This truth may be demonstrat not only from the reall conquest of the Gospel and these excellent trophees of her victory over many noted enemyes who have after been vessels of honour but also from the feigned subjection that so many have been made to render is it not strange what a multitude doth in these times professe the truth and yet hate it and were never drawn with the cords of love How very many have courted the name of a Christian and wooed the shadow of religion who never knew the truth thereof which certainly is a convincing evidence of the Gospels conquest that so many knees should bow to the name of Jesus whose hearts were never bowed or really subdued to him 4. It is an unanswerable proof of this truth that we see the churches increase enlargement hath come to passe most punctually after that manner yea with all the circumstances as was fortold and promised so that the event doth in every thing answer the word for First it is there held out that from a day of small things vvhich men would be ready to despise it should grow up as a tender plant and spread forth its branches over the nations that the children of the desolat should be moe then of the married Wife and the glory of the second temple exceed that of the first O! hath it not accordingly come to passe 2. This great increase and enlargement of the church was to fall out in the dayes of the new testament when Christ should be lifted up that then he should draw all men after him for these promises we have thereof in the old testament doe clearly point at the times of the gospel doth not the event here accordingly answer 3. The scripture holdeth out that the falling away of the Jewes should be the riches of the gentils and that their rejection should make way for the fulfilling of this promise even the ingathering of the nations and doe not men see the event with this very circumstance 4. We find the isles and outmost parts of the earth are given to Christ for his inheritance and foretold as a special part of the Churches increase and do we not clearly see there is no place of the world where Christ's Kingdome is more visible where moe children have been begot to him by the gospel we may say then in these northern places even in these Isles of Britain Ireland which are almost the uttermost parts of the earth there being but litle from that airth and nearer the pole which is inhabited yea we may judge hath been that Thule whereof the Ancients did so much speak 5. Was it not also foretold that the church should possesse the gates of her enemyes at whose great increase the world should wonder the princes thereof see and be troubled while God is known in her palaces for a refuge and doth not the event witnes this that over all these counsels and essayes which the world hath had to hinder the churches grouth her rising hath alwayes been upon the ruines of her greatest enemyes yea these who have been a terrour in the land of the living did oft fall and break themselves in that attempt can men deny the marvellous progresse of the church how from a small beginning shee at last possessed the gates of both the east and western empire her old enemyes and do we not this day see her conquest advancing on the ruines of Antichrist her last and greatest adversary 5. As the fulfilling of this promise anent the churches increase is undenyable since men cannot contradict their sense therein we must also say this is a thing great and marvellous which no lesse then some divine and extraordinary power could bring about if we consider these things first that quick dispatch which the churches grouth under the dayes of the new Testament hath made O might not the pagan world wonder how in the space of two or three hundred years it was almost become wholly christian O strange a Dioclesian Maximus so grievously persecuting and trampling on the very name of christianity yet near that same age this great Roman empire and Emperour submitting to the gospel which was fulfilled in the dayes of Constantine 2. How astonishing was it for the churches rise and increase to be brought about upon the ruine and dounfal of the idols of the nations who had their temples and were worshipped as God that the world should be made to renounce its Bible and that religion which for so many ages was deeply rooted by tradition from their fathers these altars which were had in such reverence demolished and their temples made a ruinous heap yea the very name of their Gods should be thus obliterat was not this indeed very wonderful But Dagon hath no strength to stand before the ark of the God of Israel 3. That it should be thus advanced by such a mean as the preaching of the word even of that which to the Jewes was a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishnes how this voice should put to perpetual silence these Oracles that for so many ages had given a response to the world might be indeed astonishing yea that the churches increase should thus be brought about at no lesse rate then the overturning of greatest Kingdomes the conversion of so many nations should tame and civilize the most savage and barbarous cause the lion to ly doun with the lamb and even make so great and universal a change in the face of the universe 4. Doth it not speak forth some divine power the carrying on of the churches grouth and increase not only over the violence of men but over all these dreadful errours and inventions these thick mists which both in former and late times have ascended out of the pit to choke her that we may say the church hath not onely been helpt to tread upon the lion and dragon but ou the adder and cockatrice also and doth carry the trophees of her conquest over all these at this day 5. I would adde is it not marvellous how the churches increase hath been advanced in a way most contrare to all the rules of ordinary policy by which states and empires have risen not by dissimulation but greatest plaines and free dealing for Christ and his Ministers did never flatter the world to embrace the truth not by open violence but a more excellent spirit power before which men could not stand where foolishnes was made to confound and outwit humane wisdome and weaknes to overcome strength that we may say O how litle of man and much of God was to be seen therein THIRD Promise which the Lord hath given to his church in the word is the giving of the Spirit powring out of the same which is there expresly held forth promised Zach. 12 10. Ioh. 14 17. Ps 59 21. And doth concern all the times of the church though in a more full measure to be let out in the dayes of
particular Churches may be in a sad withering condition whilest other parts do flowrish but these promises seem to point at a day which will concern the Saints in all corners of the earth who shall not want their share with the rest of that blessed time it may be also clear some more bright and hot sun-shine of the Gospel is held forth some such remarkable springtide of the Spirit that shall be as discernable as the Churches low ebb sometime was a day of the great power of God his presence very manifest among his people and with the ordinances beyond former times so that Ezek. 48 ver 35. the name of that place shall be called Iehovah Shammah the Lord is there yea that in this day Christs visible Kingdome in a setled Church state shall more eminently flowrish and the flowing in of people and nations with much fervour who shall joyn themselves to the Lord pure ordinances a more universal onenesse amongst the worshippers of God the walk of Christians with a discernable lustre of holines made to commend the Gospel Christs goings full of Majesty and the shout of a King which then shall be heard among his People the noyse of such sad complaints and bitter exercises from the spirit of bondage not so much among the Saints as in former times and though we see no sure ground from the word to expect such a favourable time wherein the Church militant shall not have trouble and persecution from the World yet there seemeth so much clearly imported in some of these great promises as point at a greater calm and more favourable gale of outward prosperity which the Church shall then have yea this in some longer continuance then in former ages a day wherein the haters of the Lord shall even be made to feign subjection with much of the countenance and concurrence of Magistrates and the civil authority in behalfe of the Church yea a time of much holy fear amongst the people of God and of much terrour and aw upon his enemies to which the great works of the Lord in that time shall then effectually contribute and cause them fear the Lord and his goodnesse in the latter dayes IV. We have a prophecy held forth Rev. 16 ver 12. which comparing with Rev. 9 ver 13. seemeth clearly to point at the fall and destruction of the Turkish Empire who have been these many ages so great a scourge to the Christian World for it is manifest that this drying up of the river of Euphrates must relate to that very party which we find in that 9 Chap raised up from about that river where the Turk hath so considerable a part of his dominions it is true the event will more clearly make this known yet these are undenyable 1. That such a party was foretold by John in â—â—at 9 Chap. and a solemn warning given to the Church of so dreadfull a storm the time also there pointed forth when Antichrist should be at a great height yea the portraicture of such an adversary most evidently held forth such as indeed they were found to be a terrible cruell destroying party and therefore are said to have breastplates of fire their number also there held out to be a very great multitude which these huge armyes usually brought by the Turk to the field can witnes 2. The cause why the Lord should raise up so dreadful an enemy and thus let them louse is also expresly declared in that 9 Cha. 20 ver that it was in judgement and for a plague on men for Antichristian idolatry which then had so much overspread the earth and it was no wonder that when so much of the visible Church was turned almost brutish in their Religion and from the pure worship of God was caried after idols of gold and silver the work of mens hands that so brutish and barbarous an adversary should be let out for a scourge I truely think that as Antichrist and the abominations of that party hath been hitherto the lett of successe against the Turk so we are not to expect the prospering of any such design and his fall and ruin until the cause be removed for which the Lord did make use of this dreadful rod. 3. That such a party was raised up according to the prophecy yea at the appointed time thereof is very clear who like a mighty deluge did overflow a great piece of the earth and with strange prodigious successe did overrun much of Asia some parts of Africk and brake in on Europe to give work to these kings and great men and be a scourge to them who had given their power to uphold the throne of the Beast 4. There is also clear ground from the Scripture that the Lord shall as eminently appear in the fall and destruction of this adversary as in the raising of them up and that by their fall he is to make way for the accomplishing of his promise anent the Churches further encrease his perfecting the fulnes of the Gentiles and bringing in his auncient people whereto this prophecy seems to have a particular respect this we are to look after as one of the great works of the Lord that is reserved for the latter dayes which shall no lesse shew forth his power and glory even the drying up of that great Euphrates then in the day that he divided the sea and made Iordan a dry channel for his people to go through we are not to be furder positive anent means and instruments how such a thing shall be brought about it is eneugh what the Lord hath spoken and the word that is gone out of his mouth shall not return in vain V. Now to close this there is yet one great assault which we find the Church shall have before the end and then her warfare will be near finished anent which the Scripture is clear that Sathan for a little must be let louse and that solemn and perfect victory which the Church in the close of time will get over all her adversaries shall be ushered in with a very sharp tryal and once again this ungodly World will shew its rage ralley it s broken scattered forces in a general muster Rev. 20 8. with as much fury as ever and there shall the Lord eminently appear that by one full stroke he may for ever decide that long continued war and feed betwixt the Church and her enemyes a deliverance which as it will be the last so one of the greatest that ever the Church had the Lord thus finishing his work of providence by so stately and magnificent a close and truely after this we know no more of Canonick Scripture to be fulfilled but the comming of the Lord when the poor tost afflicted Church shall enter unto a triumphant estate above all the violence and oppression of men O blessed and long looked for day of Christs return to judgement when the dust of the Saints that for some thousand yeares past have been resting in
adversaryes we may also on clear Scripture grounds conclude that the Lord is now awaked as a mighty man and upon the fields yea that the war is surely begun against Antichrist and all the adversaryes of his Church which shall not cease until the full victory be obtained for indeed these providences which in these last times should be very affrighting and terrible when we go in to the word we shall find they have a comfortable aspect on the Church and do presage her greater enlargement which as the tender buds and leaves of the fig tree are put forth to shew the sommers approach Luc. 21 ver 28. it is true the Church is now low and the work of God meets with very sad interruptions which are needful both for tryal and rebuke but this also is sure which none can deny that the Lord hath eminently appeared and done great things for his Church yea we must say he hath by a confluence of very remarkable providences thus condescended to strengthen his peoples hands to confirm such who are ready to stagger even as it were by cruches anent the greatnes of these things which are yet promised Now to clear this truth a little we would consider First How it is very consonant to the Scripture and expresly held forth in the same that in the last times and turn of the Churches case from Antichrist the Lord will thus appear in his great strength and set up his standard against his adversaryes yea will then in a special way call forth his people to glorify him by an active testimony 2. That the Lord hath thus begun to appear according to his word is a truth that is also undenyable should much help to confirm our faith anent the performance of that which further remains of the Scripture 1. That this is manifest from the word may be thus clear First Though the Church militant must not want an adversary and some persecution from the World even in her best estate yet we have a safe warrant to expect that the Lord will glorify himselfe in a peculiar way in his people now in these latter dayes by doing and acting for the truth as in former ages his glory did most appear dnreing Antichrists Reign in his Churches suffering for then the faith and patience of his Saints was to be witnessed in its season Rev. 13 ver 10. and thus he would serve himselfe of his people and bring forth his glory until that time of retribution when these who had killed with the sword should be killed by the sword and these who led unto captivity be so dealt with which doth also clearly promise some special outletting of the Spirit for acting with these gifts of courage and resolution sutable to the service of the Church in the latter dayes and truely I think it is a great want we study not more the accomplishing of the promises and how to improve the same for gifts as well as grace in order to the several times and necessities of the Church 2. It is very clear from the Scripture that in the last dayes when Christ is to raise his Church from under the power and tyranny of Antichrist he shall then appear in a warlike posture which John had shewed to him Rev. 19 v. 13 14. as one upon the head of his forces with his vesture dipped in blood to shew that vvhen once the vvar is begun against his adversary and this Lyon of the tribe of Juda begins to rouze himselfe up vvhat a terrible appearance he vvil have in that undertaking and it is clear that the Lord hath declared in this his counsel and vvill that his Son Christ should in the latter times take unto himselfe his great povver and reign Rev. 11 ver 17. yea cause the World knovv him to be Head of principalityes and povvers as vvell as of the Church for his glory in this truth as a King which former ages seemed in so great a measure to darken must then clearly shine forth I truely think mens appearing with such violence and rage against so concerning a truth now in these dayes doth promise some eminent appearance of the Lord therein and that he shall yet more solemnly assert the same before the World 3. Doth not the Scripture point at the last times as that special time of recompence for the controversy of Sion to which the Lord hath reserved a solemn triumph of his justice over all his Churches enemyes when he shall enquire for the blood of his Saints shed upon the earth since the dayes of Abel at Babylons hand Revelat. 18 ver 24. that great adversary who stands in law guilty and hath served her selfe heire to all the violence cruelty done in former ages for in her hand must that cup be found full which the enemyes of the Church from the beginning hath been filling up and as so many rivers and fountaines hath run unto this great sea 4. It is also clear that in the last times when the Lord shall bind up the breach of his people and heal the stroke of their wound who for so long a time had been trampled under by Antichrist he shall by some signal providences roll away this reproach and scandal of meannes contempt and persecution shall put some glory on his Church proportionable to its former abasement yea thus comfort her according to the dayes wherein he had afflicted her and cause his peoples uprising in measure and kind to answer their low and suffering state from Antichrist even in the last times when the Lord shall make them appear with the face of a Lion when the feeble shall be as David and as the Angel of the Lord Zach. 12 ver 8. which promise doth clearly point at the Churches raising and delivery from Antichrist upon the back whereof we find the Prophet doth foretel the last conversion and incomming of Israel 5. I shall only adde what the Scripture doth most expresly shew that the Lord shall so gloriously appear in bringing his Church out of Babylon and executing his judgement on that adversary as in the day when he brought his people out of Egypt and therefore shall they sing the song of Moses and the lamb Rev. 15 ver 3. his great power and outstretched hand being no lesse discernable therein then if they had been standing with Israel at the red Sea when they saw their enemyes lying dead upon the shore yea have we not ground to believe that the Lord shall make himself very evidently knowen in raising instruments and acting them forth which hath been already seen and I am sure the World must confesse what great things have been done by these of whom little was expected III. That the Lord hath thus begun to appear and make himself known to the World in these last ages according to his word is a thing very easy to demonstrat for 1. Is it not clear how in these last times he hath met his enemyes upon their high places
fulfilling of the Scripture is therein concerned the outmaking of the promises and threatnings one syllabe whereof he doth more value then all the crounes and Kingdomes of the earth yea will not let it fall to the ground though it should be at the rate of laying cities and countries desolate for it s in this the Lord taketh pleasure and exerciseth his blessed thoughts even the bringing about what he hath spoken in his Word â— Now to clear this furder I shall hold forth these following grounds whence it may appear First the fulfilling of the Scripture and written Word is so great a thing and of such concernment that the blessed Majesty of God thought it worthy of a place in his heart from all eternity this was before him in his thoughts and counsels of old even that mervalous work which should be the after-product and outmaking of his Word to his Church here within time and surely was such a plott and contrivance that as no lesse then infinit love wisedome and power was required to bring it about so it was well becoming the Majesty of God and worthy to be the work of all the three blessed persons of the trinity O if we could go doun a little to this deep and see the wonders that are there we would find that knowledge which usually lesseneth our admiration of other things would highten it here it would be new to us every day to think how great and mervelous a thing that is which the Word is bringing forth 2. It is upon this even the performance of the Word that the present encouragement and after blessednes of the saints dothly for the great interest of the Church is adventured upon the Word and embarked with it which should be lost yea their stock and treasure which is laid up in heaven and all that a Christian is worth which is layd up in the promise were then perished if the Scripture should want an accomplishment the Godly man hath then run labourned in vain these who are fallen asleep in Christ have dyed in a sad delusion providence would be like the work of the foolish builder who begun and knew not how to finish O how heighly then is the Lord concerned in fulfilling of his Word That he may perfect what concerns his People and having surely payed the price put them also in possession 3. There is yet more then the interests of Angels and men yea then heaven and earth is worth that depends upon the outmaking of the Scripture the glory of God and especially the praise of that great attribute his faithfulnes which he will have no lesse shine forth in the performance of his Word then his power and wisdome in this great fabrick of the universe and these mervelous productions of nature for he hath magnified his Word above all his works therefore is his heart greatly set upon this even the bringing to passe what he hath spoken which if in the least should faill were no lesse then to make God a lyer and falsify his Word who is through all the Church known by this blessed name The God of truth 4. We would consider this as that great trust which is put in his hand who onely in heaven and earth was found worthy to open the book of Gods decrees and counsels and loose the seals thereof a trust which the Lord did not adventure upon the Angels the smallest promise being such as requires no lesse then an omnipotent power and the arme of Ithovah to bring it about for which end he whom the father hath anointed is gone forth as a mighty man who rejoyceth to run his race that he may perform his Word and through this great design in the administration of providence about his Church and People which he will not cease or give over until the mystery of God in the Scripture and all that was spoken by the Prophets be put to a close when Heaven and Earth at the pouring out of the last vial shal give that solemn shout and exclamation It is finished it is finished O if this were once fully perfect there would be no more to do then the Winter were past and the Summer come the song of Moses and the lamb should be heard because the bride hath made herselfe ready then let al the trees of the wood rejoyce the hills break forth into singing and all that is therein be glade because the Scripture and great design thereof is fully finished and the day of the perfect liberty of the Sonnes of God is come 5. The accomplishment of the Scripture is of such concernment that nothing can be done until it be once finished for this time must wait the Sun must keep its course and the ordinances of the Heaven continue as they are the World is but a scaffold until this building be perfected for this the grave doth still retain her prisoners and the dust of the Saints must yet rest in hope the creation still groaneth and the marriage supper of the lamb is deferred the cry of the souls under the altar get not a full return until all that is written in the Word be fulfilled 6. We would consider this is the great thing which the Lord this day is carrying on even the accomplishment of his Word for this is most brought upon debate of any thing besides the World challengeth it and the hearts of the godly do oft call it in question the Atheist scoffs at it and sayeth where is the promise of his coming there are often to appearance insuperable difficulties in the way of its performance therefore doth the Majesty of God so much concern himself in this for bringing about of which he is in a holy way restles and providence in an uucessant motion until he hath done that which he hath spoken in his Word It was for this cause that the Scripture might be accomplished that the Word was made flesh and he who counted it no robbery to be equal unto God did take upon himself the forme of a Servant this is of such account in his eyes that what time he speaks concerning a Nation or People ere it come not to passc he will rather put forth omnipotency for the working of miracles and change the very course of nature for this he wil make the deep dry make a way through the red Sea and cause I ordan stand as in heapes that he may keep promise to his People if there be no way for bringing about his Word but through a Sea of blood and over the bones and carcasses of his enemyes he will do it and bring it to passe though Walled Cities and the Sonnes of Anack mighty and strong should stand in the way thereof Abrahams old age and Sarahs dead womb must not frustrat this if the promise of the Churches restauration cannot be made out without a wonder shewed upon dry bones scattered at the graves mouth this shall not be wanting when God sayeth he 'll bring down
and at a time when it is expected grossest of men would speak truth yea that this doth appear while men cannot in the least charge the dying Christian with any distemper in his judgement but while they have been most composed stayed and present in minde and as to other things of their concernment most deliberat and sober even then they have born this witnes THE FOURTH ARGUMENT I shall here offer to prove the Scriptures accomplishment is this That whereof the most part as to these special predictions and promises that concern the Church is fulfilled and hath now taken place in their appointed times which we may at this day clearly tead in the event and but a litle part thereof now remaineth to be made out must be a sure truth But the Scripture is thus fulfilled and the prophecyes thereof now made legible in the history of providence and in the works of God about his Church Therefore c. I would premit here some few things ere I speak particularly to this argument 1. Though the Scripture is thus wonderfully suited by the Lord and taketh place in every generation as if it were alone directed to that time yet it is also clear that a special part thereof hath its proper accomplishment in these ages and periods of time to which it doth in a peculiar way relate some part of it which did concern the times of the Old Testament some that doth also answer to the times of the Gospel and a part of it which hath a peculiar respect to these latter dayes which the Lord is now bringing forth and we wait for a more full accomplishment that it is on a near approach 2. It is also sure that the whole work of God and his providence about his Church here in the World which was perfect from the beginning and before him from eternity is comprehended under the written word where the Lord hath fully revealed his minde and counsel anent every event and concernment of the Church though we oft be in the dark in finding out the same but the event will in due time speak for it selfe which should cause us until then with much sobriety passe our judgement on some of these truths that are not yet fulfilled 3. It is clear that the Prophets of old did not onely foretell such great changes and revolutions as were to go over the Churches head and declare the certainty thereof but we find these prophecyes oft point at the times and periods of time whereto they did relate and though sometimes in dark tearmes yet did clearly shew that there was a certain prefixed time not at every time they could have their performance 4. We would consider how the full accomplishing of the Scripture and the perfecting the Lords work about his Church will be at once and doth keep foot together and then shall a full and satisfying discovery of Gods way and providence and all that he hath been doing in the World clearly break up when the great mystery of God in his written word is finished and the Church so near to land That I may speak a little to so grave a subject I would lay down these two things to be considered 1. How much of the Scripture and predictions thereof may be now seen clearly verifyed in the event 2. What doth yet remain to have an accomplishment in these last times by which we may certainly judge hovv near the Lords vvork about his Church is to a close anent the first I shall point at some of these most concerning events changes vvhich the Church hath met vvith vvherein vve may see vvhat of the Scripture may at this day be read in the history of providence and is certainly fulfilled I. WHAT IS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED I. Let us go back to these first times after the fall and see that dreadful stroke which came upon the old World by the flood after an universal defection from God and we shall there find the fulfilling of that which Noah that great preacher of righteousnes had oft foretold and of these threatnings which by Moses were there recorded wherein it may be very manifest 1. That this truth besides Divine authority no records of auncient times no antiquity could ever contradict yea some of the eldest writers doe clearly witnes something of an universal deluge over the earth with the strange preservation of some from it however they were in the dark as to many circumstances thereanent Josephus doth cite Berosus the Ciâ—aldean about this who without doubt had theÌ„ some of these oldest records true uncorrupt Eusebius also doth mention some fragments of Abidenus and Appollidorus which in his time were extant clearly pointing at the flood and at Noah under the name of Zisuthrus with his sending out of birds to see if the waters were asswaged 2. There is nothing here doth contradict reason how this might be brought about even in the way of ordinary natural causes which the Lord did make use of for that end for we find the windowes of Heaven were opened the air being condensed into clouds and their retentive power loused these great floodgates were thus set louse which falling not in drops but all in a full body like the spouts and cataracts of the West-Indies might soon overwhelm the earth with aboundance of water while these fountaines also of the great deep beneath were broken up which was not only the Ocean let forth to go over its banks but an universal vent to all the veines of the earth and that great masse of waters which is in the bowels thereof which from beneath meeting these that were from above may give men a clear and rational account how such a thing might be 3. This piece of the Scripture is most congruous and aggreable to the whole and the great scope and drift of the same for it points out an height of sin and of wrath an universall defection and an universal stroke meeting together it leads us forward to Christ of whom the ark was an excellent shadow and of that salvation which in and by him the Church hath from eternal wrath and is a very manifest pledge and sign of that last destruction of the World which though not in that manner yet shall once surely be and find men in such a condition as this flood found them into in the dayes of Noah II. What we have expresly promised in the word of the Churches delivery from Egypt and vvas foretold by Joseph at his death that God should surely bring back his People out of that land for vvhich he left his bones to ly unburied as a pledge thereof hath novv many ages past been fulfilled It is long since that remarkable day vvhen God made a vvay for his People through the red sea and his povver knovvn upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians since Moses vvith the Church did sing that triumphant song the horse and his rider he hath cast in the sea vvherein these things are most clear 1.
woefull trade did one day rencounter a poor man travelling with 2 horses which he according to his custome takes away the poor countryman falling down on his knees did earnestly beg that for Jesus Christs sake he would give the one again for he had no more to maintain his poor family but what he could gain by them but it was in vain he carryeth them home with him leaving the poor man in that desolate condition but a little after he turns dumpish and melancholy could get no rest or quiet not knowing the cause but as he professed that these words the poor man had spoke to him though he was so great an Atheist that he understood not what he meant when he spake of Christ were lying like a heavy weight upon his spirit and whilest he was sought after for his robberies he desired his sonnes to shift for themselves for he could not go out of the vvay there being a restraint upon him and something vvithin him that in a kinde bound him from going out of the way and thus stayed at his house until he was apprehended brought in to Edinburgh and there put up in prison upon which a godly Minister Mr Henry Blyth with a Christian Gentleman William Cunir ghame Tutor of Bonitoun who had sometimes known him make a visit holding forth to him his miserable estate and the heâ—â—â—rd of his soul for he vvas judged by the Law to dye and amongst other vvords shewing him the necessity to flee to Jesus Christ he doth suddenly break out vvith a cry O what word is that for it hath been my death that is the word that hath lyen upon my heart since the poor man spake it to me so that I had no power from that time to go out of the way and after being told what an one Christ vvas vvithout whom he could not be saved he cryeth O will he ever look to me and shew mercy that for his sake would not shew mercy to that poor man and give him back his horse but after further instruction a most real and gracious change did appear upon him he gave most convincing evidences of the reality thereof attained to great assurance before his death and upon the scaffold in the publick streets vvhere he vvas executed did speak so vvonderfully of the Lords dealing vvith him and vvith such knovvledge and judgement as left a conviction on all present and forced them to see a truth and reality in the grace of God An other notable instance of grace vvith a very remarkable passage in his condition I shall here mention one Patrick Mackelwrath vvho lived in the vvest parts of Scotland vvhose heart the Lord in a remarkable vvay touched and after his conversion as he shevved to many of his Christian friends vvas in such a frame so affected vvith that nevv World vvherein he vvas entred the discoveries of God and of a life to come that for some moneths together he did scarce ever sleep but vvas still taken up in vvondring his life vvas very remarkable for tendernesse and near converse vvith God in his vvalk and vvhich vvas vvorthy to be noticed one day after a sharp tryal having his only son suddenly taken avvay by death he retired alone for several houres and vvhen he came forth did look so chearfully that to those who asked him the reason thereof vvondered at the same in such a time he told them he had got that in his retirement vvith the Lord that to have it afterwards renewed he would be content to losse a son every day This one remarkable passage I would set down it had been long his burden the want of memory that he could retain almost nothing of what he heard from the word and bitterly complaining thereof to worthy Master James English Minister of Daly his counsel to him was when he heard any truth which he desired to remember to hold it up to the Lord and desire him to keep it for him and give him it back according to his need which accordingly this blessed man did with much seriousnes practice and on his death bed to his Minister and divers Christians that were present he did solemnly declare how wonderfully the Lord had ansvvered and condescended to him in that particular for as they knew how much formerly it had been his burden the want of memory now the Lord had given him back all these truths that he had put in his keeping so that what for many yeares before he had heard was now most clearly brought to his remembrance which he witnessed by repeating many particular truths and notes of Sermons which at such and such times he had heard Now to shut up this we have truely cause to say even from late experience since this dark night came upon the Church in these Nations with so sharp a storm of persecution there hath not wanted some very signal and convincing providences witnessing the Lords appearance for his People and against their enemyes which are worthy of a remark and may let men see that there is one higher then the highest who ruleth in the Kingdomes of the Children of men for it is manifest 1. How eminently the Lord did appear in breaking that party vvho had been the great instruments both in Counsel and Action to break the governement of the Church of Christ in this land and lay so much of his vineyeard waste and desolate and this in the height of their povver and greatnes vvhilest they seemed most firmly rooted O hovv evident vvas a divine hand there that this Cabbal vvho made it their great work to raise up Prelacy and oppresse the poor Church and like a violent tempest did carry all before them in a moment vvhen they could have least expected should be made to fall yea in so short a time be turned out of their places and offices who but a little before had turned out so many of the faithfull Ministers of Christ and that great man who put forth his power and authority so much to turn many of the godly of the Land both Ministers and others out of their houses and familyes tossing them from place to place should thus be dealt with from the Lord and recompenced vvith that measure being forced to quite his lodging once and again yea even to banish himself out of the countrey vvho had been the chief instrument to banish some of the most choise servants of Christ and this stroke also made to tryst them from that hand whence they could have least exepected whose interest they studied to promote in opposition to Gods truely I should desire to study sobriety and fear in application of the judgements of God but vvhen the Lord doth so clearly reveal himself and shevv forth such an evident resemblance betvvixt mens sins and their stroke it cryeth aloud for a serious observing thereof 2. Should vve passe without a remark so solemn 2 vvitnes from the Lord of his respect to his Peoples sufferings in this late