THis worthy Man, especially in his latter times, was surrounded (through Gods blessing on him) with a very great confluence of what might give forth Contentment to a vast spirit of his ranck and calling. He was enriched with a large measure of abilities and opportunities in serving his Lord (to glorifie whom, and do much good to others, is the divine part of a man gracious (which he was) the highest and most solid satisfaction, and in many respects exceeds what personall communion with God, singly considered, brings in) Besides, he lived and dyed in a fulnesse of honor and esteem with the best of men, of Saints; yea, the worst of enemies: Likewise of estate, and outward comforts within his sphaere and rank; all which might and did afford Contentment to what was outward in him. In the midst of these his study was to finde out a more sublime way, and hidden art of selfe sufficiency, then was in the power of all things to contribute or teach: Such a skill as did not only poyse & compose his spirit in the present enjoyment of all; but might fortifie and furnish him with provision for the future against the losse of all, in times wherein no man knoweth what evil will be in the earth. This mark his first lines shew he shot at: This Art some Philosophers of old pretended themselves Masters of, and to instruct other in, through the assistance of Natural and Moral elements, elevated to the utmost height their Principles could carry them; but in vaine: Their Chymistry in this kinde being able to produce no more but a sullen obstinacie and obduratenesse of minde. The natural Spirit of a man feeling it selfe greater then all creatures, gathering up and consolidating it self into it self, is able (as Solomon saies) to sustaine its owne, and all other infirmites. But that Autarchy this Author here presents, is a Mystery, which (1 Tim. 6.6) none of these Princes of the world knew,1 or the wisdome of man teacheth, but the holy Ghost teacheth; and which few, but those that are perfect, do attaine: Teaching the soule to deny it selfe into weaknesse, emptinesse, in and to its selfe and all things else; and thus dissolved to unite it selfe to him who onely hath blessednesse and all-sufficiencie, with whom associated and made intimate, it melts it selfe into all his interests, making them its owne, and thereby comes to have all that All-sufficiency of the High God to be its self-sufficiency: And then, what state can that soule be in, wherein it may not be content? seeing it hath God to be the chiefest comfort in its best times, and onely comfort in its worst. This, though it be the inheritance of every Saint, in the right and title to it, yet the possession and enjoyment of it, depepends upon an improvement of this inheritance, and that upon a skill which is to be learned by experience and much exercise (as Paul speaks) I have learned in whatsoever estate I am, therewith to be content. This piece of learning this serious spirited man inured himselfe unto, and digging for it as Rubies, as Solomons scholler for wisdome, hath found it, and hath hewen forth this Jewel (a Title given neither by himselfe, not us the Publishers, to the subject it selfe, yet the materials themselves deserving it) out of the Rock, and hath artificially cut it) that the innate rays of this so glorious a Grace might shine forth to others. And here it comes to be presented, though set forth as the richest Jewels are, often for awhile, in ruder mettal, untill bargained for, but then are placed in Tablets worthy of them. The onely seat this is ordained for; is the precious Tablets of mens Hearts, in and from which alone the native lustre of it will be made conspicuous. Reader, buy it, set and wear it there,2 and it shall (as Solomon speaks) be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy neck: Thou shalt not be afraid when thou liest down; yea thy sleep shall be sweet unto thee: for the Lord will be thy confidence.
Thomas Goodwyn, Sidrach Simpson, William Greenhil, Philip Nye, William Bridge, John Yates. William Adderly.*