Lord to do after all that is written in this Book This hath looked as a door of hope to Britain in the present day when such of a serious excellent spirit have come to the Throne if the sin of this Generation as may be feared be not come to that height of a resolute opposition to any restoring means but if the Authority of God sould be thus taken off the conscience of men by so publik abounding Atheism and Impiety it shall be found that the Honor and Authority of Magistrates will fall herewith before men 4. They have a peculiar access also to such a service for God and the interest of the place they live in who have more advantage then others by the Repute and Authority of their Example to walk in a countermotion to any publick and contagious evill of the time as are most prevalent and thus to affright the bold and daring countenance thereof this should be a honourable appearance to oppose the Kingdom of Sathan wherein it 's getting most remarkable strength and credit by the Customariness thereof 5. But in a special way these who would aim at so high and blessed a Mark as this must know some higher aâ—quaintance with that Mystery of Faith then what seems to be understood by most in this day and of a relyance on God by a partiticular trust yea the truth of such special assistances of the spirit as can raise the soull to a higher resoluteness in the matter of duty by opposition so as it can be born up amidst the strongest difficulties from no humane interest or the greatness of a party in the earth but from the greatness of their God It is true the way of beleeving is an immutable Ordinance which God hath settled for the support and services of his People within â—ime and should be the leading principle of a Christians Life to go through all conditions and changes in adventuring on that God who is of infinite Power both to hurt and help but it is one of the great experiments also of Religion to what a pitch and degree the Faith of some of the Saints hath been raised upon some extraordinar Service for the Lord where no natural causes could influence the same and above what they could in an ordinare way reach 6. Yet is not the door for such a Service shut on any who have an interest in the Truth once delivered to the Saints but may still have some share and room in so great an Undertaking for God and the Interest of his Truth and should each of a serious spirit design something personally for answering this call to sustain a part in so choile a service for the truth suitable to their Station and Talent it should bring a marvelous change therewith on the times and cause another face appear in the publick face of the Church nor is it expressible what the improvement of a little strength when it hath been designed for the Lord under his call hath oft attained which in no ordinare wâ—y or from any visible appearance could ever have been expected yea what a marvelous use the soveraing God can make of a few nay of one where his concurrence goes forth therewith But since the publick State of things this day is such as seems to controul any confidence or hope for answering such a call to stand in the breach of so trying and hazardous a time I would speak a few things in the third place which may put some more then ordinare weight of this call on our spirits 1. That as it 's easy for the Lord to raise and excite the spirits of men to such duties as in the way of humane reason would seem wholly insuperable so can it not be found in the Records of times past that where grace did interpose in any singular way to prevent Judgment and for recovering of a Church in some extreme case but there hath also been something more extraordinar then at other times in the acting forth and excitment of some instruments to appear for God with a more Heroick motion on their spirits then what hath been usual and when he hath had a saving work and design to accomplish then Saviours have come upon Mount Zion Obad v 21. 2. If it be a serious business to discern the times we are in with respect to the publick State of these Nations the voice of this call might then ly near our spirits since if we turn our eyes back it is demonstrably evident that the Lord hath not dealt so with any Nation of the Gentiles under the New Testament as with the Isle of Britain both as to eminent experiments of Providence and the dispensation of Grace and measures of light especially since it's recovery from the Power of Antichristian Darkness so as it is not strange that he hath gone forth in a more singular way of Procedure therewith then other Churches and tho nothing is new under the Sun as Solomon speaks yet there may be seen some thing peculiar and astonishing as to the way and Actings of Providence there in this age as will not be easy for the most judicious Observers to find a precedent for the same and if we now consider the present time as things are stated after such resolute oppositions to the voice of these times past and when no vicissitudes of Providence hath yet put any stop to a growing hight of Apostacy as may bee too visible there yea that it 's sure God will not lose his Work or Intent in the great expence he hath been at for reclaiming this Generation it may be then without a Prophetick Light seen that something very extraordinar is near either in the way of Judgment or Mercy so as this service and appearance in the present Breach seems to be in another manner call'd for bejond that of an ordinare day when there is yet room and the door of intercession not absolutely shut but if this seem light it will be found that the longest measure of divine Patience will come to a Year and a Day at last 3. It is sure and unquestionable also that the answering of this call is the alone way to have God interessed in the publick State and Concerns of Britain in the present day before whom all Nations are as nothing and the greatest Train of Inferiour Causes when their furthest strength and activity is put forth of no weight when he withdrawes his influence as Job 7 8. thy eyes are upon me and I am not It may be matter of serious remark that in this late time something more then ordinare hath appeared in the French standing and strength and tho on principles of reason the Power of such an Adversary should not be such matter of fear when an unusual concurrence of means is to stem such a tide and under the conduct of so Wise and Heroick a Leader yet on the other hand Ashur the rod of my anger Isay 10 5 is a formidable
disrelishing to the spirit of most this day then such a thing but wisdom is justified of her Children and with such let my soul be joined in 9. As it is known and sure that here is no illusion or imaginary thing where any fallacy or deceit lyes to the most judicious and observing Christians who knows herein what makes them glad and whence it is and how no assistance of their own spirit or in the power of nature could possibly impart such a thing so may it be astonishing how such who live under the Profession of Christ and hath any design on ane eternal stare in Heaven can take this on report or be so little inquisitive about so wonderful a truth that there should be such ane enjoiment here on the earth which without any natural cause can put the soul of men into ane entire rest and settlement and when under greatest shakings and fears other ways cause them know the truth of pardon and peace with God with a sure evidence yea at so low ane ebb can immediatly revive and raise with so discernable a change in their inward case for if this be ane undoubted matter of experience it should be not easie for men to live without tryall hereof themselves 10. Let me add further here is a part of that communion which Christians have within time with the most excellent of the earth and such who in all ages of the Church have been the greatest lovers of God and adventurers for him such with whom he hath been most familiar and hath admit not only to the allowance of Subjects but the regard of favourites who hath known how great a Rewarder he is of his own grace yea such who have made the most exact inquiry and tryall upon the truth and security of their comfort herein and hath put to their seall that God is faithfull and true in that he hath thus promised 4. There is this special use to be made of such ane enquiry on the truth of inward experience to see how great and wonderful a Subject we have for reflection hereon and of what singular advantage this should be for strenthning the soul of a Christian against the workings of unbeleef and to give a more full security of mind in the adventures of hope and relyance upon God for things to come It is sure the reflex faculty of man is one of the greatest wonders of nature and if the spiritual use and improvement hereof were more understood on this Subject and what it is to dive in to these still and deep waters it might make such be oft as a wonder to themselves I shall but point at a few reflex acts of a Christian on this great mystery of spiritual experience to shew what manner of enjoiments these are admit to herein which the whole residue of mankind knows nothing of 1. To have such great supernatural truths of the Scripture which did once exceed their faith and reason to be now matter of undoubted experience in the truth power and efficacy hereof on their own souls and thus to know what belongs to the enjoiments of spiritual sence which formerly seemed so darke and incomprehensible a thing yea how great a difference there is betwixt the clearest Acts of the Judgment and understanding about divine things and a reall fealing of the same in the power and vertue thereof betwixt the most sublime apprehensions by theory and the sensible impressions by the Holy Ghost and what a present and marvelous change this makes on the soull of a Christian 2. To enjoy the same no less under a full evidence and certainty of the truth thereof as the alone and immediate Work of God then in their felt power and sweetnesse that here was no casual thing or matter of doubtfulness or uncertainty but where they can clearly see the object of their faith on the truth of divine Revelation now to be the object of there inward Sence and enjoyment and are sure that what God hath spoken he hath done according to the same for if this be not clear Spiritual comforts would be of low value if it were not with that evidence and assurance of being Gods seall as they could adventure their eternal state on the truth hereof 3. And how sweet a part is it when they can thus reflect on their own experience and enjoy the same with no less evidence of the proper cause and original then of the truth of its effects which is one of the greatest helps to give stability and assurance to our Faith to see how the power of Religion is never barren of new experiments of the truth hereof how the greatest objective means in the way of light cannot doe if there were not an Internal effective cause that works powerfully herein and as in nature so in the way of grace how the same cause which makes us live must make us move and act yea to see how the same spirit that confirms a Christian on the truth of his state and of the enjoiments of grace here does confirm Christianity and the enjoyments of glory which must infallibly follow the same and ere long be a matter of their experience also 4. To know this way that surely a nearer intimacy is to be enjoyed with God and of a higher kind which is by the communion of the Holy Ghost then by the immediate ministry of the Angels yea a greater evidence thus given to a Christians soul then by any external miracles since this is a seall of that nature as is given to none but such as are the objects of the divine complacence and delight and its sure the alone greatest evidence of divine love lyes in the internal part of Christianity and these immediate operations of the Spirit of God more then by any external providences 5. To see how these great things of experience come under a present tryall and given to be experienced here on the earth and are not some rare contingency or what may be stated on an extraordinar account but does keep closs with a tender walk and near entercours with God through a Christians whole course and thus knows what such an anointing with fresh oyl means Psalm 92 10. by innumerable reiterated times of such enjoiment yea how the sense and sweetness thereof comes not then by the power and workings of reason but the immediatness of the divine presence tho even then it does not exclude such a discursive work in the clearness of Spiritual reason and light as can fully quiet the mind that here is no illusion or deceit but le ts us see that the Spirit of God can make use of an argument to settle and secure the soul when all essays whither from themselves or others can give no releaf 6. Thus are they admitt to see herewith how deep the foundation of our comfort and security is layd on the faithfulness of God in his revealed truth so as the whole frame of Christianity must be
the way of the Lord to bring Judgment a further length the God of Patience who does not easily destroy the Work of his own Hand and bears long ere a hight of sin does extort the last Stroke of Vengeance did then give such a new breathing or long intermission as to any extraordinary Acts of Judgment but did herewith send new Offers and Conditions of Peace before the decree bring forth Zephan 2 2. so as the next great warning which was given to these Nations was in an other way and method to take a new trâ—all how this yet would work by a most rare preventing Providence in the discovery of the Popish Plot which under the shadow of civil Authority had been so long hatching and ripening until this mine was ready to spring to a visible Ruine of the whole protestant Interest in these Nations This was a singular step of Divine Providence tho the sence hereof may be gone off the Spirits of most wherein he made us see that he was yet still watching over these Lands for their good when they were not aware and would not only warn by so awakning a Providence but turn that contrivance against the contrivers if so this might at last Work and answer the intent hereof But now I must further add what lyes nearer to our sight and observation upon this extraordinare course and Conduct of Providence from the Year 60. to that late call we have been sisted under to see what the Year 88 following did bring forth and here to fix our thoughts with a deep advertency on this strange sight and turn of providence which the most wise Discerners could not some time before have ever supposed on principles of Reason or by any natural connection of things a turn and vicissitude of Providence of such a kind where men may see the Name Majesty of God in some august and singular way shewed forth thereon and his arising to make way for his Power and immediate Appearance in such a manner as had not been known in former times This is indeed a peece of the Work of God that might bring near the Sense of a Godhead to the conscience of the most ordinare Observers and what ever sad and Judicial signs be too evident this day of the improvment made by most hereof yet should it deeply concern us that the Glory and Honor of God in so great a discovery of himself be not darkned or obscured This is a Work vve see but in part and the first Scene of vvhat is yet further in bringing forth and can be little knovvn or taken up by the nearest events of Providence untill the Vision-Speak and the vail be further taken off the same but it is sure herein that these of the most prejudged Spirit at such a Providence hath been constrained to see that this vvas by an immediate divine Hand contrare to the ordinary Course and Actings of Second Causes and how such vvho most eminently acted as Instruments herein vvhat ever access or advantage they had of Resolution Spirit and Counsel in such a Work yet vvere then only called forth to stand still and see a higher Power moving in the same vvho did there look down as in the morning watch to trouble the Motions of these who were against them and in an instant took off their Chariot wheels and made them knovv it vvas in vain either to stand or flee vvhen they had God against them who tho they reckoned to go forth as at other times they knevv not that their day and fatal period vvas novv come Tho there was nothing common or ordinare in this stupendous work wherein such incredible occurrences of providence did then concurr as might constrain the naturall conscience of men to see a supernaturall causality herein yet did somethings speciallie meet here to render this Work of God more highly astonishing 1. That when the fears of most were at the furthest hight of some desolating stroke to accompanie the same where the contrare parties were so stated as the one could not stand but on the ruine of the other and their interest on every side so extensive and great yea when in no times past the harvest of the earth and in these parts thereof seemd more ripe for putting in the Syckel yet even then did the Lord in his soveraign and marvelous disposal spare and went not forth as at other times with garments rolled in blood nor did the actings of his providence appear so terrible as when presages of judgment were more discernable but as this was the opening of the first scene who sees what God is to do who knowth his mind as to these great changes in the externall state of this western part of the World by such a remarkable entry to the same but this may be fully clear to any who does wisely consider the Work of the Lord herein that this was a new and higher tryall which he would yet once more take of these nations and did therefore hold his hand when the stroke seemd ready to fall down 2. It might seem unaccountable to all reason such a conjunction and concurrence of instruments as was in this work for tho the appearance of some herein who did most eminently appear and act did witness speciall high and heroick motions in the same yet how vast numerous a part was imbarked upon this interest and in behalf of the Protestant Religion who could claime no roome or title in the very form and visible profession of Christianity or to have any place in the outâ—er court but it might here with amasement be seen how upon the one side were such stated who maintaind Christs bodily presence in the earth in that sacrifice of the mass as the hibboleth of their profession and on the other side how great a part was there who did ridicull all revealed Religion and seemd not to beleeve his reall presence in heaven But here was it discernable what a return this was by the voice of providence to that grand engine and too known a design of the Romish spirit for many years past to take vvay for popery by destroying men especially the youth in Britain in the moralls of Christianity and to to take thus off all serious Sense and weight of Religion from their Conscience that herein this deep of Hellish Policy did at last turn against themselves and tho they judged themselves secure from any serious influence of Religion on such a Party yet could they not secure them from acting as men on principles of reason who could not but see the interest of Popery and of their civil Rights and Properties were incompatable yea that tho they were acted from no internal motives on a Religious Interest it could not be easie to join in with such a Religion as was made up wholy of external Rites and ceremonial Severity and Strictnesse and had no possible consistency with it self But if we seriously ponder this great vicissitude of
except to Personate Act such a part as that of the mourning Women amongst the Jews at Funerals and amongst these of the most serious Spirit in this day such a restraint may be found of that Seriousness and fervor herein which once did appear as renders it a more ominous Presage that there may be nothing to follow but that last sentence let them alone and must not all thus reason and judge that as the interest of Sacred Truth and the Honor and Glory of God in mens subjecting thereto is of much higher value then any temporal Interest so is the Vindication of the same before the World of a greater concern then the stability or standing of Kingdoms yea to fear more deeply that such a time how long so ever deferred must at last take place when his spotless procedure of Judgement shall be then cleared fully shall I not visit for these things shall not my soul be avenged on such a People But now in the third Place there is one Inquiry that should ly near and hath a more then ordinary call for the same in such a day to know what is yet left and accessible in the matter of duty that might be as a door of hope for the Lords Returning once more and his respiting of imminent Judgement when so great a Ruine is like to fall under the Hand of this Generation I know any such thing will be to most as matter of derision whose fear and hopes of this kind goes no higher then present Objects of Sense and it is little I can adventure to speak hereon but as to any measure of light I have attained I can no more question that the same voice from the Lord is now going forth to the Churches of Britain and Ireland then that I read what is spoke to Juda Ezechiel 22 30. And I sought for a man amongst you that should make up the hedge and stand in the gate before me for the Land that I should not destroy it but I found none therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them I have consumed them with the fire of my Wrath their own wayes have I recompens'd on their Heads says the Lord God It 's sure then wrath was near to a breaking forth when this last call came yet with an offer of Peace nor is it questionable there was a serious part then who were deeply affected with such a time tho it was not easy to find one of a truly raised spirit to do and endure something more then ordinare for God when so great a ruine was ready to fall under their hand but to clear the import of such a call with respect to the publick State of the Churches of Britain under this allusion here made use off to stand in a gape and breach when the Church as a defenced City is laid open to an extream and imminent hazard I must speak a few things to be considered what must follow if no Intercessor be found to answer the voice of this call by a suitable appearance herein 1. Tho it may be now reckoned that the sky is more clear as to the State of Britain then for many Years past when the breach seems to be made sure against either Forrain or intestine Assaults and that in the way of reason and the ordinare course of humane affairs things are come to a more secure and settled State yet is there an other aspect of things that should deeply affect our spirits when the publick hazard of the time is greater then from all humane power and the party to be most feared is assuredly divine Wrath after a long interval of forbearance that is ready to break forth in some extraordinar Acts of Judgment for where a day of attonement goes not before can no true deliverance be expected to raise and settle these Nations yet how rare are they who take this to heart or tremble within themself on the thoughts of Judgment to be near if it does not appear from natural or visible causes tho nothing be more discernable from Moral Signs 2. What ever present calm be from these terrors and fears that have been of late yet may it be judged whither it be a serious business or not to stand in such a breach as is this day when the greatest interest of our Faith is laid open to such numerous assaults as there seems no less cause to stand and contend for the Christian Cause and Interest now in these Nations against such who are under a visible Profession of the same then once was against the Heathens whilst that primitive Spirit which was then a Spirit of Power and of Glory does too rarely appear or these measures of grace in such impressions as was then that are under a sad and judicial restraint most being taken up so entirely with private refentments of personal Injuries and bitter in estine conflicts as the sound of such a hazard cannot be heard until it be felt It was the Power and Evidence of Christianity on mens soull that did first make Protestants and made way for the planting settlement of the Reformed Churches but it would seem now reckoned that the Protestant Interest can stand tho the Christian Faith were extinct in the power and vitalls thereof and might easily be given up by the greatest part of this Generation if it's outworks could be preserved where a temporal Interest â—enders that necessar whilst that magnetick power and vertue which the Truth once had on the World is not to be seen or any deep sence of that Interest which Religion once had in the Glory of a passive Testimony for the same 3. Is not the gape and breach we have to stand in this day of such a kind that where the ancient Love of these renowned Churches the Love of their Youth and Kindness of their Espousals unto God did so brightly shine forth after the Reformation from Popery it is now resolved unto so dismal a change as with most what ever is most lovely excellent and desirable in the Revelation of the Ghospel and should have the most attractive influence on mens soull is visibly despised and vilified yea which renders this breach and gape more dreadful that after all the cost expence which the Lord hath wared in planting and letting forth a vine yard to Britain sending moe Servants then at the first with the indearing persuasives of the Ghospel and on the other hand with solemn and express warnings of the hazard of such Strokes of Judgment to come as hath been afterwards felt yet hath the return been in a continued and growing enmity against the truth and instead of rendring the fruits of this Vineyard in its season hath rather conspired to deride and despitefully use such as have come to demand the same and what can be judged will be the result hereof if men have not concluded that God hath forsaken the earth can it be thought that the Breaches of these Nations shall be
divine Wrath and last Plagues are but in part poured out wherein the appearance of God will be with much terror to the World and that last Triumph of his Justice within time will not be of ane ordinare kind we are to expect great shakings of the Nations and times of breaking down as well as of building up which are yet to come and drawing near II. Because we are entred on these times when the Lord is in a more singular way then heretofore to put the whole Generation of his People on that part of Divinity and the study thereof which relates to his Works and that great Mystery of Providence about his Church when the Key shall then be put in their hand for opening up and a more full understanding the way of the Lord in these times past under the New Testament This is indeed a weighty part of Divinity which is reserved to the latter times in the perfections thereof and these higher improvements to be made on that blessed study then was attainable in former ages when his work now is coming to a more full point It hath been remarkably the business of this age to make a more accurate search and some greater discovery upon natural causes and the workings thereof but I doubt not that ere long the inquisitive World shall be in another manner awaked and their Inquiries run in a higher channel above all second causes to see and admire the great Acts of Providence in the Divinity thereof and not what is humane therein but as they are by way of Eminency the Works of God in the brightness of his immediate appearance in the same It is one of the dismal signs of the present time how much the spirits of men are at work to darken so far as possible the most eminent Discoveries of God in his Works and in the most extraordinare revolutions of humane affairs as if they would set bounds and limits to him according to the course and order of second causes and subject both the truth of his Word and his Works to the comprehension of their reason tho some civil respect they will give and the name of his being the prime cause but shut their eyes on what is more extraordinar and solemne in any piece of his work I would yet point at some special Heads that belong to this choise part of Divinity which we are to expect will in another manner be opened up and I desire to rejoice in the hope hereof 1. As to these more singular cases of Providence which hath been in the Churches course since her first translation from the Jews to the Gentiles with the issue and consequences thereof contrare to the rules or principles of natural reason which is ane Inquiry to be more fully improven then whatever hath been attained this way when men shall see the end of the Lord herein with such evidence as shall tend to clear all bygones in his work 2. These remarkable Periods of time wherein the Prophetical Part of the New Testament hath been successively brought forth in their proper Season as was foretold is yet to have the seall more fully taken off and that vaill which was over them so as it shall be clear and easy to see how the Lord hath not only kept his Word and Truth to his Church but hath kept these times also exactly to which such great events of Providence did relate 3. There is a greater discovery yet to be made then hath been hitherto how the Church hath been led in a right way and by a straight line in her whole course through that long and terrible Wilderness which she was to pass under the dispensation of the Ghospel and what eminent services the Saints have been put on in these strange measures of their warefare which was then allotted to them and in theit overcoming work thereby yea what a higher Triumph our blessed Redeemer hath had in the Faith and patience of his People in so dismal a time then in any external flourishing state of his Church so as it might be said it was then day as to the presence of his spirit and irresistable efficacy of his truth on his followers when it seemed otherwise as the darknes of midnight 4. There belongs to this part of Divinity some higher breaking up of light yet to be made on that Mystery of the Communion of the Saints here with other in the way of providence and what a joint interest they have herein as to what hath been more singular in the Lords way and disposal about others of his People we have little understood what ane inriching trade we might drive upon that stock of these ancient experiments of Christians in following the Lord and these eminent tryalls they have made of the truth who hath in ages past gone before and what a Pawn is thus put in our hand for a further strengthning in the Faith yea what publick interest thus the whole Church of Christ hath in some eminent acts of Providence about particular Christians which in the import and greatness thereof was not given for themself only but as a publick concern to the whole Generation that seek after God in their day and for the times to come according to that Psal â—0 3. Many shall see it and fear and shall trust in the Lord. 5. I must add one great improvement of this special Head of Divinity which will yet be above the measures of times past in the extent of that Reference and Appeal before Angels and Men in behalf of the Truth and Faithfulness of God for what he hath spoken and promised to his Church and is that Tribute of praise which in a higher degree is to be payed in to him now when it 's so near to the close of time then by that great testimony of Joshua 25 14. how not one thing had fail'd of all the good things the Lord had then spoken in behalf of his Church but had fully taken place and was the same Appeal which Solomon made I. Kings 8 56. for this with a higher glory and evidence is to be the Testimony of the latter days when it 's drawing near to that magnificent close and period of Prophetick Chronology and finishing of the Mystery of God therein how his spotless truth hath as the Sun in his strength kept it's way and course amidst all these dark clouds which hath spread to darken the same and no promise or prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture hath ever fail'd or fallen to the ground now when it 's drawing so near to the perfect Day It is true each age hath had their proper measures of light in order to the service of that time and something peculiar allotted in the dispensations of Providence yea some greater eminency did belong to these times past when the sufferings of Christians did most abound in the adventures of Faith and in the tryal of love then in after times but as to higher
the universal sence of mankind how this way the Lord does put the highest honor on men here on the earth in the passive valour of Christianity yea thus puts the most distinguishing marks of respect on his choisest Favourites But there is a VI. INQUIRY I must further direct you to without which no evidences of the truth can be truly effectual on your soull which is on that wonderful part of Christianity that lyes in the truth of inward experience and is the very life and soull of our Religion The greatness of such a Subject makes it more difficult to speak hereon now in a short Epistolary Discourse but it shall be in as few words as is possible only to point at such things as may tend to more clear and solid impressions of this Mystery and make way for your own search and tryall of the same and I hope I may say they are things which have not been taken on report or have found it easy to be satisfyed herein as to a full acquiescence in the truth and assurance thereof but it 's to a few special ends I would refer your serious improvement of this great Inquiry 1. For this end that a clear notion and Idaea of spiritual experience of the things of God may be more deaply setled on your spirit and how in these respects it is to be understood 1. that God hath directed his Sacred Truth unto men not only for trust but for tryall which is a tryall of that nature stated on so great and wonderful things that the whole vital part of Religion should be a strange and dark thing until you be once entred hereon they are blessed who beeleve and have not yet seen what relates to the State of Glory above but they can never be blest who do not see as well as beleeve what belongs to the life and enjoyments of Grace within time in the truth of inward experience 2. It is here must be understood the first Acquaintance of men with the Spirit of God which is ane acquaintance of that concern as the Lord hath laid over the weight of his peoples spiritual joy refreshment and support whilst they are within time on the same and is the first entry on converse with spirits and with God the Father of spirits which shall be eternal 3. It is such as hath a distinct evidence from any moral influence by the Word or light to the judgment and is the proper object of spiritual sense which no humane power or Angels can impart but God hath reserved only to himself who can only make his own love known to the soul and no report or testimony of men can doe 4. It is hereby Christians enter on possession in some degree of divine truth and these great things promised as a earnest in hand to assure them that the rest shall not faill tho it adds no security to the truth of the promise but for a more abounding assurance to such who receave the same 5. Tho here be a common and joint interest amongst Christians yet must each have his proper and distinâ—l part in the truth of inward experience which is his peculiar interest and talent and it 's sure nothing does more work on mens souls and afford more sweet thoughts then what this way is made there own to know in themselves the internal demonstrations of the truth they professe in the power and vertue thereof and to know what great things hath passed between God and their own soul and what remarkable times hath gone over them and special remarkes herein of divine conduct and his immediate appearance in the course of their life 6. It is of that kind as none possibly can take on trust from the testimony of others or will satisfy without personal tryall tho this be more known to such who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil Hebr. 5 14. 7. But whatever singular use is hereby to the support of our Faith yet are they not the grounds thereof since these are only what God hath spoke in his word and not what he hath done in his work tho they are at a great loss who have begun late to observe the same it is true the greatest talent which is by inward observation and experiments which have been most deeply affecting in the present time does not abide in the same sense and fealing and mayly as a dead stock upon a Christians hand without fresh and immediate supplies yet are they still the same in the truth thereof and does ever evidence how far the enjoiment of grace and of a spiritual estate does exceed the greatest enjoiments of nature 8. This also must be understood not only by the testimony of inward sense but what comes under the most exact and judicious tryall as to the principles it leans on without which there could be no true enjoiment of the same if they were not as fully satisfied of holding their experience by right as in possession and that these great things are no shadowes or appearances but what is of the highest truth substance and reality 9. It is sure that God is not known in the earth or enjoyed in truth but in the light of inward evidence and experience except in such a manner of Balaam to see him but not near but not in the knowledge of converse and fellowship with that God whom they professe to know or what it is to have their soul inward and familiar with him in the experience of such a thing 10. It is by inward experience upon the souls of men that God doeth in a more special way secure and preserve that sacred record of his truth in the World then by humane Lawes or authority by ane internal conforming of the spirits of his people to his revealed truth whereby the inward man becomes as a repository thereof for when men once become Christians in truth they are then the declared Epistle of Christ by ane indissoluble union of the truth and their souls together I shall but add that the experimental part of Religion is not perfited here but within a little there will be ane entrance on ane eternity of experience of what once with admiration and desire was hoped for and the enjoiment of that state above will be no object of Faith but of sense and purely experimental A Second Intent of this Inquiry should be to clear how the enjoiment of one Christian in the way of experience may be no measure or rule to others in the tryall of their state upon these grounds 1. That the least reall evidence of the Sanctifying vertue of the truth bears witness to the truth of a new life and of spiritual sense and discerning herewith as a few grapes does difference between a vine and a bramble 2. Because the reall Work of God may be long without the witness thereof and the first giving of the new life and a discerning of the same are distinct acts
of the spirit which doe rarely go together so as to know when the pulse of this life does begin first to beat 3. As there are different sises and grouth amongst the Saints within time so does the talent of experience and inward observation much differ in the state of some in respect of others and does answer to higher conflicts and assaults in a Christians warefare and higher improvements of grace herein whence it is that patience brings forth experience and as it hath so great a room and service for God bejond other graces of the spirit so hath it a great income of reward by the most rare and inriching experience of a Christians life thence is it that these of the highest form of Christians and of the choisest spirit has been put to a higher exercise thereof then others and made to be a more publick blessing by example herein to their Generation 4. It is clear the experimental part of Christianity may have respect to some special times and Periods of mens life so as one day may be more memorable then as they have ever known before yea to such times when they are put to a higher service in the tryall of their Faith and led unto paths of providence that might seem untrodden which hath been usually a time of great observation as to a higher light and evidence on the experimental tryall of Religion 5. This different measure hath respect also to the first entry of Christians on some very dark paths of providence when the Lord is to lead and encline them into a wilderness by giving in assurance with a double measure on their souls like Elijahs call to arise and eat and Josephs dream twice given when his conflicts and tryalls were to be doubled upon him yea this may be also on this ground as it is peculiar to some Christians above others to be kept more closs on such a Scent in that rare exercise to discern the workings of God on their soull and to try the certainty hereof from the natural work of their own Spirit and who may be more exact then others to lay up and record the same and not lose the least fragment of such assistances to their Faith 3. This Inquiry should be of special use likewise to know what great things these are to which the experimental part of Christianity does relate wherein they of the lowest sise of Christians have a common and joint interest whatever difference be in the degree but it is a very short touch I can here give on so great a subject and on some few Heads 1. The translation and entry of a Christian unto a new state and world here in the earth is one of the greatest things of experience tho it hath not a like clear evidence nor the precise time and entry can be in the same manner known for men to know so marvelous a change in themselves and that here is no illusion or dream and how it is sure this was never told to mankind but in the Bible which none ever did foresee or project to themself yea which in the very notion thereof was once a terra incognita to them and could have no possible rise from nature whose proper work is to overcome nature I know this may seeme astonishing and not easie for many to bear that professed Christians may have the same need to be converted to Christianity that Pagans have or perish that the letter of the word only or any length in exter al duties can save none who know nothing of internal evidence or the spiritual Powers of Christianity 2. It does relate to this Head to know that God and his People here in the World are no strangers to other in the truth and enjoiment of communion with him for as this is ane essential part of our Faith and one of the most sure and established constitutions of our Religion by ane unalterable rule so is it matter of undoubted enjoiment without which a Christians course and passage through time were unpassible it is true this is so great a thing as may make the most experienced Christian to be a wonder to himself and is not a subject of ordinary thoughts 3. To this belongs also the truth and enjoiment of supernatural comforts here on the earth such as peace immediatly from God and the joys of the Holy Ghost which can have no possible rise from nature and was never known to men but on this tryall of experience that such a thing is sure with respect unto which the highest experiments of nature are low and of mean concern yea which are comforts of that kind as can be only known by its contrary and hath been still more ouweing to the sorest conflicts then to the sweetest calm of a Christians life and such as the elect Angels did never know or partake of 4. The prevalency of prayer with God and to know with assured evidence both the acceptance hereof in Heaven and the returns thereof upon the earth is also one of these great things of experience and can never be known else as a subject of contemplation only which hath been direct of the Lord as a prescript for such ones where no humane wisdome or power could possibly answer and is not bounded by the most desperate case which would seem to shut out all hope and encouradgment But as to this I must say how little seemes that part of our Religion tho one of the most wonderful parts thereof to be improven in that manner now as in former times and in the most extraordinare exigences which Christians have been in yea how low a trade is it which by most this day is carried on in so marvelous a way as this which the Lord hath established betwixt heaven and earth and hath such immediate correspondence with the whole inward life and vitalls of Christianity to preserve and strenthen the same A 5. Head on this Subject to be matter of great thoughts and reflection is this that here on the earth there is such a thing to be enjoyed in the truth and certainty of experience as an earnest and seall of the Spirit of God 2 Corinth 1 22. who hath also sealed us and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts Ephes. 1 13. in whom also after that ye beleeved ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance c. 2 Corinth 5 5. now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God who hath also given us the earnest of his Spirit I know there hath been much inquiry on this Subject as to a clear sence and judgment thereof both by Schoolmen and Practical Writers tho it is such a thing as must needs be a strange and dark riddle where the Spirit of God is not the Interpreter and some near entercourse with this great teacher that in his light we may see light but that it is surely promised of God and could
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