and Jambres in Egypt until at last they were constrained to see and acknowledge it was a Divine Power alone they opposed themselves to but such as will peruse what the most judicious of modern Philosophers speak on this Head may see how dark and perplexed their Inquisition is hereon and how strait Bounds they are penned up in whilst they jointly confess that an Earthquake is by no natural motion of the Earth but is impetuous and violent that moves contrary to the setled course of Nature and fixedness of the Earth but that some extraordinary Stop and Obstruction is herein and when they come to fix on the particular Cause hereof think it most probable to be either ab aqua à flammis subterraneis vel ab halitu But if they will rise higher upon another Principle to give a true Idea of Nature they must then see also how it is acted by God as his Instrument to do whatever he will and that the Motions of all inferior Causes must be ultimately resolved both on an immediate Divine Concurrence to their working and on his directing Counsel to answer his Intent since as the Eye of God is still on the whole Circle of the Creation in its Motions so is his Dominion over the deep and darkest Caverns of the Earth to move upon his Call which can never be subjected to the Rule of natural Causes It is true that in the ordinary course and procedure of Providence the only wise God hath a special Respect to the order of inferior Causes and his own Ordination herein and does thus exercise his Dominion over the World and the Motion of things there according to their particular nature wherein he hath fixed them but when sublunary things step out of their natural Course and do either move against or above their own Nature it is surely then upon a supreme Determination for a great end and some notable Step of Providence is to be understood herein yea it is most conspicuous in the way of God when great Events of what 's foretold in the Scripture are in bringing forth as to any piece of his Work wherein he designs some higher discovery of himself to Men that it is when Secondary Causes and the whole concourse of Nature would seem most to controul the same and in this present case if with a serious and prepared Mind Men do consider these two late Earthquakes under their proper Circumstances then it is not possible but they must see them to be such Events as cannot possibly be ascribed to another Cause than an immediate Divine Power exerted in the same There is a Second Improvement which on this Head is now called for to have our eyes thus carried up towards God by serious Observation I know this is not easily attained to be in a due capacity and posture to converse with him this way wherein lyes one of the nearest Intercourses betwixt Heaven and our Soul within time but it is of great use to know aright where the intent of judicious Observation on such an account should be most fixed as 1. On the immediateness of such Acts of Providence to be from God alone as can be ascribed to no created Power which is a discovery that comes not with more Terror to a profane World whose Study is to live without God therein than with unspeakable Joy it meets these of a serious Spirit for a more full establishment of Faith and to see it with that Evidence as makes it unavoidable to terminate their eyes otherwise than on God alone herein Deut. 32. See now I even I am he and there is no God else I kill and make alive I wound and I heal c. 2. It is then our Observation is suitably fixed when it respects the clear Impress of Divine Truth on any extraordinary Step of his way no less than of his Power since as his Work is ever answerable to his Being and the Perfections of his Nature so is the outgoings of his Truth and Faithfulness herein to be intensly observed who does rule and govern the World according to these established Laws and Constitutions of his revealed Truth 3. It is essentially requisite also to consider and see such Providences as are more extraordinary under these Circumstances which most remarkably attend the same It being sure how great a weight one Circumstance may have to render a Providence in some singular way to be both instructing and comforting which otherwise would not work in that manner Thus did the Ruler so exactly inquire and observe at what Hour it was when his Son recovered and found it answer to that very time when Christ had given him the assurance thereof It is herein one of the great Duties of our day lyes and I am perswaded that great things for Observation do yet wait upon this time Providence hath been a long Teacher to Britain and it useth to be the last Teacher that is made use of and the last way that the Spirit of God does strive with a People or Nation before approaching Judgment We have seen it go by on the right hand in most singular dispensations of Grace and Mercy to these Nations as also upon the left hand in extraordinary Acts of Justice yet have we little seen or perceived to this day the most special Intent of the Lord herein But since I have spoken more expresly thereto elsewhere I forbear to touch it further only this Improvement further might be suitable on such a Subject to impress Mens Spirits with the Fear and Dread of walking contrary to Providence especially in any more extraordinary Discoveries of God this way since this is the highest Contempt and Opposition upon the Earth to his Providential Government and does in an unusual manner hasten and prepare such for the last Stroak This seems to be one of the Signs of our time that hath a sad Resemblance to these in the Primitive times 2. Pet. 2. who turned divine Patience to be a matter of Scoff and said Where is the Promise of his coming since we see things continue yet as they were and have yet outlived many threatning Tokens and Presages of Judgment But it is usually seen that such who have looked on premonitory Signs with the greatest Confidence and have counted any serious regard thereto to be a superstitious Weakness have been beyond all others seized with the greatest Terror and Amazement upon a surprizing Stroak A reverential Fear and Dread of Divine Warnings and of the evil day is most highly becoming such who may have the greatest Security of Mind as to their own personal Lot therein such as Habac. 3. 16. When I heard this my Belly trembled my Lips quivered c. that I might rest in the day of Trouble A Second Proposition that hath the same clear Evidence with the former from this Scripture is this That such an Assurance of Faith is attainable here on the Earth as can bear out and secure the Soul of a Christian
prevalent as to attain the Work of an Age formerly in a very short time and verify that Scripture to the Amazement of the World Isa 66. 10. how a Nation and People should be Born and formed to the Lord in a day But I must herewith speak to a sad Mistake that I humbly judge many are upon as to the measure of that Prophetick Millennium and highest Glory of Christs visible Reign herein as if that definite time of a Thousand Years should be understood extensively of such a precise number of Years and of so long a Duration when the Intent of the Holy Ghost herein seems so clear and evident that it 's rather intensively to be taken in the Value and Splendor thereof when the Light of one day will be as of seven in one and the Work of God in a short measure of time then will virtually amount to a Thousand Years I know it 's accknowledged by all and clearly understood as David speaks Psal 90. and the Apostle 2 Pet. 2. how a Thousand years with the Lord is but as a day yet seems the Sense of this to be little apprehended by most how a day before the Lord may be as a Thousand years And how it 's intended there to shew his ing such a Value and Glory thereon as it may amount to the Product of a Thousand years formerly in the ordinary course of Providence 2. It is in this respect also that the Lords making a short work in the Earth in the last times of the Church may be understood by a more swift course than usual in order to the perfecting of the Saints who then are on the Earth and ripening of them for Heaven so that answerable to their Attainments of Grace in a more extraordinary growth herein their Translation to Glory will be the more hastned and the Measure of the Work and Services of their time more quickly perfected This with humble Sobriety I have sometimes and do still judge that the Lords cutting short his work then may be no less remarkable in the short Period and Duration which the Saints shall have on the Earth after their Calling than that long Measure which was allotted to Men in the first entry of time as congruous to this design of Grace to make a short work then and hasten the full Translation of the Church to its Triumphant State 3. It is to be judged in this respect also will appear that cuting short of the Work of God in the last times by bringing forth the great designs of Providence which are then to have their full Accomplishment with so extraordinary a gale of Divine Power and swift course thereof as will admit no Halting or Delay but shall attain that in a very short time which to our Thoughts would seem great for an Age to bring forth We can see now with full evidence for what great ends the Service and Vse of time hath been from the first entry thereof and what designs the Blessed Author of the same hath had on the Ages past But when we look forward to the last Intent and Work thereof there seems to be very dark and strange Thoughts hereof by many though the Spirit of God by Divine Revelation is clear and express about the same as to what must be yet filled up of the Work and Administration of Providence before the end The Testimony of Christ which is the Spirit of Prophesie was most specially directed under the Old Testament upon his Priestly Office but now is the Glory of this Testimony as to the Prophesies under the New Testament in a peculiar way settled on his Kingly Office in the whole Progress and Gradations of his visible Kingdom until the close of Time and it 's in a Twofold respect that the Spirit of Prophesie does reveal the great designs of Providence which are yet to be perfected before the end of time The first is as to a breaking down and final Overthrow of the Kingdom of Antichrist under the last Vials yea as to the Methods of Providence and the manner hereof is also express and clear that when the time is once come for this great and magnificent Act of Judgment on that City and Seat of the Beast by the Fifth Vial it will then make a strange and unusual dispatch and be an amazing Surprizal as the Scripture speaks Rev. 18. 7 8. when she says I sit as a Queen and shall see no Sorrow then in one day shall her Plagues come for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her Nor can this be more marvelous in our Eyes when it comes than what we have seen of the degrees of Wrath and Judgment that are already fulfilled on this Adversary so as I must judge by Scripture Evidence this will be a work of short time as it will bear an extraordinary and immediate Appearance of God therewith But there is one great design further in that way of breaking down and overturning which must yet take place in the final Judgment of the Mahumetan Empire both as to Turks and Persians which as it may be clearly understood by the Sixth Vial and does with great evidence relate to what is foretold of this Adversary Rev. 9. 14. under the Sixth Trumpet so as to the manner hereof in that Allusion of drying up the River of Euphrates when formerly we see how these Angels were let loose for Destruction who were bound thereat We may see how the same Allusion does speak such a work of Judgment as will be strange sudden and surprizing as the drying up of Euphrates by Diversion of that River did in one Night make way to finish the Babylonish Empire in the time of Cyrus and now some prelude and remarkable Steps of Judgment as to the fall of that Empire have been of late very obvious But yet in a Concurrence herewith there is one great design of Providence to be accomplished before the end which is for building up and a restoring work on that great and long Ruin of the scattered Jews and thus for gathering together in one in the Dispensation of the fulness of time all things in Christ even in him Eph. 1. 10. which Scripture I must humbly judge speaks peculiarly to that last uniting work about the Church Vniversal both of the Jews and Gentiles When the times of the Gentiles are once Accomplished which as I have a little touched before then will it be understood in the Event how the Value and Interest of a day may be by the Lord in that manner heightned as to sum up and abridge therein what had not been attained in a Thousand years before It was in the first times of the Gospel that the Effusion of the Spirit of God and Out-goings of his Power was so wonderful and strong as in Forty years the extent of the Christian Church after the Ascention of Christ was then greater in the World than it seems to be at this day which I do not question shall yet once
undoubted earnest in their hand though they may not have the same inward Sense and Evidence therewith on their Heart as formerly Yea the singular Comfort and Advantage which is in a judicious Observation of these more extraordinary Acts of Providence that have met them formerly will be then understood when they come to a serious recollecting of the same It 's true the measure of such a Talent with some may much exceed that of others whose Life hath been filled up with more singular Experiments of this kind what God hath been to them in some unusual way and in the more immediate Interpositions of Providence yet where something is in any measure of such an Assistance for a clear and sweet review on the same it 's not expressible how this will work in a new exigence when the Comforter indeed brings it to their Remembrance it is a strong Argumentation that the Spirit of God affords this way to raise the Confidence of his People in the most extraordinary câ—â—â—… Job 5. He will deliver in Six Trouble yea in Seven by which in Scripture Style is to be understood a note of Perfection when it comes to the highest and most extream part of Trouble that then these Experiences were assured Pledges that his Power will not fail in the Seventh or come short for bringing forth so great a Deliverance It 's true one day may come in a Christians way to heighten the Tryal of their Faith more than all the preceeding part of their Life But it is no less remarkable in the way of Grace how these also have been in some singular manner then trained and ripened for such an Assault e're it came and as the greatest Paroxism of a Disease is usual upon the height of a Crisis and when it 's on a turn so is it experienced how astonishing a darkness does oft fall down when some eminent Appearance of God in the way of Comfort and Light to a Christian hath been most immediately near It is not conceivable also until it be tryed what Satans greatest Design and effort means which each of the Saints does once prove in some time of their Life though not in a like measure yea how singular a time this is found to be for some higher Tryal of God beyond their former Experience But it may be a strengthening Remark to our Faith how the design of those Powers of darkness are most deeply laid against the Followers of Christ according to their room in the Body and any more special Services for him that may be alotted to such I remember a Passage of Luthers in his common places with respect to himself very remarkable videtur mihi Satanas a pueritia mea aliquid providisse in me eorum quae nunc patitur ideo ad perdendum ad impediendumque me incredibilibus machinis insanivit ut saepius fuerim admiratus egone Solus essem inter mortales quem ita peteret 5. There is one singular Assistance also that such who have attained fome near Entercourse with God in the way of his Truth have beyond others in the darkest Hour by a review on these peculiar Promises that have been with the most full Evidence and Seal of the Spirit of Promise sometimes enjoyed in a sensible Application of the same It was this gave David so strong an Argument to plead and prevail with God Psal 119. 49. Remember the word unto thy Servant whereon thou causest me to hope and it 's clearly in that Sense it must be understood Heb. 11. Of these who by Faith obtained Promises from God being made theirs by such an immediate Seal and Application that gave them as clear an Interest therein as if they were in the Performance And surely where the Testimony of the renewed Conscience is kept clear herewith as to the Truth of the Condition to which these Promises relate the very Life and Comfort of a Christians Trust lyes in such a Support above what 's expressible than in an Hour of Temptation 6. But there is one Improvement further in order to a Christians Faith and Support in the most extreme case to consider that in a short time he is to make a Tryal of Faith that will be of another Nature than he hath ever known before and no Tryal within time can be like this which is at Death when the whole visible part of Man must be shut up in a dark and narrow Grave which had once the spacious Earth to move in and did enjoy the Light of the same where in one Moment there is a parting with all Interest and Comforts in this lower World and an immediate entry on the Decision of their eternal State which is then irrevocably cast where they can have no Intelligence from all who have gone before what it is to die or what manner of Sight that will be which is at the first opening of those Gates of the Second World either as to Blessedness or Torment yea where there can be no possible Assistance from Nature in the shutting of this dark Gulf nor is conceivable by Humane Light the Way and Manner of that Passage so that any Exigence which may seem most trying to a Christians Faith here on the Earth is but as a Prelude and preparatory part to this last step of their Warfare And as Death was in its first Constitution purely penal and is no natural Accident which meets us not as we are Men but as we are Sinners there is no true Support possibly attainable then but in the Vertue and Power of Religion But it is now in a more applicatory way I must yet speak further with respect to so great a Subject and what in order to Light hath been held forth thereon 1. That if Men do not design a resolute Opposition to God in those late premonitory Signs of this present Year it 's not morally possible then to withstand such a Concatenation of Evidences of a supernatural Discovery thereby and that they were surely directed with a special Commission from him and Forewarnings of such a kind as are suited to the Design of Providence in this day and when there is so little Faith now on the Earth with respect to any Threatnings of the Word is it strange though there be some unusual Demonstrations of God in the way of sense to speak to the World by a monitory Voice It is true the Lord did never give forth Miracles to attest before Men the Truth of his Deity which hath a Witness thereto in every Object of Sense and from the whole Constitutions of Nature yet have these been most specially directed to awake a more deep and tremendous Impression of the Majesty of God on Mens Souls when the Voice of his revealed Truth is not regarded And there is just cause to believe that the Design of Providence this day is in another manner now than in times past taking place to let this Generation know That surely there is a God who judgeth in the
more before the close of time be no less wonderful in the swift Course and Conquest of Grace both as to Jews and Gentiles than it was at that time But as no great Excellencies or extraordinary Splendor in any Appearances of God have been of a long Duration whilst the Church here is Militant so the nearer all things are to the Center in the final close of time we should expect as God hath expresly spoke that it will be with a remarkable cutting short of his Work then and that the World will be in a strange manner surprized with his last coming Yea that the greatness of such a Harvest of Israels Conversion will bring in more in a short time than many Ages hath done formerly 4. It is also in this respect that the making a short work in the close of time may be judged that after such extraordinary Discoveries of God and Methods of Grace the final Opposition then made thereto by the World will to the furthest make way for the last decision of Judgment when the Harvest of the Earth is thus ripened and made White under such prodigious measures of Guilt more than in all Ages past as the Righteous God will then be Interested in Vindication of his Glory to shut up for ever that long Period of his Patience and Long-sufferings 5. Let me but add upon this Head that I account it a peculiar Demonstration of God which he hath reserved to the last times of the Church to shew before Angels and Men what use he can make of a short time for the greatest ends and how far he can cause it to amount in perfecting of his Work to bring forth such wonderful things in a few days or years that would seem as incomprehensible to Reason as for the Earth to bring forth in a day or for a Nation to be created therein Isa 66. 10. It hath been the Glory of God that some should live more in a few years and act a greater part on the Stage than others in a long Age the first Service of time was beyond all that ever followed upon this Account made wonderful and glorious when one day brought at once forth the Sun Moon and Stars and set them in their proper Orbs and another day brought forth that Intellectual Being of Man made after the Image of God and can it be strange that the same God give such a Demonstration of himself and of the glory of his Power in the last shutting up of his Work as the World may see it 's not in the Reverence of Time nor of Ages when his Design and Counsel herein is to take place But if Men will raise and build their Hopes on the long Duration of this horrid and sad World now in its Old Age and think their Houses shall be continued for many Generations it will be a sad Surprizal in the Close when they are found in the same Posture at the coming of the Son of Man as it was in the days of Noah And I doubt not the swift motions of Providence for making a short Work in the Earth will be yet rendred more astonishing than all we have hitherto seen Blessed are they that watch and wait with Joy for the drawing near of this great day of their Redemption though the precise day and time hereof be alone known to the Lord. 10. It is true that the way of the Lord may seem to controul any swift Motion and Course of Providence in his Procedure this day when the Wheels do to our Sense stand still and things yet kept in a Suspence as to any great or remarkable Decision in the publick State of Affairs yea when after such Expectations now for a considerable time there is so strange an Interval of Silence as to the Work of God in this Part of the World and the Ballance kept in an unusual manner equal betwixt the French and the whole Confederates which are against him It is unquestionably matter of great Thoughts of Heart what the Event may be e're long of such an astonishing Calm and Stop But in order to this let me humbly speak a few things to be considered 1. How in all times of the Church it hath been made observable That when the Lord is to bring forth some great Work of Judgment on the World and on particular Nations he does not only reinforce Warnings and gives time herein to answer his Call but even when his Hand is lifted up will yet hold the same But where the most Signal Delay and Forbearance hath gone before it 's sure the more dreadful and sad is the Stroak when it comes at last 2. Though there needs a Divine Light to make a right Estimate and Judgment of things which relate to the present day yet if Men admit Reason it may be too easie to see that there is no slow motion in the visible tendency of things as they now move in these Three Nations to some fatal and sudden Period except these things which should thus awaken our Fears have a more special Influence to direct unto these Duties which might yet prevent the same For even judicious Reason may Prophecy what Aspect such Evils have as by a native and unavoidable Result have the most near and immediate Influence on a Nations Ruin when they are come to that Height as will admit no Cure And when the most numerous Part of a Protestant Profession therein are so visibly stated in Emnity to other pursuing different and contrary Interests as cannot but lay a dead lift on all publick Actings this day When also the Contagion of Example is so prevalent and mortal but the Comfort thereof so rare as to any of a truly Raised and Heroick Spirit And if we look to these who have a leading Interest in these Nations as to their Stations and Qualities how few of such may be now found whose Ancestors had an eminent Appearance for God in their day that have the Spirit of their Fathers resting on them But now in the 3d. place I must crave leave to speak a little more fully in order to a trying and inquisitive Judgment on a very great and affecting Head what it should mean that there are such threatning Appearances of Hazard to Britain from the French Power in these times we are in I know it may seem a hopeful Sign that such a Party as we have to deal with are such also against whom the Blood of Thousands of Protestants is crying to Heaven And I am perswaded that the Holy God will in due time avenge these strange measures of Cruelty exercis'd there upon the House of Bourbon and have Indignation against that Race until the Sun cease to Rise and Set But on the other hand I must speak that surely there seems something in an unusual way threatning in the present Aspect of this Adversary on which I shall offer a few serious Reflections 1. That for several Years past there hath been such remarkable evidence of
Vapours should have so immediate a Conjunction with Places so vastly remote and separate from other by so great an Extent of the Sea I find some famous Searchers into natural Causes writ that an Earthquake is simply impossible in Nature to be of any universal Extent 4. And though we read in the English Histories some strange extraordinary Instances that did occur of such a kind in Queen Elizabeths Reign at London in the Year 1580 at Marcly Hill in Herefordshire in the Year 1571 where it removed it self from the place where it stood and travelled to another place as also a Prodigy of the same kind which was in Dorsetshire 1582 yet was none of these in the least of such a Nature as this or in any respect parallel thereto but were restricted only to particular Bounds tho' they were then matter of great Observation in their day But I humbly judge if the most exact Search were made into History both Modern and Ancient under such Circumstances no Instance so strange and unaccountable as to any natural Causes herein will be found 5. And what a State should we have been in if it had continued but Three Minutes more Or was there any Humane Counsel or Power that could either prevent or restrain the same in the least of its going so far and no further but we might see at once our Hazard and Deliverance set in our sight from an invisible Power But as all the Works of God even such as fall under the Observation of each day should be matter of special regard such wherein his Appearance is more extraordinary calls for some greater Advertence and enquiry about the same I must therefore offer a few Reflections further on this late astonishing Providence 1. That as it was now Ten Years ago since the Lord gave a Sign in an unusual manner from the Heavens above by that great and remarkable Comet in the Year 80 so now after such an Interval of Patience to this Generation he hath given a Sign of another kind which is from the Deep beneath that comes more near to us answerable to that of Isa 7. where we may see how it is most eminently in these two ways the Lord does appear when he is to give some great and significative Sign to the World of unusual Events and as nothing can bring more Terror therewith than an Appearance of such a kind so needs it not be strange that this day when the Earth hath so near a Resemblance to the Infernal State why this should be from beneath and have so dreadful an Aspect 2. Though there might be cause why such a Concussion of the Earth should cause just Fears and Tremblings of Heart yet does it exceed all Humane Comprehension such a Circumstance herewith which was so universally noticed of its affecting the Head with a sensible Giddiness even before they did apprehend and understood any thing of an Earthquake which was so obvious to the most judicious Observers that it seemed as if an Apoplectick Distemper had seized upon them without any known Cause for the same This I have found so general a Remark as I could not pass it over though without any Application else but that no natural Cause can be supposable herein 3. And if we regard the manner of this Sign as it is directed to such a time we are in and in so strange an Extent thereof may it not also as with clear and articulate Voice be understood that what is signified thereby will prove matter of Trembling and Astonishment and may cause a Trepidation in these western parts of Europe answerable thereto so as to shake the most setled Constitutions of Nations if so solemn a Call be not regarded 4. And though it might seem a strange Criticism yet I hope not unsuitable to be noticed that this last Warning was given in the 2d Week of September as directed to revive the Sense and Remembrance of what had been so highly remarkable to this great City in the first Week thereof and with a new Call tho in a most tender premotory way but with that Evidence as we are sure was immediately from Heaven only let me add herewith that 's sure Divine Threatnings and the most tremendous Warnings to Kingdoms and Nations are in their primary Intention design'd to keep off Men from the Judgments threatned and not to be gazed at for a matter of Talk and Report But oh if the furthest Measures of this kind can have no weight to answer the Intent hereof It is sure that God will be known to be God this day unto Britain and before this Generation by such an Evidence and Demonstration as will at last work effectually But having now so far touched these two extraordinary Signs that have so lately occurred I must for the same end point at a Third as so nearly contemporating with the former though it may be feared is gone out of sight and forgot when the Bitterness of Death seems to be past but did cause such Fears in the present time and Consternation of Mind It is that unusual and astonishing Rain which in these parts through most of the Summer continued when thus these sweet Influences from Heaven by moistning Showers to restore and ripen were in that manner changed to be destructive when we might see the Heavens with fo extraordinary an Aspect as it were mourning from above over the Earth if hereby Men would be awakened to the Fear and Dread of that God in whose hand both our Breath and Bread is yea when it was come to that Extremity in its continued Course as threatned to make void the Harvest and when but one Week almost seemed to stand betwixt us and such an unavoidable Stroak when no Humane Counsel or Power could save the Nation from perishing in such a case It was then the Sovereign God did stay his hand and with an eminent Testimony of his Tenderness not only shut up the Clouds but gave such a Compensation by a most serene desirable Season as might recover in a short time what the former Months had spoiled and seemed in an ordinary way to Mens Thoughts irrecoverable But I shall shut up any further insisting on this Subject with a short Touch only at some Improvement hereof for these ends First to a solid fixing of our Judgment and Light about the same there is nothing more amazing and dreadful to the Spirit of many in this day than any supernatural Appearance in the Events of Providence as renders the Sense and Impression of an invisible God and his Dominion over second causes to be unavoidable and on this Account as these seem to be in such a Fear upon the Truth and Existence of Devils since their Faith hereof must needs bring them to the same with the Devils to believe and tremble So is it in this case Men are so much on the Rack how to solve all by natural Demonstration that may darken any immediate Appearance of God as Jannes
did fail and could give no Support in such an Hour Thus I have offered a View in such an Example where the Support and Strength of a Christians Faith in the most astonishing Hour of Temptation does lye and of the solid judicious Actings thereof both in the way of Light and Power And there is herewith presented a special Series and Scale of these Steps whereby such a Measure of Establishment is attainable under that blessed Conduct of the Word and Spirit of God as it keeps close by the Line of Truth betwixt Hazards both on the Right and Left Hand so that we may see on what firm and sure Ground such are and have their Anchor fixed who thus know the work of Faith in an extraordinary case of Tryal But now in the last place I must yet in an applicatory way shut up this Discourse with a more special respect to the times we are now in when such great Thoughts of Heart may be both from those strange Providences that have of late gone over the Churches of Christ in those Three Nations and what my be yet expected and on a near Approach since it is sure Men does not know their day nor can take to heart Time and Judgment where there is no suitable Regard to the Voice of God in his Works as well as in his Word and what is given to be the most remarkable Talent of Observation on such an account I have spoke a little to such a strange Supposal the Psalmist makes as to what might be the Tryal of his Faith in the day wherein he then stood But let me speak a few things that may be judged more than supposable with respect to the present time wherein it seems in some singular way to be stated from other times and though with humble Sobriety I have desired to exoner my Soul on such an Account in a late Essay which hath been published yet having a rise both from this Subject and the present Aspects of Providences I must crave leave to offer some Thoughts farther 1. Is it not more than supposable that such an Appeal from the Lord as we have Isa 5 4. hath a most peculiar respect beyond former times to this Generation What could I have done more to my Vineyard than I have done by new Methods and Tryals both in the way of Grace and in the Severity of Judgments to bring the Churches of Britain again unto God Or hath there been such Precedents in the way of the Lord with any Churches else and in that manner as these 50 Years past he hath made use of And oh what must be expected to work for such an end when no instituted means does answer thereto and that it 's evident what the highest Improvements of Mens natural Power can do which is so much exalted by this Generation to shut out the Necessity of supernatural Influences of Grace with so little Fear of such a judicial Restraint thereof as is at this day For if Men do but sincerely reason their Soul unto serious Thoughts of such a cafe what can be seen now by ordinary means to beget a deep and awful Sense of God on Mens Souls if he do not in some more immediate and extraordinary way appear but such an astonishing Confidence and Contempt of all Divine Signs and Threatnings seem discernable as nothing in a monitory way does work or affect in Mens Spirits Nor is Judgment from Heaven a matter of Fear with most if it be not felt But the same Spirit which we may see Isa 5. 19. may be visible in the present times when they said Let him make speed and hasten his work that we may see it and let the Counsel of the Holy one of Israel draw near that we may know it which was in an express way to speak that neither their Faith nor their Fear did rise higher than sensible Evidence and Demonstration of what was present in their sight 2. It 's a matter of Truth also is more than supposable that the Stability of the Earth beneath us can give no Assurance and solid Quiet of Spirit to those who dwell thereon until they be at Peace with Heaven But whilst they reckon that nothing is more sure to build their Hopes on than this lower Earth and thus have their Hearts on the same Level therewith may see how amidst their greatest Confidence and Expectation their Judgment may then immediately have its Rise from the same so as in one Hour to make the alone Support of their Confidence to be the Grave thereof and whatever some have writ as to the foregoing Presages of any remarkable Earthquake before it took place yet was it never known that an Appearance of God this way either to forewarn as a Sign or as a present Judgment did occurr but with a present Surprizal when nothing hereof was feared or supected And it hath ever been one of the most immediate Signs of sudden Destruction when a Peoples Security hath come to that height as nothing could be awakning in such a case answerable to that 1 Thess 5. 3. when they said Peace Peace then was a destroying Stroak most imminent and near And I may speak this with Assurance that either these late Providences by which God hath in so remarkable a manner made himself known shall be regarded as Signs and carry Mens Spirits above any Product of natural Causes herein unto God or will at last be felt by what is signified thereby 3. I hope it can be no questionable thing with any of a serious and considering Spirit that as the standing of the World and its being secured from the Extremity of Justice is alone by a Dispensation of Grace and the Tenor of the Second Covenant with respect to the Church therein so is it in no other way but of Grace only that Britain hath this day any Claim or Charter of Right to the Blessings of Providence and for having the Hedges of Divine Protection kept up Nor could the furthest of humane Strength and Counsel avail then if once the full measure of the Long-suffering and Tenderness of God should be summed up that hath assuredly its set Bounds to the most eminent Churches where sometimes God hath most remarkably shined and oh what a thing should this World be to live in were it but fore one Day or Hour if there should be a withholding of an immediate Divine Care and Inspection over the same or for so small a time that Door could be shut up of Entercourse betwixt Heaven and the Saints here which by a Divine immutable Constitution of Grace is kept open whilst they are within time But this is a thing as to any publick and national Interest that seems to have little Credit or Regard with Men what invisible Influence such a hid Party who makes least Appearance in the Earth hath on the greatest Changes thereof and how a filling up the Measure of the Elect in a Nation and Continuance of the Candlestick
in that last state of time 6. May it not be matter of unavoidable evidence also as to the present State of the Church that there is surely some eminent period of providence to which so swift and extraordinary a courses of remarkable changes as hath in a successive way still attended these Nations have aproper tendency these being so unusual and astonishing and out of the way of the Lords ordinary working as the most judicious and deep discerners of things could not to this day have reasoned their falling out on principles of humane reason yea such as I must humbly judge will not cease until the Spirit of God be quieted in that great Design which he is to accomplish hereby answerable to that Zach. 6 8. on which he hath set his heart who leaves not his work unperfected which hath also the same sense and intent Isa 66. 9. Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring sorth c. nor I am perswaded will any humane counsel make civil establishments to be effectual until that great design of Providence be more understood and concurred with 7. It is now a day of great expectation how the next scene of Providence may open for a farther clearing of this design of the Lord about which I judge these who have nearest converse with God this day by his Word and Spirit see cause to give their fears the first place before their hopes as to some very extrordinary work of judgment that from all signs seems to lie nearest now to the reformed Churches in the frame of providence tho we are like to have little either of Faith or fear when it comes until it be made an object of Sense but I am sure a few of these evident prognosticks that now are in our sight would have deeply affected the Spirits of ous Fathers when we may see no Providences are so extraordinary as to have any sanctifying influence on Mens Souls for the most part or to advance the publick state of Religion as formerly when an outward Calm and a dead Lethargy herewith does so visibly still go together which hath a more mortal aspect on the present state of Britain than might be judged from the highest Paroxism of personal sufferings when the Christian interest this day for accomplishing the great designs of Grace under a reformed profession thereof is as a low thing in Mens eyes in respect of what is more extrinsick and foreign thereto when also the long decrease of that tide of power and influences of Religion on Mens Souls hath at last come to such an ebb by these judicial removes of the Spirit of God that without some very immediate appearance from Heaven we might fear lest Truth should quickly perish from the Earth yea when it 's so evident that God is yet calling for some to stand in the gap and make up the hedge before Judgment go forth butt almost none sound to answer it's voice so intently are Mens Spirits now even of such who outgo others in a profession set upon designs about their own things and it hath surely ever been a dismal sign to a Nation when it becomes rare to find any suitable Instruments and Tools to answer a restoring work therein or to see that raisedness of Spirit for such an end as hath been formerly which may be feared speaks the long shadows of the Evening before some horror of great Darkness are too visibly stretched out But if Men do count these things small and remote from their eyes and will raise a confidence that it shall be Peace until there be another Appearance for God and the Interest of his Kingdom than hath yet been It may make the Disappointment Sad and Dreadful in the Issue One thing I have thought strange how there can be a National Love and Respect to its Interest in another way than to have God Interested both in their Case and Cause in the first Room or how Solemn and Publick Thaksgivings in a stated external Form for the most eminent Appearances of God whether as to a Nation or to a City or to Persons is so visibly divided from such an essential part thereof which is by Thankofferings and some Returns to him in a promissory way by Deeds and Performances as well as by Words suitable to the Weight of such Engagements But this is a rare Practice now to be found on the Earth to design some special Consecration of the Gain of any eminent National Mercies unto God this way 8. Yet whatever may be too evident in the matter of our Fear it 's sure that the just Grounds of our Hopes in behalf of the Church does far exceed the same And though there be many extraordinary Signs to cause Terror and Consternation of Spirit there is one Sign of another kind that will compense all which is that Sign of the Son of Man Mat. 24. 30. as it is to be understood in a promissory Sense and how that great Mourning of the Tribes of the Earth which is there spoke to attend such a Sign hath the same Sense with that Zach. 12. 10. and is clearly expository of the same They shall look on me whom they have Pierced and Mourn c. as also that evident Parallel Rev. 1. 6. since these do so jointly bear evidence to the Nature and Intent of such a Sign as will then have an eminent Appearance with the first entry and returning of the Jews unto him whom their Fathers did pierce I know some of the greatest Writers of this Age such as Vsher Twiss and Mead and of late that Worthy Man Mr. Mather of New-England take this in the same Sense only seem to reckon this Sign to be the thing signified of Christ himself in a visible Appearance then to the World But this will be e're long in another manner understood in the Event Yet I have found it so sweet a Subject of Thoughts in these dismal and sad Times when other Signs are so tremendous that in some things which are most clear herein and suitable to humble Sobriety I must speak a few things 1. How it is unquestionable this is that one Sign by way of Singularity which our Blessed Head and Redeemer does appropriate to himself as his and to be the Sign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Son of Man such as hath never been given to the World like thereto nor will ever be until he come himself to Judgment 2. It is surely a Sign which must be Publick and Conspicuous to the World in some extraordinary Vision to humane Sense for therein is the Intent of that Prediction made express and clear But as to the Nature hereof or its Duration I judge it suitable not to enquire where the Holy Ghost hath not more particularly cleared the same and reserved a further Discovery thereof to the Event 3. It is sure also when this great Appearance shall be to the World it will be with that demonstrative and undubitable Evidence as
the Sign of the Son of Man as will beyond any Contradiction expound it self and verify such a Prediction of our Blessed Lord before Angels and Men. 4. It must be understood as a Sign that will be deeply affecting and work in an extraordinary way on Mens Spirits to cause so great and universal a Mourning which will not be as som have understood a Mourning from Horror but what will be a Result not only of the Greatness and Certainty of the Sign but of an extraordinary Concurrence of the Spirit of God herewith to answer that eminent Design of Grace with a peculiar respect to the Jewish race as may be clearly seen Zach. 12. 12. And herein I humbly judge as in the first times of the Gospel the Jews did require a Sign from Heaven to engage them to the Christian Faith as the Apostle speaks 1 Cor. 1. 22. so that this way now in the last times both with an eminent Rebuke to their Infidelity and marvelous Condescendence of Grace he will yet in such a manner appear 5. But it must still be according to what the Scripture expresses a Sign and not the thing signified or personal Appearance of our Blessed Lord in his humane Nature whom the Heavens must contain until the full Restitution of all things wherein I must differ from the Judgment of such great Interpreters who take it in the other Sense though this will assuredly be such a Sign as is then to have some extraordinary Impress and Signature upon it to be demonstrative to the World and the Jews more peculiarly of the Humanity of our Blessed Redeemer 6. But whatever may be the Glory and Splendor of so extraordinary an Appearance it must be still reckoned such as the state of Mortality can bear since that Vision that he gave to his beloved Disciple John of himself in his glorified State Rev. 1. was so overpowering as he who had sometimes leaned on his Bosom whilst he was on the Earth did then fall as dead at his Feet and except it were supposed that he should put a Veil on his Glory in such a visible and immediate Appearance of his humane Nature it is not conceivable how even the Saints on the Earth much more the residue of the World could bear a sign of that Nature And herein my Soul doth rest with Assurance as to the Sense and Intent of the Scripture about that much desired Sign after serious and humble enquiry about the same Though I must crave leave to add this further with a special Confidence that this Sign which is to be the greatest is to be given in a Monitory way gof his Second coming is now surely on a near Approach as being both that great Signal of Grace to the poor Jewish World and of its being very near to a perfecting of the Work of time and his coming to judge the World yea since the finishing of the times of the Gentiles and that great Tide and Effusion of the Spirit which will then bring a Resurrection therewith from the Dead to the Jews does contemporate together the promissory Evidences of the near Approach hereof are such as I hope many of this Generation now in the Earth may be made Witnesses thereto 9. I know it is reckoned usually that the accomplishing of these great Designs of Providence which are yet to take place now in the last Ages of the World and the Exhibition of this wonderful Sign of the Son of Man may be at a great distance of time as to the Event thereof upon which I have had the same Thoughts until a more deep enquiry and search about the Counsel of God herein hath brought me under a constraint of Light to see how the work of time in all its Intents is nearer to a final close than seems to be apprehended by most and that we are now surely near to an entring on the last Watch of that long Night of the Churches Militant State when her Warfare shall for ever be accomplished and there will be no more such long Stages in the Course and Procedure of Providence as hath formerly been but when the last part of Scripture Prophesie is once come to the Birth and full height of Accomplishment then i'ts to be hoped that a few Years will bring forth more than hath been formerly attained in some Ages yea to this doth the Spirit speak expresly with respect to that great and wonderful Revolution in the last times by the incalling of the Jews and final Destruction of Antichrist that then he will cut short his Work in Righteousness and finish the same because a short Work will the Lord make upon the Earth Rom. 9. 28. by which the way and manner of the course of Providence is clearly expressed as it will be in the evening of time from what it hath been formerly the Word there in the Original is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to shew that as the work of God which he hath upon the Earth is the alone Product and Accomplishment of his Word so when the Administration of Providence is drawing near to its last Period and Close then will he cut it short and hasten the same in some extraordinary way yea allot more to a Day or Year than he did to many Years before in the ordinary course of his working and as the first bringing forth of the Creation was a short Work and a swift course that Omnipotency took herein so may the last Consummation and Close of the great Work of Providence be expected to make no Delay I am sure the Holy Ghost speaks expresly for this end in that aforecited Scripture besides other Passages of Sacred Truth which give Light and Confirmation thereto but in what Sense the cutting short of the Work of God in the last times and his making a short Work in the Earth is to be understood I must humbly offer what I am in Faith persuaded hereof as agreeable to the Intent of that Scripture 1. How it is to be a short Work and a very swift Motion that shall be then in the Churches Increase and in gathering of the Elect as what will be answerable to that great extent of the Church Vniversal when it is made up both of Jews and Gentiles and in such a day of Power as the Dew of his Youth shall be as the Womb of the morning Psal 110. 3. For though it be clear that the last Triumph of Christ's visible Kingdom and the Glory of his Grace in order to Conversion must assuredly have a great Harvest therewith for in-bringing of the Saints and filling up of that large Room which is yet void in the Church Triumphant in the whole appointed measure thereof yea may be judged such as shall bear a Resemblance to that Progress of Grace and wonderful Product of its Efficacy in the first times of the Gospel so is it to be expected that this last Tide of the Effusion of the Spirit of God shall be so strong and
a Seal of their Commission for Judgment not only to take Peace from this part of the Earth but to be the Rod of Divine Indignation against the Refomed Churches For it hath been under this Rod that hitherto the most destructive Ddsigns have had the most visible Successes and when an Instrument of Judgment is of Gods choosing and hath an anointing for this end put upon him it proves then to be very formidable as it hath the Impress of his Terror and Greatness put thereon beyond what is at another time and is thus acted with an invisible Power and Concurrence until such a Work of Judgment be accomplished 2. We see this is an Adversary who in this late Design against the whole Protestant Interest in the Kingdom of France hath had such prevailing Successes to carry on a ruining and judicial work of that nature when in former times the Protestants there did with an Heroick and Invincible Spirit bear out against the utmost Power and Violence of Four Kings successively and could see them by an extraordinary Divine Hand broke But oh now was the day turned no less remarkably and the Attempts of this King followed with that Terror Fainting and Lowness of Spirit as to any self Defence that it might be seen as in the case of Samson their Strength this way was departed so as nothing could avail until such a Work both of Tryal and Judgment was accomplished This I confess hath oft had an affecting Sense on my own Spirit and brings a more extraordinary Call therewith to have our Reliances more absolutely fixed on God and promise less to our self from visible means yea how to prevent such a Hazard at the Fountains Head as is still threatning when there may be just matter of Fear that the date of his Commission is not yet expired But 3. Is it not known that this is such an Adversary over whom the English Nation once had so great an Ascendent in times past as they were a Terror unto that People who now does not only keep but gain Ground against the united Strength of so great Confederacy so that there may be cause for a higher Look than to what is humane in the Standing Supports and growing Strength of that Party And it 's surely one of the great Demonstrations of Providence in the World which is both in the rising and depressing of the Genius of a Nation and People answerable to the Designs which God is accomplishing hereby But this I leave to the more serious Thoughts and Judgments of others what Appearance such a Sign hath to us this day 4. It is in some singular way that it may be said the French have attained beyond others to be united within themselves and on the other hand no less skilful to divide and promote Discords amongst those who are against them and who now in this critical Juncture of Affairs know how to graft their deepest Designs on these intestine Distempers and Convulsions which are so visible in the Politick Body of these Nations yea know how to foment the same whilst intestine Conslicts even amongst the most serious part of Protestants are so uncessant as to shut out all fear of this kind and despise any moral Relief or Cure 5. Tho' it may be of small Notice or Remark upon any threatning Aspect of such a Party yet I must look otherways thereon even in this Particular that there has been such a long and resolute conforming amongst us to the way of that Nation in the most Prodigions Fashions and Attires who have delighted herein to copy after such a Patern that they may be at last in the Righteousness of God made to have as sad a Tryal of them in the way of Judgment as of that continued Instuence and Ascendent they have had over them in the way of Sin 6. But there Is one Reflection I must yet further offer upon this Head which in this day hath had a special Impression on my own Spirit that the last Effort and ultimus conatus of the Kingdom of Antichrist before its final Fall may be feared is not yet accomplished as to the ultima clades of the Reformed Churches yea that this work hath fallen under his Hand as the Instrument waited and fitted by Divine Providence for such an end which hath oft made me judge that the date of his Commission is not yet expired when the same provoking Causes of such a desolating Stroak as hath been of late on the Church of France are no less visible amongst us and may have the same Ground to fear when we see such a remarkable Beacon in their case set before us The God of the Reformed Churches is no Respecter of Persons and Nations who will not still bear with a naked Shew and an uninlivened Profession of that pure and excellent Religion we enjoy yea when the most near and immediate Signs which in former times have gone before some extraordinary Stroak of Judgment on Nations and Churches are rather in some further Degree applicable to us There may be more than ordinary cause to meditate Terror on such an account that there is a Sound of great Wrath on this Generation yea that a Sword is fourbished and sheathed in Heaven which is to have some great destroying work under its Hand before it be put up But oh nothing is like to do until something more extraordinary than we have yet seen draw aside that Veil of Security we are now under and hide these things from our Eyes But I shall add herewith as it should be a Blessed Surprizal if the God of Patience might yet spare and prolong a Season of Grace and Respite so threatning a Woe so on the other hand an experimental Knowledge of the Truth of Divine Premunitions when it 's too late and is had at so dear a Purchase will be very sad when no Conviction or Repentance can regain such a Season as we now have if it be once lost But as the Proverb speaks non licet in bello aut morte bis errare There is one thing yet further now in the shutting up of this Discourse which I must in a few words touch that as it is the alone Prerogative of the Deity to declare things to come before they spring forth and who hath bounded the Prospect and Evidence of his People as to future Events or what he is yet bringing sorth of his work in the last times according to the extent of Divine Revelation herein since this is to be the measure of our Light and Discoveries until the second coming of the Lord. So it 's no less evident and sure that any Pretence or Prospect of the Events of Providence which have no Dependance on any natural causes is beyond the possible reach of all natural Science or of that horrid Profession which is so much aloft in these times of judicial Astrology as it relates to future and contingent Events wherein Men as free Agents do act when
besides the known Vanity of any such Pretence the God of Truth hath put them in the same Class with Sorcerers Isa 47. 12 13. Stand now with the Inchantments and the multitude of thy Secrets and let the Astrologers and Stargazers stand up and save thee It is little taken to heart how deep such real Homage to the Devil under a splendid shew of a Dependance on natural Causes herein may draw to a coming under greater Invasions of his Power when it 's so far a giving up with their Baptismal Covenant I could speak what hath been with too sad evidence known of its Tragick Effects but one Instance leads me now specially to speak thereto that before this last Tremendous Earthquake at Jamaica there was so strange and universal a Tendence in that Place to consult Astrologers in their usual Vndertakings as to the Event as did inforce a serious Minister of the Gospel who was there a little time before that Stroak not only to Preach and appear against such a Contagious Wickedness as that which brings some remarkable Judgment with it but to Publish something in Print against the same which is here extant But they could not thus foresee their own Destiny that was so near approching I might further add a very sad Instance as to a Person who was unquestionably of eminent Piety and Parts who by a too eager Curiosity was carried to make some Tryal of that Study which tended not only to be his Snare but to most Tragick Effects in his own Personal Lot Though I forbear to speak more particularly herein only that God is a jealous God who will not pass some Evils without a severe Remak thereon An Additional Enquiry on that singular Conduct of Providence which is about the Saints here and upon some of the greatest Depths thereof for giving further Light to the foregoing Discourse on that Subject I Hope there may be many this day on the Earth who are indeed on so desirable a Scent and to whom this will be a Subject of great Weight to know the way of the Lord and Out-goings of his Providence towards them amidst the various Changes of their Life and in the more eminent Periods and Stations thereof But this proves in another manner an exercising Subject in an Hour of great Temptation to carry the Strength of a Christians Soul thereon and to penetrate on such Reasons and Designs that the Majesty of God hath in more strange and extraordinary Providences which may for a time put them in an Amaze when Darkness does overshadow the same since for Men thus to be skilled and discerning in his ways is surely one of the highest Attainments of spiritual Wisdom within time There are two Mysteries of Divine Truth to be matter of deep Thoughts and Reflection the one is a Christians Conduct and Passage through Time the other is his Way and Ascent to that blessed World which is above at Death which is by the immediate Ministry of the Angels But it is surely the first that 's most marvelous herein since the special leading and Communion of the Spirit of God is so Essential thereto yea the Concurrence of the whole Glorious Trinity and where every Step in that Passage is watched by Infernal Spirits whilst they are beset with a Body of Death But this is an Experiment also does never fail that the most dark and searching Tryals which may be in some unusual manner measured out do still make way for the greatest Discoveries of Providence and giving more Light to the deep things of God herein What I shall now speak to is on some special Enquiry for attaining a more clear Light upon this Subject in the Resolution whereof it will be found how much the highest Assistance and Support of a Christians Faith in the Conflicts of their Warfare when it comes to the most trying part thereof does lye here and for having some clear and experimental Acquaintance with the same which is one of the most choice Improvements of Grace that we are called to within time 1. Enquiry that may be suitable here is to know in what special manner a Christian is stated with respect to the Administration of Divine Providence in his Militant Course and how he is interessed herein above the whole residue of Men in a most singular respect for clearing of which it is evident 1. That it is sure with their immediate entry unto a new State by converting Grace they come then under a special Conduct and Care of a watching Providence and of the delegate Ministry of the Angels which will never cease no not for one Moment until the putting off of their Armour and a being carried into the eternal Imbracements of Divine Love 2. They are in such a manner stated also under the Interpositions of this special Care and Oversight of Providence as if such a Christian were alone on the Earth and not another about whom so great a Business and Regard from Heaven is put forth so high is that Value which God does put upon one of these who are the immediate Objects of his Complacence and Delight 3. It is in such a manner he is interested herein as a Talent under Trust of the highest Concern how to be answerable thereto both by judicious Observation of what this way passeth betwixt God and them and how their Suits have been returned after much waiting hereon as also for answering the several ends thereof in their Improvements of the same 4. Yea It is in this respect he is stated under so great an Administration of Providence which is ever about him as it is the Seal of Heaven put to the certainty of Divine Truth and the Adventures of his Trust thereon wherein he can see with Joy and Admiration that he on whom he did believe and not see hath in the Issue made him see what he did believe to be undoubted and real 5. He stands thus also related thereto in the matter of a Testimony and Sanctifying of God before others upon the account of any remarkable Issues of Providence and to keep the Remembrance thereof up as a part of the most valuable Interest he hath upon the Earth when this way one Hour in his Life may occurr that can fully clear the By-gons and Conflicts of many years past 2. Enquiry upon this Subject is to know wherein the Singularity of some Steps of Providence with respect to some of the Saints beyond others do most specially appear when they are directed for some eminent Design of Grace herewith For a right understanding whereof we may see 1. What strange and different Measures the Sovereign God does take in his refining and trying Work about some of his People which he does not with others as Isa 45. Behold I have refined you but not as Silver when it 's at a much higher Pitch that David upon his proper Tryal speaks hereof Psal 66. Thou hast tryed us as Silver is tryed which is there spoke as the
most intense Degree of Exactness in such a Tryal by a hotter Furnace whilst herein some eminent Project of Love hath been found still then in the Issue 2. To what an Extremity also he will sometime bring such to in a trying work before it be accomplished so as to kill first er'e he make alive and render the case wholly dependant on a Divine Miraculous Power as in that Sickness of Lazarus and that last Conflict of Davids at Ziglag which proved the sorest of all when it was on an immediate turn of Providence and so singular an Appearance of God was breaking up herewith 3. Thus appears in so strange a deferring of Light and concealment of the Thoughts and Counsel of God towards the choicest of his People that may be seen even under such a duration of afflicting Providences as may be ready to faint and stagger their Faith so as no Intreaties no Tears or Wrestlings can prevail herein until they have stayed out their time wherein they must be tryed as was in the case of Jacob on Joseph's supposed Death who was so familiar with God and yet kept so long in the Dark therein as also of Joseph under so strange a Scene and Mystery of Providence towards him until once the word of the Lord had tryed him 4. In his taking some of his Followers by a most signal Conduct of Providence of all visible and ordinary means of their Relief and crossing all their natural Inclinations and Desires herein in an irresistable way that nothing may interpose to darken his more immediate Appearance in the Deliverance 5. But which may seem more astonishing and singular is in such a Conduct of Providence as is by Contraries and directing of Means that in their natural Tendency seem only destructive to such an end yea when by a falling down of the greatest Darkness he brings their case to some higher Paroxism as may have all mortal Signs when yet such Providences do then most powerfully work to hasten a comforting Issue above all which had gone before 6. In an entring of the choicest of his People with a more singular Seal and frequenter Confirmations of his Love than at other times into some extraordinary Course and Series of trying Conflicts which have been as the falling down of a dark and long Night immediately following so great a Brightness yea thus also by such a Constraint of Providence leading them into the same as David speaks Psal 66. Thou broughtest us in the Net and laidst Affliction on our Loins c. and as the Disciples of Christ were constrained to go to the Sea when a Storm was to follow thereon 7. When in following the most express and clear Call to some special Service and Acts of Duty there occurrs greatest Oppositions and cross Providences thereto as was in Paul's Voyage to Rome when his Commission from Heaven herein was given under so great a Seal and Evidence And nothing did shake Jeremiah's Faith more than that strange and growing Tide of Opposition which was still in the way of his Work when his Call herein was so clear and extraordinary as put him to speak thus unto God Chap. 20. 7. Thou hast perswaded me and I was perswaded c. when he was almost overpowered by the Enmity and Violence of Men in his work 8. In that strange length to which a deferred hope may be continued before its Enjoyment even where the Earnest and Confirmations thereof have been in some unusual way made evident until it seem'd wholly desperate and beyond hope yea when under such a Delay they have been exposed to all kind of Temptations which in the Nature thereof as well as Duration seem'd to contradict the same and give it the Lie 9. By such a Concurrence also in some part of a Christians Warfare as at the same time there may be Fightings without and Fears within as the Apostle speaks such as may render it a strange Mystery to others when yet there is nothing penal herein yea when this may be for a time wholly in the dark to them until that Design of Grace appear for their being trained thus by lesser Conflicts for such a time in their Life wherein usually Satans greatest Effort lyes against them and the highest Probation of their Grace which God hath design'd to take whilst they are on the Earth 10. I shall but add on this Head that as the Lord hath designed something in his way towards each Christian that 's peculiar to them alone so is that Variation in the Methods of Providence about such remarkable whilst some have their most choice and comforting times first as was Solomons and his last days the worst whilst the latter days of Job were his best But there is also some Singularity in the Tryals of the Saints which it's sure will never be reiterated either in the Kind or Measure such as in Abraham's being tryed in his Faith upon the offering of Isaac the Intent thereof being purely Typical And it may be judged that Job was given for an Example to have a Room only proper to himself until the Church ceased to be Militant A 3d. Enquiry which is of great Concern on such a Subject lyes here in what respects it may be said that the light and comforting side of some very dark and astonishing Providences is gained which had held such under greatest Fears and Suspence formerly so as they can now keep Sight of the way of the Lord towards them herein It 's true this is not attained in the way of Light only but of Power and one day may fall in to raise the Tryal of a Christian more than many Years past have done when the Night may be both dark and long without either Moon or Stars then appearing before there be any Day-break Yet may such a rare Injoyment in a special way thus be understood when there is some clear breaking up of Light herein upon these things 1. How congruous such Steps in the Spotless way of God that seemed to have so dismal an Aspect are to the Excellencies of his Nature to the Testimonies and setled Constitutions of his Word and to these usual Methods which he hath taken with his greatest Favourites in cases of Tryal of the same Nature and under as trying Circumstances 2. When they can thus see how great a Design it is which the Holy God hath on the hottest Conflicts of his Peoples Warfare and in redoubling their Assaults and that it is more than on the highest civil Interest of Kingdoms and Nations And how intensely his Eyes are fixed on what part his People does then Act wherein the Honour of his own Grace and their Victory over the Infernal World does so much lye 3. How there is surely an appointed Measure which the Work and Tryal of Faith hath to be filled up not only with respect to the personal case of Christians but to the State of the Church Militant from the entry to the close of time which
hath still a growing Increase wherein each of the Saints hath some proper Interest that is allotted to him for perfecting of the same 4. When they can also discern by what a special overruling Providence the Lord hath usually bequeathed the choicest Mercies and prevented great Hazards in such a way as was most grieving and contrary to their Thoughts in the present time and hath ever reserved the most rare Experiments and Tryals of himself to the most trying times of his Peoples Lot when their Support was beyond the Possibility of Nature 5. When they can see what a Foord and strange Passage others have been taken through in extraordinary cases by that alone way of Reliance on an invisible God which could have no Rise from ordinary or natural Causes and how sweet a Remembrance such Providences have thus transmitted to the After-times of a Christians Life to witness that no Joy or Comfort on this Earth is comparable to that which hath followed the deepest Agonies and Down-castings 6. When there is some clear breaking up of Light upon the Design and deep reaches of Providence which are in the most strange Methods thereof to promote the Interest and Service of many by the personal Conflicts of some of his People yea for their being thus made a more publick Blessing to the time they live in by Example and their special Improvement of the same since for this end more singular cases of Tryal are usually allotted by the Conduct of Divine Wisdom in order to Services that such are design'd for beyond others 7. When it 's evident both from Scripture Light and Observation how no notable Mercies and Enjoyments of Divine Respect have ever been attained without something no less remarkable in the proving of their Patience and Faith which hath gone before Yea in how strange a manner the Lord hath then chosen to hide his Work for a time and shut up their way that the Returns of Light after the same might be more sweet and discernable 8. How it 's unalterably fixed by the standing Laws of Heaven that the Testimony of God in his revealed Truth must first be the Object of his Peoples Trust and Expectation e're it be made the Object of their Sense and Enjoyment in its Performance and that it 's an inviolable Connexion which lyes in such a Method as is said of Abraham Heb. 6. 15. That after he had patiently endured he obtained the Promise so as they can thus see how signal a part this hath in the great Frame of Providence when a long Term of enduring in Hope and under greatest Conflicts goes before the Return and Enjoyment of the same 9. How clear it 's also in the way and order of Grace that God will first have a sore Trouble and depths of Affliction to be deeply exercising and humbling before it be made Comforting but with such Advantage thereby that these will be least broke by their Conflicts who have been most bruised and bowed down by humbling Exercise and Work herein this being ever sure that his great Power will never be imployed to ruin but to raise and revive the Spirits of such 10. When they see also these tender Methods of Divine Providence as are made use of in the training of Christians by lesser Essays of Tryal with some lucid Intervals betwixt one Degree and another thereof before the Lord bring forth his Design upon some more solemn and extraordinary Tryal which should have otherwise crush'd and overset their Spirits if it had not been thus gradually brought on 11. But in this respect most specially it may be said the light side of the most dark and astonishing Providence is turned towards a Christian when he can discern and prove his way towards God with such an humble Reference as that Job 23. 10. But thou knowest the way that I take And when it 's thus made evident in the hid Actings of Grace and that Prevalency it then hath to keep close with God under the greatest Temptations in their Applications also and Retirements of their Soul with him where they can have no Witness but himself who sees in secret that he may reward openly when it 's evident likewise in their Designs and being acted from internal Motives herein to have another Service for God than such as stand with him upon the Wages of the Hireling yea can prove their way in a Counter-motion to such Evils that are most Contagious and Exemplary in the times wherein they are so as thus to save themselves from such an untoward Generation When also their Work hath not only been to prove their State by sure Evidence but to know of what manner of Spirit they were in such a case towards Men and these who might have had the greatest Influence on their Trouble and Grief But there is yet a 4th Enquiry of highest Consequence in order to Light herein to know where the Life and Comfort of a Christians Confidence in an Hour of Temptation does lye and what hath the nearest and most immediate Influence on the comforting Work of Faith not only in cases of personal Tryal which may be most searching but under any Surprizal of publick Judgment that may be on a nearer Approach than seems apprehended by most It 's true it 's Honourable for God both to try his People above the Power and Support of Nature and to bear them up herein in the View of the World But as on the one Hand it seems astonishing what Providences may occurr to some of the Saints of that Nature as are amongst the Arcana of the Divine Government so is it no less wonderful on the other Hand what he hath afforded to be assistant thereto which lye not in the Reverence of the World but are a Secret betwixt God and the Souls of his People who hath not left them in the Dark as to the hid Spring of their Supplies This I must improve further here though it be a little touched in the foregoing Discourse in these respects 1. That there is surely then such an undoubted Assistance as an immediate Communion with the Spirit of God in Addresses to Heaven by Prayer when no visible things can be comforting such as goes above the Support of Miracles or Ministry of the Angels though this be not comprehensible by the Spirit of the World which can in a Moment raise the Soul above its greatest Fears when there is no cause by Humane Sense herein and affords also one of the highest Demonstrations of the Christian Faith 2. That there is herewith such an Enjoyment attainable as an ineffable Sense and Evidence of Divine Love shed abroad on the Soul by the Holy Ghost which goes above any external Providences for this end and does efficaciously work when no Light no former Experience nor habitual Grace can stemm the the Tide of some extraordinary Afflictions 3. Yea There is also such a Support to be known then as the sensible and immediate Presence of the Comforter