enchantment had fallen on men vvhat that could bee vvhich the more they sought to bear dovvn the more it increased that made the rich choose poverty and these vvho dwelt in palaces take themselves vvith chearfulnes to the dens and caves of the earth but besides this it is very manifest that in a large measure the spirit hath been let forth to the church in after ages yea there is no particular church vvhere the light hath shined but hath had it's special times some solemn day of the powring out of the spirit before the sun vvent down vvhich may be observed either at the first breaking up of the gospel or at some other remarkable time and change of her condition vvhence a great tack of souls to Christ hath follovved in a day vvherein an effectual doore vvas opened besides the reaching of the conscience and stirring the affection of many others under a common vvork of the spirit which usually goeth along vvith such solemn times 6 The going back of the tide and visible withdravving of the spirit from particular churches vvhere it hath sometime in a large measure been let forth is a very convincing vvitnes to the truth of this promise for it is clearly seen at vvhat a stand the gospel is in these places vvhere it most eminently shined that the land vvhich blossomed and vvas like a vvatered garden hath been made as the heath in the vvildernes and the ground from vvhence rain is vvithdravven and then that the ministers of Christ vvhose lot hath fallen in such a time are put to very sore vvork to vvorke as it vvere vvith oares for vvant of vvind to cast out the net all night and catch nothing a shut doore is upon them in the exercise of their Ministry duty is made Lurthensome because the Lord is against them there is an evident restraint upon the word and its intercourse is more with the ear then with the consciences of men yea any liberty they find is to execut a commission of judgement and to denounce the woe of the Gospel O doth not so manifest withdrawing of the spirit witnes the outletting thereof and that it is a certain and real thing 7. Doe not the stirrings and strange convictions which even the worst of men have sometimes under the word witnes a divine spirit and power going along therewith that which forceth an assent from their conscience to the truth which otherwayes they hate yea maketh them for the time wonder they should not have been more serious in the wayes of God yea it doth often put a thorn in the bed of their security for indeed the word and the light thereof doth torment these who dwell in the earth And truely this is a marvellous thing which winneth in uponm mens secret designes and councels doth reveal to them the most closs thoughts of their heart which they are sure mens eye could not reach taketh them down through themselves and yet that the world knoweth not whence it is yea are they not forced to confesse what a great difference they find betwixt the word from the mouth of some who are holy and serious though held out in greatest simplicity then from others even of greater gifts and accompanyed with more shew of eloquence that surely the one hath an other sound and relish speaketh more feelingly home to their heart then the most polished discourse of greatest oratours 8. One witnes moe I shall here give to the truth of this promise even these eminent examples of the grace of God which in every age have shined in the firmament of the Church some in love and zeal some in patience and humility some in the strong acts of faith and â—elf-denyal which doe certainly demonstrat a more excellent spirit then that which is in the world whence they appear with another lustre in their walk and carriage and have a sweet and fragant savour of the spirit to the very discerning of bystanders which truely sheweth that his wind doth blow on his garden when the spices send forth so pleasant a sent FOVRTH We find an expresse Promise in the word of Deliverance to the Church â—n a low and oppressed condition that surely the Lord will plead her cause will deliver his People when he seeth their strenght is gone and save them from the hands of their enemyes Ps 18 47 48 50. Ps 22 4 5. Is 54 17. Is 51 23. It is true this promise hath its bounds limits and provisions which should be taken along in the application thereof we know the Covenant of God with particular Churches is conditional only he promiseth that he will be with them while they are with him yea it is oft seen and there is no jarr here with this promise that a People professing the Gospel confederat with God following duty have even turned their back before the enemy and in the holy providence of God have for a time been given up to their fierce rage and violence but it is also sure that this promise hath an accomplishment and in the day of the Churches strait the Lord hath oft appeared by a strong outstretched hand for her help his own arm brought salvation to his People when they sought to him for God is known in her palaces for a refuge yea surely the Church might oft sing that song on such clear grounds as though with Israel shee had been standing at the red sea thy right hand O Lord is full of power thy right hand hath dashed in pieces thy enemyes for what nation or People is like this to whom he hath shewed such marvellous things Now to shew forth the faithfulnes of God in this his promise I would offer some few things that are a most clear and undenyable witnes thereto 1. There are fevv ages but vvee have some record of the churches condition vvhich hold forth such signal convincing providences of God in behalf of his oppressed church and people as may be a manifest seal to this truth it is true some times have been more remarkable for suffering times of judgement of a growing tryal wherein this truth hath not so clearly shined forth yea that long night vvhich the church had under Antichrist might seem to call it in question but never the lesse if men take a serious look of the Lords vvay and series of providence in ages past comparing one time vvith another what the straits and most extream case of the church hath at last resolved in they will find cause to cry with astonishment great deliverances giveth he to his people yea the Lord hath done gteat things for them I am sure were a full record with that true account which might be given of these more remarkable delivrances that particular churches have met with since the first planting of the Gospel among them wherein Gods very immediat hand for their help hath been discernable it should non-plus the World and greatest Atheists anent the real outmaking of this promise 2. The confession even
of the Churches enemyes hath oft witnessed this truth that in pursuing their malice to trouble and undoe her they have but undone themselves how tormenting disappointments have caused their very flesh to pine away and the close and issue of their rage forced this conviction from them at last that the Church is a burthensome stone to be lifted up a party with whom it is full of hazard to meddle have not such been made to discern something of a divine hand so clearly against them blasting their counsels and most promising attempts as if their eyes with Balaam had been opened to see the Angel in their way yea in all ages it is known how the conscience even of the worst hath oft bewrayed something of a presaging fear they have had of these whom they pursued with greatest malice and a dreadful impression they had of a praying people and their prayers 3. This truth hath had the clearest witnes in times of the Churches greatest strait and extremity when difficulties have appeared insuperable and an outgate in an ordinary way of providence most hopelesse when visible meanes have been withdrawn all refuge failed and none to help that in such a day the Lord hath been seen upon the mount and unexpectedly by very strange midses brought deliveranee to a broken almost ruined Church even as it were betwixt the bridge and the water so that these who would have a clear view of the accomplishment of this promise may but turn back on these more remarkable extream exigences of the Churches condition aod there have it how oft a sweet sunshine hath followed the most dark and cloudy times a raging storm hath resolved into a refreshing calm yea that with a further grouth of the Churches tryal and doubling of her burthen her enlargement and outgate hath broken up with so great and obvious remarkes therein that it was a convincing return of prayer wrestling having further addition of some new and singular mercy therewith yea some eminent act of judgment upon her adversaries 4. The greatest advantage and victories which men have got over the Churches and people of God can also bear witnes to this that when the wicked have sprung up like the grasse and the workers of iniquity seemed to flowrish this very way hath the Lord taken to bring about a more full deliverance Yea on the other hand hath it not been very obvious how the Churches gain hath been brought forth out of greatest lose that these wounds which seemed most deadly by the infinitly wise providence of God have turned to her most effectual and through cure and mens unreasonable violence and rage against the Church hath oft had an evident tendency to bring about even that whereto it seemed most directly contrary some further mercy and deliverance then could have been expected as the Amorites refusing Israel butâ— passage through their land did prove the very mean to give them more then they sought the possession of that land for an inheritance 5. This witnes the observation of the Church in all ages can bear to this promise that deliverance hath oft sprung up and been brought to her hand from an airth and by such meanes as none would have expected by such as none but God could doe a sudden report and rumour 1 Sam. 23 ver 27. meanes that have been not only small and improbable but that looked directly contrary as in bringing the Church out of Egypt yea sometime by the wicked ensnared in the work of their own hands is it not obvious how the Lord hath trysted mens privat interests to put them on for befriending his Church and hath caused the earth to help the woman and raised up one oppressour to punish another yea often hath prepared carpenters whence it was least thought to cut the horns of these who had scattered his people 6. There is this convincing witnes to the truth of such a promise that sudden remarkable change which may be oft discerned both on mens inward frame and the outward face of the Church when a time of mercy and enlargement is come instruments raised of the Lord with a discernable elevation of their spirits to act and doe exploits the feeble then made strong and these who sometime would have fainted at an ordinary piece of service dare with such a gale of divine assistance run as it were through a troup and overleap a wall ' for indeed this may in all ages be obvious how easy it is to move in the day when the Lord moveth for his people and strengthneth the girdle of their loines that it was not their bow or sword which got them the victory but the very finger of God something above the counsels of men or ordinary meanes which hath sometimes been made clear as the noonday so that even at some distance these who are wise to discâ—â—n the times did see when there was a breaking up of a dâ—y of a Churches hope how a previous motion and stir anongst the dry bones the sound of the Lord as in the top of the mulberry trees hath been then discernable and some pâ—â—mising appearance from the present disposition and tenper of the Godly in that time though we must grant mâ—rcy soveraign grace hath oft trysted the Church when litle of this hath appeared which like the breaking up of thâ—t cloud in the of mount Carmel to the Prophet though at first but as an handbreath hath shewed that livâ—rance to the Church was not far of â— I would adde this witness also these convinceing prâ—vidences which in all ages have been shewed against the enenyes of the Church such as men could not passe without some remark what an issue these have had who have sometimes been a sore rod on the People of God yea a terour in the land of the living How they have become a most abject and contemptible party like bees who have lost their sting their countenance hath been changed and they ceased to be any more a fear when once their work was done and the date of their commission for the humbling and trying of the Church exspired yea a judicial stroke from the Lord hath been often seen upon their very judgement and resolutions which could not then serve them to trouble and afflict the Church the day being turned and the time of her deliverance come FIFTH There is this Promise also which concerneth the Church in general as well as Christians in their personal case that all things work together for the goâ—d of these who live God Rom. 8 28. the accomplishment whereof as it is written out in providence to the observation of men I would here touch This is indeed a great comprehensive promise which in the constant course and tenor of providence about the Church we may see it doth take place how these turrings and changes of the World the most strange emergents of the time the various motions and interests of men doe cooperat together and have an
undoubted â—eâ—dency to bring forth the Churches good as though they â—d intentionally act for the same there will indeed one day be a more clear and marvellous discovery of this when the Lord hath perfected his work and the mystery of God is finished the Church brought safe to the harbour then shall it be fully manifest to what end all these stormâ—s and cross winds in the counsels and designes of men wee these things which in the time could not be understood but seemed perplexed and strange did really worke foâ—the Churches good for then men will see with their eyes afull performance of the word yet we must say even here in every age amidst the various changes of the Churches case this hath so clear an outmaking that there is no serious observer of providence but may bear winess to it 1. That not only the Churches good but ever her greatest good hath most clearly had its rise and been brought forth out of the greatest mischiefs and hurts intended against her that if we search the Scripture and will turn over these after records of the Churches condition we shall there find the most remarkable attempts and plots such as Pharaohs last essay to destroy the Isiaelites Hamans great design to root out the seed of the Jewes that great Masterplot Sathan once had on â—oot to crush the Gospel and the Christian Church by crucifying her head yea in these last times Antichrists killing the witnesses have all as if really intended by the instruments as well as the first mover brought forth the Churches greatest good so as the after-mercy and outgate hath carried some visible proportion to her tryal and to the greatnes of her adversaryes design 2. It may be also clear if we but trace back these memorable changesâ— which have been up and down the earth how direct a tendency they have had to this end did not the bringing down that great image of the Monarchies witness this We finde Nebuchadnezar raised up as a rod to the Church and Cyrus for a deliverer we may see the Persian and Grecian Monarchies brought down to make way for the setting up of the Messias his Kingdome Antiochus must stand up a little for a sharp tryal and his downfal give the Church a new breathing and hold forth to after ages a remarkable monument of the judgement of God against his enemyes Peaceable Augustus most tryst with his time in whose dayes shall be aboundance of peace we finde a Titus set up to execute the judgement of God on the Jewes to make way for a further enlargement to the â—gentil Church an Nero and Domitian to help forward the Churches suffering and a Constantine to give her some rest after so long and sore an assault and at last the Roman empire mouldred down for Antichrists upsetting to accomplish what did remain of the sufferings of Christ in his Church by that adversary 3. We may oft see a very strange tryst and concurrence of things how instruments act to bring about the Lords end and advance his Churches interest even while each one doth most vigorously drive their own proper end and design which sheweth there is surely a living spirit in the wheels that ordereth these motions a supream and first mover that can thus determine them whither they will or not to serve his end and the Churches good when they most directly intend the contrary 4. We have seen how in mens plotting the ruine of the Church there is oft an unseen hand determining their judgement and inclination to fall upon that very way then which we would think nothing could have been more direct for her good and their own ruine how an Hushai hath been sent in or some have been stirred up amongst themselves upon their own interest to break the pernicious counsels and designs of others 5. We have also seen the personal quarrels of the Churches enemyes among themselves brought to such an height and to tryst so seasonably that onlookers might clearly perceive that it hath been from the Lord a judgement for their rage and violence against his poor oppressed People 6. We have seen the Churches enemies raised to a strange height all advantages favouring them until their plot and mine hath been ripe for springing and lo at that very choke something unexpected hath fallen out which did turn their former successe to their further ruine yea disappoint all this the World is ready to call some fata and malevolent conjunction which cannot be resisted and what is this in effect but the witness of mens conscience to a divine hand 7. Have we not seen some sore dash and overthrow in the Church bring forth her good and a more full victory when visible helpe and meanes have been taken out of the way that something above meanes might be seen in her condition even in that day when all hath been given for lost yea truths loseing the day upon the field bring forth her triumph on the scaffold and at the stake 8. We have seen most despicable and ordinary things made subservient for some great piece of the Lords work a very small thing made the first rise of strange revolutions that remarkable changes have been oft lying in the bosome of common providence yea truely we finde both Scripture and the observation of after ages witness that the Churches deliverance and outgate did almost never come that way by such a method and meanes as shee had most expected the same and that Gods time of working may be oft very contrary to our time of expecting I shall only add is it not oft seen which I am sure all ages can witness how mens endeavours to darken the truth by errour hath been an effectual meanes for its further clearing That the growing of a tryal a violent and sore exacting upon the Church hath kindly wrought towards her outgate and enlargement her meat hath been oft brought even out of the eater by midses most destructive thereto and a svvord must pierce the Churches heart that the thoughts of many may be discovered a time of persecution must help to cure the divisions amongst the godly and bring them together in the furnace vvhich prosperity could not doe yea it is oft seen vvhich former ages can also vvitness that the very undoing of the Church hath been Gods blest vvay to keep her from being undone THE SECOND BRANCH DOth concern these Scripture threatnings which are held forth in the word with a respect to the visible Church and against a people professing the Gospel that no priviledges they have above others shall exeem them from judgment yea and from very sad strokes he hath knowen them above the rest of the World he will contend with them most severely because of sin and such particular evils as we find the Word threatneth I touched a little some Scripture-threatnings in the preceeding argument as concerned Christians in their privat experience what I here intend is to point at this truth as it
followed them to the grave for this the sword shall not depart from Davids house Idolatry rent the Kingdome from the posterity of Salomon Jonas shall not escape for his rebellion yea God was wroth with Moses and no intreaty shall hinder his dying in the wildernes I may adde hath not the Lords controversy on this ground even reached their posterity which may shew that these threatnings are sad earnest and such sins are not more particularly pointed at in the word then they have been in after ages made exemplary in judgement 3. A peoples lukwarmenesse their slighting of the gospel and not receiving the love of the truth we find sadly threatned in the word Rev. 3 ver 15 16. 2 Thess 2 ver 10 11. and truely we must say they have not fallen to the ground in any age without an accomplishment as frequent observation can witness First how a peoples entring upon a Religious way their pursuing a form of reformation and not through for God therein but on carnal grounds hath thus put them in a worse condition then before for truely mens hypocrisy in going about a good work doth threaten more then the performance thereof doth promise Jehu got a temporal reward but his posterity must at length reckon for all the blood of Jezreel 2. That no people use to be furder from getting good of the gospel then such who have been under most clear and greatest convictions so as it is found there is oft more accesse to gain amongst the savages then these who have sit their day while the tide did flow yea ministers have found most discouragement to labour in these parts where the word hath been long preached with power 3. It is seen how light not improved will turn a People more grosse and is usually followed with some remarkable grouth in sin that the more the word doth put a restraint on mens corruption the more it rageth so as it may be observed what a very black dy and collour the powerful preaching of the Gospel hath put upon a People as a visible mark of judgement on such who profit not thereby 4. Is it notseen how mens formality in the matters of God hath been oft punished even with the taking away of the forme Yea that seldome errour and delusion doth want a harvest amongst a People who receive not the truth in love 5. Hath not slighting of the Gospel been at last followed with some visible restraint and inhibition both upon the ordinances and dispensers thereof a judicial withdrawing of the Spirit as to the work of conversion and conviction whereby the Lord doth plainly cease to be a reprover to such yea even saith bind up the Law and seal the Testimony 4. The Word doth also threaten carnal Security a disease whereof the Church is oft in great hazard yea we find it holds forth a certain connexion betwixt spiritual judgements upon a People and some outward strokes to follow thereon that these who are under that first woe and plague upon their spirits are then near to some judgement upon their persons and may expect a sharp wakening in hearing they shall not understand c. but the close is until the cities be consumd without inhabitants and there be an utter desolation yea we find judgement doth begin as a moth in that 5. of Hos. but in the 14. ver it doth turn at last to be a lyon We may truely say the fulfilling of this hath in all ages of the Church been obvious 1. That as the first part of the Churches deliverance is usually spiritual so it is found the first step of judgement and the execution thereof against a People hath been upon their spirits that serious discerners of the time might know that the night was fast coming on and some sad outward stroke on a land by the abounding of spiritual judgements 2. It is clear themost dreadful strokes that ever come on a particular Church doe usually find it in such a case judicially hardned and under many warnings plagued with security thus did the floud finde the old World and before that desolating stroke on Jerusalem by the Romans were not the Jewes in such a case Salvain can tell how it was with the African Churches before that dreadful inundation of the Gothes and Vandals yea the Churches records in all ages doe witness that before any sad stroke or persecution came upon a People a deep sleep and lethargie hath been previous thereto gray haires might have been seen upon them and the Word doth even shew that this will be the last disease whereof the Church shall be sick before the great day of the Lord. 3. It is also seen how spiritual judgements when they grow upon a people make great dispatch and do quickly ripen for some further stroke that when men have run down their conscience and are past reproof of the word going on from evil to worse the case cometh then to be clear and ready for the finall discussion of the processe 5. The word doth denounce woe against the troublers of the Church and these who are her persecutors that the Lord shall recompence tribulation to such and plead with her oppressours the accomplishment whereof hath been truely manifest yea to the observation even of the world Is 10 5. 2 Thess 1 ver 6. 1. That eminent oppressours of the Church have seldome gone out of the World without some remark of divine anger upon them surely if there were a record of such instances that in every age hath been conspicuous men should be forced to see and say that the most noted enemyes and persecutors of the saints have been also the most convincing and noted examples of judgement in the time 2. That the Churches suffering useth to go before a day of vengeance on the instruments thereof we find Jehu got an outward reward for executâ—ng the judgement of God on his enemyes but as for these men who have been the rod of the Church it hath been seen that they have not long wanted some scourge as sore upon themselves as they have been to his People and that at last these have payed dear-for their service 3. We may see how this also doth help to finish the contraversy of God with men and their houses that for this he hath taken many away in the midst of their dayes and made them cease to be who would not cease to trouble the Church while they had a being yea that He hath taken them in his own hand whom men could not reach and made their down-casting in the midst of themselves 6. Doth not the Scripture threaten carnal confidence in a People the putting of their trust in man or in any outward instruments Ier. 17 ver 5 6. Is 30 ver 16 17. to clear the accomplishment whereof let us but compare the word and the Churches observation together and we will find 1. That outward meanes have never more miscaried then when most promising and when there was greatest
truely this is oft seen as an usual attendant on reformation how unsuperable like difficultyes and unexpected lets do grow up in the vvay thereof thus â—hen Luther and other instruments were raised up in Germany to pursue the Churches Reformation what cruel edicts were then set forth to give it a dash division among themselves the rising up of the Boors and Anabaptists what a pure and through reformation was on foot under Edvvard the sixth in England vvhat a dreadful storm did quickly break it up for that time and I vvouldadde vvhat the present case of the Church in Brittain and Ireland may at this day vvitness vvhere once the Lord so eminently appeared in a begun Reformation vvhich novv is at so great a stand but let us go in to the scripture vvith this and vve vvill find 1. There is a vive portraicture of providence in the affaires of the Church held forth in that vision which Ezekiel had of the wheeles at the river Chebar whose misterious motions and turnings so cross one to the other without any discord therein as to the end to which they were directed doth witnes the rational and wise conduct of providence the Lords work about his Church is a most shadowed and elaborat piece which men cannotsee before their eye as they see behind upon a review while ordinary causes do oft vary in their operation yea goe out of the common road yet the Scripture will make this very plain 2. Was not Nehemiah Ezra and Zerobabel at their work and duty and had an expresse call for building of the temple yet how great and frequent interruptious did they find sometimes environed with difficulties Zach. 4 ver 7. Who are thou great mountain before Zerobahel Yea they were put to hold the sword and build to watch and work at once because of their enemies 3. What a very sore backset was the Church at Hab. 3. Revive they work ô Lord in the midst of the yeares this was both a great and long interruption yea doe we not find her almost at a non plus with a queree which no visible appearance could answer by whom shall Iacob arise for he is smell 4. We find a special reformation set on foot by Hezekiah with a solemn Covenant by the Princes Priests and body of the People with a setting up of the pure Worship and ordinances of God but lo a sharp storm is soon after by Sennacherib yeaâ— Hezekiah scarcely is in his grave when his Son doth bring in corruption and persecution both at once yea when the Christian Church in the times of the Apostles begun to flowrish successe following the Gospel did not a sad interruption and scattering follow Act 8. 5. This is promised that Zions walls shall even in troublsome times be built and her being brought to a heap of rubbish was but making way for a further advance that in the building of her again the Lord might appear in his glory and is it not clear that Christs coming in the Gospel and power thereof to purge his Church and to carry on a reformation Mal. 3. ver 2. proveth a searching and trying time which men cannot endure for the power of the Word and clear discovery of sin and other shaking dispensations which doe usually attend such times and torment them who dwell on the earth yea and put the Devil and corruption of men aloft with all rage to oppose the same 3. That a sad overclouding and darknes should come on a land after most special manifestation of the power and glory of God therein and that a time of the Gospel with much light should be so neer a forerunner of wrath and judgement would seem a strange piece of providence and cause a serious enquiry hovv such eminent appearances of God for a people such great confirmations observable success for a time vvith many signal encouragements should all seem to resolve in a desolating stroke and ruine This may be instanced in that protestant vvar in France vvhere instruments vvere remarkably raised fitted of the Lord for the service of that time had much of his presence and countenance yet to resolve thus in a bloody massacre likevvayes these confederat German Princes Saxony and Landgrave of Hesse Men eminent for piety caried forth vvith much zeal for God for defence of the truth yea in the beginning of that vvar having many promising encouragements yet remarkably deserted of the Lord vvith very sad-like consequences follovving the same Let us consider also the late Bohemian vvar stated upon necessary defence of religion and liberty and at first attended with some smiling providences should resolve into so great a desolation and ruine yea the Church of Ireland O what a dreadful massacre of the protestants there did quickly follow one of the most solemn times of the power of God and outpowring of the spirit that we ever heard of since the dayes of the Apostles I confesse this may have a strange aspect and is a part of the marvellous wayes of the Lord but when we take it in to the word we will find there is no jar or discord here for 1. It might seem as strange and astonishing what Baruch got from the Lord in answer to his compliant Ierem. 45. that he would pluck up what he had planted and cast down that which he had built for a work to be thus throwen down where the Lord had once so eminently appeared given his People many confirmations might then occasion great thoughts of heart yet the unspotted righteousnes of God and his truth was apparent therein yea after that discourse and all these large promise which Christ gave his disciples in that sixteenth of Iohn we find all is shut up with that the houre is comming and now is that ye shall be scattered 2. What strange providences did tryst the Church in the wildernes sometime brought back to the red sea tryed with hunger and nakednesse consumed with various strokes and many yeares wandring until most of that generation who came out of Egypt filled their graves in the journey and yet this was after most eminent confirmations and as clear singes of Gods presence as ever a People had 3. We find a publick reformation most zealously prosecute by Iosias which looked like the renewed espousales of that land with God by a solemn Covenant yet quickly after night came on that land with a long captivity and Josias did fall by the sword 4. Was there nor a bright sun-blink flowrishing plantation of the Gospel in Judea a little before the desolation of that land by the Romans yea we will find it clear from the word that times of much light and reformation doe much sooner ripen for a stroke then any other times 5 It is very manifest that particular Churches have their day where the Gospel hath its appointed work and their stroke at last may reach the length of removing the candlestick I truely think that sad instance of Bohemia's case may
have this observable in it that it had longer day and enjoyment of the light even from the times of Iohn Hus and Ierom of Pragus which was neer an 100 years before there was any day break on other parts so that vve vvould consider if their night did come soon on that their day vvas also much longer yea the stroke might tryst vvith the ebb of the tyde vvhen their harvest vvas much gathered in under so long a continuance of the Gospel though I dare not think the Lords work is utterly extinct there but that Bohemias dead and withered root hath life yet in it and shall once again bud forth 4. Is it not usually seen when judgement cometh on a land that the Godly get the first stroke but let us also consider this in the word where it is clear 1. That judgement must begin at the house of God and the green tree and that the Churches trouble and persecution is a forerunner of vengeance on her adversaries do we not find there is a cup of tryall which useth to go before that cup of the judgement of God And O the last is of a strong composition for the wine is red and mixed and the dreg very thick which is reserved for the troublers of the Church and for such who are at ease in a day of her grief and truely they have the advantage that drink first Blest are they whom thou chastenest c. That they may rest in the day of their adversity untill the pit be digged for the wicked yea Rev. 3 10. we find keeping of the word of patience which doth import suffering to the Church goeth before some more universal stroke and in that day proveth the safety and protection of the People of God 2. It is also clear that men may be raised up of the Lord and followed with successe when he hath them for a rod to his Church but that at last A shur the rod of my wrath will I cast in the fire saith the Lord it is truely an evidence of great wrath upon a party to be made the rod and executioners of judgement upon the People of God for they shall pay for it by some sadder stroke then any trouble or suffering whereof they have been instruments 5. That prosperity and successe should follow sometimes the worst of men in an evil course and cause yea such a concurrence and series of providence as seemeth to smile on them even to the bringing of their sinful devices to passe while the People of God have been made to fall in a just quarrel before their adversary would seem an astonishing providence but let us lay it foreagainst the Word and there we will see 1. That there is a proserity which tendeth to destruction Prov. 1 ver 32. the tabernacles of the robbers prosper Iob 12 ver 6. and they that provoke God are secure into whose hands he bringeth aboundantly but they doe not see that wickednes is its own punishment and how it is a dreadful stroke to thrive in an ill course Was not the Church shaken with such a providence Mal. 3 ver 15. yea tempted to call the proud happy but in the ver 18. they were taught from further observation to discern and to put a difference between the righteous and the wicked 2. Doe we not find that even the signes and predictions of false Prophets in favours of a sinful way may come to passe Deut. 13 ver 1 2. whereof the Church is there warned and Gods intent in the same cleared that it is for the tryal of his People whither they will love and fear the Lord and cleave to his way when providence would seem to shine on a crooked path 3. Did not successe for a time attend Absolom Israel as one man went after him yea the friends and counsellours of David a fair wind did also favour Haman in his essay to ruin the Church Jeremy is almost shaken with this yea they have taken root yea they grow and bring forth fruit but is not this at last usually found an ominous weather-gall before a storm though the bruitish man knoweth not nor fooles lay it to heart for what the wicked doth oft spring and flowrish I would add Israels falling before Benjamin it was an astonishing like providence and Habacuck was put to a stand with such a thing why the Lord lookt on while the wicked devoured the righteous Yea Joshua was to cry out in an amazement O Lord what shall I say when Israel turneth their back before their enemyes but we have also the Lords intent therein witnessed by his word that this is to humble and prove his People that he may doe them good in the latter end and thus he beateth them off from all carnal grounds of confidence he woundeth them to a cure that by bringiug them low he may raise and fit them for a further mercy 6. What great disappointments hath the Church met with when outward grounds of confidence and ordinary meanes have been most promising as it is a thing most true so it may seem strange at the first look but let us bring it to the word and the case will be there answered Deut. 32. Why should one chase a thousand but because their rock hath sold them and therefore their strength is gone with the Lords departing from them for when a time of judgement is come even the mighty then find not their hands counsel faileth to the auncient ordinary means bring not forth their wonted effects which Solomon sheweth and after ages have oft seen the race not ever to the swift nor the battel to the strong it is also clear from the word how threatning a condition that is for the People of God to be much caried out after meanes or lifted up therewith Is 30. they will ride on horses and this shall be their punishment but on the other hand the Lords way in bringing forth his greatest vvorks hath not been by might and povver but oft by meanes most improbable and unexpected 7. The long continuance of a heavy afflisting rod on the Church without the appearance of an outgate or any return to much vvrestling and prayer on that account may seem a strange step in Gods vvay vvith his People But the vvord vvill answer us in such a case where it is clear 1. That there are no bounds in the Scripture set to the continuance of a tryal it doth not tell how long a sharp storm may ly on either as to the Church or any particular Christian for it is a piece of the Lords secret counsel but not of that which is revealed it is enough that we know from it that men cannot make the Churches suffering longer then Gods time 2. It was a long terme that of Israels tryal in Egypt and after under the captivity three hundred and ninty dayes must the Church ly on her left side O how many a sad day and wearisome night was there in that word 70 weekes are
these records vvhich have been keept in the hands of her adversaries vvhere there is so clear a portraicure of him held forth both as to his person his vvay of coming the place vvhence the entertainment he should get and his death that I must think it a contradiction to reason hovv men should acknovvledge the Old Testament and not grant the Nevv since it is clear the Jewes look for no other Messias then such an one as is held out by the Prophets and they acknowledge also the divine authority of Esay Daniel Micah Malachi c. vvho do by such cleer marks point him forth and shew the Church how they should know him when he cometh for truely it may thence appear that it is not more certain the Messias should come then that Jesus Christ is he I would but seriously ask vvhat do the levves this day misse in our blessed Lord Iesus vvhich the Old Testament allovveth them to expect in the Messias is it that he came vvith no outvvard shevv and glory sure according to the Scripture such an one vve ought not to acknovvledge no should he not be of the seed of the vvoman 2. Gen. vvho should be born of a virgin as Esay shevveth his voice not heard in the streets despised and rejected of men a man of sorrovves such an one as vvas shadovved out under the Lavv vvho should be made a sacrifice for sin yea come vvith no outvvard pomp but meek and lovvly and riding upon an asse vvas to be betrayed and sold and his price shevved by Zach for 30 pieces a crucified dying Christ that should be wounded in the house of his friends and cut off from amongst the children of his People O! can men possibly deny so cleer an accomplihment of these in our blessed Lord 6 Is it not undenyable that the Jevves novv in their present case cannot possibly expect the accomplishment of this promise that the Messias cannot this day come according to the Scriptrue except they could be put in such a condition as they were then in at Christs comming certainly it is impossible that the Old Testament be ever fulfilled anent this if it be not already can he come forth out of Bethlehem whilst now no such place is known by that name can he come into his Temple that is utterly destroyed is there not now a subversion of the tribes and the family of David not known at this day yea are not the gentils brought in whom Isai sheweth should be gathered under the standard of the Messias doth not the daily sacrifice cease which the Iewes will confesse hath been for many ages and this was to be after his coming and I would ask how was that ever fulfilled that the glory of the second Temple should exceed the glory of the first for this cannot be on the account of its structure or outward magnificence sure there is nothing wherein this glory could appear but as it points at Christ and the breaking up of that glorious light which was before its destruction 7. There is an innumerable company who have embraced the Gospel and received the spirit by the ministry thereof since the times of the Apostles who have put this seal thereto in all ages that it is the power and wisdome of God and truely without partial respect which the conscience of the worst of men have been forced to justify it may be said these were the excellent of the earth in their time many of greatest outward parts and abilities whose moral integrity and candour was beyond question even with their adversaries and these both of Iewes and gentils of all rancks of men of all nations and languages who not only by a naked profession but by their walk and sufferings did shew forth the power and vertue of a crucified Christ yea shine as lights whilest they were in the World to the conviction of onlookers and is not this a convinceing witnes to the truth of the Gospel which its enemyes cannot possibly deny 8. That excellent doctrine delivered to the Church in the New Testament by Christ and his Apostles doth it not clearly shew whence it is and witnes its own authority for here we may see a manifest agreement betvvixt this and the doctrine of the auncient Ievvish Church that as the five Books of Moses hold forth the sum of the Gospel the Covenant of grace and that mystery of Salvation by Christ so the Prophets do carry it on vvith furder clearnes and the Evangelists brings forvvard like an excellent edifice that is founded and advanced in the one but perfected in the other all breathing the same spirit vvith a convincing tendency to the same end so that vve may say the old Jewes under the Law were in effect Christians and the followers of Christ now under the Gospel in some respect are Jewes being one in the substantials of their religion for it is clear that poor Apostat people now in the Iewish nation hath wholly departed from their own doctriue and will not come to the light that they may be judged according to the Old Testament now in this I would seriously attest the adversaries of the Gospel if paganisme the Turks Alcoran or Iewish Talmud hold forth any such doctrine or rule as that which the Christian Religion doth such pure and excellent precepts to restrain the inordinacy of corrupt affection backed with arguments becoming an immortal soul a doctrine so sincere solid and rational so consistent with it selfe and agreable to the true scope and drift thereof which holds forth the most exquisite rule of perfection for men to presse after yea where every page and line breatheth forth holines towards God and righteousnes and humanity towards man 9. I shall adde these clear convincing evidences of the truth of the Gospel which did attend the first publishing thereof were so evident and undenyable a seal from the Lord as may force the greatest Atheist to silence for 1. They were Jewes as much concerned in the Religion of their Fathers as any who did first publish the Gospel none more zealous according to the Law then Paul was before his conversion none also could challenge their driving any outward interest hereby since persecution and bonds yea greatest hazard was that which they could expect 2. It is clear they walked by no rules of human policy nor these ordinary wayes of insinuation which the World doth use to engadge men and make a party to themselves but did deliver the truth truth most repugnant to the flesh and that interest with greatest candour and simplicity though likewise with a convincing authority and confidence yea came with a message to the World which had no other convoy or perswading argument but the evidence of its own truth but withal such a power accompanying the same before which men could not stand 3. What is published concerning Christ by the Evangelists the great works he did his dying at Ierusalem with all the stupendious circumstances thereof and signs
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
Churches ruines and witnes their detestation and grief for the growing Apostacy of such times 3. It is clear that as the prophecy doth point at some more remarkable suffering and persecution which the Church was to meet with from Antichrist beyond all it had endured from that adversary in former ages yea a special permission from the Lord to that party to vent their rage and cruelty against the Saints which should fall out after the witnesses finishing their testimony who had so long in an abject low condition as in sackcloth prophecyed yea when Antichrist should be at his height and his Kingdome upon the turn that then must this remarkable killing of the witnesses be accomplished so likewise did the event convincingly verify the same for it is knowen that upon the close of Antichrists reigne whilest the truth began to break up this sorest storme of persecution beyond all that had been before did then break upon the Church even in its budding forth that we may say that adversary did not onely put forth the outmost of his power and rage against the Saints but seemed in some measure to bring his cruel designes to passe which the dreadful massacres in France Province and the Valleys of Piemont the sore and violent persecution of the Church through the Netherlands under the Duke of Alba and in England by Queen Mary in Germany after the defeat of the Duke of Saxony and Landgrave of Hesse can clearly witnes 4. Is it not also clear how this remarkable storm and cutting down of the Saints over whose dead bodyes their adversaryes did rejoyce was according to this prophecy to be previous to some eminent enlargement and reviving of the Church which did accordingly fall out in the event like a resurrection of the witnesses from the dead to the astonishment of the World that immediatly followed upon the back thereof so that when their enemyes thought they had gained their end as they did conclude by such persecutions particularly that French massacre that the Protestant interest should be quite ruined they were forced to see their labour in vain and the Church more eminently flowrishing after the same I shall but furder adde that Antichrist hath not only been revealed and his Kingdome come to its height but it is clear this day that it is on the falling hand and his ruine is now begun upon which account we may say yea have cause to sing that the winter is past the fig tree putteth forth her leaves that sheweth the sommers approach yea the singing of birds is heard in our land let us go forth and meet him who is now gone out as a mighty man for the salvation of his Church and taken the fields against this great adversary of his truth and people on whose side victory doth surely wait II. WHAT IS YET TO BE ACCOMPLISHED HAving touched a little some of the most concerning prophecyes of the Scripture both under the New Old Testament which are already fulfilled and the truth thereof so clearly written forth in the history of providence that we may say the most ordinary observers if they will not shut their eyes cannot want a conviction thereof I shall now in the next place point at that which yet remaineth of the prophetical part of the Scripture to be accomplished these prophecyes which concern the Church in these last times whereby we may have a sure demonstration how far the night is spent and of the near approach of that blessed day of the liberty of the sonnes of God for this doth finish the mystery of God and fully perfecteth his work if once that which remaineth of the prophecyes of the word were fulfilled There are these truths the accomplishment whereof we have a sure warrant to expect before the end First the full ruin and downfal of Babylon 2. The conversion and incalling of the Jewes to Jesus Christ 3. A solemn day of the Churches flowrishing both Iewes and Gentiles which shall follow the outmaking of the former promise 4. The fall and destruction of the Turkish Empire that cruel party who hath been raised up and established for judgement with whom the Lord shall yet reckon for all that Christian blood by them so unjustly shed seemeth clearly held forth Rev. 16 ver 12. 5. We are also to expect after all these that full and last stroke upon Gog and Magog and then the Lord is at hand and that great mystery of the prophecyes and promises of the Scripture shall then be finished and at a blessed close I. We have the full ruin and destruction of Antichrist and his Kingdome clearly prophecyed and in very expresse tearmes promised to the Church 2 Thess 2 ver 2 8. Rev. 16 ver 10 17. the accomplishment whereof we do yet according to the Scripture wait for that the God of truth who cannot lye or repent shall in due time assuredly bring about and that this day approacheth when that solemn cry shall be heard Babylon is fallen anent which we would consider 1. That this judgement is already begun and the first step thereof visible is now clear wherein men may see the event most exactly answer the prophecy for the Lord hath begun to consume Antichrist by the breath of his mouth and since the first breaking up of the light his Kingdome hath been mouldering down before the Word hath not Nations fallen off at the voice of the preached Gospel It is true the Church wanteth not sore conâ—licts even under the Vials and it is the Lords way to try his People with such various uncertainties that when things have been most promising another providence cometh like a crosse wave which seemeth to drive them as far back as once they seemed to be forward yet it is sure and should be beyond debate that Antichrists overthrow is upon a present advance and that work of the Lord for his Churches deliverance is going fordward for if we believe salvation by Christ upon the warrant of the word should we not also with much assurance believe that Antichrists wound is deadly and incurable which he hath got by the preaching of the Gospel which all the Physitians of the earth shall never help 2. This is one of the greatest and signal actes of the judgement of God on his Churches enemyes one of the most eminent manifestations of his glory which he hath reserved for the last times wherein the appearance of his hand and great power shall be very manifest and we are to expect by this remarkable stroak that way shall be made for that glorious house which Christ is to have for himself in the latter dayes which shall be built upon Antichrists ruines when that new bride both of Iewes and Gentiles shall be prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb. 3. Though we are to expect on clear ground from the word the Lords eminent appearing by his immediat hand in this great work which shall be so convincing in that day and witnes an
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
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
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
adversaryes we may also on clear Scripture grounds conclude that the Lord is now awaked as a mighty man and upon the fields yea that the war is surely begun against Antichrist and all the adversaryes of his Church which shall not cease until the full victory be obtained for indeed these providences which in these last times should be very affrighting and terrible when we go in to the word we shall find they have a comfortable aspect on the Church and do presage her greater enlargement which as the tender buds and leaves of the fig tree are put forth to shew the sommers approach Luc. 21 ver 28. it is true the Church is now low and the work of God meets with very sad interruptions which are needful both for tryal and rebuke but this also is sure which none can deny that the Lord hath eminently appeared and done great things for his Church yea we must say he hath by a confluence of very remarkable providences thus condescended to strengthen his peoples hands to confirm such who are ready to stagger even as it were by cruches anent the greatnes of these things which are yet promised Now to clear this truth a little we would consider First How it is very consonant to the Scripture and expresly held forth in the same that in the last times and turn of the Churches case from Antichrist the Lord will thus appear in his great strength and set up his standard against his adversaryes yea will then in a special way call forth his people to glorify him by an active testimony 2. That the Lord hath thus begun to appear according to his word is a truth that is also undenyable should much help to confirm our faith anent the performance of that which further remains of the Scripture 1. That this is manifest from the word may be thus clear First Though the Church militant must not want an adversary and some persecution from the World even in her best estate yet we have a safe warrant to expect that the Lord will glorify himselfe in a peculiar way in his people now in these latter dayes by doing and acting for the truth as in former ages his glory did most appear dnreing Antichrists Reign in his Churches suffering for then the faith and patience of his Saints was to be witnessed in its season Rev. 13 ver 10. and thus he would serve himselfe of his people and bring forth his glory until that time of retribution when these who had killed with the sword should be killed by the sword and these who led unto captivity be so dealt with which doth also clearly promise some special outletting of the Spirit for acting with these gifts of courage and resolution sutable to the service of the Church in the latter dayes and truely I think it is a great want we study not more the accomplishing of the promises and how to improve the same for gifts as well as grace in order to the several times and necessities of the Church 2. It is very clear from the Scripture that in the last dayes when Christ is to raise his Church from under the power and tyranny of Antichrist he shall then appear in a warlike posture which John had shewed to him Rev. 19 v. 13 14. as one upon the head of his forces with his vesture dipped in blood to shew that vvhen once the vvar is begun against his adversary and this Lyon of the tribe of Juda begins to rouze himselfe up vvhat a terrible appearance he vvil have in that undertaking and it is clear that the Lord hath declared in this his counsel and vvill that his Son Christ should in the latter times take unto himselfe his great povver and reign Rev. 11 ver 17. yea cause the World knovv him to be Head of principalityes and povvers as vvell as of the Church for his glory in this truth as a King which former ages seemed in so great a measure to darken must then clearly shine forth I truely think mens appearing with such violence and rage against so concerning a truth now in these dayes doth promise some eminent appearance of the Lord therein and that he shall yet more solemnly assert the same before the World 3. Doth not the Scripture point at the last times as that special time of recompence for the controversy of Sion to which the Lord hath reserved a solemn triumph of his justice over all his Churches enemyes when he shall enquire for the blood of his Saints shed upon the earth since the dayes of Abel at Babylons hand Revelat. 18 ver 24. that great adversary who stands in law guilty and hath served her selfe heire to all the violence cruelty done in former ages for in her hand must that cup be found full which the enemyes of the Church from the beginning hath been filling up and as so many rivers and fountaines hath run unto this great sea 4. It is also clear that in the last times when the Lord shall bind up the breach of his people and heal the stroke of their wound who for so long a time had been trampled under by Antichrist he shall by some signal providences roll away this reproach and scandal of meannes contempt and persecution shall put some glory on his Church proportionable to its former abasement yea thus comfort her according to the dayes wherein he had afflicted her and cause his peoples uprising in measure and kind to answer their low and suffering state from Antichrist even in the last times when the Lord shall make them appear with the face of a Lion when the feeble shall be as David and as the Angel of the Lord Zach. 12 ver 8. which promise doth clearly point at the Churches raising and delivery from Antichrist upon the back whereof we find the Prophet doth foretel the last conversion and incomming of Israel 5. I shall only adde what the Scripture doth most expresly shew that the Lord shall so gloriously appear in bringing his Church out of Babylon and executing his judgement on that adversary as in the day when he brought his people out of Egypt and therefore shall they sing the song of Moses and the lamb Rev. 15 ver 3. his great power and outstretched hand being no lesse discernable therein then if they had been standing with Israel at the red Sea when they saw their enemyes lying dead upon the shore yea have we not ground to believe that the Lord shall make himself very evidently knowen in raising instruments and acting them forth which hath been already seen and I am sure the World must confesse what great things have been done by these of whom little was expected III. That the Lord hath thus begun to appear and make himself known to the World in these last ages according to his word is a thing very easy to demonstrat for 1. Is it not clear how in these last times he hath met his enemyes upon their high places
and in their greatest strength that by a strong hand he did make room for his truth when both Law and force did withstand the same and put the marks of his wrath on such who would oppose the spreading of his Kingdome that they have been as visible as sometimes their rage and violence against the Church was yea since the Lord begun to lift up a standard for the truth and call forth his People to act hath it not been seen they have losed their ground more by underhand treaties and turning aside to carnall politick shifts then by open force and violence vvhich the French Massacre vvith other sad instances can vvitnes for indeed the Church hath still lost least by greatest opposition 2. Have vve not seen by vvhat dreadful shakings and alterations of the earth this late glorious reformation of the Church from Antichristianisme hath been ushered in vvhich hath been more strange and frequent then in many ages before hath not the Lord caused the Nations shake and the earth to reel like a drunken man to shevv men that though he suffered long in former times of the Worlds ignorance he vvill not so novv bear vvith opposing his truth 3. Have vve not also seen the Lords raising up men fit for action in these last times men of a great heroick spirit vvith some more then ordinary elevation of the same to appear for his intrest such vve may say that many former ages could not instance in vvhich the Lords helping his People to do great things his suiting them vvith enduments for the service and vvork of the time hath been most discernable Was not that excellent man the Admiral of France vvith many others in that place eminently raised up for the necessity of that time and doe we not find these Princes of Orange William and Maurice and Mauritius of Saxony whom the Lord raised against Charles the V. and caused him flee over the Alpes yea what marvellous resolution and courage did attend the actings of the confederates of the Low Countryes in latter times doe we not find Gustavus King of Sweden Bernard Duke of Weymar Lantsgrave of Hesse with many others eminently raised to avenge the Lords quarrel against that bloody house of Austria have we not also seen very great instrumemts raised up in Brittain and Ireland who were followed with wonderful successe to act for the truth against Antichristian Prelacy and truely we must say the withdrawing in such a measure of that spirit of courage and resolution which once was so visibly let forth in the first dawning of the Reformation may sadly point at a great decay of zeal selfe confidence unfaithfulnes as to the improving of opportunities for the Lord was with his People whilest they were with him and did singly follow him in his way but alace with their departing it may be said their strength hath departed from them however the quarrel is clear for an oppressed Peoples acting upon so just so necessary an account as the interest of Religion against the cruelty and violent encroachments of Antichrist wherein as the Lord hath eminently owned his People so I dare not question he will yet appear and silence the adversaryes of this truth by such an argument against vvhich they shall not debate 4. That unusual deludge of blood which for the 100 yeares past hath overflowed much of Europe can be a witnes to this that the Lord hath taken peace from men who vvould not embrace the peace of the Gospel offered in these last times and given his enemyes who had shed the blood of the saints blood to drink in great measure I am sure poor Germany can prove this which for 20 years together was a field of dead men France from the dayes of Henry the II. to the establishment of Henry the IV. hovv long vvas the Low Countryes made a stage of vvarr vvhere many a cruell Spanjard did fall under the svvord of an avenging God besids the late bloody vvarres in Brittain and Ireland and vvhat doth this declare but that Jesus Christ hath taken the fields and it vvil not be novv vvith the Kings of the earth to oppresse his Church and withstand the truth as in former times I shall but adde hovv vvonderfully hath the Lord appeared in delivering his Church at the greatest extremity hath turned his enemyes counsels and designes upon themselves brought about the great vvorks of these last times by meanes so unexpected and improbable that vve may say as to vvhat of his judgement is already execute against Antichrist hath been no lesse marvellous then that Jerichoes vvals should fall at the sound of a trumpet of ram-horn or a cake of barley bread tumbling into the host of Midian should smite and overthrow the same surely when we consider what the Lord hath done and how exactly that doth answer the Scripture we may have much to confirm us anent the further accomplishment of his word and be assured that the term of his long suffering towards Babylon is at an end war is denounced and the execution already begun which must not have a close untill judgement be accomplished into victory IV. Ground which may confirm the faith of the saints and be as a pledge in their hand of the full accomplishing of the Scripture yea that this is near is this that the day is now turned and that prophecyed victory which the Church should have over Antichrist before the end is not only begun but in a great measure advanced This is indeed a great confirmation when we see so marvellous a crisis in the Churches case her recovery from so desperat and hopelesse a disease already begun that it shall be furder perfected we are made to wonder at the greatnes of these things yet promised but why should we not also wonder at that which God hath already done for his Church in our dayes the Scripture doth shew that Antichrists ruin must begin by the word that this stroke shall be gradual and however that great work of God meet with much opposition yet it shall no more go back in the whole and must we not say in all this the word is fulfilled it hath not hitherto failed the Church but the event in every circumstance made to answer to the same Now to clear this we would consider these two First that the Churches victory over Antichrist is this day so farr advanced 2. How the Lords very immediat hand hath been most discernable therein I. The first I need but name whilest it is so manifest what the Lord hath wrought for his Church for we have seen Kingdomes and Nations subject themselves to the truth the kingdome of Antichrist grow dark with the breaking up of the light and many of his followers made to gnash their teeth being scorched with the heat and power of the gospel in how great a measure is that interest now shaken if we consider what the Lord hath wrough what a great reformation hath been in Brittain
preacher of the Gospel to his death Galeacaeus Garracceolus an Italian Marquesse of great place and estate in the World was so taken by the hearâ— with one word in hearing Peter Martyr as made him quite not only all his hopes of preferment a most pleasant place as was in the earth and a great inheritance but to go over the belly of the most pressing intreaties and insinuations of his friends the weeping cryes of his Lady and Children and go to a strange place quiting all that he might preserve his conscience and enjoy fellowship with the Church O what a solemn witnes was this to the truth and of the conquering power of Christ And in a word what a marvellous thing was it that poor Luther against whom so much of the World was aloft with greatest rage and violence should yet live to an old age and go to the grave in peace And truely the Spirit and appearance of this great and fâ—â—st witnes to the truth might be a convincing evidence that the Lord was then to raise up a People to himselfe in whom he would be glorified by an active testimony as well as by suffering Besides these instances I would here mention some remarkable providences worthy indeed to be observed though they are little knowen to the World which we may say doth not only witnes the power of God but are a convincing seal to his truth and the Churches Reformation in these last times It is a remarkable passage which worthy Mr Forbes sets down under his hand whilest he was banished for the truth whose words are these In the year 1607. being at Ruan in France and meeting with Monsieur 〈◊〉 that auncient and famous divine and then Pastor of the Reformed Church in that city he had from him this following relation After the close of the Councel of Trent in the time of Pius the V. there was a consultation in Italy by the Pope and Cardinals for an utter extirpation of the Reformed Churches in Europe and to this end every Prince of the Romish Religion had a certain part designed where this great project should be put in practice The death of Pius the V. hindred a present prosecuting of this design And his successor Gregorius XIII did suffer it to ly dead having no heart that way and so until that time of Clemens VIII it was not revived but then this bloody resolution was of new ratified by him and his Cardinals under their hands and seals the onely difficulty was in this to find a fit and trusty person whom they should make use of to the Princes of the Romish Religion for engadgeing them to subscrive the said ordinance and set about the execution thereof At length a Gentleman of good parts near in blood to the Cardinal Baronius is choised which to him was a matter of much grief and sorrow for unknown to them he was of the Reformed Religion but this grief in his countenance and carriage put his friends who observed the same to strange thoughts and so much the more that he did expresly declare to some of these who asked thereanent that what to them seemed a cause of rejoycing was to him a just occasion of grief yet at last finding his haâ—ard upon a bitter challenge from the foresaid Cardinal who had heard thereof he judged it his wisdome to dissemble shewing him his unsuitablenes to so great an employment could not but be ground of trouble and fear and so was someway forced to engadge getting his commissions the decree of the Conclave with letters to the foresaid Princes sealed and subscribed But lo whilest this poor Gentleman is on his journey having found wayes to free himself of his servants and other company his spirit was in great perplexity betwixt these two grievous temptations either to be instrument of utter ruin to the truth and Churches of Christ or forsake his countrey inheritance and all he had in the World upon which he resolved to retire himself out of the high way to an obscure village where for three dayes he gave himself to fasting and prayer for direction and resolution from the Lord and after this had his heart so strengthned against the care of his wordly estate that he resolved to forsake all and to reveal this bloody conspiracy to the Churches of Christ and cast himself on Gods hand for his future estate so that he turned his face from Spain and took journey to France and to Paris where at that time remained the sister of Henry the IIII. a Religions Princesse afterwards Dutchesse of Lorraine to whom the foresaid Monsieur Figureus was her preacher and unto him made his addresse though after divers refusals of admission upon suspicion shewing him the whole bussines and delivered the sealed decree with his letters of coâ—â—mission for that effect and did likewise shew him who was then astonished at such a wonderful providence of God in fostering some of his own Children in the midst of Babylon and that to so comfortable an use for his Churches safety that there were many others in Italy yea in Rome it self of the Reformed Religion who had their secret meetings and even Gregory the XIII before his advancement to the Papacy was throughly clear thereanent in his judgement whereof he gave him divers evidences This foresaid relation did so affect Mr Forbes that he shewed his marvellous desire to see that man who had done so worthy and gracious a work for the glory of God and good of his Church and by a recommendation from Mousieur Figureus he did afterwards go of set â—â—â—pose to that place taking the first opportunity for Heâ—delberg where this Gentleman was then retired for his further security and honourably entertaind by that Prince where he sheweth that he saw him and from his own mouth received the assurance of this former narration to his great satisfaction and comfort This is the very suâ—me which I have here set down and truely â—â—â—scribed off the principale which I had beside me both written and subscribed by Mr Forbes his own hand A remarkable providence I shall also here set down which did tryst with some very convincing circumstances at the Parliament 1621. at their bringing in of Popish Geremonies upon the Church which was then a sad step of the lands defection from the truth contraire to their engadgements whilest the faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ at that time did with greatest seriousnes and freedome obtest and warn these who were in power alace that now there is litle of such a Spirit appearing that they would not to please men corrupt the Worship of God but the speat being violent it did at last resolve in a Law at which very time whilest the Kings Commissioner did rise from the throne to ratify this woeful act by the touch of the Scepter was even in this moment of that ratification trysted by the God of Heaven with an extraordinary lightning and very unusual great claps of thunder and these
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.
sacrifice of the Lord be abhorred then some of these who should be the falt of the earth yea none more obstruct the treaty of the Gospel betwixt Christ and his Church then Ministers who are called the friends of the bridgroom Oh what a strange and astonishing contradiction may this seem but it should be no reproach to that holy and excellent calling of the Ministry for of such the Scripture hath expresly warned I confesse it may be said no Atheist like an unsanctified Minister yea no Atheisme of so black a dye as theirs who being still enured with holy things have yet no sense thereof Now in this very dark houre wherein the Church seemeth to have fallen in a death like pang and oh many of her Children in a sad lâ—thargie that if we looked in an ordinary way her wound might seem incureable there are a great and concerning Quaeries that I think should much take us up The one is to know what the Scripture speaketh to the Church what solid ground of encouragement is there held forth for truely if we had not that sure testimony of the Word we might fear Religion should quite wear out and truth perish from the earth but doth the Scripture speak peace all then is well that O that is sufficient security to put the Churches hope beyond further debate though men should threaten though the earth were overturned and the foundation shaken this is a determination above men above all the rules of humane policy yea above the stars which frustrateth the tokens of the liars and maketh diviners mad even that revealed Counsel of God taking place anent his work and People I knw some grave writers of these late times doe expresse their fear that the horrid wickednesse apostacy of the Gentile Church may at last resolve in the Lords departure and an universal darknes that as the rejection of the Jewes made way for the Gentiles incoming so their fall may as remarkably preceede that solemn return and restauration of the Jewish Church it is also become the fear of many that Popery may yet once overrun the whole Reformed Churches before Antichrist fall but since these sad thoughts nor any appearances of the time are no part of our Bible we should learn neither to stretch our fears nor expectations beyond that which the Scripture warranteth and if the Lord be God and this his very word let us adhere to it and wait for its accomplishment A 2. Quaere which is ndeed no lesse concerning in such a time may be anent Duety what so imminent an liazard of the Church and this great decay of Christianity doth most pressingly call for but this is a subject which requireth another pen and too large to touch with a passing word yea we may say the great want of these dayes is not anent the discovery of duety but of the practice of known and discovered duetyes for the Scripture giveth a certain and distinct sound in the darkest time and hath not left us to doubtful inquiries and debate in this matter I shall therefore leave it with a few things onely to be in the general considered 1. It is sure that every time hath its present duety and the wise discerners thereof will knw thence what they ought to do what work and service the present circumstances of that time cals for shall the earth have its seasons wherein things are beautiful shall the stork and swallow know their time and yet Christians not know how to bring forth fruit in their season and discern the special time and opportunity of duety 2. It is also sure that every Christian in whatsoever capacity or condition as he hath his measure and talent so hath some work and opportunity of duety wherein they may serve the Lord in their generation yea it is not the meanest lot or condition that shutteth that door upon any that they have no work for God who desire to be faithful for him Oh that in this threatning time when darknes is like to overspread the Church it were more upon the heart of Christians to strive together and contend by a serious improvement of their several capacities to preserve Religion and transmit the knowledge of Jesus Christ to the posterity that the Christian parent or Master of family did witnes more that great resolution in a time when many are drawing back but as for me I and my house will serve the Lord. 3. It is found that the most eminent and honourable service of the Church doth usually tryst her in a low and suffering condition when there hath been but little strength many outward disadvantages then both their call and furniture hath been most observable to confesse the truth to endure for the Gospel of Christ to overcome by the Word of his testimony a piece of service whereto more prosperous times doe not give such an opportunity yea it hath been in such a case Dan. 11 32. that these who knew their God were made strong to do exploits 4. It doth much concern us to put a high value on the truth in a time when men must either lose it or buy it and O what a choise purchase is that which cannot be bought too dear though at the rate of our liberty estate credit and reputation yea with the losse of peace when it cometh in competition with it For it is that great depositum oâ—ce dâ—livered to the Saints the inheritance of our Children that way whereby Jesus Christ keepâ—th intercourse with his Bride on the earth yea the charter of all our mercyes and of our hope through eternity 5. Though every line of diâ—ine tâ—uth is inestimable yet it is sure there is a more pressing caâ—l for our adherence to that truth which is most controverted in the time for it is the word of his patience and the matter of our present testimony and it is known through all ages what a singular blâ—ssing hath followed the contending and witnessing of a few for the truth in a spait of publick defection to keep it alive when it was like to be swallowed up yea to effects above rational beliefe unus Athanasius contratotum orbem many such remarks have not been wanting 6. I shall only adde that which is alwayes necessary and binding yet we may say in a time of the Churches hazard and suffering is more pressingly called for even the study of Christian prudence a duety convincingly necessary for regulating of duetyes according to the circumstances of the Churches case which doth so nearly concern the interest and preservation of Religion that I must say a breach in that concord betwixt zeal and Christian prudence when there is not some equal respect studyed in the exercise of both cannot but give the Church a sore wound this is indeeda large theam but I shall onely point at in 3 things 1. In our avoiding and being tender to give offence not only to keep a distance from evil but from the smallest appearance thereof I must
last dayes it vvould be of great use and profit to the Church that some more fitly qualified vvould study a more large collection of this kinde O that this might go forth vvith a blessing from him vvho by the meanest things can serve himself promote the ediâ—icaaion of his Church and that the Lord vvould raise some up vvith much of his Spirit to make a further search and enquiry in this great and vveiguty truth ERRATA PAge 12 Line 1 for very read every pag. 45 lin 2 for ate r. are p. 77 lin 10 for securitly r. sccurity p. 90 lin 18. for were r. where pag. 94 lin 13 for plaines r. plainness p. 105 liu 26 for most r. must p. 167 lin 9 for hash r. harsh p. 185 len 3 for therefore r. thereof p. 108 lin 1. for Alba r. Alva pag. 214 lin 25. for cruches r crutches pag. 217 lin 11 for III r. 2. p. 220 lin 1 for IV r. III. p. 255 l. 31 for petioned r. petitioned p. 285 lin 11 for observation r. observable Other such fmaller escapes as one letter for another or wrong pointing will not hinder an intelligent Reader The fulfilling of the SCRIPTURE THere are two meanes by which the blessed Majesty of God hath chosen to reveal himself to the sons of men his Word and his Works which may be called these two great Luminaries for giving light to the Church though the one be greater I mean doth more clearly shine forth yea doth communicate light to the other these men must not divide which by so strait a tye the Lord hath joyned and by a mervellous correspondence hath set the one over against the other that it may be easy to see his faithfulnes and the accomplishment of the Scripture therein and indeed this is a great concerning truth that calleth for a serious study the solid persuasion of which should affoord a svveet ground of repose and rest for the soul though the earth were all in a combustion ronnd about and give a satisfying answer to our most sollicitous thoughts and feares Now this being the intended subject of the following discourse I shall first touch it a little in the general and then hold forth some more particular grounds whence it may be clearly demonstrated I. That the Scripture of God hath a certain accomplishment here in the World and what is to be understood by the same I shall endeavour to clear in these things which would be considered 1. This is the very unfolding of the Lords decree and secret purpose the bringing forth of his work now within time to the view of Angels and Men which was before him in the deep of his thoughts and counsel from eternity it is an opening up of the sealed book which we must not understand to be that secret roll of election and the book of life wherein the names of the elect are writ but Liber fatidicus the sealed book of Gods dispensations in the World shewing out his counsels and designes which should be brought forth in the after ages of time for as the Lord did fully comprehend what he was to do and all that was to befal his Church and People from the beginning to the end long long before there was a beginning before the mountaines were formed so hath he copyed and written out his heart in the Word hereanent wherein he hath most plainly shewed forth what were his blessed purposes and counsel of old and thus the thoughts of his heart his Word and his works do sweetly aggree and each one wonderfully answers to another for his work doth bring forth and accomplish his Word that his decree and counsel from all eternity may take place 2. The Scriptures accomplishment is the transcript and writing of it over in providence where we may see and admire how the Word doth shine upon all the pathes and footsteps of the Lord toward his Church in every age and gives light to the same and what an evident reflection his work hath again upon the Word so that through the whole series and course of providence in the earth we have a most exact portraicture and image of the Scripture answering one to another as face answers to face in the glasse where it may be easy to discern the copy by the principale and that resemblance which is betwixt the building and that excellent pattern and model which is held forth thereof in the Word 3. The accomplishment of the Scripture is the very turning that which was the object of our faith and contemplation to be the object of our sense and feeling it is the real birth and bringing forth these truths unto the World in their appointed time and season concerning the Church and particular Christians which were hid in that womb of the promise and many dark predictions of the Word it is such a thing as giveth the promises and Prophecyes a visible being yea bringeth truth so near within the reach of our senses that we may even touch as it were and handle the Words of life O what an excellent interpreter is experience Tast and see for thus the serious Christian getteth a view of the Scripture and spiritual things which the most subtil and piercing eye of unsanctified Schoolmen cannot reach yea by the practice of truth nearnes to God ahd retiring of the soul to him hath oft got more light in ane houre then others by many dayes putting their judgement and invention upon the rack 4. This is Gods own seale which he pntteth to the Word to confirm and ratify the same I do not only mean that secret seale of the Spirit within but something more external that solemn testimony of his workes whereby he doth every day appeal mens consciences anent his truth for his works are very manifest whereon there is so clear an ingravening of his truth and faithfulness that as the impresse and image of the seal is upon the wax men may also see whose superscription and image that is which doth appear on such and such passages of providences 5. This is something we are not to seek onely in the extraordinary acts of providence or in any singular and eminent path of a christian experience nay it doth shine forth in the smallest and most casual things that falls out yea in every Page of that great Volumn of providence may be clearly read 6. The Scriptures accomplishment is such a thing as concerns every Christian in his personal case to which his ordinary experience doth relate whereof these have a large register what of the Word hath been certainly proven in the several steps and changes of their life whose practice doth much ly betwixt improvement of the Word and observation how it is fulfilled such can witnes how under a spiritual decay to be carnally minded is death and when it s well that great peace they have who love Gods Law they have oft found that in a strait he is a very present help and in the way
of duty that its surely good to draw near to him and in the close of their life can from many remarkable and convincing providences declare the truth and faithfulnes of God and truely whilst I speak here of the Christians experience I think its sad and a great short coming that there is not a more serious improvement of it for this end which is a very concerning duty on such who have tasted that the Lord is gracious O what an excellent addition would this be to their testament when they are to leave the World to leave a testimony behinde them to the faithfulnes of God in his Word and promise and thus put their seale to the same from what they have oft proven by sure experience for this should prove a singular help to strengthen others and spread abroad the fame and good report of religion yea thus one generation should declare the works of the Lord to another and transmit the memory of his goodnes to succeding ages 7. This is something which not only the Christians experience doth witnes and in every time take place but hath also a peculiar reference to these ages and periods of times wherein such particular truths should have their accomplishment for its true that the Prophets of old did not onely in their predictions hold forth in general the truth and certainty of these things which should fall out but they also inquired and searched diligently anent the time to what or what manner of time the Spirit by them did point at 1 Pet. 1 11. For it s truely clear that a piece of the Word was under the Law to have its peculiar accomplishment that part of it also under the Messias Kingdome in the dayes of the gospel should be fulfilled and we find a very concerning part thereof belongs to thir latter times and there is betwixt such periods of time and revolution of the Churches case and the bringing forth of such a piece of the Scripture to a performance a very certain and undoubted connection It s true we do not yet well understand which will be one of the last manifestations the Church shall have at the end of time when the mystery of God is finished how to sort the event exactly to the Word but it is sure and were worthy of our study and observation how every age hath something of the Scripture peculiar thereto yea carrieth forward the Lords work and design a further step may we not see how one age fulfilleth such a piece of the Churches sufferings appointed for her and puts some great tryal and sad persecution over her head which she was to meet with whilst an other age carrieth her thorow an other change and giveth her a time of rest and breathing how such a time bringeth Antichrist fordward to his hight and such a following age begins the turn of the Churches case yea every several period and revolution of time still addeth something to that excellent history of the Word and providence which we have since the beginning and bringeth forth something further into the world of the Lords counsel and design about his Church 8. The accomplishing of the Scripture is such a thing we are to look after in a special way here which concerns this militant and traveling condition of the Church for if the Scriptures were once fully accomplished and the great mystery of God therein finished there were then nothing more to doe his work of providence were at an end and time should be no more this is something that is not here perfected at once but is still gradually carrying on and then shall be compleat at the resurrection of the just and second coming of the Lord which is the last part of Canonick Scripture to be made out when both his work and his word and time shall be all finished together but whill the sainets are yet by the way they have the written word and all these pretious promises therein for present use and encouragement for that is its proper work to take them safe thorow this labyrinth of the world and when it hath brought them to land it hath no more to doe there will be then no more need for a Christian to goe to a promise and adventure upon it we shall then no more watch with the watchmen in a dark and stormy night and hope for the breaking of the day faith then shall not be at a stand how such a word shall be made out because of invincible difficulties in its way no then it hath done its worke and that which is written shall be swallowed up in that which is seen and enjoyed all the streames of our encouragement will then lose themselves in a greater depth O then it s finished and done what all the promises prophecies and threatnings of the Word was bringing forth and then no more need of something as a pledge and earnest in hand to them who have the full possession of the inheritance under whose feet the God of peace hath trod Satan and all their enemies 9. I shall adde this the accomplishment of the Scripture is something which is not onely demonstrat to a Christian by sensible influences and Gods Secret working with his Spirit but is made out to the observation of men in the way of providence and not onely witnessed by that internal evidence of the Spirit but by an external testimony which both rationally holdeth this out to the judgement and sensibly to the sight and experience and this is the strongest and most full of all outward evidences since the world must shut their eyes if they do not see it and a Christian must deny what he both seeth and feeleth if he deny a witnes to this II. We would consider the accomplishment of the Scripture as that which is the Lords peculiar work and design in the World and that great bussines which is upon the wheels of providence amidst the various changes and revolutions which are here within time for bringing about whereof the blessed thoughts of his heart are fixed and unalterable This is indeed a grave and serious truth worthy to be more noticed and laid to heart by men that the glorious providence of God which goeth throughout the earth and doth particularly reach all things which come to passe the smallest as well as the greatest intrests of men in all these doth move certainly and infallibly for the accomplishing of the Scripture which is that great thing God hath before his eyes for it is no personal intrests of men how great so ever they be that can answer this end it is something beyond the Setting up of Kings or overturning Kingdomes and nations that he doth minde amidst these varions changes which are in the World it s some greater thing then that which we most notice the Lord thereby designes how such a party is advanced and others brought low for these things come within the reach of his care and providence in so far as the
the enemyes of his Church if the dust of the ground should arise down they must come how many great designs of men hath this blessed design that the counsel of the Lord may stand crusht and broken so that their work and counsel hath been as the Spiders web when it stood crosse to this end the godly need not fear that he be not a present help in time of trouble for he will keep his word herein though the Earth should be overturned and the Mountaines cast into the midst of the Sea O who hath resisted his counsel What are all these vicissitudes and changes here in the World But making way for the Scriptures accomplishment with what desire doth he move towards this end So that as in Zachary 6 v. 8. the instruments by him appointed for executing his judgement and the threatnings of the Word it s said they have quieted his Spirit his decrees are mountaines of brasse which are unchangeable the thoughts of his heart take place in all generations therefore the Word Which is gone forth out of his mouth shall not return in vain but the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand III. The accomplishment of the Scripture is a truth very clear and manifest whereof none can pretend ignorance if they doe not shut their eyes and force their own light from the fear of such a discovery for the obstruction doth notâ—ly in the darknes of the obiect or that men cannot see this since we have it so clearly held forth in great and legible charecters nay we must say the cause is culpable there is much of the will in it which renders such ane ignorance without excuse O that this should be so little lookt after a matter of such near and weighty concernment when there needs not an other demonstration but come and see the works of the Lord through the earth for he hath here so far condiscended to his People to bring the truth near that they even feel and grip the same yea doth in a manner say to every one as to Thomas put in your bands touch the Word and truth thereof and be no longer faithles tast but and see that the Lord is good and that he is true in what he hath spoken We are indeed to look after a more clear and full discovery of this truth the nearer the Church is to the end of time there is a labyrinth as it were of turnings and windings through which we may see the Word oft brought so as we lose sight thereof and are ready to stagger anent its performance but it s as true that the most eminent confirmations the saints ever had of this truth hath been after greatest shakings thereanent yea the Lord hath in all ages so visibly sealed his Word by its performance that we may say can he be a Christian and a stranger to this in his experience and a serious on-looker on providence and the dispensations of the time wherein he lives and a stranger to it in his observation yea can any be so wholly brutish not to discern a thing so clear that oftimes these who run may read But to speak a little more to this I shall here point at some things that may shew how manifest this truth is 1. Is it not very clear which we see very day brings to light A truth so conspicuous both in Gods ordinary way with his Church and in the several steps and passages of a Christians life For these mercies which bring the Word and promise to passe are new every morning and cry aloud if we could hear great is his faithfulnesâ— this is indeed tryed and needs there more to convince a blind man that his sight is restored to him but that he certainly seeth sure they never wanted confirmations here who do but serviously seek to be confirmed 2. Is it not a clear truth which not onely is found upon the exactest tryal but is witnessed by such who ever tryed it in their most pressing straits and extremity for it s in the darkest night this truth hath most brightly shined and these more remarkable ventorious acts of faith have they not still brought forth most convincing experiments thereanent We may say there is none can give a better account of the performance of the Word then these who against hope have beleeved in hope that this never made them ashamed 3. Is it not also clear whereof there are such solemn extraordinary comfirmations in all ages For that his name is near his wondrous works declare I am sure no time could ever deny its witnes how by great convincing providences both of judgement and mercy it hath been so sealed as hath forced Atheists to keep Silence no time wherein the Church had not cause to erect a pillar and engrave thereon We have seen with our eyes the great and wondrous works of the Lord by which he hath witnessed the truth of his Word 4. Is it not a manifest truth which even in the most strange and dark footsteps of providence so clearly shineth forth these which at the first look are an astonishment and hard to be understood yet after most clearly verify the Scripture that whilst the Lords way goeth out of our sight yea out of the ordinary road of his working through a labyrinth of turnings and crosse dispensations yet at length it doth evidently clear and dissintangle it selfe which men may oft see break forth as the sun out of a dark cloud that shiueth the more brightly the more it was obscured 5. Is it not very clear which can be demonstrated by such visible effects in these great changes of the World For the fulfilling of the Scripture is not a thing hid in a corner but oft published in the house tops that men may see legibly written upon Kingdomes and nations the desolate ruines and devaâ—â—ation of cities houses great and fair which are made to be without inhabitants so as these who go by may clearly read the cause and bear that witnes Lothereis sin visibly punished according to the Word 6. How clear is this which we have so evidently drawen out and acted over in a Christian walk For what else is the spiritual conversation of such these visible effects and evidences of the grace of God all along a Christians way but a visible convincing witnes to the performance of the word Hath not such a very audible Echo and resound to that which is the great drift and Scope of the Scripture where men may see the bible turnd over into a practical history written forth and acted on the heart and conversation of the saints as on a stage or theatre the Word living speaking moving and clearly diffusing it selfe through all the veines as it were and conduits of a Christians life so that if the truth and reality of the grace of God be a thing manifest and unquestionable we must also see therein the reall performance of the Scripture 7. I shall adde we may
of this promise to the Church beyond all we have yet seen that many Scripture-truths now dark and abstruse shall be made so clear as shall even cause us to wonder at the grosse mistakes we once had thereof yea that after generations shall have a discovery and uptaking of some Prophecies now obscure which shall as far exceed us as this time doth go beyond former ages which comparatively we must say were very dark O! when that promise of the incalling of the Jewes shall once take place what a wonder will they be to themselves that their understanding shonld have been under such a vail when the truth shall be clear and evident to them in that day Will it not be a sweet and easy work for the godly to sort together the predictions of the Word and the events And truely there is much now wrapt up in Scripture Prophecyes not yet fulfilled which we may say in after times when the event shall unvail their meaning wil exceed yea confound all these comments many have had upon them 3. Is it not also clear that these Prophecies which of all the Scripture were most obscure and overclouded with dark figures and allegories concerning which there had been such mistake and hesitation by the Church so many perplexing queries have a peculiar respect to the last times And that then they shall be made plain and easy vvhen so notable a key as the event doth open them up such as these of the vvitnesses taking lyse and rising again Babylons fall and ruine Christs Reigning vvith his Saints a thousand Yeares vvhich novv are in some measure already cleared from their begun accomplishment beyond former times but vve vvait for a more full eommentary that tyme shall give upon the same 4. It is in the latter times that the glory of God in his truth and faithfulnes shall most eminently shine forth that is a part of the solemn congratulation of the Church upon Babylons fall Revelat. 15 ver 3. not only great and marvellous are thy works but just and true are thy wayes for truely in this stroke of the judgement of God and these remarkable providences concurring therevvith the fulfilling of the Scripture vvill be so plain and undenyable that we may say it vvill then dazel the eyes of men even greatest Atheists alarme the World yea very effectually contribute we have ground so to judge to that promised encrease of the Church and incoming of the Jewes when in Antichrists fall and ruine they shall see so convincing a seal put to one of the most considerable Prophecies of the Word in the accomplishment whereof much of the Prophetick part of the New Testament relating to the Churches state and her long tryal under Antichrists reign may be seen clearly verified 5. The Lord hath reserved his greatcst Works to the latter dayes wherein his judgments shall be manifest and the Word confirmed by such solemn convincing providences that men will not get them passed without a remark we are this day witnesses to many such and are looking what these times shall yet bring forth that the great and remarkable acts of the Lord must force the World to see a divine power and say lo there is an undoubted accomplishment of the Scripture 6. The Church in these last tymes hath peculiar advantagcs for understanding this truth of the Scriptures accomplishment which former ages had not First a great part thereof is now fulfilled that men may see with their eyes if they but know how to lay the Word and work of God together the Christian Church had in former times but dark glances at these great things which we have this day visibly transcribed in providence the promises were then travelling in birth of that which is now brought forth 2. Are we not mounted as it were on the shoulders of that experience and observation of former times which hath been transmitted to us and we must say upon that account the Church hath now a greater seal and confirmation of the truth then what it had in the dayes of the Prophets and the Apostles even when Christ was in the flesh 3. The Temple of God and Ark of his Testament is now opened in Heaven light more fully abounding and the meanes of knowledge And O! should not this be much our study who have a greater talent then former ages certainly this will be a sin of a deeper dye then in times of ignorance since we can be no strangers to this truth without shutting our eyes blinding the conscience doing violence to our light when the Lord doth give his People such solemn confirmations 7. I shall add is it not clearly soretold in that Dan. 12â— ver 4. that in the last times this will be one of the speciall exercises of the saints to enquire and make a diligent search concerning the Scripturs accomplishment For it s there said many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased importing that this shall be much their study and cause a diligent fearch whereunto the great works of God in these times shall invite them and what should be the posture of the Godly in these dayes on whom the end of the World is come should it not be lyke the watchman in the last watch of the night who looketh oft what appearance there is from the east of the day breaking a serious enquery what of the Scripture is fulfilled whereby we may know on very clear grounds if the night be far spent the day at hand and that the coming of the Lord to judgement draweth near VIII This is a great and concerning duety for Christians to study this truth that they may have something more then repore how the Scripture hath a sure accomplishment and doth take place in the providences of the time wherein we live I must think strange that there is such a great help as this so near and yet we see it not nor do seriously ponder the same when the command is so express to observe the works of the Lord which for that end are shewed forth that men may enquire and read the faithfulnes of God therein yea that so great a truth which would bide the search of all the criticks of the World a truth wherein our blessednes through time and eternity lyeth should offer it self to our tryall and yet is so little known O who can dispense with the neglect of this duty by which we answer that solemn call and invitation of the works of God do honour him serve our generation are helpers to our own faith and are thereby helped to strengthen others yea are brought to see with our eyes and from experience what before was as a strange thing unto us Now to clear how much this is Christians duty to study a practical converse with the Word and to be serious observers of its accomplishment let us consider 1. We are thus helped to declare the works of the Lord and to give him the glory of his faithfulness
this also while they have found 1. That in one day they may t adventure on that which through most of their life they have not win above but hath made them go with their back bowed down to the grave that their giving the Lords work a wrong touch is one of these things which doth scarcely leave them all their time but beyond other sins they have found this still come up with a bitter and heavy reflexion yea in the evening of their life they have found this so sore on their spirit that it could not ly hid or silent but they were forced to witnes their sense of it before the World ere they could win to any ease 2. That this the Lord doth usually meet with some sharp and publick reproof even before men that though he pardon his People yea give some sensible intimation thereof to their souls yet he hath not past them as to some visible mark of his displeasure because of such a thing 3. They see that a crooked and uncleanly way proves not the mean of extricating them out of trouble but their straits have been made to grow therewith yea they have found that which they eshewed in Gods way hath more sadly trysted them in another rod and that there is a thick dreg in the bottom of the cup which maketh it worse to drink thereof at the close then at the beginning 4. That it is not easy to make a stand in turning aside from the way of God when once they are engadged and that a retrograd motion is very violent and yeelding in a little will bring with it some necessity of going further as a judicial stroke 5. That sitting of some clear opportunity to give a testimony for the truth when called thereto hath turned to be their judgement that they should not have further accesse or be made usefull that vvay a thing truely obvious to such as are vvise to observe the judgements of God in their time yea likevvise that publick backsliding doth oft visibly vvear men out of personal tendernes FIFTH Unsubduednesse of spirit and want of mortification to outward things the Word doth clearly threaten and hold out its hazard the accomplishment vvhereof Christians experience can vvitness Rom. 8 ver 6 7. 1. That God hath oft turned their idoll to be their crosse put a mark of his jealousy on their dearest things vvhen once they put them in his room yea frequent observation of the Lords vvay both vvith themselves and others doth shevv if they vvould be quite of a thing they may set their heart immoderatly on it such eagernes and exorbitancy of affection being a sure presage it shall either be their judgment or sorrow or cease to be 2. That outward things did never yeeld lesse then whilest they prest them most that when they are eager in pursuit of the World and satisfaction there spirits are sensibly hurried with many perturbations so that they must say that which keepeth them from enjoying of God doth also hinder the comfortable enjoying of themselves 3. They have founded that slow advance in the work of mortification hath at last doubled their smart and been the procuring cause of some very sharp cure when the discase did come to that height that a small and ordinary potion could not do the turn 4. That immoderat desire and pressing after an outward thing they have sometime got answered but therevvith a sharp reproof from the Lord yea usually have found small satisfaction in their enjoying that about vvhich they vvere so unsober in their enjoying that about vvhich they vvere so unsober in their pursuit give children or else I dye said Rachel she got children and she dyed in bringing one of them forth 5. Their experience can also vvitnes hovv overcaring anxiety hath oft caused things thrive worse under their hand vvhilest they found never a more satisfying issue in a particular then by a quiet submissive dependence on the Lord for the same SIXTH The doing violence to light and sinning vvith a vvitnes against the conscience as it is clearly threatned in the Word so likevvayes the sad effects thereof hath been clearly vvitnessed in all ages 1. What a direct tendency this hath to the further darkning of their light and to a judicial hardning and that reproofs not entertained do usually become lesse frequent yea lesse pungent and searching their heart then doth not so easily smite them and put the tear in their eye as sometimes a word or secret rebuke of the conscience would have done so as they can now digest greater things who would sometiumes have stood at that which comparatively was very small 2. That when they would not read their bosom distemper which both by the word adn conscience was pointed out others have got leave to read the same written on their fore head and the shifting of discovered guilt and of all serious endeavour to get the quarrel taken up in secret betwixt God and them hath brought the matter at last to some publick hearing even before the generation 3. That their darkening of their light upon some privat interest while they would again and again enquire if such a thing be warrantable concerning which the Lord had once cleared their minde is a most perillous thing yea hath got an answer according to the idol of their heart and their choice made to be their judgement I shall but adde what bitter and sad experience can tell how dreadful it is to give the conscieuce a wramp which is more easily hurt then healed that deliberat adventuring on the occasion of a temptation when they would goe to the high priests hall without warrant or a calling hath cost them dear and they have found that bold sinning doth afterward make faint beleeving SECOND ARGUMENT SECOND Argument to demonstrat the accomplishment of the scripture is this that not only Christian experience but the observation of the Church and people of God doth in all ages bear witnes thereto how the Lords way in these providences both of mercy and judgement about the Church amidst the various changes of her condition yea in the most strange things which fall out in the world doth convincingly answer the word and verify the same It is indeed undenyable that the scripture of God as it is written to the personal case of his people and doth in their experience take place so is there a part of it in a peculiar way directed to the Church the fulfilling whereof in the providences and events of the time should be the subject of our observation and would singularly help to confirm our faith of the truth thereof For prosecuting this argument I would touch it a litle in these three branches 1. How these General promises which belong to the chureh universal and concern her in all ages have an accomplishment 2. How these threatnings also of the word which doe not only concern the church but have a respect to her adversaryes are certainly fulfilled take
the Gospel It is true the Christians inward experience can best witnes this for these have an argument from within they know and they are sure they have received the spirit by the word whereby they understand these things which are spiritually discerned but that which here is intended it is to shew that the spirit is truely let forth to the church according to the promise that it doth accompany the truth and doctrine of Christ and purity of the ordinances as a thing which from clear undenyable evidences may be demonstrat to the conviction of the greatest Atheist for I must think even bystanders such who never knew any saving work of the spirit but live in these parts where the ordinances are dispensed with purity and power if they shut not their eyes may oft clearly see something going forth with the word that is beyond words a divine spirit and power which sendeth forth its savour in the dayly administration of the gospel yea by its effects and some convincing discovery thereof doth force this truth in upon mens consciences who are otherwayes strangers thereto Now to hold forth the accomplishment of so great a promise that God is faithful and true therein I would give in these clear and convinceing witnesses to the same 1. These excellent gifts and enduments given to the Church are they not a visible proof of this truth For it is undenyable where once the gospel cometh that instruments are raised with another spirit reapers sent forth while there is a harvest to be gathered and shaped for their work yea these who were of mean and ordinary parts when called forth to the service of the Church will have another lustre that it may be oft seen with astonishment how far not only they exceed themselves but these who were of more eminent natural enduments I would but seriously ask men who never laid this truth to heart whence is that variety of Gifts so sutably dispensed to the various employments and different pieces of service the Church doth call for how are they thus suted to the several times yea to the very genius and temper of such a time Whence is it that every gift and qualification is so fitted and disposed for its proper use some most peculiarly shaped out to awake and threaten these Boanerges while others are set forth with a spirit eminently fitted to comfort some mighty in perswasion yet not so fit to expound others most dexterous to instruct yet not so powerfull to apply some the gift of tongues and others the tongue of the learned to speak a word in season to the weary to some the face of a lyon is given when a heroick spirit of courage and resolution is called for to others the face of a calf for patient enduring in sufferings times surely it were a choice meditation to think how with as great wonder we may say of this excellent body of the Church as of the natural body of man how curious yea marvellously is it framed where every part doth answer another and to the use of the whole each hath its peculiar excellency and something proper to every ones gift may be then seen as well as in the face of man by which in somethings they differ from all other 2. These more eminent extraordinary outlettings of the spirit do also witnes this truth which at some special times when the churches necessity requireth it hath been most discernable when the Lord sendeth forth his servants about a more then ordinary piece of work either to doe or suffer when he is to plant the church in some place where the gospel will meet with much opposition is it not then manifest how some more then ordinary power and irresistible efficacy doth accompany the truth before which there is no standing the disputer is then in his reasoning confounded by something above reason the untoward and rude are forced to stoop before the word and to confesse they have to doe with power and not with words yea these whom the Lord maketh use of who were feeble and weak as others in that day are made as a brazen wall defenced city 3. Is it not also undenyable that now under the New Testament there are Ministers of the spirit and not of a dead letter and empty sound That with the word there goe along a ministration of power and life whence a Majesty and authority attending the publick ordinances is oft so discernable that even these vvho know not what the Spirit is are made to see something therein vvhich doth dazle them vvith astonishment vvhence is it that at sometimes such a beauty and povver shineth forth vvith ordinances like a glance of the glory of God even going before mens eyes vvhich for the present hath made a vvonderful change upon some very grosse men and put them in an other temper yea forced them vvith fear to acknovvledge that surely God is near in the assemblyes of his peopleâ— and I would ask whence is it the word giveth law to mens consciences should speak with such an authority as maketh them all to shiver that even the worst of men are sometime made to stand before the ministry of the word like men standing at the barr upon life and death before a judge whose authority they durst not decline 4. It is very discernable what a great difference an other appearance there is both on Ministers and Christians at one time from what they are at an other in the discharge of duty as if these were not the same persons vvhich appeareth not onely in the enlargement and streatning of their gift but also in povver and life is it not seen vvith vvhat liberty these doe sometimes pray are as a ship with a full gale before the vvind that it is then easy to preach vvhen at other times there is like a shut door that even onlookers may perceive a sensible languishing and them hampered in their very expressions yea as men rovving against a contrary wind the vvord vvanting that savour rellish it hath had at other times and this not through a natural indisposition or vvant of preparation but that vvhich all vvho ever served God in the spirit must confesse hath most sensibly trysted them vvhen they have thought themselves at the greatest advantage for going about duety O vvho can deny this evidence of the spirit a thing in all ages so sensibly felt yea even obvious to the vvorst of men 5. It is also clear that vvhere ever the Lord hath had a church at some special turnes of her condition there have usually been some more solemn times of the spirit high spring-tydes of the gospell there was indeed marvellous flowing forth of the spirit of God after Christs ascension vvhich like a mighty current did carry all before it at which time more successe did follow one sermon then hath been by the ministry of many others in an age this made the vvorld vvonder as if some universal
is written in the providences and judgments of every time to mens observation how judgments from the Lord which point as with the finger at the abounding sins of that time do reach a land and particular Churches according to the threatnings of the word this is indeed manifest that the greatest promises made to a people we find backed with saddest threatnings and accordingly we find the greatest monuments of wrath have usually been set up where sometimes the largest offers of the Gospel were yea that the anger of the Lord may draw so deep against a people professing his name as to make their land desolate and the high wayes thereof mourn for in this precinct of the Church doth both judgement and mercy most eminently shine forth and the Lords way there doth differ from that he hath with any other people Now to clear this grave truth a litle how these threatnings of the word against a nation and people because of sin are also verifyed in their judgements I shall touch a few instances that are most known and obvious where we may lay the word and observation of the Church together and see how they answer one the other First we find the Threatnings of the word do point at the time of a peoples judgement 1 Thes 2 ver 16. Rev. 14 ver 15 18. That when they fill up the measure of their sin and their cup is full the Lord will not then defer the execution until the cup of the Amorites was full he did let them alone and we find an answer deferred to the cry of the souls under the altar for avenging their blood on Antichrist because that accursed party had yet more to do against the Church and the Saints more to suffer under their hand Now to witness the accomplishment of this let us but consider what in all times may be observed First that there is an ordinary grouth and height of sin which a land cometh to before destruction some national and universal spreading thereof prodigious outbreakings the utter rejecting of reproof which shew that a peoples case must then be on some turn yea that strange and unusuall sinning useth to go before some strange stroke 2. Before judgement come is it not seen how the sin of a people hath become so daring that it hath had a loud cry yea their case hath been such as did justify the Lords procedure against them even in the conscience of all lookers that he did it not without much cause 3. Is it not easy for such as are wise to know the times to see night coming on a land when sin is at some dreadful height by considering the word and the Lords usual way with a people in such a case Yea hath there not then been some special forwarnings a more then ordinary impression of judgement upon the spirits of the godly the hiding of many of them in the grave which as threatning presages hath shewed the near approache of a stroke 4. There doth not usually want even some Noah or Jonas the Ministers of God sent forth to threaten who as watchmen upon the wall are discerning hazard at distance yea with an observable pressure then upon their spirit and a more then ordinary aggreement amongst themselves to cry out and give the people warning when the time of judgement hath been drawing near 2. It is clear there are some special evils and sins of a time which we find the word most dreadfully doth threaten yea in a peculiar way it doth put a mark upon them that though the Lord should passe by many infirmities in a Church and people professing his name yet for such and such sins as we find in Amos 1 ver 2. he will not turn away the punishment thereof but hath solemnly declared by his truth and faithfulnes that these shall not passe without some visible mark even before the world of his anger now in this the Scripture is clear and lets us see there are some sins more particularly threatned some land destroying sins that have as it were the marke set on them which doe especially provoke the holy indignation and jealousie of God such as idolatry corrupting the Worship of God Perjury and Covenant-breaking shall they break my Covenant and escape saith the Lord Ezek. 17 ver 15. also departing from God and his way for this the land shall be desolat as in Ierem. 9 ver 12 13. yea blood guiltines which the earth shall not cover and for which the sword shall not depart even from the house family of David 2 Sam. 12 10. Now to evidence the accomplishment hereof I shall point at somethings most obvious to the observation of every time how terribly the Lord useth to plead for such things and by some exemplary stroke and judgement point them out as we find them particularly set by themselves in the word and threatnings thereof First how in these sins thus marked men may see how their judgements use not wholly to be deferred to another world but though much is oft passed here and laid over to that last and great judgement yet upon such sins the Lord hath put some mark of his displeasure even in this life 2. That for these he useth to contend before the sun and in the view of men his judgements are indeed oft secret and doe consume as a moth but upon such sins we may frequently see some publick and visible stroke is made to follow that the world cannot passe without a remark 3. That the Lord also useth to be a very swift witness against such evils for as we find the oppression of the Church hath a lowd cry and the blood of the saints a how long it is also seen these forementioned sins do much hasten judgement so as seldome that generation passeth away without some witness thereto it is rarely found that some great revolt of a people from God and breaking Covenant with him doth ly long over unpunished nor doth the hoary head of the violent and bloody man go oft to the grave in peace 4. That these sins use to be followed with some very dreadful and eminent stroke they have made the land desolat their cityes sometime wast and a ruinous heap yea houses great and fair to be without inhabitans so as men have with astonishment enquired why is all this comed to passe and it was easy to answer even for such and such evils hath the Lord done this according to his word 5. That a divine hand useth to be most discernable in the punishments of such sins because of a very clear resemblance betwixt them and the stroke which hath forced their own conscience as well as of onlookers to confesse the Righteousnes of God therein 6. That the Lord will put some mark of his anger on the choisest of his servants for any accession to such sins these to whom he hath given their soul for a prey have yet got a sore outward stroke upon such an account which hath
expectation from the same yea that very eminent instruments when much leaned to have been observably blasted and made to shrink under such a burden 2. That these whom the Lord had made much use of yea honoured greatly to be instruments in the service of the Church have oft had some discernable blot to reprove mens overlading of instruments with their esteem a Tertullian an Origen in auncient times yea even a Luther in these latter ages must goe with some halt to the grave 3. That many vvho have been useful in the Church for a time the Lord doth oft lay by yea maketh not use of them to the end but the last may be made first and truely that excesse in mens esteem putting a further vveight on some meanes then they could bear hath oft helped to render many useless 4. Is it not also seen hovv one extremity is thus plagued vvith an other None more ready to shrink in a day of trouble then such vvho at a distance seemed most daring yea none more ready to fall in that exâ—â—sse of undervaluing instruments then these who have most exceeded upon the other hand 7. Doe we not find the word threaten and in a special way point at corrupt ministers unfaithful watchmen who give not warning to the Church these shepheards that feed themselves but not the flock the leaders of a people that cause them to err and by their practice to stumble at the law Mal. 2 ver 3 ver 9. The accomplishment whereof hath in all ages been very discernable First how such have usually been most noted as the greatest and most violent enemyes which the Church hath at any time had yea that no course hath been so evil and gross that hath wanted some of these to help it on whose hatred and persecution of the Godly hath been found to exceed the most openly profane and profligat in that time 2. That as they are particularly threatned above others in the word so they get also some remarkable cast above others in their judgement and having once lost their savour becom vile and loathsome even to the worst of men are contemptible in the eyes of such whom they seek in a sinful way to please yea have a worse savour then the prophanest wretches that being verified in them Corruptio optimi pessima 3. that these do seldome make a good retreat from an evil way so as it is an usual observation it is rare for Church-men to repent or a fallen starr to shine again 4. Are not such oft smitten even in their gifts which we may see wither and drie up upon them while not faithfully improved yea to the very conviction of their hearers to have lost that edge which once they had in their ministry 5. I must add another remark thoug I desire to deale with fear and much tendernesse in such an application of the judgement of God how the Lord doth oft put some note of his wrath on the Children and ofspring of unfaithful Ministers that it hath been seen none more wretched and grosse whereto as their evill practice and example hath been a special help so likewise are they thus punished of the Lord who did not seek to beget Children to him by the Word but through their way did rather cause many to err and fal THE THIRD BRANCH HAving spoke something how the Scripture both as to the promises and threatnings thereof is evidently fulfilled in the Lords ordinary vvay of procedure vvith his Church I vvould a litle further follow this Argument how this also hath a manifold accomplishment even in these most strange and dark passages of providence whereas men are ready to stumble challenge the spotlesse righteousnes of God and his faithfulnes therein but if we lay them to that measure line of the word which is stretched over the whole vvork of providence vve vvill see hovv vvell these doe aggree and ansvver one to the other yea that all the paths vvherein God vvalketh tovvards his Church and people are surely mercy and truth To clear this I shall point at some footsteps of the providence of God in the vvorld and about the Church vvhich vvould seem most dark yea a contradiction to his vvord and promise but are plain and manifest if vveighed in the ballance of the sanctuary vvhere vve may have a satisfying look and resolution of these things vvhich other vvayes vvould be too hard for us to understand and may see hovv straight these paths are vvich vve thought crooked yea hovv easy and passable the greatest deeps of providence would be both as to Gods way with his Church and in our own particular case when once they are set over against the word I shall but touch this a litle in these following instances 1. It may seem strange how the Chnrcbes trouble and strait is oft seen to encrease with the first stirrings of her deliverance yea when some remarkable mercy and outgate is in the bringing forth the first step thereof would seem to put her further aback and in a worse condition then before This is indeed a piece of the Lords vvay vvith his Church vvhich in many instances may be vvitnessed but let us take the vvord along therevvith and vve vvill find 1. Hovv the Chuâ—ch is oft at the brink of the grave even vvhen her case is upon a turn and hovv it is congruous to his vvay vvhose paths are in the deep vvaters vvho cloatheth himself vvith darknes that men should not find any thing after him or lay down absolute conclusions concerning his dealing that the motions of pâ—ovidence should be oft so perplexed and various 2. Did not the case of the Church in Egypt seem much worse their burdens doubled upon them even when their deliverance was breaking up 3. Joseph to be sold as a slave and in Egypt turned in to a dungeon would seem steps of providence very unlike the thing which God was driving at thereby and yet we see how kindly these did work towards the same 4. The Church in Micah 4 ver 10. When shee was even at the door next to a deliverance her tryal was at the greatest height be in pain and labour to bring forth for ye shall goe to babylen and there be delivered but sorest pangs in the birth do usually promse the best issue 5 It was the step of the providence of God which of all seemd most dreadful to the Church in Ester the sealing of the decree and sending it forth to the out the whole seed of the Iewes while Haman still flowrished but lo this was the very step that wrought most throughly for her deliverance a wet mourning seed time is indeed one Scripture presage of a good harvest 2. The sore interruptions which a peoples endeavours for Reformation and to promote the Kingdome of Christ have met with even when set about with a clear call yea solemn and serious engadgements to God would seem strange and a shaking piece of providence and
witness of the conscience and authority thereof in every man which they cannot possibly decline O doe not these vvitness that from some great height poor man hath fallen 2. Doth not the present appearance of mans nature clearly shevv he his fallen into some dreadful disease that it is surely overspread with some horrid leprosie and contagion the symptomes whereof now are most discernable O what an exorbitancy doth appear in his desires with what contrary tydes is he hurried still at jar with his present lot his reason and will once in a sweet league are now at warr betwixt which he is oft rent in pieces as one betwixt wilde horses how is he now restless in an unreasonable pursuit he laboureth in the fire and for a shadow yea what doe these tumults and commotions of the earth mean men upon the smallest account sheathing their swords in others bowels homo homini Lupus ruptures in familyes unsatiable in revenge and the earth so oft in an uproar as a raging sea O doe not these too visibly witness what a dreadful disorder and perturbation there must be within impetuous boyling of mans lusts so that here we may see a very manifest rupture and breath of building once well knitt and framed 3. I would ask wherein mans true advantage and excellency above others of the creatures can be seen if not with some respect to that he once was and that blessed restauration by grace for his knowledge doth oft serve but to increase his sorrow to shew the good he wanteth and the evil he is subject to is there any of the creatures subject to such outward misery and pain to so many diseases as poor man now is Yea as to a sensual life may we not say the beasts have even some preference or are these so unruely do they so much go out of their bounds and station which the many lawes made for man in the world with the convincing necessity thereof can wittness we see also that fore travel is appointed to man at hovv much toile he is for an outvvard subsistance hovv he doth oft sovv and not reap the beasts vvithdravv from the yoke these over vvhom he had dominion ready to assault him hovv vvomen bring forth their children in sorrovv the men are attended vvith fear their life oft made bitter vvith care and labour yea as men increase in the vvorld their care and discontent increasing therevvith but besides all is he not in the greatest slavery of all the creatures through the violence of his lusts that make him pursue the baite though he knovveth it vvill undoe him vvhile his corruption doth oft like a strong man bind him in fetters and his flesh imperiously drag him at its heels O may vve not say vvas poor man thus formed at the beginning or raised so far above the rest of the creatures only to make him the more miserable for truely if a vive portraicture could be dravvn of sinful depraved nature there is none so grosse but should-abhorr yea be affrighted to see that in the third person vvith vvhich alace they so friendly comply in themselves SECOND That so great a change is truely wrought upon men in conversion as the scripture doth promise and hold forth Ioh. 3 ver 3 6. Eph. 2 ver 1 5. Coloss 3 ver 1 2. vvherein some thing above nature even the marvellous povver of the grace of God may be seen is a trnth Iam sure knovvn and undenyable to the vvorld yea the greatest mockers at religion must confesse can be no delusion but is indeed real and certain upon these follovving grounds 1. That the most grosse vvho in their practice have been notourly profane in the place vvherein they lived it hath been seen that grace hath reached them and thus the Leopard hath been made to change his spots and such vvho vvere accustomed to do evil have learned to doe vvell O! Doe not many famous instances vvitnes this in every age 2. That also men most principled in their judgement against the vvay of God who were wont to deride holines as fancie even on such so great a change hath been wrought as hath made the world to wonder but then they were forced to lay doun their prejudice yea to wonder at themselves how they could stand before the truth so long whereof they have got such an impression sure Atheists must grant there have been as profest Atheists as themselves who have been made eminent examples of grace 3. That such even in the height of their wickednes like Paul breathing out cruelty and of late Vergerius while he was writing against the truth grace hath sometimes reached them it hath been found that of Christs greatest enemyes some have thus fallen upon their high places before the power of the word some such trophees of the gospels conquest have been conspicuous in every age yea it is oft seen that some remarkable height in sin hath proved an evident Crisis and turn in mens condition either to judgement or mercy 4. That some of the most eminent adversaries of the truth have through grace been made eminently useful instruments in the Church the world cannot deny that there have not been choiser vessels of honour more zealous for the Lord in their time then such who were once most violent in their opposition 5. That such whom the world did reckon most wise and discerning yea that did want no judgement to know the value of outward things as well as others grace hath reached can the Atheists object do any of the rulers or Rabbies believe in Christ or follow that way when it is so clear that not more wise learned and judicious even themselves being judges have been in their time then some vvho are most serious in the matter of Religion 6. Hath not this change been made discernable upon the simple the most stupid and dull yea upon some such as a natural incapacity might have obstructed the worke if something above nature had not carried it on vvhich may be also manifest by some change even on their understanding to shew that this can make the simple wise and in the way of holines the way-faring man though fool shall not err 7. That by a very improbable mean the word and that sometimes by weakest instruments we see this great change hath been wrought and it is remarkable how litle of the work of conversion did follow the putting forth of miracles in the primitive times but by the simplicity of the preached gospel much more for indeed the conversion of a soul and such a change is it selfe some way a miracle 8. That they are not a few on whom this change hath been wrought is undenyable and truely besides these ordinary proofs I think it is a great want there should not be some more special record by the Church of these illustrious and eminent instances of the grace of God which have been in such an age as well as remarkable instances of judgment 9. Men
and at a time when it is expected grossest of men would speak truth yea that this doth appear while men cannot in the least charge the dying Christian with any distemper in his judgement but while they have been most composed stayed and present in minde and as to other things of their concernment most deliberat and sober even then they have born this witnes THE FOURTH ARGUMENT I shall here offer to prove the Scriptures accomplishment is this That whereof the most part as to these special predictions and promises that concern the Church is fulfilled and hath now taken place in their appointed times which we may at this day clearly tead in the event and but a litle part thereof now remaineth to be made out must be a sure truth But the Scripture is thus fulfilled and the prophecyes thereof now made legible in the history of providence and in the works of God about his Church Therefore c. I would premit here some few things ere I speak particularly to this argument 1. Though the Scripture is thus wonderfully suited by the Lord and taketh place in every generation as if it were alone directed to that time yet it is also clear that a special part thereof hath its proper accomplishment in these ages and periods of time to which it doth in a peculiar way relate some part of it which did concern the times of the Old Testament some that doth also answer to the times of the Gospel and a part of it which hath a peculiar respect to these latter dayes which the Lord is now bringing forth and we wait for a more full accomplishment that it is on a near approach 2. It is also sure that the whole work of God and his providence about his Church here in the World which was perfect from the beginning and before him from eternity is comprehended under the written word where the Lord hath fully revealed his minde and counsel anent every event and concernment of the Church though we oft be in the dark in finding out the same but the event will in due time speak for it selfe which should cause us until then with much sobriety passe our judgement on some of these truths that are not yet fulfilled 3. It is clear that the Prophets of old did not onely foretell such great changes and revolutions as were to go over the Churches head and declare the certainty thereof but we find these prophecyes oft point at the times and periods of time whereto they did relate and though sometimes in dark tearmes yet did clearly shew that there was a certain prefixed time not at every time they could have their performance 4. We would consider how the full accomplishing of the Scripture and the perfecting the Lords work about his Church will be at once and doth keep foot together and then shall a full and satisfying discovery of Gods way and providence and all that he hath been doing in the World clearly break up when the great mystery of God in his written word is finished and the Church so near to land That I may speak a little to so grave a subject I would lay down these two things to be considered 1. How much of the Scripture and predictions thereof may be now seen clearly verifyed in the event 2. What doth yet remain to have an accomplishment in these last times by which we may certainly judge hovv near the Lords vvork about his Church is to a close anent the first I shall point at some of these most concerning events changes vvhich the Church hath met vvith vvherein vve may see vvhat of the Scripture may at this day be read in the history of providence and is certainly fulfilled I. WHAT IS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED I. Let us go back to these first times after the fall and see that dreadful stroke which came upon the old World by the flood after an universal defection from God and we shall there find the fulfilling of that which Noah that great preacher of righteousnes had oft foretold and of these threatnings which by Moses were there recorded wherein it may be very manifest 1. That this truth besides Divine authority no records of auncient times no antiquity could ever contradict yea some of the eldest writers doe clearly witnes something of an universal deluge over the earth with the strange preservation of some from it however they were in the dark as to many circumstances thereanent Josephus doth cite Berosus the Ciâ—aldean about this who without doubt had theÌ„ some of these oldest records true uncorrupt Eusebius also doth mention some fragments of Abidenus and Appollidorus which in his time were extant clearly pointing at the flood and at Noah under the name of Zisuthrus with his sending out of birds to see if the waters were asswaged 2. There is nothing here doth contradict reason how this might be brought about even in the way of ordinary natural causes which the Lord did make use of for that end for we find the windowes of Heaven were opened the air being condensed into clouds and their retentive power loused these great floodgates were thus set louse which falling not in drops but all in a full body like the spouts and cataracts of the West-Indies might soon overwhelm the earth with aboundance of water while these fountaines also of the great deep beneath were broken up which was not only the Ocean let forth to go over its banks but an universal vent to all the veines of the earth and that great masse of waters which is in the bowels thereof which from beneath meeting these that were from above may give men a clear and rational account how such a thing might be 3. This piece of the Scripture is most congruous and aggreable to the whole and the great scope and drift of the same for it points out an height of sin and of wrath an universall defection and an universal stroke meeting together it leads us forward to Christ of whom the ark was an excellent shadow and of that salvation which in and by him the Church hath from eternal wrath and is a very manifest pledge and sign of that last destruction of the World which though not in that manner yet shall once surely be and find men in such a condition as this flood found them into in the dayes of Noah II. What we have expresly promised in the word of the Churches delivery from Egypt and vvas foretold by Joseph at his death that God should surely bring back his People out of that land for vvhich he left his bones to ly unburied as a pledge thereof hath novv many ages past been fulfilled It is long since that remarkable day vvhen God made a vvay for his People through the red sea and his povver knovvn upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians since Moses vvith the Church did sing that triumphant song the horse and his rider he hath cast in the sea vvherein these things are most clear 1.
That this vvas a deed knovvn and publick in the time vvhich vvas not done in a corner but in the vievv of the World and before all the Children of Israel and by them attested and vvith greatest carefulnes transmitted to their Children and by these to the follovving generations as a thing never to be forgotten 2. Was testifyed by Moses so great a person and eye-vvitnes thereof one vvhom even the most auncient of heathen vvriters do mention vvith much respect and in this did never challenge his testimony though a matter of fact and of that moment vvhich all the nations about could not but knovv and both in the present and after ages have the remembrance thereof keeped up so that they might easily refute such a thing if false and vve may judge the Egyptians and many others could vvant no goodvvill to put disgrace on a People they so much hated nor be ignorant of that vvhich Moses published in his ovvn time to vvhose vvorks some of the auncientest heathen vvriters doe shew they have been no strangers 3. A truth which by Moses was put in record and delivered to the Jewes to be keept by them and their Children in all succeeding ages a record which they did so narrowly look to and had in that reverence and esteem that all the syllabs and letters thereof were by them numbred lest in the smallest point it should be wronged yea were more careful to preserve it then any nation can be of their most concerning rights and charters 4. A thing whereof the remembrance was yearly from that time celebrat by the Jewish Church whence the institution of the passover had its rise that deliverance being as a sign and sacramentall pledge of that great salvation by him who is our true passover III. What is held forth in the Scripture concerning the more full grouth of the Iewish Church that Judah should enjoy a Scepter which was foretold by dying Jacob and promised once and again to Abraham by the Lord that his seed should be as the sand of the sea and enjoy Canaan for an inheritance hath it not long since been fulfilled Wherein these things are clear 1. That for many ages Israel did enjoy that land in a most flowrishing condition which doth in part appear from these very ruines and desolation over which they have so long lamented the glory of Ierusalem and the temple once so famous which causeth such reverence amongst them to the very rubbish thereof at this day 2. That they were once a People by themselves who were not mingled with the Nations but keept at a distance by their Religion and Lawes from the rest of the World as a peculiar People to the Lord is a thing undenyable 3. That whilest they enjoyed it there was a singular blessing of fruitfulnes thereon above other places so as that small piece of ground was eneugh for an innumerable multitude of inhabitants but is novv at this day a barren sand an extraordinary curse no lesse seen thereon then the blessing was in former times 4. It is also evident that something in the way and carriage of this people even in their low wandering condition doth discover they have not forgot what once they were nor their former grandour and flovvrishing but still keep by themselves vvith some respect to their ovvn land vvhich their fathers did enjoy IV. That piece of the Scripture vvhich did concern the declining times of the Church under the Old Testament vvhat Jeremy foretold of the Babylouish captivity hath novv many ages since been fulfilled a truth vvhich vve have attested by sacred history an history vvhich doth clearly justify it self and its authority by such convincing marks thereof that vve may say these vvho do seriously converse vvith the vvord cannot take up Atheisme vvithout the laying down of reason and putting a force upon their ovvn light Novv as to this particular prophecy vve vvould but seriously consider 1. That vvhich Jeremy did foretel anent the captivity vvas not its accomplishment put on record in a book of the Churches lamentations vvhere this truth may be read in her teares and truely such as ever knevv grief in a high measure may easily knovv vvhat is there exprest to be sad earnest and read the lively motions of an afflicted case therein and besides hath not this been witnessed to after ages by a visible monument even the destruction of the temple that great and excellent work which though after rebuilt did never attain its former splendour 2. This was a matter of fact of great note and famous in the time done in the view of all the nations a considerable piece of the Babylonish conquest yea that testimony the Scripture beareth to the same was it not a few ages after made publick to other parts of the world by the Septuagint translation so that it had been easy for Ptolemy or any in that time to have discovered the falsehood of a thing so lately done yet these times nor the most professed enemyes to the Church therein could not in the least contradict the same 3. Though much of humane history and these records of auncient times that vve now have are both corrupt and defective yet there wants not some consent from the surest of these to many of the most observable things that we have of the history of the old testament and as to the certanity of this truth besids its own authority we will find some of these oldest writers Berosus Herodot and Xenophon give some light to the same whose witnes the Atheist cannot challenge yea is it not clear that Iosephus not only from sacred history but from these old records and fragments of former times which were then extant though since have been much lost compose his Iewish antiquityes which give so particular a relatiou of this truth V. What was foretold by Daniel concerning the rise and fall of the Monarchies and change of these great Empires who had been so sore a rod upon the Church hath it not many ages past had a most punctual performance It is now long since that great image shewed to the prophet in a vision hath been brought down and broken so that scarse the toes thereof doe now remain which besides the witnes of the Scripture may be clearly demonstrat upon other rational grounds 1. It being granted that the prophecie of Daniel was translated in Greek and laid up in that great library of Alexandria long before much of it was fulfilled before Antiochus Epiphanes and the rising of the Roman empire which Porphyrius could not be ignorant of though all he could answer to that evident agreement betwixt his prophecie and the event was that it must have been writ after these things were accomplished whilest it is clear that a part of the prophecie of Daniel which concerned the fourth Monarchy was not even in his times fully made out yea we must say something thereof doth reach to the last end of time 2. It is also
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
nor Law-giver no piece of the earth they can call their own but at the mercy and arbitrary disposal of every place they reside in no priviledge or liberties but a naked permission to brook their lives and estates during the pleasure of these under whom they get shelter a people put by themselves with a visible mark of divine wrath upon them like a beacon set up for all the nations to look on even these who were once eminently ovvned of the Lord who was known in their palaces for a refuge yea it is very manifest that no stir or essay that ever they made for their releef but was still to their further ruin and found Gods hand visibly crosse to them therein sure Ammianus Marcellinus a heathen writer did intend no testimony to the Christian cause in relating that strange passage which neer his time fell out how the Iewes by Iulians warrant and permission did attempt to build the temple again but a fire breaking up from the foundation thereof which destroyed many of the workmen forced them with much terrour to desist 3. Must it not be some strange and dreadful provocation beyond the sin of their forefathers whereat so strange and unusual a stroke doth point whilest it is clear that notwithstanding frequent Idolatry and departing from God when they were at that height in wickednes to offer up their children to Molech and set up altars in the groves to reject the message of the prophets and thrust some of them in a dungeon yet were only punished with 70 yeares captivity and after by Gods very immediat hand brought again these who had taken them captive concurring with them to rebuild the temple but now how long and dark hath their night been since this judgement came on them and though they could not these many ages charge themselves with Idolatry yet no saviour or deliverer hath been raised up no Prophet sent forth no sign or appearance at this day of releef now for these 1600 yeares yea amidst these frequent changes and revolutions that have been in the World no change in their condition sure if that people vvere in speaking tearmes with their consciences this might put them to a strange demurr what should be the cause if they be not guilty of killing the Messias and that blood pursuing them what attrocious provocation beyond others they can condescend on for which the Lord doth so long and so sore by such an unusual and unheard of strok thus contend 4. What a marvellous concurrence of providence and convincing appearance of a divine hand was in this judgement the besieging of Ierusalem by the Romans trysted with the very time of the passover whilest so great a confluence of people from all parts of the land were there on that account that both sword and famine might contribute their help to destroy what unreasonable and astonishing obstinacy against all offers of peace and the most pressing insinuations thereof which Titus Vespasian made even whilest their ruin was otherwise unevitable an unheard of strife where the enemy did contend to save but they to undoe themselves how judicially hardened under most remarkable prodigies and warnings which they had of that approaching desolation divided wholly amongst themselves yea so cruel one upon another within that their adversary without could not but look thereon with compassion O what a stroke was this wherein greatest Atheists would grant a fatality for indeed men cannot consider the same without acknowledging a divine hand and something above ordinary meanes and causes where all did thus meet together in a solemn tryst to accomplish that Peoples ruin 5. But it is here we may see a singular providence of God for his Church that these who of all the World are most violent enemyes to the Christian truth are also a most convincing vvitnes to the same vvhilest first these do clearly attest the Scripture vvhich is our alone charter the divine authority of Moses and the Prophets the true copyes vvhereof they did most tenderly preserve vvhat ever absurd glosses some of their Rabbies have thereon Yea durst never offer in the least to vitiat the original but hath had the same transmitted still from one age to an other to vvhich records that are this day in their hand the Christian Church can with much confidence appeal and demonstrat from the Old Testament the â—undoubted truth of the New Yea in this we may appeal the Atheist to his conscience that the Scripture is no imposture or any cunning device of Christians which is so far witnessed even by the greatest adversary and maligners of the Christian Religion 2. That strange induration of the Iewes their unreasonable rejecting of the truth vvho after so long a time cannot see the cause vvhich is most discernable in their stroke O is not this also a most convincing seal to the Scripture and clear fulfilling thereof that there is a vail over their mind as the Apostle sheweth whilest they read the Law judicially smitten by the Lord with blindnes that they cannot see until once this vail be taken off and truely we may say there is nothing in their judgement more strange and astonishing then such a continued obstinacy against the truth how they should be thus dark in the noon day But that herein the Scripture is fulfilled so that we may even turn a poison unto an antidot IX That which is so expresly foretold in the New Testament yea is the great drift of the Prophecyes thereof The coming of Antichrist and revealing of the man of sin to the World 2 Thiss 2 ver 3 4 7 8 9. hath long since been accomplished wherein we may say the wonderful corresponding of the event with the prophecy is so clear that this truth is novv as plain and obvious as once it was dark to the Church these things being undenyable 1. How the Spirit of God in the Scripture hath been in a more then ordinary way particular to point Antichrist forth by such notour marks and characters that after ages may known him if they will not shut their eyes I confesse it is not strange the popish party should seal-up the Scripture and forbid the ordinary reading of it since the breaking forth of that light vvould soon make their Kingdome dark for if men vvould but set the history of the Church since the times of the Apostles over against the Scripture and make use of that notable key for opening up the prophecyes of the Nevv Testament it should be then easy to knovv the Antichrist is surely come and vvho this is and herein doth the Lords tender respect to his Church appear that he doth not only in a very solemn manner forevvarn men anent this great tryaâ— and as it vvere by the sound of a trumpet give an alarum that such an adversary vvas coming yea of the time thereof vvho vvould do more hurt then all who had gone before but doth also make so clear a discovery of the whole fabrick rise
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
Jreland through much of France Germany Sueden the Low Countries Pole Denemark yea even in Hungary Transilvania sure this was a great work which should be marvellous inour eyes how that Antichristian Empire contrived with such wisdome underpropt with so great strength whose commands not long since were receaved as Oracles with an avv and respect onely due to God hath in such a measure begun to fall before the power of the word O the righteous judgement of the Lord. which he hath shewed forth upon that adversary and should be a pledge to us of the further manifestation thereof an adversary we may say the greatest that ever the Church had whose little finger hath been sorer then the loins of all who went before if we consider his cruelty over mens bodyes tyrannie over their conscience with so long a continuance of that tryal in respect of whom it may be said Pharaoh was an easy taskmaster Antiochus and the Roman Emperours milde who for neer 1200 year did carry on a despeart and bloody war against the Church II. The Second which I would at some more length follow forth is this how the Lords hand and something of an extraordinary providence hath been no lesse discernable in this late raising of the Church and her begun victory over Antichrist then in the First planting of Christianity by the Apostles this is a truth which to many may seem strange but when seriously considered if prejudice do not darken mens judgement will appear from sure and solid grounds now to demonstrat this I would here offer some very convincing witnesses which may help to strengthen the faith of the Godly and give Atheisme some dash FIRST Witnes to this truth is that wonderful successe which the Gospel in these last times hath had wherein men must see the great power of God and efficacy of the Spirit in some measure as manifest as in the first rise of the Christian Church if we consider 1. From what a small spark so great a fire did break up which in a short time put Europe in a flame and made so great a change therein even Luthers appearing against Texelius upon the account of his indulgencies O but Gods time of working may be oft contraire to our time of expecting 2. What a swift progresse did the gospel have may we not say with wonder can a nation be born at once yet this we have seen how many Nations and Cityes in one and the same age yea in lesse then 40. yeares was brought in subjection to the truth and these instruments whom scarce any durst own at first made to see great Princes with armyes on the fields for the interests of Christ 3. Have we not seen Religion propagated by martyrdome no lesse then in the primitive times and mens essaies to ruin the Church helped it further to grow O what but a divine power could thus bring gold out of iron and clay bring a flowrishing Church out of their ashes and turn her poison to a preservative but alace it is sad that whilest men were burned for the truth and reading the Scripture their affection did also burn in reading the same but now with our liberty there is so great a decay 4. Must not the wise and polititians of the World confesse this late encrease of the Church is a thing above their reach most crosse to all their rules which they cannot see how in an ordinary way it could be brought about 5. Were not instruments most unlikely for so great a work if we would judge as men that such a poor handful as Luther Zuinglius Melanchton Bucere c. should go forth to confront that power which then made the earth to tremble might it not seem as improbable as the sending forth of some fisher men to subdue the Nations 6. It is knowen they were none of the Rabbies of the time whose repute and fame might have purchased easy accesse to their message nay they were loaded with all the reproach which their adversaryes could devise with novelty of doctrine deceit and falshood in their dealing represented to the World as Monsters Luther was forced to answer himselfe a printed relation of his death how he was carried away soul and body by the Devil 7. Was not the message they carried most opposit to mens carnal inclinations to these principles they had suckt in from their infancy to the religion of their Fathers yea in a word had no outward encouragements the whole World seemed to combine against them Luther at his first appearance excommunicated by the Pope proscribed by the Emperour and good Melanchton was oft made to faint when he thought on so great a speat of opposition so that without the convoy of an extraordinary power nothing could have looked more improbable SECOND Witnes that may let the World see a wonderful providence in this late raising of the Church is this these sharp assaults which the Church met with from a party no lesse cruel and powerfull then any adversary which the Church had in the primitive times for I am sure the World must confesse that no ordinary mean had wanted for an essay to crush the gospel in its first budding forth that both counsel and force the authority of law backed vvhith greatest rage and violence in its execution yea the power of the Princes of the earth was put forth to the utmost to withstand this great work of God in these last ages to clear this I shall only point at some remarkable assaults which did tryst the dauning of the gospel that may shew something above nature going alongst with it 1. We find a Spanish Emperour devoted to the popish interest more powerful then any who went before brought in on Germany with the very first breaking up of the light which might seem a dreadful let to the Gospels spreading 2. The rise of the Boores and Anabaptist party whose way being so grosse destructive to civil order to the interests and proprieties of men did look like a sad tryst and a probable mean to beget much prejudice against the truth 3. That sad overthrow of the Duke of Saxony and Landgrave of Hesse who were such great patriots to the Church did then threaten the very ruin of the Protestant interest in Germany 4. The Councel of Trent where the Popish party had all their politicks on foot in a strong combination how to ruin the Church 5. The Interim of Germany a most subtile contrivance to divide and thus break the strength of the Protestants was also a sore assault a snare to some and cause of persecution to others 6. That Spanish Inquisition established through Spain Italy and the Low Countreyes a horrid cruel engine which did reach to prevent the smallest glancings of the truth 7. The French Massacre where not only the Admiral but most of the considerable Protestants vvere through all France in a few dayes cut off O vvould not this seem an irrecoverable stroke together with that
come he is come and thus chearfully went to death Thomas Hudson a choise Christian vvho suffered in Queen Maryes time vvhen at the stake did slip suddenly from under the chain to the astonishment of the People but not from fear of death but from the vvant of feeling of Christ vvhich made him full of heavines but after his turning aside that he had got his soul poured out to God he returned as one raised from death to life crying out Now I am strong and do not care what man can do and thus with much joy did yeeld up his spirit Likewise Annas Du Burg whom we before mentioned being through fear and discouragement drawen to recant had no rest in his spirit until he retracted the same and after did chearfully undergoe death with what marvellous resolution did that excellent man Doctor Cranmer put his right hand to the fire when he came to the stake and suffered to burn vvithout shrinking vvhich as he said he vvould punish for subscribing a recantation vvhich vvas so much thereafter his grief Last I must adde that marvellous joy and resolution vvhich the Saints in these late times did in their greatest sufferings shevv is very notoure and knovven to the World for their sufferinge vvas not in a corner and vve may say hath not come short of the primitive martyrs but did vvitnes the same spirit and povver accompanying them I cannot passe this in a general vvithout giving some touch amidst such a multitude of convincing instances let us hear blessed Bradfoord at the stake thus speak to his fellovv sufferer be of good comfort for we shall have this night a merry supper with the Lord. Latimer to Ridley â—â— shall this day light such a candle in England as I trust shall never be put out Mr Sanders I was in prisâ—n until I got â—â—â— prison and at the stake embracing cryes welcome the 〈◊〉 of Christ welcome everlasting life Doctor Ferrer to a gentleman vvho bemoaned his death and the painfulnes of it if â—ow see mee once stirr in the fire beleeve not my doctrine as did after appear for he stood vvithout moving in the midst of the flame Iohn Ardley if every haâ—r of my head â—ere a man it should suffer death in the faith I â—â— stand â—â— Elisabeth Folks embraceing the stake cryed fare well World fare well faith and hope and welcome love Robert aguires son vvhen at Lile in the Lovv countries he suffered vvith his father for the truth in the year 1556. did cry forth at the stake behold millions of Angels about us and the heaven opened to receive us after he had sometime fixed his eyes on heaven and vvhen the fire vvas kindled sayes to his father yet a very little and we shall enter into the heavenly mansion Mr. Tims an English minister in Queen Maryes dayes thus vvrits to his friends I am going to the Bishops colehouse but shall not be long there before I be carried up to my brethren vvho are gone to heaven before mee in a fiery chariot follovv yovv after mee vvhere yovv shall find mee singing merily at my jurneyes end holy holy holy Lord God of Sabaoth Algerius an Italian martyr thus vvrits from his prison a little before his death vvho vvould believe that in this dungeon I should finde a paradise so pleasant in a place of sorrow and death tranquillity and hope of life vvhere others vveep I rejoyce O hovv easy and svveet is his yoke and this he subscribs from that delectable orchard of the Leonine prison Guy de Bres the ringing of my chain hath been sweet â—â—sick in my eares all my former discourses were but as a blind wans of collours in respect of my present feeling O what a â—â—ious comforter is a good conscience The Lord Henry Otto a Bohemian vvho suffered in the late persecution said to the minister I vvas troubled but novv I feel a vvonfull refreshment O now I fear death no longer I will dye with joy and on the scaffold cryed out behold I see the heavens opened pointing with his hands at the place where others observed a certain brightnes that did dazel their eyes and thus dyed with great chearfulnes I shall but adde the last vvords of that holy and great Mr Wishart vvho thus spake amidst the fire this flame doth torment my body but no whit abate my spirits FOVRTH Witnes is these great and remarkable judgements of God which in these last times have befallon the adversaryes and persecutus of the Church who have been most notour for their opposition to the truth wherein we must say a divine hand hath been so discernable that ordinary observers could not passe the same without a remark but must acknowledge the righteous judgement of God that it cometh not by guesse and at an adventure but doth convincingly seal the word This is indeed a grave subject wherein we should be very serious and sober for the judgements of God are a great depth nor can we determine from events but in so far as they answer to the word it may sometime happen to wicked men according to the work of the righteous but on the other hand it is a sure truth that God is knowen by the judgement he executs and in every age doth point out sin to the World by remarkable strokes some great examples of judgement which as a beacon are set forth for men to observe and truely we may say these remarkable instances of the judgement of God since he begun to sound a retreat to his Church from Babylon are fan beyond other preceeding ages I would be spareing to repeat what of this kinde is published by others bâ—t that in speaking to this truth I cannot passe it in a generalâ— whilest there are so many instances wherein the Lord hath made himself knowen and these such a convincing seal and confimation of the truth and Protestant cause in these last times anent which and the following relations I dare with confidence say there is not any passage or matter of fact here set down without some clear and satisfying grounds as to the certainty thereof I shall first instance Charles the V. whose undertakings for many yeares were followed with successe untill once he set himselfe to persecute and oppresse the Church and bathed his sword in the blood of the Protestants with his cruel and unjust usage of the Duke of Saxony from which time his affaires begun visibly to decline he is forced to fly before Mauritius and seek a retreat in the furthest confines of the Empire and after broken with melancholy and discontent like another Dioclesian doth resign his empire and turn to a privat life Philip the II. of Spain one of the greatest persecutors of the Church in these last ages whose work was to root out the Protestant Religion in his dominions and therefore set on foot that horrid engine of the Inquisition yet at last finds all his essayes frustrat and after the losse of many millions
Olivares Chancellour of France Latomus Francis Spira who after they had quit their profession and over their light denyed the truth dyed with great horrour of conscience crying out to bystanders what a hell they found within them Du Serres doth shew how that Chancellour of France through the torment and anguish of his minde caused the very bed to shake under him but since there are many examples of this kinde already upon record I do the more briefly touch it and shall onely adde some few which are worthy of a remark in our own land how visibly the Lord did pursue by his judgement some who had deserted the truth and turned opposers and persecutors thereof in their promoting Antichristian Prelacy contrare to their former profession and engadgements 1. I shall instance Mr Patrick Adamsone a Preacher once of great repute in this land but one whom ambition and privat interest swayed more then the interest of Christ who insinuating himself in the Kings favour made it his work to overturn the established government and discipline of the Church until he got himselfe setled Archbishop of St Andrewes and Prelacy by his means advanced which the Church from her first Reformation from Popery had disclaimed yea in this height of his power and grandour turned an avowed persecutor of his brethren at which time he used to boast of 3. things that he said could not fail him his riches learning and the Kings favour but a little after as was then most known he was by the righteous judgement of God brought to this pass that his parts did so far wither and dry up that in seeking a blessing on his meat he could scarce speak a few words to sence though once admired for his eloquence as for his riches he was forced to get charity from these Ministers whom he before persecuted and for the Kings favour he was so abhorred by him that as he himself professed when the stroke of God brought him to some sense of his condition he was sure the King did care more for the worst of his dogges then for him and thus in great misery dyed cast off by the World whose favour he had onely sought his publick acknovvledgement of his guilt and apostacy and of the Lords hand pursuing the same vvas by himselfe subscribed before divers eminent and vvorthy Ministers of the Church vvho did also by their subscription attest the same and vvas aftervvards printed It is also manifest hovv the Lord in his judgement did persue that vvretched man his successour Bishop Spotswood vvho in a more subtile vvay did endeavour the overturning the discipline and liberties of the Church for setting up of Prelacy and by underhand dealing got himselfe first thrust in Glasgow and after to be Archbishop of St Andrews yea at last was Chancellour of Scotland his eldest Son a Barron in Fife and his second Son President of the Session his Daughter also married to Rostine then a considerable Barron but let us see vvhither this ends what an eminent example in all these respects of the judgement of God he was and therein the prophecy of that great man Mr Welsh accomplished who did foretel in a letter whilest he was prisoner at Blacknesse that he should be as a stone cast out of a sting by the hand of God his name should rot and a malediction on his posterity and truely this is known what become of himself in the year 1638. how he was excommunicated by the Church did flee into England vvhere in great misery he dyed his eldest Son Sir Iohn Spotswood vvas sometime brought to beg his bread vvhich is knovvn to many yet alive his second Son vvho vvas President of the Session being taken at the battel of Philips hauch was beheaded at St Andrews and his Oy young Darzie beheaded at Edinburgh and for his daughter who was married to Roslin it is knowen how quickly after that estate was rooted out and turned from that race Mr Iames Nicolsonne one very eminent in his time for parts and judgement in the effaires of the Church yea once very zealous for the truth and a great opposer of Prelacy when it first begun to assault the Church but at last was turned aside by Court insinuations gets the Bishoprick of Dunkel yea turns most fordward to promote that interest but lo in a short time he is stricken by the Lord with sicknes and great horrour of conscience within can get no rest his friends in vain endeavouring to comfort him and when they would have brought phisitians he told them his disease was of another kind for which they could give no phisick which pressed him more then his sicknes that against so much light and over the belly of his conscience he had opposed the truth and yeelded up the liberties of the Kingdome of Christ to please an earthly King and he charged his Children that nothing which he had acquired since he was Prelate should go amongst the rest of his estate and thus in great bitternes and grief died whereupon his brother in Law Mr David Lindsey then a witnes made some Verses is Latin Solatur frustra conjunx solantur amici Et medicum accersi sedulo quisque jubet Sed dare solamen nemo dare nemo salutem Te praeier poterit Rex Iacobe mihi Quae corpus gravat atque animam tantum exime mitra Huic caput hujus onus me premit perimit Mr William Couper sometime minister of Perth one who witnessed much zeal against Prelacy both by preaching and writting in a letter to Mr Greorge Grhame who had writ to him entreating his charity towards his own conforming he hath these words Sir for your self I never hated yow but the course yow are in I never loved how dangerous is their estate who cannot rise but with the fall of many who in Christ have entred the right way to the ministry closing these fountaines which God hath opened doing in a matter of conscience with doubting turns mens light to darknes whence followes induration therefore I cannot stand with you except to witnes to God in my heart against yow and thus shuts up his letter oonsider your selfe where yow was and where yow now are quantulum sit illud propter quod nos reliquisti this I set down to shew what sometimes he was yet shortly after this man turns to a Bishoprick was loathed by the Godly in that time some of his old friends brought his own sermons to him and desired him to reconcile them with his after actings which did visibly affright and disquiet him and one day being at pastime near to Leith he was suddenly terrified with apprehension that he saw armed men comming upon him these who were vvich him told him there vvas no such thing it vvas only a dream vvhereupon he became silent and fell a trembling but after he vvent home took bed and dyed in much anguish and trouble of spirit being observed to point oft vvith his finger
that large measure of the Spirit and outletting thereof which did convincingly follow the Gospel and ministry of the word in these last times a truth which we must say hath been manifest and by many solemn proofes thereof demonstrat no lesse then in the first planting of the christian Church It is undenyable how great a witnes to the truth the Spirit down-powring thereof is for this is Gods own seal which is not put to a lye or falsehood thus he beares witnes to his work in the hearts of his people and by this also the Lord doth seal and attest the doctrine of the Church and commission of his servants who publisheth the same yea at some special seasons when the truth hath least countenance or encouragement from without times of contradiction when men will not receive its testimony and a great speate of opposition is to the Gospel then hath this in a more full and large measure been discernable thus did the Lord eminently own and confirm the Christian Religion in the dayes of the Apostles and for some following ages by so great a downpowring of the Spirit such visible and extraordinary effects thereof as did then astonish the World and force men to confesse something above nature that this was surely the great work and power of God and have we not also cause to say that thus the Lord hath born a very solemn testimony to his truth the work of reformation and doctrine of the reformed Churches in these late times anent which I dare appeal by standers yea the adversaryes to their conscience if without shutting their eyes they could shift the conviction of a convincing appearance of God in the power and efficacy of the Spirit even in a more then ordinary way accompanying the word and ordinances a power which carried kingdomes and cityes before it yea in a very short time over the belly of greatest violence and opposition to clear this a little I shall point at some few remarkable evidences which might stare the grossest of men in the face and in some measure convince them of this truth 1. It is evident that marvellous conquest which the Gospel had in Germany by the ministry of Luther Melanchton Bucer Martyr Musculus and a few others of these excellent instruments whom the Lord then sent forth O was not this a day of the Spirit and powring forth thereof in a large measure a day of the gospels triumph not by might or by power yet such as before it the World could not stand cityes and countryes might then be said to be born at once the arme of the Lord revealed with the same that men were either scorched or truely warmed and gained thereby Did not that marvellous power and efficacy of the spirit also attend the ministry of Zuinglius and Oecolampadius in Zurick and Basile when so through a reformation followed to the throwing down of Images abolishing of the Masse by publick authority notwitstanding of its long continuance and this in a short time the spirit and power of God did very eminently appear also in these famons plantations of the Gospel by the Ministry of Calvine Farel and Vires in Geneva Lausanna and other adjacent Provinces It is written in the life of Vires that at Lyons which was a great populous city he preached in an open place where divers thousands were converted to the truth yea some who came by with no purpose to hear only out of curiosity stepped in were so wrought on and overcome with the power of the word as for that time made them neglect their other businesse 2. That great successe which did attend the ministry of Mr Wishart in Scotland can also witnes this truth whence so marvellous a change did quickly follow in these places where he preached through Angus Lothian and the western parts yea how much the spirits of the people were then raised and affected with the word but this being a thing so known from the historyes of that time I only name 3. Besides these which are more known and upon publick record I must here instance a very solemn and extraordinary outletting of the spirit which about the year 1625. and thereafter was in the West of Scotland whilest the persecution of the Church there was not from the prelatick party this by the prophane rabble of that time was called the Stewarton Sicknes for in that parish first but after through much of that countrey particularly at Irwine under the ministry of famous Mr Dickson it was most remarkable where it can be said which divers Ministers and Christians yet alive can witnes that for considerable time few Sabbaths did passe without some evidently converted and some convincing proofes of the power of God accompanying his word yea that many were so choaked and taken by the heart that through terrour the spirit in such a measure convincing them of sin in hearing of the word they have been made to fall over and thus carried out of the Church who after proved most solid and lively Christians and as it was knowen some 〈◊〉 the most grosse who used to mock at religion being engadged upon the same that went abroad of such things â—o go to some of these parts where the Gospel was then most lively have been effectually reached before their return with a visible change following the same and truely this great spring tide which I may so call of the Gospel was not of a short time but for some yeares continuancâ— yea thus like a spreading moor burn the power of Godlines did advance from one place to another which put a marvellous lustre on these parts of the countrey the savour whereof brought many from other parts of the land to see the truth of the same 4. I must also mention that solemn Communion at the Kirk of the Shots 20 June 1630. at which time there was so convincing an appearance of God and downpowring of the Spirit even in an extraordinary way that did follow the ordinances especially that sermon on the Munday 21 June with a strange unusual motion on the hearers who in a great multitude were there conveened of divers ranks that it was known which I can speak on sure ground near 500 had at that time a discernable change wrought on them of whom most proved lively Christians afterward it was the sowing of a seed through Clidesdeal so as many of most eminent Christians in that countrey could date either their conversion or some remarkable confirmation in their case from that day and truely this was the more remarkable that one after much reluctance by a special and unexpected providence was called to preach that sermon on the Munday which then was not usually practised and that â—ight before by most of the Christians there was spent in prayer so that the Mundays work as a convincing return of prayer might be discerned 5. I shall heâ—â—â—lso instance that solemn and great work of God which was in the Church of Ireland some
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
vvife for her husbands health During his sicknes he vvas so filled and overcome vvith the sensible enjoyment of God that he vvas sometime overheard in prayer to have these vvords Lord hold thy hand it is eneugh thy servant is a clay vessel and can hold no more II. I shall also here instance Mr Robert Bruce vvho in a very extraordinary vvay vvas called to the Ministry having for a long time follovved the study or the Lavv both in this countrey and in France yea had some ground to expect a place amongst the Lords of the Session his father being then a considerable Barron vvho had many friends but a more pressing and irresistible call from God did othervvise determine Whilest he vvas in the Ministry at Edinburgh he shined as a great light through the vvhole land the povver and efficacy of the spirit most sensibly accompanying the vvord he preached he vvas a terrour to evil doers and the authority of God did so appear upon him and his carriage vvith such a Majesty in his countenance as forced fear and respect from the greatest in the land even these vvho vvere most avovved haters of Godlines yea it vvas knovvn vvhat an avvful impression King James had of him and did once give him that testimony before many that he judged Mr Bruce vvas vvorthy of the halfe of his Kingdome He vvas a man that had much invvard exercise about his ovvn personal case had been oft assaulted anent that great foundation of truth if there vvas a God vvhich cost him many dayes and nights wrestling and vvhen he hath comed up to the pulpit after being sometime silent vvhich vvas his usual vvay he vvould have said I think it is a great matter to believe there is a God telling the People it vvas an other thing to believe that then they judged But it vvas also knovvn by his friends vvith vvhom he vvas familiar vvhat extraordinary confirmations he had from the Lord therein vvhat near familiarity he did attain in his secret converse vvith God yea truely somethings I have had from persons worthy of credit thereanent vvould seem so strange and marvellous that I forbear to set them dovvn The great successe of his Ministry at Edenburgh Innernesse and other places whither providence called him is aboundantly known whilest he was confined at Innernesse that poor dark countrey was marvellously enlightned many brought in to Christ by his Ministry and a seed sown in these places which even to this day is not wholly worn out I shall here set down one passage of famous Mr Henderson who at his first entry to the Ministry at Leuchars was very prelatick and by the Bishop of St Andrewes brought in against the parishes consent so that the day of his admission the Church doores being shut by the People they were forced to break in by a window to get him entrance but a little after this upon the report of a Communion where Mr Bruce was to help he would needs from a longing he had to hear and see such a man go secretly there and placed himselfe in a dark part of the Church where he might not be known when Mr Bruce was come to the pulpit he did for a considerable time keep silence as his maner was which did some way astonish Mr Henderson but much more when he heard the first vvords wherewith he begun which were these He that cometh not in by the door but climbeth up another way the same is a thief and a robber Which did by the Lords blessing at the very present take him by the heart and had so great an impression on him that it was the first mean of his conversion He was one that had the spirit of discerning in a great measure did prophetically speak of many things which afterwards came to passe yea which I had attested by sober and grave Christians who were familiar with him that divers persons distracted and of these who were passed all hope of recovery in the falling sicknes were brought to Mr Bruce and after prayer by him in their behalfe were fully recovered this indeed may seem strange but it is also true Mr Bruce was a great wrestler who had more then ordinary familiarity with his Master A little before his death when he was at Edenbrugh and through weaknes keept his chamber there was a meeting of divers godly Ministers at that time there on some special ground of the Churches concernment who hearing he was in the town came together and gave him an account of the actings of these times the Prelats then designing the service book after which Mr Bruce prayed and did therein tell over again to the Lord the very substance of their discourse vvhich vvas a sad representation of the case of the Church at vvhich time there vvas such an extraordinary motion on all present so sensible a dovvnpovvring of the Spirit that they could hardly contain themselves yea vvhich vvas most strange even some unusual motion on these vvho vvere in other parts of the house not knovving the cause at that very instant one Mr Weemes of Lothaker being then occasionally present vvhen he vvent avvay said O hovv strange a man is this for he knocked dovvn the Spirit of God on us all this he said because Mr Bruce did divers times knock vvith his fingers on the table I had this from a vvorthy Christian Gentleman in vvhose mothers house this vvas He vvas deeply affected vvith the naughtines and prophanity of many Ministers then in the Church and the unsuitable carriage of others to so great a calling and did expresse much his fear that the ministry of Scotland vvould prove the greatest persecutors of the Gospel that it had If there vvere a full collection of these remarkable passages vvhich have been knovvn to others in his life it vvould further vvitnes vvhat an extraordinary man that vvas I shall only shut this up vvith learned Didoclavius his testimony in his preface to his Altera Damascus Robertus Brusius ver genere virtute nobilis majestate vultus venerabilis qui plura animarum millia Christo lucrifecit cujus anima si ullius mortalium absit verbo invidia sedet in coelestibus anima mea cum anima tua Brusi si ex aliena fide esset pendendum III. Mr Davidsone Minister of the Gospel at Salt-Prestoun may be truly here instanced as one of an extraordinary prophetick Spirit vvho vvas likevvise eminently zealous and faithful for his Master in a time of the Churches defection as Didoclavius in that forementioned preface termes him Cato Constani Cato sui temporis He did then foresee Prelacyes breaking in upon the Church vvhen King James vvas pressing the setting up of superintendents under a very specious pretext and vvas for that end himself present at the assembly in Dundee having engadged many alace too many to consent thereto but Mr Davidsone vvith great boldnes rose up and vvarned the assembly of the hazard and told them he savv the
knave Bishop vvith his mitre comming in under that mask yea did solemnly in his own name and name of the Church of Scotland enter a protestation against that step of defection and their yeelding up in so far the liberties of the Church to please men Whilest he vvas Minister at Salt-Prestoun the building of a Church vvas by him much endevoured vvhich then vvas vvanting for vvhich he did advance so much out of his ovvn privat interest my Lord Nevvbatle vvho then had a great interest in the Parish engadging to help it fordvvard from vvhich he after refiled and thereby frustrated the vvork Whereupon Mr Davidsone told him these vvalls that vvere then begun to be builded should stand as a witnes against him and that ere long God should root out him and his estate out of that Parish and should not have a piece of land in the same vvhich shorthy after had a visible accomplishment It vvas very clear from many passages of his life that the secret of the Lord vvas in an extraordinary vvay vvith him Some of these vvhich have been transmitted from these vvho particularly knevv the same are indeed most vvorthy of a remark At a certain assembly of the Church Mr Iohn Spotswood and Mr Iames Law vvho vvere then entred into the ministry vvere processed for some grosse acts of prophanity vvhere Mr Davidson finding the assembly too easy to passe the same in regard of their parts and gifts onely vvith a rebuke he did vvith much veâ—emency presse their deposition and after being crossed therein said you vvill needs spare these 2 men vvhereat I am grieved but the time is comming vvhen they shall trample upon your necks and upon the Church of Scotland And it is well knovven what an accomplishment this prediction had Being with Mr Bruce one time at dinner who vvas then in great favour vvith the King he had these vvords in giving thanks after meat Lord they servant here is novv a great favorite of the Court and in much respect but he shall be within a litle as much persecuted as he is now in favour and go down the streets when many who have him this day in esteem will not give him a salutation vvhich vvas very manifest afterwards And at an other time whilest Mr Robert Bruce and he were dyning together in the house of one of the Magistrates of the town who was then a cordial friend to godly Ministers he did also in his plain and free way break forth with these words whilest he was giving thanks Lord this good man hath respect for thy sake to thy servants but he litle knoweth that in a short time he must carry us both who are here to prison which words did much trouble that honest man though afterwards it came most exactly to passe There is one more remarkable passage which I should fear to set down it is so strange but that I had the same confirmed by some worthy of credit who shewed me that from these that were present and familiar with Mr Davidsone they had it related A Gentleman nearly related to a great family of that Parish bnt a most violent hater of piety did upon that account beat a poor honest man who lived there having not the feast shadow of a provocation and amongst other sore strokes gave one upon the back with these words take this for Mr Davidsons sake after which the honest man was for a time forced to keep his bed and complained most of that stroke which he gave him on the back as that which he felt more then all the rest but the Sabbath following Mr Davidson speaking in the close of his Sermon anent the oppression of the godly and enmity which wicked men had to such did very particularly touch that late instance saying it was a sad time whilest a prophane man would thus openly adventure to vent his rage against these who were seekers of God in the place whilest he could have no cause but the very appearance of his image and with great authority said he who hath done this were he the Laird or the Lairds brother ere a few dayes passe God shall give him a stroke that all the Monarches of the earth dare not challenge which was then publickly known how in the close of that very week standing before his dore he was struck dead with a thunder bolt and all his bones crusht A little before the death of this great Servant of Christ having an occasional rencounter with Mr Iohn 〈◊〉 a young Gentleman who was lately come from Frâ—â—â—â— and had then no thoughâ—s of the ministry but 〈◊〉 in a very couâ—â—ly dresse Mr. Davidson did in a 〈◊〉 lemn way charge him to cast off his scarlet cloak and lay aside his guilded rapper and take him to his book for you are the man sayes he who is to succeed me iâ— the ministry at this place which so very astonishing â—â— that Gentleman for the present yet accordingly fell out he did immediatly succeed him there where he was for many yeares an holy and faithfull Minister of the Gospel This last passage many yet alive who had the same from the said Mr Iohn Ker can witnes IV. Mr Patrik Simson who was once Minister of â—ramond and after transported to Stirling may be here also instanced as a very extraordinary man in the Church in his youth he attained to great knowledge in the languages did much study Greek and Lâ—tiâ—e Aâ—thors and gave this reason to such who vvondred â—â— should spend so much time in reading these vvho vverâ— but pagans that he purposed to dedicat all these â—evvels vvhich he borrovved from the Egyptians to the building of the house of the Lord it is knovven vvith vvhat zeal he did oppose himselfe to the corruptions of that time in the year 1584 whilest there was an expressâ— charge from the King for acknowledging Mr Patâ—icâ— Adamson Archbishop of S. Andrewes or else lose thâ—â— maintenance he did with great vehemency appear against the same though that man was his uncle upon the motheâ— side and some who seemed willing to subscribe there to with such a condition according to the Word of God he did gravely rebuke shewing them it could be no salve to their conscience since it was repugnantia in adjecto to subscribe to any institution according to the word when the word did expresly condemn the same It was also known he refused the offer of a Bishoprick and afâ—â—â—wards of a yearly pension from the King which he looked on as a design only to bribe his conscience which was more dear to him then all the World and when that assembly at Aberdeen was condemned by the State he did openly own and avow the same and in a very solemn manner denounced the wrath and â—â—dgement of God against these accusers and convicters of these excellent men at Linlithgow who stood for the liberty of that assembly that notable paper and protestation given in to the Parliament 1606 where
but am heavily grieved that the glorious governement of the Church of Scotland should be so defaced and a Popish tyrannical government set up and thou Manderston for out of that house Dumbar was come and he thus stiled him Hast thou no other thing to do but carry down to Scotland such commissions whereby the poore Church there is wracked the Lord shall be avenged upon thee and thou shalt never again go down for all thy grandour which words took such impression on that Gentleman that when he went forth he desired some friends who then waited to get a bussinesse at court â—â—ped by Dumbars moyen that they would in time â—â—â— their affaires to a close for he was perswaded the words of that servant of Christ should nor fall to the ground and truely this did very quickly take place that Earle being suddenly struck by death within a few moneths after and thus thrown down from the top of his grandour whilest he was bussie perfecting that great house of his at Berwick and had appointed a sumptuous feast for his daughters marriage even then did his thoughts perish I shall here but adde one instance more of one whom we before named though not a Minister yet a great instrument for promoting the work of the Gospel in the place he lived and one we may say of an extraordinary spirit Hew Kennedy provest of Aire of vvhom I would mention these two passages from sure knowledge One was whilest the Merchant Ships of that town were at â—eâ— amongst whom his son Iohn who was also a choise Christian was at that time he did one night rise before the breaking of day and came to the house of his familiar friend Iohn Steward desiring he would rise go along with him to some room whereat the said Iohn being exceedingly astonished he sayeth to him it is no time to linger let us go pray for my son with the rest of our friends now at sea are at this houre on the very nick of perishing and after they had spent some time in prayer he arose chearfully and said now they are safe Within a little after Iohn Steward who had writ this down with the day and houre at the return of the Ships did most particularly enquire and found hovv it did answer in all the circumstances and in that very houre of that night they were to appearance past hope of safety upon a very dangerous place and by an extraordinary unexpected providence then delivered The other is this one day being for many houres alone in prayer whilest some of his Christian friends did wait long for him at last with an unusual chearfulnes he came forth and upon their enquiry anent his stay he told them it was no wonder for he had that day got mercy to him and all his and truely it was very evident that not one of his Children but there was large ground of charity that they were truely godly Whilest he was dying Mr Ferguson a godly Minister sayeth to him yow have cause Sir to be assured that the Angels of God are novv vvaiting at the stoups of this bed to convoy your soul into Abrahams bosome to vvhom his ansvver vvas I am sure thereof and if the wals of this house could speak they could tell hâ—â— many sweet dayes I have had in secret fellowship with God and how familiar he hath been with my soul I shall only adde Mr. Welshes testimony in a letter from France to this great man his words were these Happy is that city yea happy is that Nation that hath a Hew Kenneay in it I have my selfe certainly found the answers of his prayers from the Lord in my behalfe SEVENTH Witnes to this truth that the Lord hath in so solemn and extraordinary a way appeared for his Church in these last times is this these great and marvellous providences which we may call magnalia Der by which he hath witnessed his truth and confirmed the same since the breaking up of the Gospel in this late raising of the Church from Antichrist For we may truely say there hath not wanted a visible attestation from Heaven and a convincing testimony by some great workes of the Lord to his truth as well as in the primitive times of the Church We do here understand by such providences these wherein man cannot but see something above nature and naturall causes yea above the ordinary way of the Lords working which doth evidently witnes his great and immediat hand some whereof have been so wonderful which can be instanced in these late times as might truely be called miracles it is true this is not the Lords usuall way neither maketh he use of such a solemn testimony but on special and weighty grounds vvhen the necessity of the Church called for it vvhilest he is about some extraordinary piece of vvork or vvhen the Gospel cometh first to a land that hath been long overspread vvith darknes vvhen ordinary meanes of conviction are vvanting or in times of great opposition vvhen the commission of his servants needeth some extraordinary seal in such a time as that of Achabs vvhen the People are made to halt betvvixt truth and a false vvay and thus vve find the Lord did confirm the first breaking up of the Gospel and make use of such a mean to spread the Christian Church through the World and should this seem strange that in so great a change of the Churches case novv in these latter dayes vvhen he vvas to raise her up after so long a ruin and desolation vvhilest Antichristianisme so many ages had overspread the face of the World that he should thus appear and give some signal demonstration of his povver in behalfe of his People such as vve have seen vvith our eyes and our fathers did tell us It is not miracles or any extraordinary providence on vvhich men should resolve their faith nor do vve here mention these for laying stresse thereon in believing the truth no the Protestant doctrine and cause doth lean on a stronger gtound it can vvith confidence appeal the adversary to the Scripture these divine records vvhich they do not pretend to deny this even this is the reason of our hope vvhich vve offer to all that ask for the same and there let the God of truth vvho hath revealed his vvill and answers men by the written word be judge aâ—d we shall demand no greater advantage nor justice at the hand of our enemyes we know miracles cannot authorize a lye or be a seal to any thing repugnant to the Scripture and truely these lying wonders which have been so frequent in the World which the Apostle doth foretel that such an engine the Devil wil make use of to turn men aside from the truth besids other marks of their falsehood they have this one most discernable that they are the support and warrant of that which cannot stand alone by the Word and thence are the popish miracles made use of to confirm such tenets
woefull trade did one day rencounter a poor man travelling with 2 horses which he according to his custome takes away the poor countryman falling down on his knees did earnestly beg that for Jesus Christs sake he would give the one again for he had no more to maintain his poor family but what he could gain by them but it was in vain he carryeth them home with him leaving the poor man in that desolate condition but a little after he turns dumpish and melancholy could get no rest or quiet not knowing the cause but as he professed that these words the poor man had spoke to him though he was so great an Atheist that he understood not what he meant when he spake of Christ were lying like a heavy weight upon his spirit and whilest he was sought after for his robberies he desired his sonnes to shift for themselves for he could not go out of the vvay there being a restraint upon him and something vvithin him that in a kinde bound him from going out of the way and thus stayed at his house until he was apprehended brought in to Edinburgh and there put up in prison upon which a godly Minister Mr Henry Blyth with a Christian Gentleman William Cunir ghame Tutor of Bonitoun who had sometimes known him make a visit holding forth to him his miserable estate and the heâ—â—â—rd of his soul for he vvas judged by the Law to dye and amongst other vvords shewing him the necessity to flee to Jesus Christ he doth suddenly break out vvith a cry O what word is that for it hath been my death that is the word that hath lyen upon my heart since the poor man spake it to me so that I had no power from that time to go out of the way and after being told what an one Christ vvas vvithout whom he could not be saved he cryeth O will he ever look to me and shew mercy that for his sake would not shew mercy to that poor man and give him back his horse but after further instruction a most real and gracious change did appear upon him he gave most convincing evidences of the reality thereof attained to great assurance before his death and upon the scaffold in the publick streets vvhere he vvas executed did speak so vvonderfully of the Lords dealing vvith him and vvith such knovvledge and judgement as left a conviction on all present and forced them to see a truth and reality in the grace of God An other notable instance of grace vvith a very remarkable passage in his condition I shall here mention one Patrick Mackelwrath vvho lived in the vvest parts of Scotland vvhose heart the Lord in a remarkable vvay touched and after his conversion as he shevved to many of his Christian friends vvas in such a frame so affected vvith that nevv World vvherein he vvas entred the discoveries of God and of a life to come that for some moneths together he did scarce ever sleep but vvas still taken up in vvondring his life vvas very remarkable for tendernesse and near converse vvith God in his vvalk and vvhich vvas vvorthy to be noticed one day after a sharp tryal having his only son suddenly taken avvay by death he retired alone for several houres and vvhen he came forth did look so chearfully that to those who asked him the reason thereof vvondered at the same in such a time he told them he had got that in his retirement vvith the Lord that to have it afterwards renewed he would be content to losse a son every day This one remarkable passage I would set down it had been long his burden the want of memory that he could retain almost nothing of what he heard from the word and bitterly complaining thereof to worthy Master James English Minister of Daly his counsel to him was when he heard any truth which he desired to remember to hold it up to the Lord and desire him to keep it for him and give him it back according to his need which accordingly this blessed man did with much seriousnes practice and on his death bed to his Minister and divers Christians that were present he did solemnly declare how wonderfully the Lord had ansvvered and condescended to him in that particular for as they knew how much formerly it had been his burden the want of memory now the Lord had given him back all these truths that he had put in his keeping so that what for many yeares before he had heard was now most clearly brought to his remembrance which he witnessed by repeating many particular truths and notes of Sermons which at such and such times he had heard Now to shut up this we have truely cause to say even from late experience since this dark night came upon the Church in these Nations with so sharp a storm of persecution there hath not wanted some very signal and convincing providences witnessing the Lords appearance for his People and against their enemyes which are worthy of a remark and may let men see that there is one higher then the highest who ruleth in the Kingdomes of the Children of men for it is manifest 1. How eminently the Lord did appear in breaking that party vvho had been the great instruments both in Counsel and Action to break the governement of the Church of Christ in this land and lay so much of his vineyeard waste and desolate and this in the height of their povver and greatnes vvhilest they seemed most firmly rooted O hovv evident vvas a divine hand there that this Cabbal vvho made it their great work to raise up Prelacy and oppresse the poor Church and like a violent tempest did carry all before them in a moment vvhen they could have least expected should be made to fall yea in so short a time be turned out of their places and offices who but a little before had turned out so many of the faithfull Ministers of Christ and that great man who put forth his power and authority so much to turn many of the godly of the Land both Ministers and others out of their houses and familyes tossing them from place to place should thus be dealt with from the Lord and recompenced vvith that measure being forced to quite his lodging once and again yea even to banish himself out of the countrey vvho had been the chief instrument to banish some of the most choise servants of Christ and this stroke also made to tryst them from that hand whence they could have least exepected whose interest they studied to promote in opposition to Gods truely I should desire to study sobriety and fear in application of the judgements of God but vvhen the Lord doth so clearly reveal himself and shevv forth such an evident resemblance betvvixt mens sins and their stroke it cryeth aloud for a serious observing thereof 2. Should vve passe without a remark so solemn 2 vvitnes from the Lord of his respect to his Peoples sufferings in this late
THE FULFILLING OF THE SCRIPTURE OR An Essay shewing the Exact Accomplishment of the Word of God in his Works of Providence performed and to be performed For Confirming the Beleevers and Convincing the Atheists of the present time Containing in the End a few rare Histories of the Works and Servants of God in the Church of Scotland ISAI XLVI V. X. My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure JOHN X V. XXXV And the Scripture cannot be broken ACT. 1 V. XVI Men and brethren This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled Printed in the Year 1669. THE EPISTLE TO THE READER READER It is like you mâ— expect some accompt anent the rise and occasion of this discourse that on so great and weighty a subject so small an essay should venture abroad especially in a time when it seemeth more safe and prudent to keep silence to be swift to hear and slow to speak which seldome hath an after challenge the Author will say litle for his apology herein though he hopeth he may finde it more easy to satisfy others then he did himself this fredome onely he shall take to confesse that sometime it hath been matter of earnest yea hatâ— caused some tossing and exercise upon his spirit and pressed a more serious enquiry and search with a respect to his own case to be perswaded anent the Scriptures divine authority that Godlines is not an empty name or shadow but of an undoubted truth which indeed of all other things is the greatest and of most near concernment and truely anent that this grave convincing argument of the Scriptures certain accomplishment hath not onely oft stared him in the face with a satisfying discovery and impression thereof as a most quieting and unanswerable demonstration of the truth but he must also say that by very remarkable confirmations from the Lord this hath been so convincingly witnessed to his experience as leaveth him under engadgement were such a poor testimony of weight to put his seal to the Word that it falleth not to the ground neither doth the promise of God fail It is a dark time now with the Church of Christ which we see every where almost suffering and afflicted whilest the whole earth besides seemeth to be at ease Christians also even beyond others in their privat lot trysted with very sharp tryals though I think suffering may be the least of our fear at this day while Ath-isme doth now appear on so formidable a grouth and hath a more threatning aspect then the rage or violence of men we see a saâ— dâ—cay likewise on the Churches abroad Religion every where under a great consumption and weaâ—ing out that seemeth to have reached it in its vital parts men search after an unusual way of sinning as if they scorned to be wicked at a common and ordinary rate prejudice easily taken up and enterâ—ained against the way of God whilest the good man doth alace perish without any affecting observation thereof the choise and excellent of the earth pluckt away and none to fill their roome Christians burials now frequent but the birth and inbringing of such to the Church rare This is indeed a sad subject and so much the sadder that few are found whose eye affecteth their heart whose teares and groaning seem to answer such a stroke and ruin which now is like to fall under our hand but I shall leave this prayer will be the best cure and is this day more fit then complaining to turn unto him who seeth the wayes of his People that he may heal them and can prevent these with mercy who seem least fit for the same onely two or three sad remarks of this time I cannot altogether passe which indeed are strange symptomes of the Churches present case and distemper 1. To see men own the doctrine of sanctification who yet can professedly disown yea make it their work by reproach to beget a prejudice against the practice thereof Oh strange to finde such as will dip their pen in gall against a tender and strict walk in Religion and revile it in the power thereof whilest they doe not deny these truths and principles that necessarily oblidge to such a tender practice who in the most grave concerning dutyes of Christianity think it enough to charge their brethen with Pharisaical ostentation and hypocrisy whilest they must confesse these duetyes to be unquestionably binding and that they can be no competent judges of such a challenge which the great witnes of the heart and inward parts of men can onely determine 2. It is a sad remark also of the time that Protestant writers professing the Reformed Religion shall state themselves in opposition to the most concerning grounds thereof such as imputed righteousnes and justification by faith which are well called Articulus stantis cadentis Ecelesiâ— I cannot have that charity that it is from ignorance but from a height of malice that some of late reproach the Protestant doctrine in this great fundamental of justification as if it pressed beleeving and resting upon Christ without respect to works and holines I confesse we put not inherent righteousnes in the room of imputed though we assert each is necessary in their own place the one in order to ouâ— right the other in order to the actual participation of that right yea that holines is absolutly necessary not only necessitate praecepti sed medii and justifying faith doth necessarily require works sed non qua quatenus justificat but sure if these men grant we are justifyed by the satisfaction of Christ they must needs confesse it is by imputation since if the debtour be acquit by the cautioners payment is it not by the imputation there of to him O sad to see some put their invention upon the rack how to wound the Church yea a death wound it would be if they could reach their end in that great truth of imputed righteousnes but it were best they denyed that sixt ver of the 4. Chap. to the Rom. to be canonick Scripture which none can read and shift it being so clear that the blessed man is there held forth uuto whom God imputeth righteousnes without works sure that cannot be inherent righteousnes else it were contradictio in adjecto I professe these what ever they pretend I must look on as adversaryes to the Reformed Churches and there is nothing more dangerous then a pirat going forth under a counterfut flag 3. Is it not likewise sad yea astonishing to see Ministers now in these times who are the expresse Embassadors of Christ given to the Church for her edification stand so directly crosse to the very end of their work and Ministry many of whom may be said that knowingly and deliberatly they oppose piety that such should persecute whose work is to feed and wound in stead of healing grieve the spirit of the Godly who should be helpers of their joy that none are a greater plague to corrupt the Church and cause the