in that last state of time 6. May it not be matter of unavoidable evidence also as to the present State of the Church that there is surely some eminent period of providence to which so swift and extraordinary a courses of remarkable changes as hath in a successive way still attended these Nations have aproper tendency these being so unusual and astonishing and out of the way of the Lords ordinary working as the most judicious and deep discerners of things could not to this day have reasoned their falling out on principles of humane reason yea such as I must humbly judge will not cease until the Spirit of God be quieted in that great Design which he is to accomplish hereby answerable to that Zach. 6 8. on which he hath set his heart who leaves not his work unperfected which hath also the same sense and intent Isa 66. 9. Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring sorth c. nor I am perswaded will any humane counsel make civil establishments to be effectual until that great design of Providence be more understood and concurred with 7. It is now a day of great expectation how the next scene of Providence may open for a farther clearing of this design of the Lord about which I judge these who have nearest converse with God this day by his Word and Spirit see cause to give their fears the first place before their hopes as to some very extrordinary work of judgment that from all signs seems to lie nearest now to the reformed Churches in the frame of providence tho we are like to have little either of Faith or fear when it comes until it be made an object of Sense but I am sure a few of these evident prognosticks that now are in our sight would have deeply affected the Spirits of ous Fathers when we may see no Providences are so extraordinary as to have any sanctifying influence on Mens Souls for the most part or to advance the publick state of Religion as formerly when an outward Calm and a dead Lethargy herewith does so visibly still go together which hath a more mortal aspect on the present state of Britain than might be judged from the highest Paroxism of personal sufferings when the Christian interest this day for accomplishing the great designs of Grace under a reformed profession thereof is as a low thing in Mens eyes in respect of what is more extrinsick and foreign thereto when also the long decrease of that tide of power and influences of Religion on Mens Souls hath at last come to such an ebb by these judicial removes of the Spirit of God that without some very immediate appearance from Heaven we might fear lest Truth should quickly perish from the Earth yea when it 's so evident that God is yet calling for some to stand in the gap and make up the hedge before Judgment go forth butt almost none sound to answer it's voice so intently are Mens Spirits now even of such who outgo others in a profession set upon designs about their own things and it hath surely ever been a dismal sign to a Nation when it becomes rare to find any suitable Instruments and Tools to answer a restoring work therein or to see that raisedness of Spirit for such an end as hath been formerly which may be feared speaks the long shadows of the Evening before some horror of great Darkness are too visibly stretched out But if Men do count these things small and remote from their eyes and will raise a confidence that it shall be Peace until there be another Appearance for God and the Interest of his Kingdom than hath yet been It may make the Disappointment Sad and Dreadful in the Issue One thing I have thought strange how there can be a National Love and Respect to its Interest in another way than to have God Interested both in their Case and Cause in the first Room or how Solemn and Publick Thaksgivings in a stated external Form for the most eminent Appearances of God whether as to a Nation or to a City or to Persons is so visibly divided from such an essential part thereof which is by Thankofferings and some Returns to him in a promissory way by Deeds and Performances as well as by Words suitable to the Weight of such Engagements But this is a rare Practice now to be found on the Earth to design some special Consecration of the Gain of any eminent National Mercies unto God this way 8. Yet whatever may be too evident in the matter of our Fear it 's sure that the just Grounds of our Hopes in behalf of the Church does far exceed the same And though there be many extraordinary Signs to cause Terror and Consternation of Spirit there is one Sign of another kind that will compense all which is that Sign of the Son of Man Mat. 24. 30. as it is to be understood in a promissory Sense and how that great Mourning of the Tribes of the Earth which is there spoke to attend such a Sign hath the same Sense with that Zach. 12. 10. and is clearly expository of the same They shall look on me whom they have Pierced and Mourn c. as also that evident Parallel Rev. 1. 6. since these do so jointly bear evidence to the Nature and Intent of such a Sign as will then have an eminent Appearance with the first entry and returning of the Jews unto him whom their Fathers did pierce I know some of the greatest Writers of this Age such as Vsher Twiss and Mead and of late that Worthy Man Mr. Mather of New-England take this in the same Sense only seem to reckon this Sign to be the thing signified of Christ himself in a visible Appearance then to the World But this will be e're long in another manner understood in the Event Yet I have found it so sweet a Subject of Thoughts in these dismal and sad Times when other Signs are so tremendous that in some things which are most clear herein and suitable to humble Sobriety I must speak a few things 1. How it is unquestionable this is that one Sign by way of Singularity which our Blessed Head and Redeemer does appropriate to himself as his and to be the Sign 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Son of Man such as hath never been given to the World like thereto nor will ever be until he come himself to Judgment 2. It is surely a Sign which must be Publick and Conspicuous to the World in some extraordinary Vision to humane Sense for therein is the Intent of that Prediction made express and clear But as to the Nature hereof or its Duration I judge it suitable not to enquire where the Holy Ghost hath not more particularly cleared the same and reserved a further Discovery thereof to the Event 3. It is sure also when this great Appearance shall be to the World it will be with that demonstrative and undubitable Evidence as
Vapours should have so immediate a Conjunction with Places so vastly remote and separate from other by so great an Extent of the Sea I find some famous Searchers into natural Causes writ that an Earthquake is simply impossible in Nature to be of any universal Extent 4. And though we read in the English Histories some strange extraordinary Instances that did occur of such a kind in Queen Elizabeths Reign at London in the Year 1580 at Marcly Hill in Herefordshire in the Year 1571 where it removed it self from the place where it stood and travelled to another place as also a Prodigy of the same kind which was in Dorsetshire 1582 yet was none of these in the least of such a Nature as this or in any respect parallel thereto but were restricted only to particular Bounds tho' they were then matter of great Observation in their day But I humbly judge if the most exact Search were made into History both Modern and Ancient under such Circumstances no Instance so strange and unaccountable as to any natural Causes herein will be found 5. And what a State should we have been in if it had continued but Three Minutes more Or was there any Humane Counsel or Power that could either prevent or restrain the same in the least of its going so far and no further but we might see at once our Hazard and Deliverance set in our sight from an invisible Power But as all the Works of God even such as fall under the Observation of each day should be matter of special regard such wherein his Appearance is more extraordinary calls for some greater Advertence and enquiry about the same I must therefore offer a few Reflections further on this late astonishing Providence 1. That as it was now Ten Years ago since the Lord gave a Sign in an unusual manner from the Heavens above by that great and remarkable Comet in the Year 80 so now after such an Interval of Patience to this Generation he hath given a Sign of another kind which is from the Deep beneath that comes more near to us answerable to that of Isa 7. where we may see how it is most eminently in these two ways the Lord does appear when he is to give some great and significative Sign to the World of unusual Events and as nothing can bring more Terror therewith than an Appearance of such a kind so needs it not be strange that this day when the Earth hath so near a Resemblance to the Infernal State why this should be from beneath and have so dreadful an Aspect 2. Though there might be cause why such a Concussion of the Earth should cause just Fears and Tremblings of Heart yet does it exceed all Humane Comprehension such a Circumstance herewith which was so universally noticed of its affecting the Head with a sensible Giddiness even before they did apprehend and understood any thing of an Earthquake which was so obvious to the most judicious Observers that it seemed as if an Apoplectick Distemper had seized upon them without any known Cause for the same This I have found so general a Remark as I could not pass it over though without any Application else but that no natural Cause can be supposable herein 3. And if we regard the manner of this Sign as it is directed to such a time we are in and in so strange an Extent thereof may it not also as with clear and articulate Voice be understood that what is signified thereby will prove matter of Trembling and Astonishment and may cause a Trepidation in these western parts of Europe answerable thereto so as to shake the most setled Constitutions of Nations if so solemn a Call be not regarded 4. And though it might seem a strange Criticism yet I hope not unsuitable to be noticed that this last Warning was given in the 2d Week of September as directed to revive the Sense and Remembrance of what had been so highly remarkable to this great City in the first Week thereof and with a new Call tho in a most tender premotory way but with that Evidence as we are sure was immediately from Heaven only let me add herewith that 's sure Divine Threatnings and the most tremendous Warnings to Kingdoms and Nations are in their primary Intention design'd to keep off Men from the Judgments threatned and not to be gazed at for a matter of Talk and Report But oh if the furthest Measures of this kind can have no weight to answer the Intent hereof It is sure that God will be known to be God this day unto Britain and before this Generation by such an Evidence and Demonstration as will at last work effectually But having now so far touched these two extraordinary Signs that have so lately occurred I must for the same end point at a Third as so nearly contemporating with the former though it may be feared is gone out of sight and forgot when the Bitterness of Death seems to be past but did cause such Fears in the present time and Consternation of Mind It is that unusual and astonishing Rain which in these parts through most of the Summer continued when thus these sweet Influences from Heaven by moistning Showers to restore and ripen were in that manner changed to be destructive when we might see the Heavens with fo extraordinary an Aspect as it were mourning from above over the Earth if hereby Men would be awakened to the Fear and Dread of that God in whose hand both our Breath and Bread is yea when it was come to that Extremity in its continued Course as threatned to make void the Harvest and when but one Week almost seemed to stand betwixt us and such an unavoidable Stroak when no Humane Counsel or Power could save the Nation from perishing in such a case It was then the Sovereign God did stay his hand and with an eminent Testimony of his Tenderness not only shut up the Clouds but gave such a Compensation by a most serene desirable Season as might recover in a short time what the former Months had spoiled and seemed in an ordinary way to Mens Thoughts irrecoverable But I shall shut up any further insisting on this Subject with a short Touch only at some Improvement hereof for these ends First to a solid fixing of our Judgment and Light about the same there is nothing more amazing and dreadful to the Spirit of many in this day than any supernatural Appearance in the Events of Providence as renders the Sense and Impression of an invisible God and his Dominion over second causes to be unavoidable and on this Account as these seem to be in such a Fear upon the Truth and Existence of Devils since their Faith hereof must needs bring them to the same with the Devils to believe and tremble So is it in this case Men are so much on the Rack how to solve all by natural Demonstration that may darken any immediate Appearance of God as Jannes
A DISCOURSE OF Earthquakes AS THEY ARE Supernatural and Premonitory Signs to a Nation with a respect to what hath occurred in this Year 1692. And some special Reflections thereon AS ALSO On that Security and Assurance of Mind which is attainable in the Light and Power of Religion under the greatest Surprizals and Terrors of Sense WITH SOME Enquiry upon the Grounds both of our Fears and Hopes as to the publick State of the Church of Christ in this day By the Author of the Fulfilling of the Scriptures LONDON Printed for Thomas Parkhust at the Three Bibles and Crown in Cheapside and Jonathan Robinson at the Golden Lyon in St. Paul's Church-Yard 1693. THE PREFACE IT is sure that the great Intent of Religion is to bring Men unto a near Communion and Intimacy with God whilst they are here on the Earth both by his Word and Providences and where this End is not designed it is a very low Interest that can be made by the Profession thereof For it may be evident how the Intellectual Part of Man when it is in a serious and true Exercise must tend either to their greatest Torment or to an unexpressible Joy when they cannot but see that their Good is not in their own Hand but must every Moment be dependent on an invisible Refuge and Support since Men are no Statues but in the solid use of Reason must have deep Impressions both as to fears and hopes of future Events and how sad and surprizing Changes may be near in the Publick State of Nations and Cities as well as of Persons when all Humane Refuges and Assistances will fail yea when then the great Lawgiver's Right and Authority to a Passive Obedience will be found indisputable in the way of Judgment over such who would not acknowledge the same by Active Obedience under a Treaty of Grace But yet such is the tender Regard of the Majesty of God to Humane Race and to the Work of his own Hand that in the most severe judicial Procedure with a People and Nation he does not surprize without previous Warnings before the Decree go forth and hath a time of Patience herein if so be the Voice of threatned Judgment might be regarded and whereby such Stroaks as have at last made desolate might have been prevented Tho I find not either in Divine or Humane Record that any Kingdom or People did truly meet God in the way of his Wrath to put a Stop thereto upon extraordinary premonitory Signs except that one Instance of Nineve I know it is no easie thing to understand Warnings from Heaven aright and to have a clear Interpretation of such Providences or to discern the Approaches of Divine Vengeance when such tender Intervals of Forbearance as are usual betwixt one Step and another thereof takes off all Fear of a greater Woe that may be to come There are Two things which may occasion some deep and serious Thought about the same with respect to this Juncture of Time we are now in The First is as to that Difference which is betwixt extraordinary Warnings in the way of a Treaty and such astonishing Providences as are of a predicting Nature as presaging Signs and as a Signal of Judgment in its near Approach to particular Places which speaks the Certainty of what is signified thereby This is a Subject that may surely cause matter of great Reflection upon what hath been both of late and for some considerable time past made visible by strange and unusual Discoveries of God this way both from the Heavens and the Earth beneath Nor can it be in the Dark how such are become then portentous Signs and Prognostications of future Events when they cease to affect and warn or to work in a monitory way upon Mens Spirits when the saddest of moral Signs does not awaken nor tend to reclaim when the Dread and Reverence of God does not accompany the most extraordinary Occurences of Providence but Men thus become rather more hardned yea when such unusual Signs meet in an extraordinary Season of Sin and point as with the Finger thereat which is a Conjunction of another kind that hath a more dismal Aspect than all that was ever pretended or feared from the Planets But oh who shall live when God does this and does cease to warn any more after renewed and unusual Methods he hath taken with this Generation for this end But there is a Second thing to be matter also of serious Thoughts herewith for what ends such extraordinary Signs may be directed since they never be in vain when now there seems no promising Efficacy or Influence therewith on the Spirits of most and are so easily past as if they had no Commission from Heaven to discharge But sure then is it that the Majesty of God will make known he hath not forsaken the Earth so that when his Word hath no Regard or Intercourse with Mens Souls he will not yet leave them without some sensible Demonstration of himself and of a Divine and Invisible Power above them as this way he will also awake and put his People more on their Watch and to be on a preparatory Work whatever Storm may be to blow This Scripture on which the following Discourse is founded does give a most singular Account how far a Christian may be raised above his ordinary reach by a special Faith in the Power and Evidence thereof when it can have no possible Rise from any natural Cause yea as there is a Supposal here made of such a prodigious Concussion of the Earth as if the Frame of Nature should be dissolved by some Earthquake and is there literally to be understood it did give a special Call to speak thereon in the first part of this Discourse when such a concurrent Call was also in the way of Providence thereto and to offer some special Reflections on what hath in this last Year 1692 occurred I know the Publishing thereof might seem now too late tho I hope it may be the more seasonable to revive the Sense and Remembrance thereof after some others have I doubt not with much Advantage discours'd on the same Providence tho I knew not thereof when this was writ And I had not the least Thought to have touched any thing of that Additional Discourse which is in the Close if in the Blessed Disposal of the Lord there had not then been some remarkable concurring Providence which thus put me to some deep and serious Thoughts on such a Subject and to have my Soul more nearly join'd in therewith for keeping Sight of the way of the Lord in such Steps thereof as needed his special Conduct and Teaching in a more than ordinary way A DISCOURSE OF Earthquakes Psal 46. 1 2 3. God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble Therefore will not we fear though the Earth be removed And though the Mountains be carried into the midst of the Sea Though the Waters thereof roar and be
troubled though the Mountains shake with the swelling thereof IT is one of the most adorable Mysteries of Truth that for an Eternity the glorious God would hide himself within himself in that unconceivable Fellowship and Enjoyment of the Blessed Trinity when there was no created Existence But as such a Reflection must be bounded with a Becoming Silent and Humble Admiration as being too wonderful for us to think on so is it Matter for the highest Joy and Exultation of Spirit that we should have this day such a Being as admits us to see and enquire upon the Glory of that Work which he hath brought forth within time so infinitely becoming the Perfections of the Deity and to have so clear a Discovery of the same not only in the whole Dispensation of Nature and Providence but as it 's more nearly relative to us in the Dispensation of Grace and in the Speciality of that Work that he hath about each of his People in this Militant State yea thus to see on what Security we are fixed against the greatest Hazards and fear of future Events It was on this account that the Psalmist here bears so great and wonderful a Testimony for God and to the sureness of their State who have him to be their alone Refuge and trust in the most extream Case This is indeed a rare passage of Scripture and does imply 1. A Supposal of that which is one of the most tremendous Providences that can occur a Concussion of the Earth whereby the whole frame of Nature would seem not only to be shaken and cast into a trembling posture but turned out of its place And there is nor eason to account a Metaphor that the Psalmist makes use of but to be taken in the literal Sense as that which is supposable may occur to the most excellent on the Earth But 2. What is more wonderful here is a Supposal made of such a Stupendous Earthquake by this Man of God as though it were present and visible to his Sense without any Trepidation or Earthquake on his Soul to shew what a pitch sometimes the Faith of Assurance may be at and what Relief thus is attainable amidst the greatest Terrors of Sense in the Light and Power of Religion as is above the Comprehension of Nature He was one who had made a great Tryal of God and of Acquaintance with him by inward Converse and does thus speak in a Dialect that 's not intelligible to such who may pretend the highest Flight by Reason in the Searches of Nature I shall offer some Propositions for a more clear Understanding and Improvement of this Scripture the first whereof is this That the most select and eminent of the Saints may meet with such a Trial to their Faith of the same nature as is here mentioned of some extraordinary Concussion of the Earth as would seem to overturn the setled Course and Constitutions of Nature It is true such a strange Providence is not still alike in the same manner or measure but sometimes is with the most tender Reguard as a premonitory Warning and Sign only when at other times it is with the greatest Terror of an immediate desolating Judgment That a Supposal of this kind may be suitable to the most endeared Favourites of Heaven needs be no strange or difficult thing when it 's considered how it 's by no external Providences the Lord hath design'd the more special Discoveries of his Love to his People and that no Tryal can be so astonishing or at such a pitch as to exceed the measure and allowance of their Grace but that the Expence this way be ever proportioned to their Receipts and Measure of Faith yea how it is to the most dismal Tryals and Extremity the Lord hath reserved the greatest Experiments of his distinguishing respects to Christians and where his leading into the one by an immediate Conduct hath been made so observable to make way for the other and some more extraordinary appearance of himself in such a case It is not needful to insist on any Concurrence of natural and occult Causes that may be in so stupendous a Providence when such Difficulty and Contradiction is to be seen amongst the late Writers and such as have made the greatest search upon this Head and is so conjectural and problematick a thing to know what Influence herein the Sun may have or Subterraneous Fires as Descartes speaks or mineral Vapours and Irruptions of Winds penned up in the Caverns and Bowels of the Earth so dark is the Judgment that is on such an amazing Phenomenon though it fall in within the Sphere of Nature when it is so visibly preternatural besides the Course thereof But it 's a remarkable Reflection which Aristotle makes speaking upon this very Subject that they must be bruitish and stupid who are not deeply affected with so amazing a thing as an Earthquake not only upon the Hazard but as to the Original and Cause thereof yea whatever subserviency the Majesty of God may make of inferiour Causes in such Providences when he does in so stupendous a way appear yet it calls us to a deep and tremendous Sense hereof as his alone Work But since this is a Subject of such Weight and what may justly cause great Thoughts of Heart in the present day I shall speak a little to some special Enquiries hereon The First is this on what clear and infallible Grounds such an astonishing Concussion of the Earth by an Earthquake should be reckoned as a divine Sign and to have a supernatural Causality in directing the same to a Nation and some particular place more than to others for giving Light thereto 1. It cannot possibly be denied that such as are Sacred Signs and expresly foretold in the Scripture to take place must have a divine and supernatural Causality for accomplishing the same that go above all inferiour or secondaryCauses and can have no dependance thereon 2. It 's sure also how this stupendous Providence is in a peculiar way reserved by the Lord to be a Demonstration of himself to the World in the greatness of his Power and more immediate Presence by making that which he hath setled and made firm in it self not only to shake but cleave asunder to shew his absolute Dominion over the most setled Constitutions of Nature Thus did he in such a way cause the Earth to rent in two and swallow Dathan and Abiram to set up such a stupendous Sign of Judgment hereby where Nature could have no Concurrence yea in this way though in a promissory Sense did the Lord give so extraordinary a Demonstration of himself and of his immediate Presence upon that marvelous Effusion of the Spirit Act. 4. 31. when he caused the House and Earth to shake underneath both to seize their Spirits with a more deep Fear and Reverence and as a Sign that he would make the Nations to shake and tremble before his divine Power by the Gospel Yea in the same
undoubted Evidence which we must peremptorily hold by that where the Majesty of God takes an unusual way to awake and warn a People they must either answer the same or else they are infallible Prognosticks of Wrath and Judgment and some dismal Night coming on Nor can any Sign be more mortal than this that Men will not consider the Work of God or regard the Operation of his Hand when it hath unavoiadble Evidence to be his alone Work 3. There may be a clear and infallible Application of what 's more extraordinary in any Appearance of God to a Nation when such Forewarnings have most immediately gone before some astonishing Judgment on a People who have not been under more aggravating Circumstances of Guilt yea not comparable to the height that is this day in our case Since such Precedents of the Severity of Judgments in one place are undoubtedly given to be a premonitory Sign to another 4. Yea when there is some more singular Conjunction and reiterating in a successive way of such awakening Signs it then hath not only a distinct Sound but a loud Cry of some near and immediate Approach of Judgment and that it may come upon the last Call I know it is one of the greatest things of practical Religion that needs a near intercourse with God to have any such Application brought near to Mens Souls both in order to fear and to account also the more immediate Appearances of his Power and Workings as a matter of their greatest Joy that the sense of a Deity might thus more strongly work on such a Generation But oh how sad a Token is it when such are not only rejected but have a sinistrous and false Application made of the same and to see the Earth trembling at the near Approaches of divine Wrath when such as dwell thereon have no fear of this kind as Habac. 3. 10. The Mountains saw thee and they trembled the overflowings of the Water passed by the Deep uttered its Voice but says the Prophet there Was the Lord displeased against the Rivers Was his Anger against those Elements c. No it was against Humane Race and given to be a Sign thereto But there is a Fourth Enquiry which comes more close and near to us on this Subject to know what Evidence such late extraordinary Providences do bear as was at Jamaica June 7. and here September 8. to be the alone Work of God in such an immediate and unusual manner and to go forth on a special Commission to England and to this great and renowned City of London yea the whole Island For Answer thereto I must crave leave with humble Sobriety to offer some Reflections on both according to the express Signature and Impress they bear not only of an extraordinary Appearance of God herein but of his Counsel and Intent in this day 1. As to that tremendous stroak on Jamaica we cannot but see 1. It s being directed to a place where the whole Country was purely English in its Interest and Inhabitants and thus a part of the same Nation though at a distance so that it can be no more evident that such a strange Stroak was real and no imaginary thing than that it hath a proper Aspect in a monitory way on this Island and set up as a publick Beacon and Monument of Judgment in this respect to shew how terrible a thing it is to fall immediately into the Hands of the Living God when a People may seem most secure from all humane Power yea that there can be Safety on the Earth where their Adversary is above them and is God 2. We see its being directed also with a special Commission to that one place which alone was the most flourishing populous Part of the whole Country and thus made the Scaffold on which so dreadful an Execution of Judgment was acted as did in Two Moments swallow up near 2000 of its Inhabitants whilst no part else of the Island had any such dreadful Effects and was this a contingent and casual thing only if Men do but excercise Reason herein 3. This as it 's publickly known was after some remarkable Forewarnings given by a trepidation of the Earth there a short time before though in that manner and with such tenderness then as might shew a holding of the hand of Judgment even when it was lifted up 4. It 's yet further remarkable as I find it related from some who dwelt in that place that no Instance of traditional Conveyance was before ever known there not only since the first english Plantation but under the Spanish Power so as in that sense as Moses spoke Numb 16. 13. The Lord did thus work a new thing in such a place of the Earth as it 's thus circumstantiate 5. But that which may most direct our Eyes to see an immediate Appearance of God herein and a Causality above Nature was as is by all acknowledged when such a prodigious height of Impiety and Wickedness seem'd to have filled up its full Measure and no ordinary means could reclaim so as the Holy God upon the Honour of his Justice and Government was thus interested to put so astonishing a Mark of his Severity and Wrath on the same and make known what one Day and Hour may at last bring forth on a City and Country after a long Forbearance when it is least expected or feared But it is on this last Sign and extraordinary Concussion by an Earthquake that was in the 8th of September I must offer a few Reflections further that hath come nearer to our Sense with so unusual an Aspect 1. That it was given in so near a Conjunction with the former and with such Evidence as the Lord speaks to Moses Exod. 4. 8. If they will not hearken to the Voice of the first Sign they may yet hearken to the Voice of the second yea when the first had the less Influence that it was so remote in its Distance this comes and speaks in that manner as Jeremiah I am a God near at hand and not a far off only 2. If we look on the manner of it it is so astonishing as is unaccountable to all Humane Reason that so discernable a trepidation should be in one Room in the same House and not in another as was certainly known yea in so distinguishing a respect that it was most perceptible and terrifying to one in the same Room and not to another tho' both in the sober Exercises of Reason 3. And whence should such a Correspondence in this great Sign have a Rise that almost in the same Hour it made the Earth to tremble at London and in the Sea-Coasts there in so astonishing a manner and then also give the same Signal and Warning through the whole Low-Countries with other adjacent parts of Germany when so great an Extent of Sea lyes betwixt the same since it is not possible that in the ordinary course of Nature the Influence of any subterraneous Fires or
Discovery upon future things by humane Wisdom and the prudent Man sees and foresees the evil day to provide for the same as Solomon speaks Yea what a thing should Mans Life be without foresight and sagacious decerning of what may be the Issue of things in a due Application of proper means for such ends and of those successive Removes that in the setled course and way of natural Causes seem most unavoidable for on this must all true humant Policy found But on the other hand they see not how the Designs of a supreme Providence may be taking place above the reach of humane Thoughts which does controul their Measures and Hopes and how it was above the Sphere of ordinary Reason or their Foresight that Events have oft occurred betwixt the entry and close of a Year as they could neither see or prevent But there is a Divine Foresight which is of another Nature by the Evidence of Faith of things not seen and future without extraordinary Revelation as can render the Enjoyments of Hope on the Certainty of a Divine Promise to be matter of unexpressible Joy and Support when it would in an ordinary way seem to be against Hope There is a Third Proposal of great weight also on this Head to know what may have the most near and immediate Influence on such a Raisedness and Security of a Christians Soul in an extraordinary Hour of Tryal and does then give the greatest Advantage to such an Appearance when it can have no visible Cause for the same for Answer thereto it is indeed a Secret betwixt God and the Soul of Men and a matter of Power rather than of Words what can raise such a Confidence as hath no possible rise from Nature herein and in this respect those who look at a distance can never know where a Christians Support and his great Strength lyes Yet since this seems so strange and dark a thing to most who may give some Assent to the Doctrin of our Faith I must speak a little further so far as may tend to clear their Judgment who would know what manner of Persons these are who both in a judicious and experimental way move in so high a Sphere and are thus skilled in the way of Trust and secure Reliance on an invisible Refuge But to render it the more clear I shall touch this in the way of Example by some peculiar View of such of whom I hope there be many this day on the Earth to shew that none goes upon higher Principles of true and enlightned Reason And though the Measures of a Christians Faith and Establishment be not alike but of a very different Size yet may this clearly appear and be understood by some special Characters to illustrate the same 1. That he is one who in a serious Recess and Retirement of his Soul hath made a just Reckoning of such surprizing Tryals as lyable to a Christians State here on the Earth where the alone way of believing against Sense must either be his Support and Security or else perish And that no present Condition he is in can be so prosperous or promising but dark and black Clouds may fall down when least expected as all humane Comfort and Assistance may fail and have no visible Refuges to rest on which hath thus brought the serious Thoughts of Religion and his Soul more close together to know such an infallible way as can never fail and will bear the whole Expence of the most extraordinary and dismal Trouble and that there is indeed such a temporal Interest lying thereto as an immediate Communion with Heaven when the lower Springs of Comfort and Supply from the Earth may be shut up yea such a Reality as supernatural Comforts in the Peace and Joy of the Holy Ghost which are best known in the saddest Hour to be undoubted and sure 2. But when he hath thus judiciously reasoned himself to such a Supposal he is one who is no less deeply awakened to provide for the same not only with respect to that last and great Adventure of Faith upon an eternal State but to know where his Strength lyes when such a case may occurr for then it must in a special way lye near to have a Stedfastness of his own in the Truth and to know the strong and firm Conveyances of the Security of our Faith on Divine Promise in such a manner as should not need the Seal of a Miracle or the Testimony of an Angel to support the same since as such a Settlement on the Testimony of God is surely attainable so he cannot conceive how Men can possibly walk in the Light of any true Joy and Comfort on the Earth until they once be at Rest here 3. He knows also that the greatest Tryals wherein he is sisted within time is upon the Work and Actings of Faith in an Hour of Temptation both in the Truth and in the Strength thereof yea how one day in his Life may have some special Commission for this end more than many Years formerly have had but does consider herewith how great the Recompences are even within time that wait on the Issue when the set Measure shall be perfected of such unusual Tryals that it shall be the same as in Job 23. to bring them forth as Gold And as he considers how high a value the Lord does put hereon since the great Dispensation whereby he deals with his Church in this militant State is in the way of Trust and upon the Credit of his Truth when there is no sensible Evidence so it is the most important Study of his Life how he may acquit himself and stand to the Proof hereof for the Honour of his God and Master who hath counted him worthy to put him on some hotter Service and more remarkable Conflicts this way than others and that he may hold fast the beginning of his Confidence unto the end 4. He must be reckoned one who hath attained to a special Communion with God in the ways of Providence by frequent and deep Observation of the same and who thus can discern the great ends and designs which he hath upon his People in such Methods of his dealing with them that may seem more strange and astonishing to others and in what dark Paths he does usually lead such to whom he hath reserved the greatest Testimonies of his Love and Respect so that what proves most staggering to others as to the way of the Lords training of his choicest Followers in this State of Warfare is made a special Assistance to his further Establishment 5. But more especially wherein his great Strength lyes is on that acquaintance he hath attained with the Communion of the Spirit of God which was once so dark and not conceivable by Report but now knows that it 's an acquaintance of such a kind as is not remote or at a distance but by near and sensible Approaches to his Soul and is not by Words but by things of the
greatest Substance and Reality with the sanctifying Vertue of the Spirit made so evident as can make his Work and Services for God to be matter of the highest Delight and Enjoyment yea he now knows what a spiritual Faculty and Life is for corresponding with those Divine Communications so as with a judicious and discerning Ear he can know the voice of his beloved Master from the voice of a Stranger both in its Sweetness to allure and in its Power and Efficacy to draw and conform their Soul into a nearer Resemblance to himself with that Tenderness and Fear which is the native Result of such an Intimacy of Converse 6. But as to this marvelous Acquaintance with the Spirit of God in order to a higher Encrease of Faith He is one who can give an Account hereof also that in no singular way it was attained but as it does respect the whole Community of the Saints by an unchangeable Rule as attainable not only in the retired Duties of Communion with God but by an invisible Trade and Commerce with external Ordinances and the Out-lettings of Sanctury Strength this way answerable to that Psal 20. 2. in both which Respects his Faith hath oft gained a higher Interest and Establishment than by external Providences as being more immediately dependent on the Spirit of God and as all Causes must work answerably to the Nature thereof so can he put his Seal and Testimony to that hid Vertue and vital Influence which those Divine Institutions of the Gospel hath on Mens Soul and is only peculiar thereto yea when others who stay only in the outward Court are bounded this way with an audible Voice to their Ears and literal Discovery of sacred Truth to the Judgment such can witness what unexpressible Support hath been then enjoyed for a more full Settlement of their Faith by immediate Conveyances of Power and Life to their Spirits as hath made it sweet matter of Admiration what invisible Strength hath in a moral way been thus imparted and what remarkable Returns of Light they have had upon such a Tryal of enquiring in the Temple from the Fountain of Divine Light in the way of his Word under their darkest Hours which sometimes have been like Elijahs Meal in the Strength whereof he was enabled to go Forty days without Faint and Weariness 7. But for a further illustrating of such an Example whatever in a preparatory way he hath thus attained for a special acting of Faith in the most extreme Case Yet when this is not at a distance but becomes a present visible Object of Sense and comes so near as cannot but in some extraordinary way affect his Spirit then does it yet more appear where his Strength and immediate Relief does lye in making that great Tryal of turning his Eyes wholly to God by a present Address for such a special Allowance from Heaven that his Strength may be according to his day and then it is in his improvement of that way which God hath consecrated for the most extreme Exigences of a Christians Life he knows the high Value and Use of such great Experiments he hath formerly made of sensible Acceptance and Audience in the most astonishing Straits with such Testimony from Heaven herein and inward Evidence on his Soul as if Fire had come from thence to consume the Sacrifice so as he could then speak in that manner Psal 20. 6. Now know I that the Lord saves his Anointed and Psal 40. 11. I know I shall yet praise him yea as he knows the way of humble Wrestling in Prayer is not bounded in its Warrant by the greatest Extremity so it hath been in such a case that when God does take some unusal Tryal of his People and of their Faith he then designs to give them some great and singular Tryal of himself 8. It may be further applicable to such an Example that though the workings of a special Faith in some great Exigence and Distress be such that he cannot speak to others as it 's then felt in the Light and Power thereof yet does he then know the Security hereof and present Settlement of his Spirit with such Evidence as he sees as well as believes when he cannot possibly demonstrate this to the Conviction of others but as he knows with Assurance his Trust in such an Hour to be one of the most highly rational Acts of his Life so is this no less evident and sure how the whole supernatural part of Christianity whereby a Christian is raised above himself and the Workings of natural Light and Reason hath its alone Dependence on a near and immediate Converse with Heaven wherein his great Strength then lies that when a Tide from without may be such as should quickly overwhelm his Soul he is thus put on a higher Tryal than at other times of the Certainty of Divine Support by a present gale of the Spirit to stemm the same such as riseth higher than the Work or Assistance of Angels Yea how it is not habitual Grace only that could make the practical use of the Shield of Faith to be clear and comforting in an Extremity if there were not some very immediate Supplies But if it be inquired what is the Ground whereon they must adventure and rest their Soul in such an Hour and should specially fix their Anchor on it is not conceivable without respect to two special actings of Faith by which Abraham and Sarah did enter on the Enjoyment of the Promise when nothing seem'd in an ordinary way more impossible than this that he was perswaded God was able to perform what he had promised Rom. 4. And she judged him faithful who had promised Heb. 11. 9. But yet now let me add this more with respect to such an Example that he is one who in a Season of greatest Tryal knows the greatness of that Witness he is then sisted under to be of another kind than any humane Observation that may be upon him when he hath so difficult and hazardous a part to act on the Theatre of his Life and that he hath herein not only the Witness of the elect Angels the watching and considering Eye of the Powers of Darkness who are against him but above all that he is in a more singular way than at other times stated under the immediate Witness of the Glorious Trinity to see how he acts suitably to the greatness of a divine Refuge and these Assurances which the God of Truth hath given him to adventure on then is it also that he knows the Tryal of his Faith does not alone lie when he is now at so eminent a Step thereof for the quiet and support of his own Spirit but for such an Appearance before Men as may tend to sanctify God before the World and for a putting his Seal hereto that he is faithful and true to whom these have concredited themselves and that they durst follow him with a resolute Reliance when both Sense and natural Reason
there with the oversight of a special Providence is still of the same Extent 4. It is a Dilemma of undeniable Evidence as to the publick State and Interest of those Nations that we must either have God for us in the Efficacy and Out-goings of his Providence or against us That God who in the supreme Administration of his Government over the World stands not as Nouter or as a Witness only to the Actings of Men but if he be not on our side and interested in our Cause we must then know him as an Adversary For there can be no possible midst herein that God whose Room all the World cannot supply if he should be shut out of our Counsels yea such a God we have both to fear and rely on who is not one like to our selves to be put off with Words or a complemental Address in a stated Form only or can expect in Faith that this will bring Assistance to turn the Scale of Providence on our side if he be not according to his revealed Counsel with an intire Reliance on him alone adored and feared as God Yea it 's sure in no humane Affairs he does more immediately appear and by an extraordinary Ministery of the Angels than in the decision of War and of Battels For which cause he does in so special a respect take that Style unto himself to be the Lord of Hosts It should seem a strange and astonishing thing how Men can live in the Earth without God without whom they cannot live for one Moment and in whose Hand their Breâ—â—…h is yet if we look to the publick state of Religion this day nothing may be more applicable to the most numerous part of the Reformed Churches than this and that the Sense of a Deity hath more Power and Influence amongst Heathens who walk in the Name of their God than it hath amongst Millions of professed Christians for except we shut out Reason such must be surlie said to live without God in the Earth and not to walk in his Name who live without any resolute dependance and trust upon him in the course and conduct of their affairs whose great business in the World lies only with Men and are much more influenced by such a fear than of his srownings and terror who made Heaven and Earth when it seem's now easie with most to lose God if they may gain Men and make an intrest that way tho the purchase will never bear the expence yea can go the farthest length of external Worship in Church Assemblies and yet be without God then as to any internal converse or injoyment of him by inward acts of adoration and what account can such possibly make of an invisible God who know no other measure of their confidence but as visible things do either smile or frown upon them but there is one respect further wherein we may see how most who profess the name of God do this day live without him in the Earth which is in the way of observation of what passeth betwixt him and them whether by providences or influences on their Soul but take all things at an adventure without any higher looke than what is from Secondary causes though it was in this way that an Enoch an Noah and the whole race of the Saints who have gon before knew what it was to walk with God in the Earth no less in discerning his appearances and work towards them than their way and services towards him But oh what will he do with us when it may be feared that the most prevailing suffrage and vote of the generation we are now in should be this if their Soul might speak for them in such a case let God depart from us for we desire not the Knowledge of the Most High since this lght tends only to be tormenting and does afford no comfort to such or can it be expected that he will allow in this age a Restoring Miracle to bring men again to the faith and sense of the Deity as he did in the days of Elia when we have a much greater Talent to be accountable for than these had or any former Ages past having the whole income of their Confirmations and improvements added to our Stocks 5 Tho the great intrest of that mysterie of a Christians Faith which is the special Subject of this Discourse does in the first place respect our Reconciled State and justification before God yet is it too evident that the most usually trying and difficult part thereof is with respect to the Tryals and conflicts of time and sucha day when they must live immediately on God and give him the Glory of his Godhead when no visible means can support which is that wonderful experiment of Faith in the power thereof that is here expresly pointed at when it is by the Spirit of God as his immediate work alone proportioned to the most extraordinary hight of a Christians Tryal but as to the filling up of this great work of Faith in the appointed measure thereof it does principally 1. respect the whole State and times of the elect Church and on this account there is still a growing increase as to the measure of the work of Faith since Abel the righteous and is not yet come in many degrees to that full hight of perfection which it must have before the close of time yea herein hath each of the Saints their proper share and interest for bringing forth the Glory of this excellent Grace to it's greatest display before Angels and Men which is an end worthy of all the Tryals and suffering times which have ever gone over the Church because this way of giving glory to God is only within time 2. But it must be understood also that in each age of the Church there are some more illustrous examples that the Lord does afford to the World this way in whom his Grace in the power thereof hath a greater triumph in the way of passive valour than in these who have been most admired upon their Heroick Actings and conquest over Men. 3. It is undeniable also what eminent experiments have been thus afforded upon these adventures of a Christians Faith which did not then answer the ordinary Standard of the Tryals which others have had and though we may confidently hope that the highest measure of the suffering times of the Church is now accomplished and past and of the tryal of the passive Graces of the Spirit yet it may be matter of fear that the Faith of Christians in this day may have some more extraordinary Essay in the way of Judgment as to the publick State of the Church and of these Nations now in these last times of the Gentiles than what hath been in ages past and may need more than ordinary ballast to bear up against the darkness thereof when such a midnight hour seems immediately to preceed the dawning of that bright Sun-shine which may be truly reckoned the brightness of Christ's second coming
the Sign of the Son of Man as will beyond any Contradiction expound it self and verify such a Prediction of our Blessed Lord before Angels and Men. 4. It must be understood as a Sign that will be deeply affecting and work in an extraordinary way on Mens Spirits to cause so great and universal a Mourning which will not be as som have understood a Mourning from Horror but what will be a Result not only of the Greatness and Certainty of the Sign but of an extraordinary Concurrence of the Spirit of God herewith to answer that eminent Design of Grace with a peculiar respect to the Jewish race as may be clearly seen Zach. 12. 12. And herein I humbly judge as in the first times of the Gospel the Jews did require a Sign from Heaven to engage them to the Christian Faith as the Apostle speaks 1 Cor. 1. 22. so that this way now in the last times both with an eminent Rebuke to their Infidelity and marvelous Condescendence of Grace he will yet in such a manner appear 5. But it must still be according to what the Scripture expresses a Sign and not the thing signified or personal Appearance of our Blessed Lord in his humane Nature whom the Heavens must contain until the full Restitution of all things wherein I must differ from the Judgment of such great Interpreters who take it in the other Sense though this will assuredly be such a Sign as is then to have some extraordinary Impress and Signature upon it to be demonstrative to the World and the Jews more peculiarly of the Humanity of our Blessed Redeemer 6. But whatever may be the Glory and Splendor of so extraordinary an Appearance it must be still reckoned such as the state of Mortality can bear since that Vision that he gave to his beloved Disciple John of himself in his glorified State Rev. 1. was so overpowering as he who had sometimes leaned on his Bosom whilst he was on the Earth did then fall as dead at his Feet and except it were supposed that he should put a Veil on his Glory in such a visible and immediate Appearance of his humane Nature it is not conceivable how even the Saints on the Earth much more the residue of the World could bear a sign of that Nature And herein my Soul doth rest with Assurance as to the Sense and Intent of the Scripture about that much desired Sign after serious and humble enquiry about the same Though I must crave leave to add this further with a special Confidence that this Sign which is to be the greatest is to be given in a Monitory way gof his Second coming is now surely on a near Approach as being both that great Signal of Grace to the poor Jewish World and of its being very near to a perfecting of the Work of time and his coming to judge the World yea since the finishing of the times of the Gentiles and that great Tide and Effusion of the Spirit which will then bring a Resurrection therewith from the Dead to the Jews does contemporate together the promissory Evidences of the near Approach hereof are such as I hope many of this Generation now in the Earth may be made Witnesses thereto 9. I know it is reckoned usually that the accomplishing of these great Designs of Providence which are yet to take place now in the last Ages of the World and the Exhibition of this wonderful Sign of the Son of Man may be at a great distance of time as to the Event thereof upon which I have had the same Thoughts until a more deep enquiry and search about the Counsel of God herein hath brought me under a constraint of Light to see how the work of time in all its Intents is nearer to a final close than seems to be apprehended by most and that we are now surely near to an entring on the last Watch of that long Night of the Churches Militant State when her Warfare shall for ever be accomplished and there will be no more such long Stages in the Course and Procedure of Providence as hath formerly been but when the last part of Scripture Prophesie is once come to the Birth and full height of Accomplishment then i'ts to be hoped that a few Years will bring forth more than hath been formerly attained in some Ages yea to this doth the Spirit speak expresly with respect to that great and wonderful Revolution in the last times by the incalling of the Jews and final Destruction of Antichrist that then he will cut short his Work in Righteousness and finish the same because a short Work will the Lord make upon the Earth Rom. 9. 28. by which the way and manner of the course of Providence is clearly expressed as it will be in the evening of time from what it hath been formerly the Word there in the Original is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to shew that as the work of God which he hath upon the Earth is the alone Product and Accomplishment of his Word so when the Administration of Providence is drawing near to its last Period and Close then will he cut it short and hasten the same in some extraordinary way yea allot more to a Day or Year than he did to many Years before in the ordinary course of his working and as the first bringing forth of the Creation was a short Work and a swift course that Omnipotency took herein so may the last Consummation and Close of the great Work of Providence be expected to make no Delay I am sure the Holy Ghost speaks expresly for this end in that aforecited Scripture besides other Passages of Sacred Truth which give Light and Confirmation thereto but in what Sense the cutting short of the Work of God in the last times and his making a short Work in the Earth is to be understood I must humbly offer what I am in Faith persuaded hereof as agreeable to the Intent of that Scripture 1. How it is to be a short Work and a very swift Motion that shall be then in the Churches Increase and in gathering of the Elect as what will be answerable to that great extent of the Church Vniversal when it is made up both of Jews and Gentiles and in such a day of Power as the Dew of his Youth shall be as the Womb of the morning Psal 110. 3. For though it be clear that the last Triumph of Christ's visible Kingdom and the Glory of his Grace in order to Conversion must assuredly have a great Harvest therewith for in-bringing of the Saints and filling up of that large Room which is yet void in the Church Triumphant in the whole appointed measure thereof yea may be judged such as shall bear a Resemblance to that Progress of Grace and wonderful Product of its Efficacy in the first times of the Gospel so is it to be expected that this last Tide of the Effusion of the Spirit of God shall be so strong and
more before the close of time be no less wonderful in the swift Course and Conquest of Grace both as to Jews and Gentiles than it was at that time But as no great Excellencies or extraordinary Splendor in any Appearances of God have been of a long Duration whilst the Church here is Militant so the nearer all things are to the Center in the final close of time we should expect as God hath expresly spoke that it will be with a remarkable cutting short of his Work then and that the World will be in a strange manner surprized with his last coming Yea that the greatness of such a Harvest of Israels Conversion will bring in more in a short time than many Ages hath done formerly 4. It is also in this respect that the making a short work in the close of time may be judged that after such extraordinary Discoveries of God and Methods of Grace the final Opposition then made thereto by the World will to the furthest make way for the last decision of Judgment when the Harvest of the Earth is thus ripened and made White under such prodigious measures of Guilt more than in all Ages past as the Righteous God will then be Interested in Vindication of his Glory to shut up for ever that long Period of his Patience and Long-sufferings 5. Let me but add upon this Head that I account it a peculiar Demonstration of God which he hath reserved to the last times of the Church to shew before Angels and Men what use he can make of a short time for the greatest ends and how far he can cause it to amount in perfecting of his Work to bring forth such wonderful things in a few days or years that would seem as incomprehensible to Reason as for the Earth to bring forth in a day or for a Nation to be created therein Isa 66. 10. It hath been the Glory of God that some should live more in a few years and act a greater part on the Stage than others in a long Age the first Service of time was beyond all that ever followed upon this Account made wonderful and glorious when one day brought at once forth the Sun Moon and Stars and set them in their proper Orbs and another day brought forth that Intellectual Being of Man made after the Image of God and can it be strange that the same God give such a Demonstration of himself and of the glory of his Power in the last shutting up of his Work as the World may see it 's not in the Reverence of Time nor of Ages when his Design and Counsel herein is to take place But if Men will raise and build their Hopes on the long Duration of this horrid and sad World now in its Old Age and think their Houses shall be continued for many Generations it will be a sad Surprizal in the Close when they are found in the same Posture at the coming of the Son of Man as it was in the days of Noah And I doubt not the swift motions of Providence for making a short Work in the Earth will be yet rendred more astonishing than all we have hitherto seen Blessed are they that watch and wait with Joy for the drawing near of this great day of their Redemption though the precise day and time hereof be alone known to the Lord. 10. It is true that the way of the Lord may seem to controul any swift Motion and Course of Providence in his Procedure this day when the Wheels do to our Sense stand still and things yet kept in a Suspence as to any great or remarkable Decision in the publick State of Affairs yea when after such Expectations now for a considerable time there is so strange an Interval of Silence as to the Work of God in this Part of the World and the Ballance kept in an unusual manner equal betwixt the French and the whole Confederates which are against him It is unquestionably matter of great Thoughts of Heart what the Event may be e're long of such an astonishing Calm and Stop But in order to this let me humbly speak a few things to be considered 1. How in all times of the Church it hath been made observable That when the Lord is to bring forth some great Work of Judgment on the World and on particular Nations he does not only reinforce Warnings and gives time herein to answer his Call but even when his Hand is lifted up will yet hold the same But where the most Signal Delay and Forbearance hath gone before it 's sure the more dreadful and sad is the Stroak when it comes at last 2. Though there needs a Divine Light to make a right Estimate and Judgment of things which relate to the present day yet if Men admit Reason it may be too easie to see that there is no slow motion in the visible tendency of things as they now move in these Three Nations to some fatal and sudden Period except these things which should thus awaken our Fears have a more special Influence to direct unto these Duties which might yet prevent the same For even judicious Reason may Prophecy what Aspect such Evils have as by a native and unavoidable Result have the most near and immediate Influence on a Nations Ruin when they are come to that Height as will admit no Cure And when the most numerous Part of a Protestant Profession therein are so visibly stated in Emnity to other pursuing different and contrary Interests as cannot but lay a dead lift on all publick Actings this day When also the Contagion of Example is so prevalent and mortal but the Comfort thereof so rare as to any of a truly Raised and Heroick Spirit And if we look to these who have a leading Interest in these Nations as to their Stations and Qualities how few of such may be now found whose Ancestors had an eminent Appearance for God in their day that have the Spirit of their Fathers resting on them But now in the 3d. place I must crave leave to speak a little more fully in order to a trying and inquisitive Judgment on a very great and affecting Head what it should mean that there are such threatning Appearances of Hazard to Britain from the French Power in these times we are in I know it may seem a hopeful Sign that such a Party as we have to deal with are such also against whom the Blood of Thousands of Protestants is crying to Heaven And I am perswaded that the Holy God will in due time avenge these strange measures of Cruelty exercis'd there upon the House of Bourbon and have Indignation against that Race until the Sun cease to Rise and Set But on the other hand I must speak that surely there seems something in an unusual way threatning in the present Aspect of this Adversary on which I shall offer a few serious Reflections 1. That for several Years past there hath been such remarkable evidence of
besides the known Vanity of any such Pretence the God of Truth hath put them in the same Class with Sorcerers Isa 47. 12 13. Stand now with the Inchantments and the multitude of thy Secrets and let the Astrologers and Stargazers stand up and save thee It is little taken to heart how deep such real Homage to the Devil under a splendid shew of a Dependance on natural Causes herein may draw to a coming under greater Invasions of his Power when it 's so far a giving up with their Baptismal Covenant I could speak what hath been with too sad evidence known of its Tragick Effects but one Instance leads me now specially to speak thereto that before this last Tremendous Earthquake at Jamaica there was so strange and universal a Tendence in that Place to consult Astrologers in their usual Vndertakings as to the Event as did inforce a serious Minister of the Gospel who was there a little time before that Stroak not only to Preach and appear against such a Contagious Wickedness as that which brings some remarkable Judgment with it but to Publish something in Print against the same which is here extant But they could not thus foresee their own Destiny that was so near approching I might further add a very sad Instance as to a Person who was unquestionably of eminent Piety and Parts who by a too eager Curiosity was carried to make some Tryal of that Study which tended not only to be his Snare but to most Tragick Effects in his own Personal Lot Though I forbear to speak more particularly herein only that God is a jealous God who will not pass some Evils without a severe Remak thereon An Additional Enquiry on that singular Conduct of Providence which is about the Saints here and upon some of the greatest Depths thereof for giving further Light to the foregoing Discourse on that Subject I Hope there may be many this day on the Earth who are indeed on so desirable a Scent and to whom this will be a Subject of great Weight to know the way of the Lord and Out-goings of his Providence towards them amidst the various Changes of their Life and in the more eminent Periods and Stations thereof But this proves in another manner an exercising Subject in an Hour of great Temptation to carry the Strength of a Christians Soul thereon and to penetrate on such Reasons and Designs that the Majesty of God hath in more strange and extraordinary Providences which may for a time put them in an Amaze when Darkness does overshadow the same since for Men thus to be skilled and discerning in his ways is surely one of the highest Attainments of spiritual Wisdom within time There are two Mysteries of Divine Truth to be matter of deep Thoughts and Reflection the one is a Christians Conduct and Passage through Time the other is his Way and Ascent to that blessed World which is above at Death which is by the immediate Ministry of the Angels But it is surely the first that 's most marvelous herein since the special leading and Communion of the Spirit of God is so Essential thereto yea the Concurrence of the whole Glorious Trinity and where every Step in that Passage is watched by Infernal Spirits whilst they are beset with a Body of Death But this is an Experiment also does never fail that the most dark and searching Tryals which may be in some unusual manner measured out do still make way for the greatest Discoveries of Providence and giving more Light to the deep things of God herein What I shall now speak to is on some special Enquiry for attaining a more clear Light upon this Subject in the Resolution whereof it will be found how much the highest Assistance and Support of a Christians Faith in the Conflicts of their Warfare when it comes to the most trying part thereof does lye here and for having some clear and experimental Acquaintance with the same which is one of the most choice Improvements of Grace that we are called to within time 1. Enquiry that may be suitable here is to know in what special manner a Christian is stated with respect to the Administration of Divine Providence in his Militant Course and how he is interessed herein above the whole residue of Men in a most singular respect for clearing of which it is evident 1. That it is sure with their immediate entry unto a new State by converting Grace they come then under a special Conduct and Care of a watching Providence and of the delegate Ministry of the Angels which will never cease no not for one Moment until the putting off of their Armour and a being carried into the eternal Imbracements of Divine Love 2. They are in such a manner stated also under the Interpositions of this special Care and Oversight of Providence as if such a Christian were alone on the Earth and not another about whom so great a Business and Regard from Heaven is put forth so high is that Value which God does put upon one of these who are the immediate Objects of his Complacence and Delight 3. It is in such a manner he is interested herein as a Talent under Trust of the highest Concern how to be answerable thereto both by judicious Observation of what this way passeth betwixt God and them and how their Suits have been returned after much waiting hereon as also for answering the several ends thereof in their Improvements of the same 4. Yea It is in this respect he is stated under so great an Administration of Providence which is ever about him as it is the Seal of Heaven put to the certainty of Divine Truth and the Adventures of his Trust thereon wherein he can see with Joy and Admiration that he on whom he did believe and not see hath in the Issue made him see what he did believe to be undoubted and real 5. He stands thus also related thereto in the matter of a Testimony and Sanctifying of God before others upon the account of any remarkable Issues of Providence and to keep the Remembrance thereof up as a part of the most valuable Interest he hath upon the Earth when this way one Hour in his Life may occurr that can fully clear the By-gons and Conflicts of many years past 2. Enquiry upon this Subject is to know wherein the Singularity of some Steps of Providence with respect to some of the Saints beyond others do most specially appear when they are directed for some eminent Design of Grace herewith For a right understanding whereof we may see 1. What strange and different Measures the Sovereign God does take in his refining and trying Work about some of his People which he does not with others as Isa 45. Behold I have refined you but not as Silver when it 's at a much higher Pitch that David upon his proper Tryal speaks hereof Psal 66. Thou hast tryed us as Silver is tryed which is there spoke as the
hath still a growing Increase wherein each of the Saints hath some proper Interest that is allotted to him for perfecting of the same 4. When they can also discern by what a special overruling Providence the Lord hath usually bequeathed the choicest Mercies and prevented great Hazards in such a way as was most grieving and contrary to their Thoughts in the present time and hath ever reserved the most rare Experiments and Tryals of himself to the most trying times of his Peoples Lot when their Support was beyond the Possibility of Nature 5. When they can see what a Foord and strange Passage others have been taken through in extraordinary cases by that alone way of Reliance on an invisible God which could have no Rise from ordinary or natural Causes and how sweet a Remembrance such Providences have thus transmitted to the After-times of a Christians Life to witness that no Joy or Comfort on this Earth is comparable to that which hath followed the deepest Agonies and Down-castings 6. When there is some clear breaking up of Light upon the Design and deep reaches of Providence which are in the most strange Methods thereof to promote the Interest and Service of many by the personal Conflicts of some of his People yea for their being thus made a more publick Blessing to the time they live in by Example and their special Improvement of the same since for this end more singular cases of Tryal are usually allotted by the Conduct of Divine Wisdom in order to Services that such are design'd for beyond others 7. When it 's evident both from Scripture Light and Observation how no notable Mercies and Enjoyments of Divine Respect have ever been attained without something no less remarkable in the proving of their Patience and Faith which hath gone before Yea in how strange a manner the Lord hath then chosen to hide his Work for a time and shut up their way that the Returns of Light after the same might be more sweet and discernable 8. How it 's unalterably fixed by the standing Laws of Heaven that the Testimony of God in his revealed Truth must first be the Object of his Peoples Trust and Expectation e're it be made the Object of their Sense and Enjoyment in its Performance and that it 's an inviolable Connexion which lyes in such a Method as is said of Abraham Heb. 6. 15. That after he had patiently endured he obtained the Promise so as they can thus see how signal a part this hath in the great Frame of Providence when a long Term of enduring in Hope and under greatest Conflicts goes before the Return and Enjoyment of the same 9. How clear it 's also in the way and order of Grace that God will first have a sore Trouble and depths of Affliction to be deeply exercising and humbling before it be made Comforting but with such Advantage thereby that these will be least broke by their Conflicts who have been most bruised and bowed down by humbling Exercise and Work herein this being ever sure that his great Power will never be imployed to ruin but to raise and revive the Spirits of such 10. When they see also these tender Methods of Divine Providence as are made use of in the training of Christians by lesser Essays of Tryal with some lucid Intervals betwixt one Degree and another thereof before the Lord bring forth his Design upon some more solemn and extraordinary Tryal which should have otherwise crush'd and overset their Spirits if it had not been thus gradually brought on 11. But in this respect most specially it may be said the light side of the most dark and astonishing Providence is turned towards a Christian when he can discern and prove his way towards God with such an humble Reference as that Job 23. 10. But thou knowest the way that I take And when it 's thus made evident in the hid Actings of Grace and that Prevalency it then hath to keep close with God under the greatest Temptations in their Applications also and Retirements of their Soul with him where they can have no Witness but himself who sees in secret that he may reward openly when it 's evident likewise in their Designs and being acted from internal Motives herein to have another Service for God than such as stand with him upon the Wages of the Hireling yea can prove their way in a Counter-motion to such Evils that are most Contagious and Exemplary in the times wherein they are so as thus to save themselves from such an untoward Generation When also their Work hath not only been to prove their State by sure Evidence but to know of what manner of Spirit they were in such a case towards Men and these who might have had the greatest Influence on their Trouble and Grief But there is yet a 4th Enquiry of highest Consequence in order to Light herein to know where the Life and Comfort of a Christians Confidence in an Hour of Temptation does lye and what hath the nearest and most immediate Influence on the comforting Work of Faith not only in cases of personal Tryal which may be most searching but under any Surprizal of publick Judgment that may be on a nearer Approach than seems apprehended by most It 's true it 's Honourable for God both to try his People above the Power and Support of Nature and to bear them up herein in the View of the World But as on the one Hand it seems astonishing what Providences may occurr to some of the Saints of that Nature as are amongst the Arcana of the Divine Government so is it no less wonderful on the other Hand what he hath afforded to be assistant thereto which lye not in the Reverence of the World but are a Secret betwixt God and the Souls of his People who hath not left them in the Dark as to the hid Spring of their Supplies This I must improve further here though it be a little touched in the foregoing Discourse in these respects 1. That there is surely then such an undoubted Assistance as an immediate Communion with the Spirit of God in Addresses to Heaven by Prayer when no visible things can be comforting such as goes above the Support of Miracles or Ministry of the Angels though this be not comprehensible by the Spirit of the World which can in a Moment raise the Soul above its greatest Fears when there is no cause by Humane Sense herein and affords also one of the highest Demonstrations of the Christian Faith 2. That there is herewith such an Enjoyment attainable as an ineffable Sense and Evidence of Divine Love shed abroad on the Soul by the Holy Ghost which goes above any external Providences for this end and does efficaciously work when no Light no former Experience nor habitual Grace can stemm the the Tide of some extraordinary Afflictions 3. Yea There is also such a Support to be known then as the sensible and immediate Presence of the Comforter