there was but one God; and in liis apology for his life, said, if they would give him his life on condition to keep this truth to himself, and not teach it to others, he woidd not accept it : behold here the powerful workings of a natural conscience ! Have not they then improved the knowledge of the Scripture well, in the meantime, that are so far outshot from nature's weak bow ? lleligion would soon vanish into an empty nothing, if for fear of every one we meet we must, like mmaway soldiers, pluck oil' our colours, and put our profession as it were in our pockets, lest we shovdd be known to whom we belong. What doth God require by a free pi-ofession of his truth, more than a master doth of his servant, when he bids him take his livery, and follow him in the streets? or when a prince calls his subjects into the field, to declare their loyalty by owning his quarrel against an invading enemy ? And is it reasonable what man requires of these, and only hard from God's hands ? Nay, it is not more, not so much, as we desire of God for ourselves. Who would not have God make pi-ofession of his love to us, and bear witness for us against Satan, and our own sins, at that great day when men and angels shall be spectators ? And shall we expect that from God which he owes us by no law, but of his own fi'ee promise, and deny him that which we are under so many bonds to pay? If it be but in some affliction, while we are here, how disconsolate are we, if God's face be a little overcast, and he doth not own us in our distress ? And is there no kindness to be shewn to that God that knows your soul in adversity? When his tiaith is in an agony, may not Christ look, that all his friends should sit up and watch with it? O! it were shame with a witness, that any such effeminate delicacy should be found among Christ's servants, that they cannot break a little of their worldly rest and enjoyments to attend on him and his truth.
Use. Let this stir us up to get the girdle of truth close girt to us, that we may be able to hold fast the profession of it, even in the face of death and danger, and not be offended when persecution ariseth. Blessed be God, it is not yet come to that ; we have the truth at a cheaper rate ; but how soon the market may rise we know not. Truth is not always to be had at the same price. Buy it we must at any, but sell it upon no terms. And let me tell you, there hath, is, and will be a spirit of persecution in the hearts of the wicked, to the end of the world ; and as Satan was considering Job, before he laid his foul hands on him, so now persecution is working in the spirits of the ungodly ; there are engines of death continually preparing in the thoughts and desires of Satan and his instruments, against the sincere professors of the truth ; it is already resolved upon what they would do, might power be given, and oppor- tunity, to put their malice in execution ; yea, we are half way already towards a persecution. Satan comes first with a spirit of error, and then of persecution ; he first corrupts men's minds with error, and then enrageth their hearts with wrath against the professors of truth. It is impossible that error, being a child of hell, shoidd be peaceable; it would not then be like its father. That which is from beneath can neither be pure nor peaceable. And how far God hath suffered this -sulphureous spirit of error to prevail, is so notorious, that no apology is broad enough to cover the nakedness of these imhappy times. It is therefore high time to have our girdle of truth on, yea, close girt about us in the jjrofession of it. Not every one that now applauds truth will follow it, when once it comes to shew them the way to prison ; not every one that preacheth for it, or disputes for it, will suffer for it. Arguments are harmless things, blunt weapons, they fetch no blood ; but when we suffei", then we are called to try it with truth's enemies at sharps. This requires something more than a nimble tongue, a sharp wit, and a logical head : where then will be the wise, the disputer, the men of parts and gifts? Alas, they will, like cowardly soldiers, be wanting in the fight, though they could be as forward as the best at a muster or training, when no enemy was in the field; when to aj)pear for truth was rather a matter of gain or applause, than loss and hazard. No, God hath chosen the foolish to confound the wise in this piece of service ; the humble Christian by his faith, patience, and love to the truth, to shame men of high parts, and no grace.
220 HAVING YOUR LOINS
CHAPTER V.
A DIRECTION OR TWO FOR THE GIRDING OF TRUTH CLOSE TO US IN THE PROFESSION OF IT.
Quest. But how may a soul get to be thus girt with truth in the profession of it?