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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A39768	The true settlement of a Christians faith,bafter shaking assaults, by its own evidence; and by the internal sealing work of the spirit; pointed at, in some special inquiries thereon in a letter to a friend. With some serious reflections on the present times we are in, and those great vicissitudes of providence, wihch have been in the publick state of Britain in this last age, in a II. letter. By a minister of the Ghospel [sic].	Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694.	1692 (1692)	Wing F1277A; ESTC R215628	111,123	216

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

bound up but that they must widen further if there be not in some singular manner a standing up in this breach to turn away his wrath which is a service that comes now under our hand as may not linger or stay when warnings of so extraordinar a kind are reinforced for this is a call hath a limited time and season allotted thereto that may have a shorter period then we apprehend when a door of Intercession hath been in such unusual manner kept open and Grace hath so long interposed before Judgment should come to a final execution 4. I must add hereto what sence ought to be of the hazard of such a breach when a hight of all Immorality and Ungodliness is turned so open and visible as if Sathan did essay to have an open Throne again set up as once he had amongst the Nations whilst the spirit of few are seased with any suitable impression of the same lest this be the voice of the Lord without recalling shall I not visit these things shall not my soull be avenged on such a Nation Jer. 5 9. and what a time is it when the Reverence and Authority of Religion is so far gone off mens spirits that if such can bring up a private interest and have some treasure of that kind laid up they are under no fear of treasuring up Wrath and Judgment it was a rare example that of Daniel who upon the foreseeing of a stroke which he was not to fear for himself yet was astonished for ane hour and his thoughts troubled him by reason of the strangenes of it Dan 4 19. That there is a most choise and serious part yet in these Nations as is this day in the earth is unquestionable but even such who in these difficult perillous times past have been helpt to stand and go through a variety of dark and strange Dispensations I suppose have not found a time in a more singular way trying in the matters of Conscience then is this day and that there was never more hazard of an insensible wearing out from under former impressions of duty and the ways of truth which once they had or a more difficult part to have that ancient fear and tenderness of light kept in exercise which as the apple of the eye may be easily hurt but not so easily helped But tho it is clear that this voice and call for standing in the gape and breach does respect all of a serious spirit in the things of God yet are there some more eminently fitted from the Lord with peculiar Excellencies on their spirit then others to appear on so high a service which as it is a talent not bequeathed in vain where this in a more remarkable way is let forth so is it of greatest weight to know time and opportunity for this end and when a season of Providence may call to some higher improvement hereof for God then ever again may occur yea it may be seen in how strange a manner the choisest instruments in the service of their day are made to differ not only from others but from themselves as they are helped to answer such a call and to know the Counsel of God herein But that I may touch this more particularly it is requisite to know who may be at the greatest advantage and in a nearer capacity then others for such a service about which I judge these things will not be questionable 1. That such as have a more near and intimate converse with God in this day hath a great room also in this service to stand in such a Gape yea to save a Kingdom or Nation when Judgment is ready to break forth these have their Soull kept in that manner under the power and attractions of the things of God bejond the residue of men as not to be affrighted or taken off from appearing for him by the force and prevalence of example it is these who are at most advantage to discern the Judicial Removes of the presence of God from the Church and the Generation they live amongst and the imminent hazard of Wrath and approaching Judgment yea it 's these who from internal Motives can find it easy to lay their dearest things at the stake in behalf of the Truth and Glory of Christ in the Land they belong to and without respect to private interest lay themselves in the way of a publick hazard with the Spirit of blessed Bernard as he speaks Malo in nos murmur bominum sit quam in Deum bonum est si Deus me digne●ur uti pro clypeo 2. They are in a special way fitted to answer this call and service who hath the Sense of any singular engagements they are under to God much on their heart and what hereby they owe in a peculiar way to do for him and for a more special service to the age they live in to seek the interest and wellfare of their People to whom they have the nearest natural tye which is that service for the Generation and publick trust shouldly near these who have had more then ordinare receipts of mercy from the Lord of these specially it might be expected that they dare stand up for God and the Interest of his Truth tho they should stand alone herein which surely in the issue will be found a safer standing then with the multitude or such whose design for the publick interest goes no further then their private concerns does influence It is sure the Words of Mordechai Esth 4 13. Are still directed to this day think not with thy self thow shalt escape for if thow altogether holds thy peace at this time enlargements and deliverance shall arise from another place but thow and thy Fathers House shall be destroyed 3. But it is undoubted that this Service does in some peculiar way ly to the door of Princes and Rulers according to their Station who are of more publick relations then others their Authority came in with the second Covenant which by the fall of man was rendred necessar and have their Power derived from him by whom Kings Rule and Princes Decree Judgment Proverbs 8. 15. so as the advance of the Ghospel of Christ and Preservation of Sacred Truth both in its purity and power is made the object of their highest trust yea what a singular blessing this is to a time when such does eminently interpose upon any imminent hazard to the Church and thus bears evidence that they have ane Unction from God on their heart as well as their Office And it came to pass 2 Chron. 34 19. that when the King heard the Words of the Law that he rent his Cloathes and commanded Hilkia the Son of Shaphan c. go and enquire of the Lord for me and for them that are left in Israël and in Juda concerning the Words of the Book that 's found for great is the Wrath of the Lord that 's poured upon us because our Fathers kept not the Word of the

publick administrations of the Word seems lost the wisdom of Words or what may appear more neat or polished that way is come in the room hereof as though the alone end of so high a service were to act a scene handsomly on a theater that may carry the applause of the Spectators but not mens hearts unto God this I have lookt on with no less horror then on the most visible Atheism and profanity of these times and one of the most dismal Signs in the publick state of Religion 4. These also may have some higher access for such a witness who know with evidence the truth of immediate and supernatural excitments to engadge upon some special work and service for God and to be acted forth herein under the power and irresistable discovery of ane inward call when under greatest oppositions from their own spirit thereto and furthest a version of mind This I have known in the truth hereof in most eminent examples but the credit of such a testimony tho in it self founded on divine Revelation does necessarly require such ane evidence of the quality of the witnesses herein that they be of a known tender humble and judicious Spirit who are skilled both in the deep things of God and in the deeps of Satan who this way does oft act in the greatest deep and mystery of delusion 5. There is yet something more singular in the experience of some Christians bejond others and in such a witness as to a special confidence and assurance raised on their soul of events of providence and the issue of some remarkable case of tryall when it hath been contrare to all humane appearances and no reason from any visible airth could be given for the same this I know may seem a strange thing in the eyes of many nor can it possibly have that evidence or in that manner work to others as it is to these who know and have experienced the same but we see and are sure there hath been great attainments of such a Faith both in Scripture examples and uncontroverted experiments made hereof in after times which hath met such in the road of their duty and in ane express harmony and correspondence with the Word since the extent of our Faith in any particular case must keep with the same exent and measure of divine Revelation herein and the Lord will be trusted for no more then he hath made warrantable by his promise But this is a Subject on which I may not insist further then to clear the evidence and truth of the same on these grounds 1. That Christians may be at such steps in their way and passage through time and on so dark ground yea the tide of difficulties and amasing fears swelled to so great a hight that if there were not a support of this kind by ane argument of power to their soul they should otherways be ready to sink 2. This experiment how rare so ever it may seem to many is no dark or distinct thing from that seall of the spirit of promise which we should look after or from that promised earnest which sometimes the Lord gives with respect to a special mercy and deliverance within time as well as their great interest in Heaven tho it be not in the same degree imparted to some as to others 3. It is also of no other kind then that settled allowance on the Saints of the peace of God in such a measure as can raise and fully quiet their spirit above any sinking fears and above the present assault they may be under tho with such evidence then as is not possible to attain at other times nor can be kept clear and comforting to themselves without much tendernesse of spirit and fear 4. Where this is known and enjoyed in any higher degree by some then may be the allowance of others it is assuredly found on a special near intimacy with God and to follow some discernable access and special gale of the spirit of intercession in prayer and wrestlings so as it thus meets them in the way of a settled ordinance and in the same way wherein we may see the Saints in Scripture have attained to a confidence of this kind for otherways there could be no comforting evidence of its beeing the undoubted work of God 5. And here must be tryed sought for whither the more immediate testimony of God does then still bring the testimony of the renowed conscience alongst therewi●h so as to clear the condition in themselves and their claim thereto of such a special promise whereon their confidence hath been raised whereby it is thus rendred to them an absolute promise that can not possibly be frustrate 6. I shall but add further as this rare experiment comes with such evidence of spiritual sense as is discernable from any natural workings of mans own heart and is that wherein the most deep enquiry and judicious tryall of Christians is needful to know that its surely from God and hath both his warrant and seall herewith so is it not strange that where he takes a more singular way to try and exercise some and out of the ordinar road of his dealing with others yea where support in the way of external providence may then cease that this special allowance by inward evidence be something more singular also and some higher influence of the spirit and power of beleeving be imparted for such a case This leads me to offer some thoughts in the close upon two Proposals which I did not intend if from another airth whilst I was writing this there had not occurred a special call herein and that I judged it might not be unsuitable to the intent of this discourse 1. Whither there be any such seall to the truth of Christianity in these times we are now in as the Faith of Miracles or that it be warrantable to expect such a thing from God which lyes in a particular act of trust in some special case where a Christian may be taken off all ordinare means and nothing but a divine immediate and miraculous Power can answer thereto for Answer it is clear the active Faith hereof which was once given to the Primitive Church in the workings of miracles now ceaseth but in this passive Sence I know no time nor age to which it does not belong and comes not under the Promise of God to warrant the same in these cases 1. When the Lord measures out such tryalls to any of his people in the way of their duty and under his special conduct where there is no releaf or support but in the Faith of ane extraordinar and immediate appearance of God and no neglect in the least of what in the way of ordinare and warrantable means is attainable it is sure there it is both warranted and requires such a Faith yea are put by a more singular call on the tryall of the same and in this respect I doubt not there hath

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 a●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 ●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 w●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 an● quarrellings hath been upon the miscarrying o● 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 opposi●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