many that do competently know what it is to be a Christian for every single man that can render a Reason why he ought to be so Storms do make men look to their Anchors and we do not know but aweful Judgments are hastning on us being Remote ones do not awaken us to beat us out of our inconsiderately chosen Refuges Our Precarious and Unexamined Confidences which in very Propriety are but Fancy and not Faith built upon any solid Grounds However we must all needs Die and it is more than probable that a near Prospect of the Future State may convincingly show the most obstinate that the King of Terrours is not to be conquered and no Miracles are to be wrought by an Implicit Faith Pecudum ritu euntes non qà eundum est sed qà itur Sen. Or by a way of Religion that is taken up and walk'd in meerly for Company Wherefore we give our great Thanks to the Author of every good Gift who hath drawn this his richly furnished Scribe to supply us with so very needful a Treatise as is here offered Some of us do Profess that in reading it we were surprized with Joy and with Wonder that a Topick so little Written Discoursed or Thought of should be treated on with such depth of Judgment and with such Experience as is rarely found in the most laudable Writers Thro' the Divine Blessing which we implore we hope that we and our Brethren throughout these Nations shall find good success of our Peoples use of this most instructive Work For which with the excellent Author who did but Consent to this Edition of it we are indebted unto the Reverend and Worthy Publisher by whose means we receive it We joyn with both of them in Prayer to the most High that this Rich Seed of the Sower may be made Bread of Life to the Eater William Bates Mathew Mead. Thomas Cole John Howe Mathew Sylvester Daniel Williams John Showers The Author's PREFACE THis small Treatise here offered is on the greatest Subjects that can fall under the Consideration of Mankind and is a Study which was never more pressingly called for than in these days for making Peace with God and gaining such an Assurance of his Truth as may fully quiet and support the Soul though all sensible Props should be broken and fail Great changes do surely hasten on this Generation and the Life of Faith is in another manner like to be put to Tryal than since the Churches Rise and Recovery from Antichristian Bondage The storm now visibly grows upon the Churches of Christ though nothing ought to Faint or Shake the Spirits of any who know their Anchor is sure and cast within the Vail but the strongest Difficulties in following the Lord when overcome yeild the greatest Victory and will be not only matter of Joy here but to all Eternity in having with Patience and Hope indured and got well through a Throng of Temptations and Assaults in a resolute adherence to the Truth If men think it their Wisdom to secure their Private Interest by dividing it in such a time from the Publick Cause of the Reformed Church and make Light of the greatest Truths of God now assaulted of the Blood of the Martyrs yea of their own Eternal State by any coolness or shrinking from the same they will find no Temporal Motives can ever compensate that loss and ruine which inevitably will meet such in the Issue Yea that these Words of Mordecai to Esther Esth 4.13 14. Have the same Voice and weight in this day What is held forth in the following work I may with humble Confidence say was under some pressure to have such clear Evidence and Quieting Persuasion of Divine Truth as made it less easie to have my own Spirit satisfied herein than possibly it may be to others for if it were not from that blessed Assurance of the Lords being God of the Revelation of Christ and of the Glory to come I should not know what could be comforting or make a rational Being desireable Some singular Ingagements I judge my self also to stand under for putting to my Seal to the Truth and Faithfulness of God in his Word from many signal Confirmations hereof in the course of my Pilgrimage if such a poor Testimony might be of any weight Let the Blessed Lord graciously accept this small offering to him for the Interest of his Truth by so mean an Instrument and give some Fruit hereof that may abide and be found in the day of Christ I hope the Reader may find by a Perusal of the I. Chapter of what Serious Use and Intent the II. is yea that in this day it was not Unseasonable or Incongruous to the foregoing Subject what is held forth in the III. Chapter But Oh! it is sad and amazing to think how few are under that weight of Religion as once to have a Serious Inquiry on the Grounds and Reasons thereof and to account the most special Assistances to their Faith to be the greatest Helpers of their Joy within time THE CONTENTS CHAPTER I. The Primitive Confirmation held forth and cleared in seven Positions POSIT I. Sad is the aspect which the implicit and traditional profession of this day hath upon the present state of Religion page 1. POSIT II. It is a great service for the Church to have a clear founding of the faith of assent upon known and solid grounds herein more universally promoted page 3 POSIT III. The true primitive confirmation as it was in the times of the Apostles is held forth and cleared from the Scripture page 5 POSIT IV. The continued necessity thereof is no less convincing now for the Churches use than in those Primitive times page 7 POSIT V. Such a confirmatory work respects not only the more knowing and inquisitive part of Men but the meanest within the Church page 9 POSIT VI. What is specially called for in the practical use of this primitive confirmation is held forth in some serious proposals for this end page 11 POSIT VII Special excitement we are under for promoting the same in so remarkable a period of time as this and from the hope of a greater reviving yet of such a Catholick Spirit to advance the highest ends of Religion amongst men page 15 CHAPTER II. For giving some clear view of these primary evidences and demonstrations of our Faith that the meanest Christian should know and with the least expence of time may improve for their daily use on these greatest Principles SECTION I. I. OF the glorious Being of God which is the first Foundation of all Religion page 17 II. Of the original of the world and it s not being eternal page 19 III. Of a supreme Providence in the conservation and government of the world page 20 IV. Of that special providence which in its continued administration of human affairs doth unchangeably difference betwixt the righteous and the wicked page 22 V. How such a wonderful record as that of an
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
God in Israel or such a thing as his written Oracles to inquire at when it 's sure these lie open and with a clear and distinct sound speak to all who have a Serious and Unprejudged Spirit I. That the Church under the New Testament hath now passed and gone through that most dismal and continued Tryal herein which was to go over her Head under Antichrists Reign and Height and whatever appearance he now hath in great Wrath yet is it sure and evident that the Winter is past and the Churches Spring begun and a few steps further off that Judgment which is now hastning on will at length end the quarrel so that by a near converse with the Word we may clearly see from what point the Churches course and motion this day lies and how exactly it keeps in the Certainty thereof by the clear Conduct of the Scriptures of Truth where a full Map of her whole Course and Passage through Time is clearly shewed II. That we may now with some clear Evidence Judge and have our Faith perswaded hereof that the Churches Interest is upon the rising Hand and on a present Advance though nothing would seem more Contradictory than all visible grounds now are since this cannot fail John 3.30 That Jesus Christ in his Kingdom in the Earth must Increase yea that the Scripture so clearly Points forth Antichrists Ruine and Progress of his fall and downcasting with resemblance to that great Judgment on Pharaoh as an evident Type hereof in the same judicial stroakâ— of Induration on both and gradual Progress herein by one Plague after another until the last and greatest Assault as was then at the Red Sea hath the same effect for a more glorious appearance of God in the greatest step of Judgment and Victory over this Adversary when not only the Song of Moses but of the Lamb also shall be then sung Rev. 15.3 as importing something more glorious and a greater brightness to be put on this Illustrious Act of Divine Judgment reserved to these last times when a more immediate Appearance of the Lord will be seen than in any former deliverances of his Church III. It is no Conjâ—ctural thing but what by a clear Scripture Conduct we may see that this time of the Church now under so notable a Crisis in her Case is evidently falling under that Remarkable Assault and Conflict with that Adversary before the accomplishing of that Vial on his Seat and Throne as we may see Rev. 17.13 14. That when so Conspicuous a step of the Churches Victory is near the Opposition thereto also will be in some higher degree proportionable to the same when the great men of the Earth and such who shall receive Power as Kings one hour with the Beast shall have one Mind and give their Power and Strength thereto and shall make War with the Lamb but the Lamb shall overcome them for he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords c. Nor is it found through the Scripture where the Lord hath done any great thing for his Church but some unusual darkness and sore-wrestlings have still gone before and should be no matter of staggering to our Faith whatever it be of present Fears to see so dismal a Time of Tryal as now is and amazing heighth of trouble beyond what former times have known when one of the greatest events of Providence in behalf of the Church since the revealing of Christ to the World until his second coming is assuredly near in the fall and overthrow of the man of Sin IV. We have clear ground also to judge that so great an Eclipse as seems almost Universally over the State of the Reformed Churches is no going down of the Sun thereon whatever did befal the most famous Eastern Churches to an utter dissipation thereof if these different Periods of time be justly considered how their Sun-set did then fall in with the Entry of that great Apostacy of the Christian Church and with that long and dismal Night of Antichrists Reign whilst now this hour of Trial on the Churches doth meet in that blessed Period of Antichrists begun fall and of a growing Light of the Gospel and when the Scripture so clearly warrants our Faith herein that the Work of Providence is to Plant and not cut off but to bring forward that Interest of the Reformed Churches in the founding of which the Mediator hath so eminently appeared in the Glory of his Power in these last times V. It is sure we now live in the Evening and Extremity of time when the motions of Providence may be expected to be more quick and speedy as being so near the Centre and to the last Epocha and Period of all Prophetick Chronology wherein the Glory of God in his Truth and Faithfulness shall most eminently shine forth and these Scripture Truths which were formerly dark and abstruse with that Evidence shine forth in the event as shall cause men to wonder at their former thoughts and stumblings thereat And here I must say that there is such a sight now in the Earth as the Romish Church in its Complex frame and state in so different a mold cast from any Power or Jurisdiction else and such a Compound of a Civil and Spiritual Monarchy in one and the same Person is so solemn and undeniable a Seal to the Christian Faith and Divinity of the New Testament that it 's strange why this is not improved more against the Atheism of this time that such a visible event of the Scripture is now in being which was so clearly foretold by the Holy Ghost 1500. years ago with its proper Circumstances as to the manner of that Antichristian state with its Rise Growth and Duration as is to Admiration still evident to the World when not the least shaddow or appearance of so strange Future Emergencies was to be seen or could have entred mens Thoughts to shew it only could be revealed to the Church by him to whom all his Works are known from the Beginning This I have looked on as such a Confirmation to the Truth of Christianity that no Miracles in the first times of the Church could have more evidence for the same yea if such a party were not in being both what it now is and in former Ages hath been it might in another manner stagger the Faith of the Saints to a questioning the Truth of the Scripture than its most formidable appearance this day can do VI. I shall but add here that we know and are sure the Lord hath reserved his greatest works to these latter days wherein his Judgments shall be manifest and that one of the most eminent Manifestations of his Glory before the close of time shall be Conspicuous in the fall of Antichrist on whose ruines that Glorious House which Christ is yet to have for himself both of Jews and Gentiles shall be prepared and built up and though this great Eclipse of Antichristian Darkness should yet more prevail even
support it but these weapons which are not against the Conscience or by any terrour of the second Death but of the first 3. That this is such an Argument if they have not in a strange manner forgot which hath within these 100 Years been so fully Answered and by such an immediate Appearance of God in the Kingdom of France that according to these measures of Cruelty against the Protestants there so was it returned in a deluge of their own Blood yea so both the publick state of the Church and Faith of the Saints in the Truth was more deeply rooted and tho we yet see not the end of these wonders but the Dark-side only of the Dispensations of such a day yet do we know this sore Rod on the Church is but as the Saw and Ax in the Carpenters hand who shall never undo that glorious Work which Christ hath done and is still further perfecting on the ruins of Antichrists Kingdom 5. Tho some unusual deeps and Methods of Subtilty be now on foot also against the Truth yet he cannot but see how nothing could more effectually tend to confirm the Protestant Cause and take the Credit of Popery off the Consciences of those in their own Profession who are considerate and in the least serious herein when the World must thus see 1. How easie it is for such to take any Measure and Latitude in the Doctrinals of their Profession when this can most serve the juncture of such a time and heighten or narrow the Controversie betwixt them and the Reformed Church at their Pleasure so as to Sacrifice the Church of Rome unto the Court of Rome if no less can secure that end 2. That the most horrid Turkish Slavery over mens Bodies comes no such length as that strange claim that these now make of an absolute Empire over mens Consciences by the Sword and to put them to such a Tribute of their Obedience that they shall then be secure if they but come the length to Sin against their Light and adventure on so small a thing as to go to Hell and perish Eternally since it 's an external and feigned Profession of such away that they do thus force from those who they see cannot in Faith be perswaded hereof 3. Yea it hath been too visible how much that Master-plot and Engine hath in these times been working to take men first off from all Sense of Religion and destroy them in the Morals of Christianity to make this Conquest more easie that such may have no Inward Defence and support against the terrour of humane Violence Yea in this way when they have sought how to divide Protestants among themselves and betwixt Rulers and them this seems the last and greatest Engine of all how to divide betwixt them and their God Acting the same Plot which was laid betwixt Balak and Balaam as knowing that it 's no naked shew or Profession of the Reformed Religion they need fear so much as that Old Protestant Spirit in the Power and Life thereof before which their Interest could never stand and dread nothing so much as the reviving hereof which as the hand-writing upon the wall did ever more threaten the fatal ruine of that Kingdom than any Humane Power or Strength 6. Here also he finds just cause of Astonishment how Kings or great Men in the Earth should give their Power to support the Romish Interest which hath been so visibly destructive to theirs When it s not possible to deny how it's first advance and progress to that Supream height which it once attained and the declining of the Civil Empire did by the same steps go together until Magistracy was turned unto a dead Image and Shadow except its being enlivened by their breath and Authority as it was during the whole height of that Antichristian Power Nor will it be denyed that in these late times the French Monarchy was never more near its Dissolution in its right Line than by the Catholick League there and it would seem not easie to be forgot how Henry the third who had most sought to crush the Protestants in pursuance of that league was at last constrained to flee to such for help or by whom he was killed and that Heroick Prince Henry the Fourth who was first stabbed in the Mouth and then in the Heart yea that the publick Records of that Nation cannot possibly deny but the House of Bourbon owes its Power and Preservation more to the Protestants without whom it had been fully extinct than Ahashuerus did to Mordecai the Jew for what he found written in the Chronicles of Persia when the Decree was then past to destroy all the seed of the Jews 7. As in no times past was ever a greater Expectation than is now which way the Scale will turn and what will be the end of these wonders when the nearest events of Providence are so dark and amazing so does he find this in some extraordinary way called for to be still and see what God will do for his Church and with humble Confidence look for some such Dispensation as hath not hitherto been in this extream Exigence And tho he do not appear in that way and manner as in former times that it shall be in a way more signally glorious beyond what hath formerly been yea he does in Faith thus judge that then is the Churches day broke and hath found the sure way of her Strength and right Line of Duty when her Hope and Confidence is taken off from all visible refuges and entirely setled on her invisible Head and his Promise put to suit by Prayer without fainting herein It is sure the Truth and Faithfulness of God stands ingaged for Antichrists fall as well as for Salvation by Christ and since he hath said this Adversary shall be broke and brought down it must surely be tho the dust of the ground should rise for this end and now is the Faith of the Saints called for becoming the greatness of such an Assurance on which are the Eyes of men of their own Consciences of the Elect Angels yea of the glorious God to see who does indeed Credit him in this day when there is no sensible support herein and tho it now threatens sorely the departure of many from the Faith who had some visible Profession thereof yet may it be hoped for that the turn of the next Tide shall bring in more with a Solid and true Increase to the Church than these sad days do now take off CHARACT VI. It is thus a Confirmed Christian should be specially considered as one who is not only at rest on the known certainty of his Faith but is ready to render some account of the solid rational grounds and demonstrations hereof unto all who ask after the same and doth thus judge 1. That these are the proper and appointed means which the Lord hath afforded for the greatest Confirmation of mens Faith within time yea preferable to any external Miracles
Duty or Comfort in their passage thorow time yea nothing is in the least here to subject the Credit of our Faith to mens Rational Comprehension but rather tends to enervate wholly the strâ—ngth of any such Tenet and take off all pretence for the same But it 's sure also I must quit all solid Security in the way of Religion and any clear founding in the Light and Certainty of the Scripture or admit these things as undeniable 1. That supernatural Faith is the most highly rational Light that 's within time And that none who profess the Name of Christ can be of so low a size as should not be pressed and excited to be much about this Ground-work of knowing the Truth and Principles of their Profession upon its own Evidence yea are thus called as new born Babes to drink in the sincere Milk of the Word 1 Pet. 2. Which as it 's clearly in the Original is the rational Milk of the Word to be thus received no less on Conviction and Certainty of the Judgment than with the out going of their affections 2. That as it 's not conceiveable how a true and firm Assent can be to Divine Truth but on its known Certainty so here is no resolving of the Christians Faith on the strongest rational Evidences hereof which must still be resolved on the Testimony of God made clear and evident to them to be such 3. It is sure also the Lord hath not given so large a measure of these Grounds and Demonstrations of his Truth with such redoubled Arguments of that kind to be of so small regard as is with most But for some great and universal use hereof to the whole Church and knew how needful such Assistances to the Faith of his People would be whilst they are on the Earth 4. That these means which tend most convincingly to found a rational Assurance in the Judgment are the proper Vehicle of the Spirit of God by which his sealing Work should be both sought and expected nor can I judge how the Credit and use hereof should be so small and not on the same Ground quit any External Ordinance of the Gospel which without the Spirit of the Lord can never profit nor how we should expect and suit his Confirming Work on the Soul when these greatest Confirming Means which he hath given to the Church have no just weight But oh how wonderful a Teacher is the Holy Ghost when such ordinary means fail and are inaccessible by furnishing his People then with these strongest Arguments of Love and Power who having had but small Measures of Light yet were not unfaithful to improve the smallest degree of such a Talent 5. Yea so great a thing is it to attain a solid Faith of Things wholly remote from our Sense and so far above the reach and Apprehension of Nature or to have an absolute reliance on an invisible Refuge for our present and Eternal State as no common Assent can answer when the very rest and quiet of the Soul must needs lie in the sure and firm Perswasion hereof 6. It is too visible also how little the Practical Vse of such a mean hath yet been essaied in the Church thaâ— all who are members thereof might no less know the Strength and Firmness of the Foundation of their Faith by its own Evidence than the General Articles of Religion The most usual instructing work lies almost wholly about the Noetick part of Divinity there seems not that serious regard to press the Dianoetick part hereof on Mens Conscience as if this were to be restrained to a few who are more Knowing Learned and of an Inquisitive Spirit about the rational Certainty of the Truth and for whom these choice and abundant helps of this kind which are in this Age seem more peculiarly directed It 's sure that the Christian Faith in the first-times did remarkably then spread and prevail by these clear Evidences hereof to the Judgment made Effectual by the Spirit of God more than by extraordinary Miracles Nor knew they otherwise whaâ— lt was to be Christians but by imbracing the Truth with a full Assurance of Vnderstanding no less than of Delight and Affection But if it be objected it is not the Case now where Religion is planted in a Nation and hath an uncontrollable Publick Profession under the support of Humane Laws I know no admitted weight this can have except that it should be granted that Christians now be Born and not new-created 7. Yea is it not sure tho it seem little understood that the primary Grounds and Evidences of our Faith are not only as to their End demonstrative of the Truth and Divinity of the Scripture but are upon the Matter such Demonstrations also which most natively result from the same by infallible Consequence and are thus to be accounted not as Humane but Divine Arguments given us by the Spirit of God 8. I shall but further add how such as do seriously ponder things will find this Demonstration to be no more important than clear that to be a Confirmed Christian and a Confirmed Protestant are Convertible Terms and that if they that are under that Deplorable Bondage and Darkness of Popery were but once awaked to see the Truth and Certainty of the Christian Faith by its Intrinsick and Objective Evidence and taken off that brutish Credulity and Dependance on the alone Credit of others herein it might be said the strongest Engine to hold up that Profession were then broke and we should see the Doctrine and Rule of Faith to be of such full and perspicuous Evidence from the Scripture as without Blasphemy they could not seek from the Lord to give them a plainer Rule than what he hath there given READER IT 'S like thou mayest think strange how these few Sheets in the close fall in here after the foregoing part was finished but the they meet in one Design and Interest yet was not this then intended until the former was done and if it might tend to a solid use and Fruit unto any I shall forbear a further Apology herein I may truly say the weight of the Subject hath carried it some further length than was designed when I so much sought to be short as I aim at in any thing of this kind that through my desire to avoid any unnecessary multiplying of Words I fear lest it may make some things â—â—em a little dark at the first view Tho I hope not upon any serious perusal of the same Two things I must further crave leave to add 1. That when some Succinct View of the great Assistances and Confirmations of our Faith is here offered which these of the lowest Capacity of the Church might with that advantage improve as in a few hours by reading it some times over may be so far impressed on their Mind and Judgment that they could give some clear and judicious account thereof it may be by such but seriously weighed and taken to Heart of what concern the use hereof is 2. That I humbly judge also it were a most special Service for the Truth in this day to have some short Directory and remembrancer of the great Acts of the Lord and Monuments of his Providence now under the New Testament in that manner held forth as might most tend to some Universal Use of all within the Church I Confess my desire pressed me to some small Essay herein with intent to have joyned it to this Work but having with much Convictâ—on laid this wholly aside as to any further appearance that way so is it with an Earnest Desire that some more qualified might take to Heart and under their Hand so great a Service both for their Generation and Posterity It is sure the Lord hath designed his People to be taught the greatness of his Works as well as the precepts of his Word and as no Duty is more pressed than this under the Old Testament both as to Publick and Family Instruction so are we no less accountable in these last times for this Improvement of such as are of known publick and uncontrolable Evidence and should be the care of each Age to have that Solemn Remembrance kepâ— up hereof so as not a few but the very Multitude within the Church might be as a publick Library and Repository of the same FINIS
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
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
the Gospel with so clear and strong a conveyance thereof is yet so little operative on most the same might be said also of the whole letter of the Scripture but tho this tends not in the least to resolve our Religion into any meer exercise of reason and leaves the whole work of the Spirit in its energy and operation therewith on mens souls intire yet doth it fully evince such a sufficiency of evidence with the Christian faith as makes any doubtfulness herein simply impossible through want of the greatest advantage of means yea such as are of another kind than to induce only a probable perswasion of the same VI. Because it is one of the saddest Symptoms of the present State of Religion that so few almost in whole Congregations can give any clear Assent to the Truth and Certainty thereof but to Amazement both live and die Strangers to the same yea how many of these who are otherwise Serious in Religion yet have their Faith starved this way and are destitute of any such support but as it is not the numerousness of Professours but the Strength and solidity of their Faith wherein the Churches Strength most lies and hath more flourished in a few such to beget a greater Awe and Veneration of Religion amongst Men than at other times in the greatest Multitude so is it the Glory of Divine Truth that it can subsist by its own proper Evidence and preserve its Station in the worst of times when all External Arguments do most visibly cease Posit VI. That it 's fully demonstrable and clear how no simple instructing of men in the general Principles of Religion can be the proper and adequate means for such a Faith of Assent to the Truth thereof on its own Evidence or answer that Apostolick Pattern of laying the Foundation Heb. 6.2 But that some special Duties else are called for to so high an end such wherein not only that true Primitive Confirmation in the Christian Faith might have some Practical use but we might also Hope therewith for a more remarkable out-letting of Confirming Influences of the Spirit of God What is to be understood herein I shall humbly offer in a few particulars I. That it is one of the greatest concerns of the Ministerial Work and of the Key of Doctrine to have all who hear the Gospel in the first place pressed to take Religion so far to Heart as to make a serious inquiry into the Grounds and Reasons hereof and thus to know their being on sure ground herein not because they know not another way but because they know this is the alone way of Truth to which they dare trust their Immortal Souls II. That for this End the Supream Truths of Relion be represented with that certainty of Evidence and Demonstration as both such great and marvellous things do require and the temper of such a gain-saying Age now calls for and to have this pressed more on mens Judgment and Conscience that the things of God which are of the highest Consequence Reality and Substance can have no possible Reception by any implicite or probable belief thereof nor can admit any pretence for the same when the Lord hath given such kind of Proofs and Evidence as leaves mens darkness herein without any shaddow of excuse II. That it peculiarly belongs to the Catechetical Work of Religion to take some account of the meanest Professours thereof and with a special respect to the Youth of their Faith of Assent to the Doctrine of Christ on what grounds and certainty of evidence this is founded and for their instructing therein as well as in the general Principles of Religion when one of the most ruining things to the Church lies here that the Profession of most is laid in so deep an Ignorance as they have almost nothing to say for the same but a naked Affirmation I know the difficulty hereof for the weak may be objected but without just cause since as the Prime Truths of Religion are few easie and plain for the meanest Capacity so also are the Primary Evidences and Demonstrations of our Faith if such once with that desire did search after the same as for a hidden and invaluable Treasure wherein this respect should be still had to difference betwixt what is Initial and of a more fundamental concern for the weak and what may tend to an higher growth and increase of others III. It should be of greatest use and advantage also for the same end that the young growth now coming up in the Church were put to give some explicit Evidence of their Consent and Choice of the Profession of Christ so far as may witness a Ratification of the Baptismal Covenant now as their own proper Deed wherein they were implicitely ingaged in their Infancy Some special Grounds and Reasons for this are I. Because God will have his Service freely entred in and upon choice as that way which is most agreeable to his Honour for as the Covenant binds mutually so do the Seals thereof also and therefore upon our part is Baptism a Sacramental Oath of Allegiance to God II. Because it tends to a more resolute and firm adherence to the Service of God that this business should be personally brought home to Mens Conscience especially before their first admittance to the Sacrament of the Lord's supper and thus to ingage them as Joshua did Chap. 24.22 Ye are witnesses against your selves herein and they said We are witnesses III. Because this is expresly held forth 1 Pet. 3.21 where Baptism is called the answer of a good conscience toward God upon this ground that such then who were come to years of knowledge were personally brought to confirm by their own consent that solemn Ingagement and Dedication by Baptism to be the Lords and therefore it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is vox juris and signifies sponsio stipulatio publica inter Christianum Dominum Christum as the most Judicious Commentators on that Scripture do clearly render it and so this was a special part of the Primitive Practice not only with respect to such who were Converted from Heathenism but were born within the Church and Partakers of that Seal of Baptism in their Infancy to bring them to answer to that great Demand of the Covenant Do you now Consent upon Evidence and Choice to be the Lords and to be a Subject of his Kingdom and embrace the Laws thereof and do you thus in Sincerity and Truth declare the same wherein you have a good Conscience before God And of what blessed Fruit and Advantage should this be both for the Increase and Honour of the Gospel if this were more deeply taken to Heart for some Practical use according to the Rule and Primitive Pattern in the Churches of Christ IV. It were specially desirable also that there be some clear view and summary by it self of the most cogent Grounds and Demonstrations of the Christian Faith with respect both to the
Doctrinal Historical and Prophetical part thereof and in that manner accommodated as the meanest within the Church might have such a help still at their hand and thus with the least expence of time be provided of such Arguments and Reasons as should tend through the Blessing of God not only to the furthest rational Assent and Certainty of the Truth of their Profession but to give a most special support of Mind against that inward Tryal of Satans Temptations and Fiery Darts this way yea is such a mean that in the serious Improvement hereof by having such Evidences once brought in on Mens Judgment and Conscience so as to see with their own Eyes the Truth of the same I must humbly judge there is nothing next to the internal work of the Spirit of this kind might tend more to promote the Kingdom of Christ in this day Posit VII That as there are some more signal Periods of time to which a greater brightness and increase of Light hath respect under the New Testament so doth there now seem to be some remarkable Call and Excitement to such a Confirming Work in this day about the Christian Faith when we may hope that a more solemn and restoring time of Religion in the World is on a near approach though all sensible evidence would seem to controul this and may be now more looked after and prepared for under a suitable Impression of these Grounds for the same I. That the promised time of the Conversion of the Jews doth assuredly draw near and whatever be judged by some of the Lords immediate Appearance herein by a Miracle yet is it unquestionable that nothing in the way of means could be more promising and hopeful to promote this great end than by promoting so great a Service as this for the Christian Church II. That a greater extent also of the Profession of Christ amongst the Gentiles and rending of the Vail that is now over many dark Nations seemeth clearly insured therewith and what a hopeful Evidence should this be if such a Publick and Catholick Spirit were more seen how to advance the highest Ends of Religion on such an account without respect to any partial or divided Interest Yea that this blest Zeal of God might in that manner appear to have the dark World get a more clear and convincing prospect of the highest rational Demonstrations of Christianity as might through the Lords Gracious Concurrence bring men once to an Inquisitive and Serious Spirit about the same Oh that such may be raised up in this dismal hour with something of that ancient Spirit to travel with desire for the Salvation of Mankind and of whom it may be said as of blest Nehemiah these are indeed come to seek the welfare of their People in their greatest Interest III. And this farther excitement we are now under for this end in a time when Popery seems to be upon one of its last and greatest Assaults against the Church since it 's so clear that what ever tends to Confirm Men in Christianity from their own Tryal and Inquiry upon the Confirming Evidences thereof must have the same Native result to make such Confirmed Protestants yea nothing is more demonstrable than that the Method and Grounds that are taken both to ingage and fix men in the Popish Profession have the same rational Tendency to promote Atheism and to give Infidels the greatest Advantage to reject the Profession of Christ He that hath Ears to hear let him hear Amen CHAP. II. The Confirming Work of Religion reduced to Practical Use in some clear view of those Primary Grounds and Demonstrations of our Faith which none should pretend Ignorance of who enter the Profession of Christ upon choice and Certainty of Evidence SECTION I. Qu. I. VVHat Reasons and Demonstrations can you give for so great a Faith as that of the Glorious Being of God who is invisible to humane Sense since this is the Foundation of all Religion Ans Though this is Principally founded on the Sacred Truth and Authority of his own Word yet I am with the furthest Infallible Evidence confirmed herein I. That it can be no more sure that this marvellous frame of the Heavens and Earth hath a being and is the Object of our Sense than that a Supream Infinite Wisdom and Power must be the first cause hereof and it were simply impossible it could ever otherwise have been II. That he hath thus made himself Visible to our Eyes by such a visible World and in so exquisite an Order and Correspondence to support the same as nothing stands alone by it self but in a line of mutual respect which runs through the whole Creation We may as clearly thus see that God is as that there is an invisible Soul in a living Body III. That this Harmony is amongst things in their own Nature so Contrary and Destructive to other for to hold this wonderful frame as all must abandon Reason or see an infinitely wise Conduct herein and no need of Extraordinary Miracles to Confirm what the whole Constitutions of Nature do Witness IV. That this rare frame of man could never have come in being but by him who could Unite such different Substances as a Material Body and an Immaterial Soul in so near and marvellous an Union V. That there is such an universal Consent of Mankind in all Ages thereto as shews Religion to be founded in the very Nature of Man and as Essential to his Being as his Reason is yea that the ultimate difference of Man from the Beast and most essential Property of humane Nature lies here VI. That though every one be an Enemy to what torments him yet it was never possible for an Atheist to free himself from that unavoidable Sense and Fâ—ar of a Deity nor in a World so much lost in Wickedness could he ever extinguish the awe of Religion or make any rational Opposition to this greatest Article of the common Faith of Mankind VII That the Reason of the whole Constitution of Nature and vicissitude of things here is so great as without shutting out the use of Reason we cannot but see how nothing possibly could have been better and that any want hereof in the whole frame of the Universe would be as the Dislocation of a joynt of the Body and were not conceivable to be otherwise than it is by Infinite Wisdom appointed VIII That it 's simply impossible that God Blessed for ever should not exist or that this Universe which is a work so highly becoming the greatness of its Maker could possibly subsist for one hour or minute of time without a Supream Independent Power and Being on which all Visible Beings have their Dependance since they cannot depend upon nothing IX That such is the absolute necessity of the Faith also of a God-Head as without this the state of Mankind could not morally subsist or any possible Order Subjection Piety and Justice be to support Human Society but as Bradwardine saith O
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
off or make that thrive which God hath himself cursed and it is too visible how far we have gone thus out of the way of our Strength by such eager seeking Humane Props and support that we have forgot the Guide of our Youth and Covenant of our God and what great things he hath formerly done in the greatest straits of his Church when there was much humble trusting that the Spirit of the Lord would do more to recover his Truth than all Humane Might or Power could do SECTION II. Qu. VVHat Talent are we still accountable for to support our Faith against the greatest Fears of this time from these immediate Appearances of God and of the Glory of his Power for the same Truth and Cause of the Reformed Church we are now called to contend for which hath been since the Reformation when so strong and unusual a Tide now is against the same Ans If men shut not their eyes and hide this great Talent of the Works of God under the Ground it 's sure none can Question such a Seal which before the Sun to the Amazement and Conviction of the World hath been put to the Truth of the Reformed Religion that we are now brought under such a Call as the Church of Israel was Deut. 4.34 To ask of the Times that are past since Israels coming out of Egypt and since the first planting of the Gentile Church by the Gospel whether there hath been so great a thing as this in the Earth that God hath essayed to take to himself a People from the midst of other Nations by Temptations by Signs and by Wonders and by War and by a Mighty Hand and by an out-stretched Arm and by great Terrours according to all that the Lord our God hath done for the rescue of his People in these last Times from Antichristian Bondage and Darkness and settling them in a Church-state but unto us was this shewed that we might know that the Lord he is God and there is none else beside him Ye are still called to see and be as Eye Witnesses to these things I. How Bright a Day of the Gospel of Christ did go before this great Darkness on the Church and what a solemn Triumph in these late Ages the Truth hath had over Antichrist so as the full stroak and ruine of his Kingdom which is sure and established in the Promise of God seems not now more marvellous and above humane appearance than what we have seen in the begun degrees of its accomplishment II. In how few years also there was as a new Christian World brought forth in that swift Course and Progress which the ingathering of the Reformed Churches had so as between the Year 1560 and 1621. such famous Plantations of the Gospel were setled in a Church-state which all may see was the immediate Work and Power of God to shew that none should fear or stagger at his Promise though the waters yet swell and come to the flowings of Jordan and difficulties appear unsuperable to humane Sence after these great things which the Lord hath done III. How extraordinary a Calling and excitement of Instruments was then evident for the Service of that time and Reapers thus eminently prepared for so great an Harvest of the Gospel as might put the World to inquire whence these were in so numerous a Concurrence when a few of such a Spirit were so rarely to be found in many Ages before IV. Yea such an Accession also of Spiritual Gifts and Endowments was then for Building of the Church â—s had not been formerly known since the first coming of the Gospel to the Gentiles wherein it may be said the Glory of these last Times hath even in some degree exceeded that of the first V. And can the most dismal things of this time countervail the Confirmations of our Faith who have so clearly seen with the first breaking up of the Purer Doctrine of Christ the Power and Life of Christianity came therewith to the World as a Seal and Attestation thereto beyond any Miracles yea how innumerable a Company in these last Ages of different Tongues and Languages and these so remote from one another did not only receive the same Truth but with such Resolution Adventure their Souls thereon as might fully witness they had another prospect of Christianity and to be in some other manner ravished with the Glory and Beauty of the same than is now in these times VI. Such high Spring tides of the Power and Efficacy of the Gospel might be evident to all after so sad a restraint had been for so many Ages before under Antichristian darkness for whatever was then as a Private Seal on the Spirit of Christians whilst the Witnesses did Prophesie in Sack-cloth yet was there no such Evidence and Demonstration of the Holy Ghost or a Publick Confirmatory Seal to the Truth as was after the Reformation VII Yea was it not the most Sober Serious and Inquisitive Part of Men upon a sure Trial of the Grounds of their Faith who did most firmly imbrace the same and how many of these also were of the greatest Parts and Abilities whom none could Judge to Adventure so far herein without the highest Assurances that this was their undoubted interest and Salvation VIII We have seen not only men of mean and low Estate but such of the Highest Place and Quality most chearfully adventuring whatever Interest could be dearest to them in the Earth for the Truths sake yea it was ever found that such as were most acquainted with the Reformed Religion in its Power and lived up in their Practice to what they professed thereof were those who with the greatest Assurance most resolutely still adhered thereto IX We have seen also it s most remarkable spreading in the World when there could be no possible pretence of a Worldly Interest or External Motives for the same X We have seen something not only extraordinary but even Miraculous in the Joy and Resolution of innumerable Martyrs since the Reformation who did bear out with a more than humane strength against a cruelty so visibly Inhumane and Savage yea which did in some degrees exceed that measure of the Heathens in the Primitive Times as being against a greater Light than theirs XI And have we not seen of what Spirit such still have been since the Reformation who were the most notorious Instruments in the Churches Persecution and how visibly such did act herein under so impetuous an incitement of the Devil that as Tertullian in his Apology speaks of Nero the Truth might boast in having such Adversaries XII It is sure we have seen that no humane Power could yet ever undo this blessed Inteterest of the Reformed Religion tho' no way or change of Weapons hath been left untried but we have thus seen whither so strong and united a Confederacy as the Catholick League in France did at last resolve and not only in the ruine of the greatest Actors and Contrivers therein but
to a further establishing of the Reformed Churches there as though such had Intentionally acted for the same when if second Causes had brought forth their Ordinary effects it might have been judged impossible to fail XIII We have seen that issue of all the Councels Expence and Cruelty of Philip the II. of Spain to bear down the Truth of the Gospel in the Netherlands which was to the furthest setling of this Illustrious State and the Church of Christ there yea how their Conspicuous Rise and Flourishing even in the Externals and their resolute adherence to the Truth of Christ did most visibly keep together XIV We know that deluge of Blood which so quickly followed the French Massacre and the most dismal time which ever that Nation knew did then visibly Contemporate with such a time of their greatest Rage and Persecution against the Truth and that Event of the Third Vial most clearly fulfilled herein Rev. 16.5 6. Thou art Righteous O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast judged thus for they have shed the Blood of thy Saints and Prophets and thou hast given them Blood to drink in great measure XV. Yea have we not seen how four Kings of France Successively were in less than thirty years taken away in the same continued pursuit how to destroy the Church there in whom that whole race of the Valois was thus extinct yea in the manner of their Death were most remarkable Monuments of Divine Judgment as the most famous Writers of that time do attest XVI We have seen what marvellous effects did follow those Bloody Years of Queen Mary's Reign in England to promote and commend the Protestant Doctrine to Mens Consciences there with so great a Triumph as it had in the Sufferings of such choice and excellent witnesses for Christ and hath brought in more Rent to the Praise and Glory of their Blessed Head than may to the furthest compense all that Blood of the Saints there though highly Precious in the Eyes of the Lord. XVII We have seen likewise the Blood and Cruelty of late against the Protestants in Bohemia in a short time most Visibly returned on the Authors thereof and how the immediate Finger of God might be seen in calling forth the Swedes to avenge the same and in that desolating stroak which followed in Germany XVIII We have seen in these late Times the Issue of that horrid Massacre on the Protestants in Ireland to the utter ruine in a very few years after of that Barbarous Party who had thus acted herein XIX We have seen what wonderful Providences did attend the actings of that poor handful of Protestants in the Valleys of Piedmont since the Reformation upon the account of that Bloody Massacre which was set on foot there against them which was so astonishing as all might see an extraordinary Appearance of the Lord herein as is clearly attested by the most Faithful Histories of that time XX. And can it be forgot unto this day how visibly a Divine Hand did appear in breaking that great Spanish Armado in the Year 1588. which had been for some years in Contriving against England XXI Astonishing and specially Demonstrative of the immediate Power and Presence of God and matter of Wonder and Praise also for after Ages was that solemn time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland for planting the Reformed Religion there with that zeal and oneness of Spirit as did then appear in all ranks to imbrace and adhere to the Profession thereof amidst the greatest threatnings of their Adversaries so as a few Years did bring forth that which would have seemed strange for an Age to accomplish yea that we find betwixt the last Martyr for the Truth there who was burnt at St. Andrews 1558. and the establishment of the Protestant Religion and full abolishment of Popery with the full Concurrence of Civil Authority herein in July 1560. was but little above two Years to shew what great things the Lord can do above all Humane Council or Confidence XXII It 's sure we have seen in what remarkable degrees these last Vials of the Holy Judgment of God have taken place on the Kingdom of Antichrist and how Conspicuous the Event hath been of that Prophecy 2 Thes 2.8 in these great Effects and Consumption thereof by the Ministry of the Gospel as an assured Pledge of the full Accomplishment of what remains herein XXIII And as every step of the Churches Rise hath been still advanced in a continued Conflict betwixt the Truth and Antichrist so have we still seen when the Assault and Opposition hath been greatest it s most remarkable tendency to a greater Victory which were it rightly considered upon clear and solid grounds from the Scripture the most formidable appearances of Trouble from this Adversary would with more Comfort than Fear this day be looked on so that whatever be the nearest and most immediate events yet is it sure as the Lord is true whose Word is passed hereon that whosoever gives their Power and Strength to support that Interest of Antichrist shall lose the day and find their Cause desperate for the party with whom they contend herein is the Son of God against whom no humane Power shall ever be able to stand These are but a few which are here mentioned of the great Acts of our God in behalf of his Truth to be still as present in our sight in a time when the Spirits of many are ready to Stagger and Faint and here mentioned to lay no stress or weight of the Authority of the Truth and Doctrine of our Profession thereon but on the alone Revelation of the Scripture but they are such an undeniable Seal for Confirming our Faith and of so known Publick and famous Evidence as should be no less considered and taken to Heart now than in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein SECTION III. Qu. VVHat present Judgment are we called to have of this Time upon clear and assured grounds from the Scripture that we may know under what aspect thereof the present State of Religion and of the Reformed Churches is under when so great a Crisis is this day as would seem to be in the very Height of its Conflict whether as to Life or Death Ans It is no present Appearance of the time that must Direct our Faith nor should we either stretch our Fears or Expectations of Things and Events beyond what the God of Truth doth warrand in his Word but it 's clear if we credit the same and admit the Divinity of the New Testament there is no just Cause of Hesitation or Darkness as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in these latter days nor can there be any pretence to seek another Light either from the Stars above or the Diviners of this Time when so woful a Trade hath got up in the World that men wtll thus go to the God of Ekron as though there were not a
such an Erection of the Gospel Church in her Militant State here as the Papacy in its complex frame is united in such an Head as the Pope who as the sole Vicegerent of Christ in the Earth is at once invested with a Civil Monarchy and Universal Empire over the Church to impose and judge in the highest Transactions which relate to the Eternal State and Immortal Souls of Men is a thing that as to Matter of Right is as Forreign to the Scripture and inconsistent therewith as Mahumetanism can be And as to Matter of Fact is a Trust that no created Being could ever Exercise 11. He sees and is sure that he must either lose sight both of the Rule and Spirit of the Gospel or have a just abhorrence of that way wherein he should be inevitably Involved in a Virtual Consent and Accessoriness to all that Cruelty and Blood which for so many Ages hath been shed therein when it 's so clear that this was no Exorbitance only of Practice but a Native result of their Tenets and Principles and not only dispensed with but counted an highly Meritorious Service yea when it is sure that under no Secular Government of the most Tyrannical State that ever was in the World hath such Arbitrary Violence and Oppression been exercised Or so much Innocent Blood been shed as by this party 12. And tho his Judgement stood indetermined and in an equal Ballance upon this great Controversie he could not exercise Reason and not see upon what Hand such a Decision is as was in Solomons time of the true Mother of the Child and who do most ruefully seek to interest themselves in the imminent Hazard of the Christian Faith and who under the least influence of any Temporal Motives do this day stand for the Truth and Substance of Christianity and plead that iâ— be not destroyed in envy and hatred to them or on what side it is likely that this manner of Conquest is most followed to gain men to the Profession of the Truth by a prevailing Evidence of their own Light and Judgment herein and to require their exactest personal Tryal and enquiry about the same In the third place tho he sees there can be no pretence of Doctrinal Wavering about the Reformed Religion and finds it not easie to comprehend how in one and the same Age wherein the Truth hath so brightly shined this way of Popery should have Prevalence or gain ground any more by Seduction with Arguments to the Reason or Conscience of any yet since it is an hour of Temptation and of Fainting above all that have been hitherto known and mens eyes are Arrested with such a Prospect of the times as is like to Stagger the Faith of the most established he is pressed as counting it one of the highest Duties of this day to know and search out what may afford greatest Assistance to his Faith from the Dispensations of Providence therein and to know the Evidence and Strength of such Reflections as these are for this End 1. That it 's sure as the smallest things which the Lord does afford to strengthen and support against such a Storm should be seriously improved and taken to Heart so does it lay us in the way of that Promise for having greater things given to our Observation yea that now is the time when such as have been most comforted by the Word of Promise may be put to the sorest Tryal in their Faith of any to keep off stumbling at the Work of Providence and be thus tryed according to the measure of these Confirmations 2. Tho the Churches Declinings under greatest measures of Light may be too visible and that Religion gains not by Persecution as formerly with such an amazing change as is now in her External Condition yet he sees it to be no strange thing when most signal warnings have gone before of such a Tryal with too evident Dispositions towards the same and discovery of its approach in all the Causes thereof yea might be forseen by all that the Holy God would not still bear with an Impure and unenlivened Profession of the Pure and Glorious Truth of Christianity which hath now long been one of the most sad and mortal signs in the publick state of Religion nor can it be found that ever any Church did decline and fall from the Purity of the Truth and lose ground herein by External Persecution where a judicial departure of its Life and Power did not remarkably go before so as it is not of late this hath been clearly presaged that some dark and unusual measure of tryal from Antchrist and the last Havock of the Reformed Churches was drawing near which would be sore ere it had done its work 3. He sees also how this present hour is not more searching and dark than it may be clear herewith 1. That now after the issue of that Opposition which was betwixt the Christian Faith in the first Entry of the Gospel and that dying Apostate Church of the Jews and next with the Pagan Empire after that new Erection of the Gospel Church among the Gentiles which is now over so is the greatest Tryal of the latter days fixed on the Decision of that long depending Controversie betwixt Christ and Antichrist 2. That according to the Scripture we must believe that as after the manner of Egypt that glorious Triumph and Delivery of the Church from Antichrist will be surely carried on so the more near it comes to the last assault and when this falls in to have its proper room in the Frame and Administration of Providence the greater Extremity Terrour and Darkness may be expected also such as hath not been in any former time Yea with that united and formidable Conjunction of Strength and growing Success of this Adversary for a time that the most established Christians may be in hazard to stagger 3. That now is the day wherein the Lord will have men know what it is to have the Bible as the alone Security of the Protestant Religion on which they must entirely rest no less than as it is the sole Rule and Standard thereof which is a Tryal worthy of all that expence of the Pain Anguish and Wrestlings that can now possibly attend the same 4. Whilst the great Standard of Antichrists Kingdom is visibly set up and brought to the open field as it 's this day in the Church of France and all humane help taken out of sight yet does he see herewith 1. How this now is concluded as the most infallible Remedy to recover Popery And that Argument to which they trust more than to Peters Keys to wit these Sanguinary Laws by the Sword and Rack which they have again betaken themselves to tho such an Argument the Scripture never knew and sober Heathens would abhor and which gives up the Credit of all Religion to Atheism 2. That there can be no more evidence of a desperate and sinking Cause than is here and nothing else can