I answer, he might see and like _righteousnes_ in the _end_, and _fruit_ of it, and yet not in the true _nature_ and _beauty_ of it, for then he would have as well desired the _life_, as the _death_ of the _righteous_, just as these _Indians_ (amongst whom I write these lines) they see the _excellency_ of the _English industry_, joyned with _plenty_, and a better _condition_ then their own, but endure not that _life_ of _labour_ and _indeavour_, wherein that _plenty_ and better _state_ is found. But _Gods children_ beholding the _beauty_ and _excellency_ of the heavenly _lives_ and _deaths_ of others, (like _souldiers_ in a Field) are provoked by those _examples_, to desire to follow _Christ Jesus_ in those holy _paths_, and secretly to bemoan their own _infirmities_ and _deformities_. These and many more _discoveries_ of the _life_ of _Christ Jesus_ in the _soul_, (though in the midst of many _weaknesses_, and spirituall _sicknesses_) I hope (my _dear love_ and faithfull _companion_) thou in truth discernest in thy _self_, and I, and others have discerned in thee: But oh search diligently in the _Lords_ holy _presence_, and humbly beg his help, that as the _Spirit_ of _God_ admonisheth, (_Gal. 6_.) thou maiest have rejoycing in thy _self_, and not in anothers good opinion of thee. [Sidenote: Gods children cannot but desire spirituall health, as wel as life and Christian being.] But grant all these, and the _assurance_ of a true and blessed _life_ of _grace_ within us? Grant this _life_ is as the _life_ of _Christ_, never again to be extinguished. Yet who rejoyceth not in _health_, who mourns not under the _pains_ and _weaknesses_ of a sick bed? Next therefore to the _discovery_ of _spirituall life_, all that are born of _God_ must try their _spirituall strength_, and _health_, and _chearfull temper_: The particular _instances_ whereof, being propounded as _examples_, _copies_, and _samplars_ for us to follow in the holy _Scripture_, I shall pick, and gather, and bind up, for both our _incouragement_, and comfort. I confesse the beholding of such _heavenly patterns_ may astonish and amaze us, and make us dispair to attain to the like heavenly _temper_: I pray thee therefore (_dear love_) observe, (what before I said) that these _particulars_ next following are not _discouragements_ from _Christ_, as if we had no _life_ at all: but _incouragements_ to draw neerer to _Christ Jesus_, when we see such _virtue_ proceed out from him, to such poor _sinners_ like our selves. These _particulars_ then following are as an holy _looking-glasse_, to discover to us our souls _spots_, & _blemishes_, as also sweet _cordial flowers_, to refresh and incourage our _drooping spirits_.