particular Churches may be in a sad withering condition whilest other parts do flowrish but these promises seem to point at a day which will concern the Saints in all corners of the earth who shall not want their share with the rest of that blessed time it may be also clear some more bright and hot sun-shine of the Gospel is held forth some such remarkable springtide of the Spirit that shall be as discernable as the Churches low ebb sometime was a day of the great power of God his presence very manifest among his people and with the ordinances beyond former times so that Ezek. 48 ver 35. the name of that place shall be called Iehovah Shammah the Lord is there yea that in this day Christs visible Kingdome in a setled Church state shall more eminently flowrish and the flowing in of people and nations with much fervour who shall joyn themselves to the Lord pure ordinances a more universal onenesse amongst the worshippers of God the walk of Christians with a discernable lustre of holines made to commend the Gospel Christs goings full of Majesty and the shout of a King which then shall be heard among his People the noyse of such sad complaints and bitter exercises from the spirit of bondage not so much among the Saints as in former times and though we see no sure ground from the word to expect such a favourable time wherein the Church militant shall not have trouble and persecution from the World yet there seemeth so much clearly imported in some of these great promises as point at a greater calm and more favourable gale of outward prosperity which the Church shall then have yea this in some longer continuance then in former ages a day wherein the haters of the Lord shall even be made to feign subjection with much of the countenance and concurrence of Magistrates and the civil authority in behalfe of the Church yea a time of much holy fear amongst the people of God and of much terrour and aw upon his enemies to which the great works of the Lord in that time shall then effectually contribute and cause them fear the Lord and his goodnesse in the latter dayes IV. We have a prophecy held forth Rev. 16 ver 12. which comparing with Rev. 9 ver 13. seemeth clearly to point at the fall and destruction of the Turkish Empire who have been these many ages so great a scourge to the Christian World for it is manifest that this drying up of the river of Euphrates must relate to that very party which we find in that 9 Chap raised up from about that river where the Turk hath so considerable a part of his dominions it is true the event will more clearly make this known yet these are undenyable 1. That such a party was foretold by John in â—â—at 9 Chap. and a solemn warning given to the Church of so dreadfull a storm the time also there pointed forth when Antichrist should be at a great height yea the portraicture of such an adversary most evidently held forth such as indeed they were found to be a terrible cruell destroying party and therefore are said to have breastplates of fire their number also there held out to be a very great multitude which these huge armyes usually brought by the Turk to the field can witnes 2. The cause why the Lord should raise up so dreadful an enemy and thus let them louse is also expresly declared in that 9 Cha. 20 ver that it was in judgement and for a plague on men for Antichristian idolatry which then had so much overspread the earth and it was no wonder that when so much of the visible Church was turned almost brutish in their Religion and from the pure worship of God was caried after idols of gold and silver the work of mens hands that so brutish and barbarous an adversary should be let out for a scourge I truely think that as Antichrist and the abominations of that party hath been hitherto the lett of successe against the Turk so we are not to expect the prospering of any such design and his fall and ruin until the cause be removed for which the Lord did make use of this dreadful rod. 3. That such a party was raised up according to the prophecy yea at the appointed time thereof is very clear who like a mighty deluge did overflow a great piece of the earth and with strange prodigious successe did overrun much of Asia some parts of Africk and brake in on Europe to give work to these kings and great men and be a scourge to them who had given their power to uphold the throne of the Beast 4. There is also clear ground from the Scripture that the Lord shall as eminently appear in the fall and destruction of this adversary as in the raising of them up and that by their fall he is to make way for the accomplishing of his promise anent the Churches further encrease his perfecting the fulnes of the Gentiles and bringing in his auncient people whereto this prophecy seems to have a particular respect this we are to look after as one of the great works of the Lord that is reserved for the latter dayes which shall no lesse shew forth his power and glory even the drying up of that great Euphrates then in the day that he divided the sea and made Iordan a dry channel for his people to go through we are not to be furder positive anent means and instruments how such a thing shall be brought about it is eneugh what the Lord hath spoken and the word that is gone out of his mouth shall not return in vain V. Now to close this there is yet one great assault which we find the Church shall have before the end and then her warfare will be near finished anent which the Scripture is clear that Sathan for a little must be let louse and that solemn and perfect victory which the Church in the close of time will get over all her adversaries shall be ushered in with a very sharp tryal and once again this ungodly World will shew its rage ralley it s broken scattered forces in a general muster Rev. 20 8. with as much fury as ever and there shall the Lord eminently appear that by one full stroke he may for ever decide that long continued war and feed betwixt the Church and her enemyes a deliverance which as it will be the last so one of the greatest that ever the Church had the Lord thus finishing his work of providence by so stately and magnificent a close and truely after this we know no more of Canonick Scripture to be fulfilled but the comming of the Lord when the poor tost afflicted Church shall enter unto a triumphant estate above all the violence and oppression of men O blessed and long looked for day of Christs return to judgement when the dust of the Saints that for some thousand yeares past have been resting in
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
extraordinary providence that all onlookers must with fear and astonishment confesse that this is Gods own work yet it is also clear that he will therein make use of instruments fitted and chosen for that end who shall be raised and acted forth with a more then ordinary Spirit to execute the vengeance of the Lord even the judgement written amongst whom the feeble shall then be strong yea we have ground to expect that of the Kings of rhâ—â—arth and the race and successours of these who in former times had given their power to the Beast shall the Lord raise up to hate the whoore and make her desolate O blessed are they who shall have a hand in so noble a work to sack and destroy that accursed City built up with the blood of the Saints and martyres of Iesus Christ 4. We are not to bound the Lord as to any particular time for accomplishing this piece of his word yet we have clear ground to believe that Babylons ruin maketh hast and the day of the Lord upon her is near whose sword is bathed in Heaven and that the instruments of his vengeance are making ready one stroke upon that party is already past Antichrist hath begun to fall before the word and must fall further until that great â—â—roke which shall destroy his seat and lay wast that land be accomplished some promising evidences of its near approach I vvould here point at 1. The many prayers of the saints vvhich are novv before the throne and cannot want a return many who wrestled oft with the Lord on this accompt though they are away yet are their prayers to the fore and waits for this solemn manifestation of the judgement of God and the blood of the Saints doth not cease to cry yea hath as loud a cry as ever 2. It is clear that the preached Gospel now since the light began to break forth doth ripen and help to make the harvest more white then many ages formerly and truely if we consider how long the word hath been sounding a retreat to that party to come out of Babylon and that for these 150 Years they have been still acting in opposition to so clear a light to such a solemn call so many warnings yea to such convincing discovery of the Lords being against them in very remarkable providences doth it not shew at what an height their sin this day is and an obstinat rejecting of cure 3. We cannot but see how that judgement which should be poured forth on Antichrist under the vials is in a great measure now verifyed in the event 4. It is clear and consonant to the Scripture that the Lords work is now hastening in the latter dayes providence in aâ—â—ist motion and maketh great advance more quick changes in the case of the Church both as to stormes and calmes and her tryals now must not be so long as in former times Rom. 9 ver 28. he will cut short his work in righteousnes for a short work will the Lord make in the earth 5. That Antichrist and his followers do this day seem to be at such an advantage the Lords work as it were at a stand yea rather going back this late reviving of Antichristian Prelacy in Brittain and Ireland with so visible a grouth of popery there and so dark an houre upon the reformed Churches abroad I think on very solid grounds is a promising evidence of the near approach of a furder stroak on that party for it is clear both from the word and Gods ordinary way of â—â—ocedure how a sharp storm is usually previous to some remarkable enlargement of the Church a very low ebb before the turning of the tide yea that every step of her advance whereby she hath gained ground on Antichrist hath still had some conflict and wrestling going before and thus the Lord by suffering doth ripen his People for such times of mercy for which time O let us pray and wait when the smoke of that accursed City shall ascend up to Heaven and his People be made to triumph in his praise and sing that song Halelujah salvation glory and honour to the Lord God who hath judged the great whoore rejoyce over her thou Heaven and ye holy Apostles and Prophets for God hath avenged you upon her II. We have a clear ptophecy anent the incalling of the Iewes and their conversion to Christ in the latter dayes held forth by the Prophets and in the New Testament very expresly mentioned for the fulfilling whereof the Church must yâ—t wait and long after when God shall being again the captâ—vity of his auncient People and say to that valley of dry bones live anent which we would consider Isas 11 ver 15. Rom. 11 ver 24. Rev. 16 ver 12. 1. That this promise doth not onely concern particular persons or a few but the body and generality of that people is most clear from the Scripture if men would compare Isai 11 ver 11. Zach. 12 ver 10. with Rom. 11 ver 25. where it is undenyable that their gathering must be as full and remarkable as their scattering and as there is no nation so remote whither some of them are not this day that shal not hinder the fulfilling of the promise but as Esai sheweth the Lord shall then assemble the dispersed and outcasts and bring them back from the four corners of the earth and furdest places thereof yea doth not the Apostle expresly shew that it is all Israel whereat this promise pointeth for though they are enemyes concerning the Gospel yet are they beloved for the fathers sakes because of the Covenant which was made with Abraham and his seed and truely we have in this ground also to expect something further then their conversion that in this day the Lord shall raise the tabernacle of David which is fallen and plant them upon their own land Amos 9 ver 11 15. not only bring them to a visible Church state but even therewith some temporal restitution and recollection of them as a Nation yea may expect a return of the old blessing of that lands fruitfulnes which I think is clearly held forth in that of Ames 9 ver 13. that the plewman shall overtake the reaper the very hils drop down sweet vvine and melt as it vvere in outvvard blessings on them 2. That this promise hath not yet had an accomplishment is also clear from the Word for it must follovv the rejection of that People and should not take place untill the fulnes of the gentiles be brought in vvhich harvest for many ages after vvas not to be reaped yea did not the Apostle hold this forth as a mystery a piece of the Scripture vvhich the auncient Ievvish Church could not vvell comprehend vvhen it vvas pointed at by the Prophets and even at that time vvas not understood vvhich surely could have been no mystery if their conversion had reached no further then the Apostles time and it is known how small a number since of
time for it is knovvn vvith vvhat marvellous resolution and chearfulnes these have been carried through who were called forth to resist unto the blood in their adherence to the truth witnessing to the conviction of onlookers even their greatest enemyes something above Roman Gallantry yea something above nature in that stayednes and elevation of their Spirits and as some of all rancks in the land the Lord would have brought forth to seal and witnes his truth and the work of Reformation so it hath been also clear that none wanted a large measure of support and strength for the tryall their suffering still giving a further dash to their adversaries 3. It is also manifest and may be truly matter of wonder by what a marvellous providence so many suffering and desolat familyes have been carried through without any obvious noise of their straites now for these divers yeares with such convincing chearfulnes yea the experience of many made to witnes that they never lesse knew a strait then since they were put from the ordinary meanes of their support and others who have been more sharply tryed could not reckon any such plunging strait and difficulty but have also found outgate by some remarkable providence trysted I am very sure amongst other advantages yet of these times this shall be one a large Register of Experience and remarkable confirmations of the truth of the word and promise which the godly have had under this sharp tryal that will be sweet matter for an after reckoning and a greater gain then any losse their former sufferance did occasion Yea have not seen what in an ordinary way looked as irrecoverable a stroke which a generation could not have made up hath been a mean the Lord hath choised to promote his glory and thereby declare himselfe to be God hath he not made us see how easy it is for him to turn the sharpest storm to the great advantage of his Church that he can act in desperate cases above the skill both of Angels and men and truely though we should be brought yet more low even to the place of Dragons this may uphold the shaking hearts of his People and be solid ground of confidence that Christs power and faithfulnes is this day engadged for his Church and truth he must encrease his Kingdome is upon the rising hand and shall yet have a more glorious appearance in the World what ever become of instruments the reviving of his work is not in the reverence of men and since we know the Lord hath solemnly declared war against Antichrist and all who will oppose the spreading of the Gospel in these last times yea hath past his word to the Church for the fall and ruin of that adversary fall he must though the dust of the earth should arise for that end and it is sure Prelacy must also wither that hath its life and sap from that accursed root they have this day a desperat cause in hand who do engadge their power to support the throne of the Beast for they run in the way of the wrath and vengeance of the Lord and shall surely involve themselves in that ruin though they were the greatest Princes of the earth I shall onely adde we have much ground in these times to believe that the Lord shall yet appear and make himself known in the earth by as great and convincing providences both of judgement and mercy as in any former ages and thus vindicat his glory and refute the Atheisme of this generation by such an argument as shall force iniquity to stop its mouth Now since this is sure which none can get denyed if they will but allow some serious thoughts thereanent that the Scripture falleth not to the ground for Gods way is perfect and his word is tryed Ps 18 ver 30. O is it not also sure and a conclusion well grounded that He is a buckler to those who trust in him none needs fear to venture his interests through time on the word yea if there could be any thing greater then a Heaven or eternal salvation the testimony of the God of truth might be sufficient security for the same it is a small matter how this World doth reel and stagger or what be the changes of outward things that is eneugh the promises of the Word shall certainly take place and the expectation of the Saints shall not make them ashamed FINIS For filling up some vacant pages a few Scriptures are set down pointing at the present condition or what may be apprehended to be coming concerning either sin or judgement doctrine or duty wherein each Reader is desired not so much to apply to others as to himself and not to himself but what he may be sure is his due and because there was not room for setting down the whole Texts these may be consulted and considered in the Bible only for memories cause a litle hint is given of each passage EZek. 3 17. c. 21. A Watchman to warn righteous and wicked Ierem. 1 17 18 19. Speak what I command thee iron pillar c. Amos 3 7. Secret revealed to servants the Prophets Galat. 4 16. Am I your enemy telling the truth Luk. 12 42. c. 48. Faithfull wise steward to give portion in season Ierem. 7 27 28. Speak but they will not hearken Ezek. 2 5. Whither they will hear or forebear Ezr. 7 23. Whatsoever is commanded by the God of Heaven c. Deut. 12. 32. Adde not diminish not Galat. 1 8. Who preacheth another Gospel is accursed Galat. 2 5. We gave place not for an houre Hebr. 8 5. According to pattern shewed in mount Hebr. 3 1 2. Consider Christ faithfull in his house Matth. 17 5. This is my beloved Son hear him Luk. 20 25. Give to Cesar Cesars and to God Gods Psal 2 6. I have set my King on Zion Math. 15 13 14. Every plant not planted by my Father rooted up Math. 16 12. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees 2 King 11 17. Jehoiadah made a Covenant c. Gal. 3 15. Though a mans Covenant no man annuls Isai 24 5. Broken the everlasting Covenant Exod. 32 8. They have turned aside quickly Deut. 32 5 6. Do ye thus requite the Lord Jerem 34 18. c. 21. I will give the men that have transgressed my Covenant c. Ezek. 17 15. c. 19. Shall he break the Covenant and Prosper Prov. 20 25. It is a snare after vows to make enquiry Levit 26 25. A sword to avenge quarrel of Covenant 2 Chron. 24 17. c. 24 loash and Princes left the house of God 2 King 16 10. c. 18. Ahaz altar of Damascus Vrijah 2 Chron 13 9. Ye have cast out the Lords Priests 1 King 12 26. c. 33. Jeroboams devised worship and Priests Hos 7 3 4 5. Made glad with lies adulterers bottles of wine Hos 10 3 4 Feared not the Lord swearing falsly Zechar. 5 4. Curse in house of false swearer Malach.
place in mens observation who do observe the judgements of their time 3. How the Scripture of God doth clearly shine upon the darkest footsteps of providence even these which would seem most strange and hard to understand so that it may be demonstrat nothing falleth out in the world or befalleth the saincts but what is most consonant to the scripture FIRST BRANCH As to the first branch of this argument I shall but instance five general promises which we finde held forth in the word concerning the church and endeavour to shew how very clear and obvious the accomplishment of them is if men do not willingly shut their own eyes FIRST Promise wherein we find the Scripture expresse is the preservation of the Church that he will be with her to the end of the world and though he make an end of other nations yet will he not make an utter end of her but while the ordinances of the sun and the moon doe last and as the dayes of heaven so shall her dayes be prolonged against her the gates of hell shall not prevail Ps 49 ver 16. Math. 16 18. Now that God hath truely verifyed this his promise is as good as his word is a truth though marvellous yet so very clear and manifest that I am sure no Atheist can deny it may be so easily demonstrat First that the Church doth continue and is kept alive to this day it doth certainly prove the truth of his promise for it can be said of her none can say it is a lye she hath outlived all her opposers the greatest of whom have found their grave in the quarrel over whose tomb that last confession of a great adversary Iulian may be written vicisti tandem Galilaee hath not this deadly and irreconciliable feed been perpetuat from fathers to children but who hath prospered in that enterprise the archers have oft shot and wounded her sore but her bow doth abide in strength as at this day this is her motto persecuted but not forsaken cast doun but not discouraged she who hath brought forth many children yet ceaseth not to bear whose age hath not marred her beauty her eyes are not dimm hor her strength failed a sight which may cause us no lesse stand and consider this great wonder theu Moses did at that which was but the shadow and embleme thereof a bush burning and not consumed for behold a church keptalive yet still in the flames and when to appearance consumed it doth arise more glorious out of her own ashes this is indeed the only Phanix and we know no other of whom that can be said hath she not born out these universal deluges which did like an inundation go over her head of idolatry and paganisme in the first times and Antichristianism with Arrianism in the after ages yet not swallowed up which may be no lesse marvellous then when she was keept above the waters in the ark and though her enemyes have oft sung her funeral song and rejoyced over the dead the dead bodyes of her witnesses yet they have risen again her drie bones have taken life and come together and behold she is alive at this day 2. Not only the Churches preservation but the continued series and succession thereof unto this time doth witnes the fulfilling of this promise that in the darkest times of her condition she hath not altogether disappeared even when she was so long hid in the wildernes but still in every age had some witnesses and though the Church hath oft cryed out for the want of Children and been heard weeping bemoaning her self because they were not yet we may say she never wanted an ofspring to this day shee did never dye without an heir and seed of her own to raise up her name even since the Covenant was first made with her in Adams family and though particular Churches have their set times which like the sun have these usuall periods their first rise their height and flowrishing and afterwards a gradual decay making way to the departure of the light yet this made never void the promise of God to the Church universal whose lamp was never put out nay shall not while the dayes of Heaven doe last 3. We must also say that the continuance and preservation of the Church is peculiar to her alone and can be said of no other interest and party beneath the sun for it is clear that there was no Kingdome or empire so firmly rooted no society so well governed by Lawes backed with power which hath had the best title and claim but time at last did prevail over it and made the same a trophee of her conquest yea the greatest Monarchies and flowrishing cities have at last yeelded so as of them it may be said nunc seges est ubi Troia fuit but time cannot to this day boast of a triumph over the Church of God though no nation no family in the earth could ever plead antiquity with her This is that interest which hath born out all these great revolutions that so oft changed the very face of the world yea hath outlived so many Kingdomes and successions thereof 4. It doth convincingly demonstrat the truth of this promise of the Churches preservation that the World yea greatest Athiests may see this hath not come to passe at an adventure nay not in an ordinary way of providence but by a divine power most discernable therein while it is so clear 1. That no interest or party had ever such adversaries as the Church against whom the powers of the World and the powers of darknes have alwayes been on foot 2. That outward advantages have usually been on her adversaries side not only 〈◊〉 great men of the earth but these of greatest parts anâ—â—â—ilities 3. That there will was never wanting to their power and their designe no lesse then to raze her to the foundation 4. That this enimity hath been rooted and irreconciliable which time to this day could never take up 5. That no interest did ever endure such violent assaults so many sharp batteries for it is observable that most of the wars and commotions of every age have been some way stated on the Churches account and what ever privat quarrels men have had among themselves yet it hath not hindred the pursuit of their malice against the woman and her seed 6. That such who have come out of her bowels even the men of her own house have oft been her greatest enemyes and lyen in wait to take her at an advantage in the day of her halting 7. That her reall friends have oft fainted in a time of her strait and stood afar off yea almost none of the Children which shee had brought forth have been then found to take her by the hand 8. That the depths of Satan in her enemyes as an angel of light have sometimes given her a sore assault so that if it had been possible and ordinary midses could have reacht their end
That such signes and prodigies have been in every age visible to the World experience and the gravest histories both of auncient and later times do fully witnes 2. That such things should also be previous to great revolutions in the World we know the Scripture is most expresse Ioel 2 ver 30. Luk. 21 ver 11. And as we should guard against any sinperstitious respect we would also bevvare of stupid Atheistical inadvertency at these strange works of the Lord which call both for fear and observation 3. That such have been usually previous to great calamities and judgements on a People is a thing that all ages must witness even these who have been most cautious and discerning in their time who could not shun this as a remark Herodotus doth set that down as a think most sure in his sixth Boek Cum Deus puniturus est gentem urbem prodigiis id solet â—ignificare and Lucan could tell what went before the Romans civill wares Superique minaces Prodigiis terras implerunt yea it can hardly be instanced any great change or revolution in the earth which hath not had some such extraordinary Herald going before 4. Can the World deny how sometimes these prodigious signes have been shaped out to point at the very nature of the stroke then imminent by a strange resemblance to the same such as a flaming sword in the air the appearance of armyes fighting even sometimes upon the earth to the view of many most sober and judicious onlookers also showers of blood the noise of Drummes and such like which are known usually to go before warr and commotions NINTH That there are evil spirits Eph. 6 12. Rev. 20 ver 2 3. and a Diabolical power such as the Scripture hath held forth whose constant work is the ruin and undoing of man is a truth not only witnessed from that experience Christians have of their assaults but is undenyable by the world and greatest Athiests except they deny the discovery of sense as well as reason I confesse it may cause fear and astonishment to think on this that spirits so knowing and once originally excellent have fallen thus into such an height of indignation against infinit goodnesse that it is now their only aim and pleasure to dishonor God and destroy his image in man It should indeed cause us fear him that spared not the Angels who sinned But the truth it selfe is sure that such a party is at this day encompassing the earth and trafficking up and down there to prove which by arguments were to light a candle to let men see that it is day while it is known what ordinary familiar converse many have therewith and alace too easy to discern that power which the prince of this world hath upon the children of disobedience how obvious are the marks of his conquest almost every where Thousands lying in his chaines how far do we see many transformed even to the very image of the Devil which in these desperat prodigious acts of wickednes that are oft in the world may appear such whereat we should think humane nature though corrupt could not but tremble yea look on with horrour how many in all ages have even been in an expresse covenant with them and is not there a great part of the earth where the Devil is visibly and audibly known where he hath a kind of neighbourhood with men But there being no need for such a demonstraâ—ion I onely here aim to hold forth what a concerning truth this is and of great consequence if seriously considered yea how both the Scripture and Christian Religion is hereby evidently confirmed since these things must necessarly follow 1. That in this the Scripture is truely fulfilled which doth witnes what these Spirits are adversaries to man in their nature and inclination desperatly evill whose actings in the earth have a visible tendency to mens hurt and ruin yea their pretended favours alwayes directed to that end whence we see such a natural inbred horrour which is in man against them 2. That it is no common thing which they so much pursue something more pretious then the body for which so great and cruel an adversary is in continuall labour for their actings have no such tendency to ruin mens estate in the World no it is most evident this is the soul the immortal soul to undoe them in that great interest wich is the mark whereaâ— they level that poor man might be sharer of that misery under which they are concluded 3. Is it not an undenyable consequence of this truth that there must be an invisible World that hath inhabitants of another kinde then such as are here that sure there is some being above man yea a real correspondence betwixt men and Spirits and should not man thus placed in a middle estate betwixt the Angels and the beasts here below partaking in his body with the one but in his reasonable soul with the other thence raise himselfe to thoughts of some more excellent condition for which he is framed then a sensual life and that surely the soul hath an interest in an other world which he should most look after 4. Must not this also be sure that there is an invisible guard and these desperat Spirits are under restraint by a power stronger then they which can bound their malice for this may be certain that these who have so great enmity to man are so near and have such advantages over us could not keep at such a distance but that they are keept in chaines by a higher power 5. How is it that now by the Gospel and within this precinct of the Church Sathans power is so much restrained in respect of former times while it is known what a familiar converse they had with men did even haunt their houses and were so publick in their appearance under such names of Fairies and Brounies which since the breaking up of the light of the Gospel hath not been yea hath not the Devil to this day an open throne and dominion in these parts of the earth where Christ is not worshiped it is also known how the oracles of old did cease and that publick worship which the world for many ages had given them with the very time of Christs apearance and breaking up of the Gospel these night beasts getting to their dennes when once the day was broke up Plutarch and other heathen writers are a witnes to this 6. Whence is it that within the Church where Sathan is most restrained yet there he doth more stur then in all the world besids Doth it not shew that that is the party with which he is at war hence doth he more rage the more clear the light shineth yea is there not seen something besids mens natural enemity at the truth even a fury and violence wherewith some are visibly driven in their actings with such an unsatiable cruelry against the followers of Christ without the least shadow of provocation as holds
fall the more observable 2. Is it not obvious what a fraile dying disposition is in all worldly things that even the greatest Kingdoms and politick bodyes to maintain which neither policy nor strength was wanting yet like the natural bodyes of men had their inevitable periods their youth and flowrishing times their declining and old age and at last even brought to their grave hath not the glory of greatest Empires and Monarchies sunk in the dust yea scarce heap of stones left this day to tell us where once famous cities have stood Nunc Seges est ubi Troja fuiâ— the ruines whereof and such excellent pieces of the World doth cleirly shew that certain dissolution of the whole fabrick at last 3. What a small distance we may see betwixt extremityes in outward things even greatest plenty and poverty the highest place and a low condition so that the morning hath seen some happy and flowrishing in the World whom the evening hath seen miserable and in a most short time such who have been objects of envy and admiration made the object of mens contempt and pity yea hath so suddenly disappeared hath sunk into so little bounds that men have been put narrowly to consider them and with admiration ask are these they who were once a terrour in the land of the living and their place hath not been found who a few dayes before seemed to place themselves alone in the midst of the earth 4. What else is it but the very present moment of time that maketh such a difference betwixt the rich and poor since as to what is past and the bygon time mens happines and misery may be reckoned as though it had never been Nam quicquid retro est mors tenet and who but a fool would boast of that which is to come a thing so uncertain this onely is sure that a fâ—â— dayes will make all conditions equal when the bones of the rich and the dust of greatest Princes will not be discernable from these of the poor man 5. Is there any thing so pleasant which hath not a worm at the root thereof a moth which naturally breeds in the most satisfying enjoyments that quickly eats out the heart thereof and blasts their hope before the harvest how oft is greatest longing in the pursuit of things turned to loathing and wearines when obtained because it is not the nature of the thing so much as an humor and the novelty thereof that maketh them pleasant hence many sensual men have turned Monastick and greatest Monarches become melancholy yea how usual is it for many to survive their pleasures and bury their joy and delights in the World even before themselves while nothing remaines of all their former enjoyments but some sad sighs and groanes with a heavy fairwell 6. Is it not found that riches and aboundance of the earth doth load more then it fils and mens wealth onely furder heighten their wants How very poor are some amidst their fulnes more then these who earn their bread with sore labour whom the world doth wholly possesse while they do not at all possesse it neither is it in their power to make use of that they have yea are they not sick and dy in Princes courts as well as in the meanest cottage and the complaints of the great and rich usually moe then these of the poor Sure it is known that the great man doth oftner want a stomack and rest then the poor want meat and a bed to ly in 7. In what an endlesse circle do voluptuous men move from one thing to another in a perpetual search after other enjoyments to satisfy their spirits which sheweth what a great want is there which still cals for variety of things and some fresh supply to take off the wearinesse of one pleasure by another else the delight they have therein would quickly languish and wear out yea is it not still found that the best of outward things are not on a near approach what they seemed to be at a distance the eye not satisfyed with seeing nor the ear with hearing but the more they are pressed the lesse the yeeld neither do they enjoy such things with most satisfaction who take a full draught who wallow and steep themselves in their enjoyments being more in expectation then in possession so that sometime mens attaining their desire hath caused their delight and pleasure in these things cease 8. It is also clear that outward things are incident to the worst without making them the better and separable from the best without making them the worse and what can silver or gold suite an immortal soul or answer such a capacity more then vertue and godlines could answer to fill an empty chest or glasse botle 9. How rare is it for men to get their lot in the World brought up to their desire But are still at some jar with their present condition so that oft there needs no more to turn men discontent but the thought of some other lot which they apprehend more satisfying then their own the want whereof turns them more disquiet then all their enjoyments are pleasing yea it is also evident many mens labour and disquiet doth increase with their wealth and turns the flame more violent and that even in the condition of the poor there is something the great man is made to envy while the poor may find cause oftimes to pity and compassionat some great men in the midst of their prosperous estate 10. What is the enjoying of the best of the earth but it s very passing away while it perisheth in the present use And what Are not men going through the World and leaving it behind them in the midst of their most satisfying enjoyments is not the excellency of most outward things onely according to opinion of the institution of men while they have but small intrinsick worth from their own quality in some parts of the earth whitnesse is reckoned deformity and the blackest collour the greatest beauty and therefore they paint the Devil white what a poor smoke is swelling titles of honour if soberly weighed vvhile the proud mans happines doth someway hang upon the poor who goe by which they must beg from others with the greatest artifice and would the choicest jewels or a bag of gold laid upon the heart of a dying man any way quiet his spirit or ease his pain Surely this is vanity 11. Is it not oft seen amidst the various changes of the earth Princes and great men walking on foot and servants riding on horsback the Children oft put to ask an almes from such who have served their fathers Fooles loaded with wealth and great stiles while men of the choicest spirit are buried under contempt and poverty yea doe we not see how quickly men are cryed up and down in the World That which in one age is raised is oft rased in an other yea many at much labour to undoe that which others have done with greatest
from Heaven was not a thing done in a corner but in the publick view of men which in these dayes was most notour and famous but yet there cannot be produced one contradictory testimony to the truth of these relations by any adversary of the Gospel either at that time or since sure the World wanted no malice and these great things were airly published by the Evangelists and Apostles whilest much of that generation was alive yet it is clear though in a matter of that concernment which made then so great a noise and was at that time putting the earth all in a flame none was found either among Iewes or gentils who could or durst put forth a manifesto to discover the least cheat or falshood in these things attested in the History of the Gospel 4. What ever different partyes and sects did break up with the first time of the Church to opppse the truth in other things yet in this they had all one consent that he who was crucified at Ierusalem was the Messias and Christ which truely did witnes the clear irresistible manifestation of this truth in these times since if there could have been the least ground to challenge any imposture or deceit in this great foundation of the Christian faith it is more then probable these bitter contentions followed with such animosity and heat and irritation of these whom the Apostles and Church in that time did with much zeall and sharpest censures persue would have engadged them to put all the disgrace upon the truth which they could if they might have had where to fasten their teeth I would furder adde that even the arguments and objections which the adversaryes of the Gospel could ever bring to oppose the same are indeed a convincing witness and confirmation and shew how little they could any way say in giving their malice a vent we find that absurd alledgeance of the Iewes that the great works Christ did in the dayes of his flesh were by stealing the name Iehovah out of the temple which they alleadge he sewed up in his thigh which truely needeth no further refutation but the reciting therefore and here they are even forced to witnes the truth of these relations held forth by the Evangelists as to the matter of fact which we find also these later Atheists such as Vanninus Cardan c. dare not challenge or debate onely they would ascrive these great works which Christ then wrought to the influence of the starres a challenge so absurd that needs no other answer but to relate it VII We have that remarkable prophecy of the incoming of the Gentils a truth indeed great and marvellous which as it is expresly held forth in the Old Testament yea is there mentioned Is 54 ver 1 2. Is 60 ver 3 9. is a thing so clearly now written forth in the event that I am sure the greatest Atheists can have no shift here that in this strange work of God about his Church the Scripture hath an undenyable accomplishment Now to clear this let us but consider 1. That for many ages this truth anent the incalling of the gentils was sealed up in a prophecy a thing so great and astonishing to the auncient Iewish Church that they could not well comprehend the same until once the event brought it forth for this was indeed a mystery hid from ages how the Gentiles should be fellow heires of the same body and partakers of the promise in Christ then the bounds and extent of the Church did not exceed Iudea that small inclosure whilest the whole World beside did ly buried like an out field in dark paganisme it is well known that the most pleasant places of Africa Asia and Europe where afterwards many famous Churches were within these 1600 yeares was but a savage wildernes Britain Germanie and France did then vvorship the sun and starres they sacrificed to the Gods of the heathens yea these eastern partes on which the sun did first rise did not then know the God of Israel a truth which not only the Roman and Grecian Historyes but the records of particular Nations can clearly attest 2. It is clear that this prophecy was not held forth in a general but we find the time also prefixed with other special circumstances when it should have its accomplishment at the appearing of the Messias when he should be revealed to Israel before which time a bar was drawen in the way of the Nations and a wall of partition betwixt them and the Church until he stand up who should hold forth an ensign to the People and gather the gentils under his standard which Esay doth clearly shew Es 11 v. 10. and 34 ver 1 2. and 60 ver 1 c. and then must the mountaines flow down at his presence Nations be born at once yea the light break forth to the East and the West then should the Children of the desolate be moe then of the married wife when this time even the set time for the gentils is once come and it may be very convincing which is indeed observable that notwithstanding of a more flowrishing condition of the Iewish Church in former ages when her grandour and prosperity was more tempting and the neighbourhood and commerce which the Nations about had with that People yea though by the captivity they were scattered among the Persians and Babylonians yet was there no stir or change of the World until the appointed time once came 3. It may be easy to prove the event of this prophecy and its manifest accomplishment even at the time thereof for this men can not deny that the Lord did visit the Gentils with the knowledge of his truth which then caused such a change in the earth as a great part of it hath been brought from heathnish idolatry to vvorship the God of Israel and such who once were strangers and aliens now made to professe the same faith as to the substance thereof of the auncient Iewish Church sure this truth needs not want a vvitnes vvhilest Nations and much of the knovvn World hath been for so long a time and yet to this day are a visible proof thereof a truth of such concernment that in former ages made a great and stupendious change upon the face of the earth so that not onely an innumerable company out of all Nations and languages but the generality the very complex body of Kingdoms and Nations can bear vvitnes thereto novv the Gospel hath been preached through much of the World yea vve may say fevv parts thereof vvhere there hath not been some face of a Church though the promise hath not yet had its full accomplishment but vve wait for according to the Scripture a more flowrishing time and great harvest among the Nations when Israel shall be gathered how ever it is sure the Lord hath in a great part fulfilled this his promise so that the Church might then with astonishment cry out who hath begotten all these
that People hath yet been brought in to Christ 3. We have much ground from the Scripture that this day this great day of Iezreel shall be a very remarkable and solemn time which will even cause astonishment to the Nations about and make a wonderful change on the face of the earth a time of Gods eminent appearance for that People when his singular respect shall be as manifest as formerly his great displeasure and anger was a time on which many of the choisest mercyes of the Church do certainly wait the return of many prayers a large pouring forth of the Spirit even on the body of that People and all ranks not only the familyes of David Nathan and Levi but also the families of Shimei with a large outletting of gifts yea such a time wherein the converted of Israel shall then see and understand how far the glory of the second Temple doth exceed that of the first and shall be a very conspicuous part of Christs universal Kingdome eminent for the power and purity of the ordinances to which others shall look as to a most choise and excellent pattern of a purely reformed and glorious Church 4. Besids the promise of him who is not like maâ— to lie or the son of man to repent there wants not some very convincing providences to confirm our faith anent this if we consider how this People are still kept by themselves amidst all their scatterings not mixt or incorporat with other Nations which is most usual through long converse that People of several parts of the earth will unite and joyn in one is not their great increase also remarkable What great multitudes of them are in the eastern parts yea through most of Asia in Africk and in these places of Europe where the Christian Church is and all this time their land not possessed but by a rabble of the Turks under whose yoke they groan and though the genealogies of particular families are at this day much lost yet there is still so much sure and evident as to the series and genealogy of the Nation that doth difference them from any other People 5. It is true the authority of the word should silence all our thoughts how so great a thing shall be brought about yet we may judge that as a mean this shall eminently contribute to the same such a convincing stroke upon Antichrist which must go before their conversion wherein so manifest an appearance of God and the fulfilling of one of the greatest promises of the New Testament cannot but then stare them in the face and with this the taking away of that stumbling block of idolatry which hath so long helpt to harden them against the profession of the Gospel I must shut up this with a sad regrate that whilest we have so clear a promise there is no more tender respect and further essay to promot the good of that People who knoweth what a blessing might attend the use of ordinary meanes since this is an unquestionable duty and men know not when they sow the seed whither this or that shall prosper alace that the usual deportment of Christians with whom they converse doth oft further help to highten their prejudice against Christianity let us long and pray more for this day a day which shall bring so great a blessing with it to the gentiles III. There are many prophecyes both in the Old and New Testament which do clearly point at a great flowrishing and prosperity in the dayes of the Gospel which I humbly conceive are not yet fully made out but shall have a more remarkable accomplishment before the close of time Isai 60. ver 13. Isai 65 ver 25. Isai 66 ver 12. Mich. 4 ver 1 2. I confesse the event will be the surest commentar and until this appear men should be sober and cautious that they darken not the counsel of God and his truth with any wilde fancy and aim to be wise above that which is written yet I must think that with sobriery and on solid grounds it may be safe to judge that there are great things laid up in these promises for the Church that we cannot now well reach yea would scarce get believed until the appointed time unvaile their meaning I shall here but onely touch â—ow it may appear these promises are not yet fully accomplished and what with a safe warrant we may expeâ—â— in their accomplishment as to the first we would consider these things 1. That these great promises which hold forth so eminent an enlargement and flowrishing of the Church do also point at some particular limited time some period and revolution of the Churches condition which is not agreable and common to other times until which these promises do not take place 2. This promised flowrishing concerneth both Jewes and Gentiles and the word doth clearly point at some further encrease of the gâ—ntil Church by the calling of the Jewes which must have a peculiar respect to that solemn time of Israels restauration and Antichrists ruin a time on which the return of many prayers and the fulfilling of many promises in the behalfe of the Church doth surely wait so that as Esay and other of the Prophets do put over this great flowrishing of the Church to the dayes of the Gospel the Apostle Rom. 11. doth point at a more precise time wherein this in a larger measure shall be made out 3. We cannot find the Christian Church did ever enjoy so great an enlargement and flowrishing state as these promises seem to import for persecution and suffering hath most been her lot first from the Jewes next from her heathen adversaries and last from Antichrist whose fall and ruin we have ground to expect shall make room for so great an increase of the Church for how much power Antichrist hath in so far is the Church keepe under yea it is clear how very short all her breathings have been 4. It would appear so solemn a time of the Churches flowrishing whereat the Prophets did so oft point as it hath an undoubted respect to the dayes of the Gospel so in its full accomplishment must answer to that remarkable day of Satans binding and the Saints Reigne with Christ when the Kingdoms of the Earth become the Lords which we find doth immediatly preceede Satans last lousing and his going forth to gather his broken forces for that great battle which is to be very near the end I shall but adde we have ground to judge the Lord will usher in that glorious everlasting state of the Church even by some preparative degrees here the latter times are therefore to be reckoned the more blessed the more near they approach to the dawning of glory Now in the second place I shall but point at somethings which with a safe warrant we may understand and look after in the accomplishment of these promises It is very clear they hold forth a great enlargement to the universal Church both of Jewes and Gentiles
other sinful man to be carried through creditably but as sure as ever he spake to me in his word his spirit witnessed to my heart saying fear not he had accepted my suffering and the outgate should not be matter of prayer but of praise he said also thy word was found and I did eat it and it was to me the joy and rejoycing of my heart and a little before his death after some fainting he sayeth now I feell I beleeve I enjoy I rejoyce and turning to Mr Blair then present he said I feed on Manna I have Angels food my eyes shall see my Redeemer I know that he shall stand at the latter day on the earth and I shall be caught up in the clouds to meet him in the air and afterwards hath these words I sleep in Christ and when I awake I shall be satisfyed with his likenes O for armes to embrace him and to one speaking anent his painfulnes in the ministry he cryeth out Iâ—disclaim all the port I would be in at is redemption and forgivenes if sins through his blood And thus full of the spirit yea as it were overcome with sensible enjoyment he breaths out his soul His last words being Glory Glory dwelleth in Emâ—â—nuels land SIXTH Witnes is that convincing appearance of an extraordinary and Apostolick spirit on some of these instruments whom the Lord raised up in these last times and these great enduements wherewith they were sent for the fervice of the Church and overthrow of the Kingdome of Antichrist a truth which we must say if not in such a measure yet hath been no lesse evident then in these primitive times when the Christian Church was planted It is clear that extraordinary gifts and enduements have been let forrh to the Church under the New Testament for with the first dawning of the Gospel there was both Apostles and Prophets raised up it cannot be also denyed that since the Cannon of the Scripture was closed yea in these late ages there hath been very extraordinary men given to the Church who had special revelations from the Lord of his minde anent things to come which though we should not now look after yet herein did the Lord remarkably condescend when some great piece of service and necessity of the Church did more call for it and truely these were led in no other path then that of the word though they had a more special discovery and immediat inbreathing of Gods minde as to the application thereof in particular cases neither did they presse upon mens conscience to credit the same but were most cautious witnessing much humble sobriety on that account It is knowen what extraordinary instruments how wonderfully called and qualified Luther Zuingliuâ— Calvine Mr Wishart and Mr Knox were whom God sent in these latter dayes to grapple with Antichrist and sound a retreat to his Church from Babylon likewise 〈◊〉 Beza Bacere and Martyr with divers in England such as Latimer Ridley Bradfoord c. Who indeed were burning and shining lights in their time mighty in the Scripture fervent in spirit were cloathed with the power and authority of God before which the World could not stand But besides these famous witnesses of whose life vve have something this day on publick record I must here craveliberty to set dovvn a fevv moe more late instances of our ovvn Church in Scotland to confirm this truth such as are but little knovvn to the World nor any thing of their lives published vvhich I think a great losse to after generations vvhom vve may say and this vvith a vvarrant and in sobriety were men truely extraordinary eminently serviceable in the work of the Lord yea of a Prophetick and Apostolick Spirit and such vvho through grace did not even come short of the first three I mean not only these before mentioned but also some of these great lights vvho vvere in the first age of the Church after the ascension of Christ 1. I shall instance Mr Iohn Welsh whom the Lord called forth to the ministry at Kirck cubright in Galloway and afterwards was transported to the Church of An whom Mr Rutherfoord in one of his bookes calleth that heavenly Prophetical and Apostolick Man of God and sheweth that from the witnesses of his life he had this accompt that of every 24 houres he gave usually eight to prayer if other necessary and urgent dueties did not hinder yea spent many dayes and nights which he set apart in fasting and prayer for the condition of the Church and the sufferings of the reformed Churches abroad I can also adde this from very sure information and truely anent any of those particulars I seriously studie to have satisfying grounds anent the certainty thereof that it was his use even in the coldest winter nights to rise for prayer and oft times his wife who was an excellent woman hath risen to seek after him where he hath been found lying on the ground weeping and wrestling with the Lord yea sometimes would have been much of the night alone in the Church of Aire on that accompt One time especially his wife finding him overcharged with grief he told her he had that to presse him which she had not the soules of 3000 to answer for whilest he knew not how it was with many of them And an other time whilest she found him alone his spirit almost overcharged with anguish and grier upon her serious enquiry said that the times which were to come on Scotland were heavy and sad though she should not see them and this for the contempt of the Gospel Whilest he was prisoner in the Blacknesse in a letter to a Christian lady he giveth this accompt what large joy he had to suffer for such a truth that Iesus Christ was a King and had a visible Kingdome in the World even his Church which was as free to keep its Courts and exerce discipline by vertue of an intrinsick power from Christ as any Kingdome on the earth for which he was ready to lay down his life yea would rejoyce to be offered up a sacrifice on so glorious a truth in the close of that letter he doth also forewarn that judgement was coming to Scotland which should be blood first by an intestine sword and then by the sword of a stranger and that a great sacrifice should be there both of great men and mean the fulfilling whereof hath since been very sensible and is known by many alive who had that letter long before the late troubles begun whilest he was thus prisoner two of â—â—mankable passages I have had confirmed by divers worthy of credit some of whom shewed me they had them from these who were most familiar with the persones themselves they are indeed strange but we must also consider he was an extraordinary man The first was this that one night whilest he did expound the Scripture after his supper in the prison at his custome was whilest he with much power and authority was pressing
home the truth one of the company who had some charge in the Castell fell a jearing which Mr Welsh observing and looking earnestly to him did presently close the Bible and cease and a little after having a drink in his hand he sayeth to a friend at the table before all that were present there is one so profane and grosse as to contemn and mock at the word of the Lord but ere a little God shall smite him with a remarkable stroke of his judgement which accordingly fell out to the astonishment of the company for that man did presently drop down to the ground and dyed A lady that was then Popish being present by reason of a friend of hers that was prisoner in the castle was so moved therewith that it proved an help to her after-conversion The other passage is this one Iohn Steward an eminent Christian who lived at Aire having conted to visit Mr Welsh in prison found him in a more then ordinary way troubled and sad and upon his enquiry there anent he sayeth Iohn ye should not be here go home to Aire for the plague of God is broken up in that place and cause Hew Kennedy provest of that toun who was also a very singular Christian conveeh the people to the streets and pray together and the Lord shall hear How Kennedy and remove that stroke this at the first did something astonish the said Iohn and put him to question its truth having so lately comed out of that place but at his return found it so and accordingly in every thing it fell out as the man of God had shewed After his banishment to which the King did change the sentence of death past upon him at Linlithgo he in a very short time acquired the French tongue with such a facility therein as was thought strange by these who knew it Trochrig in his Commentar on the Ephesians sets down this passage how being called to preach at Salmur a famous University yea one of the most learned auditors in France he did with such boldnes and authority preach as though he had been before the meanest congregation whereat Trochrig being astonished could not but on his acquaintance with him question him thereanent whence he had such confidence and was so little moved whilest he preached before strangers so grave and judicious an auditory and in a strange tongue to whom in a humble way as one more dejected then lifted up he gave that answer when he considered his being before the Lord and that he was delivering his message he could not regard either great or small but all flesh did then go out of his minde Whilest he was Minister at S. Jane de Angeli a protestant town in France where his Ministry was much blessed with successe the civil warres did break up where that city was twice besieged on the Protestant interest during which time these passages fell out most remarkable One was the town being fore straited and ready to be taken the enemyes having raised a battery and by a close approach had made a great breach in the wall Mr Welsh hearing thereof who had much encouraged the People that their adversaries should not then prevail went himself with the Cannonier up the walls and desired he would charge such a piece of cannon and shoot for God should direct that shot and cause it prosper which accordingly did to the astonishment of onlookers dismount that battery and the Lord so ordered things after that the King did parley on favourable termes with the city and did only himself with his court come in without doing any violence An other marvellous passage was this the following Sabbath some of the godly in that place fearing Mr Welsh his hazard did seriously deal with him that he would forbear to go forth and preach the Court being there from which he by no intreaty would be hindred but shewed them he would adventure to preach the word to his People and trust the Lord with what concerned himselfe being more grieved at their fear and despondence and that day had a very great auditory both of friends and others who come upon the fame of such a man but in time of sermon a great man of the Court with some of the Kings own guard was sent to bring him forthwith before the King and whilest he was entring the Church which had some difficulty by reason of the multitude Mr Welsh did turn himselfe toward that entry and desired the People to give way to one of the great Piers of France that was coming in but after whilest he was coming near the pulpit to execut his commission by putting force on the servant of Christ for his desisting he did with great authority speak to him before all the People and in the name of his Master Jesus Christ charged him that he would not disturb the Worship of God wherewith that man was so affrighted that he fell a shaking yea was forced to crutch down and make no further trouble A third passage no lesse remarkable was upon the close of sermon whilest Mr Welsh with much submission went to the King who was then greatly incensed and with a threatning countenance asked what he was and how he durst preach haeresy so near his person and with such contumacy carry himself to vvhich vvith due reverence howing himself he did answer I am Sir the Servant and Minister of Jesus Christ whose truth I preached this day which if your Majesty rightly knew ye would have judged it your duety to have comed your self and heard and for my doctrine I did this day preach these 3 truths to your People 1. That man is fallen and by nature in a lost condition yea by his own power and abilityes is not able to help himselfe from that estate 2. That there is no salvation or deliverance from wrath by our ovvn merits but by Jesus Christ and his merit alone 3. I did also preach this day the just liberties of the Kingdome of France that your Majesty ovveth obedience to Christ onely vvho is Head of the Church and that the Pope as he is an enemy to Christ and his truth so also to the Kings of the earth vvhom he keepeth under slavery to his usurped povver Where at the King for a time keeping silence vvith great astonishment turned to some about him and said surely this is a man of God Yea after did commun vvith him and vvith great respect dismissed him The year follovving vvhilest the differences betvvixt the King and Protestant party did grovv that city vvas again besieged taken and in part sacked as Mr Welsh did publickly foretel at vvhich time it is knovvn hovv the King past a solemn order that none should in the least vvrong Mr Welsh or any thing that belonged to him under highest paines and did after give a safe conduct to him for transporting himself to England vvhere he died King James refusing his return to his ovvn countrey though earnestly petioned by his
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
hope shall awake and this earth and all the glory thereof like a poor vain shew disappear O blessed and comfortable time in which the saints shall then fully know what Heaven is which they have so oft admired at a distance to behold his face in whose presence is fulnes of joy and shall need no further confirmations of the truth of the word when once this great promise of the Lords return is verifyed a promise wherein all these pretious truths which concerned the Church in her journey as so many streames shall empty themselves in this great deep then there is no more to do the work of the Gospel is finished the redeemed all brought in and the Bride made ready to go forth and meet him who shall fully satisfy and comfort his People according to the dayes of their former affliction and be for ever their exceeding great reward THE FIFTH ARGUMENT THat which not only is for the most part already accomplished but is a thing whereof we have so sure confirmations yea so great a pledge in our hand from the Lord that what yet remaineth shall be certainly fulfilled must is not be an undoubted truth But the Scripture as to these special predictions that are not yet made out is such anent which the Lord hath given his People a very large pledge and strong confirmations now in these latter times to believe their certain accomplishment Therefore c. It is sure that a part of the Scripture some special prophecyes which do concern the state of the Church in these last times hath not yet had an accomplishment which are already touched in the former argument and are indeed so great concerning truths that may cause us sit down and wonder when we think these shall shortly come to passe yet such whereof we may be fully perswaded if we consider that they are held forth and promised by him who is the God of truth and the begun performance thereof now so manifest yea what hath been the Lords way and the eminent providences of these last times which may fully satisfy our spirits that Gods work is near to a close and the accomplishing of the whole Scripture now at hand I shall here point at 3 special grounds whence the godly in these times may be throughly confirmed anent the truth and certain out making of the Scripture and these prophecyes thereof that yet are not fulfilled which we should look on as a very convincing pledge in our hand of the same I. Ground whence we may be thus confirmed in our faith is this that not only the most part of the Scripture is already proved and verifyed in the event but also These truths which of the whole Scripture are most strange and marvellous yea should have much staggered our faith if they were yet still in a promise are this day certainly accomplished I shall but only instance the comming of the Messias which the Prophets of old foretold that God should be manifest in the flesh and a virgin bring forth a son whose name should be Emmanuel that was to dye and be cut off out of the land of the living not for himself but for the transgression of his People is not this now surely accomplishedâ— Which we may say is the greatest wonder the most astonishing thing that ever was or shall be and should fully silence our thoughts anent any other Scripture truth that is yet to be made out for we now know that the great bussines of redemption is put to a close the ransome and price thereof fully told down now is the doctrine of the Gospel sealed and attested by blood even the blood of the Testator it is now sure the promised Messias hath come and this is he who in the dayes of Pilat suffered at Jerusalem in whom all things which were written by the Prophets were truly accomplished And is not this a great pledge to assure us of the real outmaking of every other promise It is sure he did dye his blessed side was pierced with a spear and upon the crosse he cryed with a loud voice and gave up the ghost O Here lyeth the greatest cause of wonder not what doth yet remain of the Scripture but that which is already fulfilled not that Christ should come again to judge the World but that once he did come to the World and become man for God to be found in the form of a servant and dye that is beyond expression wonderful for the other must necessarly as a consequent follow that he who hath redeemed the Church and did pay her ransome should see the travel of his soul and be satisfied that having made such a purchase he should also have possession and finish the building the foundation whereof was his own blood I confesse what we do yet expect according to the promise are great and astonishing truths the full overthrow of Antichrist and his Kingdome that the dead bones of the Jewish Church should again live but especially Christs return to judgement who shall be revealed from Heaven with flaming fire the sound of the trumpet and voice of the Archangel yet how great so ever they are and may seem hard for us to believe O how small comparatively are they with that which is already done and accomplished the incarnation of the Son of God a mystery hid from ages wherein the Angels with wonder doe look which we may say is unspeakably more great then to creat this World and turn it again to nothing it may be truely strange whilest we read these prophecyes anent Christ and his Kingdome in so plain an history and professe that we believe he did dye and rise again we should have such hesitation anent the performance of any other Scripture promise is it not this day much more easy to believe the Scripture and fulfilling thereof then it was of old for the Jewish Church before Christs comming And how may we not with as much assurance wait for the second coming of the Lord and a full perfecting of his word even from that which is already verifyed thereof as we are sure of the return of the sun after it is gone down and of the breaking of the day when once the night is past II. Ground whence the godly in these times should be confirmed anent the full performance of that which is yet remaining of the Scripture that it is sure yea now near at hand is this that Jesus Christ is come to action against the enemies of his Church and hath taken the fields that surely he is now gone forth in the greatnes of his strength conquering and to â—onquer This is a grave truth vvhich might give us very sweet refreshing thoughts in so shaking a time that whilest we have seen the Lords appearing by a great and outstretched hand for his people these terrible stirrs and concussions of the nations have seen him strike through Kings in the day of his wrath and fill the place with the dead bodye of his