of its truth VII That herein have all divided partyes and sects in the Christian world been enforced stil to meet and consent in ane acknowledgement of the substance thereof VIII That in the same light which was held forth in the Old Testament about the Messias did the whole gentile church enter and made claime to their right for being adopted the seed and children of Abraham on these cleare and expresse promises given for the same which the Jewes could not but confesse to be of divine authority QU. III. What confirmation is to the Christian faith that for 4000. yeares the comming of the Messias should be deferred after the promise ANS Though the soveraign pleasure of God should silence and satisfy our minde herein yet is there such a sight to be had hereof and of insinit divine wisedome shining forth in the same as should be most confirming for these ends I. That there might be a more distinct representing of the glory of this mystery to angels and men in such a graduall opening up of the same II. To put that weight and high value on his own promise and testimony herein when on the alone credit thereof he would thus both try and beare out the faith of his church for so many ages and draw forth their desires and longings in all that long space of time after the same III. To testify the greatnesse of his wrath against sin and the Apostacy of mankinde by suffering the generality thereof to ly so long under its fatall effects IV. To prepare the church for so great a reception by all that long preparatory service of legall institutions as so highly becoming the greatnesse of this mystery to have so solemn and stupendious ane introduction thereto V. That thus the world might have its full tryall of the insufficiency of natural abilityes and of any improvements of humane wisedome and learning for help after this had first been at the furthest hight both in Greece and Rome before the alone Redeemer of the church came QU. IV. What can offer furthest conviction to the world of the truth of Christianity from its nature and internall excellencies and that it is no lesse essentially good in its selfe then evidently true ANS I. That its so undeniable even to these that live at a distance how such is the truth of Christ that though all visible and humane props should faill it can subsist by its oun evidence and authority over mens conscience and hath thus ever preserved its station in the worst of times II. That as it holds forth the most exquisite rule of perfection to follow so doth bring the greatest releef to the distempers of the minde and these miseries which attend humane state here so as a higher glory doth thus result to the holy God by this dispensation of Grace to fallen man then if he had stood in his primitive state III. That it is sure the truth and doctrine of Christ doth natively tend to fix men in a state of light and communton with God and in a state of separation of such in their principles affection and conversation from the world IV. That it doth more brightly shine forth in simplicity and truth and in its internall and vitallacts then in any outward form or shew yea in the way of selfe deniall meeknesse and poverty of spirit doth such ane excellency appeare as in its oun nature hath as visible a difference from the proud and vindictive spirit of this world as the day hath from the night V. How such is Christianity as by no naked doctrinall discovery of the same to mens judgement or such rules as any humane science is acquired by can be knowen without ane inward power and principles of a new life nor can there ever be a right knowledge of divinity untill it be first ingrafted in a divine heart so far is this mystery above all humane rule and contrivance VI. That it is stated in the greatest opposition to any false shew or hypocrisy yea brings such inforcements therewith of candor and truth and of love tendernesse and sympathy towards others as all must see is not only the highest ornament and perfection of our nature but the greatest blessing to the world that ever was knowen VII That such a native lustre and fragrancy doth attend the truth and simplicity of the gospell as it s no more possible for humane art or cunning to represent this then to make the dead image of a man to live or to paint in a broad the vitall scent of a violet or rose to our senses VIII That in this way of the gospels subduing men to the obedience thereof by the power of inward grace the glory of Christ doth more eminently shine forth then if he had appeared for this end with the greatest outward majesty and attendance of Angels to our bodily eyes IX That it is so visible how the whole world besides that is without the revelation of Christ is a place where horrour falsehood and impiety doth manifestly reign QU. V. But how do yow receive so wonderfull a truth as that of the Gospell is when it s now so great a distance of time from its first promulgation ANS I. That we can be no more sure and perswaded of the most visible and present objects of sense then that this is the same gospell which is still shining forth to the world whereby ane innumerable company of all nations tongues and languages hath received the spirit and been sealed yea hath made that change upon men in turning them from ungodlynesse and idols to serve the living God as hath been no lesse marvellous then the turning of so many wolves into lambs II. That it is the same gospell which not only through a series of 16. centuries hath been attested but by such innumerable witnesses who counted not their life deare unto the death for sealing thereof and found it sweet to be offered up in the flames for Christ III. Which in all ages past hath stood out the greatest opposition that ever the world made to any interest while the weapons of its warfare were spiritual and not carnal with that successe as the time of the Churches hottest persecution from heathens was that period of time also of a most remarkable spreading in the world IV. That the same Gospel is revealed this day which hath had such discernable triumphs and successe when no external assistance could be seen herein and no visible power by which it gained the most savage and dark parts of the earth to take on the yoak of Christ and prefer the objects of faith to the most desireable objects of sense V. Yea which hath not only had such vital influence on mens heart and practice to change it into the same image but that herein the doctrine of the crosse of Christ in the greatest simplicity hath still been the most effectual way of its conquest and the greatest attractive on mens souls to receive
fitted for that great end of bringing mankind to God but for such an universall use herein as to make the simple wise and that the poor may receive the Gospell and yet believe also that it is a masse of dead and unsensed characters untill the Romish Clergy put a just sense theron tho its sense and meaning is the very soul thereof yea thus passe from the whole letter of the same or any certainty of its truth from intrinsick evidences and these marks and characters of its divinity wherby the Christian cause could be maintain'd against Pagans 3. Where he must believe also that these are the words of Christ Joh. 7 17. if any man doe my will he shall know my doctrine whither it be of God or not and that men errs through not knowing the Scripture Math. 22. and yet believe therewith that these sacred fountains of light should be shutt up to keep men from going wrong and that the sole right of understanding the same belongs to a few but not to the multitude who yet can pretend no extraordinare assistance or revelation herein nor will themselves come to these waters of Jealousie to be tryed 4. Where he must needs believe that the Scriptures are the oracles of God committ to the Church to give answer in every darke case Rom. 3 2. the type and forme of sound doctrine Rom. 6.17 unto whose sentence in all matters both of faith and practise we are expressly referred Is. 8.20 and yet believe also that it hath no authority or decisive voice but what is precarious and dependant on the Romish Church and thus consent to have the whole Christian faith visibly unhinged of that foundation of the Scripture and subjected to a supreme visible and infallible judge here in the earth with such a claime of dominion over the faith of the saints as the Apostles of Christ durst never owne but did fully disclaime 2 Cor. 1 24. 5. Where he must believe that Jesus Christ came for this end to save lost man and by one offering hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10 18. and yet joyn in the same faith herewith a human satisfaction for sin so as men may both merit mediate and supererogate above what is needfull for themselves and be thus saved in the same way of life which was by the covenant of works ascribing that only to Christ to give salvation to their merits which yet their own intrinsick value and condignity doth require as a debt 6. He finds not how in the same creed he could possibly hold by one Mediator betwixt God and man where a plurality for this end is admitt and by the reality of Christs human nature and his having a true and finit body which is subjected to have a new created being each time in the Consecrate Hostia or believe the truth of his sufferings as now fully accomplished and to be repeated no more when it is in that dayly sacrifice of the Messe still offered as a propitiatory sacrifice for the liveing and the dead so as on the most severe and impartial inquiry here he cannot find how one holding by these principles should goe a further lenth then Morality or claim another standing then by a covenant of works 7. Nor knows he how to believe at once the truth of the Gospell to be a doctrine of Holinesse and infinite purity and yet joyne in the same faith herewith such an immunity and indulgence for men to sin as money can stand for merit and the rich have the most easy and large entrey to heaven and account it a priviledge to destroy themselves yea where some externall severities and pennance to the flesh like to the lanching and gashing of Baals Priests are reckoned enough to supply the roome of Christian mortification 8. Yea he finds it not posible to believe that sin by the blood of Christ can only be expiate and is his alone worke who hath purged our sin himself Heb. 1 3. or that there are but two ways that lead to a twofold state of men a strait way which leads to a life and a broad unto destruction Math. 7 14. and yet believe that there is a Purgatory after this life where men must be tormented and suffer extream pains there to expiate such venial sins as their prayers and pennances here could not doe yea is here made to wonder how any that believes such a thing can ever have true peace or comfort in the world but doe either take it as a fiction or forget themselves when they are chearfull where the fear of such a place the uncertainty of release and how long a term it may be er this purging worke be compleat when their own writers assigne no lesse time then 10000 Years as needfull to satisfy for some sins and least it prove a reall hell must still be a present terrour nor can he believe that such possibly doe credit themselves herein who assume this power to change the condition of the dead since were it really believed that the keyes of such a prison were here in mens hand and could by the largest dotations to the Romish Church get a safe outgate thence it were not strang to see the temporall state of Cristendome in a short time made over to these and should Judge they were in a strang manner indead priviledged by the whole residue of men who by such a power over the world to come can make so easy a purchase over this also which is present 9. He finds is sure he could never get his reason and conscience brought to such a faith even tho he made a simulate profession herein of that pretended supremacy of Peter as Bishop of Rome on which the whole frame and structure of the papacy leans and the vertue of all the pardons and absolutions founded theron on which so many have adventured into an other world except he would thus build on the sand only but not on the rock 10. He finds also how such an erection of the Gospell Church in her militant state here as the Papacy in its complexe frame is unite in such an head as the Pope who as the sole vicegerent of Christ in the earth is at once invested with a civill Monarchy and universall impire over the Church to impose and judge in the highest transactions that relate to the eternall state and immortall souls of men is a thing that as to matter of right is as forreign to the Scripture and incompatible therwith as Mahumitanisme can be and as to matter of fact is a trust that no created being could ever exerce 11. he sees is sure that he must either lose sight both of the rule and spirit of the Gospell or have a just abhorrence at that way where he should be inevitably involved in a virtual consent and accession to all that cruelty and blood which for so many ages hath been shed therin when it s so clear that this was no exorbitance
of this kind might tend more to promote the Kingdom of Christ in this day I shal but add this further on the present subject Posit VII that as there are some more signal periods of time to which a greater brightnesse and increase of light hath respect under the New Testament so doth there now seem to be some remarkable call and excitment to such a confirming work in this day about the Christian faith when we may hope that a more solemne and restoring time of religion in the world is on a near approach though all sensible evidence would seem to control this and may be now more looked after then prepared for under any suitable impression of these grounds for the same I. That the promised time of the conversion of the Jewes doth assuredly draw near and whatever be judged by some of the Lords immediate appearence herein by a miracle yet is it unquestionable that nothing in the way of means could be more promising and hopeful to promot this great end then in promoting so great a service as this for the Christian Church II. That a greater extent also of the profession of Christ amonghst the Gentils and renting of the vaile that is now over many dark nations seemeth clearly insured therwith and what a hopeful evidence should this be if such a publick and catholick spirit were more seen how to advance the highest ends of religion on such an accompt without respect to any partial or divided interest yea that this blest zeal of God might in that manner appear to have the dark world get a more clear and convincing prospect of the highest rational demonstrations of Christianity as might through the Lords gracious concurrence bring men once to an inquisitive and serious spirit about the same Oh that such may be thus raised up in this dismal hower with something of that ancient spirit to travel with desire for the salvation of mankind and of whom it may be said as of blest Nehemiah these are indeed come to seek the welfare of their people in their greatest interest III. And this farther excitment we are now under for this end in a time when Popery seems to be upon one of its last and greatest assaults against the Church since it s so clear what ever tends to confirm men in Christianity from their own tryal and inquiry upon the confirming evidences therof must have the same native result to make such confirmed Protestants yea nothing is more demonstrable then that the method and grounds that are taken both to ingadge and fix men in the Popish profession have the same rational tendency to promot Atheism and to give infidels the greatest advantage to reject the profession of Christ CHAPTER II. The confirming worke of Religion reduced to practical use in some clear view of these primary grounds and demonstrations of our faith which none should pretend ignorance of who enters the profession of Christ upon choise and certainty of evidence SECTION I. QU. I. WHat reasons and demonstrations can yow give for so great a faith of the glorious being of God when he is invisible to humane sense since this is the fundation of all religion ANSW Though on the sacred truth and authority of his own word this is principally founded yet I am with the furthest infallible evidence herein confirmed I. That it can be no more sure this marvellous frame of the heavens and earth hath a being and is the object of our sense then that a supreme infinite wisdome and power must be the first cause hereof and it were simply impossible it could ever otherwise have been II. That he hath thus made himself visible to our eyes by such a visible world and in so exquisite an order and correspondence there to support the same as nothing stands alone by it self but in a line of mutual respect which runs through the whole creation whom we may as clearly thus see as that there is an invisible soul in a living body III. That this harmony is amongst thinghs in their own nature so contrare and destructive to other for to hold this wonderful frame as all must abandon reason or see an infinitly wise conduct herein and no need of extraordinary miracles to confirme what the whole constitutions of nature do witnesse IV. That this rare frame of man could never have come in being but by him who could unite such different substances as a material body and an immaterial soul in so near and marvelous an union V. That such an universal consent of mankind is in all ages therto as shews religion to be founded in the very nature of man and as essential to his being as his reason is yea how the ultimate difference of man from the beast and most essential property of human nature lyes here VI. That though every one be an enemy to what torments him yet was it never possible for an Atheist to free himself from that unavoidable sense and fear of a Deity nor in a world so much lost in wickednesse could ever extinguish the awe of religion or make any rational opposition to this greatest article of the common faith of mankind VII That the reason of the whole constitution of nature and vicissitude of things here is so great as without shutting out the use of reason we cannot but see how nothing possibly could have been better and that any want hereof in the whole frame of the universe would be as the dislocation of a joynt of the body and were not conceivable to be otherwise then it is by infinite wisdome appointed VIII That it s simply impossible that God blessed for ever should not exist or that this universe which is a worke so highly becoming the greatnesse of its maker could possibly subsist for one hour or minute of time without a supreme independent power and being on which all visible beings have their dependance since they cannot depend upon nothing IX That such is the absolute necessity of the faith also of a God-head as without this the state of mankind could not morally subsist or any possible order subjection piety and justice be to support human society but as Bradwardine saith O quam necesse est hunc esse quem impossibile est non esse O that men cannot but see these effects of his power on the conscience in the certainty of a profetick light and discovery as hath been oft given of future things and in the undenyable truth of miracles so as such a prodigy as a profest Atheist can have no claime to human race as a rational being more then the greatest monster in nature to be a true man QU. II. What doth witnesse the worlds not being eternal and its first original and beginning from God to confirme your faith herein by the further rational demonstration ANS I. That as an eternity is only communicable to the first cause so that which is made up of corruptible perishing things as this visible world cannot possibly
and judgment to the same III. To admit no gratification to the most predominant desires and inclinations of men upon any darling sin which according to human wisdome would be judged of an absolute necessity for gaining any acceptance with such yea to give no partial respect to the greatest Princes more then to the meanest IV. To pursue its interest by so plain a discovery of the death and sufferings of our blessed Lord with the whole ignominy thereof when nothing could more evidently control such an end by any rules of human wisdome and policy if there had been a possible accesse to consult flesh and blood herein V. And its sure there could be no designe without an immediate divine power in such a manner to plead the interest of Christianity with men by inserting affliction and the crosse in the first entry as essential to the profession thereof and holding forth the necessity of taking on the yoke of Christ without which none can be his Disciples QU. IV. But wherein doth the evidence of that great demonstration of the Gospel most clearly appear in the love and unity of Christians amonghst themselves which we find Christ doth so specially presse for this end that the world might know and have such a visible seal of his divine mission Joh. 17 21. ANSW The greatnesse of this demonstration may be thus evident to all I. That its so clearly demonstrative of the purity of our Religion which can admitt of no bitternesse strife recrimination or such indecencies of heat and passion which are these fatal effects of discord in the Church and thus lets us see the excellency of the spirit and rule of the Gospel II. That thus also we may know the power and efficacy of the truth thereof which is according to godlinesse upon mens heart in subduing these distempers of the mind and judgment III. That this doth so specially tend to make religion lovely and to draw forth matter of praise and blessing to God from the world when they see such a native effect of Christianity as this to make those who professe the same in that manner shine forth in tendernesse humility and brotherly love so that they become as a publick good and blessing to mankind in the place they are in IV. This appears also from the nature of that union in the Church of Christ and amongst his followers which only a divine power could both frame and make effectual and its sure no human society or constitution could ever claim such an unity therein as this is where not only persons of all nations and languages and of all conditions both high and low but of the most different interests humours and dividing circumstances in other things doe yet in so marvelous an harmony meet in the body of Christ which is his Church here in the earth V. Because herein also doth the glory and honour of our blessed head more eminently appear in securing this unity of his Church under a diversity of light and judgement otherwayes by a spirit of love meeknesse and condescendence amongst his people then by imposing the most severe and absolute uniformity in all things to be the alone condition of Christian communion QU. V. But what strength and evidence doth this demonstration of the Gospel now bear in so divided a state of religion and when the wounds and breaches of the Church this day are like to blood unto death ANSW Whatever just cause be of griefe yet is there none for darkening the truth of this demonstration on these grounds I. That none can deny the perfection of the rule of the Gospel for the most firm and intire unity amonghst all the followers of Christ on the earth II. That no opposition which is made therto but what hath been fortold as one of the greatest tryals of the Church under the New Testament and the Spirit of God doth most expresly point at in these latter times III. Because the furthest opposition thereto can be no more cause for any to stumble or question the truth of this demonstration then that there is a Devil whose greatest designe hath ever been to divide and break Christians amongst themselves IV. Because this union which is chiefly mistical and invisible is much greater oft then what this way may appear to the world and of that kind as is not interrupted by distance of place or any want of local communion V. That such a guard is set by the Lord unto this piece of his glory and to oppose any invasion thereon that there stands an Angel with a flaming sword upon every hand in the commands and threatings of the Gospel to secure this blessed unity of the Saints amonghst themselves so as none can invade the same but on their highest peril of opposing that which is as the apple of Christs eye VI. That its ever found how this demonstration hath some clear evidence amonghst such who are indeed the Disciples of Christ and according to their advance in the life and power of Christianity doth the more brightly shine forth so that the nearer the lines are to the center the nearer also are they amonghst themselves VII That in all times there hath been some tremenduous marke â—f the judgment of God made visible on such who are contentious and have made it their worke to cause division in the Church and sow discord among brethren QU. VI. But what hath the Church now in these latter dayes to compense the want of that great demonstration by miracles and such extraordinare confirmations of the Christian faith as were in the first times ANSW I. That we may see how far that seal of martyrdome which came in the roome of miracles to the Church hath exceeded that which was in the first times of the Gospel II. That there hath been since such innumberable shining examples of holinesse yea these continued to this day whom the world might see did walk in the light and power of Christianity as sure as men walks under the power and vertue of a living soul III. That we now see what a length the course of the Gospel and of the Church militant is come and how far thus the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled which once was so contrare to all human appearence IV. That so sure and exact a performance of the Scripture is now undenyable in the event and of such great and marvelous things which were fortold under the New Testament that in an ordinare way none could have believed what we see with our eyes and now have these things which were in former ages the object of the Churches faith made the object of our sense and its sure this is such a seal and confirmation to our faith in these last times as doth much exceed the greatest miracles which were with the first planting of the Gospel V. Though we may not resolve our faith on any extraordinare providences or lay the least weight hereon to support the authority of the doctrine
we professe since this only is founded on that sacred revelation of divine truth in the Scripture which is that infallible rule to discerne true miracles and what is Gods seal herein under the undoubted signature and stampe of his own power and working in the same yet hath there been such incontrollable evidence of extraordinare signs and confirmations to confirme the truth of the Reformed Religion since the Reformation as in no ages past was ever known but with the first planting of the Gospel among the Gentiles SECTION IV. QU. I. IS it cleare and demonstrable that the doctrine of Christ is a soull quickening and experimental religion and the trial thereof in its most supernatural truths of such rational certitude and evidence as the world can no more deny or question the same then these experiments of nature that are of most universal use ANSW Though men looked but at a distance here or were come from Heathnism so for as to make a serious trial of Christianity its sure they could not but see and be fully perswaded in their judgement hereof on these grounds I. That such a discovery is undoubted and cleare in the Scripture of so great things as that there is a holy Ghost and his workings on mens souls of peace with God and the joy of his presence which all who receive the gospel are called to know and prove on their oun trial II. That this wittnesse of Christian experience hath as discernable a consent and harmony there with as face answereth to face in the glasse and is cleare to be no casual thing but where every step in this way of trial is by Scripture light and what they did before read there ere they knew it on their oun soul III. That this in all ages of the church and wherever such as served God in the spirit were found in the most remote parts from others hath still been the same and like a great roll is transmit from one generation to another with their confirmatory seal that God is faithfull and true in these truths of his word which seem most incredible to the world now comes to our hand to require the same attestation and wittnesse IV. That these who know and testify these things once found it not easy to beleeve the same and did no lesse judge of such great experiments of religion as a dream or imaginary thing then most now doe until they knew them on their soul V. That such also have been the most burning and shining lights that ever were in the church and these innumerable in all ages who declare the same yea this in the mouth of the grave and entrance to ane eternal state when no outward intrest could sway them here VI. That it must be a matter of greatest assurance which hath then pressed the most tender parents with their last and dying breath to commend the same trial to their children and to obtest their making earnest herein as the greatest interest they could leave them VII That what ever differences be oft among these in some matters of truth yet in the certainty of this great trial of the life power and comforts of religion is ane harmonious onenes in the same testimony in all times of the church VIII That if any question this because so remote from mens senses and the judgement of carnal reason the reality of its effects doth unanswerably prove both the reality and excellency of the cause QU. II. What cleare and rational conviction can yow offer of so great a thing as conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state by grace which doth raise them as far above the residue of mankinde as reason doth above the state of the beastes ANSW Though I should strive against the conviction of such a miracle and demonstration of the Gospel as conversion is yet were it not possible to deny such demonstrative evidences as the world cannot but see hereof I. That it is sure such a change is made essentially requisite to the being and constitution of a Christian by the whole consent of the Scripture II. That there was never yet ane argument in nature for ones being a Christian in the life and power thereof what ever may be for a naked form or shew III. That they are not a few but innumerable instances in all times and of all rancks conditions of men on whom so great a change and difference hath been made thus evident both from themselves what once they were and from the residue of the world IV. That this hath been not only upon such as have been signally impious in their practise but who in their judgment were wont to deread holynesse as a fancy so as Atheists must grant that there have been as profest Atheists sometimes as themselves who have been made such conspicuous monuments of the power of the gospel V. That none can object here as once the Jewes did doe any of the rulers or such as the world counts most wise and knowing stand wittnesses to the same when it is so knowen there have not been more wise learned and judicious in the things of reason upon the earth then such as have been eminent examples of the power of conversion VI. That its marvellous effects in subduing men to what once was there predominant interest and idol and to part from what had been as their right eye or hand could only be from ane immediat divine power VII That such as were greatest adversaryes to the truth have been made no lesse eminent instruments in the service of Christ and choise vessels of honour then once they were in their enmity and opposition VIII That this change hath been so discernable in times of most visible persecutions and hazard when no outward advantage or gaine could have the least influence thereon Now as these are demonstrably cleare so can there be no possible accesse to question this I. That the Scripture is faithfull and true in so great a discovery II. That there is a divine spirit and a power above nature which accompanyes the same in such a change III. That there are surely contrary states in ane other world when they are so undeniably manifest here QU. III. But can so great ane experiment of religion as that of communion betwixt God and men here upon earth be made rationally convinceing to such as are themselves strangers thereto and for a further confirming of the Christian faith ANSW Though this be ane experiment of divine truth of a more transcendent interest and value then all that ever were in nature yet is it no lesse evident there can be no possible delusion herein if I. to which so innumerable a company beares testimony and hath transmit the same as that which not once or twice they have proven but in the continued trial of their life II. That its knowen to the world how such as testify what they doe and have so oft found in the retirement of their
heard nor have our fathers faithfully transmitt to us the wonderous works which the Lord hath wrought in their time 3. He is thus also tought to see the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and demonstrative causes of the most strang judgments on the Church to be as clear in the Scripture as they are in the event and though the holy God in the day of his patience and long-suffering is not alike quick in the execution of the sentences of his word yet does he ever establish the authority of his Laws by the works of his providence in the most opportune season and as judgment deferred is no acquittance so does it more threaten its being the greater when it comes then a quick and present dispatch yea though this tempest which now blowes on the Chruches of Christ come to a greater hight and the darknesse be such as no Moon or Starres may for many dayes yet appear of any visible signs of hope yet is his soul thus at rest whilst he can see the credit of the truth cleared on which he hath more in dependence then any adventure within time and does rejoyce whatever miscarrying may be of inferiour ends that this great and ultimate end of the works of God is secured herein and the glory of his truth does shine forth in the most strang and amazing acts of his providence wherat many are ready to stagger when they doe not wisely consider the same 4. He sees now likewise so high a value which the Lord puts on the tryall of his peoples faith and that the great dispensation wherby he deales with men is by trust and on the credit of his word as it addes further to his confirmation to see all human and visible refuges oft taken out of his Churches sight yea his greatest works in the earth make the greatest delay er they be brought forth his Churches case put so far beyond help before a cure as the first quickning of her crushed and allmost dead hope must be at the mouth of the grave and he is thus herein more singularly strenthned that when the Lord speaks the same in the way of providence which he hath spoke in his word not by might nor by power that he doth with unspeakable advantage supply and fill the roome therof by the next word but by my spirit saith the Lord which in this day should with a full assurance of faith be both sought and looked after 5. It is in this rare study he attaines also the greatest confirmation to his faith that could possibly be desired within time to see now when it s so near the close therof and after all the revolutions of times past how the truth and faithfullnesse of God hath as the sun in its strenth still keept its way straight and fixt amidst all these dark clouds which have been to darken the same and is now gone its course untill it draws near to the full and perfect day yea thus to see how signally this present age is sisted upon that same appeal and solemne testimony which as Josua gave Josh. 23 14. that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning yow all are come to passe to yow and not on thing hath failed thereof and Solomon did bear also at the dedication of the Temple 1 Kings 8 v. 56. Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest unto his people Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed one word of all his good promise which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant so is this now that great testimony of the latter dayes and the highest tribute of praise to the glory of God in his truth which can be given by men that this present generation stands accountable to make the same yea much greater appeal to the world if they can instance one promise or prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture which hath ever failed or fallen to the ground but may be this day read in the event under these proper circumstances wherin it was to take place in its proper season as evidently as it was fortold and must still bear the same witnes Psal 18 30. that the way of the Lord is perfect and his word tryed on all the adventures of faith and tryals which to this moment of time have been made hereof and of his being still a buckler to such as trust in him and are called to transmitt this glorious testimony to the succeeding ages that it may never cease to shine or want a publick witnesse therto before Angels and men untill the whole mystery of God in his word be finished in that magnificent close which shall be therof at the second coming of the Lord. CHARACT V. A confirmed Christian in this day should be thus also stated as one who hath not only attained a solid rest and settlment of mind upon the certainty of the Christian faith but does know the pure genuine truth of Christianity amidst such high oppositions betwixt the Romish and Reformed Church herein And in the 1 place hath in this manner sisted himself upon such a tryal I as one who knows there is but one true and saving religion in the earth to which God hath annexed the promise of eternall life which can never be divided against it self 2. Who knows that within a litle his religion will be tryed in the truth therof at the tribunall of Christ where each must give account of himself unto God 3. As such who sees there can be no possible indifference in the exterior profession of either way but that so high a contrariety of principles is in this opposition that if the doctrine of Christ be on the one hand it is sure Antichristianisme must be on the other hand 4. Yea who hath in that abstract manner sought to state the case herein with his own soul as if he were come out of Paganism to give a serious assent to the divinity of the Scripture and thus pressed to joyn in with that profession of the Christian faith which is most exactly conforme to the same in the genuine and perspicuous sence therof In the 2d place he hath sought to know how he could imbrace the Popish creed and adventure his eternall state theron or can extinguish his reason and conscience so far as to believe that the holy God would ever impose such a faith upon men as this is I where he must abandon these principles of naturall reason in the most necessare use therof which God hath himself planted in mans soul so as not to trust his own eyes but others in that great interest of his eternall state and with his own consent be shutt out from all proper knowledge of the rule of his religion yea account a blind and unlimited obedience to men amongst the highest excellencies of saith 2. Where he must at once believe the fullnesse and perfection of the Scripture and to be not only