in that last state of time 6. May it not be matter of unavoidable evidence also as to the present State of the Church that there is surely some eminent period of providence to which so swift and extraordinary a courses of remarkable changes as hath in a successive way still attended these Nations have aproper tendency these being so unusual and astonishing and out of the way of the Lords ordinary working as the most judicious and deep discerners of things could not to this day have reasoned their falling out on principles of humane reason yea such as I must humbly judge will not cease until the Spirit of God be quieted in that great Design which he is to accomplish hereby answerable to that Zach. 6 8. on which he hath set his heart who leaves not his work unperfected which hath also the same sense and intent Isa 66. 9. Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring sorth c. nor I am perswaded will any humane counsel make civil establishments to be effectual until that great design of Providence be more understood and concurred with 7. It is now a day of great expectation how the next scene of Providence may open for a farther clearing of this design of the Lord about which I judge these who have nearest converse with God this day by his Word and Spirit see cause to give their fears the first place before their hopes as to some very extrordinary work of judgment that from all signs seems to lie nearest now to the reformed Churches in the frame of providence tho we are like to have little either of Faith or fear when it comes until it be made an object of Sense but I am sure a few of these evident prognosticks that now are in our sight would have deeply affected the Spirits of ous Fathers when we may see no Providences are so extraordinary as to have any sanctifying influence on Mens Souls for the most part or to advance the publick state of Religion as formerly when an outward Calm and a dead Lethargy herewith does so visibly still go together which hath a more mortal aspect on the present state of Britain than might be judged from the highest Paroxism of personal sufferings when the Christian interest this day for accomplishing the great designs of Grace under a reformed profession thereof is as a low thing in Mens eyes in respect of what is more extrinsick and foreign thereto when also the long decrease of that tide of power and influences of Religion on Mens Souls hath at last come to such an ebb by these judicial removes of the Spirit of God that without some very immediate appearance from Heaven we might fear lest Truth should quickly perish from the Earth yea when it 's so evident that God is yet calling for some to stand in the gap and make up the hedge before Judgment go forth butt almost none sound to answer it's voice so intently are Mens Spirits now even of such who outgo others in a profession set upon designs about their own things and it hath surely ever been a dismal sign to a Nation when it becomes rare to find any suitable Instruments and Tools to answer a restoring work therein or to see that raisedness of Spirit for such an end as hath been formerly which may be feared speaks the long shadows of the Evening before some horror of great Darkness are too visibly stretched out But if Men do count these things small and remote from their eyes and will raise a confidence that it shall be Peace until there be another Appearance for God and the Interest of his Kingdom than hath yet been It may make the Disappointment Sad and Dreadful in the Issue One thing I have thought strange how there can be a National Love and Respect to its Interest in another way than to have God Interested both in their Case and Cause in the first Room or how Solemn and Publick Thaksgivings in a stated external Form for the most eminent Appearances of God whether as to a Nation or to a City or to Persons is so visibly divided from such an essential part thereof which is by Thankofferings and some Returns to him in a promissory way by Deeds and Performances as well as by Words suitable to the Weight of such Engagements But this is a rare Practice now to be found on the Earth to design some special Consecration of the Gain of any eminent National Mercies unto God this way 8. Yet whatever may be too evident in the matter of our Fear it 's sure that the just Grounds of our Hopes in behalf of the Church does far exceed the same And though there be many extraordinary Signs to cause Terror and Consternation of Spirit there is one Sign of another kind that will compense all which is that Sign of the Son of Man Mat. 24. 30. as it is to be understood in a promissory Sense and how that great Mourning of the Tribes of the Earth which is there spoke to attend such a Sign hath the same Sense with that Zach. 12. 10. and is clearly expository of the same They shall look on me whom they have Pierced and Mourn c. as also that evident Parallel Rev. 1. 6. since these do so jointly bear evidence to the Nature and Intent of such a Sign as will then have an eminent Appearance with the first entry and returning of the Jews unto him whom their Fathers did pierce I know some of the greatest Writers of this Age such as Vsher Twiss and Mead and of late that Worthy Man Mr. Mather of New-England take this in the same Sense only seem to reckon this Sign to be the thing signified of Christ himself in a visible Appearance then to the World But this will be e're long in another manner understood in the Event Yet I have found it so sweet a Subject of Thoughts in these dismal and sad Times when other Signs are so tremendous that in some things which are most clear herein and suitable to humble Sobriety I must speak a few things 1. How it is unquestionable this is that one Sign by way of Singularity which our Blessed Head and Redeemer does appropriate to himself as his and to be the Sign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Son of Man such as hath never been given to the World like thereto nor will ever be until he come himself to Judgment 2. It is surely a Sign which must be Publick and Conspicuous to the World in some extraordinary Vision to humane Sense for therein is the Intent of that Prediction made express and clear But as to the Nature hereof or its Duration I judge it suitable not to enquire where the Holy Ghost hath not more particularly cleared the same and reserved a further Discovery thereof to the Event 3. It is sure also when this great Appearance shall be to the World it will be with that demonstrative and undubitable Evidence as
troubled though the Mountains shake with the swelling thereof IT is one of the most adorable Mysteries of Truth that for an Eternity the glorious God would hide himself within himself in that unconceivable Fellowship and Enjoyment of the Blessed Trinity when there was no created Existence But as such a Reflection must be bounded with a Becoming Silent and Humble Admiration as being too wonderful for us to think on so is it Matter for the highest Joy and Exultation of Spirit that we should have this day such a Being as admits us to see and enquire upon the Glory of that Work which he hath brought forth within time so infinitely becoming the Perfections of the Deity and to have so clear a Discovery of the same not only in the whole Dispensation of Nature and Providence but as it 's more nearly relative to us in the Dispensation of Grace and in the Speciality of that Work that he hath about each of his People in this Militant State yea thus to see on what Security we are fixed against the greatest Hazards and fear of future Events It was on this account that the Psalmist here bears so great and wonderful a Testimony for God and to the sureness of their State who have him to be their alone Refuge and trust in the most extream Case This is indeed a rare passage of Scripture and does imply 1. A Supposal of that which is one of the most tremendous Providences that can occur a Concussion of the Earth whereby the whole frame of Nature would seem not only to be shaken and cast into a trembling posture but turned out of its place And there is nor eason to account a Metaphor that the Psalmist makes use of but to be taken in the literal Sense as that which is supposable may occur to the most excellent on the Earth But 2. What is more wonderful here is a Supposal made of such a Stupendous Earthquake by this Man of God as though it were present and visible to his Sense without any Trepidation or Earthquake on his Soul to shew what a pitch sometimes the Faith of Assurance may be at and what Relief thus is attainable amidst the greatest Terrors of Sense in the Light and Power of Religion as is above the Comprehension of Nature He was one who had made a great Tryal of God and of Acquaintance with him by inward Converse and does thus speak in a Dialect that 's not intelligible to such who may pretend the highest Flight by Reason in the Searches of Nature I shall offer some Propositions for a more clear Understanding and Improvement of this Scripture the first whereof is this That the most select and eminent of the Saints may meet with such a Trial to their Faith of the same nature as is here mentioned of some extraordinary Concussion of the Earth as would seem to overturn the setled Course and Constitutions of Nature It is true such a strange Providence is not still alike in the same manner or measure but sometimes is with the most tender Reguard as a premonitory Warning and Sign only when at other times it is with the greatest Terror of an immediate desolating Judgment That a Supposal of this kind may be suitable to the most endeared Favourites of Heaven needs be no strange or difficult thing when it 's considered how it 's by no external Providences the Lord hath design'd the more special Discoveries of his Love to his People and that no Tryal can be so astonishing or at such a pitch as to exceed the measure and allowance of their Grace but that the Expence this way be ever proportioned to their Receipts and Measure of Faith yea how it is to the most dismal Tryals and Extremity the Lord hath reserved the greatest Experiments of his distinguishing respects to Christians and where his leading into the one by an immediate Conduct hath been made so observable to make way for the other and some more extraordinary appearance of himself in such a case It is not needful to insist on any Concurrence of natural and occult Causes that may be in so stupendous a Providence when such Difficulty and Contradiction is to be seen amongst the late Writers and such as have made the greatest search upon this Head and is so conjectural and problematick a thing to know what Influence herein the Sun may have or Subterraneous Fires as Descartes speaks or mineral Vapours and Irruptions of Winds penned up in the Caverns and Bowels of the Earth so dark is the Judgment that is on such an amazing Phenomenon though it fall in within the Sphere of Nature when it is so visibly preternatural besides the Course thereof But it 's a remarkable Reflection which Aristotle makes speaking upon this very Subject that they must be bruitish and stupid who are not deeply affected with so amazing a thing as an Earthquake not only upon the Hazard but as to the Original and Cause thereof yea whatever subserviency the Majesty of God may make of inferiour Causes in such Providences when he does in so stupendous a way appear yet it calls us to a deep and tremendous Sense hereof as his alone Work But since this is a Subject of such Weight and what may justly cause great Thoughts of Heart in the present day I shall speak a little to some special Enquiries hereon The First is this on what clear and infallible Grounds such an astonishing Concussion of the Earth by an Earthquake should be reckoned as a divine Sign and to have a supernatural Causality in directing the same to a Nation and some particular place more than to others for giving Light thereto 1. It cannot possibly be denied that such as are Sacred Signs and expresly foretold in the Scripture to take place must have a divine and supernatural Causality for accomplishing the same that go above all inferiour or secondaryCauses and can have no dependance thereon 2. It 's sure also how this stupendous Providence is in a peculiar way reserved by the Lord to be a Demonstration of himself to the World in the greatness of his Power and more immediate Presence by making that which he hath setled and made firm in it self not only to shake but cleave asunder to shew his absolute Dominion over the most setled Constitutions of Nature Thus did he in such a way cause the Earth to rent in two and swallow Dathan and Abiram to set up such a stupendous Sign of Judgment hereby where Nature could have no Concurrence yea in this way though in a promissory Sense did the Lord give so extraordinary a Demonstration of himself and of his immediate Presence upon that marvelous Effusion of the Spirit Act. 4. 31. when he caused the House and Earth to shake underneath both to seize their Spirits with a more deep Fear and Reverence and as a Sign that he would make the Nations to shake and tremble before his divine Power by the Gospel Yea in the same
manner did he bear Testimony to the Divinity of Christ in his Sufferings by such a tremendous Earthquake as an immediate and supernatural Sign in which sense through the Scripture as it is ever given as an extraordinary appearance of God for some special end so it 's unquestionable the greatest Commenter we have on the Scripture is that which is writ by the Finger of God himself in his Work 3. It is with an undeniable Evidence we see a supernatural Influence and Causality in such a Providence hath in all Ages been matter of solemn Observation upon these remarkable Events have followed such a Sign so as in the most judicious Records of History we do rarely find the one mentioned without respect to the other Thus Josephus does most punctually relate these Earthquakes that did so nearly preside the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Expiration of the judaical State as they were predicted by our Lord himself Matth. 24. 7. 4. Yea it 's beyond question how sometimes such Earthquakes fall out with these tremendous Circumstances and clear Evidence of an immediate divine Appearance as serves a Constraint herewith on a natural Conscience to see and acknowledge a supernatural Cause and that they have some extraordinary Commission so as it 's not possible then for the worst of Men to keep off the Terror and Impression of an invisible God And we see little what Interest the Ministry of the Angels hath herein who have surely a more peculiar Delegation and Service in such extraordinary Acts of Providence 5. As it 's needful to understand the Rule of Providence e're we can discern aright the Seals appended thereto so is it evident that a great and stupendous Earthquake is foretold to be one of the strange Events of the last Trumpet which must assuredly take place in these last times and have a literal Accomplishment And though its Appearance then will be something we may judge of an extraordinary kind with some astonishing Marks of Judgment yet is the intent of that Prediction clear herein that when there is any appearance of God this way it calls the World to a very solemn and awful regard of the same and for some Correspondent acts of Reverence and Homage as is suitable to a Providence whereon he does put so signal an Impress of his Terror and Greatness But it were well if Mens Spirits were more prepared and inclinable not only to entertain any such Intimation with Reverence and Fear of the Divine Majesty but to improve the same for a greater strengthning of their own Faith of his glorious Being and of the Divinity of his Word when it is also directed for such an end A Second Enquiry upon this Subject and of great Use is what may be more specially judged as the Grounds of any such extraordinary Warnings and Signs to a Nation where God hath clearly revealed his Counsels and Judgments by his Word and of his making use thereof Though here the Soveraignty of his Will should both silence and subject our Spirits in such a case yet there can be no Darkness therein to any of a serious and judicious Spirit when they see 1. Such a suitable Congruity therewith to that Tenderness which the Son of God hath to Mankind and to Kingdoms and Nations in his Government of the World that he will not only speak by his Word but go to the utmost by more extraordinary Warnings of some great and unusual Stroak of Judgment e're it come so as nothing may be wanting either to reclaim or render such a People unexcusable And it hath a most sad and fatal Aspect if this hath no suitable Impression in the present day 2. This can be no dark or strange thing when the times we are in are such that the Honour and Glory of the Godhead is interested to appear in some unusual manner before Men when no Application of Light to the Judgment either from his Words or Works in an ordinary way does prevail when his Name is in so visible a way blasphemed and all wherein he has placed his Name of so low a regard with this Generation 3. Yea may not yet some more strange and immediate Appearance to this Generation be expected when such a visible Tendency now is to sacrifice to natural Causes whatever hath the greatest Evidence to bring near an affecting Sense of the Deity unto Mens Conscience and to account it a small thing to arraign and subject the greatest of his Works to the Comprehension of their dark and limited Reason and that their Wisdom hath such a Dominion and Influence on future Events as they can give Law to Providence and lay Wagers on what the next day is to bring forth Oh! may not some unusual Application be yet more than expected to let Men know they are under the Dominion of that God who can in a Moment break the most promising Means and Measures taken by Human Counsel by one touch of his Hand and what hath been thought most infallible in the course of Humane Affairs 4. And may it not be feared that when these are so rare who tremble at the Word and Threatnings of an invisible God they should meet with such awakening Signs as cause the Earth to tremble beneath which in the very Nature thereof is suited to beget an awful and trembling posture of Spirit and let us see how every Moment it is dependant on Heaven and in the Reverence thereof that the Earth does not rent and swallow Men up But it is clear also that extraordinary Appearances of God not only in Judgment but in the way of Grace have been most discernable when things have come to an Extremity in the Tryals of Christians and when their Faith and Patience have been ready to be overset by Disappointments and contrary Appearances answerable to that of Isa Now will I arise now will I be exalted now will I lift up my self saith the Lord. A Third Enquiry That I humbly judge is of Concern here is what suitable and safe Application may be made of such extraordinary Providences to the present Day and Place we are in since it is requisite that any Impression of Fear on such an account be fixed on solid and rational Grounds and we be not affrighted with Shadows but according to that Evidence they bear of being supernatural Signs and Forewarnings to have an answerable Sense thereof on which account as to a clear and applicatory Judgment in such a case I shall yet further offer a few things to be considered for this end 1. That when something astonishing and unusal above any Influence of natural Causes is given to be a premonitory Sign to a Nation or People and hath an extraordinary Call with it it does surely speak there is some more than ordinary Piece of the Work of God than in bringing forth there and on a near Approach yea that it is on some great and important Ground when the Lord does this way appear 2. It is of
Vapours should have so immediate a Conjunction with Places so vastly remote and separate from other by so great an Extent of the Sea I find some famous Searchers into natural Causes writ that an Earthquake is simply impossible in Nature to be of any universal Extent 4. And though we read in the English Histories some strange extraordinary Instances that did occur of such a kind in Queen Elizabeths Reign at London in the Year 1580 at Marcly Hill in Herefordshire in the Year 1571 where it removed it self from the place where it stood and travelled to another place as also a Prodigy of the same kind which was in Dorsetshire 1582 yet was none of these in the least of such a Nature as this or in any respect parallel thereto but were restricted only to particular Bounds tho' they were then matter of great Observation in their day But I humbly judge if the most exact Search were made into History both Modern and Ancient under such Circumstances no Instance so strange and unaccountable as to any natural Causes herein will be found 5. And what a State should we have been in if it had continued but Three Minutes more Or was there any Humane Counsel or Power that could either prevent or restrain the same in the least of its going so far and no further but we might see at once our Hazard and Deliverance set in our sight from an invisible Power But as all the Works of God even such as fall under the Observation of each day should be matter of special regard such wherein his Appearance is more extraordinary calls for some greater Advertence and enquiry about the same I must therefore offer a few Reflections further on this late astonishing Providence 1. That as it was now Ten Years ago since the Lord gave a Sign in an unusual manner from the Heavens above by that great and remarkable Comet in the Year 80 so now after such an Interval of Patience to this Generation he hath given a Sign of another kind which is from the Deep beneath that comes more near to us answerable to that of Isa 7. where we may see how it is most eminently in these two ways the Lord does appear when he is to give some great and significative Sign to the World of unusual Events and as nothing can bring more Terror therewith than an Appearance of such a kind so needs it not be strange that this day when the Earth hath so near a Resemblance to the Infernal State why this should be from beneath and have so dreadful an Aspect 2. Though there might be cause why such a Concussion of the Earth should cause just Fears and Tremblings of Heart yet does it exceed all Humane Comprehension such a Circumstance herewith which was so universally noticed of its affecting the Head with a sensible Giddiness even before they did apprehend and understood any thing of an Earthquake which was so obvious to the most judicious Observers that it seemed as if an Apoplectick Distemper had seized upon them without any known Cause for the same This I have found so general a Remark as I could not pass it over though without any Application else but that no natural Cause can be supposable herein 3. And if we regard the manner of this Sign as it is directed to such a time we are in and in so strange an Extent thereof may it not also as with clear and articulate Voice be understood that what is signified thereby will prove matter of Trembling and Astonishment and may cause a Trepidation in these western parts of Europe answerable thereto so as to shake the most setled Constitutions of Nations if so solemn a Call be not regarded 4. And though it might seem a strange Criticism yet I hope not unsuitable to be noticed that this last Warning was given in the 2d Week of September as directed to revive the Sense and Remembrance of what had been so highly remarkable to this great City in the first Week thereof and with a new Call tho in a most tender premotory way but with that Evidence as we are sure was immediately from Heaven only let me add herewith that 's sure Divine Threatnings and the most tremendous Warnings to Kingdoms and Nations are in their primary Intention design'd to keep off Men from the Judgments threatned and not to be gazed at for a matter of Talk and Report But oh if the furthest Measures of this kind can have no weight to answer the Intent hereof It is sure that God will be known to be God this day unto Britain and before this Generation by such an Evidence and Demonstration as will at last work effectually But having now so far touched these two extraordinary Signs that have so lately occurred I must for the same end point at a Third as so nearly contemporating with the former though it may be feared is gone out of sight and forgot when the Bitterness of Death seems to be past but did cause such Fears in the present time and Consternation of Mind It is that unusual and astonishing Rain which in these parts through most of the Summer continued when thus these sweet Influences from Heaven by moistning Showers to restore and ripen were in that manner changed to be destructive when we might see the Heavens with fo extraordinary an Aspect as it were mourning from above over the Earth if hereby Men would be awakened to the Fear and Dread of that God in whose hand both our Breath and Bread is yea when it was come to that Extremity in its continued Course as threatned to make void the Harvest and when but one Week almost seemed to stand betwixt us and such an unavoidable Stroak when no Humane Counsel or Power could save the Nation from perishing in such a case It was then the Sovereign God did stay his hand and with an eminent Testimony of his Tenderness not only shut up the Clouds but gave such a Compensation by a most serene desirable Season as might recover in a short time what the former Months had spoiled and seemed in an ordinary way to Mens Thoughts irrecoverable But I shall shut up any further insisting on this Subject with a short Touch only at some Improvement hereof for these ends First to a solid fixing of our Judgment and Light about the same there is nothing more amazing and dreadful to the Spirit of many in this day than any supernatural Appearance in the Events of Providence as renders the Sense and Impression of an invisible God and his Dominion over second causes to be unavoidable and on this Account as these seem to be in such a Fear upon the Truth and Existence of Devils since their Faith hereof must needs bring them to the same with the Devils to believe and tremble So is it in this case Men are so much on the Rack how to solve all by natural Demonstration that may darken any immediate Appearance of God as Jannes
and Jambres in Egypt until at last they were constrained to see and acknowledge it was a Divine Power alone they opposed themselves to but such as will peruse what the most judicious of modern Philosophers speak on this Head may see how dark and perplexed their Inquisition is hereon and how strait Bounds they are penned up in whilst they jointly confess that an Earthquake is by no natural motion of the Earth but is impetuous and violent that moves contrary to the setled course of Nature and fixedness of the Earth but that some extraordinary Stop and Obstruction is herein and when they come to fix on the particular Cause hereof think it most probable to be either ab aqua à flammis subterraneis vel ab halitu But if they will rise higher upon another Principle to give a true Idea of Nature they must then see also how it is acted by God as his Instrument to do whatever he will and that the Motions of all inferior Causes must be ultimately resolved both on an immediate Divine Concurrence to their working and on his directing Counsel to answer his Intent since as the Eye of God is still on the whole Circle of the Creation in its Motions so is his Dominion over the deep and darkest Caverns of the Earth to move upon his Call which can never be subjected to the Rule of natural Causes It is true that in the ordinary course and procedure of Providence the only wise God hath a special Respect to the order of inferior Causes and his own Ordination herein and does thus exercise his Dominion over the World and the Motion of things there according to their particular nature wherein he hath fixed them but when sublunary things step out of their natural Course and do either move against or above their own Nature it is surely then upon a supreme Determination for a great end and some notable Step of Providence is to be understood herein yea it is most conspicuous in the way of God when great Events of what 's foretold in the Scripture are in bringing forth as to any piece of his Work wherein he designs some higher discovery of himself to Men that it is when Secondary Causes and the whole concourse of Nature would seem most to controul the same and in this present case if with a serious and prepared Mind Men do consider these two late Earthquakes under their proper Circumstances then it is not possible but they must see them to be such Events as cannot possibly be ascribed to another Cause than an immediate Divine Power exerted in the same There is a Second Improvement which on this Head is now called for to have our eyes thus carried up towards God by serious Observation I know this is not easily attained to be in a due capacity and posture to converse with him this way wherein lyes one of the nearest Intercourses betwixt Heaven and our Soul within time but it is of great use to know aright where the intent of judicious Observation on such an account should be most fixed as 1. On the immediateness of such Acts of Providence to be from God alone as can be ascribed to no created Power which is a discovery that comes not with more Terror to a profane World whose Study is to live without God therein than with unspeakable Joy it meets these of a serious Spirit for a more full establishment of Faith and to see it with that Evidence as makes it unavoidable to terminate their eyes otherwise than on God alone herein Deut. 32. See now I even I am he and there is no God else I kill and make alive I wound and I heal c. 2. It is then our Observation is suitably fixed when it respects the clear Impress of Divine Truth on any extraordinary Step of his way no less than of his Power since as his Work is ever answerable to his Being and the Perfections of his Nature so is the outgoings of his Truth and Faithfulness herein to be intensly observed who does rule and govern the World according to these established Laws and Constitutions of his revealed Truth 3. It is essentially requisite also to consider and see such Providences as are more extraordinary under these Circumstances which most remarkably attend the same It being sure how great a weight one Circumstance may have to render a Providence in some singular way to be both instructing and comforting which otherwise would not work in that manner Thus did the Ruler so exactly inquire and observe at what Hour it was when his Son recovered and found it answer to that very time when Christ had given him the assurance thereof It is herein one of the great Duties of our day lyes and I am perswaded that great things for Observation do yet wait upon this time Providence hath been a long Teacher to Britain and it useth to be the last Teacher that is made use of and the last way that the Spirit of God does strive with a People or Nation before approaching Judgment We have seen it go by on the right hand in most singular dispensations of Grace and Mercy to these Nations as also upon the left hand in extraordinary Acts of Justice yet have we little seen or perceived to this day the most special Intent of the Lord herein But since I have spoken more expresly thereto elsewhere I forbear to touch it further only this Improvement further might be suitable on such a Subject to impress Mens Spirits with the Fear and Dread of walking contrary to Providence especially in any more extraordinary Discoveries of God this way since this is the highest Contempt and Opposition upon the Earth to his Providential Government and does in an unusual manner hasten and prepare such for the last Stroak This seems to be one of the Signs of our time that hath a sad Resemblance to these in the Primitive times 2. Pet. 2. who turned divine Patience to be a matter of Scoff and said Where is the Promise of his coming since we see things continue yet as they were and have yet outlived many threatning Tokens and Presages of Judgment But it is usually seen that such who have looked on premonitory Signs with the greatest Confidence and have counted any serious regard thereto to be a superstitious Weakness have been beyond all others seized with the greatest Terror and Amazement upon a surprizing Stroak A reverential Fear and Dread of Divine Warnings and of the evil day is most highly becoming such who may have the greatest Security of Mind as to their own personal Lot therein such as Habac. 3. 16. When I heard this my Belly trembled my Lips quivered c. that I might rest in the day of Trouble A Second Proposition that hath the same clear Evidence with the former from this Scripture is this That such an Assurance of Faith is attainable here on the Earth as can bear out and secure the Soul of a Christian
Discovery upon future things by humane Wisdom and the prudent Man sees and foresees the evil day to provide for the same as Solomon speaks Yea what a thing should Mans Life be without foresight and sagacious decerning of what may be the Issue of things in a due Application of proper means for such ends and of those successive Removes that in the setled course and way of natural Causes seem most unavoidable for on this must all true humant Policy found But on the other hand they see not how the Designs of a supreme Providence may be taking place above the reach of humane Thoughts which does controul their Measures and Hopes and how it was above the Sphere of ordinary Reason or their Foresight that Events have oft occurred betwixt the entry and close of a Year as they could neither see or prevent But there is a Divine Foresight which is of another Nature by the Evidence of Faith of things not seen and future without extraordinary Revelation as can render the Enjoyments of Hope on the Certainty of a Divine Promise to be matter of unexpressible Joy and Support when it would in an ordinary way seem to be against Hope There is a Third Proposal of great weight also on this Head to know what may have the most near and immediate Influence on such a Raisedness and Security of a Christians Soul in an extraordinary Hour of Tryal and does then give the greatest Advantage to such an Appearance when it can have no visible Cause for the same for Answer thereto it is indeed a Secret betwixt God and the Soul of Men and a matter of Power rather than of Words what can raise such a Confidence as hath no possible rise from Nature herein and in this respect those who look at a distance can never know where a Christians Support and his great Strength lyes Yet since this seems so strange and dark a thing to most who may give some Assent to the Doctrin of our Faith I must speak a little further so far as may tend to clear their Judgment who would know what manner of Persons these are who both in a judicious and experimental way move in so high a Sphere and are thus skilled in the way of Trust and secure Reliance on an invisible Refuge But to render it the more clear I shall touch this in the way of Example by some peculiar View of such of whom I hope there be many this day on the Earth to shew that none goes upon higher Principles of true and enlightned Reason And though the Measures of a Christians Faith and Establishment be not alike but of a very different Size yet may this clearly appear and be understood by some special Characters to illustrate the same 1. That he is one who in a serious Recess and Retirement of his Soul hath made a just Reckoning of such surprizing Tryals as lyable to a Christians State here on the Earth where the alone way of believing against Sense must either be his Support and Security or else perish And that no present Condition he is in can be so prosperous or promising but dark and black Clouds may fall down when least expected as all humane Comfort and Assistance may fail and have no visible Refuges to rest on which hath thus brought the serious Thoughts of Religion and his Soul more close together to know such an infallible way as can never fail and will bear the whole Expence of the most extraordinary and dismal Trouble and that there is indeed such a temporal Interest lying thereto as an immediate Communion with Heaven when the lower Springs of Comfort and Supply from the Earth may be shut up yea such a Reality as supernatural Comforts in the Peace and Joy of the Holy Ghost which are best known in the saddest Hour to be undoubted and sure 2. But when he hath thus judiciously reasoned himself to such a Supposal he is one who is no less deeply awakened to provide for the same not only with respect to that last and great Adventure of Faith upon an eternal State but to know where his Strength lyes when such a case may occurr for then it must in a special way lye near to have a Stedfastness of his own in the Truth and to know the strong and firm Conveyances of the Security of our Faith on Divine Promise in such a manner as should not need the Seal of a Miracle or the Testimony of an Angel to support the same since as such a Settlement on the Testimony of God is surely attainable so he cannot conceive how Men can possibly walk in the Light of any true Joy and Comfort on the Earth until they once be at Rest here 3. He knows also that the greatest Tryals wherein he is sisted within time is upon the Work and Actings of Faith in an Hour of Temptation both in the Truth and in the Strength thereof yea how one day in his Life may have some special Commission for this end more than many Years formerly have had but does consider herewith how great the Recompences are even within time that wait on the Issue when the set Measure shall be perfected of such unusual Tryals that it shall be the same as in Job 23. to bring them forth as Gold And as he considers how high a value the Lord does put hereon since the great Dispensation whereby he deals with his Church in this militant State is in the way of Trust and upon the Credit of his Truth when there is no sensible Evidence so it is the most important Study of his Life how he may acquit himself and stand to the Proof hereof for the Honour of his God and Master who hath counted him worthy to put him on some hotter Service and more remarkable Conflicts this way than others and that he may hold fast the beginning of his Confidence unto the end 4. He must be reckoned one who hath attained to a special Communion with God in the ways of Providence by frequent and deep Observation of the same and who thus can discern the great ends and designs which he hath upon his People in such Methods of his dealing with them that may seem more strange and astonishing to others and in what dark Paths he does usually lead such to whom he hath reserved the greatest Testimonies of his Love and Respect so that what proves most staggering to others as to the way of the Lords training of his choicest Followers in this State of Warfare is made a special Assistance to his further Establishment 5. But more especially wherein his great Strength lyes is on that acquaintance he hath attained with the Communion of the Spirit of God which was once so dark and not conceivable by Report but now knows that it 's an acquaintance of such a kind as is not remote or at a distance but by near and sensible Approaches to his Soul and is not by Words but by things of the
there with the oversight of a special Providence is still of the same Extent 4. It is a Dilemma of undeniable Evidence as to the publick State and Interest of those Nations that we must either have God for us in the Efficacy and Out-goings of his Providence or against us That God who in the supreme Administration of his Government over the World stands not as Nouter or as a Witness only to the Actings of Men but if he be not on our side and interested in our Cause we must then know him as an Adversary For there can be no possible midst herein that God whose Room all the World cannot supply if he should be shut out of our Counsels yea such a God we have both to fear and rely on who is not one like to our selves to be put off with Words or a complemental Address in a stated Form only or can expect in Faith that this will bring Assistance to turn the Scale of Providence on our side if he be not according to his revealed Counsel with an intire Reliance on him alone adored and feared as God Yea it 's sure in no humane Affairs he does more immediately appear and by an extraordinary Ministery of the Angels than in the decision of War and of Battels For which cause he does in so special a respect take that Style unto himself to be the Lord of Hosts It should seem a strange and astonishing thing how Men can live in the Earth without God without whom they cannot live for one Moment and in whose Hand their Breâ—â—…h is yet if we look to the publick state of Religion this day nothing may be more applicable to the most numerous part of the Reformed Churches than this and that the Sense of a Deity hath more Power and Influence amongst Heathens who walk in the Name of their God than it hath amongst Millions of professed Christians for except we shut out Reason such must be surlie said to live without God in the Earth and not to walk in his Name who live without any resolute dependance and trust upon him in the course and conduct of their affairs whose great business in the World lies only with Men and are much more influenced by such a fear than of his srownings and terror who made Heaven and Earth when it seem's now easie with most to lose God if they may gain Men and make an intrest that way tho the purchase will never bear the expence yea can go the farthest length of external Worship in Church Assemblies and yet be without God then as to any internal converse or injoyment of him by inward acts of adoration and what account can such possibly make of an invisible God who know no other measure of their confidence but as visible things do either smile or frown upon them but there is one respect further wherein we may see how most who profess the name of God do this day live without him in the Earth which is in the way of observation of what passeth betwixt him and them whether by providences or influences on their Soul but take all things at an adventure without any higher looke than what is from Secondary causes though it was in this way that an Enoch an Noah and the whole race of the Saints who have gon before knew what it was to walk with God in the Earth no less in discerning his appearances and work towards them than their way and services towards him But oh what will he do with us when it may be feared that the most prevailing suffrage and vote of the generation we are now in should be this if their Soul might speak for them in such a case let God depart from us for we desire not the Knowledge of the Most High since this lght tends only to be tormenting and does afford no comfort to such or can it be expected that he will allow in this age a Restoring Miracle to bring men again to the faith and sense of the Deity as he did in the days of Elia when we have a much greater Talent to be accountable for than these had or any former Ages past having the whole income of their Confirmations and improvements added to our Stocks 5 Tho the great intrest of that mysterie of a Christians Faith which is the special Subject of this Discourse does in the first place respect our Reconciled State and justification before God yet is it too evident that the most usually trying and difficult part thereof is with respect to the Tryals and conflicts of time and sucha day when they must live immediately on God and give him the Glory of his Godhead when no visible means can support which is that wonderful experiment of Faith in the power thereof that is here expresly pointed at when it is by the Spirit of God as his immediate work alone proportioned to the most extraordinary hight of a Christians Tryal but as to the filling up of this great work of Faith in the appointed measure thereof it does principally 1. respect the whole State and times of the elect Church and on this account there is still a growing increase as to the measure of the work of Faith since Abel the righteous and is not yet come in many degrees to that full hight of perfection which it must have before the close of time yea herein hath each of the Saints their proper share and interest for bringing forth the Glory of this excellent Grace to it's greatest display before Angels and Men which is an end worthy of all the Tryals and suffering times which have ever gone over the Church because this way of giving glory to God is only within time 2. But it must be understood also that in each age of the Church there are some more illustrous examples that the Lord does afford to the World this way in whom his Grace in the power thereof hath a greater triumph in the way of passive valour than in these who have been most admired upon their Heroick Actings and conquest over Men. 3. It is undeniable also what eminent experiments have been thus afforded upon these adventures of a Christians Faith which did not then answer the ordinary Standard of the Tryals which others have had and though we may confidently hope that the highest measure of the suffering times of the Church is now accomplished and past and of the tryal of the passive Graces of the Spirit yet it may be matter of fear that the Faith of Christians in this day may have some more extraordinary Essay in the way of Judgment as to the publick State of the Church and of these Nations now in these last times of the Gentiles than what hath been in ages past and may need more than ordinary ballast to bear up against the darkness thereof when such a midnight hour seems immediately to preceed the dawning of that bright Sun-shine which may be truly reckoned the brightness of Christ's second coming
a Seal of their Commission for Judgment not only to take Peace from this part of the Earth but to be the Rod of Divine Indignation against the Refomed Churches For it hath been under this Rod that hitherto the most destructive Ddsigns have had the most visible Successes and when an Instrument of Judgment is of Gods choosing and hath an anointing for this end put upon him it proves then to be very formidable as it hath the Impress of his Terror and Greatness put thereon beyond what is at another time and is thus acted with an invisible Power and Concurrence until such a Work of Judgment be accomplished 2. We see this is an Adversary who in this late Design against the whole Protestant Interest in the Kingdom of France hath had such prevailing Successes to carry on a ruining and judicial work of that nature when in former times the Protestants there did with an Heroick and Invincible Spirit bear out against the utmost Power and Violence of Four Kings successively and could see them by an extraordinary Divine Hand broke But oh now was the day turned no less remarkably and the Attempts of this King followed with that Terror Fainting and Lowness of Spirit as to any self Defence that it might be seen as in the case of Samson their Strength this way was departed so as nothing could avail until such a Work both of Tryal and Judgment was accomplished This I confess hath oft had an affecting Sense on my own Spirit and brings a more extraordinary Call therewith to have our Reliances more absolutely fixed on God and promise less to our self from visible means yea how to prevent such a Hazard at the Fountains Head as is still threatning when there may be just matter of Fear that the date of his Commission is not yet expired But 3. Is it not known that this is such an Adversary over whom the English Nation once had so great an Ascendent in times past as they were a Terror unto that People who now does not only keep but gain Ground against the united Strength of so great Confederacy so that there may be cause for a higher Look than to what is humane in the Standing Supports and growing Strength of that Party And it 's surely one of the great Demonstrations of Providence in the World which is both in the rising and depressing of the Genius of a Nation and People answerable to the Designs which God is accomplishing hereby But this I leave to the more serious Thoughts and Judgments of others what Appearance such a Sign hath to us this day 4. It is in some singular way that it may be said the French have attained beyond others to be united within themselves and on the other hand no less skilful to divide and promote Discords amongst those who are against them and who now in this critical Juncture of Affairs know how to graft their deepest Designs on these intestine Distempers and Convulsions which are so visible in the Politick Body of these Nations yea know how to foment the same whilst intestine Conslicts even amongst the most serious part of Protestants are so uncessant as to shut out all fear of this kind and despise any moral Relief or Cure 5. Tho' it may be of small Notice or Remark upon any threatning Aspect of such a Party yet I must look otherways thereon even in this Particular that there has been such a long and resolute conforming amongst us to the way of that Nation in the most Prodigions Fashions and Attires who have delighted herein to copy after such a Patern that they may be at last in the Righteousness of God made to have as sad a Tryal of them in the way of Judgment as of that continued Instuence and Ascendent they have had over them in the way of Sin 6. But there Is one Reflection I must yet further offer upon this Head which in this day hath had a special Impression on my own Spirit that the last Effort and ultimus conatus of the Kingdom of Antichrist before its final Fall may be feared is not yet accomplished as to the ultima clades of the Reformed Churches yea that this work hath fallen under his Hand as the Instrument waited and fitted by Divine Providence for such an end which hath oft made me judge that the date of his Commission is not yet expired when the same provoking Causes of such a desolating Stroak as hath been of late on the Church of France are no less visible amongst us and may have the same Ground to fear when we see such a remarkable Beacon in their case set before us The God of the Reformed Churches is no Respecter of Persons and Nations who will not still bear with a naked Shew and an uninlivened Profession of that pure and excellent Religion we enjoy yea when the most near and immediate Signs which in former times have gone before some extraordinary Stroak of Judgment on Nations and Churches are rather in some further Degree applicable to us There may be more than ordinary cause to meditate Terror on such an account that there is a Sound of great Wrath on this Generation yea that a Sword is fourbished and sheathed in Heaven which is to have some great destroying work under its Hand before it be put up But oh nothing is like to do until something more extraordinary than we have yet seen draw aside that Veil of Security we are now under and hide these things from our Eyes But I shall add herewith as it should be a Blessed Surprizal if the God of Patience might yet spare and prolong a Season of Grace and Respite so threatning a Woe so on the other hand an experimental Knowledge of the Truth of Divine Premunitions when it 's too late and is had at so dear a Purchase will be very sad when no Conviction or Repentance can regain such a Season as we now have if it be once lost But as the Proverb speaks non licet in bello aut morte bis errare There is one thing yet further now in the shutting up of this Discourse which I must in a few words touch that as it is the alone Prerogative of the Deity to declare things to come before they spring forth and who hath bounded the Prospect and Evidence of his People as to future Events or what he is yet bringing sorth of his work in the last times according to the extent of Divine Revelation herein since this is to be the measure of our Light and Discoveries until the second coming of the Lord. So it 's no less evident and sure that any Pretence or Prospect of the Events of Providence which have no Dependance on any natural causes is beyond the possible reach of all natural Science or of that horrid Profession which is so much aloft in these times of judicial Astrology as it relates to future and contingent Events wherein Men as free Agents do act when