That such signes and prodigies have been in every age visible to the World experience and the gravest histories both of auncient and later times do fully witnes 2. That such things should also be previous to great revolutions in the World we know the Scripture is most expresse Ioel 2 ver 30. Luk. 21 ver 11. And as we should guard against any sinperstitious respect we would also bevvare of stupid Atheistical inadvertency at these strange works of the Lord which call both for fear and observation 3. That such have been usually previous to great calamities and judgements on a People is a thing that all ages must witness even these who have been most cautious and discerning in their time who could not shun this as a remark Herodotus doth set that down as a think most sure in his sixth Boek Cum Deus puniturus est gentem urbem prodigiis id solet â—ignificare and Lucan could tell what went before the Romans civill wares Superique minaces Prodigiis terras implerunt yea it can hardly be instanced any great change or revolution in the earth which hath not had some such extraordinary Herald going before 4. Can the World deny how sometimes these prodigious signes have been shaped out to point at the very nature of the stroke then imminent by a strange resemblance to the same such as a flaming sword in the air the appearance of armyes fighting even sometimes upon the earth to the view of many most sober and judicious onlookers also showers of blood the noise of Drummes and such like which are known usually to go before warr and commotions NINTH That there are evil spirits Eph. 6 12. Rev. 20 ver 2 3. and a Diabolical power such as the Scripture hath held forth whose constant work is the ruin and undoing of man is a truth not only witnessed from that experience Christians have of their assaults but is undenyable by the world and greatest Athiests except they deny the discovery of sense as well as reason I confesse it may cause fear and astonishment to think on this that spirits so knowing and once originally excellent have fallen thus into such an height of indignation against infinit goodnesse that it is now their only aim and pleasure to dishonor God and destroy his image in man It should indeed cause us fear him that spared not the Angels who sinned But the truth it selfe is sure that such a party is at this day encompassing the earth and trafficking up and down there to prove which by arguments were to light a candle to let men see that it is day while it is known what ordinary familiar converse many have therewith and alace too easy to discern that power which the prince of this world hath upon the children of disobedience how obvious are the marks of his conquest almost every where Thousands lying in his chaines how far do we see many transformed even to the very image of the Devil which in these desperat prodigious acts of wickednes that are oft in the world may appear such whereat we should think humane nature though corrupt could not but tremble yea look on with horrour how many in all ages have even been in an expresse covenant with them and is not there a great part of the earth where the Devil is visibly and audibly known where he hath a kind of neighbourhood with men But there being no need for such a demonstraâ—ion I onely here aim to hold forth what a concerning truth this is and of great consequence if seriously considered yea how both the Scripture and Christian Religion is hereby evidently confirmed since these things must necessarly follow 1. That in this the Scripture is truely fulfilled which doth witnes what these Spirits are adversaries to man in their nature and inclination desperatly evill whose actings in the earth have a visible tendency to mens hurt and ruin yea their pretended favours alwayes directed to that end whence we see such a natural inbred horrour which is in man against them 2. That it is no common thing which they so much pursue something more pretious then the body for which so great and cruel an adversary is in continuall labour for their actings have no such tendency to ruin mens estate in the World no it is most evident this is the soul the immortal soul to undoe them in that great interest wich is the mark whereaâ— they level that poor man might be sharer of that misery under which they are concluded 3. Is it not an undenyable consequence of this truth that there must be an invisible World that hath inhabitants of another kinde then such as are here that sure there is some being above man yea a real correspondence betwixt men and Spirits and should not man thus placed in a middle estate betwixt the Angels and the beasts here below partaking in his body with the one but in his reasonable soul with the other thence raise himselfe to thoughts of some more excellent condition for which he is framed then a sensual life and that surely the soul hath an interest in an other world which he should most look after 4. Must not this also be sure that there is an invisible guard and these desperat Spirits are under restraint by a power stronger then they which can bound their malice for this may be certain that these who have so great enmity to man are so near and have such advantages over us could not keep at such a distance but that they are keept in chaines by a higher power 5. How is it that now by the Gospel and within this precinct of the Church Sathans power is so much restrained in respect of former times while it is known what a familiar converse they had with men did even haunt their houses and were so publick in their appearance under such names of Fairies and Brounies which since the breaking up of the light of the Gospel hath not been yea hath not the Devil to this day an open throne and dominion in these parts of the earth where Christ is not worshiped it is also known how the oracles of old did cease and that publick worship which the world for many ages had given them with the very time of Christs apearance and breaking up of the Gospel these night beasts getting to their dennes when once the day was broke up Plutarch and other heathen writers are a witnes to this 6. Whence is it that within the Church where Sathan is most restrained yet there he doth more stur then in all the world besids Doth it not shew that that is the party with which he is at war hence doth he more rage the more clear the light shineth yea is there not seen something besids mens natural enemity at the truth even a fury and violence wherewith some are visibly driven in their actings with such an unsatiable cruelry against the followers of Christ without the least shadow of provocation as holds
doth commend it self to mens consciences as a safe ground whereon they may repose their soul It is also clear how wonderfully the Scripture hath been preserved and the original copyes thereof keept through all ages that what ever small variation there may appear as to some Apiculi which in some places hath caused divers readings yet in any necessary or saving truth the greatest Criticks will confesse they do not in the least vary and it is knowen wherein we are to adore that special providence of God that the Jewish Church to whom this sacred depositum was delivered did with such exact and singular care look to the same even in the least tittle or letter thereof this being the great work and study of the Mazarites from one age to another to see to the preserving of that great record from being in the least vitiat or corrupt and the greatest adversaries of the truth cannot possibly deny that aggreement betwixt these many original copyes in the whole substance which may be very convincing to the World And doth not men see how marvellous the whole frame of the Scripture is What a correspondency betwixt all the parts thereof that nothing in it doth in the least vitiat the proportion and beauty of the work but all alongst an evident tendency to advance holinesse and conform the soul to God With a wonderful consent and harmony in answering to this great end we see the simplicity and plaines of its style yet backt with a convincing Majesty and authority upon the conscience yea besids it hath been attested by miracles that were great in themselves famous in their time transmitted to the Church in after ages with unanswerable evidences of their truth that not only from the witnes of the Word but other pressing and rational grounds may let us see there could be no deceit or imposture therein These are a great testimony to the truth but I may say on very sure ground that next to that great witnes of the Spirit there is no argument more convincing to reach Atheisme a stroke and throughly satisfy an exercised Spirit who may be plunged anent this great thing the authority of the Scripture then a clear discovery of its performance whilst under the assault of such a temptation if this be the very word of God they may but retire within and then turn their eyes abroad in the World to see what a visible impresse of the Word is stamped on every piece of the work and providence of God Now for further clearing I would offer these few things 1. First the accomplishment of the Scripture is a very publick testimony from Heaven to its divinity whilst the Lord by his works through the Earth which are done in the view of Angels and Men doth solemnly avow that this is his Word for we must say his work within on the hearts of his People without about the Church is such whereat men yea all the magicians of the earth may stand amazed and confesse that nothing lesse then a divine almighty power can accomplish the same 2. This gives in the witnes of all the generation of the righteous who from the beginning have proven the truth thereof yea sealed by the blood of many excellent Christians some of whom though they could not well disput for it yet had so strong a demonstration of the power of the truth within as made it an easy work to dy for the same 3. This doth clearly shew the Scripture is an unchangeable rule of righteousnes that alters not but takes place in all ages whence such as are wise to bring providence in to the Word and compare the experience and remarks of one time with another may have a great reach and be thus led in a sure path as to the for seeing of events 4. This also doth demonstrat that it is his Word who doth rule and guide the World and hath a soveraign dominion over the fame whilst we may here see such remarkable events which both in the present and in former times have fallen out as may shevv a povver that can reach the greatest vvith a stroke shake the most established Kingdomes and even over the belly of insuperable difficulties accomplish the Word yea that surely the Spirit of the vvheels vvhich moves them is from him vvhose Word this is for it is not more clear that these courtaines of the Heavens are stretcht forth over the Earrh then that the Scripture is stretcht out over the vvhole vvork and frame of providence so as all the motious and steps thereof even of the most casual things that fall out hath a visible tendenâ—y to accomplish these ends vvhich the Scripture hath held forth 5. This clearly sheweth it must be his Word who hath forseen all things that were to beâ—all the Church and the various changes and adventures of every Christians life through time whilst it is so wonderfully shaped and suited to every new tryal of the Church as if intended only for that time and to every case of a godly man as though it had been alone writ for them 6. This also sheweth that he who is the author of the Scripture and hath framed that admirable piece must have some immediat correspondence with the Spirit of Man knoweth our sitting down and riseing up yea doth search the heart and the reines for experience can tell how the Word is directed to the heart doth reach the most inward contrivances thereof doth so clearly reveall and open up a Christian to himselfe that we may say of a truth he is the God of the Spirits of all flesh and one greater then our heart whose it is 7. I shall further adde the fulfilling of the Scripture in the experience of the saints doth shew it is not a dead letter but hath power and life and there must be an enlightning quickning spirit that surely goeth along with the same this clearly demonstrates something above words yea above nature in the written Word that can make such a change upon the soul give life to the dead open the eyes of the blind yea can turn a lump of earth that formerly tended downward now without any violence to move from a principle of life towards God as the sparks flee upward VI. The aceomplishment of the Scripture is a most pleasant and truely delectable subject worthy of our Serious thoughts and study for here is held out the highest truth for the judgement to contemplat the truth and faithfulnes of God in the Word and here is also the greatest good for the affections to embrace and delight in as that wherein our whole happines is certainly wrapt up it is undenyable that it is the godly man who knoweth best what true and solide pleasure is which he doth not losse by turning his heart from the creature to God but maketh a blessed exchange O how far doth the joy and delights of the soul exceed these of the senses and the delight of a Christian how far
doth it surpasse that of a natural man even in his best estate and I am sure this pretious study of the dayly performance of the Word is one of these pathes of pleasure which would bring in more solide joy to the spirit in some few houres then some years wallowing in the carnal delights of the flesh which is but as pleasure in sport but quickly turneth to grief in earnest it is one of the great mistakes of the World that religion tends so much to sadden and disquyet the soul nay it is certainly the want of this because we are so little truely religious when we scruffe over our duety and take but a passing look of the wayes and work of God in the World then it is indeed very affrighting and unpleasant but when in a more Christian way we doe seriously look thereupon and get our heart near God taking the Word alongst with us O how delightful and ravishing a sight will this beâ— I truely think though there were not a command though it were no duety nor such advantage in the study of this grave truth yet that joy and refreshment which the soul would find in such a diligent search in going down into this blessed deep should invite us thereto But when I speak of this what a sweet and delightful subject the performance and outmaking of the Scripture is it must be understood that it is so only to the saints and it is no wonder the World keep at such a distance with it for this is a truth they cannot bear they hate it which as Micajah doth Prophesy alwayes bad things and carrieth a message of death to them a serious look of this truth to ungodly men is as the hand witing upon the wall before them which doth foretel their approaching ruin and should cause them all tremble the knowledge whereof must encrease their sorrow and disquyetness yea cause them cry out O doe not torment us before the time for they are surely undone and ruined if the Scripture of God be true and hath a performance But O what pleasant and refreshful tydings doth this carry to a Christian What a sweet view doth he here get of the inheritance and blessed estate of the saints which may cause such ane exclamation how great is that goodnes which is laid up for these that fear thee To demonstrate this I shall hold out somethings from which we may see how delightful a subject the accomplishment of the Scripture is for a Christian to study 1. Serious converse with this grave truth leadeth forward to practice and thus helpeth to bring down theory to experience which is the most sweet and desireable of all other demonstrations that we can have of the truth of the Scripture and maketh our light clear and pleasant to the taste turning the exercise of our judgement and reason thereanent into sense and feeling we are then made to see what a difference there is betwixt that discovery which a spiritual man whose religion is his practice hath of this and the cold winter-light of a natural understanding that hath no heat or warmenes therewith which is as great a difference as betwixt hearing of such a thing by report and seeing it with our eyes 2. This blessed study hovv the Scripture hath certain accomplishment vvould help to read the Word vvith an other kinde of pleasure O vvhat representation should then the truths and promises thereof have to the godly man it vvould be as one going in to look over his charters and the great things therein contained vvhich he doth not in the least debat or question since they are past the seals and fully ratifyed and novv considereth all vvhich is promised as his own vvhich he lookt in former times upon but as a common thing vvhilst he made not earnest of the certainty thereof and vvhat an intrest he had in the same O when he readeth that promise of a new heaven and earth that glorious estate which abideth the Saints He cannot turn his eyes thoughts so easily off it but is made to stand vvonder that so great a thing that vvill make such a mervellous change in his condition is even shortly to come to passe hovv svveet and pleasant is it for such to turn over these promises vvho can set to his seal and bear this vvitnes that he hath as really proven the truth thereof by sure experience as he knovveth he hath a real being surely the Bible is an other thing to these then it is to the great part of men vvho only make it the subject of their contemplation 3. In this blessed study vve should have much laid to our hand to observe and our observation made svveet and pleasant to us for there vve might see hovv all the paths of the Lord tovvards his People are mercy and truth this vvould give us a refreshful diary of providence hovv in such a plunging strait we found the Word sensibly sealed vvhat observable confirmations vve have had therevvith at such a time and in such a condition the after-recounting of vvhich in ane houre of tryal or in the evening of our life vvould exceed these greatest pleasures the Men of this World can have in looking over their gold and greatest treasures which for many yeares they have been laying up 4. In the serious study of the dayly accomplishing of the Scripture we should have a most satisfying vievv and prospect of vvhat God is doing up and down the Earth vvhat purposes and designes he hath on foot and hovv things here beneath do vvork together for carrying on of the same vve should see vvhat an excellent and curious piece of vvork this frame of providence is vvhich the more it is considered it vvill be the more a vvonder hovv perfect in all its parts hovv compact and vvell set in all its various collours what an observable concurrence there is there hovv these several discords vvhich vve see here do yet aggree vvith one consent for the compleeting of Gods design vvhich is still going on and vvhilst vve think there must be some disorder amongst the vvheells vve are made after to see that this confusion vvas an excellent step of providence confounding the vvisdome of men every piece of his vvav being so knit to another as discovers to such who make this blessed truth their serious study a most rare contexture beyond the reach and uptaking of the greatest Artists that ever was Here also we might go up to that watch-tower of Christian observation and from thence take a grave look of Gods way and lay his work in the World to the Scripture as the measuring lyne where we should see and find the sight thereof very pleasant how the Word every day takes place doth ishue through all the veines and arteries of providence each line whereof is so exactly drawen as by a pincel in some skillfull hand to that great exemplar of the Scripture here we might discern these eminent examples
motions of the flesh have still a tendency congruous to their own nature to turn the heart carnal and to alienat it from God so as it is easy to discern how in these the rise and the end do throughly correspond 3. That this is a cruel taskmaster if once it bear sway imperious in its command and violent in its pursuit so that their experience may herein tell it s a sore and an intolerable thing for a servant to bear rule 4. That to things most forbidden the flesh moveth most impetuously so as it will even break through the hedge though sure there by to be scratcht wirh thornes yea it is oft so eager in its pursuit that it will follow the bait while the hook is most discernable 5. That when once this doth swell and wax fat they may upon another interest cry woe 's us our leannes for like the scales of the ballance they find a proportionable abatement and depressing of their spiritual life as the flesh goeth up yea they have cause to know how every step of their hearts going forth to the World is a step that doth put them further off from God 6 That the more closely the Law is prest in its spiritual extent yea the more spiritual a duty is the more fully opposit they find their carnal heart and though the flesh may bear up a litle with the forme of Religion and hath more complacency with that way which lyeth most in externals yet it cannot endure the power thereof it can suffer men to be Hypocrites but not truely Christians 7. To restrain and bring this under bondage they find that it doth put the Spirit so much at liberty which getting loose rains for a litle will leave the soul work for many dayes and with sad after groanes pay back an houres pleasure yea they also know when the outward man is low and upon a sensible decay it hath not then hindered but rather effectually helped their inward joy and strength 8 That indulgence to the flesh causeth a sensible thick interposition between Heaven and the soul whence they are so clogged and hamperd in their flight and motion toward God yea thus have often their choised duties been made a sore and grievous task 9. That this is the true rise of their usual perturbations and doth still put some jar betwixt them and their lot and doth hinder a satisfyed enjoying of that which they have through murmuring at that they want yea they know that to please the flesh hath been oft the cause of their greatest grief and displeasure 10 They also find how the defilement of their Spirit doth help to darken it which overgrown with the flesh can have no clear discovery of spiritual things but the more separat from the body and purged from these grosse dregs they find themselves at a further advantage to converse with divine truths which thus they get discovered beyond all that nature can reach 11. That the heart of man is deceitful and desperatly evil Jer. 17 ver 9. Jer. 4 ver 14. Prov. 4 ver 23. is a Scripture truth where to the Christians experience doth answer as the face answereth to its selfe in the glasse yea we may say it is so clearly demonstrat to these who were ever serious about their inward case that while they thus read the Word in themselves and are made to read themselves in the Word they may with wonder acknowledge that he which can sound this great deep of the heart and drawe so vive a portraicture thereof is surely one before whom all things are manifest who doth search and try the reins and know what is our mould and fashion this is one of the very first lessons which practical Religion doth teach and the more nearnes with God and further measure and grace that is attaind the more clear discovery there will be of this O! what sad houres what bitter complaints hath it caused This oft doth marre the Christians feast and mingle their Wine with Gall and wormwood I am sure if that excellent company of the Saints who have been from the beginning to this day could be brought together ro give in their suffrage and witnes concerning the deceitfulnes of the heart there would be one joynt testimony to this truth we should find that Enoch who walkt with God Moses with whom he spake face to face that beloved servant who leand in Christs bosome and he vvho vvas caught up to the third Heavens vvere no strangers thereto but could vvitnes thus 1. That it is vvithin vvhich aileth them most and their greatest adversaries are men of their ovvn house yea that in the vvorst of times there is still more cause to complain of an evil heart then of an evil and corrupt World there being no vvorse company then they are oft to themselves 2. That no time of their life but might give them some further proof that they are fooles vvho trust their ovvn heart vvhich oft vvill escape and over-reach their quickest reflexion even vvhen both their eyes are on it yea that there is no time that allovveth the putting off their armour or to dismisse their guard not the best case of the greatest establishment in grace nor the evening of the day though they vvere vvithin some minutes of the crovvn and compleat victory doth priviledge them from the experience of a deceitful heart 3. That under the best frame they find there will often lurk that which after-time doth discover that for the present though it had been told they could not have believed untill frequent experience maketh them see that the Word knowed their heart better then themselves 4. That to bring home their heart when once it goeth abroad or recal the liberty they have given it is not easy which doth no sooner parley with a temptation at a distance adventure to sport therewith but it quickly turneth to earnest and is ready to yeeld 5. They know the constant need to have a watch upon their senses and to make a Covenant with their eyes which doe so quickly betray their heart so easy it is to be deceived yea to grow warm and to take need-fire upon the smallest touch 6. How quickly also their spirit doth slacken and lose its bensil even in the greatest advantage of their case their experience can tell that when in some measure they have been raised up in any spiritual enjoyment they were then in hazard to be lift up to the wind and to have their substance dissolved in the more solid part of Christianity 7. What a sight have they sometime of themselves such as would be a terrour to them if the heart and motions thereof could be writ out to the view of others or that any were vvitnesses to that which in one roome will dwell beside the grace of God as its door-neighbour 8. In a word their experience doth witnes how soon the strongest resolutions will evanish that they are not oft in the evening what they
so as their very bones might sing Who is like unto the o Lord It is true real pardon of sin doth not allwayes inferre the sensible feeling thereof and when it is remitted in Heaven there is not alwayes a declaration of it in the conscience but it is also sure that this is sensibly felt and that it is tryed by all even all the generation of the righteous to have had as powerful an operation on a disquiet troubled soul as ever wine or the choisest cordial could have on the sick or faint O! if these who question this were in their case to whom God speaketh peace after a storm they should know how real and certain that is I would offer the Christians witnes to this promise from many many experiments by vvhich the Lord hath sealed it to their soul whereby they know assuredly it is no fancy or delusion 1. How this hath as sensible a connexion with the serious exercise of contrition and repentance in their experience as it certainly hath in the word and promise while they find that in silence and keeping up their case from God their bones have been troubled their spirit in a restles and disquiet condition untill once they made an addresse and got their soul vented by confessing to â—he Lord which was then like a kindly turn and cool of a fever 2. They know it is no delusion that is found so certain a cure to a wounded spirit under the sense of sin a wound which the world and all its diversions could never heal whose pain and grief no musick can allay a drop of divine displeasure being enough to turn all their pleasures in wormwood and gall but O! a taste of this unspeakable cordial one warming look of a reconciled God they know by experience can give present ease 3. It is no delusion which they can command no more then the sun to shine when overclouded or the wind to blow but when it listeth which the most perswading moral arguments can no wayes effectuat nor all their former experience yea the letter of most refreshing promises which sometimes are to them but as the white of an egge without taste until once the spirit breath which not only discovereth the ground of their joy in the word but doth also cause them to rejoyce therein when it shineth upon the same 4. It must be no delusion which causeth so marvellous a change that after greatest disquieting fears they have found most sensible manifestations of love the greatest flood on the back of the lowest ebb in their spiritual condition which oft hath forced them to retreat what their feares and jealousies did utter yea have made them enquire with wonder whence they are so chearful to day who yesternight were so broken and crusht whence their spirit should be in so sweet a calm that so lately was like the raging and troubled sea 5. That this hath oft met them as a blest surprizal and unexpected welcom when they have in a backsliding case come in to God they certainly know that when they knew not how to adventure and at what end of their raveled condition to begin counts having run long over yet on their very first addresse have got a sweet disappointment to their feares been helped to their feet yea some times have had as it were the fatted calfe killed to make merry with their friends 6. That which hath an audible voice within so strong an Impression upon the soul which carryeth with it such a clear satisfying discovery of Gods heart and love is surely no delusion while the intimation of that one truth Your sins are forgiven or any other word of promise for that end they have found to be an argument beyond words which they could not resist but for the time have been as sure they see and feel this as that they live yea can no more now call it in question then formerly they could get it believed 7. That is no delusion which causeth them with another kinde of freedome approach to God maketh them know there is a Spirit of adoption which sets the soul at liberty from the sore bondage and thraldome under which their former backsliding had put them yea a thing not only sensibly felt by themselves but may be discerned by others while they cannot smoother the joy of their heart or hide in their couutenance such a change of their condition that truely God hath dealt comfortably with them 8. Hath not this the Saints in all ages witnessed even a joy unspeakable and full of glory which though but of short continuance yet for the present so strong as hath ravished their soul with the hope of the inheritance above and clear view of their interest in it yea sometimes made them sing for joy in expectation of that blessed day but O! this is better felt then expressed 9. And in a word can that be a delusion that hath oft turned the poor mans hell into a Heaven which trysts the Christian in the way of his duty and the work doth so exactly answer the promise most sensibly felt after greatest shakings of the conscience by the law and can make a sad outward lot so very sweet and pleasant cause them triumph over the wrath of men to sing in a dungeon to abound and have all things under greatest wants look grim death chearfully in the face in its most dreadful aspect yea doth make so great and visible a difference betwixt the Christian and himself SIXTH Instance Is that promise of encouragement and support under the crosse which is expresly held forth in the Word that the Lord will own his People bear their charges and be with them in trouble in the day of their suffering for his truth yea will bind up the broken in heart heal their wounds Psal 91 ver 15. Isai 43 ver 2. Cap. 41 ver 17. Cap. 49 ver 14. Psal 9 ver 9. Isai 51 ver 12. Now that this promise is a truth and hath a certain accomplishment the experience of the Saints in all ages will witnes and we know their testimony is true what at solemn times of Gods presence they have had in a barren wildernes how great a cloud of witnesse doth seal this and give their testimony to the crosse of Christ of which we may say the fame and sweet savour hath gone forth and spread abroad through the Church the Fathers have told it to the Children and one generation to another but hovv litle a part thereof can be expressed I think it would be a marvellous record if the suffering and prison experiments of the Saints vvere particularly set dovvn vvhat they have sound under the crosse but it is vvell vve knovv this promise hath been and this day is evidently sealed concerning which I dare attest the experience of as many as did ever drink of this blessed cup and were counted worthy to suffer for the testimony of Christ if this be not a faithful true witnes
enchantment had fallen on men vvhat that could bee vvhich the more they sought to bear dovvn the more it increased that made the rich choose poverty and these vvho dwelt in palaces take themselves vvith chearfulnes to the dens and caves of the earth but besides this it is very manifest that in a large measure the spirit hath been let forth to the church in after ages yea there is no particular church vvhere the light hath shined but hath had it's special times some solemn day of the powring out of the spirit before the sun vvent down vvhich may be observed either at the first breaking up of the gospel or at some other remarkable time and change of her condition vvhence a great tack of souls to Christ hath follovved in a day vvherein an effectual doore vvas opened besides the reaching of the conscience and stirring the affection of many others under a common vvork of the spirit which usually goeth along vvith such solemn times 6 The going back of the tide and visible withdravving of the spirit from particular churches vvhere it hath sometime in a large measure been let forth is a very convincing vvitnes to the truth of this promise for it is clearly seen at vvhat a stand the gospel is in these places vvhere it most eminently shined that the land vvhich blossomed and vvas like a vvatered garden hath been made as the heath in the vvildernes and the ground from vvhence rain is vvithdravven and then that the ministers of Christ vvhose lot hath fallen in such a time are put to very sore vvork to vvorke as it vvere vvith oares for vvant of vvind to cast out the net all night and catch nothing a shut doore is upon them in the exercise of their Ministry duty is made Lurthensome because the Lord is against them there is an evident restraint upon the word and its intercourse is more with the ear then with the consciences of men yea any liberty they find is to execut a commission of judgement and to denounce the woe of the Gospel O doth not so manifest withdrawing of the spirit witnes the outletting thereof and that it is a certain and real thing 7. Doe not the stirrings and strange convictions which even the worst of men have sometimes under the word witnes a divine spirit and power going along therewith that which forceth an assent from their conscience to the truth which otherwayes they hate yea maketh them for the time wonder they should not have been more serious in the wayes of God yea it doth often put a thorn in the bed of their security for indeed the word and the light thereof doth torment these who dwell in the earth And truely this is a marvellous thing which winneth in uponm mens secret designes and councels doth reveal to them the most closs thoughts of their heart which they are sure mens eye could not reach taketh them down through themselves and yet that the world knoweth not whence it is yea are they not forced to confesse what a great difference they find betwixt the word from the mouth of some who are holy and serious though held out in greatest simplicity then from others even of greater gifts and accompanyed with more shew of eloquence that surely the one hath an other sound and relish speaketh more feelingly home to their heart then the most polished discourse of greatest oratours 8. One witnes moe I shall here give to the truth of this promise even these eminent examples of the grace of God which in every age have shined in the firmament of the Church some in love and zeal some in patience and humility some in the strong acts of faith and â—elf-denyal which doe certainly demonstrat a more excellent spirit then that which is in the world whence they appear with another lustre in their walk and carriage and have a sweet and fragant savour of the spirit to the very discerning of bystanders which truely sheweth that his wind doth blow on his garden when the spices send forth so pleasant a sent FOVRTH We find an expresse Promise in the word of Deliverance to the Church â—n a low and oppressed condition that surely the Lord will plead her cause will deliver his People when he seeth their strenght is gone and save them from the hands of their enemyes Ps 18 47 48 50. Ps 22 4 5. Is 54 17. Is 51 23. It is true this promise hath its bounds limits and provisions which should be taken along in the application thereof we know the Covenant of God with particular Churches is conditional only he promiseth that he will be with them while they are with him yea it is oft seen and there is no jarr here with this promise that a People professing the Gospel confederat with God following duty have even turned their back before the enemy and in the holy providence of God have for a time been given up to their fierce rage and violence but it is also sure that this promise hath an accomplishment and in the day of the Churches strait the Lord hath oft appeared by a strong outstretched hand for her help his own arm brought salvation to his People when they sought to him for God is known in her palaces for a refuge yea surely the Church might oft sing that song on such clear grounds as though with Israel shee had been standing at the red sea thy right hand O Lord is full of power thy right hand hath dashed in pieces thy enemyes for what nation or People is like this to whom he hath shewed such marvellous things Now to shew forth the faithfulnes of God in this his promise I would offer some few things that are a most clear and undenyable witnes thereto 1. There are fevv ages but vvee have some record of the churches condition vvhich hold forth such signal convincing providences of God in behalf of his oppressed church and people as may be a manifest seal to this truth it is true some times have been more remarkable for suffering times of judgement of a growing tryal wherein this truth hath not so clearly shined forth yea that long night vvhich the church had under Antichrist might seem to call it in question but never the lesse if men take a serious look of the Lords vvay and series of providence in ages past comparing one time vvith another what the straits and most extream case of the church hath at last resolved in they will find cause to cry with astonishment great deliverances giveth he to his people yea the Lord hath done gteat things for them I am sure were a full record with that true account which might be given of these more remarkable delivrances that particular churches have met with since the first planting of the Gospel among them wherein Gods very immediat hand for their help hath been discernable it should non-plus the World and greatest Atheists anent the real outmaking of this promise 2. The confession even
are resisting to the blood doth not this speak forth something beyond the gallantry of a natural spirit that far exceedeth the ordinary way of men and is a thing the world cannot reach yet cannot but wonder and whither they will or not see Gods very immediat help and hand in the same according to his word 3. Is it not seen how the cheerful way of the Godly under suffering while there is no outward ground for the same doth not only astonish but is an exceeding torment to adversaries when they are forced to see how all their endeavours when their wrath and malice hath been to the outmost put forth have yet been in vain either to turn them aside or to ruine their encouragement but that the most sharp snfferings of the Godly doe still give them the sorest dash help to strengthen others and justify Gods way and that tender respect he hath to his suffering people even before all onlookers 4. Is iâ—â—â—t also manifest that such whose natural disposition was known to be very fainting and timorous yet when called to suffer for the truth have without the least appearance of discouragement showed an invincible resolution and not only their own feares but the exspectation of others hath a marvellous disappointment O is there not there a visible fulfilling of the Scripture that shaking reeds should be made to stand where strongest cedars have bowed yea some of very mean and ordinary parts have been so discernably raised above themselves as they were made to confound the wise and learned 5. Must it not be confessed that the zeal and resolution of the saints did never more appear then in times of greatest opposition that at no time they have looked more like Christians with more advantage and with some peculiar beauty and lustre of the grace of God then under suffering a thing which as it eminently doth commend the gospel hath also so far convinced their enemyes as in some measure it hath blunted their edge and taken off their prejudice against the way of God and followers thereof 6. I may appeal the greatest Atheists to their conscience if any moral arguments what ever influence they may have upon mens patient enduring could ever produce such effects as rejoycing in triumph over chooling affliction before sin and all its pleasures to triumph over persecutors and to go with such a calme and chearfulnes to a scaffold to sing amidst a dark prison yea and to abound and have all things under greatest wants O! whence is this sure something above nature must be here that is stronger then moral reasons by which the Saints have thus overcome the world yea is it not obvious to all who look on how great a difference there is betwixt the pretended resolution of a natural spirit in death and suffering and that joy and confidence of a Christian which hath then shewed in the composure and tranquillity of their soul within The one being but a dark shadow and the other drawn to the life SIXTH That there is a conscience within men whose power both as a judge and witnes doth answer that clear discovery the Scripture giveth thereof Rom 2 ver 15. Ioh. 8 ver 9. is a thing obvious even to the world which they must needs confesse both from its visible effects on others and the working thereof within themselves that herein the Word is verifyed these things make it clear and undenyable 1. That sure there is something within which thus maketh men affrayed to be alone with themselves yea will cause them go abroad and frame diversions to be out of its noise must it not be sad earnest which hath so dreadful a sound in their ear doth haunt the wicked man whither he will or not Wherewith he would gladly be at peace but amidst his greatest mirth and prosperity this doth mingle his wine with gall and wormwood 2. Is it not also sure that men have oft an accuser within their breast while they seem to brave it out before orhers whose judgment and sentence they can by no meanes decline but after the committing of sin yea on the back of their sinful pleasures doth follow the same with a bitter sting and ring this dreadful knell in their ear that in the end their way will be bitterness O! is not this an accusing conscience which doth begin the torment of some before the time 3. What is it that should make mens guilt so legible oft in their countenance even when they studle most to conceale it and thus cause them give their tongue the lye yea bewray to bystanders whither they will or not some secret trouble and sore they have whithin doth it not clearly shew the power of the conscience which hath such authority on men that without violence or constraint from others doth even force them to confesse the truth and supply the room of witnesses 4. Whence is it some are so much disquieted for secret sins which the eyes of others could not reach yea thaâ— some grosse sins even the most profligat amongst men have an horrour at them without respect to outward hazard doth it not shew the power of a natural conscience that holdeth forth a greater party then the world with which they have to do to whom all things are manifest and some greater witness then that of man 5. How is it that even greatest men whom the world could not reach and in the midst of all probable advantages have yet often most affrighting thoughts much terrour and disquieting reflexions must it not be from within which doth cause them fear an other power then that of the world and a judgement greater then of men 6. What must it be which doth force men to justify God when his hand doth pursue them and maketh them so easily find out sin in a time of their strait why is the sense of guilt so every affrighting at death is it not the conscience which doth presage a future judgement and extend its power to matters of an everlasting concernment and duration 7. What should make men tremble at the word and so much hate a searching ministery is it not because the Light doth torment them though the word doth particularly name none but that there is something within which maketh application of the truth and doth plainly say thou art the man 8. How doe the worst of men oft justify these in secret whom they openly have condemned that while they are even persecuting the saints for truth and holines yet for these they give them and their way a favorable testimony over the belly of all their prejudices yea what is it that doth cause a secret fear and awful regard of such whom they hate doth it not shew something within whose judgement they are not able to resist 9. I must furder ask vvhence is that horrour and these dreadful cryes and groans vvhich vvicked men oft have in their sickness even such vvho vvere vvont to sport at sin vvith a daring countenance
years before the fall of Prelacy about the yeare 1628. some yeares thereafter which as many grave and solid Christians yet alive can witnes who were there present was a bright and hot sun-blink of the Gospel yea may with sobriety be said to have been one of the largest manifestations of the Spirit and of the most solemn times of the downpowring thereof that almost since the dayes of the Apostles hath been seen where the power of God did sensibly accompany the word with an unusual motion upon the hearers and a very great tack as to the conversion of souls to Christ the goings of the Lord then full of Majesty and the shout of a King was heard in the solemn meetings of his people that as a judicious old Christian who was there present did expresse it he thought it was like a dazeling beam and ray of the glory of God with such an unusual brightnes as even forced by standers to an astonishment a very â—ffectual door opened with more then ordinary enlargement which the Ministers of Christ there did find in preaching the word whilest the people might be seen hearing the same in a melting frame with much tendernes of spirit surely this was the very power of God a convincing seal to the truth and ministry of his Servants who were then persecuted by the Prelats yea â— thing which as it was known had an awfull impression and was a terrour to their adveâ—saryes I remember amongst other passages what a worthy Christian told me how sometimes in hearing the word such a power and evidence of the Lords presence was with it that he hath been forced to rise and look through the Church and see what the people were doing thinking from what he felt on his own spirit it was a wonder how any could go away without some change upon them And then it was sweet and easy for Christians to come 30 40 miles to these solemn Communions which they had and there continue from the time they came until they returned without wearying or making use of steep yea but little of either meat or drink and as some of them professed did not feel the need thereof but went away most fresh and vigorous their souls so filled with the sense of God 6. That was also a remarkable time wherein the Lord did let forth much of the Spirit on his people in the year 1638 when this Nation did solemnly enter in Convenant vvhich many yet alive at this day do knovv hovv the spirits of men vvere raised and vvrought on by the vvord the ordinances lively and longed after for then did the Nation ovvn the Lord and vvas visibly ovvned by him much zeal and an enlarged heart did appear for the publick cause personal reformation seriously set about and then also vvas there a remarkable gale of providence that did attend the actings of his people vvhich did astonish their adversaryes and forced many of them to feign subjection Alace hovv is our night comed on for the Lord hath in anger covered the face of the Daughter of Zion vvith a dark cloud 7. Must not vve also say since the land vvas engadged by Covenant to the Lord in these late times vvhat a solemn outletting of the spirit hath been seen a large harvest with much of the fruit of the Gospel discernable which we may say with a warrant hath been proven in the inbringing of thousands to Christ a part whereof now are in glory and many yet live who are a visible seal to this truth of whom I am sure some will not lose the remembrance of these sweet refreshing times which the land for several yeares did enjoy of the Gospel and of many solemn Communions where a large blessing with much of the Spirit and power of God was felt acâ—ompanying the ordinances if it were expedient to set down circumstances I could here point at many such remarkable times and places which should clearly demonstrat this Now besids these more publick and obvious proofes it is knowen what a great testimony the experience of the godly in these late times could give to this truth what they have in a large measure felt of the power and refreshing outlettings of the spirit within their â—oul yea how oft after sorest downcasting have been wonderfully raised above themselves and filled with the consolation of God and joy unspeakable this would indeed make a great volum to reckon over all these instances even these whose experience in these last ages could in a large measure witnes this truth only to sâ—ut this up I shall name these two 1. Mr Welsh and Mr Forhes two great witnesses of Christ in this land when they were prisoners give this accompt of their case in a letter to Mr Iames Melvin and his Uncle then at London which under the said Mr Melvins hand is set down in a manuscript of his their wotds are these Dear Brethren we dare say by experience and our God is witnes we lye not that unspeakaâ—le is the joy that is in a free and full testimony of Christs royall authority unspeakable is the joy of suffering for his Kingdomeâ— for on that truth was their suffering stated we had never such joy and peace in preaching of it as we have found in suffering for the same we spake before in knowledge we now speak by experience that the Kingdome of God consists in peace and joy and in an other letter thus they say our joy hath greatly abounded since the last day which was after passing sentence of death on them by an assize at Linlithgow so that we cannot enough wonder at the riches of his free grace that should have vouchafed such a gift upon us to suffer for his Kingdome in which there is joy unspeakable and glorious and we are rather in fear that they to wit the sufferings be not conâ—â—nâ—â—ed and so we be robbed of further consolatioâ— then that they â—hould encrease surely there is great consolation in suffering for Christ we dow not expresse unto you the joy which our God hath caused abound in â—â— 2. I shall also mention that great Servant of Christ Mr Rutherfoard whose Letters now published can witnes what solemn dayes of the Spirit and sensible outlettings thereof he oft had in his experience Though books can tell but little what he really felt and enjoyed I shall onely set down some of his last and dying expressions which I had from these who were then present and caused write down the same from his mouth that may shew how lovely he also was in his death and how well that did correspond with his former life some of his words are these I shall shine I shall see him as he is and all the fair company with him and shall have my large share it is no easy thing to be a Christian but as for me I have got the victory and Christ is holding forth his armes to embrace mee I have had my feares and faintings as an
other sinful man to be carried through creditably but as sure as ever he spake to me in his word his spirit witnessed to my heart saying fear not he had accepted my suffering and the outgate should not be matter of prayer but of praise he said also thy word was found and I did eat it and it was to me the joy and rejoycing of my heart and a little before his death after some fainting he sayeth now I feell I beleeve I enjoy I rejoyce and turning to Mr Blair then present he said I feed on Manna I have Angels food my eyes shall see my Redeemer I know that he shall stand at the latter day on the earth and I shall be caught up in the clouds to meet him in the air and afterwards hath these words I sleep in Christ and when I awake I shall be satisfyed with his likenes O for armes to embrace him and to one speaking anent his painfulnes in the ministry he cryeth out Iâ—disclaim all the port I would be in at is redemption and forgivenes if sins through his blood And thus full of the spirit yea as it were overcome with sensible enjoyment he breaths out his soul His last words being Glory Glory dwelleth in Emâ—â—nuels land SIXTH Witnes is that convincing appearance of an extraordinary and Apostolick spirit on some of these instruments whom the Lord raised up in these last times and these great enduements wherewith they were sent for the fervice of the Church and overthrow of the Kingdome of Antichrist a truth which we must say if not in such a measure yet hath been no lesse evident then in these primitive times when the Christian Church was planted It is clear that extraordinary gifts and enduements have been let forrh to the Church under the New Testament for with the first dawning of the Gospel there was both Apostles and Prophets raised up it cannot be also denyed that since the Cannon of the Scripture was closed yea in these late ages there hath been very extraordinary men given to the Church who had special revelations from the Lord of his minde anent things to come which though we should not now look after yet herein did the Lord remarkably condescend when some great piece of service and necessity of the Church did more call for it and truely these were led in no other path then that of the word though they had a more special discovery and immediat inbreathing of Gods minde as to the application thereof in particular cases neither did they presse upon mens conscience to credit the same but were most cautious witnessing much humble sobriety on that account It is knowen what extraordinary instruments how wonderfully called and qualified Luther Zuingliuâ— Calvine Mr Wishart and Mr Knox were whom God sent in these latter dayes to grapple with Antichrist and sound a retreat to his Church from Babylon likewise 〈◊〉 Beza Bacere and Martyr with divers in England such as Latimer Ridley Bradfoord c. Who indeed were burning and shining lights in their time mighty in the Scripture fervent in spirit were cloathed with the power and authority of God before which the World could not stand But besides these famous witnesses of whose life vve have something this day on publick record I must here craveliberty to set dovvn a fevv moe more late instances of our ovvn Church in Scotland to confirm this truth such as are but little knovvn to the World nor any thing of their lives published vvhich I think a great losse to after generations vvhom vve may say and this vvith a vvarrant and in sobriety were men truely extraordinary eminently serviceable in the work of the Lord yea of a Prophetick and Apostolick Spirit and such vvho through grace did not even come short of the first three I mean not only these before mentioned but also some of these great lights vvho vvere in the first age of the Church after the ascension of Christ 1. I shall instance Mr Iohn Welsh whom the Lord called forth to the ministry at Kirck cubright in Galloway and afterwards was transported to the Church of An whom Mr Rutherfoord in one of his bookes calleth that heavenly Prophetical and Apostolick Man of God and sheweth that from the witnesses of his life he had this accompt that of every 24 houres he gave usually eight to prayer if other necessary and urgent dueties did not hinder yea spent many dayes and nights which he set apart in fasting and prayer for the condition of the Church and the sufferings of the reformed Churches abroad I can also adde this from very sure information and truely anent any of those particulars I seriously studie to have satisfying grounds anent the certainty thereof that it was his use even in the coldest winter nights to rise for prayer and oft times his wife who was an excellent woman hath risen to seek after him where he hath been found lying on the ground weeping and wrestling with the Lord yea sometimes would have been much of the night alone in the Church of Aire on that accompt One time especially his wife finding him overcharged with grief he told her he had that to presse him which she had not the soules of 3000 to answer for whilest he knew not how it was with many of them And an other time whilest she found him alone his spirit almost overcharged with anguish and grier upon her serious enquiry said that the times which were to come on Scotland were heavy and sad though she should not see them and this for the contempt of the Gospel Whilest he was prisoner in the Blacknesse in a letter to a Christian lady he giveth this accompt what large joy he had to suffer for such a truth that Iesus Christ was a King and had a visible Kingdome in the World even his Church which was as free to keep its Courts and exerce discipline by vertue of an intrinsick power from Christ as any Kingdome on the earth for which he was ready to lay down his life yea would rejoyce to be offered up a sacrifice on so glorious a truth in the close of that letter he doth also forewarn that judgement was coming to Scotland which should be blood first by an intestine sword and then by the sword of a stranger and that a great sacrifice should be there both of great men and mean the fulfilling whereof hath since been very sensible and is known by many alive who had that letter long before the late troubles begun whilest he was thus prisoner two of â—â—mankable passages I have had confirmed by divers worthy of credit some of whom shewed me they had them from these who were most familiar with the persones themselves they are indeed strange but we must also consider he was an extraordinary man The first was this that one night whilest he did expound the Scripture after his supper in the prison at his custome was whilest he with much power and authority was pressing
experience of every Christian it would be some way as easy to number the drops of rain and dew since the creation as to reckon all these pretious drops and emanations of love these sensible returns and outmakings of the promise which they have had in their experience I truely think it could hardly be believed though it were told what some of the godly here have found in the way of the Word but it is sufficient to answer the design of this work to shew that there is a sensible demonstration and performance of Scripture promises concerning which the experience of the Saints in all ages doth aggree that by many confirmations the Lord hath oft sealed the truth thereof to their soules There are 10. special promises held forth to the godly in the Word which I shall here instance and therewith hold forth what a clear testimony their experience can give of the undoubted truth and aecomplishment of the same FIRST Instance is that promise given to believing to such who credit the naked word when there is no probable appearance of its outmaking and thus give God the glory of his faithfulnes which we have expresly held out 1 Chron. 20 20. Ps 112. 7 8. Ich. 1 50. To clear the accomplishment of this promise I shall but appeal to that testimony the saints in all ages have leâ—â— thereof yea to the present experience of the godly at this day if they have not certainly found it so 1. That when in a particular they have trusted God therewith and got their spirit quiet in a recumbency on him if he hath not dealt with them according to his word yea if then from cleer convincing returns of the promise they have not been made to say it did never repent them that they gave more credit to the testimony of God then of their own hearts 2. That they have found a more sweet and observable issue then when their help lay most immediatly on the word alone never a more sensible outgate then when least of sense and most of faith was in carrying them through when little of the creature and much of God appeared in their mercy and where they were at the lowest no way of escape but to throw themselves on the promise they have then had the best retreat yea their supply as sensibly felt as their need and burden had formerly been felt 5. That their greatest difficulties and shakings anent the promise have helped to their further confirming and establishment and so as they can say the Lords way by brangling them first yea to their sense loosing their grip hath helped to fasten it better and that which for the time did speak their case most helpelesse hath made way for his more eminent appearance and manifesting of him selfe 4. That their greatest venture and giving most out hath usually had the richest income the most eminent experiences of their life have followed the most adventurous acts of their faith yea upon an after reckoning they have oft found that their adventuring of life estate and credit on the promise of God even in these things hath very observably been their upmaking 5. That where they have most been a friend to their faith there hath faith also been most a friend to them in their standing to the credit of the promise over the belly of greatest objections and false reports raised thereof they have found a very evident mark of Gods respect to the same causing them to see that he will honour such who thus honour him And it is indeed worthy of a remark what we have of Caleb upon record that he took part with the promise of God against that discouraging report which then was raised of the Anakims and their walled cities and therefore the inheritance of the Children of Anak was given to Caleb and his sonnes in their lot from the Lord. 6. That believing doth alwayes make way for sense and in their closing with the naked Word of promise they have not wanted the seal of the spirit of promise but have found a sweet calm their burden sensibly eased when once they got it laid over on the word which they can say hath been their first resting place like the very fixing of the motion of the needle towards its right point when their spirit had been restlesse and in greatest agitation 7. That these greatest disappointments which their hope in the Word seemed to have they have found afterwards most to their advantage when their returns have not only been according to their faith but have often exceeded their adventure and been far beyond what they believed yea that from frequent experience they may say the issue of trusting the Word how long so ever they thought it deferred yet came alwayes in season was never too late and out of time 8. That this did never occasion bitter reflexions or was their upcast before the World that they trusted God in a day of strait and were not helped but this testimony have all such left who have most credited it in a dismall houre that none should scarr after them to hazard upon such a hand and venture on the promise for their faith hath oft taken them well and comfortably through where both sense and reason have been ready to sink SECOND Instance Whereby we may see the performance of the promise in Christian experience is this that God truely heareth prayer is near unto his People in what they call upon him aggreable to his Word and will answer their desires we have this promise most expresse Phil. 4 ver 6. Ps 32 6. Ps 65 2. Ps 91 15. Now the accomplishing of this piece of Scripture is so very clear that I can attest the experience of all the generation of the righteous since the beginning what frequent unanswerable comfirmations they have got of this truth in their Christian walk fo that I am sure no man ever was in earnest in the matter of Religion and a stranger to this yea that he was never more certainly perswaded of any thing then of this that God doth hear prayer O if mens souls were but in their souls stead whose evening wrestlings and teares the Lord hath oft turned into a morning song they should know this is no delusion I shall here touch something of that experience which by many proofs the saints can give as a witness to this promise 1. That when they have oft with Hanna gone in before the Lord in the bitternes of their spirit they have been made to return with a sensible and marvellous change in their case yea when in going about prayer they have been put to wrestle with much distemper and deadnes they have oft seen the wind discernably change and therewith their spirits lightned from under that burden an observable calme and serenity after much invvard perturbation yea they can say that they have found their hearts thavved and put in a flush of tendernes upon the back of a most sensible restraint 2.
That accesse and liberty to poure forth their souls to God vvhen he hath filled their mouth vvith arguments and inabled them both to wrestle and vviat they have found a favourable Crisis and begun outgate yea the very turn of a sad case vvhich they have got from the Lord as the pledge of a further ansvver and that vvhen he thus prepareth the heart he doth cause his ear to hear 5. That vvhen they have been under a most dark cloud they have found their sky clear have got a very sensible taste of Gods acceptation in prayer and of his taking their sute off their hand even vvhile the matter vvas still in dependence before him yea that they have oft had such a satisfying impression impression of Gods minde and persvvasion of his ansvvering their desire as hath helped them cheerfully to vvait yea sometimes to sing the triumph before the victory 4. That vvhen they had been much in prayer they must also say it hath been the time vvherein the spirit hath flovvrished vvas most lively yea that then they had their best dayes that then the candle of the Lord shined upon their pathes and his devv lay all night upon their branches and that they have found there is an evident and proportionable abatement of their spiritual life and encouragement in God according to their vvearing out in the exercise of this duety 5. They have many times found that vvhen there vvas nothing left them but to turn in to God and they knevv of no other vvay to come through but to pray and look up they never found a more svveet and seasonable outgate so that most observable times of prayer have been also the most observable times of their experience and they can say from many proofs it is no hopelesse bussines vvhich is put over upon God by prayer though there be small outvvard appearance 6. That it is not in vain to follow out a sute before the throne and that accesse and moyen in Heaven is as sure a way to come speed which they know well as greatest moyen upon earth having so evidently found while many seek the rulers favour that the determination of every thing is from the Lord. 7. That prayer with quiet onwaiting in the use of meanes wiâ—neth comfortably through where over caring and carnal policy in the use of all other shifts hath been forced to stick 8. They know by experience that as there are judicial times wherein an inhibition as it were is laid on them from the Lord in their wrestling yea and a sore restraint on their spirits which hath been very sensible so also they have found times of more easy accesse and abundant liberty a spirit of prayer let forth before some special mercy and deliverance to the Church whereby they could in some measure discern its neer approach 9. That on the back of some solemn addresse and application to God by prayer and fasting in a day of strait they have oft seen cause even from that day and up ward to date a remarkable return and outgate in which even common observers might discern what an evident answer the Churches intercession with God in times of extremity hath had 10. I may adde the saints know this so well by experience that surely God heareth prayer even in such and such a particular that they can with much confidence adventure and make an earant of the meanest as well as their greatest concernments to him having so oft tryed and found that seriousnes and sincerity in addresse to God was never in vain but what ever be the times wherein this promise taketh place their heart shall live that seek God THIRD Instance Is the promise of the Spirit and powring out of the same which we have clear in the Word Is 59 v. 21. Ioh. 14 16 Luk. 24 v. 49. Rom. 8 16 16. The accomplishment of which is so manifest such a sensible demonstration thereof in the experience of the saints that I am sure this can no more be denyed then these who are warmed with the heat of the sun can deny their sense and feeling that the sun hath such an influence and doth not the Christans spiritual walk bear as convincing a witnes to the fulfilling of this promise as any living man by walking in the way sheweth that he hath a soul and principle of life within him Novv to demonstrat this a litle I vvould but touch some of the ordinary experiences of the saints therein vvhich they doe testify and by clear undenyable evidences knovv to be no delusion 1. That vvhich causeth so real a change upon them vvhich maketh them alive to God vvho once vvere dead creating them as it vvere of new that vvhich bringeth a clod of earth so near Heaven raiseth them so far above themselves to a delightful converse vvith things not seen that vvhile their place and abode is here their company and fellovviship is above that vvhich maketh all things nevv to them and doth so â—ar change their nature and inclination as causeth them finde more svveetnes in a spiritual life then in the pleasures of sin yea reconcileth them vvith the Lavv and exercises of a Châ—stian vvhere once there vvas such contrariety O! is not this a real effect of the spirit and no â—â—aginary thing 2. That vvhereof they vvere altogether ignorant vvhen they vvere strangers to God and knevv not if there vvas a Holy Ghost but by report novv since their being born again they finde themselves entred in another World brought out of darknes unto a marvellous lighâ— and of this are sure that once they vvere blind but novv they see is not this a proof of the truth of this promise 3 That vvich maketh â—hem see more of God in his Word and Works at one time then at another vvhence is this difference and inequality the Scriptures are at one time the great things of the Law which are at an other time but common things to them the object is the same but O! what different manifestation thereof whence is it that such a light springeth up in the Word that openeâ—h up this deep and maketh them see the wonders of his Law and within a little nothing but dark night doe not the saints knopw this well and that it is no delusion 4. That which maketh such sensible liberty in their soull and confidence in their approach to God after sore bondage and fear which raiseth them often so far above their ordinary frame as they are not only quickned and refreshed themselves but do observably warm others O how piercing and savory are their words which â—hew what difference there is oft betwixt a Christian and himself betwixt a dead exercise of a gift which reacheth the ear and that which melteth the heart and doth even reach by standers with a pleasant perfume 5. That which maketh such a sudden change in their â—ase under ordinances that their heart that died within them as a stone ere ever they were aware hath