as fundamental a Constitution in the course of Providence as the most firm Establishment of Nature IV. That in no time since man was formed in the Earth doth true Joy and Serenity of Mind cease to be the Native result of welldoing or the Fruit of Righteousness to be Peace and Assurance of Mind nor hath it ever wanted a Witness even before any Word given of the Lords taking Pleasure herein V. That it 's so evident in the most dismal times what a publick Blessing such are who by more extraordinary Tryals have been put to the highest Exercise of their Grace and Patience yea how Visibly such have been promoted to the most honourable Service for God and to advance the Credit of Religion before Men who on the first sight and view have been accounted the most miserable of any VI. Whilst on the other hand it may be ever seen how with the greatest Prosperity of the wicked here there are Punishments of another kind Dispensed and more dreadful than any outward Affliction such as judicial Obstinacy and Blindness of Mind in Opposition to God even when their own ruine is made Visible to them herein VII How oft men are thus evidently condemned to be happy in this World by some strange measure of Temporal Success and Prosperity before some great Fall and Ruine as the Issue hereof in the last scene of Providence doth fully attest VIII That it 's seen also how Sin doth ever bring its own Punishment with it in some begun Degree both of Shame and Torment and as Seneca an Heathen could say That Wickedness was the most exquisite Contriver of human Misery so the World likewise may see how a present immunity from Judgment is no release but when its Sentence is not speedily Executed yet is it at last surely executed IX And how evident is it that the greatest haters of Godliness are yet inforced to justifie the same and the Christians choice herein as the greatest Wisdom upon any surprizing State and Extremity yea how such would be glad to joyn Interests then with such in their Death whom they most contemned in their Life Qu. V. How is it Convincing and Demonstrable that God hath given any clear and express Revelation of his Will and Counsel unto Men and that such a wonderful Record is undoubtedly extant in the World Ans That I. It is not possible to believe the Being of God and not also the Truth of an established Law and Rule of Commerce betwixt him and man here so as to know both what we should do and what we should Expect and Hope from him II. That this also must be known and display its Power and Efficacy to the World in that manner and by such infallible Evidence of its Truth as may render all inexcusable who give not intire Credit thereto III. I can be no more clear and assured that there is but one Sun in the Firmament than that there is but one Fountain and Repository of Sacred Light about Religion which is the Scripture and its being the alone publick Standard of truth to the whole World IV. That no way was ever made known to recover mankind from a state of Bondage Darkness and Misery consistent with the very use of reason but by this blessed light which shineth there V. Yea that there is as visible a difference betwixt the same and any pretended Religion which ever was besides in the World as there is betwixt day and night which is founded in the immutable nature of these things in themselves VI. That there is one proper Sphere where this glorious Light of Divine Truth is fixed and wherein it shines forth from one Age to another which is the Christian Church Qu. VI. But what more peculiar evidences can you shew of the Divinity of the Scriptures that all may see them to be of infallible truth Ans I. That it 's sure such a book is this day in the Earth which no created wisdom could ever have made and contains such things of highest concern to mankind as does infinitely exceed the bounds of human ability and invention and could never have been discovered but by God himself II. That it gives forth such exquisite laws and constitutions of our religion as men must needs see the holy nature purity and perfection of God most brightly shining forth therein III. Which doth discover so great and proper a relief for all those evils and miseries that do attend this fallen estate of man as none but an all-sufficient God could work IV. That he alone must be the author of this blessed record who rules the World and hath determined the changes and revolutions thereof when it is not more evident that these visible Heavens are stretched forth over the Earth than that this Line of the Scripture is stretched over the whole Work and Frame of Providence and doth most clearly and brightly illuminate the same V. That surely this was the product of Infinite Wisdom that so great a variety of matter should meet with so visible a concent and harmony in one perfect and intire frame yea knit in so close a bond of union together as makes the whole Bible to be intirely one piece though in the writing of each distinct part thereof it could never have possibly been contrived or foreseen by human wisdom as we see here of so admirable an agreement and correspondence as is in all the parts thereof VI. That none else could have spoke to the World in so Majestick a way and so becoming the greatness and soveraignty of God to assume such a supremacy and give forth Laws for absolute obedience from all Mankind thereto and on such a penalty of eternal destruction or that any impostors either possibly could or durst have in such a manner personated the same VII That it must needs be his word who perfectly knows what is in man and hath an absolute authority over the Soul and is a discerner of the thoughts thereof who thus not only gives law to the Conscience and our inward parts but doth establish an internal Religion there no less absolutely than what respects our external work and actions VIII Yea where all may see the Penmen thereof under so intire a subjection to the doctrine which they taught and that it is no contrivance of their own as they did record their own failings and imperfections in behalf of the truth and did thus also require all just respect and obedience to Magistrates when through the whole Earth they were then greatest Enemies to the Truth of the Gospel IX That this must be his Word who alone can derive principles of life to his own institutions and animate the same with a quickening Spirit and is a work above the contrivance of Angels or Men when directed to each new trial of the Church and personal case of Christians as though it had been alone written for that time so that I can be no more persuaded in reason that there is such a
Death as a Penalty which keeps the fear and dread thereof so much on all living it being in that last period that the eternal state of Men is decided III. That the sting and bitterness of sin is so manifest in innumerable diseases and stroaks of Death which many feel an 100. times ere they dye once beyond any other of the Creatures IV. Though the Sentence of dying is on all yet so great a difference is betwixt the Saints and residue of Men here that its penal execution on the ungodly is such as nature can give no support under it V. That supernatural presages and warnings hereof ere it come are in all times known and sure yea such extraordinary evidences are sometimes of the precise time as could have no possible rise from any natural cause VI. That its immediate commission from a supream and Invisible Power is so evident in such executions oft of this Sentence by Sword Famine and Pestilence as the visible Finger of God in a just retribution unto men for sin may be no less seen and a supernatural causality than the effects have been undoubted and clear to shew that such is the state of Man that this great revolution by Death doth each moment depend on a call from Heaven VII That the certainty of something supernatural in this King of Terrours is so known that as no relief can possibly be found but in the truth and power of Christianity to set men both above the fear of Death and an after State when once it comes near VIII Yea that it is surely above the possibility of Nature which can bear out in this great adventure and trial of Mens Faith both in the truth and strength thereof at Death for which end the Lord hath thus chosen that by so strange an entry and at so dark a Port they should first pass to the full enjoyment of that glorious state above Qu. V. What evidence and demonstration can you shew to confirm so great a Faith of an Eternal Glory prepared for the Saints in Heaven and of its earnest and first fruits here as may strike an undeniable conviction hereof on the World Answ I. The visible ripening and resemblance to such a state in all the degrees of a Christians growth to a more full stature of the man in Christ may be no less evident than the natural growth of our Body II. Though the opening of these Gates of the Second World be hid so as no humane sense can discern the Spirit in its ascent through those higher Regions to that unconceivable Paradise and Glory in the Third Heaven yet is the triumphant entry and passage of innumerable Christians at death such as hath oft been a matter of sense and clearest evidence to the World III. Such also were both humble tender and sincere in their Life and then in so great a composure of judgement that all might see they knew what made them glad and could swallow up both the fears and bitterness of Death yea and this was not given for their own support only but for a more publick use for the Conviction and Confirmation of others IV. The state of glory is demonstrable and hath been oft brought down to Mens sense by these ravishing joys of the Martyrs of Christ and exultation of Spirit even in the Flames V. Supernatural comforts attend the Life of Christianity and can have no possible rise from the flesh and outward causes with that Joy and Peace which by so natural a result follows well-doing and any service of love for Christ which all may see to be the first fruits of that harvest which is above VI. Rare and marvellous a frame of the new man set up in this lower Region of Grace in so discernable a conformity to the blessed God and resemblance to another state than here to which the World is but as a place of Pilgrimage trial and a preparatory state only VII Visible returns of joy and comfort Christians have after saddest conflicts and down-castings and such day-break of vital quickening beams of Divine Light that have often been no less evident than that of the Martyrs at the Stake who cried out Now he is come he is come VIII Their breathings of Love after an unseen Christ and visible effects of its power on men might shew some begun translation of the Soul so far herein as to be more where it loves than where it lives IX Though we cannot see here that ineffable glory which is above but should have our Faith instead of Eyes yet such is the truth of holiness as doth not only evidence but in its own nature partake of a future glory so as every degree and act thereof doth enter in a begun state of fruition and blessedness and makes it simply impossible for a good man in any true exercise of Godliness not to be happy also and thus in a more near capacity to know that joy unspeakable and full of glory which is above X. By so sure known and tryed a passage betwixt Heaven and Mens Souls in Prayer with so setled a Trade of commerce this way and certain returns as with assurance such can say though they must change their place yet not their company XI The whole dispensations of Providence in Israels passage through the Wilderness and to so excellent a Country as Canaan is no less sure in its self than that it was given for an Embleme and Type of the journying and militant state of the Saints here and to be a solemn pledge of that Canaan above XII Such is the Magnificence Harmony and Order of these visible Heavens and Celestial Bodies there with their different degrees of glory though all illuminated from the same Fountain of Light the Sun as we may judge by a Divine Ordination to have some peculiar respect to that end to awake and raise our thoughts to these higher Regions of Glory which are above all these by what is thus visible to our Eyes where the redeemed of the Lord shall be ever fixed and shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father Qu. VI. What visible and awakening evidences are there of the truth of an Hell and that state of horrour and torment in another World which even to mens senses here might present the certainty thereof Answ I. That it can be no more sure that there is such a power and party as that of the Devils than the reality of some such a horrid Region and place also to which they belong and are adjudged to II. From so innumerable a company of human race as are not in the visible service of these Infernal Spirits but partakers of the same nature and enmity against the Holy God and his Image which doth clearly witness their respect and tendency to the same state and place and Confederacy in their judgment as here in their sin III. Such visible impressions of vindictive justice are on mens Souls with such horrour of Conscience and unsufferable torments
to a further establishing of the Reformed Churches there as though such had Intentionally acted for the same when if second Causes had brought forth their Ordinary effects it might have been judged impossible to fail XIII We have seen that issue of all the Councels Expence and Cruelty of Philip the II. of Spain to bear down the Truth of the Gospel in the Netherlands which was to the furthest setling of this Illustrious State and the Church of Christ there yea how their Conspicuous Rise and Flourishing even in the Externals and their resolute adherence to the Truth of Christ did most visibly keep together XIV We know that deluge of Blood which so quickly followed the French Massacre and the most dismal time which ever that Nation knew did then visibly Contemporate with such a time of their greatest Rage and Persecution against the Truth and that Event of the Third Vial most clearly fulfilled herein Rev. 16.5 6. Thou art Righteous O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast judged thus for they have shed the Blood of thy Saints and Prophets and thou hast given them Blood to drink in great measure XV. Yea have we not seen how four Kings of France Successively were in less than thirty years taken away in the same continued pursuit how to destroy the Church there in whom that whole race of the Valois was thus extinct yea in the manner of their Death were most remarkable Monuments of Divine Judgment as the most famous Writers of that time do attest XVI We have seen what marvellous effects did follow those Bloody Years of Queen Mary's Reign in England to promote and commend the Protestant Doctrine to Mens Consciences there with so great a Triumph as it had in the Sufferings of such choice and excellent witnesses for Christ and hath brought in more Rent to the Praise and Glory of their Blessed Head than may to the furthest compense all that Blood of the Saints there though highly Precious in the Eyes of the Lord. XVII We have seen likewise the Blood and Cruelty of late against the Protestants in Bohemia in a short time most Visibly returned on the Authors thereof and how the immediate Finger of God might be seen in calling forth the Swedes to avenge the same and in that desolating stroak which followed in Germany XVIII We have seen in these late Times the Issue of that horrid Massacre on the Protestants in Ireland to the utter ruine in a very few years after of that Barbarous Party who had thus acted herein XIX We have seen what wonderful Providences did attend the actings of that poor handful of Protestants in the Valleys of Piedmont since the Reformation upon the account of that Bloody Massacre which was set on foot there against them which was so astonishing as all might see an extraordinary Appearance of the Lord herein as is clearly attested by the most Faithful Histories of that time XX. And can it be forgot unto this day how visibly a Divine Hand did appear in breaking that great Spanish Armado in the Year 1588. which had been for some years in Contriving against England XXI Astonishing and specially Demonstrative of the immediate Power and Presence of God and matter of Wonder and Praise also for after Ages was that solemn time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland for planting the Reformed Religion there with that zeal and oneness of Spirit as did then appear in all ranks to imbrace and adhere to the Profession thereof amidst the greatest threatnings of their Adversaries so as a few Years did bring forth that which would have seemed strange for an Age to accomplish yea that we find betwixt the last Martyr for the Truth there who was burnt at St. Andrews 1558. and the establishment of the Protestant Religion and full abolishment of Popery with the full Concurrence of Civil Authority herein in July 1560. was but little above two Years to shew what great things the Lord can do above all Humane Council or Confidence XXII It 's sure we have seen in what remarkable degrees these last Vials of the Holy Judgment of God have taken place on the Kingdom of Antichrist and how Conspicuous the Event hath been of that Prophecy 2 Thes 2.8 in these great Effects and Consumption thereof by the Ministry of the Gospel as an assured Pledge of the full Accomplishment of what remains herein XXIII And as every step of the Churches Rise hath been still advanced in a continued Conflict betwixt the Truth and Antichrist so have we still seen when the Assault and Opposition hath been greatest it s most remarkable tendency to a greater Victory which were it rightly considered upon clear and solid grounds from the Scripture the most formidable appearances of Trouble from this Adversary would with more Comfort than Fear this day be looked on so that whatever be the nearest and most immediate events yet is it sure as the Lord is true whose Word is passed hereon that whosoever gives their Power and Strength to support that Interest of Antichrist shall lose the day and find their Cause desperate for the party with whom they contend herein is the Son of God against whom no humane Power shall ever be able to stand These are but a few which are here mentioned of the great Acts of our God in behalf of his Truth to be still as present in our sight in a time when the Spirits of many are ready to Stagger and Faint and here mentioned to lay no stress or weight of the Authority of the Truth and Doctrine of our Profession thereon but on the alone Revelation of the Scripture but they are such an undeniable Seal for Confirming our Faith and of so known Publick and famous Evidence as should be no less considered and taken to Heart now than in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein SECTION III. Qu. VVHat present Judgment are we called to have of this Time upon clear and assured grounds from the Scripture that we may know under what aspect thereof the present State of Religion and of the Reformed Churches is under when so great a Crisis is this day as would seem to be in the very Height of its Conflict whether as to Life or Death Ans It is no present Appearance of the time that must Direct our Faith nor should we either stretch our Fears or Expectations of Things and Events beyond what the God of Truth doth warrand in his Word but it 's clear if we credit the same and admit the Divinity of the New Testament there is no just Cause of Hesitation or Darkness as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in these latter days nor can there be any pretence to seek another Light either from the Stars above or the Diviners of this Time when so woful a Trade hath got up in the World that men wtll thus go to the God of Ekron as though there were not a
men yea how visibly many are transformed into his Image by such prodigious and desperate acts of wickedness as we should think humane nature could not but tremble at IV. That none can question the certainty both of Sense and Reason which is in the truth of Apparitions and Bodily Possessions of Men in all Ages and in all places of the Earth and can need no demonstration for this that in many places of the Earth the Devil is both visibly and audibly known V. That he is so manifest in his appearance as a Spirit of Blasphemy which impetuously acts Men to War against Heaven with their Tongue in such Oaths and Cursing as have no sensual pleasure or gain herein yea as a Spirit of Delusion in so visible an excitement of others to such extravagancies under a shew of Religion as are inconsistent with any use of Judgment or Reason VI. That so innumerable a company of humane Race hath in all Ages been in a formal and express Covenant with these powers of darkness is undeniable upon the most severe and impartial inquiry herein Qu. II. What special assistance to your Faith doth the certainty of these Powers of Darkness bring therewith Answ I. It is plain that such a Party both in their Nature and continued Actings are in a stared opposition to the Kingdom of Christ II. It is visible that the Prey which these Mighty Hunters do follow after is not our Body or the things of this Life but it is the Immortal Soul and Future State that Man might be made sharer of the same Misery under which they are concluded III. All may see their being under restraint of a Supream Power above them and under such Chains as do irresistibly bound their rage and enmity against Man by an invisible Guard and Hedge which they cannot break over IV. Their greatest rage and strugling is against the Conversion of sinners to God and to hold fast his possession in such as the Spirit of God doth not more clearly move for their rescue than these do to cross that blessed design of the Gospel V. There are none that are serious in the Truth and Life of Religion but find themselves pursued by such an Adversary and have as discernably another Party than themselves or the World to conflict with as if they saw them in a visible shape VI. That by the Gospel and within the Precinct of the Church there is discernably a much greater restraint of Satans Dominion and Power than in all the Earth besides yea that the advantage of being within the external covenant of Baptism is so demonstrable that the least yielding or tendency to a renouncing of the same or any Acts of Homage for making use of his help hath ever made way for some more extraordinary Power of the Devil over such than others VII Thus is a most undeniable Confirmation given of an Invisible World and of such intellectual Beings there as are far above man yea and it is plain that there is an intercourse betwixt Men and Spirits such may clearly shew the interest that Man's Soul hath in another State and World than this Qu. III. Is that great truth of the Immortality of the Soul and its never dying state after Death as fully demonstrable to Reason as it is by the furthest certainty of Faith Answ Though it be so amazing a thing to believe an Immortal Soul and Eternal State wherein it must shortly enter as by few seems to be apprehended yet are its demonstrative evidences such that except men lose all sence and use of reason it is not possible to deny I. That there is such an Immaterial and Active Substance as the Soul which can admit of no cause either of its decay or dissolution from the Body yea that the greatest excellency of this visible Creation is here that such a vital Beam of Life Light and Immortality as the Soul of Man is therein II. Though we cannot see this rare and wonderful Being yet we fully perceive it to be something distinct from the Body and to have a distinct interest both in its griefs and comforts III. That it can have no dependance on the Body in its Being which doth no way depend thereon in its Actings and Exercise but is oft most vigorous and clear in its exercise not only when most separate and abstract from sensible things but when the flesh is under the greatest decay and near its dissolution to shew the Soul lieth not a dying with the Body but hath its distinct subsistence to live in a separate state when it dies IV. It s being peculiarly framed for converse and intercourse with spiritual Beings yea its being the only part of the visible Creation admitted to fellowship with the invisible God and to have reflex acts upon it self V. It is a Being of a higher nature and value than the Sun Moon and Stars which not only can know and conceive of things above the evidence and impressions of sense but make a rational choice of good though cross to any sensual pleasure yea to rejoice and have its proper delights when the body is afflicted and in pain nor can it be defiled from the most loathsome sores and defilements of the Flesh so as we must needs see both its Dominion and Preheminence over the Body and have assuredly a subsistence without the same VI. It is such a Being as is capable of a happiness beyond the whole extent of the World and hath these intellectual Faculties which cannot possibly want both objects suitable thereto and injoyments above the Senses VII The most choice and excellent are usually most afflicted and crushed under the feet of their oppressours whilst the vilest flourish in the Earth and have no bands in their death so that such were of all men the most miserable if in this life both their being and blessedness were terminated VIII That there is so universal a sense of Immortality that they who both fear and hate the evidences hereof yet under some constraint of Reason have the same for a continued terrour IX That it is sure the certainty of death makes it simply impossible for things only suited to this Life of Sense to be the ultimate good or fruition of Man since else the Beasts should have a greater happiness than such if it were not for respect to an after and Immortal State Qu. IV. What confirmation to your Faith does that great and amazing change by Death offer when it would seem to be something meerly natural Answ Though the only wise God moves herein according to the nature of second causes and it hath various ways of approach unto men yet may all see with the furthest conviction of rational evidence as well as certainty of Faith I. That Death in its first constitution is Penal and comes by a Divine appointment unto all not meerly as men but as sinners and to be no natural accident and result of our Primitive and Original Frame II. That it's
this way as in all Ages have been known by most remarkable instances when not in the least distemper of their natural reason that may present to mens Senses something of a visible Hell as convincingly as if one had risen from the Dead for the same IV. A trembling sense and terror of Divine Vengeance oft follows upon horrid acts of wickedness and so eminently breaks forth upon a surprising sight of Death that all may see something more dreadful herein than in the dissolution of Nature and the Power and present Arrest of a future judgment is made visible in the same V. There are begun degrees of blaspheming and rage against God because of his plagues and such prodigies of cruelty exercised by Men here in the Earth as may be evident to all to be more than humane and rather the effects of infernal spirits acting in a humane shape VI. So clear a prelude and beginning of Hell is in that judicial obduration and blindness which many are given up to under the greatest discoveries of light that all may see their being thus bound over in Chains and shut up in Prison until Death bring them forth to the Execution and that no relief or application of the means of Grace hath then any success VII Such a Map and Shadow of Eternal Vengeance is in these terrible acts of Divine Judgment inflicted here on Apostates and Persecutors of the Truth and other flagitious persons which with the very first view might present an awful and immediate appearance of God in the same some strange and supernatural punishment is oft so visible on the workers of Iniquity VIII And whatever be of natural causes in such visible representations here in the Earth as that sulphureous Lake where once Sodom was and those burning Mountains of Haecla Aetna and Vesuvius yet we may truly judge that they are thus set before the World as visible memorials of the Infernal Flames and as it were so many Chimny's or Vent-holes thereof for such who will not believe the same because they do not yet see or feel such a thing Qu. VII What assistances hath our Faith of that great and wonderful truth of the Resurrection of the Body after its dissolution in the Grave unto Dust Answ I. It hath great assistance from that visible and stupendious frame of the Heavens and the Earth when it 's sure that the same Infinite Power that hath not only made Man but the whole Creation can as easily collect and reunite the dispersed ashes of the Body as form the same II. From that greatest pledge hereof in the Resurrection of the Body of Christ III. From that tribulation and sore pain that the Saints here in their outward man are exposed to since it is sure that in the holy justice of God he did not give such Bodies for labour and for toil and to his Martyrs to endure unexpressible torments for Christ at last to perish for ever IV. From these visible resemblances and pâ—efigurations of the Resurrection which the Lord hath given to confirm our Faith herein in the ordinary course and productions of nature so as all may see how every night is as the Grave of the day light and each morning a new resurrection of the same and how visible an image of Death is in each season of the Winter with so marvellous and beautiful a Resurrection of the Earth on every return of the Spring in the Herbs Flowers and Plants taking life and rising again in the leaves blossoms and fruits yea this in such a variety as may no less convincingly evidence an Infinite Divine Power herein than that the same body of man should be raised at the last day V. From that continued miracle of the Harvest after the Seed-time with so amazing a production of the Grain sowen in the Earth and its first dying there before it be quickned so as to be at last brought to 30 60 yea sometimes an hundred fold out of the very same grain which to these who had never before known the same would seem incredible and above all reason to conceive or give credit thereto CHAP. III. The Confirming Work of Religion improved with respect to the Times to clear the way of the Lord herein before this Generation and let us see how nothing is so strange in the Events of this day which should not more strengthen then shake and that the God of the Reformed Church doth still own the same Interest according to his Faithfulness Which is here briefly Pointed at upon some special inquiry proposed about the same SECTION I. Qu. I. VVHat can afford both Light and Confirmation to our Faith in such a time when we see the Work of the Lord about his Church to be most remarkably now a work of Judgment with such dark and searching Tryals therewith as former times have not known Ans It is sure we have seen nothing but what might have been too evidently looked for and that we can pretend no want of Light herein upon these Grounds I. That the Trials of a Church should be suited to the measure of their Talent of Light and when this hath been in some more than ordinary way dispensed that some remarkably searching Times might be expected to follow nor can it be now strange to us that such things fall in with this day which did not meet the Churches of Christ at the first entry of the Reformation who then had not so clear Discoveries of the Truth and that measure of Confirmation therein which hath been since II. That some unusual Tryals and Conflicts in the Lords Method of Providence should be suited also to the greatness of that Work which he is bringing forth may be no strange thing and to see a time of such sore wrestlings as this when all things seem to cry and be in Pain as Micah 4.20 Yea when some great event of the Scripture is to be revealed to the World and near to its full height and Period of Accomplishment as we have safe ground for Assurance of this day III. Nor hath this sad and dismal hour on the Church been more obvious than the provoking Cause hereof in which the Holy Righteousness of God may be no less clear than the Cloud now is dark when there has been such a Visible falling off from that Love Tenderness and Power of Religion that did formerly attend its Profession for these many years past we might have seen that some sore and remarkable Judgment was coming and that if we had not been in such a manner undone we were under some sadder stroak of Spiritual Judgment ready to be utterly undone IV. Yea it hath been too Visible that such Evils followed the Reformed Churches as in no time it was ever known that the Holy God did pass by without some signal Evidence of his Wrath against the same before the World V. We know that Carnal Confidence hath a Curse ever waiting upon it in the Scripture and none can take it
which are more extraordinary and remote Assistances thereto 2. That these are given as such a great help to his Joy and Excitement of his Affections to follow the Lord fully as may make him wonder how the greatness of these things which men are called to believe can come near their thoughts and yet no more take them up about this Confirming Work 3. That the too visible neglect hereof both with respect to the Youth and Community of Professours in the Church seems one of the sad and fundamental defects of this day The Reasons hâ—reof with some clear view of these means whicâ—â—ight most answer such an end are briefly offered in this preceding Work CHARACT VII A truly Confirmed Christian may in the last place be herein also considered as such whose Faith being oft tryed through all these Stages of Christianity he hath been taken hath some proper Record of the most choice and signal Confirmations of his Life to improve the same not only for his own support in that last warfare of death but for strengthning the Faith of others wherein he does thus judge 1. That there could be no true support or relief from Religion here in the Earth if it cannot bear out then And that Death is the great Toâ—chstone and Trial when the true value and difference betwixt things of an Eternal Truth and substance and the things of this World will be best seen 2. He reckons each real Christian by his Profession then engaged and accountable even by some explicite personal Testimony to put to his Seal that God is True and bear the same witness with his last and dying breath to the Truth of Christianity which he gave in the whole course of his Life and of that joy complacence and assurance of Mind which he hath found and now hath in the way of Truth So as to press the same on his dearest Relations as their alone true Interest 3. He sees also how honourable it is for the Lord that such whose Faith hath been oft tried and when thus with Joy and Admiration he can look back on the most pressing and conspicuous Conflicts of time should have it their last work to pay in some Tribute of Praise unto him whose Word and Promise unto them did yet never fail 4. He accounts the more weighty Tryals he hath been carried thorow in his Christian warfare do both add more to this Service and impart more to the value of such a Testimony 5. He judgeth this one special way and advantage whereby one Generation might declare the Truth and Faithfulness of God unto another in a Family Line and Relation to shew forth thus that the Lord is upright that he is their Rock and with him is no Unrighteousness Yea which should be matter of unspeakable Joy when now in his turn he can say that such hath the Lord been to him what were Davids dying Words 1 Kings 1.14 Who hath delivered my Soul out of all distress how that in no trouble or exigence of his Life he was ever left without a door of Hope and thus also with Caleb Josh 14.10 To give in some such witness for God I am now near the close of time and do testifie that the Word of his Truth and Promise he hath surely accomplished which hath brought me safe and honourably through when such as did distrust the same by misbelief and sought after another refuge found all their Confidences fail 6. And knowing likewise how great a suprizal Death may be and that such as have shined in their day may yet set under a cloud and go silent off the Stage he judgeth it the more needful to have such a piece of his dying work prepared as one of the choicest Legacies he can bequeath to his Surviving Friends in a season when it hath usually the greatest advantage of weight and acceptance it being still qualified with Christian Prudence and Humble Sobriety so as all may see its whole intent is to commend to mens Conscience the way of Truth and Godliness and not themselves and thus direct it for the proper use and improvement of their nearest Relations I know it may be strange to some what is spoke upon this Head but as it 's sure the present day hath its Duty and each time of out Life hath some proper work so I humbly judge that this seems to fall in as the last Service of a dying Christian to his Generation to deliver off his hand the Truth which he had received and hath oft proved with his Confirmatory Seal and Testimonâ— thereto And now is it in some more than ordinary way called for in this hour of great darkness when if the Security of the Absolute Promises stood not good to the Church we might fear Religion might quickly wear out and Truth perish from the Earth and as so solemn and weighty a thing should it be managed with much humble Prudence so that it may be judged that there is no serious and observing Christian but hath some peculiar ingagements under which they find themselves held even beyond others yea some such Singular Confirmations in the Journal of their Life that should not be easie to hide under the ground where the strengthning of others hereby is concerned and that such should not then leave the Cross of Jesus Christ at a loss or part therewith without their Testimony which hath left them at so grâ—at an Advantage And though this is not to offer particular Rules in such a Duty but that Christian Wisdom must direct herein as the present Case is circumstantiated yet might it be hoped were this more taken to Heart it should be a singular means to make more deep Impressions of mens dying Work on their Spirits Even whilst they are in health to excite their surviving Friends and to keep Religion thus alive in a Family state and Relation and gain a more venerable respect to the same on mens Consciences yea to fix also stronger ingagements on the succeeding offspring Thus is presented here a short Idea of the solid and judicious Work of Christian Confirmation in the Truth under these foregoing Characters to shew how rare an attainment of Religion this is yea to present herein a special Series and Scale of the greatest steps in this Confirmatory work by which it should be followed And none of these may be parted from other though some be of an higher and more absolute use for such an end And if it should be objected here What needs any such expense of time or pains in this Case when it 's sure the Essential Truths of the Gospel are not questioned and that without internal evidence of the Spirit no external means of this kind can be of use I know that it 's the alone work of the Holy Ghost to beget a Divine and supernatural Faith without which the furthest Light and Objective Evidence though backed with a continued Dispensation of External Miracles could never bear Christians out either as to
immediate revelation of God unto men is so demonstrably extant in the world page 24 VI. Of the special evidences of the Scriptures Divinity which men must needs see to be infallible page 25 VII Of the secure conveyance of the Scripture though all the changes of times past page 27 VIII Of the fall of man and entry of sin into the World as it is fully demonstrable to reason as well as by the certainty of Faith page 28 SECTION II. I. HOlding forth those great assistances to the Christian faith and of the Messias being surely promised to the Church before his coming page 29 II. Of the truth and accomplishment of this great promise of the Messias and how it is now as sure in the event as it 's clear he was promised page 30 III. Of the special advantage for confirmation of our faith herein that for 4000 years the promised coming of the Messias was deferred page 32 IV. Of the nature and internal excellency of Christianity to bear furthest evidence to the truth thereof page 33 V. That this is the same Gospel we now receive and enjoy which from the first promulgation thereof hath had so great effects on the world page 34 VI. That the sufferings of the Saints in times past was so demonstrably above the assistance of Nature page 36 SECTION III. I. FOR holding forth on what grounds the faith of a Deity must determine men to be Christians page 37 II. What confirmation the Christian Religion hath from that visible State of the Jews page 38 III. The way and manner of its prevailing on the world which no profession else could ever pretend to page 39 IV. The nature of that great evidence which Christ hath himself given to the world of his divine mission in the love and unity of his people Joh 17.21 page 40 V. How the strength of such a demonstration stands still clear and evident in these dividing times of the Church page 42 VI. What in these last times is under our hand to compensate such a confirmation by miracles which was in the first times of the Gospel page 43 SECTION IV. I. FOR holding forth with the furthest rational certainty and evidence the truth and doctrine of Christ to be a soul-quickning and experimental Religion page 44 II. The truth also of conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state of grace page 46 III. Of so great an experiment of Religion as Communion betwixt God and men here on Earth page 48 IV. Of so great a demonstration of Religion in the power and workings of the Conscience page 49 V. Of that special confirmation to our faith which doth result from such a demonstration of this power of the Conscience over men page 50 SECTION V. I. FOR holding forth the Truth of a Kingdom of Darkness in the World in opposition to the Kingdom of Christ page 51 II. What confirmation to our Faith the certainty hereof and of these Powers of Darkness doth clearly afford page 52 III. That great truth of the immortality of the Soul with the clearest evidence to reason as well as by the certainty of Faith page 54 IV. How confirming a Seal to the Scripture that great change which passeth on all men by death is and how it 's no natural accident page 55 V. Some special assistances to the Christians Faith of an eternal Glory in Heaven and to serve an unavoidable conviction on the greatest Atheists page 57 VI. Something of a visible Hell in some near approach hereof even to mens senses held forth to awake and convince the World of such a state of horrour and torment in another World page 59 VII Some assistances to our Faith of that great truth of the Resurrection of the Body page 61 CHAPTER III. The Confirming work of Religion further improved with respect to this dismal and amazing time we are now fallen in SECTION I. TO hold forth what may be both for light and confirmation upon this great distress the Churches of Christ are now under page 63 SECTION II. HOW great a talent we stand accountable for in this day of such immediate and extraordinary appearances of the Lord for confirming the same publick cause of the Reformed Church since the Reformation which we are now called to adhere to page 65 SECTION III. WHat manner of time is the present lot of the Church now fallen in and what judgment we ought to have hereof from the Scripture for our furthest confirming in such a day page 73 SECTION IV. SOme special service that we are now called to and accountable for in behalf of the truth and for sanctifying the Lord in the eyes of others who are under so great a talent of Light and confirmation in the same page 77 The True and Infallible WAY For attaining a confirmed State in Religion c. CHAP. I. The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Christianity held forth and cleared in its continued necessity and use to this day in seven Positions Posit I. THAT nothing can be of a more sad and threatning aspect on the present state of Religion in all the Churches of Christ than that utter estrangement most are under to the true grounds of Faith and to those fundamental differences betwixt Christianity and every false way which no pretended Religion can lay claim to The reasons of the Position are these I. That it is too visibly manifest how no men in the world know so little of their own profession of any human art or science as such who bear the Name of Christians Or are so generally strangers to the Truth and firmness of the Principles thereof for maintaining either a due Valuation or powerful sence of the same on their Soul so that an implicit and Traditional Profession is the only part and propriety which most can claim in the Truth and Doctrine they profess II. That very rarely also is any Serious Personal Inquiry and Tryal if there be indeed such a thing as an Experimental and Soul-quickning Religion in the Earth That can bear the expence of the most dismal and afflicting times and hath so great a temporal Revenue as Peace with God an Immediate Communion with him the Joy and Comforts of the Holy Ghost when we are under such pressures of trouble as are above the support of Nature III. That the furthest account why most go under the name of Christians rather than of any other form can rise no higher than Custom and Education that it did bespeak them from their Birth and was the Religion of their Ancestors yea become in that manner natural to them as the Customs and Language of their Country Which are grounds that would determine to the very opposite Profession if they were stated under the same circumstances and had the same motives to be Mahumetans since it is sure these can found no other Assent than is suitable to the Nature and Strength thereof IV. That thus it is plain the most numerous part of
Visible Professours are destitute of any defence from internal motives and solid conviction of the truth they profess upon its own evidence and there was never more cause to fear some unusual apostacy from the very visible profession of Christ upon any violent tryal and assault this way When such find it more easy to render up their Religion than to adhere to the same under strong temptations who yet never knew that substance advantage or certainty herein as could preponderate with the want of all external motives for such a profession Posit II. That thus one of the highest services of these times for the publick good of the Church does convincingly lye here to have the faith of assent to the truth and doctrine of Christ in a clear and firm certainty of the judgment on its own evidence more vigorously promoted and the proper means and assistances which the Lord hath given for this end in some other manner yet improved than seems to be at this day for a more universal use The grounds to inforce the necessity hereof are these I. That it 's sure wherever the Gospel is revealed to men it comes with so full an assurance of understanding and sufficiency of objective evidence as can admit of no possible doubtfulness herein Which is the credit and glory of our religion that in no other way it doth require acceptance but with the furthest conviction of evidence II. Because the express design and tendency of this blessed revelation is no less to found such a rational assurance in the judgment of its truth than to ingage the will and consent for imbracing thereof and though such great demonstrations for this end can only in suo genere have a convincing influence to perswade the understanding yet are they of such weight here as next to the demonstration of the Spirit of God they are the greatest means to bring up mens assent to a full and quieting rest on that security to which they must trust themselves for ever and to let them see that this even here by the way is assuredly full though not yet their enjoyment III. Because this faith of assent should be first followed in the order of nature as being the very first principle of conversion to know and be sure that God hath sent his son into the world to save sinners wherein as the Holy Ghost is not the Objâ—ctive but the Efficient Cause of our Faith so is not the internal work and Testimony he gives on the Soul the first Testimony but must still have respect to the revelation of the Word without and such demonstrative evidences thereof wherewith it is revealed to the world Nor may any ever separate that which God hath himself so indissolubly joyned IV. That there is so convincing a necessity and use hereof to the Church and in a special way with respect to the youth for a more firm laying of the groundwork of their Christian profession and for the seed-plot of a blessed and desirable growth amongst such in this day that they might thus know early something of these primary grounds and demonstrations of their faith so also is it a study of that high importance as I humbly judge should be of notable use for a Manuduction in the first place to Students of Divinity before they launch forth in that vast and immense Ocean of the speculative part thereof and for being at some greater advantage thus for carrying on such a confirming work in the Church in their future service V. Yea of what use might this be with respect to many who may be sore haunted with hidden and dreadful temptations to infidelity and to weaken them in the very foundations of their faith who are wholly unfurnished of any such grounds and arguments in their judgment to repel the same and it is certain that to believe firmly the History of the Gospel that God was manifested in our nature to save man is with respect to the object a much higher act of faith than to believe that he will save us since as the one doth unspeakably more transcend all human reason than the other so doth the Apostle thus argue from the greater to the less Rom. 8.32 that he who gave his own son to the death will he not also with him give us all things Posit III. That such a Confirming Work was most specially followed in the Practice of the Primitive Times and one of the great Ends of the Ministry of the Apostles and Evangelists to have this Faith of Assent and Doctrinal Certainty thereof on its proper Grounds and Evidences deeply founded in Mens Judgment is so clear as cannot come under Debate I. That this way did the great Author of our Profession himself take not only by the Authority of his Word and the Power and Energy of Grace but with that Convincing Evidence and Demonstration of his Truth to Mens Understanding as might found also a firm and rational Assurance hereof II. That for this End he did pray the Father Joh. 17.21 and was so much pressed herein that so great an external Demonstration of the Truth of the Gospel in the Concord and Unity of his People might be kept clear that the World might thus believe that he was sent of God and have a deeper Conviction hereof wrought in them by such an Evidence III. That one special Intent of the Gospel of Luke was for this end Luke 1.4 That men might know not only the things themselves by a naked Relation but the Certainty of these things wherein they had been formerly Instructed IV. That herein did the Ministry of Apollos so brightly shine forth Act. 18.28 And was then of most singular use to the Church by that clearness of rational Conviction and demonstrative Arguments for the Truth of Christ as the greatest gainsayers could not withstand V. That it 's sure it was then without Exception expresly required of the meanest within the Church to be always ready to render the Reasons of their Hope to all who asked and not only to know what they did Believe but why they did so as is clear 1 Pet. 3.15 This could not be by bringing forth of internal Evidences for Conviction of others but by giving them an account of the most cogent grounds and demonstrations of the Gospel as might be most prevalent and confirming to the weak and leave others inexcusable and seems to have been then specially pressed in these Primitive Times as a proper Test of their Christian Profession VI. And we see herein also how much these excellent Bereans were taken up and were so highly commended of the Holy Ghost Act. 17.11 To know the demonstrative part of Christianity and by its own evidence with that intire harmony and consent of the Scripture therein and their being thus diligently intent in that comparing-work of Religion to see the truth thereof not singly and apart by themselves alone but in that joynt-union coherence wherein they stand each in their own room for
confirming and giving light to other VII That this was the way also wherein the Gospel did come to the Gentile Church is clearly shewed 1 Thess 1.5 Not in Word only but as in Power and in the Holy Ghost so also in much Assurance of Understanding upon its own Evidence which was that way it did so wonderfully prevail over the world against nature and the stream of flesh and blood that stood in the furthest opposition thereto VIII That one of the greatest services of the Apostles in their visiting the Churches did expresly lie here Acts 14.22 To confirm the souls of the Disciples in the first place in the certainty of their faith and then in exhorting them to continue in the same so as they might follow the Lord with the furthest light and assurance of Mind amidst the great Tryals of such a time IX That it 's this way also the World is rendred inexcusable for their misbelief of the Gospel when under such sufficiency of means given for this end by so great a discovery of the confirming evidences of its rruth so as they can have no pretence herein but an obstinacy and resolution not to be convinced on which ground doth our Blessed Lord testify that it was no want of light upon the certainty of his truth why men did not receive it but that they loved darkness better than light because their deeds were evil and when such clear rational and convincing evidences are laid open to their view how most men possibly can get these put by or rejected is not easy to comprehend but that a real Irritation and torment of Spirit from such clearness of evidence doth thus more tend to harden than convince Posit IV. That there is a continued necessity of such a Confirmation in the Faith to this day what ever can be objected of so long a consent and prescription of time in the profession thereof is fully demonstrable on these grounds I. Because it is sure the Christian faith doth still need these assistances and it is a strange mistake that only for Heathens and Atheists such confirming evidences of the same should be proposed but not for any under a visible profession when the whole of Divinity and Doctrine of our Faith is so full of demonstrative arguments for the daily use of the most established Christians in their passage through time II. That as the highest motives to all serious godliness and the moral duties of Christianity must needs be from its known certainty to us so is the continued use thereof to be still the same III. That these numerous tryals and conflicts of Christians now do no less call for some higher establishment in the truth on which they must alone rest when all visible props fail in their judgments than of supporting grace nor is it conceivable how men can this day walk in the light of any true joy and comfort without a more solid assurance of their being on safe grounds herein than most seem to reckon IV. Because the revelation of the Gospel and of an eternal state in another world is so great and wonderful as it 's strange how this is not the highest interest of mens life to have their faith more deeply confirmed on the furthest tryal of their security now by the way herein who must shortly make so great a tryal thereof at death for if we were but once come thus far as to ask our own Soul what the Christian Faith indeed is that we are thus called to believe it could not possibly but beget some extasie of wondering at the greatness thereof and to reckon any light and implicit assent to the same as a degree both of Atheism and Indifferency in this matter V. Though there be no conflict with Heathens as in the first times yet was such a spirit never at a higher pitch than it is now to take off all firm assent to the greatest principles of truth when Atheism seems to be at its last attempt in the world and we are fallen in so amazing an hour of the power of darkness as makes these latter times more remarkably perillous and trying than the first VI. Yea if such a confirming work be one of the greatest means to advance the repute and honour of Religion when its wonted awe and veneration is so far lost and to awake men to deeper impressions of its truth when so few seem now under any such weight then it is certain there was never more need of the same than in this day Posit V. That such a Service to the Church doth not only respect the more knowing inquisitive and judicious part thereof but the meanest Professours of Religion also of whom this is necessarily required is Evident on these grounds I. Because each Christian should have undoubtedly such a ballast on their own Soul of the solid and rational Grounds of their Faith as well as those of greater parts and Endowments the promoting of which were it more deeply considered I dare humbly adventure to say would be found one of the choicest means to promote Christianity this day II. Because this is not to drive any to doubt or question the least sincere degree of assent though it be not with such strength of evidence as in others nor can by that formal argumentation give the same account thereof since a few grounds this way may specially help to some solid conviction confirming of their mind when they may be ignorant of many other cogent arguments for this end but 't is certain also the greater clearness of evidence doth still in the appointed way of means lead in to a more firm and strong assent of the judgment to the truth of our Religion III. Because the strength of the foundation in it self cannot be enough if it be not with such a known evidence as men may build firmly and with assurance thereon Nor hath the Lord thus only designed to give his people an infallible and sure testimony to adventure on but that it should be made sure also to them IV. Because none can in truth say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 22.3 by which is not to be understood so much the necessity of supernatural grace for a saving faith but that none can give a true assent and confession of the same but from these grounds and arguments which are revealed by the Holy Ghost unto men for this end and as it 's certain that these Characters evidence of Divinity which are imprinted on the whole revelation of the Gospel may be clear and demonstrative to our judgment so are they as truly divine as the doctrine which is confirmed thereby V. Because there can be no possible cause for Unbelief of the truth from any intricate obscureness of the same when the Lord hath given such great assistances to our faith to be as milk for babes as well as meat to strong men And though it be objected that the furthest objective evidence of
of the Passover which was the very same of the Sufferings of our blessed Lord there and pointing as with the finger at the same as also by the Romans whose Interest in their Opposition to Christ they pretended to own Qu. III. Is the way and manner of the Gospels Promulgation such as no other Profession could ever pretend to and where all may see there can be no human Interest or Contrivance in the same Ans It is undeniable that no Interest else was ever in such a way promoted and it does exceed all natural understanding how the Truth of Christianity could in this manner prevail I. To perswade men without any Motives or Inducements from this present World to imbrace a Doctrine so wholly repugnant to Nature yea to prefer an Interest of things not seen and which none ever in the Earth saw to the most desirable Objects of Sense II. To admit no implicite Reception from any but on their exactest Inquiry and Tryal herein or in another way claim an Interest in Mens Affections but by a full Assent of their Light and Judgment to the same III. To admit no Gratification to the most Predominant Desires and Inclinations of Men towards any Darling Sin which according to human Wisdom would be judged of an absolute necessity for gaining any Acceptance with such yea to give no partial respect to the greatest Princes more than to the meanest IV. To pursue its Interest by so plain a Discovery of the Death and Sufferings of our Blessed Lord with the whole Ignominy thereof when nothing could more evidently controul such an end by any Rules of human Wisdom and Policy if there had been consulting with Flesh and Blood herein V. And it 's sure there could be no design without an immediate Divine Power in such a manner to plead the Interest of Christianity with men by inserting Afflâ—ction and the Cross in the first entry as Essential to the Profession thereof and holding forth the Necessity of taking on the Yoke of Christ without which none can be his Disciples Qu. IV. But wherein doth the Evidence of that great Demonstration of the Gospel most clearly appear in the Love and Unity of Christians amongst themselves which we find Christ doth so specially press for this end that the World might know and have such a Visible Seal of his Divine Mission Joh. 17.21 Ans The greatness of this Demonstration may be thus evident to all I. That it 's so clearly demonstrative of the Purity of our Religion which can admit of no Bitterness Strife Recrimination or such Indecencies of Heat and Passion which are the fatal Effects of Discord in the Church and thus lets us see the Excellency of the Spirit and Rule of the Gospel II. That thus also we may know the Power and Efficacy of the Truth thereof which is according to Godliness upon Mens Hearts in subduing these Distempers of the Mind and Judgment III. That this doth so specially tend to make Religion Lovely and to draw forth matter of Praise and Blessing to God from the World when they see such a Native Effect of Christianity as this to make those who profess the same in that manner shine forth in Tenderness Humility and Brotherly Love so that they become as a Publick Good and Blessing to Mankind in the places they are in IV. This appears also from the Nature of that Union in the Church of Christ and amongst his Followers which only a Divine Power could both Frame and make Effectual and it 's sure that no Humane Society or Constitution could ever claim such an Unity therein as this is where not only Persons of all Nations and Languages and of all Conditions both high and low but of the most different Interests Humours and dividing Circumstances in other things do yet in so marvellous an Harmony meet in the Body of Christ which is his Church here in the Earth V. Because herein also doth the Glory and Honour of our Blessed Head more eminently appear in securing this Unity of his Church under a Diversity of Light and Judgment otherways by a Spirit of Love Meekness and Condescendence amongst his People than by imposing the most severe and absolute Uniformity in all things to be the alone Condition of Christian Communion Qu. V. But what strength and evidence doth this Demonstration of the Gospel now bear in so divided a State of Religion and when the wounds and breaches of the Church this day are like to bleed unto Death Ans Whatever just cause be of grief yet is there none for darkning the Truth of this Demonstration on these grounds I. That none can deny the Perfection of the Rule of the Gospel for there is a most firm and intire Unity amongst all the Followers of Christ on the Earth II. That no Opposition is made thereto but what hath been foretold as one of the greatest Tryals of the Church under the New Testament and the Spirit of God doth most expresly point at in these latter times III. Because the furthest Opposition thereto can be no more cause for any to stumble or question the Truth of this Demonstration than whether there is a Devil whose greatest design hath ever been to divide and break Christians amongst themselves IV. Because this Union which is chiefly Mystical and Invisible is much greater often than what this way may appear to the World and of that kind as is not interrupted by distance of place or any want of Local Communion V. That such a guard is set by the Lord unto this piece of his Glory to oppose any Invasion thereon that there stands an Angel with a flaming Sword upon every hand in the Commands and Threatnings of the Gospel to secure this Blessed Unity of the Saints amongst themselves so as none can invade the same but on their highest Peril of opposing that which is as the Apple of Christs eye VI. That it 's ever found that this Demonstration hath some clear Evidence amongst such who are indeed the Disciples of Christ and according to their advance in the Life and Power of Christianity doth the more brightly shine forth so that the nearer the Lines are to the Centre the nearer also are they amongst themselves VII That in all times there hath been some tremendous mark of the Judgment of God made visible on such who are Contentious and have made it their work to Cause Division in the Church and sow discord among Brethren Qu. VI. But what hath the Church now in these latter days to Compensate and make up the want of that great Demonstration by Miracles and such extraordinary Confirmations of the Christian Faith as were in the first times Ans I. We may hereby see that the Seal of Martyrdom which came in the room of Miracles to the Church hath exceeded that which was in the first times of the Gospel II. That there have been since such innumerable shining Examples of Holiness yea these continued to this day whom