in question about the other is thus visible 1. Because we must then part with the old Testament and cease to credit its divinity and no comfort could be from the same if it had yet failed in this great event and what is the main intent thereof for if the promised Messias were yet to come I could then look for none since all these proper circumstances which are so expresly foretold whereby to know and discern him must be wholly made void and ane utter nullity should be in that faith 2. Because I could not possibly look for the accomplishment of that promise according to the whole tenor of the old Testament in another way then what we have hereof in the revelation of the Ghospel yea were it supposable that the Messias were yet to come is is sure I could only look and expect for his acting the same part and in the same appearance 3. Let us but compare the antient creed of the Church herein with that which is ours now under the dispensation of the Ghospel and see whither they be not entirely on in substance and center in the same redeemer with this variation only that the one was on the credit and assurance of what was promised and the other on the certainty of its accomplishment so as that may be as applicable to Moses Isaia and Daniel with other of the Prophets as to the Evangelists what is spoke by John Chap. 20 v. 31. But these are written that ye might beleeve that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that beleeving you might have life through his name where we may see there could be no humane contrivance in this joint concurring for the same end and by the same spirit but yet more specialy lyes the weight of this enquiry to see 1. how the most solemn times of the old Testament was still a waiting and expecting time and that their highest enjoiments lay in hope of that glory to be revealed in after ages when the seal should be taken off that great Pâ—ophesy then sealed up and how the whole dispensation of that time was preparatory and as a prelude to that great design of grace which was to be brought forth 2. How the breaking up of Ghospel and its first entry on the world had its precise time and date as that which was so absolutly necessare for a more clear settling of the Christian Faith this being a matter of fact and of the highest import that ever was and was ane external object of Sense in the view of the World which laid an inevitable constraint on the whole Christian Church then to have it keept clear and under the most exact and punctual circumstances 3 As Israels coming out of Egypt in a typical respect was a night and time of such great observation and that the Lord did put hereon so special a weight with respect to the punctual and precise time hereof so was this in a more eminent way to â—e matter of highest regard when and in what time the great universal good and blessing of mankind our blessed redeemer was revealed unto the World which should begin a new week and that solemn Epocha whence wee reckon the Churches entry on the highest glory of time and on a new state 4. Hereon hath that solemn observation of the first day of the week as the Lords day both its rise and right tho it might seem not possible this could ever come under forgetfulness when it was thus fixed upon the highest certainty and precise time both of the sufferings and resurrection of the Lord in matter of fact as that day and time was which had a glory put thereon that none else could possibly claim and no time ever since that glas sett up to their creation was like unto this yea which was wholly impossible to fix the Christian Church on the observation hereof otherways but that this was so publick and famous in the view of the world and had so great a weight on the primitive Christians then when these morning stars sung together and the Sons of God shouted for joy at the first entry of this new World and it may be specially remarkable that our Lord did the less inforce the same in an authoritative way both to try and trust the love of his people herein that what he had done for them put so strong ane enforcment and imposition to a frequent and solemn remembrance of this blessed day from internal motives and tho its divine authority be clear yet the less is of positive institution this way the more strenthning might it be to our faith and more excitment also for our love herein were it seriously considered 5. And of what weight should this enquiry be still on mens spirits that our hope leans novv no more on a promise on which the Saints of old did both live and die when this makes so essential a change in the Christian Faith that vvhat ane Abraham and Moses was saved by cannot possibly save us to beleeve in a Redeemer to come which would now be absolutly mortall nay not in generall terms to beleeve that he is come but to knovv and be sure that this is he whom the Fathers sealed and sent unto the World and he alone who in the dayes of Tiberius and Pontius Pilate suffered at Jerusalem A IV. INQUIRY which suitably followes here is to look in upon the glory of that time under the new Testament vvhich vvas peculiarly reserved thereto and on these publick declarative signs to the World whereby our Redeemer was declared to be the Son of God with power and by the spirit of Holiness so as it may be said the Lord did then set up Signs and Wonders to this very day with a more eminent lustre then these at the Churches outgoing from Egypt but since in the times we live in you may find more to shake and stagger then to strengthen your spirit in the way of truth when it is not in an ordinare degree that a reall Apostacy may be seen from the Christian Faith this day in the Reformed Churches whilst that choice spirit of the Bereans seems rarely to be found in the earth I shall touch but a little this great subject in some instances wherein our blest Redeemer after his Ascension hath still made himself visible before the World in the glory of his divine Power and are of such kind as no distance of time can take off that irresistable evidence of the same from a serious spirit as if they were still present 1. That tho in his bodily presence since he left the World he is no object any more of humane sense yet hath he been no less visible in his goings forth to conquer and establish a Kingdom to himself out of all Nations Tongues and Languages even to the utmost parts of the earth and since I know you can improve some Reflections on this Head bejond what I can speak thereon I shall the more
of the spirit which doe rarely go together so as to know when the pulse of this life does begin first to beat 3. As there are different sises and grouth amongst the Saints within time so does the talent of experience and inward observation much differ in the state of some in respect of others and does answer to higher conflicts and assaults in a Christians warefare and higher improvements of grace herein whence it is that patience brings forth experience and as it hath so great a room and service for God bejond other graces of the spirit so hath it a great income of reward by the most rare and inriching experience of a Christians life thence is it that these of the highest form of Christians and of the choisest spirit has been put to a higher exercise thereof then others and made to be a more publick blessing by example herein to their Generation 4. It is clear the experimental part of Christianity may have respect to some special times and Periods of mens life so as one day may be more memorable then as they have ever known before yea to such times when they are put to a higher service in the tryall of their Faith and led unto paths of providence that might seem untrodden which hath been usually a time of great observation as to a higher light and evidence on the experimental tryall of Religion 5. This different measure hath respect also to the first entry of Christians on some very dark paths of providence when the Lord is to lead and encline them into a wilderness by giving in assurance with a double measure on their souls like Elijahs call to arise and eat and Josephs dream twice given when his conflicts and tryalls were to be doubled upon him yea this may be also on this ground as it is peculiar to some Christians above others to be kept more closs on such a Scent in that rare exercise to discern the workings of God on their soull and to try the certainty hereof from the natural work of their own Spirit and who may be more exact then others to lay up and record the same and not lose the least fragment of such assistances to their Faith 3. This Inquiry should be of special use likewise to know what great things these are to which the experimental part of Christianity does relate wherein they of the lowest sise of Christians have a common and joint interest whatever difference be in the degree but it is a very short touch I can here give on so great a subject and on some few Heads 1. The translation and entry of a Christian unto a new state and world here in the earth is one of the greatest things of experience tho it hath not a like clear evidence nor the precise time and entry can be in the same manner known for men to know so marvelous a change in themselves and that here is no illusion or dream and how it is sure this was never told to mankind but in the Bible which none ever did foresee or project to themself yea which in the very notion thereof was once a terra incognita to them and could have no possible rise from nature whose proper work is to overcome nature I know this may seeme astonishing and not easie for many to bear that professed Christians may have the same need to be converted to Christianity that Pagans have or perish that the letter of the word only or any length in exter al duties can save none who know nothing of internal evidence or the spiritual Powers of Christianity 2. It does relate to this Head to know that God and his People here in the World are no strangers to other in the truth and enjoiment of communion with him for as this is ane essential part of our Faith and one of the most sure and established constitutions of our Religion by ane unalterable rule so is it matter of undoubted enjoiment without which a Christians course and passage through time were unpassible it is true this is so great a thing as may make the most experienced Christian to be a wonder to himself and is not a subject of ordinary thoughts 3. To this belongs also the truth and enjoiment of supernatural comforts here on the earth such as peace immediatly from God and the joys of the Holy Ghost which can have no possible rise from nature and was never known to men but on this tryall of experience that such a thing is sure with respect unto which the highest experiments of nature are low and of mean concern yea which are comforts of that kind as can be only known by its contrary and hath been still more ouweing to the sorest conflicts then to the sweetest calm of a Christians life and such as the elect Angels did never know or partake of 4. The prevalency of prayer with God and to know with assured evidence both the acceptance hereof in Heaven and the returns thereof upon the earth is also one of these great things of experience and can never be known else as a subject of contemplation only which hath been direct of the Lord as a prescript for such ones where no humane wisdome or power could possibly answer and is not bounded by the most desperate case which would seem to shut out all hope and encouradgment But as to this I must say how little seemes that part of our Religion tho one of the most wonderful parts thereof to be improven in that manner now as in former times and in the most extraordinare exigences which Christians have been in yea how low a trade is it which by most this day is carried on in so marvelous a way as this which the Lord hath established betwixt heaven and earth and hath such immediate correspondence with the whole inward life and vitalls of Christianity to preserve and strenthen the same A 5. Head on this Subject to be matter of great thoughts and reflection is this that here on the earth there is such a thing to be enjoyed in the truth and certainty of experience as an earnest and seall of the Spirit of God 2 Corinth 1 22. who hath also sealed us and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts Ephes. 1 13. in whom also after that ye beleeved ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance c. 2 Corinth 5 5. now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God who hath also given us the earnest of his Spirit I know there hath been much inquiry on this Subject as to a clear sence and judgment thereof both by Schoolmen and Practical Writers tho it is such a thing as must needs be a strange and dark riddle where the Spirit of God is not the Interpreter and some near entercourse with this great teacher that in his light we may see light but that it is surely promised of God and could
in these later times that age which had it's first entry from the Year 1517. had a higher splendor put thereon then had been known for a thousand Years proceeding the same but when I have thought on the way and conduct of Providence and marvelous discoveries of God herein to this Generation I could not but see something in a most singular way of his appearance before the World to the same as seems but yet little understood tho this may be seen that we have surely lived in an age of wonders 2. I have lookt on such an exercise to discern and understand aright the times we are in as one of the most singular means for strenthning a Christians Faith on the certainty of sacred truth when with these more immediate discoveries of God in the way and administration of grace by his spirit on mens soull which is whelly hid from the World they can see in what manner his truth does visibly take place and is attested by an external seall in the glory of his work before men and I am perswaded none thus did ever persue a more near acquaintance with God but hath had some peculiar strengthning remarks of his way that have been hid from others tho of a serious spirit otherwise 3. It is such who have some greater weight of this choise study and their spirits more fully join'd in therewith then others who may attain more clear discoveries of light for directing them to the duties and work of such a time and on this account I fear that there is much yet this day in the dark to us and not understood what hath been the Voice of the Lord for answering the great ends of his Providence tho it hath been clear and distinct where mens spirits were laid open to entertain the same I confess it is not strange as to the greatest part of men this day tho they keep at the furthest distance from what might bring near an affecting sense of a Godhead to their soull in the ways of Providence who are resolute not to see or be perswaded of what doeth torment them hereby whose great study is to live without God in the World and seem emulous of these who can be most ingenious and expert to confirm their hearts against all that is sacred 4. But I am sure it is something much higher then any interest of men or of Nations or the greatest changes in the posture of humane affairs which should bear the greatest weight in this exercise to understand the times we are in and for a suitable observation thereof if men could once reckon that their great business in the earth lyes with God and in keeping sight of him in the outgoings of his Providence since the hidden wisdom of God in a Mystery is to be seen and sought out in his Works as well as in his Word it 's true publick Revolutions and the fall and setting up of great men are things highly observable and momentous but they are neither seen or understood when they make not way for some greater sight of the Majesty of God and the signal retaliations of Judgement herein what peculiar aspects such strange Revolutions of Providence hath on the present Generation II. Though it might seem unsuitable to offer any special Remarkes and Observations upon this late time to one of so discerning a spirit of things of that nature yet knowing how a mutual communication of light about the Work of God and his actings in our day is so incumbent a duty I shall point at a few things wherein I have desired to admire and observe the way of Providence in this remarkable age but in the first place more generally touch such a Head ere I speak in some particular way thereto 1. When we see the series of these times and different measures of tryall and service assigned thereto since that blessed rise and recovery of the Church from Antichristian darkness there might be seen also a growing increase of light which in this age hath had such ane advance as it could not but be expected that the Lord was to take some higher proofs of the improvements thereof from this Generation then of these past after such great things he had done for a full settlement of the Reformed Churches when he had opened the graves of his people and sent forth his Prisoners by the blood of the Covenant the trâ—â—h had made way for its self over mounâ—ains which once seem'd insuperable yea when this also is an age where in a great concurrence of the Prayers of the Saints in times before was â—o meet for â—he Churches interest so that unanswerableness to the expectation of God herein and to frustrate such eminent methods of grace might expect some unusual work of Judgment to follow thereon and the Lords coming at last to a judicial proces and procedure 2. We see how these extraordinar occurrences of this time past hath most remarkably had a joint respect both to Sacred and Civil Interests quoad Fata Ecclesiae Imperii humani so as in that sence it might be said there hath been a shaking both of Heaven and Earth as to the Churches visible State yea such hath these great changes from the right hand of the most high been within the measure of one age as men could not possibly see with the eye of reason without amasement tho it brings therewith one of the most dismal remarks of the present time if mens spirits be not seised with a deep and awful sense of the tremendous Majesty of God herein and know there is no stability of humane state this day in the earth but from him alone who can bring judgement on the greatest Nations or Persons above the common course of nature and influence of second causes but oh what intertainment should a diâ—pensation of Miracles find from the spirits of men now when the Revelation of Christ and Redemption by his Blood from Eternal Wrath hath no greater effects on this Generation and so few awak'd with the Glory of such a light 3. When I have considered this age as that which might have been judged a time of great expectation for a further advance of the Kingdom of Christ in the World which does specially make a time more remarkable yet how little access hath been herein to see the Work of God in any new planting of Churches or inbrirging of Nations to the Profession of the Ghospel as hath been formerly but instead of new Conquest rather a losing ground and is a difficult part become to maintain a defensive work in behalf of the truth and which may be a serious remark that in this age one tribe hath as it were been cut off from the Reformed Churches I mean as to that dismal State of Bohem where some time before had been so eminent and flourishing a plantation it is true there hath been a solemn tide of the effusion of the Spirit of God allotted to someof the Churches
for his ends contrare to the native byass and sway of their hearts that men might know him who is the God of the spirits of all flesh can by one and the same Providence accomplish various designs at once and bring forth such contrare effects as no humane wisdome could ever have supposed or forseen yea how these marvelous events might be clearly seen was in their day no rare and strange contingencies to astonish men but such as did bear a most evident signature and impress of the Majesty of God and of his name and truth shewed forth thereon 15. I shall but add this more upon so boundless a Subject that we have been specially called in this age to see some unusual variation in the spotless ways and methods of Providence about his Church and in the cours of humane affairs from what hath been the manner of his working formerly so as men could not discern his way oft by any footsteps or precedent of Providence in times past but that something hath been reserved peculiarly to our day of the Lord rising up as in mount Peradsim and his being wroth as in the valley of Gibeon to do his strange work and bring to pass his strange Act Isay 28 21. And tho we but see in part hereof yet may we now know and understand upon these times past more then such who was then present actors on the stage could reach in discerning the intents of providence when things were in their first mould as is now clear in their after tendency and result nor could possibly have that judgment of the Work of God in some parcels as may be now attained when it 's in a more full and entire frame when such a sight is sett before us as should call to have our souls bowing down with an awful regard and homage at so august and immediate a discovery of the Majesty of God in his Work and actings before this Generation A III. Head on this Subject that I would offer some thoughts on is as to the Lords singular way of dealing with the publick State of Britain and Ireland bejond any other of the Reformed Churches in this last age and is indeed a Subject of serious regard to consider what manner of time hath our lot been cast in and the measure of that talent for observation we stand accountable for upon such great and extraordinare events as hath occurred but here I have desired to have my thoughts translate to what hath been from the first entry on so marvelous a series of providence about the state of these Nations for almost fifty Years past for a more clear prospect how each step herein in its successive place and room hath tended to give light to another which I shall restrict wholly to the more immediate appearances of God from what hath been mens part and actings upon such a diversity of interests as might too visibly be seen to influence many in their way and offer but a few serious reflections on the same to one who can more clearly observe and discern things of that kind 1. That it 's sure Britain and Ireland hath been of late a Theater of such strange and extraordinare vicissitudes in it's publick state from the Year 38. of this age as in no times past can be resembled what wonderful Revoluâ—ions did then successively follow other and were made the object of mens sense as could not possibly have had credit or been a matter of Faith if the same should have been foretold and may justly render such a period of time unto this day to be matter of astonishment to any of a serious spirit It is true there is no time wherein the Lord hath not given some more singular discoveries of himself and these changes of providence which are in the personal case of Christians and lyes more close and near to their Sense then things of a publick concern are oft so extraordinare as would be not easy for others to credit but it must be said what we have seen here and may know of the work and appearances of God in that Land can never be a Subject of ordinary thoughts 2. It is known how ane avenging Sword which was bathed in Heaven had it's commission thence to go forth against both Britain and Ireland and did not cease to persue it's end until these flourishing Nations was made a visible field of blood yea did not rest until in the righteous and Soveraign disposal of God a potent and settled Monarchy there of a long descent having no fear or opposition from any forren power was yet broke and made void and did fall in their high places and what ane account this should have been to the World if it could have been possibly seen or judged in the Year 40. what the 50 Year following was to bring forth and was then in the bosome of so short a time 3. But when thus the Lord did once appear and go forth in a judiciary way we might see how each of these three Nations had their proper share and measure allotted in the strokes and judgments of that time tho in some different method and manner there beeing a more singular part assigned to poor Ireland then by the Holy and just God in that bloody and terrible Scene which was acted there yet this was in common to the whole of these Lands that it was an intestine Sword and not of a forreiner that was then call'd for which spoke the Judgment to be the sorer and more of divine wrath in it where on part of a Nation is made the rod and executioner of his judgment on another and their destruction from amongst themselves 4. If it be considered what manner of time that was of so extraordinare things it may be obvious how this followed a long and unusal settled calm and tranquillity which had gone before in the publick State of these Nations when so great a flame had been round about it was immediatly after a bloody Sword had done its work in Germany which from the Year 30. had brought with it such dismal effects there but what would seem most astonishing here that tho a time of the patience and long suffering of God had in a singular manner gone before the treaty of the Ghospel might be seen to have a small acceptance and such judicial effects with most of that Generation when the Red Horse and its Rider went forth to take peace from such a part of the earth yet was not the hight of Profanity and Atheism nor measure of sin then in these Nations come near to such a degree as is now the measure of this time or had any such prodigious appearance only we see not yet what is coming to answer this 5. It is not above 40 Years past since we might see a powerful state commonwealth both raised and formed in these Nations on so great a ruine had gone before and thus such a new and wonderful Scene of
no condition on the earth can be safe whither as to a a Nation or Person were it never at such advantage in external things wherein they cannot say God is with us herein and we are designing for him as on the other hand it must be founded wholly on Atheism where the state and danger of a Nation is not judged from the sins thereof and the measure of the same more then from any visible hazard for tho particular places and people under a Profession of Christ comes not to the same hight in filling up the measure of sin yet it must surely have it's fatal period when deferred Judgment will nat stay on day longer 4. What ever uncertainty be in humane things yet is this unchangeable and sure that such who inherit the same sins of others against whom God hath appeared in any eminency of Providence shall inherit the same Judgements which hath not only been measured out to such as hath gone before but are pledges to after times of what may be expected For as the way of grace changeth not and the redeem'd of the Lord as dear to him now as ever so is he immutably just and his ways keeps the same measure with his revealed truth so as a Solid Interpretation of Scripture needs no extraordinare Prophetik Spirit to infer Judgment from sin where there is no serious returning unto him and when the Lord God hath spoken who can but Prophecy Amos 3 8. 5. It is of unquestionable evidence also that national sins wherein the body of a Nation and People is unite and hath a joint acceession herein when it is thus the publick Sin of a Community must meet with a Stroke and Judgment within time of as publick extent and cannot be laid over in this respect to the Judgment of the great day when once it's measure is filled up here since else the Glory of God in his truth and remunerative Justice should not have on such an account a Vindication before the World in the sight of Angels and Men if his spotless Judgment should not thus bear some proportion to the nature of that guilt the God of truth hath given his Word and Dominion and Authority over Nations both to pluke up and to plant as well as over persons which can never be made void 6. There can be no doubtfulness here also that it is simply impossible for a church to subsist or preserve ît's station in a Church state by a naked external form only or in the purity of religion without some life and power of the same since if there were no reall inbringing or building up of the elect there then the Gospel had no more work in the same and no interest were there for the Spirit of God to keep fellowship with so that the intrinsick strength of any particular church yea of the politick bodie therein lyes not in the number or bulk but in the weight nor is' t the extensive growth of a church to a visible profession that makes a reall increase but how great an interest does a few such whose way is the life and power of that doctrine they profess make in the place they are in tho this seems litle apprehended what influence the hid part in a nation of humble serious christians hath on the external State thereof and on the administration of providence in the world who makes least appearance in it by a near entercourse with heaven and by such high value and regard which they have there so as the Lord hath even subjected the greatest vicissitude and changes of the time to the intercession and prayers of such Let me but add this herewith that tho the Lord does ever distinguish betwixt the Godly and the residue of men in times of publick calamity and Judgments so as not to lay them common herein with the wicked yet on the other hand it is not a numerous Party even of most choise and Reall Christians in a Land will stand in the way of wrath and of some dismal stroke when the sett time of Judgment is once come but may be then such with a Nation when there is no more hearing or intercession but for that instance of the Lords sisting his judgment if there had been but 10 Persons in the Cities of the Plain it was an eminent return to Abraham and extraordinar act of condescendence that makes no rule There was a choise and numerous remnant in Judea who sought the Lord then when that dismal night of the Captivity came on and it is of late that such a tremendous instance we have before us in the Case of Bohemia where so conspicous a part then was of a People zealous for God when such a publick overwhelming stroke came on But now in the Second Place I must speak a few words to what seems in some singular way to speak to Britain and Ireland by very sad and monitory signs bejond any of the Churches about it is I know easie and usual to challenge the darkness of Providence more then to regard what is clearly revealed to us as the intent voice thereof and these are indeed sad and dismal like dispensations that tho they be not silent but have a distinct and audible voice yet Seals no Instruction herewith on the spirits of men I confess a natural Respect and tye to such a Part of the earth bejond any else renders this to some to be more heavie and dreadful that if Soveraign grace do not wonderfully interpose it cannot be found in the course of divine Providence since the beginning of time that ever the measure of sin contempt of a Deity and oppositions to the Holy God in the designs both of his Word and Providence hath come to such a hight as is visible in these Churches this day but that some extraordinare appearance of Wrath and Judgment from the Lord hath as visiby followed thereon to be a publick monument for after times wherein these Remarks are so unavoidable 1. To what a strange and fatal issue hath that purest profession of Christ in the Protestant Religion which hath been long enjoyed there now come when such publick contempt and scorn is thrown upon the same in the truth and power thereof as a matter of their greatest abhorrence when the most numerous part of the multitude every where may be seen in a stated opposition to the dominion and authority of God in his laws yea such horrid tenets as well as practices even in the common sense of mankind may be discernable there as in pagan nations under some aw◠and restraint of a natural conscience would be affrigting since every nation will walk in the name of their God but these are such as have at once divested themselves of all hope and cast off all fear or dread of a wrath that is to come 2. And as to one special evidence hereof what cause may it be to meditate terror as to the present state of these nations when a spirit
Lord to do after all that is written in this Book This hath looked as a door of hope to Britain in the present day when such of a serious excellent spirit have come to the Throne if the sin of this Generation as may be feared be not come to that height of a resolute opposition to any restoring means but if the Authority of God sould be thus taken off the conscience of men by so publik abounding Atheism and Impiety it shall be found that the Honor and Authority of Magistrates will fall herewith before men 4. They have a peculiar access also to such a service for God and the interest of the place they live in who have more advantage then others by the Repute and Authority of their Example to walk in a countermotion to any publick and contagious evill of the time as are most prevalent and thus to affright the bold and daring countenance thereof this should be a honourable appearance to oppose the Kingdom of Sathan wherein it 's getting most remarkable strength and credit by the Customariness thereof 5. But in a special way these who would aim at so high and blessed a Mark as this must know some higher aâ—quaintance with that Mystery of Faith then what seems to be understood by most in this day and of a relyance on God by a partiticular trust yea the truth of such special assistances of the spirit as can raise the soull to a higher resoluteness in the matter of duty by opposition so as it can be born up amidst the strongest difficulties from no humane interest or the greatness of a party in the earth but from the greatness of their God It is true the way of beleeving is an immutable Ordinance which God hath settled for the support and services of his People within â—ime and should be the leading principle of a Christians Life to go through all conditions and changes in adventuring on that God who is of infinite Power both to hurt and help but it is one of the great experiments also of Religion to what a pitch and degree the Faith of some of the Saints hath been raised upon some extraordinar Service for the Lord where no natural causes could influence the same and above what they could in an ordinare way reach 6. Yet is not the door for such a Service shut on any who have an interest in the Truth once delivered to the Saints but may still have some share and room in so great an Undertaking for God and the Interest of his Truth and should each of a serious spirit design something personally for answering this call to sustain a part in so choile a service for the truth suitable to their Station and Talent it should bring a marvelous change therewith on the times and cause another face appear in the publick face of the Church nor is it expressible what the improvement of a little strength when it hath been designed for the Lord under his call hath oft attained which in no ordinare wâ—y or from any visible appearance could ever have been expected yea what a marvelous use the soveraing God can make of a few nay of one where his concurrence goes forth therewith But since the publick State of things this day is such as seems to controul any confidence or hope for answering such a call to stand in the breach of so trying and hazardous a time I would speak a few things in the third place which may put some more then ordinare weight of this call on our spirits 1. That as it 's easy for the Lord to raise and excite the spirits of men to such duties as in the way of humane reason would seem wholly insuperable so can it not be found in the Records of times past that where grace did interpose in any singular way to prevent Judgment and for recovering of a Church in some extreme case but there hath also been something more extraordinar then at other times in the acting forth and excitment of some instruments to appear for God with a more Heroick motion on their spirits then what hath been usual and when he hath had a saving work and design to accomplish then Saviours have come upon Mount Zion Obad v 21. 2. If it be a serious business to discern the times we are in with respect to the publick State of these Nations the voice of this call might then ly near our spirits since if we turn our eyes back it is demonstrably evident that the Lord hath not dealt so with any Nation of the Gentiles under the New Testament as with the Isle of Britain both as to eminent experiments of Providence and the dispensation of Grace and measures of light especially since it's recovery from the Power of Antichristian Darkness so as it is not strange that he hath gone forth in a more singular way of Procedure therewith then other Churches and tho nothing is new under the Sun as Solomon speaks yet there may be seen some thing peculiar and astonishing as to the way and Actings of Providence there in this age as will not be easy for the most judicious Observers to find a precedent for the same and if we now consider the present time as things are stated after such resolute oppositions to the voice of these times past and when no vicissitudes of Providence hath yet put any stop to a growing hight of Apostacy as may bee too visible there yea that it 's sure God will not lose his Work or Intent in the great expence he hath been at for reclaiming this Generation it may be then without a Prophetick Light seen that something very extraordinar is near either in the way of Judgment or Mercy so as this service and appearance in the present Breach seems to be in another manner call'd for bejond that of an ordinare day when there is yet room and the door of intercession not absolutely shut but if this seem light it will be found that the longest measure of divine Patience will come to a Year and a Day at last 3. It is sure and unquestionable also that the answering of this call is the alone way to have God interessed in the publick State and Concerns of Britain in the present day before whom all Nations are as nothing and the greatest Train of Inferiour Causes when their furthest strength and activity is put forth of no weight when he withdrawes his influence as Job 7 8. thy eyes are upon me and I am not It may be matter of serious remark that in this late time something more then ordinare hath appeared in the French standing and strength and tho on principles of reason the Power of such an Adversary should not be such matter of fear when an unusual concurrence of means is to stem such a tide and under the conduct of so Wise and Heroick a Leader yet on the other hand Ashur the rod of my anger Isay 10 5 is a formidable
who would withstand the same for which end may it be clearly understood what such ane appearance did mean in so strange ane administration of providence by the Sword to these Nations in this age what such unusual shakings and overturnings there yea by such restless oppositions to any civil settlements since the Lord begun to shake Britain to make knowen this solemn period of time was come and the days of the 7t Trumpet when our Lord Jesus should take to himself his great Power and Reign which had been so long darkned by the usurpations and enmity of men thereto yea that he was surely gone forth who hath that name writen on his vesture and thigh King of Kings and Lord of Lords to make good the same and will have this name engraven on all the ways and actings of Providence who must reign until he hath putt all his Enemies under his feet 1 Corinth 15 25. and the Nation and Kingdome that will not serve him shall perish and these Nations shall utterly be layed waste Isay 60 11. for thus hath the Lord spoken and is settled sealed by the decree of him that chaingeth not It is true he hath been walking in the dark as to most in these times past and even from his choisest people there hath been oft a hiding of his work and keeping it out of their sight amidst these strange changes as hath put the most discerning to a stand it might be easie to see mens intent in their actings and under what influences they hake moved yea what bitter risings of heart anâ— quarrellings hath been upon the miscarrying oâ— their ends but this is an other sight and of a higher concern to see and discern wisely the Work of the Lord and how amidst all the realings of these strange times his way and course of providence hath been ever steady and sixt 3. It may be thus clearly seen if our spirits were more deeply lett forth on such a study that the strength of our day yea the standing and security of the publick state of these Nations does assuredly ly in a resolute concurrence with this great design of the Lord so as otherwise there can be no standing in the breach before him to turn away his wrath But since this Subject of the Catholick Right and Kingdom of Jesus Christ over the Kingdoms of this Earth is so strange a mystery to many in these times and such different thoughts and conceptions are hereof as I have desired to know the way of truth on these sure principles and grounds that I might have full rest and settlement to my own spirit herein so I may say that in the clearness of this light I have found a special strengthning in the Christian Faith when with the furthest evidence it may be seen 1. How that which is spoken of the donative and universal Kingdom of our Lord Jesus which was given him of the Father as incarnate and after his Ascension is not to be understood of that which is his essential and natural Kingdom which did belong to his person as he is the brightness of the Fathers Glory and God equal with him but is such as was promised and by special donation given to him that the ends and uttermost Coasts of the Earth sould be his inheritance Ps 2 8. and his Dominion to be from Sea to Sea and from the River to the ends of the earth Psalm 72 8. yea is the same which was given to him Dan. 7 v 14. when he was invested with Dominion Glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him c. 2. As there can be no suspence or darknes in this so is it no less clear his entring on the administration of his Mediatory Kingdom was reserved only to the times of the N. Testament to which the fall of the 4 greatest Monarchies which ever was in the earth was direct and subordinate to make way for the same and loe here may we see the first period of the visible Glory of Christs Reign and his entrance on the same when after such strong opposiâ—ions the Pagan World was at last made to bow down and fall before his truth and submit to him 3. But herein it cannot be understood by this special bequeathment of the Kingdoms of the World to be the Lords in that sense only of inbringing the Elect out of the same or of his internal Reign on the hearts of men but that it lyes in a visible surrender and subjecting of the collective body of Nations to the Scepter of his Government when the Princes and Kings of the earth should subject their Regal Authority to his Rule and Empire as holding their Dominion from him to whom all power and judgment is committed and can bear that stile only of being the Catholick King and Lord of all for this is a truth that shines with so clear a light from the whole Scripture as it may be strange how possibly it should be questioned nothing can be more comforting to Christian Magistrates then to have so highly desirable a holding of their power as they may have the Son of God thus interessed in their security and interest as a part of that inheritance which belongs to his Mediatory Kingdom Nor does it evacuate the Magistracy of Heathens for the interest of humane society tho they have none in the Church as it can never make void also his Catholick Right and Dominion over them by whom Kings reign Prov. 8 15. although it restrains the exercise thereof 4. But there is yet a further growing light on this great subject which now meet us to be clearly seen how the more eminent appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Glory and State of his Mediatory Kingdom in the Earth was alone reserved to the dayes of the seventh and last Trumpet for which as nothing can be more evident then the contemporating of the same with that period of time in which was the first rise and restoring of the Church from Antichristian darkness when the Lord did himself go forth in the glory of his power to plant and settle the Reformed Churches and thus to make way for his Kingdom did with the first blast of that Trumpet sound a retreat to his people out of Babylon so I have herein been made to admire with joy the exactness of that correspondence betwixt the events of this Trumpet that hath already taken place with what is so punctually foretold hereof Rev. 11 15. for as it is surely there promised that then should be an opening of the Temple of God in Heaven and the Ark of his Testimony be seen there which had been formerly shut up loe how expresly hath the God of Truth made good his Word herein and keept the time which he had set for the same in the bright shining forth of his truth and the way of Salvation when for so many ages keept hid from the World to which are the
whole Reformed Churches this day a standing witness yea have we not seen his appearance also in so unusual manner in the greatness of his power with garments dyed in blood to make way for the visible Glory of his Reign as we can see it was there foretold how the Nations were angry and by their oppositions to him made way for his wrath in such tremendous effects thereof as it hath had these days past to shew the time was at last come to let the World know that the Lord Jesus Christ is no titular King he to whom all power is given in Heaven and Earth nor will bear that Name and Stile in vain or admit a complemental Profession of the same but that it is sure his Dominion Kingdom hath a setled interest and revenue belonging thereto which none may alienate from him and the greatest of humane powers must be accountable for his claim thereto 5. But now as our day and lot does thus meet in so extraordinar a period of time which hath been so long expected and prayed for in ages past it may be a time of great thoughts and expectation of what is yet to come as to the visible Reign of the Lord Jesus our blessed Head in the Glory and Majesty of his Kingdom without his personal Reign or bodily appearance unto men which with full assurance of faith we sould now wait for when the voice of this Trumpet shall bring with it such a resurrection from the dead of these dry bones of the Jewish Nation with so immediate an appearance of God alone herein as shall dazle with astonishment all the Nations about yea when its sound and voice also shall call the whole Church that 's on the earth to that highest gratulatory song of Moses and the Lamb as once was at the Red Sea for the final stroke judgment on the Kingdom of Antichrist wherein the visible glory of his Reign will then be seen with that evidence and brightness as if he were personally on the earth and here is that true Millennium which is now in some measure begun and we are surely called to expect in a gradual increase to such a hight that in the value and splendor of this blessed Reign the light of one day shall be as seven days in one and the measure of one age then answer yea exceed a thousand Years before and is so before him with whom one day is as a thousand years This seems to many in such a time as a thing remote from their sense whose thoughts are bounded with present appearances whilst our blessed Head is now gone unto a far Country to receive a Kingdom for himself and is invisible to men in these preparations he is making for this higher glory of his Reign upon the Earth so that he is no object of humane sight nor can we come bodily to him to receave his verbal commands from his mouth as from an earthly Monarch and for these inward and great demonstrations of his Reign they ly deep and hid betwixt him and the souls of his People but if our comfort and hope stand by the Christian Faith this day and on that assurance dare venture our soul upon an Eternal State we should then with as full certainty of mind as of any visible things give faith to this that the Son of God will not lose the Work he hath begun and so eminently appeared in that the interest of his Kingdom on the earth is the alone highest object of the divine care and providence and though his Kingdom is not of the World but is purely spiritual yet does the World stand thereby so as it may be justly said sine praecibus pietate non staret mundus nor is it questionable but that his Work will be answerable this day to his revealed will intent or can it be in the dark to us what he is now doing in the World when he hath made such publick intimation hereof by the voice of the last Trumpet as should render this the most desirable part that men can act to fall in with this great and rising interest of his Kingdom in the season and opportunity hereof it will surely be found in this time that where the downfal of the Kingdom of Antichrist is made remarkable in a Nation where the terror of its rise and grouth had so lately gone before and the Kingdom of Christ is not set up in its room nor with a higher regard subjected to that it must then quickly ripen and make way for some great outbreaking of wrath and judgment in such a place for the time is come that nations which have imbraced the Profession of Christ must stand or fall according to their concurrence with that interest on which the Lord is now gone forth whose work carries not for men nor is dependent on humane Counsels yea it 's sure these great Ministers of providence the Angels tho not seen to us are eminently join'd in on this service who are the stated Servants of Christ as Mediator Head of the Church and have accordingly their delegate charge and commission to particular Churches and Kingdoms as that great design of Providence for the advance of his Kingdom in the World does require and if the giving forth of the Law was so glorious upon that solemne entry which the Churches Head then made on his Regal Office over Israël by so extraordinar a ministration of the Angels what a higher Glory must be on his entring on the greatest discovery and administration of his visible Reign within time blessed are they amongst men who may have ane interest in this service tho with most it comes not under their thoughts and apprehension but as it was said of Dux de Alva upon ane Eclips of the Sun which was then when he was in a hot persuit of the Wars that he had so much to do upon the earth as gave him no leasure to look up to Heaven fo is the great noise and business of this day how things may stand sure with us upon the earth It is become the proverb of these times we are in that interest will not lye because according to this men will always appear and discover themselves and when ever that word interest is made use of it 's judg'd to bear no other sense then of some temporal concern only because the scent that most of this Generation seemes to be wholly on is how to seek their own things but not the things of Jesus Christ which is truly the same for men to reckon that their soul is a forreine thing to themselves and that they have no reall interest in the great things of Religion or a hope bejond time but it 's well that there is yet such a party this day on the earth who 's way can give that proverb the lie and are of another spirit so as to lay their greatest temporal interest down that they may intensly persue the
things of God and the interest of his truth and Kingdome amongst men who with respect to this would account it a small thing fo be the greatest favourits of Princes if these should once come in competition 4. But I must now in the last place add somethings further on this serious Subject since if it be clear and undeniable so as to have our spirits once acquiescing herein what hath been the great design of Providence with respect to Britain and Ireland in all these great and astonishing changes which have of late been there it may be then fully undrstood what the present day does most call for and where the highest improvment of such an extraordinare time does ly which I hope will not be question'd to have the Kingdome of the Lord Jesus Christ and his preēminence herein more entirely acknowledged and settled in these Nations when he is yet once again taking a new tryall of them for this end We find under the Law such a thing which was called the Lords part and tribute payed unto him Numb 31. as a memorial and oblation to witness their holding of him alone all which they did enjoy we see also a national claime layd to a propriety and part in the Lord as their alone greatest interest in the earth and that they might not be shut out herein Josua 22 25. which would be a rare sight in this day to see Nations contending thus for a part in the Lord and to have their joint right secured this way as was then betwixt the two tribes and the half bejond Jordane and the residue of Israel we have also things claim'd by the Son of God as his alone propriety which are called the things of God Matt. 22 1. are purely sacred to him which are not mens and non◠may alienate to any private interest or end yea there is a bringing presents to him which is expresly foretold and promised under this blessed Reig◠Psalm 72 10. when thus Princes and Kings should serve and do homage to the Lord Jesus Christ not as men only but as Kings in giving their Power to the furthest to uphold the authority of his Regal Power and Dominion and here I must say what ever be threatning in ane unusual manner from the spirit and temper of this Generation when nothing would seem more hopeless then ane unite and publick concurrence to answer this great design of the Lord and herein to stand in the gape before him for turning away of his wrath or to design a National Reconciliation as well as Personal yet may there be no setting bounds to him therein who is able to subdue all things to himself and who in the way of his grace does oft exceed what could be possibly hoped for by men in such a case since now if after such signal indications of Providence this should be the season and time design'd of the Lord for a restoring work in these Nations and in other of the Reformed Churches and that he will yet spare a little as to the cutting down of the tree even when the ax is laid to the root it is then sure that this design shall make way for it's self and go over such difficulties as at other times would be insuperable and make the greatest Mountains be as a plain but if this one tide and opportunity for such a service be now lost in joining in with so eminent a call of Providence for this end it looks to be the shutting of the door with such a judicial barr as should never be again opened and the last woe be more sore and dreadful then all which hath gone before But now I must speak a little more particularly wherein it is these things doe most specially ly which in that sense are the things of God as purely sacred to him since all things whatsoever are his and belongs to him yea wherein that which is the Lords tribute and part is to be understood now in this day that should be returned with a resolute and cheerful consent unto him 1. It does in a peculiar respect ly here to have the same publick and national regard to the authority of the Laws and ordinances of his Kingdome as a people who are stated in as near a relation to God as once the Kingdome of Israël and Juda was this being a truth of the most undeniable evidence tho not in things ceremonial or typical or such Laws of Government as had a temporary respect to that dispensation only yet in a moral sense is it clear as to what does most essentially relate to a Nation or Kingdomes being the Lords For it 's sure these 3 Nations are this day under a higher dispensation of grace have a greater extent of their Priviledges and stated under more singular engagements now under the Messia's Reign then ever Israël was and it is in this sense that the Laws of the Kingdom of Christ are Royal Statuts and Laws James 2 8. suitable to the state and dignity of so great a King and Lawgiver whose authority will not be baffled and hath a higher power then that of Angels or Men to take account of their observance wherein is settled ane obligation on the souls and conscience of men without exception of persons herein in which our life as Christians and the standing and safety of Nations in a publick state does unavoidably ly but these are Laws Ordinances of such a kind as they can not possible be observ'd and not loved nor have any true regard amongst men without internal motives make way thereto and what a sad account may this be that these Kingdomes who were once so entirely subjected to Antichrist under the darkness of that dismal Reign and did give their power to uphold that interest with such ane unite consent yea did so resolutely give implicit obedience to his Decrees and Cannons now under the brightness of the light of the Ghospel comes not up to any such regard to the Authority of the Lord Jesus and to these Laws which he hath establish'd tho with the greatest endearments of love commended to his Church there hath been great stumblings at the Providences of the times past and what it should mean that this last age with such a differencing mark should be call'd the Iron age that thus the Holy God hath in so unusual a manner made use of a rod of Iron in these Western Parts where the Reformed Religion is most professed but it should be no dark riddle when the oppositions there to the Kingdom of his dear Son hath been at such a height that if we could wisely discern the Work of the Lord since the first rise of the civil Wars of Britain we might clearly see how this was the Signal given that he was then gone forth and on the way to take account of Nations as well as Persons that would oppose his interest 2. It is sure this can not be questioned also to be one of the great
divine Wrath and last Plagues are but in part poured out wherein the appearance of God will be with much terror to the World and that last Triumph of his Justice within time will not be of ane ordinare kind we are to expect great shakings of the Nations and times of breaking down as well as of building up which are yet to come and drawing near II. Because we are entred on these times when the Lord is in a more singular way then heretofore to put the whole Generation of his People on that part of Divinity and the study thereof which relates to his Works and that great Mystery of Providence about his Church when the Key shall then be put in their hand for opening up and a more full understanding the way of the Lord in these times past under the New Testament This is indeed a weighty part of Divinity which is reserved to the latter times in the perfections thereof and these higher improvements to be made on that blessed study then was attainable in former ages when his work now is coming to a more full point It hath been remarkably the business of this age to make a more accurate search and some greater discovery upon natural causes and the workings thereof but I doubt not that ere long the inquisitive World shall be in another manner awaked and their Inquiries run in a higher channel above all second causes to see and admire the great Acts of Providence in the Divinity thereof and not what is humane therein but as they are by way of Eminency the Works of God in the brightness of his immediate appearance in the same It is one of the dismal signs of the present time how much the spirits of men are at work to darken so far as possible the most eminent Discoveries of God in his Works and in the most extraordinare revolutions of humane affairs as if they would set bounds and limits to him according to the course and order of second causes and subject both the truth of his Word and his Works to the comprehension of their reason tho some civil respect they will give and the name of his being the prime cause but shut their eyes on what is more extraordinar and solemne in any piece of his work I would yet point at some special Heads that belong to this choise part of Divinity which we are to expect will in another manner be opened up and I desire to rejoice in the hope hereof 1. As to these more singular cases of Providence which hath been in the Churches course since her first translation from the Jews to the Gentiles with the issue and consequences thereof contrare to the rules or principles of natural reason which is ane Inquiry to be more fully improven then whatever hath been attained this way when men shall see the end of the Lord herein with such evidence as shall tend to clear all bygones in his work 2. These remarkable Periods of time wherein the Prophetical Part of the New Testament hath been successively brought forth in their proper Season as was foretold is yet to have the seall more fully taken off and that vaill which was over them so as it shall be clear and easy to see how the Lord hath not only kept his Word and Truth to his Church but hath kept these times also exactly to which such great events of Providence did relate 3. There is a greater discovery yet to be made then hath been hitherto how the Church hath been led in a right way and by a straight line in her whole course through that long and terrible Wilderness which she was to pass under the dispensation of the Ghospel and what eminent services the Saints have been put on in these strange measures of their warefare which was then allotted to them and in theit overcoming work thereby yea what a higher Triumph our blessed Redeemer hath had in the Faith and patience of his People in so dismal a time then in any external flourishing state of his Church so as it might be said it was then day as to the presence of his spirit and irresistable efficacy of his truth on his followers when it seemed otherwise as the darknes of midnight 4. There belongs to this part of Divinity some higher breaking up of light yet to be made on that Mystery of the Communion of the Saints here with other in the way of providence and what a joint interest they have herein as to what hath been more singular in the Lords way and disposal about others of his People we have little understood what ane inriching trade we might drive upon that stock of these ancient experiments of Christians in following the Lord and these eminent tryalls they have made of the truth who hath in ages past gone before and what a Pawn is thus put in our hand for a further strengthning in the Faith yea what publick interest thus the whole Church of Christ hath in some eminent acts of Providence about particular Christians which in the import and greatness thereof was not given for themself only but as a publick concern to the whole Generation that seek after God in their day and for the times to come according to that Psal â—0 3. Many shall see it and fear and shall trust in the Lord. 5. I must add one great improvement of this special Head of Divinity which will yet be above the measures of times past in the extent of that Reference and Appeal before Angels and Men in behalf of the Truth and Faithfulness of God for what he hath spoken and promised to his Church and is that Tribute of praise which in a higher degree is to be payed in to him now when it 's so near to the close of time then by that great testimony of Joshua 25 14. how not one thing had fail'd of all the good things the Lord had then spoken in behalf of his Church but had fully taken place and was the same Appeal which Solomon made I. Kings 8 56. for this with a higher glory and evidence is to be the Testimony of the latter days when it 's drawing near to that magnificent close and period of Prophetick Chronology and finishing of the Mystery of God therein how his spotless truth hath as the Sun in his strength kept it's way and course amidst all these dark clouds which hath spread to darken the same and no promise or prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture hath ever fail'd or fallen to the ground now when it 's drawing so near to the perfect Day It is true each age hath had their proper measures of light in order to the service of that time and something peculiar allotted in the dispensations of Providence yea some greater eminency did belong to these times past when the sufferings of Christians did most abound in the adventures of Faith and in the tryal of love then in after times but as to higher
Sacred Canon of the Scripture is sealed and consigned to the Church to have no more addition thereto but that it 's now a part of the highest trust upon the Gentile Churches to have a most venerable respect for conveyance of the great Works of God from one Generation to another to bear such evidence thereof as the nature of these things is capable of for a moral certainty yea that this might be on such tryall as should silence and convince the most inquisitive and suspicious spirits of men herein this is of a serious and weighty import if it were considered 1. How so high a concern of the Glory of God is thus intrusted to tradition by humane testimony and record and to the credit thereof as that way only which the Lord hath now fix'd for the convoyance of his marvelous works to after times on which he once put that value as to give them a special room in Sacred Writ and tho there is no such way now to attest the same yet is not the weight of that service taken off the Church which is mentioned Isay 62 6. to be the Lords Remembrancers and Recorders of his great Acts as the Original there bears 2. It is unquestionable that be hath reserved the greatest of his Works wherein he will most eminently appear to the last times and what a loss hath it been to the Christian World unto this day that unfaithful part which we must charge upon former ages in no suitable regard to have such ane interest and treasure with a publick care secured for the posterity through which the credit and honor of tradition hath been so much broke as hath rendred the use thereof of small effect 3. And it 's known how difficult a part it is to gain credit in this day to the truth of what 's more extraordinar in passages of providence even where the relaters thereof hâ—th as to their own conscience and conviction the most full assurance and hath designed what Inquiry was suitable in such a case whilst the want of a more unite and publique concurrence takes off so much of that weigâ—t which it might have in after times but I have confidence that a higher service of this kind in the improvement of so great a Talent for the honor of God does yet wait on the Church succeeding race as shall tend to bring up what hath been detain'd of such a rent and tribute of praise yea that these whose Lot shall be in the dayes that are now coming and fall in with the growing state and glory of the Kingdom of Christ to see these things which will exceed the thoughts and faith of this day herein shall see and enjoy such Records of these times where the great intent shall be of that kind Revel 15 3. Great and Marvelous are thy Works Lord God Almighty Just and True are thy Ways thou King of Saints and where the credit of such a testimony shall not be personal only but national in a more solemn unite concurrence herewith then hath been hitherto known 4. It is on this Subject I must add further that a traditional conveyance of more special and momentous things of Providence might be of much use were it suitably improven to have a remembrance thereof continued in a Family Line and Relation which is one peculiar way whereby the present Generation might declare the truth and faithfulness of God to the next It is true there is no serious Christian but is thus sisted and accountable on such a service to put to his seall by some explicit personal testimony that God is true upon his tryall hereof and most specially to improve that season when it is near to the close and shutting up of time that with his last and dying breath he might bear the same witness to the truth of Christ and to the advantage and excellency of his way and service which he did in the whole course of his life past and of that joy complacence assurance of mind which these have found and now hath in the way of truth but there is something more peculiar in this Testimony to be understood with respect to these to whom things in a more singular manner hath been allotted then to other Christians in the way of Providence and hath in the Record and Journal of their life had more extraordinar Remarks and Confirmations from the Lord as gives higher access to this service and adds to the value of such a Testimony I would offer but a few thoughts on such a Head which may possibly seem a strange and dark thing to some 1. It was once for a long time that the Series of the Church was kept up in a Family Line from Abraham to the 12 Patriarchs and what a rare course and conduct of Providence was thus transmit to after times which is so great ane interest and treasure to this day and tho that convoyance was by an infallible spirit yet is this so far exemplary thereby for such a confirmatory witness by observing Christians to the truth when it comes to their last improvement of time and of what hath been more signal and eminent in the Lords dealing with them that it should be one of the choisest Legacies they could be queath to their Relations yea a singular mean to have Religion thus kept alive in a more venerable respect thereto in a Family State and to fix stronger engagements to the way of God on their surviving Friends 2. I hope there be no serious discerning Christian but hath some more select Observations of their life and what hath been most remarkable in the course of Providence towards them layd up something of which might be of singular use besides their own personal interâ—st therein to a further establishment of others in the way of truth tho any improvement of that kind needs much Christian prudence and sobriety to qualify the same yea were this suitably designed in such dismal times we are now fall'n in what access might private Christians have these specially who have gone through more extraoâ—dinar tryalls then others to be thus a publique blessing to their Generation and how honourable a service were it for God to advance the credit of Religion and fix deeper impressions of the same on mens spirits that these who have been admit to more special adventures of Faith amidst the various conflicts of their day should in the close thereof have this as their proper work to deliver the truth off their hand which they had receaved with their seal and testimony to the same as that which they had proven and tryed in a more then ordinare way and which had brought them safe and honourably through as was the last Words and Witness of David 1 Kings 14. Who haâ—h delivered my soul out of all distress this I humbly judge falleth in as the last and peculiar service of a Christian when it hath the advantage to be more valuable and convincing to others then in any other time of their life were a thing highly desirable that a work of this kind should be suitably prepared to prevent a surprisal of death going silent off the stage which hath been the lott of these who have shin'd most brightly thereon and as it surely hath the most opportune season in the last Scene of a Christians Work so may it be yet more designed and regarded in the last ages of time when thete is to be expected such Testimonies for God and to the Glory of his Truth as will much exceed the ordinar Standard of these times past and we are now in The full sense of that Scripture John 3 33. should have a great weight herein he that hath received his Testimony hath sett to his seall that God is true where there is a peculiar debt and trust on the one hand that is put on such who hath the truth and testimony of God consign'd for tryall of the same and a discharge thereof which on the other hand they stand accountable for putting to their seall that God is true which is the most solemn way of a Testimony before men tho some may be thus in a special manner stated by higher engagements to fanctify God before others and when some more singular passages of Providence comes under such a witness and seall as a distinct part of a Christians Testament in his parting with time it brings the strongest evidence that humane testimony can possibly have for conveyance of the same FINIS
times past and may be feared if our Faith stood not sure otherways that the light should be quickly extinguished and the candlestick taken away from most of the reformed Churches when most under such a profession yet never knew the power vertue and efficacy of the truth they profess on their own soul and that there is another evidence or teaching then by moral swasion only or another key to open the heart then external means and thus must either oppose themselves to so tormenting a light or be unavoidably condemned hereby But with this Inquiry as to the credit and quality of the witnesses who in all ages of the Church bears the same testimony to the truth from their experience it is undenyable also but that there are some in a more singular way sisted and under more peculiar engagements then others to appear on such a testimony and who may be admit to enjoiments of experience that are out of the ordinary road of Gods dealing with his people tho this must in no other sense be understood extraordinary then from so judicial a time as this and the great decay of the Power of Christianity with this generation why these are so rare and not in beeing any way cross to the firm and settled constitutions of the Ghospel or without that precinct of the promise of God to warr and the same and I hope the Church of Christ is yet to enter on such enjoiments of experience that would not be easie to beleeve in this day we are in were they told us at a distance But what I mean hereby of these who may be in a higher capacity then others for such a witness I shall breefly touch 1. These who through grace hath been admit to some higher intimacy of converse with God and to know his dealing familiarly with men here on the earth then may be ever known in such a degree to other choise and reall Christians tho I judge this may be more rarely known that where it is most in truth there also is a humble concealment and beeing hid in the same their usual studie who finds more sweetness in such enjoiments the less air they take I have oft thought such may be least known on the earth in this day who may be the greatest favourits of Heaven and have had most rare and immediate testimonies of the love and respects of their God but as this is not the standard by which the truth and reality of grace is to be judged so should this witness be to me no further strenthning then it hath some greater height in humility and tenderness of Spirit in the ways of God going alongst herewith and some more singular eminency of grace as does answer to that Isai 57 15. John 14 21. 2. I must judge these also have a higher room in this witness for God on their experience of his truth who have in a more singular way then others known the truth of supernatural assistance and sustaining grace under extraordinar tryalls I mean such Christians as have been tryed not only in the truth but in the strenth of divine grace at another rate then others whom I must reckon amongst the greatest witnesses for God in this day when 1. This renders their testimony to be of a higher valew and evidence according to the height and measure of their conflicts and tryalls whom thus the Lord hath choised and separate as Joseph was from the residue of his brethren for such a service of example that the excellency of his grace might here more brightly shine forth 2. Because the deposition herein is in a matter on which most doe stumble at the ways of God upon that scandall of the cross and on this account it may be said they are sent as messengers and spyes to witness what manner of allowance he does then impart to bear the expence of a more extraordinare time of affliction and suffering and what immediate support is then found above the allowance of ordinary times that with Caleb and Joshua they might bear a honourable report for God unto others 3. The credit of this testimony riseth the higher as it hath cost them so dear who bear the same and hath not been easily attained nor is an offering unto God of that which costs them nothing who have been helped bejond others to glorify him in the fires 4. They are such above the residue of Christians who hath usually a record of more special confirmations and great remarks of the way of God in the Journal and History of their life I know most would fear to have a room in such a testimony but as I doubt not there are many such witnesses this day in the earth so I must reckon it one of the most honourable services for God upon it and will ere long know the full sence of that truth when he hath tryed them to bring them forth as gold Job 23 10. 3. And are not such specially sisted as witnesses herein and under more singular engagements then others who upon greater Services for God assigned to them hath also had more then ordinare allowances of immediate divine assistance for the same to witness that they have not been sent hereon on their own charge and expence this is one of the great discoveries that the Lord gives unto men of his beeing God and is a clear and demonstrative evidence of that reall and near communication which the Churches head hath with his body here on the earth I know this hath a special respect to such as are called of the Lord on that Service of the Ministry of his Word who hath some peculiar and distinct part allotted to them as witnesses and put on a more publick theater before the World to witness that absolute dependance which the work and service of that station hath on their great Master and the outlettings of his Spirit both for support and success and what thus is found in the way of an immediate relyance on him for I must judge that none knowes a near entercourse with God and to be purely acted for him on this great service but hath some peculiar advantage bejond any else for more fingular and rare confirmations of the truth on their own soul and of a known and sensible seall from God both in fruit and acceptance of their work and tho such who look at a distance cannot discern what may be betwixt God and his Servants in some publick administrations of his service as may be then evident to their soul yet is it oft made so far discernible as to serve an awful sence and impression on mens spirits of God in the Assemblies of his Church and of the truth of supernatural assistances and something more then humane herein nor does such a witness ever cease tho it be now more rare then in times past in this sad and judicial period of time we are fallen in when almost all sence savour and discerning of the Spirit of God with
been and may yet be in the present age greater attainments of the same then most of Christians can easily comprehend whole tryalls were never brought to such a pitch and in that manner assigned to them since these are of the Lord measured out only according to the measure of Faith given them Rom. 12 3. 2. As none may abridge the Spirit of God in the freedome and Soveraingty of his work herein whatever times men be in so is it known and clear that where the Lord does allott more extraordinare cases whither to Churches or particular Christians when such are keeping close by him and the revealed rule of their duty there also is a more extraordinare allowance for the same yea such a measure and encrease of their Faith to be sought from the great author thereof as may answer the present case to have their strength according to their day 3. It is unquestionable that the Lord designs in all ages of his Church to bring glory to himself by such a faith as hath no ground to grip on but ane infinit and immediate power that can extend it self to the most desperate and amasing case nor is a beleeving in hope when it is to be furthest against hope a strange and dark thing in this day either as to the warrant hereof or these proofs which have been made of the same in the issue And herein I must judge the appearance of God no less wonderful to some of his people in that which he works in them and in that deliverance from their fears where no humane Reason or Secondary causes could concurr then in that which he hath done for them in the most stupendious acts of Providence nor does any time want some share and proper talent of this kinde if such great appearances of God were more observed that might be singularly strenthning to the Christian Faith 4. Is there a reall Christian this day who is not called to such a Faith that he shall once upon himself experience a greater miracle by a divine omnipotent Power then was yet ever wrought in the earth which is of the Resurrection of his body after it hath been for some ages dissolved into dust wherein it is by the undoubted Faith of miracles to be wrought upon himself that his greatest support and comfort within time stands yea if there be such a Faith in the earth which is now still warranted as that we have Ps 46 12. it must then ly in ane actual trust and relyance in a case where a miracle can only help 5. If possessions by the Devil were in that manner now usual as in the primitive times it is undeniable that the Prayer of Faith herein for dispossession were not only warranted but expresly called for tho the inward assurance of such a Faith may not in the same manner be given to some as to others yet here is a special suiting from God the proof of a miracle by his immediate Power which they are in faith called too and as that Prescript given by our Lord of fasting and prayer for this end does still stand in force so hath there been known publick instances in these late times of reall dispossessions by prayer and solemn addresses to Heaven herein 6. If the oppressed innocence of a Christian and in such a case where the honor of God were highly concerned should be so stated as to be bejond humane releaf for clearing the same there might be herein an unquestionable reference to God for his more immediate decision and a warrantable ground to suit for the spirit of faith in such a measure as so extraordinare a tryall requires bejond what in an ordinare case is allowable but so as to wait for the same in his season and way This I know was in the primitive times in some more singular manner made use off when no ordinare means was attainable for the same but as that could have no safe warrant so the Law of jealousie and tryall by the waters of jealousie Numb 5. was then temporary and is now ceased yet is this still moral herein and of perpetual use that God is the same who hath reserved to himself an immediate appearance of himself when no ordinar means can help yea that promise Ps 57 3. is expresly given for such ane end of his sending from Heaven immediatly to save where no assistance on the earth is attainable and all natural means faiâ—l 7. It is unquestionable that the making use of Lots which in such a case is only safe where it is rendred absolutly necessar for a final determination in some great and weightie concern is such a solemn appeal to ane extraordinar decision of God as the faith of his appearance by a present and immediate sign from himself is necessarily required tho it be not by any strange or miraculous evidence yet is as truely to be taken from God in such a case and in faith subjected to as if some supernatural sign did accompany the same and as no humane wisdome or counsel can have place herein as to the event so I must judge an entire acquiescence of mens spirits on such a determination shewes not only a deep and reverent Seâ—ce of the Majesty of God but that this is as truely his answer as if they had seen fire coming down from Heaven to consume the Sacrifice as was in the days of Elijah at mount Carmel 8. It may be said that the truth of such a faith hath in a special evidence and power hereof been known when things have come to some unusual extremity in a Christians case as could bear no delay but like that of the Disciples of Christ help Lord ere we perish instances of this kind have been so clear as I judge is not possible to deny the truth of such a seall to the Faith of Christians were things of that nature more adverted to and observed It is a few years past that a famous Minister of Christ who now is at rest in the Lord was under such an extraordinare pain and torment by a confirmed stone in the gravel as nature sunk wholly under the same and as he shewed me was brought to that extremity that he turned to God with such a cry let not thy servant distract but help for I can possibly bear no more who said also that in the very present moment it was immediatly taken off and this at once with a perfect ease and releaf and did recurr no more till the day of his death which was sometime after this as I had from himself so was it from one that none in the age he lived in I could have credited more and could leave no room for doubting that such a return in the present act of prayer at so great a height and extremity of pain without any natural cause and mean was immediatly from God and supernatural I knew also with assurance such an instance in a Mnister of the Ghospel who was seased in the
Providence brought forth on the stage which made a Revolution in the civil state of that nature as Britain had never before known a State whose strength whilst it stood firm was made formidable both by Sea and Land to the Nations about with so strong a tide of success as nothing was able to stand against the same but all essays which tended to an opposition then most visibly frustrate and no plots or mine laid so deep and closs which did not spring upon themselves who wrought therein such was the concurrence of favourable things and in so strange a manner until they had stood oâ—t that tryal wherein they were then sett how they should answer the call and intent of such a Providence 6. But when the eyes of most every where was aloft as to the issue of this settlement and all humane contrivance or forecast put to a stand herein on what side the ballance might cast amidst such different Parties and interests as was on foot it was then as with ane amasing earth quake that the whole foundation was razed and tho it was unquestionable that many of a serious spirit and design in the things of God was amongst such yet whilst the date of their commission was once expired and keeped not themselves in the way of mercy they are at last brought to know what it was to have God against them a God impartially hating sin before whom it is more highly aggravate and provockting the higher Profession of his way and truth men stands under yea then was it that it migâ—t be no less clearly seen how in tâ—e same manner of â—heir raising by a most visible series and irresistable course of Providence so was there fall and down casting made wonderful there Councils disordered dispirited in their resolutions wherein the ebb did run as low in impressions of fear and despondency on their spirits as it had once lowed who sometimes before they knew what it was to be acted above their own ordinare reach and thus as in a moment might it be seen how this frame and mould was broke as without hand This was the second overturning in the publick State of Britain in a very short time after the former answerable to that Ezek. 21 27. I will overturn overturn c. 7. It is now that a great and marvelous change we may see again go over these Nations an other piece of the Work of God brought forth on the stage and new Actors made use of herein which caused great thoughts of heart to know what aspect such a crisis might have on the publick State of Religion then was the Regal Power and Government in Britain raised again to its highest splendor and extent and this change in such a manner accomplisht as the most judicious and discerning spirits stood amased to see over what oppositions and difficulties which seemed insuperable this was carried and that surely it was the same hand who threw them down which did then lift them up with whom it is easie to make a way where there is none for any peece of his Work when he goeth forth herein 8. But when it might have been hoped and expected such extraordinare providences should work on these who were most interessed in this great Restauration when it was not there Sword or Counsel but the finger of God which wrought the same and that surely this might put a more then ordinare weight how to restore the Nations unto God who had restored them to the supreame Power and Government over the same loe then was it in the Room hereof that these things might be seen 1. How the Sluces were immediately let open for an impetuous flood and deluge of wickednesse to break in over the whole Isle ane unbridled licence to all immoralities and impiety and no restraint but what might tend to promote the Kingdom of Jesus Christ amongst men so as these Years past since the 60. hath tended to lay a lod of guilt on Britain bejond the measures of any times past and is still lying upon the same which will be found sore and heavy in the issue if Soveraign Grace do not wonderfully interpose 2. As it was then that such a crisis had so dismal and mortal an aspect there within these hights of Profanity vvhich did go over all banks bejond ane ordinare cure or relief so there might be seen a new way and unusual methods of sinning and a new progress and advance in Atheism bejond what hath been known in any times past yea this with such confidence in the publick light and before the sun as might be an amasement even to the infernal spirits to think how far they were out gone by such who were of humane race this way 3. But it was herewith also when it might have been thought that God should stay his hand no longer or forbear that the seall of their commission whose power had then the greatest influence might be discernable to all that they were assuredly established for judgment and had such a judicial work under their hand so as the most destructive designs of that party for a further Ruine to the Church seemed still then to have the greatest success and no attempts or oppositions whatsoever could withstand the same or stop it's course until their measure and the Epha was further filled up but such who did most hasten to brake prison as it were before the time found their bondage grew stronger hereby 9. But whilst such was thus at work and acting so dismal a part on the publick Theater of Britain lest they should reckon that surely God had forsaken the earth and that the Cry of such prodigious wickedness was not so loud as to go up to Heaven then was it that he came down in a visible way to make himself known and bring near his judgment with a very tremendous voiee then was it that he gave a special commission to one of the three great Judgments the devouring Pestilence to go to the most eminent and conspicous part of Britain and the publick Seat of the Regal Power and Authority and make that great City desolate for a time and make their dwellings void of Inhabitants in the Year 65. yea in ane extraordinare Conjunction did double such a warning by putting them in a flame that it might speak as a publick Herauld to these Nations and thus give a Second Cry that when his Wrath was begun to kindle a little men might meet him in the way of his Judgment ere it come to the utmost and a greater wo follow thereon This surely was the voice of God by a most stupendous dispensation and does speak still to this day tho there may be few now to hear it This was a Entry of Judgment and stroke of that kind on which the Lord did put a most discernable impress of his Greatness and Terror 10. Yet even then after this there was a most observable Pause and tender forbearance in
Providence in it's Conjunction with what hath gone before it 's here we must see a thrid marvelous overturning which in one and the same age hath been successively in these Kingdoms according to that forementioned Scripture Ezek. 21 27. I will overturn overturn overturn and it shall be no more until he come whose right it is and I will give it which is to be understood there of such great Revolutions as should in their proper order follow upon other For tho this had a respect then to these great shakings which was to come upon Juda and the House of their Kings in the entry of their captivity yet may none bound the intent of the Holy Ghost in this Prophecy as if there only it was to take place and had not a Respect to some further accomplishment of the same in after times which surely was since never more clear in the event then in this late wonderful Series of Providence that hath been in these overturnings But now let me speak herewith what hath been sometimes deeply affecting how there is something yet more solemn and extraordinare now in this thrid call then all that hath gone before to be awakening to this generation and that which with too clear evidence may be judged the last cry and call such as hath no dark or uncertain sound therewith to the State and Churches of Britain and unto all ranks there if there be not a resolute shutting of our ear at the same that this is assuredly the voice of the Lord I will yet once more take proof and tryall of these Lands which I did choise and in so singular a way deall with bejond other Churches and Nations and will yet respite the last stroak of Judgment and if tenderness and forbearance in a most surprising and extraordinare display thereof will once work if the actings of providence such as could not of late have been beleeved by men will once reclaim and return Britain and Ireland again unto God I will then take of both their fetters and fears and give a new settlement to their civill rights and interest will sease their adversaries with terror and trembling and yet spare their blood will sett such also upon the Throne who shall seek the good and welfare of their People under whose shadow ye may ly down safely without dread either of the terrors by night or such affrightments by day they were once under and take off any fears of external force But oh if this voice can not be heard when it is so clear and audible which if some knew ever any thing or had discerning of the ways of God and of the times they cannot but hear this to be the present voice of the time it then seems to be come to the last and highest tryalls that these Nations ever stood under when such extraordinar measures of divine patience and long suffering and so long a day given to repent must either be speedily answered or it be found that the stroke will be the more terrible when it comes the longer it hath been deferred that threatned judgment shall assuredly at last come to a year of recompence yea to a precise day of the spotless Vengeance of God when his spirit will no more strive with men when he will clear his Justice and go forth to see the Authority of his Laws and Sentences of his Word ratified in the execution thereof when no Intercessor shall be then heard tho a Noach Daniel and Job were upon the earth and it shall be then no more possible to hold off that long threatned stroke or turn Judgment out of his way then for men to stop the course of the Sun to recall the day and years that are past or make void the Ordinances of Heaven but then will the Works of God gett a hearing when his Words could not A IV. Head on this subject which I must join in with the former that is of great weight and consequence is this to know what aspect such extraordinary providences of these times past now hath on the churches there and whither so great a crisis as hath been in the publik State of affairs hath more promising or threatning signs therewith It was the highest part of Hezekiah observation upon that great deliverance he met with Isai 39. not to see only God in his immediate hand herein but how his heart was toward him in the same as is there expressed thou hast loved my soul out of the pit of corruption for so does the originall render it A loosing sight of providence in what the Lord doth speak to men thereby maketh way not only for great shakings but to read the sense thereof contrair to its intent and tho there be a regarding by all the visible effects of providence and what herein lyes nearest to our sense yet few goes a further length in their observing It is undenyable that an extraordinare condescendence of grace and of the long suffering of God might be seen in these great things here done of late but the next enquiry lyes here how such ane unusual application of providence does work It was upon some serious thoughts hereof and this present State of things I sett my self for more clear discerning of the way of the Lord and his voice to this generation in these astonishing changes hath gone over the same of late to have my own spirit fix'd herein and some higher strenthning on the faithfulnes of his truth but in the first place there are some undoubted principles of truth which I would mention here and must hold by as truths which are of ane eternall verity and may have a clear applicatory light to the present day we are in 1. That it 's sure the most notable mercies which hath been bequathed of the Lord either to churches or persons have also been an entry to the greatest of judgements when not answered it was with the brightest sunshine of ane immediate appearance of his hand and ane extraordinary course of miracles that Israel entred into the wilderness whereon so black a night of dismal providence did fall and is it not the same voice which is now speaking to us that we have Malach. 2. 2. if ye will not lay to heart to give glory to my name says the Lord of host I will curse your blessings 2. It stands ever sure and unchangeable that God will never return to a people against whom he is wroth untill the cause of his departure be taken away for both the same date and measure which mens forsaking of God doth bear the same also does his departing bear unto them and tho repentance where it is in truth can never be in vain yet may it come to late to prevent temporal judgment or to regain ever again a season of acting for God when there is a more eminent call thereto at one time then another 3. It is ane unchangeable truth which varies not with the changes of time that there is
except to Personate Act such a part as that of the mourning Women amongst the Jews at Funerals and amongst these of the most serious Spirit in this day such a restraint may be found of that Seriousness and fervor herein which once did appear as renders it a more ominous Presage that there may be nothing to follow but that last sentence let them alone and must not all thus reason and judge that as the interest of Sacred Truth and the Honor and Glory of God in mens subjecting thereto is of much higher value then any temporal Interest so is the Vindication of the same before the World of a greater concern then the stability or standing of Kingdoms yea to fear more deeply that such a time how long so ever deferred must at last take place when his spotless procedure of Judgement shall be then cleared fully shall I not visit for these things shall not my soul be avenged on such a People But now in the third Place there is one Inquiry that should ly near and hath a more then ordinary call for the same in such a day to know what is yet left and accessible in the matter of duty that might be as a door of hope for the Lords Returning once more and his respiting of imminent Judgement when so great a Ruine is like to fall under the Hand of this Generation I know any such thing will be to most as matter of derision whose fear and hopes of this kind goes no higher then present Objects of Sense and it is little I can adventure to speak hereon but as to any measure of light I have attained I can no more question that the same voice from the Lord is now going forth to the Churches of Britain and Ireland then that I read what is spoke to Juda Ezechiel 22 30. And I sought for a man amongst you that should make up the hedge and stand in the gate before me for the Land that I should not destroy it but I found none therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them I have consumed them with the fire of my Wrath their own wayes have I recompens'd on their Heads says the Lord God It 's sure then wrath was near to a breaking forth when this last call came yet with an offer of Peace nor is it questionable there was a serious part then who were deeply affected with such a time tho it was not easy to find one of a truly raised spirit to do and endure something more then ordinare for God when so great a ruine was ready to fall under their hand but to clear the import of such a call with respect to the publick State of the Churches of Britain under this allusion here made use off to stand in a gape and breach when the Church as a defenced City is laid open to an extream and imminent hazard I must speak a few things to be considered what must follow if no Intercessor be found to answer the voice of this call by a suitable appearance herein 1. Tho it may be now reckoned that the sky is more clear as to the State of Britain then for many Years past when the breach seems to be made sure against either Forrain or intestine Assaults and that in the way of reason and the ordinare course of humane affairs things are come to a more secure and settled State yet is there an other aspect of things that should deeply affect our spirits when the publick hazard of the time is greater then from all humane power and the party to be most feared is assuredly divine Wrath after a long interval of forbearance that is ready to break forth in some extraordinar Acts of Judgment for where a day of attonement goes not before can no true deliverance be expected to raise and settle these Nations yet how rare are they who take this to heart or tremble within themself on the thoughts of Judgment to be near if it does not appear from natural or visible causes tho nothing be more discernable from Moral Signs 2. What ever present calm be from these terrors and fears that have been of late yet may it be judged whither it be a serious business or not to stand in such a breach as is this day when the greatest interest of our Faith is laid open to such numerous assaults as there seems no less cause to stand and contend for the Christian Cause and Interest now in these Nations against such who are under a visible Profession of the same then once was against the Heathens whilst that primitive Spirit which was then a Spirit of Power and of Glory does too rarely appear or these measures of grace in such impressions as was then that are under a sad and judicial restraint most being taken up so entirely with private refentments of personal Injuries and bitter in estine conflicts as the sound of such a hazard cannot be heard until it be felt It was the Power and Evidence of Christianity on mens soull that did first make Protestants and made way for the planting settlement of the Reformed Churches but it would seem now reckoned that the Protestant Interest can stand tho the Christian Faith were extinct in the power and vitalls thereof and might easily be given up by the greatest part of this Generation if it's outworks could be preserved where a temporal Interest â—enders that necessar whilst that magnetick power and vertue which the Truth once had on the World is not to be seen or any deep sence of that Interest which Religion once had in the Glory of a passive Testimony for the same 3. Is not the gape and breach we have to stand in this day of such a kind that where the ancient Love of these renowned Churches the Love of their Youth and Kindness of their Espousals unto God did so brightly shine forth after the Reformation from Popery it is now resolved unto so dismal a change as with most what ever is most lovely excellent and desirable in the Revelation of the Ghospel and should have the most attractive influence on mens soull is visibly despised and vilified yea which renders this breach and gape more dreadful that after all the cost expence which the Lord hath wared in planting and letting forth a vine yard to Britain sending moe Servants then at the first with the indearing persuasives of the Ghospel and on the other hand with solemn and express warnings of the hazard of such Strokes of Judgment to come as hath been afterwards felt yet hath the return been in a continued and growing enmity against the truth and instead of rendring the fruits of this Vineyard in its season hath rather conspired to deride and despitefully use such as have come to demand the same and what can be judged will be the result hereof if men have not concluded that God hath forsaken the earth can it be thought that the Breaches of these Nations shall be
discoveries of the works of God the depths of providence about his Church these was reserved to that period when the Mystery of God hereon should be more fully perfited and in this respect it 's to be said blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to such a solemn time and to have his lot fall therein as is spoken Dan. 12 12. III. But for a further clearing of this Subject since the Glory of the Kingdom of Christ is so nearly concern'd in the discovery and entertainment of his Works in the day thereof and now when a more eminent appearance thereof is near that Kingdoms and Nations in their Complex Body shall in a more solemn way be the Lords It should be expected that the return and oblation of praise upon the great Acts of his Providence shall be more remarkable as a publick deed of Nations and Churches then hath yet hitherto been yea that when the Lord does in any singular way appear for their security and standing by Providences of a publick and national extent that a gratulatory retribution on their part must be of the same extent under a publick care and regard It is true there is a settled frame of subordinat means by which the Providence of God does work in the great designs thereof that we are called to regard wherein I doubt not but the Ministry of the Angels hath the greatest interest as one of the great Ordinances he hath setled in behalf of his Church tho as to their special offices and dâ—legate service to particular Churcheâ— and Christians is something that 's more dark but it may be hoped wil ere long be with a clearer evidence known in these great transactions of Providence which are yet to take place when a nearer Communion may be then attained betwixt these blessed Spirits and the Saints here on the earth then is yet known but tho there is no time wherein the Lord will not put honor on instituted means and on that established order of his working yet whilst most have such ordinare thoughts of God herein and are so ready to fix their eyes wholly on men his honor is concern'd to let the World know he is God by more extraordinar demonstrations yea such are most of the great events of his Word which are yet to be brought forth as cannot possibly in an other way be expected But on this Subject I would humbly offer some few reflections which should be matter of a serious regard 1. That as it s highly becoming on some eminent piece of the Work of God or publick deliverances for a Nation or State to have solemn and publick returns of thankfulnes to him thereon yet is it strange how so little regard should thus be to have the greatnes of any such mercy sought out and the same publick care extended for keeping up a venerable remembrance thereof so that such a service of Gratitude be not bounded with the transient work of a day since otherways it is a most essential want and with holding a proper and important part of that Tribute which is due into God herein for there can be no suitable regard to serve the end of such Providences and what was so straitly injoined of the Lord under the Old Testament which was the Churches continued practice there yea of the same moral and perpetual use in all after times if it should not be still a publick trust under the furthest humane care to promote the same tho divine Record and History for this intent does now cease 2. But as this hath ane unquestionable tye on Churches and a Christian State to design the most honourable respect and entertainment of the great Acts of God in their day and is made their proper talent to answer to so does a just exoneration herein call for the most exact scrutiny and search on the truth and evidence thereof on which the weight and credit of this service does so far depend to cause a more full assent by these who come after to such a testimony that these rare Providences wherein the Lord did thus make himself known were not only in the present time sought out and enquired unto under their proper cÃrcumstances but by such of greatest weight and advantage for a work of this nature whose sincerity and judiciousness might be convincing and the integrity of such ane Intent cleared from any partial respect or end but allennerly for exalting the Majesty of God and strengthning men in the Faith by so great a seal to his Truth and for the interest of the Posterity yea wherein these who in some lesser differences did not fully meet in the same Judgment yet might intirely unite in such a service and testimony as this 3. Where the Lord makes himself known in more illustrious acts of his power as may be called Magnalia Dei to some particular Nation and Church beside others who herein are in a more then ordinare way interessed it might seem equal and answer to the highest reason they sould be of that value as to be entred on a National Record and have that concurrence of humane authority to make the evidence hereof as authentick as the publick deeds or rights which belong to such a state It is true there is no want of Histories and the Church hath been blessed with that singular mercy of Martyrologies by faithful and impartial hands to attest the power of divine grace and supports of the spirit given to sufferers for the truth and of late it was of great use the concurrence of Civil Authority to that Work of the History of the Church of England that 's now extant by an excellent Writer but for this intent â—â— is something distinct by its self with respect only to these Monuments of Providence relating to a particular Châ—rch that are of publique clear and uncontrolled evidence to have the remembrance thereof with the highest honor kept up and secured from the prejudices and cavills of men thereat yea to such Passadges in that day whereon the Signature and Impress of the more immediate appearance of God hath had most full and bright evidence these great changes of a publique interest which hath then occurred wherein some extraordinar Conjunction in the course of Providence might be seen above natural causes and the ordinare way of Gods Working such interpositions of his wonderful power by which he hath designed to put some eminent honor on acts of trust and relyances on his truth as might be exemplary to after times and serve for that end that they who come after might sett their hope on God and not forget his Works Psal 78 7. yea extraordinar Acts also of divine Judgment whereby he hath appeared in some unusual manner to vindicate the honor of his Laws against publick and notorious violations of the same which may be clearly seen were not designed for that age only but as a publick concern for after times 4. Can it be questioned that since that