heaven, (Lev. x. 1, 2, 3.) The Lord himself proclaims from heaven that his ways are righteous, and the just shall walk in them, but transgressors shall fall therein (Hos. xiv. ult). The narrow path of the saints' righteous walk suits not with the licentious principles and interests of carnal men, and though sinners may be in Sion for a time, yet fear surprises them, and by reason of the purity and brightness of the ways of God, they cannot abide therein, but cast Christ's yoke from their necks, because it will not be subservient to their own lusts. A remarkable example of God's severity against those that sometimes professed the truth, whose hearts were not right before God, we may see in Judas, and in Ananias and Sapphira, who for lying against the Holy Ghost were suddenly destroyed, to the great fear of all the church of Christ. As in nature the corruption of the best things is the greatest corruption, so the greater profession men make of the truth, when once they be corrupted, they fall into the grossest abominations. The truth is, this is no ground to suspect our profession, because some fall from it, for who is it that sins the unpardonable sin, but one that professed the truth of the gospel (1 John v. 16). Who are those that are twice dead, plucked up by the roots, except those that by profession were formerly alive in the truth?

Fifthly, and lastly, We do acknowledge, though some eminent professors of the same truth with us have fallen foully (which hath been the occasion of much grief to us), yet it hath been hitherto and we hope ever shall be our care (as they have been by the righteous judgment of God discovered), according to our duty, to put them from amongst us, endeavouring to preserve ourselves from all iniquity, and not to have fellowship with the unprofitable works of darkness, but rather to reprove them. We conclude this, saying of them that are gone from us and fallen into such notorious wickedness, as John saith, They went out from us because they were

not of us; for if they had been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us; but they went out from us, that they might be made manifest not to be of us.

If any shall judge what we have here declared doth savour of uncharitableness, rigidness, censoriousness, and bitterness of spirit to them that dissent from us, we desire all such seriously to take notice that true love and charity is not the soothing of any in their sins, the healing of wounds slightly, the crying peace, peace, when sudden destruction is at hand; it is not the daubing with untempered mortar, but it is a true love to the truth, and to all for the truth's sake, consisting in plainness and simplicity, engaging us to endeavour the restoring of them that are fallen, to pull them as brands out of the fire, to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, to note such persons that walk disorderly, to endeavour the preserving of them that are found in the faith.

While some men cry out against us for uncharitableness, in crying down sin and sinful practices, oh how uncharitable in truth are they that can suffer God to be dishonoured, his Son to be vilified, his truth trampled under foot, his ordinances slighted, and their own and thousands of poor souls in danger of being utterly seduced to their own destruction, and yet have not a heart to relent for such practices, nor a tongue to plead against them, whereby others might be forewarned of their swift approaching danger; our consciences bear witness that the honour of God, the love of his truth, zeal for his name, and if possible, the saving of souls from death, hath been the prevailing argument with us, thus to express ourselves; beseeching the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, that by the same power which raised him from the dead, he would make this instrumental to confirm those who yet abide in the truth, to restore all the simple in heart, who are ready to turn aside from the voice of the true Shepherd and to follow strangers, and the cunning slights

and devices of the destroyer, that walks up and down as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, who hath cast down many wounded, and slain many strong men; and that it may also to all men more fully discover the desperate folly and madness of those who triumph in their proud imaginations against the truth and sceptre of the Lord Jesus, that all may clearly see their house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death, lest they, poor souls, through feigned speeches, being enticed to yield, and forced through the flattering of their lips, should go after them straightway, As an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, till a dart strike through their liver, hasting as birds to the snare, not knowing that it is for their life; and we by uncharitable silence should become guilty of their blood. Now, brethren, we commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified, praying that you may stand upon your watch, clothed with the whole armour of God, and that you may be kept blameless, living by faith, until the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, not casting away your confidence which hath great recompence of reward; For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Subscribed in the name, and by the appointment of the before-mentioned churches of Christ.

3

[Several of these names do not appear affixed to the Confession, edits. 1644, 1646.]

MR. THOMAS PATIENT TO THE LORD LIEU

MY LORD,

TENANT OF IRELAND.4

From that little acquaintance I had with your Excellency before you went out of Ireland, and that suitableness that I found in that letter of your experiences, which I was made partaker of, compared with my observation of the goings of God with you for many years, in this great work that God hath made use of you in, it hath, indeed, very thoroughly confirmed my heart in charity and love towards you, as one elect and precious in the sight of God, and one whom God hath honoured with higher dignity and honours than that of this world, which is but as the fading flower of the grass. For the greatest honour that a poor soul can be lifted up to is, first, that precious union with God in Christ, to be one with him in his natures, and as house and inhabitant, and as a vine and branches, as a head and members, as husband and wife, as a

4 [From Milton's State Papers, p.

6. Cromwell was appointed Commander of the Parliament's forces in Ireland, in March, 1649, but did not arrive in Dublin till the 15th Aug. Kilkenny fell into his hands on the 28th March, 1650, when Mr. Patient, who had accompanied the army to Ireland, and was attached to the head quarters of Major General Ireton, must have commenced his evangelical labours. In the following year, Mr. Patient is found preaching in Waterford, whence he appears to have removed to Dublin. It is pleasant to find that in the midst of

father and children, as a king and subjects; nay, to be one with them in their eternal inheritance, and in all their glory. And in the next to this, it is great honour to be made use of in the hand of God, to do him special service for church and commonwealth, to have a spirit like unto Christ, which is a public spirit. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to lay down his life a ransom for many. Oh! therefore, my beloved in the Lord, still let this be the joy of your heart, in all your difficulties and great undertakings, that you are in such a work and service, which I know God hath made you sensible of, hath tended much to the preservation and peace. of his church, and the free passage of the gospel; and I hope, at the last, will appear to be for the public good of the commonwealth.

My constant prayers are at the throne of grace for you, that you may be kept upright with God, and in nothing left to sin and dishonour God; his name being so much concerned in it. Therefore, as God hath formerly given you the experience of the benefit of a humble walking with God, I beseech you in the bowels of Christ, still keep a close watch over your own heart, and labour to walk under the sense of that body of death and your daily infirmities, and to see a need of godly repentance daily, and humiliation, and fresh strength from Christ by faith, by which you may be kept and preserved in a fresh, sweet, and comfortable communion with God; for his presence will be all your happiness.

Be sure to prize God's holy word, and all the rest of God's holy ordinances, and in so much as may be, neglect not to practise them, that you by your constant godly example may provoke others to holiness and to the fear of the Lord. And remember that the apostle bids, " Exhort one another daily, lest any be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Though you have ancient acquaintance with God and with your own heart, yet, say as David saith; Lord, leave me not