dren for the ceremony of baptism by water, and in stating the liberty he felt, to permit his wife to present them for that purpose, under certain limitations, Alexander Jaffray has this following remark.]

I

Minding the Apostle's rule, Phil. iii. 16, "Whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing," and verse preceding, "And if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you,"-I ever thought it, and still think it my duty, so far as may without sin, to go along with any of the Lord's people—while [or until] the Lord clear up our darkness, we must bear one with another, or [we shall be likely to] devour each other. And I am confident, it is our duty, not only to bear with one another, wherein we may without sin, but to walk together. Only special care should be had in this case, that, (in the peremptory and peevish disposition of the most part of the godly in this land, who can be satisfied with no less, than to have all men conform to them and be of their judgment,)-I say, especial care should be had, that, by our conforming to such, we do not confirm them in their sinful mistakes; and therefore, upon all occasions that are convenient, would testimony be given against their errors.

CHAPTER IX.

1658: THE DUTY OF MORTIFICATION; AND THAT OF MINDING THE CONDITION OF THE LORD'S PEOPLE, &c.-THOMAS GOODWIN'S TREATISE-OBSERVATION ON A CASE IN THE CRIMINAL COURT-QUALIFICATIONS OF TRUE ZEAL-ALLUSION TO A CONFERENCE BETWEEN ALEXANDER JAFFRAY AND "THE LAIRD OF SWINTOUNE"-OWEN'S TREATISES ON MORTIFICATION AND ON WATCHFULNESSALEXANDER JAFFRAY WRITES "SOME REASONS RELATIVE TO PARTAKING THE LORD'S SUPPER"-HE LAMENTS HIS UNTHANKFULNESS, AND REVIEWS THE MERCIES BESTOWED ON HIM AND HIS FAMILY-RECOMMENDS HIS FRIENDS AT ABERDEEN TO THE LORD-JOURNEY TO ABERDEEN-THE TIDINGS OF CROMWELL'S DEATH.

THE 29th day of May, 1658, I set some time apart, to seek God in these two things: namely, First, For help to make progress in the business of mortification, which does so much concern me. Secondly, For grace from the Lord to be rightly directed, about inquiring and finding out the duty of the times; that I may not therein be deserted and given up to delusion, on the one hand, or sit down and be satisfied with my prosperous, outward condition, and not regard the condition of the land, nor the sad condition of the Lord's people therein,-so eminently deserted in many respects; and, [that I may] fear, on the other hand, lest,-inquiring after what may be the Lord's mind, in some things relating to controversies of the time, about church constitution, discipline, and government, I may be diverted from seeking after better things, mortification, self-denial, and tender walking with God. . .

[Then follow "some thoughts of the duty and means of mortification, as they were that day on my mind;" these, though very cogent, and rich in Scrip

tural illustration, are for the most part comprehended in meditations already herein recorded. The writer then proceeds :]

Some further thoughts on the matter above mentioned, were spoken home to my heart, I hope, from the Lord; wherein I was helped, by reading that Treatise written by Thomas Goodwin, Against Relapsing; finding my case, as I conceive, very clearly spoken to therein, to the following purpose; 2 Cor. v. 14, "The love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if Christ died for all, then— they that live should not live unto themselves," &c. [Some few pages are here omitted to be given, being apparently a recital of Goodwin's Treatise. SEE APPENDIX, GG.]

The 7th of July, 1658, I was desiring direction of the Lord, in the two particulars following. First, That I may be directed to find out his mind, in partaking of that ordinance of his supper; it having been moved by some good men, whether, (seeing there is not appearance, in haste, to have any other occasion in this place,) we might lawfully partake with such of this nation, as do most purely administer the same. It is my desire to enjoy that ordinance, having been for divers years deprived of the use of it; and yet I am not clear, as I conceive, upon many weighty considerations to partake of it, as above mentioned. Secondly, My affairs calling me to go to Aberdeen, I was desiring the Lord to order and direct me in that journey.

The 8th day. Upon the consideration of a vile fact of incest, pursued [or prosecuted] before the criminal court, wherein there was great presumption and appearance that the parties were guilty; yet did

they, both of them, (the one having judicially confessed the fact,) escape the sentence;-upon consideration of this, and many such horrid guiltinesses committed in the land, I was desiring to be humbled before the Lord; and, more especially, that such sins should go without more strict inquiry and censure. These Scriptures being considered, may give much matter of humiliation to such as fear the Lord, in such cases, to make them mourn for the sins and abominations of the land. Hosea, iv. 1, 2, "The Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land. By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood." Also, Jer. ix. 12, and xii. 11; and again, Isai. lix. 12, to 15. "Our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them; in transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off," &c.

The 11th day. Having, some days before, been upon the consideration of the reasons, why I conceive it not lawful [for me,] to partake in the ordinance of the Lord's supper, as it is here in this nation administered; I was, this day, pertinently spoken to by Mr. James Horne, from that text, James, i. 20; and had given divers good qualifications of zeal in contending for the Truth, which were very closely to my case; such as these.-First, Right zeal in contending for any truth of God, would be accompanied

with much love to those, with whom we contend.Secondly, It would be carried on with much meekness, without heat or passion; for "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."-Thirdly, There is much need of the exercise of humility and fear; for the best know but in part, 1 Cor. xiii. 9, 12; and frequent experience, doubtless, hath taught every one that is observant, to be wary in asserting so positively what now they think to be truth, in these doubtable matters, about which good men are so much divided.-Fourthly, When zeal in these matters, is not accompanied with much exactness in trying ourselves, and does not begin at our own bosom, in finding out the errors either of our judgment or practice, and in abandoning them; then may we justly suspect our zeal to be "not according to knowledge." Rom. x. 2.-Again, Right zeal is equally carried out, in all points wherein God's honour is concerned.-Again, Our calling to appear in such matters, would be well examined; and that we be not thereby made negligent in things more necessary.-Again, Although there be truth in the matter of difference betwixt you and good men, it should be well examined, whether it will carry all the weight of what may follow, upon your appearing in it.—Again, All the consequences of the opinions maintained by your opposer, would not be imputed unto him, except you know that he owns them, but in charity you would think the best; for charity "thinketh no evil." 1 Cor. xiii. 5.-And further, Where you cannot agree, you would tolerate and bear with your weak brother, until God reveal what is wanting to him. Phil. iii. 15, 16.— Lastly, It would be well examined, that there be no siding with any party or other interest, but simply