it may be ever seen how with the greatest prosperity of the wicked here there are punishments of another kind dispensed and more dreadful then any outward affliction such as judicial obstinacy and blindnesse of mind in opposition to God even when their own ruine is made visible to them herein VII How oft men are thus evidently condemned to be happy in this world by some strang measure of temporall successe and prosperity before some great fall and ruine as the issue hereof in the last shene of providence doth fully attest VIII That it s seen also how sin doth ever bring its own punishment therewith in some begun degree both of shame and torment and as Seneca an heathen could say that wickednesse was the most exquisite contriver of human misery so the world likewise may see how a present immunity from judgment is no release but when its sentence is not speadily execute yet is it at last surely execute IX And how evident is it that the greatest haters of godlinesse are yet inforced to justify the same and the Christians choise herein as the greatest wisdome upon any surprising state and extremity yea how such would be glad to joyne interests then with such in their death whom they most contemned in their life QU. V. How is it convincing and demonstrable that God hath given any clear and expres revelation of his will and councel unto men and that such a wonderfull record is undoubtedly extant in the world ANSW That I. it is not possible to believe the being of God and not also the truth of an established law and rule of commerce betwixt him and man here so as to know both what we should doe and what to expect and hope from him II. That this also must be known and display its power and efficacy to the world in that manner and by such infallible evidence of its truth as may render all inexcusable who give not intire credite therto III. I can be no more clear and assured there is but one sun in the firmament then that there is but one fountain and repository of sacred light about religion which is the Scripture and its being the alone publick standard of truth to the whole world IV. That no way was ever made known to recover mankind from a state of bondage darknesse and misery compatible with the very use of reason but by this blessed light which shineth there V. Yea that there is as visible a difference betwixt the same and any pretended religion which ever was besides in the world as there is betwixt day and night which is founded in the immutable nature of these things in themselves VI. That there is one proper sphere where this glorious light of divine truth is fixed and wherein it shines forth from one age to another which is the Christian Church QU. VI. But what more peculiare evidences can yow shew of the divinity of the Scriptures that all may see to be of infallible truth ANSW I. That its sure such a book is this day in the earth which no created wisdome could ever have done and contains such things of highest conceirn to mankind as doe infinitly exceed the bounds of human ability and invention or could ever have been discovered but by God himself II. That it gives forth such exquisite laws and constitutions of our religion as men must needs see the holy nature purity and perfection of God most brightly shining forth therin III. Which doth discover so great and proper a relief for all these evils and miseries that doe attend this fallen estate of man as none but an allsufficient God could only doe IV. That he alone must be the author of this blessed record who rules the world and hath determined the changes and revolutions therof when it is not more evident how these visible heavens are stretched forth over the earth then that this line of the Scripture is stretched over the whole worke and frame of providence and doth most clearly illuminate the same V. That surely this was the product of infinite wisdome whence so great a variety of matter doth meet with so visible a concent and harmony in one perfect and intire frame yea knit in so closse a bond of union together as makes the whole Bible to be intirly one piece though in the writing of each distinct part therof it could never have possibly been contrived or forseen by humane wisdome what we see here of so admirable an agreement correspondence as is in all the parts therof VI. That none els could have spoke to the world in so majestick a way becoming the greatnesse and soveraignity of God to assume such a supremacy give forth laws for absolute obedience from all mankind therto on such a penalty of eternal destruction or that any impostures either possibly could or durst have in such a manner personate the same VII That it must needs be his word who perfectly knows what is in man and hath an absolute authority over the soul and is a discerner of the thoughts therof who thus not only gives law to the conscience and our inward parts but doth establish an internal religion there no lesse absolutly then what respects our external worke and actions VIII Yea where all may see the whole penmen therof under so intire a subjection to the doctrine which they tought and to be no contrivance of their own as they did record their own failings and imperfections in behalf of the truth and did thus also require all just respect and obedience to the Magistrates when through the whole earth they were then greatest enemies to the truth of the Gospel IX That this must be his word who alone can derive principles of life to his own institutions and animate the same with a quickning Spirit and is a worke above the contrivance of Angels or men when directed to each new tryal of the Church and personal case of Christians as though it had been alone writt for that time so that I can be no more perswaded in reason there is such a book as the Bible in the earth then that it came from heaven and is the alone rule of religion and of divine revelation for the governing of mankind QU. VII How is the secure conveyance of the Scripture demonstrable amidst all the changes of times past and that no possible accesse could be for its corruption ANSW I. That its so undenyably the first rule which ever was given to mankind of religion and the alone publick standard of truth that hath endured the tryal and inquiry of all times past so as no pretences in the matter of antiquity could yet ever be to the contrare II. That so exact an harmony is betwixt the Old and New Testament as the one is a visible transcript of the other in its accomplishment that I can be no more sure of such a venerable record as the Old Testament and its unalterable conveyance to the Church to
and was and shall be because thou hast judged tâ—us for they have shed the blood of thy saints and prophets and thou hast given them blood to drink in great measure XV. Yea have we not seen how four Kings of France successively were in lesse then 30. years taken away in the same continued pursuit how to destroy the Church there in whom that whole race of the Valois was thus extinct yea in the manner of their death were most remarkable monuments of divine judgement as the most famous writers of that time does attest XVI We have seen what marvelous effects did follow these bloody years of Queen Mary's reign in England to promot and commend the Protestant doctrine to mens consciences there with so great a triumph it had in the sufferings of such choise and excellent witnesses for Christ as hath brought in more rent to the praise and glory of their blessed head then may to the furthest compense all that blood of the Saints there though highly precious in the eyes of the Lord. XVII We have seen likewayes the blood and cruelty of late against the Protestants in Bohemia in a short time most observably returned on the authors thereof and how the immediate finger of God might be seen in calling forth the Swedes to avenge the same and in that desolating strock which followed on Germany XVIII We have seen in these late times the issue of that horrid massacre on the Protestants in Ireland to the utter ruine in a very few years after of that barbarous party who had thus acted herein XIX We have seen what wonderful providences did attend the actings of that poor handful of Protestants in the Valleys of Piemont since the Reformation upon the account of that bloody massacre which was set on foot there against them which was so astonishing as all might see an extraordinare appearence of the Lord herein as is clearly attested by the most faithful Histories of that time XX. And can it be forgot unto this day how visibly a divine hand did appear in breaking that great Spanish Armado in the year 1588. which had been for some years in contriving against England XXI As it was astonishing and specially demonstrative of the immediate power and presence of God it should be matter of wonder and praise also for after ages that solemne time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland for planting the reformed Religion there with that zeal and onnesse of spirit as did then appear in all ranks to imbrace and adhere to the profession thereof amidst the greatest threatnings of their adversaries so as a few years did bring forth that which would have seemed strang for an age to accomplish yea that we find betwixt the last Martyr for the truth there who was burnt at St. Andrews 1558. and the establishment of the Protestant Religion and full abolishment of Popery with the full concurrence of civil authority herein in July 1560. was but little above two years to shew what great things the Lord can doe above all human councel or confidence XXII It s sure we have seen in what remarkable degrees these last vials of the holy judgment of God hath taken place on the Kingdome of Antichrist and how conspicuous the event hath been of that prophecy 2 Thessal 2 8. in these great effects and consumption thereof by the ministry of the Gospel as an assured pledge of the full accomplishment of what remains herein XXIII And as every step of the Churches rise hath been still advanced in a continued conflict betwixt the truth and Antichrist so have we still seen when the assault and opposition hath been greatest it s most remarkable tendancy to a greater victory which were it rightly considered upon clear and solid grounds from the Scripture the most formidable appearences of trouble from this adversary should with more comfort then fear this day be looked on so that whatever be the nearest and most immediate events yet is it sure as the Lord is true whose word is passed hereon that whosoever gives their power and strength to support that interest of Antichrist shall lose the day and find their cause desperate for the party with whom they contend herein is the Son of God against whom no human power shall ever be able to stand These are but a few which are here mentioned of the great acts of our God in behalf of his Truth to be still as present in our sight in a time when the spirits of many are ready to stagger and faint and here mentioned to lay no stresse or weight of the authority of the truth and doctrine of our profession thereon but on the alone revelation of the Scripture but that they are such an undenyable seal for confirming our faith and of so known publick and famous evidence as should be no lesse considered and taken to heart now then in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein SECTION III. QU. WHat present judgment are we called to have of this time upon clear and assured grounds from the Scripture that we may know under what aspect therof the present state of Religion and of the reformed Churches is under when so great a crisis is this day as would seem to be in the very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of its conflict whither as to life or death ANSW It is no present appearences of the time must direct our faith nor should we either streath our fears or expectations of things and events beyond what the God of truth doth warrand in his word but its clear if we credite the same and admitt the divinity of the New Testament there is no just cause of hesitation or darknesse as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in these latter dayes nor can there be any pretence to seek an other light either from the stars above or the diviners of this time when so woful a trade hath got up in the world that men will thus goe to the God of Ekron as though there were not a God in Israel or such a thing as his written Oracles to inquire at when its sure these ly open and with a clear and distinct sound speaks to all who have a serious and unprejudged spirit I. That the Church under the New Testament hath now passed and gone through that most dismal and continued tryal herein which was to goe over her head under Antichrists reigne and hight and whatever appearence he now hath in great wrath yet is it sure and evident that the winter is past and the Churches spring begun and a few steps further of that judgment which is now hastning on will at lenth end the quarrel so that by a near converse with the word we may clearly see from what point the Churches course and motion this day lyes and how exactly it keeps in the certainty thereof by that clear conduct of the Scriptures of truth where a full map of her whole course and passage through
only of practice but a native result of their tenets and principles and not only dispensed with but counted an highly meritorious service yea when it is sure that under no secular government of the most tyrannicall state that ever was in the world hath such arbitrary violence and oppression been exerced or so much innocent blood shed as by this party 12. And tho his judgment stood indetermined and in an equall ballance upon this great controversie he could not exerce reason and not see upon what hand such a decision is as was in Solomons time of the true mother of the child and who does most ruthfully seek to interesse themselves in the imminent hazard of the Christian faith and under least influence of any temporall motives does this day stand for the truth and substance of Chistianity and plead that it be not destroyed in envy and hatred to them or on what side it is likeways that this manner of conquest is most followed to gain men to the profession of the truth by a prevailing evidence of their own light and judgment herein and to require their exactest personall tryall and inquiry about the same In the 3d place tho he sees there can be no pretence of doctrinall wavering about the Reformed religion and finds it not easy to comprehend how in one and the same age wherin the truth hath so brightly shined this way of Popery should have prevalence or gain ground any more by seduction from arguments to the reason or conscience of any yet since it is an hower of temptation and of fainting above all that hath been hitherto known and mens eyes arreasted with such a prospect of the time as is like to stagger the faith of the most established he is thus pressed as one of the highest duties of this day to know and search out what may afford greatest assistance to his faith from the dispensations of providence therin and to know the evidence and strenth of such reslections as these are for this end 1. That its sure as the smallest things which the Lord does afford to strenthen and support against such a storme should be seriously improven and taken to heart so does it lay us in the way of that promise for having greater things given to our observation yea that now is the time when such as have been most comforted by the word of promise may be put to the forest tryal in their faith of any to keep off stumbling at the worke of providence and be thus tryed according to the measure of these confirmations 2. Tho the Churches declinings under greatest measures of light may be too visible and that religion gains not by persecution as formerly with such an amazing chang as is now in her external condition yet sees it to be no strang thing when most signal warnings have gone before of such a tryal with too evident dispositions towards the same and discovery of its approach in all the causes therof yea might be forseen by all that the holy God would not still bear with an impure and uninlivned profession of the pure and glorious truth of Christianity which hath now long been one of the most sad and mortall signs in the publick state of religion nor can it be found that ever any Church did decline and fall from the purity of the truth and lose ground herein by externall persecution where a judicial departure of its life and power did not remarkably goe before so as it is not of late this hath been too clearly presaged that somâ— dark and unusual measure of tryall from Amichrist and that ultima clades of the Reformed Churches was drawing near which would be sore er it had done its worke 3. He sees also how this present hower is not more searching and dark then it may be clear herewith 1. that now after the issue of that opposition which was betwixt the Christian faith in the first entry of the Gospell and that dying Apostate Church of the Jewes and next with the Pagan Impire after that new erection of the Gospell Church among the Gentils which is now over so is the greatest tryall of the latter dayes fixed on the decision of that long depending controversie betwixt Christ and Antichrist 2. That according to the Scripture we must believe that as after the manner of Egypt that glorious triumph and delivery of the Church from Antichrist will be surlie carryed on so the more near it comes to the last assault and when this falls in to have its proper roome in the frame and administration of providence the greater extremitie terrour and darknesse may be expected also as hath not been in any such manner formerly yea with that unite and formidable conjunction of strenth and growing successe of this adversary for a time as the most established Christians may be in hazard to stagger 3. That now is the day wherin the Lord will have men know what it is to have the Bible as the alone security of the Protestant religion on which they must intirely rest no lesse then it is the sole rule and standard therof which is a tryall worthy of all that expense of the pain anguish and wrestlings that can now possibly attend the same 4. Whilst the great standard of Antichrists Kingdome is visibly set up and brought to the open field as its this day in the Church of France and all human help taken out of sight yet does he see herewith 1 how this now is concluded as the most infallible remedy to recover Popery and that argument to which they trust more then to Peters keyes to wit these sanguinary lawes by the sword and rack which they have again betaken themselves to tho such an argument the Scripture never knew which sober heathens would abhorr and gives up the credite of all religion to Atheism 2. That there can be no more evidence of a desperate and sinking cause then is here and how nothing else can support it but these weapons which are not against the Conscience or by any terrours of the 2d death but of the first 3. that this is such an argument if they have not in a strang manner forgot which hath within these 100 Years been so fully answered and by such an immediate appearence of God in the Kingdome of France that according to these measures of cruelty against the Protestants there so was it returned in a deludge of their own blood yea thus both the publick state of the Church and faith of the saints in the truth more deeply rooted and tho we yet see not the end of these wonders and the darke side only of the dispensations of such a day yet doe we know this sore rod on the Church is but as the saw and axe in the carpenters hand who shall never undoe that glorious worke which Christ hath done and is still further perfecting on the ruins of Antichrists Kingdome 5. Tho some unusuall deeps and methods of subtilty be
THE CONFIRMING WORKE OF RELIGION In its necessity and use briefly held forth that each Christian may have a proper ballast of his own of the grounds and reasons of his faith and thus see the greatnesse of that security on which he adventures his eternal state OR The true and infallible way for attaining a confirmed state in Religion from these primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith which the Lord hath himself given so as it may be easy for the meanest in the Church to know the same and be ready to render an account thereof to all that ask With a short and confirming prospect of the work of the Lord about his Church in these last times BY R. FLEMING Minister of the Gospel of Christ At ROTTERDAM Printed by REINIER LEERS M.DC.LXXXV The PREFACE THis small Essay here offered is on the greatest subject can fall under the consideration of mankind and is a study was never more pressingly called for then in these dayes for men to be making peace with God and to have such an assurance of his truth as can fully quiet and support the soul though all sensible props should be brocken and fail Great changes doe surely hasten on this generation and the life of faith is in an other manner like to be put to tryal then since the Churches rise and recovery from Antichristian bondage The storme now visibly grows upon the Churches of Christ though nothing is thus to faint or shake the spirits of any who know their anchor is sure and cast within the vail but the strongest difficulties in following the Lord when overcome yeelds the greatest victory and will be not only matter of joy here but to all eternity in having with patience and hope indured and got well through a throng of temptations and assaults in a resolute adherence to the truth If men think it their wisdome to secure their private interest by dividing it in such a time from the publick cause of the Reformed Church and make light of the greatest truths of God now assaulted of the blood of the Martyrs yea of their own eternal state by any coolnesse or shrinking from the same they will find no temporal motives can ever compense that losse and ruine which inevitably will meet such in the issue yea that these words of Mordecai to Esther Esth 4 13 14. have the same voice and weight in this day What is held forth in the following worke I may with humble confidence say was under some pressure to have such clear evidence and quieting persuasion of divine truth as made it lesse easy to have my own spirit satisfyed herein then possibly it may be to others for if it were not from that blessed assurance of the Lords being God of the revelation of Christ and of the glory to come I should not know what could be conforting or make a rational being desireable Some singulare ingadgments I judge my self also to stand under for putting to my seal to the truth and faithfulnesse of God in his word from many signal confirmations hereof in the course of my pilgrimage if such a poor testimony might be of any weight Let the blessed Lord gratiously accept this small offering to him and for the interest of his truth by so mean an instrument and give some fruit hereof that may abide and be found in the day of Christ I hope the Reader may find by a perusal of the I. Chap. of what serious use and intent the II. is yea that in this day it was not unseasonable or incongruous to the forgoing subject what is held forth in the III. Chapter But oh it is sad and amazing to think how few are under that weight of Religion as once to have a serious inquiry on the grounds and reasons thereof and to accompt the most special assistances to their faith to be the greatest helpers of their joy within time THE True and infallible WAY For attaining a confirmed state in RELIGION c. CHAPTER I. The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Christianity held forth and cleared in its continued necessity and use to this day in a few Positions THat nothing can have a more sad and threatning aspect on the present state of religion in all the churches of Christ Posit I then that utter estrangment most are under to the true grounds of faith and to those foundamental differences betwixt Christianity every false way which no pretended religion can lay claim to The reasons of the Position are these I. That it is too visibly manifest how no men in the world know so little of their own profession were it of any human art or science as such who bear the name of Christians or are so generally strangers to the truth and firmnesse of the principles therof for maintaining either a due valuation or powerful sense of the same on their soul so that an implicit and traditional profession is the only part and propriety which most can claim in the truth and doctrine they professe II. That so rare also is any such serious worke amonghst men as a personal inquiry and tryal if there be indeed such a thing as an experimental and soul quickning religion in the earth that can bear the expense of the most dismal and afflicting times and hath so great a temporal revenue lying therto as peace with God an immediate communion with him the joy and comforts of the H. Ghost when under such pressours of trouble as are above the support of nature III. That the furthest account why most goe under the name of Christians rather then of any other forme can rise no higher then custome and education that it did bespeak them from their birth and was the religion of their ancestours yea become in that manner naturall to them as the customes and language of their country which are grounds that should determine to the very opposite profession if they were stated under the same circumstances and had the same motives to be Mahumetans since it is sure these can found no other assent then is suitable to the nature and strenth therof IV. That thus it cannot be under debate how the most numerous part of visible professours are so destitute of any defense from internal motives and solid conviction of the truth they professe upon its own evidence as there was never more cause to fear some unusual apostacy from the very visible profession of Christ upon any violent tryal and assault this way when such finds it more easy to render up their religion then to adhere to the same under strongh temptations who yet never knew that substance advantage or certainty herein as could preponderate with the want of all external motives for such a profession That thus one of the highest services of these times Posit II for the publik good of the Church does convincingly lye here to have the faith of assent to the truth and doctrine of Christ in a clear and firme certainty of the
of this kind might tend more to promote the Kingdom of Christ in this day I shal but add this further on the present subject Posit VII that as there are some more signal periods of time to which a greater brightnesse and increase of light hath respect under the New Testament so doth there now seem to be some remarkable call and excitment to such a confirming work in this day about the Christian faith when we may hope that a more solemne and restoring time of religion in the world is on a near approach though all sensible evidence would seem to control this and may be now more looked after then prepared for under any suitable impression of these grounds for the same I. That the promised time of the conversion of the Jewes doth assuredly draw near and whatever be judged by some of the Lords immediate appearence herein by a miracle yet is it unquestionable that nothing in the way of means could be more promising and hopeful to promot this great end then in promoting so great a service as this for the Christian Church II. That a greater extent also of the profession of Christ amonghst the Gentils and renting of the vaile that is now over many dark nations seemeth clearly insured therwith and what a hopeful evidence should this be if such a publick and catholick spirit were more seen how to advance the highest ends of religion on such an accompt without respect to any partial or divided interest yea that this blest zeal of God might in that manner appear to have the dark world get a more clear and convincing prospect of the highest rational demonstrations of Christianity as might through the Lords gracious concurrence bring men once to an inquisitive and serious spirit about the same Oh that such may be thus raised up in this dismal hower with something of that ancient spirit to travel with desire for the salvation of mankind and of whom it may be said as of blest Nehemiah these are indeed come to seek the welfare of their people in their greatest interest III. And this farther excitment we are now under for this end in a time when Popery seems to be upon one of its last and greatest assaults against the Church since it s so clear what ever tends to confirm men in Christianity from their own tryal and inquiry upon the confirming evidences therof must have the same native result to make such confirmed Protestants yea nothing is more demonstrable then that the method and grounds that are taken both to ingadge and fix men in the Popish profession have the same rational tendency to promot Atheism and to give infidels the greatest advantage to reject the profession of Christ CHAPTER II. The confirming worke of Religion reduced to practical use in some clear view of these primary grounds and demonstrations of our faith which none should pretend ignorance of who enters the profession of Christ upon choise and certainty of evidence SECTION I. QU. I. WHat reasons and demonstrations can yow give for so great a faith of the glorious being of God when he is invisible to humane sense since this is the fundation of all religion ANSW Though on the sacred truth and authority of his own word this is principally founded yet I am with the furthest infallible evidence herein confirmed I. That it can be no more sure this marvellous frame of the heavens and earth hath a being and is the object of our sense then that a supreme infinite wisdome and power must be the first cause hereof and it were simply impossible it could ever otherwise have been II. That he hath thus made himself visible to our eyes by such a visible world and in so exquisite an order and correspondence there to support the same as nothing stands alone by it self but in a line of mutual respect which runs through the whole creation whom we may as clearly thus see as that there is an invisible soul in a living body III. That this harmony is amongst thinghs in their own nature so contrare and destructive to other for to hold this wonderful frame as all must abandon reason or see an infinitly wise conduct herein and no need of extraordinary miracles to confirme what the whole constitutions of nature do witnesse IV. That this rare frame of man could never have come in being but by him who could unite such different substances as a material body and an immaterial soul in so near and marvelous an union V. That such an universal consent of mankind is in all ages therto as shews religion to be founded in the very nature of man and as essential to his being as his reason is yea how the ultimate difference of man from the beast and most essential property of human nature lyes here VI. That though every one be an enemy to what torments him yet was it never possible for an Atheist to free himself from that unavoidable sense and fear of a Deity nor in a world so much lost in wickednesse could ever extinguish the awe of religion or make any rational opposition to this greatest article of the common faith of mankind VII That the reason of the whole constitution of nature and vicissitude of things here is so great as without shutting out the use of reason we cannot but see how nothing possibly could have been better and that any want hereof in the whole frame of the universe would be as the dislocation of a joynt of the body and were not conceivable to be otherwise then it is by infinite wisdome appointed VIII That it s simply impossible that God blessed for ever should not exist or that this universe which is a worke so highly becoming the greatnesse of its maker could possibly subsist for one hour or minute of time without a supreme independent power and being on which all visible beings have their dependance since they cannot depend upon nothing IX That such is the absolute necessity of the faith also of a God-head as without this the state of mankind could not morally subsist or any possible order subjection piety and justice be to support human society but as Bradwardine saith O quam necesse est hunc esse quem impossibile est non esse O that men cannot but see these effects of his power on the conscience in the certainty of a profetick light and discovery as hath been oft given of future things and in the undenyable truth of miracles so as such a prodigy as a profest Atheist can have no claime to human race as a rational being more then the greatest monster in nature to be a true man QU. II. What doth witnesse the worlds not being eternal and its first original and beginning from God to confirme your faith herein by the further rational demonstration ANS I. That as an eternity is only communicable to the first cause so that which is made up of corruptible perishing things as this visible world cannot possibly
we professe since this only is founded on that sacred revelation of divine truth in the Scripture which is that infallible rule to discerne true miracles and what is Gods seal herein under the undoubted signature and stampe of his own power and working in the same yet hath there been such incontrollable evidence of extraordinare signs and confirmations to confirme the truth of the Reformed Religion since the Reformation as in no ages past was ever known but with the first planting of the Gospel among the Gentiles SECTION IV. QU. I. IS it cleare and demonstrable that the doctrine of Christ is a soull quickening and experimental religion and the trial thereof in its most supernatural truths of such rational certitude and evidence as the world can no more deny or question the same then these experiments of nature that are of most universal use ANSW Though men looked but at a distance here or were come from Heathnism so for as to make a serious trial of Christianity its sure they could not but see and be fully perswaded in their judgement hereof on these grounds I. That such a discovery is undoubted and cleare in the Scripture of so great things as that there is a holy Ghost and his workings on mens souls of peace with God and the joy of his presence which all who receive the gospel are called to know and prove on their oun trial II. That this wittnesse of Christian experience hath as discernable a consent and harmony there with as face answereth to face in the glasse and is cleare to be no casual thing but where every step in this way of trial is by Scripture light and what they did before read there ere they knew it on their oun soul III. That this in all ages of the church and wherever such as served God in the spirit were found in the most remote parts from others hath still been the same and like a great roll is transmit from one generation to another with their confirmatory seal that God is faithfull and true in these truths of his word which seem most incredible to the world now comes to our hand to require the same attestation and wittnesse IV. That these who know and testify these things once found it not easy to beleeve the same and did no lesse judge of such great experiments of religion as a dream or imaginary thing then most now doe until they knew them on their soul V. That such also have been the most burning and shining lights that ever were in the church and these innumerable in all ages who declare the same yea this in the mouth of the grave and entrance to ane eternal state when no outward intrest could sway them here VI. That it must be a matter of greatest assurance which hath then pressed the most tender parents with their last and dying breath to commend the same trial to their children and to obtest their making earnest herein as the greatest interest they could leave them VII That what ever differences be oft among these in some matters of truth yet in the certainty of this great trial of the life power and comforts of religion is ane harmonious onenes in the same testimony in all times of the church VIII That if any question this because so remote from mens senses and the judgement of carnal reason the reality of its effects doth unanswerably prove both the reality and excellency of the cause QU. II. What cleare and rational conviction can yow offer of so great a thing as conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state by grace which doth raise them as far above the residue of mankinde as reason doth above the state of the beastes ANSW Though I should strive against the conviction of such a miracle and demonstration of the Gospel as conversion is yet were it not possible to deny such demonstrative evidences as the world cannot but see hereof I. That it is sure such a change is made essentially requisite to the being and constitution of a Christian by the whole consent of the Scripture II. That there was never yet ane argument in nature for ones being a Christian in the life and power thereof what ever may be for a naked form or shew III. That they are not a few but innumerable instances in all times and of all rancks conditions of men on whom so great a change and difference hath been made thus evident both from themselves what once they were and from the residue of the world IV. That this hath been not only upon such as have been signally impious in their practise but who in their judgment were wont to deread holynesse as a fancy so as Atheists must grant that there have been as profest Atheists sometimes as themselves who have been made such conspicuous monuments of the power of the gospel V. That none can object here as once the Jewes did doe any of the rulers or such as the world counts most wise and knowing stand wittnesses to the same when it is so knowen there have not been more wise learned and judicious in the things of reason upon the earth then such as have been eminent examples of the power of conversion VI. That its marvellous effects in subduing men to what once was there predominant interest and idol and to part from what had been as their right eye or hand could only be from ane immediat divine power VII That such as were greatest adversaryes to the truth have been made no lesse eminent instruments in the service of Christ and choise vessels of honour then once they were in their enmity and opposition VIII That this change hath been so discernable in times of most visible persecutions and hazard when no outward advantage or gaine could have the least influence thereon Now as these are demonstrably cleare so can there be no possible accesse to question this I. That the Scripture is faithfull and true in so great a discovery II. That there is a divine spirit and a power above nature which accompanyes the same in such a change III. That there are surely contrary states in ane other world when they are so undeniably manifest here QU. III. But can so great ane experiment of religion as that of communion betwixt God and men here upon earth be made rationally convinceing to such as are themselves strangers thereto and for a further confirming of the Christian faith ANSW Though this be ane experiment of divine truth of a more transcendent interest and value then all that ever were in nature yet is it no lesse evident there can be no possible delusion herein if I. to which so innumerable a company beares testimony and hath transmit the same as that which not once or twice they have proven but in the continued trial of their life II. That its knowen to the world how such as testify what they doe and have so oft found in the retirement of their
souls with God are of as discerning spirits to know the true value of things as any else yea such whose testimony in other things the worst of men could not refuse nor deny III. How its undeniably evident such must know ane other acquaintance and society then that of men that not only makes these hid exercises of godlines so desireable where all may see they more flee then follow any humane wittnesse but thus makes so visible a change oft both in their case and countenance after most sad anguish and dounecastings of spirit IV. That it is so evident also how such as are most serious this way have been visibly oft raised above their ordinary case and frame in prayer and other dutyes of religion yea in that manner as they who never knew there is a holy Ghost but by report could not withstand so cleare conviction of the reality hereof that can beget such liberty humble tendernesse and melting of heart yea such discernable joy and confidence V. That no delusion or false shew can be here when it s ever seen how such as are most serious and frequent in prayer and these hid retirements with God are the most flourishing also in the vitals of Christianity and have the most honorable lustre and appearance of any in their profession VI. That its such only whose joy and comfort is most specially discernable beyond others when these lower springs of outward help and encouragement are most visibly shut up QU. IV. Is that great and experimental part of religion in the power of the conscience over man such as may be as demonstrable to the world as the truth of a rational being ANSW It may be matter of wonder how men are not struck with deeper convictions hereon when they cannot but see I. That though this be the greatest tormentor and troubler of the world yet is there no possible retreat from its power tho they should flee to the uttermost parts of the earth but doth thus enforce the soul to a reflexion on its selfe even when it trembleth at that sight II. Which causeth such feare and horrour upon the commitment of secret sins when no dread of humane wittnesse or of visible hazard this way could ever occasion this III. Which admits no violence in any to outdare the same but is a power that the greatest monarches finde to be stronger then they and is such as these oft are enforced for a present ease and releefe either to divert or bribe the same by some false grounds of peace IV. That it constraines men to justify God and judge themselves when his hand doth pursue them and to finde out their sin and guilt which was before hid V. Which makes men also afrayed to be alone with themselves and to tremble at the word of truth because its light doth torment them by that unavoidable application the conscience makes hereof VI. Yea makes mens guilt so legible oft in their countenance even when they study most to conceale it as all may see there is ane accuser within whose authority and power cannot possibly be declined VII Which with so remarkable a considence and security doth support mens spirit and makes it easy to sustain its greatest infirmityes from without when it is a friend yea thus upholds the opprest with unspeakable peace and comfort when it doth oft cause the oppressours to tremble QU. V. But what doth most necessarly result from so cleare a demonstration as the conscience is for confirming of our faith ANSW I. That its infallibly thus cleare how there is a higher power and judgment to which all mankinde is subjected gives the world an unavoidable demonstration both of the being of God the truth of his word in the great supernatural discovery which it makes hereof II. That there is a supream infallible law also invisible judge above us under whose power and authority this court of justice doth without respect of persons both summond arrest bring in witnesse and sentence great and small III. That the internal government of our blessed Lord this way both in the severity of his rebukes and most sensible enlargements of peace and comfort is unavoydably demonstrat IV. That it beares so clear evidence to that unknowen and undoubted releef and how none else could be ever found to these wounds and stings of the conscience but in the light and power of Christianity V. That it is simply impossible for men to delight freely in a course of sin when no humane power can disarm the conscience of that so intollerable a sting by which it begins so early a hell within the soul VI. That such is the power and peace of a good conscience as can make it stand unbroken amidst the greatest ruines and terrours of the world when under such a guard as it is wrapped up in its own innocency SECTION V. QU. I. IS the evidence of a Kingdome of darknes in a direct opposition and contrariety to that Kingdome of light which Christ hath set up by the Gospel such as the certainty thereof may be a matter of sense as well as of faith ANSW Since this is of such special use both to confirm the christian faith and awake such to deeper reflexion on the same with whom there seemes no accesse to deall but by proofes from palpable experience it is not possible to deny I. That there is such a power as the devil and these wicked spirits incompassing the earth yea that have ane ordinar and familiar converse with many therein II. That these spirits though once originally excellent have fallen into such ane apostacy as all may see their aim and only pleasure is to dishonour God and destroy his image in man III. That it is impossible to deny the marks of that power and conquest which the Prince of this world hath every where amongst men yea how visibly many are transformed into his image into such prodigious and desperat acts of wickednesse as we should think humane nature could not but tremble at IV. That none can control the certainty both of sense and reason which is in the truth of apparitions and bodily possessions of men in all ages and in all places of the earth and can need no demonstration for this that in many places of the earth the devil is both visibly and audibly knowen V. That he is so manifest in his appearence as a spirit of blasphemy which impetuously acts men to war against heaven with their tongue in such oathes and cursing as hath no casual pleasure or gain herein yea as a spirit of delusion in so visible ane excitement of others to these extravagancies under a shew of religion as are incompatible with any use of judgement or reason VI. That so innumerable a company of humane race hath in all ages been in a formal and expresse covenant with these powers of darknesse is undenyable upon the most severe and impartial inquiry herein Qu. II. What special
of his word and to sanctify him before the world which is so important a duty as the Lord was wroth even with a Moses and Aaron for one short-coming when he called for the same Numb 20 12. and its sure in no time was such a special trust more reposed thereon then in this age both as a publick debt on the Church personal on each Christian how to witnesse for the Lord upon that great interest of his faithfulnesse and for transmitting the same to the ages to come by a confirmatory seal and testimony therto II. To reckon our selves also under some more then ordinare call this day each in their present capacity and station how to appear for the credite of the truth and stemm so visible and impetuous a tyde as is now running of distruct and of a discreditable faint for it may be said never was the Church under the New Testament so remarkably sisted under such a trial as that wherein the Lord did prove the Church of Israel Numb 14. or had a more evident resemblance therto in the same circumstances as in this day if they were seriously pondered as I how in the same manner such a false evil report is too visibly raised upon the blest ways of the Lord to discourage and faint the spirits of his people as was then by the spyes that there were insuperable difficulties in the way of the promise by reason of the Anakims and of their walled cities and did thus oppose the credite of sense to all these assurances which God had given to their faith II. That this highly dishonourable faint and distrust did so sease on that people as was like to resolve in a visible revolt and to cry for a leader to goe back to Egypt again which amongst too many in this time may be justly feared III. That this was after such extraordinare confirmations which the Lord had given to the faith of his Church then who had by his own immediate and outstretched hand so latly brought them out of the house of bondage and from the iron furnace in Egypt as rendred their misbeliefe to be a guilt under such aggravations as the holy God did in that manner plead vers 22. These ten times have they tempted me who have seen my glory and my miracles which I did in the wildernesse c. IV. But herein we hope and are confidently sure of a blessed disparity in this resemblance as to the numberousnesse of such who shall be found of the Reformed Churches to act something of that part which these heroick witnesses a Caleb Joshua did were then put to stand alone therein who through grat shall yet appear with some measure of that spirit and withstand so high a tyde of fears discouragment and misbeliefe as is this day and thus to plead against the same as these did Num. 14 9. if the Lord delight in us then let us not rebel against him neither fear the greatest difficulties can be in the way c. V. And is not the same precedent of providence of so singular a respect as the Lord did then testify to his Caleb and Joshua who were of another spirit in following him fully in that day a continued assurance for all who shall be helped to any honourable appearence of this kind by making them see and inherit the truth of his promise yea that such a residue who outlives this great and amazing storme shal have something of that testimony to bear also which Caleb gave Josh. 14 8 10. My brethren which went up with me made the heart of the people faint but I fully followed the Lord my God and now behold the Lord hath keeped me alive c. o blessed they whose souls are raised with that holy zeal for the truth to stand up in this great breach by a resolute profession of their faith and witnesse to the faithfulnesse of God as such great and extraordinar confirmations given thertho now calls for III. It is one of the special duties of this day we stand also accomptable for how to stemm this high and growing tyde of prejudice and reproach against the Reformed Religion which in some unusual way is now aloft and by manifestation of the truth to gain some more awfull regard herof on mens conscience that they may see somthing of the glory of our profession and in what maner it maintains its conquest as no way else can possibly claim I. Which reckons none else to be the true and genuine professours hereof who imbrace not the same upon evidence and with respect to its intrinsick excellency and worth nor does judge the interest of religion to goe by number and poll where this is wanting but to pursue that end to have men ingadged first to be Christians that they may be true and sincere Protestants and therfor can admitt no such methods of any base compliance with the humour and interests of men which its principles will not bear II. Which in its course is ever regulare and certain according to that rule of an uncheangable and eternal truth without dependance on the will of man herein or any mutable revolutions of the time III. Which doth with the greatest lustre shine forth in the brightest light and is maintained by the clearest knowledge yea by the furthest plainesse and opennesse of heart towards all commends it self so that the world may see it espouseth not mens affection before it gain on their conscience and to have their judgment fixed on a judicious tryal before their resolution nor accounts the truth of religion can ever subsist by an external shew and profession without is known evidence and the efficacy therof on mens soul IV. Which sincerly follows the Catholick interest of Christianitie and publick good of mankind in promotting the great ends of the Gospel so as the world may see its highest intent is to exalt all divine institutions and advance the simplicity and spirituality of Gospel administrations according to the revealed rule amonghst men as that which doth most nearly conceirn the vitals of religion and ane inward life of communion with God V. Which pleads an impartial tryal of al its adversaries whither the principles of our profession or of Popery gives the greatest security to Civil Government founds the strongest obligations to Magistracy and to all Civil and Moral duties by which the awe and venerable esteem of religion is kept up in a nation It is high time that men should cease to be implicit upon this greatest interest they have within time which is the truth of their profession in the matter of religion when a deceit or mistake here is of an eternal conceirn upon which account without respect to interest party or education I have this day sought to know the truth and what adversaries could possibly pretend to reproach or prejudge any at the Reformed Religion which can only amount to charge mens corruption and offences in their practise upon the
ever 5. He hath another sight and prospect of the Christian Creed then most who give ane easy assent thereunto and hath his reason so dazeled with the revelation of the gospell and of the wonders thereof as hath put him to such ane exercise as that 2 Chr. 6 8. How to credit his eyes therewith the more deep reflexion he hath upon the same but will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth and to judge their case who after some fluctuating suspence are admitt to see the truth of Christianity with that certainty of its evidence as the greatness of such a discovery does require may have some resemblance to that transport which the Angells had at the first being of the creation where the morning starres sung together and the Sonnes of God shouted for joy to see themselves thus who were brought out of pure nothing entered into that inestable light of seeing God and of their own blessedness in him in so high a degree so that he accounts it one of the highest attainements of religion for a Christian indeed to believe the articles of his own faith and have his soul thus as fully persuaded as of his being that such a time assuredly was now many ages since past when the glorious Redeemer of the Church the second person of the God head came doune from heaven and was revealed in our nature that on him as surety tâ— divine justice in the roome of the Elect Church was the whole guilt and sin thereof transferred and in this marvellous way did the holy God take satisfaction to himselfe by himselfe that thus our nature is exalted by the incarnation of Christ above the nature of Angels that the time is neare when the meanest afflicted Christian shall draw in no other aire then the breathings of the higher Paradise above and now hath ane eternity of joy and blessednesse before him that within a very little time he shall know this welcome of our blest Redeemer to his followers here on the earth come ye blessed of my father inherite the Kingdome c. when he shall take off the crosse and put on the crown when it shall be then no more a matter of faith but of sence to be partakers of that inheritance with the saints in light and know these proper mansions in that state of glory and peculiar assignement thereunto which all the Redeemed shall then have and be adjoyned in the same classe with the Elect Angels to be as pure flames of love and joy yea know what it s to walk in these streetes of the new Jerusalem which are as gold transparent as Christall and what that meeting will be of his soul perfected and in a triumphant state with his glorifyed body raised incorruptible and never to part any more and to have his proper share of that blessed and greatest solemnity that shall be celebrated in heaven of the marriage supper of the lamb with the whole triumphant Church and heare that honourable account which the great judge will then make of these trials of his faith and sharp conflicts which he had gone through within time with that solemn testimony of approbation which will be given thereof and since its sure these great things must be a part of the Christian faith can it be strange that such as would in that manner converse therewith tho they be not yet seen as no lesse undoubted realities then any present objects of sense be not easily satisfyed with a low degree of evidence and confirmation of their judgement but that their joy who are sure here should be perfected so far as this state of mortality can beare and thus find it easy to rejoyce and glory in tribulation and to weep now for a season who are to rejoyce for ever yea to say in the words of Mephibosheth let them take it all enjoy the same since he who is their life and exceeding joy lives and reignes who is infinitly better to them then all these things 6. He accounts the strengthning of his faith to be such a concern not only as it is his soules venture for all eternity but as the highest way of gloryfying God here that what ever tends to a more full confirmation of the same he reckons also one of the greatest additions to his joy and comfort within time and that these manyfold assistances with such reduplication thereof which the Lord hath himselfe given for this end are such as no fragments of such a talent should be lost tho he knowes the greatest demonstrations of our faith can add nothing to the certainty of divine truth in it selfe yet are they thus given in regard of the strong trials of a Christians life and of what their weaknesse stand in need of for support 7. It s in this study he sees and takes to heart how not only the condition of man in the earth but the profession of Christ also calls for such a reckoning that he may have trialls in that manner dispensed when no visible refuge will be found in the least to stand by but all humane comfort and assistance wholly to succumb as needes his laying in such ballast now in its season and to be founded thereon with that assurance of judgment as is needfull for that day when he must either get through in the alone way of beleeving against sence or perish and tho no such attainments of light can beare out then without present and immediat influences from above and that it is sure according to the day so must the Christian strength be yet does he see also the want of ane established judgement and of some proper stock laid up of aides and assistances this way forgainst a sharpe storm is like to make sad work among the professours of this age er the trialls of such a time have done their work 8. He sees also how the greatest contest which is this day in the world is betwixt God and man upon the truth and assurance of his word and that the highest triall and probation of a Christian in which all the trialls of their life does still meet may be resolved here if they receive the testimony of God in his word as an absolute security to rely on yea or not and tho this is the peculiar glory of the only true God to have ane absolute dependance of his whole work on himselfe and to be the alone center of his peoples rest yet may nothing be more evident then that with most he beares that name of being their trust when the whole burden and weight thereof lyes alone upon visible grounds so that those bonds and promises which he hath himselfe given unto men does beate no more credit then they have some externall surety in the earth which they still looke after to stand as it were good and responsible for the same which is the highest indignity can be offered to the glorious Majesty of God 9. He does much take to
this that exact correspondence which is betwixt the foundation and superstructure how the whole tract of the gospell is but one entire and compleat mean to glorify God and restore fallen man to the highest blessednes how that excellent stream of sanctification does flow from that fountain head of ane eternall decree herein which does still run under the ground until it break up at last in the heart of each Christian by the effectuall call of the gospell and thus runs doune through time untill it lose its selfe in that unconceiveable deep of perfection and glory Thus is it that each Christian might attain some higher degrees of confirmation in his faith then most seemes either to know or looke after if he understood more how to improve this rare comparing work of Religion by setting the great truths and principles thereof in their order dependance so as each may be seen in its necessare coherence with other and under its proper aspect But the more deep reflexion and enquiry he hath herein he is the more made to wonder and finds this one of the great assaults to his faith that the revelation of the Christ and redemption by his blood should have no greater effects this day amongst men and that the Christian world is not in some other manner awaked with the glory of this light and prest after a larger spreading and diffusion of this highest and universall good to poore mankinde yea the more he considers this it doth highten his amazement to think how mens designs in the matter of duty and service for the Kingdome of Christ can be so low within time whose designs and hopes in the close therof are so high in the matter of enjoyment or take so litle to heart that the whole day of the dispensation of the Gospell amidst the most dismal trials may fall in therewith is a continued time wherein we are called to keep the feast and from one age to another celebrate the same as a perpetuall Jubily of joy and exultation since Christ our passover was sacrificed for us but oh how rare a thing seems this to be and how litle of that flame and fervency of love to our blessed Redeemer is now kindled on his altar that might be expected on such wonderfull incitments therto and which once was in the Church CHARACT III. Though a confirmed Christian must be specially stated as such who knowes the internall part of religion and sealing work of the Holy Ghost on his own soul which is not by words but things of the highest truth substance and reality yet is he herein not alone satisfyed to know this by spirituall sence untill he can see the same with the furthest evidence of light also to his mind and have no lesse a clear and judicious tryal of this great mysterie of experimentall religion for confirmation of his faith then to be sensibly affected with the felt power therof And in the first place why this is necessarly requisite and called for with respect to the confirmed state of a Christian may be thus considered on some few grounds 1. That the things of religion which must be experienced within time are such sublime and wonderfull mysteries as may be just matter of astonishment and make men a wonder to themselves to think that these present pledges of so great a hope which is to come are no shaddows no appearences of things but most sure and undoubted realities and that such are this day in the earth who knowes so near a converse with an invisible God and the supernaturall truths of his word with the sensible fealing of that inestimable love of Christ by this demonstration of experience yea who in such dismall times does assuredly know what the joy of his presence and an immediate fellowshipe with their blessed head is upon the greatest certainty of tryall since these are so high and marvelous things which exceed all naturall understanding as the felt sweetnesse of their enjoyment should not more deeply take men up then to see the truth and surenesse of these principles wheron they found herein 2. Because this testimony of the truth of experimentall religion should be understood not only as its of highest use for Christians personall comfort and establishment but with respect to the publick interest of the Church as a special trust reposed theron to have the credit of this greatest testimony and seal demonstrably cleared with the furthest strength of harmonious and argumentive reason for such who look but at a distance yet theron as may not only awake them to some deeper sense and impression hereof but constrain them to see how no naturall science hath more clear and firm demonstrations then the experimentall part of Christianity which is the very life and soul thereof may have to mens reason and judgement tho they never knew it within themselves yea for this end should such as have experienced the truth and vertue of the Gospell reckon themselves as witnesses who are judicially sisted to put their seal therunto is now more called for in an age when no particulare truth seems more strongly impugned then the reality of experimental godlinesse is and become as a publick theam of derision tho men must either quite the whole revelation of the Scripture or see this to be as essentiall to the constitution of a Christian as vitall principles are to a living man 3. Yea its sure herein that such as take religion to heart must needs look to be put to the greatest tryal of its certainty and should most nearly concern them to know if they can abide as firmly by their spirituall sense as by that which is naturall and doe thus know as surely in themselves the operations and motions of a spirituall life as that they have being by nature and that here is no doubtfull or abstract notions but who have had such deep tryall and reflexion on the same as these who dare venture their eternal state on the known certainty theirof as they could thence reason their soul to a stedfast adherence to the truth if they were called to sacrifice their lives therto from what rare experiments and proofs they have oft had of the same in their own tryall 4. It doth more specially call for a demonstrative clearing of the credit of this testimony as one of the services of religion to promote the Kingdom of Christ amonghst men which seems least improven of any with respect to the general state of such who are within the Church who are so great strangers to the same yea should be judged one of the great wants of this day when Atheism is now at so astonishing a hight that it is not more studied to have the experimentall part of religion which in it self lyes deep and hid and is a secret betwixt God and the Christians soul with such clearnesse and by that manner of evidence demonstrat to the world as might tend to beget some more awfull sense and
heard nor have our fathers faithfully transmitt to us the wonderous works which the Lord hath wrought in their time 3. He is thus also tought to see the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and demonstrative causes of the most strang judgments on the Church to be as clear in the Scripture as they are in the event and though the holy God in the day of his patience and long-suffering is not alike quick in the execution of the sentences of his word yet does he ever establish the authority of his Laws by the works of his providence in the most opportune season and as judgment deferred is no acquittance so does it more threaten its being the greater when it comes then a quick and present dispatch yea though this tempest which now blowes on the Chruches of Christ come to a greater hight and the darknesse be such as no Moon or Starres may for many dayes yet appear of any visible signs of hope yet is his soul thus at rest whilst he can see the credit of the truth cleared on which he hath more in dependence then any adventure within time and does rejoyce whatever miscarrying may be of inferiour ends that this great and ultimate end of the works of God is secured herein and the glory of his truth does shine forth in the most strang and amazing acts of his providence wherat many are ready to stagger when they doe not wisely consider the same 4. He sees now likewise so high a value which the Lord puts on the tryall of his peoples faith and that the great dispensation wherby he deales with men is by trust and on the credit of his word as it addes further to his confirmation to see all human and visible refuges oft taken out of his Churches sight yea his greatest works in the earth make the greatest delay er they be brought forth his Churches case put so far beyond help before a cure as the first quickning of her crushed and allmost dead hope must be at the mouth of the grave and he is thus herein more singularly strenthned that when the Lord speaks the same in the way of providence which he hath spoke in his word not by might nor by power that he doth with unspeakable advantage supply and fill the roome therof by the next word but by my spirit saith the Lord which in this day should with a full assurance of faith be both sought and looked after 5. It is in this rare study he attaines also the greatest confirmation to his faith that could possibly be desired within time to see now when it s so near the close therof and after all the revolutions of times past how the truth and faithfullnesse of God hath as the sun in its strenth still keept its way straight and fixt amidst all these dark clouds which have been to darken the same and is now gone its course untill it draws near to the full and perfect day yea thus to see how signally this present age is sisted upon that same appeal and solemne testimony which as Josua gave Josh. 23 14. that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning yow all are come to passe to yow and not on thing hath failed thereof and Solomon did bear also at the dedication of the Temple 1 Kings 8 v. 56. Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest unto his people Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed one word of all his good promise which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant so is this now that great testimony of the latter dayes and the highest tribute of praise to the glory of God in his truth which can be given by men that this present generation stands accountable to make the same yea much greater appeal to the world if they can instance one promise or prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture which hath ever failed or fallen to the ground but may be this day read in the event under these proper circumstances wherin it was to take place in its proper season as evidently as it was fortold and must still bear the same witnes Psal 18 30. that the way of the Lord is perfect and his word tryed on all the adventures of faith and tryals which to this moment of time have been made hereof and of his being still a buckler to such as trust in him and are called to transmitt this glorious testimony to the succeeding ages that it may never cease to shine or want a publick witnesse therto before Angels and men untill the whole mystery of God in his word be finished in that magnificent close which shall be therof at the second coming of the Lord. CHARACT V. A confirmed Christian in this day should be thus also stated as one who hath not only attained a solid rest and settlment of mind upon the certainty of the Christian faith but does know the pure genuine truth of Christianity amidst such high oppositions betwixt the Romish and Reformed Church herein And in the 1 place hath in this manner sisted himself upon such a tryal I as one who knows there is but one true and saving religion in the earth to which God hath annexed the promise of eternall life which can never be divided against it self 2. Who knows that within a litle his religion will be tryed in the truth therof at the tribunall of Christ where each must give account of himself unto God 3. As such who sees there can be no possible indifference in the exterior profession of either way but that so high a contrariety of principles is in this opposition that if the doctrine of Christ be on the one hand it is sure Antichristianisme must be on the other hand 4. Yea who hath in that abstract manner sought to state the case herein with his own soul as if he were come out of Paganism to give a serious assent to the divinity of the Scripture and thus pressed to joyn in with that profession of the Christian faith which is most exactly conforme to the same in the genuine and perspicuous sence therof In the 2d place he hath sought to know how he could imbrace the Popish creed and adventure his eternall state theron or can extinguish his reason and conscience so far as to believe that the holy God would ever impose such a faith upon men as this is I where he must abandon these principles of naturall reason in the most necessare use therof which God hath himself planted in mans soul so as not to trust his own eyes but others in that great interest of his eternall state and with his own consent be shutt out from all proper knowledge of the rule of his religion yea account a blind and unlimited obedience to men amongst the highest excellencies of saith 2. Where he must at once believe the fullnesse and perfection of the Scripture and to be not only
fitted for that great end of bringing mankind to God but for such an universall use herein as to make the simple wise and that the poor may receive the Gospell and yet believe also that it is a masse of dead and unsensed characters untill the Romish Clergy put a just sense theron tho its sense and meaning is the very soul thereof yea thus passe from the whole letter of the same or any certainty of its truth from intrinsick evidences and these marks and characters of its divinity wherby the Christian cause could be maintain'd against Pagans 3. Where he must believe also that these are the words of Christ Joh. 7 17. if any man doe my will he shall know my doctrine whither it be of God or not and that men errs through not knowing the Scripture Math. 22. and yet believe therewith that these sacred fountains of light should be shutt up to keep men from going wrong and that the sole right of understanding the same belongs to a few but not to the multitude who yet can pretend no extraordinare assistance or revelation herein nor will themselves come to these waters of Jealousie to be tryed 4. Where he must needs believe that the Scriptures are the oracles of God committ to the Church to give answer in every darke case Rom. 3 2. the type and forme of sound doctrine Rom. 6.17 unto whose sentence in all matters both of faith and practise we are expressly referred Is. 8.20 and yet believe also that it hath no authority or decisive voice but what is precarious and dependant on the Romish Church and thus consent to have the whole Christian faith visibly unhinged of that foundation of the Scripture and subjected to a supreme visible and infallible judge here in the earth with such a claime of dominion over the faith of the saints as the Apostles of Christ durst never owne but did fully disclaime 2 Cor. 1 24. 5. Where he must believe that Jesus Christ came for this end to save lost man and by one offering hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10 18. and yet joyn in the same faith herewith a human satisfaction for sin so as men may both merit mediate and supererogate above what is needfull for themselves and be thus saved in the same way of life which was by the covenant of works ascribing that only to Christ to give salvation to their merits which yet their own intrinsick value and condignity doth require as a debt 6. He finds not how in the same creed he could possibly hold by one Mediator betwixt God and man where a plurality for this end is admitt and by the reality of Christs human nature and his having a true and finit body which is subjected to have a new created being each time in the Consecrate Hostia or believe the truth of his sufferings as now fully accomplished and to be repeated no more when it is in that dayly sacrifice of the Messe still offered as a propitiatory sacrifice for the liveing and the dead so as on the most severe and impartial inquiry here he cannot find how one holding by these principles should goe a further lenth then Morality or claim another standing then by a covenant of works 7. Nor knows he how to believe at once the truth of the Gospell to be a doctrine of Holinesse and infinite purity and yet joyne in the same faith herewith such an immunity and indulgence for men to sin as money can stand for merit and the rich have the most easy and large entrey to heaven and account it a priviledge to destroy themselves yea where some externall severities and pennance to the flesh like to the lanching and gashing of Baals Priests are reckoned enough to supply the roome of Christian mortification 8. Yea he finds it not posible to believe that sin by the blood of Christ can only be expiate and is his alone worke who hath purged our sin himself Heb. 1 3. or that there are but two ways that lead to a twofold state of men a strait way which leads to a life and a broad unto destruction Math. 7 14. and yet believe that there is a Purgatory after this life where men must be tormented and suffer extream pains there to expiate such venial sins as their prayers and pennances here could not doe yea is here made to wonder how any that believes such a thing can ever have true peace or comfort in the world but doe either take it as a fiction or forget themselves when they are chearfull where the fear of such a place the uncertainty of release and how long a term it may be er this purging worke be compleat when their own writers assigne no lesse time then 10000 Years as needfull to satisfy for some sins and least it prove a reall hell must still be a present terrour nor can he believe that such possibly doe credit themselves herein who assume this power to change the condition of the dead since were it really believed that the keyes of such a prison were here in mens hand and could by the largest dotations to the Romish Church get a safe outgate thence it were not strang to see the temporall state of Cristendome in a short time made over to these and should Judge they were in a strang manner indead priviledged by the whole residue of men who by such a power over the world to come can make so easy a purchase over this also which is present 9. He finds is sure he could never get his reason and conscience brought to such a faith even tho he made a simulate profession herein of that pretended supremacy of Peter as Bishop of Rome on which the whole frame and structure of the papacy leans and the vertue of all the pardons and absolutions founded theron on which so many have adventured into an other world except he would thus build on the sand only but not on the rock 10. He finds also how such an erection of the Gospell Church in her militant state here as the Papacy in its complexe frame is unite in such an head as the Pope who as the sole vicegerent of Christ in the earth is at once invested with a civill Monarchy and universall impire over the Church to impose and judge in the highest transactions that relate to the eternall state and immortall souls of men is a thing that as to matter of right is as forreign to the Scripture and incompatible therwith as Mahumitanisme can be and as to matter of fact is a trust that no created being could ever exerce 11. he sees is sure that he must either lose sight both of the rule and spirit of the Gospell or have a just abhorrence at that way where he should be inevitably involved in a virtual consent and accession to all that cruelty and blood which for so many ages hath been shed therin when it s so clear that this was no exorbitance
but for strenthning the faith of others wherin he does thus judge 1 that there could be no true support or relief from religion here in the earth if it cannot bear out then and that death is the great touchstone and tryall when the true value and difference betwixt things of an eternall truth and substance and the things of this world will be best seen 2. He reckons each real Christian by his profession then sisted and accountable even by some explicit personall testimony to put to his seal that God is true and bear the same witnesse with his last and dying breath to the truth of Christianity which he gave in the whole course of his life and of that joy complacence and assurance of mind which he hath found and now hath in the way of truth so as to presse the same on his dearest relations as their alone true interest 3. He sees also how honorable it is for the Lord that such whose faith hath been oft tryed and when thus with joy and admiration he can look back on the most pressing and conspicuous conflicts of time should have it their last worke to pay in some tribute of praise unto him whose word promise unto them did yet never fail 4. He accounts the more weighty tryalls he hath been carryed thorow in his Christian warfare doth both give more accesse to this service and adds more to the value of such a testimony 5. He judgeth this one special way and advantage wherby one generation might declare the truth and faithfullnesse of God unto an other in a family line and relation to shew forth thus that the Lord is upright that he is their rock and with him is no unrighteousnesse yea which should be matter of unspeakable joy when now in his turn he can say that such hath the Lord been to him what was Davids dying words 1 Kings 1 14. Who hath delivered my soul out of all distresse how that in no trouble or exigence of his life he was ever left without a door of outgate and thus also with Caleb Josh. 14 10. to give in some such wittnesse for God I am now near the close of time and does testify that the word of his truth and promise he hath surely accomplished which hath brought me safe and honourably through when such as did dicredit the same by misbelief and sought after another refuge found all their confidences fail 6. And knowing likeways how great a suprizall death may be and that such as have shined in their day may yet fet under a cloud and goe silent off the stage he judgeth it the more needfull to have such a piece of his dying worke prepared as one of the choisest legacies he can bequath to his surviving friends in a season when it hath usually the greatest advantage of weight and acceptance it being still qualified with Christian prudence and humble sobriety so as all may see its whole intent is to commend to mens conscience the way of truth and godlinesse and not themselves and thus only direct for the proper use and improvement of their nearest relations I know it may be strang to some what is spoke upon this head but as its sure the present day hath its duty and each time of our life hath some proper worke so I humbly judge that this seems to fall in as the last service of a dying Christian to his generation to deliver of his hand the truth which he had received and hath oft proven with his confirmatory seal and testimony therto and now in some more then ordinare way called for in this hower of great darknesse when if that security of the absolute promises stood not good to the Church we might fear religion might quickly wear out and truth perish from the earth and as so solemn and weighty a thing should be mannaged with much humble prudence so it may be judged that no serious and observing Christian but hath some peculiare ingadgments under which they find themselves sisted even beyond others yea some such singulare confirmations in the journall of their life that should be not easy to hide under the ground where the strenthning of others hereby is conceirned and that such should not then leave the crosse of Jesus Christ at a losse or part therwith without their testimony which hath left them at so great an advantage And though this is not to offer particulare rules in such a duty but that Christian wisdome must direct herein as the present case is circumstantiate yet might it be hoped were this more taken to heart it should be a singulare mean to put a more deep impression of mens dying worke on their own spirit even whilst they are in health to excite their surviving friends and to keep religion thus alive in a family state and relation and gain a more venerable respect to the same on mens conscience yea to fix also stronger ingadgments on the succeeding offspring Thus is presented here a short Idea of the solid and judicious worke of Christian confirmation in the truth under these forgoing Characters to shew how rare an atteanment of religion this is yea to present herein a speciall series and scale of the greatest steps in this confirmatory worke by which it should be followed and where none of these may be parted from other though some be of an higher and more absolute use for such an end And if it should be objected here what needs any such expense of time or pains in this case when its sure the essentiall truths of the Gospell are not questioned and that without internall evidence of the spirit no externall means of this kind can be of use I know that its the alone worke of the holy Ghost to beget a divine and supernaturall faith without which the furthest light and objective evidence though backed with a continued dispensation of externall miracles could never bear Christians out either as to duty or comfort in their passage thorow time yea nothing is in the least here to subject the credite of our faith to mens rationall comprehension but rather tends to enervate wholly the strenth of any such tenet and take off all pretence for the same But its sure also I must quite all solid security in the way of religion and any clear founding in the light and certainty of the Scripture or admitt these things as undenyable 1 that supernaturall faith is the most highly rationall light that 's within time and that none who professe the name of Christ can be of so low a size as should not be pressed and excited to be much about this ground worke of knowing the truth and principles of their profession upon its own evidence yea are thus called as new born babes to drink in the sincere milk of the word 1 Pet. 2. Which as it s clearly in the originall is the rationall milk of the word to be thus received no lesse on conviction and certainty of the judgment