assistence to your faith doth the certainty of these powers of darknesse bring therewith ANSW I. That such a party both in their nature and continued actings are in a stated opposition to the Kingdome of Christ II. That it is so visible the prey which these mighty hunters do follow is not our body or the things of this life but is with respect to ane immortal soul and ane after state and that thus man might be made sharer of the same misery under which they are concluded III. That all may see their being under restraint of a supream power above them under such chaines as do irresistibly bound their rage and enmity against man by ane invisiâ—le guard and hedge which they cannot breake over IV. How their greatest rage and strugling is against the conversion of sinners to God and to hold fast his possession in such as the Spirit of God doth not more clearely move for their rescue then these doe to crosse that blessed design of the Gospel V. That there are none serious in the truth and life of religion but finde themselves pursued by such ane adversary and to have as discernably another party then themselves or the world to conflict with as if they saw them in a visible shape VI. That by the Gospel and within the precinct of the church is so discernably a greater restraint of Satans dominion and power then in all the earth besides yea that the advantage of being within the external covenant of Baptisme is so demonstrable as the least yeelding or tendency to a renouncing of the same or any acts of homage for making use of his help hath ever made way for some more extraordinary power of the devil over such then others VII Thus also is a most undeniable confirmation given of ane invisible world and of such intellectual beings there as are far above man yea that there is so undoubted ane intercourse betwixt men and spirits as may clearely shew that interest mens soul hath in another state and world then this QU. III. Is that great truth of the immortality of the soull and its never dying state after death as fully demonstrable to reason as it is by the furthest certainty of faith ANSW Though it be so amazing a thing to beleeve ane immortal soull and eternal state wherein it must shortly enter as by few seemes to be apprehended yet are its demonstrative evidences such that except men lose all sence and use of reason it is not possible to deny I. That there is such ane immaterial and active substance as the soull which can admit no cause either of its decay or dissolution from the body yea that the greatest excellency of this visible creation is here that such a vital beam of life light and immortality as the soull of man is therein II. Though we cannot see this rare and wonderful being yet it is here we both see and feel it to be something distinct from the body and to have a distinct interest both in its griefs and comforts III. How it can have no dependance on the body in its being which doth no way depend thereon in its actings and exercise but is oft most vigorous and cleare in its exercise not only when most separat and abstract from sensible things but when the flesh is under the greatest decay and neare its dissolution to shew the soull lyeth not a dying with the body but hath its distinct subsistence to live in a separat state when it dyes IV. It s being peculiarly framed for converse and intercourse with spiritual beings yea is only of the visible creation admit to fellowship with the invisible God and to have reflex acts upon it self V. How it is a being of a higher nature and value then the sun moon and starrs which not only can know and conceive of things above the evidence and impressions of sense but to make a rational choise of good though crosse to any sensual pleasure yea to rejoyce and have its proper delights when the body is afflicted and in pain nor can be defiled from the most loathsome sores and defilements of the flesh so as I must needs see both its dominion and preheminence over the body and to have assuredlie a subsistence without the same VI. That it is such a being as is capable of a happinesse beyond the whole extent of the world hath these intellectual facultyes which cannot possibly want both objects suitable thereto and injoyments above the senses VII That the most choise and excellent are usually most afflicted and crushed under the feet of their oppressours whilst these flourish in the earth and have no bands in their death so as such were of all men the most miserable if in this life both their being and blessednesse were founded VIII That there is so universal a sense of immortality as these who both feare and hate the evidences hereof yet under some constraint of reason hath the same for a continued terrour IX That it is sure the certainty of death makes it simply impossible for things only suited to this life of sense to be the ultimate good or fruition of man since else the beasts should have a greater happinesse then such if it were not from respect to ane after and immortal state QU. IV. What confirmation to your faith does that great and amazing change by death offer when it would seem to be something meerly natural ANSW Though the only wife God moves herein according to the nature of second causes and that it hath various wayes of approach unto men yet may all see with the furthest conviction of rational evidence as well as certainty of faith I. How death in its first constitution is penal and comes by a divine appointment unto all not meerly as men but as sinners and to be thus no natural accident and result of our primitive and original frames II. That its death as a penalty which keepes the feare and dread thereof so much on all living as that last period when the eternal state of men is then cast III. That the sting and bitternesse of sin is so manifest in innumerable diseases and stroakes of death which many feel an 100. times ere they dye once beyond other of the creatures IV. Though the sentence of dying is on all yet so great a difference is betwixt the saints and residue of men here that its penal execution on the ungodly is such as nature can give no support herein V. That supernatural presages and warnings hereof ere it come are in all times so known and sure yea such extraordinare evidences sometimes of the precise time as could have no possible rise from any natural cause VI. That its immediat commission from a supream and invisible power is so evident in such executions oft of this sentence by sword famine and pestilence as the visible finger of God in a just retribution unto men for sin may be no lesse seen and a supernatural
are given up to under the greatest discoveries of light so as all may see their being thus bound over in chains and shut up in prison until death bring them forth to the execution and how no relief or application of the means of grace hath then any more accesse VII From such a mape shaddow of eternal vengeance in these terrible acts of divine judgment inflicted here on Apostates and persecuters of the truth and other flagitious persons which with the very first view might present an awful and immediat appearence of God in the same and that some strang and supernatural punishment is oft visible on the workers of iniquity VIII And what ever be of natural causes in such visible representations here in the earth as that sulphureous lake where once Sodom was and these burning mountains such as Haecla Etna and Vesuvius yet we may truely judge their being thus set before the world as some visible memorials of these infernal flames and as it were so many lumeheads thereof for such who will not believe the same because they doe not yet see or feal such a thing QU. VII What assistances hath our faith of that great and wonderful truth of the resurrection of the body after its dissolution in the grave unto dust ANSW I. From that visible and stupendious frame of the heavens and the earth when its sure that the same infinite power that hath not only made man but the whole creation can as easily collect and recount the dispersed ashes of the body as form the same II. From that greatest pledge hereof in the resurrection of the body of Christ III. From that tribulation and sore pain that the saints here in their outward man are exposed to since it is sure that in the holy justice of God he did not give such bodies for labour and for toyl and to his martyrs to endure unexpressible torments for Christ to perish for ever IV. From these visible resemblances and prefigurations of the resurrection which the Lord hath given to confirme our faith herein in the ordinare course and productions of nature so as all may see how every night is as the grave of the day-light and each morning a new resurrection of the same and how visible an image of death is in each season of the winter with so marvelous and beatiful a resurrection of the earth on every return of the spring in the herbs flowers and plants taking life and rising again in the leaves blossomes and fruites yea this in such a variety as may no lesse convincingly evidence an infinite divine power herein then that the same body of man should be raised at the last day V. From that continued miracle of the harvest after the seed-time with so amazing a production of the grain sowen in the earth and its first dying there before it be quickned so as to be at last brought to 30 60 yea sometimes an hundred fold out of the very same grain which to these who had never before known the same would seem incredible above all reason to conceave or bear credite therto CHAPTER III. The confirming worke of Religion improven wich respect to the times to clear the way of the Lord herein before this generation and let us see how nothing is so strang in the events of this day which should not more strenthen then shake and that the God of the Reformed Church doth still own the same interest according to his faithfulnesse which is here briefly pointed at upon some special inquiry proposed about the same SECTION I. QU. WHat can afford both light and confirmation to our faith in such a time when we see the worke of the Lord about his Church to be most remarkably now a worke of judgement with such dark and searching tryals therwith as former times have not known ANSW It is sure we have seen nothing but what might have been too evidently looked for and that we can pretend no want of light herein upon these grounds I. That the Trialls of a Church should be suited to the measure of their talent of light when this hath been in some more then ordinare way dispensed that some remarkably searching times might be expected to follow nor can it be now strang to us that such things fall in with this day which did not meet the Churches of Christ at the first entry of the Reformation who then had not so clear discoveries of the truth and that measure of confirmation therein which hath been since II. That some unusual tryals and conflicts in the Lords usuall method of providence should be suited also to the greatnesse of that worke which he is bringing forth may be no strang thing and to see a time of such sore wrestlings as this when all things seem to cry be in pain as Micah 4 20. Yea when some great event of the Scripture is to be revealed to the world and near to its full hight and period of accomplishment as we have safe ground for assurance of this â—ay III. Nor hath this sad and dismal hower on the Church been more obvious then the provoking cause hereof in which the holy righteousnesse of God may be no lesse clear then the cloud now is dark when such a visible falling of hath been from that love tendernes and power of religion that did formerly attend its profession as for these many years past we might have seen that some sore and remarkable judgment was coming and that if we had not been in such a maner undone we were under some sadder strock of spiritual judgment ready to be undone IV. Yea it hath been too visible that such evils followed the Reformed Churches as in no time it was ever known that the holy God did passe such by without some signal evidence of his wrath against the same before the world V. We know that carnal confidence hath a curse ever waiting upon it in the Scripture which none can take of or make that thrive which God hath himself cursed and it is too visible how far we have gone thus out of the way of our strenth by such eager seeking human props support as we have forâ—ot the guide of our youth and convenant of our God and what great things he hath formerly done in the greatest straits of his Church when there was much humble trusting with little sence as though the spirit of the Lord had not done more to recover his truth then all human might or power ever could doe SECTION II. QU. WHat talent are we still accountable for to support our faith against the greatest fears of this time from these immediate appearances of God and of the glory of his power for the same truth and cause of the Reformed Church we are now called to contend for which hath been since the reformation when so strong unusual a tyde now is against the same ANSW If men shut not their eyes and hide this great talent of the workes of
God under the ground its sure none can question such a seal which before the sun to the amazment and conviction of the world hath been put to the truth of the Reformed Religion that we are now sisted under such a call as the Church of Israel was Deut. 4 34. to ask of the times that are past since Israels coming out of Egypt and since the first planting of the Gentil Church by the Gospel whither there hath been so great a thing as this in the earth that God hath essayed to take to himself a people from the midst of other nations by temptations by signs and by wonders and by war and by a mighty hand and by an oustretched arm and by great terrours according to all that the Lord our God hath done for the rescue of his people in these last times from Antichristian bondage and darknesse and settling them in a church state but unto us was this shewed that we might know that the Lord he is God and there is noncelse beside him yea are still called to see and be as eye witnesses to these things I. How bright a day of the Gospel of Christ did goe before this great darknesse on the Church and what a solemne triumph in these late ages the truth hath had over Antichrist so as the full strock and ruine of his kingdome which is sure and established in the promise of God seems not now more marvelous and above human appearence then what we have seen in the begun degrees of its accomplishment II. In how few years also there was as a new Christian world brought forth in that swift course and progresse which the ingathering of the Reformed Churches had so as between the year 1621 and 1560. such famous plantations of the Gospel were setled in a Church state which all may see was the immediate worke and power of God to shew that none should fear or stagger at his promise though the waters yet swell and come to the flowings of Jordan and difficulties appear unsuperable to human sense after this great things which the Lord hath done III. How extraordinare a calling and excitment of instruments was then evident for the service of that time and reapers thus eminently prepared for so great an harvest of the Gospel as might put the world to inquire whence these were in so numerous a concurrence when a few of such a spirit were so rarely to be found in many ages before IV. Yea such an accession also of spiritual gifts and induments then for building of the Church as had not been formerly known since the first coming of the Gospel to the Gentils wherein it may be said the glory of these last times hath even in some degree exceeded that of the first V. And can the most dismal things of this time countervail the confirmations of our faith who have so clearly seen with the first breaking up of the pur doctrine of Christ the power and life of Christianity came therwith to the world as a seal and attestation therto beyond any miracles yea how innumberable a company in these last ages of different tongues and languages and these so remot from one another did not only receive the same truth but with such resolution adventure their souls theron as might fully witnesse they had another prospect of Christianity and to be in some other manner ravished with the glory beuty of the same then is now in these times VI. That such high spring tydes of the power and efficacy of the Gospel might be evident to all after so sad a restraint had been for so many ages before under Antichristian darknesse for whatever was then as a private seall on the spirit of Christians whilst the witnesses did prophesy in sack-cloth yet was there no such evidence and demonstration of the H. Ghost or a publick confirmatory seal to the truth as was after the Reformation VII Yea was it not the most sober serious and inquisitive part of men upon a sure tryal of the grounds of their faith who did most firmly imbrace the same and how many of these also were of the greatest parts and abilities whom none could judge to adventure so far herein without the highest assurances that this was their undoubted interest and upmaking VIII We have seen not only these of mean and low estate but such of the highest place and quality most chearfully adventuring whatever interest could be dearest to them in the earth for the truths sake yea was ever found how such as were most acquaint with the reformed religion in its power and living up in their practise to what they profest thereof were these who with the greatest assurance have most resoluty still adhered thereto IX We have seen also it s most remarkable spreading in the world when there could be no possible pretence of a lucrative interest or external motives for the same X. We have seen something not only extraordinare but even miraculous in the joy and resolution of innumberable martyrs since the Reformation who did bear out with a more then human strenth against a cruelty so visibly inhuman and savage yea which did in some degrees exceed that measure of the Heathens in the Primitive times as being against a greater light then theirs II. And have we not seen of what spirit such still have been since the Reformation who were the most notour instruments in the Churches persecution and how visibly such did act herein under so impetuous an incitment of the Devil that as Tertullien in his Apollogy speaks of Nero the truth might boast in having such adversaries XII It is sure we have seen how no human power could yet ever undoe this blessed interest of the Reformed religion tho no way or change of weapons hath been left untryed but we have thus seen whither so strong and unite a confederacy as the Catholick league in France did at last resolve and not only in the ruine of the greatest acters and contrivers therein but to a further establishing of the Reformed Church there as though such had intentionally acted for the same when if second causes had brought forth their ordinare effects it might have been judged impossible to fail XIII We have seen that issue of the whole councels expense and cruelty of Philip the II. of Spain to bear down the truth of the Gospel in the Netherlands which was to the furthest setling of this illustrious state and the Church of Christ there yea how their conspicuous rise and flowrishing even in the externals and their resolute adherence to the truth of Christ did most visibly keep together XIV We know that deludge of blood which so quickly followed the French massacre and the most dismal time which ever that nation know did then visibly contemporate with such a time of their greatest rage and persecution against the truth and that event of the third vial most clearly fulfilled herein Revel 16 5 6. Thou art righteous o Lord which art
of this kind might tend more to promote the Kingdom of Christ in this day I shal but add this further on the present subject Posit VII that as there are some more signal periods of time to which a greater brightnesse and increase of light hath respect under the New Testament so doth there now seem to be some remarkable call and excitment to such a confirming work in this day about the Christian faith when we may hope that a more solemne and restoring time of religion in the world is on a near approach though all sensible evidence would seem to control this and may be now more looked after then prepared for under any suitable impression of these grounds for the same I. That the promised time of the conversion of the Jewes doth assuredly draw near and whatever be judged by some of the Lords immediate appearence herein by a miracle yet is it unquestionable that nothing in the way of means could be more promising and hopeful to promot this great end then in promoting so great a service as this for the Christian Church II. That a greater extent also of the profession of Christ amonghst the Gentils and renting of the vaile that is now over many dark nations seemeth clearly insured therwith and what a hopeful evidence should this be if such a publick and catholick spirit were more seen how to advance the highest ends of religion on such an accompt without respect to any partial or divided interest yea that this blest zeal of God might in that manner appear to have the dark world get a more clear and convincing prospect of the highest rational demonstrations of Christianity as might through the Lords gracious concurrence bring men once to an inquisitive and serious spirit about the same Oh that such may be thus raised up in this dismal hower with something of that ancient spirit to travel with desire for the salvation of mankind and of whom it may be said as of blest Nehemiah these are indeed come to seek the welfare of their people in their greatest interest III. And this farther excitment we are now under for this end in a time when Popery seems to be upon one of its last and greatest assaults against the Church since it s so clear what ever tends to confirm men in Christianity from their own tryal and inquiry upon the confirming evidences therof must have the same native result to make such confirmed Protestants yea nothing is more demonstrable then that the method and grounds that are taken both to ingadge and fix men in the Popish profession have the same rational tendency to promot Atheism and to give infidels the greatest advantage to reject the profession of Christ CHAPTER II. The confirming worke of Religion reduced to practical use in some clear view of these primary grounds and demonstrations of our faith which none should pretend ignorance of who enters the profession of Christ upon choise and certainty of evidence SECTION I. QU. I. WHat reasons and demonstrations can yow give for so great a faith of the glorious being of God when he is invisible to humane sense since this is the fundation of all religion ANSW Though on the sacred truth and authority of his own word this is principally founded yet I am with the furthest infallible evidence herein confirmed I. That it can be no more sure this marvellous frame of the heavens and earth hath a being and is the object of our sense then that a supreme infinite wisdome and power must be the first cause hereof and it were simply impossible it could ever otherwise have been II. That he hath thus made himself visible to our eyes by such a visible world and in so exquisite an order and correspondence there to support the same as nothing stands alone by it self but in a line of mutual respect which runs through the whole creation whom we may as clearly thus see as that there is an invisible soul in a living body III. That this harmony is amongst thinghs in their own nature so contrare and destructive to other for to hold this wonderful frame as all must abandon reason or see an infinitly wise conduct herein and no need of extraordinary miracles to confirme what the whole constitutions of nature do witnesse IV. That this rare frame of man could never have come in being but by him who could unite such different substances as a material body and an immaterial soul in so near and marvelous an union V. That such an universal consent of mankind is in all ages therto as shews religion to be founded in the very nature of man and as essential to his being as his reason is yea how the ultimate difference of man from the beast and most essential property of human nature lyes here VI. That though every one be an enemy to what torments him yet was it never possible for an Atheist to free himself from that unavoidable sense and fear of a Deity nor in a world so much lost in wickednesse could ever extinguish the awe of religion or make any rational opposition to this greatest article of the common faith of mankind VII That the reason of the whole constitution of nature and vicissitude of things here is so great as without shutting out the use of reason we cannot but see how nothing possibly could have been better and that any want hereof in the whole frame of the universe would be as the dislocation of a joynt of the body and were not conceivable to be otherwise then it is by infinite wisdome appointed VIII That it s simply impossible that God blessed for ever should not exist or that this universe which is a worke so highly becoming the greatnesse of its maker could possibly subsist for one hour or minute of time without a supreme independent power and being on which all visible beings have their dependance since they cannot depend upon nothing IX That such is the absolute necessity of the faith also of a God-head as without this the state of mankind could not morally subsist or any possible order subjection piety and justice be to support human society but as Bradwardine saith O quam necesse est hunc esse quem impossibile est non esse O that men cannot but see these effects of his power on the conscience in the certainty of a profetick light and discovery as hath been oft given of future things and in the undenyable truth of miracles so as such a prodigy as a profest Atheist can have no claime to human race as a rational being more then the greatest monster in nature to be a true man QU. II. What doth witnesse the worlds not being eternal and its first original and beginning from God to confirme your faith herein by the further rational demonstration ANS I. That as an eternity is only communicable to the first cause so that which is made up of corruptible perishing things as this visible world cannot possibly
and judgment to the same III. To admit no gratification to the most predominant desires and inclinations of men upon any darling sin which according to human wisdome would be judged of an absolute necessity for gaining any acceptance with such yea to give no partial respect to the greatest Princes more then to the meanest IV. To pursue its interest by so plain a discovery of the death and sufferings of our blessed Lord with the whole ignominy thereof when nothing could more evidently control such an end by any rules of human wisdome and policy if there had been a possible accesse to consult flesh and blood herein V. And its sure there could be no designe without an immediate divine power in such a manner to plead the interest of Christianity with men by inserting affliction and the crosse in the first entry as essential to the profession thereof and holding forth the necessity of taking on the yoke of Christ without which none can be his Disciples QU. IV. But wherein doth the evidence of that great demonstration of the Gospel most clearly appear in the love and unity of Christians amonghst themselves which we find Christ doth so specially presse for this end that the world might know and have such a visible seal of his divine mission Joh. 17 21. ANSW The greatnesse of this demonstration may be thus evident to all I. That its so clearly demonstrative of the purity of our Religion which can admitt of no bitternesse strife recrimination or such indecencies of heat and passion which are these fatal effects of discord in the Church and thus lets us see the excellency of the spirit and rule of the Gospel II. That thus also we may know the power and efficacy of the truth thereof which is according to godlinesse upon mens heart in subduing these distempers of the mind and judgment III. That this doth so specially tend to make religion lovely and to draw forth matter of praise and blessing to God from the world when they see such a native effect of Christianity as this to make those who professe the same in that manner shine forth in tendernesse humility and brotherly love so that they become as a publick good and blessing to mankind in the place they are in IV. This appears also from the nature of that union in the Church of Christ and amongst his followers which only a divine power could both frame and make effectual and its sure no human society or constitution could ever claim such an unity therein as this is where not only persons of all nations and languages and of all conditions both high and low but of the most different interests humours and dividing circumstances in other things doe yet in so marvelous an harmony meet in the body of Christ which is his Church here in the earth V. Because herein also doth the glory and honour of our blessed head more eminently appear in securing this unity of his Church under a diversity of light and judgement otherwayes by a spirit of love meeknesse and condescendence amongst his people then by imposing the most severe and absolute uniformity in all things to be the alone condition of Christian communion QU. V. But what strength and evidence doth this demonstration of the Gospel now bear in so divided a state of religion and when the wounds and breaches of the Church this day are like to blood unto death ANSW Whatever just cause be of griefe yet is there none for darkening the truth of this demonstration on these grounds I. That none can deny the perfection of the rule of the Gospel for the most firm and intire unity amonghst all the followers of Christ on the earth II. That no opposition which is made therto but what hath been fortold as one of the greatest tryals of the Church under the New Testament and the Spirit of God doth most expresly point at in these latter times III. Because the furthest opposition thereto can be no more cause for any to stumble or question the truth of this demonstration then that there is a Devil whose greatest designe hath ever been to divide and break Christians amongst themselves IV. Because this union which is chiefly mistical and invisible is much greater oft then what this way may appear to the world and of that kind as is not interrupted by distance of place or any want of local communion V. That such a guard is set by the Lord unto this piece of his glory and to oppose any invasion thereon that there stands an Angel with a flaming sword upon every hand in the commands and threatings of the Gospel to secure this blessed unity of the Saints amonghst themselves so as none can invade the same but on their highest peril of opposing that which is as the apple of Christs eye VI. That its ever found how this demonstration hath some clear evidence amonghst such who are indeed the Disciples of Christ and according to their advance in the life and power of Christianity doth the more brightly shine forth so that the nearer the lines are to the center the nearer also are they amonghst themselves VII That in all times there hath been some tremenduous marke â—f the judgment of God made visible on such who are contentious and have made it their worke to cause division in the Church and sow discord among brethren QU. VI. But what hath the Church now in these latter dayes to compense the want of that great demonstration by miracles and such extraordinare confirmations of the Christian faith as were in the first times ANSW I. That we may see how far that seal of martyrdome which came in the roome of miracles to the Church hath exceeded that which was in the first times of the Gospel II. That there hath been since such innumberable shining examples of holinesse yea these continued to this day whom the world might see did walk in the light and power of Christianity as sure as men walks under the power and vertue of a living soul III. That we now see what a length the course of the Gospel and of the Church militant is come and how far thus the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled which once was so contrare to all human appearence IV. That so sure and exact a performance of the Scripture is now undenyable in the event and of such great and marvelous things which were fortold under the New Testament that in an ordinare way none could have believed what we see with our eyes and now have these things which were in former ages the object of the Churches faith made the object of our sense and its sure this is such a seal and confirmation to our faith in these last times as doth much exceed the greatest miracles which were with the first planting of the Gospel V. Though we may not resolve our faith on any extraordinare providences or lay the least weight hereon to support the authority of the doctrine
causality then the effects have been undoubted and cleare to shew such is the state of man as this great revolution by death doth each moment depend on a call from heaven VII That the certainty of something supernatural herein as the King of terrours is so known as no releefe can possibly be found but in the truth and power of Christianity to set men both above the feare of death and ane after state when once it comes neere VIII Yea that it is surely above the possibility of nature which can beare out in this great adventure and trial of mens faith both in the truth and strength thereof at death for which end the Lord hath thus choised that by so strange ane entry and at so dark a port they should first passe to the full enjoyment of that glorious state above QU. V. What evidence and demonstration can yow shew to confirm so great a faith of an eternal glory abiding the Saints in heaven and of its earnest and first fruits here as may strike ane undeniable conviction hereof on the world ANSW I. By that visible ripening and resemblance to such a state in all the degrees of a Christians grouth to a more full stature of the man in Christ as may be no lesse evident then the natural grouth of our body II. That though the opening of these gates of the second world be hid as no humane sense can discern the spirit in its ascent through these higher regions to that unconceiveable paradise and glory in the third heaven yet is the triumphant entry and passage of innumerable Christians at death such as hath oft been a matter of sense and clearest evidence to the world III. That such also were both humble tender and sincere in their life and then in so great a composure of judgement as all might see they knew what made them glade and could swallow up both the feares and bitternesse of death yea that this was not given for their own support only but for a more publick use to the conviction and confirming of others IV. That the state of glory is demonstrable and hath been oft brought downe to mens sense by these ravishing joyes of the Martyres of Christ and exultation of spirit even in the flames V. By such supernatural comforts as attend the life of Christianity and can have no possible rise from the flesh and outward causes with that joy and peace which by so natural a result followes well-doing and any service of love for Christ as all may see to be the first fruits of that harvest which is above VI. By so rare and marvellous a frame of the new man set up in this lower region of grace in so discernable a conformity to the blessed God and resemblence to another state then here to which the world is but as a place of pilgrimage trial and a preparatory state only VII By such visible returns of joy and comfort of Christians after saddest conflicts and downecastings and day-break of these vital quickning beames of divine light that have been no lesse evident oft then that of the martyrs at the stake who cryed out Now he is come he is come VIII By these breathings of love after ane unseen Christ and visible effects of its power on men as might shew some begun translation of the soull so far herein as to be more where it loves then it lives IX Though we cannot see here that ineffable glory which is above but should have our faith insteed of eyes yet such is the truth of holinesse as doth not only evidence but in its own nature partake of a future glory so as every degree and act thereof doth enter in a begun state of fruition and blessednesse and makes it simply impossible for a good man in any true exercise of godliness not to be happy also and thus in a more near capacity to know that joy unspeakable and full of glory which is above X. By so sure known and tryed a passage betwixt heaven and mens souls in prayer with so setled a trade of commerce this way and certain returns as with assurance such can say though they must change their place yet not their company XI That the whole dispensations of providence in Israâ—ls passage through the wildernesse and to so excellent a country as Canaan is no lesse sure in it self then that iâ— was given for an embleme and type of the jurt nying and militant state of the faints hereand to be a solemne pledge of that Canaan above XII That such is the magnificence harmony and order of these visible heavens and celestial bodies there with their different degrees of glory though all illuminated from the same fountain of light the sun as we may judge by a divine ordination have some peculiar respect to that end to awake raise our thoughts thus to these higher regions of glory which are above all these by what is thus visible to our eyes where the redeemed of the Lord shall be ever fixed shine forth as the Sun in the kingdome of their Father QU. VI. What visible and awakning evidences are there of the truth of an Hell and that state of horrour and torment in another world which even to mens senses here might present the certainty thereof ANSW I. That it can be no more sure there is such a power and party as that of the Devils then the reality of some such horrid region and place also to which they belong and are adjudged to II. From so innumerable a company of human race as are not only in the visible service of these infernal spirits but partakers of the same nature and enmity against the H. God and his image as doth clearly witnesse their respect and tendency to the same state and place and to be consederate in their judgement as they were here in their sin III. From such visible impressions of vindictive justice on mens souls with such horrour of conscience and unsufferable torments this way as in all ages have been known by most remarkable instances when not in the least distemper of their natural reason that may present to mens senses something of a visible Hell as convincingly as if one had risen from the dead for the same IV. From such a trembling sense and terror of divine vengeance as oft follows upon horrid acts of wickednesse and most eminently then breaks forth upon a surprising sight of death as all may see something more dreadful herein then the dissolution of nature and the power and present arrest of a future judgment made visible in the same V. From such begun degrees as that of blaspheming and rage against God because of his plagues with these prodigies of cruelty exerced by men here in the earth as might be evident to all to be more then human and rather the effects of infernal spirits acting in a human shape VI. From so clear a prelude of the same in that judicial obduration and blindnesse so many
time is clearly shewed II. That we may now with some clear evidence judge and have our faith perswaded hereof that the Churches interest is upon the rising hand and on a present advance though nothing would seem more contradictory then all visible grounds now are since this cannot sail John 3 30. that Jesus Christ in his kingdom in the earth must increase yea that the Scripture so clearly points forth Antichrists ruine and progresse of his fall and douncasting with resemblance to that great judgment on Pharaoh as an evident type hereof in the same judicial strocks of induration on both and gradual progresse herein by one plague after another until the last and greatest assault as was then at the Red-sea hath the same effect for a more glorious appearence of God in the greatest step of judgment and victory over this adversary when not only the song of Moses but of the Lamb also shall be then sung Rev. 15 3. as importing something more glorious and a greater brightnesse to be put on this illustrious act of divine judgment reserved to these last times when a more immediate appearence of the Lord will be seen then in any sormer deliveries of his Church III. It is no conjectural thing but what by a clear Scripture conduct we may see that this time of the Church now under so notable a Crisis in her case is evidently falling under that remarkable assault and conflict with that adversary before the accomplishing of that vial on his seat and throne as we may see Revel 17 13 14. that when so conspicuous a step of the Churches victory is near the opposition thereto also will be in some higher degree proportionable to the same when the great men of the earth and such who shall receive power as Kings one hower with the beast shall have one mind and give their power and strength thereto and shall make war with the Lamb but the Lamb shall overcome them for he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords c. Nor is it found through the Scripture where any great thing the Lord hath done for his Church but some unusual darknesse and sore wrestlings hath still gone before and should be no matter of staggering to our faith whatever be of present fears to see so dismal a time of tryal as now is and amazing hight of trouble beyond what former times have known when one of the greatest events of providence in behalf of the Church since the revealing of Christ to the world until his second coming is assuredly near in the fall and overthrow of the man of sin IV. We have clear ground also to judge that so great an eclipse as seems allmost universally over the state of the Reformed Churches is no goeing down of the sun theron whatever did befall the most famous eastern Churches to an utter dissipation thereof if these different periodes of time be justly considered how their sun-set did then fall in with the entry of that great Apostacy of the Christian Church and with that long and dismall night of Antichrists reign whilst now this hower of tryal on the Churches doth meet in that blessed period of Antichrists begun fall and of a growing light of the Gospel and when the Scripture so clearly warrands our faith herein that the worke of providence is to plant and not cutt of but to bring forward that interest of the Reformed Churches in the founding of which the Mediator hath so eminently appeared in the glory of his power in these last times V. It is sure me now live in the evening and extremity of time when the motions of providence may be expected to be more quick and speady as being so near the center and to the last Epocha and period of all prophetick Chronology wherein the glory of God in his truth and faithfulnesse shall most eminently shine forth and these Scripture truths which were formerly dark abstruse with that evidence shine forth in the event as shall cause men to wonder at their former thoughts and stumblings thereat And here I must say that there is such a sight now in the earth as the Romish Church in its complex frame and state in so different a mould cast from any power or jurisdiction else and such a compound of a civil and Spiritual Monarchy in one and the same person is so solemn and undenyable a seal to the Christian faith and divinity of the New Testament that its strang why this is not improven more against the Atheism of this time that such a visible event of the Scripture is now in being which was so clearly fortold by the Holy Ghost 1500. years ago with its proper circumstances as to the manner of that Antichristian state with its rise grouth duration as is to admiration stil evident to the world when not the least shaddow or appearence of so strang future emergencies was to be seen or could have entred in mens thoughts to shew it only could be revealed to the Church by him to whom all his works are known from the beginning This I have looked on as such a confirmation to the truth of Christianity that no miracles in the first times of the Church could have more evidence for the same yea if such a party were not in being both what it now is and in former ages hath been it might in another manner stagger the faith of the Saints to a questioning the truth of the Scripture then its most formidable appearence this day can doe VI. I shall but add here that we know and are sure the Lord hath reserved his greatest works to these latter dayes wherein his judgments shall be manifest and that one of the most eminent manifestations of his glory before the close of time shal be conspicuous in the fall of Antichrist on whose ruines that glorious hous which Christ is yet to have for himself both of Jews and Gentiles shall be prepared and built up and though this great eclipse of Antichristian darknesse should yet more prevail even over the visible profession of the truth in the Churches of Britain and Ireland there is no cause to be staggered in the faith of Romes fatal period being near but to look hereon according to the Scripture as the Vltimus Conatus of that wounded adversary which will be found in the issue to have the most immediate connexion with his greatest downfall and the reviving glory of the Church for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her SECTION IV. QU. WHat is specially called for in this day of such as are accountable for so great a talent of light and confirmations to our faith ANSW If this were suitably taken to heart we could not but reckon our selves under the greatest excitment and call to such an improvment hereof I. That we account it not enough to have a faith for quieting our own spirits but how to confirme others by putting to our seal that God is true in the great assurances
rule and principles of their profession that can never give the least latitude or connivance therto but is clear as the sun when on the other hand I could know no other way to imbrace such a profession as Popery but by turning Atheist in the first place and quite both religion and reason at once but may say in a resolute adherence to the doctrine of the Reformed Church I fear not to adventure my soul and enter into an eternal state The CONTENTS CHAPTER I. The primitive confirmation held forth and cleared in seven Positions POSIT I. That sad aspect which the implicit and traditional profession of this day hath upon the present state of religion Pag. 1 POSIT II. The greatnesse of that service for the Church to have a clear founding of the faith of assent upon known and solid grounds herein more universally promott Pag. 3 POSIT III. The true primitive confirmation as it was in the times of the Apostles hold forth and cleared from the Scripture Pag. 6 POSIT IV. The continued necessity therof no lesse convincing now for the Churches use then in these Primitive times Pag. 9 POSIT V. That such a confirmatory worke respects not only the more knowing and inquisitive part of men but the meanest within the Church Pag. 11 POSIT VI. VVhat is specially called for in the practicall use of this primitive confirmation held forth in some serious proposals for this end Pag. 14 POSIT VII VVhat special excitment we are under for promotting the same in so remarkable a period of time as this and from that hope of a greater reviving yet of such a Catholick spirit to advance the highest ends of religion amonghst men Pag. 19 CHAPTER II. For giving some clear view of these primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith that the meanest Christian should know and vvith the least expense of time may improve for their dayly use on these greatest principles SECTION I. I. Of the glorious being of God which is the first foundation of all religion Pag. 22 II. Of the original of the world and it s not being eternal Pag. 25 III. Of a supreme providence in the conservation and goverment of the world Pag. 26 IV. Of that special providence which in its continued administration about human affaires doth unchangably difference betwixt the righteus and the wicked Pag. 29 V. How such a wonderful record as that of an immediat revelation of God unto men is so demonstrably extant in the world Pag. 31 VI. Of these special evidences of the Scriptures divinity which men must needs see to be infallible Pag. 33 VII Of the secure convoyance of the Scripture through all the changes of times past Pag. 35 VIII Of the fall of man and entry of sin into the world as it is fully demonstrable to reason as well as by the certainty of faith Pag. 37 SECTION II. I. Holding for t these great assistances to the Christian faith and of the Messias being surely promised to the Church before his coming Pag. 38 II. Of the truth and accomplishment of this great promise of the Messias and how it is now as sure in the event as its clear he was promised Pag. 39 III. Of that special advantage for confirmation of our faith herein that for 4000. years the promised coming of the Messias was deferred Pag. 41 42 IV. Of the nature and internal excellency of Christianity to bear furthest evidence to the truth therof Pag. 43 V. That this is the same Gospel we now receive and injoy which from the first promulgation therof hath had so great effects on the world Pag. 45 VI. That the sufferings of the saints in times past was so demonstrably above the assistance of nature Pag. 46 SECTION III. I. For holding forth on what grounds the faith of a deity must determine men to be Christians Pag. 48 II. What confirmations the Christian Religion hath from that visible state of the Jews Pag. 49 III. That way and manner of its prevailing on the world as no profession else could ever pretend to Pag. 51 IV. The nature of that great evidence which Christ hath himself given to the world of his divine mission in the love and unity of his people Joh. 17 21. Pag. 53 V. How the strenth of such a demonstration stands still clear and evident in these dividing times of the Church Pag. 54 VI. What in these last times is under our hand to compense such a confirmation by miracles which was in the first times of the Gospel Pag. 56 SECTION IV. I. For holding forth with the furthest rational certainty and evidence the truth and doctrine of Christ to be a soul-quicking and experimental religion Pag. 58 II. The truth also of conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state of grace Pag. 60 III. Of so great an experiment of religion as Communion betwixt God and men here in the earth Pag. 62 IV. Of so great a demonstration of religion in the power and workings of the Conscience Pag. 64 V. Of that special confirmation to our faith which doth result from such a demonstration of this power of the Conscience over men Pag. 65 SECTION V. I. For holding forth the truth of a Kingdom of darknesse in the world in opposition to the Kingdom of Christ Pag. 66 67 II. What confirmation to our faith the certainty hereof and of these powers of darknesse doth clearly afford Pag. 68 III. That great truth of the immortality of the soul with the clearest evidence to reason as well as by the certainty of faith Pag. 69 70 IV. How confirming a seal to the Scripture that great change which passeth on all men by death is and how it s no natural accident Pag. 72 V. Some special assistances to the Christians faith of an eternal glory in heaven and to serve an unavoidable conviction thus on the greatest Atheists Pag. 74 VI. Some thing of a visible Hell in some near approach hereof even to mens senses held forth to awake and convince the world of such a state of horrour and torment in another world Pag. 77 VII Some assistances to our faith of that great truth of the Resurrection of the body Pag. 79 CHAPTER III. The Confirming vvorke of religion further improven vvith respect to this dismal and amazing time vve are novv fallen in SECTION I. To hold forth what may be both for light and confirmation upon this great distresse the Churches of Christ are now under Pag. 81 82 SECTION II. How great a talent we stand accountable for in this day of such immediate and extraordinare appearences of the Lord for confirming the same publick cause of the Reformed Church since the Reformation which we are now called to adhere to Pag. 84 SECTION III. What manner of time is the present lot of the Church now fallen in and what judgment we ought to have hereof from the Scripture for our furthest confirming in such a day Pag. 93 SECTION IV. Some special service that we
are now called to and accountable for in behalf of the truth and for sanctifying the Lord in the eyes of others who are under so great a talent of light and confirmation in the same Pag. 99 FINIS AN IDEA Of the confirm'd state of a Christian in dismall and shaking times THo the same measure of Christians establishment in the truth be not alike to all but must have respect to the different trialls talent improvements of such for this end yet may it be cause of astonishment how rare any study of this kinde is now to be sound when it s not only one of the highest concerns of Christianity but in a more then ordinary way called for as the work of this day yea that this is a part of religion which seemes lest improven of any for the more generall state of professours within the Church under some conviction hereof was this essay designed where with humble confidence I may say the truth hath been sought with that serious enquiry into the nature of these things held forth as I judged needfull for such who have so great ane interest venture not only through time but for all eternity to support upon the alone certainty hereof er these dayes of triall which we now see passe over this generation it may be found this was not unseasonable or without cause directed to such a time if the Lord graciously blesse the same nor will it I hope be found incongruous without use to present yet further in such a method way of example some cleare prospect of a confirmed state in religion what these ought to be who with light assurance of minde would follow the Lord fully in such a day as is here offered in a 7 fold Character under which a truly confirmed Christian in the truth of his profession may be stated CHARACTER I. That he is one who hath ane other sence impression of this great study for attaining to a confirmed state in religion is on higher grounds pressed to follow the same then what most of the visible Church seemes to apprehend should be thus considred 1. As one to whom the glory of the Christian profession is in the highest degree deare to have the world see that such as embrace the same does most fully adventure on the testimony of God in his word are these also who walks on the highest principles of true enlightned reason yea who takes deeply to heart that obligation which is on all who desires to advance the repute honor of the truth to be in such tearmes therewith upon its own evidence as they may know how to serve a rationall conviction both on Atheists insidels if called thereunto 2. Who sees also how such is the state of fallen man as stands in need of all the contributions that can be not only to strengthen the Christians faith and beare out against the strong assaults of infidelity but to gain also more credit and veneration to the truth with these who are not easily delt with but by such meanes as beares some congruity to their naturall light and reason for which end the Lord hath affoorded these ministeriall helpes to render the misbeleefe of the world or any pretense of hesitation about his truth more fully inexcusable 3. He thus sees how the most important and fundamentall truths of Christianity needs the greatest confirmation of his faith for these who enter in so high discriminating a profession from the residue of the world to know in what manner they embrace the same yea that the naturall order of things does absolutly require to have the foundation sure laid on which so great a superstructure must rest so as he judgeth it a work by its selfe and to need some peculiar retiring his soul in the most serious recesse and composure thereof to attain a stedfastnes of his own in the truth and to know the strong and firm convoyances of that greatest mystery of the gospell in such a manner as needes no paund of a miracle to confirm the same But he knowes here that no sharpness of mens naturall understanding about the truth can ever attain a true rest and settlement of minde therein without a humble and serious spirit stooping doune before the wisedome of God and to enter as little Children into his Schoole yea that by humble practice and obedience of the gospell there is ane undoubted comming up to the greatest assurance and clearest demonstrations of the same as Joh. 7 17. 4. He knowes that as nothing tends more to shake mens spirits and stagger them about the truth then a light and transient view hereof so does the greatest establishment follow on the nearest approach by a deep and serious enquiry about the same and thus clearely sees that if such who look but at a distance on the way of religion did but once come that length of triall as to have their spirits separat by a more serious reflection thereon the first view they should have could not but be matter of wonder and amazement to think what can determine and support in so marvellous a way as the life and practice of Christianity which is so visibly above nature and wherein they must do violence to the same where they must part with the multitude and oppose themselves to the strongest tyde of exemple and must endure also in hope and believe for things not seen which were never the object of humane sence to any in this earth and are oft called to part with the most desireable things of sence upon the alone credit of their faith yea where they must enter in that profession on no other tearmes then to be martyrs for the same and seall it with their blood so that he must needs see a Christian according to the rule and institution of the gospell to be the greatest riddle and wonder of any sight within time but when such come more closse and neare upon this triall and have once understood the nature and greatnesse of that security which these have to adventure on yea what is the glory of their hope and the sure spring of their supplyes for their work and trialls within time then will this second wonder unspeakably exceed the first how its possible that such are not of a more raised and enlarged spirit in the service of the Gospell in that short season they have here for it on the earth and how their triall should not be more to beare the joy of so great a prospect and expectation then any present griefes and troubles yea how mens life who indeed makes earnest of the Christian profession is not in some more continued transport of ravishment and wondering to know that they are surely made for an eternall state in another world and are among these on whom the glorious God hath choised to have the exceeding riches of his grace shewed forth in these regions of blessedness above for
hath its proper burden and worke so hath it its proper allowance provided for the same which should be no lesse sought after by a Christian then his dayly bread and when the pressure of such a day grows to some more singulare hight so also should the expense hereof be in faith sought for expected 3. How the choisest mercies are reserved to the saddest times of a Christians lot and most usually crosse to their own choise and thus hath had the greatest struglings with these methods of providence which hath in the issue tended most to their upmaking 4. Yea how the returnes of a long deferred hope after much humble on-waiting have been to such as a Pisgah whence they have not only had a clear and comforting prospect of their bypast tryals but for being more fully confirmed of the time to come and can bear now that testimony that the Lord hath cleared all bygones to them and hath taken the vail off his worke which for long had been as a dark and strang riddle 7. This likeways gives a most clear and confirming prospect of that great seal of experience when he can now see both in his own case and of others what the issue of believing in a singular exigence and tryal and upon some special act of trust and adventure herein does at last come to which the more deeply it s considered he finds one of the most peculiare assistances to his faith and one of the greatest attainments of experimentall religion within time when he can thus see the same way of believing in some strong and extraordinare assaults which he hath had to crush and break him herein which hath carried so many thorow in their saddest tryals bring him also in his turn to be an instance in the same kind to bear an honourable testimony to this sure and excellent way of believing before the world and that none fear after him to hold by the promise of God and venture on that security tho it then seem against hope whose dispensations did yet never never give his word the lye CHARACT IV. Such is a truely confirmed Christian who in a dismall time is not staggered in his faith from the present signs and appearences therof but hath his soul ballast with such solid grounds of confirmation against the same as these providences wherat others doe most stumble tends to his further strenthning in the way of the Lord when he does now clealy see 1. How tribulation and the crosse makes one of the most illustrious and beutifull parts of the whole frame of Providence about the Church and in the lot of each Christian so as there can be no possible stumbling to any for want of light here that sore tryalls and distresse should most remarkably follow these in their journey who have an eternall blessednesse before them in the clofe hereof when so great a part of the Scripture is directed not only for comfort but for a clear conduct of the Christians faith through all the intrcacies and labyrinths of such a dispensation and thus sees how highly congruous it is to the infinit wisdom of God that so strait and narrow a way in such a state of tryall as is here should goe before the state of everlasting injoyment that there should be such a stage and theatre also whereon the passive graces of the spirit may not only be exercised but displayed in their true lustre and glory before Angels and men yea that thus the Redeemed of the Lord be first trained in so sharp a warfare as may not only put a due value and respect on the greatness of that triumph and reward which is to come but be matter of ineffable joy and exultation that ever they were admitt thus to evidence their love and adherence to their blessed head and his truth here on the earth and accounted worthy to be put on some hotter service and to peculiare tryals and conflicts this way beyond others for some example and incouragement to the Church in their day and here also he can now see how the greatest injoyments of comfort are more oweing to the most sharp and afflicting tryals of their life then to the greatest externall calme and that to endure patiently and suffer for the name Christ is such a priviledge as the elect Angels have not been admitt to yea that the Lords chastning worke and sorest smitting of his own is an act also of saving so that thus the more deeply he searcheth here the more does he see admire and consent to that glorious piece of the administration of providence about the Church and finds it to be one of the greatest confirmations of his faith within time 2. He does now clearly see how the truth and faithfulnesse of God is commensurate to his whole worke of Providence that all the lines hereof as they doe lead from his revealed councell in the Scripture which is the adequat signe of his eternall councell and decrees so doe they returne thither again to make this great demostration clear that if a full History were write of this world and what hath been conspicuous thorow the whole series of times past in all these conjunctions of inseriour causes whether necessare free or contingent and of such events that seem most casual it should be nothing else but an exact transcript and history of the Bible to bear this witnesse quod mundus nihil aliud est quam Deus explicatus secundum scripturam but though a full discovery hereof be not attainable within time yet is it a sad and deplorable want that the great acts of the Lord in each age of the Church are not more searched and sought out of all them that take pleasure therin that they may be seen observed and admired by that part of the creation Angels and Men who are only in a capacity to know the same which is a service for the Lord wherin his praise and declavative glory is so highly conceirned as a Christian should account the meanest roome herein one of the most desirable attainments within time yea it seems just matter of regret also that this comes not under a more publick care and nottice of particulare Churches and of the Christian Magistrate where religion hath any true regard to have such solemne providences as occurre in that time and place which may be called experimenta lucifera to the Church and of a further reach and extent then any private use both search'd after and recorded as becomes so high a service to the Christian cause and one of the highest conceirns of the posteritie to have such not only possessed of a pure religion but of that seal also which the Lord hath in the great acts of providence appended therto and thus to have that increase which each successive age brings therwith to the publick stock of the Church looked after as a piece of the greatest trust reposed theron so that the Children rise not up and say we have not
now on foot also against the truth yet he cannot but see how nothing could more effectually tend to confirm the protestant cause and take the credite of popery off the conscience of these in their own profession who are considerate and in the least serious herein when the world must thus see 1 how easy it s for such to take any measure and latitude in the doctrinals of their profession when this can most serve the juncture of such a time and highten or narrow the controversy betwixt them and the Reformed Church at their pleasure so as to sacrifice the Church of Rome unto the Court of Rome if no lesse can secure that end 2. That the most horrid Turkish Slavery over mens bodies comes no such lenth as that strang claime that these now make of an absolute impire over mens conscience by the sword and to put them to such a tribute of their obedience and they shall then be secure if they but come the lenth to sin against their light and adventure on so small a thing as to goe to Hell and perish eternally since its an externall and simulate profession of such a way they doe thus inforce from these whom they see cannot in faith be perswaded hereof 3. Yea it hath been too visible how much that master-plot and ingine hath in these times been working to take men first off all sense of religion and destroy them in the morals of Christianity to make this conquest more easy that such may have no inward defence and support against the terrour of human violence yea in this way when they have sought how to divide Protestants among themselves and betwixt Rulers and them this seams the last and greatest ingine of all how to divide betwixt them and their God and act the same plot which was laid betwixt Balack and Balaam as knowing that it s no naked shew or profession of the Reformed religion they nead fear so much as that old protestant spirit in the power life therof before which their interest could never stand and dreads nothing so much as the reviving hereof which as the hand-writing upon the wall did ever more threaten the fatall ruine of that Kingdome then any human power or strenth 6. Here also he finds just cause of astonishment how Kings or great men in the earth should give their power to support the Romish interest that hath been so visibly destructive to theirs when it s not possible to deny how its first advance and progresse to that supreme hight which it once attained and the declining of the civill impire did by the same steps goe together untill Magistracy was turned as unto a dead image and shaddow except its being enlivened by their breath and authority as it was during the whole hight of that Antichristian power nor will it be denyed that in these late times the French Monarchy was never more near its dissolution in its right line then by the Catholick league there and would seem not easy to be forgot how Henry the 3d who had most sought to crush the Protestants there in pursuance of that league was at last constrained to flee to such for help or by whom he was killed and that Heroick Prince Henry the 4. was first stobbed in the mouth and then in the heart yea that the publick records of that nation cannot possibly deny how the house of Burbon owes its power and preservation more to the Protestants without whom it had been fully extinct then Ahaswerus did to Mordecai the Jew for what he found written in the Chronicles of Persia when the decree was then past to destroy all the seed of the Jewes 7. As in no times past was ever a greater expectation then is now which way the scale will turn and what will be the end of these wonders when the nearest events of Providence are so darke and amazing so does he find this in some eztraordinare way called for to be still and see what God will doe for his Church and with humble confidence look for some dispensation as hath not hitherto been in this extreme exigence and tho he doe not appeare in that way and manner as in former times that it shall be in a way more signally glorious beyond what hath formerly been yea does in faith thus judge that then is the Churches day broke and hath found the sure way of her strenth and right lith of duty when her hope and confidence is taken of all visible refuges and intirely setled on her invisible head and his promise put to suite by prayer without fainting herein It is sure the truth faithfullnesse of God stands ingadged for Antichriâ—â—s fall as well as for salvation by Christ and since he hath said this adversary shall be broke and brought down it must surely be tho the dust of the ground should rise for this end and now is the faith of the saints called for becoming the greatnesse of such an assurance on which are the eyes of men of their own conscience of the elect Angels yea of the glorious God to see who does indeed credit him in this day when there is no sensible support herein and tho it is now like to shake sore the departure of many from the faith who had some visible profession therof yet may it be hoped for that the turn of the next tyde shall bring in moe with a solid and true increase to the Church then these sad dayes doe now take off CHARACT VI. It is thus a confirmed Christian should be specially considered as one who is not only at rest on the known certainty of his saith but is ready to render some account of the solid rationall grounds and demonstrations hereof unto all who ask after the same and doth thus judge 1 that these are the proper and appointed means which the Lord hath afforded for the greatest confirmation of mens faith within time yea preferable to any externall miracles which are more extraordinare and remott assistances therto 2. That these are given as so great an helper to his joy and excitment of his affections to follow the Lord fully as makes him wonder how the greatnesse of these things which men are called to believe can come near their thoughts and yet not more taken up about this confirming worke 3. That the too visible neglect herof both with respect to the youth and community of professours in the Church seems one of the sad and fundamentall defects of this day The reasons hereof with some clear view of these means which might most answer such an end are briefly offered in this preceding worke CHARACT VII À truely confirmed Christian may in the last place be herein also considered as such whose faith being oft tryed through all these stages of Christianity he hath been taken hath some proper record of the most choise and signall confirmations of his life to improve the same not only for his own support in that last warfare of death