THE CONFIRMING WORKE OF RELIGION In its necessity and use briefly held forth that each Christian may have a proper ballast of his own of the grounds and reasons of his faith and thus see the greatnesse of that security on which he adventures his eternal state OR The true and infallible way for attaining a confirmed state in Religion from these primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith which the Lord hath himself given so as it may be easy for the meanest in the Church to know the same and be ready to render an account thereof to all that ask With a short and confirming prospect of the work of the Lord about his Church in these last times BY R. FLEMING Minister of the Gospel of Christ At ROTTERDAM Printed by REINIER LEERS M.DC.LXXXV The PREFACE THis small Essay here offered is on the greatest subject can fall under the consideration of mankind and is a study was never more pressingly called for then in these dayes for men to be making peace with God and to have such an assurance of his truth as can fully quiet and support the soul though all sensible props should be brocken and fail Great changes doe surely hasten on this generation and the life of faith is in an other manner like to be put to tryal then since the Churches rise and recovery from Antichristian bondage The storme now visibly grows upon the Churches of Christ though nothing is thus to faint or shake the spirits of any who know their anchor is sure and cast within the vail but the strongest difficulties in following the Lord when overcome yeelds the greatest victory and will be not only matter of joy here but to all eternity in having with patience and hope indured and got well through a throng of temptations and assaults in a resolute adherence to the truth If men think it their wisdome to secure their private interest by dividing it in such a time from the publick cause of the Reformed Church and make light of the greatest truths of God now assaulted of the blood of the Martyrs yea of their own eternal state by any coolnesse or shrinking from the same they will find no temporal motives can ever compense that losse and ruine which inevitably will meet such in the issue yea that these words of Mordecai to Esther Esth 4 13 14. have the same voice and weight in this day What is held forth in the following worke I may with humble confidence say was under some pressure to have such clear evidence and quieting persuasion of divine truth as made it lesse easy to have my own spirit satisfyed herein then possibly it may be to others for if it were not from that blessed assurance of the Lords being God of the revelation of Christ and of the glory to come I should not know what could be conforting or make a rational being desireable Some singulare ingadgments I judge my self also to stand under for putting to my seal to the truth and faithfulnesse of God in his word from many signal confirmations hereof in the course of my pilgrimage if such a poor testimony might be of any weight Let the blessed Lord gratiously accept this small offering to him and for the interest of his truth by so mean an instrument and give some fruit hereof that may abide and be found in the day of Christ I hope the Reader may find by a perusal of the I. Chap. of what serious use and intent the II. is yea that in this day it was not unseasonable or incongruous to the forgoing subject what is held forth in the III. Chapter But oh it is sad and amazing to think how few are under that weight of Religion as once to have a serious inquiry on the grounds and reasons thereof and to accompt the most special assistances to their faith to be the greatest helpers of their joy within time THE True and infallible WAY For attaining a confirmed state in RELIGION c. CHAPTER I. The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Christianity held forth and cleared in its continued necessity and use to this day in a few Positions THat nothing can have a more sad and threatning aspect on the present state of religion in all the churches of Christ Posit I then that utter estrangment most are under to the true grounds of faith and to those foundamental differences betwixt Christianity every false way which no pretended religion can lay claim to The reasons of the Position are these I. That it is too visibly manifest how no men in the world know so little of their own profession were it of any human art or science as such who bear the name of Christians or are so generally strangers to the truth and firmnesse of the principles therof for maintaining either a due valuation or powerful sense of the same on their soul so that an implicit and traditional profession is the only part and propriety which most can claim in the truth and doctrine they professe II. That so rare also is any such serious worke amonghst men as a personal inquiry and tryal if there be indeed such a thing as an experimental and soul quickning religion in the earth that can bear the expense of the most dismal and afflicting times and hath so great a temporal revenue lying therto as peace with God an immediate communion with him the joy and comforts of the H. Ghost when under such pressours of trouble as are above the support of nature III. That the furthest account why most goe under the name of Christians rather then of any other forme can rise no higher then custome and education that it did bespeak them from their birth and was the religion of their ancestours yea become in that manner naturall to them as the customes and language of their country which are grounds that should determine to the very opposite profession if they were stated under the same circumstances and had the same motives to be Mahumetans since it is sure these can found no other assent then is suitable to the nature and strenth therof IV. That thus it cannot be under debate how the most numerous part of visible professours are so destitute of any defense from internal motives and solid conviction of the truth they professe upon its own evidence as there was never more cause to fear some unusual apostacy from the very visible profession of Christ upon any violent tryal and assault this way when such finds it more easy to render up their religion then to adhere to the same under strongh temptations who yet never knew that substance advantage or certainty herein as could preponderate with the want of all external motives for such a profession That thus one of the highest services of these times Posit II for the publik good of the Church does convincingly lye here to have the faith of assent to the truth and doctrine of Christ in a clear and firme certainty of the
time is clearly shewed II. That we may now with some clear evidence judge and have our faith perswaded hereof that the Churches interest is upon the rising hand and on a present advance though nothing would seem more contradictory then all visible grounds now are since this cannot sail John 3 30. that Jesus Christ in his kingdom in the earth must increase yea that the Scripture so clearly points forth Antichrists ruine and progresse of his fall and douncasting with resemblance to that great judgment on Pharaoh as an evident type hereof in the same judicial strocks of induration on both and gradual progresse herein by one plague after another until the last and greatest assault as was then at the Red-sea hath the same effect for a more glorious appearence of God in the greatest step of judgment and victory over this adversary when not only the song of Moses but of the Lamb also shall be then sung Rev. 15 3. as importing something more glorious and a greater brightnesse to be put on this illustrious act of divine judgment reserved to these last times when a more immediate appearence of the Lord will be seen then in any sormer deliveries of his Church III. It is no conjectural thing but what by a clear Scripture conduct we may see that this time of the Church now under so notable a Crisis in her case is evidently falling under that remarkable assault and conflict with that adversary before the accomplishing of that vial on his seat and throne as we may see Revel 17 13 14. that when so conspicuous a step of the Churches victory is near the opposition thereto also will be in some higher degree proportionable to the same when the great men of the earth and such who shall receive power as Kings one hower with the beast shall have one mind and give their power and strength thereto and shall make war with the Lamb but the Lamb shall overcome them for he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords c. Nor is it found through the Scripture where any great thing the Lord hath done for his Church but some unusual darknesse and sore wrestlings hath still gone before and should be no matter of staggering to our faith whatever be of present fears to see so dismal a time of tryal as now is and amazing hight of trouble beyond what former times have known when one of the greatest events of providence in behalf of the Church since the revealing of Christ to the world until his second coming is assuredly near in the fall and overthrow of the man of sin IV. We have clear ground also to judge that so great an eclipse as seems allmost universally over the state of the Reformed Churches is no goeing down of the sun theron whatever did befall the most famous eastern Churches to an utter dissipation thereof if these different periodes of time be justly considered how their sun-set did then fall in with the entry of that great Apostacy of the Christian Church and with that long and dismall night of Antichrists reign whilst now this hower of tryal on the Churches doth meet in that blessed period of Antichrists begun fall and of a growing light of the Gospel and when the Scripture so clearly warrands our faith herein that the worke of providence is to plant and not cutt of but to bring forward that interest of the Reformed Churches in the founding of which the Mediator hath so eminently appeared in the glory of his power in these last times V. It is sure me now live in the evening and extremity of time when the motions of providence may be expected to be more quick and speady as being so near the center and to the last Epocha and period of all prophetick Chronology wherein the glory of God in his truth and faithfulnesse shall most eminently shine forth and these Scripture truths which were formerly dark abstruse with that evidence shine forth in the event as shall cause men to wonder at their former thoughts and stumblings thereat And here I must say that there is such a sight now in the earth as the Romish Church in its complex frame and state in so different a mould cast from any power or jurisdiction else and such a compound of a civil and Spiritual Monarchy in one and the same person is so solemn and undenyable a seal to the Christian faith and divinity of the New Testament that its strang why this is not improven more against the Atheism of this time that such a visible event of the Scripture is now in being which was so clearly fortold by the Holy Ghost 1500. years ago with its proper circumstances as to the manner of that Antichristian state with its rise grouth duration as is to admiration stil evident to the world when not the least shaddow or appearence of so strang future emergencies was to be seen or could have entred in mens thoughts to shew it only could be revealed to the Church by him to whom all his works are known from the beginning This I have looked on as such a confirmation to the truth of Christianity that no miracles in the first times of the Church could have more evidence for the same yea if such a party were not in being both what it now is and in former ages hath been it might in another manner stagger the faith of the Saints to a questioning the truth of the Scripture then its most formidable appearence this day can doe VI. I shall but add here that we know and are sure the Lord hath reserved his greatest works to these latter dayes wherein his judgments shall be manifest and that one of the most eminent manifestations of his glory before the close of time shal be conspicuous in the fall of Antichrist on whose ruines that glorious hous which Christ is yet to have for himself both of Jews and Gentiles shall be prepared and built up and though this great eclipse of Antichristian darknesse should yet more prevail even over the visible profession of the truth in the Churches of Britain and Ireland there is no cause to be staggered in the faith of Romes fatal period being near but to look hereon according to the Scripture as the Vltimus Conatus of that wounded adversary which will be found in the issue to have the most immediate connexion with his greatest downfall and the reviving glory of the Church for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her SECTION IV. QU. WHat is specially called for in this day of such as are accountable for so great a talent of light and confirmations to our faith ANSW If this were suitably taken to heart we could not but reckon our selves under the greatest excitment and call to such an improvment hereof I. That we account it not enough to have a faith for quieting our own spirits but how to confirme others by putting to our seal that God is true in the great assurances
then with the out going of their affections 2. That as it s not conceivable how a true and firme assent can be to divine truth but on its known certainty so here is no resolving of the Christians faith on the strongest rationall evidences hereof yet must it still be resolved on the testimony of God made clear evident to them to be such 3. It is sure also the Lord hath not given so large a measure of these grounds and demonstrations of his truth with such redoubled arguments of that kind to be of so small regard as is with most but for some great and universall use hereof to the wholl Church and knew how needfull such assistances to the faith of his people would be whilst they are on the earth 4. That these means which tend most convincingly to found a rationall assurence in the judgment are the proper vehicle of the Spirit of God by which his sealing worke should be both sought and expected nor can I judge how the credite and use hereof should be so small and not on the same ground quite any externall ordinance of the Gospell which without the Spirit of the Lord can never profite nor how we should expect and suite his confirming worke on the soul when these greatest confirming means which he hath given to the Church have no just weight but o how wonderfull a teacher is the holy Ghost when such ordinare means fail and are inaccessable by furnishing his people then with these strongest arguments of love and power who having had but small measures of light yet were not unfaithfull to improve the smallest degree of such a talent 5. Yea so great a thing is it to attain a solid faith of things wholly remott from our sense and so far above the reach and apprehension of nature or to have an absolute relyance on an invisible refuge for our present and eternall state as no common assent can answer when the very rest and quiet of the soul must needs ly in the sure and firme persuasion hereof 6. It is too visible also how little the practicall use of such a mean hath yet been essayed in the Church that all who are members therof might no lesse know the strenth and firmnesse of the foundation of their faith by its own evidence then the generall articles of religion but whilst the most usuall instructing worke lyes almost wholly about the noetick part of Divinity there seems not that serious regard to presse the dianoetick part hereof on mens conscience as if this were to be restricted to a few who are more knowing learned and of an inquisitive spirit about the rationall certainty of the truth and for whom these choise and abundant helps of this kind which are in this age seem more peculiarly directed It s sure that the Christian faith in the first times did remarkably then spread and prevail by these clear evidences hereof to the judgment made effectuall by the spirit of God more then by extraordinare miracles nor knew they otherwise what it was to be Christians but by imbracing the truth with a full assurance of understanding no lesse then of delight and affection But if it be objected it is not the same case now where religion is planted in a nation and hath an uncontrollable publick profession under the support of humane lawes I know no weight this can have except that should be admitt therwith quod nunc nascuntur Christiani sed non fiunt 7. Yea is it not sure tho it seems little understood that the primary grounds and evidences of our faith are not only as to their â—nd demonstrative of the truth and divinity of the Scripture but are upon the matter such demonstrations also which most natively result from the same by infallible consequence and are thus to be accounted not as human but divine arguments given us by the spirit of God 8. I shall but further add how such as doe seriously ponder things will find this demonstration to be not more important then clear that to be a confirmed Christian and a confirmed Protestant are convertible terms and that if these as are under that deplorable bondage and darknesse of popery were but once awaked to see the truth certainty of the Christian faith by its intrinsick and objective evidence and taken off that brutish credulity and dependance on the alone credite of others herein it might be said the strongest ingine to hold up that profession were then broke and should see the doctrine and rule of faith to be of such full and perspicuous evidence from the Scripture as without blasphemy they could not seek from the Lord to give them a plainer rule then what he hath there given READER IT s like you may think strang how these few sheets in the close fall in here after the forgoing part was finished but tho they meet in one designe and interest yet was not this then intended untill the former was done and if it might tend to a solid use and fruit unto any I shall forbear a further Apology herein I may trulie say the weight of the subject hath carryed it some further lenth then was designed when I so much sought to be short as I aim at in any thing of this kind that through my desirâ— to avoide any unnecessare multiplying of thords I sarâ— least it may make some things seem a litle dark at the first looke tho I hope not upon any serious perusall of the same Two things I must further crave leave to add 1 that when some succinct view of the great assistances and confirmations of our faith is here offered which these of the lowest capacity of the Church might with that advantage improve as in a few howers by reading it some times over may be so far impressed on their mind and judgment that they could give some clear and judicious account thereof it may be by such but seriously weighed taken to heart of what conceirn the use hereof is 2. That I would humbly judge also it were a most speciall service for the truth in this day to have some short Directory and remembrancer of the great acts of the Lord and monuments of his Providence now under the New Testament in that maner held forth as might most tend to some universall use of all within the Church I confesse my desire pressed me to some smal essay herein with intent to have joyned it to this worke but haveing with much conviction laid this wholly aside as to any further appearence that way so is it with an earnest desire that some more qualifyed might take to heart and under their hand so great a service both for their generation and posterity It is sure the Lord hath designed his people to be tought the greatnesse of his workes as well as the precepts of his word and as no duty is more pressed then this under the Old Testament both as to Publick and Family instruction so are we no lesse accountable iâ— these last times for this improvement of such as are of known publick and uncontrollable evidence and should be thâ— care of each age to have that solemne remembrance kept up hereof so as not a few but the very multitude within thâ— Church might be as a publick Library and Repository of thâ— same FINIS
to the truth and certainty thereof but to amazement both live and dye strangers to the same yea how many of these who are otherwise serious in religion yet have their faith starved this way and are destitute of any such support but as it is not the numberousnesse of professours but the strength and solidity of their faith wherein the Churches strength most lyes and hath more slowrished in a few such to beget a greater awe and veneration of religion amongst men then at other times in the greatest multitude so is it the glory of divine truth that it can subsist by its own proper evidence and preserve its station in the worst of times when all external arguments does most visibly cease That it s thus fully demonstrable and clear Posit VI how no simple instructing of men in the general principles of religion can be the proper and adequate mean for such a faith of assent to the truth thereof on its own evidence or answer that Apostolick pattern of laying the foundation Hebr. 6 2. but that some special duties else are called for to so high an end such wherein not only that true primitive confirmation in the Christian faith might have some practical use but we might also hope therewith for a more remarkable out-letting of confirming influences of the Spirit of God What is to be understood herein I shall humbly offer in a few particulars I. That it is one of the greatest concerns of the ministerial worke and of the key of doctrine to have all who heare the Gospel in the First place pressed to take religion so far to heart as to have a serious inquiry on the grounds and reasons hereof and thus to know their being on sure ground herein not because they know not another way but because they know this is the alone way of truth to which they dar trust their immortal soul II. That for this end the supreme truths of religion be represented with that certainty of evidence and demonstration as both such great and marvelous things does require and the temper of such a gainsaying age now calls for and to have this pressed more on mens judgment and conscience that the things of God which are of the highest consequence reality and substance can have no possible reception by any implicit or probable belief thereof nor can admit any pretence for the same when the Lord hath given such kind of proofes and evidence as leaves mens darknesse herein without any shaddow of excuse II. That it peculiarly belongs to the Catechetical work of religion to take some accompt of the meanest professours thereof and with a special respect to the youth of their faith of assent to the doctrine of Christ on what grounds and certainty of evidence this is founded and for their instructing therein as well as in the general principles of religion when one of the most ruining things to the Church lyes here that the profession of most is layed in so deep an ignorance as they have almost nothing to say for the same but a naked affirmation I know the difficulty hereof for the weak may be objected but without just cause since as the prime truths of religion are few easy and plaine for the meanest capacity so also are the primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith if such once with that desire did search after the same as for a hid and invaluable treasure wherein this respect should be still had to difference betwixt what is initial and of a more fundamental concern for the weak and what may tend to an higher grouth and increase of others III. It should be of greatest use and advantage also for the same end that the young grouth now coming up in the Church were put to give some explicit evidence of their consent and choice of the profession of Christ so far as may witnesse a ratification of the baptismal covenant now as their own proper dead wherein they were implicitly ingadged in their infancy Some special grounds and reasons for this are I. Because God will have his service freely entered in and upon choise as that way which is most agreable to his honour for as the covenant binds mutually so doe the seals therof also and therfor upon our part is baptisme a sacremental oath of aledgence to God II. Because it tends to a more resolute and firme adherence to the service of God that this bussinesse should be personally brought home to mens conscience especially before their first admittance to the Sacrament of the Lords supper and thus to ingadg them as Joshua did Chap. 24 22. Ye are witnesses against yourselves herein and they said we are witnesses III. Because this is expresly held forth 1 Pet. 3 21. where baptisme is called the answer of a good conscience toward God upon this ground that such then who were come to years of knowledge were personally sisted to confirme by their own consent that solemne ingadgment and dedication by Baptisme to be the Lords and therefor it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is vox juris and signifies sponsio stipulatio publica inter Christianum Dominum Christum as the most judicious Commentators on that scripture does clearly render and so this was a special part of the primitive practize not only with respect to such who were converted from Heathenisme but were born within the Church and partakers of that seal of Baptisme in their infancy to siste them upon answer to that great demand of the Covenant doe yow now consent upon evidence and choise to be the Lords and to be a subject of his Kingdom and embrace the laws therof and doe yow thus in sincerity and truth declare the same wherein you have a good conscience before God And of what blessed fruit and advantage should this be both for the increase and honour of the Gospel if this were more deeply taken to heart for some practical use according to the rule and primitive pattern in the Churches of Christ IV. It were specially desirable also that there be some clear view and summary by it self of the most cogent grounds and demonstrations of the Christian faith with respect both to the Doctrinal Historical and Prophetical part therof and in that manner accommodate as the meanest within the Church might have such a help still at their hand and thus with the least expense of time be provided of such arguments and reasons as should tend through the blessing of God not only to the furthest rational assent and certainty of the truth of their profession but to give a most special support of mind against that inward tryal of Sathans temptations and fiery darts this way yea is such a mean that in the serious improvment herof by having such evidences once brought in on mens judgment and conscience so as to see with their own eyes the truth of the same I must humbly judge there is nothing next to the internal work of the Spirit
the same QU. VI. How is it demonstrable that such remarkable sufferings of times past for the truth of Christ were both founded on the alone certainty thereof and carryed out by a divine Spirit above any assistance of nature ANSW That it is sure I. Here was no comedy or personated sufferings which the primitive Christians and in after times did endure for Christ or that these unexpressable torments and paines were any dream and delusion either to themselves or the world and that their adversaries did thus conflict and wrestle with their own shadow in so continued and cruel ane opposition II. That such joy and exultation of Spirit these witnessed amidst their torments who otherwise wanted no sense or feeling of their paines and sufferings could have no rise but what was supernatural III. That this could be no possible dissimulation or counterfit when they were stepping in on eternity nor the product of a distempered judgment whilst all might see what seriousnesse of Spirit tendernesse and bowels of compassion to their adversaries they did then evidence IV. That these greatest sufferings were upon choise and to endure rather then to be safe at the rate of receding in any thing from the truth V. Yea no natural reason can comprehend how such mean and feeble persons as many of these were should endure what would have made the greatest natural courage to faint as if they had foregone humane passions which flesh and blood must needs have herein so as I am constraind to see something no less marvellous and supernatural in the faith of martyres then in the faith of miracles SECTION III. QU. I. IS it fully demonstrable that the faith of a deity and of such an establishment as a religious worship must necessarly determine men to be Christians on this ground that they cannot but see how religion hath not another being in the earth but in the truth of Christianity ANSW It is simply impossible to make a rational tryal herin and not see the certainty of this demonstration to be thus clear I. That there needs no more for any of a serious spirit but to come and see what the whole frame of Heathenisme was and if it be possible to deny even under any sense of the law and dictates of nature its being the highest reproach of mankind and how the very mysteries of that Heathenish worship was so horrid and impure as they needed a vail then from the common view of the world II. Nor can there be a rational reflection this day on that strang monster of Mahumitanisme but of a visible prodigy of the judgment of God on these parts of the earth upon their apostacy from the Christian faith by giving men up to such an imposture as exposeth the very name and form of religion to derision and can never claime a reception either from the purity of its rule or internal evidence of the truth therof or of its having any possible consistence with it self III. That its sure also the Jewish religion had never another being but in the truth and faith of Christianity and where this fundation is divided from it hath none at all yea how that people unto this day are such a confirming witnesse to the Christian Religion as its strang this doth not beget deeper impressions on mens spirit So that there is an absolute necessity we must either forgoe the use of reason or see if there were not such a rule given and revealed for commerce betwixt God and man as the Scripture where the laws and constitutions of the Christian faith are for this end held forth that it s then sure there is no such thing as any religion in the earth but what wer so highly irrational and absurd as should rather justify Atheism QU. II. What special confirmation to Christianity can this visible state of the Jews bear who are in so expresse an opposition to the Gospel of Christ ANSW If this were brought near our thoughts we should find it one of the great assistances to our faith I. That its sure there is such a people and race as a living and visible evidence to our sense of the truth of that renowned nation and church of Israel to which the oracles of God were committed and thus are still as some part of the evident ruines of that once flourishing state II. That the world may see such a people kept by themselves and not mixed with the nations whose fathers from one generation to another did still own the divinity of the Old Testament and doth attest that doctrine in which the truth and substance of Christianity lyes even whilst with greatest malice they oppose the Christian faith to witnesse there can be no possible collusion here III. Their being under a stroak of that judicial induration and blindnesse of mind as no reason could possibly comprehend such a thing how they see not the light in the very noon-day of the Gospel if it were not expresly fortold their being concluded under such an arrest of judgment until the fulnesse of the gentiles be brought in IV. That so immediate an appearence of God is in the judgment of that people both in the manner and continuance thereof as no instance could ever be found to resemble the same since man was formed in the earth and thus as a conspicuous monument of divin wrath set up for every age and time of the Church to turn aside and consider this great sight and inquire what means so strang and amazing a thing as the state of the scattered Jews is now under the times of the Gospel V. That this desolation on them and stroak had such special concurring circumstances for giving light therto as being not above 48. years after the death of Christ with their hands as it were hot and reaking with that blood which they had wished on them and their children that it should be at that time of the Passover which was the very same of the sufferings of our blessed Lord there and pointing as with the finger at the same as also by the Romans whose interest in their opposition to Christ they pretended to own QU. III. Is the way and manner of the Gospels promulgation such as no other profession could ever pretend to and where all may see there can be no human interest or contrivance in the same ANSW It is undenyable that no interest else was ever in such a way promot and does exceed all natural understanding how the truth of Christianity could in this manner prevail I. To perswade men without any motives or inducements from this present world to imbrace a doctrine so wholly repugnant to nature yea to preferr an interest of things not seen and which none ever in the earth saw to the most desirable objects of sense II. To admit no implicit reception from any but on their exactest inquiry and tryal herein or in an other way claime an interest in mens affections but by a full assent of their light
souls with God are of as discerning spirits to know the true value of things as any else yea such whose testimony in other things the worst of men could not refuse nor deny III. How its undeniably evident such must know ane other acquaintance and society then that of men that not only makes these hid exercises of godlines so desireable where all may see they more flee then follow any humane wittnesse but thus makes so visible a change oft both in their case and countenance after most sad anguish and dounecastings of spirit IV. That it is so evident also how such as are most serious this way have been visibly oft raised above their ordinary case and frame in prayer and other dutyes of religion yea in that manner as they who never knew there is a holy Ghost but by report could not withstand so cleare conviction of the reality hereof that can beget such liberty humble tendernesse and melting of heart yea such discernable joy and confidence V. That no delusion or false shew can be here when it s ever seen how such as are most serious and frequent in prayer and these hid retirements with God are the most flourishing also in the vitals of Christianity and have the most honorable lustre and appearance of any in their profession VI. That its such only whose joy and comfort is most specially discernable beyond others when these lower springs of outward help and encouragement are most visibly shut up QU. IV. Is that great and experimental part of religion in the power of the conscience over man such as may be as demonstrable to the world as the truth of a rational being ANSW It may be matter of wonder how men are not struck with deeper convictions hereon when they cannot but see I. That though this be the greatest tormentor and troubler of the world yet is there no possible retreat from its power tho they should flee to the uttermost parts of the earth but doth thus enforce the soul to a reflexion on its selfe even when it trembleth at that sight II. Which causeth such feare and horrour upon the commitment of secret sins when no dread of humane wittnesse or of visible hazard this way could ever occasion this III. Which admits no violence in any to outdare the same but is a power that the greatest monarches finde to be stronger then they and is such as these oft are enforced for a present ease and releefe either to divert or bribe the same by some false grounds of peace IV. That it constraines men to justify God and judge themselves when his hand doth pursue them and to finde out their sin and guilt which was before hid V. Which makes men also afrayed to be alone with themselves and to tremble at the word of truth because its light doth torment them by that unavoidable application the conscience makes hereof VI. Yea makes mens guilt so legible oft in their countenance even when they study most to conceale it as all may see there is ane accuser within whose authority and power cannot possibly be declined VII Which with so remarkable a considence and security doth support mens spirit and makes it easy to sustain its greatest infirmityes from without when it is a friend yea thus upholds the opprest with unspeakable peace and comfort when it doth oft cause the oppressours to tremble QU. V. But what doth most necessarly result from so cleare a demonstration as the conscience is for confirming of our faith ANSW I. That its infallibly thus cleare how there is a higher power and judgment to which all mankinde is subjected gives the world an unavoidable demonstration both of the being of God the truth of his word in the great supernatural discovery which it makes hereof II. That there is a supream infallible law also invisible judge above us under whose power and authority this court of justice doth without respect of persons both summond arrest bring in witnesse and sentence great and small III. That the internal government of our blessed Lord this way both in the severity of his rebukes and most sensible enlargements of peace and comfort is unavoydably demonstrat IV. That it beares so clear evidence to that unknowen and undoubted releef and how none else could be ever found to these wounds and stings of the conscience but in the light and power of Christianity V. That it is simply impossible for men to delight freely in a course of sin when no humane power can disarm the conscience of that so intollerable a sting by which it begins so early a hell within the soul VI. That such is the power and peace of a good conscience as can make it stand unbroken amidst the greatest ruines and terrours of the world when under such a guard as it is wrapped up in its own innocency SECTION V. QU. I. IS the evidence of a Kingdome of darknes in a direct opposition and contrariety to that Kingdome of light which Christ hath set up by the Gospel such as the certainty thereof may be a matter of sense as well as of faith ANSW Since this is of such special use both to confirm the christian faith and awake such to deeper reflexion on the same with whom there seemes no accesse to deall but by proofes from palpable experience it is not possible to deny I. That there is such a power as the devil and these wicked spirits incompassing the earth yea that have ane ordinar and familiar converse with many therein II. That these spirits though once originally excellent have fallen into such ane apostacy as all may see their aim and only pleasure is to dishonour God and destroy his image in man III. That it is impossible to deny the marks of that power and conquest which the Prince of this world hath every where amongst men yea how visibly many are transformed into his image into such prodigious and desperat acts of wickednesse as we should think humane nature could not but tremble at IV. That none can control the certainty both of sense and reason which is in the truth of apparitions and bodily possessions of men in all ages and in all places of the earth and can need no demonstration for this that in many places of the earth the devil is both visibly and audibly knowen V. That he is so manifest in his appearence as a spirit of blasphemy which impetuously acts men to war against heaven with their tongue in such oathes and cursing as hath no casual pleasure or gain herein yea as a spirit of delusion in so visible ane excitement of others to these extravagancies under a shew of religion as are incompatible with any use of judgement or reason VI. That so innumerable a company of humane race hath in all ages been in a formal and expresse covenant with these powers of darknesse is undenyable upon the most severe and impartial inquiry herein Qu. II. What special
are given up to under the greatest discoveries of light so as all may see their being thus bound over in chains and shut up in prison until death bring them forth to the execution and how no relief or application of the means of grace hath then any more accesse VII From such a mape shaddow of eternal vengeance in these terrible acts of divine judgment inflicted here on Apostates and persecuters of the truth and other flagitious persons which with the very first view might present an awful and immediat appearence of God in the same and that some strang and supernatural punishment is oft visible on the workers of iniquity VIII And what ever be of natural causes in such visible representations here in the earth as that sulphureous lake where once Sodom was and these burning mountains such as Haecla Etna and Vesuvius yet we may truely judge their being thus set before the world as some visible memorials of these infernal flames and as it were so many lumeheads thereof for such who will not believe the same because they doe not yet see or feal such a thing QU. VII What assistances hath our faith of that great and wonderful truth of the resurrection of the body after its dissolution in the grave unto dust ANSW I. From that visible and stupendious frame of the heavens and the earth when its sure that the same infinite power that hath not only made man but the whole creation can as easily collect and recount the dispersed ashes of the body as form the same II. From that greatest pledge hereof in the resurrection of the body of Christ III. From that tribulation and sore pain that the saints here in their outward man are exposed to since it is sure that in the holy justice of God he did not give such bodies for labour and for toyl and to his martyrs to endure unexpressible torments for Christ to perish for ever IV. From these visible resemblances and prefigurations of the resurrection which the Lord hath given to confirme our faith herein in the ordinare course and productions of nature so as all may see how every night is as the grave of the day-light and each morning a new resurrection of the same and how visible an image of death is in each season of the winter with so marvelous and beatiful a resurrection of the earth on every return of the spring in the herbs flowers and plants taking life and rising again in the leaves blossomes and fruites yea this in such a variety as may no lesse convincingly evidence an infinite divine power herein then that the same body of man should be raised at the last day V. From that continued miracle of the harvest after the seed-time with so amazing a production of the grain sowen in the earth and its first dying there before it be quickned so as to be at last brought to 30 60 yea sometimes an hundred fold out of the very same grain which to these who had never before known the same would seem incredible above all reason to conceave or bear credite therto CHAPTER III. The confirming worke of Religion improven wich respect to the times to clear the way of the Lord herein before this generation and let us see how nothing is so strang in the events of this day which should not more strenthen then shake and that the God of the Reformed Church doth still own the same interest according to his faithfulnesse which is here briefly pointed at upon some special inquiry proposed about the same SECTION I. QU. WHat can afford both light and confirmation to our faith in such a time when we see the worke of the Lord about his Church to be most remarkably now a worke of judgement with such dark and searching tryals therwith as former times have not known ANSW It is sure we have seen nothing but what might have been too evidently looked for and that we can pretend no want of light herein upon these grounds I. That the Trialls of a Church should be suited to the measure of their talent of light when this hath been in some more then ordinare way dispensed that some remarkably searching times might be expected to follow nor can it be now strang to us that such things fall in with this day which did not meet the Churches of Christ at the first entry of the Reformation who then had not so clear discoveries of the truth and that measure of confirmation therein which hath been since II. That some unusual tryals and conflicts in the Lords usuall method of providence should be suited also to the greatnesse of that worke which he is bringing forth may be no strang thing and to see a time of such sore wrestlings as this when all things seem to cry be in pain as Micah 4 20. Yea when some great event of the Scripture is to be revealed to the world and near to its full hight and period of accomplishment as we have safe ground for assurance of this â—ay III. Nor hath this sad and dismal hower on the Church been more obvious then the provoking cause hereof in which the holy righteousnesse of God may be no lesse clear then the cloud now is dark when such a visible falling of hath been from that love tendernes and power of religion that did formerly attend its profession as for these many years past we might have seen that some sore and remarkable judgment was coming and that if we had not been in such a maner undone we were under some sadder strock of spiritual judgment ready to be undone IV. Yea it hath been too visible that such evils followed the Reformed Churches as in no time it was ever known that the holy God did passe such by without some signal evidence of his wrath against the same before the world V. We know that carnal confidence hath a curse ever waiting upon it in the Scripture which none can take of or make that thrive which God hath himself cursed and it is too visible how far we have gone thus out of the way of our strenth by such eager seeking human props support as we have forâ—ot the guide of our youth and convenant of our God and what great things he hath formerly done in the greatest straits of his Church when there was much humble trusting with little sence as though the spirit of the Lord had not done more to recover his truth then all human might or power ever could doe SECTION II. QU. WHat talent are we still accountable for to support our faith against the greatest fears of this time from these immediate appearances of God and of the glory of his power for the same truth and cause of the Reformed Church we are now called to contend for which hath been since the reformation when so strong unusual a tyde now is against the same ANSW If men shut not their eyes and hide this great talent of the workes of
of his word and to sanctify him before the world which is so important a duty as the Lord was wroth even with a Moses and Aaron for one short-coming when he called for the same Numb 20 12. and its sure in no time was such a special trust more reposed thereon then in this age both as a publick debt on the Church personal on each Christian how to witnesse for the Lord upon that great interest of his faithfulnesse and for transmitting the same to the ages to come by a confirmatory seal and testimony therto II. To reckon our selves also under some more then ordinare call this day each in their present capacity and station how to appear for the credite of the truth and stemm so visible and impetuous a tyde as is now running of distruct and of a discreditable faint for it may be said never was the Church under the New Testament so remarkably sisted under such a trial as that wherein the Lord did prove the Church of Israel Numb 14. or had a more evident resemblance therto in the same circumstances as in this day if they were seriously pondered as I how in the same manner such a false evil report is too visibly raised upon the blest ways of the Lord to discourage and faint the spirits of his people as was then by the spyes that there were insuperable difficulties in the way of the promise by reason of the Anakims and of their walled cities and did thus oppose the credite of sense to all these assurances which God had given to their faith II. That this highly dishonourable faint and distrust did so sease on that people as was like to resolve in a visible revolt and to cry for a leader to goe back to Egypt again which amongst too many in this time may be justly feared III. That this was after such extraordinare confirmations which the Lord had given to the faith of his Church then who had by his own immediate and outstretched hand so latly brought them out of the house of bondage and from the iron furnace in Egypt as rendred their misbeliefe to be a guilt under such aggravations as the holy God did in that manner plead vers 22. These ten times have they tempted me who have seen my glory and my miracles which I did in the wildernesse c. IV. But herein we hope and are confidently sure of a blessed disparity in this resemblance as to the numberousnesse of such who shall be found of the Reformed Churches to act something of that part which these heroick witnesses a Caleb Joshua did were then put to stand alone therein who through grat shall yet appear with some measure of that spirit and withstand so high a tyde of fears discouragment and misbeliefe as is this day and thus to plead against the same as these did Num. 14 9. if the Lord delight in us then let us not rebel against him neither fear the greatest difficulties can be in the way c. V. And is not the same precedent of providence of so singular a respect as the Lord did then testify to his Caleb and Joshua who were of another spirit in following him fully in that day a continued assurance for all who shall be helped to any honourable appearence of this kind by making them see and inherit the truth of his promise yea that such a residue who outlives this great and amazing storme shal have something of that testimony to bear also which Caleb gave Josh. 14 8 10. My brethren which went up with me made the heart of the people faint but I fully followed the Lord my God and now behold the Lord hath keeped me alive c. o blessed they whose souls are raised with that holy zeal for the truth to stand up in this great breach by a resolute profession of their faith and witnesse to the faithfulnesse of God as such great and extraordinar confirmations given thertho now calls for III. It is one of the special duties of this day we stand also accomptable for how to stemm this high and growing tyde of prejudice and reproach against the Reformed Religion which in some unusual way is now aloft and by manifestation of the truth to gain some more awfull regard herof on mens conscience that they may see somthing of the glory of our profession and in what maner it maintains its conquest as no way else can possibly claim I. Which reckons none else to be the true and genuine professours hereof who imbrace not the same upon evidence and with respect to its intrinsick excellency and worth nor does judge the interest of religion to goe by number and poll where this is wanting but to pursue that end to have men ingadged first to be Christians that they may be true and sincere Protestants and therfor can admitt no such methods of any base compliance with the humour and interests of men which its principles will not bear II. Which in its course is ever regulare and certain according to that rule of an uncheangable and eternal truth without dependance on the will of man herein or any mutable revolutions of the time III. Which doth with the greatest lustre shine forth in the brightest light and is maintained by the clearest knowledge yea by the furthest plainesse and opennesse of heart towards all commends it self so that the world may see it espouseth not mens affection before it gain on their conscience and to have their judgment fixed on a judicious tryal before their resolution nor accounts the truth of religion can ever subsist by an external shew and profession without is known evidence and the efficacy therof on mens soul IV. Which sincerly follows the Catholick interest of Christianitie and publick good of mankind in promotting the great ends of the Gospel so as the world may see its highest intent is to exalt all divine institutions and advance the simplicity and spirituality of Gospel administrations according to the revealed rule amonghst men as that which doth most nearly conceirn the vitals of religion and ane inward life of communion with God V. Which pleads an impartial tryal of al its adversaries whither the principles of our profession or of Popery gives the greatest security to Civil Government founds the strongest obligations to Magistracy and to all Civil and Moral duties by which the awe and venerable esteem of religion is kept up in a nation It is high time that men should cease to be implicit upon this greatest interest they have within time which is the truth of their profession in the matter of religion when a deceit or mistake here is of an eternal conceirn upon which account without respect to interest party or education I have this day sought to know the truth and what adversaries could possibly pretend to reproach or prejudge any at the Reformed Religion which can only amount to charge mens corruption and offences in their practise upon the
conviction hereof when such clear and unanswerable grounds might be improved for this end on these who look thereon as some strang and dark riddle so as they could no more deny or withstand the evidences hereof then that they have a living soul which yet they never saw or could ever be the object of human sense And how sad a prospect should this give of the greatest part of the Christian world who not only know nothing of the true glory and spirituall powers of Christianity but have not the very notion or any sense of the reality of such a thing But in the 2d place it is thus that each Christian for being solidly confirmed in the way of religion may as clearly see as he does sensibly feal the truth of his own experience and have his faith as fully established by this inward and great demonstration of the things of God as his affections are quickned upon such strong and demonstrative grounds of the certainty hereof as these are 1. By considering his present and former state that not in a dream but in the most deep and serious composure of spirit he knows how once he was blind and wholly estranged from this mysterie of Christian experience which now he does see and once had the same sentiment hereof with such who doe most deeply reflect on the same but no sooner did the truth and power of religion sease on his soul then he found himself entered into a new world to know the dawnings of this marvelous light and what belongs to these injoyments and vital acts of Christianity that hath not the least dependence on any naturall cause 2. By considering that marvelous superstructure of experimentall religion which from the inward observation of Christians in all ages is such as the world could not almost contain the books that might be write hereof which yet is so intirely founded on one and the same foundation and does in all the lines of this great circumference still meet in the same center yea thus how intire and harmonious a thing religion in all the parts therof is within upon the soul as well as without so as every step in this way of the experience of the saints is no groping in the dark but what is by line and rule with as sure and demonstrable a connexion with the externall testimony of the word as there is in nature betwixt the cause and the effect which affords a more wonderfull assistance to his faith then the greatest externall miracles could ever doe and tho the spirit of God does sometimes in an extraordinare manner reveal himself to men as acts of his Soveraign prerogative which make no rule yet with the established constitutions of his word does the continued experience of the saints most harmociously ever correspond 3. By considering thus also the being reality of grace not in its effects only but in its proper cause and original how the truth of holinesse in the life of a Christian is so express a transcript of the Gospell in its external revelation that the impresse doth not more clearly answer the seal on the wax then it doth beget the same forme and image of it self in such as believe yea also that conformity it bears to the ever blessed Architype as well as to the revealed rule and how bright a discovery is thus of so glorious a being and nature to which its conformed who is the alone patern and exemple of all truth and holinesse which is so great a discovery as he is made to wonder how men in this age are so much awakened to find out the true Phaenomena of nature though in its own room a most choise study and specialy desirable and will be as in a transport upon some rare natural experiment as made one in that manner cry out 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whilst here is another kind of demonstration and of more transcendent interest then all these could ever amount to on which the eyes of most are this day shutt 4. By considering that uncheangable congruity which is betwixt the nature of these things injoyned in the whole institutions of the Gospell and mens being made happy therby now in their present state and how great a temporal revenew of the fruits of religion as inward confidence peace and serenity of mind doth as natively follow the life and practice herof as the fruit of a tree answers to its kind and is ever found the alone true relief of mankind against all the griefs and bitternesse of time yea that it s no distance of place but of mens spirit by impurity and corruption that makes so sad a distance betwixt God and man here in the earth 5. He is thus further confirmed upon this great testimony of experimentall religion by considering that its sure such as does bear this witnesse are known 1. to be such who are of the most discerning and judicious in the things of reason as any else 2. Whose walke and practice use to have the greatest authority over mens conscience with whom they converse 3. who are found most intensly taken up in the retired worke and duties of religion that can have no respect to the witnesse and observation of others 4. Who seeks no implicit credit from any herein but does obtest men to come and see and prove the same in their their own experience with an appeal to the most exact inquiry and rationall tryall of all mankind if here be any casuall thing and if that testimony of the doctrinall and experimentall part of religion be not still one and the same 5. Who also out of the most remott places of the earth and otherwise strangers amonghst themselves does yet most harmoniously meet in the same witnesse and are thus mutually disclosed to other by a near and fealing intercourse of their souls from such an onnesse in a spirituall state and these specifick properties of a spirituall and new nature with as discernible evidence as if one man should meet with ane other of the same kind in such a place of the earth which were only inhabited with beasts 6. By considering also with a deep and serious reflection hereon that sure and known conjunction which is betwixt the most rare experiences of a Christians life and the most searching tryalls thereof with that uniform consent that hath in all ages of the Church been in such marvelous things as these 1 what solemne tokens and testimonies of the love of God and his acceptance are found usually to meet his people in the entry of some great tryall or service for him even in some unusuall manner then in the sence whereof as it was with Elijah they have been made to goe many days after in a wildernesse state yea how this does not respect persons only but Churches that the word still useth to goe before with some remarkable confirming worke to secure the heart before the crosse and some special tryal of persecution comes 2. That as each day
hath its proper burden and worke so hath it its proper allowance provided for the same which should be no lesse sought after by a Christian then his dayly bread and when the pressure of such a day grows to some more singulare hight so also should the expense hereof be in faith sought for expected 3. How the choisest mercies are reserved to the saddest times of a Christians lot and most usually crosse to their own choise and thus hath had the greatest struglings with these methods of providence which hath in the issue tended most to their upmaking 4. Yea how the returnes of a long deferred hope after much humble on-waiting have been to such as a Pisgah whence they have not only had a clear and comforting prospect of their bypast tryals but for being more fully confirmed of the time to come and can bear now that testimony that the Lord hath cleared all bygones to them and hath taken the vail off his worke which for long had been as a dark and strang riddle 7. This likeways gives a most clear and confirming prospect of that great seal of experience when he can now see both in his own case and of others what the issue of believing in a singular exigence and tryal and upon some special act of trust and adventure herein does at last come to which the more deeply it s considered he finds one of the most peculiare assistances to his faith and one of the greatest attainments of experimentall religion within time when he can thus see the same way of believing in some strong and extraordinare assaults which he hath had to crush and break him herein which hath carried so many thorow in their saddest tryals bring him also in his turn to be an instance in the same kind to bear an honourable testimony to this sure and excellent way of believing before the world and that none fear after him to hold by the promise of God and venture on that security tho it then seem against hope whose dispensations did yet never never give his word the lye CHARACT IV. Such is a truely confirmed Christian who in a dismall time is not staggered in his faith from the present signs and appearences therof but hath his soul ballast with such solid grounds of confirmation against the same as these providences wherat others doe most stumble tends to his further strenthning in the way of the Lord when he does now clealy see 1. How tribulation and the crosse makes one of the most illustrious and beutifull parts of the whole frame of Providence about the Church and in the lot of each Christian so as there can be no possible stumbling to any for want of light here that sore tryalls and distresse should most remarkably follow these in their journey who have an eternall blessednesse before them in the clofe hereof when so great a part of the Scripture is directed not only for comfort but for a clear conduct of the Christians faith through all the intrcacies and labyrinths of such a dispensation and thus sees how highly congruous it is to the infinit wisdom of God that so strait and narrow a way in such a state of tryall as is here should goe before the state of everlasting injoyment that there should be such a stage and theatre also whereon the passive graces of the spirit may not only be exercised but displayed in their true lustre and glory before Angels and men yea that thus the Redeemed of the Lord be first trained in so sharp a warfare as may not only put a due value and respect on the greatness of that triumph and reward which is to come but be matter of ineffable joy and exultation that ever they were admitt thus to evidence their love and adherence to their blessed head and his truth here on the earth and accounted worthy to be put on some hotter service and to peculiare tryals and conflicts this way beyond others for some example and incouragement to the Church in their day and here also he can now see how the greatest injoyments of comfort are more oweing to the most sharp and afflicting tryals of their life then to the greatest externall calme and that to endure patiently and suffer for the name Christ is such a priviledge as the elect Angels have not been admitt to yea that the Lords chastning worke and sorest smitting of his own is an act also of saving so that thus the more deeply he searcheth here the more does he see admire and consent to that glorious piece of the administration of providence about the Church and finds it to be one of the greatest confirmations of his faith within time 2. He does now clearly see how the truth and faithfulnesse of God is commensurate to his whole worke of Providence that all the lines hereof as they doe lead from his revealed councell in the Scripture which is the adequat signe of his eternall councell and decrees so doe they returne thither again to make this great demostration clear that if a full History were write of this world and what hath been conspicuous thorow the whole series of times past in all these conjunctions of inseriour causes whether necessare free or contingent and of such events that seem most casual it should be nothing else but an exact transcript and history of the Bible to bear this witnesse quod mundus nihil aliud est quam Deus explicatus secundum scripturam but though a full discovery hereof be not attainable within time yet is it a sad and deplorable want that the great acts of the Lord in each age of the Church are not more searched and sought out of all them that take pleasure therin that they may be seen observed and admired by that part of the creation Angels and Men who are only in a capacity to know the same which is a service for the Lord wherin his praise and declavative glory is so highly conceirned as a Christian should account the meanest roome herein one of the most desirable attainments within time yea it seems just matter of regret also that this comes not under a more publick care and nottice of particulare Churches and of the Christian Magistrate where religion hath any true regard to have such solemne providences as occurre in that time and place which may be called experimenta lucifera to the Church and of a further reach and extent then any private use both search'd after and recorded as becomes so high a service to the Christian cause and one of the highest conceirns of the posteritie to have such not only possessed of a pure religion but of that seal also which the Lord hath in the great acts of providence appended therto and thus to have that increase which each successive age brings therwith to the publick stock of the Church looked after as a piece of the greatest trust reposed theron so that the Children rise not up and say we have not
heard nor have our fathers faithfully transmitt to us the wonderous works which the Lord hath wrought in their time 3. He is thus also tought to see the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and demonstrative causes of the most strang judgments on the Church to be as clear in the Scripture as they are in the event and though the holy God in the day of his patience and long-suffering is not alike quick in the execution of the sentences of his word yet does he ever establish the authority of his Laws by the works of his providence in the most opportune season and as judgment deferred is no acquittance so does it more threaten its being the greater when it comes then a quick and present dispatch yea though this tempest which now blowes on the Chruches of Christ come to a greater hight and the darknesse be such as no Moon or Starres may for many dayes yet appear of any visible signs of hope yet is his soul thus at rest whilst he can see the credit of the truth cleared on which he hath more in dependence then any adventure within time and does rejoyce whatever miscarrying may be of inferiour ends that this great and ultimate end of the works of God is secured herein and the glory of his truth does shine forth in the most strang and amazing acts of his providence wherat many are ready to stagger when they doe not wisely consider the same 4. He sees now likewise so high a value which the Lord puts on the tryall of his peoples faith and that the great dispensation wherby he deales with men is by trust and on the credit of his word as it addes further to his confirmation to see all human and visible refuges oft taken out of his Churches sight yea his greatest works in the earth make the greatest delay er they be brought forth his Churches case put so far beyond help before a cure as the first quickning of her crushed and allmost dead hope must be at the mouth of the grave and he is thus herein more singularly strenthned that when the Lord speaks the same in the way of providence which he hath spoke in his word not by might nor by power that he doth with unspeakable advantage supply and fill the roome therof by the next word but by my spirit saith the Lord which in this day should with a full assurance of faith be both sought and looked after 5. It is in this rare study he attaines also the greatest confirmation to his faith that could possibly be desired within time to see now when it s so near the close therof and after all the revolutions of times past how the truth and faithfullnesse of God hath as the sun in its strenth still keept its way straight and fixt amidst all these dark clouds which have been to darken the same and is now gone its course untill it draws near to the full and perfect day yea thus to see how signally this present age is sisted upon that same appeal and solemne testimony which as Josua gave Josh. 23 14. that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning yow all are come to passe to yow and not on thing hath failed thereof and Solomon did bear also at the dedication of the Temple 1 Kings 8 v. 56. Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest unto his people Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed one word of all his good promise which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant so is this now that great testimony of the latter dayes and the highest tribute of praise to the glory of God in his truth which can be given by men that this present generation stands accountable to make the same yea much greater appeal to the world if they can instance one promise or prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture which hath ever failed or fallen to the ground but may be this day read in the event under these proper circumstances wherin it was to take place in its proper season as evidently as it was fortold and must still bear the same witnes Psal 18 30. that the way of the Lord is perfect and his word tryed on all the adventures of faith and tryals which to this moment of time have been made hereof and of his being still a buckler to such as trust in him and are called to transmitt this glorious testimony to the succeeding ages that it may never cease to shine or want a publick witnesse therto before Angels and men untill the whole mystery of God in his word be finished in that magnificent close which shall be therof at the second coming of the Lord. CHARACT V. A confirmed Christian in this day should be thus also stated as one who hath not only attained a solid rest and settlment of mind upon the certainty of the Christian faith but does know the pure genuine truth of Christianity amidst such high oppositions betwixt the Romish and Reformed Church herein And in the 1 place hath in this manner sisted himself upon such a tryal I as one who knows there is but one true and saving religion in the earth to which God hath annexed the promise of eternall life which can never be divided against it self 2. Who knows that within a litle his religion will be tryed in the truth therof at the tribunall of Christ where each must give account of himself unto God 3. As such who sees there can be no possible indifference in the exterior profession of either way but that so high a contrariety of principles is in this opposition that if the doctrine of Christ be on the one hand it is sure Antichristianisme must be on the other hand 4. Yea who hath in that abstract manner sought to state the case herein with his own soul as if he were come out of Paganism to give a serious assent to the divinity of the Scripture and thus pressed to joyn in with that profession of the Christian faith which is most exactly conforme to the same in the genuine and perspicuous sence therof In the 2d place he hath sought to know how he could imbrace the Popish creed and adventure his eternall state theron or can extinguish his reason and conscience so far as to believe that the holy God would ever impose such a faith upon men as this is I where he must abandon these principles of naturall reason in the most necessare use therof which God hath himself planted in mans soul so as not to trust his own eyes but others in that great interest of his eternall state and with his own consent be shutt out from all proper knowledge of the rule of his religion yea account a blind and unlimited obedience to men amongst the highest excellencies of saith 2. Where he must at once believe the fullnesse and perfection of the Scripture and to be not only