the Gospel It is true the Christians inward experience can best witnes this for these have an argument from within they know and they are sure they have received the spirit by the word whereby they understand these things which are spiritually discerned but that which here is intended it is to shew that the spirit is truely let forth to the church according to the promise that it doth accompany the truth and doctrine of Christ and purity of the ordinances as a thing which from clear undenyable evidences may be demonstrat to the conviction of the greatest Atheist for I must think even bystanders such who never knew any saving work of the spirit but live in these parts where the ordinances are dispensed with purity and power if they shut not their eyes may oft clearly see something going forth with the word that is beyond words a divine spirit and power which sendeth forth its savour in the dayly administration of the gospel yea by its effects and some convincing discovery thereof doth force this truth in upon mens consciences who are otherwayes strangers thereto Now to hold forth the accomplishment of so great a promise that God is faithful and true therein I would give in these clear and convinceing witnesses to the same 1. These excellent gifts and enduments given to the Church are they not a visible proof of this truth For it is undenyable where once the gospel cometh that instruments are raised with another spirit reapers sent forth while there is a harvest to be gathered and shaped for their work yea these who were of mean and ordinary parts when called forth to the service of the Church will have another lustre that it may be oft seen with astonishment how far not only they exceed themselves but these who were of more eminent natural enduments I would but seriously ask men who never laid this truth to heart whence is that variety of Gifts so sutably dispensed to the various employments and different pieces of service the Church doth call for how are they thus suted to the several times yea to the very genius and temper of such a time Whence is it that every gift and qualification is so fitted and disposed for its proper use some most peculiarly shaped out to awake and threaten these Boanerges while others are set forth with a spirit eminently fitted to comfort some mighty in perswasion yet not so fit to expound others most dexterous to instruct yet not so powerfull to apply some the gift of tongues and others the tongue of the learned to speak a word in season to the weary to some the face of a lyon is given when a heroick spirit of courage and resolution is called for to others the face of a calf for patient enduring in sufferings times surely it were a choice meditation to think how with as great wonder we may say of this excellent body of the Church as of the natural body of man how curious yea marvellously is it framed where every part doth answer another and to the use of the whole each hath its peculiar excellency and something proper to every ones gift may be then seen as well as in the face of man by which in somethings they differ from all other 2. These more eminent extraordinary outlettings of the spirit do also witnes this truth which at some special times when the churches necessity requireth it hath been most discernable when the Lord sendeth forth his servants about a more then ordinary piece of work either to doe or suffer when he is to plant the church in some place where the gospel will meet with much opposition is it not then manifest how some more then ordinary power and irresistible efficacy doth accompany the truth before which there is no standing the disputer is then in his reasoning confounded by something above reason the untoward and rude are forced to stoop before the word and to confesse they have to doe with power and not with words yea these whom the Lord maketh use of who were feeble and weak as others in that day are made as a brazen wall defenced city 3. Is it not also undenyable that now under the New Testament there are Ministers of the spirit and not of a dead letter and empty sound That with the word there goe along a ministration of power and life whence a Majesty and authority attending the publick ordinances is oft so discernable that even these vvho know not what the Spirit is are made to see something therein vvhich doth dazle them vvith astonishment vvhence is it that at sometimes such a beauty and povver shineth forth vvith ordinances like a glance of the glory of God even going before mens eyes vvhich for the present hath made a vvonderful change upon some very grosse men and put them in an other temper yea forced them vvith fear to acknovvledge that surely God is near in the assemblyes of his peopleâ— and I would ask whence is it the word giveth law to mens consciences should speak with such an authority as maketh them all to shiver that even the worst of men are sometime made to stand before the ministry of the word like men standing at the barr upon life and death before a judge whose authority they durst not decline 4. It is very discernable what a great difference an other appearance there is both on Ministers and Christians at one time from what they are at an other in the discharge of duty as if these were not the same persons vvhich appeareth not onely in the enlargement and streatning of their gift but also in povver and life is it not seen vvith vvhat liberty these doe sometimes pray are as a ship with a full gale before the vvind that it is then easy to preach vvhen at other times there is like a shut door that even onlookers may perceive a sensible languishing and them hampered in their very expressions yea as men rovving against a contrary wind the vvord vvanting that savour rellish it hath had at other times and this not through a natural indisposition or vvant of preparation but that vvhich all vvho ever served God in the spirit must confesse hath most sensibly trysted them vvhen they have thought themselves at the greatest advantage for going about duety O vvho can deny this evidence of the spirit a thing in all ages so sensibly felt yea even obvious to the vvorst of men 5. It is also clear that vvhere ever the Lord hath had a church at some special turnes of her condition there have usually been some more solemn times of the spirit high spring-tydes of the gospell there was indeed marvellous flowing forth of the spirit of God after Christs ascension vvhich like a mighty current did carry all before it at which time more successe did follow one sermon then hath been by the ministry of many others in an age this made the vvorld vvonder as if some universal
hope shall awake and this earth and all the glory thereof like a poor vain shew disappear O blessed and comfortable time in which the saints shall then fully know what Heaven is which they have so oft admired at a distance to behold his face in whose presence is fulnes of joy and shall need no further confirmations of the truth of the word when once this great promise of the Lords return is verifyed a promise wherein all these pretious truths which concerned the Church in her journey as so many streames shall empty themselves in this great deep then there is no more to do the work of the Gospel is finished the redeemed all brought in and the Bride made ready to go forth and meet him who shall fully satisfy and comfort his People according to the dayes of their former affliction and be for ever their exceeding great reward THE FIFTH ARGUMENT THat which not only is for the most part already accomplished but is a thing whereof we have so sure confirmations yea so great a pledge in our hand from the Lord that what yet remaineth shall be certainly fulfilled must is not be an undoubted truth But the Scripture as to these special predictions that are not yet made out is such anent which the Lord hath given his People a very large pledge and strong confirmations now in these latter times to believe their certain accomplishment Therefore c. It is sure that a part of the Scripture some special prophecyes which do concern the state of the Church in these last times hath not yet had an accomplishment which are already touched in the former argument and are indeed so great concerning truths that may cause us sit down and wonder when we think these shall shortly come to passe yet such whereof we may be fully perswaded if we consider that they are held forth and promised by him who is the God of truth and the begun performance thereof now so manifest yea what hath been the Lords way and the eminent providences of these last times which may fully satisfy our spirits that Gods work is near to a close and the accomplishing of the whole Scripture now at hand I shall here point at 3 special grounds whence the godly in these times may be throughly confirmed anent the truth and certain out making of the Scripture and these prophecyes thereof that yet are not fulfilled which we should look on as a very convincing pledge in our hand of the same I. Ground whence we may be thus confirmed in our faith is this that not only the most part of the Scripture is already proved and verifyed in the event but also These truths which of the whole Scripture are most strange and marvellous yea should have much staggered our faith if they were yet still in a promise are this day certainly accomplished I shall but only instance the comming of the Messias which the Prophets of old foretold that God should be manifest in the flesh and a virgin bring forth a son whose name should be Emmanuel that was to dye and be cut off out of the land of the living not for himself but for the transgression of his People is not this now surely accomplishedâ— Which we may say is the greatest wonder the most astonishing thing that ever was or shall be and should fully silence our thoughts anent any other Scripture truth that is yet to be made out for we now know that the great bussines of redemption is put to a close the ransome and price thereof fully told down now is the doctrine of the Gospel sealed and attested by blood even the blood of the Testator it is now sure the promised Messias hath come and this is he who in the dayes of Pilat suffered at Jerusalem in whom all things which were written by the Prophets were truly accomplished And is not this a great pledge to assure us of the real outmaking of every other promise It is sure he did dye his blessed side was pierced with a spear and upon the crosse he cryed with a loud voice and gave up the ghost O Here lyeth the greatest cause of wonder not what doth yet remain of the Scripture but that which is already fulfilled not that Christ should come again to judge the World but that once he did come to the World and become man for God to be found in the form of a servant and dye that is beyond expression wonderful for the other must necessarly as a consequent follow that he who hath redeemed the Church and did pay her ransome should see the travel of his soul and be satisfied that having made such a purchase he should also have possession and finish the building the foundation whereof was his own blood I confesse what we do yet expect according to the promise are great and astonishing truths the full overthrow of Antichrist and his Kingdome that the dead bones of the Jewish Church should again live but especially Christs return to judgement who shall be revealed from Heaven with flaming fire the sound of the trumpet and voice of the Archangel yet how great so ever they are and may seem hard for us to believe O how small comparatively are they with that which is already done and accomplished the incarnation of the Son of God a mystery hid from ages wherein the Angels with wonder doe look which we may say is unspeakably more great then to creat this World and turn it again to nothing it may be truely strange whilest we read these prophecyes anent Christ and his Kingdome in so plain an history and professe that we believe he did dye and rise again we should have such hesitation anent the performance of any other Scripture promise is it not this day much more easy to believe the Scripture and fulfilling thereof then it was of old for the Jewish Church before Christs comming And how may we not with as much assurance wait for the second coming of the Lord and a full perfecting of his word even from that which is already verifyed thereof as we are sure of the return of the sun after it is gone down and of the breaking of the day when once the night is past II. Ground whence the godly in these times should be confirmed anent the full performance of that which is yet remaining of the Scripture that it is sure yea now near at hand is this that Jesus Christ is come to action against the enemies of his Church and hath taken the fields that surely he is now gone forth in the greatnes of his strength conquering and to â—onquer This is a grave truth vvhich might give us very sweet refreshing thoughts in so shaking a time that whilest we have seen the Lords appearing by a great and outstretched hand for his people these terrible stirrs and concussions of the nations have seen him strike through Kings in the day of his wrath and fill the place with the dead bodye of his
these records vvhich have been keept in the hands of her adversaries vvhere there is so clear a portraicure of him held forth both as to his person his vvay of coming the place vvhence the entertainment he should get and his death that I must think it a contradiction to reason hovv men should acknovvledge the Old Testament and not grant the Nevv since it is clear the Jewes look for no other Messias then such an one as is held out by the Prophets and they acknowledge also the divine authority of Esay Daniel Micah Malachi c. vvho do by such cleer marks point him forth and shew the Church how they should know him when he cometh for truely it may thence appear that it is not more certain the Messias should come then that Jesus Christ is he I would but seriously ask vvhat do the levves this day misse in our blessed Lord Iesus vvhich the Old Testament allovveth them to expect in the Messias is it that he came vvith no outvvard shevv and glory sure according to the Scripture such an one vve ought not to acknovvledge no should he not be of the seed of the vvoman 2. Gen. vvho should be born of a virgin as Esay shevveth his voice not heard in the streets despised and rejected of men a man of sorrovves such an one as vvas shadovved out under the Lavv vvho should be made a sacrifice for sin yea come vvith no outvvard pomp but meek and lovvly and riding upon an asse vvas to be betrayed and sold and his price shevved by Zach for 30 pieces a crucified dying Christ that should be wounded in the house of his friends and cut off from amongst the children of his People O! can men possibly deny so cleer an accomplihment of these in our blessed Lord 6 Is it not undenyable that the Jevves novv in their present case cannot possibly expect the accomplishment of this promise that the Messias cannot this day come according to the Scriptrue except they could be put in such a condition as they were then in at Christs comming certainly it is impossible that the Old Testament be ever fulfilled anent this if it be not already can he come forth out of Bethlehem whilst now no such place is known by that name can he come into his Temple that is utterly destroyed is there not now a subversion of the tribes and the family of David not known at this day yea are not the gentils brought in whom Isai sheweth should be gathered under the standard of the Messias doth not the daily sacrifice cease which the Iewes will confesse hath been for many ages and this was to be after his coming and I would ask how was that ever fulfilled that the glory of the second Temple should exceed the glory of the first for this cannot be on the account of its structure or outward magnificence sure there is nothing wherein this glory could appear but as it points at Christ and the breaking up of that glorious light which was before its destruction 7. There is an innumerable company who have embraced the Gospel and received the spirit by the ministry thereof since the times of the Apostles who have put this seal thereto in all ages that it is the power and wisdome of God and truely without partial respect which the conscience of the worst of men have been forced to justify it may be said these were the excellent of the earth in their time many of greatest outward parts and abilities whose moral integrity and candour was beyond question even with their adversaries and these both of Iewes and gentils of all rancks of men of all nations and languages who not only by a naked profession but by their walk and sufferings did shew forth the power and vertue of a crucified Christ yea shine as lights whilest they were in the World to the conviction of onlookers and is not this a convinceing witnes to the truth of the Gospel which its enemyes cannot possibly deny 8. That excellent doctrine delivered to the Church in the New Testament by Christ and his Apostles doth it not clearly shew whence it is and witnes its own authority for here we may see a manifest agreement betvvixt this and the doctrine of the auncient Ievvish Church that as the five Books of Moses hold forth the sum of the Gospel the Covenant of grace and that mystery of Salvation by Christ so the Prophets do carry it on vvith furder clearnes and the Evangelists brings forvvard like an excellent edifice that is founded and advanced in the one but perfected in the other all breathing the same spirit vvith a convincing tendency to the same end so that vve may say the old Jewes under the Law were in effect Christians and the followers of Christ now under the Gospel in some respect are Jewes being one in the substantials of their religion for it is clear that poor Apostat people now in the Iewish nation hath wholly departed from their own doctriue and will not come to the light that they may be judged according to the Old Testament now in this I would seriously attest the adversaries of the Gospel if paganisme the Turks Alcoran or Iewish Talmud hold forth any such doctrine or rule as that which the Christian Religion doth such pure and excellent precepts to restrain the inordinacy of corrupt affection backed with arguments becoming an immortal soul a doctrine so sincere solid and rational so consistent with it selfe and agreable to the true scope and drift thereof which holds forth the most exquisite rule of perfection for men to presse after yea where every page and line breatheth forth holines towards God and righteousnes and humanity towards man 9. I shall adde these clear convincing evidences of the truth of the Gospel which did attend the first publishing thereof were so evident and undenyable a seal from the Lord as may force the greatest Atheist to silence for 1. They were Jewes as much concerned in the Religion of their Fathers as any who did first publish the Gospel none more zealous according to the Law then Paul was before his conversion none also could challenge their driving any outward interest hereby since persecution and bonds yea greatest hazard was that which they could expect 2. It is clear they walked by no rules of human policy nor these ordinary wayes of insinuation which the World doth use to engadge men and make a party to themselves but did deliver the truth truth most repugnant to the flesh and that interest with greatest candour and simplicity though likewise with a convincing authority and confidence yea came with a message to the World which had no other convoy or perswading argument but the evidence of its own truth but withal such a power accompanying the same before which men could not stand 3. What is published concerning Christ by the Evangelists the great works he did his dying at Ierusalem with all the stupendious circumstances thereof and signs
Churches ruines and witnes their detestation and grief for the growing Apostacy of such times 3. It is clear that as the prophecy doth point at some more remarkable suffering and persecution which the Church was to meet with from Antichrist beyond all it had endured from that adversary in former ages yea a special permission from the Lord to that party to vent their rage and cruelty against the Saints which should fall out after the witnesses finishing their testimony who had so long in an abject low condition as in sackcloth prophecyed yea when Antichrist should be at his height and his Kingdome upon the turn that then must this remarkable killing of the witnesses be accomplished so likewise did the event convincingly verify the same for it is knowen that upon the close of Antichrists reigne whilest the truth began to break up this sorest storme of persecution beyond all that had been before did then break upon the Church even in its budding forth that we may say that adversary did not onely put forth the outmost of his power and rage against the Saints but seemed in some measure to bring his cruel designes to passe which the dreadful massacres in France Province and the Valleys of Piemont the sore and violent persecution of the Church through the Netherlands under the Duke of Alba and in England by Queen Mary in Germany after the defeat of the Duke of Saxony and Landgrave of Hesse can clearly witnes 4. Is it not also clear how this remarkable storm and cutting down of the Saints over whose dead bodyes their adversaryes did rejoyce was according to this prophecy to be previous to some eminent enlargement and reviving of the Church which did accordingly fall out in the event like a resurrection of the witnesses from the dead to the astonishment of the World that immediatly followed upon the back thereof so that when their enemyes thought they had gained their end as they did conclude by such persecutions particularly that French massacre that the Protestant interest should be quite ruined they were forced to see their labour in vain and the Church more eminently flowrishing after the same I shall but furder adde that Antichrist hath not only been revealed and his Kingdome come to its height but it is clear this day that it is on the falling hand and his ruine is now begun upon which account we may say yea have cause to sing that the winter is past the fig tree putteth forth her leaves that sheweth the sommers approach yea the singing of birds is heard in our land let us go forth and meet him who is now gone out as a mighty man for the salvation of his Church and taken the fields against this great adversary of his truth and people on whose side victory doth surely wait II. WHAT IS YET TO BE ACCOMPLISHED HAving touched a little some of the most concerning prophecyes of the Scripture both under the New Old Testament which are already fulfilled and the truth thereof so clearly written forth in the history of providence that we may say the most ordinary observers if they will not shut their eyes cannot want a conviction thereof I shall now in the next place point at that which yet remaineth of the prophetical part of the Scripture to be accomplished these prophecyes which concern the Church in these last times whereby we may have a sure demonstration how far the night is spent and of the near approach of that blessed day of the liberty of the sonnes of God for this doth finish the mystery of God and fully perfecteth his work if once that which remaineth of the prophecyes of the word were fulfilled There are these truths the accomplishment whereof we have a sure warrant to expect before the end First the full ruin and downfal of Babylon 2. The conversion and incalling of the Jewes to Jesus Christ 3. A solemn day of the Churches flowrishing both Iewes and Gentiles which shall follow the outmaking of the former promise 4. The fall and destruction of the Turkish Empire that cruel party who hath been raised up and established for judgement with whom the Lord shall yet reckon for all that Christian blood by them so unjustly shed seemeth clearly held forth Rev. 16 ver 12. 5. We are also to expect after all these that full and last stroke upon Gog and Magog and then the Lord is at hand and that great mystery of the prophecyes and promises of the Scripture shall then be finished and at a blessed close I. We have the full ruin and destruction of Antichrist and his Kingdome clearly prophecyed and in very expresse tearmes promised to the Church 2 Thess 2 ver 2 8. Rev. 16 ver 10 17. the accomplishment whereof we do yet according to the Scripture wait for that the God of truth who cannot lye or repent shall in due time assuredly bring about and that this day approacheth when that solemn cry shall be heard Babylon is fallen anent which we would consider 1. That this judgement is already begun and the first step thereof visible is now clear wherein men may see the event most exactly answer the prophecy for the Lord hath begun to consume Antichrist by the breath of his mouth and since the first breaking up of the light his Kingdome hath been mouldering down before the Word hath not Nations fallen off at the voice of the preached Gospel It is true the Church wanteth not sore conâ—licts even under the Vials and it is the Lords way to try his People with such various uncertainties that when things have been most promising another providence cometh like a crosse wave which seemeth to drive them as far back as once they seemed to be forward yet it is sure and should be beyond debate that Antichrists overthrow is upon a present advance and that work of the Lord for his Churches deliverance is going fordward for if we believe salvation by Christ upon the warrant of the word should we not also with much assurance believe that Antichrists wound is deadly and incurable which he hath got by the preaching of the Gospel which all the Physitians of the earth shall never help 2. This is one of the greatest and signal actes of the judgement of God on his Churches enemyes one of the most eminent manifestations of his glory which he hath reserved for the last times wherein the appearance of his hand and great power shall be very manifest and we are to expect by this remarkable stroak that way shall be made for that glorious house which Christ is to have for himself in the latter dayes which shall be built upon Antichrists ruines when that new bride both of Iewes and Gentiles shall be prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb. 3. Though we are to expect on clear ground from the word the Lords eminent appearing by his immediat hand in this great work which shall be so convincing in that day and witnes an
that large measure of the Spirit and outletting thereof which did convincingly follow the Gospel and ministry of the word in these last times a truth which we must say hath been manifest and by many solemn proofes thereof demonstrat no lesse then in the first planting of the christian Church It is undenyable how great a witnes to the truth the Spirit down-powring thereof is for this is Gods own seal which is not put to a lye or falsehood thus he beares witnes to his work in the hearts of his people and by this also the Lord doth seal and attest the doctrine of the Church and commission of his servants who publisheth the same yea at some special seasons when the truth hath least countenance or encouragement from without times of contradiction when men will not receive its testimony and a great speate of opposition is to the Gospel then hath this in a more full and large measure been discernable thus did the Lord eminently own and confirm the Christian Religion in the dayes of the Apostles and for some following ages by so great a downpowring of the Spirit such visible and extraordinary effects thereof as did then astonish the World and force men to confesse something above nature that this was surely the great work and power of God and have we not also cause to say that thus the Lord hath born a very solemn testimony to his truth the work of reformation and doctrine of the reformed Churches in these late times anent which I dare appeal by standers yea the adversaryes to their conscience if without shutting their eyes they could shift the conviction of a convincing appearance of God in the power and efficacy of the Spirit even in a more then ordinary way accompanying the word and ordinances a power which carried kingdomes and cityes before it yea in a very short time over the belly of greatest violence and opposition to clear this a little I shall point at some few remarkable evidences which might stare the grossest of men in the face and in some measure convince them of this truth 1. It is evident that marvellous conquest which the Gospel had in Germany by the ministry of Luther Melanchton Bucer Martyr Musculus and a few others of these excellent instruments whom the Lord then sent forth O was not this a day of the Spirit and powring forth thereof in a large measure a day of the gospels triumph not by might or by power yet such as before it the World could not stand cityes and countryes might then be said to be born at once the arme of the Lord revealed with the same that men were either scorched or truely warmed and gained thereby Did not that marvellous power and efficacy of the spirit also attend the ministry of Zuinglius and Oecolampadius in Zurick and Basile when so through a reformation followed to the throwing down of Images abolishing of the Masse by publick authority notwitstanding of its long continuance and this in a short time the spirit and power of God did very eminently appear also in these famons plantations of the Gospel by the Ministry of Calvine Farel and Vires in Geneva Lausanna and other adjacent Provinces It is written in the life of Vires that at Lyons which was a great populous city he preached in an open place where divers thousands were converted to the truth yea some who came by with no purpose to hear only out of curiosity stepped in were so wrought on and overcome with the power of the word as for that time made them neglect their other businesse 2. That great successe which did attend the ministry of Mr Wishart in Scotland can also witnes this truth whence so marvellous a change did quickly follow in these places where he preached through Angus Lothian and the western parts yea how much the spirits of the people were then raised and affected with the word but this being a thing so known from the historyes of that time I only name 3. Besides these which are more known and upon publick record I must here instance a very solemn and extraordinary outletting of the spirit which about the year 1625. and thereafter was in the West of Scotland whilest the persecution of the Church there was not from the prelatick party this by the prophane rabble of that time was called the Stewarton Sicknes for in that parish first but after through much of that countrey particularly at Irwine under the ministry of famous Mr Dickson it was most remarkable where it can be said which divers Ministers and Christians yet alive can witnes that for considerable time few Sabbaths did passe without some evidently converted and some convincing proofes of the power of God accompanying his word yea that many were so choaked and taken by the heart that through terrour the spirit in such a measure convincing them of sin in hearing of the word they have been made to fall over and thus carried out of the Church who after proved most solid and lively Christians and as it was knowen some 〈◊〉 the most grosse who used to mock at religion being engadged upon the same that went abroad of such things â—o go to some of these parts where the Gospel was then most lively have been effectually reached before their return with a visible change following the same and truely this great spring tide which I may so call of the Gospel was not of a short time but for some yeares continuancâ— yea thus like a spreading moor burn the power of Godlines did advance from one place to another which put a marvellous lustre on these parts of the countrey the savour whereof brought many from other parts of the land to see the truth of the same 4. I must also mention that solemn Communion at the Kirk of the Shots 20 June 1630. at which time there was so convincing an appearance of God and downpowring of the Spirit even in an extraordinary way that did follow the ordinances especially that sermon on the Munday 21 June with a strange unusual motion on the hearers who in a great multitude were there conveened of divers ranks that it was known which I can speak on sure ground near 500 had at that time a discernable change wrought on them of whom most proved lively Christians afterward it was the sowing of a seed through Clidesdeal so as many of most eminent Christians in that countrey could date either their conversion or some remarkable confirmation in their case from that day and truely this was the more remarkable that one after much reluctance by a special and unexpected providence was called to preach that sermon on the Munday which then was not usually practised and that â—ight before by most of the Christians there was spent in prayer so that the Mundays work as a convincing return of prayer might be discerned 5. I shall heâ—â—â—lso instance that solemn and great work of God which was in the Church of Ireland some
cause within our selves we sow sparingly and venture little out therefore we have so small an increase their is a price for wisdome but it is in the hands of fools who have no heart thereto but this not concerning us here I only aime to hold out this that the promises which God hath given his People in the Scripture are of unquestionable verity and have as real and sure performance in the saints experience as they are sure of that which cometh most necessarly to passe by the worke and concurrence of natural causes as that the fire doth burn when combustible matter is added or the sun rise after its going down for indeed this truth is so manifest proved by such innumerable experiments amidst the various changes of a Christians condition that we might sommond as many witnesses as have been followers of God in the World which are not a few who in all ages have put the promises to an essay and put their seal thereto that God is true yea to ask at such if they know whither there be a truth in Scripture promises that cometh not to passe I think were to enquire at a living man whither he seeth and feeleth or if there be such a thing as motion since they have as sure and sensible a demonstration of the one as he hath of the other But ere I speak any thing particularly to this I would first premit some things to clear what we understand here by the saints experience of the truth of the promises in these following considerations 1. We would consider though the Scripture hath here it's accomplishment and is intended for the use of the Church and every particular Christian while on the way in his militant condition yet there are some promises of the Word yea the greatest which belong to the saints that will not be fulfilled until they have cast off their armour and are called to divide the spoyl their experience of which will be the high prize of the calling of God in Christ whereof all which they now enjoy is but an earnest 2. We would consider that the great intent of the Scripture and promises thereof is not for contemplation but that we may know them by experience and drive a blessed trade and commerce therewith the merchandize of which is better nor that of gold for herelyeth the Christians life in the World yea it is a great part of their talent the promises which are not to be laid up in their heart and memory as in a napkiâ— but they must give an account what experience they have gained thereby and thus the diligent hand should make rich 3. What ever be the different syzes and degrees of experience among the saints according to their grouth and age in Christ yet it is certain that the meanest who have intrest in the promises and did ever grip them in earnest and put them to tryal must know something of the performance of the samein their own case for the Lord doth not suffer his work in his People to want a seal 4. The godlyes experience hereof is then much made out when they are much in observation and we know little of the truth and performance of the promises because we are not more habitually in a frame to observe thus he goeth by and we perceive not but they never wanted confirmations who were seriously seeking to be confirmed in the truth of the Word 5. The special mercyes and providences of a Christian lyfe are a certain return of the promise and in that way do meet them as the proper channel of their conveyance for they are the sure mercies of the Covenant and how refreshful is it that all the several cases of the Saints and their outgate theteof their meanest as well as their greatest necessities are comprehended in the Word and under some promise and were all forseen in his everlasting view who hath so marvellously suited the same to all that his People stand in need of as if it had been directed to such and such a Christian only 6. This helpeth to make the mercies of the godly man to have a peculiar and sweet relish and to be someway twice his mercy when he gets them in so immediat a way reached to him as it were out of the hand of the promise and as an observable return from Heaven when thus the Lord sealeth his Word to him by his work the way of the Word he findeth hath been the way of his comfortable outgate that when he hath had no other escape but to tuâ—n in to the promise and to cast himself upon it he gained this experience he trusted in God and was helped and can give in this testimony of him that he hath both spoken it and himself also hath done it according to his Word 7 It is not any extraordinary thing we here understand by the Christian mans experience of the truth of the promises it is not a rapture or revelation or such as some of the Saints havâ— upon some singular and special account had for we have not any promise for these things but it is something well grounded upon the Word which constantly holdeth in the Lords ordinary way of procedure with his People according to the tenor of the Covenant for his Word doth good to them that walk uprightly and doth certainly take place in the experience of every serious and diligent Christian 8. This is not the testimony of a few but the record of all the Saints since the beginning whose experience doth all most harmoniously agree and bear one witnes that he is faithful who hath promised and it is not that which a Christian hath found once or twice in his life but the dayly food of such as live by faith 9. This doth put a strong obligation on the godly man to the Word for the time to come for these who have tryed it often may with much confidence trust it in the day of their strait 10. The experience which the godly hath of the real performance of the promises is a most convincing evidence of his state in Christ it is the earnest and pledge of the inheritance and full accomplishment of that which remaineth that the Lord will make perfect what concerneth him who hath been his help hitherto and will be his exceeding great reward in the end who hath made him find so much of the gain of godlines here by the way Now having premitted these things I shall here instance some particular promises where in the Christâ—â—â—s most usual trade and commerce dothly and to which they give in their seal and witnes I confesse if all these proofs which the Saints have had of the fulfilling of the promises could be gathered together we might make use of that Divine hyperbole The World could not containe the bookes that should be written thereof O what an admirable volume what an excellent commentary and copy should this be of the Scripture to see it thus turned over into the
break his bonds c. for truely in all ages Christs rising in the Gospel hath cast a terrour to its enemyes that this should be their fall and ruine when the Apostle hath an effectual doore opened in his ministery he hath also much opposition thereto but on the other hand all is still and quiet while the strong man doth keep the house yea it is clear from the word that where the gospel cometh there is a red flag hung forth that if men will not receive the same and subject to him who rideth on the white horse one shall come after whose worke is to take peace from the earth to put the world in a flame and to accomplish the judgement of a despised gospel who shall devide betwixt the husband and wife the parents and children wherein our blest Lord Jesus is expresse Math. 10 ver 34. I come not to send peace on the earth but rather a sword which might seem strange from him but it is to tell men if they will not embrace the offer of his peace they shall not have peace among themselves for the message of the gospel must either be the best or the worst sight that ever a land had 11. This may seem strange how in all ages men of greatest parts and learning are such usual opposers of the truth yea how the most sober and calme will even appear violent in their way the more the gospel is followed with power but O! how well doth this answer the scripture for the wisdome of this world is enmity to God 1 Cor. 3 ver 19. not many wise according to the flesh comparatively with these who hate the truth of all the beasts of the field was not the serpent Satans choice and if there be an Achitophel in the time at him he will have a special pull to such the simplicity of the gospel is foolishnes whereat they stumble to such Christ is a rock of offence we find the light doth torment them that dwell in the earth will cause men blaspheme and discover that which would not appear whilest they got leave to enjoy their sinful peace without disturbance 12. These strange judgments which may sometimes befal the Saints in their outward lot yea sometimes attended with some very astonishing circumstances would at the first look put men to a stand and to challenge the holy way of God But let us weight it in that ballance of the Scripture and we will find 1. That such hath been the complaint of the Saints the Lords wounding them vvith the vvound of a cruel one vvhat a strange query is that in Lament 2 ver 20. Behold and consider to whom thou hast done this shall the women eat the fruit of their womb shall the Priest and Prophet be slain the Sanctuary of the Lord yea did it not even to Solomon seem strange Eccles 8 ver 14. that there are just men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked 2. It looked like some strange stroke vvhich forced David to this complaint my enemies cast iniquity on me and say an evil disease or as the original readeth it a thing of Belial cleaveth to him vve find losias fell by the svvord Eli vvith one stroke hath his sons killed his Daughter in lavv dying and himself falling from his seat and breaking his neck yea Aaron hath both his sons killed before his eyes by an immediat stroke from the Lord. 3. The vvord doth also shevv there is no jar betvvixt this and the tenor of the Covenant vvhich God hath made vvith his people to punish their transgression with rods yea sometimes by a strange rod while he taketh not his loving kindnesse from them and doe we not find that a cleanly tryal may tryst the saints vvhich the vvorld vvould think a dreadful judgement for great sufferings may be ordered of the Lord to give some great examples thereby vve have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord. 13. The gross falling of these who have sometimes shined with much lustre in the Church may be astonishing but here also vve may see the scripture made out for it is clear First that fevv instances of the most eminent of the Saints vve have on Scripture record but there is some particular spot and blemish also noted a Noah Lot Moses and David yea under the Nevv Testament that great Apostle whose denyall of his master is set forth to shew how far some may fall whom grace will again restore and make up 2. It is there clear that some of understanding doe fall for a judgement to others that such who will stumble whose prejudice at the way of God is their choice may thus further fall and be broken 3. The blest meaning and intent hereof we may there also read to Alarum men to watchfulnes that such who stand may take heed lest they â—all to warrant also their adventuring on the grace of God that none should scar to come in after such eminent examples 14. I would adde this The contingency of events that we see many things in such a casual way fall out in the world as if by chance only without the rational conduct of a providence which doth infallably direct things to a certain end this might at the first look put men to a stand yea would seem to give Atheists some shadow to say how doth God see or doth the God of Jacob regard But upon a more serious enquiry setting the word over against it O what a sweet exercise should it be to consider 1. That though the providence of God in things here beneath moveth sutably to the nature of inferiour causes whither necessary free or contingent not violenting them or otherwayes making use of them but according to their nature so that though the event be necessary and infallible witâ— a respect to the first cause the determined counsel of God it is never the lesse contingent in respect of its nearest cause yet this also on the other hand is clear how the smallest and most casual motions doe certainly fall under that comprehensive reach of providence that even a sparrow falleth not to the ground by guesse Rebeccah cometh not with her pitcher to the well nor Ruth to glean in Boaz field at an adventure but in these the providence of God must reach its end and cannot miscary 2. That these things which to us would seem most casual we oft see in their tendency and product have been intended by the Lord as a special mean for the promoting of his glory wherein such a wonderful tryst and uniting of things in themselves most remote for that end may be truely discerned that if prejudice do not shut mens eyes they must confesse this can be no blind chance but some higher counsel and conduct of the same what would look more contingent then that Ahasuerus was indisposed to sleep and could have no rest in the night or that a reflexion of the sun
adversaryes we may also on clear Scripture grounds conclude that the Lord is now awaked as a mighty man and upon the fields yea that the war is surely begun against Antichrist and all the adversaryes of his Church which shall not cease until the full victory be obtained for indeed these providences which in these last times should be very affrighting and terrible when we go in to the word we shall find they have a comfortable aspect on the Church and do presage her greater enlargement which as the tender buds and leaves of the fig tree are put forth to shew the sommers approach Luc. 21 ver 28. it is true the Church is now low and the work of God meets with very sad interruptions which are needful both for tryal and rebuke but this also is sure which none can deny that the Lord hath eminently appeared and done great things for his Church yea we must say he hath by a confluence of very remarkable providences thus condescended to strengthen his peoples hands to confirm such who are ready to stagger even as it were by cruches anent the greatnes of these things which are yet promised Now to clear this truth a little we would consider First How it is very consonant to the Scripture and expresly held forth in the same that in the last times and turn of the Churches case from Antichrist the Lord will thus appear in his great strength and set up his standard against his adversaryes yea will then in a special way call forth his people to glorify him by an active testimony 2. That the Lord hath thus begun to appear according to his word is a truth that is also undenyable should much help to confirm our faith anent the performance of that which further remains of the Scripture 1. That this is manifest from the word may be thus clear First Though the Church militant must not want an adversary and some persecution from the World even in her best estate yet we have a safe warrant to expect that the Lord will glorify himselfe in a peculiar way in his people now in these latter dayes by doing and acting for the truth as in former ages his glory did most appear dnreing Antichrists Reign in his Churches suffering for then the faith and patience of his Saints was to be witnessed in its season Rev. 13 ver 10. and thus he would serve himselfe of his people and bring forth his glory until that time of retribution when these who had killed with the sword should be killed by the sword and these who led unto captivity be so dealt with which doth also clearly promise some special outletting of the Spirit for acting with these gifts of courage and resolution sutable to the service of the Church in the latter dayes and truely I think it is a great want we study not more the accomplishing of the promises and how to improve the same for gifts as well as grace in order to the several times and necessities of the Church 2. It is very clear from the Scripture that in the last dayes when Christ is to raise his Church from under the power and tyranny of Antichrist he shall then appear in a warlike posture which John had shewed to him Rev. 19 v. 13 14. as one upon the head of his forces with his vesture dipped in blood to shew that vvhen once the vvar is begun against his adversary and this Lyon of the tribe of Juda begins to rouze himselfe up vvhat a terrible appearance he vvil have in that undertaking and it is clear that the Lord hath declared in this his counsel and vvill that his Son Christ should in the latter times take unto himselfe his great povver and reign Rev. 11 ver 17. yea cause the World knovv him to be Head of principalityes and povvers as vvell as of the Church for his glory in this truth as a King which former ages seemed in so great a measure to darken must then clearly shine forth I truely think mens appearing with such violence and rage against so concerning a truth now in these dayes doth promise some eminent appearance of the Lord therein and that he shall yet more solemnly assert the same before the World 3. Doth not the Scripture point at the last times as that special time of recompence for the controversy of Sion to which the Lord hath reserved a solemn triumph of his justice over all his Churches enemyes when he shall enquire for the blood of his Saints shed upon the earth since the dayes of Abel at Babylons hand Revelat. 18 ver 24. that great adversary who stands in law guilty and hath served her selfe heire to all the violence cruelty done in former ages for in her hand must that cup be found full which the enemyes of the Church from the beginning hath been filling up and as so many rivers and fountaines hath run unto this great sea 4. It is also clear that in the last times when the Lord shall bind up the breach of his people and heal the stroke of their wound who for so long a time had been trampled under by Antichrist he shall by some signal providences roll away this reproach and scandal of meannes contempt and persecution shall put some glory on his Church proportionable to its former abasement yea thus comfort her according to the dayes wherein he had afflicted her and cause his peoples uprising in measure and kind to answer their low and suffering state from Antichrist even in the last times when the Lord shall make them appear with the face of a Lion when the feeble shall be as David and as the Angel of the Lord Zach. 12 ver 8. which promise doth clearly point at the Churches raising and delivery from Antichrist upon the back whereof we find the Prophet doth foretel the last conversion and incomming of Israel 5. I shall only adde what the Scripture doth most expresly shew that the Lord shall so gloriously appear in bringing his Church out of Babylon and executing his judgement on that adversary as in the day when he brought his people out of Egypt and therefore shall they sing the song of Moses and the lamb Rev. 15 ver 3. his great power and outstretched hand being no lesse discernable therein then if they had been standing with Israel at the red Sea when they saw their enemyes lying dead upon the shore yea have we not ground to believe that the Lord shall make himself very evidently knowen in raising instruments and acting them forth which hath been already seen and I am sure the World must confesse what great things have been done by these of whom little was expected III. That the Lord hath thus begun to appear and make himself known to the World in these last ages according to his word is a thing very easy to demonstrat for 1. Is it not clear how in these last times he hath met his enemyes upon their high places
come he is come and thus chearfully went to death Thomas Hudson a choise Christian vvho suffered in Queen Maryes time vvhen at the stake did slip suddenly from under the chain to the astonishment of the People but not from fear of death but from the vvant of feeling of Christ vvhich made him full of heavines but after his turning aside that he had got his soul poured out to God he returned as one raised from death to life crying out Now I am strong and do not care what man can do and thus with much joy did yeeld up his spirit Likewise Annas Du Burg whom we before mentioned being through fear and discouragement drawen to recant had no rest in his spirit until he retracted the same and after did chearfully undergoe death with what marvellous resolution did that excellent man Doctor Cranmer put his right hand to the fire when he came to the stake and suffered to burn vvithout shrinking vvhich as he said he vvould punish for subscribing a recantation vvhich vvas so much thereafter his grief Last I must adde that marvellous joy and resolution vvhich the Saints in these late times did in their greatest sufferings shevv is very notoure and knovven to the World for their sufferinge vvas not in a corner and vve may say hath not come short of the primitive martyrs but did vvitnes the same spirit and povver accompanying them I cannot passe this in a general vvithout giving some touch amidst such a multitude of convincing instances let us hear blessed Bradfoord at the stake thus speak to his fellovv sufferer be of good comfort for we shall have this night a merry supper with the Lord. Latimer to Ridley â—â— shall this day light such a candle in England as I trust shall never be put out Mr Sanders I was in prisâ—n until I got â—â—â— prison and at the stake embracing cryes welcome the 〈◊〉 of Christ welcome everlasting life Doctor Ferrer to a gentleman vvho bemoaned his death and the painfulnes of it if â—ow see mee once stirr in the fire beleeve not my doctrine as did after appear for he stood vvithout moving in the midst of the flame Iohn Ardley if every haâ—r of my head â—ere a man it should suffer death in the faith I â—â— stand â—â— Elisabeth Folks embraceing the stake cryed fare well World fare well faith and hope and welcome love Robert aguires son vvhen at Lile in the Lovv countries he suffered vvith his father for the truth in the year 1556. did cry forth at the stake behold millions of Angels about us and the heaven opened to receive us after he had sometime fixed his eyes on heaven and vvhen the fire vvas kindled sayes to his father yet a very little and we shall enter into the heavenly mansion Mr. Tims an English minister in Queen Maryes dayes thus vvrits to his friends I am going to the Bishops colehouse but shall not be long there before I be carried up to my brethren vvho are gone to heaven before mee in a fiery chariot follovv yovv after mee vvhere yovv shall find mee singing merily at my jurneyes end holy holy holy Lord God of Sabaoth Algerius an Italian martyr thus vvrits from his prison a little before his death vvho vvould believe that in this dungeon I should finde a paradise so pleasant in a place of sorrow and death tranquillity and hope of life vvhere others vveep I rejoyce O hovv easy and svveet is his yoke and this he subscribs from that delectable orchard of the Leonine prison Guy de Bres the ringing of my chain hath been sweet â—â—sick in my eares all my former discourses were but as a blind wans of collours in respect of my present feeling O what a â—â—ious comforter is a good conscience The Lord Henry Otto a Bohemian vvho suffered in the late persecution said to the minister I vvas troubled but novv I feel a vvonfull refreshment O now I fear death no longer I will dye with joy and on the scaffold cryed out behold I see the heavens opened pointing with his hands at the place where others observed a certain brightnes that did dazel their eyes and thus dyed with great chearfulnes I shall but adde the last vvords of that holy and great Mr Wishart vvho thus spake amidst the fire this flame doth torment my body but no whit abate my spirits FOVRTH Witnes is these great and remarkable judgements of God which in these last times have befallon the adversaryes and persecutus of the Church who have been most notour for their opposition to the truth wherein we must say a divine hand hath been so discernable that ordinary observers could not passe the same without a remark but must acknowledge the righteous judgement of God that it cometh not by guesse and at an adventure but doth convincingly seal the word This is indeed a grave subject wherein we should be very serious and sober for the judgements of God are a great depth nor can we determine from events but in so far as they answer to the word it may sometime happen to wicked men according to the work of the righteous but on the other hand it is a sure truth that God is knowen by the judgement he executs and in every age doth point out sin to the World by remarkable strokes some great examples of judgement which as a beacon are set forth for men to observe and truely we may say these remarkable instances of the judgement of God since he begun to sound a retreat to his Church from Babylon are fan beyond other preceeding ages I would be spareing to repeat what of this kinde is published by others bâ—t that in speaking to this truth I cannot passe it in a generalâ— whilest there are so many instances wherein the Lord hath made himself knowen and these such a convincing seal and confimation of the truth and Protestant cause in these last times anent which and the following relations I dare with confidence say there is not any passage or matter of fact here set down without some clear and satisfying grounds as to the certainty thereof I shall first instance Charles the V. whose undertakings for many yeares were followed with successe untill once he set himselfe to persecute and oppresse the Church and bathed his sword in the blood of the Protestants with his cruel and unjust usage of the Duke of Saxony from which time his affaires begun visibly to decline he is forced to fly before Mauritius and seek a retreat in the furthest confines of the Empire and after broken with melancholy and discontent like another Dioclesian doth resign his empire and turn to a privat life Philip the II. of Spain one of the greatest persecutors of the Church in these last ages whose work was to root out the Protestant Religion in his dominions and therefore set on foot that horrid engine of the Inquisition yet at last finds all his essayes frustrat and after the losse of many millions
home the truth one of the company who had some charge in the Castell fell a jearing which Mr Welsh observing and looking earnestly to him did presently close the Bible and cease and a little after having a drink in his hand he sayeth to a friend at the table before all that were present there is one so profane and grosse as to contemn and mock at the word of the Lord but ere a little God shall smite him with a remarkable stroke of his judgement which accordingly fell out to the astonishment of the company for that man did presently drop down to the ground and dyed A lady that was then Popish being present by reason of a friend of hers that was prisoner in the castle was so moved therewith that it proved an help to her after-conversion The other passage is this one Iohn Steward an eminent Christian who lived at Aire having conted to visit Mr Welsh in prison found him in a more then ordinary way troubled and sad and upon his enquiry there anent he sayeth Iohn ye should not be here go home to Aire for the plague of God is broken up in that place and cause Hew Kennedy provest of that toun who was also a very singular Christian conveeh the people to the streets and pray together and the Lord shall hear How Kennedy and remove that stroke this at the first did something astonish the said Iohn and put him to question its truth having so lately comed out of that place but at his return found it so and accordingly in every thing it fell out as the man of God had shewed After his banishment to which the King did change the sentence of death past upon him at Linlithgo he in a very short time acquired the French tongue with such a facility therein as was thought strange by these who knew it Trochrig in his Commentar on the Ephesians sets down this passage how being called to preach at Salmur a famous University yea one of the most learned auditors in France he did with such boldnes and authority preach as though he had been before the meanest congregation whereat Trochrig being astonished could not but on his acquaintance with him question him thereanent whence he had such confidence and was so little moved whilest he preached before strangers so grave and judicious an auditory and in a strange tongue to whom in a humble way as one more dejected then lifted up he gave that answer when he considered his being before the Lord and that he was delivering his message he could not regard either great or small but all flesh did then go out of his minde Whilest he was Minister at S. Jane de Angeli a protestant town in France where his Ministry was much blessed with successe the civil warres did break up where that city was twice besieged on the Protestant interest during which time these passages fell out most remarkable One was the town being fore straited and ready to be taken the enemyes having raised a battery and by a close approach had made a great breach in the wall Mr Welsh hearing thereof who had much encouraged the People that their adversaries should not then prevail went himself with the Cannonier up the walls and desired he would charge such a piece of cannon and shoot for God should direct that shot and cause it prosper which accordingly did to the astonishment of onlookers dismount that battery and the Lord so ordered things after that the King did parley on favourable termes with the city and did only himself with his court come in without doing any violence An other marvellous passage was this the following Sabbath some of the godly in that place fearing Mr Welsh his hazard did seriously deal with him that he would forbear to go forth and preach the Court being there from which he by no intreaty would be hindred but shewed them he would adventure to preach the word to his People and trust the Lord with what concerned himselfe being more grieved at their fear and despondence and that day had a very great auditory both of friends and others who come upon the fame of such a man but in time of sermon a great man of the Court with some of the Kings own guard was sent to bring him forthwith before the King and whilest he was entring the Church which had some difficulty by reason of the multitude Mr Welsh did turn himselfe toward that entry and desired the People to give way to one of the great Piers of France that was coming in but after whilest he was coming near the pulpit to execut his commission by putting force on the servant of Christ for his desisting he did with great authority speak to him before all the People and in the name of his Master Jesus Christ charged him that he would not disturb the Worship of God wherewith that man was so affrighted that he fell a shaking yea was forced to crutch down and make no further trouble A third passage no lesse remarkable was upon the close of sermon whilest Mr Welsh with much submission went to the King who was then greatly incensed and with a threatning countenance asked what he was and how he durst preach haeresy so near his person and with such contumacy carry himself to vvhich vvith due reverence howing himself he did answer I am Sir the Servant and Minister of Jesus Christ whose truth I preached this day which if your Majesty rightly knew ye would have judged it your duety to have comed your self and heard and for my doctrine I did this day preach these 3 truths to your People 1. That man is fallen and by nature in a lost condition yea by his own power and abilityes is not able to help himselfe from that estate 2. That there is no salvation or deliverance from wrath by our ovvn merits but by Jesus Christ and his merit alone 3. I did also preach this day the just liberties of the Kingdome of France that your Majesty ovveth obedience to Christ onely vvho is Head of the Church and that the Pope as he is an enemy to Christ and his truth so also to the Kings of the earth vvhom he keepeth under slavery to his usurped povver Where at the King for a time keeping silence vvith great astonishment turned to some about him and said surely this is a man of God Yea after did commun vvith him and vvith great respect dismissed him The year follovving vvhilest the differences betvvixt the King and Protestant party did grovv that city vvas again besieged taken and in part sacked as Mr Welsh did publickly foretel at vvhich time it is knovvn hovv the King past a solemn order that none should in the least vvrong Mr Welsh or any thing that belonged to him under highest paines and did after give a safe conduct to him for transporting himself to England vvhere he died King James refusing his return to his ovvn countrey though earnestly petioned by his
but am heavily grieved that the glorious governement of the Church of Scotland should be so defaced and a Popish tyrannical government set up and thou Manderston for out of that house Dumbar was come and he thus stiled him Hast thou no other thing to do but carry down to Scotland such commissions whereby the poore Church there is wracked the Lord shall be avenged upon thee and thou shalt never again go down for all thy grandour which words took such impression on that Gentleman that when he went forth he desired some friends who then waited to get a bussinesse at court â—â—ped by Dumbars moyen that they would in time â—â—â— their affaires to a close for he was perswaded the words of that servant of Christ should nor fall to the ground and truely this did very quickly take place that Earle being suddenly struck by death within a few moneths after and thus thrown down from the top of his grandour whilest he was bussie perfecting that great house of his at Berwick and had appointed a sumptuous feast for his daughters marriage even then did his thoughts perish I shall here but adde one instance more of one whom we before named though not a Minister yet a great instrument for promoting the work of the Gospel in the place he lived and one we may say of an extraordinary spirit Hew Kennedy provest of Aire of vvhom I would mention these two passages from sure knowledge One was whilest the Merchant Ships of that town were at â—eâ— amongst whom his son Iohn who was also a choise Christian was at that time he did one night rise before the breaking of day and came to the house of his familiar friend Iohn Steward desiring he would rise go along with him to some room whereat the said Iohn being exceedingly astonished he sayeth to him it is no time to linger let us go pray for my son with the rest of our friends now at sea are at this houre on the very nick of perishing and after they had spent some time in prayer he arose chearfully and said now they are safe Within a little after Iohn Steward who had writ this down with the day and houre at the return of the Ships did most particularly enquire and found hovv it did answer in all the circumstances and in that very houre of that night they were to appearance past hope of safety upon a very dangerous place and by an extraordinary unexpected providence then delivered The other is this one day being for many houres alone in prayer whilest some of his Christian friends did wait long for him at last with an unusual chearfulnes he came forth and upon their enquiry anent his stay he told them it was no wonder for he had that day got mercy to him and all his and truely it was very evident that not one of his Children but there was large ground of charity that they were truely godly Whilest he was dying Mr Ferguson a godly Minister sayeth to him yow have cause Sir to be assured that the Angels of God are novv vvaiting at the stoups of this bed to convoy your soul into Abrahams bosome to vvhom his ansvver vvas I am sure thereof and if the wals of this house could speak they could tell hâ—â— many sweet dayes I have had in secret fellowship with God and how familiar he hath been with my soul I shall only adde Mr. Welshes testimony in a letter from France to this great man his words were these Happy is that city yea happy is that Nation that hath a Hew Kenneay in it I have my selfe certainly found the answers of his prayers from the Lord in my behalfe SEVENTH Witnes to this truth that the Lord hath in so solemn and extraordinary a way appeared for his Church in these last times is this these great and marvellous providences which we may call magnalia Der by which he hath witnessed his truth and confirmed the same since the breaking up of the Gospel in this late raising of the Church from Antichrist For we may truely say there hath not wanted a visible attestation from Heaven and a convincing testimony by some great workes of the Lord to his truth as well as in the primitive times of the Church We do here understand by such providences these wherein man cannot but see something above nature and naturall causes yea above the ordinary way of the Lords working which doth evidently witnes his great and immediat hand some whereof have been so wonderful which can be instanced in these late times as might truely be called miracles it is true this is not the Lords usuall way neither maketh he use of such a solemn testimony but on special and weighty grounds vvhen the necessity of the Church called for it vvhilest he is about some extraordinary piece of vvork or vvhen the Gospel cometh first to a land that hath been long overspread vvith darknes vvhen ordinary meanes of conviction are vvanting or in times of great opposition vvhen the commission of his servants needeth some extraordinary seal in such a time as that of Achabs vvhen the People are made to halt betvvixt truth and a false vvay and thus vve find the Lord did confirm the first breaking up of the Gospel and make use of such a mean to spread the Christian Church through the World and should this seem strange that in so great a change of the Churches case novv in these latter dayes vvhen he vvas to raise her up after so long a ruin and desolation vvhilest Antichristianisme so many ages had overspread the face of the World that he should thus appear and give some signal demonstration of his povver in behalfe of his People such as vve have seen vvith our eyes and our fathers did tell us It is not miracles or any extraordinary providence on vvhich men should resolve their faith nor do vve here mention these for laying stresse thereon in believing the truth no the Protestant doctrine and cause doth lean on a stronger gtound it can vvith confidence appeal the adversary to the Scripture these divine records vvhich they do not pretend to deny this even this is the reason of our hope vvhich vve offer to all that ask for the same and there let the God of truth vvho hath revealed his vvill and answers men by the written word be judge aâ—d we shall demand no greater advantage nor justice at the hand of our enemyes we know miracles cannot authorize a lye or be a seal to any thing repugnant to the Scripture and truely these lying wonders which have been so frequent in the World which the Apostle doth foretel that such an engine the Devil wil make use of to turn men aside from the truth besids other marks of their falsehood they have this one most discernable that they are the support and warrant of that which cannot stand alone by the Word and thence are the popish miracles made use of to confirm such tenets
This truth may be demonstrat not only from the reall conquest of the Gospel and these excellent trophees of her victory over many noted enemyes who have after been vessels of honour but also from the feigned subjection that so many have been made to render is it not strange what a multitude doth in these times professe the truth and yet hate it and were never drawn with the cords of love How very many have courted the name of a Christian and wooed the shadow of religion who never knew the truth thereof which certainly is a convincing evidence of the Gospels conquest that so many knees should bow to the name of Jesus whose hearts were never bowed or really subdued to him 4. It is an unanswerable proof of this truth that we see the churches increase enlargement hath come to passe most punctually after that manner yea with all the circumstances as was fortold and promised so that the event doth in every thing answer the word for First it is there held out that from a day of small things vvhich men would be ready to despise it should grow up as a tender plant and spread forth its branches over the nations that the children of the desolat should be moe then of the married Wife and the glory of the second temple exceed that of the first O! hath it not accordingly come to passe 2. This great increase and enlargement of the church was to fall out in the dayes of the new testament when Christ should be lifted up that then he should draw all men after him for these promises we have thereof in the old testament doe clearly point at the times of the gospel doth not the event here accordingly answer 3. The scripture holdeth out that the falling away of the Jewes should be the riches of the gentils and that their rejection should make way for the fulfilling of this promise even the ingathering of the nations and doe not men see the event with this very circumstance 4. We find the isles and outmost parts of the earth are given to Christ for his inheritance and foretold as a special part of the Churches increase and do we not clearly see there is no place of the world where Christ's Kingdome is more visible where moe children have been begot to him by the gospel we may say then in these northern places even in these Isles of Britain Ireland which are almost the uttermost parts of the earth there being but litle from that airth and nearer the pole which is inhabited yea we may judge hath been that Thule whereof the Ancients did so much speak 5. Was it not also foretold that the church should possesse the gates of her enemyes at whose great increase the world should wonder the princes thereof see and be troubled while God is known in her palaces for a refuge and doth not the event witnes this that over all these counsels and essayes which the world hath had to hinder the churches grouth her rising hath alwayes been upon the ruines of her greatest enemyes yea these who have been a terrour in the land of the living did oft fall and break themselves in that attempt can men deny the marvellous progresse of the church how from a small beginning shee at last possessed the gates of both the east and western empire her old enemyes and do we not this day see her conquest advancing on the ruines of Antichrist her last and greatest adversary 5. As the fulfilling of this promise anent the churches increase is undenyable since men cannot contradict their sense therein we must also say this is a thing great and marvellous which no lesse then some divine and extraordinary power could bring about if we consider these things first that quick dispatch which the churches grouth under the dayes of the new Testament hath made O might not the pagan world wonder how in the space of two or three hundred years it was almost become wholly christian O strange a Dioclesian Maximus so grievously persecuting and trampling on the very name of christianity yet near that same age this great Roman empire and Emperour submitting to the gospel which was fulfilled in the dayes of Constantine 2. How astonishing was it for the churches rise and increase to be brought about upon the ruine and dounfal of the idols of the nations who had their temples and were worshipped as God that the world should be made to renounce its Bible and that religion which for so many ages was deeply rooted by tradition from their fathers these altars which were had in such reverence demolished and their temples made a ruinous heap yea the very name of their Gods should be thus obliterat was not this indeed very wonderful But Dagon hath no strength to stand before the ark of the God of Israel 3. That it should be thus advanced by such a mean as the preaching of the word even of that which to the Jewes was a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishnes how this voice should put to perpetual silence these Oracles that for so many ages had given a response to the world might be indeed astonishing yea that the churches increase should thus be brought about at no lesse rate then the overturning of greatest Kingdomes the conversion of so many nations should tame and civilize the most savage and barbarous cause the lion to ly doun with the lamb and even make so great and universal a change in the face of the universe 4. Doth it not speak forth some divine power the carrying on of the churches grouth and increase not only over the violence of men but over all these dreadful errours and inventions these thick mists which both in former and late times have ascended out of the pit to choke her that we may say the church hath not onely been helpt to tread upon the lion and dragon but ou the adder and cockatrice also and doth carry the trophees of her conquest over all these at this day 5. I would adde is it not marvellous how the churches increase hath been advanced in a way most contrare to all the rules of ordinary policy by which states and empires have risen not by dissimulation but greatest plaines and free dealing for Christ and his Ministers did never flatter the world to embrace the truth not by open violence but a more excellent spirit power before which men could not stand where foolishnes was made to confound and outwit humane wisdome and weaknes to overcome strength that we may say O how litle of man and much of God was to be seen therein THIRD Promise which the Lord hath given to his church in the word is the giving of the Spirit powring out of the same which is there expresly held forth promised Zach. 12 10. Ioh. 14 17. Ps 59 21. And doth concern all the times of the church though in a more full measure to be let out in the dayes of
and in their greatest strength that by a strong hand he did make room for his truth when both Law and force did withstand the same and put the marks of his wrath on such who would oppose the spreading of his Kingdome that they have been as visible as sometimes their rage and violence against the Church was yea since the Lord begun to lift up a standard for the truth and call forth his People to act hath it not been seen they have losed their ground more by underhand treaties and turning aside to carnall politick shifts then by open force and violence vvhich the French Massacre vvith other sad instances can vvitnes for indeed the Church hath still lost least by greatest opposition 2. Have vve not seen by vvhat dreadful shakings and alterations of the earth this late glorious reformation of the Church from Antichristianisme hath been ushered in vvhich hath been more strange and frequent then in many ages before hath not the Lord caused the Nations shake and the earth to reel like a drunken man to shevv men that though he suffered long in former times of the Worlds ignorance he vvill not so novv bear vvith opposing his truth 3. Have vve not also seen the Lords raising up men fit for action in these last times men of a great heroick spirit vvith some more then ordinary elevation of the same to appear for his intrest such vve may say that many former ages could not instance in vvhich the Lords helping his People to do great things his suiting them vvith enduments for the service and vvork of the time hath been most discernable Was not that excellent man the Admiral of France vvith many others in that place eminently raised up for the necessity of that time and doe we not find these Princes of Orange William and Maurice and Mauritius of Saxony whom the Lord raised against Charles the V. and caused him flee over the Alpes yea what marvellous resolution and courage did attend the actings of the confederates of the Low Countryes in latter times doe we not find Gustavus King of Sweden Bernard Duke of Weymar Lantsgrave of Hesse with many others eminently raised to avenge the Lords quarrel against that bloody house of Austria have we not also seen very great instrumemts raised up in Brittain and Ireland who were followed with wonderful successe to act for the truth against Antichristian Prelacy and truely we must say the withdrawing in such a measure of that spirit of courage and resolution which once was so visibly let forth in the first dawning of the Reformation may sadly point at a great decay of zeal selfe confidence unfaithfulnes as to the improving of opportunities for the Lord was with his People whilest they were with him and did singly follow him in his way but alace with their departing it may be said their strength hath departed from them however the quarrel is clear for an oppressed Peoples acting upon so just so necessary an account as the interest of Religion against the cruelty and violent encroachments of Antichrist wherein as the Lord hath eminently owned his People so I dare not question he will yet appear and silence the adversaryes of this truth by such an argument against vvhich they shall not debate 4. That unusual deludge of blood which for the 100 yeares past hath overflowed much of Europe can be a witnes to this that the Lord hath taken peace from men who vvould not embrace the peace of the Gospel offered in these last times and given his enemyes who had shed the blood of the saints blood to drink in great measure I am sure poor Germany can prove this which for 20 years together was a field of dead men France from the dayes of Henry the II. to the establishment of Henry the IV. hovv long vvas the Low Countryes made a stage of vvarr vvhere many a cruell Spanjard did fall under the svvord of an avenging God besids the late bloody vvarres in Brittain and Ireland and vvhat doth this declare but that Jesus Christ hath taken the fields and it vvil not be novv vvith the Kings of the earth to oppresse his Church and withstand the truth as in former times I shall but adde hovv vvonderfully hath the Lord appeared in delivering his Church at the greatest extremity hath turned his enemyes counsels and designes upon themselves brought about the great vvorks of these last times by meanes so unexpected and improbable that vve may say as to vvhat of his judgement is already execute against Antichrist hath been no lesse marvellous then that Jerichoes vvals should fall at the sound of a trumpet of ram-horn or a cake of barley bread tumbling into the host of Midian should smite and overthrow the same surely when we consider what the Lord hath done and how exactly that doth answer the Scripture we may have much to confirm us anent the further accomplishment of his word and be assured that the term of his long suffering towards Babylon is at an end war is denounced and the execution already begun which must not have a close untill judgement be accomplished into victory IV. Ground which may confirm the faith of the saints and be as a pledge in their hand of the full accomplishing of the Scripture yea that this is near is this that the day is now turned and that prophecyed victory which the Church should have over Antichrist before the end is not only begun but in a great measure advanced This is indeed a great confirmation when we see so marvellous a crisis in the Churches case her recovery from so desperat and hopelesse a disease already begun that it shall be furder perfected we are made to wonder at the greatnes of these things yet promised but why should we not also wonder at that which God hath already done for his Church in our dayes the Scripture doth shew that Antichrists ruin must begin by the word that this stroke shall be gradual and however that great work of God meet with much opposition yet it shall no more go back in the whole and must we not say in all this the word is fulfilled it hath not hitherto failed the Church but the event in every circumstance made to answer to the same Now to clear this we would consider these two First that the Churches victory over Antichrist is this day so farr advanced 2. How the Lords very immediat hand hath been most discernable therein I. The first I need but name whilest it is so manifest what the Lord hath wrought for his Church for we have seen Kingdomes and Nations subject themselves to the truth the kingdome of Antichrist grow dark with the breaking up of the light and many of his followers made to gnash their teeth being scorched with the heat and power of the gospel in how great a measure is that interest now shaken if we consider what the Lord hath wrough what a great reformation hath been in Brittain
which of all their doctrine do most directly contradict the Scripture as the merit of works purgatory praying for the dead c. Bus as we will not boast of such as the authority or proof of our doctrine so we judge it a grave and a concerning duety to observe the wondrous work of the Lord in our times yea to make a diligent search thereanent that we may tell posterity some of these great acts of our God for his Church in bringing her again from Babell I would desire to be very tender and cautious upon such a subject for I judge it horrid divinity to make a lye for God it is not the truth but a false way which requireth such a help and truely anent these following instances which are but a few of many that might be brought if there were more serious enquiry I dare attest the Lord the great witnes that I have not knowingly set down here any thing false yea not without some diligent search and satisfying grounds anent the certainty thereof I judge it not necessary to repeat these which are so known already to the World from publick records and therefore shall but briefly point at some of these and adde a few moe particular instances of this kinde which I may with some confidence bring to the light from clear evidences of the truth thereof I shall first mention that solemn testimony of Mr Baynam in Queen Maryes time who in the midst of the fire whilest his body was all in a flame his armes and legs halfe burnt cryed out to bystanders O Papists ye look after miracles lo here is one I am now burning in this fire but feels no more pain then if I were in a bed of roses O must not this be called a miracle and an extraordinary seal from the Lord to his ttuth wherein the World would consider this was the testimony of one who was upon the borders of eternity which he did declare before a great multitude attested by Mr Fox that holy servant of Christ who in things of that kinde so extraordinary was most cautious and did much search out the truth and certainty of what he sets down and by him was published whilest many of that time who might have been present were alive yea it is the more remarkable the sharp combat that this Martyr had through the terrour of the fire a little before his death fearing he should never be able to endure the same What a remarkable providence was that at a town in the Low Countryes whilest some of the Saints were put to death by the Popish party and among these one Michael Bomboutius a Deacon of the reformed Church whilest they were going to suffer about midday the Heavens being most clear there came suddenly so great a darknes and so horrible and unusual a tempest which was onely in that place and above that city discerned that men were generally shaken with fear thinking there should be a present dissolution of the World this famous Voetius in that piece de signis doth witnes that from divers there present even some of them popish he had this related to himselfe and as he sayeth suchâ—â— thing Papists would have with greatest observation published as the very finger of God if they had the same occasion At a town Alsa in Westslanders whilest a godly man whom the Inquisition there had pursued was leading to the stake and was by the way singing Psalmes thâ— Captain of these who guarded him was so enraged that he caused presently his tongue be plucked out by the rootes but loâ— a few moneths after this wretched man hath a Childe born with his tongue hanging out a great way which by no meanes could be keepâ— within his mouth this Doctor Hall being himselâ—â— afterwards in that town had shewed him from some who were most considerable there as he sets down in his Epistles Charles the IX of France vvho was author of that horrid Massacre where the blood of many thousand Protestants at Paris and other parts was shed did a very little after dye in the strength of his years by an extraordinary effusion of blood from all passages of his body that as Du Serres and other french vvriters of that time do shew he was made to vvallow in his own blood before his death O vvas not this the very finger of God a most convincing stupendious piece of his judgement What an extraordinary providence vvas that vvhich is attested by divers vvitnesses thereto in the late bloody Massacre of Ireland a young vvoman vvho by the Irishes vvas stript almost naked and after by one of them threatned that except she vvould give him her money he vvould forthvvith run her through to vvhich she gravely ansvvered I knovv you cannot kill me except God give you leave whereupon he did three 〈◊〉 with his sword run at her naked body but could not once pierce her skin which did so confound this wretched man that with a kinde of horrour he went away and ceased to trouble her further Did not God wonderfully appear in the raising of the late King of Sweden with that astonishing successe which did attend him in breaking the power of the house of Austria whilest they were at so great an height and had their hands hot reeking in the blood of the Protestants through Bohemia and other places of Germany O but the Lords hand might be clearly seen in acting forth and fitting that party of the Swedes for such a piece of his service even in a more then ordinary vvay vvho like that he goat mentioned in Damel did come so swiftly that they touched not the ground as it were but like a mighty speate bare down all before them The breaking of that great Spanish Armado in the Year 88. which had been 3 Yeares in contriving did convincingly witnes a divine hand opposing the same and how remarkable was that issue of all the Counsels expence and cruelty which Philip the second had made use of to bear down the rising of the Gospel in the Netherlands for it is notour that after many essayes the losse of an 100 Millions of gold with near 400000 Lives the reckoning of all his gain and purchase was only the losse of considerable part of these countryes and helping fordward the establishment of the united Provinces and truely we must say the Lord did by his great and outstretched hand wonderfully appear in raising that Common wealth so that they may date their flowrishing in outward interests from their owning of the interests of God Religion did raise them and no People this day hath more cause and are under greater engadgements to be zealous for the truth and defence of the Protestant Cause The breaking of that formidable league of the Catholicks in France for rooting out the Protestant Religion there was very wonderful how all their Counsels and designes should resolve in their own ruin so that the most ordinary onlookers could not but see a divine hand