Declarative Glory is so highly concerned that a Christian should account the meanest Room 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 notice of Particular Churches and of the Christian Magistrate where Religion hath any true regard to have such solemn Providences as occur in that time and place which may be called most Instructive Providences to the Church and of a further reach and extent than any Private use both Search'd after and Recorded as becomes so high a Service to the Christian Cause and one of the highest concerns of Posterity in Order to have them not only possessed of a pure Religion but of that Seal also which the Lord hath in the great Acts of Providence appended thereto And thus to have that Increase which each Successive Age brings therewith to the publick Stock of the Church looked after as a piece of the greatest trust reposed thereon so that the Children rise not up and say we have not heard nor have our Fathers faithfully communicated to us the wondrous Works which the Lord hath wrought in their time 3. He is thus also taught to see the Demonstrative Causes of the most strange Judgments on the Church to be as clear in the Scripture as they are in the event And though the Holy God in the day of his Patience and Long-suffering is not alike quick in the Execution of the Sentences of his Word yet does he ever establish the Authority of his Laws by the works of his Providence in the most opportune season and as Judgment deferred is no acquittance so does it more threaten its being the greater when it comes than a quick and present dispatch yea though this tempest which now blows on the Churches of Christ come to a greater height and the darkness be such as no Moon or Stars may for many days yet appear of any Visible signs of Hope yet is his Soul thus at rest whilst he can see the Credit of the Truth cleared on which he hath more in trust than any Adventure within time and doth rejoyce whatever miscarrying there may be of Inferiour Ends that this great and ultimate End of the works of God is secured herein and the Glory of his Truth does shine forth in the most strange and amazing Acts of his Providence whereat many are ready to stagger when they do not wisely consider the same 4. He sees now likewise so high a value which the Lord puts on the Trial of his Peoples Faith and that the great dispensation whereby he deals with men is by trust and on the credit of his Word as it adds further to his Confirmation to see all humane and Visible Refuges oft taken out of his Churches sight Yea his greatest works in the Earth make the greatest delay ere they be brought forth and his Churches Case is put so far beyond help before a cure as the first quickning of her crushed and almost dead hope must be at the mouth of the Grave and he is thus herein more singularly strengthned that when the Lord speaks the same in the way of Providence which he hath spoke in his Word not by Might nor by Power that he doth with unspeakable Advantage supply and fill the room thereof by the next Word but by my Spirit saith the Lord. Which in this day should with a full Assurance of Faith be both sought and looked after 5. It is in this rare Study he attains also the greatest Confirmation to his Faith that could possibly be desired within time to see now when it 's so near the close thereof and after all the Revolutions of times past how the Truth and Faithfulness of God hath as the Sun in its Strength still kept its way straight and fixt amidst all those dark Clouds which have been to darken the same and is now gone its course until it draws near to the full and perfect day yea thus to see how signally this present Age is held upon that same appeal andd solemn Testimony which Joshua gave Josh 23.14 That not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you all are come to pass to you and not one thing hath failed thereof and Solomon did bear also at the Dedication of the Temple 1 Kings 8.56 Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest unto his People Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed one Word of all his good Promise which he promised by the hand of Moses his Servant so is this now that great Testimony of the latter days and the highest Tribute of Praise to the Glory of God in his Truth which can be given by men that this present Generation stands accountable to make the same yea much greater appeal to the World if they can instance one Promise or Prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture which hath ever failed or fallen to the ground but may be this day read in the Event and under those proper circumstances wherein it was to take place in its proper Season as evidently as it was foretold And must still bear the same witness Psal 18.30 That the way of the Lord is perfect and his Word tryed on all the Adventures of Faith and Trials which to this moment of time have been made hereof and of his being still a Buckler to such as trust in him and are called to send this glorious Testimony to the succeeding Ages that it may never cease to shine or want a publick witness thereto before Angels and Men until the whole mystery of God in his Word be finished in that magnificent close which shall be thereof at the second Coming of the Lord. CHARACT V. A Confirmed Christian in this day should be thus also stated as one who hath not only attained a solid rest and settlement of Mind upon the Certainty of the Christian Faith but does know the pure genuine Truth of Christianity amidst such high Oppositions betwixt the Romish and Reformed Church herein And in the first place hath in this manner held himself upon such a trial 1. As one who knows there is but one true and saving Religion in the Earth to which God hath annexed the Promise of Eternal Life which can never be divided against it self 2. Who knows that within a little while his Religion will be tried in the Truth thereof at the Tribunal of Christ where every man must give account of himself unto God 3. Who sees there can be no possible indifference in the Exteriour Profession of either way but that so high a contrariety of Principles is in this Opposition that if the Doctrine of Christ be on the one hand it is sure Antichristianism must be on the other hand 4. Yea who hath in that abstract manner sought to state the Case herein with his own Soul as if he were just come out of Paganism to give a serious
immediate revelation of God unto men is so demonstrably extant in the world page 24 VI. Of the special evidences of the Scriptures Divinity which men must needs see to be infallible page 25 VII Of the secure conveyance of the Scripture though all the changes of times past page 27 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 page 28 SECTION II. I. HOlding forth those great assistances to the Christian faith and of the Messias being surely promised to the Church before his coming page 29 II. Of the truth and accomplishment of this great promise of the Messias and how it is now as sure in the event as it 's clear he was promised page 30 III. Of the special advantage for confirmation of our faith herein that for 4000 years the promised coming of the Messias was deferred page 32 IV. Of the nature and internal excellency of Christianity to bear furthest evidence to the truth thereof page 33 V. That this is the same Gospel we now receive and enjoy which from the first promulgation thereof hath had so great effects on the world page 34 VI. That the sufferings of the Saints in times past was so demonstrably above the assistance of Nature page 36 SECTION III. I. FOR holding forth on what grounds the faith of a Deity must determine men to be Christians page 37 II. What confirmation the Christian Religion hath from that visible State of the Jews page 38 III. The way and manner of its prevailing on the world which no profession else could ever pretend to page 39 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 page 40 V. How the strength of such a demonstration stands still clear and evident in these dividing times of the Church page 42 VI. What in these last times is under our hand to compensate such a confirmation by miracles which was in the first times of the Gospel page 43 SECTION IV. I. FOR holding forth with the furthest rational certainty and evidence the truth and doctrine of Christ to be a soul-quickning and experimental Religion page 44 II. The truth also of conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state of grace page 46 III. Of so great an experiment of Religion as Communion betwixt God and men here on Earth page 48 IV. Of so great a demonstration of Religion in the power and workings of the Conscience page 49 V. Of that special confirmation to our faith which doth result from such a demonstration of this power of the Conscience over men page 50 SECTION V. I. FOR holding forth the Truth of a Kingdom of Darkness in the World in opposition to the Kingdom of Christ page 51 II. What confirmation to our Faith the certainty hereof and of these Powers of Darkness doth clearly afford page 52 III. That great truth of the immortality of the Soul with the clearest evidence to reason as well as by the certainty of Faith page 54 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 page 55 V. Some special assistances to the Christians Faith of an eternal Glory in Heaven and to serve an unavoidable conviction on the greatest Atheists page 57 VI. Something 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 page 59 VII Some assistances to our Faith of that great truth of the Resurrection of the Body page 61 CHAPTER III. The Confirming work of Religion further improved with respect to this dismal and amazing time we are now fallen in SECTION I. TO hold forth what may be both for light and confirmation upon this great distress the Churches of Christ are now under page 63 SECTION II. HOW great a talent we stand accountable for in this day of such immediate and extraordinary appearances of the Lord for confirming the same publick cause of the Reformed Church since the Reformation which we are now called to adhere to page 65 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 page 73 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 page 77 The True and Infallible WAY For attaining a confirmed State in Religion c. CHAP. I. The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Christianity held forth and cleared in its continued necessity and use to this day in seven Positions Posit I. THAT nothing can be of a more sad and threatning aspect on the present state of Religion in all the Churches of Christ than that utter estrangement most are under to the true grounds of Faith and to those fundamental differences betwixt Christianity and every false way which no pretended Religion can lay claim to The reasons of the Position are these I. That it is too visibly manifest how no men in the world know so little of their own profession of any human art or science as such who bear the Name of Christians Or are so generally strangers to the Truth and firmness of the Principles thereof for maintaining either a due Valuation or powerful sence of the same on their Soul so that an implicit and Traditional Profession is the only part and propriety which most can claim in the Truth and Doctrine they profess II. That very rarely also is any Serious Personal Inquiry and Tryal if there be indeed such a thing as an Experimental and Soul-quickning Religion in the Earth That can bear the expence of the most dismal and afflicting times and hath so great a temporal Revenue as Peace with God an Immediate Communion with him the Joy and Comforts of the Holy Ghost when we are under such pressures of trouble as are above the support of Nature III. That the furthest account why most go under the name of Christians rather than of any other form can rise no higher than Custom and Education that it did bespeak them from their Birth and was the Religion of their Ancestors yea become in that manner natural to them as the Customs and Language of their Country Which are grounds that would determine to the very opposite Profession if they were stated under the same circumstances and had the same motives to be Mahumetans since it is sure these can found no other Assent than is suitable to the Nature and Strength thereof IV. That thus it is plain the most numerous part of
men yea how visibly many are transformed into his Image by such prodigious and desperate acts of wickedness as we should think humane nature could not but tremble at IV. That none can question the certainty both of Sense and Reason which is in the truth of Apparitions and Bodily Possessions of Men in all Ages and in all places of the Earth and can need no demonstration for this that in many places of the Earth the Devil is both visibly and audibly known V. That he is so manifest in his appearance as a Spirit of Blasphemy which impetuously acts Men to War against Heaven with their Tongue in such Oaths and Cursing as have no sensual pleasure or gain herein yea as a Spirit of Delusion in so visible an excitement of others to such extravagancies under a shew of Religion as are inconsistent with any use of Judgment or Reason VI. That so innumerable a company of humane Race hath in all Ages been in a formal and express Covenant with these powers of darkness is undeniable upon the most severe and impartial inquiry herein Qu. II. What special assistance to your Faith doth the certainty of these Powers of Darkness bring therewith Answ I. It is plain that such a Party both in their Nature and continued Actings are in a stared opposition to the Kingdom of Christ II. It is visible that the Prey which these Mighty Hunters do follow after is not our Body or the things of this Life but it is the Immortal Soul and Future State that Man might be made sharer of the same Misery under which they are concluded III. All may see their being under restraint of a Supream Power above them and under such Chains as do irresistibly bound their rage and enmity against Man by an invisible Guard and Hedge which they cannot break over IV. 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 clearly move for their rescue than these do to cross that blessed design of the Gospel V. There are none that are serious in the Truth and Life of Religion but find themselves pursued by such an Adversary and have as discernably another Party than 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 there is discernably a much greater restraint of Satans Dominion and Power than in all the Earth besides yea that the advantage of being within the external covenant of Baptism is so demonstrable that the least yielding 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 than others VII Thus is a most undeniable Confirmation given of an Invisible World and of such intellectual Beings there as are far above man yea and it is plain that there is an intercourse betwixt Men and Spirits such may clearly shew the interest that Man's Soul hath in another State and World than this Qu. III. Is that great truth of the Immortality of the Soul 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 believe an Immortal Soul and Eternal State wherein it must shortly enter as by few seems 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 an Immaterial and Active Substance as the Soul which can admit of 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 Soul of Man is therein II. Though we cannot see this rare and wonderful Being yet we fully perceive it to be something distinct from the Body and to have a distinct interest both in its griefs and comforts III. That 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 clear in its exercise not only when most separate and abstract from sensible things but when the flesh is under the greatest decay and near its dissolution to shew the Soul lieth not a dying with the Body but hath its distinct subsistence to live in a separate state when it dies IV. It s being peculiarly framed for converse and intercourse with spiritual Beings yea its being the only part of the visible Creation admitted to fellowship with the invisible God and to have reflex acts upon it self V. It is a Being of a higher nature and value than the Sun Moon and Stars which not only can know and conceive of things above the evidence and impressions of sense but make a rational choice of good though cross to any sensual pleasure yea to rejoice and have its proper delights when the body is afflicted and in pain nor can it be defiled from the most loathsome sores and defilements of the Flesh so as we must needs see both its Dominion and Preheminence over the Body and have assuredly a subsistence without the same VI. It is such a Being as is capable of a happiness beyond the whole extent of the World and hath these intellectual Faculties which cannot possibly want both objects suitable thereto and injoyments above the Senses VII The most choice and excellent are usually most afflicted and crushed under the feet of their oppressours whilst the vilest flourish in the Earth and have no bands in their death so that such were of all men the most miserable if in this life both their being and blessedness were terminated VIII That there is so universal a sense of Immortality that they who both fear and hate the evidences hereof yet under some constraint of Reason have 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 happiness than such if it were not for respect to an 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 wise God moves herein according to the nature of second causes and it hath various ways of approach unto men yet may all see with the furthest conviction of rational evidence as well as certainty of Faith I. That 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 no natural accident and result of our Primitive and Original Frame II. That it's
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. A trembling sense and terror of Divine Vengeance oft follows upon horrid acts of wickedness and so eminently breaks forth upon a surprising sight of Death that all may see something more dreadful herein than in the dissolution of Nature and the Power and present Arrest of a future judgment is made visible in the same V. There are begun degrees of blaspheming and rage against God because of his plagues and such prodigies of cruelty exercised by Men here in the Earth as may be evident to all to be more than humane and rather the effects of infernal spirits acting in a humane shape VI. So clear a prelude and beginning of Hell is in that judicial obduration and blindness which many are given up to under the greatest discoveries of light that all may see their being thus bound over in Chains and shut up in Prison until Death bring them forth to the Execution and that no relief or application of the means of Grace hath then any success VII Such a Map and Shadow of Eternal Vengeance is in these terrible acts of Divine Judgment inflicted here on Apostates and Persecutors of the Truth and other flagitious persons which with the very first view might present an awful and immediate appearance of God in the same some strange and supernatural punishment is oft so visible on the workers of Iniquity VIII And whatever be of natural causes in such visible representations here in the Earth as that sulphureous Lake where once Sodom was and those burning Mountains of Haecla Aetna and Vesuvius yet we may truly judge that they are thus set before the World as visible memorials of the Infernal Flames and as it were so many Chimny's or Vent-holes thereof for such who will not believe the same because they do not yet see or feel 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. It hath great assistance from that visible and stupendious frame of the Heavens and the Earth when it 's sure that the same Infinite Power that hath not only made Man but the whole Creation can as easily collect and reunite 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 toil and to his Martyrs to endure unexpressible torments for Christ at last to perish for ever IV. From these visible resemblances and pâ—efigurations of the Resurrection which the Lord hath given to confirm our Faith herein in the ordinary 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 marvellous and beautiful 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 blossoms and fruits yea this in such a variety as may no less convincingly evidence an Infinite Divine Power herein than 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 and above all reason to conceive or give credit thereto CHAP. III. The Confirming Work of Religion improved with respect to the Times to clear the way of the Lord herein before this Generation and let us see how nothing is so strange in the Events of this day which should not more strengthen then shake and that the God of the Reformed Church doth still own the same Interest according to his Faithfulness Which is here briefly Pointed at upon some special inquiry proposed about the same SECTION I. Qu. I. VVHat can afford both Light and Confirmation to our Faith in such a time when we see the Work of the Lord about his Church to be most remarkably now a work of Judgment with such dark and searching Tryals therewith as former times have not known Ans 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 Trials of a Church should be suited to the measure of their Talent of Light and when this hath been in some more than ordinary way dispensed that some remarkably searching Times might be expected to follow nor can it be now strange 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 Method of Providence should be suited also to the greatness of that Work which he is bringing forth may be no strange thing and to see a time of such sore wrestlings as this when all things seem to cry and 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 height and Period of Accomplishment as we have safe ground for Assurance of this day III. Nor hath this sad and dismal hour on the Church been more obvious than the provoking Cause hereof in which the Holy Righteousness of God may be no less clear than the Cloud now is dark when there has been such a Visible falling off from that Love Tenderness and Power of Religion that did formerly attend its Profession 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 manner undone we were under some sadder stroak of Spiritual Judgment ready to be utterly 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 pass 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 and none can take it
quam necesse est hunc esse quem impossibile est non esse X. How plain is it that men cannot but see these effects of his Power on the Conscience in the Certainty of a Prophetick Light and Discovery as hath been oft given of Future things and in the undeniable Truth of Miracles so as such a Prodigy as a profest Atheist can have no claim to humane Race as a rational Being more than the greatest monster in Nature to be a true man Qu. II. Whâ—t doth witness the Worlds not being Eternal and its first Original and Beginning from God to Confirm your Faith herein by rational Demonstration Ans I. That Eternity is an Incommunicable Perfection of the first Cause and that which is made up of corruptible and perishing things as this Visible World cannot possibly be in it self Eternal nor could ever produce it self since thus it must both be and not be at the same time which is the greatest Contradiction II. That if there be such a thing now as time there can be no judging of Days Years and Ages to be Infinite or how one thing in a continued order should thus go before another without coming to some first beginning III. If there be a gradual Increase of human Learning on the Earth and a further discovery of Arts and Sciences and the greatest Experiments and Inventions have been but of a late Rise and Date then can there not possibly be an Eternal Succession of Mankind with a continued Progress and Experience this way nor can it be that but of late one part of the World is known and discovered to another IV. That so short an History as we have in the most Ancient Records of time were wholly Inconsistent with such an Eternal Duration or that Infinite Ages preceding should leave no remembrance to Posterity when so small a measure of time as a few thousand years have left so much V. Nor could men beget men Eternally without going back to some first man who could not beget himself VI. That if Eternity be preferable to time then should not the excellentest being in the Earth Man be thus corruptible and only this inanimate Mass of the Earth Eternal VII That infinite Ages past though they should have but multiplied the race of man in an Age to two or three more should have come to that at last that the whole Precinct of the Earth could not possibly bear the product of such an infinite Increase and no Wars or extraordinary Judgments were ever yet known to be such as to restrain such an unavoidable growth Qu. III. What infallible Evidence to Reason is there of a Supream Providence both in the Conservation and Government of the World for Confirming your Faith of the Scripture herein Ans I. That it is clear the support of this great frame of the Universe with that continued and regular course of nature herein is as simply impossible without an infinite Divine Power as its first Being and Creation II. That such an extent of Providence as respects so innumerable Objects with such a Contrariety both of Qualities and Passions in the same must needs be from an Infinite and Intelligent Cause III. That all things to this day continue in that established Order of second Causes wherein God hath placed them by a Law so Visibly Imprinted on the Nature of things without Reason that they do as exactly answer the same in their proper Course and Station as if they had a rational Knowledg of their Duty IV. That Universal respect the Sun in the Firmament hath to things here below though at so great a distance which doth neither cease or grow weary to send forth its beams and hidden influences to the meanest Creatures may let us clearly see how it hath the same Visible Use and End to Confirm an Incomprehensible and Infinite Providence about the meanest things as well as the greatest V. That immediate Precedency of the Soul in that lesser World of Man bears the same Evidence therewith which though we never saw with our eyes yet doth undeniably actuate the whole body in its Functions as the proper Spring of every act and Motion there VI. It is thus further confirmed by these continued vicissitudes and turns of Summer and Winter and of day and night that man might have both Light for his Labour and Darkness as a covering for his Rest VII By such Visible Discoveries of Divine Judgment and Execution of his Laws on men here as all may see his Hand therein who yet will not hear his Voice in the Word VIII By these extraordinary and wonderful Works of Providence which have been in all Ages IX By so evident a restraint both over Devils and wicked Men without which they would quickly disturb the whole frame of this Earth and make it uninhabitable for Human Society if their being thus Bounded and Chained were not as Visible as the Certainty of their Being X. By such a Natural Obligation to Moral Duties with the Sence of a difference betwixt good and evil as is founded in the very rational Nature of Man that none can possibly root out even where the Scripture is not known XI By that Natural Confidence also in God which all Men have and recourse to him on any present extream hazard to Witness not only that the most High bears Rule in the Kingdoms of men but that the Sence and Evidence hereof is unavoidable Qu. IV. But doth this great Administration of Providence about human Affairs as unchangeably appear in a diffâ—rencing betwixt the Righteous and the Wicked by some Recompence to the One and Punishment to the Other as in the established course of Nature Ans It is certain that such as desire a Confirming of their Faith herein want it not with the furthest Evidence but may ever see that exact Conformity in the whole Dispensation of Providence to the Rectitude and Perfection of the Divine Nature and how a firm belief that God is and that he is a Rewarder of them that Diligently seek him is one and the same Faith when we cannot but see I. That natural sense of good and evil and essential difference betwixt the same which is so firmly founded in the Reason of all Mankind as no human Laws or Custom could ever take this off their Conscience or make an indifference herein without extinguishing the very Nature of Man to shew that Eternal and Unchangeable difference which the Holy Nature of God hath put betwixt them II. That we see the worst of Men so constrain'd to an awful Sense and Regard of Truth and weldoing and to acknowledge the Loveliness and Excellency hereof as does make them seek their own repute by a false shew and counterfeit of the same and gives such a Being and Rise to that dreadful Imposture of Hypocrisie III. That it's the Truths Priviledge ever to outlive Falshood and prevail over the same yea to have the greater Triumph after its sorest Conflicts and how this is of
of the Passover which was the very same of the Sufferings of our blessed Lord there and pointing as with the finger at the same as also by the Romans whose Interest in their Opposition to Christ they pretended to own Qu. III. Is the way and manner of the Gospels Promulgation such as no other Profession could ever pretend to and where all may see there can be no human Interest or Contrivance in the same Ans It is undeniable that no Interest else was ever in such a way promoted and it does exceed all natural understanding how the Truth of Christianity could in this manner prevail I. To perswade men without any Motives or Inducements from this present World to imbrace a Doctrine so wholly repugnant to Nature yea to prefer an Interest of things not seen and which none ever in the Earth saw to the most desirable Objects of Sense II. To admit no implicite Reception from any but on their exactest Inquiry and Tryal herein or in another way claim an Interest in Mens Affections but by a full Assent of their Light and Judgment to the same III. To admit no Gratification to the most Predominant Desires and Inclinations of Men towards any Darling Sin which according to human Wisdom would be judged of an absolute necessity for gaining any Acceptance with such yea to give no partial respect to the greatest Princes more than 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 controul such an end by any Rules of human Wisdom and Policy if there had been consulting with Flesh and Blood herein V. And it 's sure there could be no design without an immediate Divine Power in such a manner to plead the Interest of Christianity with men by inserting Afflâ—ction and the Cross 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 amongst themselves which we find Christ doth so specially press for this end that the World might know and have such a Visible Seal of his Divine Mission Joh. 17.21 Ans The greatness of this Demonstration may be thus evident to all I. That it 's so clearly demonstrative of the Purity of our Religion which can admit of no Bitterness Strife Recrimination or such Indecencies of Heat and Passion which are the 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 Godliness upon Mens Hearts 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 profess the same in that manner shine forth in Tenderness Humility and Brotherly Love so that they become as a Publick Good and Blessing to Mankind in the places 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 it 's sure that no Humane 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 do yet in so marvellous 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 Judgment otherways by a Spirit of Love Meekness and Condescendence amongst his People than 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 bleed unto Death Ans Whatever just cause be of grief yet is there none for darkning the Truth of this Demonstration on these grounds I. That none can deny the Perfection of the Rule of the Gospel for there is a most firm and intire Unity amongst all the Followers of Christ on the Earth II. That no Opposition is made thereto but what hath been foretold 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 than whether there is a Devil whose greatest design hath ever been to divide and break Christians amongst themselves IV. Because this Union which is chiefly Mystical and Invisible is much greater often than 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 to oppose any Invasion thereon that there stands an Angel with a flaming Sword upon every hand in the Commands and Threatnings of the Gospel to secure this Blessed Unity of the Saints amongst 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 it 's ever found that this Demonstration hath some clear Evidence amongst 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 Centre the nearer also are they amongst themselves VII That in all times there hath been some tremendous mark of the Judgment of God made visible on such who are Contentious and have made it their work to Cause Division in the Church and sow discord among Brethren Qu. VI. But what hath the Church now in these latter days to Compensate and make up the want of that great Demonstration by Miracles and such extraordinary Confirmations of the Christian Faith as were in the first times Ans I. We may hereby see that the Seal of Martyrdom which came in the room of Miracles to the Church hath exceeded that which was in the first times of the Gospel II. That there have been since such innumerable shining Examples of Holiness yea these continued to this day whom
Death as a Penalty which keeps the fear and dread thereof so much on all living it being in that last period that the eternal state of Men is decided III. That the sting and bitterness of sin is so manifest in innumerable diseases and stroaks of Death which many feel an 100. times ere they dye once beyond any 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 under it V. That supernatural presages and warnings hereof ere it come are in all times known and sure yea such extraordinary evidences are sometimes of the precise time as could have no possible rise from any natural cause VI. That its immediate 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 less seen and a supernatural causality than the effects have been undoubted and clear to shew that such is the state of Man that this great revolution by Death doth each moment depend on a call from Heaven VII That the certainty of something supernatural in this King of Terrours is so known that as no relief can possibly be found but in the truth and power of Christianity to set men both above the fear of Death and an after State when once it comes near VIII Yea that it is surely above the possibility of Nature which can bear 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 chosen that by so strange an entry and at so dark a Port they should first pass to the full enjoyment of that glorious state above Qu. V. What evidence and demonstration can you shew to confirm so great a Faith of an Eternal Glory prepared for the Saints in Heaven and of its earnest and first fruits here as may strike an undeniable conviction hereof on the World Answ I. The visible ripening and resemblance to such a state in all the degrees of a Christians growth to a more full stature of the man in Christ may be no less evident than the natural growth of our Body II. Though the opening of these Gates of the Second World be hid so as no humane sense can discern the Spirit in its ascent through those higher Regions to that unconceivable 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. Such also were both humble tender and sincere in their Life and then in so great a composure of judgement that all might see they knew what made them glad and could swallow up both the fears and bitterness of Death yea and this was not given for their own support only but for a more publick use for the Conviction and Confirmation of others IV. The state of glory is demonstrable and hath been oft brought down to Mens sense by these ravishing joys of the Martyrs of Christ and exultation of Spirit even in the Flames V. Supernatural comforts 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 follows well-doing and any service of love for Christ which all may see to be the first fruits of that harvest which is above VI. 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 resemblance to another state than here to which the World is but as a place of Pilgrimage trial and a preparatory state only VII Visible returns of joy and comfort Christians have after saddest conflicts and down-castings and such day-break of vital quickening beams of Divine Light that have often been no less evident than that of the Martyrs at the Stake who cried out Now he is come he is come VIII Their breathings of Love after an unseen Christ and visible effects of its power on men might shew some begun translation of the Soul so far herein as to be more where it loves than where it lives IX Though we cannot see here that ineffable glory which is above but should have our Faith instead of Eyes yet such is the truth of holiness 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 blessedness 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 The whole dispensations of Providence in Israels passage through the Wilderness and to so excellent a Country as Canaan is no less sure in its self than that it was given for an Embleme and Type of the journying and militant state of the Saints here and to be a solemn pledge of that Canaan above XII 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 to have some peculiar respect to that end to awake and raise our thoughts 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 and shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father Qu. VI. What visible and awakening 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 that there is such a power and party as that of the Devils than the reality of some such a 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 in the visible service of these Infernal Spirits but partakers of the same nature and enmity against the Holy God and his Image which doth clearly witness their respect and tendency to the same state and place and Confederacy in their judgment as here in their sin III. Such visible impressions of vindictive justice are on mens Souls with such horrour of Conscience and unsufferable torments
off 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 Strength by such eager seeking Humane Props and support that we have forgot the Guide of our Youth and Covenant of our God and what great things he hath formerly done in the greatest straits of his Church when there was much humble trusting that the Spirit of the Lord would do more to recover his Truth than all Humane Might or Power could do SECTION II. Qu. VVHat 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 and unusual a Tide now is against the same Ans If men shut not their eyes and hide this great Talent of the Works of God under the Ground it 's sure none can Question such a Seal which before the Sun to the Amazement and Conviction of the World hath been put to the Truth of the Reformed Religion that we are now brought 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 Gentile Church by the Gospel whether 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 out-stretched 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 Darkness 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 none else beside him Ye are still called to see and be as Eye Witnesses to these things I. How Bright a Day of the Gospel of Christ did go before this great Darkness on the Church and what a solemn Triumph in these late Ages the Truth hath had over Antichrist so as the full stroak and ruine of his Kingdom which is sure and established in the Promise of God seems not now more marvellous and above humane appearance than 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 Progress which the ingathering of the Reformed Churches had so as between the Year 1560 and 1621. such famous Plantations of the Gospel were setled in a Church-state which all may see was the immediate Work 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 humane Sence after these great things which the Lord hath done III. How extraordinary a Calling and excitement 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 Endowments was then for Building of the Church â—s had not been formerly known since the first coming of the Gospel to the Gentiles 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 Purer Doctrine of Christ the Power and Life of Christianity came therewith to the World as a Seal and Attestation thereto beyond any Miracles yea how innumerable a Company in these last Ages of different Tongues and Languages and these so remote from one another did not only receive the same Truth but with such Resolution Adventure their Souls thereon as might fully witness they had another prospect of Christianity and to be in some other manner ravished with the Glory and Beauty of the same than is now in these times VI. Such high Spring tides 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 darkness for whatever was then as a Private Seal on the Spirit of Christians whilst the Witnesses did Prophesie in Sack-cloth yet was there no such Evidence and Demonstration of the Holy 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 Trial 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 Salvation VIII We have seen not only men 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 it was ever found that such as were most acquainted with the Reformed Religion in its Power and lived up in their Practice to what they professed thereof were those who with the greatest Assurance most resolutely 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 Worldly Interest or External Motives for the same X We have seen something not only extraordinary but even Miraculous in the Joy and Resolution of innumerable Martyrs since the Reformation who did bear out with a more than humane strength against a cruelty so visibly Inhumane and Savage yea which did in some degrees exceed that measure of the Heathens in the Primitive Times as being against a greater Light than theirs XI And have we not seen of what Spirit such still have been since the Reformation who were the most notorious Instruments in the Churches Persecution and how visibly such did act herein under so impetuous an incitement of the Devil that as Tertullian in his Apology speaks of Nero the Truth might boast in having such Adversaries XII It is sure we have seen that no humane Power could yet ever undo this blessed Inteterest of the Reformed Religion tho' no way or change of Weapons hath been left untried but we have thus seen whither so strong and united a Confederacy as the Catholick League in France did at last resolve and not only in the ruine of the greatest Actors and Contrivers therein but
to a further establishing of the Reformed Churches there as though such had Intentionally acted for the same when if second Causes had brought forth their Ordinary effects it might have been judged impossible to fail XIII We have seen that issue of all the Councels Expence 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 Flourishing even in the Externals and their resolute adherence to the Truth of Christ did most visibly keep together XIV We know that deluge of Blood which so quickly followed the French Massacre and the most dismal time which ever that Nation knew 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 Rev. 16.5 6. Thou art Righteous O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast judged thus for they have shed the Blood of thy Saints and Prophets and thou hast given them Blood to drink in great measure XV. Yea have we not seen how four Kings of France Successively were in less than thirty years taken away in the same continued pursuit how to destroy the Church there in whom that whole race of the Valois was thus extinct yea in the manner of their Death were most remarkable Monuments of Divine Judgment as the most famous Writers of that time do attest XVI We have seen what marvellous effects did follow those Bloody Years of Queen Mary's Reign in England to promote and commend the Protestant Doctrine to Mens Consciences there with so great a Triumph as it had in the Sufferings of such choice and excellent witnesses for Christ and hath brought in more Rent to the Praise and Glory of their Blessed Head than may to the furthest compense all that Blood of the Saints there though highly Precious in the Eyes of the Lord. XVII We have seen likewise the Blood and Cruelty of late against the Protestants in Bohemia in a short time most Visibly returned on the Authors thereof and how the immediate Finger of God might be seen in calling forth the Swedes to avenge the same and in that desolating stroak which followed in Germany XVIII We have seen in these late Times the Issue of that horrid Massacre on the Protestants in Ireland to the utter ruine in a very few years after of that Barbarous Party who had thus acted herein XIX We have seen what wonderful Providences did attend the actings of that poor handful of Protestants in the Valleys of Piedmont since the Reformation upon the account of that Bloody Massacre which was set on foot there against them which was so astonishing as all might see an extraordinary Appearance of the Lord herein as is clearly attested by the most Faithful Histories of that time XX. And can it be forgot unto this day how visibly a Divine Hand did appear in breaking that great Spanish Armado in the Year 1588. which had been for some years in Contriving against England XXI Astonishing and specially Demonstrative of the immediate Power and Presence of God and matter of Wonder and Praise also for after Ages was that solemn time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland for planting the Reformed Religion there with that zeal and oneness of Spirit as did then appear in all ranks to imbrace and adhere to the Profession thereof amidst the greatest threatnings of their Adversaries so as a few Years did bring forth that which would have seemed strange for an Age to accomplish yea that we find betwixt the last Martyr for the Truth there who was burnt at St. Andrews 1558. and the establishment of the Protestant Religion and full abolishment of Popery with the full Concurrence of Civil Authority herein in July 1560. was but little above two Years to shew what great things the Lord can do above all Humane Council or Confidence XXII It 's sure we have seen in what remarkable degrees these last Vials of the Holy Judgment of God have taken place on the Kingdom of Antichrist and how Conspicuous the Event hath been of that Prophecy 2 Thes 2.8 in these great Effects and Consumption thereof by the Ministry of the Gospel as an assured Pledge of the full Accomplishment of what remains herein XXIII And as every step of the Churches Rise hath been still advanced in a continued Conflict betwixt the Truth and Antichrist so have we still seen when the Assault and Opposition hath been greatest it s most remarkable tendency to a greater Victory which were it rightly considered upon clear and solid grounds from the Scripture the most formidable appearances of Trouble from this Adversary would with more Comfort than Fear this day be looked on so that whatever be the nearest and most immediate events yet is it sure as the Lord is true whose Word is passed hereon that whosoever gives their Power and Strength to support that Interest of Antichrist shall lose the day and find their Cause desperate for the party with whom they contend herein is the Son of God against whom no humane Power shall ever be able to stand These are but a few which are here mentioned of the great Acts of our God in behalf of his Truth to be still as present in our sight in a time when the Spirits of many are ready to Stagger and Faint and here mentioned to lay no stress or weight of the Authority of the Truth and Doctrine of our Profession thereon but on the alone Revelation of the Scripture but they are such an undeniable Seal for Confirming our Faith and of so known Publick and famous Evidence as should be no less considered and taken to Heart now than in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein SECTION III. Qu. VVHat present Judgment are we called to have of this Time upon clear and assured grounds from the Scripture that we may know under what aspect thereof the present State of Religion and of the Reformed Churches is under when so great a Crisis is this day as would seem to be in the very Height of its Conflict whether as to Life or Death Ans It is no present Appearance of the time that must Direct our Faith nor should we either stretch our Fears or Expectations of Things and Events beyond what the God of Truth doth warrand in his Word but it 's clear if we credit the same and admit the Divinity of the New Testament there is no just Cause of Hesitation or Darkness as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in these latter days nor can there be any pretence to seek another Light either from the Stars above or the Diviners of this Time when so woful a Trade hath got up in the World that men wtll thus go to the God of Ekron as though there were not a
concern the Vitals of Religion and an Inward Life of Communion with God V. Which Pleads an Impartial Tryal of all its Adversaries whether the Principles of our Profession or of Popery give the greatest Security to Civil Government and founds the strongest Obligations to Magistracy and to all Civil and Moral Duties by which the awe and venerable esteem of Religion is kept up in a Nation It is high time that men should cease to be implicite and become express upon this greatest Interest they have within time which is the Truth of their Profession in the matter of Religion when a Deceit or Mistake here is of an Eternal Concern Upon which account without respect to Interest Party or Education I have this day sought to know the Truth and what Adversaries could possibly pretend to Reproach or Prejudge any for the Reformed Religion All they can do is but to charge mens Corruption and Offences in their Practice upon the Rule and Principles of their Profession that can never give the least Latitude or Connivance thereto 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 then quitting both Religion and Reason at once But I can 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 FINIS AN IDEA Of the Confirmed State of a Christian in Dismal and Shaking Times THo' the Measure of all Christians Establishment in the Truth be not alike but must have respect to their different Trials Talents and Improvements for this end yet may it cause Astonishment to see how rare any Study of this kind is now to be found When it 's not only one of the highest concerns of Christianity but in a more than ordinary way called for as the Work of this day yea being this is a part of Religion which seems least improved of any for the more general State of Professours within the Church under some Conviction hereof was this Essay designed wherein 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 needful for such who have so great an Interest and Adventure not only through Time but for all Eternity to support themselves upon the alone Certainty hereof and ere these days of Trial which we now see pass over this Generation it may be found this was not unseasonable or without cause directed to such a time if the Lord graciously bless the same nor will it I hope be found unnecessary to present yet further some clear prospect of a Confirmed State in Religion and what those ought to be who with Light and Assurance of Mind are like to follow the Lord fully in such a day which is here offered in a seven fold Character under which a truly Confirmed Christian in the Truth of his Profession may be Stated CHARACTER I. He is one who hath another Sence and Impression of this great Study for attaining to a Confirmed State in Religion and is on higher grounds pressed to follow the same than most of the Visible Church do apprehend and should be thus Considered 1. As one to whom the Glory of the Christian Profession is in the highest Degree dear and who would have the World see that such as imbrace the same and do most fully Adventure on the Testimony of God in his Word are those who walk on the highest Principles of true and enlightned Reason yea who take deeply to Heart that Obligation which is on all who desire to advance the Repute and Honour of the Truth to be in such Terms therewith upon its own Evidence that they may know how to Confute and Shame Atheists and Infidels if called thereunto 2. Who see also that 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 to bear our against the strong Assaults of Infidelity but to gain also more Credit and Veneration to the Truth with those who are not easily dealt with but by such means as bear some Congruity to their Natural Light and Reason for which end the Lord hath afforded his Ministerial helps to render the Unbelief of the World and all pretence of Hesitation about his Truth more inexcusable 3. He also sees that the most important and Fundamental Truths of Christianity need the greatest Confirmation in his Faith and those who enter into so high and discriminating a Profession from the residue of the World need to know in what manner they embrace the same He sees that the natural Order of things does absolutely require to have the Foundation sure laid on which so great a superstructure must rest so as he judgeth it a Work by it self and to need some peculiar retiring his Soul in the most serious recess and Composure thereof to attain a stedfastness in the Truth and to know the strong and firm Conveyances of that greatest Mystery of the Gospel in such a manner as needs not a new Miracle to Confirm the same But he knows that no sharpness of mens Natural Understanding about the Truth can ever attain a true Rest and Settlement of Mind therein without an humble and serious Spirit stooping down before the Wisdom of God and entring as a little Child into his School and by that humble Practice and Obedience of the Gospel there is an undoubted coming up to the greatest Assurance and clearest Demonstrations of the same as Joh. 7.17 4 He knows that as nothing tends more to shake Mens Spirits and stagger them about the Truth than 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 he clearly sees that if such who look but at a distance on the way of Religion did but once come to have their Spirits exceed in a more serious Reflection thereon the first view they should have could not but be matter of Wonder and Amazement to think what can support a Soul in so marvellous a way as the Life and Practice of Christianity Which is so visibly above Nature and that wherein they must do violence to the same wherein they must part with the Multitude and oppose themselves to the strongâ—st Tide of Example 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 desirable things of Sence upon the alone Credit of their Faith yea wherein they must enter that Profession on no other Terms than to be Martyrs for the same and Seal it with their Blood so that he must needs see a Christian according to the Rule and Institution of the Gospel to be the greatest Riddle and Wonder of
and New Nature with as discernible evidence as if one man should meet with another of the same kind in such a place of the Earth which were only inhabited with Beasts 6. By considering also with a deep and serious reflection hereon that sure and known Conjunction which is betwixt the most rare Experiences of a Christians Life and the most searching Tryals thereof with that uniform Consent that hath in all Ages of the Church been in such marvelous things as these 1. What solemn Tokens and Testimonies of the Love of God and his Acceptance are found usually to meet his People in the entry of some great Tryal or Service for him even in some unusual manner then in the sense whereof as it was with Elijah they have been made to go many days after in a Wilderness-state yea how this does not respect Persons only but Churches that the Word still useth to go before with some remarkable confirming work to secure the heart before the Cross and some special Tryal of Persecution comes 2. That as each day hath its proper burden and work so hath it its proper allowance provided for the same which should be no less sought after by a Christian than his daily Bread and when the pressure of such a day grows to some more singular height so also should the expence hereof be in Faith sought for and expected 3. How the choicest Mercies are reserved to the saddest Times of a Christians Lot and most usually cross to their own choice and they have had the greatest struglings with those Methods of Providence which in the issue tended most to their Advancements 4. Yea how the returns of a long deferred hope after much humble waiting have been to them as a Pisgah whence they have not only had a clear and comforting prospect of their by-past Tryals but have been more fully confirm'd for the time to come and can bear now that Testimony that the Lord hath cleared all past things to them and hath taken the Vail off his work which for long had been as a dark and strange Riddle 7. This likewise 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 Exigency 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 peculiar assistances to his Faith and one of the greatest attainments of Experimental Religion within time when he can thus see the same way of believing in some strong and extraordinary assaults which he hath found 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 that none may 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. He is a truly confirmed Christian who in a dismal time is not staggered in his Faith from the present signs and appearances thereof but hath his Soul ballasted with such solid grounds of confirmation against the same that those Providences whereat others do most stumble tend to his further strengthening in the way of the Lord when he does now clearly see 1. How Tribulation and the Cross make one of the most illustrious and beautiful parts of the whole frame of Providence about the Church and in the Lot of each Christian so as there can be no possâ—ble stumbling to any for want of Light here that sore Tryals and Distress should most remarkably follow those in their Journey who have an Eternal Blessedness before them in the close hereof when so great a part of the Scripture is directed not only for comfort but for clear conduct of the Christians Faith through all the intricacies and labyrinths of such a dispensation He sâ—â—s how highly congruous it is to the Infinite Wisdom of God that so strait and narrow a way in such a sâ—ate of Tryal as is here should go beâ—ore the stâ—te of everlasting enjoyment that there should be sâ—â—h 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 should 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 admitted 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 peculiar Tryals and Conflicts this way beyond others for some example and encouragement to the Church in their day and here also he can now see how the greatest enjoyments of Comfort are more owing to the most sharp and afflicting Tryals of their Life than to the greatest external Calm and that to endure patiently and suffer for the name Christ is such a Priviledge as the Elect Angels have not been admitted to Yea that the Lords chastning work and sorest smiting 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 1. He does now clearly see how the Truth and Faithfulness of God is commensurate to his whole work of Providence and that all the Lines hereof as they do lead from his Revealed Counsel in the Scripture which is the adequate sign of his Eternal Counsel and Decrees so do they return thither again to make this great demonstration clear that if a full History were written of this World and what hath been conspicuous thorow the whole series of times past in all these Conjunctions of Inferiour Causes whether necessary free or contingent and of such Events that seem most casual it should be nothing else but an exâ—ct Transcript and History of the Bible to bear this witness That the World is nothing but God set forth in his own Scripture-Light But tho' 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 therein 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 wherein his Praise and
support it but these weapons which are not against the Conscience or by any terrour of the second Death but of the first 3. That this is such an Argument if they have not in a strange manner forgot which hath within these 100 Years been so fully Answered and by such an immediate Appearance of God in the Kingdom of France that according to these measures of Cruelty against the Protestants there so was it returned in a deluge of their own Blood yea so both the publick state of the Church and Faith of the Saints in the Truth was more deeply rooted and tho we yet see not the end of these wonders but the Dark-side only of the Dispensations of such a day yet do we know this sore Rod on the Church is but as the Saw and Ax in the Carpenters hand who shall never undo that glorious Work which Christ hath done and is still further perfecting on the ruins of Antichrists Kingdom 5. Tho some unusual deeps and Methods of Subtilty be 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 Credit of Popery off the Consciences of those in their own Profession who are considerate and in the least serious herein when the World must thus see 1. How easie it is 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 heighten or narrow the Controversie betwixt them and the Reformed Church at their Pleasure so as to Sacrifice the Church of Rome unto the Court of Rome if no less can secure that end 2. That the most horrid Turkish Slavery over mens Bodies comes no such length as that strange claim that these now make of an absolute Empire over mens Consciences by the Sword and to put them to such a Tribute of their Obedience that they shall then be secure if they but come the length to Sin against their Light and adventure on so small a thing as to go to Hell and perish Eternally since it 's an external and feigned Profession of such away that they do thus force from those who they see cannot in Faith be perswaded hereof 3. Yea it hath been too visible how much that Master-plot and Engine hath in these times been working to take men first off from all Sense of Religion and destroy them in the Morals of Christianity to make this Conquest more easie that such may have no Inward Defence and support against the terrour of humane Violence Yea in this way when they have sought how to divide Protestants among themselves and betwixt Rulers and them this seems the last and greatest Engine of all how to divide betwixt them and their God Acting the same Plot which was laid betwixt Balak and Balaam as knowing that it 's no naked shew or Profession of the Reformed Religion they need fear so much as that Old Protestant Spirit in the Power and Life thereof before which their Interest could never stand and dread nothing so much as the reviving hereof which as the hand-writing upon the wall did ever more threaten the fatal ruine of that Kingdom than any Humane Power or Strength 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 which hath been so visibly destructive to theirs When it s not possible to deny how it's first advance and progress to that Supream height which it once attained and the declining of the Civil Empire did by the same steps go together until Magistracy was turned unto a dead Image and Shadow except its being enlivened by their breath and Authority as it was during the whole height 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 than by the Catholick League there and it would seem not easie to be forgot how Henry the third who had most sought to crush the Protestants 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 Fourth who was first stabbed in the Mouth and then in the Heart yea that the publick Records of that Nation cannot possibly deny but the House of Bourbon owes its Power and Preservation more to the Protestants without whom it had been fully extinct than Ahashuerus 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 Jews 7. As in no times past was ever a greater Expectation than 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 dark and amazing so does he find this in some extraordinary way called for to be still and see what God will do for his Church and with humble Confidence look for some such Dispensation as hath not hitherto been in this extream Exigence And tho he do not appear 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 he does in Faith thus judge that then is the Churches day broke and hath found the sure way of her Strength and right Line of Duty when her Hope and Confidence is taken off from all visible refuges and entirely setled on her invisible Head and his Promise put to suit by Prayer without fainting herein It is sure the Truth and Faithfulness of God stands ingaged for Antichrists 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 greatness of such an Assurance on which are the Eyes of men of their own Consciences 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 now threatens sorely the departure of many from the Faith who had some visible Profession thereof yet may it be hoped for that the turn of the next Tide shall bring in more with a Solid and true Increase to the Church than these sad days do 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 Faith but is ready to render some account of the solid rational 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 external Miracles
God in Israel or such a thing as his written Oracles to inquire at when it 's sure these lie open and with a clear and distinct sound speak to all who have a Serious and Unprejudged Spirit I. That the Church under the New Testament hath now passed and gone through that most dismal and continued Tryal herein which was to go over her Head under Antichrists Reign and Height and whatever appearance he now hath in great Wrath yet is it sure and evident that the Winter is past and the Churches Spring begun and a few steps further off that Judgment which is now hastning on will at length end the quarrel so that by a near converse with the Word we may clearly see from what point the Churches course and motion this day lies and how exactly it keeps in the Certainty thereof by the clear Conduct of the Scriptures of Truth where a full Map of her whole Course and Passage through 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 than all visible grounds now are since this cannot fail 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 Progress of his fall and downcasting with resemblance to that great Judgment on Pharaoh as an evident Type hereof in the same judicial stroakâ— of Induration on both and gradual Progress 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 appearance 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 brightness to be put on this Illustrious Act of Divine Judgment reserved to these last times when a more immediate Appearance of the Lord will be seen than in any former deliverances of his Church III. It is no Conjâ—ctural 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 Rev. 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 hour 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 the Lord hath done any great thing for his Church but some unusual darkness and sore-wrestlings have still gone before and should be no matter of staggering to our Faith whatever it be of present Fears to see so dismal a Time of Tryal as now is and amazing heighth 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 almost Universally over the State of the Reformed Churches is no going down of the Sun thereon whatever did befal the most famous Eastern Churches to an utter dissipation thereof if these different Periods 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 dismal Night of Antichrists Reign whilst now this hour of Trial 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 warrants our Faith herein that the Work of Providence is to Plant and not cut off 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 we now live in the Evening and Extremity of time when the motions of Providence may be expected to be more quick and speedy as being so near the Centre and to the last Epocha and Period of all Prophetick Chronology wherein the Glory of God in his Truth and Faithfulness shall most eminently shine forth and these Scripture Truths which were formerly dark and 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 mold 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 undeniable a Seal to the Christian Faith and Divinity of the New Testament that it 's strange why this is not improved more against the Atheism of this time that such a visible event of the Scripture is now in being which was so clearly foretold by the Holy Ghost 1500. years ago with its proper Circumstances as to the manner of that Antichristian state with its Rise Growth and Duration as is to Admiration still evident to the World when not the least shaddow or appearance of so strange Future Emergencies was to be seen or could have entred 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 than its most formidable appearance this day can do VI. I shall but add here that we know and are sure the Lord hath reserved his greatest works to these latter days wherein his Judgments shall be manifest and that one of the most eminent Manifestations of his Glory before the close of time shall be Conspicuous in the fall of Antichrist on whose ruines that Glorious House 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 Darkness 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 last attempt of that wounded Adversary which will be found in the issue to have the most immediate Connexion with his greatest downfal and the Reviving Glory of the Church for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her SECTION IV. Qu. VVHat is specially called for in this day of such as are accountable for so great a Talent of Light and Confirmations to our Faith Ans If this were suitably taken to Heart we could not but reckon our selves under the greatest excitement and call to such an improvement hereof I. That we account it not enough to have a Faith for quieting our own Spirits but also to confirm others by putting to our Seal that God is true in the great Assurances of his Word and to Sanctifie him before the World which is so important a Duty as the Lord was wroth even with a Moses and Aaron for one short-coming when he called for the same Numb 20.12 and it 's sure in no time was such a special trust more reposed thereon than in this Age both as a publick Debt on the Church and Personal on each Christian how to witness for the Lord upon that great Interest of his Faithfulness and for Transmitting the same to the Ages to come by a Confirmatory Seal and Testimony thereto II. To reckon our selves also under some more than ordinary call this day each in their present Capacity and Station to appear for the Credit of the Truth and stemm so visible and impetuous a Tide as is now running of distrust and of a discreditable faintness for it may be said never was the Church under the New Testament so remarkably held under such a Trial as that wherein the Lord did prove the Church of Israel Numb 14. Or had a more evident resemblance thereto in the same Circumstances as in this day if they were seriously pondered As I. How in the same manner such a false and evil report is too visibly raised upon the blest ways of the Lord to discourage and faint the Spirits of his People as was then by the Spyes that there were insuperable difficulties in the way of the Promise by Reason of the Anakims and of their walled Cities and did thus oppose the Credit of Sense to all these Assurances which God had given to their Faith II. That this highly dishonourable Cowardice and Distrust did so seize on that People as was like to resolve in a visible revolt and to cry for a Leader to go back to Egypt again which amongst too many in this time may be justly feared III. That this was after such extraordinary Confirmations which the Lord had given to the Faith of his Church then who had by his own immediate and out-stretched hand so lately brought them out of the House of Bondage and from the Iron Furnace in Egypt as rendred their misbelief to be a guilt under such Aggravations as the Holy God did in that manner plead Vers 22. These ten times have they tempted me who have seen my Glory and my Miracles which I did in the Wilderness c. IV. But herein we hope and are Confidently sure of a blessed Disparity in this resemblance as to the numerousness of such who shall be found of the Reformed Churches to Act something of that part which these Heroick Witnesses Caleb and Joshua did and were then put to stand alone therein who through Grace shall yet appear with some measure of that Spirit and withstand so high a Tide of fears discouragement and unbelief as is at this day and thus to plead against the same as these did Num. 14.9 If the Lord delight in us then let us not rebel against him neither fear the greatest difficulties that can be in the way c. V. And is not the same Precedent of Providence of so singular a respect as the Lord did then testifie to his Caleb and Joshua who were of another Spirit in following him fully in that day a continued Assurance for all who shall be helped to any honourable appearance of this kind by making them see and inherit the Truth of his Promise yea that such a residue as out-lives this great and amazing storm shall have something of that Testimony to bear also which Caleb gave Josh 14.8 10. My Brethren which went up with me made the Heart of the People faint but I fully followed the Lord my God and now behold the Lord hath kept me alive c. O blessed they whose Souls are raised with that Holy Zeal for the Truth to stand up in this great breach by a resolute Profession of their Faith and Witness to the Faithfulness of God as such great and extraordinary Confirmations given thereto now call for III. It is one of the special Duties of this day we stand also accountable for how to stemm this high and growing Tide of Prejudice and Reproach against the Reformed Religion which in some unusual way is now aloft and raging and by Manifestation of the Truth to gain some more awful regard hereof on mens Conscience that they may see something of the Glory of our Profession and in what manner it maintains its Conquest as no way else can possibly claim I. Which reckons none to be the true and genuine Professours hereof who imbrace not the same upon Evidence and with respect to its Intrinsick Excellency and worth nor does Judge the Interest of Religion to go by number and poll where this is wanting but pursues that end to have men ingaged first to be Christians that they may be true and sincere Protestants and therefore can admit no such Methods of any base Compliance with the Humour and Interests of Men which its Principles will not bear II. Which in its course is ever regular and Certain according to the Rule of an Unchangeable and Eternal Truth without dependence on the will of man herein or any mutable Revolutions of the Time III. Which doth with the greatest lustre shine forth in the Brightest Light and is maintained by the clearest Knowledge yea by the furthest plainness and openness of Heart towards all commends it self so that the World may see it espouseth not mens Affection before it gains on their Conscience and it hath their Judgement fixed on a judicious Tryal before their Resolution nor accounts the Truth of Religion can ever subsist by an external shew and Profession without its known Evidence and the Efficacy thereof on mens Souls IV. Which sincerely follows the Catholick Interest of Christianity and publick good of Mankind in promoting the great Ends of the Gospel so as the World may see its highest Intent is to exalt all Divine Institutions and advance the Simplicity and Spirituality of Gospel Administrations according to the revealed Rule amongst Men as that which doth most nearly