present hear and see among the Antichristians But Blasphemy rayling lying murthers sorceries c. nothing in truth but what tends to the dishonor of his Great Name but were the whole Kingdome of the Beast destroyed then would the Lord have glory and prayse for being found of his people What man would not have a filthy stink remov'd that a sweet persume might be in the place thereof so long as Hypocrites reign and Tyrants rule the Nations their sins like dung will stink in the nostrils of the Lord but when they are removed he will smell a sweet savor of praise and thanksgiving Besides the Saints do often use it in prayer as an argument for a time of finding namely the praises he shall have of them g Psa 9.13 4. Have mercy upon me O Lord consider my trouble c. That I may shew forth all thy prayse in the gates of the daughters of Zion Again h Psal 79.11 12 13. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee c. Preserve those that are appointed to dy and render to our neighbors seven fold into their bosome c. So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever we will shew forth thy praise to all Generations So then do any desire to know why the Lords little remnant at this day are so earnest in prayer against the enemies of Gods glory Why they would have the i Isa 33.14 sinners in Zion afrayd and fearfulness to surprise the Hypocrites That such as k Psa 125.5 are turned aside to their crooked ways may have their faces filled with shame and confounded in all their counsels and designs It is for this end that the Lord alone may have prayse It is reported of Nero when he had banished any good Common-wealths men or put them to death he would keep a day of thanksgiving that is thank his gods for his great deliverance It is true the faithful doe abhor such kind of thanksgiving and leave Nero's exsample to be follow'd by corrupt men and such as he was They dare not prayse God because Hypocrites reign but on the contrary when they see the Lord doth punish them for their wickedness then they will praise him with their whole heart But 2. 2. Because of his great Name Should Saints forget their duty of thanksgiving yet would the Lord be a Gainer that there is a time of finding in respect of his great Name l Josh 7.9 What wilt thou do saith Joshua unto thy great Name So Moses m Exod. 32.12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak and say For mischief did he bring them out That is though thou hast matter enough against this people to consume them as one man and to withdraw thy presence from them yet remember thine own Concernments to wit how deeply thy Glory Power and Faithfulness will suffer if thou appear not again for them When Hanun the son of Nahash had most unworthily n 2 Sam. 10 4. abused Davids Messengers it was David principally that was wronged neither could he in point of honor and justice put it up without taking severe revenge upon the enemy for it It is Jesus Christ who at this day is the greatest sufferer in his Cause Name and Kingdom and therefore should he not in judgment come forth against the despiteful abusers of him what would become of his Glory would not an evil and adulterous generation conclude o Eze. 8.12 9.9 Isa 29.18 The Lord sees them not neither regards he good or evil When the Israelites were in great distress at the Red-Sea p Exod 14.15 Moses cryed unto the Lord It is true they had then a time of finding but why was it q Psa 106.8 He saved them for his Name sake that he might make his mighty power to be known There is much comfort in the words if well considered Many honest hearts looking on their tears sighs and groans are discouraged to think what poor and weak things they are what is all our weeping say they and mourning before the Lord Shall we have a Time of finding for such low things Do you stick here pretious ones But consider there is more in the Lords eye why he will be found of his people then their cryes and tears he will hear them for his Name sake that his Power Justice Mercy Faithfulness c. may be known So then though you should question whether the Lord in regard of your poor prayers and groanings will arise against Evil doers yet methinks it is not possible you should doubt but he will doe it r Neh. 9.31 1 Kin. 8.41 Jer. 14.7 21. FOR HIS NAME SAKE Å¿ Psa 115.1 Not unto us Iehovah not unto us but unto thy Name give the glory for thy mercy for thy truth I cannot but think we are nigh THE TIME OF FINDING because Christs little flock have Gods glory so much upon their hearts As a servant in the field sowing seed he doth it not to have the crop but for his masters profit so the Saints up and down the Nation are t Psa 126.5 sowing in tears and crying day and night to the Lord that he will arise and have mercy upon Zion u Dan. 2.44 Breake in pieces and consume the fourth Monarchy and render double vengeance upon Babylon But for whom is this sowing Not unto us O Lord not unto us x Psa 83.17 18. Let thine enemies be confounded and troubled for ever yea let them be put to shame and perish That men may know that thou whose Name alone is JEHOVAH art the most high over all the Earth I know well enough what the faithful are charged with for witnessing against the unrighteousness of men viz. That that they would have others down to have all power and greatness themselves and that they allow of no Ministry or Magistracy For Answ 1. The Lord who seacheth the hearts knows all this to be false y Josh 22.22 If it be rebellion or if in transgression against the Lord save us not this day 2. The Accusers themselves know it to be false For would some men for worldly Advantages corrupt their consciences they have had not a little profered them of Esau's Pottage and Balaams Reward But 3. This is true we pray against the Antichristian Ministery and Magistracy that the Lord would pluck them up Root and Branch and cast them as unsavory Salt to the Dunghil And this we do not being against all Magistracy and Ministery but to have a Isa 1.26 Judges restored â—s at the first b Jer. 3.15 and Pastors according â—o the Lords own heart and so Christ â—he c 1 Tim. 6.15 ONELY POTENTATE Lastly it is our Opinion until the last Apostacie be destroyed d Psa 67.2 God's way will not be known upon earth and his saving health among all Nations for it is THIS THAT LETTETH the ruine of Babylon and the Gathering
had established The evil of this is told him again and againe But no admonition will take place For he grows so wicked that he causeth the Prophet who reprov'd him to be stond even his sonn who had set him on the Throne But what followed oh sad things and that suddenly first upon the Land that was made the seat of war spoyld and plunderd afterward a sore punishment upon himself by the hand both of God and man The like befel Amaziah his son b 2 Chr. 25.25 26 27. I know saith the Prophet to him God hath determined to destroy thee because thou hast done this and hast not hearkened to my Counsel The which thing came to pass soon after Again it is said of Eli's children c 1 Sam. 2.25 They harkned not to the voyce of their father because the Lord would slay them That is he gave them not grace to repent but did more and more forsake them gave them in his justice over to a reprobate mind to their own ruin and destruction Which also d cap. 4.11 came to pass When Ahab hearkned to his false Prophets not to Michaiah Gods Judgment soon reacht him Was there ever a Generation of men that did cast off the threatnings of God against their sinnes with more contempt and scorne than some do now For unless he be an Ahitophel a Machiavel a Subtil Serpent tush they care not for any mans Counsel a rush But is not this some notable signe of the Times Yes surely e When it is evening ye say it will be fair wether Mat. 16. For the skie is red And in the morning it will be foul weather to day For the skie is red and and lowring Such is my confidence in the Truth of the Scripture as from the Premises I can sooner beleeve that there is some great judgment very nigh the dispisers of good Counsell than conclude fair or foul weather from such signes in the face of the sky That the work 's upon reviving This also shews it neer in my apprehension did Time look so like midnight as now Night it hath been some years together But no Midnight till of late If sleep hath not seiz'd on the Virgins Wise as Foolish yet truly a great slumbering doth for there is not methinkes that activeness that life and soule to the great Cause of God as some times there was Several wayes people may fall a sleep And children very often sing themselves asleep And are there not some of the Lords sweet Babes fallen now into some slumbering as to THE DAY WORKE by their own pleasant Singing I should be a great deale more affected and dissatisfied with this late slumbring of the Virgins but that I consider the Scripture must be fulfil'd f Isa 63.5 I looked saith the Lord and there was none to help g Amos 7.2 By whom shall Jacob arise for he is smal small indeed For if the wise Virgins fall asleep who then are left Though this be so yet herein am I comforted The Midnight-time being upon us It declares that the womb of providence is opening and the Crie nigh h Mat. 25.15.16 Behold the Bridegroom cometh go ye out and meet him Yea and it is a mercie seeing the Midnight Time is upon us that there is a Voice kept up to awaken such as are asleep 7. Reader mark this Such men as by engagement ought to joyn with the Interest of Christ his people if they neglect their duty here joyn with the Lords Enemies against him and his Cause there is certainly some great judgement nigh them It was Midians duty i Deut. 23.4 to have met Israel with bread with water in the way when they came forth out of Egypt That is they should have refreshed assisted their Brethren in their travels towards Canaan but in stead of doing so Midian hired a Wizard a Witch to curse the Lords people But what is his punishment for it He shall not enter into the Congregation of the Lord for ever Israel must never seek his peace nor prosperity Many Reasons there were why Achitophel should have stood faithfull to David and his Righteous Cause But like an unthankfull wretch he went with Absalom in that unnatural Rebellion But how sped he k 2 Sam. 17.23 When he saw his counsell was not followed he went home and hanged himself Again whose part should Judas have taken in point of Reason Religion and Conscience Doutless his Masters but he falls in with the Scribes and Pharisees to take away his Masters life What his end was and how he was rewarded for it It is recorded g Ma. 27.5 He went and hanged himself h Act. 1.18 And falling headlong burst asunder in the midst and his bowels gushed out Are there any such in our Time who in respect of many Engagements should assist and help the Lords people stand up with them for Righteousnesse and Truth And do they like Midian Achitophel Judas side take part with Wizards Rebels Pharisees and marked Slaves of the Beast I say are there such If so then I question not but Providence ere long will shew some notable work uppon them l Psal 46.8 Come and behold the works of the Lord what desolations he hath made in the earth Lastly And which is not the least that perswades me the good old Cause is ready to rise I do observe that the Lords people every where are expecting it Now what means this k singing of the Birds if the spring be not nigh Is it possible that it should lye with so much weight upon the Spirits of all the little remnant that the Lord is coming sorth to take vengeance on his adversaries and to comfort Zion And nothing should be in it I cannot think so neither is there any reason for it Indeed l Pro. 4.19 The way of the wicked is darknesse they know not at what they stumble m v. 18. But the way of the just is as a shining light that shineth more and more to the perfect day Thus Reader thou seest the Reasons why I think the WORK is at the Birth I shall offer a little more to thee And no more I hope then what is according to Truth and with supplications the Lord hath led me From the Creation to the Flood according to the best account that I have seen were 1657. yeeres And so many yeeres we reckon past since Jesus Christ was born In this yeare viz 1657. doth period the 42. Months and 1260. dayes in which the Beast was to reigne and the Saints to suffer Mr. Tilling hast of Pretious memorie beginning at the Head of the account i. e. at the rise of the Beast brings down the two Numbers to the yeare 1657. I have done something by inquiring at the foot to wit the last three years and an half of the Account and here we do agree as to the Time of the End That is whereas
Though Peter shrunke and drew back a Mat. 26.69 at the speech of a poor wench yet when he had received power from on high He feard no coulers he could then b Act. 4.13 look with Boldnes any Tyrant in the face So howsoever before they had not life and courage yet when the Harpers Harpe such will be the hand of God upon them that they will not regard what their Enemies can doe either by fraud or force c Zech. 12.4 He that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David and the house of David shall be as God as the Angel of the Lord before them 5. d Rev. 11.11 And great fear fel upon them that saw them Though there be nothing yet done but a more lively owning of the Lords cause than before and declaring publickly for it yet this strikes a terrible astonishment and trembling among the Adversaries e Act. 5.24 As doubting whereunto this will grow And their amazement is the more to heare how the number daily increaseth in all parts Saying f Jer. 31.23 The Lord blesse theâ— habitation of Justice and mountain of holiness We will have g Isa 26.2 the gates open that the righteous Nation which keepeth the truth may enter in Besides they see no meanes or way how to keep the peoples Liberties and rights any longer from them h Psa 76.5 The stout hearted are spoiled and none of the men of might have found their hands that is they are as if they had no hands they are not able to make the least resistance or defence 6. Whiles the adversaries are thus in confusion and fear a happy union and accord will be made between the Waters and Thunder So much I think is meant by the VVitnesses ascending up to heaven in a cloud It is but one cloud that hath them both Hence about this time I do exspect a great uniting of the Common-wealth men fifth Monarchy men upon good righteous Principles Unanimously agreeing to cary on the Lords work i Zep. 39. With one consent or Soulder k Isa 11.13 Ephraim shall not envy Judah and Judah shall not vex Ephraim But the Lord will l Eze. 37.17 joyne them one by another into one stick they shall become one in his hand This blessed agreement of the People instrumentally will be made by some eminent and choise Christians men that m 1 Chr. 12.32 Have understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do And this I take to be the n Rev. 11.12 great voyce from Heaven saying unto them come up higher 7. Union being made and all in Heaven here o Isa 13.4 the Lord of Hostes mustereth the host of the battel and p Rev. 19.14 the armies of heaven here he cloathes the Vial Angels q Rev. 15.6 in pure and white linnen having their breasts girded with a golden girdle This is Zion * Psa 110.2 out of which the Lord will send the rod of his strength the Mount Zion where r Rev. 14.1 the hundred forty and four thousand stand with the Lamb. Here he fits his people for the work and appoints them their work So that my opinion is for any people to go forth with the material Sword against Babylon or the Kings of the earth or to set up the visible Kingdome of Christ before the Lord hath brought them to this Heaven into the Temple to Zion and Mount Zion yea and to some good accord among themselves They will not be upon the Lords work as to the pouring out of any vial 8. Howsoever the Lords Sanctified ones in heaven are not smiting the Image yet it s said Å¿ Rev. 11 12 Their enemies behold them As how Terrible as an army with Banners Lifting up an ensign to the Nations and publishing warr against Babylon t Isa 52.12 Ye shall not go out in hast nor go by flight For the Lord will go before you and the God of Israel will be your rereward i. e. Seeing God hath taken away all their Feares and given them great faith made them one in the work and fitted them for it and withall experiencing the powerfull presence of God among them and how he hath left the enemy to feares darknesse division destruction c. The Dragon and the Beast shall behold what they do They need not fear these men for secret plots and treason they scorn it they need no such shifts What they do shall be in the sight of the Sun u Isa 47.12 Stand now with thy inchantments and with the multitude of thy sorceries wherein thouhast laboured from thy youth if so be thou shalt be able to profit if so be thou mayest prevaile So will these say to their Enemies bring forth the falsehood and lies ye trusted in Now see if your hypocrisie and craft will help you any more Now run to your Souldiers Lawyers Priests c. trie what they can do for you 9. The Lord having x Isa 13.3 called his mighty ones for his anger Next he brings them forth y Ps 149.8 9 10. With the high praises of God in their mouthes and a two edged sword in their hands to execute the judgement written z Rev. 11.13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake Here I understand begins the Vial work And the earth-quake to be the a Rev. 16.2 pouring out of the first Vial upon the earth The same with b Rev. 14.16.17 18. the reaping of the harvest of the earth and Clusters Only with this distinction The first Vial hath two parts or two effects which you will The first in the earth-quake The other in the sickle And the tenth part of the City fell The earth-quake reacheth but a tenth part the other nine are reserved for the Sickle As there are two Apostacies and they have each a distinct Head So they are set forth in this book by two Cities the one is called the Great Citie And alwayes so when the first Apostacy is meant The other hath not the word Great given to it because the Latter City or Apostacy shall not be so large big strong and populous neither of that antiquity and continuance as the former Understanding what this City is i. e. The last Apostacy It wil be easier to know the rest And in the earthquake were slaine of men seven thousand The Greek hath 7000 Names of men In Scripture persons that are famous renowned for Power Wealth Wisdome c. are called c Gen. 6.4 Num. 18.2 Men of Name On the contrary men without credit and respect in the d Job 30.8 world Children without name In this last Apostacy who are Men of name yea would be thought and counted the onely men of name If not Church-members and Church-officers those that are in the Congregational way as they call it As for the Cavileer Church that hath no name and the
of Religion to stink among the Nations It pleased the Lord through his Grace to inable me to hold forth a publick Testimony against the Prelats but never was the great Name of God his Gospel and Kingdom so much concern'd in that Controversie I mean between the Non-conformists and Conformists as it is at this day between the Lords VVitnesses and the Second Apostacy The higher a thing is lifted up and then hurled down the more it is wrong'd and hurt thereby The Bishops never lifted â—p the work of REFORMATION in Church or State they were Professors that did it and to shew their spight to it and that they might wound it and wrong it the more when they had raised up the Good Cause of God and the interest of the Nation as high as they thought would serve their OWN TVRN down they threw it with both hands hoping it should never rise again It is but a little which I have said to that I beleeve will be said for indeed the bottome of the Apostacy will not be touch'd till things be put more home as Nathan did to David THOU ART THE MAN that is particularly to name them and to set down their falshood and treachery and what wages and hire some have had for serving the lusts of men It was a crime laid to Silicius Victoria per avaritiam faedata he discredited his victory by his Covetousness this needs little application Alas what credit have they now by opposing the Prelates doe not the people generally say and not without cause it was to have the Bishops power in their own hands and having gotten it are as insolent and proud and for covetousness a thousand times worse then they The sordid covetousness of these men caused one to deride them thus Whitlock Observ p. 358 359. Our Protestant Jesuites care not for converting the Indians that have no gold they know how to interweave the pretence of Gods interest with their own and therewith to advance all their designes Indeed these Jesuites carry not the Gospel into any beggerly Region spring a mine and then if you will set up a pulpit and shew them gold there they will barter salvation otherwise no penny no pater-noster Again Our Fishers angle for no fish but such as have money in their mouths they will only fish for such as contribute to their superfluities Bad times saith he when he that will not be a knave must be a fool Fourthly When I consider what famous testimonies the LORDS-WORTHIES have left behind them of their faithfulness and great zeal unto the glorious cause of Christ not only speaking against the corruptions and abuses of their times For had they done no more what had we known now of the Hypocrisie and Apostacy of Professors then but have left behinde them in white and black as we say Living Monuments of their Love to God and his people Truly this takes very much with me and exceedingly condemns the neglect and backwardness of this age I am thinking many times when an AFTER-GENERATION shall hear of this Second Apostacy and how far it exceeds the former in breaking Oaths Vows and Ingagements and the name of God and Religion more dishonored by Church-members and Church-Officers and other Professors then ever before in any age how strange it would be to them and admir'd if nothing should come to their hands from us as there doth to our hands from the Witnesses before us Besides I am now an old man and expect every day to lay down this earthly Tabernable it will be therefore some comfort to me whensoever my changeing coms that I have left a PUBLICK TESTIMONY against this present Apostacy as formerly I did against the other and howsoever I bless the Lord that hath kept my feet out of the SNARE of both yet this I shall leave behind me under my hand i. e. The Free Grace and Goodness of God hath more abundantly appeared towards me in preserving me a poor worm from this Last Apostacy then from the former not onely because of the two I take the Last to be the worst but because the later hath in it much more of the depths of Satan then the former had As for their jeerings and reproachful speeches I pass them by such things are not new with me the Bishops and their Creatures used them yet thus much I must say for the Bishops which I cannot say for them so far they shewed us FAIR PLAY not to imprison us nor banish us till they had told us the cause and heard what we could say for our selves yea and would seem to be very pious and charitable in taking great paines with some of us to bring us out of our errours as they cal'd it but I have found no such piety or charity with these men for I have been banished now almost two years but never to this day knew the cause of it neither hath there been any thing laid to my charge I shall not speak of the sad calamity which they have brought since upon my Family by the death of my dear wife and daughter Again for the Bishops this I may say further for many of them I think the most part when they banished any of us or cast us into prison for Non-conformity they thought they did well and did God good service in it Thus they were like Saul before his conversion they did things ignorantly in unbelief But for men to persecute the people of God for no other cause but because they reprove them for their hypocrisie and falshood and they know in their own consciences what is spoken is very true of such men we cannot have the charity which we had of the Bishops Indeed they are like Saul too but it is another Saul i. e. that Saul which persecuted David ONE who knew he did not well in it but acted against his light and conscience Fiftly But one word more to you Mourners in Zion I am very sensible that many of the Lords people have other thoughts of the TIME then I have and do think I am mistaken concerning the period of the one thousand two hundred and sixty years Indeed to know what I do in respect of so many good men dissenting from me would very much discourage me from ingaging again in the same thing but that I have more encouragement TO HOLD FAST then I think meet to express I know whom I have believed in him I trust and will trust and do know I shall not be ashamed of my hope What David prayed for is a great strengthning to me Be surety for thy Servant for good let not the proud oppress me Humbly be it spoken I do believe he will answer for me and defend me Psa 91.14 Because he hath set his love upon therefore will I deliver him Lastly I desire in the Spirit of meekness to commend these few things to all the faithful of the Land 1. Howsoever I shall discourage none but rather encourage them
help saith David Therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoyce That the Lord heard us in the late wars and was found c Gen. 22.14 JEHOVAH-JIREH a God seen in the mount We can pray now against all the Hypocritical enemies of his Cause and Kingdom more earnestly d Jam. 1.6 In faith nothing wavering which is greatly to his Glory The bramble would have e Judg. 9.15 all the trees put their trust in his shadow Indeed Tyrants would be trusted though there be neither trust nor Truth in them I have read the story how Dominique dreamt the Church of Rome was falling and that he upheld it with his shoulders Have we never heard the like fable In what sore distress the Church and State were both ready to split had not a Minion Idol been devis'd like Dominique's shoulders to keep them up The Tryers probably will apply this because it is like that Shameful thing for all the world But to proceed Did not David very much honor the Lord by trusting in him when he went forth against Goliah But what caused David by beleeving to doe so he tels you f 1 Sam. 17.37 The Lord that delivered me out of the Paw of the Lyon and out of the paw of the Bear he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine I know there were many complaints and heart-groans poured out against the King and Bishops for their Tyranny and Idolatry but this I can truly say For twenty years and more in which I suffered under them the Lord did not draw out my heart to so much mourning and sighings as I have done within these three or four years against the GREAT BETRAYERS of the interest of Christ and his people And this I finde as a burning fire shut up in my bones that I cannot hold my peace day nor night Besides Howsoever I am a poor worm and the least in my Father's house yet herein I can give glory to God I do beleeve the Lord that delivered his afflicted people out of the paw of the Lyon and out of the paw of the Bear King and Bishops he will deliver them from all PROVD PHILISTIMS that defie the Israel of God yea and that speedily Fifthly 5. Do him more work and better service Times of finding ingage the Lords people to do him more work and better service afterwards If Beasts the larger allowance they have will doe their master the more service Surely then the better Christ is to his children the more they will strive to doe his will in every thing g Psa 116.8 9. Thou hast delivered my Soul from death mine eyes from tears and my feet from falling I will walk on before the Lord in the land of the living That is Seeing I have had a Time of finding I will so improve this great mercy as the Lord shall have much glory and honor by it Methinks it is at this day with some honest hearts as it was with the h Mat. 20.3 4. Laborers which stood idle in the market-place Should they be askt why they are not at work What would they say We are calling upon the Lord for imployment we would willingly be at work for it grieves our very Souls to stand thus idle Now hath not a master more profit that his servants are at work then standing still When the Great TIME OF FINDING comes then will Zions children be at work indeed for now they may be said to be idle comparatively to their work THEN Then some shall be the i Rev. 14.6 Angel To preach the Everlasting Gospel Others the k Rev. 15.1 Angels to pour out the seven last plagues Some l Psa 149.8 to bind their Kings in chains and their Nobles with fetters of iron Others m Rev. 18.5 to execute vengeance upon Babylon Come Lord Jesus When the Lord made use of Moses and Aaron to pour out vials full of wrath upon Pharaoh and Egypt and of Elias to destroy the Prophets of Baal and of Ioshua to cast out the Canaanites Was he not in those things very much glorified If so then much more when he shall answer the prayers of his people concerning his Son and Zion and the destruction of Babylon and all Tyrants Which is better and more for the honor of a King that Theeves Murderers and Rebels do spoyl and destroy the good people or to be taken and punished What is it that Saints pray for and desire a Time of finding Truly this That Hypocrites and Apostates n Psa 104 35. be consum'd out of the earth and bloody Tyrants be no more That o Rev. 11.15 all the Kingdoms of the world may be Christs p Eze. 21 27 whose right it is And in order hereunto they are to ready to follow the Lamb in his work wheresoever he shall lead them But howsoever some men by Times of finding are the better yet many are the worse Here Jesus Christ may say r Psa 109.4 For my Love they are my Adversaries That is for the Deliverances Victories Preferments which I gave them I am the more wrong'd by them in my Great Name Cause and Kingdom And truly I think never a generation of men more sinn'd against kindness then some of this generation * Isa 1.2 Hear ye Heavens and give ear O Earth for the Lord speaketh I have nourished and brought up or made great and exalted children but they have revolted from me It is a pitiful fight to see a poor Bird kill'd with the feathers pluckt from her They are not only contented to feather their nest with the interest of Christ and his people but with those feathers i. e. power places Offices and preferment which they have pluckt from it shoot at her and murder her most unworthily * Deut. 32.6 Doe ye thus requite the Lord O foolish people and unwise Is all forgotten What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me Psal 116.12 CHAP. IIII. Reasons Why there will be a Time of Finding in respect of Gods people Reasons in respect of mourners 1. Of the revilings of the proud First BEcause of the scornings and revilings of the proud as reproaching the Godly for their mourning and tears Had not the Lord been found of Hezekiah he had not been able in a little while to have born Rabshakehs and Sennacheribs blasphemies That which caused Hannah to be in bitterness of Soul before the Lord and no doubt moved the Lord to take pity on her it was the extream Å¿ 1 Sam. 1.6 provoking of her adversary for to make her fret because the Lord had shut up her womb Our Adversaries are fallen upon Rabshakehs work and seek to provoke us by the like scornful reproaches Where is the fruit say they of your tears and cries You may see the Lord cares not for your weeping fasting and praying did he regard them he would have helpt you ere now
without sin There is no man will prosecute a business for another so fully as he that is tenderly affected with the case The troubles and distresses which are now upon Gods people for poor Zion are upon the heart of Christ yea and much more upon his heart then theirs and therefore doubtless he will press home their SUITS in Heaven Besides that which Adonijah said to Bathsheba is most true of Christ p 1 Kin. 2.17 The Father will not say him nay q Psa 2.8 Ask of me and I shall give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession A man will be the more willing to help another if he see himself concern'd in the thing and that it is his own good that is desired For whom doe the faithfull sigh and groan Is it not for Christ as the Prophet saith r Psa 72.15 Prayer shall be made for him continually When they pray against Babylon Tyrants Tryers Lawyers Soldiers Is not this to pray for Christ viz. That his enemies may be made his footstoole Å¿ Heb. 10.13 as he expecteth and t Rev. 11.15 all the Kingdoms of the world become his u Ezek. 21 27. whose right it is And what may we learn hence Surely Christ will look after the tears and cryes of Mourners because they are poured forth for his own righteous cause Lastly That Believers should come unto God by Christ the holy Ghost giveth this reason x Heb. 7.25 Seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them y Zech. 1.5 Your Fathers where are they and the Prophets do they live for ever How often comes it to pass that there is not a Moses to stand in the breach a Ezek. 22.30 not a man to he found Is it not now our sad complaint b Psa 74.9 We see not our Signs there is no more any Prophet neither is there among us any that knoweth how long Nevertheless Jesus Christ our great High-Priest LIVETH FOR EVER and ceaseth not to plead Zions Cause or his own Cause rather before the Throne c Isa 63.16 Doubtless thou art our Father though Abraham be ignorant of us and Israel acknowledge us not Thou O Lord art our Father our Redeemer thy Name is from everlasting And here it falls in our way to discover the great presumption of Christs Enemies d Luk. 19.27 which will not that he should reign over them But instead of exalting him seek to exalt themselves It is much they are not affraid to take Christs Name in their mouth For unto whom may they be likened To a company of Usurpers who keeping an honest man out of his lawful possession will yet go to him and entreat him to assist him against himself Surely he cannot but think they mock him most grosly I leave the application to such as will not that e Rev. 11.17 Christ should take to him his great power and reign yet say Lord Lord. Sixthly 6. Because they seek him with the groanings of the Spirit Because they seek the face of God with the groanings of the Spirit And this is to f Jude 20. pray in the Holy Ghost i. e. when the Spirit works all our sighings wrestlings and strong cries As the Master holding the Childs hand what is so written is done by him and he cannot but like it because it is his own Act Thus in our sincere Mournings before the Lord they must needs be accepted because they are g Isa 26.12 the work of his own Hand not our sighings and prayers but as David said h 1 Chron 29.14 Of thine own have we given thee When the Heavens and the Earth were finished and all the hosts of them it is said i Gen. 1.31 And God saw every thing that he had made and behold it was very good It could not but be lovely fair and excellent being his own work-manship Are our Mournings the work of the Spirit Surely then as God sees them they are very good And this is matter of singular comfort and incouragement unto all Mourners in Zion What though their sighs and cryes as lookt on by Enemies are slighted and scorn'd k Neh. 4.1 2 3. What do those feeble Jews Fifth Monarchy-men will they fortify themselves do they think by their weeping to build Zion Will they revive the stones of the heaps of the rubbish which are burnt Ah ah say they poor deceived people that which they build by their praying and fasting if a fox go up he shall even break down their stone wall It is true thus are our tears and cryes to God mockt and despis'd but let us not be discouraged for all this remember what was said they are not our groanings but the Spirit 's and in that regard l Psal 65.5 by terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us O God of our salvation m Rom. 8.26 17. The Spirit helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groans which cannot be uttered And he that searcheth the heart knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the Saints according to the will of God That is we being weak and prayer a great work the Spirit helps us to carry the Burden with us and for us and supplyes our want of knowledge by prompting as it were our lesson unto us to ask such things and in that manner as God requireth and alloweth Parents many times hear their children sob and groan but not knowing the cause thereof cannot help them But the Lord knows the mind of the Spirit Though we doe but n Isa 38.13 Chatter like a Crane or swallow and mourn as a Dove o 1 Sam. 1.13 Speak onely in our hearts like Hannah and no voyce is heard This before the Lord p Psa 142.2 is as incense an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice Quest But how may we know the Groanings of the Spirit from our own Answ 1. Nothing will quiet the Spirit as to cease groaning but satisfaction in the thing groaned for Though Elkanah spake comfortably to his wife when he said q 1 Sam. 1 8 Am not I better to thee then ten sons yet that would not help she was in bitterness of Soul before the Lord for a childe and nothing but a childe will comfort her As Rachel said r Gen. 30.1 Give me children or else I dy Thus it is with Saints groaning in the Spirit for Zion and the Great Name of God and against the abominable Falshood and Hypocrisie of men Their Souls Å¿ Psa 77.2 refuse to be comforted until the Lord gratiously answer them here I have seen children cry and roar after a piece of mony but no sooner hath a counter or bable been put into their hand but they had done crying and all is quiet and well again
Christ in his kingdome and rights m Psal 9.16 The Lord is known by the judgments which he executeth and till then his Name is not feared his truth and cause denyed and his honour is laid in the dust But when the Lord by destroying the enemies of his Glory shall put a Crown upon his GOOD OLD CAUSE then it shall be said n Psa 58.11 Verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth And o Isa 46.9 there is none else And p Deut. 33.29 the enemies as Lawyers Priests Souldiers and Apostate-professors shall be found lyars q Eze. 6.14 I will stretch out my hand upon them and make the Land desolate yea more desolate then the wilderness toward Diblath in all their habitations But what will the Lord get by this And they shall know that I am the Lord. As if he should say Their loss shall be my gaine their fall my rising for whereas by their Covenant-breaking and horrible Apostacie they have brought my Name and Glory under reproach I will recover all again upon their mine Was not the Lord eminently known in this Nation when he executed judgment upon the King and Prelates and that party To my knowledge r Esth 8.17 the fear of Gods people fell upon the Nations about us and they confest the Lord had done great things for us and began to enquire after our good cause and had honourable thoughts of it But true it is since this unblessed Apostacie came up occasioned by professours they judge otherwise both of us and it As for the English professours they call them A pack of dissemblers their profession falshood and craft and the good old Cause so signally own'd by the Lord they spurn at it nay more and truly I mourn as I wite it by reason of the gross miscarriages of some Professours the very Name of Religion is become so odious that they have made Ballads and Songs against it and they are sung by base fellows up and down the Nation and what is the Burden of their Song No Cheater like the Professour But though this be so yet when the Lord shall execute judgment upon those men who have brought such dishonour and reproach to him and so build the old wast places and be called The repairer of the breach and restorer of paths to dwell in Then he will recover the glory of his great Name and be more admired of the Nations then before When the Scribes and Pharisees had put Christ to death what ado they made to have kept him in the grave and that he might not rise again â— but Å¿ Psa 2.1 they imagined a vain thing It was not the great stone which they rolled before the door of the Sepulchre nor their sealing it nor setting Souldiers to watch that could do it but he rose in the spight of them all t Rom. 1.4 and declared himself to be the Son of God Since they crucified the Lords Cause what hath been their work but how to keep it from rising Truly little else hath been thought of or lookt after the help that is called for from this party and the other it is onely to strengthen the hands of the wicked Now as the Lord will not easily part with his glory so I think it will not be recovered without executing judgement upon the enemies of it and reviving his glorious work and cause again but in what case then are Revolters for if God in this way be glorified they must needs be asham'd If the Lord do magnifie his great Name by lifting up the interest of Christ and his people it must be to the shame and confusion of their faces who have brought it under foot As those that have been whores to great men being cast off or their masters dead every body points at them and scorns them there goes one that was such a mans whore fie upon her no less detested will they be who have served the unclean interest of men The time I am perswaded is nigh that they shall not shew their heads abroad but men women and children will point at them saying LOE THERE WALKS ONE A PROFESSOR A CHURCH-MEMBER WHO FOR A SALARY A PLACE AN OFFICE A MONOPOLY PROSTITUTED HIS HONESTY FAITH CONSCIENCE COUNTRY TO THE LUST AND WILL OF MEN. 3. By being glorifyed of some because others are punished Thirdly The Lord not granting a time of finding unto some but leaving them to perish under wrath is glorified of many by it I have been thinking sometimes what might be the cause that in pouring out the seven last plagues we finde nor any u Rev. 11.13 to give glory to the God of Heaven but when the seven thousand were slain in the Earth-quake Now my opinion is in the destruction of the Last Apostacy under the first vial Gods Justice Holiness wisdome c. will occasion some extraordinary glory to be given to him For whereas he begins with a professing people and spares them not this will be more to the prayse of his Justice then when his wrath afterwards fals upon Idolaters and such as know not God And hence it is that the Mourners in Zion cry day and night with a loud voyce to him that sits on the Cloud x Rev. 14.15 Thrust in thy sickle and reap for the time is come for thee to reap for the harvest of the Earth-Apostacy is ripe Not that they fret at the prosperity of evil doers or are impatient under their oppressions or delight in blood but because of the exceeding great glory they know Jesus Christ will have by it When weeds overtop the corn bryars and thorns are grown great and thick high above the vine unless they are cut down there will be no harvest no vintage y Isa 26.9 When thy judgments are in the earth the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness When the thorns and bryars which are grown great and high among us are pluckt up by the roots then will this Nation learn righteousness then shall the Lord have a glorious harvest and vintage even sweet and blessed fruit then there will be a generation of Professors sincere single hearted faithful to God and faithful with men whereas now too many are a 2 Tim. 3.2 3 4. Lovers of themselves Covetous Boasters Proud Blasphemers Vnthank-ful Vnholy Truce-breakers Traytors c. Having a form of Godliness but denying the power thereof Howsoever it be true b Job 21.30 That the wicked is reserved to the day of destruction yet this day and destruction is c Pro. 16.4 For God's own glory but when they shall be brought forth to the day of wrath how is he then glorified Truly in nothing more then when others seeing the vengeance not only justifie it but are instructed and kiss the Son and stand in awe and sin not d Psa 97.8 Zion heareth and rejoyceth and glad are the daughters of Iudah because of thy judgments Jehovah Those
workers of iniquity A good Riddance A Dogg that followeth two men is not known to which of them he belongeth till the way part Then indeed you shall see Howsoever we knew not plain and honest hearts from dissemblers so long as the Interest of Christ and worldly profit kept together Yet the Lord by this STOP hath made a marvellous discovery of both A good separation 2. That the Scriptures might 〈◊〉 fulfilled For by this STOP came in the perillous Times of which Paul gave warning t 2 Tim. 10.3.1 in Timothy meaning the second Apostacy How the Characters set down there by the Apostle paralell with the Backsliders of this age I have largely * A Book entituled Truth with Time elsewhere shewed In some Fenny Countries where people are troubled with GNATS they use to hang dung in the midst of a room as a bait for the Gnats to fly to and so catch them as a snare provided for that purpose Why would the Lord have a STOP to the work and by that STOP bring up the Apostacy It is plain enough that it might be a Pit and a Snare dung indeed to catch all the GNATS of the three Nations For I verily believe there is not a worldly minded Professor whether Church-member or Church-Officer or otherwise but he is fallen into this Trap. u Job 18.5.8 9 10 The light of the wicked shall be put out and the sparke of his fire shall not shine For be is cast into a net by his own feet and his own counsel shall cast him down The gin shall take him by the heel and the robâ—â—â— shall prevail against him The snare is laid for him in the ground and a trap for him in the way x Rev. 15.3 Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty 3. As the Lord made a Proof or Tryall of Abrahams faith love and obedience by his willingnesse to offer his sonne Isaac So this STOP hath been viz. y Cor. 11.19 that they which are approved may be made manifest If a Maid that she might be such a mans Wise should refuse a great Estate and live very poorly with him would not this argue she married him for Love and nothing else There are many since this Apostasie came up for the love and affection which they bear to the GOOD OLD CAVSE have refused great places high promotion and honour and sufferd Banishment Imprisonment cruel mockings and spoyling of their goods And what doth this signifie a Gen. 22.12 Now I know said the Angell to Abraham that thou fearest God seeing thou hast not withheld thy sonne thine onely son from me Surely a man sheweth great affection and faithfulnesse unto Jesus Christ when riches preferments and great mens favours are rejected and his poor despised betrayed and crucified Cause is boldly owned of him 4. That b Rom. 11.28 the Lord may make a short work upon the earth when his work shall be revived again As a man intending to shew his skill by leaping farre goes backward first a little So the Lord intending more than an ordinary speed quick dispatch of the seven last plagues seemeth first to go backwards c Rev. 11. â—4 Behold the third woe cometh quickly Thus it was with Israel in Egypt After Moses and Aaron had been with Pharoah they had d Exod. 5.9 more work laid upon them and their bondage greater than before But when the Lord revived that work How fast went it forward then In less than thirty days all the ten plagues were poured out upon Egypt So after the forty years when the Lords work came on again the Land of Canaan is presently conquered e Josh 12.24 one and thirty Kings put to death How soon was the Lords House built when the work was revived in four years at most And so I take it here the Lord means by this Stop HAST HAST afterward 5. To strike the greater dread and horrour upon wicked men f Rev. 11. at the rising of the work Herod thinking Christ to be John Baptist he thought likewise John being risen he came with more strength and power than he had before and this tormented him That the Cause and Interest of Christ thought to be dead and buried should be raised again No marvel the sinners in Zion will be afraid and fearfulness surprize the hypocrites they know it comes forth in Power Glory and Majesty to take vengeance on them for their falshood and unrighteousnesse 6. There is a STOP that ungodly men in this Time may fill up the measure of their sinnes so be fatted for the slaughter g Jer. 51.13 Thine end is come and the measure of thy Covetousness that is when Babilons Covetousnesse is full and ripe then come the vials of wrath to be poured out upon her Among the Egyptians it was a custome when any man was condemned for some notorious crime to feast him and fat him that he might undergo the greater Torment I think no man will deny but some men of late are fatted to purpose h Ps 119.70 Their heart is as fat as grease But it was not thus before the STOP For their Coveteousness Pride Lightnesse Luxury was nothing in measure and height to what it is now A sad stop wofull places offices promotion maintenance c. that prepares men like Sheep for the day of slaughter 7. For the praise of his great power Christ was able to have kept Lazarus from death and the grave but he would not and why i Joh. 11.4 That the son of man might be gloried And indeed I think there was no miracle which our Saviour wrought more to his glory than this Not onely is Lazarus dead and buried but supposed to stink having been three days buried And for all this to raise him up what a wonderfull work is this Though it be true as was said the Lord could have prevented all STOPS yet he would not But he will have his Cause slain and buried and in the opinion of the Enemy to rot and stink no fear of rising again And then will he k Ps 78.65 awake as one out of sleep break the heavens and come down shake the mountains and raise up his friend Lazarus to the glory of his power the joy of his people and the confusion of his Enemies Amen Amen Quest But what reasons have you to believe that the good old Cause will be revived again Answer 1. Because the honour of God is much concerned in it since the STOP What say the Scoffers l Luk. 14.30 This man began to build but was not able to finish it As if some by their craft and policy had over-reached Jesus Christ As long as Pompey stood and flourished Cato stoutly maintained a Providence But when he fled into Egypt and was slaine of a base fellow and lay upon the shoare without any honour of Burial when Cato also was beset with Caesars army He fell from
told them o Num. 14.9 Their defence is departed from them That is the Lord would protect them no longer But why is their shaddow Covert now gone doubtlesse he hath respect to the time of the end As if he should say the 430 years given to â—he Amorites being expired and so their iniquity full the Lord will deliver them into our hands if we are fitted for the work From which place this I would gather That the reign of the Beast may expire in 1657. and the enemies of God THEN ripe for judgement yet the instruments not being prepared for execution In this respect little or nothing for the present may be done Quest When the 430. years were expired the Israelites came out of Egypt p Exo. 12.40.42 the same day So from Babyâ—on assoon as the 70. years ended Why then should not the Witnesses rise and the little-horn and beast be slain immediatly at the ending of the 1260 dayes Answ 1. Howsoever it be so concerning their comming out of Egypt and Babylon yet there was sometime before they came to Canaan and Jerusalem So in order to the rising of Witnesses No sooner are the three years and a half ended but the work begins q Rev. 11.11 The spirit of life from God enters into it The wheeles of Providence are set running But there must be some time to have it perfected as it was in the case of the Israelites But 2 Israels case and this here are not alike For as they were people i. e. Men women children So nothing could be done to their enlargement but it must needs be obvious and visible But this about the Witnesses c hath much in it which is spiritual and mysticall And therefore a work as to the rising and growing of it not so plainly to be observed and discerned as was the other especially at first Neither 3. doe I find the promises alike for it seems to me by promise they were to be in Egypt but 430 years And in Babylon 70. and no longer But it is not said the witnesses shall stand upon their feet assoon as the three years and half are ended Indeed the Text saith r Rev. 11.11 And after three dayes and an half the spirit of life from God entred into them and they stood upon their feet That is such a time being expired the Lord will revive his work and good old cause again But how long after it is not said only this is in the promise From that very time it shall not lie dead as before but the Lord will be forming it for its birth in the womb of providence 4. The businesse of Egypt and Babylon was such that untill the people came out the first part of the promise was not performed But here it is not so for the work may be begun go forward and much done according the Scripture and yet not seen or â—â—lieved scarse by any As water â—ns a great while under ground beâ—â—re it comes out at the Spring head â—o after the 1260. years are expired â—efore the work will openly appear 〈◊〉 setting the Witnesses upon their feet 〈◊〉 taking the little horns Dominion from â—im it will be as water under ground Å¿ Psal 139.15 wrought in the lowest parts of the â—arth Quest But how can the 1260 years â—e ended seeing it is the opinion of many â—ood men that the VVitnesses are not â—â—ain neither hath the little-horn yet â—een nor the second Beast risen out of the earth besides many other things not â—et fulfill'd which must be before the 42. months do expire Answ Because there are many men and some whom I know and honour of this judgement I do intend by the good hand of God assisting me to publish very shortly a particular Answer to this Objection And to give my Reasons grounds why I think there is nothing foretold in Scripture which should come to pass in the 1260 years but hath had its due accomplishment Question If the Work be so nigh râ—viving How and in what manner wiâ—â— the Lord by Providence bring it forth Answer I hope the God of truth bâ— his word and good spirit will so graciously guide me here That I shalâ— not intrude into those things whicâ— I have not seen But give my judgâ—ment as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithfull Thaâ— I may be in this great point the better understood howsoever I thinke wheâ— the Lord shall bring this work on again in the Vials it will be t Mat. 24.27 as the lightning which commeth out of the east and shineth even unto the west Namely with great swiftness and brightnesse the whole world over Nevertheless at first it will break forth as the dawning of the day but in one part or Country And I think some what to this purpose 1. Neere or about the visible reviving of the worke u Rev. 14.2 A voyce will be heard from heaven as the voyce of many waters and as the voice of a great Thunder Waters are from beneath Thunder from above So then by the Voyce of these Waters I understand a terrible Appearance and standing up of much â—eople or Common-wealths men for â—ivil Rights Crying JVSTICE â—VSTICE against oppressours and â—rong doers Neither will they be fiâ—enced or quieted no more then waâ—ers till they have recovered their â—reedom and Liberties 2. Thunder as I said is from above â—nd here may be meant Fift Monarchy â—en speaking very high for the â—ights of Jesus Christ his kingdome â—rown and dignity And howsoever â—t is but one Thunder and the Waters many yet it will not onely make a â—ouder sound and be Farther heard â—ut likewise be more dreadfull and â—errible wheresoever it comes x Jer. 50.14 Put â—our selves in aray against Babilon round â—bout all ye that bend the bow shoot at her spare no arrowes down with her down with her in all her Abominations In her Tythes and Triers as the rest of her whordomes and Fornications 3. That the Waters are set before the Thunder It may import that the worke will begin at least by most ownd upon a Civil Account As the lesser wedge makes way for the greater So in CLEAVING the kingdomâ— of the Beast The controversie will bâ— first about lesser things as the Poweâ— Freedome and Priviledges of thâ— people and so rise higher and higheâ—â— untill the OLD BLOCK Babylon bâ— made Chips for the Fire 4. There is y Rev. 14.2 a Voice of Harperâ— Harping with their Harpes This may signifie how lively chearfull resolved they are to ingage for the GOOD OLD CAVSE z 2 King 3.15 And it came tâ— passe when the Minstrel played the hanâ— of the Lord came upon him Formerly there was a death upon them a basâ— fear and Cowardliness But now thâ— spirit of life from God is entred into them and they stand upon their feet Now they look with Lion like faces and quit themselves like men
where now pray pray pray you are come to the Finding time and the mount where God will be seen Thirdly It is a Time of Finding 3. When the Enemies of Zion are at the highest When the enemies of Zion are at the highest that is Tryumph and insult as if all were theirs and that they shall see sorrow no more x Psa 10.3 the wicked boasteth of his hearts desire that is perceiving his designs and actions to prosper by hypocrisie apostacy falshood c. he glories in it and thinks now that neither God nor man can reach him y Psa 119.119 Thou puttest away saith David all the wicked of the earth like dross the scum or dross when it is upmost and covers the liquor then it is taken off and thrown away so when tyrants and persecutors have Saints under them make account to wear them out by cruel usage and cry victory victory then coms the revenging hand of God upon them treads them as dung under his feet Thus was the Lord found of good Hezekiah note a Isa 36.13 14 15. chap. 37.10 the message which Rabshakeh brought to him from his master and what was in the letter which Sennacherib sent him Let not thy God in whom thou trustest deceive thee hath any of the gods of the Nations delivered his land out of the hand of the King of Assyria Oh the height of this filthy scum but how did the Lord meet with him not onely in giving a wonderful deliverance to his people but by destroying his Army and the blasphemer also Thus likewise it was with b Exod. 15.9 10. Pharaoh c Esth 5.6 Haman d Act. 12. Herod c. and in our time with the King and Bishops when they were highest in pride pomp and insolent practises against the Lord his cause and people he cut them off with a witness and the like may we expect upon those who domineer hold up their heads and look big e Exo. 5.2 Who is the Lord that I should obey his voyce f Isa 51.23 Bow down that we may go over g Dan. 3. Whoso falleth not down and worshippeth the golden Image shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace But whereunto may I liken such men and others following their steps to nothing fitter then to a boil or botch when it is swoln big and risen high then it breaks and what follows rottenness and stink Are they swoln big and risen high in power titles places c. it is a sign they will break the sooner and as the waves of the sea after their lifting up and roaring a while leave behind them nothing but mire and dirt so when the Lord shall cut them off what then will remain but the infamous memory of their former Apostacy hypocrisie and lies It is truly my opinion were Gods people as fit for mercy as their enemies are for judgment were they as lowâ— humiliation and Reformation as the other are high in pride blasphemy atheism we should soon see a vial powâ—ed out upon them That place h Jer. 12.1 2 3. in the Prophet me thinks notably agrees with our time They are all happy that deal very treacherously But how doth he describâ— them Thou art neer in their mouth buâ— far from their reins As the water-maâ— in his boat rows one way and looks another so these profess great things and talk much of God and his ways but in their practises and actions are most vile and wicked what follows Prepare them for the day of slaughter When the beast is fat and ful flesht then the butcher knocks him down We know now well enough why the Lord hath suffered the Apostates to enjoy such faâ— pasture viz. the very pastures or places which fatted other beasts before them it was as i Hos 13.6 the Prophet saith that they might be filled and their heart exalted and so made fat and fit for slaughter k Psal 119.126 It is time for thee O Lord to work for they have made voyd thy Law He doth not say It is time c. because they speak against thy â—aw slight it and regard it not but â—ave made it voyd signifying when â—en are grown to such a height of wicâ—edness as the Laws of Christ are deâ—troyed by them his cause and interest â—hrown down to raise themselves righeousness and truth made voyd to set up oppression and falshood then indeed it is high time for the Lord to work yea and then is the TIME in which he wil be FOVND of his faithful ones hungring and thirsting after righteousness Fourthly It is a Time of finding 4. When Saints make Jesus Christ their all When SEEKERS make Iesus Christ their ALL all their hope stay and trust and can truly say with the prophet l Ps 73.25 Whom have I in Heaven but thee and there is none upon Earth that I desire besides thee If we discern such as will not trust in us but love to stand upon their own ground we leave them to themselves to shift as they can as on the contrary the more we see our selves trusted to the more we take care for them When the Lord sees a poor soul gives up ALL to him leaves hiâ— case wholy with him depends altogetheâ— upon his power goodness faithfulness as he delights to see his children in such a frame so they may be sure he will take care for them and it shall go well with them m Psa 18.6 In my distress saith David I called upon the Lord and cryed unto my God he heard my voyce out of his temple and my cry came before him even into his ear But when did David cry and found the Lord thus good to him n ver 2. after he had made him his rock and his fortress his strength his buckler the horn of his salvation and his high tower A man that stands upon a rock when he hears the sea roar and the waves violently beating against the rock all this puts him not into any fear for he knows where he is to wit out of danger so it is with every gracious Saint he is beyond the reach of men and Devils no adversary power can hurt him I do remember what I was once told by a good old man a * Mr. Pateman dwelling at Mosley neer Brimmingham Nonconformist-Minister dwelling nigh me a neighbor of his being in prison for witch-craft he went to visit him this wretched man confest to him that he had hated him a long time and fought to do him mischief and for this end there was a compact between the Devil and him to destroy him the witch spoke often to the devil for to hasten their design now the devil told him he had several times attempted it but could not effect any thing and gave this for the reason because he found him still either in prayer and communion with God or had
altogether at nought as being glad he had met with such a BARGAIN and sped so well Verily I think that blood is not more like blood then Esau and the Revolters of this age are like one another Neither since Esau's time till now have any generation of men so MATCHT HIM in prophaness and this I shall plainly demonstrate by the Parallel First Let it be considered what they have sold such a Glorious Cause as never was I think in the hands of men before Not Civil-Rights and Liberties alone but the GREAT CAVSE of God the Interest of Christ and of his Kingdom Laws People m Psal 84.10 David thought it was honor enough if a man might sit at the threshold of Gods house that is be in the lowest placeâ— and meanest service In the late wars he that was but a common-soldier to fight against Tyranny and Idolatry truly his place and service was very honorable then how much more a General Colonel Capt. c. besides the Lord was pleased to honor them with the Birth-right they were the first-born I say the first to have brought the King home and to set the Crown upon his Head What could have been done more to men But Secondly What have they sold their Birth-right for Oh It grieves my soul to think of it that ever such a thing should be told in Gath and published in the streets of Askelon that it should be said among the Heathen EMINENT PROFESSORS OF RELIGION AND MEN PRETENDING GREAT THINGS FOR CHRIST AND ZION HAVE SOLD THE GOOD OLD CAUSE FOR A MORSEL OF BREAD n Jer. 2.10 11. Consider diligently and see if there be such a thing Hath any Nation changed their gods which are yet no gods But my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit We think those foolish in their trades that should lose many peeces of gold to have a little bad coyn Let them look over their Bargain what have they sold and what they have for it Alas their Courts Titles Parks Pleasures c. are all bad coyn Lentils meer vanity and lies o Pro. 11.4 things that will not profit in the day of wrath But the Cause and work of God which they unworthily have given up had they been faithful to it would have been better to them then gold yea then fine gold all the things that men desire not to be compared to it It is reported that those wicked Spirits commonly called Fairies having stolen the true child out of the cradle do secretly convey and place in the stead thereof somâ— changeling of their own what truth iâ— in it I know not but this I know tâ— be true the Devil hath dealt so witâ— Apostates by a cunning sleight hâ— hath taken the true Child from them that is THE GOOD OLD CAVSE and hath left in the room of it a poâ—starv'd changeling here the buyer mâ—â— wel say It is naught it is naught 3. Are they sorry for what they have done do they repent of it p Jer. 6.15 Nay they are not at all ashamed neither can they blush but rejoyce feast and sing having made such a Bargain Iudas after he had betrayed Christ took little pleasure in the money which he had for the Treason q Mat. 27.3 45. He brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the Chief Priests and Elders saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood And he cast down the peeces of silver into the Temple and departed c. But these men have not yet so much remorse on their conscience for what they have done but the Courts Castles Titles Power c. the Money they had for the Innocent Cause are the things they glory in and brag of I might have mentioned the greediness of Esau's appetite to the dish that red that red there Gen. 25.20 The doubling of the word is to shew his hast and gluttonous desire the color and tast seem'd so pleasing and entising unto him Whether they have not been â—ike a Lyon greedy of his prey Psal 17.12 Like greedy dogs which cannot have enough Isa 56.11 let their own practise be witness But there is one thing wherein Esau is more to be excus'd if there may be any excuse made for him then some now he lay under some necessity r Gen. 25.32 I am saith he at the point of death and what profit shall this Birth-right doe to me But these men could not plead Esau's necessity they were not ready to starve but had enough and therefore their sin was the more prophaneness it may be call'd to sell such a Blessed Cause not only for so LITTLE but having no need so to do The Conclusion is If Esau for his prophaneness were denyed a Time of Finding others then following his steps and being as prophane or more may not expect to find it better in their own case 2. No time of finding for old Hypocrites whose bones are full of the sins of their youth Secondly There will be no Time of Finding for old Hypocrites whose Å¿ Job 20.11 bones are full of the sins of their youth and do continually seek to hide and cover them under religious pretences as fasting praying weeping c. A old Hypocrite is like a child born crooked no earthly medicines can make him right and straight or like to old cloth which being rotten will not bear the needle and thred and therefore not to be mended Some men through their long hypocrisie are become as rotten as dirt no hope of mending for they have so accustomed themselves to play the hypocrites by weeping praying c. as t Jer. 13.23 the Blackmore may sooner change his skin and the Leopard his spots then they cease from dissembling and mocking God in religious duties They who from their infancy are accustomed to take poyson in small quantities do inable their stomacks to digest more till by long custome and increasing the quantity it becometh so familiar to their stomacks that instead of poysoning of them they are nourished by it Thus it is with such men who from their youth have used themselves to hypocrisie and falshood and risen by degrees at length specially when they come to be old their hearts are so hardned and conâ—ciences seared as their hypocrisie is no poyson no trouble to them but it turns to their nourishment it feeds them like meat and drink and they cannot live without it It was a great sin in Iudas to deliver his Master up into the hands of his enemies the Scribes and Pharisees but the sin of Iudas had not been half so bad if he had not so hypocritically betrayd Christ u Mat. 26.49 He came to Iesus and said Hail Master and kissed him So for any man to deliver up Christ in his truth and Cause into the hands of his bloody enemies viz. Priests Lawyers Papists c. under a pretence of Religion and the honor of God this comes neer
Lord will not hear prayer no not the prayer of a Moses and Samuel standing together before him but what is the reason x ver 4. Because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah King of Iudah for that which he did in Ierusalem now that which aggravated Manassehs sin and most provoked the Lord to such wrath it is expressed thus y 2 Kin. 21.3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed intimating had there not been such a great Reformation a little before his wickedness had not been so foul and great but after so z Read 2 Chro. 29 30 31. Chap. much time and labor and treasure spent in rooting up Idolatry and Tyranny and to have the true worship of God with other good things setled in the Common-wealth that he should be so graceless and impudent presently to make things as bad or rather worse then they were before here the Lord will not hearken to prayer but his fury must break forth and there is no remedy In one respect and it is a great one too some men have done far worse then Manasseh for Manasseh built not again the things which he himself had destroyed neither in doing what he did was he a Covenant-breaker with the people that we read of whereas they have built the high places which themselves destroyed and against vowes and Oathes also And here we may understand what the Holy-Ghost means by saying a 2 Pet. 2.21 It had been better for them not to have known the way of Righteousness then after they have known it to turn from the holy Commandment that is in the day of Gods wrath when he is powring out the Vials upon the Nations it shall be better with them who have not known the Truth nor made profession of righteous things then with enlightned professors being led aside with the error of the wicked and fallen from their own stedfastness When prisoners are taken in war if any RVN-AWAYES are found among them such seldome are spared though the rest have quarter b Jer. 11.10 11. They are turned back to the iniquities of their fathers which refused to hear my words and they went after other gods to serve them the house of Israel and the house of Iudah have broken the Covenant which I made with their fathers Therefore thus saith the Lord Behold I will bring evil upon them which they shall not be able to escape and though they shall cry unto me I will not hearken unto them Again c ver 14. Therefore pray not thou for this people neither lift up a cry or a prayer for them for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble So that now it is neither their own praying nor the Prophets praying will avail Object But what if with prayer they had joyned fasting as the present Back-sliders doe Answ For all this there had been no Time of finding d Jer. 14.12 When they fast I will not hear their cry c. But I will consume them by the sword and by famine and by pestilence Neither is it strange that the Lord should be so severe against Covenant-breakers and Back-sliders for none more wound him in his honor cause then they Formerly in wars they used Elephants which did much service but if they gave back did more hurt then the enemy so long as some men stood fast and faithful in the Lord's Battels they did the Lord and his people singular service but by GIVING BACK they have more dishonored God and trampled the Good old Cause under foot then the Common-Enemy ever did it may be said of a truth that the Common-Enemy never gave so deep a wound to the interest of Christ and his people as some have done by GIVING BACK Object But it will be said the Prophet speaks of a Covenant made with God which to break is dangerous but with men not so Answ Oathes and Engagements made with men are Divine things called in Scripture e Eccl. 8.2 1 Sam. 21.7 The Oaths of God Therefore thus saith the Lord God As I live surely mine Oath that he hath despised and my Covenant which he hath broken even it will I recompense upon his own head Though it was made with Nebuchad-nezzar an Heathen King an Idolater yet the Lord owns it as made with himself because his sacred and dreadful Name was taken therein and counts the violation and breach thereof as if it had been formally made with himself so when Ioshua had made a league with the Gibeonites and the Princes had sworn unto them though they were deceitfully brought thereunto by the Gibeonites craft yet they durst not violate the League made and sworn and so put them to the sword as they did others but said f Josh 9.15 20. We will let them live lest wrath be upon us because of the Oath For such therefore as slight the Promises and Covenants which they have made with men they shall one day know as they have taken the great name of God in vain so he will not hold them guiltless but will remember their great wickedness and not spare them nor pity them in the day of his anger 7. No finding time for the vile when the Lord hath separated the pretious from them Seventhly When the Lord hath separated the precious from the vile there will be no finding time for the rest No sooner are the Israelites on dry land f Exod. 14. but Pharaoh and his host are covered with waters if g Gen. 7.16 17. Noah be in the Ark then presently comes the Flood no sooner is i Gen. 19. righteous Lot pluckt out of Sodome but fire and brimstone burnes the place when k Eze. 9.5 6 the mourners are marked then immediately the Angel is bid to smite and spare none so when l Isa 26.20 21. the Lords people are in their chambers Behold the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity And this I take to be one reason of the Lords great patience at this time though Sodome be ripe for judgment yet the Angel will have Lot out before he execute it m Gen. 19.22 Haste thee escape thither for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither Why is not the vial poured out upon this Apostacy surely n Isa 30.18 the Lord waits to be gracious unto his elect among the Apostates o 2 Pet. 3.9 He is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness but is long suffring TO VS-WARD not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance whereas therefore he defers his wrath it is to have his people out of Babylon and from the tents of Korah Dathan and Abiram he would have them remember from whence they are fallen and repent and doe their first works and were this done he would soon take vengeance
on the rest If a father be spoken unto concerning a rebellious child and counselled to cast him off what saith he Ah! I am his father I cannot do it I must yet try some other means and exercise longer patience towards him Indeed we have not as the Lord hath Fatherly bowels towards Christs sheep going astray our passion is such we would sometimes have them cast off and lookt no more after but what saith the Lord I cannot doe so I am their Father I must wait yet that I may be gracious to them If there be but a little corn among a great deal of chaff the husbandman will have that forth before he burns the chaff For conclusion Let us earnestly seek the Lord that he will pluck all Zions sons out of Babylon and plant their feet in the pleasant paths of Christ this being done I say the wheat being separated the tares straightwayes will be cast into the lake of fire where will be no Time of finding CHAP. III. Certain grounds and reasons wherefore there will be A TIME OF FINDING 1. In respect of God himself 2. In respect of his people 3. In respect of the Cause or Things they seek him for Reasons why there will be a time of finding both in respect of God his people and Cause 1. In respect 〈◊〉 himself Because he is good and his tender mercies are fâ—â—ever THe Lord will be found in respecâ— of himself First Because he iâ— good and his mercy endureth for ever p Psa 25.6 Remember O Lord saith David thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesses for they have been ever of old You cannot touch a man so soft and easie upon the apple of his eye but he will feel it What are the tears groanings and sighings of Saints but as the touch of a finger upon the apple of Gods eyes there is nothing we can doe whereof the Lord is more sensible and hath more feeling then of Soul-travelling sobs and pangs It is usual in the Prophets when they are exhorting people to seek the Lord by fasting and prayer for their encouragement to mention how pitiful and full of bowels the Lord is q Joel 2.12 13. Turn ye unto me saith the Lord with all your hearts with fasting and with weeping with mourning rent your hearts not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God Now observe the reason or motive to it For he is gracious and merciful slow to anger and of great kindness and repenteth him of the evil As if he should say r 2 Sam. 24 14. You fall not into the hand of man but into the hands of the Lord whose mercies are exceeding great and will Å¿ Psal 103.13 pity you as a father pitieth his children So in another Prophet * Mic. 7.18 19. Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for ever because he delighteth in mercy he will turn again and have compassion upon us c. Note one passage here He delighteth in mercy If it be a thing a man well likes and takes great pleasure in it you need not press him very much to it he will be free and forward enough of himself to doe it for you It is true when the Lord is to afflict his people here he seems to be t Lam. 3.33 VNWILLING it is not from his heart as the Hebrew reads he delights not in it but it causeth him to fetch a groan or sigh u Isa 1.24 Ah! woe is me x Hos 6.4 11.8 How shall I give thee up my heart is turned within me c. But to be found of his children and to heap blessings upon them here is his delight in this his Soul is well pleased y Psa 12.5 For the oppression of the poor for the sighing of the needy now will I arise saith the Lord. If you mark the word NOW it makes the sence thus As if the Lord should say I cannot see my oppressed ones in tears any longer before me my bowels so yearn at their groanings that I must forthwith arise against their proud and cruel enemies If men who are evil having pity and compassion in them cannot but regard the sighs and cries of poor distressed creatures and their hearts will be drawn out to relieve them a Luk. 18.7 8. And shall not God avenge his own elect which cry day and night unto him I tell you that he will avenge them speedily It was a proverb among those of Genoa when any was injured to say unto him that had done the wrong If you will not right me my Lord Marshal will with more certainty may Christs persecuted members say to Tyrants and proud Hypocrites Whereas we are imprisoned by you and spoyled of our goods our God will right us though you do not to your confusion If Benhadab had ground of hope that Ahab would shew him favor because b 1 King 20.31 The Kings of the house of Israel were merciful Kings with what full assurance then may the present mourners in Zion expect a Time of finding he being the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort unto whom they make supplications and prayers Secondly The Lord will be found because of his word and promise sake Reas 2. He wil be found for his promise sake Among men there are some who will not break their promise for any thing Ruth having told her mother in law what Boaz had promised to do for her what saith Naomi to it c Rut. 3.18 Sit still my daughter until thou know how the matter will fall for the man will not be in rest until he have finished the thing this day Is there so much heed and conscience in man a poor worm to be faithful to his ingagement what may we think of God d Tit. 1.2 That cannot lie e Jam. 1.17 with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning but alwayes speaketh in faithfulness and truth Now we read in Holy Scripture that the Lord promiseth there shall be a TIME OF FINDING f Psa 50.15 Call upon me in the time of trouble and I will deliver thee Observe how he speaks here like himself like a God as one that hath all power in his hands and can doe whatsoever he pleaseth I WILL DELIVER THEE If a poor man come to us for relief such may his case be as we cannot promise to help him but tell him we will do our best and help him if we can But the Lord speaks not by iffs and may be but promiseth certain deliverance g Mat. 8.3 I will be thou clean The like in Isaiah h Isa 45.19 I said not to the seed of Iacob Seek ye me in vain I the Lord speak righteousness I declare things that are right Suppose a beggar should have an ingagement under the hand of
Ah ah Doe ye think that sobs and groans will doe it Of such Libertines and profane scoffers David speaks t Psa 14.6 The Counsel of the poor afflicted ye would make abaâ—hed because Iehovah is his hope that is Ye have derided the Godly when yee heard them in affliction to call upon the Lord and would discourage them from making God their Hope by faith and prayer Indeed this strikes deep when the Enemy reproacheth our prayers Iob found it so u Job 12.4 I am as one mocked of his neighbor calling upon God And David sadly complains of it x Psa 42.3 My tears have been my meat day and night while they continually say Where is thy God Again y vers 16. As with a sword in my bones mine enemies reproach me while they dayly say unto me Where is thy God A man that hath a weapon thrust to the bone cannot bear it long he must have it forth or dyes Though it be a grievous thing to have our prayers reproach'd yet this help we have by it namely it will force us to be the more fervent and earnest with God and not to rest day nor night till there be A TIME OF FINDING We finde in Scripture that the tryumphing of the wicked hath layn very much upon the Spirits of Saints and therefore have desired a Time of finding that the Enemy might not insult z Psa 13.34 Consider and hear me O Lord lest mine enemy say I have prevayled against him and those that trouble me rejoyce Again a Psa 140.8 Grant not O Lord the desire of the wicked further not his wicked device lest they exalt themselves What is it that Apostates and other wicked men would have That Mourners in Zion might have no Time of finding And what would they do should they have their desire It is not to be uttered the wickedness they would commit The Jewes report of one presuming to enter into the Holy of Holiest and abusing the Treasure there was by the hand of God immediately smitten The prayers and groanings of Saints are no other then Choyce things in the most Holy place And therefore when men begin to deride and reproach these Holy things surely judgment is not far off I remember Hezekiahs words b Isa 37.3 This is a day of trouble and of rebuke and of blasphemy for the children are come to birth and there is not strength to bring forth What he speaketh there is our present case when the child is at the birth the woman hath her sorest travel then either death or a speedy deliverance That our Tears Prayers and Sighings are reproach'd it hath brought the Work to the Birth Ah! how Zion now travels as having her last and sharpest pangs and throws upon her Methinks I hear her cry c Luk. 8.24 Master Master we perish But fear not Zion hear what thy God speaketh d Isa 66.9 Shall I bring to birth and not cause to bring forth As the Lord by the blasphemous reproaches and scornings of the Enemy viz. Priests Lawyers and Soldiers hath brought the work to the Birth and put the sharpest pangs now upon thee so he will speedily work out thy salvation e Isa 9.7 The zeal of the Lord will perform this 2. Because the Lord knowes we are weaklings Secondly Mourners shall have a Time of finding Because the Lord f Psa 103.14 knows their frame and remembreth they are dust Things that are brittle and tender should they be roughly handled would soon break to pieces As the Lord knows we are weaklings Babes Bruised reeds and smoaking flax so g Heb. 4.15 He is touched with a feeling of our infirmities and h Isa 57.17 will not contend for ever lest our spirits should fayl before him If a father should see his child at his foot gasping for life would he not pity him and preserve him if he could from perishing i Jon. 2.7 When my Soul fainted within me said Jonah I remembred the Lord and my prayers came unto thee into thine Holy Temple And this also makes me think a time of finding is nigh Because the Name of God and the Cause of Christ lies with such weight upon the Spirits of Mourners as they are even fainting under it Poor Hagar could not indure to hear the death-groans of her child for though she had heard him awhile weep and cry for water yet when she thought he was fainting away k Gen. 21.15 16. She leaves him and goes a good way off and lifts up her voyce and wept As DEATH-GROANS are now upon travelling Zion so the Lord sees it and he will not do as Hagar did go off from her there is no need for the water is not spent in his bottle but out of his fulness he will speedily supply her by granting her a blessed time of finding If a man should hear lamentable groanings and screeches at his gate and looking out at his window should behold poor people ready to starve through cold and hunger he could not having enough by him suffer them to perish It is thus with many of Gods people at this day they lie ready to starve before the Throne of Grace either FINDING or FAINTING And will he suffer such to famish Surely he will not he cannot for his promise l Pro. 10.3 Psal 107.5 6 7. is to do otherwise Suppose a Beast carry a burden so long as through weakness it begins to sink what man would not pitie it though it be a Beast and ease him of it The BURDEN hath been so long on the Lords Little ones and the m Dan. 7.25 Horn so weared them out as poor hearts they seem almost tyr'd One cries n Psa 94.14 My foot slippeth another o Eccles 7.7 Oppression makes him mad others p Ezek. 37.11 Our bones are dried up and our hope is lost c. others q Psa 125.3 The rod of the wicked hath been so long upon them as they are ready to put forth their hands to iniquity All this God knowes to be true and he knowes r Mat. 26.41 the flesh is weak and * Ephes 6.4 Col. 3.21 Parents must not provoke ther Children lest they be discouraged But what may we gather from it Our God will suddenly come and not keep silence to save all the meek of the earth Better one man should die then the whole Nation perish Methinkes things are come to that STRAIGHT that if Christs Enemies live his faithful Friends die if their spirits fail not the others will If God do not suddenly arise for his great Name some Sobbing-hearts wil break at his foot But fear not thou Worm-Iacob Å¿ Isa 43.3 I will give men for thee saith the Lord and people for thy life He will give the Little Horn to the burning flame The Last Apostacie shall perish THE HYPOCRITE SHALL REIGN NO MORE rather then thy Spirit shall fail for
not having A Time of Finding Thirdly 3. Because they are his friends and servants Because they are the Lords People his Iewels Servants Children and Friends t Psa 119.125 I am thy Servant saith holy David give ME understanding If another mans Childe or Servant should ask something of you you might in all reason especially if Enemies bid them go to their own Father and Master why do they come to you It is very true such as as are the servants of Antichrist and do serve the base lusts of Tyrants yea and are Tyrants themselves The Lord may justly say unto them when they Call upon him as the Prophet did to the King of Israel u 2 Kin. 3.13 What have I to do with thee Get thee to the Prophets of thy Father and to the Prophets of thy Mother So may the Lord say to REVOLTERS Why come ye now to me have ye not rejected me and cast me off in my Son Zion Cause and Kingdom broken your Vowes and Covenants with me Therefore get ye unto the Head of the Last Apostacie and the Great Whore the Head of the First Apostacie whom ye have honored more then me And it seems to me David in the Spirit foretels this very thing x Psa 18.41 They cry'd out but there was none to save unto IEHOVAH but he answered them not A Prophesie to be fulfil'd in the Last Dayes as I take it upon APOSTATE PROFESSORS But howsoever the Lord will thus deal with his enemies for their Crooked ways yet with his Friends and faithful Servants who y Luk. 22.28 continued with him in his temptations Suffered banishment imprisonment spoyling of their goods c. rather then to forsake THE GOOD OLD CAVSE These a Isa 58.9 shall call and the Lord shall answer They shall cry and he shall say Here I am b Isa 49.15 Can a Mother forget her sucking child c. If a child be crying in the streets and multitudes of people should passe by without taking notice of the child yet no sooner doth the mother hear it cry but runs to it kisseth it and carrieth him home in her bosome What though prophane people and proud carnal professors that are at ease regard not the Mourners in Zion but reproach their very sighings and groanings laugh and deride their prayers yet they have a father that hears them and c Psa 57.18 puts all their tears into his bottle and in due time d Psal 30.11 will put off their sackcloth and gird them with gladness Fourthly Because in seeking him 4. Because in seeking him they seek onely his glory they seek only his Glory As a shooter hath one eye close and with the other sees nothing save the mark at which he shoots thus it is now with the Little Remnant their eyes are shut from all Self-respects they look not upon any worldly advantage neither ask any thing of God but what may be to the glory of his Great Name If they ask health Liberty food c. it is that God may be glorified in the right improvement of them if they pray against Apostates and Covenant-breakers it is that e Isa 2.17 the Lord alone may be exalted f Phil. 1.21 To me to live is Christ and to die is gain that is so Christ may be glorified I am willing to live and if glorified I am willing to dy it is all one to me whether I live or dy so Jesus Christ by it may have glory Could a father see a child at his foot crying to him with tears that he might know his will and upon no other account then to honor him in the doing of it I say could a father see all this and not be found g 1 Cor. 4.3 For mens judgment we pass it by as a very small thing the Lord knows it is true viz. That there is a Seed of God at this day in bitterness of Soul to know what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God and for no other end then to serve the Lord and not as Turn-coats and Revolters do to serve themselves upon him The Lord was well pleased with Solomon h 1 Kin. 3.10 11. Because he asked not for himself long life nor riches nor the life of his Enemies but understanding to discern judgment that is he asked that thing whereby he might most honor God and the Lord gave him his request and more too Never had Saints more cause then now to beleeve a time of finding is nigh and that all their tears and sighings will be speedily answered seeing they go not unto the Lord as Hypocrites do i. Hos 7.14 For corn and wine and rebel against him but for this end that k Mat. 6.9 the Lords name may be hallowed But this corrupt men cannot do It is not Gods Counsel they desire to know nor his good Cause to carry on but that their own wicked devises might prosper that the Lord would give his glory to them As the rainbow never appears but is in opposition to the Sun so some men if they appear publickly or privately in fasting and prayer they are never in that side of the world where Gods Glory is but quite in opposition to it I have read of a certain Soldier having done great service for the State was bid to ask some reward for himself to which he answered For himself he would ask nothing but had a Petition for the Church and People of God I hope there is such a frame of Spirit among the Mourners every where they have layd aside their own concernments and are seeking the things of Christ and Zion if so then hold up your heads The time of finding is come Fifthly 5. Because Jesus Christ moves and intercedes for them Because the prayers of Saints are not only l Rev. 8.3 4. by Jesus Christ presented to the Father and by him made a sweet sacrifice but likewise he himself moves and intercedes in their behalf Thus Christ in Heaven is as a Favorite at Court takes our Petitions and speaks to them So saith Paul m Rom. 8.34 He is at the right hand of God making intercession for us The Text carries it that he is in Heaven with his stripes wounds blood death setting them before the eyes of his Father and all for Zion Some men after their exaltation and preferment forget their poor Brethren and old friends as Pharaohs Butler forgot Joseph but Christ doth not so we are n Son 8.6 as a seal set upon his heart there he wears us and keeps us not only for an ornament and to shew how pretious he accounts us but that we might be always in his sight and remembrance The incouragement given us to come boldly to the Throne of Grace is o Heb. 4.5 For we have not an High-Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted yet
he was to Lot in SODOM and bring them forth that they be not partakers of her plagues Gen. 19.16 Rev. 18.4 Zach. 3.2 2 Tim. 3.2 3 5. 2 Cor. 6.17 18. 6. That the fulness of the Gentiles may come in and all Israel be saved Psal 67.2 Gen. 49.10 Hab. 2.14 Isa 25.7 32.6 35.6 43.19 Hos 1.10 11. 3.5 Rom. 11.25 26. 7. Whereas mens rebellion against the Lord and their opposing HIS WORK WAYS KINGDOM and PEOPLE is carried on under fair pretences whereby many in their simplicity are led aside into great transgression against Jesus Christ Their prayer is that all such lyars and dissembling Hypocrites may daily be more discovered and their designes broken by some signal appearing of the Lord against them Num. 16.15 Psal 55.12 15. Hos 11.12 Ps 140.8 11. Isa 27.3 1 Sam. 15.17 18. with Chap. 18.14 8. As they cannot hold their peace for ZIONS SAKE so the Lord is earnestly call'd upon 1. that he will REMEMBER HER TREACHEROVS AND FALSE FRIENDS viz. Church-members Professors Souldiers Lawyers all such as have basely betrayed her to the ENEMIE Lam. 1.2 Psal 41.9 55.12 15. 2 Sam. 15.31 Jer. 18.20 2. Not to forget the reproach and scandal which she suffers by reason of their abominable hypocrisie and falshood having rendred the very NAME OF RELIGION odious to them that are without Lam. 2.15 Rom. 2.14 Isa 52.5 Ezek. 36.20 26. Gen. 32.30 Eccl. 10.1 Amos 4.10 3. That the temptations and afflictions now upon her may thorowly cleanse her and make her meet for the masters use Isa 1.25 Mal. 3.5 Dan. 11 35. 2 Tim. 2.21 4. That the Lord will turn unto her a pure language heal all breaches and diviâ—ions that so her Children may serve him with one consent Zech. 3.9 1 Cor. 1.10 Isa 11.13 Psal 134.1 Act. 2.1 5. That the Spirit from on High may be poured out upon all her Sons and daughters whereby their understanding may be opened to know all things Joel 2.28 29. Act. 1.4 Luk. 24.49 Dan. 12.10 Amos 3.7 Rev. 22.10 Ioh. 14.16 26. 1 Ioh. 2.20 6. That she may have her Judges restored as at the first and Pastors after GODS OWN HEART Hence the Lord is daily cal'd upon to pluck up by the roots all false Offices Ministries Callings Administrations and Maintenance both new and old Isa 1.26 Ier. 3.15 23.4 Ezek. 34.25 Mat. 15.13 Hos 2.16 17. Zech. 13.2 14.20 21. Rev. 18.21 c. Lastly seeing it will be a great and dreadful day when the Lord shall answer the prayers of his people Even burn like an Oven and who shall stand when God doth this therefore is the Lord entreated to be so gratious unto his LITTLE ONES as they may not be offended in what way or manner soever his great work comes forth but may be prepared to meet the Lord and counted worthy to follow him Mal. 4.1 Num. 24.23 Isa 22.18 19. 25.9 1 John 2.18 Luk. 21.36 Amos 4.12 These are the things which the faithful of the Land are praying for and the Apostates scoffing at But it is not their derision can make the promise of God of no effect d Luk. 21.33 Heaven and Earth saith Christ shall pass away but my words shall not pass away CHAP. VI. Reasons Wherefore the Lord will not be found of some People though they call upon him in the Time of trouble Reasons why no time of finding 1. Because in their prosperity they will not know the Lord. First BEcause in their prosperous condition when they e Deut. 32.15 are grown thick and covered with fatness they will not know the Lord. But f Psa 75.5 speak with a stiff-neck g Job 21.14 15. What is the Almighty that we should serve him and what profit should we have if we pray unto him we desire not the knowledge of his wayes c. Some people in seeking God are like a sort of Beggers who standing at your door will tell you they make not a trade of begging neither doe they come often and had it not been for necessity they would not have troubled you at this time Are there not many should they speak truth must confess this is their very case they make no trade of begging unless they are in some want h Psal 10. â— God is not in all their thoughts neither would they seek him in their troubles at all if they knew how to be helpt without him No doubt in the dayes of Noah when the waters came and took away the wicked people out of their houses and beds yea fetcht them off from the high hils and mountains where they fled for safety there was bitter mourning and crying to the Lord but all in vain as they would not know him in their prosperity so now he will not deliver them when i Job 27.9 Fear and the pit and the snare are upon them Job saith God will not hear the hypocrite when trouble cometh upon him that is seeing he cals not upon God unless it be deceitfully and mockingly but when great distress is upon him therefore he shall be left to the destroyer and no eye shall pity him Hence it is that the Scriptures speak of k Isa 55.6 Seeking the Lord while he may be found and while he is neer and l 2 Cor. 6.2 of the time accepted and m Heb. 3.15 while it is called to day denoting that men may forfeit their time and come after the Gate of Grace is shut And if so then no time of finding Besides the Lord takes it as not sought unto nor call'd upon when men only cry to him in time of trouble It is said of Saul n 1 Chr. 10.14 He enquired not of the Lord therefore he slew him yet in another place it is o 1 Sam. 28.6 When Saul enquired of the Lord the Lord answered him not neither by dreams nor Vrim nor by Prophets the meaning is when Saul knew not what to do but saw the wrathful hand of God ready to cut him off by the Philistims then like a malefactor going to execution He enquires of the Lord but this the Holy-Ghost cals not enquiring because it was only for his own end and till great distress came upon him he regarded not the Lord but had cast him off sought himself in every thing The fox in a snare looks wishly hangs the head will sigh extreamly and you may see tears fall from his eyes but all this will not serve his turn nor save him from being knockt on the head Reader shouldst thou live to see an OLD HYPOCRITE under Divine wrath thou wouldst see him just like a fox in a trap his countenance altered groan and sigh as if his heart would break and tears at command I have sinned I have sinned will the OLD FOX say in betraying that INNOCENT CAVSE But the Lord will neither trust him nor beleeve him any more his day is now come in which
have wrought and not receive a full reward I have thought sometimes of Ioabs case after he had fought many Battels yea the Lords Battels ah that his gray hairs should go to the grave under so much scandal and dishonour But more sad is their case who having opposed the Prelates and fought valiantly for the truth yea some of them left their Country for the Gospels sake should now for looking back k Eze. 13.9 Not be in the Assembly of Gods people neither written in the writing of the House of Israel neither enter into the Land of Israel nor be mourned for as the prophets were Oh my Father my Father l Jer. 22.18 19. ah his Glory But 2. And this I wish that they would seriously lay to heart viz. how the dishonour of Gods great Name occasioned by this late Apostacie lies principally at their door Our holy profession had never been rendred so odious as it is if Professours and Church-Members had not been Hence it is when some have been told of breaking their promises and eâ—gagements and casting off the Lords work and setting up their own interest to name such and such professours and Church-Officers who went along with them as if they did nothing without their counsel and encouragement The old Non-conformists were wont to say of the Conformable Ministers that The best were the worst meaning those who subscribed to the Prelates and used the Service and Ceremonies of the Church though otherwise good men did more hinder the work of Reformation and harden ignorant people in Errour and Superstition then then all the ignorant and scandalous Priests of the Nation And questionless it was so And what may we say of the present Conformists The best are the worst For howsoever in many things they walk better then the rest and we hope better things of them as to their Soul-state Yet considering how they have left the Lords work and are fallen in with a worldly interest and what evil Instruments they have been in obstructing the good old cause in these respects and such like it may be fairly asserted The best are the worst I say the professor worse then the prophane and Church-Officers worse then the ignorant and scandalous parish-Priest especially if it be minded how many Simple hearts in City and Country have been deceiv'd by these men and hindred from being faithful to Jesus Christ in their Generation-work I shall conclude in Pauls words m 1 Cor. 3.13 15. Every mans work shall be made manifest for the day shall declare it Because it shall be revealed by fire and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is c. If any mans work shall be burnt he shall suffer loss but he himself shall be saved yet so as by fire What this fire means is worthy of Consideration Thirdly No time of finding because n Isa 1.15 59.2 their hands are full of Blood 3. Because their hands are full of blood The Hebrew hath Bloods signifying how the Priests and False-prophets by their flatteries and lies destroyed the Souls of the people and the Rulers their bodies and estates by oppression and cruelty But the Allusion which the prophet here useth notably sets forth the impudent boldness of these men It is taken from a Murtherer who having wash'd his hands in innocent Blood comes and shews them to the Judge as taking delight to have them seen in that Bloody colour Much blood precious blood was spilt in the late wars the which some men by their falshood and breach of promise have not onely contracted to themselves but bring their bloody hands to the Altar lifting them up before the Lord Angels and men as glorying it seems there lies the guilt of so much blood upon them I cannot forget Davids example when they brought unto him the water of the well of Bethlem o 2 Sam. 23.16 17. He would not drink thereof but poured it out unto the Lord saying Be it far from me O Lord that I should do this is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardie of their lives therefore he would not drink of it It were well if some mens hearts would smite them as Davids did Davids worthies only jeoparded their lives no blood was spilt but many of the Lords worthies in the late wars did more then jeopard their lives for they lost them in the high-places of the field But hath their Blood been poured out to the Lord as David did the water I ask againe Hath it or rather have not some men drunk it themselves And with this blood purchase Courts Titles Superiority with this blood clothe themselves and families like the Glutton p Lu. 16.19 in purple and fine linen and fare sumptuously every day Do they not with this BLOOD persecute the very cause and interest of Christ for which it was spilt yea more do they not with this BLOOD build again that cursed Ierico by which it was overthrown q Hab. 2.12 Wo to him that buildeth a Town wâ—th blood and stablisheth a Citie by iniquity r Nah. 3.1 Wo to the bloody City it is full of lies and robberie and the prey departeth not As such men are unlike David so like Nero and Iulian the Apostate for all the world The first having kil'd his own mother perswaded the people publica fortuna extinctam that she was put to death for the publick good of the State The other when he opened the temples of the Pagan gods and repaired their Altar it was securitas reipublicae for the safety of the Commonwealth have there been none since having murther'd the Common-wealth in her Laws Liberties Priviledges c. and re-established old Popish Idols would make the Simple believe all is done for the publick good and safety of the people r Psal 120.3 What shall be done unto thee thou false tongue But to return to our Prophet howsoever both Priests and Princes have their hands full of blood yet they Å¿ Isa 1.18 make many prayers multiply prayer saith the margin Hence observe 1. No people are t Mica 6.6 7. more forward in outward services then Hypocrites and Apostates for when they have cast off the power of Godliness they will be the more busie about the form 2. Whilst mens hands are full of blood there is no Time of finding though they multiply prayer This later is plain in Davids case u Psal 32.2 3. c. All the while he kept silence and acknowledged not his sin which doubtless was blood his x Psal 51.8 Bones were broken and waxed old and his moisture was turned into the drought of summer that is he could hear of no joy and gladness but lay roaring under pangs of conscience having the strength of body and soul consum'd through grief and mourning if it were thus with David for one mans blood what may we think of their case who by power and policy shall
wrap themselves in the guilt and blood of many thousands yea more y Heb. 6.6 Shall crucifie to themselves the Son of God afresh and put him to open shame that is shall treacherously murther Jesus Christ in his righteous cause and which is more shall deride and mock the Lords people and persecute them if they speak against them for such things Fourthly Because of mens allowing themselves in some known wickedness 4 Because of mens allowing themselves in some know a wickedness a Psal 66.18 If I regard wickedness in my heart saith David the Lord will not hear me Observe 1. He doth not say If there be iniquity in my heart but if I regard it that is delight in it and allow it and would have it abide there as a friend and beloved Hence we may see a difference between a sincere Christian and a corrupt heart A sheep by occasion may fal into mire and dirt but he likes not to be there he likes not the place whereas a swine in dirt is where he would be it is true the choysest Christians are sometimes overtaken yet through Grace they can say We know nothing by our selves that is no evil which knowingly they approve of but what God loves they love and what he hates they hate whatsoever they know to be a duty and truth they will do and what is evil and sinful forsake If you cast stones or gravel into a fountain the water becomes thick and muddie but within a little while it purgeth it self again and is clear and sweet as before So a good man by reason of temptations is sometimes troubled and passions rise in him but through the power of Grace he is soon restored to his former sweet and holy walking But with the wicked it is not so his heart b Isa 56.20 is like the troubled sea when it cannot rest always casting up mire and dirt c Job 20.12 13. Wickedness is sweet to him he keeps it within his mouth As men to keep their goods have strong walls and doors about their houses so have Reigning Hypocrites about them some to write for them others to preach for them some to fight for them and all is that the Hypocrites GOODS may not be lost to wit his pomp pride oppression c. Quest But how may it be known when a man regards iniquity in his heart Answ 1. VVhen he corrupts men d Mat. 28.12 13 14. by gifts and preferment to defend his unrighteous doings 2. e Esth 3.8 9. c. VVhen he fears not to commit the greatest sin so he may satisfie his will and lust 3. VVhen he will f 1 Kin. 21.9 Jer. 41.6 fast and pray and weep that he may the sooner effect his wicked designes 4. VVhen g 1 Kin. 22.8 he counts such his greatest enemies who deal plainest with him about his foul miscarriages 5. h Isa 3.9 VVhen no thing will make him blush or asham'd But secondly This regarding iniquity is in the heart The Scibes and Pharisees outwardly seem'd to be good men religious and devout like the Hypocrites of our time but Christ who knew their heart shewed what they were A brood of Vipers painted sepulchres their inward parts very rottenness The Wood-picker a little Bird when she is seeking a place to breed in lights on the side of a Tree and with her Bill gives a knock if she perceive the same to be hollow then to work she goes and with her Bill makes a little hole in the Tree thorow which she creeps into the hollow part and there builds her Nest lays her eggs and hatcheth her young ones The Devil is like this Bird when he comes to a professor and by knocking him with preferment and profit finds he is hollow-hearted there he falls to work and in he goes here he hath his Nest eggs and young ones And in truth never had he entred into so many professors as of late he hath done but that after a little KNOCKING all this will I give thee he perceiv'd they were hollow I say HOLLOW-HEARTED notwithstanding their oaths vows and engagements neither was he deceived as we see by sad experience for he hath found room enough in that hollow and rotten part to build his Nest and hatch his young ones But what saith Christ of such people i Mat. 12.43 44 45. The last state of them is worse then the first There is little hope for men to have a time of finding so long as Satan hath his Nest eggs and birds in them Fiftly Should some men be spared it would encourage them to go on in their sinful ways they would presume 5. Because if spared they would presume gâ—ow more confident and vile grow more confident and vile if possible Had not Pharaoh and his host perished in the Red-sea they would have been more inhumane and cruel then ever before k Eccl. 8.11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil that is because the judgment of God is so long put off wicked men plead as it were a prescription of impunity perswading themselves that the execution of the sentence which is so long delayed will never be laid on them hence are hardned and made worse in their sinful courses In the Hebrew Text their heart is full to do evil that is full of evil purposes full of wicked imaginations cursed plots and devises for the bringing forth the works of darkness so full that there is no room for the fear of Gods wrath no room for the consideration of their own danger no room for the apprehension of their falshood hypocrisie backsliding whereby to restrain them in any measure but they run with a full stream into the practise of all kind of wickedness It is true l Psa 7.11 God is angry or angerly threatneth with the wicked every day the sentence against every evil work is already given but because the execution is deferred because wickedness is not foâ—thwith checked blamed punished men think they shall be longer licensed in sinning As the Stars though in themselves very great yet being seen a far off seem to be little So Apostates and other ungodly people perswading themselves the day of vengeance is a long time to come they are little or nothing moved by it if we bring this home to the sinners of our time we shall have ground to believe that their judgment is nigh For 1. The Lord having through infinite clemencie forborn them a while and not fallen presently upon them they are become m 2 Pet. 3.3 4. the Scoffers in Peter and n Jer. 5.12 13. have belied the Lord and said It is not he neither shall evil come upon us neither shall we see sword or famine And the Prophets shall become wind and the word is not in them that is mock at Gods menaces and
people which are a while without the Sun no sooner have a sight thereof but leap and clap their hands for joy as having now their light and life and comforts restored to them So long as men are under Tyranny and oppression which will be till the vial-plagues be gone what have they but night and darkness sorrows and vexations continually Now Christ rising in judgement removes these heavy yokes and burdens and plants peace and righteousness in the Earth Hence not only will the righteous shout for joy but the Lord every where praysed by all sorts of people even the whole Creation Fourthly 4. Iâ— being at rest and satisfied when he hath executed his judgments upon Apostates As no people by their sins do so much press and burden the Lord as back-sliders and luke-warm Professors so he is not at rest and satisfied until he have throughly executed his judgment upon them For this we have an example in the old Apostate Israel when they fell into the hands of their enemies were plundred and spoyl'd had their children ston'd and tumbled in blood their City and Temple burnt to ashes and all their power glory and greatness layd in the dust then God caused his fury to rest his jealousie to depart then was he quiet and still and angry no more The Lord seems to be troubled and unquiet before his judgment is executed but when that is once done especially upon an Hypocritical Nation then he is at rest pacified and comforted e Ezek. 5.13 Thus shall mine anger be accomplished and I will cause my fury to rest upon them and I will be COMFORTED and they shall know that I the Lord have spoken it in my zeal when I have accomplished my fury in them Again f Hos 10.10 It is my desire that I should chastise them As a man that longs for a thing is unsatisfied and restless till he have it so the Lord seeing them grown desperately wicked g IsI 1.24 Will ease himself with their just punishment Before Ionah had judgment past upon him h Jon. 1.4 15. There was a great wind and a mighty tempest in the sea the Lords displeasure and anger was up and let out but when Ionah was cast into the sea when justice was done upon him it is said the sea ceased from her raging God is quiet first then the waters So when judgment was executed upon Achan the Text saith i Josh 7.2.6 The Lord turned from the fierceness of his anger Again when judgment was executed upon the bloody house of Saul k 2 Sam. 21.14 After that God was intreated for the Land Till that was done the Lord was not at rest his jealousie and wrath ceased not The Lord threatens to bring the Assyrian upon the Iews who should take away their fair Jewels strip them and leave them naked and bare burn their houses and thrust them thorow with the sword and what then l Ezek. 16.42 So will I make my fury towards thee to rest and my jealousie shall depart from thee and I will be quiet and will be no more angry m Isa 10.25 The indignation shall cease and mine anger in their destruction as if he should say when I have destroyed them and layd all waste then I shall have ease my anger and fury will cease n Esth 7.10 They hanged Haman upon the gallows and then was the Kings wrath pacified And as the Lord is not quiet and satisfied till he have executed judgment upon Apostates neither is he at ease until he have done the like upon Luke-warm Professors o Rev. 3.16 Because thou art neither cold nor hot I will spue thee out of my mouth When a man hath something upon his stomack which he cannot brook but it is loathsome to him he hath no ease or quiet till he have cast it up They that are not hot having not the power of Godliness nor cold having yet the form they are a burden and trouble to Jesus Christ till he have by some judgment quitted himself of them For conclusion I have a few things to propound to the earth-thriving Professors of this age who are at ease in their fat places 1. Whether the Lord be not more prest and burdened with the sins of Revolters and luke-warm professors then with the sins of any other people 2. Whether any people since the rise of the Beast have made a greater revolt from God or have been more Luke-warm all things considered then the present English Revolters 3. Whether the latter Apostacie mentioned by Paul 2 Tim. 3.1 2 3. be not in every particular to the life fulfilled in them 4. Whether the Lord can be at rest satisfied and comforted till he have throughly executed his judgment upon such enemies of his Glory Cause and Kingdom 5. Seeing it is not the Dragon but his Tail that * Rev. 12.4 drew the third part of the Stars of Heaven and did cast them to the Earth I query 1. Who is meant by the Tail of the Dragon 2. Who are the fallen Stars 3. Unto which of the Apostacies do they belong for to one they must if not to both Seventhly 7. Because men weep for the punishment of their sins but not for their sins causing the punishment Because men mourn and weep for the punishment of their sins but not for their sins which caused the punishment As the Dog under the whip howls and cries for the pain but not for the fault and cause of his beating Thus did the old Jews when the Amorites came out against them and chased them as Bees do and destroyed them in Seir even unto Hormah p Deut. 1.44 45. They returned and wept before the Lord but the Lord would not hearken unto their voyce And why so because they lamented the loss of their Brethren but not their sins not their Apostacie Rebellion Vnbelief which provoked the Lord to smite them When news came that the English were kil'd like so many Flies in Hispaniola so shamefully destroyed as I think never the like dishonour and shame befel the Nation before the Lord by the judgment signally shewing his displeasure against them It is true there was fasting and mourning but why as the old Jews did Because their brethen were slain But was there any repenting of the Cause was there any sincere acknowledgment of the sins which had provoked the Lord so extreamly against them who like David spake then to the Lord * 1 Chron. 21.17 and said Is it not I that commanded the people to to be numbred even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed But as for these sheep what have they done Let thine hand I pray thee O Lord my God be on me and on my fathers house but not on thy people that they should be plagued David had a weeping heart besides weeping eyes and was no Hypocrite But the Crocodile as some write having devoured a man weeps
no King but Caesar Take notice Reader this is an old stratagem of the Devil and a lesson which he hath taught his children in all ages that is to be like a cunning thief who in the croud cryes Stop the thief stop the thief not caring who is taken so himself may escape that hath done the robbery When Balak would have Balaam come to him to curse the Lord's people he conceals the truth of Israels case and carriage makes no mention how the Lord had of old a Gen. 15.18 promised them the land of Canaan nor how the Canaanites wickedness was grown so great that b Lev. 18.24 25. the land should spue them out neither speaketh he of their sore oppression bondage in Egypt miraculous deliverance from thence nor how Israel being come out had not harmed either Edom or Moab but c Deut. 2.4.8 9 13. passed by them in peace and warred only with the cursed Canaanites devoted to destruction all these things Moab knew as well as d Num. 20.14 15. Edom but here he is silent and what he doth report is most false e Num. 22.5 Behold there is a people come out from Egypt behold they cover the face of the Earth and they abide over against me As if he should say there is an uncivil and barbarous people come up from Egypt who they are I know not but they plunder and destroy the Countryes where they come and they are now waiting an opportunity to invade us and turn us out of our lawful possessions Are not our enemies and Moab here alike Doe they not altogether conceal the case and carriage of Christs faithful witnesses where doe they fairly and honestly report their principles and judgment But f Psa 35.11 lay to their charge things they never knew I have in part shewed what they hold and what they desire to have This I shall add as g Prov. 15.34 Righteousness exalteth a Nation not craft policy power or making an other house so they would have all oppressions and grievances taken away no man to be committed or detayn'd in prison at the will and pleasure of any man they would not have the blood and treasure of the Nation spilt and spent to serve any mans lust they would have the theevish Lawyers supprest they would have those righteous things done which the Army promised And if Charls Stewart justly suffered and his family too for exercising an arbitrary and unlimited power they know no reason why any man if he govern worse then the King did should be suffered 4. Another help is a Mercenary Army But of these men I need not say much for the Nation knows them too well A hedge-hog seems to be a poor silly creature yet being full of bristles and prickles a man may be shrewdly hurt by it I cannot for the present think of a comparison fitter or truer It 's become a HEDG-HOG indeed a poor silly thing it hath no beauty comliness credit honor c. only bristles and prickles to wound the interest of Christ and his people 5. But who think'st thou Reader brings up the Rear Even Wizards and South-sayers another of Satans tricks to deceive poor people There is to be in our days a certain Conqueror an Emperour he must be saith another parasite descended from the Princely race of North-Wales who shall destroy the Pope and the Turk and most part of the world bear the Imperial rule at Sea reform the Church settle peace and nothing shall stand in his way and that this is true many Magicians Sorcerers and British Bards are reckoned up who above 1000. years agoe spake of it and several Honorable Titles he is to have saith a later Wizard about July next It grieves my Soul to see our profession Religion and the Holy Name of God thus abus'd and prophan'd by the vilest instruments the Devil hath But the Scripture must be fulfill'd h 2 Thes 11 12. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusions that they should beleeve a lie that they all might be damned who beleeve not the truth but have pleasure in unrighteousness i Psa 1.17 As he loved cursing so let it come upon him as he delighted not in the blessing so let it be far from him It was a righteous thing with God to give up Ahab to his false Prophets and by their lies to destroy him having refused to hearken to the Lords Servants so when men wil not follow the Counsel of God but cast his Word and Law behind their back what more just then to leave them to Wizards and Star-gazers to be blinded harnded by them and prepared for slaughter I have read somewhere of one Athol a Scots man being told by a Sorceress that he should be crowned in a great concourse of people believing the witch to make way for the crown he kil'd James 1. Now there was some truth in what the Witch had told him for being brought upon a Scaffold for this treason and Murder a crown of red hot Iron was set upon his head and so he miserably perished many thousands looking on So may they be crown'd that seek it in such a way Much more might be said concerning the Lords answering the cries and sighing of his people in the discovery of these men viz. their devouring skin bones and all by NEW TRICKS so the Thief hath the true mans purse he cares not how he gets it k Pro. 28.15 As a roaring Lion and a ranging Bear so is a wicked Ruler over the poor people that is the right which he pleadeth is nothing but might the mercy he shews is onely where he cannot shew more cruelty and whatsoever he takes away most unjustly from poor people he saith It is his right and he must and will have it Again the Lawyers never tormented poor men more then now the old Superstitious Priests how are they thumming over the English Mass again so in many parts of the Land their Malignant Justices persecuting honest men under the name of conventicles putting in execution the bloody Laws of the Beast enacted for the suppression of the truth other things are too FOUL to be named Herod feared John for his piety and strict walking so did Saul fear David But no man needs to fear this Generation of men for holiness justice righteousness Indeed for the contrary there is cause enough but howsoever in this Gods people may take comfort for thus it is promised k Mic. 4.10 Thou shalt go even to Babylon THERE shalt thou be delivered THERE the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies I hope we shall never be brought neerer Babylon then we are Secondly They have prayed that the Lord would not bless or prosper the designs of the froward and crafty who to set up their own interest have betrayed the cause of Christ but that k Psa 83.13 He would make them as a rolling thing
of honesty and liberty but you shall hear them bitterly exclaim against some persons for their falshood Covenant-breaking seeking themselves and opposing the work of God yea now and then a discontented houshold-servant will be twitting his Master publickly at his nose for casting off the interest of Christ and his people and complying with the Malignant party What said Nabals servants of him to their Mistress e 1 Sam. 25 17. He is such a son of Belial that a man cannot speak to him Belial signifies one without yoak or lawless as if they should say There is not a man alive worse then our Master he cares not what he says nor what he does nor who he wrongs his will is a Law and ordinarily they who have done him most good as David for example he is most spightful and malicious against and if any man do but speak to him of his covetousness cruelty unthankfulness or seem to cross him in his pride and wilfulness he will stamp and stare and curse like a mad-man or devil and do him what mischief he can Therefore certainly evil is determined against our Master and against all his houshold Reader take notice when thou hearest some SERVANTS to call their Master a son of Belial that is one that will be under no yoke no Law or Government one that is an enemy to good people and cares for none but such as wil be servants to his lusts and will this is a great return of prayer for howsoever some servants have not the grace nor honesty to leave such a Nabal nevertheless speaking so openly against his wickedness as they condemn their own sinful standing so they justifie all other servants which have cast off such a SON OF BELIAL Lastly There is another sort who like their places as ill as their Masters and have not a good word for either onely the old Serpent hath taught them a trick to cozen their own souls which is to keep their places in hope to serve their Country the better if a turn or change should come Mock on we know well enough did not these men love themselves a great deal better then they do their Country they would not support oppression as they do for their base pay hire But an ill-favoured face needs painting Fourthly the Lord hath been earnestly cal'd upon that howsoever the Witnesses should be slain f Rev. 11.9 Rev. 12.17 yet not suffered to be burnt but that a remnant of the womans seed might be preserved to keep up the memory of the work and cause of Christ Now truly I think the Father of Mercies hath not in any one thing more clearly answered the Soul-Groanings of his people then in this For 1. Consider how grievously Gods people have been tried and tempted these three or four years not onely by great poverty and outward wants but by the entisements baits of worldly advantages as riches honor promotion pleasure h Mat. 4.9 all these things will I give thee IF THOU WILT c. A man that should stand before the mouth of a Cannon going off or walk upon the ridge or pinacle of a Tower or sail among most dangerous rocks and sands it would be thought very strange if he should escape all danger Some of Gods people lately have had a more wonderful deliverance if the snares be minded which the Lord hath broken for them i Psa 107.8 O let them confess to Jehovah his mercy and his marvelous works 2. Howsoever the love of many is grown cold and they are turn'd with Demas and with the Dog to the world and their vomit again yet hath the Lord preserv'd a litte flock Rev. 3.4 a few names which have not defiled their garments by partaking with the last Apostacy but through grace l Jam. 1.27 have kept themselves unspotted from the world When Gideons Army of 32000 came to be 300. then indeed it was excellent and glorious Judg. 7.7 and meet for the Lord to work Israels deliverance by it Though the followers of Christ are very few in number to the worshippers of the Beast yet this I may say as the prophet saith of the Figs they are n Jer. 24.2 very good the Lord having by their many temptations trials purified them unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works CHAP. VIII FIftly It is A Time of Finding when there is no staggering at the Promise But the things asked are by Faith obtained A Time of Finding when the things asked are seen and received by Faith So certain as if they were already in our own hands Thus o Sam. 1.18 Hannah was sure of the Child as if he had been in her armes So p Exod. 14 13 14. Moses at the Red Sea saw Pharoah and his hoste drown'd before ever they went into the water In dividing the Land of Canaan not onely did Joshua and the people by lot lay out the Inheritance of every Tribe in the Countreys which they had conquered But likewise all other parts of the Land which at present they possessed not And this they did believing what was not yet in their hands it should be theirs so sure as the parts and places already taken No lesse confident and certain are Saints now i. e. as some of the Canaanites are cast out Moncks Fryers Arch-Bishops Bishops So q Lev. 18.28 the Land ere long shall spue out the rest of r Dan. 7.27 them And it shall be given to the Saints of the most high Though the Israelites after they came out of Egypt had a stop for forty years in the wilderness yet God gave them the peaceable possession of Canaan according to his promise So Jerusalem and the Temple were built Howsoever thorough the malice of the Enemy there was some stop put to the worke awhile True it is the worke of God THE GOOD OLD CAVSE hath met with A TROVBLER an ACHAN for through the falshood and hypocrisie of some men it hath been killed and layen in the street like the dead bodies of the Witnesses howsoever not suffered to be put in graves But what of all this so mercifully hath the Lord answered the Cries and Tears of this people as by faith they see it risen and like a Conquerour standing on its feet to the Terror Shame and Ruin of the Adversaries Quest But wherefore hath the Lord suffered his work to be stopped and to lie as it were under a death Ans Howsoever neither men nor Devils could have stopped it had he pleased not to have had it so Yet he would have it stopp'd a while for these Reasons 1. To dismisse from the worke some Regiments of prophane Esau's and worldly Demasses who followed it not for love but loaves Such Hypocrites and rotten hearts the Lord could not endure to see in his work and therefore brought his Army out of the Field to disband them and to Å¿ Ps 125.5 lead them forth with the
his former doctrine turning his tale as if there were no providence at all but every thing went by hap It is too probable by some late Turnings many are turned Atheists And therefore questionlesse God will revive his work again For otherwise how can the great reproach and dishonour be taken off from his Providence and Government So 2. Is Religion the true profession of the Gospell which never will have the Credite Glory Beauty it had formerly if the interest of Christ and his People be not revived Nothing better heals the sting of Vipers than to apply their own flesh to the disease The dust of a Toad put to its venomous biting takes away the poison It is much upon my heart by some such APPLICATION the Lord will heal those fearfull wounds and bitings which are upon the truth Though men have not regarded the Credit and Honour of it yet Christ doth and will recover it and revive it again by destroying the fond glosses and covetuous practises of corrupt men and raising up faithfull ones to preach the everlasting Gospell Eusebius writes of Peregrinus the Philosopher having gotten a great estate by feigning himself a Christian that he might consume it the more freely on his lusts revolted to Gentilisme It is plain enough to see why some men have left the Lords work and this people It was that they might be at liberty to spend what they had gotten in excesse pride riot lasciviousness They well knew should they have kept close to Christ and his interest they could not have fulfilled the desires of the flesh and walked after their own lusts And therefore thought it better to turn Heathens again For so doing they knew they should have elbow-room enough might do whatsoever seemd good in their own eyes But what of all this let such know the Lord will make That Holy Profession of his Name Gospel Kingdome glorious and honourable again Though they have made it vile and contemptible in the eyes of the world m Ezek. 36.23 I will sanctifie my great Name which was prophaned among the Gentiles which ye have prophaned in the midst of them 3. Such were the wonderfull actings and appearances of God for and with this Cause as it is not possible it should come to nothing vanish away like smoak which yet will be so unlesse it be quickned and raised again n Judg. 13.23 If the Lord were pleased to kill us he would not have shewed us all these things Let no man think that he would so eminently have shewed his power justice and wrath against the late King for his Tyrany and Arbitrary Government So a-against the Bishops for their pride and humane inventions but that he means to destroy the like wickednesse in others if afterward they shall take it up o 1 Sam. 3.12 When I begin I will also make an end Though it be a judgment and to be executed upon his own people yet he will perfect the work And will he not do so and more p Lam. 3.33 willingly when it is to have mercy upon Zion 4. In reviving this work he will q Isa 57.18 Restore Comfort to his Mourners r Ps 85.6 would not thou revive us again that thy people may rejoyce in thee That is when thou shalt take that which letteth out of the way and bring us again upon thy work Our mourning will cease and thy power faithfulnes goodnes justice will be soul-refreshing unto us I know some men can take pleasure in beholding beastly and filthy things So is oppression falshood and deceit to a time-server turn-coat a most pleasant sight As Hanibal when he saw a pit full of mans blood O formosum spectaculum and the Scots Queen seeing her Subjects lie dead and stripped on the earth cryed out The goodliest Tapestry that ever she beheld The cryes and groans of the poor under their oppressions and heavy burthens what sweet musick makes this in the ears of Self-seekers Now their pay comes in their salary and their so much per annum But the joy of good men riseth otherwise Å¿ Pro. 29.2 When the wicked beareth rule they mourn t Pro. 11.10 and when wicked Rulers perish they shout for joy So that untill this work be revived Saints may expect little joy as to outward and publick Affaires 5. This Cause will surely be revived because it is not mans but the Lords For 1. Are not u Ps 110.12 Christs Enemies to be made his foot-stool and x Psal 2 6. he to sit upon the holy hill of Zion 2. Is not all oppression to cease and y Isa 60.18 Violence to be heard no more in the Land The first and second Apostasies both to be destroyed 3. Must not a Ps 85.11 Truth spring out of the earth and Righteousnesse look down from Heaven And b Dan. 7.22 the Saints possess the Kingdom But can these things be and not the work revived that is impossible When it is night and dark whence do ye expect to have light again in this visible world Is it not by the rising of the Sun So these great things which we are waiting for concerning Jesus Christ and his Kingdome the coming in and accomplishment of them will be by the Lords reviving his work and Cause again Quest But is there not something for the Lords people to do in order to the reviving of the Work Ans Yes surely For 1. Howsoever Achan was the TROVBLER and had caused the STOP yet c Jos 7.11 Israel had sinned also d Jer. 5.55 Your Iniquities saith the Prophet have turned away these things and your sins have withholden good things from you When the clouds are scattered which hide the Sun from us then we behold his shining face again So the Lord e Ps 85.1 2 he forgives the iniquity of his people f Isa 44.22 Blots out their transgressions and sins as a thick cloud and then he will be favourable to his land and bring back the Captivity of Jacob. So that it is the duty of every Saint waiting for the great Promises of the Father to be at the foot of God exceedingly bewailing his Own and his Brethrens great miscarriages And as there is hope our Deliverance is nigh so our hearts should be the more broken and in bitternesse and our tears and sighings encrease now we should rise at midnight and cry g Iâ—el 2 17. Spare thy people h Hos 14.2 Lord take away all iniquity receive us graciously so will we render the calves of our lips We must not so look upon Achans Troublers abroad without as not to see the Achans and Troublers at home in our own hearts Though some have been i Num. 3.3 55. pricks in the eyes of the Lords work and the good old Cause and k Iosh 23.13 Scourges and Thornes in the sides of his people yet must we confess the righteousnesse of
Presbyterian very little The Common wealths men and Fift Kingdom men al under hatches Their crown is fallen they must go for a company of ideots giddie heads sillie fellowes In a word all without name that beare a faithfull Testimony to the good old cause Hence I am perswaded and in the fear of God I speak it by the 7000. Names of men is meant such members and officers of Congregationall churches and other Professors of Religion as have greivously revolted from the Lords work and the Interest of Christ and his people The judgement followes Were slain As the Witnesses were not corporally slain So may this be understood of a spirituall death upon the Churches Officers Worship Government Which is worse more grievous than the other Neither is this without some appearance already For 1. Is there not an earth-quake in their Churches From whence else are all those Rents Divisions Distractions 2. Is it not evident that the Lord of late hath very much withdrawn his presence from them so that they have not the power comfort and sweetness of his ordinances as formerly 3. Do not the gifts and parts of their Officers sensibly abate and wither 4. For the Characters of the last Apostacy viz. Self-seeking Coveteousnes Pride c. do they not spread and appear like a Gangreen every day more and more But 5. What means this bitter complaining of late among the new raised Masters and Doctors That the sons of Zerviah are too hard for them not onely get away their places but jeer and deride them If half be true which themselves report the Lord hath met with them already for their unfaithfulness Now howsoever these things are but a beginning and little to what probably will follow yet enough to shew if the earth-quake be not come there is a Type of it at least 11. The other nine parts of the City which I take to be the Civill power these are left to the stokels e Deu. 32.32 33. For their vine is worse than the Vine of Sodom and of the fields of Gomorrah their grapes are of gall their clusters are bitter their wine is the poyson of dragons and the cruell venome of Aspes A reason why they are f Rev. 14.19 20. cast into the great wine-presse of the wrath of God Observe Reader Reaping is mans work but to cause earth-quakes is proper to God This makes me think that the judgment on Churches and professors will be by some immediate hand of God but the other which is to be executed upon the Civil state will be by the hands of men g Dan. 7.26 They shall take away his Dominion to consume and destroy it unto the end So then though the latter Apostacy be the subject of the first vial yet it must be understood as Church and State and the judgements distinct 12. No sooner are the effects seen of the first viall but h Rev. 11.18 the Nations are angry i Ps 99.1 Iehovah reigneth the people are stirred As k Rev. 16.2 men that have noisome and grievous sores upon them are extreamly impatient so prophane men and Idolaters when they shall see the kingdomes of this world are become the kingdomes of our Lord and his Christ as they will soon do in the effects of the first vial oh how will they storm and ragel no torment like it But the children of the kingdome will do otherwise l Ps 97.1 The Lord raigneth let the earth rejoyce let the multitudes of Isles be glad thereof I shall conclude with a short word Though these things should come to passe yet they may be so mixt as not easily observed when the Lord shall bring them forth without marvellous and serious Watchfullness If to a little wine as much water be put Though the wine remaine in the vessel yet not so well to be known wine as if no water had been mixt with it It is my Opinion with much Confidence when the witnesses shall stand on their feet and ascend up to heaven and the first Angelis pouring out his vial and the earth-quake come Here the works wayes judgments and appearances of God will be so manifold various and strong That in this regard very few even of Gods own people at first will discern or understand how the JVDGMENT WRITTEN is executed upon the little Horne Bottomless Beast and last Apostacy m Luk 21.38 Watch therefore and pray alwayes that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things which shall come to pass and to stand before the sonne of man FINIS
as chaff before the wind How the Lord hath answered them will appear first by some Queries 1. Had Charls Stewart sent an Army to Hispaniola and ten of the Spaniards had kill'd an hundred of them a hundred a thousand Whether people would not have said God's curse was upon that action 2. Had Charls Stewart to satisfie his pride and lust put the Nation to some millions of expence to keep a great Fleet about the Straits and after some yeers a part had return'd bringing nothing back but shame and dishonor to the nation Whether people would not have said This action likewise was l Isa 43.28 given to the curse 3. If Charls Stewart for the business at the Isle of Ree and violating some Priviledges of Parliament c. was fairly dealt with VVhether other men after him should they doe worse might not be call'd to such an account 4. If that Parliament and High Court of Justice which arraigned Charls Stewart deserved much love and prayse of the nation for it What deserve they and are worthy to have that shall betray their publick Trust by giving up to one man the Power Laws Rights and Priviledges of People and Parliament 5. If Charls Stewart in three or four yeers had unnecessarily wasted more then 4. Millions of the Treasure of the nation and in that time had destroyed more then forty thousand mens lives and only for his own pleasure and afterward should have gotten a pack of his own creatures together who in Parliament as he would call it should justifie and confirm what he had done The question is Whether in this case there had been any way or means left to the people whereby they might lawfully and justly have call'd Charls Stewart and his Juncto to an account for the same A * Pro. 28.3 poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food Morsus macri pediculi pessimus the biting of a LEAN LOVSE is worst of all sayth Lyra on the place I have read of a great man being bitten of a weasel and understanding there was no hope of cure nothing griev'd him more at the hour of his death then to think it was a weasels biting had it been said he a LYONS BITING it would not have troubled me half so much 2. What is it that crafty men by their power and policy have lately effected I say since Gods people have prayed aginst them what have they brought forth save wind and vanity m Psa 7.14 Behold he travelleth with painful iniquity and hath conceived mischief and brought forth a lie As a woman after sore and hard travel is delivered of a dead childe so hath been the fruit of their painful travel Their affairs and transactions almost in all places and in all things have been like a sword put into the scabberd the wrong way the more force power craft the worse And no marvel seeing they are going the wrong way viz. against Christ and the cries of his people VVhat is become of that THING which was like Queen Mary's goodly Boy Did not the Priests in their Pulpits describe it and pray for it VVhat is become of the Boyes nurse A nurse many times is more fond of the child she sucks then the mother that bare it 3. It appears the Lord heard their groanings by sending n Judg. 9.23 an evil spirit among the Plotters of iniquity to divide them and that they should seek o 2 Chr. 20.23 to destroy one another VVhen Amnon had his desire upon his sister p 2 Sam. 13.15 he hated her the more So Hypocrites commonly most abhor such men as doe prostrate themselves to their sinful designs when they have served their lusts upon them 4. It shewed Saul was in great extremity having destroyed the witches that he should yet goe to one of them and make use of their devilish art Oh! how desperately straitned are those men and know not what to doe having fought against Malignants and Cavaleers against Epispopal men and Presbyterians shall afterward run to them court them and crouch to them as seeing no way else to be help'd q Judg. 11.7 Did ye not hate me and expel me out of my fathers house and why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress Thirdly Prayer hath been made without ceasing that Gods elect every where might forsake all unsanctified places and standings and that their feet might be turned into the pleasant paths of truth and righteousness and in this likewise they have seen the travel of their souls For 1. Very many of the most conscientious people every where have given up their commissions places offices Salaries c. r Heb. 11.25 Chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season If a man have a thing in his mouth though he like it well for the sweetness of it yet he will not keep it there but spit it out when he knows it is naught and hurtful so will good men do specially if their hearts be very soft and tender forsake all places offices imployment maintenance c. which they see they cannot hold without scandal and offence though much worldly sweetness doth come in thereby And this is indeed that great lesson of Å¿ Mat. 16.24 Self-denial and t Mat. 18.8 9. Mortification which Christ teacheth us 2. There are some who wanting faith to trust God for a livelihood lie under sad affliction and trouble of spirit about their places and imployments u 2 Kin. 5.18 When my Master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there and he leaneth on my hand and I bow my self in the house of Rimmon the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing as if he should say I do not like my place that I should be so nigh the King when he is in the Temple at his idolatrous worship I question the lawfulness of my presence there but if I do it not I must lose my place and then I shall not live in that credit plenty state pomp which now I do It seems Naaman knew not the Scriptures how x Psa 57.16 a little y Eccl. 4.6 a handful a Pro. 17.1 a dry morsel b Pro. 15.17 a dinner of herbs well gotten and with quietness and peace of conscience and the fear of God is better then great revenues without right and with the trouble of a tormented conscience But Naaman knew not this if he had probably he would not as I doubt too many do c Prov. 28.21 Transgress'd for a piece of bread 3. For many which keep their places and employment though they seem satisfied as to their standing yet the query is Are they satisfied as to their Masters DOINGS d 1 Sam. 15 14. What meaneth then the bleating of the Sheep in mine ears With whom can you converse if they have not lost all former principles