care and expence what a sore vanity is this 12. Will not the want of a very small thing oft embitter the pleasantest lot and turn into wâ—â—mwood and gall the smallest touch of pain the gravel or tooth-ake yea even some melancholy thought will make men disrelish all their present enjoyments what a torment doth a small ruffle and affront oft prove to the proud man even in the midst of his glory is it not also found how carnal mirth and joy men wallowing in the delights of the World hath still in the close a bitter sting and hasth waygate which as the shadow attends the body is the native and unseparable consequent thereof and surely that may be easy to discern there is no condition which can want a crosse or some mixture of discontent even where there is least seen cause I would adde which cannot want a remark in every time that while men seem to be at the top and furdest period of their thoughts and projects have things according to their desire brought to some happy close they are oft then upon some turn and change in their condition either by death or some very sad crosse and even in that day their thoughts have perished truely such as are wise observers of the World and of the course of things therein may oft see how usuall a tryst this is that when there is too bright a sun-blink in outward prosperity if great sobriety and moderation do not accompany the same it is an ominous and fatall presage of a storm ad summum quicquid venit ad exitium prope est TWELFTH I would furder adde this truth which hath in all ages been cleerly witnessed even to the conviction of the World that the end of the upright man is peace and integrity what ever rub it may seem to have by the way yet hath a sweet and comfortable close Ps 37 37. This is an undenyable truth not only because the Saints are then entring into perfect peace but it is also clear that how ever the godly man may have very sharp assaults in the close of his dayes and some who have shined very bright do set in a dark cloud their evening full of sorrow and bitternes yea their reflexion on some sad stip which they have made by the way bearing them company even to the grave yet this truth is still verifyed yea may be discernable to the conviction of bystanders that integrity and an upright walk hath much peace in the end and doth land men upon a comfortable harbour anent which I can appeal the World and the most ordinary onlookers if this hath not been oft very convincing and discernable to them from many instances from the Lords usual way with these who have been faithful in their generation at their death from that testimony which they have then given to this yea from most visible signes and evidences hereof even upon their countenance and carriage vvhilest it is seen 1. How great an advantage such use to have above others when Death approacheth so that it hath not been Balaams wish alone to dy the death of the righteous and to have his latter end like theirs but the worst of men are still forced to witnesse their respect to the lot of a dying Christian and would wish a share thereof when it coms to their turn anent which I may ask the greatest mockers at religion and at the life of a Godly man if they can possibly shun this conviction that surely such are of the best estare and at the greatest advantage in their end 2. This I am sure cannot be hid from the World what aboundant peace the Saints do then testify in their choice what a present unspeakable complacency they have with this that they valued Christ above all other advantages did choose affâ—iction rather then sin and now while they are turning their face to the wall finds the witnes of a good conscience and of Gods approbation so sweet a feast that their joy and peace on this account they can not smother or keep in but declare to all who stand by what they find and truely it hath been oft seen how the inward joy which some of these have had hath exceeded their outward pain been more sensible to them then their sicknesse yea have been in leaving the World much more chearful then these whom they left behind 3. It is also known and may be very obvious to by-standers how with a sweet composure and recumbency of foul such have laid themselves upon the promise in that houre while they were grapling with the king of terrours their spirit then quiet and calm having taken the truth and testimony of God for their shield and buckler which may tell the World what an other kinde of security and confidence these have beyond others yea that surely the ground on which this confidence is â—ounded must be a thing that is able to bear out the greatest storm and assault and is something above nature 4. Is it not clear that even an untimely and violent death could not let or frustrat that peace which integrity causeth in the close For innumerable instances can witnes what marvellous joy and satisfaction the Saints have shewed at a stake and upon a scaffold and thence hath had a more chearful going out of time then the rich man stretched upon his soft bed or the greatest Monarch amidst all outward advantages sure we must say that sweet refreshing close of the upright man hath never been more visible and writ in greater letters then in such a case 5. What very sad conflicts have some of the Saints had in their life yea even upon the setting of the sun hath been put to cry out through sore perplexing feares and doubts wherewith they have been assaulted who have at last had this turned into a song and such a marvellous change in their case as hath not been more sensible to themselves then discernable to all onlookers like a sudden calm and sunshin after some dark storm I must here ask the Atheist and such as reckon Godlinesse but a fancy whence should so strange so sudden and great alteration proceed that these who a little before were under such horrour could have no rest no arguments could do their tnrn doe thus witnes the aboundant peace of their souls yea which is oft seen that fervent desire wherewith some of the Saints are taken away the very lustre of heaven being upon their countenance how marvellous and piercing are their words which may cleerly tell that now they feel they see and have got some glance of that which onlookers cannot reach though they cannot deny an acknowledgement of this 6. Must not the World grant yea the greatest enemyes to godlines allow this charity that sure this peace and joy which such have witnessed at death cannot be dissimulation that there is no temptation could thus byass them to deceive others and themselves in a matter of such high concernment
THE FULFILLING OF THE SCRIPTURE OR An Essay shewing the Exact Accomplishment of the Word of God in his Works of Providence performed and to be performed For Confirming the Beleevers and Convincing the Atheists of the present time Containing in the End a few rare Histories of the Works and Servants of God in the Church of Scotland ISAI XLVI V. X. My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure JOHN X V. XXXV And the Scripture cannot be broken ACT. 1 V. XVI Men and brethren This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled Printed in the Year 1669. THE EPISTLE TO THE READER READER It is like you mâ— expect some accompt anent the rise and occasion of this discourse that on so great and weighty a subject so small an essay should venture abroad especially in a time when it seemeth more safe and prudent to keep silence to be swift to hear and slow to speak which seldome hath an after challenge the Author will say litle for his apology herein though he hopeth he may finde it more easy to satisfy others then he did himself this fredome onely he shall take to confesse that sometime it hath been matter of earnest yea hatâ— caused some tossing and exercise upon his spirit and pressed a more serious enquiry and search with a respect to his own case to be perswaded anent the Scriptures divine authority that Godlines is not an empty name or shadow but of an undoubted truth which indeed of all other things is the greatest and of most near concernment and truely anent that this grave convincing argument of the Scriptures certain accomplishment hath not onely oft stared him in the face with a satisfying discovery and impression thereof as a most quieting and unanswerable demonstration of the truth but he must also say that by very remarkable confirmations from the Lord this hath been so convincingly witnessed to his experience as leaveth him under engadgement were such a poor testimony of weight to put his seal to the Word that it falleth not to the ground neither doth the promise of God fail It is a dark time now with the Church of Christ which we see every where almost suffering and afflicted whilest the whole earth besides seemeth to be at ease Christians also even beyond others in their privat lot trysted with very sharp tryals though I think suffering may be the least of our fear at this day while Ath-isme doth now appear on so formidable a grouth and hath a more threatning aspect then the rage or violence of men we see a saâ— dâ—cay likewise on the Churches abroad Religion every where under a great consumption and weaâ—ing out that seemeth to have reached it in its vital parts men search after an unusual way of sinning as if they scorned to be wicked at a common and ordinary rate prejudice easily taken up and enterâ—ained against the way of God whilest the good man doth alace perish without any affecting observation thereof the choise and excellent of the earth pluckt away and none to fill their roome Christians burials now frequent but the birth and inbringing of such to the Church rare This is indeed a sad subject and so much the sadder that few are found whose eye affecteth their heart whose teares and groaning seem to answer such a stroke and ruin which now is like to fall under our hand but I shall leave this prayer will be the best cure and is this day more fit then complaining to turn unto him who seeth the wayes of his People that he may heal them and can prevent these with mercy who seem least fit for the same onely two or three sad remarks of this time I cannot altogether passe which indeed are strange symptomes of the Churches present case and distemper 1. To see men own the doctrine of sanctification who yet can professedly disown yea make it their work by reproach to beget a prejudice against the practice thereof Oh strange to finde such as will dip their pen in gall against a tender and strict walk in Religion and revile it in the power thereof whilest they doe not deny these truths and principles that necessarily oblidge to such a tender practice who in the most grave concerning dutyes of Christianity think it enough to charge their brethen with Pharisaical ostentation and hypocrisy whilest they must confesse these duetyes to be unquestionably binding and that they can be no competent judges of such a challenge which the great witnes of the heart and inward parts of men can onely determine 2. It is a sad remark also of the time that Protestant writers professing the Reformed Religion shall state themselves in opposition to the most concerning grounds thereof such as imputed righteousnes and justification by faith which are well called Articulus stantis cadentis Ecelesiâ— I cannot have that charity that it is from ignorance but from a height of malice that some of late reproach the Protestant doctrine in this great fundamental of justification as if it pressed beleeving and resting upon Christ without respect to works and holines I confesse we put not inherent righteousnes in the room of imputed though we assert each is necessary in their own place the one in order to ouâ— right the other in order to the actual participation of that right yea that holines is absolutly necessary not only necessitate praecepti sed medii and justifying faith doth necessarily require works sed non qua quatenus justificat but sure if these men grant we are justifyed by the satisfaction of Christ they must needs confesse it is by imputation since if the debtour be acquit by the cautioners payment is it not by the imputation there of to him O sad to see some put their invention upon the rack how to wound the Church yea a death wound it would be if they could reach their end in that great truth of imputed righteousnes but it were best they denyed that sixt ver of the 4. Chap. to the Rom. to be canonick Scripture which none can read and shift it being so clear that the blessed man is there held forth uuto whom God imputeth righteousnes without works sure that cannot be inherent righteousnes else it were contradictio in adjecto I professe these what ever they pretend I must look on as adversaryes to the Reformed Churches and there is nothing more dangerous then a pirat going forth under a counterfut flag 3. Is it not likewise sad yea astonishing to see Ministers now in these times who are the expresse Embassadors of Christ given to the Church for her edification stand so directly crosse to the very end of their work and Ministry many of whom may be said that knowingly and deliberatly they oppose piety that such should persecute whose work is to feed and wound in stead of healing grieve the spirit of the Godly who should be helpers of their joy that none are a greater plague to corrupt the Church and cause the
sacrifice of the Lord be abhorred then some of these who should be the falt of the earth yea none more obstruct the treaty of the Gospel betwixt Christ and his Church then Ministers who are called the friends of the bridgroom Oh what a strange and astonishing contradiction may this seem but it should be no reproach to that holy and excellent calling of the Ministry for of such the Scripture hath expresly warned I confesse it may be said no Atheist like an unsanctified Minister yea no Atheisme of so black a dye as theirs who being still enured with holy things have yet no sense thereof Now in this very dark houre wherein the Church seemeth to have fallen in a death like pang and oh many of her Children in a sad lâ—thargie that if we looked in an ordinary way her wound might seem incureable there are a great and concerning Quaeries that I think should much take us up The one is to know what the Scripture speaketh to the Church what solid ground of encouragement is there held forth for truely if we had not that sure testimony of the Word we might fear Religion should quite wear out and truth perish from the earth but doth the Scripture speak peace all then is well that O that is sufficient security to put the Churches hope beyond further debate though men should threaten though the earth were overturned and the foundation shaken this is a determination above men above all the rules of humane policy yea above the stars which frustrateth the tokens of the liars and maketh diviners mad even that revealed Counsel of God taking place anent his work and People I knw some grave writers of these late times doe expresse their fear that the horrid wickednesse apostacy of the Gentile Church may at last resolve in the Lords departure and an universal darknes that as the rejection of the Jewes made way for the Gentiles incoming so their fall may as remarkably preceede that solemn return and restauration of the Jewish Church it is also become the fear of many that Popery may yet once overrun the whole Reformed Churches before Antichrist fall but since these sad thoughts nor any appearances of the time are no part of our Bible we should learn neither to stretch our fears nor expectations beyond that which the Scripture warranteth and if the Lord be God and this his very word let us adhere to it and wait for its accomplishment A 2. Quaere which is ndeed no lesse concerning in such a time may be anent Duety what so imminent an liazard of the Church and this great decay of Christianity doth most pressingly call for but this is a subject which requireth another pen and too large to touch with a passing word yea we may say the great want of these dayes is not anent the discovery of duety but of the practice of known and discovered duetyes for the Scripture giveth a certain and distinct sound in the darkest time and hath not left us to doubtful inquiries and debate in this matter I shall therefore leave it with a few things onely to be in the general considered 1. It is sure that every time hath its present duety and the wise discerners thereof will knw thence what they ought to do what work and service the present circumstances of that time cals for shall the earth have its seasons wherein things are beautiful shall the stork and swallow know their time and yet Christians not know how to bring forth fruit in their season and discern the special time and opportunity of duety 2. It is also sure that every Christian in whatsoever capacity or condition as he hath his measure and talent so hath some work and opportunity of duety wherein they may serve the Lord in their generation yea it is not the meanest lot or condition that shutteth that door upon any that they have no work for God who desire to be faithful for him Oh that in this threatning time when darknes is like to overspread the Church it were more upon the heart of Christians to strive together and contend by a serious improvement of their several capacities to preserve Religion and transmit the knowledge of Jesus Christ to the posterity that the Christian parent or Master of family did witnes more that great resolution in a time when many are drawing back but as for me I and my house will serve the Lord. 3. It is found that the most eminent and honourable service of the Church doth usually tryst her in a low and suffering condition when there hath been but little strength many outward disadvantages then both their call and furniture hath been most observable to confesse the truth to endure for the Gospel of Christ to overcome by the Word of his testimony a piece of service whereto more prosperous times doe not give such an opportunity yea it hath been in such a case Dan. 11 32. that these who knew their God were made strong to do exploits 4. It doth much concern us to put a high value on the truth in a time when men must either lose it or buy it and O what a choise purchase is that which cannot be bought too dear though at the rate of our liberty estate credit and reputation yea with the losse of peace when it cometh in competition with it For it is that great depositum oâ—ce dâ—livered to the Saints the inheritance of our Children that way whereby Jesus Christ keepâ—th intercourse with his Bride on the earth yea the charter of all our mercyes and of our hope through eternity 5. Though every line of diâ—ine tâ—uth is inestimable yet it is sure there is a more pressing caâ—l for our adherence to that truth which is most controverted in the time for it is the word of his patience and the matter of our present testimony and it is known through all ages what a singular blâ—ssing hath followed the contending and witnessing of a few for the truth in a spait of publick defection to keep it alive when it was like to be swallowed up yea to effects above rational beliefe unus Athanasius contratotum orbem many such remarks have not been wanting 6. I shall only adde that which is alwayes necessary and binding yet we may say in a time of the Churches hazard and suffering is more pressingly called for even the study of Christian prudence a duety convincingly necessary for regulating of duetyes according to the circumstances of the Churches case which doth so nearly concern the interest and preservation of Religion that I must say a breach in that concord betwixt zeal and Christian prudence when there is not some equal respect studyed in the exercise of both cannot but give the Church a sore wound this is indeeda large theam but I shall onely point at in 3 things 1. In our avoiding and being tender to give offence not only to keep a distance from evil but from the smallest appearance thereof I must
last dayes it vvould be of great use and profit to the Church that some more fitly qualified vvould study a more large collection of this kinde O that this might go forth vvith a blessing from him vvho by the meanest things can serve himself promote the ediâ—icaaion of his Church and that the Lord vvould raise some up vvith much of his Spirit to make a further search and enquiry in this great and vveiguty truth ERRATA PAge 12 Line 1 for very read every pag. 45 lin 2 for ate r. are p. 77 lin 10 for securitly r. sccurity p. 90 lin 18. for were r. where pag. 94 lin 13 for plaines r. plainness p. 105 liu 26 for most r. must p. 167 lin 9 for hash r. harsh p. 185 len 3 for therefore r. thereof p. 108 lin 1. for Alba r. Alva pag. 214 lin 25. for cruches r crutches pag. 217 lin 11 for III r. 2. p. 220 lin 1 for IV r. III. p. 255 l. 31 for petioned r. petitioned p. 285 lin 11 for observation r. observable Other such fmaller escapes as one letter for another or wrong pointing will not hinder an intelligent Reader The fulfilling of the SCRIPTURE THere are two meanes by which the blessed Majesty of God hath chosen to reveal himself to the sons of men his Word and his Works which may be called these two great Luminaries for giving light to the Church though the one be greater I mean doth more clearly shine forth yea doth communicate light to the other these men must not divide which by so strait a tye the Lord hath joyned and by a mervellous correspondence hath set the one over against the other that it may be easy to see his faithfulnes and the accomplishment of the Scripture therein and indeed this is a great concerning truth that calleth for a serious study the solid persuasion of which should affoord a svveet ground of repose and rest for the soul though the earth were all in a combustion ronnd about and give a satisfying answer to our most sollicitous thoughts and feares Now this being the intended subject of the following discourse I shall first touch it a little in the general and then hold forth some more particular grounds whence it may be clearly demonstrated I. That the Scripture of God hath a certain accomplishment here in the World and what is to be understood by the same I shall endeavour to clear in these things which would be considered 1. This is the very unfolding of the Lords decree and secret purpose the bringing forth of his work now within time to the view of Angels and Men which was before him in the deep of his thoughts and counsel from eternity it is an opening up of the sealed book which we must not understand to be that secret roll of election and the book of life wherein the names of the elect are writ but Liber fatidicus the sealed book of Gods dispensations in the World shewing out his counsels and designes which should be brought forth in the after ages of time for as the Lord did fully comprehend what he was to do and all that was to befal his Church and People from the beginning to the end long long before there was a beginning before the mountaines were formed so hath he copyed and written out his heart in the Word hereanent wherein he hath most plainly shewed forth what were his blessed purposes and counsel of old and thus the thoughts of his heart his Word and his works do sweetly aggree and each one wonderfully answers to another for his work doth bring forth and accomplish his Word that his decree and counsel from all eternity may take place 2. The Scriptures accomplishment is the transcript and writing of it over in providence where we may see and admire how the Word doth shine upon all the pathes and footsteps of the Lord toward his Church in every age and gives light to the same and what an evident reflection his work hath again upon the Word so that through the whole series and course of providence in the earth we have a most exact portraicture and image of the Scripture answering one to another as face answers to face in the glasse where it may be easy to discern the copy by the principale and that resemblance which is betwixt the building and that excellent pattern and model which is held forth thereof in the Word 3. The accomplishment of the Scripture is the very turning that which was the object of our faith and contemplation to be the object of our sense and feeling it is the real birth and bringing forth these truths unto the World in their appointed time and season concerning the Church and particular Christians which were hid in that womb of the promise and many dark predictions of the Word it is such a thing as giveth the promises and Prophecyes a visible being yea bringeth truth so near within the reach of our senses that we may even touch as it were and handle the Words of life O what an excellent interpreter is experience Tast and see for thus the serious Christian getteth a view of the Scripture and spiritual things which the most subtil and piercing eye of unsanctified Schoolmen cannot reach yea by the practice of truth nearnes to God ahd retiring of the soul to him hath oft got more light in ane houre then others by many dayes putting their judgement and invention upon the rack 4. This is Gods own seale which he pntteth to the Word to confirm and ratify the same I do not only mean that secret seale of the Spirit within but something more external that solemn testimony of his workes whereby he doth every day appeal mens consciences anent his truth for his works are very manifest whereon there is so clear an ingravening of his truth and faithfulness that as the impresse and image of the seal is upon the wax men may also see whose superscription and image that is which doth appear on such and such passages of providences 5. This is something we are not to seek onely in the extraordinary acts of providence or in any singular and eminent path of a christian experience nay it doth shine forth in the smallest and most casual things that falls out yea in every Page of that great Volumn of providence may be clearly read 6. The Scriptures accomplishment is such a thing as concerns every Christian in his personal case to which his ordinary experience doth relate whereof these have a large register what of the Word hath been certainly proven in the several steps and changes of their life whose practice doth much ly betwixt improvement of the Word and observation how it is fulfilled such can witnes how under a spiritual decay to be carnally minded is death and when it s well that great peace they have who love Gods Law they have oft found that in a strait he is a very present help and in the way
so as their very bones might sing Who is like unto the o Lord It is true real pardon of sin doth not allwayes inferre the sensible feeling thereof and when it is remitted in Heaven there is not alwayes a declaration of it in the conscience but it is also sure that this is sensibly felt and that it is tryed by all even all the generation of the righteous to have had as powerful an operation on a disquiet troubled soul as ever wine or the choisest cordial could have on the sick or faint O! if these who question this were in their case to whom God speaketh peace after a storm they should know how real and certain that is I would offer the Christians witnes to this promise from many many experiments by vvhich the Lord hath sealed it to their soul whereby they know assuredly it is no fancy or delusion 1. How this hath as sensible a connexion with the serious exercise of contrition and repentance in their experience as it certainly hath in the word and promise while they find that in silence and keeping up their case from God their bones have been troubled their spirit in a restles and disquiet condition untill once they made an addresse and got their soul vented by confessing to â—he Lord which was then like a kindly turn and cool of a fever 2. They know it is no delusion that is found so certain a cure to a wounded spirit under the sense of sin a wound which the world and all its diversions could never heal whose pain and grief no musick can allay a drop of divine displeasure being enough to turn all their pleasures in wormwood and gall but O! a taste of this unspeakable cordial one warming look of a reconciled God they know by experience can give present ease 3. It is no delusion which they can command no more then the sun to shine when overclouded or the wind to blow but when it listeth which the most perswading moral arguments can no wayes effectuat nor all their former experience yea the letter of most refreshing promises which sometimes are to them but as the white of an egge without taste until once the spirit breath which not only discovereth the ground of their joy in the word but doth also cause them to rejoyce therein when it shineth upon the same 4. It must be no delusion which causeth so marvellous a change that after greatest disquieting fears they have found most sensible manifestations of love the greatest flood on the back of the lowest ebb in their spiritual condition which oft hath forced them to retreat what their feares and jealousies did utter yea have made them enquire with wonder whence they are so chearful to day who yesternight were so broken and crusht whence their spirit should be in so sweet a calm that so lately was like the raging and troubled sea 5. That this hath oft met them as a blest surprizal and unexpected welcom when they have in a backsliding case come in to God they certainly know that when they knew not how to adventure and at what end of their raveled condition to begin counts having run long over yet on their very first addresse have got a sweet disappointment to their feares been helped to their feet yea some times have had as it were the fatted calfe killed to make merry with their friends 6. That which hath an audible voice within so strong an Impression upon the soul which carryeth with it such a clear satisfying discovery of Gods heart and love is surely no delusion while the intimation of that one truth Your sins are forgiven or any other word of promise for that end they have found to be an argument beyond words which they could not resist but for the time have been as sure they see and feel this as that they live yea can no more now call it in question then formerly they could get it believed 7. That is no delusion which causeth them with another kinde of freedome approach to God maketh them know there is a Spirit of adoption which sets the soul at liberty from the sore bondage and thraldome under which their former backsliding had put them yea a thing not only sensibly felt by themselves but may be discerned by others while they cannot smoother the joy of their heart or hide in their couutenance such a change of their condition that truely God hath dealt comfortably with them 8. Hath not this the Saints in all ages witnessed even a joy unspeakable and full of glory which though but of short continuance yet for the present so strong as hath ravished their soul with the hope of the inheritance above and clear view of their interest in it yea sometimes made them sing for joy in expectation of that blessed day but O! this is better felt then expressed 9. And in a word can that be a delusion that hath oft turned the poor mans hell into a Heaven which trysts the Christian in the way of his duty and the work doth so exactly answer the promise most sensibly felt after greatest shakings of the conscience by the law and can make a sad outward lot so very sweet and pleasant cause them triumph over the wrath of men to sing in a dungeon to abound and have all things under greatest wants look grim death chearfully in the face in its most dreadful aspect yea doth make so great and visible a difference betwixt the Christian and himself SIXTH Instance Is that promise of encouragement and support under the crosse which is expresly held forth in the Word that the Lord will own his People bear their charges and be with them in trouble in the day of their suffering for his truth yea will bind up the broken in heart heal their wounds Psal 91 ver 15. Isai 43 ver 2. Cap. 41 ver 17. Cap. 49 ver 14. Psal 9 ver 9. Isai 51 ver 12. Now that this promise is a truth and hath a certain accomplishment the experience of the Saints in all ages will witnes and we know their testimony is true what at solemn times of Gods presence they have had in a barren wildernes how great a cloud of witnesse doth seal this and give their testimony to the crosse of Christ of which we may say the fame and sweet savour hath gone forth and spread abroad through the Church the Fathers have told it to the Children and one generation to another but hovv litle a part thereof can be expressed I think it would be a marvellous record if the suffering and prison experiments of the Saints vvere particularly set dovvn vvhat they have sound under the crosse but it is vvell vve knovv this promise hath been and this day is evidently sealed concerning which I dare attest the experience of as many as did ever drink of this blessed cup and were counted worthy to suffer for the testimony of Christ if this be not a faithful true witnes
First that they have oft tasted what communion with God is in the secret dueties of a Christian also in the publick ordinances in a special measure at some more solemn times but O! never knew his presence and communion with him more sensibly then under the crosse yea have found that the work and service of a suffering time as is it not the ordinary service of every day hath also a peculiar and more then ordinary allowance 2 That they never knew divine strength more sensibly then when they have been most pressed above their own strength that in the day they were cast on Gods immediat care and ordinary meanes of their help most withdrawen they had never lesse cause to complain but might often say this as their experience they thirsted not when he led them through the wildernes yea that they have no time of their life found their mercyes more observably tryst them more sweet and satisfying then when by prayer and beleeving they were put to digg the well and wait for the rain coming down to fill it 3. That they never found more true liberty then in the house of bondage more refreshing company then amidst their greatest solitude while they found him near whom gates and barres cannot shut out in the day when all things else seemed to frown upon them that their midnight songs have been sweeter then all the prosperity they sometimes enjoyed and that they have oft proved that the deeper any are in affliction for Christ and his truth they are also the deeper in consolation 4. They must say the most satisfying and clear discoveries of the vvord are under searching and sharpest tryals that a sanctifyed exercising affliction they have found one of the best interpreters of the bible and the vvoâ—d then to be an other thing then it is at other times yea even to have been that to them vvhich they could desire it to be so as they are sure it hath been shaped out and directed for that present plunge their soul was in 5 That there is a very easy passage dispatch betvvixt Heaven and an oppressed afflicted soul an observable vent by prayer and more sensible accesse to God face vvhen other things have most frovvned yea they can vvitness from experience he stayeth his rough vvind in the day of his East vvind While he shutteth one doore he hath set an other open that vvhen the storm vvithout hath been very sharp they have found a sweet calm and sun-shine within to make it easy and when he layeth on one sore tryal he will take an other off 6. They can tell what a sweet comfortable parting they have oft had with some sharp tryal that which at the first was bitter as death hath in the close after sanctified exercise under the same they have found cause to leave it their blessing and they confesse that the time of greatest jealousy and fear upon their part they have found on Gods part hath been a time of greatest kindnes and love the sharpest wounds from such an hand and heart as his hath tended to a cure yea that circumstance and ingredient in the same which of all was most bitter and grievous even there they have found their outgate encouragement most remarkable 7. That the peculiar advantage of a sanctifyed tryal is not so well seen in the present time as afterwards when the case hath altered then they found a long and rough storm recompenced at their landing with a rich loadning of experience an other kind of discovery of God his way the certainty of his word then they formerly had won to so as now they can speak of him and the good of the crosse and adventuring any thing for Christ with some greater esteem on some other ground then report or an hearing thereof by the ear 8. I shall adde what hath been the frequent testimony of these who ever endured tribulation for the gospel that their remembrance after reckoning upon this account hath not been sad or bitter when they sat down compared their gain with their losse their upmaking with these dayes of tryal that have gone over their head that they would not then exchange their experience or want what they have found by the crosse no not for many moe dayes of trouble and affliction SEVENTH Instance is that promise of the word which integrity in an evil time hath that it shall preserve their steps and be the best mean to help these through that keep Gods way yea even in this life shall not want some witnes of Gods respect Ps 18 25. Ps 112 4. Rev. 3 10. Now to hold forth the accomplishment of this I may with confidence appeal to the observation of the saints in all ages who ever made it their serious study to keep their conscrence and their garments clean in a time of tryal if their experience hath not this testimony to give First that though at present honesty in evil times hath brought them in hazard and with Joseph to a prison yet it hath brought them out also with observable advantage yea how ever the Lord did order their outgate they have found this did land them well and alwayes bring them to a comfortable harboury 2. That honesty and faithfulnes hath an authority even on the conscience of their enemies leaveth usually a conviction upon them Yea hath forced a testimony and approbation from such men hath oft found better entertainment then these have who in a sinful way have sought to please them 3. They have found this alwayes the choisest expedient and best policy in a dangerous time which hath observably met them when they had most to doe A thing whereof they have reaped the fruits in the day of their strait and times of judgement yea though it hath occasioned sometime their sufferings yet it hath been also their safety and protection from sadder sufferings 4. That though integrity is oft under a dark cloud of reproach yet it winneth still well out from under the same and hath shined usuallyt more bright afterward So as they might have had cause to observe what unexpected meanes the Lord hath made use off for their clearing 5. That while their enemyes might have vvere it not for the preventing goodnes of God quarrelled upon some other ground they have been observably led to pursue and make them the but of their malice for their honesty and that wherein they have peace before God and have been keeped from hitting on the right cause 6. They finde how unspeakably sweet this is upon an after reckoning and in the evening of their life that then they reap a comfortable harvest of that they have sown with much suffering and teares O! then it doth not repent them that integrity was their choice 7. They have sometime found a hundred fold even in this life and an observable upmaking in that which they have been willing to losse and hazard most 8. They must also say integrity was
the Gospel It is true the Christians inward experience can best witnes this for these have an argument from within they know and they are sure they have received the spirit by the word whereby they understand these things which are spiritually discerned but that which here is intended it is to shew that the spirit is truely let forth to the church according to the promise that it doth accompany the truth and doctrine of Christ and purity of the ordinances as a thing which from clear undenyable evidences may be demonstrat to the conviction of the greatest Atheist for I must think even bystanders such who never knew any saving work of the spirit but live in these parts where the ordinances are dispensed with purity and power if they shut not their eyes may oft clearly see something going forth with the word that is beyond words a divine spirit and power which sendeth forth its savour in the dayly administration of the gospel yea by its effects and some convincing discovery thereof doth force this truth in upon mens consciences who are otherwayes strangers thereto Now to hold forth the accomplishment of so great a promise that God is faithful and true therein I would give in these clear and convinceing witnesses to the same 1. These excellent gifts and enduments given to the Church are they not a visible proof of this truth For it is undenyable where once the gospel cometh that instruments are raised with another spirit reapers sent forth while there is a harvest to be gathered and shaped for their work yea these who were of mean and ordinary parts when called forth to the service of the Church will have another lustre that it may be oft seen with astonishment how far not only they exceed themselves but these who were of more eminent natural enduments I would but seriously ask men who never laid this truth to heart whence is that variety of Gifts so sutably dispensed to the various employments and different pieces of service the Church doth call for how are they thus suted to the several times yea to the very genius and temper of such a time Whence is it that every gift and qualification is so fitted and disposed for its proper use some most peculiarly shaped out to awake and threaten these Boanerges while others are set forth with a spirit eminently fitted to comfort some mighty in perswasion yet not so fit to expound others most dexterous to instruct yet not so powerfull to apply some the gift of tongues and others the tongue of the learned to speak a word in season to the weary to some the face of a lyon is given when a heroick spirit of courage and resolution is called for to others the face of a calf for patient enduring in sufferings times surely it were a choice meditation to think how with as great wonder we may say of this excellent body of the Church as of the natural body of man how curious yea marvellously is it framed where every part doth answer another and to the use of the whole each hath its peculiar excellency and something proper to every ones gift may be then seen as well as in the face of man by which in somethings they differ from all other 2. These more eminent extraordinary outlettings of the spirit do also witnes this truth which at some special times when the churches necessity requireth it hath been most discernable when the Lord sendeth forth his servants about a more then ordinary piece of work either to doe or suffer when he is to plant the church in some place where the gospel will meet with much opposition is it not then manifest how some more then ordinary power and irresistible efficacy doth accompany the truth before which there is no standing the disputer is then in his reasoning confounded by something above reason the untoward and rude are forced to stoop before the word and to confesse they have to doe with power and not with words yea these whom the Lord maketh use of who were feeble and weak as others in that day are made as a brazen wall defenced city 3. Is it not also undenyable that now under the New Testament there are Ministers of the spirit and not of a dead letter and empty sound That with the word there goe along a ministration of power and life whence a Majesty and authority attending the publick ordinances is oft so discernable that even these vvho know not what the Spirit is are made to see something therein vvhich doth dazle them vvith astonishment vvhence is it that at sometimes such a beauty and povver shineth forth vvith ordinances like a glance of the glory of God even going before mens eyes vvhich for the present hath made a vvonderful change upon some very grosse men and put them in an other temper yea forced them vvith fear to acknovvledge that surely God is near in the assemblyes of his peopleâ— and I would ask whence is it the word giveth law to mens consciences should speak with such an authority as maketh them all to shiver that even the worst of men are sometime made to stand before the ministry of the word like men standing at the barr upon life and death before a judge whose authority they durst not decline 4. It is very discernable what a great difference an other appearance there is both on Ministers and Christians at one time from what they are at an other in the discharge of duty as if these were not the same persons vvhich appeareth not onely in the enlargement and streatning of their gift but also in povver and life is it not seen vvith vvhat liberty these doe sometimes pray are as a ship with a full gale before the vvind that it is then easy to preach vvhen at other times there is like a shut door that even onlookers may perceive a sensible languishing and them hampered in their very expressions yea as men rovving against a contrary wind the vvord vvanting that savour rellish it hath had at other times and this not through a natural indisposition or vvant of preparation but that vvhich all vvho ever served God in the spirit must confesse hath most sensibly trysted them vvhen they have thought themselves at the greatest advantage for going about duety O vvho can deny this evidence of the spirit a thing in all ages so sensibly felt yea even obvious to the vvorst of men 5. It is also clear that vvhere ever the Lord hath had a church at some special turnes of her condition there have usually been some more solemn times of the spirit high spring-tydes of the gospell there was indeed marvellous flowing forth of the spirit of God after Christs ascension vvhich like a mighty current did carry all before it at which time more successe did follow one sermon then hath been by the ministry of many others in an age this made the vvorld vvonder as if some universal
must see this falleth not out at an adventure which is wrought upon one and not an other while both are a like discerning yea some who seem furthest from the grace of God very grosse and rude have been taken when the more civil and refined and of a more promising natural disposition have been past by O doth not this witness the grace of God and soveraignity thereof 10. Is not this change oft discernable upon men in a time while no advantage from without doth appeare even times of persecution and hazard from which many have dated their first acquaintance with God when they could expect nothing but a suffering lot sure there must be something above nature in it 11. It is also known how great a cloud of witnesses have sealed this truth O! can there be such an universal enchantment that in every age in several yea in most remote places of the earth hath fallen upon so many who have witnessed the povver of the Gospel or can all these be void of understanding What gain or outward advantage could they designe in that which is so usually attended with outward hazard and losse or what credit from men while it maketh them the very butt of the worlds hatred and reproach Yea can it be thought that all these could have combined to conspire into so great a cheat I must appeale Atheists to their serious thoughts of this matter 12. The marvellous effect of this change doth it not witness this is no fancy or delusion when men are reached with such a stroke and by one word as hath made the stout hearted and most daring to tremble and to shew by their very countenance that there is an other tribunal then mans before which they are arraigned Must it not be sad earnest and a marvellous povver that can make so willing a divorce betvvixt men and their idols vvhich vvere once as their right eye to them and beat them off that ground of self-righteousnes vvhich they had been so long establishing to themselves that should cause them also choose the reproach of Christ and his crosse before any outvvard advantage and abandon that society without which sometimes they could not live Must not this speak forth something above nature and natural reason O! may not the world oft wonder what is become of their old friends though I confesse this should rather put them with wonder and astonishment to some serious enquiry whence so great a change can be THIRD Thus communion and fellowship with God whereto the Saints are in this life admitted and brought near to him in the spirit is a most real thing and no delusion is a truth which may be very convincingly demonstrat even to the view of the world and to such who are but onlookers on the same 1 Iob. 1 ver 3. Phil 3 ver 20. I confesse this is a truth that must be spiritually discerned and therefore the world cannot know it or reach that unspeakable joy and delight which is found by the Saints in that sweet path yet we must say there are somethings and some such and so convincing evidences as may witness to men and rationally demonstrat the same the conviction whereof they cannot possibly shun if they but come near and in their serious thoughts consider 1. Hovv great and excellent a company doe bear this testimony even as many as in every time did ever serve God in the Spirit is not this transmitted by the fathers to the children as their experience And as certainly tryed by succeeding ages a truth vvhich is not once or tvvice proved in the Christians life for the proofs thereof are innumerable and past reckoning vvhich they have had yea amongst all the Saints since the dayes of Abel to this present time there was never one contradictory witness could be produced 2. Are not these who do thus testify what they have oft found in secret retirements to God such whose testimony in any other matter the worst of men could not refuse or deny to be famous I am sure the World is convinced that the followers of Christ dare not yea use not to deal falsely in other things with these they have to do with how ever their malice carry them to reproach them yea that they are more to be credited then such who make a scorn of Religion 3. Have they not had as great an interest and share of the World as others and been of as discerning spirits to know the true value of things who from their experience doe not only declare there is an undoubted reality in converse with God but that the joy and delight herein which they have found is above all the plâ—â—sures of the flesh O! what must that be which could make such who wanted no outward allurements who had not lost their taste and were flesh and blood as well as others to turn their back on all for Christ and by their walk testify they have found some more satisfying enjoyment in fellowship with God 4. Must not this be very obvious and convincing that when men once become serious in the way of God they have got some new acquaintance that sure is another world and some other society then that of men with which they have intercouse Whence are their frequent retirements from which they have been seen so oft to come forth with greatest satisfaction and with some remarkable change in their case doth it not thus appear They are not alone when they are alone yea in such a solitude must find something very desireable 5. Is not this also testifyed in such times when men could not well dissemble or be suspected of deceit in times of great outward affliction when the World also hath been most tempting with its offers yea at death when they are stepping over that threshold a time wherein the words of dying men are of greatest weight and credit the spirits of such being then more unbyassed and free of these ordinary temptations wherewith others are swayed How oft have they at such times declared that surely God is familiar with men which they have found and though they were going to change their place yet were not to change their company 6. Can that be a delusion which is so sensible in the present time whereof the Saints are not more sure that they live then they are sure of this truth what near approaches what refreshing viewes they have got while God hath come near to their soul what a discernable elevation of their spirits doth go along with this yea on the other hand as the withdrawing hereof is very sensible to themselves so is there not something of this obvious to by-standers how great a change and difference this will make in their case from other times which they cannot get hid 7. Doth not something of this truth appear on the very countenance and outward carriage of Christians with what a lustre and resemblance of Heaven a holy stayednes and composure of spirit when they have been
forth a vive resemblance of the Devil and some violent pressure and incitement from that airth 7. Is it not sure that there is such a party by this that he is an adversary to God and holines for which he doth so impetuously tempt and presse men to the outward acts of sin yea that there is a Spirit of blasphemy which so visibly rageth in the world and acts men to war against Heaven with their tongues by cursing and blasphemous oathes which hath no carnal pleasure or gain but yet cannot forbear from a violent incitement which may be seen swaying them to the same 8. Whence is it which is so very known and notour that these horrid wretches who give themselves to the Divill cannot enter in any formal engadgement without renouncing Christ and their baptisme doth it not shew that direct opposition he stands in to Christ yea to the very name and shadow of Christianity 9. Whence is it that even the grossest Atheists upon any appearance of the Devil or apprehension from that airth will not then make scorn of prayer but turns in earnest to that which at other times they mocked O doth it not shew mens Atheism is their choice but not their judgement that not onely there is a dreadful horrour and fear which by nature men have of these evil Spirits but some inbred sense also and impression of a Deity which doth bewray it selfe whither they will or not in a pressing strait and extremity TENTH That there is such an enmity betwixt the seed of the woman and the Serpent as the Scripture hath held forth is very manifest a truth wherein the world may see the Scripture clearly verifyed Gal. 4 ver 29. It is truely strange that this putteth not men to more serious thoughts to pursue such a thing to its true rise what should cause such a violent and unreasonable contrariety against the way and followers of God for here upon grave reflections they must needs see what a convincing witnes their way is to the truth of the Scripture which might put them in some other humor yea help to turn this poison into an antidot against it selfe but this is sure and undenyable the discovery where of cannot but stair the greatest Atheist in the face from these convincing evidences 1. That it is seen no privat quarrel which ever was among men hath been with such vigour and malice persued as this upon the account of religion which hath still put the World more in a flame then any privat interest yea it is very manifest how men are carried with the spaite of their own natural inclination to oppose the Church and People of God 2. That this feed and enmity could never be taken up through all the successions of time a strife which is not late begun or to be seen only in one age betwixt the children of the bond woman and of the free no the most sage and wise amongst men the greatest Peace-makers could yet never fall on a way to reconcile these two parties but the children have still served themselves heirs to the quarrell and hatred of their fathers against the Church 3. Is it not seen that these who are more civil and can hold a little up with the form of religion yet will break forth in greatest rage against the power thereof when once it begins to appear it is indeed here that imbred contrariety which is in men against holines doth bewray it selfe even in these who are other wayes noted for a calm and peaceable disposition while once they begin to be scorcht with its heat 4. What a strong natural antipathy is this which causeth men pnrsue with so much bitternes these from whom they never had any personal injury sure their conscience must oft tell that they have no reason or any other provocation then what is from the appearance of the image of God in such but this is their nature and indisposition an enmity which they can no more help then they can change their nature or the Leopard can change its spots 5. From what a strong inclination and inward principle doth the World thus act in its opposition to the Church and followers of God whilest it is clear that though these were never so quiet and peaceable yet their enemyes are still restlesse and cannot sleep beside them 6. It is seen how this doth separat betwixt nearest friends and relations and alienat such who have sometimes been most dear to other no bond in nature so strait which it will not break it doth oft set the husband against the wife and the parents against the children yea when religion once breaks up in a corner of a land or a family doth it not then make a visible jarr and put all in a flame 7. It is clear that when once grace appeareth in men they are as a sign and wonder to a profane generation the World doth then sensibly change her countenance and looketh like a step-mother while on the other hand it is clear that professours turning loose and running to that excesse of riot with others will cause their old adversaries warm towards them and alace proveth the surest way to gain mens frienship while the World thinks they are their own when once they turn profane ELEVENTH That the Creature is made subject to vanity because of sin which not only the wisest of men but the Spirit of God doth witnes that things here beneath the sun are indeed vanity and vexation of spirit Rom. 8 vor 20. Eccles 2 ver 11. is a piece of the Scripture in such great letters written forth to the view of men that none can be strangers thereto It is true the cause and solid remedy of this so general a complaint is only reached by the Godly man who knoweth how to read the vanity of the creature as a piece of the fulfilling of the word and doth seriously consider things as they are not as they appear but it is also sure that in every age through the various changes of mans life this is so cleirly witnessed that the most grosse and brutish cannot shift the conviction thereof but in one of these two times have been forced to a publick acknowledging of the same at death when they are leaving the World or in a day of strait when the World is leaving them now to demonstrat this I shall here but offer these few queries 1. Have not the greatest instances of the glory of the World been usually the greatest examples of its vanity and change how few hath ambition raised but it hath also ruined yea given the sorest fall to these it had lifted most high What sudden changes do attend great men and high places which these who sit lâ—â— do escape sure if the tragedies of Princes and such who in their condition have been raised above others were put by themselves in record it should make a great volumn and shew how their glory and prosperous estate did only make their
undenyable that in these great revolutions of the Monarchies there is a discernable consent and harmony betwixt the Scripture and these auncient records which we yet have of these times so that not only the things themselves but some of the most observable circumstances thereof which are particularly mentioned by Daniel we may read in Xenophon Herodot and Diodorus Siculus 3. It must also be granted that somethings which in Daniels prophesie would seem most strange and improbable such as Belshazars death in that very night the hand writing was shewed to him may be particularly understood in Xenophons history how Cyrus took the advantage of the Babylonian security whilest they were in the midst of a solemn feast and by diverting the channel of Euphrates did enter the city vvithout opposition also hovv that great horn of the high goat vvas so suddenly broken and the comming up of four in his room vvhich by Daniel are expounded of the Grecian Monarchy and the deviding of that Empire after Alexanders death is it not punctuallie held forth by all the historyes of that time 4. Was there not a very convincing appearance of a divine hand both in the rise and fall of these Monarchies and an extraordinary providence vvhich vve cannot but see vvhen vve read these histories that surely something above ordinary meanes and second causes vvas both in Cyrus conquest against the Babylonians and the marvellous svvift progresse and successe of Alexander against the Persians VI. That which was the great scope of all Prophesies under the Old Testament The comming of the Messias is surelie verifyed and now many ages past hath had an accomplishment the Lord is come unto his temple even he whose day Abraham and the Saints under the law did long after this was the most happie and notable crisis that ever the Church was under the great Epocha and period of time from which she doth now reckon which we know is no fable or cunning device of man that God was manifested in the flesh did make his abode for some time in the earth suffered at Ierusalem in the view of the World before many witnesses did arise from death on the third day was seen and known by his disciples thereafter and having finished the work for which he came vvas received up again into glory This is indeed a great truth vvhich concerneth us no lesse to knovv and be sure of then our soul is vvorth and interest through eternity the fulfilling vvhereof besids the authority of sacred writ the witnes and records of the Evangelists and Apostles of Iesus Christ who testifie what they certainly knew is a truth which from such convincing rational grounds may be demonstrated that the greatest height of Atheisme knoweth not how to state it selfe in direct opposition to the same and truely in this the Lord hath so tendered the strengthning of his peoples faith and their encouragement that as it is the most concerning promise of the Scripture on which our whole hope and blessednes depends so is it also most clear and conspicuous in the event I shall but onely touch this whereof so much hath been said by others 1. It is undenyable the Messias was to come to whom all the Sacrifices under the Law these auncient types and shadowes did clearly point to whom the Prophets bear witnes and was the faith of the auncient Iewish Church of which promise they were perswaded even whilest they saw it but a far yea did embrace it and repose themselves thereon yea is there not a most clear and exact portraicture drawn forth under the Old Testament of the Messias what an one he should be and by what peculiar characters he should be known who was to be revealed to Israel 2. The special season and period of time wherein Christ should come we find prefixed and shewed to the auncient Church which though under some figurative expressions seemed then dark yet was so far revealed that upon a diligent search and enquiry and particular collation of the times it might be easy to discern the Messias comming and near approach of which salvation the Prophets did enquire 1. Pet. 1 ver 10. and truely the fall of the Monarchies and right uptaking of Daniels weeks were sure and solide grounds for a clear computation thereanent thence was it that so general an expectation of the Messias was among the Iewes at that very time when he came so as divers impostoures did arise whom the People was ready to follow and we see with what amazement the Pharisees did enquire at Iohn the Baptist if he were the Christ or not yea Iosephus sheweth how the perswasion of this did most excite that People to war with the Romans from the prophecies they had in holy writ that from Iudea should about that time come who vvas to be Emperour of the World 3. It is also sure there vvas such an one vvho in the dayes of Tiberius and under the reign of Herod was made manifest to Israel and came with no outward shew and observation but did great and marvellous things before all the People was crucified at Ierusalem under Pontius Pilate and notwithstanding the ignominy of his death was after adored and followed both by many of the Iews and the gentils whose doctrine did also in a short time spread through the World a truth which the greatest adversaries of the Gospel have ever confessed and do attest the history thereof de facto to be a faithful relation not only Iewes but the heathen writers Suetonius Tacitus and Plinius the younger that lived near and some of them contempâ—rary with the times of the Apostles do witnes that this Jesus whom the Christians worship did truely suffer in the time of Pilats jurisdiction over the Iewes 4. Is it not clear how this appearance of Christ to the World did exactly tryst with the very time foretold by the Prophets thereanent Was not Jacobs prophecy thus accomplished for until that time it is clear the royal line of Davids house did not cease until Herod a stranger came to reign by whom it was utterly cut off and it is manifest these 70 weeks mentioned by Daniel must be understood of years else they could admit no other sence which reckoning from the decree given out by Cyrus to rebuild the temple are 490 Yeares and doth answer to the very time of Christs being in the World and his death which necessarly fals in the last of these weeks a thing so manifest that Porphyrius an avowed enemy to the Christian Religion could have no answer but that this prophecy had been devised after the event which I am sure the Jewes though as direct adversaryes vvould be loath to admit 5. It is most clear that in him vvho at that time vvas revealed to Israel vvhom the Christian Church doth this day vvorship vvas exactly accomplished vvhatever vvas by the Prophets toâ—d concerning the Messias and it is no small advantage for the Christian cause that it needs but appeal to
Children who are these that flee as a cloud like the doves to their windowes O blessed day in which the light did first break up on the poor ofspring of Iaphet who then dwelt in the shadow and region of death O blest day that brought salvation with it to the gentils wherein the Lord did visit these dark places of the earth which were full of the habitations of cruelty I think the sense of so great a mercy should never let us want an errant for giving thanks yea put much to silence our other complaints 4. Is it not also clear that not only as to the time but these very places of the earth which Esai and other of the Prophets did particularly point at this promise had an exact accomplishment for it is this day manifest the isles which we find so frequently mentioned that these should wait for his law and the uttermost parts of the earth whence he should bring thâ— Daughter of his dispersed may have a clear commentar upon the same from what the Lord hath done to Britain and Ireland with other remote parts of the earth yea hath not the Aethiopians been made to stretch out their hands even in these sun-burnt places of Africk hath not Christ also had a conquest where many a black moore was through grace made as the snow of Salmon and the feathers of a dove so that it is clear how these particular places which were so oft pointed at by the Prophets have been visited by the Gospel and fallen to the share of the Church 5. This change which by the incoming of the gentils to the Church was wrought upon the Earth is a thing so great and astonishing that were it still in the promise and this not yet fulfilled it would truely stagger our faith how such a thing should ever come to passe and is there not here a miracle that the World cannot possibly deny even this great work of God in bringing of the gentils which without an extraordinary power could not be effectuat if men will consider First That svvift progresse which then the Gospel had how it did run and was glorified through the furthest parts of the earth and like a ligtning break forth from one place to another so that in the Apostles time the Scripture doth shew how most of the conspicuous Provinces of Asia had received the Gospel and Tertullian who lived in the second Century in his Book contra Iudaos doth there witnes how many nations and these most remote from other Parthians Medes Armenia Phrygia Cappadocia Pontus and Pamphilia with much of Egypt and diverse parts of Africk besides Rome Spain and other places of Europe were in his time almost wholly Christian for it is indeed clear that the bounds of the Church was then of a larger extent then it is now at this day 2. It is also undenyable that in this solemn day of the Gospels spreading amongst the nations suffering and persecution did all that time attend the Church yea in such a measure that as the writers of these times do witnes neither famine pestilence nor the sword did destroy so many of the World as then were of Christians in the two first centuries put to death for adhering to the truth and it is clear that this great work of God in such a swift spreading of the Church was most discernable in these times of hottest persecution yea then was her most effectual grouth and increase which upon her getting some rest and beginning to flowrish with external peace was at a visible stand 3 How marvellous a thing was this to be brought about if we consider the many different languages that did then stop correspondence between the Church and the rest of the earth for how could the truth thus spread among the nations yea in such remote places of the World Churches be planted by the Apostles and have the Scripture translated and made legible to them without that extraordinary gift of tongues which for that end was then given from the Lord sure beside sacred authority anent this reason may convincingly witnes to the World the truth of such a miracle 4. How strange and wonderful a change was this that in so short a time the Gospel should thus enlighten and put such a lustre on the most rude and savage places of the earth where scarse humanity had been and bring them from the condition of beasts to men should thus tame and civilize the greatest Barbarians and cause the lion to ly down with the lamb yea by the preaching of that Gospel and of a crucified Christ which as it was to the Jewes a stumbling block so to the Greeks foolishnes And in a word was not this indeed a miracle how in a mattet of such high concernment as that vvherein mens soul and everlasting interest lay they should be turned off their old vvay and Religion in vvhich they and their Fathers had been so long rooted that a little spark which did break up in Iudea should bring dovvn the idols of the nations and burn up their temples Alace that there is so little of a large heart of that primitive zeal and fervour this day among Christians for the enlargement of the Church that such merchants are now rare who would venture out to trade with other parts for this excellent ware the merchandise whereof is better then of gold O that in these parts where the truth is knovvn and professed the Lord vvould raise up men of such a spirit and such a Magistrat vvho vvould make it their vvork and lay dovvn solid grounds hovv to advance the Kingdome of Christ in the dark places of the earth and reckon their interest in a forrain plantation upon the account of the Gospel no lesse then on the account of trade vve vvould pray and yet hope for this VIII What vve find foretold by Daniel yea by Christ himself anent the destruction of Ierusalem and ceasing of the Iewish dayly sacrifice with the rejection of that people Dan. 12. ver 11. Matth. 24 ver 2. hath many ages past come to passe wherein the World may see how clearly the event doth answer this Prophecy for it is manifest 1. That this is a truth which doth need no other witnes then the scattered remnant and desolate ruines of that once flowrishing Church and nation of the Iewes vvhich vve see vvith our eyes at this day vvhose present state is so great a monument of divine judgement so clear a vvitnes to the Scripture that I think men cannot look thereon if they be in any measure serious but must have such a conviction 2. What hath befallen this people may it not be an astonishment to the World in all succeeding ages a stroke that hath put them in a more sad condition then any nation or people we ever yet heard of that hath cast them out of their own land scattered them as vagabonds through the earth so that these many ages they have had no scepter
Catholick league vvhich did quickly follovv upon the back thereof a very strong and formidable combination to root out the Protestant interest 8. The taking away of Edward the sixth of England establishing of a cruel persecutor Queen Mary did indeed look like a stroke that should root out the Church in that part and destroy that famous plantation of the Gospel in its tender grouth 9. I must adde that vvhich vvas as sore an assault to the Church as any so grievous a difference vvhich vvith the first breaking up of the vvork of Reformation did begin betvvixt Luther and Zvvinglius about Christs presence in the Sacrament yea came to such an height and vvith so great heat and animosity vvas follovved as in appearance vvould have vvholly frustrat the vvork they vvere about THIRD Witnes to this truth is that wonderful patience and resolution of the Saints yea with much chearfulnes in their greatest sufferings which in these late times did appear Wherein the World must confesse that same immediat support from Heaven yea the Lords owning his People in a very extraordinary way was no lesse manifest then in these primitive sufferings of the Church from heathens Sure no by past times even in these bloody dayes of Nero Domitian c. can shew more horrid more strange engines of torment and cruelty then what in these last ages the Church did endure from the Popish party whose savage and barbarous usage of the poor flock of Christ where ever they had accesse may witnes a cruelty more then humane and as to the number are they not almost without reckoning who in France Germany Brittain and the Low Countries beside other parts were slain within this 150. Yeares for the word of God and the testimony of his truth Now as this is most manifest it is also known what a divine and an invincible spirit vvith an astonishing courage and resolution did appear in the carriage of the People of God under this sore persecution hovv they triumphed over their oppressours and did chearfully meet death in its most terrible shape a thing vvhich the Schooles of Socrates and Plato vvith all their rules could never reach yea should be reckoned amongst the miracles of these later dayes anent vvhich vve vvould consider these things 1. That something more then nature a spirit and resolution above the ordinary rate of men yea something much above themselves their natural temper and disposition did in their most extream sufferings oft appear and this without the least shadow of affectation and deceit I am sure the World in these last ages yea the conscience of their persecutors and of the greatest Atheists must witnes this 2. That many of the most soft tender disposition many women whose complexion would declare more weaknes yet in this late Antichristian persecution did en dure greatest torments and by suffering triumphed over the fury and rage of their adversaryes whereof we have many instances in record 3. The World hath been also a witnes how serious and deliberat the Saints were in this that they made suffering their choise which they could easily have shunned at the rate of yeelding something in the truth but ere they would doe this or give the adversary such a bribe they choised to embrace death and goe to a stake for Christ even when they wanted not most perswading offers to turn them aside for instance I would here mention that excellent man in Queen Maryes time Julius Palmer who not only had life but preferment offered if he would recant to which his answer was that he had quit his living in two places for Christ and now was ready to yeeld his life also on that accompt likewise one William Hunter whom Bishop Bonar did urge with many offers to recant told him it must be Scripture arguments and not perfwasions of that kinde for he reckoned all earthly things but drosse and dung in respect of Christ and at the stake when a pardon by the Sheriffe was offered upon such an accompt did peremptorly reject the same Antonius Riceto a Venetian when condemned for the truth had a large offer to have his patrimony restored which was much morgadged with debt and made free beside his life if he would but a little yeeld and likevvise had his son vveeping on him for that cause gave this ansvver he vvas resolved to lose both Children and estate for Christ I shall adde vvhat vve have related of one Hervvin vvho suffered in the lovv countryes to vvhom the Magistrates made great intreaties vvith large promises to recant which he vvholly slighted many more instances of this kinde here might be set dovvn 4. It is knowen that such who were of great repute in the World and had a large share of outward things to tempt them did in these last times most chearfully part with the same and choise rather suffering for the truth we may instance these 2. great witnesses Iohn Frederick of Saxony and the Lantsgrave of Hesse who under that long imprisonment by Charles the 5. bare out many sharp assaults both by threatnings and offers without yeelding in the least to the prejudice of the truth yea on this accompt did the Duke of Sanony forgoe with his estate and dignity Annas Du Burg counsellour of the Parliament at Paris of great parts and repute who before Henry the II. had an excellent speech in Parliament for the Protestant party for which by him being imprisoned did forgoe all his honours and interests in the World which otherwayes he might have brooked and embraced death for Christ The Prince of Condee at the massacre of Paris when the King expresly shewed him he should within 3 dayes dye if he did not renounce his Religion told him his estate and life were in his hand but ere he renounced the truth he would quite both Charles de Zeroton a Moravian Barron of great interest and authority in that countrey in the late Bohemian persecution did quite all his estate and possessions for the Gospel not withstanding of many large offers and perswasions we find also in England the Dutches of Suffolk a lady who lived in the fulnes of the World and pleasures thereof yet in Queen Maries time did quite both estate and countrey for the truth and on that accompt did choise a very hard lot in other parts 5. Is it not also known how these who had been ready to faint and be overcharged with discouragement yet at death in the extremity of their suffering did shew a marvellous resolution and chearfulnes a thing which no Atheist can possibly answer and sheweth Gods very immediat support Mr Glover how sore was he cast down and could feel no joy or comfort after much wrestling but no sooner did come in sight of the stake but his soul was filled with the joy of the Lord and with his strength which forced him to clap his hands and cry forth to a friend who knew his former damp and discouragement Oh Ausline he is
come he is come and thus chearfully went to death Thomas Hudson a choise Christian vvho suffered in Queen Maryes time vvhen at the stake did slip suddenly from under the chain to the astonishment of the People but not from fear of death but from the vvant of feeling of Christ vvhich made him full of heavines but after his turning aside that he had got his soul poured out to God he returned as one raised from death to life crying out Now I am strong and do not care what man can do and thus with much joy did yeeld up his spirit Likewise Annas Du Burg whom we before mentioned being through fear and discouragement drawen to recant had no rest in his spirit until he retracted the same and after did chearfully undergoe death with what marvellous resolution did that excellent man Doctor Cranmer put his right hand to the fire when he came to the stake and suffered to burn vvithout shrinking vvhich as he said he vvould punish for subscribing a recantation vvhich vvas so much thereafter his grief Last I must adde that marvellous joy and resolution vvhich the Saints in these late times did in their greatest sufferings shevv is very notoure and knovven to the World for their sufferinge vvas not in a corner and vve may say hath not come short of the primitive martyrs but did vvitnes the same spirit and povver accompanying them I cannot passe this in a general vvithout giving some touch amidst such a multitude of convincing instances let us hear blessed Bradfoord at the stake thus speak to his fellovv sufferer be of good comfort for we shall have this night a merry supper with the Lord. Latimer to Ridley â—â— shall this day light such a candle in England as I trust shall never be put out Mr Sanders I was in prisâ—n until I got â—â—â— prison and at the stake embracing cryes welcome the 〈◊〉 of Christ welcome everlasting life Doctor Ferrer to a gentleman vvho bemoaned his death and the painfulnes of it if â—ow see mee once stirr in the fire beleeve not my doctrine as did after appear for he stood vvithout moving in the midst of the flame Iohn Ardley if every haâ—r of my head â—ere a man it should suffer death in the faith I â—â— stand â—â— Elisabeth Folks embraceing the stake cryed fare well World fare well faith and hope and welcome love Robert aguires son vvhen at Lile in the Lovv countries he suffered vvith his father for the truth in the year 1556. did cry forth at the stake behold millions of Angels about us and the heaven opened to receive us after he had sometime fixed his eyes on heaven and vvhen the fire vvas kindled sayes to his father yet a very little and we shall enter into the heavenly mansion Mr. Tims an English minister in Queen Maryes dayes thus vvrits to his friends I am going to the Bishops colehouse but shall not be long there before I be carried up to my brethren vvho are gone to heaven before mee in a fiery chariot follovv yovv after mee vvhere yovv shall find mee singing merily at my jurneyes end holy holy holy Lord God of Sabaoth Algerius an Italian martyr thus vvrits from his prison a little before his death vvho vvould believe that in this dungeon I should finde a paradise so pleasant in a place of sorrow and death tranquillity and hope of life vvhere others vveep I rejoyce O hovv easy and svveet is his yoke and this he subscribs from that delectable orchard of the Leonine prison Guy de Bres the ringing of my chain hath been sweet â—â—sick in my eares all my former discourses were but as a blind wans of collours in respect of my present feeling O what a â—â—ious comforter is a good conscience The Lord Henry Otto a Bohemian vvho suffered in the late persecution said to the minister I vvas troubled but novv I feel a vvonfull refreshment O now I fear death no longer I will dye with joy and on the scaffold cryed out behold I see the heavens opened pointing with his hands at the place where others observed a certain brightnes that did dazel their eyes and thus dyed with great chearfulnes I shall but adde the last vvords of that holy and great Mr Wishart vvho thus spake amidst the fire this flame doth torment my body but no whit abate my spirits FOVRTH Witnes is these great and remarkable judgements of God which in these last times have befallon the adversaryes and persecutus of the Church who have been most notour for their opposition to the truth wherein we must say a divine hand hath been so discernable that ordinary observers could not passe the same without a remark but must acknowledge the righteous judgement of God that it cometh not by guesse and at an adventure but doth convincingly seal the word This is indeed a grave subject wherein we should be very serious and sober for the judgements of God are a great depth nor can we determine from events but in so far as they answer to the word it may sometime happen to wicked men according to the work of the righteous but on the other hand it is a sure truth that God is knowen by the judgement he executs and in every age doth point out sin to the World by remarkable strokes some great examples of judgement which as a beacon are set forth for men to observe and truely we may say these remarkable instances of the judgement of God since he begun to sound a retreat to his Church from Babylon are fan beyond other preceeding ages I would be spareing to repeat what of this kinde is published by others bâ—t that in speaking to this truth I cannot passe it in a generalâ— whilest there are so many instances wherein the Lord hath made himself knowen and these such a convincing seal and confimation of the truth and Protestant cause in these last times anent which and the following relations I dare with confidence say there is not any passage or matter of fact here set down without some clear and satisfying grounds as to the certainty thereof I shall first instance Charles the V. whose undertakings for many yeares were followed with successe untill once he set himselfe to persecute and oppresse the Church and bathed his sword in the blood of the Protestants with his cruel and unjust usage of the Duke of Saxony from which time his affaires begun visibly to decline he is forced to fly before Mauritius and seek a retreat in the furthest confines of the Empire and after broken with melancholy and discontent like another Dioclesian doth resign his empire and turn to a privat life Philip the II. of Spain one of the greatest persecutors of the Church in these last ages whose work was to root out the Protestant Religion in his dominions and therefore set on foot that horrid engine of the Inquisition yet at last finds all his essayes frustrat and after the losse of many millions
of treasures and of some 100000 Lives by war yea of a considerable part of the Netherlands and after the breaking his great Armade at sea against the English by every remarkable stroke from Heaven is at last smitten of the Lord in his body by a strange disease or rather a conâ—uence of diseases which his phisitians could neither understand nor cure his body falling out in grievous boyss whence besids putride matter there did issue such abundance of Vermin that bystanders could hardly cleanse or endure the horrid smel thereof that he who had put so many of the Saints to cruel torments by the Inquisition was himselfe tormented for 2 years together with unexpressible pain and anguish Henry the II. of France a most violent enemy to the Church whilest he had caused sentence Annas Du Burg to death having solemnly protested in such words these eyes of mine shall see thee burnt a little before the appointed time of his execution running in the lists with a spear against Count Montgumry is pierced through the eye with such a wound that in a short time sent him to his grave and frustrat his expectation of seeing the death of that excellent man His son Charles the IX that bloody persecutor I shall mention elsewhere how remarkably the judgement of God did pursue him Henry the III. vvho vvhilst he vvas Duke of Anjou did assist at that horrid Councel keept at St. Cloud neer Paris where the Massacre was concluded is some yeares after stobbed to death by a Jacobin frier in that very chamber a thing which Du Serres doth twice mention with a remark as a maâ—vellous instance of the judgement of God The Duke of Guise the great executioner of that Massacre with his brother the Cardinal a special contriver of the same are not long after killed by Henry the III. at Blois with whom they had oft joyned in Councel to root out the Protestants and which is very observable by a specious show of friendship were circumvented and with solemn oathes and promises as treacherously reached as the Admiral and Protestants by Charles the IX was at Paris and these 2 who were his great Counsellers thus are they dealt with blood measured out to them for blood and treachery as they had dealt treacherously with the Saints We find also the Duke of Aumale who was a joynt actor with the Duke of Guise in that massacre doth a litle after fall by a shot off the walls at the siege of Rochel which not only Du Serres but also Davilla who was very popish doth particularly relate where we may see what a bloody end the great contrivers and actors of that horrid massacre had Henry the IIII. a Pâ—ince of excellent parts and great natural accomplishments was followed with marvellous successe whilest he owned the truth yet after many victoryes and the breaking of the Catholick League turns popish and abâ—ures the protestant Religion but lo within a litle he is stobbed in the mouth by a Jesuit on which a protestant Gentleman used this freedome with him Sir you have denyed God and his truth with your mouth and he hath given you there a stroke take heed you deny him not also with your heart lest the next stroke be there which as the French History sheweth did accordingly fall out when he was stobbed by Ravilack Du Serres his own Historiographer doth shew it vvas through the very heart and it vvas too evident that sometime before his death he had turned too cordial and zealous for the popish interest Ferdinand the II. a great persecutor of the Church in Germany who after his victory over Frederick and the Bohemian States made it his vvork to root out the Church Protestant Religion there turned that countrey unto a bloody shambles not sparing any rank vvho vvould not abjure the truth but a short time after vve find the avenger of blood in vvhose sight that of his Saints is precious persueth him raiseth up the Svveds for an adversary under vvhose svvord most of these cruel vvretches that vvere the Bohemian scourge doth fall turneth Germany and the Emperours countreyes in a field of blood breaketh that great army vvhich for many yeares had given Lavv to Germany so that as some historians mention an army of 24000 Captains because all old expert souldiers vvas broken in the plain fields vvith a hudge slaughter yea the violence and cruelty of the popish party thus measured out to them as they had measured to the poor Church of Bohemia and the Palatinat and Ferdinand the Emperour broken vvith breach upon breach that men may see the judgement of God persuing a bloody persecutor These barbarous cruel Irish who of late carried on that horrid Massacre there sparing no Protestans what ever was their age or rank without compassion to women or children O how visibly did the judgement of the Lord reach them and for that savage blood shed give them blood to drink in great measure their chief leader Marguier Machune and after Philomy Oneale taken publickly execute most of them consumed by the sword their spirits so debased that a few English or Scots Souldiers would have chased multitudes of them so that the World might see divine vengeance eminently persueing them which in a few years did root out most of that cruel generation We have an observable instance also recorded of Sir Iames Hamiltone natural Brother to the Earle of Arran who in King Iames the V. time was by the Popish Clergy promoted against such as was then suspected of favouring the Protestant Religion in which place he was most terrible and cruel against all he could reach yea so violent that some of his near kinsmen were by him brought under the lash of his power but lo when at his greatest height whilest he is making it his work to cruâ—h the Gospel in its budding forth this is made the mean of his ruine and by one of his friends whom he persued on the accompt of Religion he is accused of treason and notwithstanding of the solistation of the Popish clergy for him as their great Patriot he is presently arraigned beheaded and quartered in the publick street of Edinburg It is also known what violent persecutors Cardinal Beaton and his successor Bishop Hamilton were who were no lesse conspicuous instances of the judgements of the Lord in that time also what befel one frier Cambel who did bitterly rail on that excellent man Mr Patrick Hamiltonne when he was burnt at St Audrews to whom Mr Hamiltonne at the stake in great vehemency said wicked man thou knowest the contrare and hast sometime professed the same I appeal the to answer before the judgement seat of Christ and within a few dayes after which in that time was very notoure this frier fell sick and in great horrour of conscience as one mad died There are indeed many such remarkable instances it is known how the judgement of God did persue these 2 great Apostates from the truth
knave Bishop vvith his mitre comming in under that mask yea did solemnly in his own name and name of the Church of Scotland enter a protestation against that step of defection and their yeelding up in so far the liberties of the Church to please men Whilest he vvas Minister at Salt-Prestoun the building of a Church vvas by him much endevoured vvhich then vvas vvanting for vvhich he did advance so much out of his ovvn privat interest my Lord Nevvbatle vvho then had a great interest in the Parish engadging to help it fordvvard from vvhich he after refiled and thereby frustrated the vvork Whereupon Mr Davidsone told him these vvalls that vvere then begun to be builded should stand as a witnes against him and that ere long God should root out him and his estate out of that Parish and should not have a piece of land in the same vvhich shorthy after had a visible accomplishment It vvas very clear from many passages of his life that the secret of the Lord vvas in an extraordinary vvay vvith him Some of these vvhich have been transmitted from these vvho particularly knevv the same are indeed most vvorthy of a remark At a certain assembly of the Church Mr Iohn Spotswood and Mr Iames Law vvho vvere then entred into the ministry vvere processed for some grosse acts of prophanity vvhere Mr Davidson finding the assembly too easy to passe the same in regard of their parts and gifts onely vvith a rebuke he did vvith much veâ—emency presse their deposition and after being crossed therein said you vvill needs spare these 2 men vvhereat I am grieved but the time is comming vvhen they shall trample upon your necks and upon the Church of Scotland And it is well knovven what an accomplishment this prediction had Being with Mr Bruce one time at dinner who vvas then in great favour vvith the King he had these vvords in giving thanks after meat Lord they servant here is novv a great favorite of the Court and in much respect but he shall be within a litle as much persecuted as he is now in favour and go down the streets when many who have him this day in esteem will not give him a salutation vvhich vvas very manifest afterwards And at an other time whilest Mr Robert Bruce and he were dyning together in the house of one of the Magistrates of the town who was then a cordial friend to godly Ministers he did also in his plain and free way break forth with these words whilest he was giving thanks Lord this good man hath respect for thy sake to thy servants but he litle knoweth that in a short time he must carry us both who are here to prison which words did much trouble that honest man though afterwards it came most exactly to passe There is one more remarkable passage which I should fear to set down it is so strange but that I had the same confirmed by some worthy of credit who shewed me that from these that were present and familiar with Mr Davidsone they had it related A Gentleman nearly related to a great family of that Parish bnt a most violent hater of piety did upon that account beat a poor honest man who lived there having not the feast shadow of a provocation and amongst other sore strokes gave one upon the back with these words take this for Mr Davidsons sake after which the honest man was for a time forced to keep his bed and complained most of that stroke which he gave him on the back as that which he felt more then all the rest but the Sabbath following Mr Davidson speaking in the close of his Sermon anent the oppression of the godly and enmity which wicked men had to such did very particularly touch that late instance saying it was a sad time whilest a prophane man would thus openly adventure to vent his rage against these who were seekers of God in the place whilest he could have no cause but the very appearance of his image and with great authority said he who hath done this were he the Laird or the Lairds brother ere a few dayes passe God shall give him a stroke that all the Monarches of the earth dare not challenge which was then publickly known how in the close of that very week standing before his dore he was struck dead with a thunder bolt and all his bones crusht A little before the death of this great Servant of Christ having an occasional rencounter with Mr Iohn 〈◊〉 a young Gentleman who was lately come from Frâ—â—â—â— and had then no thoughâ—s of the ministry but 〈◊〉 in a very couâ—â—ly dresse Mr. Davidson did in a 〈◊〉 lemn way charge him to cast off his scarlet cloak and lay aside his guilded rapper and take him to his book for you are the man sayes he who is to succeed me iâ— the ministry at this place which so very astonishing â—â— that Gentleman for the present yet accordingly fell out he did immediatly succeed him there where he was for many yeares an holy and faithfull Minister of the Gospel This last passage many yet alive who had the same from the said Mr Iohn Ker can witnes IV. Mr Patrik Simson who was once Minister of â—ramond and after transported to Stirling may be here also instanced as a very extraordinary man in the Church in his youth he attained to great knowledge in the languages did much study Greek and Lâ—tiâ—e Aâ—thors and gave this reason to such who vvondred â—â— should spend so much time in reading these vvho vverâ— but pagans that he purposed to dedicat all these â—evvels vvhich he borrovved from the Egyptians to the building of the house of the Lord it is knovven vvith vvhat zeal he did oppose himselfe to the corruptions of that time in the year 1584 whilest there was an expressâ— charge from the King for acknowledging Mr Patâ—icâ— Adamson Archbishop of S. Andrewes or else lose thâ—â— maintenance he did with great vehemency appear against the same though that man was his uncle upon the motheâ— side and some who seemed willing to subscribe there to with such a condition according to the Word of God he did gravely rebuke shewing them it could be no salve to their conscience since it was repugnantia in adjecto to subscribe to any institution according to the word when the word did expresly condemn the same It was also known he refused the offer of a Bishoprick and afâ—â—â—wards of a yearly pension from the King which he looked on as a design only to bribe his conscience which was more dear to him then all the World and when that assembly at Aberdeen was condemned by the State he did openly own and avow the same and in a very solemn manner denounced the wrath and â—â—dgement of God against these accusers and convicters of these excellent men at Linlithgow who stood for the liberty of that assembly that notable paper and protestation given in to the Parliament 1606 where
but am heavily grieved that the glorious governement of the Church of Scotland should be so defaced and a Popish tyrannical government set up and thou Manderston for out of that house Dumbar was come and he thus stiled him Hast thou no other thing to do but carry down to Scotland such commissions whereby the poore Church there is wracked the Lord shall be avenged upon thee and thou shalt never again go down for all thy grandour which words took such impression on that Gentleman that when he went forth he desired some friends who then waited to get a bussinesse at court â—â—ped by Dumbars moyen that they would in time â—â—â— their affaires to a close for he was perswaded the words of that servant of Christ should nor fall to the ground and truely this did very quickly take place that Earle being suddenly struck by death within a few moneths after and thus thrown down from the top of his grandour whilest he was bussie perfecting that great house of his at Berwick and had appointed a sumptuous feast for his daughters marriage even then did his thoughts perish I shall here but adde one instance more of one whom we before named though not a Minister yet a great instrument for promoting the work of the Gospel in the place he lived and one we may say of an extraordinary spirit Hew Kennedy provest of Aire of vvhom I would mention these two passages from sure knowledge One was whilest the Merchant Ships of that town were at â—eâ— amongst whom his son Iohn who was also a choise Christian was at that time he did one night rise before the breaking of day and came to the house of his familiar friend Iohn Steward desiring he would rise go along with him to some room whereat the said Iohn being exceedingly astonished he sayeth to him it is no time to linger let us go pray for my son with the rest of our friends now at sea are at this houre on the very nick of perishing and after they had spent some time in prayer he arose chearfully and said now they are safe Within a little after Iohn Steward who had writ this down with the day and houre at the return of the Ships did most particularly enquire and found hovv it did answer in all the circumstances and in that very houre of that night they were to appearance past hope of safety upon a very dangerous place and by an extraordinary unexpected providence then delivered The other is this one day being for many houres alone in prayer whilest some of his Christian friends did wait long for him at last with an unusual chearfulnes he came forth and upon their enquiry anent his stay he told them it was no wonder for he had that day got mercy to him and all his and truely it was very evident that not one of his Children but there was large ground of charity that they were truely godly Whilest he was dying Mr Ferguson a godly Minister sayeth to him yow have cause Sir to be assured that the Angels of God are novv vvaiting at the stoups of this bed to convoy your soul into Abrahams bosome to vvhom his ansvver vvas I am sure thereof and if the wals of this house could speak they could tell hâ—â— many sweet dayes I have had in secret fellowship with God and how familiar he hath been with my soul I shall only adde Mr. Welshes testimony in a letter from France to this great man his words were these Happy is that city yea happy is that Nation that hath a Hew Kenneay in it I have my selfe certainly found the answers of his prayers from the Lord in my behalfe SEVENTH Witnes to this truth that the Lord hath in so solemn and extraordinary a way appeared for his Church in these last times is this these great and marvellous providences which we may call magnalia Der by which he hath witnessed his truth and confirmed the same since the breaking up of the Gospel in this late raising of the Church from Antichrist For we may truely say there hath not wanted a visible attestation from Heaven and a convincing testimony by some great workes of the Lord to his truth as well as in the primitive times of the Church We do here understand by such providences these wherein man cannot but see something above nature and naturall causes yea above the ordinary way of the Lords working which doth evidently witnes his great and immediat hand some whereof have been so wonderful which can be instanced in these late times as might truely be called miracles it is true this is not the Lords usuall way neither maketh he use of such a solemn testimony but on special and weighty grounds vvhen the necessity of the Church called for it vvhilest he is about some extraordinary piece of vvork or vvhen the Gospel cometh first to a land that hath been long overspread vvith darknes vvhen ordinary meanes of conviction are vvanting or in times of great opposition vvhen the commission of his servants needeth some extraordinary seal in such a time as that of Achabs vvhen the People are made to halt betvvixt truth and a false vvay and thus vve find the Lord did confirm the first breaking up of the Gospel and make use of such a mean to spread the Christian Church through the World and should this seem strange that in so great a change of the Churches case novv in these latter dayes vvhen he vvas to raise her up after so long a ruin and desolation vvhilest Antichristianisme so many ages had overspread the face of the World that he should thus appear and give some signal demonstration of his povver in behalfe of his People such as vve have seen vvith our eyes and our fathers did tell us It is not miracles or any extraordinary providence on vvhich men should resolve their faith nor do vve here mention these for laying stresse thereon in believing the truth no the Protestant doctrine and cause doth lean on a stronger gtound it can vvith confidence appeal the adversary to the Scripture these divine records vvhich they do not pretend to deny this even this is the reason of our hope vvhich vve offer to all that ask for the same and there let the God of truth vvho hath revealed his vvill and answers men by the written word be judge aâ—d we shall demand no greater advantage nor justice at the hand of our enemyes we know miracles cannot authorize a lye or be a seal to any thing repugnant to the Scripture and truely these lying wonders which have been so frequent in the World which the Apostle doth foretel that such an engine the Devil wil make use of to turn men aside from the truth besids other marks of their falsehood they have this one most discernable that they are the support and warrant of that which cannot stand alone by the Word and thence are the popish miracles made use of to confirm such tenets
which of all their doctrine do most directly contradict the Scripture as the merit of works purgatory praying for the dead c. Bus as we will not boast of such as the authority or proof of our doctrine so we judge it a grave and a concerning duety to observe the wondrous work of the Lord in our times yea to make a diligent search thereanent that we may tell posterity some of these great acts of our God for his Church in bringing her again from Babell I would desire to be very tender and cautious upon such a subject for I judge it horrid divinity to make a lye for God it is not the truth but a false way which requireth such a help and truely anent these following instances which are but a few of many that might be brought if there were more serious enquiry I dare attest the Lord the great witnes that I have not knowingly set down here any thing false yea not without some diligent search and satisfying grounds anent the certainty thereof I judge it not necessary to repeat these which are so known already to the World from publick records and therefore shall but briefly point at some of these and adde a few moe particular instances of this kinde which I may with some confidence bring to the light from clear evidences of the truth thereof I shall first mention that solemn testimony of Mr Baynam in Queen Maryes time who in the midst of the fire whilest his body was all in a flame his armes and legs halfe burnt cryed out to bystanders O Papists ye look after miracles lo here is one I am now burning in this fire but feels no more pain then if I were in a bed of roses O must not this be called a miracle and an extraordinary seal from the Lord to his ttuth wherein the World would consider this was the testimony of one who was upon the borders of eternity which he did declare before a great multitude attested by Mr Fox that holy servant of Christ who in things of that kinde so extraordinary was most cautious and did much search out the truth and certainty of what he sets down and by him was published whilest many of that time who might have been present were alive yea it is the more remarkable the sharp combat that this Martyr had through the terrour of the fire a little before his death fearing he should never be able to endure the same What a remarkable providence was that at a town in the Low Countryes whilest some of the Saints were put to death by the Popish party and among these one Michael Bomboutius a Deacon of the reformed Church whilest they were going to suffer about midday the Heavens being most clear there came suddenly so great a darknes and so horrible and unusual a tempest which was onely in that place and above that city discerned that men were generally shaken with fear thinking there should be a present dissolution of the World this famous Voetius in that piece de signis doth witnes that from divers there present even some of them popish he had this related to himselfe and as he sayeth suchâ—â— thing Papists would have with greatest observation published as the very finger of God if they had the same occasion At a town Alsa in Westslanders whilest a godly man whom the Inquisition there had pursued was leading to the stake and was by the way singing Psalmes thâ— Captain of these who guarded him was so enraged that he caused presently his tongue be plucked out by the rootes but loâ— a few moneths after this wretched man hath a Childe born with his tongue hanging out a great way which by no meanes could be keepâ— within his mouth this Doctor Hall being himselâ—â— afterwards in that town had shewed him from some who were most considerable there as he sets down in his Epistles Charles the IX of France vvho was author of that horrid Massacre where the blood of many thousand Protestants at Paris and other parts was shed did a very little after dye in the strength of his years by an extraordinary effusion of blood from all passages of his body that as Du Serres and other french vvriters of that time do shew he was made to vvallow in his own blood before his death O vvas not this the very finger of God a most convincing stupendious piece of his judgement What an extraordinary providence vvas that vvhich is attested by divers vvitnesses thereto in the late bloody Massacre of Ireland a young vvoman vvho by the Irishes vvas stript almost naked and after by one of them threatned that except she vvould give him her money he vvould forthvvith run her through to vvhich she gravely ansvvered I knovv you cannot kill me except God give you leave whereupon he did three 〈◊〉 with his sword run at her naked body but could not once pierce her skin which did so confound this wretched man that with a kinde of horrour he went away and ceased to trouble her further Did not God wonderfully appear in the raising of the late King of Sweden with that astonishing successe which did attend him in breaking the power of the house of Austria whilest they were at so great an height and had their hands hot reeking in the blood of the Protestants through Bohemia and other places of Germany O but the Lords hand might be clearly seen in acting forth and fitting that party of the Swedes for such a piece of his service even in a more then ordinary vvay vvho like that he goat mentioned in Damel did come so swiftly that they touched not the ground as it were but like a mighty speate bare down all before them The breaking of that great Spanish Armado in the Year 88. which had been 3 Yeares in contriving did convincingly witnes a divine hand opposing the same and how remarkable was that issue of all the Counsels expence and cruelty which Philip the second had made use of to bear down the rising of the Gospel in the Netherlands for it is notour that after many essayes the losse of an 100 Millions of gold with near 400000 Lives the reckoning of all his gain and purchase was only the losse of considerable part of these countryes and helping fordward the establishment of the united Provinces and truely we must say the Lord did by his great and outstretched hand wonderfully appear in raising that Common wealth so that they may date their flowrishing in outward interests from their owning of the interests of God Religion did raise them and no People this day hath more cause and are under greater engadgements to be zealous for the truth and defence of the Protestant Cause The breaking of that formidable league of the Catholicks in France for rooting out the Protestant Religion there was very wonderful how all their Counsels and designes should resolve in their own ruin so that the most ordinary onlookers could not but see a divine hand
preacher of the Gospel to his death Galeacaeus Garracceolus an Italian Marquesse of great place and estate in the World was so taken by the hearâ— with one word in hearing Peter Martyr as made him quite not only all his hopes of preferment a most pleasant place as was in the earth and a great inheritance but to go over the belly of the most pressing intreaties and insinuations of his friends the weeping cryes of his Lady and Children and go to a strange place quiting all that he might preserve his conscience and enjoy fellowship with the Church O what a solemn witnes was this to the truth and of the conquering power of Christ And in a word what a marvellous thing was it that poor Luther against whom so much of the World was aloft with greatest rage and violence should yet live to an old age and go to the grave in peace And truely the Spirit and appearance of this great and fâ—â—st witnes to the truth might be a convincing evidence that the Lord was then to raise up a People to himselfe in whom he would be glorified by an active testimony as well as by suffering Besides these instances I would here mention some remarkable providences worthy indeed to be observed though they are little knowen to the World which we may say doth not only witnes the power of God but are a convincing seal to his truth and the Churches Reformation in these last times It is a remarkable passage which worthy Mr Forbes sets down under his hand whilest he was banished for the truth whose words are these In the year 1607. being at Ruan in France and meeting with Monsieur 〈◊〉 that auncient and famous divine and then Pastor of the Reformed Church in that city he had from him this following relation After the close of the Councel of Trent in the time of Pius the V. there was a consultation in Italy by the Pope and Cardinals for an utter extirpation of the Reformed Churches in Europe and to this end every Prince of the Romish Religion had a certain part designed where this great project should be put in practice The death of Pius the V. hindred a present prosecuting of this design And his successor Gregorius XIII did suffer it to ly dead having no heart that way and so until that time of Clemens VIII it was not revived but then this bloody resolution was of new ratified by him and his Cardinals under their hands and seals the onely difficulty was in this to find a fit and trusty person whom they should make use of to the Princes of the Romish Religion for engadgeing them to subscrive the said ordinance and set about the execution thereof At length a Gentleman of good parts near in blood to the Cardinal Baronius is choised which to him was a matter of much grief and sorrow for unknown to them he was of the Reformed Religion but this grief in his countenance and carriage put his friends who observed the same to strange thoughts and so much the more that he did expresly declare to some of these who asked thereanent that what to them seemed a cause of rejoycing was to him a just occasion of grief yet at last finding his haâ—ard upon a bitter challenge from the foresaid Cardinal who had heard thereof he judged it his wisdome to dissemble shewing him his unsuitablenes to so great an employment could not but be ground of trouble and fear and so was someway forced to engadge getting his commissions the decree of the Conclave with letters to the foresaid Princes sealed and subscribed But lo whilest this poor Gentleman is on his journey having found wayes to free himself of his servants and other company his spirit was in great perplexity betwixt these two grievous temptations either to be instrument of utter ruin to the truth and Churches of Christ or forsake his countrey inheritance and all he had in the World upon which he resolved to retire himself out of the high way to an obscure village where for three dayes he gave himself to fasting and prayer for direction and resolution from the Lord and after this had his heart so strengthned against the care of his wordly estate that he resolved to forsake all and to reveal this bloody conspiracy to the Churches of Christ and cast himself on Gods hand for his future estate so that he turned his face from Spain and took journey to France and to Paris where at that time remained the sister of Henry the IIII. a Religions Princesse afterwards Dutchesse of Lorraine to whom the foresaid Monsieur Figureus was her preacher and unto him made his addresse though after divers refusals of admission upon suspicion shewing him the whole bussines and delivered the sealed decree with his letters of coâ—â—mission for that effect and did likewise shew him who was then astonished at such a wonderful providence of God in fostering some of his own Children in the midst of Babylon and that to so comfortable an use for his Churches safety that there were many others in Italy yea in Rome it self of the Reformed Religion who had their secret meetings and even Gregory the XIII before his advancement to the Papacy was throughly clear thereanent in his judgement whereof he gave him divers evidences This foresaid relation did so affect Mr Forbes that he shewed his marvellous desire to see that man who had done so worthy and gracious a work for the glory of God and good of his Church and by a recommendation from Mousieur Figureus he did afterwards go of set â—â—â—pose to that place taking the first opportunity for Heâ—delberg where this Gentleman was then retired for his further security and honourably entertaind by that Prince where he sheweth that he saw him and from his own mouth received the assurance of this former narration to his great satisfaction and comfort This is the very suâ—me which I have here set down and truely â—â—â—scribed off the principale which I had beside me both written and subscribed by Mr Forbes his own hand A remarkable providence I shall also here set down which did tryst with some very convincing circumstances at the Parliament 1621. at their bringing in of Popish Geremonies upon the Church which was then a sad step of the lands defection from the truth contraire to their engadgements whilest the faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ at that time did with greatest seriousnes and freedome obtest and warn these who were in power alace that now there is litle of such a Spirit appearing that they would not to please men corrupt the Worship of God but the speat being violent it did at last resolve in a Law at which very time whilest the Kings Commissioner did rise from the throne to ratify this woeful act by the touch of the Scepter was even in this moment of that ratification trysted by the God of Heaven with an extraordinary lightning and very unusual great claps of thunder and these