discoveries of the works of God the depths of providence about his Church these was reserved to that period when the Mystery of God hereon should be more fully perfited and in this respect it 's to be said blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to such a solemn time and to have his lot fall therein as is spoken Dan. 12 12. III. But for a further clearing of this Subject since the Glory of the Kingdom of Christ is so nearly concern'd in the discovery and entertainment of his Works in the day thereof and now when a more eminent appearance thereof is near that Kingdoms and Nations in their Complex Body shall in a more solemn way be the Lords It should be expected that the return and oblation of praise upon the great Acts of his Providence shall be more remarkable as a publick deed of Nations and Churches then hath yet hitherto been yea that when the Lord does in any singular way appear for their security and standing by Providences of a publick and national extent that a gratulatory retribution on their part must be of the same extent under a publick care and regard It is true there is a settled frame of subordinat means by which the Providence of God does work in the great designs thereof that we are called to regard wherein I doubt not but the Ministry of the Angels hath the greatest interest as one of the great Ordinances he hath setled in behalf of his Church tho as to their special offices and dâ—legate service to particular Churcheâ— and Christians is something that 's more dark but it may be hoped wil ere long be with a clearer evidence known in these great transactions of Providence which are yet to take place when a nearer Communion may be then attained betwixt these blessed Spirits and the Saints here on the earth then is yet known but tho there is no time wherein the Lord will not put honor on instituted means and on that established order of his working yet whilst most have such ordinare thoughts of God herein and are so ready to fix their eyes wholly on men his honor is concern'd to let the World know he is God by more extraordinar demonstrations yea such are most of the great events of his Word which are yet to be brought forth as cannot possibly in an other way be expected But on this Subject I would humbly offer some few reflections which should be matter of a serious regard 1. That as it s highly becoming on some eminent piece of the Work of God or publick deliverances for a Nation or State to have solemn and publick returns of thankfulnes to him thereon yet is it strange how so little regard should thus be to have the greatnes of any such mercy sought out and the same publick care extended for keeping up a venerable remembrance thereof so that such a service of Gratitude be not bounded with the transient work of a day since otherways it is a most essential want and with holding a proper and important part of that Tribute which is due into God herein for there can be no suitable regard to serve the end of such Providences and what was so straitly injoined of the Lord under the Old Testament which was the Churches continued practice there yea of the same moral and perpetual use in all after times if it should not be still a publick trust under the furthest humane care to promote the same tho divine Record and History for this intent does now cease 2. But as this hath ane unquestionable tye on Churches and a Christian State to design the most honourable respect and entertainment of the great Acts of God in their day and is made their proper talent to answer to so does a just exoneration herein call for the most exact scrutiny and search on the truth and evidence thereof on which the weight and credit of this service does so far depend to cause a more full assent by these who come after to such a testimony that these rare Providences wherein the Lord did thus make himself known were not only in the present time sought out and enquired unto under their proper cÃrcumstances but by such of greatest weight and advantage for a work of this nature whose sincerity and judiciousness might be convincing and the integrity of such ane Intent cleared from any partial respect or end but allennerly for exalting the Majesty of God and strengthning men in the Faith by so great a seal to his Truth and for the interest of the Posterity yea wherein these who in some lesser differences did not fully meet in the same Judgment yet might intirely unite in such a service and testimony as this 3. Where the Lord makes himself known in more illustrious acts of his power as may be called Magnalia Dei to some particular Nation and Church beside others who herein are in a more then ordinare way interessed it might seem equal and answer to the highest reason they sould be of that value as to be entred on a National Record and have that concurrence of humane authority to make the evidence hereof as authentick as the publick deeds or rights which belong to such a state It is true there is no want of Histories and the Church hath been blessed with that singular mercy of Martyrologies by faithful and impartial hands to attest the power of divine grace and supports of the spirit given to sufferers for the truth and of late it was of great use the concurrence of Civil Authority to that Work of the History of the Church of England that 's now extant by an excellent Writer but for this intent â—â— is something distinct by its self with respect only to these Monuments of Providence relating to a particular Châ—rch that are of publique clear and uncontrolled evidence to have the remembrance thereof with the highest honor kept up and secured from the prejudices and cavills of men thereat yea to such Passadges in that day whereon the Signature and Impress of the more immediate appearance of God hath had most full and bright evidence these great changes of a publique interest which hath then occurred wherein some extraordinar Conjunction in the course of Providence might be seen above natural causes and the ordinare way of Gods Working such interpositions of his wonderful power by which he hath designed to put some eminent honor on acts of trust and relyances on his truth as might be exemplary to after times and serve for that end that they who come after might sett their hope on God and not forget his Works Psal 78 7. yea extraordinar Acts also of divine Judgment whereby he hath appeared in some unusual manner to vindicate the honor of his Laws against publick and notorious violations of the same which may be clearly seen were not designed for that age only but as a publick concern for after times 4. Can it be questioned that since that
justly feared of an inordinate respect to men and concurrence of visible means above what it can bear when nothing is more effectual to cause the greatest humane succor miscarry and sink under this weight theÌ„ relyances thereon as if they could stand by them self without keeping in with God alone with that God who is of infinite Power both to hurt help whose presence is ever the highest Security of a Nation tho the whole World were against them 2. But this also looks with confidence hope that the Lord is near to give some extraordinar demonstration of himself by Providences as this Generation shall not get their eyes shut at yea that this strange piece of his work is a prelude and entry on a revolution of the publick State of the World that shall be of a higher extent then may be apprehended by most and it 's sure when he does begin he will also make an end 3. I have lookt on this remarkable silence and suspence as to any publick Decision of Providence this Year past when things seemed to be in the highest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a Crisis that hereby the Lord would yet give men time to consider his Work and take to heart his Voice by such a further warning and have still observed from the records of times past as to his Procedure that when he was to bring forth some great piece of his Work before the World there hath been as it were an interval of silence for a time like some Cessation of Providence which hath preceeded the same and made the time of his Working when it was lest mens Expectation yea the sorer a stroak hath been when it came the longer hath a tender forbearance gone before even when the hand of Justice hath been lift up the wheels sometimes stand still and the publick state of affairs is in a strange manner becalm'd when the Lord is in some eminent manner to arise according to that Isay 42 14. I have long time holden my peace I have been still I have refrained my self now will I cry as a travelling Woman c. 4. Yea it may be a special remark that when the Lord hath so signally appeared to make this great revolution in Britain effectuall and to clear the sky and coast there from visible opposition with such rare preventing Providences for that end yet is so little ground gained by the unite strength of this Confederacy but it was in the one that the Lord did act in an extraordinar way of Providence in the other things doe run more in the ordinare channel of visilbe means It looks as a sign of great Wrath that such an Instrument of Judgment hath had his chain so far let forth in this day who might be called not only Host is Ecclesiae sed humani Generis by these cruelties more then inhumane exerced in the Palatinate and other Parts of Germany but it 's fitt the World should know of what spirit and way the great Persecutor of the Protestants in this age is yea for the Nations about to see there is no possible Moral Security for their Civil Interests from one whom no establishments of Laws nor that Law of Gratitude towards such whose Fathers had brought the House of Bourbon to the Throne could bind but as there is an anointing and establishing men for judgment whose hand is made strong untill that work be perfited so is the Sin of Britain and other Reformed Churches the greatest strength of this Adversary 12. Have we not also been called to see such vicissitudes of Providence that these for whom God had sometimes most signally appeared in raising them to the highest greatness and power as all might clearly discern it was his hand alone that did the same how in a way no lâ—ss wonderful he hath made knowen his power in breaking and bringing them low whilst they did not know and regard God in the day of their greatness but thought to stand by themselves and gave such a requital to him as to betake themselves to another strength then that which raised them and try a new Scene of opposition to his truth and interest yea thus forgot the tempest they were once in and these engagements which were then on their soul when they had once got to the Haven It is sure this hath been writ forth as in Capital Letters once and again that men who run might read the same and know how great and terrible a party God is when he is not for a Church or People but against them and how easie it is for him by ane occurrent of Providence least feared or thought off to give a check to the greatest deeps of humane Policy and Wit and let such know when they judge themselves secure from any hazard on the earth there can be no standing when their counsels and confidence is derided from Heaven 13. It hath been in some singulare manner also that in this age we have been called to see sin and judgment meet other with such astonishing circumstances and so visible a resemblance and proportion betwixt the same as the stroke herein pointing as with a finger at the cause was unavoidable for a natural conscience to discern and see a just and Holy God thus made known and visible in such publick and tremendous instances of his Judgment as bejond the rate of former times have been set up as beacons in our sight I must join herewith this sad remark which hath had a peculiar respect to these times that as it 's sure nothing but Religion in the truth thereof can effectually take off men from sin so hath nothing so much as Religion been oft made use off as the grand Engine to secure them therein and what was spoke by one of the Ancients hath been more applicable to our day then almost any past that never was ane age more fertile of Religions under a different profession hereof and never more barren of Religion in the power and efficacy of the same on mens soul 14. It hath been in this age that such a call often and alowd hath sounded in our ears to come and see how the greatest Powers and Nations of the earth are but as a little dust in the ballance for the Soveraigne God to blow off at his pleasure and that he hath reserved to himself a dominion and preeminence over the Kingdoms of the Children of men to change the greatest Monarchies Oh what a strange reflex work might this be to have our spirits but going back on these great and marvelous shakings and utter razing hath been of publick settlements that seemd most firmly laid the bowing down and fall of the greatest of men and raising up such who had bâ—en low when the great God once begun to contend with the Oaks and Cedars and herewith to see the extent of his power over mens spirits and inclinations as well as their actings so as to determine their concurrence with their hand
for his ends contrare to the native byass and sway of their hearts that men might know him who is the God of the spirits of all flesh can by one and the same Providence accomplish various designs at once and bring forth such contrare effects as no humane wisdome could ever have supposed or forseen yea how these marvelous events might be clearly seen was in their day no rare and strange contingencies to astonish men but such as did bear a most evident signature and impress of the Majesty of God and of his name and truth shewed forth thereon 15. I shall but add this more upon so boundless a Subject that we have been specially called in this age to see some unusual variation in the spotless ways and methods of Providence about his Church and in the cours of humane affairs from what hath been the manner of his working formerly so as men could not discern his way oft by any footsteps or precedent of Providence in times past but that something hath been reserved peculiarly to our day of the Lord rising up as in mount Peradsim and his being wroth as in the valley of Gibeon to do his strange work and bring to pass his strange Act Isay 28 21. And tho we but see in part hereof yet may we now know and understand upon these times past more then such who was then present actors on the stage could reach in discerning the intents of providence when things were in their first mould as is now clear in their after tendency and result nor could possibly have that judgment of the Work of God in some parcels as may be now attained when it 's in a more full and entire frame when such a sight is sett before us as should call to have our souls bowing down with an awful regard and homage at so august and immediate a discovery of the Majesty of God in his Work and actings before this Generation A III. Head on this Subject that I would offer some thoughts on is as to the Lords singular way of dealing with the publick State of Britain and Ireland bejond any other of the Reformed Churches in this last age and is indeed a Subject of serious regard to consider what manner of time hath our lot been cast in and the measure of that talent for observation we stand accountable for upon such great and extraordinare events as hath occurred but here I have desired to have my thoughts translate to what hath been from the first entry on so marvelous a series of providence about the state of these Nations for almost fifty Years past for a more clear prospect how each step herein in its successive place and room hath tended to give light to another which I shall restrict wholly to the more immediate appearances of God from what hath been mens part and actings upon such a diversity of interests as might too visibly be seen to influence many in their way and offer but a few serious reflections on the same to one who can more clearly observe and discern things of that kind 1. That it 's sure Britain and Ireland hath been of late a Theater of such strange and extraordinare vicissitudes in it's publick state from the Year 38. of this age as in no times past can be resembled what wonderful Revoluâ—ions did then successively follow other and were made the object of mens sense as could not possibly have had credit or been a matter of Faith if the same should have been foretold and may justly render such a period of time unto this day to be matter of astonishment to any of a serious spirit It is true there is no time wherein the Lord hath not given some more singular discoveries of himself and these changes of providence which are in the personal case of Christians and lyes more close and near to their Sense then things of a publick concern are oft so extraordinare as would be not easy for others to credit but it must be said what we have seen here and may know of the work and appearances of God in that Land can never be a Subject of ordinary thoughts 2. It is known how ane avenging Sword which was bathed in Heaven had it's commission thence to go forth against both Britain and Ireland and did not cease to persue it's end until these flourishing Nations was made a visible field of blood yea did not rest until in the righteous and Soveraign disposal of God a potent and settled Monarchy there of a long descent having no fear or opposition from any forren power was yet broke and made void and did fall in their high places and what ane account this should have been to the World if it could have been possibly seen or judged in the Year 40. what the 50 Year following was to bring forth and was then in the bosome of so short a time 3. But when thus the Lord did once appear and go forth in a judiciary way we might see how each of these three Nations had their proper share and measure allotted in the strokes and judgments of that time tho in some different method and manner there beeing a more singular part assigned to poor Ireland then by the Holy and just God in that bloody and terrible Scene which was acted there yet this was in common to the whole of these Lands that it was an intestine Sword and not of a forreiner that was then call'd for which spoke the Judgment to be the sorer and more of divine wrath in it where on part of a Nation is made the rod and executioner of his judgment on another and their destruction from amongst themselves 4. If it be considered what manner of time that was of so extraordinare things it may be obvious how this followed a long and unusal settled calm and tranquillity which had gone before in the publick State of these Nations when so great a flame had been round about it was immediatly after a bloody Sword had done its work in Germany which from the Year 30. had brought with it such dismal effects there but what would seem most astonishing here that tho a time of the patience and long suffering of God had in a singular manner gone before the treaty of the Ghospel might be seen to have a small acceptance and such judicial effects with most of that Generation when the Red Horse and its Rider went forth to take peace from such a part of the earth yet was not the hight of Profanity and Atheism nor measure of sin then in these Nations come near to such a degree as is now the measure of this time or had any such prodigious appearance only we see not yet what is coming to answer this 5. It is not above 40 Years past since we might see a powerful state commonwealth both raised and formed in these Nations on so great a ruine had gone before and thus such a new and wonderful Scene of
of blasphemie is let forth there and gott such a prevalence amongst all ranks as it 's accounted a matter of fashion and breading to go a length bejond other in tearing that blessed name of God in whose hand is their breath by profane and blasphemous oaths This is a thing by it self that 's purely diabolick and hath nothing humane in it can have no affinity with the flesh nor is as ane ordinarie degree of a reall possession by the Divel and much sadder then that which hath been on many by constraint and putting a force upon their tongue to blaspheme which otherwise would have been a horror and dread since this is by consent and a delight that could have no possible rise but from pure enmity to the Holy God yet is it now come to such a prodigious height as if Britain did design a proper monopoly this way and Preheminence of the same above all nations of the earth tho none more will pretend a nationall love and respect to it 's standing and interest to whom that saying of one of the ancients may be applicable if such would once give it a hearing si tibi non vis parcerâ— attamen parce Patriae tuae do we thus provoke the Lord to jealousie are we stronger then he but when such a contagion seemes to be past the restraint of humane Laws who declares their sin as sodome will not the great lawgiver at last take it under his hand to vindicate his authoritie 3. But what a symptome is this herewith of approaching judgments when to such a hight and so universalie the corruption of the youth is in this day and these parts in so ane usual a way and among such a Spirit of Atheism and pâ—ofanity is in that manner got up as may be sadly foreseen what a dismal night must follow hereon and cause these know whose respects seem to run so high for a national interest that what does thus strike at the root truth Godliness amongst men in so strange a debauchery of the generation that 's coming up gives the same stroke to the greatest security of goverment and to what founds the greatest obligations to civil or moral duties yea hath a native and unavoidable tendence to ruine the politick bodie to emasculate the spirits of men and obstruct the vigorous improvments of their natural parts and will in a short time depress and change the very genius of these once renouned nations if there be no due application of the proper and adequate remedie for the same 4. And do we not with too great evidence now see how much that old Protestant spirit which was in the power and life of that profession is gone and extinguished this day before which the Romish interest could not possibly stand when humane power and might did litle concur therewith so as it may be a strange but too visible a remark how that distinction hath got such place in Britain bejond any other reformed churches else which is betwixt the Protestant interest and politick concerns thereof and the Protestant Religion which lyes in the pure doctrine of Christ in its truth and efficacy on mens soul and practice when thus may be seen what a throng and easie concurrence is there to promote the one and bear the highest respects thereto so far as they find a private interest and external motives renders this necessary who does hate and to the utmost oppose themselves to the other yea fears nothing more then to have this get any authority over their conscience and oh thence it is that when priveledge and propertie upon a temporal interest are as the apple of mens eye when these are once touched yet are the highest indignities and affronts to the honor of God and to his truth of a small regard 5. But if we yet look further in to the Publick State of Religion in these Churches there may be a more astonishing sight and of greater abominations still answerable to that vision Ezechiel 8 when within the precincts of a Christian Church once so purely reformed such a party is got up and growing whose work is not onlie to take men off the serious work and power of Christianity but to subvert wholly the foundation of our faith under that late designation of Deists and that men are now become so wearied of the Christian Profession as were their power answerable to their will they would bring in a new model of paganism and fix themself at last there And oh is it come to such a day after so bright a sun shine of the Gospell hath gone before and after so great ane effusion of the Spirit of God that such a party should be upon the encrease in so horrid an appearance were it possible to make void the whole frame of the Gospel to justle our ever blessed Redeemer who once was the desire of the nations off his throne to thrust the crown off his head the scepter of whose goverment is righteousness peace and give if they could a mortall stroke to him who is the life and light of men and by whose stripes we are healed yea as if they could make their party good against that rod of iron with which he bears rule over his adversaries But what can these design to themselves to render humane being desirable here on the earth except to have a share of the same priveledge with the beasts of the field that within a little they should have no more being and oh what a God does such deprive themselves of who only propitious to poor man in Christ and otherwise not the object of our trust but of terror yet is this way now come to that length as it would seem to despise all moral releef 6. I must yet add here tho it be a very sad ungrateful Subject how we are faln in a day when the greatest discoveries of God both in the way of Judgment and mercy seems to have no affecting sense or regard on this generation and the great designs both of grace and providence amidst such marvelous changes hath gone before in that manner withstood as most seemes to unite there strength herein even when this may be in a singular way applicable to our time what the Lord did once speak to Israel by Moses your eyes have seen the great Acts of the Lord and these great temptations the Signs and Wonders which he hath done in this last age yet if Soveraign grace do not marvelously appear it may be fear'd that both the voice of God in his Word and Works hath discharg'd their commission without any due regard to the same and that judgment and mercy after such extraordinar methods of divine patience have done their part and is now come to such a judicial withdrawing and departure of that great Ambassador the Spirit of God from his Church that there seems but small access to serious Publick Humiliation and fasting or to call for solemn Assemblies for this end
Party and it s a threatning case when the security and interest of a Nation stands more by a permissive Providence and singular longsuffering of God then by promise The discovery of hid Plots and Contrivances against the Government hath been of late in a special manner remarkable but oh there is one Plot which is of ane other nature to be above all fear'd that 's caried on not in the dark but in the publick light to betray these Nations to the Common Adversary it is such a Plot as was betwixt Balak and Balaäm to divide Israël from God that their strength might depart from them when once there is a sad departure from him and it 's sure these who ever are interessed herein hath the most active concurrence to weaken and bring low the Politick Body of Britain to hasten on a dismal night and advance the interest and strength of visible Adversaries But if there be no suitable appearance in this day to counteract so dismal a Plot and the growing strength of such a Conspiracy herein there may be then too just cause for these of the most serious spirit to long to have their part acted and be gone off the stage ere they see the dreadful Effects hereof and what ever advantage be of external means it might be too easy then to judge of future things where an inordinate respect to men and a low regard to keep in with God is one of the publick signs of the time we are in I know it 's no easy thing to improve the Providences of times past that are at any distance from us or to bring them home by a just application to the present day and to compare what we now see of the Way and Workings of God with what hath already past in these late Years but if this were more improven and understood there might be another view and discerning of the times we are in and what of the night now it is we have seen in some singular way the rising and falling of humane interests so contrare to humane reason and expectations as might tend fully to clear from what hand they came and to what Issue they were directed we have seen such Revolutions which the Churches of Britain hath gone thorough and hath past over the same as seem yet little understood and it must be a perverse and false Judgment if it be supposed that we have no more to do herewith but a naked remembrance of such things in the matter of Fact and what was mens way and part therein But that I may come more near on this Subject there are some things that need to be further understood thereon 1. That it 's sure when such a Gape this day is lying open betwixt us and divine Wrath there can be no standing herein without a serious interceeding Work with God by immediate addresses when its unexpressible what a mighty efficacy this hath on the World and the great changes thereof and how far he hath subjected the Interest of Nations to the Prayers of the Saints It is a hopeful sign when Rulers and Magistrates do call and excite a Nation to publick fasting and prayer but in the ordinare way it 's followed this day upon so extraordinare an application to the Majesty of God it may be just matter of fear if such essential requisites be not concurrent therewith 1. That the same Authority and Power be interposed for a serious and impartial Inquiry as to National Sins which are most prevalent in the time where the current of the multitude runs and hath the loudest cry to Heaven since otherwise a solemn address of this kind might bear a sad evidence of Atheism and Impiety to suit National Deliverances and Protection and that the Holy God would be with us and propitious to us for the publick State of the Nation whilst we are not with him yea that he would not forsake us whilst our forsaking him is so visible which is in effect to plead that the most settled unalterable establishments of his truth be made void and rescinded for our sake yea can another return be expected in such a case then what is Ezech. 14 4. 2. That something then upon so extraordinare an address to Heaven might be designed by publick Authority in a promissary way to be made practicable as sould tend to a more visible resolute withstanding the growing strength of such National evils and may thus bear a publick testimony and appearance against them from such who stand under so high a trust unto God for this end 2. Where this great service is taken to heart for standing in the gape this day before God there needs also some clear discerning of the end and design of Providence in these astonishing suâ—cessive changes which hath of late gone over this Generation it 's true there may be many ends at once reached in any signal piece of the Work of Gâ—d about his Church yet is there surely still some higher great end which he hath therein that should be most deeply enquired into and tho I can attain little this way in respect of others yet may with humble confidence say that under a serious pressure of spirit I have sought to understand the same and how to trace the Lines of Providence in the strange Revolutions of this age to the Center of that great Design of the Lord therein to which all these oppositions which hath been made to the same hath so remarkably brought on their own fall and breaking in that way but this I must further in sist on tho there needs specially a turning our eyes first back to times past for discerning the Work of God in our day and to see in what a circuit divine Judgment did go from on part of the Reformed Churches to another with the very first date and entry upon this remarkable age and when that Sword which was bathed in Heaven and had it's commission to Germany and Bohem in that sore and long intestine War there had once done it's work then did it in a successive course enter on the Churches of Britain and Ireland and a câ—p of trembling from the Lord put into there hand and then did begin that great Scene of Providence which hath been since acted there wherein as in all the most remarkable Steps and Periods hereof hath the voice of the Lord been expresly pointing at this great end and design in the same for bringing his counsel more clearly to light if we had eyes to perceive and hearts to understand what is his work and declared intent herein which is that the Kingdoms of this World may become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ who shall reign for ever and ever Revelat. 11 15 and that his Interest in these Nations as a part of that inheritance which was in a peculiar way given him of the Father Psalm 2 8. be more fully asserted in the Glory of his Regal Power against all such
things of God and the interest of his truth and Kingdome amongst men who with respect to this would account it a small thing fo be the greatest favourits of Princes if these should once come in competition 4. But I must now in the last place add somethings further on this serious Subject since if it be clear and undeniable so as to have our spirits once acquiescing herein what hath been the great design of Providence with respect to Britain and Ireland in all these great and astonishing changes which have of late been there it may be then fully undrstood what the present day does most call for and where the highest improvment of such an extraordinare time does ly which I hope will not be question'd to have the Kingdome of the Lord Jesus Christ and his preēminence herein more entirely acknowledged and settled in these Nations when he is yet once again taking a new tryall of them for this end We find under the Law such a thing which was called the Lords part and tribute payed unto him Numb 31. as a memorial and oblation to witness their holding of him alone all which they did enjoy we see also a national claime layd to a propriety and part in the Lord as their alone greatest interest in the earth and that they might not be shut out herein Josua 22 25. which would be a rare sight in this day to see Nations contending thus for a part in the Lord and to have their joint right secured this way as was then betwixt the two tribes and the half bejond Jordane and the residue of Israel we have also things claim'd by the Son of God as his alone propriety which are called the things of God Matt. 22 1. are purely sacred to him which are not mens and non◠may alienate to any private interest or end yea there is a bringing presents to him which is expresly foretold and promised under this blessed Reig◠Psalm 72 10. when thus Princes and Kings should serve and do homage to the Lord Jesus Christ not as men only but as Kings in giving their Power to the furthest to uphold the authority of his Regal Power and Dominion and here I must say what ever be threatning in ane unusual manner from the spirit and temper of this Generation when nothing would seem more hopeless then ane unite and publick concurrence to answer this great design of the Lord and herein to stand in the gape before him for turning away of his wrath or to design a National Reconciliation as well as Personal yet may there be no setting bounds to him therein who is able to subdue all things to himself and who in the way of his grace does oft exceed what could be possibly hoped for by men in such a case since now if after such signal indications of Providence this should be the season and time design'd of the Lord for a restoring work in these Nations and in other of the Reformed Churches and that he will yet spare a little as to the cutting down of the tree even when the ax is laid to the root it is then sure that this design shall make way for it's self and go over such difficulties as at other times would be insuperable and make the greatest Mountains be as a plain but if this one tide and opportunity for such a service be now lost in joining in with so eminent a call of Providence for this end it looks to be the shutting of the door with such a judicial barr as should never be again opened and the last woe be more sore and dreadful then all which hath gone before But now I must speak a little more particularly wherein it is these things doe most specially ly which in that sense are the things of God as purely sacred to him since all things whatsoever are his and belongs to him yea wherein that which is the Lords tribute and part is to be understood now in this day that should be returned with a resolute and cheerful consent unto him 1. It does in a peculiar respect ly here to have the same publick and national regard to the authority of the Laws and ordinances of his Kingdome as a people who are stated in as near a relation to God as once the Kingdome of Israël and Juda was this being a truth of the most undeniable evidence tho not in things ceremonial or typical or such Laws of Government as had a temporary respect to that dispensation only yet in a moral sense is it clear as to what does most essentially relate to a Nation or Kingdomes being the Lords For it 's sure these 3 Nations are this day under a higher dispensation of grace have a greater extent of their Priviledges and stated under more singular engagements now under the Messia's Reign then ever Israël was and it is in this sense that the Laws of the Kingdom of Christ are Royal Statuts and Laws James 2 8. suitable to the state and dignity of so great a King and Lawgiver whose authority will not be baffled and hath a higher power then that of Angels or Men to take account of their observance wherein is settled ane obligation on the souls and conscience of men without exception of persons herein in which our life as Christians and the standing and safety of Nations in a publick state does unavoidably ly but these are Laws Ordinances of such a kind as they can not possible be observ'd and not loved nor have any true regard amongst men without internal motives make way thereto and what a sad account may this be that these Kingdomes who were once so entirely subjected to Antichrist under the darkness of that dismal Reign and did give their power to uphold that interest with such ane unite consent yea did so resolutely give implicit obedience to his Decrees and Cannons now under the brightness of the light of the Ghospel comes not up to any such regard to the Authority of the Lord Jesus and to these Laws which he hath establish'd tho with the greatest endearments of love commended to his Church there hath been great stumblings at the Providences of the times past and what it should mean that this last age with such a differencing mark should be call'd the Iron age that thus the Holy God hath in so unusual a manner made use of a rod of Iron in these Western Parts where the Reformed Religion is most professed but it should be no dark riddle when the oppositions there to the Kingdom of his dear Son hath been at such a height that if we could wisely discern the Work of the Lord since the first rise of the civil Wars of Britain we might clearly see how this was the Signal given that he was then gone forth and on the way to take account of Nations as well as Persons that would oppose his interest 2. It is sure this can not be questioned also to be one of the great
Providence in it's Conjunction with what hath gone before it 's here we must see a thrid marvelous overturning which in one and the same age hath been successively in these Kingdoms according to that forementioned Scripture Ezek. 21 27. I will overturn overturn overturn and it shall be no more until he come whose right it is and I will give it which is to be understood there of such great Revolutions as should in their proper order follow upon other For tho this had a respect then to these great shakings which was to come upon Juda and the House of their Kings in the entry of their captivity yet may none bound the intent of the Holy Ghost in this Prophecy as if there only it was to take place and had not a Respect to some further accomplishment of the same in after times which surely was since never more clear in the event then in this late wonderful Series of Providence that hath been in these overturnings But now let me speak herewith what hath been sometimes deeply affecting how there is something yet more solemn and extraordinare now in this thrid call then all that hath gone before to be awakening to this generation and that which with too clear evidence may be judged the last cry and call such as hath no dark or uncertain sound therewith to the State and Churches of Britain and unto all ranks there if there be not a resolute shutting of our ear at the same that this is assuredly the voice of the Lord I will yet once more take proof and tryall of these Lands which I did choise and in so singular a way deall with bejond other Churches and Nations and will yet respite the last stroak of Judgment and if tenderness and forbearance in a most surprising and extraordinare display thereof will once work if the actings of providence such as could not of late have been beleeved by men will once reclaim and return Britain and Ireland again unto God I will then take of both their fetters and fears and give a new settlement to their civill rights and interest will sease their adversaries with terror and trembling and yet spare their blood will sett such also upon the Throne who shall seek the good and welfare of their People under whose shadow ye may ly down safely without dread either of the terrors by night or such affrightments by day they were once under and take off any fears of external force But oh if this voice can not be heard when it is so clear and audible which if some knew ever any thing or had discerning of the ways of God and of the times they cannot but hear this to be the present voice of the time it then seems to be come to the last and highest tryalls that these Nations ever stood under when such extraordinar measures of divine patience and long suffering and so long a day given to repent must either be speedily answered or it be found that the stroke will be the more terrible when it comes the longer it hath been deferred that threatned judgment shall assuredly at last come to a year of recompence yea to a precise day of the spotless Vengeance of God when his spirit will no more strive with men when he will clear his Justice and go forth to see the Authority of his Laws and Sentences of his Word ratified in the execution thereof when no Intercessor shall be then heard tho a Noach Daniel and Job were upon the earth and it shall be then no more possible to hold off that long threatned stroke or turn Judgment out of his way then for men to stop the course of the Sun to recall the day and years that are past or make void the Ordinances of Heaven but then will the Works of God gett a hearing when his Words could not A IV. Head on this subject which I must join in with the former that is of great weight and consequence is this to know what aspect such extraordinary providences of these times past now hath on the churches there and whither so great a crisis as hath been in the publik State of affairs hath more promising or threatning signs therewith It was the highest part of Hezekiah observation upon that great deliverance he met with Isai 39. not to see only God in his immediate hand herein but how his heart was toward him in the same as is there expressed thou hast loved my soul out of the pit of corruption for so does the originall render it A loosing sight of providence in what the Lord doth speak to men thereby maketh way not only for great shakings but to read the sense thereof contrair to its intent and tho there be a regarding by all the visible effects of providence and what herein lyes nearest to our sense yet few goes a further length in their observing It is undenyable that an extraordinare condescendence of grace and of the long suffering of God might be seen in these great things here done of late but the next enquiry lyes here how such ane unusual application of providence does work It was upon some serious thoughts hereof and this present State of things I sett my self for more clear discerning of the way of the Lord and his voice to this generation in these astonishing changes hath gone over the same of late to have my own spirit fix'd herein and some higher strenthning on the faithfulnes of his truth but in the first place there are some undoubted principles of truth which I would mention here and must hold by as truths which are of ane eternall verity and may have a clear applicatory light to the present day we are in 1. That it 's sure the most notable mercies which hath been bequathed of the Lord either to churches or persons have also been an entry to the greatest of judgements when not answered it was with the brightest sunshine of ane immediate appearance of his hand and ane extraordinary course of miracles that Israel entred into the wilderness whereon so black a night of dismal providence did fall and is it not the same voice which is now speaking to us that we have Malach. 2. 2. if ye will not lay to heart to give glory to my name says the Lord of host I will curse your blessings 2. It stands ever sure and unchangeable that God will never return to a people against whom he is wroth untill the cause of his departure be taken away for both the same date and measure which mens forsaking of God doth bear the same also does his departing bear unto them and tho repentance where it is in truth can never be in vain yet may it come to late to prevent temporal judgment or to regain ever again a season of acting for God when there is a more eminent call thereto at one time then another 3. It is ane unchangeable truth which varies not with the changes of time that there is
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