Earth before whom the greatest of Men must either bow or be broken and that the time is not only near but is now come for his taking to himself his great Power to reign with another Appearance of his Greatness and Terror than was ever known before in the World And oh what must be expected to work for greatr Excitements to Fear and a more awful Sense of a Supernatural and Divine Power and of his supreme Government over the World when no instituted means in a moral way does answer to this end Tho' it is sure if that Relation we stand in to the Deity and the Interest of our Ingagements to him with the Greatness of our hope from him alone were taken to Heart we could not but accountsuch to be most desirable Acts of Providence yea rejoyce herein where he gives the most near and immediate Discoveries of himself when the Vindication of his glory is so visibly concerned in the same even though it should cause trembling to Humane Sense and be at a very dear and expensive Rate to a secure World But it is on another Head that I must more specially insist in a practical way as to the great Security of Faith with such a full Reliance on God as is here held forth in this Scripture and to what a Degree the Elevation of a Christians Soul may be thus raised with that inward Assurance as can bear out against the greatest Terrors of Sense This is a Demonstration of God by his immediate working on the Souls of Men which is wonderful and should be matter of great Improvement in the saddest Tryals of our Warfare to know in what manner divine Power is thus exerted as can in a Moment dispel the most extream Fears and Darkness on the Soul so as to make Day arise and a Sun shine there when it hath been as Midnight otherwise And since this is a Subject of such Weight as the very Life Comfort and sustaining of the Soul amidst the innumerable Hazards and Tryals of time lyes herein as to a full Assurance and Acquiescence of the Mind but the certainty of our Faith that we are thus safe and in sure Terms with God it may be needful to answer a few Proposals for giving Light thereto 1. How we are to apprehend aright so great an Attainment of Grace as this is and to have our Judgment setled and clear about so wonderful an Experiment I know it is no ordinary Standard or Example what 's here held forth in such Assurance of Davids Faith when no Supposal of Hazard or Extremity was then too great for the same for even this great Man of God had at other times his low Ebbs and Faintings that were as remarkable as such a Triumph and High-Spring-Tide which we see here in the Power of believing but on the other Hand this is a strange Riddle to the Spirit of the World and unaccountable to all Reason in the Eyes of many who profess the same Doctrin of our Faith as if it were something that alone works in the Power of some strong Imagination whilst they take up Religion in a natural way only which goes not above moral Inducements and the Power of Free-will I must therefore speak a little in a special way to such a Proposal 1. That the great Design of the Gospel does most eminently ly here not only to reveal the Mystery of Grace and of Redemption in what Christ hath done for us but to acquaint us also with the immediate and internal work of Faith on the Soul which he does work and perfect in us as the Author and Finisher thereof which was so wonderful a thing as put one of the Disciples of Christ to that strange Enquiry Lord how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self to us and not to the World and in such a distinguishing way by inward Evidence and Power 2. This cannot be understood aright but by such a Discovery thereof as one of the essential parts of that rare Divine Workmanship of the new man which in its whole Life and Actings hath no other Subsistence but by immediate Supplies from Heaven and as in one time of a Christians Life his Faith will need a more extraordinary Allowance for Support than in another so I must humbly judge the present time we are in is such as needs in a more than ordinary way some clear Understanding of this Mystery of Faith by practical Light and the vertue thereof in an Hour of Temptation when the times seem to be growing so dark as the Spirits of the most Judicious discerners of things are put to Astonishment to think what Providence may be bringing forth when the Sea-Compass seems as it were to fail and so little of any conforting Signs but for a long time past have been in Paths so untrodden as is not easie to trace or find a clear way before us 3. But this cannot be understood as some singular and powerful Operation of the Spirit of God which upon some special Service for him may be imparted to such as never knew his graci-Inhabitation in their Soul or what it is to be entred in such a State of Communion with the Spirit as is by his setled Residence and abiding with them John 14. 17. For such is this mystery of Faith in the Nature thereof as it 's true acting and work is not attainable without a vital influence from Heaven and where it 's gradual Increase and Advance is made a Reward to frequency in the Acts thereof and these resolute Adventures and Reliance which hath through Grace been attained on a Divine Power 4. But for a more full understanding hereof it is not possibly attainable without a supernatural Evidence accompanying the same such whereby it clearly sees both the Excellency and Certainty of things that are above Sense how they are no less sure than great And though the highest Enjoyments of Faith whereby the Soul rests about things to come as if they were present hath no such immediate Evidence thereof as they are in themselves and are the Objects of our Sense else they could not be hoped for if they were thus seen Yet it 's upon no Credibility but upon the highest Certainty that this quieting work of Faith is founded But how this supernatural Evidence does work on a Christians Soul in an Hour of greatest Tryal is not expressible by Words tho' it doth then clear it self in the same manner as the Day-light does when the Sun shines For when it 's known in the Power thereof in times of Fainting and Distress it hath then such a Call therewith by a present Efficacy as Psal 116. 7. to return unto their rest a rest of Tranquility and Assurance from God in the way of a Promise when there may not be the least Appearance of its Performance Thus did Abraham know the Truth and Power of such an Evidence upon his Soul when he staggered not at the Promise through Vnbelief when both the way
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
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
manner did he bear Testimony to the Divinity of Christ in his Sufferings by such a tremendous Earthquake as an immediate and supernatural Sign in which sense through the Scripture as it is ever given as an extraordinary appearance of God for some special end so it 's unquestionable the greatest Commenter we have on the Scripture is that which is writ by the Finger of God himself in his Work 3. It is with an undeniable Evidence we see a supernatural Influence and Causality in such a Providence hath in all Ages been matter of solemn Observation upon these remarkable Events have followed such a Sign so as in the most judicious Records of History we do rarely find the one mentioned without respect to the other Thus Josephus does most punctually relate these Earthquakes that did so nearly preside the Destruction of Jerusalem and the Expiration of the judaical State as they were predicted by our Lord himself Matth. 24. 7. 4. Yea it 's beyond question how sometimes such Earthquakes fall out with these tremendous Circumstances and clear Evidence of an immediate divine Appearance as serves a Constraint herewith on a natural Conscience to see and acknowledge a supernatural Cause and that they have some extraordinary Commission so as it 's not possible then for the worst of Men to keep off the Terror and Impression of an invisible God And we see little what Interest the Ministry of the Angels hath herein who have surely a more peculiar Delegation and Service in such extraordinary Acts of Providence 5. As it 's needful to understand the Rule of Providence e're we can discern aright the Seals appended thereto so is it evident that a great and stupendous Earthquake is foretold to be one of the strange Events of the last Trumpet which must assuredly take place in these last times and have a literal Accomplishment And though its Appearance then will be something we may judge of an extraordinary kind with some astonishing Marks of Judgment yet is the intent of that Prediction clear herein that when there is any appearance of God this way it calls the World to a very solemn and awful regard of the same and for some Correspondent acts of Reverence and Homage as is suitable to a Providence whereon he does put so signal an Impress of his Terror and Greatness But it were well if Mens Spirits were more prepared and inclinable not only to entertain any such Intimation with Reverence and Fear of the Divine Majesty but to improve the same for a greater strengthning of their own Faith of his glorious Being and of the Divinity of his Word when it is also directed for such an end A Second Enquiry upon this Subject and of great Use is what may be more specially judged as the Grounds of any such extraordinary Warnings and Signs to a Nation where God hath clearly revealed his Counsels and Judgments by his Word and of his making use thereof Though here the Soveraignty of his Will should both silence and subject our Spirits in such a case yet there can be no Darkness therein to any of a serious and judicious Spirit when they see 1. Such a suitable Congruity therewith to that Tenderness which the Son of God hath to Mankind and to Kingdoms and Nations in his Government of the World that he will not only speak by his Word but go to the utmost by more extraordinary Warnings of some great and unusual Stroak of Judgment e're it come so as nothing may be wanting either to reclaim or render such a People unexcusable And it hath a most sad and fatal Aspect if this hath no suitable Impression in the present day 2. This can be no dark or strange thing when the times we are in are such that the Honour and Glory of the Godhead is interested to appear in some unusual manner before Men when no Application of Light to the Judgment either from his Words or Works in an ordinary way does prevail when his Name is in so visible a way blasphemed and all wherein he has placed his Name of so low a regard with this Generation 3. Yea may not yet some more strange and immediate Appearance to this Generation be expected when such a visible Tendency now is to sacrifice to natural Causes whatever hath the greatest Evidence to bring near an affecting Sense of the Deity unto Mens Conscience and to account it a small thing to arraign and subject the greatest of his Works to the Comprehension of their dark and limited Reason and that their Wisdom hath such a Dominion and Influence on future Events as they can give Law to Providence and lay Wagers on what the next day is to bring forth Oh! may not some unusual Application be yet more than expected to let Men know they are under the Dominion of that God who can in a Moment break the most promising Means and Measures taken by Human Counsel by one touch of his Hand and what hath been thought most infallible in the course of Humane Affairs 4. And may it not be feared that when these are so rare who tremble at the Word and Threatnings of an invisible God they should meet with such awakening Signs as cause the Earth to tremble beneath which in the very Nature thereof is suited to beget an awful and trembling posture of Spirit and let us see how every Moment it is dependant on Heaven and in the Reverence thereof that the Earth does not rent and swallow Men up But it is clear also that extraordinary Appearances of God not only in Judgment but in the way of Grace have been most discernable when things have come to an Extremity in the Tryals of Christians and when their Faith and Patience have been ready to be overset by Disappointments and contrary Appearances answerable to that of Isa Now will I arise now will I be exalted now will I lift up my self saith the Lord. A Third Enquiry That I humbly judge is of Concern here is what suitable and safe Application may be made of such extraordinary Providences to the present Day and Place we are in since it is requisite that any Impression of Fear on such an account be fixed on solid and rational Grounds and we be not affrighted with Shadows but according to that Evidence they bear of being supernatural Signs and Forewarnings to have an answerable Sense thereof on which account as to a clear and applicatory Judgment in such a case I shall yet further offer a few things to be considered for this end 1. That when something astonishing and unusal above any Influence of natural Causes is given to be a premonitory Sign to a Nation or People and hath an extraordinary Call with it it does surely speak there is some more than ordinary Piece of the Work of God than in bringing forth there and on a near Approach yea that it is on some great and important Ground when the Lord does this way appear 2. It is of
Vapours should have so immediate a Conjunction with Places so vastly remote and separate from other by so great an Extent of the Sea I find some famous Searchers into natural Causes writ that an Earthquake is simply impossible in Nature to be of any universal Extent 4. And though we read in the English Histories some strange extraordinary Instances that did occur of such a kind in Queen Elizabeths Reign at London in the Year 1580 at Marcly Hill in Herefordshire in the Year 1571 where it removed it self from the place where it stood and travelled to another place as also a Prodigy of the same kind which was in Dorsetshire 1582 yet was none of these in the least of such a Nature as this or in any respect parallel thereto but were restricted only to particular Bounds tho' they were then matter of great Observation in their day But I humbly judge if the most exact Search were made into History both Modern and Ancient under such Circumstances no Instance so strange and unaccountable as to any natural Causes herein will be found 5. And what a State should we have been in if it had continued but Three Minutes more Or was there any Humane Counsel or Power that could either prevent or restrain the same in the least of its going so far and no further but we might see at once our Hazard and Deliverance set in our sight from an invisible Power But as all the Works of God even such as fall under the Observation of each day should be matter of special regard such wherein his Appearance is more extraordinary calls for some greater Advertence and enquiry about the same I must therefore offer a few Reflections further on this late astonishing Providence 1. That as it was now Ten Years ago since the Lord gave a Sign in an unusual manner from the Heavens above by that great and remarkable Comet in the Year 80 so now after such an Interval of Patience to this Generation he hath given a Sign of another kind which is from the Deep beneath that comes more near to us answerable to that of Isa 7. where we may see how it is most eminently in these two ways the Lord does appear when he is to give some great and significative Sign to the World of unusual Events and as nothing can bring more Terror therewith than an Appearance of such a kind so needs it not be strange that this day when the Earth hath so near a Resemblance to the Infernal State why this should be from beneath and have so dreadful an Aspect 2. Though there might be cause why such a Concussion of the Earth should cause just Fears and Tremblings of Heart yet does it exceed all Humane Comprehension such a Circumstance herewith which was so universally noticed of its affecting the Head with a sensible Giddiness even before they did apprehend and understood any thing of an Earthquake which was so obvious to the most judicious Observers that it seemed as if an Apoplectick Distemper had seized upon them without any known Cause for the same This I have found so general a Remark as I could not pass it over though without any Application else but that no natural Cause can be supposable herein 3. And if we regard the manner of this Sign as it is directed to such a time we are in and in so strange an Extent thereof may it not also as with clear and articulate Voice be understood that what is signified thereby will prove matter of Trembling and Astonishment and may cause a Trepidation in these western parts of Europe answerable thereto so as to shake the most setled Constitutions of Nations if so solemn a Call be not regarded 4. And though it might seem a strange Criticism yet I hope not unsuitable to be noticed that this last Warning was given in the 2d Week of September as directed to revive the Sense and Remembrance of what had been so highly remarkable to this great City in the first Week thereof and with a new Call tho in a most tender premotory way but with that Evidence as we are sure was immediately from Heaven only let me add herewith that 's sure Divine Threatnings and the most tremendous Warnings to Kingdoms and Nations are in their primary Intention design'd to keep off Men from the Judgments threatned and not to be gazed at for a matter of Talk and Report But oh if the furthest Measures of this kind can have no weight to answer the Intent hereof It is sure that God will be known to be God this day unto Britain and before this Generation by such an Evidence and Demonstration as will at last work effectually But having now so far touched these two extraordinary Signs that have so lately occurred I must for the same end point at a Third as so nearly contemporating with the former though it may be feared is gone out of sight and forgot when the Bitterness of Death seems to be past but did cause such Fears in the present time and Consternation of Mind It is that unusual and astonishing Rain which in these parts through most of the Summer continued when thus these sweet Influences from Heaven by moistning Showers to restore and ripen were in that manner changed to be destructive when we might see the Heavens with fo extraordinary an Aspect as it were mourning from above over the Earth if hereby Men would be awakened to the Fear and Dread of that God in whose hand both our Breath and Bread is yea when it was come to that Extremity in its continued Course as threatned to make void the Harvest and when but one Week almost seemed to stand betwixt us and such an unavoidable Stroak when no Humane Counsel or Power could save the Nation from perishing in such a case It was then the Sovereign God did stay his hand and with an eminent Testimony of his Tenderness not only shut up the Clouds but gave such a Compensation by a most serene desirable Season as might recover in a short time what the former Months had spoiled and seemed in an ordinary way to Mens Thoughts irrecoverable But I shall shut up any further insisting on this Subject with a short Touch only at some Improvement hereof for these ends First to a solid fixing of our Judgment and Light about the same there is nothing more amazing and dreadful to the Spirit of many in this day than any supernatural Appearance in the Events of Providence as renders the Sense and Impression of an invisible God and his Dominion over second causes to be unavoidable and on this Account as these seem to be in such a Fear upon the Truth and Existence of Devils since their Faith hereof must needs bring them to the same with the Devils to believe and tremble So is it in this case Men are so much on the Rack how to solve all by natural Demonstration that may darken any immediate Appearance of God as Jannes
of Povidence and the course of Nature upon his hopes of Isaac did most visibly controul the same But let me add herewith that the most choice and experienced in the Work and Advantages of Faith hath not done with the Settlement hereof even after the greatest Confirmations for whilst he is within time he must still look out both for new Assaults and further Experiments of Assistance for this end and to attain a higher Growth But oh how dark and strange a thing is this and how disrelishing to most in this present day who count it enough to have their Religion in the Bibls but not in their Sonl and to have it in external Ordinances and a visible Form but in no inward Enjoyments of the same A Second Proposal upon this great Subject of the quieting Power of Faith amidst the Hazards and Terrors of Time is to know the Truth hereof in the sureness of its Principles and on what a clear Warrant so wonderful a Piece of our Religion does found This I must touch a little to clear the same both from any presumptive Confidence and enthusiastick Pretences on such an account and that its holding in the way of Right on the Warrant of Divine Truth is no less sure than the Enjoyment hereof is sweet when we can with such Evidence see 1. How it hath this fundamental Principle to hold by that the God of Truth hath taken the establishing of his Peoples Faith under his own Hand as his alone immediate Work and is such a Work that none but he can accomplish Thus we see 2 Cor. 1. 20. the sureness of the Grounds of our Faith held forth that all the Promises of God in Christ are Yea and Amen in him unto the Glory of God c. But though here is enough as to a Divine Warrant and Right yet will not this alone bear out without it be Gods immediate Work also when a Storm riseth therefore Verse 21. it's expresly shewed that he who establisheth us in Christ and hath anointed us is God and hath given us the earnest of his Spirit to raise the Faith of his People answerable to the Height and Measure of any present Tryal 2. Is it not on this sure Principle of Truth also that Faith in the Power and Supports hereof even in the most extraordinary case of Tryal does found That the Lord Jesus Christ hath not only given himself for us by a legal Substitution in our Room to satisfy Divine Justice but hath given himself to us to be enjoyed in the nearest Intimacy of Relation and a vital Vnion with himself so that thus he is not only the Purchaser but the Dispenser also of such potent Influences as the Faith of his People in the most extream case does need and as he knows the ways of the Righteous in their Necessities Temptations and Hazards so he hath fixed them this way in such an immediate and absolute Dependance on himself by taking off visible Refuges to give them a more special discriminating Testimony of his Respects though then in the present time it may have a very strange and dismal Appearance whilst it 's not understood in such a case how his gracious Design to accomplish the great ends of his Love to his People lyes so near him as to defer oft an answering of their natural Desires until things come to that Extremity as may make way both for the highest Tryal and Victory of their Faith 3. It is one of the most fundamental Grounds and Principles of Trust that no doctrinal Knowledge of this Mystery of Faith in its supporting Power against the greatest of Trouble can avail without the Spirit of Faith 2 Cor. 4. 13. For here does the Communion of the Holy Ghost with the Saints on the Earth most eminently lye and the Enjoyments of Faith in the saddest Hours of Temptation are experienced how the Joy and Peace of believing in such a Security of Mind does thus work when there is no natural Cause or visible Appearance for the same and how in so strange a manner a Christians Spirit hath been oft carried above the present Temptation of their day with such Quiet and Composure of Mind as even in the midst of great Waters they have not come near unto them so as to shake and stagger their Confidence and I doubt not that many humble and tender Christians have at some times been sealed with that inward Assurance by the Spirit of Faith and with such Strength and Clearness of Evidence in an oblignatory way to their Souls as the greatest Assaults and Oppositions of Satan which have been after made thereto were never able to break the same so bright and convincing hath the Conveyance of such a Seal been in that time as they could thus humbly take Instruments that it was assuredly given them of God and was Truth and no Lie 4. And is it not one of the Principles and Grounds of our Faith that the great Author thereof hath made its Security so full and with that Evidence as may fully countervail the want of ocular Demonstration by outward Sense For thus does our Blessed Lord testify Joh. 14. 17. when he hath there promised the sending of his Spirit to his Church whom the World cannot receive because they see him not and can be no Object of Humane Sense which is the only prevailing Evidence and Demonstration with a terrene Spirit but then shews his Disciples that they had a more full and sure Testimony For you know him says he and I have made you sure by a higher Evidence as can leave no room for Doubtfulness for though herein does the excellency of Faith most eminently appear in believing things not seen and contrary to all natural Sense on the Credit of Divine Revelation yet is there no Darkness this way from want of Evidence since this must be understood only quoad evidentiam rei sed non quoad evidentiam testimonii which is made as full as that which we have seen with our Eyes or have touched and handled in that Security which God hath given to us in his way of believing 5. I must yet add one Principle of our Faith for giving Light to that strong Influence and Power thereof amidst the greatest Fears and Terrors of future Events that it is sure such who are Christs have not only things present but things to come made theirs Cor. which is one of those great Assurances of Truth that seems little understood or improved by most as being not only founded on that fundamental Right of our being Christs and made thus Heirs of those Promises which are in him yea and Amen to his People but that such an entry is also on the Enjoyment of this right by the Power of believing and inward Testimony of the Spirit as can fully quiet the Soul of a Christian and make things to come in another manner There 's then the Residue of the World know It 's true there is a rational Prospect and
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
prevalent as to attain the Work of an Age formerly in a very short time and verify that Scripture to the Amazement of the World Isa 66. 10. how a Nation and People should be Born and formed to the Lord in a day But I must herewith speak to a sad Mistake that I humbly judge many are upon as to the measure of that Prophetick Millennium and highest Glory of Christs visible Reign herein as if that definite time of a Thousand Years should be understood extensively of such a precise number of Years and of so long a Duration when the Intent of the Holy Ghost herein seems so clear and evident that it 's rather intensively to be taken in the Value and Splendor thereof when the Light of one day will be as of seven in one and the Work of God in a short measure of time then will virtually amount to a Thousand Years I know it 's accknowledged by all and clearly understood as David speaks Psal 90. and the Apostle 2 Pet. 2. how a Thousand years with the Lord is but as a day yet seems the Sense of this to be little apprehended by most how a day before the Lord may be as a Thousand years And how it 's intended there to shew his ing such a Value and Glory thereon as it may amount to the Product of a Thousand years formerly in the ordinary course of Providence 2. It is in this respect also that the Lords making a short work in the Earth in the last times of the Church may be understood by a more swift course than usual in order to the perfecting of the Saints who then are on the Earth and ripening of them for Heaven so that answerable to their Attainments of Grace in a more extraordinary growth herein their Translation to Glory will be the more hastned and the Measure of the Work and Services of their time more quickly perfected This with humble Sobriety I have sometimes and do still judge that the Lords cutting short his work then may be no less remarkable in the short Period and Duration which the Saints shall have on the Earth after their Calling than that long Measure which was allotted to Men in the first entry of time as congruous to this design of Grace to make a short work then and hasten the full Translation of the Church to its Triumphant State 3. It is to be judged in this respect also will appear that cuting short of the Work of God in the last times by bringing forth the great designs of Providence which are then to have their full Accomplishment with so extraordinary a gale of Divine Power and swift course thereof as will admit no Halting or Delay but shall attain that in a very short time which to our Thoughts would seem great for an Age to bring forth We can see now with full evidence for what great ends the Service and Vse of time hath been from the first entry thereof and what designs the Blessed Author of the same hath had on the Ages past But when we look forward to the last Intent and Work thereof there seems to be very dark and strange Thoughts hereof by many though the Spirit of God by Divine Revelation is clear and express about the same as to what must be yet filled up of the Work and Administration of Providence before the end The Testimony of Christ which is the Spirit of Prophesie was most specially directed under the Old Testament upon his Priestly Office but now is the Glory of this Testimony as to the Prophesies under the New Testament in a peculiar way settled on his Kingly Office in the whole Progress and Gradations of his visible Kingdom until the close of Time and it 's in a Twofold respect that the Spirit of Prophesie does reveal the great designs of Providence which are yet to be perfected before the end of time The first is as to a breaking down and final Overthrow of the Kingdom of Antichrist under the last Vials yea as to the Methods of Providence and the manner hereof is also express and clear that when the time is once come for this great and magnificent Act of Judgment on that City and Seat of the Beast by the Fifth Vial it will then make a strange and unusual dispatch and be an amazing Surprizal as the Scripture speaks Rev. 18. 7 8. when she says I sit as a Queen and shall see no Sorrow then in one day shall her Plagues come for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her Nor can this be more marvelous in our Eyes when it comes than what we have seen of the degrees of Wrath and Judgment that are already fulfilled on this Adversary so as I must judge by Scripture Evidence this will be a work of short time as it will bear an extraordinary and immediate Appearance of God therewith But there is one great design further in that way of breaking down and overturning which must yet take place in the final Judgment of the Mahumetan Empire both as to Turks and Persians which as it may be clearly understood by the Sixth Vial and does with great evidence relate to what is foretold of this Adversary Rev. 9. 14. under the Sixth Trumpet so as to the manner hereof in that Allusion of drying up the River of Euphrates when formerly we see how these Angels were let loose for Destruction who were bound thereat We may see how the same Allusion does speak such a work of Judgment as will be strange sudden and surprizing as the drying up of Euphrates by Diversion of that River did in one Night make way to finish the Babylonish Empire in the time of Cyrus and now some prelude and remarkable Steps of Judgment as to the fall of that Empire have been of late very obvious But yet in a Concurrence herewith there is one great design of Providence to be accomplished before the end which is for building up and a restoring work on that great and long Ruin of the scattered Jews and thus for gathering together in one in the Dispensation of the fulness of time all things in Christ even in him Eph. 1. 10. which Scripture I must humbly judge speaks peculiarly to that last uniting work about the Church Vniversal both of the Jews and Gentiles When the times of the Gentiles are once Accomplished which as I have a little touched before then will it be understood in the Event how the Value and Interest of a day may be by the Lord in that manner heightned as to sum up and abridge therein what had not been attained in a Thousand years before It was in the first times of the Gospel that the Effusion of the Spirit of God and Out-goings of his Power was so wonderful and strong as in Forty years the extent of the Christian Church after the Ascention of Christ was then greater in the World than it seems to be at this day which I do not question shall yet once
a Seal of their Commission for Judgment not only to take Peace from this part of the Earth but to be the Rod of Divine Indignation against the Refomed Churches For it hath been under this Rod that hitherto the most destructive Ddsigns have had the most visible Successes and when an Instrument of Judgment is of Gods choosing and hath an anointing for this end put upon him it proves then to be very formidable as it hath the Impress of his Terror and Greatness put thereon beyond what is at another time and is thus acted with an invisible Power and Concurrence until such a Work of Judgment be accomplished 2. We see this is an Adversary who in this late Design against the whole Protestant Interest in the Kingdom of France hath had such prevailing Successes to carry on a ruining and judicial work of that nature when in former times the Protestants there did with an Heroick and Invincible Spirit bear out against the utmost Power and Violence of Four Kings successively and could see them by an extraordinary Divine Hand broke But oh now was the day turned no less remarkably and the Attempts of this King followed with that Terror Fainting and Lowness of Spirit as to any self Defence that it might be seen as in the case of Samson their Strength this way was departed so as nothing could avail until such a Work both of Tryal and Judgment was accomplished This I confess hath oft had an affecting Sense on my own Spirit and brings a more extraordinary Call therewith to have our Reliances more absolutely fixed on God and promise less to our self from visible means yea how to prevent such a Hazard at the Fountains Head as is still threatning when there may be just matter of Fear that the date of his Commission is not yet expired But 3. Is it not known that this is such an Adversary over whom the English Nation once had so great an Ascendent in times past as they were a Terror unto that People who now does not only keep but gain Ground against the united Strength of so great Confederacy so that there may be cause for a higher Look than to what is humane in the Standing Supports and growing Strength of that Party And it 's surely one of the great Demonstrations of Providence in the World which is both in the rising and depressing of the Genius of a Nation and People answerable to the Designs which God is accomplishing hereby But this I leave to the more serious Thoughts and Judgments of others what Appearance such a Sign hath to us this day 4. It is in some singular way that it may be said the French have attained beyond others to be united within themselves and on the other hand no less skilful to divide and promote Discords amongst those who are against them and who now in this critical Juncture of Affairs know how to graft their deepest Designs on these intestine Distempers and Convulsions which are so visible in the Politick Body of these Nations yea know how to foment the same whilst intestine Conslicts even amongst the most serious part of Protestants are so uncessant as to shut out all fear of this kind and despise any moral Relief or Cure 5. Tho' it may be of small Notice or Remark upon any threatning Aspect of such a Party yet I must look otherways thereon even in this Particular that there has been such a long and resolute conforming amongst us to the way of that Nation in the most Prodigions Fashions and Attires who have delighted herein to copy after such a Patern that they may be at last in the Righteousness of God made to have as sad a Tryal of them in the way of Judgment as of that continued Instuence and Ascendent they have had over them in the way of Sin 6. But there Is one Reflection I must yet further offer upon this Head which in this day hath had a special Impression on my own Spirit that the last Effort and ultimus conatus of the Kingdom of Antichrist before its final Fall may be feared is not yet accomplished as to the ultima clades of the Reformed Churches yea that this work hath fallen under his Hand as the Instrument waited and fitted by Divine Providence for such an end which hath oft made me judge that the date of his Commission is not yet expired when the same provoking Causes of such a desolating Stroak as hath been of late on the Church of France are no less visible amongst us and may have the same Ground to fear when we see such a remarkable Beacon in their case set before us The God of the Reformed Churches is no Respecter of Persons and Nations who will not still bear with a naked Shew and an uninlivened Profession of that pure and excellent Religion we enjoy yea when the most near and immediate Signs which in former times have gone before some extraordinary Stroak of Judgment on Nations and Churches are rather in some further Degree applicable to us There may be more than ordinary cause to meditate Terror on such an account that there is a Sound of great Wrath on this Generation yea that a Sword is fourbished and sheathed in Heaven which is to have some great destroying work under its Hand before it be put up But oh nothing is like to do until something more extraordinary than we have yet seen draw aside that Veil of Security we are now under and hide these things from our Eyes But I shall add herewith as it should be a Blessed Surprizal if the God of Patience might yet spare and prolong a Season of Grace and Respite so threatning a Woe so on the other hand an experimental Knowledge of the Truth of Divine Premunitions when it 's too late and is had at so dear a Purchase will be very sad when no Conviction or Repentance can regain such a Season as we now have if it be once lost But as the Proverb speaks non licet in bello aut morte bis errare There is one thing yet further now in the shutting up of this Discourse which I must in a few words touch that as it is the alone Prerogative of the Deity to declare things to come before they spring forth and who hath bounded the Prospect and Evidence of his People as to future Events or what he is yet bringing sorth of his work in the last times according to the extent of Divine Revelation herein since this is to be the measure of our Light and Discoveries until the second coming of the Lord. So it 's no less evident and sure that any Pretence or Prospect of the Events of Providence which have no Dependance on any natural causes is beyond the possible reach of all natural Science or of that horrid Profession which is so much aloft in these times of judicial Astrology as it relates to future and contingent Events wherein Men as free Agents do act when