaphor. When  we  habitually  ad- 
vert to  JESUS  CHRIST,  as  dying  for  our 
Sins,  and  rifing  again  for  our  Juftification ; 
performing  all  Righteoufnefs,  that  we  may  be 
intitled  to  an  eternal  Crown  ;  and  interceding 
in  Heaven,  that  we  may  be  filled  with  all  the 
Fulnefs  of  GOD  :  Then  we  eat  his  Flefh,  and 
drink  his  Blood.  Then  we  derive  a  Life  of 
folid  Comfort,  and  real  Godlinefs,  from  his 
mediatorial  Offices  j  juft  as  we  derive  the  Con- 
tinuance of  our  natural  Life,  from  the  daily 
Ufe  of  alimentary  Recruits. 

Ther.  Your  Difcourfe  brings  to  my  Remem- 
brance that  magnificent  and  beautiful  Pallage 
in  Scripture,  where  CHRIST  is  called  Thje 
Sun  of  Righteousness.  YourDo6trine  lets 
the  Comparifon  in  a  very  advantageous  Light ; 
gives  it  the  utmofl  Force,  and  the  greatefl  Pro- 
priety.  The  Righteoufnefs  of  CHRIST  ac- 
cording to  your  Account,  is  as  extenlively  ufe- 
ful  in  the  Chrijiian  Life,  as  the  Beams  of  that 
grand  Luminary  are  in  material  Nature. — ^- 

The 


444        DIALOGUE     XVII. 

The  Sun  fills  the  Air  ;  where  it  difFufes  Light, 

and  creates  Day. The  Sun  penetrates  the 

Ocean 'y  from  whence  it  exhales  Vapours,  and 
forms  the  Clouds. — In  the  vegetable  Creation, 
the  Sun  raifes  the  Sap»  and  protrudes  the  Gems  j 
unfolds  the  Leaves,  and  paints  the  BloiTom  ; 
diftends  the  Fruit,  and  conco6ts  the  Juices. — 
Turn  we  to  the  animal  World  ;  the  Sun  de- 
lights the  Eye,  and  gladdens  the  Heart.  It 
awakens  Millions  of  Infecls  into  Being  j  and 
imparts  that  general  Joy,  which  every  fenfible 
Creature  feels.  Indeed,  there  is  nothing  hid 
from  the  Heat  thereof. 

Afp.  Thus  the  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST, 
that  true  and  only  Stm  of  Righteoifnefs,  arifes 
on  his  People  with  Healing  in  his  JVifigs  *.  So 
various,  fo  efficacious,  and  fo  extenfive  are  his 
Influences.  Like  a  Sun,  He  inlightens  and  in- 
livens  :  like  Wings,  He  cherifhes  and  prote6ls  : 
like  a  Remedy,  He  heals  and  reflores.  And  all, 
by  virtue  of  his  Righteoufnefs,  on  account  of 

his  Righteoufnefs. Nor  can  We  doubt,  nor 

need  We  wonder,  if  We  confider  its  Nature 
and  its  Author.  Its  Nature ;  it  is  confum- 
mately  excellent,  has  every  Kind,  and  every 
Degree  of  Perfe6lion.  Its  Author ;  it  is  the 
Ritrhteoufnefs  and  Obedience  of  that  incom- 
parable  PERSON,  in  whom  divells  all  the  Ful- 
nefs  of  the  Godhead. 

It 

*  AM  iv.  2. 


DIALOGUE     XVII.        445 

It  muft  therefore You  will  permit  me  to 

fum  up  in  a  Word,  what  has  been  difplayed 

at  large It  muft  be  fully  anfwerable  to  the 

De?na?2ds  of  the  Law^  even  in  its  higheft  Pu- 
rity, and  utmoft  Exadlnefs. It  is  infinitely 

fuperior  to  the  Demerit  of  Siji^  and  intirely 
abfolves  from  all  Guilt,  intirely  exempts  from 
all  Condemnation.  It  is  a  moft  valid  and  ne- 
ver failing  Plea,  againft  the  Accufations  of  Sa- 
tan^ and  the  Challenges  of  Confcience. It 

eftablifhes  an  undoubted  T!itle  to  every  Bleffing, 
whether  in  Time  or  in  Eternity,  whether  of 

Grace  or  of  Glory. It  is  a  fure  Support  for 

the  Chriftian,  in  an  Hour  of  Defertioriy  and 
in  the  Agonies  of  Death.     Cafting  Anchor  on 
this  Bottom,  He  may  difmifs  every  Fear,  and 
ride  out  every  Storm.   Leaning  upon  this  Staff, 
He  may  go  down  to  the  Repofe  of  the  Grave  •, 
and   neither  be  appalled  at  the  folemn  Har- 
bingers of  Difiblution,  nor  terrified  at  its  far 
more  awful  Confequences.— The  Merit  of  this 
Righteoufnefs,  and  the  Power  of  its  DIVINE 
AUTHOR,  will  unfeal  the  Tomb ;   will  bring 
forth  the  fleeping  Duft  from  the  Chambers  of 
Putrefa6lion  j  and  build  up  the  whole  Man 
into  Immortality  and  Glory.     By  this  He  will 
be  prefented  without  Spot^-j  prQCcnttd faultlefs  f  j 
yea,  be  prefented  perfeB  |,  and  with  exceeding 
Joy  J   before  the  Throne. 

What 

*  Eph.  V.  27.  t  Jude  24.  X  Col,  i.  28. 


446        DIALOGUE    XVIL 

What  a  Gift  then  is  the  Rtghteoufnefi  of 
CHRIST! Bleffed  be  GOD,  for  all  the  in- 
dulgent Difpenfations  of  Providence  !  BlefTed 
be  GOD,  for  all  the  beneficial  Productions  of 
Nature!  But  above  all,  blefTed  be  GOD,  for 
the  tranfcendent  and  unfpeakable  Gift — of 
CHRIST  and  HIS  Righteousness, 


TABLE 

O  F    T  H  E 

T      E       X      T      ^, 

More  or  lefs  illujirated  in  this  Work. 


GEN. 


Hhap.  Ver. 


11 

3v     • 

ii 

>7 

iii 

«5 

iii 

«5 

iii 

ao 

vi 

3 

vi 

5 

vi 

H 

viii 

21 

xi 

4 

XV 

3 

xxii 

I 

xxii 

X 

xxii 

H 

xxvii 

30,  <^C' 

iii 

2 

xii 

9 

XV 

9,  10 

XV 

26 

XX 

24 

xxviii 

38 

xxix 

4 

xxix 

20 

xxix 

39 

xxxiv 

7 

Vol. 

Tag. 

-       Ill 

H 

II 

»24'5 

II 

64 

II 

389 

II 

390 

II 

148 

II 

141 

I 

108 

11 

M9 

II 

loz 

III 

aio 

III 

214 

III 

214 

III 

223 

I 

20 

E  X  0  D. 

Ill 

»9 

I 

114,  I 

III 

»i3 

III 

294 

I 

365 

II 

392 

I 

127 

I 

114,  I 

I 

127 

I 

164 

LEVIT. 


TEXTS     Illujlrafel 


L  E  V  I  T. 

Chap. 

Fer. 

Vol. 

Pag. 

xiv 

4.  5.6 

,7         I 

114,  15 

xvi 

Chap. 

I 

102,  2, 

xvi 

21 

I 

63 

xvi 

zz 

I 

63 

xvU 

3.4 

I 

61 

xvii 

It 

I 

114 

zxiii 

42 

I 
NUMB. 

127 

vi 

2,tj'f 

I 

119 

XV 

38 

I 

258 

xviii 

27 

I 

61 

xxi 

8 

II 

82 

XXV 

\t 

I 

128 

XXXV 

13 

II 

D  E  U  T. 

8j 

viii 

4 

I 

»97 

ix 

5 

I 

3H 

xxxii 

2 

III 

25 

xxxiii 

10 

II 

210 

xxxiii 

i3.H»' 

!5,i6III 
J  UD  G. 

t66 

XV 

8 

n 

•74 

xvii 

6 

II 

1    S  A  M. 

»SJ 

iii 

H 

I 

162 

xii 

% 

I 

320 

xvlii,  xix,  XX 

Chap. 

I 

20 

XX 

30 

III 

303 

xxiii 

25 

1 
2    S  A  M. 

260 

• 

1 

19 

I 

22 

XV 

3« 

11 

350 

xviii 

3S 

ir 

22 

xxiii 

3 

III 

73- 

xxiii 

5 

11 

4 

TEXTS    lUuftratel 


I    KINGS. 

Chap. 

Ver. 

To/. 

Pog. 

viii 

32 

ir 

48 

X 

6.7 

I 

273 

xiv 

10 

ir 

186 

xviii 

27 

II 

z   KINGS. 

295 

xiv 

9 

II 

307 

XX 

3 

I 

2    C  H  R  0  N 

402 

xxxIV 

27 

II 

N  E  H  E  M. 

3S3 

ii 

4 

II 

3?o 

ix 

21 

I 

'97 

xiii 

22 

I 

JOB. 

401 

i 

I 

ll 

294 

ii 

4 

II 

188 

ix 

10,  11 

I 

199 

ix 

12 

n 

243 

ix 

15 

II 

21 

ix 

2o,2r,3 

10,31,32! 

398  &  feq. 

X 

II 

n 

175.  18S 

xii 

7.8 

III 

140 

xiv 

4 

II 

130 

XV 

H.  15^ 

,  16   II 

137 

xix 

8 

III 

SS 

xix 

25 

in 

34* 

xxvi 

8 

HI 

2> 

xxvii 

5 

II 

48 

xxviii 

5 

HI 

3' 

xxix 

»9 

III 

260 

xxxvi 

38 

lii 

26 

Xxxvii 

16 

III 

25 

Xxxviii 

s 

in 

38 

aycxviii 

s,^ 

III 

112 

xxxviii 

10 

III 

108 

xxxviii 

«4 

III 

i93 

xxxviii 

if 

III 

24 

Vol.  III. 

Gc 

xxxnn 


TEXTS    Illiijirated. 

Chap.  Ver,  Vol.  Pag: 


xxxviii 

37 

IJI 

'47 

xxxviii 

37,38 

III 

69 

xxxix 

18 

in 

20 

xlii 

6 

I 

397 

xlii 

6 

tn 

394 

xlii 

7,8 

I 

I  JO 

P  S 

A  L. 

viii 

6,  7,  8 

Ill 

152 

>iv 

2,  3 

II 

»35 

XV 

I 

I 

307 

XV 

4 

I 

309 

xix 

5 

III 

72 

xix 

\Z 

I 

389 

xxii 

21 

III 

125 

xxii 

8 

II 

424 

xxiv  , 

5 

II 

395 

xxix 

4»  5'^ 

lit 

123 

xxix 

9 

III 

355 

xxvii 

I 

III 

342 

xxxii 

I 

I 

329 

xxxvi 

6 

II 

45 

xxxvii 

7 

III 

338 

xxxvii 

20 

III 

381 

xlix 

5 

I 

259 

li 

5 

II 

132 

11 

7 

III 

427 

Iviii 

10 

III 

387 

lix 

16 

II 

265 

Ix 

6 

III 

366 

Ixii 

12 

I 

293 

Ixv 

>3 

II 

396 

Ixviii 

iS 

Til 

304 

Ixviii 

19 

III 

■     138 

Ixxi 

15 

HI 

60, 

Ixxi 

16 

II 

396 

Ixxvii 

10 

III 

340 

Ixxvii 

17,  18 

HI 

353* 

Ixxvii 

10 

III 

377 

!xxix 

3 

HI 

288 

Ixxxv 

\o 

I 

158 

Ixxxix 

iS>  16 

II 

397 

xci. 

15 

IH 

439 

ciii 

3 

HI 

341 

civ 

id 

JI 

45 

CIV 

16 

HI 

150 

vt 


TEXTS    Illiiftrated, 


Chap. 

Ver. 

Vol. 

Pag. 

civ 

iz 

Ill 

18 

civ 

24 

III 

135 

ex 

3 

II 

268 

cxv 

16 

HI 

38 

cxvi 

12 

I 

23+ 

cxix 

96 

I 

379 

cxxxiii 

2 

III 

231 

cxxxv 

7 

HI 

27 

cxxxvii 

5>6 

III 

189 

cxxxix 

1,2 

lit 

88 

cxxxix 

H 

II 

190 

cxliii 

2 

I 

401 

cxliii 

2 

II 

49 

cxlv 

9 

III 

261 

P  R  0  V. 

i 

22,  23 

II 

264 

vi 

1 1 

II 

261 

vii 

7 

II 

260 

viii 

27 

in 

5 

xix 

12 

III 

179 

xxi 

I 

HI 

90 

xxii 

»5 

II 

136 

xxiii 

26 

III 

38 

[XXV 

II 

I 

38 

XXV 

»9 

II 

53 

XXX 

2 

II 

256 

xxxi 

21 

III 

188 

E  C  C  L  E  S. 

vii 

6 

»3 

vii 

20 

400 

vii 

29 

131 

ix 

7 

21 

xii 

3 

176 

xii 

4 

2-4 

xii 

6 

'75 

xii 

6 

203 

C  A  N  T  I  C. 

i 

I 

m 

368.9 

i 

I 

III 

229 

i 

9 

If 

400 

ii 

9 

I 

1,7 

ii 

II,  12,  13 

I 

77 

ii 

H 

in 

12; 

Gg  2 

TEXTS    Illujlrated, 


Chap. 
lii 
iv 
iv 
iv 
vi 
vi 
viii 


1 

i 

iv 

V 

vi 
vi 
vii 
vii 
ix 
ix 

X 

2(i 
xi 
xi 

xiii 
xxvi 
xxvi 
xxvii 
xwiii 
x:{viii 
xxviii 
xxviii 
xxxiii 

XXXV 

XXXV 

xxxvi 
xxxviii 
xli 
xlii 
xlii 
xlii 
xliii 


Ver. 

Vol. 

Pagf 

6 

Ill 

380 

I 

II 

181 

2 

II 

193 

3 

II 

190 

lO 

III 

106 

12 

III 

194 

5 

II 

I    S   A    L 

«3 

»8 

I 

180 

27 

If 

399 

6 

III 

3S5 

26 

III 

395 

2»  3.  4» 

5      rrr 

395  &  fe<j 

9 

III       . 

235 

19 

Ill 

257 

25 

III 

258 

.6 

I 

239 

^ 

III 

3®o,  1 

33»  34 

III 

423 

I 

III 

423 

3 

II 

215 

9 

I 

349 

10 

III 

426 

19,20,21,22  JI 

106 

7 

11 

263 

8,9 

11 

344 

6 

I 

47 

12 

II 

411 

J5 

III 

395 

20 

I 

322 

16 

11 

421,  z 

j6 

III 

124 

I 

I 

47 

8 

I 

J  48 

12 

II 

186 

7.  >3 

II 

244 

'13 

III 

158 

I 

11 

321 

10,  II 

12     111 

»75 

2( 

II 

13 

25 

III 

4 

xlly 


TEXTS    niuflrated. 


Chap, 

Yer, 

r^A 

Tag. 

xliv 

28 

I 

262 

jfliv 

zz 

iir 

428 

xlv 

2 

n 

99 

xiv 

21 

I 

33« 

xlv 

22 

nr 

357 

xlv 

24 

\i 

399 

xlviii 

8 

II 

139 

xlix 

H 

HI 

34-3 

xlix 

18 

III 

360 

1 

10 

III 

335 

11 

.    9,  10 

III 

114 

li 

6 

II 

402 

lii 

7 

III 

»75 

liii 

4 

I 

h; 

liii 

5 

I 

86 

liii 

5 

I 

H5 

liii 

6 

I 

»37 

liii 

6 

ir 

59 

liii 

10 

I 

'59 

liii 

12 

I 

149 

Iv 

I 

III 

299 

IV 

9 

III 

117 

Iviii 

*3 

II 

351 

lix 

5 

II 

282 

Ix 

»7 

III 

399'  4' 

Ix 

22 

11 

163 

Ixi 

I 

I 

3»i 

hi 

10 

III 

359 

Ixi 

10 

II 

400 

Ixiv 

6 

II 

366,  7 

Ixiv 

6 

III 

42 

J 

E  R  E  M. 

■ii 

'3 

ir 

442 

ii 

25 

I 

176 

n 

32 

II 

283 

iv 

19,  &c. 

III 

411 

V 

22 

III 

108 

viii 

2 

II 

264 

viii 

7 

II 

243 

xvii 

3 

II 

M-3 

xxiii 

^.6 

11 

406,  7 

xxxiii 

8' 

III 
Sg  3 

l^'O 

xlvis 


in  I 

iii 

ix 

ix 


TEXTS    Illupated. 

Chap,                Ver.                Vol.  Tag. 

xlvii                   3                 III  415 

1                20                   I  104 

E  Z  E  K. 

xiii                 10                    I  367 

xvi                  6                III  293 

xviii                 27                    I  291 

xxvii                   5                 III  175 

xxviii                14                   1  log 

DAN. 

II  102 

27                III  19 

9                III  302 

24                 JI  404.  i 
H  O  S. 

vi                  3                   I  319 

xi                 14                 III  193 

xi                 19,  20          III  236 

xiii                   9                    I  219 

xiv                   6                     I  47 

xiv                  8                 III  438 

JOEL. 

il                  8                III  394 

ii                  3                HI  393 

iii                16,  17          III  392 

AMOS. 

V                19                in  391 

JONAH, 

i                  4                III  86 

M  I  C  A  H. 

vl                  8                   I  350 

vii                19                III  ^78 

H  A  B  A  K. 

i                14                HI  140 

i                13                   I  395 

iii                  4                JIf  ^24 

iii           II           in  414 

HAG. 

ii                 7                il  39» 


T  E  X  T  5    Ilhijlrafed. 


Z  E  C  H. 

Chap. 

Fer. 

Vol. 

P^g- 

ii 

§ 

JI 

210 

iii 

3' 

4.  5 

II 

■^8 

iii 

9 

nr 

429 

iv 

2, 

3,    12 

iir 

232 

iv 

7 

I 

337 

vi 

12, 

13 

ir 

59 

ix 

9 

ir 

4c8,  9 

xi 

lO 

I 

232 

xii 

lO 

III 

96 

xii 

I 

III 

429 

xiii 

7 

\\\ 

76 

xiii 

7 

I 

203 

xiv 

6 

M 

A 

n 

L. 

298 

iii 

i6. 

17 

I 

15 

iv 

2 

II 

47 

M 

A 

T  T. 

V 

3 

I 

299 

V 

6 

III 

322 

i       V 

i6 

I 

235 

V 

17 

II 

^5 

V 

i8 

II 

'3 

V 

20 

I 

300 

V 

44 

II 

356 

vi 

t) 

f 

10 

vi 

20 

. 

IH 

411 

vi 

30 

II 

1S8 

vi 

33 

"■ 

If 

427 

viii 

3 

III 

i8z 

viii 

22 

II 

149 

viii 

26 

III 

87 

ix 

13 

I 

158 

ix 

13 

III 

294 

ix 

20 

I 

2;9 

ix 

22 

II 

77 

xi 

28 

III 

320 

xii 

36, 

37 

I 

40 

Ixii 

39 

I 

122 

xvii 

27 

III 

8>- 

xvii 

»7 

III 

364- 

xviii 

32 

III 

2S6 

xix 

>7 

. 

I 
Gg  4 

300 

x\ii 

TEXTS    Illufirated, 


Chap. 

Ver. 

Vol, 

Pag. 

xlvii 

3 

III 

415 

1 

20 

I 

E  Z  E  K. 

104 

xiii 

10 

I 

367 

xvi 

6 

III 

293 

xviii 

27 

I 

29 1 

xxvii 

5 

Ilf 

'75 

xxviii 

H 

I 
DAN. 

109 

iii 

I 

II 

102 

iii 

27 

III 

»9 

ix 

9 

III 

302 

ix 

24 

II 
H  0  S. 

404, 

vi 

3 

I 

319 

xi 

H 

III 

193 

xi 

i9» 

20         III 

236 

xiii 

9 

I 

219 

xiv 

6 

I 

47 

xiv 

8 

III 
JOEL. 

438 

ii 

8 

Ill 

394 

ii 

3 

III 

393 

iii 

16, 

17          III 
AMOS. 

392 

V 

^9 

Ill 

391 

J 

'  0  N  A  H. 

i 

4 

Ill 

86 

M  1  C  A  H. 

vl 

8 

I 

350 

vii 

19 

III 

178 

H  A  B  A  K. 

i 

H 

III 

140 

i 

«3 

I 

395 

iii 

4 

IH 

124 

iii 
ii 

11 

7 

III 

HAG. 
II 

4»4 

39< 

T  E  X  T  §    lUuftrated. 


Z  E  C  H. 

Chap. 

Ver. 

Vol. 

P^g- 

ii 

8 

JI 

210 

iii 

3' 

4'  5 

II 

■JS 

iii 

9 

irr 

429 

iv 

2, 

3,    12 

iir 

232 

iv 

7 

r 

337 

vi 

12, 

13 

JI 

59 

ix 

9 

JI 

4c8,  9 

xi 

lO 

I 

z-\z 

xii 

lO 

III 

96 

xii 

I 

III 

429 

xiii 

7 

JIE 

76 

xiii 

7 

I 

203 

xiv 

6 

II 

298 

M  A  L. 

iii 

i6, 

17 

I 

15 

iv 

2 

II 

47 

MATT. 

V 

3 

I 

299 

V 

6 

III 

322 

i         V 

i6 

r 

23^ 

V 

17 

II 

<55 

V 

i8 

II 

'3 

V 

20 

I 

300 

V 

44 

II 

356 

vi 

b 

I 

10 

vi 

20 

IH 

411 

vi 

30 

II 

188 

vi 

33 

JI 

427 

viii 

3 

III 

182 

viii 

22 

11 

149 

viii 

26 

III 

87 

ix 

'3 

I 

158 

ix 

13 

III 

294 

ix 

20 

I 

2;9 

ix 

22 

II 

77 

xi 

28 

III 

320 

xii 

36, 

37 

I 

40 

'xii 

39 

I 

122 

xvii 

27 

III 

8> 

xvii 

'7 

ni 

361 

xviii 

32 

III 

2X6 

xix 

•7 

I 

300 

- 

Gg  4 

x,\ii 

TEXTS    IlluftrateL 

Chap.                 Vtr.                Vol.  Tag. 

xlvii                   3                 III  415 

1                20                   I  104 

E  Z  E  K. 

xiii                 10                    I  367 

xvi                  6                III  293 

xviii                 27                    I  291 

xxvii                   5                 Ilf  175 

xxviii                 14                    1  109 

DAN. 

iii                    I                   II  102 

iii                27                III  ig 

ix                  9                III  3°2 

ix                24                  II  404,  I 

H  O  S. 

3                   I  319 

14                III  193 

19,  20          III  236 

9                   I  219 

6                   I  47 

8                III  438 

JOEL. 

8                 III  394 

3  III  393 
16,  17          111  392 

AMOS. 

19                III  391 

JONAH. 

4  III  86 
M  I  C  A  H. 

8                    I  350 

19                III  178 

H  A  B  A  K. 


VI 

xi 

xi 

xiii 

xiv 

xiv 


ii 
iii 


VI 

vii 


1 
i 

iii 
iii 


14                 III  140 

«3                    I  395 

4                II[  124 

II                III  4H 
HAG. 

7                 II  39» 


T  E  X  T  §    lUuftrafed, 


Z  E  C  H. 

Chap. 

Ver. 

Vol. 

Pag. 

ii 

S 

II 

210 

iii 

3. 

4»5 

II 

■iS 

iii 

9 

irr 

429 

iv 

2, 

3,  12 

III 

232 

iv 

7 

I 

337 

vi 

12, 

13 

II 

59 

ix 

9 

II 

4C8, 

xi 

lO 

I 

232 

xii 

lO 

III 

96 

xii 

I 

III 

429 

xiii 

7 

III 

76 

xiii 

7 

I 

203 

xiv 

6 

II 

298 

M  A  L. 

iii 

i6, 

17 

I 

15 

iv 

2 

II 

47 

MATT. 

V 

■? 

I 

299 

V 

6 

iir 

322 

V 

i6 

I 

23^ 

V 

»7 

II 

^5 

V 

i8 

II 

'3 

V 

20 

I 

300 

V 

44 

II 

356 

vi 

b 

I 

10 

vi 

20 

IH 

411 

vi 

30 

II 

188 

vi 

33 

" 

If 

427 

viii 

3 

III 

182 

viii 

22 

II 

149 

viii 

26 

III 

87 

ix 

'3 

I 

IS? 

ix 

13 

m 

294 

ix 

20 

I 

2>9 

ix 

22 

II 

77 

xi 

28 

in 

320 

xii 

36, 

37 

I 

40 

'xii 

39 

I 

122 

xvii 

27 

III 

8> 

xvii 

•7 

ifi 

36f 

xviii 

32 

III 

2X6 

xix 

•7 

I 

Gg  4 

300 

TEXTS    Illujlrated, 

Chap.  Ver.  Vol.  Pag. 

y.x\\  4  III  280 

xxii  u  III  279 

xxii  37»  8,  9         II  12 

XXV  30  I  296 

xxvi  28  I  136 

xxvi  36  I  171 

xxvi  38  I            «      172 

xxvi  68  I  170 

xxvii  9  III  loi 

xxvii  29  I  170 

xxvii  42  I  171 

MARK. 

i  7  HI  79 

ii  14  III  90 

iv  28  III  7 

iv  39  I  279 

V  9  I        »        154 

V  9  III  93 

V  15^  III  182 
vi  51  I  279 

vii  20,21,22,23  II  246 

vii  22  II  292 

ix  3  I  130 

jx  6  III  171, 

xi  20  III  85 

xiv  13  III  88 

xvi  .14  III  364 

LUKE. 

ii  14  III  179 

it  69  HI  125 

vi  12  II  162 

X  30.  -^c-          J  33 

XV  II  I  37 

XV  22  III        .         281 

xvi  9  III  411 

xvi  12  III  4' I 

xvii  9  I  328 

xvii  10  I  342 

xviii  I  II  351 

xviii  13  11  49 

xviii  31  I  1 02 

xix  8,  14          HI  201 


XIX 


TEXTS    Ilhiflrated, 


Zhap. 

Ver. 

Vol. 

Pag. 

xix 

48 

I 

19 

xix 

9 

III 

278 

xxlv 

13 

I 

20 

xxiv 

>7 

I 

40 

xxiv 

25 

II  r 

364 

xxiv 

32 

I 

12 

xxiv 

47* 

III 

296 

J 

0    H    N. 

i 

12 

II 

82 

i 

12 

III 

338 

i 

14 

ir 

229 

i 

47 

I 

320 

•  • 

11 

H»  J5 

HI 

89 

ii 

»9 

I 

12Z 

iii 

6 

11 

149 

iii 

^4 

I 

122 

ill 

'16   ' 

I 

167 

iii 

18,  36- 

I 

293 

iii 

36 

III 

323 

iy 

10 

III 

339           ■    - 

V 

'     17 

III 

7 

V 

40 

III 

283 

V 

44 

I 

268 

vi 

21 

III 

325 

vi 

35 

II 

81 

vi 

44 

II 

268 

vi 

58 

III 

339 

vi 

63 

III 

>74 

vii 

37 

III 

298 

viii 

•      7 

III 

89 

xi 

50 

I 

145 

xi 

39 

III 

92 

xiv 

»5 

I 

235 

XV 

4 

I 

361 

XV 

5 

I 

236 

XV 

5- 

in 

235,0 

XV 

6 

I 

361 

XV 

15 

III 

234 

XV  i 

9 

I 

291 

xvi 

8,9,10,11  II 

449' 50 

xvii 

4 

II 

56 

xvii 

6 

II 

59 

xvii 

24 

•II 

61 

xvii 

24 

III 

66 

xviii 

6 

III 

90 

- 

-     ACTS. 

TEXTS     Illujirated, 


Chap. 


ACTS. 


Vol. 


Ver 


Pag, 


ii 

47 

III 

202 

iii 

'9 

I 

105 

iv 

20 

I 

234 

iv 

37 

I 

362 

V 

31 

I 

105 

V 

4i 

III 

195 

vJii 

20 

I 

363 

ix 

II 

HI 

»73 

X 

35 

I 

294.5 

xi 

23 

II 

85 

xi 

18 

I 

332 

xiii 

38 

I 

343 

3cvi 

3» 

III 

278 

xvii 

27 

II 

219 

xix 

2t 

ni 

207 

XX 

28 

I 

'75 

xxvi 

18 

II 

5» 

R    0 

M. 

i 

16,17 

II 

430 

i 

»7 

III 

372 

i 

18 

II 

26 

ii 

4- 

I 

232 

iii 

'9 

II 

»37 

iii 

20 

II 

431 

i^ii 

20 

II 

24 

iii 

21,  22 

II 

388 

iii 

24 

II 

432 

iii 

24 

I 

337 

iii 

25 

I 

'57 

iii 

26 

I 

158 

iii 

3< 

I 

236 

iii 

3» 

II 

432 

iv 

3 

I" 

74 

JV 

4 

I 

348 

iv 

4 

II 

10 

iv 

I 

228 

iv 

l.e^fr. 

II 

1 1 

iv 

6,7 

II 

433M 

IV 


"TEXTS   llluflrated. 

Chap.  Ver.  Vol  Pag, 

H 

IV  IS,  20  111  21  X 

iv  20  in  363 

V  8  1  ,67 

292 

V  T2  I  206 

232 

435 
52 

436,7 
63 
50 

V  18  I  216 
[v                    19                      II                    438,9 

25 

50 

231 
vi  6  II  236 


V 

V 

vi 


VI 

vii 


Vll 

viii 
viii 
viii 
viii 
ix 
ix 

X 
X 
X 

xi 
xi 


H 

11 

18,  20 

III 

20 

in 

8 

I 

10 

HI 

T2 

I 

H 

III 

14 

II 

17 

II 

»7 

II 

17 

III 

18 

ir 

18 

I 

»9 

II 

20 

II 

21 

II 

2 

I 

6 

II 

23 

I 

9 

II 

^7 

III 

18 

II 

3 

II 

7 

i[ 

I 

III 

33'  34 

I 

30 

II 

30'3^32 

11 

3 

II 

4 

II 

4 

11 

6 

II 

33 

III 

293 
24 

vn  17  ill  245 

147 

23 
148 
441 
107 

n 
444 

441 

39 
447 

17 
117 


I    COR. 


1 

27 

I 

30 

II 

iii 

21 

III 

iii 

22 

,.     Ill 

V 

I 

vi 

I  t 

I 

vi 

II 

II 

,6 


148 

445' 

41 

441 

97.98 
230 
446 


Tl 


Vi 

vi 

»9 

20 

ix 

X 

9 

2 

4 

XV 
XV 

45.47 

52 

XV 

57 

TEXTS    Illuflrated. 

Chap.  Ver,  Vol  Pag. 

II  229 

II  227 

Ml  274,5 

I  123 

T  122 

II  205 

I  206 

11  445 

III  440 


2    C  O  R. 

i  12  II  21 

i  20  III  i8t 

ii  2  III  194 

iii  6  II  28 

iii  7  II           *  9 

iii  13  II  267 

iv  6  HI  171 

iv  17  I  30 

V  I  ir  172 

V  4  II  300 

V  14  III  195 

V  I5  III  189 

V  19  I  87 

V  20  I  156 

V  21  II  453 
vi  18  III  179 

vii  10  III  188 

viii  1  III  196 

viii  2  III  202 

viii  9  i  365 

viii  12  II  20 

X  6  I  369 

xii  10  III  195 

GAL. 

i  7  II  H 

ii  IS.  16  n  451 

li  19  II  3 '9 

21  II  13 


11 

iii  I 


in 


II  ^6 

10  II  iS 


iii  10  II 


Ul 


TEXTS    Illuftrated. 


Chap. 


Ill 
iii 
iii 
iii 
iii 
iv 

V 

V 


1 
i 
i 

ii 
ii 
ii 
iii 
iii 
iii 
iv 
iv 

V 


Fer. 
>3 

21 
22 

24 
27 

5 

4 

26 


12 
17 

»9 

16 

29 
27 


r<7/. 

Jag. 

I 

146 

II 

23 

II 

39 

II 

9 

II 

81 

I 

239 

I 

344 

I 

268 

P  H. 

I 

308 

I 

165 

I 

^79 

II 

152,236,245 

I 

350 

I 

326,  7 

III 

348 

iir  . 

323 

Ill 

52 

II 

226 

I 

40 

III 

445 

PHIL. 


1 
i 

ii 
ii 
ii 
iii 
iii 
iii 


i 

ii 
iii 


10,  11 

I 

1 

III 
III 

8 

II 

12,  13 

III 

8,9 
9 

II 
II 
II 

COL 

21 

II 

28 

III 

10 

I 

16 

I 

o  s. 


8 


324 
»95 

11 

55 
325 
456,  7. 

77 

2JO 


150 

445 


226 

38 


I  T  H  E  S  S. 
16,  ^c.    I       z5 


I.TIM. 


TEXTS    lllujiratcd. 


I 

T 

I    M. 

Chap. 

Ver. 

Vol. 

Pag. 

i 

15 

Ill 

328 

ii 

6 

I 

144 

iii 

16 

I 

306 

Ivi 

3 

J II 

227 

2 

t  T 

I  M. 

i 

12 

Ill 

4+0 

ii 

6 

III 

309 

iii 

»S 

T 

II 
1    T. 

448 

i 

»5 

I 

364 

ii 

n, 

12 

I 

232 

ii 

'3' 

H 

I 

176 

iii 

3 

in 

269 

iii 

3> 

4'S. 

.6,7111 

357 

liii 

8 

I 

254 

iii 

8 

H 

1 

E   B. 

236 

i 

3 

Ill 

58 

iii 

2 

I 

III 

iii 

14 

III 

242 

iii 

'9 

III 

366 

iv 

;Jo 

I 

379 

viii 

5 

I 

124 

viii 

10, 

II,  I 

2        I 

182 

viii 

10 

II 

65 

ix 

16 

III 

235 

ix 

16, 

»7 

III 

282 

ix 

22 

1 

113 

X 

5, 

7 

II 

61 

X 

20 

I 

123 

X 

26 

I 

16? 

xi 

I 

III 

33<^ 

xi 

6 

I 

365 

xi 

17 

III 

209,  ^V. 

xii 

2 

II 

82 

xii 

2 

III 

338 

xiii 

8 

I 

349 

xiii 

12 

I 

103, 185 

xiii 

20 

I 

10; 

JAM. 


TEXTS    llluftrated. 


Chap, 


\ 

ii 
iii 
iii 
iii 

V 


1 
i 

ii 
ii 
ii 
iii 
iii 


1 

ii 
iii 


1 
i 
i 
ii 
ii 
iii 
iii 
iii 

V 
V 


J    A 

M. 

Ver. 

Vol. 

P-^. 

17 

II 

^04' 

21,     4 

I 

2 

I 

401 

9 

ir 

153 

»3 

I 

3 

»7 

II 

296 

I    P  E  T. 

I 

II 

365 

2 

I 

355 

3 

III 

35» 

n 

I 

»43 

24 

I 

184 

18 

I 

139 

18 

in 

329 

2  p 

E   T. 

T 
/ 

Ill 

197 

8,9 

III 

365 

12 

HI 

349 

I    J 

0    H    N. 

7 

I 

180 

9 

I 

187 

29 

III 

429 

I 

III 

430 

20 

III 

402 

7 

I 

306 

16 

III 

368 

23 

III 

358 

'3 

III 

343 

^° 

III 

I04 

2  J  0 

H   N. 

6 

Ill 

196 

J  O  H  N', 


TEXTS    llliiftratel 


Chap. 


u 
iii 
iv 

vii 
vii 
viii 
xii 
xiv 
xiv 

XV 

xviii 

XX 

xxii 
xxii 


3 

JOHN. 

Ver. 

VoL 

Pag. 

#'° 

I 
J  U  D  E. 

269 

«9 

II 

»s» 

30 

III 

227 

24 

UI 
REV. 

445 

17 

Ill 

401 

20 

III 

332 

7 

III 

315 

H»  15 

I 

404 

H 

II 

300 

8,9 

in 

.1.1 1 

II 

III 

440 

7 

III 

172 

13 

I 

358,9 

3 

III 

37 

I 

III 

94 

II 

III 

98 

2 

III 

401 

17 

.   Ill 

357 

FINIS. 


-^ 


DATE  DUE 

•-w--^ 

i 

1 

i 

1 
1 

j 

1 

1 

1 ~ 

i 

CAYLORD 

PBIHTED  !N  'J    S.A. 

;  ■  V 


.:•.    -'>•,!