dissolved and fall ere one special act of trust and adventure on his hand and under the assured warrant of his truth should be frustrate and that the safe conduct also and security of one Christian in his passage through time is of that consequence and so essential a part of the great frame of providence that this should not be entire and perfect if it should fail as to the meanest of the Saints to make so great a nullity herein 7. And is it not in such a reflex work on the truth of experience that such can only know the sweet enjoiments of times past and what that peculiar comfort of remembrance means which I must reckon one of the rarest and most unknown enjoiments this day under the Sun since it is sure this can never be from the greatest delights of the earth when once passed which as they return no more so does ever leav a bitter sting and remembrance by a native result of the same whilst that which hath been experienced in the way of God can neither perish nor lose its sweetness but will render the most afflicting part of their life past which was most bitter and sore then to be the most comforting part thereof to their remembrance when they can see herein both what they have designed for God and he hath done for them 8. If there be any comfort of love in the Communion of the Saints here within time they may see how this is not attainable but in the light of inward experience whence they know what it is to meet and have fellowship in the same Savour and relish of the things of God when in a spiritual frame and to be mutually disclosed as they can discern something of the excellency of one anothers spirit and of the power and lively workings of inward grace by that native lustre and evidence which thus followes the same so as under the sensible power of such attractions their souls are more closely unite and joined together yea are mutually strenthned by other conflicts and what experiments they have made of divine truth herein as to their releaf And I must say where this is not understood that great mystery of the Communion of the Saints is but a strange and dark notion nor without this can that special design of the Lord in the settlement of Churches in a visible state be either known or answered which is to have external ordinances carried on with life and power amongst men and enjoying communion with our blessed head herein The VII and last INQUIRY I would make as to a more full assurance of understanding on the truth of our profession and for further clearing of this great Subject of the experimental part of Religion is to know the quality of the witnesses thereto which is an Inquiry of a higher concern and import then seems to be apprehended or of what weight and necessity this is upon these grounds 1. Because the whole truth of Spiritual experience is matter of fact and founded on a certainty of sense it is truth in the event and performance and not what God does speak but what according to the same he hath done so that this is not upon any principle of Faith but on mens personal tryall of the same according to that Isai 43 v. 10. ye are my witness says the Lord that ye may know and beleeve me and understand that I am he for tho it is of divine and infallible truth that whatever God hath assured by promise he will do yet the experience hereof since the Canon of the Scripture was sealed is of humane record and a testimony which could bear no weight from the greatest of men if the quality of such witnesses were not tried and considered herein 2. Because the highest pretence to spiritual enjoiments in the way of the promise is but a false testimony where there is no tender regard herewith to the precepts of the Ghospel when this connection is indissoluble Act 9. they walked in the fear of God and comforts of the Holy Ghost doe not my words good to them that walk uprightly Mica 2 7. It is true that choisest Christians may be much hid and in the dark herein to others and upon such an account should have a sad part if they were tryed and judged by men only this is sure there can be no more in the conclusion then is in the premises and that a Christians testimony to the truth lyes more in what they are then what they express to others 3. The quality of the witnesses is of such weight here and to be specially regarded as one of the highest services for God within time under their hand to put too their seall and testimony that God is true in what he hath promised who are as it were judicially sisted in behalf of his truth and faithfulnes since his declarative glory before angels and men does more peculiarly ly here then in the whole Structure and frame of this Creation This is a trust and debt also upon each age of the Church that the truth and faithfulnes of their God may be transmitt to the generations to come with such a confirmatory seall 4. This Inquiry is the more called for to know what these are who bear such a witnes to the truth upon the exceeding greatnes of these things which belong to Christian experience since this might awake the most sublime and inquisitive spirits of the time to search herein and be a Subject of great thoughts and reflection that such are on the earth yea an innumerable part of men who do verily enjoy so marvelous a light as is immediatly out of Heaven and shines upon none else and knowes such an enjoiment as an immediate communion with the Deity and his sensible presence with their Spirits with returns from Heaven to their suits in most reall effects since if this be sure then must men seek for another Idea of Christianity have other thoughts about the same then what most seem to have then is there a higher glory put upon mens souls in the way of grace and their beeing partakers of the divine nature then what all humane grandeur can ever amount to or is upon the Sun and the Stars of Heaven 5. The credit and quality of the Witnesses on this great head of Spiritual experience and the whole internal part of Christianity is of such weight that the spirit of this age and most predominant part of men within the Church is stated in so visible an opposition thereto not only to oppose the power and spirituality of Religion but to deny its principles and give a lye to this testimony of the most eminent workings of the spirit of God on mens souls as if it were some illusion or imposture which is in effect to take of the greatest seall that God hath given to the Divinity of the Scripture in the whole internal demonstrations of its truth this is the great prodigy of this age bejond any
and darkness which is not founded by positive institution only but in the immutable nature of these things themselves and tho I design to speak more fully to this hereafter yet should this be of highest use to strenthen the Christian faith to look in with the serious use of reason on the whole frame of Paganisme as it was in ancient times or of Mahumetisme in this day where even under a sense of the law and dictates of nature such a sight were enough to expose the very name and form of Religion to be just matter of abhorrence and to be the highest reproach of mankind and thus see whither so brutish and horrid a thing could ever claim a reception either on the purity of its rule or any internal evidence of truth or possible consistence with its self so that to have no sense or beleef of the glorious being of God is not worse or more dreadful then to have the highest contumely and affront thus put on the divine nature and which tends rather to justify Atheism This enquiry were it suitably improven could not but render that dilemma unansuerable either a Christian or of no Religion at all either that which we enjoy according to the Laws and constitutions of the Christian faith or else an absolute nullity as to all Religion and that no such sacred thing had a being on the earth INQUIRY II. But as it is not possible to hold by the truth of a Godhead or to have any trew enjoiment of Religion without a further and unavoidable progresse to the Christian Faith so must the first entry hereof be on the old Testament and by a necessar result upon this inquiry if the God of truth gave such a promise of a redeemer to mankind after the fall and that on this great assurance the faith of the ancient Church did entirly rest that so glorious a person as the Messias should come and be anointed to that work of redeemingman and bringing him again to God since tâ—is must be first cleared and our faith fixed on the same ere we can enter on any enjoiment of the Ghospel for the faith of the new Testament is not attainable else but in such an order and settlement of our faith in the old and hath ane absolute dependance on the same wherein the weight of this enquiry lyes 1. To see the truth and nature of that promise which was the first immediate object of the Churches faith to be irrevocable and absolute and given to be declarative of the immutable purpose and counsel of God herein and not dependant upon any condition in man 2. How this one great promise was given to be the original right and warrant of all other promises which doe wholly center in him in whom they are yea and amen 3. As a promise of such a nature that reason must stand amazed at the greatnes hereof and cry out can this possibly be yea the more deep enquiry herein must highten such ane astonishment and make the soul of a Câ—ristian sinke under the thoughts of such a thing that God wil in very deed bear such regard to man this being a truth of that concern as it might seem strange how one day should pass over men without some fresh reviving of such a reflection 4. To see how high a value and account God put upon that one promise by so long a delay and procrastination of the same as a promise worthy of the Churches waiting and expectation of the same for 4000. Years 5. This enquiry must lye here to see the first entry of the Christian Faith on the world in its precise time and date and how such a light did not shine on Adam and Eve in the state of perfection whilst they stood in a state of tryal upon a perfect obedience to their God but with the falling doun of that dismal night of there fall did the glory of this light first dawn that there might be no utter darkness in the state of mankind as in that of the fallen angels whereby the final condemnatory sentence on the one and releef for the other were made known and promulgate together and the room of the first Adam filled up with a higher glory by the second 6. How this blessed light tho with a gradual increase did never cease to shine on this world since it began to dawn nor hath there ever ceased a peculiar people in a Church relation who were distinct and separate from the residue of men whose profession was founded in the alone faith of a redeemer so as one day hath not been since the first entry of that promise wherein the sun did shine on the earth when the sun of righteousness did not shine also by vital influences of light and power and where the Churches head had not some part of his body here to converse with as the peculiar objects of his complaisance and love and did rejoice in the habitable parts of the earth tho that some ages have had a higher glory assigned thereto and a larger extent of the Church yet would he not restrict the ingathering of his elect to any special periods of time or let each age want a share of this glory and of a seed to be as salt to the earth 7. But this enquiry goes further to see these measures of evidence and divine condeshendence which was given to support the faith of the ancient Church on that great promise even by an ocular discovery to the outward sence as in the whole frame and successive course of the legal sacrifices and these numerous figures and types in that long preparatory service wherein he did not let his people feed on asshes naked shadows and where nothing was inept or usless but was expresly significative of that highest mystery of Christ and could possibly bear no other sence or intent and since the whole stress of the Christian Faith lyes upon this one promise or what can make the state of man valeuable in any true enjoiement of his life here it s on this head should be sett the first settlement of our faith for I know no releef but in a promised redeemer and if it were not for the old Testament I could not possibly be a Christian if the morning and growing-light of that glorious mystery had not gone before its meridian hight and as a clear conduct to the next step I shall enter on A III. INQUIRY to know that this fundamental promise of a redemers coming to the world is assuredly made good and is no more a matter of faith but of sense that its sure our eyes see such a day and long expected period of time and can be no dark or doubtful thing now to be a Christian but may enter on its profession in the open light but to clear how with the same evidence of the certainty of the promise we may see its performance also and if we be sure of the one that it is not possible to be
disrelishing to the spirit of most this day then such a thing but wisdom is justified of her Children and with such let my soul be joined in 9. As it is known and sure that here is no illusion or imaginary thing where any fallacy or deceit lyes to the most judicious and observing Christians who knows herein what makes them glad and whence it is and how no assistance of their own spirit or in the power of nature could possibly impart such a thing so may it be astonishing how such who live under the Profession of Christ and hath any design on ane eternal stare in Heaven can take this on report or be so little inquisitive about so wonderful a truth that there should be such ane enjoiment here on the earth which without any natural cause can put the soul of men into ane entire rest and settlement and when under greatest shakings and fears other ways cause them know the truth of pardon and peace with God with a sure evidence yea at so low ane ebb can immediatly revive and raise with so discernable a change in their inward case for if this be ane undoubted matter of experience it should be not easie for men to live without tryall hereof themselves 10. Let me add further here is a part of that communion which Christians have within time with the most excellent of the earth and such who in all ages of the Church have been the greatest lovers of God and adventurers for him such with whom he hath been most familiar and hath admit not only to the allowance of Subjects but the regard of favourites who hath known how great a Rewarder he is of his own grace yea such who have made the most exact inquiry and tryall upon the truth and security of their comfort herein and hath put to their seall that God is faithfull and true in that he hath thus promised 4. There is this special use to be made of such ane enquiry on the truth of inward experience to see how great and wonderful a Subject we have for reflection hereon and of what singular advantage this should be for strenthning the soul of a Christian against the workings of unbeleef and to give a more full security of mind in the adventures of hope and relyance upon God for things to come It is sure the reflex faculty of man is one of the greatest wonders of nature and if the spiritual use and improvement hereof were more understood on this Subject and what it is to dive in to these still and deep waters it might make such be oft as a wonder to themselves I shall but point at a few reflex acts of a Christian on this great mystery of spiritual experience to shew what manner of enjoiments these are admit to herein which the whole residue of mankind knows nothing of 1. To have such great supernatural truths of the Scripture which did once exceed their faith and reason to be now matter of undoubted experience in the truth power and efficacy hereof on their own souls and thus to know what belongs to the enjoiments of spiritual sence which formerly seemed so darke and incomprehensible a thing yea how great a difference there is betwixt the clearest Acts of the Judgment and understanding about divine things and a reall fealing of the same in the power and vertue thereof betwixt the most sublime apprehensions by theory and the sensible impressions by the Holy Ghost and what a present and marvelous change this makes on the soull of a Christian 2. To enjoy the same no less under a full evidence and certainty of the truth thereof as the alone and immediate Work of God then in their felt power and sweetnesse that here was no casual thing or matter of doubtfulness or uncertainty but where they can clearly see the object of their faith on the truth of divine Revelation now to be the object of there inward Sence and enjoyment and are sure that what God hath spoken he hath done according to the same for if this be not clear Spiritual comforts would be of low value if it were not with that evidence and assurance of being Gods seall as they could adventure their eternal state on the truth hereof 3. And how sweet a part is it when they can thus reflect on their own experience and enjoy the same with no less evidence of the proper cause and original then of the truth of its effects which is one of the greatest helps to give stability and assurance to our Faith to see how the power of Religion is never barren of new experiments of the truth hereof how the greatest objective means in the way of light cannot doe if there were not an Internal effective cause that works powerfully herein and as in nature so in the way of grace how the same cause which makes us live must make us move and act yea to see how the same spirit that confirms a Christian on the truth of his state and of the enjoiments of grace here does confirm Christianity and the enjoyments of glory which must infallibly follow the same and ere long be a matter of their experience also 4. To know this way that surely a nearer intimacy is to be enjoyed with God and of a higher kind which is by the communion of the Holy Ghost then by the immediate ministry of the Angels yea a greater evidence thus given to a Christians soul then by any external miracles since this is a seall of that nature as is given to none but such as are the objects of the divine complacence and delight and its sure the alone greatest evidence of divine love lyes in the internal part of Christianity and these immediate operations of the Spirit of God more then by any external providences 5. To see how these great things of experience come under a present tryall and given to be experienced here on the earth and are not some rare contingency or what may be stated on an extraordinar account but does keep closs with a tender walk and near entercours with God through a Christians whole course and thus knows what such an anointing with fresh oyl means Psalm 92 10. by innumerable reiterated times of such enjoiment yea how the sense and sweetness thereof comes not then by the power and workings of reason but the immediatness of the divine presence tho even then it does not exclude such a discursive work in the clearness of Spiritual reason and light as can fully quiet the mind that here is no illusion or deceit but le ts us see that the Spirit of God can make use of an argument to settle and secure the soul when all essays whither from themselves or others can give no releaf 6. Thus are they admitt to see herewith how deep the foundation of our comfort and security is layd on the faithfulness of God in his revealed truth so as the whole frame of Christianity must be
great Revolution in the State of Britain how it was expresly foretold under its proper circumstances many years past and was one of the first passages of any weight that hath been still fixed in my remembrance of a relation I had from ane ancient and eminent Minister of Christ of a Prediction imparted to him by one of an extraordinar and Prophetick Spirit in that time that so great a Scene of Providence should be acted in Britain and change in the publick face of affaires by the coming over of a Prince of Orange who should be the great Instrument and Actor therein and tho some particulars relating thereto I cannot exactly remember yet this in the substance with such ane express designation as I have now mentioned hath from my young years had a settled impression in my memory and as I am sure and perswaded of the truth hereof and that the foresaid Relater had such a Prediction long before there was any allyance betwixt the House of Britain and of Orange yea am sure this did exceed the reach of humane apprehension at that time from any rise or tendency of natural causes in the order and series thereof so is it not now mentioned after the event only but what several years before I gave ane account and relation off to some of great quality who still know the same when there was not the least appearance of such a thing tho I could lay no further weight thereon which seemed so strange and improbable but that the thing in it self as to the truth of such a Prediction was reall 4 That there are supernatural warnings hath been given to men by some special instinct and impression not only of the approach of some great and extraordinar tryall with respect to themselves but of the near approach of their death yea to some the precise time hereof is a truth so known in the World and with that undeniable evidence as might fully convince those of the most doubtful and suspicious Spirit in things of that nature and were it suitable here I might give special instances which I have surely known of this kinde with respect to such who were both pious and of great composure in their judgment who hath had such perswasion fixed on them without the least presage from any natural cause or what in ane ordinary way could give a rise thereto as it did after fall out in the event 5. That there are also extraordinare signs and forewarnings given the World of great Revolutions and Judgments ere they came on particular nations by prodigies and signes from Heaven is of that publick evidence and certainty as would seem not possible to question if some methods of opposition to God both in his Word and Works were not peculiar to this age and the spirit thereof this way bejond any that hath gone before for what may be supposed and misjudged by many on such ane account through ignorance and unacquaintance with natural causes and the extent thereof is not to be questioned but from this will men debate or discredit a truth that all ages must witness and these of the most cautious and discerning amongst men how such solemn forewarnings from Heaven by extraordinar signs and prodigies hath been still previous to publick changes and revolutions and to any great calamities and judgements It s sure these are no imaginary things but are direct for some special end and are sometimes in such a manner visible to the experience of the World as hath not been in like manner known for some ages past as that late Comet 81. yea occurr not according to the settled constitutions of nature but come both with an surprising aspect and are expresly formed and directed of the Lord for some higher end then to be an emptie shew and wonder to the World but when the Word of truth and threatnings thereof ceaseth to warne or be matter of trembling and the Atheistick contempt and derision of the Works of God is in this day at such a height it s like the door may be now judicially shut on any extraordinar presages or warnings this way untill one prodigy of some unusual judgement come that will not be baffled by men Whilst I speak on such a Subject I know there is a strange thing that comes under the notion by many of a miracle tho matter of very ordinare thoughts with others and of a light and common regard about the same which is in that strange and astonishing cure of the Struma or as it s termed the Kings evil by a touch of the hand only without any application of ordinary means that here is no imposture in the truth of such a thing but that many have been undoubtedly healed by this touch of the Kings of England is not questionable which is of so pâ—blick and known evidence in the tryall of numerous instances yea that here is something supernatural and unaccountable to humane understanding on principles of reason when it s one of the most contumacious diseases of mens body that in the ordinare use of means is found the most difficult to cure but since any extraordinar effect should lead men to a deep enquiry and tryall about the cause hereof and have the more weight in such a case that a miraculous work where it is in truth is Gods own seall which he doth rarely give but on some great and important ground where his glory and the interest of his truth is highly concerned yea that its sure where he intends such a miraculous discovery of himself to confirm the faith of his people he gives it with the clearest evidence of his work and a concurrence of such circumstances as may serve conviction on all whose impress and signature it bears to difference the same from any imposture or its beeing a diabolick sign and work and so this calls for a just enquiry and tryall in the present case in these respects 1. To know its true rise and original which I find in the English Chronicles to be dated from the time of Edward the Confessor when Antichristian darkness was then at his greatest height it beeing in the 1042 Year when he began to reign and when that Prediction of the Apostle Thessal 2 2. of a more then ordinary power and working of Satan with signs and lying wonders to promote the Antichristian interest was then taking place and was in that sence only admitt to confirm the Romish Faith by such a strange miracle 2. This Inquiry should be necessar herein whither this pretended miraculous power belong to the Crown only or hath respect to the Quality and Holiness of the persons who weare the same since if it be to the first then tho ane Infidel or Mahumetan were established on the Throne if this gift follow the same it must needs be derived to them also and have such a high Priviledge annexed thereto as the Throne of Israel never had when a David and Solomon sate thereon tho
of man the whole successive race of mankind each in their order with that full evidence of the Holy Righteousness of the Judge herein as shall irresistably constrain their conscience to bear witnesse thereto 8. Yea what a concern of the Christian Faith lyes here of that eternal separation and parting which will then follow betwixt the elect and reprobate World with that dreadful dimission to these infernal Regions and with this sight to see sin which made its first entry in Heaven amongst the Angels and hath since so much overspread the earth now for ever shutt up in hell both sin and sinners together never more to look out at the grate of these prison But II. There is another thing with respect to this Subject which hath been to me oft matter of serious thoughts whence is it that in so knowing an age as this we see how such as are greatest pretenders to reason and to a higher flight then others this way are more visibly then any else of an Atheistick Spirit and to be a length herein bejond any else on that design how to weaken both their own assent and others to the Christian Faith and to render the same so far as possibly they can to be problematick and doubtful but it is sure here is nothing to stumble but what may rather be strenthning to any of a serious spirit and needs be no strange thing when such are as tender as possible to marr their enjoiments of this present life who hath no more or to let their thoughts come near to what must needs torment them before the time whilst their reason serves them for such an use and constrains their conscience herein that they must either be Christians in earnest or none at all yea that under such bright discoveries of the truth of the Ghospel they must see it is not compatible with reason how there should be a mids betwixt a truly serious Christian who beleeves what he does professe and a rosolved Atheist whose work lyes to have the dread of such a Faith wholly extinguished I knew a most remarkable Atheist indued with special natural accomplishments who on the same account said to a person of quality if I did trul◠beleeve what you profess to do they are matters of so great concern that I do profess I could think upon nothing else or be taken up thus as the most of Christians are with the things of this World so as I cannot possibly credit you in the Faith of your own Profession And herein can any exerce reason and not see the Faith of Christianity is another thing then most this day did ever conceive it to be and a much higher attainment then a Christians particular interest herein for where the first is assuredly attained it may seem not possible but the other must follow that mens greatest business of the earth should be to have a sure evidence for Heaven and to be ripening for so great a change I have known some whose tryalls and conflicts in their warefare hath been extraordinare and strange who hath professed their highest releaf still lay herein from the Faith of divine truth more then as to any particular promise made applicable to such a case and would have sought no more to carry their spirits above the present temptations that occurred though they were not ordinary or to be at rest as to all temporal events but a more full strenthning in the Christian Faith and that their Redeemer did live since then they were in sure terms as to their security for whatever he hath promised III. But I must add yet one thing further which seems indeed a prodigy proper to such an age as this that it s become so hard a work to bring men living in the day light of the Ghospel to a serious beleeving the truth and existence of infernal spirits and of their commerce and traffick with this visible World or to bring such who seem greatest pretenders to reason to the Faith of Divells lest they should thus be unavoidably brought to that Faith of the Divells which is to beleeve and tremble which surely is an unconceavable and extream horror that these Apostate Spirits have herein whilst their assent to the glorious beeing of God to his attributes yea to the truth and History of the Ghospel is by such ane inevitable constraint that as there is no possible access for them to be Atheists so is their dréad and torment heigtned beeing such knowing intellectual essences as that power and subtilty of delusion whereby they deal with mankind will not work on themselves This I must judge to be the last effort of the horrid wickedness of this present age to strenthen such a way and since such a party can have no help or support from faith and reason herein and yet find the assured truth and beeing of Divels and of their communion and warefare with men does marr any possible defence or design for Atheism and a taking off the terror of ane infernal state off their soul they must therefore move to another airth which is to beleeve nothing but what they see and feell and comes under a sensible demonstration to warrant the same for this is to make sure work at once against the whole Christian Faith and shut the door on any way of conviction thence thus they keep a distance with the beeing of their own souls as if it were some dark and abstract notion because it comes not under their sence they can live at quiet and be secure from the fear of a Hell and infernal world or exclusion out of Heaven untill they once meet with such an argument as to make them both see and feell the truth hereof but oh they seeme not to apprehend how sore the application of this argument will be when they at last find its in vain to reject the conclusion where the premises are sure There is one of late who is come forth in the day light of Christianity in a book lately published to undeceive the World upon so great a delusion as to these invisible powers of darknesse and tho he seems to find it difficult how to annihilate and make void wholly their existence yet doth offer with a strange confidence to secure men from any fear of the molestations of such Spirits and that all inward temptations or assaults of Satan and his operating upon the souls of men is but a deplorable fascination and bewitchment that the Christian Church hath been so long under It might be judged there were little need for such a worke to take this generation we are now in off all watch and guard against these destroying adversaries and to render them more secure herein then they seem already to be and that this confidence must have some strange rise to go forth not only in the most direct opposition to Sacred Truth but to the universal Sence and reason of mankind except he hopes to find a numerous party who
parts that such hath allotted to them in the times we are fal'n in who would stand in such a gape breach where oppositions now thereto are so strong and it may seem almost hopeless to crave justice in behalf of the truth at the bar of mens conscience when a latitude on principles hath come to such a height as the authority of light is without fear controlled yet on the other hand it may be feared that the answering of that Command of the Holy Ghost is not suitably taken to heart the great consequence thereof which is to walk in wisdom towards these who are without tho not being in that Sence without the Church yet as no less stated in a visible enmity to the truth which is according to Godliness then such could be there hath been much serious study and designs by the Servants of Christ in this age to promot his Kingdom in Britain and Ireland and there are yet there eminently fitted for so difficult a service how to gain and prevail with the furthest measures of prudence and judgement upon the most obstinatly prejudged as any in this day there hath been also of late a singular improvement made and blest for a more unite contending for the Faith once delivered to the Saints in so hazardous a time but it is sure there is yet some further length and essay called for upon this great service for the Kingdom of Christ in taking off letts and stumbling bloks out of their way who may be upon a sad precipice of breaking and further alienation from the truth and for some more full clearing of the same from these designed reflections cast thereon in such a way as convictions might thus insensibly prevail and gain ground with the greatest Gainsayers whilst we know little what design grace may in this day have on such and as the furthest regard should be kept to light upon any controverted truth without losing ground herein yet should I judge it a door of hope to see these who are unite in the great concerns of Truth and Godliness once meet in a more joint concurrence in behalf of these great things of God which are not controverted when the face of this Generation is so threatning as to a further revolt from the Christian Faith both in the pureness and power thereof This is to be a work by its self which as it's of the highest publick concern so does it require a more then ordinare measure of Judiciousnes in following the same My Unfitnes to speak on such a Subject should have restrained me herein were it not to witness something of a serious desire under which my soul is prest for such ane end when the hazard of the perishing of so many who hath ane Eternal State before them is so visible this day and yet no further tryall made to gain and recover according to that rule and practice of the Apostle I was all things to all that I might gain some Others can more fitly judge as to the suitable managing of such a service and how to fall in on the right lith of duty herein only somethings I should wish were more designed for taking off prejudices and to breake thus one of the greatest Engines of Satan this day against the interest of the Ghospel 1. In coming a greater length by these who are of a serious spirit to Sacrifice private resentments to that publick Interest of the Truth upon conceived Injuries when it s so evident what ane influence personal prejudice this day hath to keep up distance to highten differences and cause further estrangement on such an account from any fervent appearance for God and this is surely one of the most honourable parts of a Christians work how far he might overcome the distempers of others by humility tenderness and love and walk in such a countermotion to the spirit and temper of this day 2. It is a service this day much cals for to have stumblings more prevented against these unquestionable settled administrations of the Government of Christ in his Church so as the way and manner of his Spiritual Kingdom might be rightly understood the proper object whereof is the soul and inward man and it 's great design to restore edify which is in such a way that where it 's truly answered nothing can be more tender and healing and to attract any of a serious spirit to join in herewith for it is a sad measure that the truth should sufler from the weaknes or exorbitancies of any It was suitable for the Christian Church in the primitive times to plead that from Heathens that the offence and practices of none should be charged upon the rule of their Profession 3. It were desirable also that further conviction might be served on these who are prone to stumble how in the promoting of truth and Godliness there is no persuing any divided interest of a party and that if such would once try and see they can then judge where the most comprehensive interest within time lyes which all are jointly concern'd to promote who hath any design on the Christian Profession for eternal things 4. I shall but add this more what ane advantage should it be for the truth and to conciliate a greater respect thereto that all might see how sweet a Contemperature and Harmony there is betwixt pure zeal for God which is according to knowledge and the furthest prudence and tenderness towards men and how the rule and spirit of the Ghospel can admit of no bitterness wrath or recrimination which are so abounding this day in the Church in persuing of differences upon any concern of the truth for herein doth the glory and honor of our blessed Head more eminently appear in securing the concord and unity of his Church under a diversity of light and judgement in some lesser differences about the truth by a spirit of love and by its power and efficacy upon mens heart in subdueing the distempers of their mind then by imposing the most severe and absolute uniformity in all things to be the measure of Church Communion and it is ever found how this hath been most easy and practicable among such who hath made the highest advance in the life and power of Christianity then any else since he nearer the lines are to the Center the nearer also are they among themselves and I must add herewith that it may be little known what convictive power might follow in a time of such high distempers as this on a suitable application of that wisdom which dwells with prudence and comes from above according to the rule given for the same James 3 17. to make a higher interest for the Kingdom of Christ and to the saving of the souls of many then now in an ordinare way would seeme possible 4. As the furthest tenderness and prudence is called for to prepare the way of the Lord for a further advance of his Kingdom in taking out of
seem to bear no weight I doubt not ere long of such a visible demonstration of the Divinity of our ever Blessed Redeemer which he shall give before the World that he may be known to be God as will for ever end this Controversy There is a constraint on the Elect Angels to admire what they cannot comprehend of the Mystery of the Ghospel and that incomprehensible love of God to fallen man but oh what a return and recompence does engaged mankind give to him who counted it no robbery to be equal to God yet to become man for our sake that in the face of the greatest brightness of light does bear such enmity to his Godhead as the eye of reason must be put out to serve this end and when such a light is turned into darkness how great is that darkness I have thought to the furthest to know where the strength of such a Profession could possibly ly this being so great a Head whereon the truth or nullity of the Christian Faith is so visibly stated and I durst appeal their reason and conscience if a resolute aversion to the Person of our Redeemer in the union of the divine and humane nature and to the purenes and sanctifying vertue of the Ghospel ly not more in the will then their judgment and be not the leading principle of this strange Controversy For the true Interest of reason in Religion I may say it hath been one of the great studies of my life to improve the same for a solid and judicious establishment in the Faith of the Ghospel which I should still commend with the greatest respect to any of a serious spirit but herewith I could possibly go no further without giving up with all use of reason or give a higher preheminence thereto then in a full evidence that what we are called to believe is of divine Revelation nor can desire more to warrant a hope and confidence tho against hope as to all rational grounds but that it surely hath a divine promise to lean on It might be judged Sathan needed no humane assistance to these fiery darts which are so usually thrown at the choisest Christians to shake their faith on this bead but it is not at an ordinare rate that its great Author hath designed the tryall thereof 3. There is one Reflection further hath affected my spirit upon this Controversy as to the juncture of time when it is become now so contagious and prevalent whilst we are to pray wait and hope with assurance for the renting of the vail yet off many dark places in the earth to make way for that higher Glory of Christs Reign thereon which shall be to the gentile Church as life from the dead yea when it is drawing so near to that great Revolution of Providence when Shem and Japhet shall yet again meet in the same Tents how so strong a conspiracy is on foot to oppose the same and to shut any door whither for Jews or Pagans to enter at upon the Christian Faith but where they find so venerable a thing as reason standing in their way to tell them that the most essential part of Christianity is incompatible therewith that they must subject themselves to the authority of humane Jndgment and not to God if they design to be Christians It is a famous passage I must relate here of that great Jewish Council held in Octob. 1650. in the plain of Ageda 30 leagues from Buda in Hungary to search the Scripture concerning the Messias and the truth of the New Testament where after seven dayes debate about the same and not a few Arguments offered from their continued desolation and captivity since the time of Christ some Popish Deputies at last were admit who in stead of promoting the Christian Faith pressed them to believe the Worship of the Saints departed and of the Virgin Mary upon which that great Assembly broke up in a tumult crying no Christ no Images no Woman God and cast dust on their heads upon so irrational a Blasphemy It is true some of the Rabbies then did much desire Protestant Divines to have met with them but that the Pope and Emperor had joined to shut them wholly out tho thousands of Strangers were then present at a meeting of so great expectation of the Jews coming in to the Christian Faith but I mention it for this end what a cry would that have made if they had been told of a created and dependent God to subject themselves here to the greatest contradictions to Reason 5. I shall now in the close but add this further what should be specially expected upon the growing state of Christs visible Kingdom in the World that as these Fogs Mists which have been raised upon the authority of his truth will be then quikly dispelled so is there a higher Tribute to be given into him of the Glory of his Works and the Out-goings of his Providence about the Church in these last times I know the work and busines of this day lyes not here or in designs of that nature but it were well if much of that which makes the greatest noise this day in the way of Religion had its room filled with so choise a study as this is tho it is indeed one of the peculiar endowments of the Spirit of God given to some more eminently then others to be skilled in the Methods and Deeps of Providence and to understand aright how the Work of God lyes towards the Church and his designs therein according to these discoveries given of the same in his Word and what watch of the night we are now under but on this Head I shall speak to a few grounds whereon this Tribute to the declarative Glory of God from his great Works of Providence about his Church will in another manner be rendred to him then heretofore 1. Because it is surely in this way of his great and extraordinar Works that the Lord does design a more eminent discovery of himself then in all these times that are hitherto past and will thus enter his Church on that brightness and splendor of his second coming which belongs to the last ages when his going forth in the greatness of his strength will be with that evidence as shall sease the World with fear and astonishment and when he is in another manner to glorify himself in his People then was formerly in these suffering times which are now past wherein his Glory was to shine forth in the eminency of the passive graces of his spirit for now is the Mystery of God in what yet remains thereof to be finished in another way to take place as shall call the Generation that 's coming up to such an observing and admiring Work of the great Acts of God that may need a more then ordinare measure of grace to answer the same but we must look for great things of Judgment coming on to be accomplished as well as of mercy the Vyalls of
divine Wrath and last Plagues are but in part poured out wherein the appearance of God will be with much terror to the World and that last Triumph of his Justice within time will not be of ane ordinare kind we are to expect great shakings of the Nations and times of breaking down as well as of building up which are yet to come and drawing near II. Because we are entred on these times when the Lord is in a more singular way then heretofore to put the whole Generation of his People on that part of Divinity and the study thereof which relates to his Works and that great Mystery of Providence about his Church when the Key shall then be put in their hand for opening up and a more full understanding the way of the Lord in these times past under the New Testament This is indeed a weighty part of Divinity which is reserved to the latter times in the perfections thereof and these higher improvements to be made on that blessed study then was attainable in former ages when his work now is coming to a more full point It hath been remarkably the business of this age to make a more accurate search and some greater discovery upon natural causes and the workings thereof but I doubt not that ere long the inquisitive World shall be in another manner awaked and their Inquiries run in a higher channel above all second causes to see and admire the great Acts of Providence in the Divinity thereof and not what is humane therein but as they are by way of Eminency the Works of God in the brightness of his immediate appearance in the same It is one of the dismal signs of the present time how much the spirits of men are at work to darken so far as possible the most eminent Discoveries of God in his Works and in the most extraordinare revolutions of humane affairs as if they would set bounds and limits to him according to the course and order of second causes and subject both the truth of his Word and his Works to the comprehension of their reason tho some civil respect they will give and the name of his being the prime cause but shut their eyes on what is more extraordinar and solemne in any piece of his work I would yet point at some special Heads that belong to this choise part of Divinity which we are to expect will in another manner be opened up and I desire to rejoice in the hope hereof 1. As to these more singular cases of Providence which hath been in the Churches course since her first translation from the Jews to the Gentiles with the issue and consequences thereof contrare to the rules or principles of natural reason which is ane Inquiry to be more fully improven then whatever hath been attained this way when men shall see the end of the Lord herein with such evidence as shall tend to clear all bygones in his work 2. These remarkable Periods of time wherein the Prophetical Part of the New Testament hath been successively brought forth in their proper Season as was foretold is yet to have the seall more fully taken off and that vaill which was over them so as it shall be clear and easy to see how the Lord hath not only kept his Word and Truth to his Church but hath kept these times also exactly to which such great events of Providence did relate 3. There is a greater discovery yet to be made then hath been hitherto how the Church hath been led in a right way and by a straight line in her whole course through that long and terrible Wilderness which she was to pass under the dispensation of the Ghospel and what eminent services the Saints have been put on in these strange measures of their warefare which was then allotted to them and in theit overcoming work thereby yea what a higher Triumph our blessed Redeemer hath had in the Faith and patience of his People in so dismal a time then in any external flourishing state of his Church so as it might be said it was then day as to the presence of his spirit and irresistable efficacy of his truth on his followers when it seemed otherwise as the darknes of midnight 4. There belongs to this part of Divinity some higher breaking up of light yet to be made on that Mystery of the Communion of the Saints here with other in the way of providence and what a joint interest they have herein as to what hath been more singular in the Lords way and disposal about others of his People we have little understood what ane inriching trade we might drive upon that stock of these ancient experiments of Christians in following the Lord and these eminent tryalls they have made of the truth who hath in ages past gone before and what a Pawn is thus put in our hand for a further strengthning in the Faith yea what publick interest thus the whole Church of Christ hath in some eminent acts of Providence about particular Christians which in the import and greatness thereof was not given for themself only but as a publick concern to the whole Generation that seek after God in their day and for the times to come according to that Psal â—0 3. Many shall see it and fear and shall trust in the Lord. 5. I must add one great improvement of this special Head of Divinity which will yet be above the measures of times past in the extent of that Reference and Appeal before Angels and Men in behalf of the Truth and Faithfulness of God for what he hath spoken and promised to his Church and is that Tribute of praise which in a higher degree is to be payed in to him now when it 's so near to the close of time then by that great testimony of Joshua 25 14. how not one thing had fail'd of all the good things the Lord had then spoken in behalf of his Church but had fully taken place and was the same Appeal which Solomon made I. Kings 8 56. for this with a higher glory and evidence is to be the Testimony of the latter days when it 's drawing near to that magnificent close and period of Prophetick Chronology and finishing of the Mystery of God therein how his spotless truth hath as the Sun in his strength kept it's way and course amidst all these dark clouds which hath spread to darken the same and no promise or prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture hath ever fail'd or fallen to the ground now when it 's drawing so near to the perfect Day It is true each age hath had their proper measures of light in order to the service of that time and something peculiar allotted in the dispensations of Providence yea some greater eminency did belong to these times past when the sufferings of Christians did most abound in the adventures of Faith and in the tryal of love then in after times but as to higher
in question about the other is thus visible 1. Because we must then part with the old Testament and cease to credit its divinity and no comfort could be from the same if it had yet failed in this great event and what is the main intent thereof for if the promised Messias were yet to come I could then look for none since all these proper circumstances which are so expresly foretold whereby to know and discern him must be wholly made void and ane utter nullity should be in that faith 2. Because I could not possibly look for the accomplishment of that promise according to the whole tenor of the old Testament in another way then what we have hereof in the revelation of the Ghospel yea were it supposable that the Messias were yet to come is is sure I could only look and expect for his acting the same part and in the same appearance 3. Let us but compare the antient creed of the Church herein with that which is ours now under the dispensation of the Ghospel and see whither they be not entirely on in substance and center in the same redeemer with this variation only that the one was on the credit and assurance of what was promised and the other on the certainty of its accomplishment so as that may be as applicable to Moses Isaia and Daniel with other of the Prophets as to the Evangelists what is spoke by John Chap. 20 v. 31. But these are written that ye might beleeve that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that beleeving you might have life through his name where we may see there could be no humane contrivance in this joint concurring for the same end and by the same spirit but yet more specialy lyes the weight of this enquiry to see 1. how the most solemn times of the old Testament was still a waiting and expecting time and that their highest enjoiments lay in hope of that glory to be revealed in after ages when the seal should be taken off that great Pâ—ophesy then sealed up and how the whole dispensation of that time was preparatory and as a prelude to that great design of grace which was to be brought forth 2. How the breaking up of Ghospel and its first entry on the world had its precise time and date as that which was so absolutly necessare for a more clear settling of the Christian Faith this being a matter of fact and of the highest import that ever was and was ane external object of Sense in the view of the World which laid an inevitable constraint on the whole Christian Church then to have it keept clear and under the most exact and punctual circumstances 3 As Israels coming out of Egypt in a typical respect was a night and time of such great observation and that the Lord did put hereon so special a weight with respect to the punctual and precise time hereof so was this in a more eminent way to â—e matter of highest regard when and in what time the great universal good and blessing of mankind our blessed redeemer was revealed unto the World which should begin a new week and that solemn Epocha whence wee reckon the Churches entry on the highest glory of time and on a new state 4. Hereon hath that solemn observation of the first day of the week as the Lords day both its rise and right tho it might seem not possible this could ever come under forgetfulness when it was thus fixed upon the highest certainty and precise time both of the sufferings and resurrection of the Lord in matter of fact as that day and time was which had a glory put thereon that none else could possibly claim and no time ever since that glas sett up to their creation was like unto this yea which was wholly impossible to fix the Christian Church on the observation hereof otherways but that this was so publick and famous in the view of the world and had so great a weight on the primitive Christians then when these morning stars sung together and the Sons of God shouted for joy at the first entry of this new World and it may be specially remarkable that our Lord did the less inforce the same in an authoritative way both to try and trust the love of his people herein that what he had done for them put so strong ane enforcment and imposition to a frequent and solemn remembrance of this blessed day from internal motives and tho its divine authority be clear yet the less is of positive institution this way the more strenthning might it be to our faith and more excitment also for our love herein were it seriously considered 5. And of what weight should this enquiry be still on mens spirits that our hope leans novv no more on a promise on which the Saints of old did both live and die when this makes so essential a change in the Christian Faith that vvhat ane Abraham and Moses was saved by cannot possibly save us to beleeve in a Redeemer to come which would now be absolutly mortall nay not in generall terms to beleeve that he is come but to knovv and be sure that this is he whom the Fathers sealed and sent unto the World and he alone who in the dayes of Tiberius and Pontius Pilate suffered at Jerusalem A IV. INQUIRY which suitably followes here is to look in upon the glory of that time under the new Testament vvhich vvas peculiarly reserved thereto and on these publick declarative signs to the World whereby our Redeemer was declared to be the Son of God with power and by the spirit of Holiness so as it may be said the Lord did then set up Signs and Wonders to this very day with a more eminent lustre then these at the Churches outgoing from Egypt but since in the times we live in you may find more to shake and stagger then to strengthen your spirit in the way of truth when it is not in an ordinare degree that a reall Apostacy may be seen from the Christian Faith this day in the Reformed Churches whilst that choice spirit of the Bereans seems rarely to be found in the earth I shall touch but a little this great subject in some instances wherein our blest Redeemer after his Ascension hath still made himself visible before the World in the glory of his divine Power and are of such kind as no distance of time can take off that irresistable evidence of the same from a serious spirit as if they were still present 1. That tho in his bodily presence since he left the World he is no object any more of humane sense yet hath he been no less visible in his goings forth to conquer and establish a Kingdom to himself out of all Nations Tongues and Languages even to the utmost parts of the earth and since I know you can improve some Reflections on this Head bejond what I can speak thereon I shall the more
briefly point at a few 1. That it is knowen and sure how most of the habitable World besides Judaea was in times past Pagan and a place of horror and darkness and these parts we now live in were once the dark places of the earth full of the Habitations of Cruelty where our Ancestors of whom we are come did Sacrifice to the Gods of the Heathens 2. It is evident and undeniable in the matter of Fact that within less then sixty Years after the Ascension of the Lord the visible extent of the Christian Church among the Nations which had been then Heathen did exceed what it is this day and since any extraordinar effect when it comes in our sight should cause a deep Inquiry upon the cause hereof is not this a matter of the highest concern that ever was even in the present day to be taken up with that made then so stupendious a change on the face of mankind and was as the bringing forth of a new World 3. And here is it possible to question that this wonderful thing which did so visibly then change the whole face of the earth was by the alone evidence and vertue of Sacred Truth and the pure Revelation of Christ in the Mystery of his Death and Sufferings wherein no humane Power could boast that their Arm or Sword did bring this about as I know it will be sweet and convincing thus to see under what influence the Christian Church was both planted and propogate in the earth and most savage parts thereof so that whatever respect Princes and visible Powers have given to the Kingdom of Christ yet is it fully demonstrable that it 's true interest and conquest was never beholden to humane assistance or that any temporal inducements made way thereto but when the World begun to smile most in the primitive times then also did the Glory and Lustre of the Christian Religion begin to darken and decline 4. As it was surely reserved to the Ghospel State of the Church to be the Theater of the greatest Wonders both of Providence and Grace bejond all that had been known to the World before and that in the times of the New Testament these great things which should be matter of highest observation and out of the ordinare road of Gods dealing with his Church then was to be expected so you can see with full evidence that this great and extraordinare appearance of God unto men had been never known on the earth before or any such outgoing of his Power since the beginning of time which was only reserved to follow the day of Christ and his Ascension as the first entry of â—hat glorious Scene which was to be acted under â—he Ghospel 5. And here also this Reflection is anavoidable how the God of this World was not easily put off his visible Throne which he had so â—ong kept over the Nations but the last strugle â—f these infernal spirits ere they were cast down was then very strong and put forth to the utmost who yet were made to fall before the Diviâ—ity of our Redeemer in such a manner as the â—hole frame of Paganism was then raz'd and exâ—inct and their Gods after whom the earth had for so many ages wondred for when you peruse the Records of the first times you can see the enmity and rage of the World against Sacred Truth was never before raised to such a prodigious height as was then aloft upon the first display of the Ghospel 2. But it is yet a further Inquiry should be made on this Head to see not only the outgoing of the Lord Jesus in the Glory of his Power since his Ascension for setting up his visible Kingdom in the World and extent of the Christian Profession but in the reality of that vital influence on the souls of men with so great and wonderful a change thus made on them from the residue of mankind This I doubt not will be a subject of great thoughts and reflection to you and should be a matter of higher concern to any of a serious spirit then the temporal interest and transactions which are about the greatest Kingdoms on the earth 1. To see how no reality in nature or the most visible objects of sense can be more sure then that under the times of the New Testament there hath been innumerable example of the truth and power of Holiness successively from one age to another in whom it might be no more discernable that they walked in the vertue and power of a humane soull then that they did truly walk before men in the light and power of Christianity and under that visible influence of inward Grace as all might see to be above the possibility of natural causes 2. If this were more deeply search'd into to see what does estentially belong to the frame and constitution of one reall Christian and what a marvelous Power must be put forth herein it could not but be in another manner affecting and afford a Seall to the Christian Faith as does exceed the greatest external Miracles when it 's sure one example of such who is truly converted by grace and made partaker of the Divine nature is so stupendious a work as does far exceed both the power and comprehension of Angels yea that the Glory of the Godhead does more eminently shine forth in the first frame in the conduct and persiting of one Christian then either in the first frame of man in his state of perfection or of the illuminate Angels since this is to make Saints of Sinners to turn such from a state of enmity and inbred opposition to the Holy God to be Lovers of him and subdue their soulls in that manner as with inward delight can make them part with what was their predominant and endeared Interest and what hath been as their right hand and eye This is one of the great discoveries of the Ghospel to let us see how one converted Christian is a higher demonstration of the Christian Faith then a thousand ordinare Professors hereof and may fully silence such a Question why it is that the Saints are not more numerous in the World comparatively with the great bulk of mankind yea with these who go under the Christian Profession when It might be rather just matter of wonder to see that such numerous Examples yet are to be found of this kind in the earth of whom each is one of the greatest of the Works of God and infinitely becoming the exceeding greatness of his Power put forth herein yea are such Examples where the Truth and Excellency of Grace does in any eminency shine forth as may justly supply the Room of Miracles which were given in the first times to be confirming to the Christian Faith that these hath assuredly been and I hope are this day not a few who doe with desire choise to preferr their Services for God to the greatest comforts enjoyments of this earth and are helped not only to keep ground but
of the spirit which doe rarely go together so as to know when the pulse of this life does begin first to beat 3. As there are different sises and grouth amongst the Saints within time so does the talent of experience and inward observation much differ in the state of some in respect of others and does answer to higher conflicts and assaults in a Christians warefare and higher improvements of grace herein whence it is that patience brings forth experience and as it hath so great a room and service for God bejond other graces of the spirit so hath it a great income of reward by the most rare and inriching experience of a Christians life thence is it that these of the highest form of Christians and of the choisest spirit has been put to a higher exercise thereof then others and made to be a more publick blessing by example herein to their Generation 4. It is clear the experimental part of Christianity may have respect to some special times and Periods of mens life so as one day may be more memorable then as they have ever known before yea to such times when they are put to a higher service in the tryall of their Faith and led unto paths of providence that might seem untrodden which hath been usually a time of great observation as to a higher light and evidence on the experimental tryall of Religion 5. This different measure hath respect also to the first entry of Christians on some very dark paths of providence when the Lord is to lead and encline them into a wilderness by giving in assurance with a double measure on their souls like Elijahs call to arise and eat and Josephs dream twice given when his conflicts and tryalls were to be doubled upon him yea this may be also on this ground as it is peculiar to some Christians above others to be kept more closs on such a Scent in that rare exercise to discern the workings of God on their soull and to try the certainty hereof from the natural work of their own Spirit and who may be more exact then others to lay up and record the same and not lose the least fragment of such assistances to their Faith 3. This Inquiry should be of special use likewise to know what great things these are to which the experimental part of Christianity does relate wherein they of the lowest sise of Christians have a common and joint interest whatever difference be in the degree but it is a very short touch I can here give on so great a subject and on some few Heads 1. The translation and entry of a Christian unto a new state and world here in the earth is one of the greatest things of experience tho it hath not a like clear evidence nor the precise time and entry can be in the same manner known for men to know so marvelous a change in themselves and that here is no illusion or dream and how it is sure this was never told to mankind but in the Bible which none ever did foresee or project to themself yea which in the very notion thereof was once a terra incognita to them and could have no possible rise from nature whose proper work is to overcome nature I know this may seeme astonishing and not easie for many to bear that professed Christians may have the same need to be converted to Christianity that Pagans have or perish that the letter of the word only or any length in exter al duties can save none who know nothing of internal evidence or the spiritual Powers of Christianity 2. It does relate to this Head to know that God and his People here in the World are no strangers to other in the truth and enjoiment of communion with him for as this is ane essential part of our Faith and one of the most sure and established constitutions of our Religion by ane unalterable rule so is it matter of undoubted enjoiment without which a Christians course and passage through time were unpassible it is true this is so great a thing as may make the most experienced Christian to be a wonder to himself and is not a subject of ordinary thoughts 3. To this belongs also the truth and enjoiment of supernatural comforts here on the earth such as peace immediatly from God and the joys of the Holy Ghost which can have no possible rise from nature and was never known to men but on this tryall of experience that such a thing is sure with respect unto which the highest experiments of nature are low and of mean concern yea which are comforts of that kind as can be only known by its contrary and hath been still more ouweing to the sorest conflicts then to the sweetest calm of a Christians life and such as the elect Angels did never know or partake of 4. The prevalency of prayer with God and to know with assured evidence both the acceptance hereof in Heaven and the returns thereof upon the earth is also one of these great things of experience and can never be known else as a subject of contemplation only which hath been direct of the Lord as a prescript for such ones where no humane wisdome or power could possibly answer and is not bounded by the most desperate case which would seem to shut out all hope and encouradgment But as to this I must say how little seemes that part of our Religion tho one of the most wonderful parts thereof to be improven in that manner now as in former times and in the most extraordinare exigences which Christians have been in yea how low a trade is it which by most this day is carried on in so marvelous a way as this which the Lord hath established betwixt heaven and earth and hath such immediate correspondence with the whole inward life and vitalls of Christianity to preserve and strenthen the same A 5. Head on this Subject to be matter of great thoughts and reflection is this that here on the earth there is such a thing to be enjoyed in the truth and certainty of experience as an earnest and seall of the Spirit of God 2 Corinth 1 22. who hath also sealed us and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts Ephes. 1 13. in whom also after that ye beleeved ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance c. 2 Corinth 5 5. now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God who hath also given us the earnest of his Spirit I know there hath been much inquiry on this Subject as to a clear sence and judgment thereof both by Schoolmen and Practical Writers tho it is such a thing as must needs be a strange and dark riddle where the Spirit of God is not the Interpreter and some near entercourse with this great teacher that in his light we may see light but that it is surely promised of God and could
publick administrations of the Word seems lost the wisdom of Words or what may appear more neat or polished that way is come in the room hereof as though the alone end of so high a service were to act a scene handsomly on a theater that may carry the applause of the Spectators but not mens hearts unto God this I have lookt on with no less horror then on the most visible Atheism and profanity of these times and one of the most dismal Signs in the publick state of Religion 4. These also may have some higher access for such a witness who know with evidence the truth of immediate and supernatural excitments to engadge upon some special work and service for God and to be acted forth herein under the power and irresistable discovery of ane inward call when under greatest oppositions from their own spirit thereto and furthest a version of mind This I have known in the truth hereof in most eminent examples but the credit of such a testimony tho in it self founded on divine Revelation does necessarly require such ane evidence of the quality of the witnesses herein that they be of a known tender humble and judicious Spirit who are skilled both in the deep things of God and in the deeps of Satan who this way does oft act in the greatest deep and mystery of delusion 5. There is yet something more singular in the experience of some Christians bejond others and in such a witness as to a special confidence and assurance raised on their soul of events of providence and the issue of some remarkable case of tryall when it hath been contrare to all humane appearances and no reason from any visible airth could be given for the same this I know may seem a strange thing in the eyes of many nor can it possibly have that evidence or in that manner work to others as it is to these who know and have experienced the same but we see and are sure there hath been great attainments of such a Faith both in Scripture examples and uncontroverted experiments made hereof in after times which hath met such in the road of their duty and in ane express harmony and correspondence with the Word since the extent of our Faith in any particular case must keep with the same exent and measure of divine Revelation herein and the Lord will be trusted for no more then he hath made warrantable by his promise But this is a Subject on which I may not insist further then to clear the evidence and truth of the same on these grounds 1. That Christians may be at such steps in their way and passage through time and on so dark ground yea the tide of difficulties and amasing fears swelled to so great a hight that if there were not a support of this kind by ane argument of power to their soul they should otherways be ready to sink 2. This experiment how rare so ever it may seem to many is no dark or distinct thing from that seall of the spirit of promise which we should look after or from that promised earnest which sometimes the Lord gives with respect to a special mercy and deliverance within time as well as their great interest in Heaven tho it be not in the same degree imparted to some as to others 3. It is also of no other kind then that settled allowance on the Saints of the peace of God in such a measure as can raise and fully quiet their spirit above any sinking fears and above the present assault they may be under tho with such evidence then as is not possible to attain at other times nor can be kept clear and comforting to themselves without much tendernesse of spirit and fear 4. Where this is known and enjoyed in any higher degree by some then may be the allowance of others it is assuredly found on a special near intimacy with God and to follow some discernable access and special gale of the spirit of intercession in prayer and wrestlings so as it thus meets them in the way of a settled ordinance and in the same way wherein we may see the Saints in Scripture have attained to a confidence of this kind for otherways there could be no comforting evidence of its beeing the undoubted work of God 5. And here must be tryed sought for whither the more immediate testimony of God does then still bring the testimony of the renowed conscience alongst therewiâ—h so as to clear the condition in themselves and their claim thereto of such a special promise whereon their confidence hath been raised whereby it is thus rendred to them an absolute promise that can not possibly be frustrate 6. I shall but add further as this rare experiment comes with such evidence of spiritual sense as is discernable from any natural workings of mans own heart and is that wherein the most deep enquiry and judicious tryall of Christians is needful to know that its surely from God and hath both his warrant and seall herewith so is it not strange that where he takes a more singular way to try and exercise some and out of the ordinar road of his dealing with others yea where support in the way of external providence may then cease that this special allowance by inward evidence be something more singular also and some higher influence of the spirit and power of beleeving be imparted for such a case This leads me to offer some thoughts in the close upon two Proposals which I did not intend if from another airth whilst I was writing this there had not occurred a special call herein and that I judged it might not be unsuitable to the intent of this discourse 1. Whither there be any such seall to the truth of Christianity in these times we are now in as the Faith of Miracles or that it be warrantable to expect such a thing from God which lyes in a particular act of trust in some special case where a Christian may be taken off all ordinare means and nothing but a divine immediate and miraculous Power can answer thereto for Answer it is clear the active Faith hereof which was once given to the Primitive Church in the workings of miracles now ceaseth but in this passive Sence I know no time nor age to which it does not belong and comes not under the Promise of God to warrant the same in these cases 1. When the Lord measures out such tryalls to any of his people in the way of their duty and under his special conduct where there is no releaf or support but in the Faith of ane extraordinar and immediate appearance of God and no neglect in the least of what in the way of ordinare and warrantable means is attainable it is sure there it is both warranted and requires such a Faith yea are put by a more singular call on the tryall of the same and in this respect I doubt not there hath
been and may yet be in the present age greater attainments of the same then most of Christians can easily comprehend whole tryalls were never brought to such a pitch and in that manner assigned to them since these are of the Lord measured out only according to the measure of Faith given them Rom. 12 3. 2. As none may abridge the Spirit of God in the freedome and Soveraingty of his work herein whatever times men be in so is it known and clear that where the Lord does allott more extraordinare cases whither to Churches or particular Christians when such are keeping close by him and the revealed rule of their duty there also is a more extraordinare allowance for the same yea such a measure and encrease of their Faith to be sought from the great author thereof as may answer the present case to have their strength according to their day 3. It is unquestionable that the Lord designs in all ages of his Church to bring glory to himself by such a faith as hath no ground to grip on but ane infinit and immediate power that can extend it self to the most desperate and amasing case nor is a beleeving in hope when it is to be furthest against hope a strange and dark thing in this day either as to the warrant hereof or these proofs which have been made of the same in the issue And herein I must judge the appearance of God no less wonderful to some of his people in that which he works in them and in that deliverance from their fears where no humane Reason or Secondary causes could concurr then in that which he hath done for them in the most stupendious acts of Providence nor does any time want some share and proper talent of this kinde if such great appearances of God were more observed that might be singularly strenthning to the Christian Faith 4. Is there a reall Christian this day who is not called to such a Faith that he shall once upon himself experience a greater miracle by a divine omnipotent Power then was yet ever wrought in the earth which is of the Resurrection of his body after it hath been for some ages dissolved into dust wherein it is by the undoubted Faith of miracles to be wrought upon himself that his greatest support and comfort within time stands yea if there be such a Faith in the earth which is now still warranted as that we have Ps 46 12. it must then ly in ane actual trust and relyance in a case where a miracle can only help 5. If possessions by the Devil were in that manner now usual as in the primitive times it is undeniable that the Prayer of Faith herein for dispossession were not only warranted but expresly called for tho the inward assurance of such a Faith may not in the same manner be given to some as to others yet here is a special suiting from God the proof of a miracle by his immediate Power which they are in faith called too and as that Prescript given by our Lord of fasting and prayer for this end does still stand in force so hath there been known publick instances in these late times of reall dispossessions by prayer and solemn addresses to Heaven herein 6. If the oppressed innocence of a Christian and in such a case where the honor of God were highly concerned should be so stated as to be bejond humane releaf for clearing the same there might be herein an unquestionable reference to God for his more immediate decision and a warrantable ground to suit for the spirit of faith in such a measure as so extraordinare a tryall requires bejond what in an ordinare case is allowable but so as to wait for the same in his season and way This I know was in the primitive times in some more singular manner made use off when no ordinare means was attainable for the same but as that could have no safe warrant so the Law of jealousie and tryall by the waters of jealousie Numb 5. was then temporary and is now ceased yet is this still moral herein and of perpetual use that God is the same who hath reserved to himself an immediate appearance of himself when no ordinar means can help yea that promise Ps 57 3. is expresly given for such ane end of his sending from Heaven immediatly to save where no assistance on the earth is attainable and all natural means faiâ—l 7. It is unquestionable that the making use of Lots which in such a case is only safe where it is rendred absolutly necessar for a final determination in some great and weightie concern is such a solemn appeal to ane extraordinar decision of God as the faith of his appearance by a present and immediate sign from himself is necessarily required tho it be not by any strange or miraculous evidence yet is as truely to be taken from God in such a case and in faith subjected to as if some supernatural sign did accompany the same and as no humane wisdome or counsel can have place herein as to the event so I must judge an entire acquiescence of mens spirits on such a determination shewes not only a deep and reverent Seâ—ce of the Majesty of God but that this is as truely his answer as if they had seen fire coming down from Heaven to consume the Sacrifice as was in the days of Elijah at mount Carmel 8. It may be said that the truth of such a faith hath in a special evidence and power hereof been known when things have come to some unusual extremity in a Christians case as could bear no delay but like that of the Disciples of Christ help Lord ere we perish instances of this kind have been so clear as I judge is not possible to deny the truth of such a seall to the Faith of Christians were things of that nature more adverted to and observed It is a few years past that a famous Minister of Christ who now is at rest in the Lord was under such an extraordinare pain and torment by a confirmed stone in the gravel as nature sunk wholly under the same and as he shewed me was brought to that extremity that he turned to God with such a cry let not thy servant distract but help for I can possibly bear no more who said also that in the very present moment it was immediatly taken off and this at once with a perfect ease and releaf and did recurr no more till the day of his death which was sometime after this as I had from himself so was it from one that none in the age he lived in I could have credited more and could leave no room for doubting that such a return in the present act of prayer at so great a height and extremity of pain without any natural cause and mean was immediatly from God and supernatural I knew also with assurance such an instance in a Mnister of the Ghospel who was seased in the
endued with ane extraordinare Unction but if it respect the Quality and Holiness of the persons it surely must render this no less difficult that not only such as King Henry the VIII and his Daughter Queen Mary besides many others yea Richard the III. should on this account have the active faith of miracles and be empoured herewith from God for working of the same besides this it is known that the French Kings claim the same priviledge and power as peculiar to them alone and may not on this ground Lewis the XIV this day be reckoned a fit instrument for such a healing miracle and to bring a just repute and credit thereto 3. But whence is it that such a hereditary gift should not faill and be cutt off by the departure of England from the Romish Church since the first holding hereof was upon their adherence to the same and as a confirmatory Seall to the Romish Profession or that it should now controll the end for which it was given I know what some Popish Writers say hereon that this miracle is not now performed by such who have apostatised from that faith virtute propria sed virtute signi crucis but there needs no such Salvo as to reckon its being alienate now from serving for the same use and end it did before nor to have another rise if it were seriously pondered 4. But what interest in this cure hath the use of such a rite in applying with the touch a Medal of Gold to the Patient therewith or what vertue can this Amulet impart and so great a care taken that they should not lose it since it is sure this is not given out of charity to there outward want except it be from ostentation to shew they are endued with a gift which the Apostles had not when they cured the lame man and could make use of no such assistance of Silver or Gold herein Act. 3. 5. If the application of ane extraordinar gift for healing diseases without the use of natural means be aneugh to warrant the same and that such a cure is wrought without any further enquiry as to the cause and ground whereon it hath such an effect it is then sure the Devil and these Powers of darkness may have a publick and easie market in the Christian Church and exact an uncontrolled homage and subjection to them this way the extent of whose power for curing of disease is bejond our reach but since such a miraculous gift of healing if it be of God should be tryed in the truth thereof how it can answer to such peculiar evidences and criteria of the same as by the infallible rule and light of the Scripture may be clear it were suitable to try herein if this be indeed given to confirm and seall a divine testimony or any truth of the written Word if it come with that solemne and convincing evidence so as to serve a deep and reverent sense of the Majesty of God on mens spirit by such a discovery of himself and to promote piety and more firm adherence to the truth amongst men as the native effect that should follow a true miracle and so extraordinary a seall if it serve also to comptrol the Kingdom of Satan and strenthen the Christian Faith in opposition to Antichristian darkness and Idolatry yea if these who are thus empoured for so miraculous a cure have something suitable on their part of qualifications to such whom God hath ever made use off to work miracles otherwise it serves only to expose so great a seall to the Christian Faith wherein the Majesty of God in so august and solemne a way is revealed unto the highest contumely and reproach 6. Though this hath been a continued practice and that the matter of Fact and notority of experience herein in the truth of such a cure is not questioned yet if it be essentially requisite that such as claim to this power should do it in the Faith of a divine Warrant and assurance that it is of God with an immediate relyance on a special outsetting of some extraordinar power from him herein and of his call to rest on the same when it is without respect to any institute natural means yea that there spirit in such a case should be suited to so extraordinare a worke I judge it should then quickly cease as on the other hand that these who are deseased and apply themselves to such a cure should know the warrant of their faith herein else it were as justifiable to go to Loretta on such an account or to such who pretend by spells and charms to work extraordinary cures without any ordinary means for the same This is not to detract in the least from any just right or priviledge of Soveraing Princes and I judge these who are now on the Throne of Britain might lay as just a claim from personal qualifications thereto as any have gone before but in giving to Caesar what is due unto him we must not invade that Royalty and Prerogative which belongs to God only or to pretend to his seall and make use of it without his express warrant If any Protestant Writer have spoke their thoughts on such a head I have as yet seen none bu some time past I was necessarily called by a person of great worth to impart my light herein they beeing then much perplexed in spirit with respect to a near relation of theirs in order to their using such a mean and how small a reckoning may be made by many yet I find it related of that Famous Christian Mrs Honywood that the first rise of these terrors of conscience which keeped her so long was from consulting some mean as to the recovery of a childe in a way that was out of the roade of ordinar means and made her fear afterwards lest Satan might have a hand therein But I shall now cease to speak more on this subject and only shut up with some Reflections further which have been matter of serious thoughts to me 1. Whence it is that such who are of the most trying and comprehensive spirit hath usually been under greatest weight and exercise of minde about their establishment in the Christian Faith more then any others but herein it may be easie to see and discern the true cause thereof 1. How it is sure the more attainment of light and knowledge is upon the greatnesse of their Faith that a higher admiration and astonishment must needs follow thereon it was this which above all the wonders and depths of nature did swallow up the spirit of a Solomon and put him into such an exstacy when he once begun to fix on this Subject but will God indeed dwell with men on the earth yea will the eternal Son of God take up his abode and dwell in such a tabernacle as the humane nature and become truly man which is specially there imported 2 Chron 6 18. 2. It is these only who have their souls
hath given up with both and will easily grasp at such a bait tho they should see the hook that will at last destroy them But doe these mighty hunters and destroyers of mankind the Divels come so little speed in their work this day that they must have a Protestant Minister of the Church come forth before the Sun to offer his assistance to help them forward herein or if he deny such ane intent what security will he offer to secure men from a hazard that 's more dreadful then the killing of their body and is of an eternal concern is he empoured with authority from these infernal Regions I confess on these grounds he may have advantage to give such ane assurance 1. That the strong man whilst he keeps the house vvill be very tender to trouble their peace over whom he swayes with an uncontrolâ—ed Dominion and that he will not affright nor awake men out of such a pleasant dream who hath set their heart wholly on the world whose portion is in this life untill they be awaked for ever out of the same 2 He may give full assurance also that the Prince of this World is at no war nor needs be with such as are joined in with his interest and at the same work to promote the Kingdom of darkness and seeks not to have them tormented before the time 3. But there is this ground I must judge he specially goes on that he will be easily credited on such a Subject as this and knowes how small a patrociny will serve to promote a design for Atheism and could fall upon nothing which would be more grateful to a great part novv vvho bear the name of Protestants but whilst he calls them to lay aside their armour such as Christians are expresly called to put on Ephes. 5 11. will he secure them when it comes to the last battle and conflict from their beeing seased by such infernal Spirits in their entry into another World whom they did once deride and that the truce which was with them on the earth will not break up then if he had restricted this new discovery to the world of ane absolute security from the Power of Satan and his molestations to belong only to the Place and City he lives in it might have seemed to be on a politick interest to render it as a place of such eminent trade to be the only safe and most desirable part of the earth but he hath extended it to be universal to all other places and to be a Catholick good and priviledge There needs no question but that such a person himself must be in a deep quiet and under no touch of these assaults and temptations others are exposed to tho one thing he may fear in the managing of so strange a design and in such a manner that these knowing and active spirits for whom he acts may not reckon their service much advanced when there is as little of the subtilty of the Serpent herein as of the innocence of the dove It is true there is an invisible guard and hedge about each one of the Saints over which Satan cannot pass but by the measures of divine permission nor is it expressible how much Christians of the choisest Spirits are bettered and improven in their graces by the worst of Spirits and in their continued warefare with them and its sure they are reserved in chains of darkness to the Judgment of the great day but how far their chain is oft let forth and inlarged in judgment to the world may be too evident every where in the sad effects thereof and it now appears that their chain hath not been more remarkably lengthned out these many ages past then in this day I wish the Writer of such a Book might seriously repent and so far retract what he hath published as might thus turn such a poison unto ane antidote against it self for I judge he durst not put such Divinity in his Testament that he hath written in this Book POSTSCRIPT SIR IT may seem strange not only the lengthning of this Discourse so far but in insisting most specially upon that Head of the internal Work and Demonstrations of the Spirit of God on mens soul but as I may with humble confidence say this was under the sense of some peculiar engagements to such a Subject so I shall make this further Apology for the same 1. That since ever I accounted the Profession of Christ a serious business I have judged it not conceivable how Christians should have ane assent to the truth of the Ghospel or be at rest herein untill it once be brought up to a full and quieting assurance on that security to which they must concredite themselves for ever and thus know the strenth and sureness of the foundation of their Faith by its own evidence that tho it be not yet full whilst we are here in the way of enjoyment yet is it undoubtedly full in the truth and certainty of evidence I have judged it also an addition to the greatest joy which I could have within time whatever might be a further strenthning to such a Faith and hope we are called to by the Ghospel of Christ so as not to lose any fragment of this kind which might tend to a more full establishment and does reckon this the credit and glory of our Religion that in no other way it doth require acceptance of men but with a full assurance of understanding and the furthest conviction of evidence as beeing designed no less to found a rational certainty in the judgment then to determine the will or consent for embracing the same yea on this account it hath been oft matter of astonishment how in the teaching and ministerial work which God hath appointed for his Church the primary truths of Religion should not be more held forth to men with that clearness of evidence and demonstration as such great and marvelous things require and the temper of this age calls for or how the great things of God that are of the highest consequence and reality can have any possible reception from men by ane implicite or ordinare assent or whence it is that with most it seemes their work seems wholly sett on the noetick when so little on the dianoetick part of Divinity but on the other hand I must also witness that if ever I knew what it was to attain ane inward assurance of the truth and revelation of Christ and to be at rest herein that the eternal Son of God was revealed from Heaven in our nature to save lost man and that there is a state of grace here and of glory hereafter I have found that no light or conviction of judgment tho with such evidence as could leave no room for doubtfulness in the same can effectually work without the internal evidence and demonstration of the Spirit of God and a supernatural power both to beget and strengthen such a Faith in the soul
who would withstand the same for which end may it be clearly understood what such ane appearance did mean in so strange ane administration of providence by the Sword to these Nations in this age what such unusual shakings and overturnings there yea by such restless oppositions to any civil settlements since the Lord begun to shake Britain to make knowen this solemn period of time was come and the days of the 7t Trumpet when our Lord Jesus should take to himself his great Power and Reign which had been so long darkned by the usurpations and enmity of men thereto yea that he was surely gone forth who hath that name writen on his vesture and thigh King of Kings and Lord of Lords to make good the same and will have this name engraven on all the ways and actings of Providence who must reign until he hath putt all his Enemies under his feet 1 Corinth 15 25. and the Nation and Kingdome that will not serve him shall perish and these Nations shall utterly be layed waste Isay 60 11. for thus hath the Lord spoken and is settled sealed by the decree of him that chaingeth not It is true he hath been walking in the dark as to most in these times past and even from his choisest people there hath been oft a hiding of his work and keeping it out of their sight amidst these strange changes as hath put the most discerning to a stand it might be easie to see mens intent in their actings and under what influences they hake moved yea what bitter risings of heart anâ— quarrellings hath been upon the miscarrying oâ— their ends but this is an other sight and of a higher concern to see and discern wisely the Work of the Lord and how amidst all the realings of these strange times his way and course of providence hath been ever steady and sixt 3. It may be thus clearly seen if our spirits were more deeply lett forth on such a study that the strength of our day yea the standing and security of the publick state of these Nations does assuredly ly in a resolute concurrence with this great design of the Lord so as otherwise there can be no standing in the breach before him to turn away his wrath But since this Subject of the Catholick Right and Kingdom of Jesus Christ over the Kingdoms of this Earth is so strange a mystery to many in these times and such different thoughts and conceptions are hereof as I have desired to know the way of truth on these sure principles and grounds that I might have full rest and settlement to my own spirit herein so I may say that in the clearness of this light I have found a special strengthning in the Christian Faith when with the furthest evidence it may be seen 1. How that which is spoken of the donative and universal Kingdom of our Lord Jesus which was given him of the Father as incarnate and after his Ascension is not to be understood of that which is his essential and natural Kingdom which did belong to his person as he is the brightness of the Fathers Glory and God equal with him but is such as was promised and by special donation given to him that the ends and uttermost Coasts of the Earth sould be his inheritance Ps 2 8. and his Dominion to be from Sea to Sea and from the River to the ends of the earth Psalm 72 8. yea is the same which was given to him Dan. 7 v 14. when he was invested with Dominion Glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him c. 2. As there can be no suspence or darknes in this so is it no less clear his entring on the administration of his Mediatory Kingdom was reserved only to the times of the N. Testament to which the fall of the 4 greatest Monarchies which ever was in the earth was direct and subordinate to make way for the same and loe here may we see the first period of the visible Glory of Christs Reign and his entrance on the same when after such strong opposiâ—ions the Pagan World was at last made to bow down and fall before his truth and submit to him 3. But herein it cannot be understood by this special bequeathment of the Kingdoms of the World to be the Lords in that sense only of inbringing the Elect out of the same or of his internal Reign on the hearts of men but that it lyes in a visible surrender and subjecting of the collective body of Nations to the Scepter of his Government when the Princes and Kings of the earth should subject their Regal Authority to his Rule and Empire as holding their Dominion from him to whom all power and judgment is committed and can bear that stile only of being the Catholick King and Lord of all for this is a truth that shines with so clear a light from the whole Scripture as it may be strange how possibly it should be questioned nothing can be more comforting to Christian Magistrates then to have so highly desirable a holding of their power as they may have the Son of God thus interessed in their security and interest as a part of that inheritance which belongs to his Mediatory Kingdom Nor does it evacuate the Magistracy of Heathens for the interest of humane society tho they have none in the Church as it can never make void also his Catholick Right and Dominion over them by whom Kings reign Prov. 8 15. although it restrains the exercise thereof 4. But there is yet a further growing light on this great subject which now meet us to be clearly seen how the more eminent appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Glory and State of his Mediatory Kingdom in the Earth was alone reserved to the dayes of the seventh and last Trumpet for which as nothing can be more evident then the contemporating of the same with that period of time in which was the first rise and restoring of the Church from Antichristian darkness when the Lord did himself go forth in the glory of his power to plant and settle the Reformed Churches and thus to make way for his Kingdom did with the first blast of that Trumpet sound a retreat to his people out of Babylon so I have herein been made to admire with joy the exactness of that correspondence betwixt the events of this Trumpet that hath already taken place with what is so punctually foretold hereof Rev. 11 15. for as it is surely there promised that then should be an opening of the Temple of God in Heaven and the Ark of his Testimony be seen there which had been formerly shut up loe how expresly hath the God of Truth made good his Word herein and keept the time which he had set for the same in the bright shining forth of his truth and the way of Salvation when for so many ages keept hid from the World to which are the
things of God which is alone sacred to him what concerns the publick rights and freedome of the spiritual Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ as a visible politick body with the highest respect to his Royal Authority who is the alone Head and Lawgiver thereto It is known that he hath given ane express Charter for the same to his Church under the New Testament according to which the due limits and bounds of that spiritual Jurisdiction which he hath settled there and the full extent hereof sould be both keep'd clear and closely adhered to as ane Interest of the Lord Jesus which is as the apple of his eye he hath join'd also these two great Interests of the Civil and Ecclesiastick Power in so entire a harmony that tho they are to be ever keep'd distinct yet are not to be divided from other but to move jointly in such a blessed and desirable Union as may most serve the great ends of the Kingdome of Christ and the publick good of humane Society and now when this great promise of Christs entring in a more conspicious manner on the Glory of his Reign is come to the birth and begun to bring forth which is that period where to it may be said hath been reserved the perfections of ihe Churches visible state here on the earth how highly desirable should it be to be found assistant thereto in such a day but oh is it possible that these who have such raised hopes of an eternal Crown and Kingdome in Heaven can have so low desires or designs how to be serviceable to the Kingdome of Christ here in the earth yea when none can want an interest and room in this service where it hath once a weight and value on their heart but yet it may be a matter of hope this day that these who by so singular an appearance of God hath now the Soveraign Power and Authority in these Nations are no less eminently fitted to appear for him herein then they are stated under the highest engagements for such ane end 3. It is surely one of the things of God and an interest which is purely sacred to him wherein the spreading of his Kingdome in the World is most nearly concerned which lyes in a serious and faithful Ministry to the Church and is of that concern as it may be justly called Indicium stantis cadentis Ecclesiae for this is one of the highest Ordinances of Christ given to the Church and that way which he hath himself consecrated for the inbringing and perfeiting of the Elect by which so great effects are wrought in the World where ever there is a divine mission for the same to any part thereof the Church is in a building up there ane Ordinance by which most visible efficacy supernatural influences are conveyed in a moral way under the blessing of that iustitution but on the other hand nothing is more threatning to a Nation as to the falling down of some dismal night of judgement then the corruption and debaesing of that which in it's own nature is so excellent where things that are more extrinsick and of a humane concern are so much looked after but that which is Gods part in the great intent of this erection is of so low regard that if ane Inquiry were made through a great part of Britain they should find the dark places of the earth there stil amidst so bright a day of the Ghospel as is now shining what a multitude is thus perishing thorow want of knowledge whilst it seems so â—itle desired or designed to have such a Ministry whose highest study should be upon the great Intent of Christianity to bring men to Christ not to themselves and to allure and perswade their coming under his blest dominion and yoake to press internal renovation of the heart and a necessity hereof with that seriousnes as might take hold on their conscience and let them see there can be nothing more highly irrational then to sist in ane exterior profession and form of Religion and not prove once upon their own tryall the truth hereof in its power and efficacy and whither it hath not a vital part which lyes in ane inward life of Communion with God for as this alone is such a Ministry that should be the blessing of a Nation and Kingdom so in respect of this to be of such a distinguishing Profession tho in its self most agreable to the truth should be of no regard where this is wanting as a test for so sacred ane Office It is I hope unquestionable that the trust of the souls of men is greater then any temporal concerns of a Kingdom or State and how this Ordinance is that which hath the most peculiar influence to prepare the way of the Lord in this day for that blessed and near approaching time of his more conspicous Reign on the earth in the Glory thereof I abstract here from any thing controversal as things are stated in the present day only as to what I hope there may be ane unite agreement in by all who have a deep sence on their spirits of the blood and perishing of immortal souls this way and a serious respect to that Catholick Interest of the Kingdom of Christ amongst men I know it was never a harder part then in this age to stemm such a tide as seems yet on the growing hand of prejudice against the way of truth when so many are in the dark tearing one another and counting it desirable to have where at they may offend and stumble whilst that study is not more followed to prevent so far as is possible mens taking of offence even where it is not given according that of the Apostle who is offended and I burn not the excess of disputing in this age hath been a peece of our judgement and the managing thereof so little to that end of edification but the defect may be no less evident on the other hand for the suitable improvements of Christian prudence as a duty and service to God so absolutely necessar for the regulating of duties according to the circumstances of the Churches case and what the present day can bear without coolness or indifference in any concern of truth which is that part of our Religion that hath been too little improven We are indeed blessed with an unchangeable rule of Sacred Truth which hath no dependence on humane Counsels or Power to change or alter the same or on the mutable revolutions of time and can never vary from its self yet is the tenderness and wisdom of divine Condescendence in the application thereof to be so far regarded as on of the most weighty parts of Religion lyes therein how present duties may be with a judicious discretion directed to that great end of edification since that which may be necessare in one case as it is cloathed with other circumstances may be hurtful and destructive This is one of the most difficult
the same so far as is possible these lets and stumbling blocks where the greatest hazard may be of offence so should it be much preparatory also for a higher service a more unite appearing for God herein and to stand in the most hazardous part of the breach of this day in behalf of that great interest of our Religion which is upon the Authority of God in his truth and Testimony as the alone ground on which the ultimate resolution of our Faith must found since this is the very same inconvertible terms to give to the Divine Majesty the Glory of his Godhead and that tribute which is most inviolably sacred and essential to him it would seem almost incredible that fuch ane hour of the power of darkness should fall in with the growing light of the Ghospel as the strange prevalence of a way which is to commensurat the perfections of God and the greatest mysteries of his truth to our understanding and to make humane reason tho corrupt finite and limited to be the alone Judge and measure of our Faith of divine things when the highest principle of reason which is prima veritas without which reason hathno principle to reston no Standard else is this that where the God of Truth is the Revealer and that it 's sure it is his Testimony it must then be as infallibly true as it is sure he is God since it is simply impossible to find ever another foundation of truth and certainty but this We are fal'n in times of great expectation as to a near approach of the highest Glory of Christ's Mediatory Kingdom on the earth and it would seem a strange prelude thereto that so black a darkness should fall down with so astonishing ane encrease thereof as tends not only to eclips the same but to deny him his essential Kingdom who is the only begotten of the Father and brightness of his Glory yet I am sure it is a sign of that kind as the morning darkness which is the darker the nearer it is to the day It is indeed here we may see ane opposition to the Majesty of God in such terms that we might reckon humane nature could not be capable of and be just matter of horror to a natural conscience to see so numerous a party who claims to be Adorers of reason turn'd so visibly madd on their own destruction I know the furthest improvements this way by rational Inquiry and Tryal hath a greater Interest in Religion and for strenthning of our Faith therein then may be suitably apprehended but it is sure the ultimate Inquiry herein can possibly go no further in the use of reason but that what we beleeve is the undoubted Revelation of God himself unto men can we desire more when this is sure for a full quiet and acquiescence of the soul tho it seem wonderful in it self and exceed our dark and limited thoughts when it is impossible for him who is truth it self to lie whose word is such cui non potest subesse falsum as it is no less sure that he who is infinitly good can not deceive or put ane imposture in stead of truth in their hand who trust him divine truth is the first groundstone of our happiness but is not conceivable by the light of nature to beleeve his being truly God and not the truth also of his promises which ever conform not only to the things signified but to his intent therein who can never delude or deceive But whilst I have been put to some thoughts with amasement on ane appearance of such a kind against God this day amongst men not only within Christendom but by such as once layd claim to the Protestant Profession some Reflections tended to give more clearness and settlement to my own spirit herein which I shall but in a few words mention 1. that when the darkness of ane implicite Faith and relyance on men under Popery hath been so sore bafled turn'd out of credit in such an inquisitive World as this loe Satan hath taken himself to the very contrare airâ—h and knew how to fall in with the temper of a brâ—â—k bold and daring age that he might settle a new opposition against God and the interest of his Kingdom wherein he hath unite and fixed his greatest strenth so that since he was cast down from his Throne by the Power of the Ghospel he hath not had a greater Triumph then in this attempt how to bring man upon it and sett humane reason at once both against God and it self in such a manner as to be it's own Executioner and in subjecting the highest mysteries of truth to it's comprehension to make it not only equal to God but give it a preference to him who is the alone former thereof which I must reckon to be the nearest approach that humane nature yet ever made to that sin by which the Angels did first fall and that it it is the master peece of that Prince of darkness and his ultimus conatus against the truth who knows his time is short 2. It may be with astonishment discernable under what a stroak such are as not to see whither this way hath led them and how far the Holy God hath thus confounded their reason as visibly as once these were in their Language who would attempt to build a tower up unto Heaven when this way left to ane absolute uncertainty ever to fix their Faith the Standard and measure whereof must be the comprehension of reason which hath no firm or infallible ground to settle on besides it self and whilst they cannot make the reason and judgement of others as considerate and knowing as themself meet with theirs the result thereof is to put a judicial madness in the room of reason so as to conceive a created dependent God to give divine homage to and that at once he should be both a God and a Creature and adore a comprehensible Object with divine Worship yea this way without a contradiction to themself they can give no faith to the Creation as being brought purely out of nothing or to the Resurrection of the dead as wholly incomprehensible to reason they must deride Israëls Passage thorow the Red Sea or the Suns standing still on Josua's call to verifie that Rom. 1 21 because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God but professing themselves to be wise they became fools thence is such ane amasing stroke thus inflicted on their reason for it may be said as in the Poëtick Fiction of Phaëton that when he sought to guide the Chariot of the Sun for a time he was like to burn the earth until he was struck with a thunderbolt from Heaven so hath this party tryed how to manadge reason as the supream Directour and Judge upon all that is sacred as they have gone near to destroy both Reason and Religion at once but tho the strongest rational Arguments with such
times past and may be feared if our Faith stood not sure otherways that the light should be quickly extinguished and the candlestick taken away from most of the reformed Churches when most under such a profession yet never knew the power vertue and efficacy of the truth they profess on their own soul and that there is another evidence or teaching then by moral swasion only or another key to open the heart then external means and thus must either oppose themselves to so tormenting a light or be unavoidably condemned hereby But with this Inquiry as to the credit and quality of the witnesses who in all ages of the Church bears the same testimony to the truth from their experience it is undenyable also but that there are some in a more singular way sisted and under more peculiar engagements then others to appear on such a testimony and who may be admit to enjoiments of experience that are out of the ordinary road of Gods dealing with his people tho this must in no other sense be understood extraordinary then from so judicial a time as this and the great decay of the Power of Christianity with this generation why these are so rare and not in beeing any way cross to the firm and settled constitutions of the Ghospel or without that precinct of the promise of God to warr and the same and I hope the Church of Christ is yet to enter on such enjoiments of experience that would not be easie to beleeve in this day we are in were they told us at a distance But what I mean hereby of these who may be in a higher capacity then others for such a witness I shall breefly touch 1. These who through grace hath been admit to some higher intimacy of converse with God and to know his dealing familiarly with men here on the earth then may be ever known in such a degree to other choise and reall Christians tho I judge this may be more rarely known that where it is most in truth there also is a humble concealment and beeing hid in the same their usual studie who finds more sweetness in such enjoiments the less air they take I have oft thought such may be least known on the earth in this day who may be the greatest favourits of Heaven and have had most rare and immediate testimonies of the love and respects of their God but as this is not the standard by which the truth and reality of grace is to be judged so should this witness be to me no further strenthning then it hath some greater height in humility and tenderness of Spirit in the ways of God going alongst herewith and some more singular eminency of grace as does answer to that Isai 57 15. John 14 21. 2. I must judge these also have a higher room in this witness for God on their experience of his truth who have in a more singular way then others known the truth of supernatural assistance and sustaining grace under extraordinar tryalls I mean such Christians as have been tryed not only in the truth but in the strenth of divine grace at another rate then others whom I must reckon amongst the greatest witnesses for God in this day when 1. This renders their testimony to be of a higher valew and evidence according to the height and measure of their conflicts and tryalls whom thus the Lord hath choised and separate as Joseph was from the residue of his brethren for such a service of example that the excellency of his grace might here more brightly shine forth 2. Because the deposition herein is in a matter on which most doe stumble at the ways of God upon that scandall of the cross and on this account it may be said they are sent as messengers and spyes to witness what manner of allowance he does then impart to bear the expence of a more extraordinare time of affliction and suffering and what immediate support is then found above the allowance of ordinary times that with Caleb and Joshua they might bear a honourable report for God unto others 3. The credit of this testimony riseth the higher as it hath cost them so dear who bear the same and hath not been easily attained nor is an offering unto God of that which costs them nothing who have been helped bejond others to glorify him in the fires 4. They are such above the residue of Christians who hath usually a record of more special confirmations and great remarks of the way of God in the Journal and History of their life I know most would fear to have a room in such a testimony but as I doubt not there are many such witnesses this day in the earth so I must reckon it one of the most honourable services for God upon it and will ere long know the full sence of that truth when he hath tryed them to bring them forth as gold Job 23 10. 3. And are not such specially sisted as witnesses herein and under more singular engagements then others who upon greater Services for God assigned to them hath also had more then ordinare allowances of immediate divine assistance for the same to witness that they have not been sent hereon on their own charge and expence this is one of the great discoveries that the Lord gives unto men of his beeing God and is a clear and demonstrative evidence of that reall and near communication which the Churches head hath with his body here on the earth I know this hath a special respect to such as are called of the Lord on that Service of the Ministry of his Word who hath some peculiar and distinct part allotted to them as witnesses and put on a more publick theater before the World to witness that absolute dependance which the work and service of that station hath on their great Master and the outlettings of his Spirit both for support and success and what thus is found in the way of an immediate relyance on him for I must judge that none knowes a near entercourse with God and to be purely acted for him on this great service but hath some peculiar advantage bejond any else for more fingular and rare confirmations of the truth on their own soul and of a known and sensible seall from God both in fruit and acceptance of their work and tho such who look at a distance cannot discern what may be betwixt God and his Servants in some publick administrations of his service as may be then evident to their soul yet is it oft made so far discernible as to serve an awful sence and impression on mens spirits of God in the Assemblies of his Church and of the truth of supernatural assistances and something more then humane herein nor does such a witness ever cease tho it be now more rare then in times past in this sad and judicial period of time we are fallen in when almost all sence savour and discerning of the Spirit of God with