sacrifice of the Lord be abhorred then some of these who should be the falt of the earth yea none more obstruct the treaty of the Gospel betwixt Christ and his Church then Ministers who are called the friends of the bridgroom Oh what a strange and astonishing contradiction may this seem but it should be no reproach to that holy and excellent calling of the Ministry for of such the Scripture hath expresly warned I confesse it may be said no Atheist like an unsanctified Minister yea no Atheisme of so black a dye as theirs who being still enured with holy things have yet no sense thereof Now in this very dark houre wherein the Church seemeth to have fallen in a death like pang and oh many of her Children in a sad lâ—thargie that if we looked in an ordinary way her wound might seem incureable there are a great and concerning Quaeries that I think should much take us up The one is to know what the Scripture speaketh to the Church what solid ground of encouragement is there held forth for truely if we had not that sure testimony of the Word we might fear Religion should quite wear out and truth perish from the earth but doth the Scripture speak peace all then is well that O that is sufficient security to put the Churches hope beyond further debate though men should threaten though the earth were overturned and the foundation shaken this is a determination above men above all the rules of humane policy yea above the stars which frustrateth the tokens of the liars and maketh diviners mad even that revealed Counsel of God taking place anent his work and People I knw some grave writers of these late times doe expresse their fear that the horrid wickednesse apostacy of the Gentile Church may at last resolve in the Lords departure and an universal darknes that as the rejection of the Jewes made way for the Gentiles incoming so their fall may as remarkably preceede that solemn return and restauration of the Jewish Church it is also become the fear of many that Popery may yet once overrun the whole Reformed Churches before Antichrist fall but since these sad thoughts nor any appearances of the time are no part of our Bible we should learn neither to stretch our fears nor expectations beyond that which the Scripture warranteth and if the Lord be God and this his very word let us adhere to it and wait for its accomplishment A 2. Quaere which is ndeed no lesse concerning in such a time may be anent Duety what so imminent an liazard of the Church and this great decay of Christianity doth most pressingly call for but this is a subject which requireth another pen and too large to touch with a passing word yea we may say the great want of these dayes is not anent the discovery of duety but of the practice of known and discovered duetyes for the Scripture giveth a certain and distinct sound in the darkest time and hath not left us to doubtful inquiries and debate in this matter I shall therefore leave it with a few things onely to be in the general considered 1. It is sure that every time hath its present duety and the wise discerners thereof will knw thence what they ought to do what work and service the present circumstances of that time cals for shall the earth have its seasons wherein things are beautiful shall the stork and swallow know their time and yet Christians not know how to bring forth fruit in their season and discern the special time and opportunity of duety 2. It is also sure that every Christian in whatsoever capacity or condition as he hath his measure and talent so hath some work and opportunity of duety wherein they may serve the Lord in their generation yea it is not the meanest lot or condition that shutteth that door upon any that they have no work for God who desire to be faithful for him Oh that in this threatning time when darknes is like to overspread the Church it were more upon the heart of Christians to strive together and contend by a serious improvement of their several capacities to preserve Religion and transmit the knowledge of Jesus Christ to the posterity that the Christian parent or Master of family did witnes more that great resolution in a time when many are drawing back but as for me I and my house will serve the Lord. 3. It is found that the most eminent and honourable service of the Church doth usually tryst her in a low and suffering condition when there hath been but little strength many outward disadvantages then both their call and furniture hath been most observable to confesse the truth to endure for the Gospel of Christ to overcome by the Word of his testimony a piece of service whereto more prosperous times doe not give such an opportunity yea it hath been in such a case Dan. 11 32. that these who knew their God were made strong to do exploits 4. It doth much concern us to put a high value on the truth in a time when men must either lose it or buy it and O what a choise purchase is that which cannot be bought too dear though at the rate of our liberty estate credit and reputation yea with the losse of peace when it cometh in competition with it For it is that great depositum oâ—ce dâ—livered to the Saints the inheritance of our Children that way whereby Jesus Christ keepâ—th intercourse with his Bride on the earth yea the charter of all our mercyes and of our hope through eternity 5. Though every line of diâ—ine tâ—uth is inestimable yet it is sure there is a more pressing caâ—l for our adherence to that truth which is most controverted in the time for it is the word of his patience and the matter of our present testimony and it is known through all ages what a singular blâ—ssing hath followed the contending and witnessing of a few for the truth in a spait of publick defection to keep it alive when it was like to be swallowed up yea to effects above rational beliefe unus Athanasius contratotum orbem many such remarks have not been wanting 6. I shall only adde that which is alwayes necessary and binding yet we may say in a time of the Churches hazard and suffering is more pressingly called for even the study of Christian prudence a duety convincingly necessary for regulating of duetyes according to the circumstances of the Churches case which doth so nearly concern the interest and preservation of Religion that I must say a breach in that concord betwixt zeal and Christian prudence when there is not some equal respect studyed in the exercise of both cannot but give the Church a sore wound this is indeeda large theam but I shall onely point at in 3 things 1. In our avoiding and being tender to give offence not only to keep a distance from evil but from the smallest appearance thereof I must
doth commend it self to mens consciences as a safe ground whereon they may repose their soul It is also clear how wonderfully the Scripture hath been preserved and the original copyes thereof keept through all ages that what ever small variation there may appear as to some Apiculi which in some places hath caused divers readings yet in any necessary or saving truth the greatest Criticks will confesse they do not in the least vary and it is knowen wherein we are to adore that special providence of God that the Jewish Church to whom this sacred depositum was delivered did with such exact and singular care look to the same even in the least tittle or letter thereof this being the great work and study of the Mazarites from one age to another to see to the preserving of that great record from being in the least vitiat or corrupt and the greatest adversaries of the truth cannot possibly deny that aggreement betwixt these many original copyes in the whole substance which may be very convincing to the World And doth not men see how marvellous the whole frame of the Scripture is What a correspondency betwixt all the parts thereof that nothing in it doth in the least vitiat the proportion and beauty of the work but all alongst an evident tendency to advance holinesse and conform the soul to God With a wonderful consent and harmony in answering to this great end we see the simplicity and plaines of its style yet backt with a convincing Majesty and authority upon the conscience yea besids it hath been attested by miracles that were great in themselves famous in their time transmitted to the Church in after ages with unanswerable evidences of their truth that not only from the witnes of the Word but other pressing and rational grounds may let us see there could be no deceit or imposture therein These are a great testimony to the truth but I may say on very sure ground that next to that great witnes of the Spirit there is no argument more convincing to reach Atheisme a stroke and throughly satisfy an exercised Spirit who may be plunged anent this great thing the authority of the Scripture then a clear discovery of its performance whilst under the assault of such a temptation if this be the very word of God they may but retire within and then turn their eyes abroad in the World to see what a visible impresse of the Word is stamped on every piece of the work and providence of God Now for further clearing I would offer these few things 1. First the accomplishment of the Scripture is a very publick testimony from Heaven to its divinity whilst the Lord by his works through the Earth which are done in the view of Angels and Men doth solemnly avow that this is his Word for we must say his work within on the hearts of his People without about the Church is such whereat men yea all the magicians of the earth may stand amazed and confesse that nothing lesse then a divine almighty power can accomplish the same 2. This gives in the witnes of all the generation of the righteous who from the beginning have proven the truth thereof yea sealed by the blood of many excellent Christians some of whom though they could not well disput for it yet had so strong a demonstration of the power of the truth within as made it an easy work to dy for the same 3. This doth clearly shew the Scripture is an unchangeable rule of righteousnes that alters not but takes place in all ages whence such as are wise to bring providence in to the Word and compare the experience and remarks of one time with another may have a great reach and be thus led in a sure path as to the for seeing of events 4. This also doth demonstrat that it is his Word who doth rule and guide the World and hath a soveraign dominion over the fame whilst we may here see such remarkable events which both in the present and in former times have fallen out as may shevv a povver that can reach the greatest vvith a stroke shake the most established Kingdomes and even over the belly of insuperable difficulties accomplish the Word yea that surely the Spirit of the vvheels vvhich moves them is from him vvhose Word this is for it is not more clear that these courtaines of the Heavens are stretcht forth over the Earrh then that the Scripture is stretcht out over the vvhole vvork and frame of providence so as all the motious and steps thereof even of the most casual things that fall out hath a visible tendenâ—y to accomplish these ends vvhich the Scripture hath held forth 5. This clearly sheweth it must be his Word who hath forseen all things that were to beâ—all the Church and the various changes and adventures of every Christians life through time whilst it is so wonderfully shaped and suited to every new tryal of the Church as if intended only for that time and to every case of a godly man as though it had been alone writ for them 6. This also sheweth that he who is the author of the Scripture and hath framed that admirable piece must have some immediat correspondence with the Spirit of Man knoweth our sitting down and riseing up yea doth search the heart and the reines for experience can tell how the Word is directed to the heart doth reach the most inward contrivances thereof doth so clearly reveall and open up a Christian to himselfe that we may say of a truth he is the God of the Spirits of all flesh and one greater then our heart whose it is 7. I shall further adde the fulfilling of the Scripture in the experience of the saints doth shew it is not a dead letter but hath power and life and there must be an enlightning quickning spirit that surely goeth along with the same this clearly demonstrates something above words yea above nature in the written Word that can make such a change upon the soul give life to the dead open the eyes of the blind yea can turn a lump of earth that formerly tended downward now without any violence to move from a principle of life towards God as the sparks flee upward VI. The aceomplishment of the Scripture is a most pleasant and truely delectable subject worthy of our Serious thoughts and study for here is held out the highest truth for the judgement to contemplat the truth and faithfulnes of God in the Word and here is also the greatest good for the affections to embrace and delight in as that wherein our whole happines is certainly wrapt up it is undenyable that it is the godly man who knoweth best what true and solide pleasure is which he doth not losse by turning his heart from the creature to God but maketh a blessed exchange O how far doth the joy and delights of the soul exceed these of the senses and the delight of a Christian how far
of judgement and mercy that in every age are set before us how wicked men prosper for a time yet have a dreadful ishue and are suddenly cast into destruction they spread as a green bay tree and within a little their place cannot be found how the godly are oft sore afflicted yet flowrishing as the palme tree and the more they are depressed the more they grow how the enemies of the Church are oft lifted up for a sorer fall and the Church brought low in order to her greater enlargement how judgement findeth out sinners is oft exactly proportioned in measure and kinde to the sin and on the other hand how integrity is sore tossed oft yet still falleth upon its feet overclouded that it may shine more brightly after how the threatnings of the Word do visibly overtake Kingdomes nations bring down great houses causeth the scarlet embrace the dunghil letteth not the hoary head of cruel wicked men goe oft into the grave in peace again to consider how the Lord forsaketh not his People but sheweth respect to their way the good man walketh in his integrity and his seed after him is blessed O how sweet an exercise were this for a Christian even to losse himself in 5. From thence we might in a great measure discern what of the night it is with the Church if there be any evidences that it is neer day and what such a sinful case doth threaten we would be skilful to feell the Churches pulse and thereby find what symptomes there are of life or death and perceave a dark cloud of judgement casting up when it is but like an handbreadth surely this study should make us wise to know the tymes and what we ought to do therein for amongst these various events which fall out in every age the Lords way is constant with itselfe and vvith his truth if we be right on lookers 6. Here we should have a most pleasant and clear view how the Seripture of God comprehendeth the whole state of the Church from the beginning to the end of time that it is a most full and perfect register of all the vicissitudes and alterations which are to go over her head whilst in a militant condition and doth also most exactly point out these occurrences and remarkable events which fall out in the ordinary way and course of providence that we may read them as evidently in the Word as we see them with our eyes fall out in the World for in following this study vve should clearly see hovv the Scripture bringeth the Church to light out of the vvomb of an eternal decree and doth trace it from the first promulgation of the Gospel after the fall throvv these dark times before the stood vvhilst it vvas but in families and through that long tryal in Egypt and all its ill journey in the vvildernes untill it bring it to it s seâ—led and flovvrishing condition in Canaan and carryeth her sordward through all the several changes of her case under her following decay and in the times of the captivity even to the manifestation of Christ and dawning of the gospel and as it thus taketh in within its reach the whole estate and the special events which did befall the Church under the Law so we may see how the Scripture also followeth the Church through the wholl time of the gospel and bringeth her as a grain of mustard seed from a day of small things until it bring her to perfection taketh her as it were by the hand from her infancy and goeth with her through all the turnings of her condition through that long and dark night of Antichrists reign pointeth clearly out her condition and various assaults that shee should endure in that time and that blessed victory which shee should after have though not all at once but gradually over her enemyes and that the Word and the Church do never part but one walketh step for step with the other until it bring her safe to land and as it were put her of its hand and guard at the comming of Christ 7. This would also help us to sweet thoughts and give us matter of a song in the saddest night of the Churches condition when we see how Gods great design in the World is the accomplishing of the Scripture and know that his ends which he hath held forth therein cannot be frustrat it would serve to silence all our complaints with wondering at Gods vvay and triumphing in the vvorks of his hands vve should not then be affrayd of evill tydings a stormy time vvould not outvvit us being persvvaded that though the earth should be overturned it shall be surely vvell vvith the righteous the Church must flovvrish and all her enemyes be found lyars because he is faithful that hath promised vvhose Word vvill as surely come to passe as the sun doth return after a dark night VII It doth now more especially concern the godly in these latter times to study this great truth of the accomplishment of the Scripture and set about a serious inquiry and search therein as a truth that shall yet be in a further measure discovered and opened up the nearer the Church is to the end of tyme vvhich may thus appear 1. Herein is the Word express that one piece of the Scripture vvhich from former ages vvas sealed up should in the latter dayes be clear and easy to understand Dan lastch 4 9. ver the seal is there put on but go thy vvay Daniel for these Words are closed and sealed to the time of the end but Rev. last Ch. and ver 9. We have that bar taken of seal not the sayings of the Prophecy of this book for the time is at hand because then the time did dravv near to vvhich a more full discovery and opening up of the Scripture vvas reserved a more large manifestation of the spirit beyond former ages Novv by the last dayes vve are not only to understand the vvhole time of the gospel though it is thus tearmed in the Scripture but the latter part of these last times vvhich is more especially pointed at even the close and evening of time that last Epocha and period of prophetick chronology to vvhich a greateâ— accomplishment of Scripture Prophecies is reserved 2. This also is expresly promised that in the latter dayes the Chnrch shall have a more full discovery of this truth hovv the Scripture is verified Dan. last Ch. v. 4. many shall run to and fro and knovvledge shali be increased vvhich increase as it clearly pointeth at the last times and that bright day the Church shall have when Israel shall be brought in to Christ it doth also point at and promise some greater light and a more full opening up of the mysteries of the Word and fulfilling thereof for the former part of the Chapter sheweth that increase of knowledge doth relate to these things which were before sealed we wait and believe the further accomplishment
of this promise to the Church beyond all we have yet seen that many scripture-Scripture-truths now dark and abstruse shall be made so clear as shall even cause us to wonder at the grosse mistakes we once had thereof yea that after generations shall have a discovery and uptaking of some Prophecies now obscure which shall as far exceed us as this time doth go beyond former ages which comparatively we must say were very dark O! when that promise of the incalling of the Jewes shall once take place what a wonder will they be to themselves that their understanding shonld have been under such a vail when the truth shall be clear and evident to them in that day Will it not be a sweet and easy work for the godly to sort together the predictions of the Word and the events And truely there is much now wrapt up in Scripture Prophecyes not yet fulfilled which we may say in after times when the event shall unvail their meaning wil exceed yea confound all these comments many have had upon them 3. Is it not also clear that these Prophecies which of all the Scripture were most obscure and overclouded with dark figures and allegories concerning which there had been such mistake and hesitation by the Church so many perplexing queries have a peculiar respect to the last times And that then they shall be made plain and easy vvhen so notable a key as the event doth open them up such as these of the vvitnesses taking lyse and rising again Babylons fall and ruine Christs Reigning vvith his Saints a thousand Yeares vvhich novv are in some measure already cleared from their begun accomplishment beyond former times but vve vvait for a more full eommentary that tyme shall give upon the same 4. It is in the latter times that the glory of God in his truth and faithfulnes shall most eminently shine forth that is a part of the solemn congratulation of the Church upon Babylons fall Revelat. 15 ver 3. not only great and marvellous are thy works but just and true are thy wayes for truely in this stroke of the judgement of God and these remarkable providences concurring therevvith the fulfilling of the Scripture vvill be so plain and undenyable that we may say it vvill then dazel the eyes of men even greatest Atheists alarme the World yea very effectually contribute we have ground so to judge to that promised encrease of the Church and incoming of the Jewes when in Antichrists fall and ruine they shall see so convincing a seal put to one of the most considerable Prophecies of the Word in the accomplishment whereof much of the Prophetick part of the New Testament relating to the Churches state and her long tryal under Antichrists reign may be seen clearly verified 5. The Lord hath reserved his greatcst Works to the latter dayes wherein his judgments shall be manifest and the Word confirmed by such solemn convincing providences that men will not get them passed without a remark we are this day witnesses to many such and are looking what these times shall yet bring forth that the great and remarkable acts of the Lord must force the World to see a divine power and say lo there is an undoubted accomplishment of the Scripture 6. The Church in these last tymes hath peculiar advantagcs for understanding this truth of the Scriptures accomplishment which former ages had not First a great part thereof is now fulfilled that men may see with their eyes if they but know how to lay the Word and work of God together the Christian Church had in former times but dark glances at these great things which we have this day visibly transcribed in providence the promises were then travelling in birth of that which is now brought forth 2. Are we not mounted as it were on the shoulders of that experience and observation of former times which hath been transmitted to us and we must say upon that account the Church hath now a greater seal and confirmation of the truth then what it had in the dayes of the Prophets and the Apostles even when Christ was in the flesh 3. The Temple of God and Ark of his Testament is now opened in Heaven light more fully abounding and the meanes of knowledge And O! should not this be much our study who have a greater talent then former ages certainly this will be a sin of a deeper dye then in times of ignorance since we can be no strangers to this truth without shutting our eyes blinding the conscience doing violence to our light when the Lord doth give his People such solemn confirmations 7. I shall add is it not clearly soretold in that Dan. 12â— ver 4. that in the last times this will be one of the speciall exercises of the saints to enquire and make a diligent search concerning the Scripturs accomplishment For it s there said many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased importing that this shall be much their study and cause a diligent fearch whereunto the great works of God in these times shall invite them and what should be the posture of the Godly in these dayes on whom the end of the World is come should it not be lyke the watchman in the last watch of the night who looketh oft what appearance there is from the east of the day breaking a serious enquery what of the Scripture is fulfilled whereby we may know on very clear grounds if the night be far spent the day at hand and that the coming of the Lord to judgement draweth near VIII This is a great and concerning duety for Christians to study this truth that they may have something more then repore how the Scripture hath a sure accomplishment and doth take place in the providences of the time wherein we live I must think strange that there is such a great help as this so near and yet we see it not nor do seriously ponder the same when the command is so express to observe the works of the Lord which for that end are shewed forth that men may enquire and read the faithfulnes of God therein yea that so great a truth which would bide the search of all the criticks of the World a truth wherein our blessednes through time and eternity lyeth should offer it self to our tryall and yet is so little known O who can dispense with the neglect of this duty by which we answer that solemn call and invitation of the works of God do honour him serve our generation are helpers to our own faith and are thereby helped to strengthen others yea are brought to see with our eyes and from experience what before was as a strange thing unto us Now to clear how much this is Christians duty to study a practical converse with the Word and to be serious observers of its accomplishment let us consider 1. We are thus helped to declare the works of the Lord and to give him the glory of his faithfulness
and is not that agrave duty Which at all times in every station and condition of life should engadge men to this study thus every Christian may become a witnes to the truth and put his seal thereto for which he should think his life truely desireable and he doth in no small measure attain the true end thereof though he had no other opportunity for his masters service and we may say this truth of the Scriptures accomplishment like a great roll hath been transmitted from hand to hand from one age to another attested and as it were subscrybed by so many witnesses it doth thus come to our time and to every mans doore and require their personal witnessing and sealing of the same 2. This should make it an easy work to trust the Word and to adventure thereon in the ordinary occurrences of their life they may well trust God in strait who have so strong an argument to make use of that oft they have tryed him and the truth of his Word by many many experiences will not these that know his name trust in him Which was a notable testimony from a serious Christian in a very sharp triall oft have I tryed God and shall I not learn to trust him once 3. This doth lay the Christian in the way of that promise Psal 107. last ver a promise truely large and comprehensive but little considered that such as are wise to observe the works of God they shall see the loving kindnes of the Lord even in their own particular case made out to them yea whilst they are serious to observe his works abroad in the World and his way to others they shall be no losers thereby at home but find this promise meet them and to turn their general observation unto personal experience of the loving kindnes of the Lord. 4. Thus the saints by experiencing the truth of the Word get a conyincing seal thereby to their intrest in the promise for begun possession is indeed a strong witnes to this right when they can say they have got as certain returns of the Word when they have put it to an essay in some particulars of their life as they are sure of any thing they did ever see so from unquestionable experience they set up a pillar and write thereon Hither to hath the Lord helpt us 5. Thus should Christians with much advantage be helped to convince gainsayers for its sure Atheisme could not make so bold and publick an appearance if men did not so much take their religion on trust O the serious experienced man can with an other confidence own the truth whose experience and observation of the works of God give him an argument that none can answer while not only he can assert but conduct and lead men to the things themselves that they may see if in such and such particulars the Scripture be not truely fulfilled 6. Thus the providenee of God should have a more sweet refreshing countenance when from this great height that watchtower of Christiau observation we take a look thereof and truely otherwayes men will stumble at the most ordinary dispensations and think Gods Work is a masse of confusion but here we are taught to see how the written Word and his way are linked in a most sweet aggreement 7. We may thus trace Divine truth even by our sense and feeling and joyn the Word and experience in a regular correspondence yea thus we should have a clear transscript of the Lords way with his Church taken out of that great authentick original of the Scripture and there see on what a solid basis and foundation that magnificent structure of providence is raised up what a notable key should we thus have for opening the Scripture by a serious humble inquiry after the works of God Where not only the impression and signals of the power but of the truth and faithfulness of the Lord are so very legible 8. This is a piece of our talent wherewith we are entrusted of which every Christian should study a serious improvement knowing they must render an account what their observation of this great truth hath gained and what furder establishment and confirmation they have thus attained 9. I would adde the concernment and weight of this duty may presse it much on us for if the Scriptures accomplishment be an undoubted truth O! then this is sure the Saints have a great inheritance they are Princes though now under a disguise and though yet minors they are heirs of more then the World can shadow forth the Christian is then more happy on a dunghil scraping his sore then such who are cloathed in purple and fare delicately every day if this be sure we should look with compassion rather then envy on these whom the World doth account happy we need not question the gain of Godlines then it is sure that such who sow in teares shall reap in joy and the righteous though now trampled under in the morning shall have dominion yea in a vvord we may then on sure ground solace our selves with the thoughts of that great change which will be within a little when the grave must render back her prisoners and may with as much assurance of a blessed resnrrection ly doun in the dust as we are sure there will be a morning when we ly down at night O! then there is a Heaven and a hell that is certain eternity is not a night dream and one moment shall shortly put an end to all our services yea the shutting of our eye lids at death shall but open them in the Pardise of God HAving touched this truth a litle in the general I shall now hold forth some arguments whence the accomplâ—shment of the Scripture may be demonstrat they are these five which I intend to prosecute in the following discourse FIRST Argument To prove the Scripture is certainly fulfilled and hath an accomplishment is this that which hath been in all ages the testimony of the Saints what every particular Christian doth seal from their frequent and sure experience what is found and proved by them in there dayly walk upon exactest tryal yea what as many as ever were serious in Religion do witness must be certain and true But the accomplishment of the Scripture is such Therefore c. II. Argument That which is manifest and legible in the whole course and tenor of providence about the Church and by clear convincing instances both of judgement and mercy is made out to the observation of every age must be a certain truth but the Scriptures accomplishment is such Therefore III. Argnment Thar which hath not only the Christians testimony from experienee and of the Church from constant observation but is obvious even to the view of the World which from the conscience of the worst of men doth force a testimony that they can neither shift nor deny which also may be demonstrat to the conviction of ordinary observers hath a publick acknowledgement from
greatest Atheists and mockers of Religion in every age must surely be a clear truth But c Therefore IV. Argument That which was to take place in such and such periods of time and hath accordingly come to passe the event exactly answering to the prediction yea that whereof the great part is now fulfilled and but a litle at this day remaineth to be made out must be a certain truth But the great part of the Scripture is thus already fulfilled and but a litle thereof now remaineth Therefore V. Argument That which not only is for the most part already accomplished but is a thing whereof we have such sure confirmations yea so great a pledge in our hand from the Lord that what yet remaines shall be certainly fulfilled must it not be an undoubted truth But the Scripture as to these special predictions that are not yet made out is such as concerning which the Lord hath given his People a very largâ— pledge and strong confirmations now in these latter times to believe their certain accomplishment Therefore ARGUMENT FIRST THat the Scripture of God contained in the Old and New Testament wherein our great hope and comfort doth ly is certainly true and hath a real accomplishment may be thus demonstrat That it is tryed and Proved in the godly mans experience to which in all ages yea from innumerable proofs the saints have put to their seal that this is a sure and faithful testimory Experience is indeed a strong demonstration and it is such a witnes as leaveth no room for debate for here the truth is felt proven and acted on the heart which the Christian knoweth well and is as sure of as he is perswaded that he liveth or that the sun when it shineth hath light and warmnes therewith it is true the World liveth at a great distance with this they only converse with the sound of such a thing and we know the naked theory of Scripture truth hath but a short reach that it differeth as far from that which a serious practicall Christian hath as the sight of a countrey in a map is from a real discovery of the same where the difference is not in the degree but in the kinde yet though this grave testimony of experience is a thing whereto many alace too many are strangers yet we must say so much thereof is obvious as may force its authority on mens consciences and shew that there can be no fallacy or delusion in this witnes if they but allow the use and exercise of reason seing it is not the record of a few at one time or in one corner of the earth but a solemne witnes from the saints and followers of God whose judgement and integrity their adversaries must often confesse yea of all the saints in every age through the whole universal Church in parts of the earth most remote from other and this by most frequent renued prooffs hath found and experienced the truth and real accomplishment of the Word and now if this be not sufficiently convincing I would but adde O â— will yow then come and see be but Christians indeed and then ye will no more debate that testimony and truly it is a very poore shift for men who have the Scripture before them which of it self doth witnes its authority and this backed with so solemn a seal from the Lord by his works and providence to debate the Christians witnes from their experience because they do not see this themselves vvhat is the cause thereof their choise that they do not follovv on to knovv the same the truth of God seeketh credit from no man upon trust yea craveth no more but that by a practical converse they would put it to a trial and then it shall not decline their judgement Now to prosecute this argument a litle I shall point at some special scripture-Scripture-truths with which Christians have most usual trade and converse in their own case and give in therewith their testimony how these are clearly proved and verifyed by most sure experieuce it is not to be here understood the giving a particular account with respect to persons time or other circumstances how the Word doth thus take place I think it may be sufficiently convincing to instance in the general such clear uncontroverted experiences which are well known to the godly and have by them been oft proved amidst the various changes of their life though not by all in the same measure but in some suitable proportion to their different syzes tryalls and wrestlings which can witness that real correspondence which the Word hath with the experience of the saints and truely concerning these I may with some confidence assert they are not naked or airy notions but such as can witnes their truth to the serious experienced Christian whom on this account I dare attest I shall here instance 5. special truths of the Word which are much tryed and proved in Christians experience 1. That there is such a contrariety betwixt the flesh and the spirit as the Scripture holdeth forth 2. The deceitfulnes of mans heart 3. That there is a spiritual and invisible adversary with whom we have war 4. That the promises of the Word have undoubted accomplishment 5. The truth also of the threatnings I mean such under whose reach the godly may fall I. That there is a contrariety betwixt the flesh and the spirit a Law in our members rebelling against the Law of our mind is a truth very clearly proved to the Christian whose experience though sad doth undenyably verify and confirm the Scripture Gal. 5 v. 17. Rom. 7 v. 19 21 23. this is a piece of the Word which holds forth mans nature in its true shape and form whither their byasse and inclination most easily turneth yea so marvellously answereth their experience that to question the same were to put it far beyond question that they know nothing of a new nature or a principle of grace within For who ever made earnest of Religion but their first acquaintance with the peace of God was the beginning of this war it is then that the house divideth and corruption setteth up a standard yea no sooner can any begin to be a Christian but he must be a souldier also and â—e may say none ever attained such a measure of mortification or was so old in the grace of God as could priviledge them from the stirrings of the old man and necessity of that complaint who shall deliver us from a body of death but what ever advantage some of the saints have above others yet in this their experience can witnes 1. They now know two different parties within themselves that until once grace came they could not understand which at the same time in the same action do act oppositly one to the other yea that there is no spiritual duty wherein the flesh though not alwayes in such a prevalent degree doth not shew some active resistance 2. That all the stirrings and
enchantment had fallen on men vvhat that could bee vvhich the more they sought to bear dovvn the more it increased that made the rich choose poverty and these vvho dwelt in palaces take themselves vvith chearfulnes to the dens and caves of the earth but besides this it is very manifest that in a large measure the spirit hath been let forth to the church in after ages yea there is no particular church vvhere the light hath shined but hath had it's special times some solemn day of the powring out of the spirit before the sun vvent down vvhich may be observed either at the first breaking up of the gospel or at some other remarkable time and change of her condition vvhence a great tack of souls to Christ hath follovved in a day vvherein an effectual doore vvas opened besides the reaching of the conscience and stirring the affection of many others under a common vvork of the spirit which usually goeth along vvith such solemn times 6 The going back of the tide and visible withdravving of the spirit from particular churches vvhere it hath sometime in a large measure been let forth is a very convincing vvitnes to the truth of this promise for it is clearly seen at vvhat a stand the gospel is in these places vvhere it most eminently shined that the land vvhich blossomed and vvas like a vvatered garden hath been made as the heath in the vvildernes and the ground from vvhence rain is vvithdravven and then that the ministers of Christ vvhose lot hath fallen in such a time are put to very sore vvork to vvorke as it vvere vvith oares for vvant of vvind to cast out the net all night and catch nothing a shut doore is upon them in the exercise of their Ministry duty is made Lurthensome because the Lord is against them there is an evident restraint upon the word and its intercourse is more with the ear then with the consciences of men yea any liberty they find is to execut a commission of judgement and to denounce the woe of the Gospel O doth not so manifest withdrawing of the spirit witnes the outletting thereof and that it is a certain and real thing 7. Doe not the stirrings and strange convictions which even the worst of men have sometimes under the word witnes a divine spirit and power going along therewith that which forceth an assent from their conscience to the truth which otherwayes they hate yea maketh them for the time wonder they should not have been more serious in the wayes of God yea it doth often put a thorn in the bed of their security for indeed the word and the light thereof doth torment these who dwell in the earth And truely this is a marvellous thing which winneth in uponm mens secret designes and councels doth reveal to them the most closs thoughts of their heart which they are sure mens eye could not reach taketh them down through themselves and yet that the world knoweth not whence it is yea are they not forced to confesse what a great difference they find betwixt the word from the mouth of some who are holy and serious though held out in greatest simplicity then from others even of greater gifts and accompanyed with more shew of eloquence that surely the one hath an other sound and relish speaketh more feelingly home to their heart then the most polished discourse of greatest oratours 8. One witnes moe I shall here give to the truth of this promise even these eminent examples of the grace of God which in every age have shined in the firmament of the Church some in love and zeal some in patience and humility some in the strong acts of faith and â—elf-denyal which doe certainly demonstrat a more excellent spirit then that which is in the world whence they appear with another lustre in their walk and carriage and have a sweet and fragant savour of the spirit to the very discerning of bystanders which truely sheweth that his wind doth blow on his garden when the spices send forth so pleasant a sent FOVRTH We find an expresse Promise in the word of Deliverance to the Church â—n a low and oppressed condition that surely the Lord will plead her cause will deliver his People when he seeth their strenght is gone and save them from the hands of their enemyes Ps 18 47 48 50. Ps 22 4 5. Is 54 17. Is 51 23. It is true this promise hath its bounds limits and provisions which should be taken along in the application thereof we know the Covenant of God with particular Churches is conditional only he promiseth that he will be with them while they are with him yea it is oft seen and there is no jarr here with this promise that a People professing the Gospel confederat with God following duty have even turned their back before the enemy and in the holy providence of God have for a time been given up to their fierce rage and violence but it is also sure that this promise hath an accomplishment and in the day of the Churches strait the Lord hath oft appeared by a strong outstretched hand for her help his own arm brought salvation to his People when they sought to him for God is known in her palaces for a refuge yea surely the Church might oft sing that song on such clear grounds as though with Israel shee had been standing at the red sea thy right hand O Lord is full of power thy right hand hath dashed in pieces thy enemyes for what nation or People is like this to whom he hath shewed such marvellous things Now to shew forth the faithfulnes of God in this his promise I would offer some few things that are a most clear and undenyable witnes thereto 1. There are fevv ages but vvee have some record of the churches condition vvhich hold forth such signal convincing providences of God in behalf of his oppressed church and people as may be a manifest seal to this truth it is true some times have been more remarkable for suffering times of judgement of a growing tryal wherein this truth hath not so clearly shined forth yea that long night vvhich the church had under Antichrist might seem to call it in question but never the lesse if men take a serious look of the Lords vvay and series of providence in ages past comparing one time vvith another what the straits and most extream case of the church hath at last resolved in they will find cause to cry with astonishment great deliverances giveth he to his people yea the Lord hath done gteat things for them I am sure were a full record with that true account which might be given of these more remarkable delivrances that particular churches have met with since the first planting of the Gospel among them wherein Gods very immediat hand for their help hath been discernable it should non-plus the World and greatest Atheists anent the real outmaking of this promise 2. The confession even
of the Churches enemyes hath oft witnessed this truth that in pursuing their malice to trouble and undoe her they have but undone themselves how tormenting disappointments have caused their very flesh to pine away and the close and issue of their rage forced this conviction from them at last that the Church is a burthensome stone to be lifted up a party with whom it is full of hazard to meddle have not such been made to discern something of a divine hand so clearly against them blasting their counsels and most promising attempts as if their eyes with Balaam had been opened to see the Angel in their way yea in all ages it is known how the conscience even of the worst hath oft bewrayed something of a presaging fear they have had of these whom they pursued with greatest malice and a dreadful impression they had of a praying people and their prayers 3. This truth hath had the clearest witnes in times of the Churches greatest strait and extremity when difficulties have appeared insuperable and an outgate in an ordinary way of providence most hopelesse when visible meanes have been withdrawn all refuge failed and none to help that in such a day the Lord hath been seen upon the mount and unexpectedly by very strange midses brought deliveranee to a broken almost ruined Church even as it were betwixt the bridge and the water so that these who would have a clear view of the accomplishment of this promise may but turn back on these more remarkable extream exigences of the Churches condition aod there have it how oft a sweet sunshine hath followed the most dark and cloudy times a raging storm hath resolved into a refreshing calm yea that with a further grouth of the Churches tryal and doubling of her burthen her enlargement and outgate hath broken up with so great and obvious remarkes therein that it was a convincing return of prayer wrestling having further addition of some new and singular mercy therewith yea some eminent act of judgment upon her adversaries 4. The greatest advantage and victories which men have got over the Churches and people of God can also bear witnes to this that when the wicked have sprung up like the grasse and the workers of iniquity seemed to flowrish this very way hath the Lord taken to bring about a more full deliverance Yea on the other hand hath it not been very obvious how the Churches gain hath been brought forth out of greatest lose that these wounds which seemed most deadly by the infinitly wise providence of God have turned to her most effectual and through cure and mens unreasonable violence and rage against the Church hath oft had an evident tendency to bring about even that whereto it seemed most directly contrary some further mercy and deliverance then could have been expected as the Amorites refusing Israel butâ— passage through their land did prove the very mean to give them more then they sought the possession of that land for an inheritance 5. This witnes the observation of the Church in all ages can bear to this promise that deliverance hath oft sprung up and been brought to her hand from an airth and by such meanes as none would have expected by such as none but God could doe a sudden report and rumour 1 Sam. 23 ver 27. meanes that have been not only small and improbable but that looked directly contrary as in bringing the Church out of Egypt yea sometime by the wicked ensnared in the work of their own hands is it not obvious how the Lord hath trysted mens privat interests to put them on for befriending his Church and hath caused the earth to help the woman and raised up one oppressour to punish another yea often hath prepared carpenters whence it was least thought to cut the horns of these who had scattered his people 6. There is this convincing witnes to the truth of such a promise that sudden remarkable change which may be oft discerned both on mens inward frame and the outward face of the Church when a time of mercy and enlargement is come instruments raised of the Lord with a discernable elevation of their spirits to act and doe exploits the feeble then made strong and these who sometime would have fainted at an ordinary piece of service dare with such a gale of divine assistance run as it were through a troup and overleap a wall ' for indeed this may in all ages be obvious how easy it is to move in the day when the Lord moveth for his people and strengthneth the girdle of their loines that it was not their bow or sword which got them the victory but the very finger of God something above the counsels of men or ordinary meanes which hath sometimes been made clear as the noonday so that even at some distance these who are wise to discâ—â—n the times did see when there was a breaking up of a dâ—y of a Churches hope how a previous motion and stir anongst the dry bones the sound of the Lord as in the top of the mulberry trees hath been then discernable and some pâ—â—mising appearance from the present disposition and tenper of the Godly in that time though we must grant mâ—rcy soveraign grace hath oft trysted the Church when litle of this hath appeared which like the breaking up of thâ—t cloud in the of mount Carmel to the Prophet though at first but as an handbreath hath shewed that livâ—rance to the Church was not far of â— I would adde this witness also these convinceing prâ—vidences which in all ages have been shewed against the enenyes of the Church such as men could not passe without some remark what an issue these have had who have sometimes been a sore rod on the People of God yea a terour in the land of the living How they have become a most abject and contemptible party like bees who have lost their sting their countenance hath been changed and they ceased to be any more a fear when once their work was done and the date of their commission for the humbling and trying of the Church exspired yea a judicial stroke from the Lord hath been often seen upon their very judgement and resolutions which could not then serve them to trouble and afflict the Church the day being turned and the time of her deliverance come FIFTH There is this Promise also which concerneth the Church in general as well as Christians in their personal case that all things work together for the goâ—d of these who live God Rom. 8 28. the accomplishment whereof as it is written out in providence to the observation of men I would here touch This is indeed a great comprehensive promise which in the constant course and tenor of providence about the Church we may see it doth take place how these turrings and changes of the World the most strange emergents of the time the various motions and interests of men doe cooperat together and have an
undoubted â—eâ—dency to bring forth the Churches good as though they â—d intentionally act for the same there will indeed one day be a more clear and marvellous discovery of this when the Lord hath perfected his work and the mystery of God is finished the Church brought safe to the harbour then shall it be fully manifest to what end all these stormâ—s and cross winds in the counsels and designes of men wee these things which in the time could not be understood but seemed perplexed and strange did really worke foâ—the Churches good for then men will see with their eyes afull performance of the word yet we must say even here in every age amidst the various changes of the Churches case this hath so clear an outmaking that there is no serious observer of providence but may bear winess to it 1. That not only the Churches good but ever her greatest good hath most clearly had its rise and been brought forth out of the greatest mischiefs and hurts intended against her that if we search the Scripture and will turn over these after records of the Churches condition we shall there find the most remarkable attempts and plots such as Pharaohs last essay to destroy the Isiaelites Hamans great design to root out the seed of the Jewes that great Masterplot Sathan once had on â—oot to crush the Gospel and the Christian Church by crucifying her head yea in these last times Antichrists killing the witnesses have all as if really intended by the instruments as well as the first mover brought forth the Churches greatest good so as the after-mercy and outgate hath carried some visible proportion to her tryal and to the greatnes of her adversaryes design 2. It may be also clear if we but trace back these memorable changesâ— which have been up and down the earth how direct a tendency they have had to this end did not the bringing down that great image of the Monarchies witness this We finde Nebuchadnezar raised up as a rod to the Church and Cyrus for a deliverer we may see the Persian and Grecian Monarchies brought down to make way for the setting up of the Messias his Kingdome Antiochus must stand up a little for a sharp tryal and his downfal give the Church a new breathing and hold forth to after ages a remarkable monument of the judgement of God against his enemyes Peaceable Augustus most tryst with his time in whose dayes shall be aboundance of peace we finde a Titus set up to execute the judgement of God on the Jewes to make way for a further enlargement to the â—gentil Church an Nero and Domitian to help forward the Churches suffering and a Constantine to give her some rest after so long and sore an assault and at last the Roman empire mouldred down for Antichrists upsetting to accomplish what did remain of the sufferings of Christ in his Church by that adversary 3. We may oft see a very strange tryst and concurrence of things how instruments act to bring about the Lords end and advance his Churches interest even while each one doth most vigorously drive their own proper end and design which sheweth there is surely a living spirit in the wheels that ordereth these motions a supream and first mover that can thus determine them whither they will or not to serve his end and the Churches good when they most directly intend the contrary 4. We have seen how in mens plotting the ruine of the Church there is oft an unseen hand determining their judgement and inclination to fall upon that very way then which we would think nothing could have been more direct for her good and their own ruine how an Hushai hath been sent in or some have been stirred up amongst themselves upon their own interest to break the pernicious counsels and designs of others 5. We have also seen the personal quarrels of the Churches enemyes among themselves brought to such an height and to tryst so seasonably that onlookers might clearly perceive that it hath been from the Lord a judgement for their rage and violence against his poor oppressed People 6. We have seen the Churches enemies raised to a strange height all advantages favouring them until their plot and mine hath been ripe for springing and lo at that very choke something unexpected hath fallen out which did turn their former successe to their further ruine yea disappoint all this the World is ready to call some fata and malevolent conjunction which cannot be resisted and what is this in effect but the witness of mens conscience to a divine hand 7. Have we not seen some sore dash and overthrow in the Church bring forth her good and a more full victory when visible helpe and meanes have been taken out of the way that something above meanes might be seen in her condition even in that day when all hath been given for lost yea truths loseing the day upon the field bring forth her triumph on the scaffold and at the stake 8. We have seen most despicable and ordinary things made subservient for some great piece of the Lords work a very small thing made the first rise of strange revolutions that remarkable changes have been oft lying in the bosome of common providence yea truely we finde both Scripture and the observation of after ages witness that the Churches deliverance and outgate did almost never come that way by such a method and meanes as shee had most expected the same and that Gods time of working may be oft very contrary to our time of expecting I shall only add is it not oft seen which I am sure all ages can witness how mens endeavours to darken the truth by errour hath been an effectual meanes for its further clearing That the growing of a tryal a violent and sore exacting upon the Church hath kindly wrought towards her outgate and enlargement her meat hath been oft brought even out of the eater by midses most destructive thereto and a svvord must pierce the Churches heart that the thoughts of many may be discovered a time of persecution must help to cure the divisions amongst the godly and bring them together in the furnace vvhich prosperity could not doe yea it is oft seen vvhich former ages can also vvitness that the very undoing of the Church hath been Gods blest vvay to keep her from being undone THE SECOND BRANCH DOth concern these Scripture threatnings which are held forth in the word with a respect to the visible Church and against a people professing the Gospel that no priviledges they have above others shall exeem them from judgment yea and from very sad strokes he hath knowen them above the rest of the World he will contend with them most severely because of sin and such particular evils as we find the Word threatneth I touched a little some Scripture-threatnings in the preceeding argument as concerned Christians in their privat experience what I here intend is to point at this truth as it
witness of the conscience and authority thereof in every man which they cannot possibly decline O doe not these vvitness that from some great height poor man hath fallen 2. Doth not the present appearance of mans nature clearly shevv he his fallen into some dreadful disease that it is surely overspread with some horrid leprosie and contagion the symptomes whereof now are most discernable O what an exorbitancy doth appear in his desires with what contrary tydes is he hurried still at jar with his present lot his reason and will once in a sweet league are now at warr betwixt which he is oft rent in pieces as one betwixt wilde horses how is he now restless in an unreasonable pursuit he laboureth in the fire and for a shadow yea what doe these tumults and commotions of the earth mean men upon the smallest account sheathing their swords in others bowels homo homini Lupus ruptures in familyes unsatiable in revenge and the earth so oft in an uproar as a raging sea O doe not these too visibly witness what a dreadful disorder and perturbation there must be within impetuous boyling of mans lusts so that here we may see a very manifest rupture and breath of building once well knitt and framed 3. I would ask wherein mans true advantage and excellency above others of the creatures can be seen if not with some respect to that he once was and that blessed restauration by grace for his knowledge doth oft serve but to increase his sorrow to shew the good he wanteth and the evil he is subject to is there any of the creatures subject to such outward misery and pain to so many diseases as poor man now is Yea as to a sensual life may we not say the beasts have even some preference or are these so unruely do they so much go out of their bounds and station which the many lawes made for man in the world with the convincing necessity thereof can wittness we see also that fore travel is appointed to man at hovv much toile he is for an outvvard subsistance hovv he doth oft sovv and not reap the beasts vvithdravv from the yoke these over vvhom he had dominion ready to assault him hovv vvomen bring forth their children in sorrovv the men are attended vvith fear their life oft made bitter vvith care and labour yea as men increase in the vvorld their care and discontent increasing therevvith but besides all is he not in the greatest slavery of all the creatures through the violence of his lusts that make him pursue the baite though he knovveth it vvill undoe him vvhile his corruption doth oft like a strong man bind him in fetters and his flesh imperiously drag him at its heels O may vve not say vvas poor man thus formed at the beginning or raised so far above the rest of the creatures only to make him the more miserable for truely if a vive portraicture could be dravvn of sinful depraved nature there is none so grosse but should-abhorr yea be affrighted to see that in the third person vvith vvhich alace they so friendly comply in themselves SECOND That so great a change is truely wrought upon men in conversion as the scripture doth promise and hold forth Ioh. 3 ver 3 6. Eph. 2 ver 1 5. Coloss 3 ver 1 2. vvherein some thing above nature even the marvellous povver of the grace of God may be seen is a trnth Iam sure knovvn and undenyable to the vvorld yea the greatest mockers at religion must confesse can be no delusion but is indeed real and certain upon these follovving grounds 1. That the most grosse vvho in their practice have been notourly profane in the place vvherein they lived it hath been seen that grace hath reached them and thus the Leopard hath been made to change his spots and such vvho vvere accustomed to do evil have learned to doe vvell O! Doe not many famous instances vvitnes this in every age 2. That also men most principled in their judgement against the vvay of God who were wont to deride holines as fancie even on such so great a change hath been wrought as hath made the world to wonder but then they were forced to lay doun their prejudice yea to wonder at themselves how they could stand before the truth so long whereof they have got such an impression sure Atheists must grant there have been as profest Atheists as themselves who have been made eminent examples of grace 3. That such even in the height of their wickednes like Paul breathing out cruelty and of late Vergerius while he was writing against the truth grace hath sometimes reached them it hath been found that of Christs greatest enemyes some have thus fallen upon their high places before the power of the word some such trophees of the gospels conquest have been conspicuous in every age yea it is oft seen that some remarkable height in sin hath proved an evident Crisis and turn in mens condition either to judgement or mercy 4. That some of the most eminent adversaries of the truth have through grace been made eminently useful instruments in the Church the world cannot deny that there have not been choiser vessels of honour more zealous for the Lord in their time then such who were once most violent in their opposition 5. That such whom the world did reckon most wise and discerning yea that did want no judgement to know the value of outward things as well as others grace hath reached can the Atheists object do any of the rulers or Rabbies believe in Christ or follow that way when it is so clear that not more wise learned and judicious even themselves being judges have been in their time then some vvho are most serious in the matter of Religion 6. Hath not this change been made discernable upon the simple the most stupid and dull yea upon some such as a natural incapacity might have obstructed the worke if something above nature had not carried it on vvhich may be also manifest by some change even on their understanding to shew that this can make the simple wise and in the way of holines the way-faring man though fool shall not err 7. That by a very improbable mean the word and that sometimes by weakest instruments we see this great change hath been wrought and it is remarkable how litle of the work of conversion did follow the putting forth of miracles in the primitive times but by the simplicity of the preached gospel much more for indeed the conversion of a soul and such a change is it selfe some way a miracle 8. That they are not a few on whom this change hath been wrought is undenyable and truely besides these ordinary proofs I think it is a great want there should not be some more special record by the Church of these illustrious and eminent instances of the grace of God which have been in such an age as well as remarkable instances of judgment 9. Men
That this vvas a deed knovvn and publick in the time vvhich vvas not done in a corner but in the vievv of the World and before all the Children of Israel and by them attested and vvith greatest carefulnes transmitted to their Children and by these to the follovving generations as a thing never to be forgotten 2. Was testifyed by Moses so great a person and eye-vvitnes thereof one vvhom even the most auncient of heathen vvriters do mention vvith much respect and in this did never challenge his testimony though a matter of fact and of that moment vvhich all the nations about could not but knovv and both in the present and after ages have the remembrance thereof keeped up so that they might easily refute such a thing if false and vve may judge the Egyptians and many others could vvant no goodvvill to put disgrace on a People they so much hated nor be ignorant of that vvhich Moses published in his ovvn time to vvhose vvorks some of the auncientest heathen vvriters doe shew they have been no strangers 3. A truth which by Moses was put in record and delivered to the Jewes to be keept by them and their Children in all succeeding ages a record which they did so narrowly look to and had in that reverence and esteem that all the syllabs and letters thereof were by them numbred lest in the smallest point it should be wronged yea were more careful to preserve it then any nation can be of their most concerning rights and charters 4. A thing whereof the remembrance was yearly from that time celebrat by the Jewish Church whence the institution of the passover had its rise that deliverance being as a sign and sacramentall pledge of that great salvation by him who is our true passover III. What is held forth in the Scripture concerning the more full grouth of the Iewish Church that Judah should enjoy a Scepter which was foretold by dying Jacob and promised once and again to Abraham by the Lord that his seed should be as the sand of the sea and enjoy Canaan for an inheritance hath it not long since been fulfilled Wherein these things are clear 1. That for many ages Israel did enjoy that land in a most flowrishing condition which doth in part appear from these very ruines and desolation over which they have so long lamented the glory of Ierusalem and the temple once so famous which causeth such reverence amongst them to the very rubbish thereof at this day 2. That they were once a People by themselves who were not mingled with the Nations but keept at a distance by their Religion and Lawes from the rest of the World as a peculiar People to the Lord is a thing undenyable 3. That whilest they enjoyed it there was a singular blessing of fruitfulnes thereon above other places so as that small piece of ground was eneugh for an innumerable multitude of inhabitants but is novv at this day a barren sand an extraordinary curse no lesse seen thereon then the blessing was in former times 4. It is also evident that something in the way and carriage of this people even in their low wandering condition doth discover they have not forgot what once they were nor their former grandour and flovvrishing but still keep by themselves vvith some respect to their ovvn land vvhich their fathers did enjoy IV. That piece of the Scripture vvhich did concern the declining times of the Church under the Old Testament vvhat Jeremy foretold of the Babylouish captivity hath novv many ages since been fulfilled a truth vvhich vve have attested by sacred history an history vvhich doth clearly justify it self and its authority by such convincing marks thereof that vve may say these vvho do seriously converse vvith the vvord cannot take up Atheisme vvithout the laying down of reason and putting a force upon their ovvn light Novv as to this particular prophecy vve vvould but seriously consider 1. That vvhich Jeremy did foretel anent the captivity vvas not its accomplishment put on record in a book of the Churches lamentations vvhere this truth may be read in her teares and truely such as ever knevv grief in a high measure may easily knovv vvhat is there exprest to be sad earnest and read the lively motions of an afflicted case therein and besides hath not this been witnessed to after ages by a visible monument even the destruction of the temple that great and excellent work which though after rebuilt did never attain its former splendour 2. This was a matter of fact of great note and famous in the time done in the view of all the nations a considerable piece of the Babylonish conquest yea that testimony the Scripture beareth to the same was it not a few ages after made publick to other parts of the world by the Septuagint translation so that it had been easy for Ptolemy or any in that time to have discovered the falsehood of a thing so lately done yet these times nor the most professed enemyes to the Church therein could not in the least contradict the same 3. Though much of humane history and these records of auncient times that vve now have are both corrupt and defective yet there wants not some consent from the surest of these to many of the most observable things that we have of the history of the old testament and as to the certanity of this truth besids its own authority we will find some of these oldest writers Berosus Herodot and Xenophon give some light to the same whose witnes the Atheist cannot challenge yea is it not clear that Iosephus not only from sacred history but from these old records and fragments of former times which were then extant though since have been much lost compose his Iewish antiquityes which give so particular a relatiou of this truth V. What was foretold by Daniel concerning the rise and fall of the Monarchies and change of these great Empires who had been so sore a rod upon the Church hath it not many ages past had a most punctual performance It is now long since that great image shewed to the prophet in a vision hath been brought down and broken so that scarse the toes thereof doe now remain which besides the witnes of the Scripture may be clearly demonstrat upon other rational grounds 1. It being granted that the prophecie of Daniel was translated in Greek and laid up in that great library of Alexandria long before much of it was fulfilled before Antiochus Epiphanes and the rising of the Roman empire which Porphyrius could not be ignorant of though all he could answer to that evident agreement betwixt his prophecie and the event was that it must have been writ after these things were accomplished whilest it is clear that a part of the prophecie of Daniel which concerned the fourth Monarchy was not even in his times fully made out yea we must say something thereof doth reach to the last end of time 2. It is also
from Heaven was not a thing done in a corner but in the publick view of men which in these dayes was most notour and famous but yet there cannot be produced one contradictory testimony to the truth of these relations by any adversary of the Gospel either at that time or since sure the World wanted no malice and these great things were airly published by the Evangelists and Apostles whilest much of that generation was alive yet it is clear though in a matter of that concernment which made then so great a noise and was at that time putting the earth all in a flame none was found either among Iewes or gentils who could or durst put forth a manifesto to discover the least cheat or falshood in these things attested in the History of the Gospel 4. What ever different partyes and sects did break up with the first time of the Church to opppse the truth in other things yet in this they had all one consent that he who was crucified at Ierusalem was the Messias and Christ which truely did witnes the clear irresistible manifestation of this truth in these times since if there could have been the least ground to challenge any imposture or deceit in this great foundation of the Christian faith it is more then probable these bitter contentions followed with such animosity and heat and irritation of these whom the Apostles and Church in that time did with much zeall and sharpest censures persue would have engadged them to put all the disgrace upon the truth which they could if they might have had where to fasten their teeth I would furder adde that even the arguments and objections which the adversaryes of the Gospel could ever bring to oppose the same are indeed a convincing witness and confirmation and shew how little they could any way say in giving their malice a vent we find that absurd alledgeance of the Iewes that the great works Christ did in the dayes of his flesh were by stealing the name Iehovah out of the temple which they alleadge he sewed up in his thigh which truely needeth no further refutation but the reciting therefore and here they are even forced to witnes the truth of these relations held forth by the Evangelists as to the matter of fact which we find also these later Atheists such as Vanninus Cardan c. dare not challenge or debate onely they would ascrive these great works which Christ then wrought to the influence of the starres a challenge so absurd that needs no other answer but to relate it VII We have that remarkable prophecy of the incoming of the Gentils a truth indeed great and marvellous which as it is expresly held forth in the Old Testament yea is there mentioned Is 54 ver 1 2. Is 60 ver 3 9. is a thing so clearly now written forth in the event that I am sure the greatest Atheists can have no shift here that in this strange work of God about his Church the Scripture hath an undenyable accomplishment Now to clear this let us but consider 1. That for many ages this truth anent the incalling of the gentils was sealed up in a prophecy a thing so great and astonishing to the auncient Iewish Church that they could not well comprehend the same until once the event brought it forth for this was indeed a mystery hid from ages how the Gentiles should be fellow heires of the same body and partakers of the promise in Christ then the bounds and extent of the Church did not exceed Iudea that small inclosure whilest the whole World beside did ly buried like an out field in dark paganisme it is well known that the most pleasant places of Africa Asia and Europe where afterwards many famous Churches were within these 1600 yeares was but a savage wildernes Britain Germanie and France did then vvorship the sun and starres they sacrificed to the Gods of the heathens yea these eastern partes on which the sun did first rise did not then know the God of Israel a truth which not only the Roman and Grecian Historyes but the records of particular Nations can clearly attest 2. It is clear that this prophecy was not held forth in a general but we find the time also prefixed with other special circumstances when it should have its accomplishment at the appearing of the Messias when he should be revealed to Israel before which time a bar was drawen in the way of the Nations and a wall of partition betwixt them and the Church until he stand up who should hold forth an ensign to the People and gather the gentils under his standard which Esay doth clearly shew Es 11 v. 10. and 34 ver 1 2. and 60 ver 1 c. and then must the mountaines flow down at his presence Nations be born at once yea the light break forth to the East and the West then should the Children of the desolate be moe then of the married wife when this time even the set time for the gentils is once come and it may be very convincing which is indeed observable that notwithstanding of a more flowrishing condition of the Iewish Church in former ages when her grandour and prosperity was more tempting and the neighbourhood and commerce which the Nations about had with that People yea though by the captivity they were scattered among the Persians and Babylonians yet was there no stir or change of the World until the appointed time once came 3. It may be easy to prove the event of this prophecy and its manifest accomplishment even at the time thereof for this men can not deny that the Lord did visit the Gentils with the knowledge of his truth which then caused such a change in the earth as a great part of it hath been brought from heathnish idolatry to vvorship the God of Israel and such who once were strangers and aliens now made to professe the same faith as to the substance thereof of the auncient Iewish Church sure this truth needs not want a vvitnes vvhilest Nations and much of the knovvn World hath been for so long a time and yet to this day are a visible proof thereof a truth of such concernment that in former ages made a great and stupendious change upon the face of the earth so that not onely an innumerable company out of all Nations and languages but the generality the very complex body of Kingdoms and Nations can bear vvitnes thereto novv the Gospel hath been preached through much of the World yea vve may say fevv parts thereof vvhere there hath not been some face of a Church though the promise hath not yet had its full accomplishment but vve wait for according to the Scripture a more flowrishing time and great harvest among the Nations when Israel shall be gathered how ever it is sure the Lord hath in a great part fulfilled this his promise so that the Church might then with astonishment cry out who hath begotten all these
Children who are these that flee as a cloud like the doves to their windowes O blessed day in which the light did first break up on the poor ofspring of Iaphet who then dwelt in the shadow and region of death O blest day that brought salvation with it to the gentils wherein the Lord did visit these dark places of the earth which were full of the habitations of cruelty I think the sense of so great a mercy should never let us want an errant for giving thanks yea put much to silence our other complaints 4. Is it not also clear that not only as to the time but these very places of the earth which Esai and other of the Prophets did particularly point at this promise had an exact accomplishment for it is this day manifest the isles which we find so frequently mentioned that these should wait for his law and the uttermost parts of the earth whence he should bring thâ— Daughter of his dispersed may have a clear commentar upon the same from what the Lord hath done to Britain and Ireland with other remote parts of the earth yea hath not the Aethiopians been made to stretch out their hands even in these sun-burnt places of Africk hath not Christ also had a conquest where many a black moore was through grace made as the snow of Salmon and the feathers of a dove so that it is clear how these particular places which were so oft pointed at by the Prophets have been visited by the Gospel and fallen to the share of the Church 5. This change which by the incoming of the gentils to the Church was wrought upon the Earth is a thing so great and astonishing that were it still in the promise and this not yet fulfilled it would truely stagger our faith how such a thing should ever come to passe and is there not here a miracle that the World cannot possibly deny even this great work of God in bringing of the gentils which without an extraordinary power could not be effectuat if men will consider First That svvift progresse which then the Gospel had how it did run and was glorified through the furthest parts of the earth and like a ligtning break forth from one place to another so that in the Apostles time the Scripture doth shew how most of the conspicuous Provinces of Asia had received the Gospel and Tertullian who lived in the second Century in his Book contra Iudaos doth there witnes how many nations and these most remote from other Parthians Medes Armenia Phrygia Cappadocia Pontus and Pamphilia with much of Egypt and diverse parts of Africk besides Rome Spain and other places of Europe were in his time almost wholly Christian for it is indeed clear that the bounds of the Church was then of a larger extent then it is now at this day 2. It is also undenyable that in this solemn day of the Gospels spreading amongst the nations suffering and persecution did all that time attend the Church yea in such a measure that as the writers of these times do witnes neither famine pestilence nor the sword did destroy so many of the World as then were of Christians in the two first centuries put to death for adhering to the truth and it is clear that this great work of God in such a swift spreading of the Church was most discernable in these times of hottest persecution yea then was her most effectual grouth and increase which upon her getting some rest and beginning to flowrish with external peace was at a visible stand 3 How marvellous a thing was this to be brought about if we consider the many different languages that did then stop correspondence between the Church and the rest of the earth for how could the truth thus spread among the nations yea in such remote places of the World Churches be planted by the Apostles and have the Scripture translated and made legible to them without that extraordinary gift of tongues which for that end was then given from the Lord sure beside sacred authority anent this reason may convincingly witnes to the World the truth of such a miracle 4. How strange and wonderful a change was this that in so short a time the Gospel should thus enlighten and put such a lustre on the most rude and savage places of the earth where scarse humanity had been and bring them from the condition of beasts to men should thus tame and civilize the greatest Barbarians and cause the lion to ly down with the lamb yea by the preaching of that Gospel and of a crucified Christ which as it was to the Jewes a stumbling block so to the Greeks foolishnes And in a word was not this indeed a miracle how in a mattet of such high concernment as that vvherein mens soul and everlasting interest lay they should be turned off their old vvay and Religion in vvhich they and their Fathers had been so long rooted that a little spark which did break up in Iudea should bring dovvn the idols of the nations and burn up their temples Alace that there is so little of a large heart of that primitive zeal and fervour this day among Christians for the enlargement of the Church that such merchants are now rare who would venture out to trade with other parts for this excellent ware the merchandise whereof is better then of gold O that in these parts where the truth is knovvn and professed the Lord vvould raise up men of such a spirit and such a Magistrat vvho vvould make it their vvork and lay dovvn solid grounds hovv to advance the Kingdome of Christ in the dark places of the earth and reckon their interest in a forrain plantation upon the account of the Gospel no lesse then on the account of trade vve vvould pray and yet hope for this VIII What vve find foretold by Daniel yea by Christ himself anent the destruction of Ierusalem and ceasing of the Iewish dayly sacrifice with the rejection of that people Dan. 12. ver 11. Matth. 24 ver 2. hath many ages past come to passe wherein the World may see how clearly the event doth answer this Prophecy for it is manifest 1. That this is a truth which doth need no other witnes then the scattered remnant and desolate ruines of that once flowrishing Church and nation of the Iewes vvhich vve see vvith our eyes at this day vvhose present state is so great a monument of divine judgement so clear a vvitnes to the Scripture that I think men cannot look thereon if they be in any measure serious but must have such a conviction 2. What hath befallen this people may it not be an astonishment to the World in all succeeding ages a stroke that hath put them in a more sad condition then any nation or people we ever yet heard of that hath cast them out of their own land scattered them as vagabonds through the earth so that these many ages they have had no scepter
nor Law-giver no piece of the earth they can call their own but at the mercy and arbitrary disposal of every place they reside in no priviledge or liberties but a naked permission to brook their lives and estates during the pleasure of these under whom they get shelter a people put by themselves with a visible mark of divine wrath upon them like a beacon set up for all the nations to look on even these who were once eminently ovvned of the Lord who was known in their palaces for a refuge yea it is very manifest that no stir or essay that ever they made for their releef but was still to their further ruin and found Gods hand visibly crosse to them therein sure Ammianus Marcellinus a heathen writer did intend no testimony to the Christian cause in relating that strange passage which neer his time fell out how the Iewes by Iulians warrant and permission did attempt to build the temple again but a fire breaking up from the foundation thereof which destroyed many of the workmen forced them with much terrour to desist 3. Must it not be some strange and dreadful provocation beyond the sin of their forefathers whereat so strange and unusual a stroke doth point whilest it is clear that notwithstanding frequent Idolatry and departing from God when they were at that height in wickednes to offer up their children to Molech and set up altars in the groves to reject the message of the prophets and thrust some of them in a dungeon yet were only punished with 70 yeares captivity and after by Gods very immediat hand brought again these who had taken them captive concurring with them to rebuild the temple but now how long and dark hath their night been since this judgement came on them and though they could not these many ages charge themselves with Idolatry yet no saviour or deliverer hath been raised up no Prophet sent forth no sign or appearance at this day of releef now for these 1600 yeares yea amidst these frequent changes and revolutions that have been in the World no change in their condition sure if that people vvere in speaking tearmes with their consciences this might put them to a strange demurr what should be the cause if they be not guilty of killing the Messias and that blood pursuing them what attrocious provocation beyond others they can condescend on for which the Lord doth so long and so sore by such an unusual and unheard of strok thus contend 4. What a marvellous concurrence of providence and convincing appearance of a divine hand was in this judgement the besieging of Ierusalem by the Romans trysted with the very time of the passover whilest so great a confluence of people from all parts of the land were there on that account that both sword and famine might contribute their help to destroy what unreasonable and astonishing obstinacy against all offers of peace and the most pressing insinuations thereof which Titus Vespasian made even whilest their ruin was otherwise unevitable an unheard of strife where the enemy did contend to save but they to undoe themselves how judicially hardened under most remarkable prodigies and warnings which they had of that approaching desolation divided wholly amongst themselves yea so cruel one upon another within that their adversary without could not but look thereon with compassion O what a stroke was this wherein greatest Atheists would grant a fatality for indeed men cannot consider the same without acknowledging a divine hand and something above ordinary meanes and causes where all did thus meet together in a solemn tryst to accomplish that Peoples ruin 5. But it is here we may see a singular providence of God for his Church that these who of all the World are most violent enemyes to the Christian truth are also a most convincing vvitnes to the same vvhilest first these do clearly attest the Scripture vvhich is our alone charter the divine authority of Moses and the Prophets the true copyes vvhereof they did most tenderly preserve vvhat ever absurd glosses some of their Rabbies have thereon Yea durst never offer in the least to vitiat the original but hath had the same transmitted still from one age to an other to vvhich records that are this day in their hand the Christian Church can with much confidence appeal and demonstrat from the Old Testament the â—undoubted truth of the New Yea in this we may appeal the Atheist to his conscience that the Scripture is no imposture or any cunning device of Christians which is so far witnessed even by the greatest adversary and maligners of the Christian Religion 2. That strange induration of the Iewes their unreasonable rejecting of the truth vvho after so long a time cannot see the cause vvhich is most discernable in their stroke O is not this also a most convincing seal to the Scripture and clear fulfilling thereof that there is a vail over their mind as the Apostle sheweth whilest they read the Law judicially smitten by the Lord with blindnes that they cannot see until once this vail be taken off and truely we may say there is nothing in their judgement more strange and astonishing then such a continued obstinacy against the truth how they should be thus dark in the noon day But that herein the Scripture is fulfilled so that we may even turn a poison unto an antidot IX That which is so expresly foretold in the New Testament yea is the great drift of the Prophecyes thereof The coming of Antichrist and revealing of the man of sin to the World 2 Thiss 2 ver 3 4 7 8 9. hath long since been accomplished wherein we may say the wonderful corresponding of the event with the prophecy is so clear that this truth is novv as plain and obvious as once it was dark to the Church these things being undenyable 1. How the Spirit of God in the Scripture hath been in a more then ordinary way particular to point Antichrist forth by such notour marks and characters that after ages may known him if they will not shut their eyes I confesse it is not strange the popish party should seal-up the Scripture and forbid the ordinary reading of it since the breaking forth of that light vvould soon make their Kingdome dark for if men vvould but set the history of the Church since the times of the Apostles over against the Scripture and make use of that notable key for opening up the prophecyes of the Nevv Testament it should be then easy to knovv the Antichrist is surely come and vvho this is and herein doth the Lords tender respect to his Church appear that he doth not only in a very solemn manner forevvarn men anent this great tryaâ— and as it vvere by the sound of a trumpet give an alarum that such an adversary vvas coming yea of the time thereof vvho vvould do more hurt then all who had gone before but doth also make so clear a discovery of the whole fabrick rise
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
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
Jreland through much of France Germany Sueden the Low Countries Pole Denemark yea even in Hungary Transilvania sure this was a great work which should be marvellous inour eyes how that Antichristian Empire contrived with such wisdome underpropt with so great strength whose commands not long since were receaved as Oracles with an avv and respect onely due to God hath in such a measure begun to fall before the power of the word O the righteous judgement of the Lord. which he hath shewed forth upon that adversary and should be a pledge to us of the further manifestation thereof an adversary we may say the greatest that ever the Church had whose little finger hath been sorer then the loins of all who went before if we consider his cruelty over mens bodyes tyrannie over their conscience with so long a continuance of that tryal in respect of whom it may be said Pharaoh was an easy taskmaster Antiochus and the Roman Emperours milde who for neer 1200 year did carry on a despeart and bloody war against the Church II. The Second which I would at some more length follow forth is this how the Lords hand and something of an extraordinary providence hath been no lesse discernable in this late raising of the Church and her begun victory over Antichrist then in the First planting of Christianity by the Apostles this is a truth which to many may seem strange but when seriously considered if prejudice do not darken mens judgement will appear from sure and solid grounds now to demonstrat this I would here offer some very convincing witnesses which may help to strengthen the faith of the Godly and give Atheisme some dash FIRST Witnes to this truth is that wonderful successe which the Gospel in these last times hath had wherein men must see the great power of God and efficacy of the Spirit in some measure as manifest as in the first rise of the Christian Church if we consider 1. From what a small spark so great a fire did break up which in a short time put Europe in a flame and made so great a change therein even Luthers appearing against Texelius upon the account of his indulgencies O but Gods time of working may be oft contraire to our time of expecting 2. What a swift progresse did the gospel have may we not say with wonder can a nation be born at once yet this we have seen how many Nations and Cityes in one and the same age yea in lesse then 40. yeares was brought in subjection to the truth and these instruments whom scarce any durst own at first made to see great Princes with armyes on the fields for the interests of Christ 3. Have we not seen Religion propagated by martyrdome no lesse then in the primitive times and mens essaies to ruin the Church helped it further to grow O what but a divine power could thus bring gold out of iron and clay bring a flowrishing Church out of their ashes and turn her poison to a preservative but alace it is sad that whilest men were burned for the truth and reading the Scripture their affection did also burn in reading the same but now with our liberty there is so great a decay 4. Must not the wise and polititians of the World confesse this late encrease of the Church is a thing above their reach most crosse to all their rules which they cannot see how in an ordinary way it could be brought about 5. Were not instruments most unlikely for so great a work if we would judge as men that such a poor handful as Luther Zuinglius Melanchton Bucere c. should go forth to confront that power which then made the earth to tremble might it not seem as improbable as the sending forth of some fisher men to subdue the Nations 6. It is knowen they were none of the Rabbies of the time whose repute and fame might have purchased easy accesse to their message nay they were loaded with all the reproach which their adversaryes could devise with novelty of doctrine deceit and falshood in their dealing represented to the World as Monsters Luther was forced to answer himselfe a printed relation of his death how he was carried away soul and body by the Devil 7. Was not the message they carried most opposit to mens carnal inclinations to these principles they had suckt in from their infancy to the religion of their Fathers yea in a word had no outward encouragements the whole World seemed to combine against them Luther at his first appearance excommunicated by the Pope proscribed by the Emperour and good Melanchton was oft made to faint when he thought on so great a speat of opposition so that without the convoy of an extraordinary power nothing could have looked more improbable SECOND Witnes that may let the World see a wonderful providence in this late raising of the Church is this these sharp assaults which the Church met with from a party no lesse cruel and powerfull then any adversary which the Church had in the primitive times for I am sure the World must confesse that no ordinary mean had wanted for an essay to crush the gospel in its first budding forth that both counsel and force the authority of law backed vvhith greatest rage and violence in its execution yea the power of the Princes of the earth was put forth to the utmost to withstand this great work of God in these last ages to clear this I shall only point at some remarkable assaults which did tryst the dauning of the gospel that may shew something above nature going alongst with it 1. We find a Spanish Emperour devoted to the popish interest more powerful then any who went before brought in on Germany with the very first breaking up of the light which might seem a dreadful let to the Gospels spreading 2. The rise of the Boores and Anabaptist party whose way being so grosse destructive to civil order to the interests and proprieties of men did look like a sad tryst and a probable mean to beget much prejudice against the truth 3. That sad overthrow of the Duke of Saxony and Landgrave of Hesse who were such great patriots to the Church did then threaten the very ruin of the Protestant interest in Germany 4. The Councel of Trent where the Popish party had all their politicks on foot in a strong combination how to ruin the Church 5. The Interim of Germany a most subtile contrivance to divide and thus break the strength of the Protestants was also a sore assault a snare to some and cause of persecution to others 6. That Spanish Inquisition established through Spain Italy and the Low Countreyes a horrid cruel engine which did reach to prevent the smallest glancings of the truth 7. The French Massacre where not only the Admiral but most of the considerable Protestants vvere through all France in a few dayes cut off O vvould not this seem an irrecoverable stroke together with that
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
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
preacher of the Gospel to his death Galeacaeus Garracceolus an Italian Marquesse of great place and estate in the World was so taken by the hearâ— with one word in hearing Peter Martyr as made him quite not only all his hopes of preferment a most pleasant place as was in the earth and a great inheritance but to go over the belly of the most pressing intreaties and insinuations of his friends the weeping cryes of his Lady and Children and go to a strange place quiting all that he might preserve his conscience and enjoy fellowship with the Church O what a solemn witnes was this to the truth and of the conquering power of Christ And in a word what a marvellous thing was it that poor Luther against whom so much of the World was aloft with greatest rage and violence should yet live to an old age and go to the grave in peace And truely the Spirit and appearance of this great and fâ—â—st witnes to the truth might be a convincing evidence that the Lord was then to raise up a People to himselfe in whom he would be glorified by an active testimony as well as by suffering Besides these instances I would here mention some remarkable providences worthy indeed to be observed though they are little knowen to the World which we may say doth not only witnes the power of God but are a convincing seal to his truth and the Churches Reformation in these last times It is a remarkable passage which worthy Mr Forbes sets down under his hand whilest he was banished for the truth whose words are these In the year 1607. being at Ruan in France and meeting with Monsieur 〈◊〉 that auncient and famous divine and then Pastor of the Reformed Church in that city he had from him this following relation After the close of the Councel of Trent in the time of Pius the V. there was a consultation in Italy by the Pope and Cardinals for an utter extirpation of the Reformed Churches in Europe and to this end every Prince of the Romish Religion had a certain part designed where this great project should be put in practice The death of Pius the V. hindred a present prosecuting of this design And his successor Gregorius XIII did suffer it to ly dead having no heart that way and so until that time of Clemens VIII it was not revived but then this bloody resolution was of new ratified by him and his Cardinals under their hands and seals the onely difficulty was in this to find a fit and trusty person whom they should make use of to the Princes of the Romish Religion for engadgeing them to subscrive the said ordinance and set about the execution thereof At length a Gentleman of good parts near in blood to the Cardinal Baronius is choised which to him was a matter of much grief and sorrow for unknown to them he was of the Reformed Religion but this grief in his countenance and carriage put his friends who observed the same to strange thoughts and so much the more that he did expresly declare to some of these who asked thereanent that what to them seemed a cause of rejoycing was to him a just occasion of grief yet at last finding his haâ—ard upon a bitter challenge from the foresaid Cardinal who had heard thereof he judged it his wisdome to dissemble shewing him his unsuitablenes to so great an employment could not but be ground of trouble and fear and so was someway forced to engadge getting his commissions the decree of the Conclave with letters to the foresaid Princes sealed and subscribed But lo whilest this poor Gentleman is on his journey having found wayes to free himself of his servants and other company his spirit was in great perplexity betwixt these two grievous temptations either to be instrument of utter ruin to the truth and Churches of Christ or forsake his countrey inheritance and all he had in the World upon which he resolved to retire himself out of the high way to an obscure village where for three dayes he gave himself to fasting and prayer for direction and resolution from the Lord and after this had his heart so strengthned against the care of his wordly estate that he resolved to forsake all and to reveal this bloody conspiracy to the Churches of Christ and cast himself on Gods hand for his future estate so that he turned his face from Spain and took journey to France and to Paris where at that time remained the sister of Henry the IIII. a Religions Princesse afterwards Dutchesse of Lorraine to whom the foresaid Monsieur Figureus was her preacher and unto him made his addresse though after divers refusals of admission upon suspicion shewing him the whole bussines and delivered the sealed decree with his letters of coâ—â—mission for that effect and did likewise shew him who was then astonished at such a wonderful providence of God in fostering some of his own Children in the midst of Babylon and that to so comfortable an use for his Churches safety that there were many others in Italy yea in Rome it self of the Reformed Religion who had their secret meetings and even Gregory the XIII before his advancement to the Papacy was throughly clear thereanent in his judgement whereof he gave him divers evidences This foresaid relation did so affect Mr Forbes that he shewed his marvellous desire to see that man who had done so worthy and gracious a work for the glory of God and good of his Church and by a recommendation from Mousieur Figureus he did afterwards go of set â—â—â—pose to that place taking the first opportunity for Heâ—delberg where this Gentleman was then retired for his further security and honourably entertaind by that Prince where he sheweth that he saw him and from his own mouth received the assurance of this former narration to his great satisfaction and comfort This is the very suâ—me which I have here set down and truely â—â—â—scribed off the principale which I had beside me both written and subscribed by Mr Forbes his own hand A remarkable providence I shall also here set down which did tryst with some very convincing circumstances at the Parliament 1621. at their bringing in of Popish Geremonies upon the Church which was then a sad step of the lands defection from the truth contraire to their engadgements whilest the faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ at that time did with greatest seriousnes and freedome obtest and warn these who were in power alace that now there is litle of such a Spirit appearing that they would not to please men corrupt the Worship of God but the speat being violent it did at last resolve in a Law at which very time whilest the Kings Commissioner did rise from the throne to ratify this woeful act by the touch of the Scepter was even in this moment of that ratification trysted by the God of Heaven with an extraordinary lightning and very unusual great claps of thunder and these
last dayes it vvould be of great use and profit to the Church that some more fitly qualified vvould study a more large collection of this kinde O that this might go forth vvith a blessing from him vvho by the meanest things can serve himself promote the ediâ—icaaion of his Church and that the Lord vvould raise some up vvith much of his Spirit to make a further search and enquiry in this great and vveiguty truth ERRATA PAge 12 Line 1 for very read every pag. 45 lin 2 for ate r. are p. 77 lin 10 for securitly r. sccurity p. 90 lin 18. for were r. where pag. 94 lin 13 for plaines r. plainness p. 105 liu 26 for most r. must p. 167 lin 9 for hash r. harsh p. 185 len 3 for therefore r. thereof p. 108 lin 1. for Alba r. Alva pag. 214 lin 25. for cruches r crutches pag. 217 lin 11 for III r. 2. p. 220 lin 1 for IV r. III. p. 255 l. 31 for petioned r. petitioned p. 285 lin 11 for observation r. observable Other such fmaller escapes as one letter for another or wrong pointing will not hinder an intelligent Reader The fulfilling of the SCRIPTURE THere are two meanes by which the blessed Majesty of God hath chosen to reveal himself to the sons of men his Word and his Works which may be called these two great Luminaries for giving light to the Church though the one be greater I mean doth more clearly shine forth yea doth communicate light to the other these men must not divide which by so strait a tye the Lord hath joyned and by a mervellous correspondence hath set the one over against the other that it may be easy to see his faithfulnes and the accomplishment of the Scripture therein and indeed this is a great concerning truth that calleth for a serious study the solid persuasion of which should affoord a svveet ground of repose and rest for the soul though the earth were all in a combustion ronnd about and give a satisfying answer to our most sollicitous thoughts and feares Now this being the intended subject of the following discourse I shall first touch it a little in the general and then hold forth some more particular grounds whence it may be clearly demonstrated I. That the Scripture of God hath a certain accomplishment here in the World and what is to be understood by the same I shall endeavour to clear in these things which would be considered 1. This is the very unfolding of the Lords decree and secret purpose the bringing forth of his work now within time to the view of Angels and Men which was before him in the deep of his thoughts and counsel from eternity it is an opening up of the sealed book which we must not understand to be that secret roll of election and the book of life wherein the names of the elect are writ but Liber fatidicus the sealed book of Gods dispensations in the World shewing out his counsels and designes which should be brought forth in the after ages of time for as the Lord did fully comprehend what he was to do and all that was to befal his Church and People from the beginning to the end long long before there was a beginning before the mountaines were formed so hath he copyed and written out his heart in the Word hereanent wherein he hath most plainly shewed forth what were his blessed purposes and counsel of old and thus the thoughts of his heart his Word and his works do sweetly aggree and each one wonderfully answers to another for his work doth bring forth and accomplish his Word that his decree and counsel from all eternity may take place 2. The Scriptures accomplishment is the transcript and writing of it over in providence where we may see and admire how the Word doth shine upon all the pathes and footsteps of the Lord toward his Church in every age and gives light to the same and what an evident reflection his work hath again upon the Word so that through the whole series and course of providence in the earth we have a most exact portraicture and image of the Scripture answering one to another as face answers to face in the glasse where it may be easy to discern the copy by the principale and that resemblance which is betwixt the building and that excellent pattern and model which is held forth thereof in the Word 3. The accomplishment of the Scripture is the very turning that which was the object of our faith and contemplation to be the object of our sense and feeling it is the real birth and bringing forth these truths unto the World in their appointed time and season concerning the Church and particular Christians which were hid in that womb of the promise and many dark predictions of the Word it is such a thing as giveth the promises and Prophecyes a visible being yea bringeth truth so near within the reach of our senses that we may even touch as it were and handle the Words of life O what an excellent interpreter is experience Tast and see for thus the serious Christian getteth a view of the Scripture and spiritual things which the most subtil and piercing eye of unsanctified Schoolmen cannot reach yea by the practice of truth nearnes to God ahd retiring of the soul to him hath oft got more light in ane houre then others by many dayes putting their judgement and invention upon the rack 4. This is Gods own seale which he pntteth to the Word to confirm and ratify the same I do not only mean that secret seale of the Spirit within but something more external that solemn testimony of his workes whereby he doth every day appeal mens consciences anent his truth for his works are very manifest whereon there is so clear an ingravening of his truth and faithfulness that as the impresse and image of the seal is upon the wax men may also see whose superscription and image that is which doth appear on such and such passages of providences 5. This is something we are not to seek onely in the extraordinary acts of providence or in any singular and eminent path of a christian experience nay it doth shine forth in the smallest and most casual things that falls out yea in every Page of that great Volumn of providence may be clearly read 6. The Scriptures accomplishment is such a thing as concerns every Christian in his personal case to which his ordinary experience doth relate whereof these have a large register what of the Word hath been certainly proven in the several steps and changes of their life whose practice doth much ly betwixt improvement of the Word and observation how it is fulfilled such can witnes how under a spiritual decay to be carnally minded is death and when it s well that great peace they have who love Gods Law they have oft found that in a strait he is a very present help and in the way
of duty that its surely good to draw near to him and in the close of their life can from many remarkable and convincing providences declare the truth and faithfulnes of God and truely whilst I speak here of the Christians experience I think its sad and a great short coming that there is not a more serious improvement of it for this end which is a very concerning duty on such who have tasted that the Lord is gracious O what an excellent addition would this be to their testament when they are to leave the World to leave a testimony behinde them to the faithfulnes of God in his Word and promise and thus put their seale to the same from what they have oft proven by sure experience for this should prove a singular help to strengthen others and spread abroad the fame and good report of religion yea thus one generation should declare the works of the Lord to another and transmit the memory of his goodnes to succeding ages 7. This is something which not only the Christians experience doth witnes and in every time take place but hath also a peculiar reference to these ages and periods of times wherein such particular truths should have their accomplishment for its true that the Prophets of old did not onely in their predictions hold forth in general the truth and certainty of these things which should fall out but they also inquired and searched diligently anent the time to what or what manner of time the Spirit by them did point at 1 Pet. 1 11. For it s truely clear that a piece of the Word was under the Law to have its peculiar accomplishment that part of it also under the Messias Kingdome in the dayes of the gospel should be fulfilled and we find a very concerning part thereof belongs to thir latter times and there is betwixt such periods of time and revolution of the Churches case and the bringing forth of such a piece of the Scripture to a performance a very certain and undoubted connection It s true we do not yet well understand which will be one of the last manifestations the Church shall have at the end of time when the mystery of God is finished how to sort the event exactly to the Word but it is sure and were worthy of our study and observation how every age hath something of the Scripture peculiar thereto yea carrieth forward the Lords work and design a further step may we not see how one age fulfilleth such a piece of the Churches sufferings appointed for her and puts some great tryal and sad persecution over her head which she was to meet with whilst an other age carrieth her thorow an other change and giveth her a time of rest and breathing how such a time bringeth Antichrist fordward to his hight and such a following age begins the turn of the Churches case yea every several period and revolution of time still addeth something to that excellent history of the Word and providence which we have since the beginning and bringeth forth something further into the world of the Lords counsel and design about his Church 8. The accomplishing of the Scripture is such a thing we are to look after in a special way here which concerns this militant and traveling condition of the Church for if the Scriptures were once fully accomplished and the great mystery of God therein finished there were then nothing more to doe his work of providence were at an end and time should be no more this is something that is not here perfected at once but is still gradually carrying on and then shall be compleat at the resurrection of the just and second coming of the Lord which is the last part of Canonick Scripture to be made out when both his work and his word and time shall be all finished together but whill the sainets are yet by the way they have the written word and all these pretious promises therein for present use and encouragement for that is its proper work to take them safe thorow this labyrinth of the world and when it hath brought them to land it hath no more to doe there will be then no more need for a Christian to goe to a promise and adventure upon it we shall then no more watch with the watchmen in a dark and stormy night and hope for the breaking of the day faith then shall not be at a stand how such a word shall be made out because of invincible difficulties in its way no then it hath done its worke and that which is written shall be swallowed up in that which is seen and enjoyed all the streames of our encouragement will then lose themselves in a greater depth O then it s finished and done what all the promises prophecies and threatnings of the Word was bringing forth and then no more need of something as a pledge and earnest in hand to them who have the full possession of the inheritance under whose feet the God of peace hath trod Satan and all their enemies 9. I shall adde this the accomplishment of the Scripture is something which is not onely demonstrat to a Christian by sensible influences and Gods Secret working with his Spirit but is made out to the observation of men in the way of providence and not onely witnessed by that internal evidence of the Spirit but by an external testimony which both rationally holdeth this out to the judgement and sensibly to the sight and experience and this is the strongest and most full of all outward evidences since the world must shut their eyes if they do not see it and a Christian must deny what he both seeth and feeleth if he deny a witnes to this II. We would consider the accomplishment of the Scripture as that which is the Lords peculiar work and design in the World and that great bussines which is upon the wheels of providence amidst the various changes and revolutions which are here within time for bringing about whereof the blessed thoughts of his heart are fixed and unalterable This is indeed a grave and serious truth worthy to be more noticed and laid to heart by men that the glorious providence of God which goeth throughout the earth and doth particularly reach all things which come to passe the smallest as well as the greatest intrests of men in all these doth move certainly and infallibly for the accomplishing of the Scripture which is that great thing God hath before his eyes for it is no personal intrests of men how great so ever they be that can answer this end it is something beyond the Setting up of Kings or overturning Kingdomes and nations that he doth minde amidst these varions changes which are in the World it s some greater thing then that which we most notice the Lord thereby designes how such a party is advanced and others brought low for these things come within the reach of his care and providence in so far as the
the enemyes of his Church if the dust of the ground should arise down they must come how many great designs of men hath this blessed design that the counsel of the Lord may stand crusht and broken so that their work and counsel hath been as the Spiders web when it stood crosse to this end the godly need not fear that he be not a present help in time of trouble for he will keep his word herein though the Earth should be overturned and the Mountaines cast into the midst of the Sea O who hath resisted his counsel What are all these vicissitudes and changes here in the World But making way for the Scriptures accomplishment with what desire doth he move towards this end So that as in Zachary 6 v. 8. the instruments by him appointed for executing his judgement and the threatnings of the Word it s said they have quieted his Spirit his decrees are mountaines of brasse which are unchangeable the thoughts of his heart take place in all generations therefore the Word Which is gone forth out of his mouth shall not return in vain but the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand III. The accomplishment of the Scripture is a truth very clear and manifest whereof none can pretend ignorance if they doe not shut their eyes and force their own light from the fear of such a discovery for the obstruction doth notâ—ly in the darknes of the obiect or that men cannot see this since we have it so clearly held forth in great and legible charecters nay we must say the cause is culpable there is much of the will in it which renders such ane ignorance without excuse O that this should be so little lookt after a matter of such near and weighty concernment when there needs not an other demonstration but come and see the works of the Lord through the earth for he hath here so far condiscended to his People to bring the truth near that they even feel and grip the same yea doth in a manner say to every one as to Thomas put in your bands touch the Word and truth thereof and be no longer faithles tast but and see that the Lord is good and that he is true in what he hath spoken We are indeed to look after a more clear and full discovery of this truth the nearer the Church is to the end of time there is a labyrinth as it were of turnings and windings through which we may see the Word oft brought so as we lose sight thereof and are ready to stagger anent its performance but it s as true that the most eminent confirmations the saints ever had of this truth hath been after greatest shakings thereanent yea the Lord hath in all ages so visibly sealed his Word by its performance that we may say can he be a Christian and a stranger to this in his experience and a serious on-looker on providence and the dispensations of the time wherein he lives and a stranger to it in his observation yea can any be so wholly brutish not to discern a thing so clear that oftimes these who run may read But to speak a little more to this I shall here point at some things that may shew how manifest this truth is 1. Is it not very clear which we see very day brings to light A truth so conspicuous both in Gods ordinary way with his Church and in the several steps and passages of a Christians life For these mercies which bring the Word and promise to passe are new every morning and cry aloud if we could hear great is his faithfulnesâ— this is indeed tryed and needs there more to convince a blind man that his sight is restored to him but that he certainly seeth sure they never wanted confirmations here who do but serviously seek to be confirmed 2. Is it not a clear truth which not onely is found upon the exactest tryal but is witnessed by such who ever tryed it in their most pressing straits and extremity for it s in the darkest night this truth hath most brightly shined and these more remarkable ventorious acts of faith have they not still brought forth most convincing experiments thereanent We may say there is none can give a better account of the performance of the Word then these who against hope have beleeved in hope that this never made them ashamed 3. Is it not also clear whereof there are such solemn extraordinary comfirmations in all ages For that his name is near his wondrous works declare I am sure no time could ever deny its witnes how by great convincing providences both of judgement and mercy it hath been so sealed as hath forced Atheists to keep Silence no time wherein the Church had not cause to erect a pillar and engrave thereon We have seen with our eyes the great and wondrous works of the Lord by which he hath witnessed the truth of his Word 4. Is it not a manifest truth which even in the most strange and dark footsteps of providence so clearly shineth forth these which at the first look are an astonishment and hard to be understood yet after most clearly verify the Scripture that whilst the Lords way goeth out of our sight yea out of the ordinary road of his working through a labyrinth of turnings and crosse dispensations yet at length it doth evidently clear and dissintangle it selfe which men may oft see break forth as the sun out of a dark cloud that shiueth the more brightly the more it was obscured 5. Is it not very clear which can be demonstrated by such visible effects in these great changes of the World For the fulfilling of the Scripture is not a thing hid in a corner but oft published in the house tops that men may see legibly written upon Kingdomes and nations the desolate ruines and devaâ—â—ation of cities houses great and fair which are made to be without inhabitants so as these who go by may clearly read the cause and bear that witnes Lothereis sin visibly punished according to the Word 6. How clear is this which we have so evidently drawen out and acted over in a Christian walk For what else is the spiritual conversation of such these visible effects and evidences of the grace of God all along a Christians way but a visible convincing witnes to the performance of the word Hath not such a very audible Echo and resound to that which is the great drift and Scope of the Scripture where men may see the bible turnd over into a practical history written forth and acted on the heart and conversation of the saints as on a stage or theatre the Word living speaking moving and clearly diffusing it selfe through all the veines as it were and conduits of a Christians life so that if the truth and reality of the grace of God be a thing manifest and unquestionable we must also see therein the reall performance of the Scripture 7. I shall adde we may
Christ who have rather choifed sin then affliction O is it not They judge the testimony of the God of truth is not sufficient security to carry them through such a strait and are not fully perswaded that it must come to passe what he hath promised for if this were they should reckon it their greatest safety to embarque their interest on so sure a ground and with much quietnes repose their soul and disburthen their care by putting it over on the Word 6. What doth the frequent discouragement and unconfortable walk of the People of God speak forth doth it not witnes how litle they are in earnest with this great truth of the Scriptures accomplishment or establisht thereanent What meaneth these distrustful feares and perplexed complaints if their eyes be but open to know they have such a well as the promise of God at their hand hovv is it that the smallest straites are so puzling and ready to out wit them that they so usually stumble at the crosse And as things from without doe appear their eucouragement made to ebb and flow Is not here the cause That they stagger at the promise whilst probabilities in some visible way doth not go along for its performance It s truely easy to have some sweet notions of faith at a distance but whilst the tryal comes near upon such a closse approach that there is not an other way but to put the whole stresse of their particular interest on the Word and on it alone many are then at a stand because they are not throughly assured that though the earth should be overturned there is an absolut necessity for the promise of God to take place Now from these things may it not appear that this grave truth of the Scriptures accomplishment is but little known or studyed I confesse we may think on it with astonishment how a matter so nearly concerning is not more our work there are indeed many things vvorthy to be knopvvn but our short life can scarce allovv time or give leasure for the study thereof but O this thongh vve had only 2 dayes to live I think might require the one to be sure and persvvaded anent the truth of that vvhereon our heaven and eternal blessednesse lyeth to vvhich vve must lay the dead grip vvhen vve are in the passage at that strange step betvvixt time and eternity O vvhat a vvonder hovv rational souls vvho vvalke on the border of the greatest hope and fear imaginable can yet be so unconcerned thereanent such serious thoughts might force men to retire and go sit alone and truely these things gravely considered may seem strange and hard to reconcile 1. That there is such a thing as the very Word and Testimony of God this day upon record vvherevvith vve have so much to doe vvhich doth offer it self to mens tryal and exactest search and yet vve put it so little to that touchstone that vve may knovv it upon an other account then report or hear-say 2. Hovv in a matter of such high importance as salvation through all eternity and the ground of this hope me â— should take the truth on an implicit faith or satisâ—y themselves with a common assent thereto as though it vvere enough to vvitnes our beleeving the same because vve did never doubt or call it in question I am sure men vvould not be so lax and so easy to satisfy in the most common interest they have here in the World 3. Hovv can men render to others a reason of their hope vvhen it is enquired vvho did never ask a reason of this at themselves or vvill these seale the truth vvith their blood who never had it sealed upon their heart by experierrce 4. Wence is it that men can have comfort in Scripture who are not well grounded in the faith thereof Indeed these who are solidly perswaded anent the truth and its certain outmaking may have much joy and peace whilst they know the ground of their confidence can bear up any stresse or burden they lay upon it and for what end did the Lord witnes the certainty of his Word by two immutable things wherein its impossible for him to lie but that from so sure and strong a ground his People might have strong consolation 5. How can any think to adventure their immortal soul upon that whereon they fear to venture an outward interest or put over their dearest things in his hand and keeping who could never say they know in whom they beleeved 6. May it not seem strange that men can beleeve a certain performance of the Word and promises and not be more deeply affected therewith O is this true shall it surely come to passe and not one jot thereof fall to the ground and should it not cause us awake in the night and bear us more company Ought we not to think our selves at a losse that day wherein we take not a turn in the meditation of divine truth if we be sure that these must take place 7. I would adde if this be indeed the Scripture of God which surely hath an accomplishment O how are we so little Christians Why doth mens walk so sadly jarr with so great an hope What manner of persons should these be that are perswaded within a little these heavens must passe away as a scoll the elements melt with â—ervent heat and the earth be burnt up I think if this will not presse home on men to be serious and diligent they must be in a very sad lethargie V. The accomplishment of the Scripture is a most clear and undenyable witnes of its Divinity that it is his Word who is not like man to ly or the son of man to repent and hath this as its distinguishing character that not one syllable thereof falls to the ground This is the undoubted priviledge of God and of him alone to forsee things contingent which are many ages after to fall out and hath no dependance upon necessary and natural causes and truely this may be a convincing argument yea we may say of all external testimonies is the greatest but its strange to think what a generation there is who can sport at the Scripture and question the truth thereof who yet did never once seriously enquire if such a thing be true else so clear a witne might stare them in the face such a party we should look on with compassion it s also sad to think at how poor a rate far below their allowance many of the Saints doe here live because there is so little of that excellent and more noble Spirit to search the Scripture for their further comfort and establishment thereby It is true this blessed record doth bear witnes to it self and is knowen by its own light whereon there is such a visible impresse of the glorious God such convincing marks of its true discent as may throughly shew whose it is and how far it exceeds all humane invention and thus by a clear manifestation of the truth
favour and respect even from the worst then when they studied most to please them in a sinful way 12. That they never savv more clearly the gain and real advantage of Godlines and vvhat a difference there is betvvixt these that serve God and these that serve him not as in a time of trouble and strait hovv then tendernes in their former vvalk and that vvhich they entertained in the morning doth novv meet them at night and pay them home vvith advantage in ane houre of temptation 13. They vvere forced to observe that there vvas an invisible guard about his People in their duty that the ministry of the Angels tovvards such is no delusion and thar they have oft been made to vvonder hoâ— hazard vvithin an hairbreadth hath been prevented relief and help come as betvvixt the bridge and the vvater hovv they have been sensibly preserved amidst greatest dangers while as it were an inhibition hath been served upon these that they should come near but not hurt and only mett with them that they might read their preservation from them 14. That an enlarged heart doth meet with an enlarged allowance and bearing burthen with others of the People of God hath helped to make their own privat burthen the lighter 15. That real godlines and religion hath as much in hand as it may be a reward to its self which beautifieth the soul and maketh the face and conversation to shine with an observable lustre that guardeth and preserveth the heart from many vexing crosses preventeth sad stroakes and sorrowes that others are pierced with who will follow their idols and the wayes of sin which are bitter in the close In a word this is surely found that God is the best friend and when there is peace with him things without doe not offend but they shall then understand what it is to be in league with the beasts of the field and stones of the ground having a sweet aggreement with all the providences and dispensations that come in their way V. That the scripture threatnings have also a certain aceomplishment are found to be sad earnest do not fall to the ground the Christian can also seal from his experience It is not here to be understood the threatnings of wrath from which beleevers are freed in Christ but of a fatherly displeasure which because of sin may draw deep yea bring forth very dreadful effects to witnes rhat it is an evil bitter thing to depart from God that their own doings shall chastise them these threatnings of the Covenant if thy children for sake my law I will punish their transgressions with rods c. Ps 89 ver 30. are sure truths which want not in every time a performance To clear this ere I speak any thing particularly I would premit somethings to be considered 1. That the word is a perpetual rule which in every time must take place and though affliction is a peece of the common misery of man yet doth it not arise out of the dust neither fall out at an adventure but doth oft visibly follow the tract of sin as a slouth-hound pointing at such evils as the cause by the stroak at the truth and fulfilling of the threatnings written upon both 2. We should adore his soveraignty whose way both in the measure and manner of his peoples chastisement is so various as that none can infallibly conclude what he is to do in such a case I mean we are not to limit the Lord to such a way and method in his working yet this we may assert and firmly conclude that not only the threatnings of the word have a performance but men may also have even before hand some more then probable conjecture yea a clear discovery what such a case doth threaten what will be the issue of a sinful course by considering the Lords ordinary procedure both with themselves and others how sin hath very â—â—d effects and his way in all ages is still uniforme agreeing with its selfe with the word 3. Though a gracious state doth surely priviledge from wrath and condemnation yet not from affliction sad stroaks of divine anger because of sin for he taketh vengeance on mens inventions even when he will spare the inventors 4. The Lord doth oft contend with his people for their folly and miscarriages more severely then with others will not let passe in them that which he passeth by in the world without being a reprover but when light and love and the law â—â—ll not hedge in their way he will set briars and thornes before them yea speak by chastisement upon their bones to withdraw men from their purpose 5. It is known how very deep the holy anger of God may draw against his children even sometimes to pursue them out of the land of the living and follow them to the grave with some remarkable stroak yea it hath made them dreadful examples of judgment in this life for whom he hath accepted an eternal sacrifice in Christ 6. I shall adde this is the Lords blessed end in making out his threatnings against his people that they should not perish with the worâ—â— O what a blest exchange is it that the flaming sword which once stood to guard the tree of life doth now stand as it were in the way of the saincts to keep them from running into the pathes of death Having premitted these things I shall now instance some particular evils wherewith the godly are ready to be overtaken which the word doth expresly threaten and hold forth the hazard of both as to outward and spiritual stroakes and give in here the Christians witnes from their experience in all ages of the truth of these threatnings FIRST Securitly carnal confidence which we finde the word doth threaten is an evil wherewith Christians are ready to be overtaken but they do also know by sad experience what bitter fruit this doth bring forth and that therein the word falleth not to the ground whilest from frequent tryal they finde First that a secure condition is the usual forerunner of some sad change that when they are most at ease in a dul and dead temper of spirit some sharp rousing dispensation is upon the back of it either a grosse sin or a searching crosse as a thorn in the bed of their security to put them to their feeâ— Hos 7 9 12. Hos 2 8 9. 2 That seldom reckoning with the conscience the running on of counts for sometime upon their hand doth ravel their case unto a sad confusion maketh it a bitter and heartlesse work to retire alone or within themselves yeâ— hath a most direct tendency to a further hardening real upgiving with their dnty 3. That when security deadnes groweth within it qnickly maketh them dry up wither without in the external performance of duty in that vigorous lively appearance which did formetly lustre their walk carriage before others so as very by
they should have deceived the very elect 9. I must adde this further witnes to the marvellous preservation of the Church which in an ordinary way could not come to passe that we find no other party was ever brought so low and near death to be yet alive the knife was once at the Churches throat in Isaack she did seek to adopt a bound-womans sonne in stead of a lawful heir when Abraham agreed to Sara's overture for the outmaking of the promise how near exspiring doe we finde her in Egypt when a sentence to destroy all her male issue was gone forth Yea what but a miracle could have preserved her when she was betwixt Pharaoh and the red sea How low was the Church in the wildernes and after in the dayes of the captivity even broken to pieces with small appearance of life when her face was all blurred with weeping and her enemyes made sport over her ruines at the rivers of Babylon when the Children of Edom cryed out let us raze her even to the foundation Yea could the Church be nearer the grave then when her bones were scattered at the graves mouth bnt above all in that dark night when her head and shepheard was smitten and her hope seemed to be buried in the grave with a stone put upon it when shee could get no entertainment among the Jewes was wounded in the house of her friends and the Gentils in wrath rose up against her that for some hundred Yeares the great Empire which had trod down all the nations about put forth the outmost of power and malice for her undoing O who could have thought the Church should outlive this Yea after all we finde her tost and hurried by Antichrist into the wildernes an adversary more cruel then any that had gone before where the Dragon watcht to get her destroyed but how in all these and through that long dark night she hath continued and marvellously flowrished as the palm tree under her greatest weights so that we cannot but see that which her enemies being judges will not deny that this promise to the Church of her preservation is this day fulfilled yea that it hath not in an ordinary way been brought about surely there is no inchantment against Iacob nor divination against Israel all her enemyes have been found lyers happy art thou above other People for the eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are everlasting armes else long since she should have been swallowed up may we not still say with astonishement O what hath God wrought in her behalfe SECOND Promise Which I shall here instance that God had made to his Church in the Word Of her increase and enlargement that the Earth should be covered with the knowledge of God as the sea of water and her seed be as the stars of Heaven that her bounds should be from the sea to the utmost rivers which was promised to Christ in the behalfe of his Church and that shee should possesse the gates of her enemyes Psal 89 v. 25. Psal 2 v. 8 Ifa 42 v. 4. Isa 54 v. As this promâ—â—â— is expresse in the Scripture we must say it is no lesse clear and evident in its accomplishment that surely the Lord hath keept his Word whereto the event doth most exactly answer and though yet it be not to the full made out I am sure there is so much at this day manifest considering the former condition of the Church as undenyably proveth the fulfilling of the formentioned promise which even to the conviction of greatest Atheists may be demonstrat from these grounds 1. That vast extent which the Kingdome of Christ hath had in the World for this cannot be denyed that the greatest Empire or Monarchy could never so faâ— extend their conquest as the Church hath done since the wall of partition was taken down short are the limits of the Grecian and Roman Empire considered with this whose bounds have been the ends and uttermost parts of the Earth where neither Greece or Rome did ever set up their Trophees hath not the Gospel as the sun made its circuit from the East to the West Yea crossed the seas to the dark northern nations thus fulfilling its course in order to its return again to the place of its first rising that it may as we are sure it shall once visit the Jewes again and the eastern places of the World that now are buried in a night of darknes which I think will be as sure a presage of the break of day and second coming of the Lord as the morning Star is to the World of the Suns accomplishing its course and that it is returning again to the East were it should rise hath not the Gospel now been through Asia where it did not tarry for a night for many flowriâ—hing Churches were there and the going back of the tyde from thence was its flowing to another part of the World which is indeed observable of the Church as it is of the sea that what it hath losed in one part it hath gained in another did the vast distance of Africk its great barren deserts or scorching heat hinder the Gospels making a visit thither so as it was once a fertil soyle and brought forth many famous lights yea something yet doth both there and in the East parts of the World remain to shew the Gospel was â—ruely in these places and hath Europe though last been least on this account Yea what do mean the late discoveries of unknown parts of the Earth but to make way for a more full performance of this promise that the Gospel might stretch its conquest over the line which surely was the gold and treasure Christ designd from thence that even America might have her day also and the voice of the turtle be heard in these lands 2. Not only the large extent of the Church as to its bounds doth witnes this but also the great and numerous ofspring of Sons Daughters which in these parts where the Gospel hath been were brought forth to Christ for we may say what Iohn saw in vision hath been very manifest to after ages an innumerable company of all Tongues Nations and Languages of whom it could be said these are born in Zion O how great a harvest of the Nations is even already gathered What a fleece hath every particular Church cast What a marvellous increase hath been in some places after special tydes of the Gospel May we not say that truth is now beyond debate that out of one and him not onely as good as dead but truely dead there hath come forth as the sand of the sea and Stars of Heaven in number the Church hath inherited Josephs blessing of the womb and the breasts in a fruitful ofspring the dew of Christs youth hath been as the womb of the morning O what a marvellous and goodly company will this once be when gathered together Then will the performance of these pretious promises be fully manifested 3.
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
determined upon thy people and city Jerusalem 3. Have not the Saints under a long trouble been almost the length of blasphemy in their complaints Isa 40 ver 27. My way is had from the Lord and my judgement past over from my God Daniel how pressing with the Lord was he that he would hearken and do and not defer and yet the return cometh not until the first year of Cyrus yea that cry of the fouls under the Altar How long doth it not even get a dilatory answer for thus the Lord doth oft interpose his long suffering for some time betwixt his hearing of his people and avenging of them 4. It is also clear that there are many prayers before the throne the return whereof is suspended and an answer to Christians in their particular until that time when God shall build up Zion and then the prayer of the destitute shall be remembred even as to Christians privat enlargement when the Church shall be raised up 5. We know the Churches enemyes must have time to ripen and it is not a storm of a few dayes that will purge away the filth of the Daughter of Zion too soon letting out of a sore may cause it undercot and gather new matter and truely the word can resolve us in this that one minut sooner then Gods time would not be his peoples mercy 8. It is oft seen when there is some remarkable work of God on foott in a land and some great outpowring of the spirit how Sathan setteth up some usual counterfeit thereof and bringeth forth something of his work in such a time with a very strange resemblance of the same thus with the preaching of the freedome of grace and a clear discovery of that truth did Libertinisme under a very specious pretext spring up Thus we find the Anabaptist and Antinomian party set up in Germany to run down a Church-reformation under the shew of a more pure and spiritual way and of late did not Familisme in England and new England under pretext of a more spiritual dispensation cast off the very letter of the Scripture turning it over in an Allegory and in behalf of the liberty of prophesying cry down a standing ministry but though this may seem strange yet the Scripture is very clear concerning it 1. That even Sathan himself is transformed into an Angel of light and in no shape proveth more dangerous to the Church 2. That the most dreadful errours and a false way will oft come near to the choisest exercises of the saints and have such a resemblance to the same that if it were possible the very elect should be deceived 3. Was there not a Simon Magus with false miracles set up over against the Apostles and when the time of the Messias drew near did not then a Theudas and Judas of Galilee break forth to amuse the people We find also an altar from Damascus set up beside that which was shewed to Moses the Servant of the Lord in the mount yea when Moses and Aaron was giving Pharaoh a sign did shew forth the marvellous power of God then did the Magicians cast doun their rod also to counterfeit the same by which the heart of Pharaoh was hardned 9. The abounding so much of errour and heresie now in the times of the gospel with that swift grouth thereof which is oft seen where the light most clearly shineth would seem strange yea is a thing whereat many are ready to stumble and thus to challenge the way of God But is not the Scripture in this clearly verifyed so that this piece of providence which is so shaking to many if we take the word along with it might be a very convincing confirmation to us of the same for 1. We find the Apostles yea Christ himself hath given expresse vvarning thereof that this should be one of the special and greatest tryals of the Christian Church vvhereof the Old Testament vve find doth litle mention that tryal not concerning the Church then so much as these after-times under the Messias Kingdome wherein the event may be clearly seen to ansvver these predictions vvhich are so frequent thereof in the Nevv Testament 2. Doth not the event also ansvver the vvord as to that particular vvay and method hovv errour should be propagated which is there clearly foretold by subtil undermining under the pretext of liberty with plausible insinuations so that we must say not only the matter but with all these discernable tokens even upon the manner the word is made out 3. Doe we not find this should be judgement on men who receive not the love of the truth and that after flourishing times of the Church when he who rideth on the white horse is gone forth the black horse and his rider doth quickly follow and truely it is seen that in the time of hottest persecution the Church hath not been so much troubled with this adversary as when she did begin to get rest and most of outward liberty nor yet so at the first breaking up of the Gospel as after some time of its continuance 4. Doth not the event likewise thus answer the word that in the breaking out of heresy in the Church a spirit of errour the dephts and mighty working of Satan should be seen which I am sure is undenyable how manifest the interposing of these powers of darknes is therein if we consider 1. It s marvellous dispatch and grouth like a plague and the arrow that flieth by day 2. With what a discernable fury and violence men are thus driven as with an impetuous current yea oft a change on their very natural temper is seen most evidently 3. These monstrous and horrid things which are oft brought forth may shew whose hand is in such a birth 4. That usual tendency that at last errour hath to loosness in practice which as it poisoneth the spring and corrupteth the leading faculty the judgement so we see it moveth towards the vital spirits and doth influence the conversation and thus the leprosy in the head breaketh forth in blaines through the whole body 5. And doe we not see how many grosse and profane have been carried with this spate how few get leave to stand but are still carryed from one step to another and it is clear the world did never put out its rage so much against that way as it hath done against the truth except when some outward interest maketh it a quarrel 10. These great shakings and commotions that use to attend the Gospel when it cometh in power to a land may also seem strange yea is ready to make many stumble But is not the word verified herein what great stirs and trouble did tryst the the Church after great light in powring out of the spirit Ioell 2 ver 29. we may there likewayes see how this giveth the World an Alarum maketh the Kings and great men of the earth run together to hinder the rising of Christs Kingdome Psal 2 ver 3. let us
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
upon the waters should make them appear as blood to the Children of Moab But we see what great things the Lord is thus bringing about 3. Is it not oft manifest how not the smallest casuality or circumstance providence doth losse without some improvment thereof yea that it guideth the stroke of mans sword in the battel and directeth the bullet to its appointed mark and it doth evidently check the starres and control that fatal necessity which we are ready to fear may or will follow their aspect and it doth even determine these which in themselves are most free and absolute the heart and wil of man must not the crowing of the cock the foldiers dividing of Christs garments fall out for an accomplishment of the Scripture and though it was at a venture that that man drew the bow which sent Ahab to his grave yet it was no chance did direct the arrow between the very joynts of his armour 4. Amidst the various emergents and hazards of mens life may not experience tell that surely things contingent are not abandoned to fortune but there is a providence which doth number our haires without which they cannot fall to the ground O how astonishing may it be to think hovv surprizing hazards have been oft obviated by vvhat unexpected meanes men have been delivered from violent assaults hovv help unlooked for hath even trysted at a choke and an extremity yea vvhile their foot vvas slipping even betvvixt their falling and fall they have been trysted vvith some remarkable cast of mercy 5. Is it not easy to discern hovv many accidents vvhich seem most casual yet by no humane prudence or industry can be prevented but are observably brought about and guided to fulfil the threatnings of the vvord on ungodly men hovv vvas Sisera led in to the house of Iael by other places hovv should Hamans suit for Mordecais death tryst vvith that very morning vvhen the Kings thoughts vvere favourable to him for it might seem had Haman been one day sooner he vvould have got his vvill THE THIRD ARGUMENT FOr the Scriptures accomplishment is this that not only the Christians experience and observation of the Cnnrch beareth witness thereto but it is also a truth which even to the view and conviction of the World may be demonstrat from whom it doth oft force a testimony yea in every age the worst of men have been forced to acknowledge and so it must be a thing very evident But the accomplishment of the Scripture can be thus witnessed therefore c. It is true these sweet and sensible enjoyments which the Saints have of this truth the World cannot reach but it is also sure that in every age the works of the Lord and some more notour convincing providences both of judgement and mercy doe solemnly invite men to observe the accomplishment of the word therein yea no time hath wanted something of a publick vvitnesse from ungodly men even greatest mockers of Religion vvho under that constraining povver of conscience at death or in some day of their strait have been forced to seal the truth by a very open confession of the righteousnes of God tovvards them and this is indeed the Lords blessed design in making his vvorks sometime so conspicuous that they may not only confirm the faith of his people but render Atheism inexcusable that the glory of his faithfulnes as vvell as of his povver and vvisdome may shine forth before the sons of men I confesse vve may vvonder vvhy the World looketh so litle upon this and hovv the conviction of so great a truth vvhich they cannot shun doth not more presse them but the Holy Ghost doth fully resolve this the brutish man knovveth not neither do fooles lay to heart hovv the Scripture taketh place and that the flovvrishing of vvicked men is but in judgement for their further ruine To prosecut this argument a litle there are some special truths I vvould instance vvherein the faithfulnes of God in fulfilling his vvord may be seen by the World yea is obvious to the most ordinary observers and though they be but a fevv vvhich I shall here touch yet I must say they are such concerning truths and have so neer a reference to the foundation of our faith that men cannot acknovvledge the same but must also confesse the Scriptures Divinity and that there is a truth and reality in godlines and in Christian Religion truely I may here vvith some confidence challenge the greatest Atheists yea appeale them to their conscience and serious thoughts if in these following instances though but a litle of what might be said on such a subject the truth and accomplishment of the Scripture be not very manifest FIRST I shall first hold forth this truth that man is surely fallen from that excellent estate wherein once he was formed Rom. 5 ver 18. 19. and now is not that which he was at the beginning a truth so clear that we may say even without the discovery of the word might be easy for any serious onlooker to discern the same did not even heathens have some glance at this The evidence whereof they could not altogether shun It is true the cause and original of this dreadful contagion how sin entered into the World how it is derived to the whole race of man by imputation as well as inhesion how that poison is carried from the fountain to the cistern the Scriptnre doth only discover but this I am sure may be obvious to all that poor man is thus sick and diseased and now beareth the marks of such a fall and ruine as we read of in the word I confesse it is strange that when this is so very convincing and manifest it should not force men to some more serious enquiry whence such a thing is or if there can be a recovery of so sad and desperat like case but to clear this a litle I would offer these three things to be considered 1. That there is some remainder of that excellent fabrick which may yet appear among its ruines some print and appearance though dark of that primitive lustte and beauty some draughts wich sin hath not wholly worn out that may clearly tell what man once was and point out his former excellency that he hath been an other wight of whom Absaloms character might be truely said without all blemish from the head to the foot For we see the deep impressions of a Deity still rooted in men even among the most wilde and savage which no invention can utterly raze we see some common principles of reason that are imprinted in the most rude and ignorant some innate notions and Ideas which the soul hath of good and evil among all and in every place of the earth likewise these natural truths 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which we may see are no wayes imprest on the soul from any objects of sense but such whereto men by an unavoidable necessity are forced to assent and besides what meaneth the
must see this falleth not out at an adventure which is wrought upon one and not an other while both are a like discerning yea some who seem furthest from the grace of God very grosse and rude have been taken when the more civil and refined and of a more promising natural disposition have been past by O doth not this witness the grace of God and soveraignity thereof 10. Is not this change oft discernable upon men in a time while no advantage from without doth appeare even times of persecution and hazard from which many have dated their first acquaintance with God when they could expect nothing but a suffering lot sure there must be something above nature in it 11. It is also known how great a cloud of witnesses have sealed this truth O! can there be such an universal enchantment that in every age in several yea in most remote places of the earth hath fallen upon so many who have witnessed the povver of the Gospel or can all these be void of understanding What gain or outward advantage could they designe in that which is so usually attended with outward hazard and losse or what credit from men while it maketh them the very butt of the worlds hatred and reproach Yea can it be thought that all these could have combined to conspire into so great a cheat I must appeale Atheists to their serious thoughts of this matter 12. The marvellous effect of this change doth it not witness this is no fancy or delusion when men are reached with such a stroke and by one word as hath made the stout hearted and most daring to tremble and to shew by their very countenance that there is an other tribunal then mans before which they are arraigned Must it not be sad earnest and a marvellous povver that can make so willing a divorce betvvixt men and their idols vvhich vvere once as their right eye to them and beat them off that ground of self-righteousnes vvhich they had been so long establishing to themselves that should cause them also choose the reproach of Christ and his crosse before any outvvard advantage and abandon that society without which sometimes they could not live Must not this speak forth something above nature and natural reason O! may not the world oft wonder what is become of their old friends though I confesse this should rather put them with wonder and astonishment to some serious enquiry whence so great a change can be THIRD Thus communion and fellowship with God whereto the Saints are in this life admitted and brought near to him in the spirit is a most real thing and no delusion is a truth which may be very convincingly demonstrat even to the view of the world and to such who are but onlookers on the same 1 Iob. 1 ver 3. Phil 3 ver 20. I confesse this is a truth that must be spiritually discerned and therefore the world cannot know it or reach that unspeakable joy and delight which is found by the Saints in that sweet path yet we must say there are somethings and some such and so convincing evidences as may witness to men and rationally demonstrat the same the conviction whereof they cannot possibly shun if they but come near and in their serious thoughts consider 1. Hovv great and excellent a company doe bear this testimony even as many as in every time did ever serve God in the Spirit is not this transmitted by the fathers to the children as their experience And as certainly tryed by succeeding ages a truth vvhich is not once or tvvice proved in the Christians life for the proofs thereof are innumerable and past reckoning vvhich they have had yea amongst all the Saints since the dayes of Abel to this present time there was never one contradictory witness could be produced 2. Are not these who do thus testify what they have oft found in secret retirements to God such whose testimony in any other matter the worst of men could not refuse or deny to be famous I am sure the World is convinced that the followers of Christ dare not yea use not to deal falsely in other things with these they have to do with how ever their malice carry them to reproach them yea that they are more to be credited then such who make a scorn of Religion 3. Have they not had as great an interest and share of the World as others and been of as discerning spirits to know the true value of things who from their experience doe not only declare there is an undoubted reality in converse with God but that the joy and delight herein which they have found is above all the plâ—â—sures of the flesh O! what must that be which could make such who wanted no outward allurements who had not lost their taste and were flesh and blood as well as others to turn their back on all for Christ and by their walk testify they have found some more satisfying enjoyment in fellowship with God 4. Must not this be very obvious and convincing that when men once become serious in the way of God they have got some new acquaintance that sure is another world and some other society then that of men with which they have intercouse Whence are their frequent retirements from which they have been seen so oft to come forth with greatest satisfaction and with some remarkable change in their case doth it not thus appear They are not alone when they are alone yea in such a solitude must find something very desireable 5. Is not this also testifyed in such times when men could not well dissemble or be suspected of deceit in times of great outward affliction when the World also hath been most tempting with its offers yea at death when they are stepping over that threshold a time wherein the words of dying men are of greatest weight and credit the spirits of such being then more unbyassed and free of these ordinary temptations wherewith others are swayed How oft have they at such times declared that surely God is familiar with men which they have found and though they were going to change their place yet were not to change their company 6. Can that be a delusion which is so sensible in the present time whereof the Saints are not more sure that they live then they are sure of this truth what near approaches what refreshing viewes they have got while God hath come near to their soul what a discernable elevation of their spirits doth go along with this yea on the other hand as the withdrawing hereof is very sensible to themselves so is there not something of this obvious to by-standers how great a change and difference this will make in their case from other times which they cannot get hid 7. Doth not something of this truth appear on the very countenance and outward carriage of Christians with what a lustre and resemblance of Heaven a holy stayednes and composure of spirit when they have been
and at a time when it is expected grossest of men would speak truth yea that this doth appear while men cannot in the least charge the dying Christian with any distemper in his judgement but while they have been most composed stayed and present in minde and as to other things of their concernment most deliberat and sober even then they have born this witnes THE FOURTH ARGUMENT I shall here offer to prove the Scriptures accomplishment is this That whereof the most part as to these special predictions and promises that concern the Church is fulfilled and hath now taken place in their appointed times which we may at this day clearly tead in the event and but a litle part thereof now remaineth to be made out must be a sure truth But the Scripture is thus fulfilled and the prophecyes thereof now made legible in the history of providence and in the works of God about his Church Therefore c. I would premit here some few things ere I speak particularly to this argument 1. Though the Scripture is thus wonderfully suited by the Lord and taketh place in every generation as if it were alone directed to that time yet it is also clear that a special part thereof hath its proper accomplishment in these ages and periods of time to which it doth in a peculiar way relate some part of it which did concern the times of the Old Testament some that doth also answer to the times of the Gospel and a part of it which hath a peculiar respect to these latter dayes which the Lord is now bringing forth and we wait for a more full accomplishment that it is on a near approach 2. It is also sure that the whole work of God and his providence about his Church here in the World which was perfect from the beginning and before him from eternity is comprehended under the written word where the Lord hath fully revealed his minde and counsel anent every event and concernment of the Church though we oft be in the dark in finding out the same but the event will in due time speak for it selfe which should cause us until then with much sobriety passe our judgement on some of these truths that are not yet fulfilled 3. It is clear that the Prophets of old did not onely foretell such great changes and revolutions as were to go over the Churches head and declare the certainty thereof but we find these prophecyes oft point at the times and periods of time whereto they did relate and though sometimes in dark tearmes yet did clearly shew that there was a certain prefixed time not at every time they could have their performance 4. We would consider how the full accomplishing of the Scripture and the perfecting the Lords work about his Church will be at once and doth keep foot together and then shall a full and satisfying discovery of Gods way and providence and all that he hath been doing in the World clearly break up when the great mystery of God in his written word is finished and the Church so near to land That I may speak a little to so grave a subject I would lay down these two things to be considered 1. How much of the Scripture and predictions thereof may be now seen clearly verifyed in the event 2. What doth yet remain to have an accomplishment in these last times by which we may certainly judge hovv near the Lords vvork about his Church is to a close anent the first I shall point at some of these most concerning events changes vvhich the Church hath met vvith vvherein vve may see vvhat of the Scripture may at this day be read in the history of providence and is certainly fulfilled I. WHAT IS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED I. Let us go back to these first times after the fall and see that dreadful stroke which came upon the old World by the flood after an universal defection from God and we shall there find the fulfilling of that which Noah that great preacher of righteousnes had oft foretold and of these threatnings which by Moses were there recorded wherein it may be very manifest 1. That this truth besides Divine authority no records of auncient times no antiquity could ever contradict yea some of the eldest writers doe clearly witnes something of an universal deluge over the earth with the strange preservation of some from it however they were in the dark as to many circumstances thereanent Josephus doth cite Berosus the Ciâ—aldean about this who without doubt had theÌ„ some of these oldest records true uncorrupt Eusebius also doth mention some fragments of Abidenus and Appollidorus which in his time were extant clearly pointing at the flood and at Noah under the name of Zisuthrus with his sending out of birds to see if the waters were asswaged 2. There is nothing here doth contradict reason how this might be brought about even in the way of ordinary natural causes which the Lord did make use of for that end for we find the windowes of Heaven were opened the air being condensed into clouds and their retentive power loused these great floodgates were thus set louse which falling not in drops but all in a full body like the spouts and cataracts of the West-Indies might soon overwhelm the earth with aboundance of water while these fountaines also of the great deep beneath were broken up which was not only the Ocean let forth to go over its banks but an universal vent to all the veines of the earth and that great masse of waters which is in the bowels thereof which from beneath meeting these that were from above may give men a clear and rational account how such a thing might be 3. This piece of the Scripture is most congruous and aggreable to the whole and the great scope and drift of the same for it points out an height of sin and of wrath an universall defection and an universal stroke meeting together it leads us forward to Christ of whom the ark was an excellent shadow and of that salvation which in and by him the Church hath from eternal wrath and is a very manifest pledge and sign of that last destruction of the World which though not in that manner yet shall once surely be and find men in such a condition as this flood found them into in the dayes of Noah II. What we have expresly promised in the word of the Churches delivery from Egypt and vvas foretold by Joseph at his death that God should surely bring back his People out of that land for vvhich he left his bones to ly unburied as a pledge thereof hath novv many ages past been fulfilled It is long since that remarkable day vvhen God made a vvay for his People through the red sea and his povver knovvn upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians since Moses vvith the Church did sing that triumphant song the horse and his rider he hath cast in the sea vvherein these things are most clear 1.
and progres of that party with such particular circumstances and differencing characters from any other enemy of the Church as may render the World most inexcusable if they will needs dash on that rock whereon the Scripture hath set so conspicuous a beacon 2. That this Prophecy should now want an accomplishment or Antichrist be yet to come is a thing most repugnant to sacred truth since it is sure that mystery of iniquity even in the times of the Apostles did begin to work and he who then for a time withheld his coming the heathen Empire of Rome hath long since been taken out of the way which caused some Christians in these dayes wish the standing and continuance of that Empire from the terrour they had of that adversary who according to the word they knew was to fill his room yea doe we not find the Churches tryal from Antichrist should be the most sore and lasting tryal of the Church under the New Testament which after her begun breathing from heathnish persecution was to continue for many ages wherein the word is most expresse and cleir that the rise and fall of this enemy should be gradual and not at once whose beginning and first appearance might be traced to the first times of the Church and his close and finall run near the second coming of Christ by the brightnes whereof he shall be destroyed and therefore this is so much the subject of the Prophecyes of the New Testament the great intent and scope of the Revelation of Iohn in which the true state of the Christian Church with the various changes of her condition even from the opening up of the first seal to the blowing of the last trumpet is particularly held forth and there may we all alongst trace the steps of the rise and fall of that man of sin 3. That such an one as the Scripture points forth who doth most fully answer to all these marks which are there given of Antichrist hath come and been revealed to the World is a thing so very manifest that except men will needs force their light and conscience it cannot but be beyond question and debate even such an one whose coming should be after the working of Satan with all power signes and lying wonders forbidding to marry and to abstain from meats which God had appointed who sitteth in the temple of God having a name full of blasphemy and doth exalt himselfe above all that is called God who bewitcheth the Kings and great men of the earth with his enchantements yea even by his livery may he be known that he most usually hath scarlet and purple which I think truely marvellous how particularly these are mentioned in the Scripture and in a word such an one whose traffick and merchandize is not only gold and silver but the souls of men who should be drunk with the blood of the Saints and martyres of Jesus Christ under whose reign the Church must flee to the wildernes and there be latent for a long time and his seat that city which is situat upon 7 hills even that great city which doth rule over the Kings of the earth O strange how men can acknowledge this for the Scripture of God and yet not see it fulfilled before their eyes that there is so vive an image and portraicture of Antichrist there held forth such peculiar characters which do convincingly point at the Pope and popish hierarchy yea could answer to no other adversary which Christ ever had under the New Testament either pagan or Mahumetan and yet so much of the World doth not know him when he is before their eyes 4. It is clear that no age since Antichrist was revealed did altogether want some witnes to point him forth even in the darkest times many of whom loved not their lives unto the death that they might seal this truth and it may be a question if more of the blood of the Saints was shed under heathens then in after times under Antichrist yea though we had not such expresse marks to disover him from the word it may be easy for men to judge who that is who is this day so directly opposire to Jesus Christ and the great design of the Gospel that assumes to himselfe what is alone due to God to forgive sin and be worshipped with Religious adoration doth challenge a Magisterial power and supremacy over the whole Church as its head a style too great for any of the Angels who maketh void the merit of Christ and layeth down a way of life and salvation on the same termes that it stood in the Covenant of works doth destroy the great intent of the Gospel and in effect denyeth Iesus Christ to have come in the flesh who setteth Heaven upon sale for money and permitteth none to perish and goe to hell but the poore doth dispence with the grossest acts of sin and the expres commands of the Law-giver maketh moral prohibitions void by his authority yea halloweth the very stewes and most horrid acts of uncleannes taketh on him to change the condition of the dead and ensure to their friends the happy state of their souls if they will make large offerings on that account O! who is this is not that Antichrist whose way doth state him in such direct tearmes of opposition to Christ 5. Have we not cause to wonder no lesse at the strange induration and blindnes of the popish party then of the Iewes that whilest the one doth confesse the Old Testament and yet knoweth not Christ the other should grant the truth of the New Testament and not know Antichrist that he is come even he after whom a great piece of the World for these many ages hath been wondering sure so clear an agreement betwixt this prophecy and the event may not only put this beyond debate but leave a conviction upon the greatest Atheists of the truth and divinity of the Scripture for what ever former times might pretend ignorance whilest this mystery was but working now when the man of sin hath comed to his full height and stature and so clearly revealed by the light of the Gospel it taketh away all excuse and I professe in these latter times I cannot see how one can be a knowing Papist and not an Atheist also X What was prophecyed anent the killing of the witnesses under Antichrist Rev. 11 v. 3 7 8. we may say hath clearly comed to passe and at this day may read the same in the event for it is manifest 1. That dureing Antichrists reigne even in the darkest times there wanted not some to seal the truth and bear witnes thereto both by open confession and suffering on that account which the Church Histories can aboundantly make out 2. That dureiug that dark night these who did give a testimony and any way appeared against the grievous encroachments of Antichrists in behalf of down-born truth were put to prophecy in sackcloth when there was nothing left but to weep over the
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
Olivares Chancellour of France Latomus Francis Spira who after they had quit their profession and over their light denyed the truth dyed with great horrour of conscience crying out to bystanders what a hell they found within them Du Serres doth shew how that Chancellour of France through the torment and anguish of his minde caused the very bed to shake under him but since there are many examples of this kinde already upon record I do the more briefly touch it and shall onely adde some few which are worthy of a remark in our own land how visibly the Lord did pursue by his judgement some who had deserted the truth and turned opposers and persecutors thereof in their promoting Antichristian Prelacy contrare to their former profession and engadgements 1. I shall instance Mr Patrick Adamsone a Preacher once of great repute in this land but one whom ambition and privat interest swayed more then the interest of Christ who insinuating himself in the Kings favour made it his work to overturn the established government and discipline of the Church until he got himselfe setled Archbishop of St Andrewes and Prelacy by his means advanced which the Church from her first Reformation from Popery had disclaimed yea in this height of his power and grandour turned an avowed persecutor of his brethren at which time he used to boast of 3. things that he said could not fail him his riches learning and the Kings favour but a little after as was then most known he was by the righteous judgement of God brought to this pass that his parts did so far wither and dry up that in seeking a blessing on his meat he could scarce speak a few words to sence though once admired for his eloquence as for his riches he was forced to get charity from these Ministers whom he before persecuted and for the Kings favour he was so abhorred by him that as he himself professed when the stroke of God brought him to some sense of his condition he was sure the King did care more for the worst of his dogges then for him and thus in great misery dyed cast off by the World whose favour he had onely sought his publick acknovvledgement of his guilt and apostacy and of the Lords hand pursuing the same vvas by himselfe subscribed before divers eminent and vvorthy Ministers of the Church vvho did also by their subscription attest the same and vvas aftervvards printed It is also manifest hovv the Lord in his judgement did persue that vvretched man his successour Bishop Spotswood vvho in a more subtile vvay did endeavour the overturning the discipline and liberties of the Church for setting up of Prelacy and by underhand dealing got himselfe first thrust in Glasgow and after to be Archbishop of St Andrews yea at last was Chancellour of Scotland his eldest Son a Barron in Fife and his second Son President of the Session his Daughter also married to Rostine then a considerable Barron but let us see vvhither this ends what an eminent example in all these respects of the judgement of God he was and therein the prophecy of that great man Mr Welsh accomplished who did foretel in a letter whilest he was prisoner at Blacknesse that he should be as a stone cast out of a sting by the hand of God his name should rot and a malediction on his posterity and truely this is known what become of himself in the year 1638. how he was excommunicated by the Church did flee into England vvhere in great misery he dyed his eldest Son Sir Iohn Spotswood vvas sometime brought to beg his bread vvhich is knovvn to many yet alive his second Son vvho vvas President of the Session being taken at the battel of Philips hauch was beheaded at St Andrews and his Oy young Darzie beheaded at Edinburgh and for his daughter who was married to Roslin it is knowen how quickly after that estate was rooted out and turned from that race Mr Iames Nicolsonne one very eminent in his time for parts and judgement in the effaires of the Church yea once very zealous for the truth and a great opposer of Prelacy when it first begun to assault the Church but at last was turned aside by Court insinuations gets the Bishoprick of Dunkel yea turns most fordward to promote that interest but lo in a short time he is stricken by the Lord with sicknes and great horrour of conscience within can get no rest his friends in vain endeavouring to comfort him and when they would have brought phisitians he told them his disease was of another kind for which they could give no phisick which pressed him more then his sicknes that against so much light and over the belly of his conscience he had opposed the truth and yeelded up the liberties of the Kingdome of Christ to please an earthly King and he charged his Children that nothing which he had acquired since he was Prelate should go amongst the rest of his estate and thus in great bitternes and grief died whereupon his brother in Law Mr David Lindsey then a witnes made some Verses is Latin Solatur frustra conjunx solantur amici Et medicum accersi sedulo quisque jubet Sed dare solamen nemo dare nemo salutem Te praeier poterit Rex Iacobe mihi Quae corpus gravat atque animam tantum exime mitra Huic caput hujus onus me premit perimit Mr William Couper sometime minister of Perth one who witnessed much zeal against Prelacy both by preaching and writting in a letter to Mr Greorge Grhame who had writ to him entreating his charity towards his own conforming he hath these words Sir for your self I never hated yow but the course yow are in I never loved how dangerous is their estate who cannot rise but with the fall of many who in Christ have entred the right way to the ministry closing these fountaines which God hath opened doing in a matter of conscience with doubting turns mens light to darknes whence followes induration therefore I cannot stand with you except to witnes to God in my heart against yow and thus shuts up his letter oonsider your selfe where yow was and where yow now are quantulum sit illud propter quod nos reliquisti this I set down to shew what sometimes he was yet shortly after this man turns to a Bishoprick was loathed by the Godly in that time some of his old friends brought his own sermons to him and desired him to reconcile them with his after actings which did visibly affright and disquiet him and one day being at pastime near to Leith he was suddenly terrified with apprehension that he saw armed men comming upon him these who were vvich him told him there vvas no such thing it vvas only a dream vvhereupon he became silent and fell a trembling but after he vvent home took bed and dyed in much anguish and trouble of spirit being observed to point oft vvith his finger
years before the fall of Prelacy about the yeare 1628. some yeares thereafter which as many grave and solid Christians yet alive can witnes who were there present was a bright and hot sun-blink of the Gospel yea may with sobriety be said to have been one of the largest manifestations of the Spirit and of the most solemn times of the downpowring thereof that almost since the dayes of the Apostles hath been seen where the power of God did sensibly accompany the word with an unusual motion upon the hearers and a very great tack as to the conversion of souls to Christ the goings of the Lord then full of Majesty and the shout of a King was heard in the solemn meetings of his people that as a judicious old Christian who was there present did expresse it he thought it was like a dazeling beam and ray of the glory of God with such an unusual brightnes as even forced by standers to an astonishment a very â—ffectual door opened with more then ordinary enlargement which the Ministers of Christ there did find in preaching the word whilest the people might be seen hearing the same in a melting frame with much tendernes of spirit surely this was the very power of God a convincing seal to the truth and ministry of his Servants who were then persecuted by the Prelats yea â— thing which as it was known had an awfull impression and was a terrour to their adveâ—saryes I remember amongst other passages what a worthy Christian told me how sometimes in hearing the word such a power and evidence of the Lords presence was with it that he hath been forced to rise and look through the Church and see what the people were doing thinking from what he felt on his own spirit it was a wonder how any could go away without some change upon them And then it was sweet and easy for Christians to come 30 40 miles to these solemn Communions which they had and there continue from the time they came until they returned without wearying or making use of steep yea but little of either meat or drink and as some of them professed did not feel the need thereof but went away most fresh and vigorous their souls so filled with the sense of God 6. That was also a remarkable time wherein the Lord did let forth much of the Spirit on his people in the year 1638 when this Nation did solemnly enter in Convenant vvhich many yet alive at this day do knovv hovv the spirits of men vvere raised and vvrought on by the vvord the ordinances lively and longed after for then did the Nation ovvn the Lord and vvas visibly ovvned by him much zeal and an enlarged heart did appear for the publick cause personal reformation seriously set about and then also vvas there a remarkable gale of providence that did attend the actings of his people vvhich did astonish their adversaryes and forced many of them to feign subjection Alace hovv is our night comed on for the Lord hath in anger covered the face of the Daughter of Zion vvith a dark cloud 7. Must not vve also say since the land vvas engadged by Covenant to the Lord in these late times vvhat a solemn outletting of the spirit hath been seen a large harvest with much of the fruit of the Gospel discernable which we may say with a warrant hath been proven in the inbringing of thousands to Christ a part whereof now are in glory and many yet live who are a visible seal to this truth of whom I am sure some will not lose the remembrance of these sweet refreshing times which the land for several yeares did enjoy of the Gospel and of many solemn Communions where a large blessing with much of the Spirit and power of God was felt acâ—ompanying the ordinances if it were expedient to set down circumstances I could here point at many such remarkable times and places which should clearly demonstrat this Now besids these more publick and obvious proofes it is knowen what a great testimony the experience of the godly in these late times could give to this truth what they have in a large measure felt of the power and refreshing outlettings of the spirit within their â—oul yea how oft after sorest downcasting have been wonderfully raised above themselves and filled with the consolation of God and joy unspeakable this would indeed make a great volum to reckon over all these instances even these whose experience in these last ages could in a large measure witnes this truth only to sâ—ut this up I shall name these two 1. Mr Welsh and Mr Forhes two great witnesses of Christ in this land when they were prisoners give this accompt of their case in a letter to Mr Iames Melvin and his Uncle then at London which under the said Mr Melvins hand is set down in a manuscript of his their wotds are these Dear Brethren we dare say by experience and our God is witnes we lye not that unspeakaâ—le is the joy that is in a free and full testimony of Christs royall authority unspeakable is the joy of suffering for his Kingdomeâ— for on that truth was their suffering stated we had never such joy and peace in preaching of it as we have found in suffering for the same we spake before in knowledge we now speak by experience that the Kingdome of God consists in peace and joy and in an other letter thus they say our joy hath greatly abounded since the last day which was after passing sentence of death on them by an assize at Linlithgow so that we cannot enough wonder at the riches of his free grace that should have vouchafed such a gift upon us to suffer for his Kingdome in which there is joy unspeakable and glorious and we are rather in fear that they to wit the sufferings be not conâ—â—nâ—â—ed and so we be robbed of further consolatioâ— then that they â—hould encrease surely there is great consolation in suffering for Christ we dow not expresse unto you the joy which our God hath caused abound in â—â— 2. I shall also mention that great Servant of Christ Mr Rutherfoard whose Letters now published can witnes what solemn dayes of the Spirit and sensible outlettings thereof he oft had in his experience Though books can tell but little what he really felt and enjoyed I shall onely set down some of his last and dying expressions which I had from these who were then present and caused write down the same from his mouth that may shew how lovely he also was in his death and how well that did correspond with his former life some of his words are these I shall shine I shall see him as he is and all the fair company with him and shall have my large share it is no easy thing to be a Christian but as for me I have got the victory and Christ is holding forth his armes to embrace mee I have had my feares and faintings as an
other sinful man to be carried through creditably but as sure as ever he spake to me in his word his spirit witnessed to my heart saying fear not he had accepted my suffering and the outgate should not be matter of prayer but of praise he said also thy word was found and I did eat it and it was to me the joy and rejoycing of my heart and a little before his death after some fainting he sayeth now I feell I beleeve I enjoy I rejoyce and turning to Mr Blair then present he said I feed on Manna I have Angels food my eyes shall see my Redeemer I know that he shall stand at the latter day on the earth and I shall be caught up in the clouds to meet him in the air and afterwards hath these words I sleep in Christ and when I awake I shall be satisfyed with his likenes O for armes to embrace him and to one speaking anent his painfulnes in the ministry he cryeth out Iâ—disclaim all the port I would be in at is redemption and forgivenes if sins through his blood And thus full of the spirit yea as it were overcome with sensible enjoyment he breaths out his soul His last words being Glory Glory dwelleth in Emâ—â—nuels land SIXTH Witnes is that convincing appearance of an extraordinary and Apostolick spirit on some of these instruments whom the Lord raised up in these last times and these great enduements wherewith they were sent for the fervice of the Church and overthrow of the Kingdome of Antichrist a truth which we must say if not in such a measure yet hath been no lesse evident then in these primitive times when the Christian Church was planted It is clear that extraordinary gifts and enduements have been let forrh to the Church under the New Testament for with the first dawning of the Gospel there was both Apostles and Prophets raised up it cannot be also denyed that since the Cannon of the Scripture was closed yea in these late ages there hath been very extraordinary men given to the Church who had special revelations from the Lord of his minde anent things to come which though we should not now look after yet herein did the Lord remarkably condescend when some great piece of service and necessity of the Church did more call for it and truely these were led in no other path then that of the word though they had a more special discovery and immediat inbreathing of Gods minde as to the application thereof in particular cases neither did they presse upon mens conscience to credit the same but were most cautious witnessing much humble sobriety on that account It is knowen what extraordinary instruments how wonderfully called and qualified Luther Zuingliuâ— Calvine Mr Wishart and Mr Knox were whom God sent in these latter dayes to grapple with Antichrist and sound a retreat to his Church from Babylon likewise 〈◊〉 Beza Bacere and Martyr with divers in England such as Latimer Ridley Bradfoord c. Who indeed were burning and shining lights in their time mighty in the Scripture fervent in spirit were cloathed with the power and authority of God before which the World could not stand But besides these famous witnesses of whose life vve have something this day on publick record I must here craveliberty to set dovvn a fevv moe more late instances of our ovvn Church in Scotland to confirm this truth such as are but little knovvn to the World nor any thing of their lives published vvhich I think a great losse to after generations vvhom vve may say and this vvith a vvarrant and in sobriety were men truely extraordinary eminently serviceable in the work of the Lord yea of a Prophetick and Apostolick Spirit and such vvho through grace did not even come short of the first three I mean not only these before mentioned but also some of these great lights vvho vvere in the first age of the Church after the ascension of Christ 1. I shall instance Mr Iohn Welsh whom the Lord called forth to the ministry at Kirck cubright in Galloway and afterwards was transported to the Church of An whom Mr Rutherfoord in one of his bookes calleth that heavenly Prophetical and Apostolick Man of God and sheweth that from the witnesses of his life he had this accompt that of every 24 houres he gave usually eight to prayer if other necessary and urgent dueties did not hinder yea spent many dayes and nights which he set apart in fasting and prayer for the condition of the Church and the sufferings of the reformed Churches abroad I can also adde this from very sure information and truely anent any of those particulars I seriously studie to have satisfying grounds anent the certainty thereof that it was his use even in the coldest winter nights to rise for prayer and oft times his wife who was an excellent woman hath risen to seek after him where he hath been found lying on the ground weeping and wrestling with the Lord yea sometimes would have been much of the night alone in the Church of Aire on that accompt One time especially his wife finding him overcharged with grief he told her he had that to presse him which she had not the soules of 3000 to answer for whilest he knew not how it was with many of them And an other time whilest she found him alone his spirit almost overcharged with anguish and grier upon her serious enquiry said that the times which were to come on Scotland were heavy and sad though she should not see them and this for the contempt of the Gospel Whilest he was prisoner in the Blacknesse in a letter to a Christian lady he giveth this accompt what large joy he had to suffer for such a truth that Iesus Christ was a King and had a visible Kingdome in the World even his Church which was as free to keep its Courts and exerce discipline by vertue of an intrinsick power from Christ as any Kingdome on the earth for which he was ready to lay down his life yea would rejoyce to be offered up a sacrifice on so glorious a truth in the close of that letter he doth also forewarn that judgement was coming to Scotland which should be blood first by an intestine sword and then by the sword of a stranger and that a great sacrifice should be there both of great men and mean the fulfilling whereof hath since been very sensible and is known by many alive who had that letter long before the late troubles begun whilest he was thus prisoner two of â—â—mankable passages I have had confirmed by divers worthy of credit some of whom shewed me they had them from these who were most familiar with the persones themselves they are indeed strange but we must also consider he was an extraordinary man The first was this that one night whilest he did expound the Scripture after his supper in the prison at his custome was whilest he with much power and authority was pressing
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
woefull trade did one day rencounter a poor man travelling with 2 horses which he according to his custome takes away the poor countryman falling down on his knees did earnestly beg that for Jesus Christs sake he would give the one again for he had no more to maintain his poor family but what he could gain by them but it was in vain he carryeth them home with him leaving the poor man in that desolate condition but a little after he turns dumpish and melancholy could get no rest or quiet not knowing the cause but as he professed that these words the poor man had spoke to him though he was so great an Atheist that he understood not what he meant when he spake of Christ were lying like a heavy weight upon his spirit and whilest he was sought after for his robberies he desired his sonnes to shift for themselves for he could not go out of the vvay there being a restraint upon him and something vvithin him that in a kinde bound him from going out of the way and thus stayed at his house until he was apprehended brought in to Edinburgh and there put up in prison upon which a godly Minister Mr Henry Blyth with a Christian Gentleman William Cunir ghame Tutor of Bonitoun who had sometimes known him make a visit holding forth to him his miserable estate and the heâ—â—â—rd of his soul for he vvas judged by the Law to dye and amongst other vvords shewing him the necessity to flee to Jesus Christ he doth suddenly break out vvith a cry O what word is that for it hath been my death that is the word that hath lyen upon my heart since the poor man spake it to me so that I had no power from that time to go out of the way and after being told what an one Christ vvas vvithout whom he could not be saved he cryeth O will he ever look to me and shew mercy that for his sake would not shew mercy to that poor man and give him back his horse but after further instruction a most real and gracious change did appear upon him he gave most convincing evidences of the reality thereof attained to great assurance before his death and upon the scaffold in the publick streets vvhere he vvas executed did speak so vvonderfully of the Lords dealing vvith him and vvith such knovvledge and judgement as left a conviction on all present and forced them to see a truth and reality in the grace of God An other notable instance of grace vvith a very remarkable passage in his condition I shall here mention one Patrick Mackelwrath vvho lived in the vvest parts of Scotland vvhose heart the Lord in a remarkable vvay touched and after his conversion as he shevved to many of his Christian friends vvas in such a frame so affected vvith that nevv World vvherein he vvas entred the discoveries of God and of a life to come that for some moneths together he did scarce ever sleep but vvas still taken up in vvondring his life vvas very remarkable for tendernesse and near converse vvith God in his vvalk and vvhich vvas vvorthy to be noticed one day after a sharp tryal having his only son suddenly taken avvay by death he retired alone for several houres and vvhen he came forth did look so chearfully that to those who asked him the reason thereof vvondered at the same in such a time he told them he had got that in his retirement vvith the Lord that to have it afterwards renewed he would be content to losse a son every day This one remarkable passage I would set down it had been long his burden the want of memory that he could retain almost nothing of what he heard from the word and bitterly complaining thereof to worthy Master James English Minister of Daly his counsel to him was when he heard any truth which he desired to remember to hold it up to the Lord and desire him to keep it for him and give him it back according to his need which accordingly this blessed man did with much seriousnes practice and on his death bed to his Minister and divers Christians that were present he did solemnly declare how wonderfully the Lord had ansvvered and condescended to him in that particular for as they knew how much formerly it had been his burden the want of memory now the Lord had given him back all these truths that he had put in his keeping so that what for many yeares before he had heard was now most clearly brought to his remembrance which he witnessed by repeating many particular truths and notes of Sermons which at such and such times he had heard Now to shut up this we have truely cause to say even from late experience since this dark night came upon the Church in these Nations with so sharp a storm of persecution there hath not wanted some very signal and convincing providences witnessing the Lords appearance for his People and against their enemyes which are worthy of a remark and may let men see that there is one higher then the highest who ruleth in the Kingdomes of the Children of men for it is manifest 1. How eminently the Lord did appear in breaking that party vvho had been the great instruments both in Counsel and Action to break the governement of the Church of Christ in this land and lay so much of his vineyeard waste and desolate and this in the height of their povver and greatnes vvhilest they seemed most firmly rooted O hovv evident vvas a divine hand there that this Cabbal vvho made it their great work to raise up Prelacy and oppresse the poor Church and like a violent tempest did carry all before them in a moment vvhen they could have least expected should be made to fall yea in so short a time be turned out of their places and offices who but a little before had turned out so many of the faithfull Ministers of Christ and that great man who put forth his power and authority so much to turn many of the godly of the Land both Ministers and others out of their houses and familyes tossing them from place to place should thus be dealt with from the Lord and recompenced vvith that measure being forced to quite his lodging once and again yea even to banish himself out of the countrey vvho had been the chief instrument to banish some of the most choise servants of Christ and this stroke also made to tryst them from that hand whence they could have least exepected whose interest they studied to promote in opposition to Gods truely I should desire to study sobriety and fear in application of the judgements of God but vvhen the Lord doth so clearly reveal himself and shevv forth such an evident resemblance betvvixt mens sins and their stroke it cryeth aloud for a serious observing thereof 2. Should vve passe without a remark so solemn 2 vvitnes from the Lord of his respect to his Peoples sufferings in this late
say they are bad casuits and have litle respect to the Churches edification who make it their work not so much to keep men from sin as to shew them quam prope ad peccatum sine peccato accedere liceat O what a becoming fear is that not to lay a stumbling block in the way of others to grieve the weake or confirm such who use to found their prejudice against the truth and way of God upon the miscariage of such as professe the same 2. This excellent study of Christian prudence hath a respect to mens taking offence as well as their giving it to our being sober in judging in personal reflexions to cover and hide the infirmities of others rather then spread them even for the Gospels sake yea to shut as it were our eyes and cast a mantle on their nakednes who overtaken with the violence of some temptations may yet be serviceable to the Church but especially this should presse us to a watchful regard of any breach and rent in the Church and to study a healing spirit so far as is possible without prejudice to truth 3. It is also a concerning piece of Christian prudence hovv to vvalk vvisely tovvards these vvho are vvithout vvhen prejudice against the vvay of God is now in such a grouth to study hovv vve may convince gain ground and by Christianly prudent and tender carriage conciliat respect to the truth and thus commend holines and these vvho professe it to the conscience of men to study that rule of expediency much in things of themselves vvarrantable vvhat fitnes and advantage present circumstances may offer or deny for edification and promoting that great interest of the Gospel in our converse vvith men I shall novv cease to trouble yovv further onely vvould premit some fevv things vvith a respect to the subject of this follovving essay 1. Should vve not vvith vvonder and astonishment look on this great record of the Scripture by vvhich the glorious Majesty of God doth speak to men yea doth as certainly communicat his Counsel and minde vve may say more certainly then if vve had an immediat audible voice from Heaven O could vve have such ordinary thoughts of this if vve consider hovv near God cometh therein to us I think if there vvere but one corner of the earth though in the remotest parts vvhere men might go and get a look of so vvonderful and important a thing as Gods expresse vvill vvritten and sent from Heaven to the earth anent our duety here and blessednes for ever should vve not think it vvorth our crossing the sea and of the greatest expence of time or labour it is truely a vvonder hovv vve can read and consider the Scripture vvithout vvondring 2. It is a great concernment to knovv that the Scripture hath such a vvitnes as experience and that there is such a trade correspondence as this betvvixt the Saints and the Word vvhich lieth not in the common road of the World O vvhat an empty thing should Religion be if it had not this vvord experience in its grammar that secret sure mark vvhereby the Christian knovveth the Scripture is of God hovv thus the Lord hath oft sealed their instruction in a dark plunge hovv life and povver inlivening influences to the melting of their heart hath oft trysted them there in a very dead frame and novv they knovv that verily God heareth prayer novv they are persvvaded and have learned by the crosse that he is indeed a comforter yea many can shevv hovv by the Word their first acquaintance vvith the Lord did begin hovv some particular truth like a pickle of corn throvvn in at their heart by the blessing of the great husbandman vvas made to take life and grovv 3. It much concerneth us to knovv vvhat an excellent key the Scripture is to unlock that sealed book of providence and that no other key can fit the same many have tried another vvay but lost themselves on the search and the more they prest by humane vvisdome they became the more dark I truely think there is not a more satisfying discovery vvithin time then this to trace divine truth back until vve see its first breaking forth out of his eternal decree and council who is the author thereof hovv thence it taketh hold of the vvord vvhich is the adequate sign and declaration of his purpose and then hovv the vvord taketh hold of his vvork and providence vvhere vve may see the face and condition of the Church clearly vvritten out through all the changes of time hovv providence keepeth a certain and steady course even amidst the most perplexed motions and reelings of of the earth yea hovv all things even these vvhich vvould seem most contradictory run vvithin that straight channel of the vvord and cannot go vvithout tâ—ese bounds 4. It is the priâ—cipal and most concerning Scripture-promises that are onely touched in this follovving discourse these vvhich carry along vvith them a clear continued series of the Churches condition through time and shevves the most remarkable changes of her lot for it is clear that in diverse prophecies and in a different manner the Spirit doth point at one and the same thing and truely it should cause no mistake or prejudice thar vve finde several of the Scripture prophecies exprest in such dark termes since the vvisdome of God saw it fit that for a time these truths should be locked up and sealed but novv light hath so far broken up vvith the event as vve may see hovv very significant and suitable to the matter these most dark aenigmatick termes are 5. We vvould upon no accompt shut our eares vvhere the Scripture is clear and giveth us ground to vvait that the outgoings of the Lord for his people in their deliverance and for the destruction of his enemyes novv in these last times shall be very glorious yea by some stately and stupendious acts of providence that he shall accomplish his judgement on Antichrist neither must vve take a prejudice at truth because of the vvilde fancyes of many vvho vvould extend it beyond its bounds or that near resâ—mblance vvhich the errour of some in this time may seem to have thereto for that hath been an old stratagem of the Devil to prejudge the World at some of the truths of God by setting up a counterfut thereto I shall adde no more onely vvhat accompt is given upon the close of the last argument of some remarkable passages of providence in the late times as herein the author hath some confidence to professe he did endeavour vvhat could be attained for certainty of the same and if any circumstance of these relations should be found a mistake he dare say before Him vvho is greater then our conscience it vvas not the neglect of a serious inquiry so he must also premit the inserting of them vvas upon no further intent then to be a vvitnes to that truth of the Lords eminent appearance for his Church in the
doth it surpasse that of a natural man even in his best estate and I am sure this pretious study of the dayly performance of the Word is one of these pathes of pleasure which would bring in more solide joy to the spirit in some few houres then some years wallowing in the carnal delights of the flesh which is but as pleasure in sport but quickly turneth to grief in earnest it is one of the great mistakes of the World that religion tends so much to sadden and disquyet the soul nay it is certainly the want of this because we are so little truely religious when we scruffe over our duety and take but a passing look of the wayes and work of God in the World then it is indeed very affrighting and unpleasant but when in a more Christian way we doe seriously look thereupon and get our heart near God taking the Word alongst with us O how delightful and ravishing a sight will this beâ— I truely think though there were not a command though it were no duety nor such advantage in the study of this grave truth yet that joy and refreshment which the soul would find in such a diligent search in going down into this blessed deep should invite us thereto But when I speak of this what a sweet and delightful subject the performance and outmaking of the Scripture is it must be understood that it is so only to the saints and it is no wonder the World keep at such a distance with it for this is a truth they cannot bear they hate it which as Micajah doth Prophesy alwayes bad things and carrieth a message of death to them a serious look of this truth to ungodly men is as the hand witing upon the wall before them which doth foretel their approaching ruin and should cause them all tremble the knowledge whereof must encrease their sorrow and disquyetness yea cause them cry out O doe not torment us before the time for they are surely undone and ruined if the Scripture of God be true and hath a performance But O what pleasant and refreshful tydings doth this carry to a Christian What a sweet view doth he here get of the inheritance and blessed estate of the saints which may cause such ane exclamation how great is that goodnes which is laid up for these that fear thee To demonstrate this I shall hold out somethings from which we may see how delightful a subject the accomplishment of the Scripture is for a Christian to study 1. Serious converse with this grave truth leadeth forward to practice and thus helpeth to bring down theory to experience which is the most sweet and desireable of all other demonstrations that we can have of the truth of the Scripture and maketh our light clear and pleasant to the taste turning the exercise of our judgement and reason thereanent into sense and feeling we are then made to see what a difference there is betwixt that discovery which a spiritual man whose religion is his practice hath of this and the cold winter-light of a natural understanding that hath no heat or warmenes therewith which is as great a difference as betwixt hearing of such a thing by report and seeing it with our eyes 2. This blessed study hovv the Scripture hath certain accomplishment vvould help to read the Word vvith an other kinde of pleasure O vvhat representation should then the truths and promises thereof have to the godly man it vvould be as one going in to look over his charters and the great things therein contained vvhich he doth not in the least debat or question since they are past the seals and fully ratifyed and novv considereth all vvhich is promised as his own vvhich he lookt in former times upon but as a common thing vvhilst he made not earnest of the certainty thereof and vvhat an intrest he had in the same O when he readeth that promise of a new heaven and earth that glorious estate which abideth the Saints He cannot turn his eyes thoughts so easily off it but is made to stand vvonder that so great a thing that vvill make such a mervellous change in his condition is even shortly to come to passe hovv svveet and pleasant is it for such to turn over these promises vvho can set to his seal and bear this vvitnes that he hath as really proven the truth thereof by sure experience as he knovveth he hath a real being surely the Bible is an other thing to these then it is to the great part of men vvho only make it the subject of their contemplation 3. In this blessed study vve should have much laid to our hand to observe and our observation made svveet and pleasant to us for there vve might see hovv all the paths of the Lord tovvards his People are mercy and truth this vvould give us a refreshful diary of providence hovv in such a plunging strait we found the Word sensibly sealed vvhat observable confirmations vve have had therevvith at such a time and in such a condition the after-recounting of vvhich in ane houre of tryal or in the evening of our life vvould exceed these greatest pleasures the Men of this World can have in looking over their gold and greatest treasures which for many yeares they have been laying up 4. In the serious study of the dayly accomplishing of the Scripture we should have a most satisfying vievv and prospect of vvhat God is doing up and down the Earth vvhat purposes and designes he hath on foot and hovv things here beneath do vvork together for carrying on of the same vve should see vvhat an excellent and curious piece of vvork this frame of providence is vvhich the more it is considered it vvill be the more a vvonder hovv perfect in all its parts hovv compact and vvell set in all its various collours what an observable concurrence there is there hovv these several discords vvhich vve see here do yet aggree vvith one consent for the compleeting of Gods design vvhich is still going on and vvhilst vve think there must be some disorder amongst the vvheells vve are made after to see that this confusion vvas an excellent step of providence confounding the vvisdome of men every piece of his vvav being so knit to another as discovers to such who make this blessed truth their serious study a most rare contexture beyond the reach and uptaking of the greatest Artists that ever was Here also we might go up to that watch-tower of Christian observation and from thence take a grave look of Gods way and lay his work in the World to the Scripture as the measuring lyne where we should see and find the sight thereof very pleasant how the Word every day takes place doth ishue through all the veines and arteries of providence each line whereof is so exactly drawen as by a pincel in some skillfull hand to that great exemplar of the Scripture here we might discern these eminent examples
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
experience of every Christian it would be some way as easy to number the drops of rain and dew since the creation as to reckon all these pretious drops and emanations of love these sensible returns and outmakings of the promise which they have had in their experience I truely think it could hardly be believed though it were told what some of the godly here have found in the way of the Word but it is sufficient to answer the design of this work to shew that there is a sensible demonstration and performance of Scripture promises concerning which the experience of the Saints in all ages doth aggree that by many confirmations the Lord hath oft sealed the truth thereof to their soules There are 10. special promises held forth to the godly in the Word which I shall here instance and therewith hold forth what a clear testimony their experience can give of the undoubted truth and aecomplishment of the same FIRST Instance is that promise given to believing to such who credit the naked word when there is no probable appearance of its outmaking and thus give God the glory of his faithfulnes which we have expresly held out 1 Chron. 20 20. Ps 112. 7 8. Ich. 1 50. To clear the accomplishment of this promise I shall but appeal to that testimony the saints in all ages have leâ—â— thereof yea to the present experience of the godly at this day if they have not certainly found it so 1. That when in a particular they have trusted God therewith and got their spirit quiet in a recumbency on him if he hath not dealt with them according to his word yea if then from cleer convincing returns of the promise they have not been made to say it did never repent them that they gave more credit to the testimony of God then of their own hearts 2. That they have found a more sweet and observable issue then when their help lay most immediatly on the word alone never a more sensible outgate then when least of sense and most of faith was in carrying them through when little of the creature and much of God appeared in their mercy and where they were at the lowest no way of escape but to throw themselves on the promise they have then had the best retreat yea their supply as sensibly felt as their need and burden had formerly been felt 5. That their greatest difficulties and shakings anent the promise have helped to their further confirming and establishment and so as they can say the Lords way by brangling them first yea to their sense loosing their grip hath helped to fasten it better and that which for the time did speak their case most helpelesse hath made way for his more eminent appearance and manifesting of him selfe 4. That their greatest venture and giving most out hath usually had the richest income the most eminent experiences of their life have followed the most adventurous acts of their faith yea upon an after reckoning they have oft found that their adventuring of life estate and credit on the promise of God even in these things hath very observably been their upmaking 5. That where they have most been a friend to their faith there hath faith also been most a friend to them in their standing to the credit of the promise over the belly of greatest objections and false reports raised thereof they have found a very evident mark of Gods respect to the same causing them to see that he will honour such who thus honour him And it is indeed worthy of a remark what we have of Caleb upon record that he took part with the promise of God against that discouraging report which then was raised of the Anakims and their walled cities and therefore the inheritance of the Children of Anak was given to Caleb and his sonnes in their lot from the Lord. 6. That believing doth alwayes make way for sense and in their closing with the naked Word of promise they have not wanted the seal of the spirit of promise but have found a sweet calm their burden sensibly eased when once they got it laid over on the word which they can say hath been their first resting place like the very fixing of the motion of the needle towards its right point when their spirit had been restlesse and in greatest agitation 7. That these greatest disappointments which their hope in the Word seemed to have they have found afterwards most to their advantage when their returns have not only been according to their faith but have often exceeded their adventure and been far beyond what they believed yea that from frequent experience they may say the issue of trusting the Word how long so ever they thought it deferred yet came alwayes in season was never too late and out of time 8. That this did never occasion bitter reflexions or was their upcast before the World that they trusted God in a day of strait and were not helped but this testimony have all such left who have most credited it in a dismall houre that none should scarr after them to hazard upon such a hand and venture on the promise for their faith hath oft taken them well and comfortably through where both sense and reason have been ready to sink SECOND Instance Whereby we may see the performance of the promise in Christian experience is this that God truely heareth prayer is near unto his People in what they call upon him aggreable to his Word and will answer their desires we have this promise most expresse Phil. 4 ver 6. Ps 32 6. Ps 65 2. Ps 91 15. Now the accomplishing of this piece of Scripture is so very clear that I can attest the experience of all the generation of the righteous since the beginning what frequent unanswerable comfirmations they have got of this truth in their Christian walk fo that I am sure no man ever was in earnest in the matter of Religion and a stranger to this yea that he was never more certainly perswaded of any thing then of this that God doth hear prayer O if mens souls were but in their souls stead whose evening wrestlings and teares the Lord hath oft turned into a morning song they should know this is no delusion I shall here touch something of that experience which by many proofs the saints can give as a witness to this promise 1. That when they have oft with Hanna gone in before the Lord in the bitternes of their spirit they have been made to return with a sensible and marvellous change in their case yea when in going about prayer they have been put to wrestle with much distemper and deadnes they have oft seen the wind discernably change and therewith their spirits lightned from under that burden an observable calme and serenity after much invvard perturbation yea they can say that they have found their hearts thavved and put in a flush of tendernes upon the back of a most sensible restraint 2.
That accesse and liberty to poure forth their souls to God vvhen he hath filled their mouth vvith arguments and inabled them both to wrestle and vviat they have found a favourable Crisis and begun outgate yea the very turn of a sad case vvhich they have got from the Lord as the pledge of a further ansvver and that vvhen he thus prepareth the heart he doth cause his ear to hear 5. That vvhen they have been under a most dark cloud they have found their sky clear have got a very sensible taste of Gods acceptation in prayer and of his taking their sute off their hand even vvhile the matter vvas still in dependence before him yea that they have oft had such a satisfying impression impression of Gods minde and persvvasion of his ansvvering their desire as hath helped them cheerfully to vvait yea sometimes to sing the triumph before the victory 4. That vvhen they had been much in prayer they must also say it hath been the time vvherein the spirit hath flovvrished vvas most lively yea that then they had their best dayes that then the candle of the Lord shined upon their pathes and his devv lay all night upon their branches and that they have found there is an evident and proportionable abatement of their spiritual life and encouragement in God according to their vvearing out in the exercise of this duety 5. They have many times found that vvhen there vvas nothing left them but to turn in to God and they knevv of no other vvay to come through but to pray and look up they never found a more svveet and seasonable outgate so that most observable times of prayer have been also the most observable times of their experience and they can say from many proofs it is no hopelesse bussines vvhich is put over upon God by prayer though there be small outvvard appearance 6. That it is not in vain to follow out a sute before the throne and that accesse and moyen in Heaven is as sure a way to come speed which they know well as greatest moyen upon earth having so evidently found while many seek the rulers favour that the determination of every thing is from the Lord. 7. That prayer with quiet onwaiting in the use of meanes wiâ—neth comfortably through where over caring and carnal policy in the use of all other shifts hath been forced to stick 8. They know by experience that as there are judicial times wherein an inhibition as it were is laid on them from the Lord in their wrestling yea and a sore restraint on their spirits which hath been very sensible so also they have found times of more easy accesse and abundant liberty a spirit of prayer let forth before some special mercy and deliverance to the Church whereby they could in some measure discern its neer approach 9. That on the back of some solemn addresse and application to God by prayer and fasting in a day of strait they have oft seen cause even from that day and up ward to date a remarkable return and outgate in which even common observers might discern what an evident answer the Churches intercession with God in times of extremity hath had 10. I may adde the saints know this so well by experience that surely God heareth prayer even in such and such a particular that they can with much confidence adventure and make an earant of the meanest as well as their greatest concernments to him having so oft tryed and found that seriousnes and sincerity in addresse to God was never in vain but what ever be the times wherein this promise taketh place their heart shall live that seek God THIRD Instance Is the promise of the Spirit and powring out of the same which we have clear in the Word Is 59 v. 21. Ioh. 14 16 Luk. 24 v. 49. Rom. 8 16 16. The accomplishment of which is so manifest such a sensible demonstration thereof in the experience of the saints that I am sure this can no more be denyed then these who are warmed with the heat of the sun can deny their sense and feeling that the sun hath such an influence and doth not the Christans spiritual walk bear as convincing a witnes to the fulfilling of this promise as any living man by walking in the way sheweth that he hath a soul and principle of life within him Novv to demonstrat this a litle I vvould but touch some of the ordinary experiences of the saints therein vvhich they doe testify and by clear undenyable evidences knovv to be no delusion 1. That vvhich causeth so real a change upon them vvhich maketh them alive to God vvho once vvere dead creating them as it vvere of new that vvhich bringeth a clod of earth so near Heaven raiseth them so far above themselves to a delightful converse vvith things not seen that vvhile their place and abode is here their company and fellovviship is above that vvhich maketh all things nevv to them and doth so â—ar change their nature and inclination as causeth them finde more svveetnes in a spiritual life then in the pleasures of sin yea reconcileth them vvith the Lavv and exercises of a Châ—stian vvhere once there vvas such contrariety O! is not this a real effect of the spirit and no â—â—aginary thing 2. That vvhereof they vvere altogether ignorant vvhen they vvere strangers to God and knevv not if there vvas a Holy Ghost but by report novv since their being born again they finde themselves entred in another World brought out of darknes unto a marvellous lighâ— and of this are sure that once they vvere blind but novv they see is not this a proof of the truth of this promise 3 That vvich maketh â—hem see more of God in his Word and Works at one time then at another vvhence is this difference and inequality the Scriptures are at one time the great things of the Law which are at an other time but common things to them the object is the same but O! what different manifestation thereof whence is it that such a light springeth up in the Word that openeâ—h up this deep and maketh them see the wonders of his Law and within a little nothing but dark night doe not the saints knopw this well and that it is no delusion 4. That which maketh such sensible liberty in their soull and confidence in their approach to God after sore bondage and fear which raiseth them often so far above their ordinary frame as they are not only quickned and refreshed themselves but do observably warm others O how piercing and savory are their words which â—hew what difference there is oft betwixt a Christian and himself betwixt a dead exercise of a gift which reacheth the ear and that which melteth the heart and doth even reach by standers with a pleasant perfume 5. That which maketh such a sudden change in their â—ase under ordinances that their heart that died within them as a stone ere ever they were aware hath
so as their very bones might sing Who is like unto the o Lord It is true real pardon of sin doth not allwayes inferre the sensible feeling thereof and when it is remitted in Heaven there is not alwayes a declaration of it in the conscience but it is also sure that this is sensibly felt and that it is tryed by all even all the generation of the righteous to have had as powerful an operation on a disquiet troubled soul as ever wine or the choisest cordial could have on the sick or faint O! if these who question this were in their case to whom God speaketh peace after a storm they should know how real and certain that is I would offer the Christians witnes to this promise from many many experiments by vvhich the Lord hath sealed it to their soul whereby they know assuredly it is no fancy or delusion 1. How this hath as sensible a connexion with the serious exercise of contrition and repentance in their experience as it certainly hath in the word and promise while they find that in silence and keeping up their case from God their bones have been troubled their spirit in a restles and disquiet condition untill once they made an addresse and got their soul vented by confessing to â—he Lord which was then like a kindly turn and cool of a fever 2. They know it is no delusion that is found so certain a cure to a wounded spirit under the sense of sin a wound which the world and all its diversions could never heal whose pain and grief no musick can allay a drop of divine displeasure being enough to turn all their pleasures in wormwood and gall but O! a taste of this unspeakable cordial one warming look of a reconciled God they know by experience can give present ease 3. It is no delusion which they can command no more then the sun to shine when overclouded or the wind to blow but when it listeth which the most perswading moral arguments can no wayes effectuat nor all their former experience yea the letter of most refreshing promises which sometimes are to them but as the white of an egge without taste until once the spirit breath which not only discovereth the ground of their joy in the word but doth also cause them to rejoyce therein when it shineth upon the same 4. It must be no delusion which causeth so marvellous a change that after greatest disquieting fears they have found most sensible manifestations of love the greatest flood on the back of the lowest ebb in their spiritual condition which oft hath forced them to retreat what their feares and jealousies did utter yea have made them enquire with wonder whence they are so chearful to day who yesternight were so broken and crusht whence their spirit should be in so sweet a calm that so lately was like the raging and troubled sea 5. That this hath oft met them as a blest surprizal and unexpected welcom when they have in a backsliding case come in to God they certainly know that when they knew not how to adventure and at what end of their raveled condition to begin counts having run long over yet on their very first addresse have got a sweet disappointment to their feares been helped to their feet yea some times have had as it were the fatted calfe killed to make merry with their friends 6. That which hath an audible voice within so strong an Impression upon the soul which carryeth with it such a clear satisfying discovery of Gods heart and love is surely no delusion while the intimation of that one truth Your sins are forgiven or any other word of promise for that end they have found to be an argument beyond words which they could not resist but for the time have been as sure they see and feel this as that they live yea can no more now call it in question then formerly they could get it believed 7. That is no delusion which causeth them with another kinde of freedome approach to God maketh them know there is a Spirit of adoption which sets the soul at liberty from the sore bondage and thraldome under which their former backsliding had put them yea a thing not only sensibly felt by themselves but may be discerned by others while they cannot smoother the joy of their heart or hide in their couutenance such a change of their condition that truely God hath dealt comfortably with them 8. Hath not this the Saints in all ages witnessed even a joy unspeakable and full of glory which though but of short continuance yet for the present so strong as hath ravished their soul with the hope of the inheritance above and clear view of their interest in it yea sometimes made them sing for joy in expectation of that blessed day but O! this is better felt then expressed 9. And in a word can that be a delusion that hath oft turned the poor mans hell into a Heaven which trysts the Christian in the way of his duty and the work doth so exactly answer the promise most sensibly felt after greatest shakings of the conscience by the law and can make a sad outward lot so very sweet and pleasant cause them triumph over the wrath of men to sing in a dungeon to abound and have all things under greatest wants look grim death chearfully in the face in its most dreadful aspect yea doth make so great and visible a difference betwixt the Christian and himself SIXTH Instance Is that promise of encouragement and support under the crosse which is expresly held forth in the Word that the Lord will own his People bear their charges and be with them in trouble in the day of their suffering for his truth yea will bind up the broken in heart heal their wounds Psal 91 ver 15. Isai 43 ver 2. Cap. 41 ver 17. Cap. 49 ver 14. Psal 9 ver 9. Isai 51 ver 12. Now that this promise is a truth and hath a certain accomplishment the experience of the Saints in all ages will witnes and we know their testimony is true what at solemn times of Gods presence they have had in a barren wildernes how great a cloud of witnesse doth seal this and give their testimony to the crosse of Christ of which we may say the fame and sweet savour hath gone forth and spread abroad through the Church the Fathers have told it to the Children and one generation to another but hovv litle a part thereof can be expressed I think it would be a marvellous record if the suffering and prison experiments of the Saints vvere particularly set dovvn vvhat they have sound under the crosse but it is vvell vve knovv this promise hath been and this day is evidently sealed concerning which I dare attest the experience of as many as did ever drink of this blessed cup and were counted worthy to suffer for the testimony of Christ if this be not a faithful true witnes
standers may read the languishing of grace in the dead exercise of their gifts 4 That going about duty with most confidence in themselves doth usually give them the most clear discovery of their weakness yea when they have least lookt for any crosse they have then been sure to meet with it with that sad addition of being a surprizal in a secure condition where as on the other hand they may tell what refreshing disappointments they have got where some tryalls have been most feared and lookt for 5. That secure sporting with a temptation may soon turn to sad earnest and they have found it very hard to dance about the fire and not be burnt and the temptation which at a distance seemed small upon a neerer approach they have found had moe bands on their heart and was another thing then they could have beleeved 6. That the meanes whereon they have laid most weight they have also found have given them the saddest disappointment the putting of them in Gods room and out of their own place hath been the way to cause them miscarry yea to turn their crosse whereas they have oft seen something unexpected made the mean of their help that they might know meanes are ordered of the Lord and are useful because he maketh them so 7. Their experience can also witness that carnal confidence despising the tryal at a distance usually punished with carnal diffidence and despondency of spirit under the same the one extremity made the punishment of the other like the hote and cold fits of an ague which doe mutually make one the other more intense yea that their immoderat confidence and expectation of a thing hath after resolved in as immoderat discouragement as their stroke SECOND The Christians unwatchfulnes and intermitting in the exercise of that so necessary and commanded duty we finde the Word threateneth and holdeth forth the hazard thereof Lest ye enter into temptation the outmaking whereof their experience can also witnes Luk. 21 v. 34 36. Math 26 ver 41. 1. That it is not easy to guid their walk and conversation when their guard over the heart doth slacken but the giving loose rains for a little may make such a sad and large breach that many many dayes will not easily make up yea they doe also know how a sensible withdrawing of the Spirit and drying up of their life and liberty is the usual fruit which unwatchfulnes brings forth 9 That this helpeth to make their sun-blincks short causeth a low ebbe after the greatest enlargement whilest they doe not guard against their peculiar evils and that usually there doth haunt such a condition the swelling of the flesh when the spirit is most enlarged which will soon put them as far behind as they formerly thought themselves at an advantage 3. That vvhen once the heart lyeth open it is quickly seised on and made a prey with what a bitter sting doth it return after it hath taken liberty to wander yea doth find there is a swift progresse that sin hath from the thoughts to the rolling of it to the imagination and thence to the affection wherewith it is more easy to engadge then to shake this off 4. That unwatchfulnes hath oft turned the most special times and opportunities for advantage to the greatest losse which through their neglect of these hath put them further behind then they were it hath turned their retirement and solitude to be their snare made the desert worse and more dangerous then the city and made them finde that vain thoughts the following whereof seemeth pleasant to the mouth will prove gall and vvormvvood in the belly there being no sadder company then a mans spirit let loose upon it selfe whilest they cannot stop that current whereto they had given a vent 5. Their experience of this can vvitnes that unvvatchfulnes hath an undoubted tendency to cast of prayer hovv hard is it in the evening to retire to God vvhilest the heart is abroad all the day To be Religions in Worship when men are not so in their vvalk Yea they doe find that this vvill bring their distemper vvithin out at doors to some disorder impertinency or passion in their words or outward communication a thing which experience may tell doth wound the soul make a sad breach in their peace and doth quickly overcloud the Spirit and unfit them for communion with God and going about of spiritual duties THIRD To restrain prayer and neglect calling on God is ane evil also which the Word doth threaten and hold forth the same hazard thereof as of unwatchfulnes lest ye enter into temptation yea that this is even a step to the casting off fear the Christians experience from frequent tryal can witnes that this Scripture threatning is true Math. cap. 26 vor 41. Heb. 15 ver 4. 1. That they have found this the rise which giveth life and increase to their prevailing evils that corruption then is upon a sensible grouth as the lively exercise of prayer begins to be intermitted 2. That this weareth out their spiritual life and bringeth a consumption upon the vital spirits of Christianity so that these who sometime flowrished and kept green as by the sent of water that correspondence which they had with the fountain of their life while his dew did ly all night on their branches hath through neglect of prayer been brought to a poor shadow so although sometimes the greatnes of their lose and distemper hath been hid from themselves yet might be easyly discerned by onlookers 3. That wearing out of prayer and of delight therein will quickly make them disrelish any other piece of Religion put them out of frame to meditat or to give thanks or entertain fellovvship vvith the Saints yea the more lively and spiritual these are it maketh them the more a burden and tormâ—nt to them 4. That vvearing out of this is a strong temptation to a further forbearance and vvill sensibly vvear them out of any sense of their need hereof and make them strangers to themselves and to their ovvn case so that they shall sinde the lesse they are in this exercise the further they shall be indisposed and the fewer errands they have the lesse felt necessity of the same 5. Their experience can also witnes that litle prayer maketh a heavy burden doth multiply their straits and cause their care grow as this is abaited they must then bear their burden alone and with heavines take counsel within themselves while they ply not this blest tryed remedy to make their requests in all things known to God FOVRTH We find the Word doth threaten defection from the truth and turning from the way of God in a time of tryal as an evil into which these that are kept by grace from final apostasie may yet through the violence of a temptation fall Ierem. 9 ver 13 15. Psal 89 ver 30 32. Ios 8 v. 11. and their sad experience can witnes the truth of the Scripture threatnings concerning
this also while they have found 1. That in one day they may t adventure on that which through most of their life they have not win above but hath made them go with their back bowed down to the grave that their giving the Lords work a wrong touch is one of these things which doth scarcely leave them all their time but beyond other sins they have found this still come up with a bitter and heavy reflexion yea in the evening of their life they have found this so sore on their spirit that it could not ly hid or silent but they were forced to witnes their sense of it before the World ere they could win to any ease 2. That this the Lord doth usually meet with some sharp and publick reproof even before men that though he pardon his People yea give some sensible intimation thereof to their souls yet he hath not past them as to some visible mark of his displeasure because of such a thing 3. They see that a crooked and uncleanly way proves not the mean of extricating them out of trouble but their straits have been made to grow therewith yea they have found that which they eshewed in Gods way hath more sadly trysted them in another rod and that there is a thick dreg in the bottom of the cup which maketh it worse to drink thereof at the close then at the beginning 4. That it is not easy to make a stand in turning aside from the way of God when once they are engadged and that a retrograd motion is very violent and yeelding in a little will bring with it some necessity of going further as a judicial stroke 5. That sitting of some clear opportunity to give a testimony for the truth when called thereto hath turned to be their judgement that they should not have further accesse or be made usefull that vvay a thing truely obvious to such as are vvise to observe the judgements of God in their time yea likevvise that publick backsliding doth oft visibly vvear men out of personal tendernes FIFTH Unsubduednesse of spirit and want of mortification to outward things the Word doth clearly threaten and hold out its hazard the accomplishment vvhereof Christians experience can vvitness Rom. 8 ver 6 7. 1. That God hath oft turned their idoll to be their crosse put a mark of his jealousy on their dearest things vvhen once they put them in his room yea frequent observation of the Lords vvay both vvith themselves and others doth shevv if they vvould be quite of a thing they may set their heart immoderatly on it such eagernes and exorbitancy of affection being a sure presage it shall either be their judgment or sorrow or cease to be 2. That outward things did never yeeld lesse then whilest they prest them most that when they are eager in pursuit of the World and satisfaction there spirits are sensibly hurried with many perturbations so that they must say that which keepeth them from enjoying of God doth also hinder the comfortable enjoying of themselves 3. They have founded that slow advance in the work of mortification hath at last doubled their smart and been the procuring cause of some very sharp cure when the discase did come to that height that a small and ordinary potion could not do the turn 4. That immoderat desire and pressing after an outward thing they have sometime got answered but therevvith a sharp reproof from the Lord yea usually have found small satisfaction in their enjoying that about vvhich they vvere so unsober in their enjoying that about vvhich they vvere so unsober in their pursuit give children or else I dye said Rachel she got children and she dyed in bringing one of them forth 5. Their experience can also vvitnes hovv overcaring anxiety hath oft caused things thrive worse under their hand vvhilest they found never a more satisfying issue in a particular then by a quiet submissive dependence on the Lord for the same SIXTH The doing violence to light and sinning vvith a vvitnes against the conscience as it is clearly threatned in the Word so likevvayes the sad effects thereof hath been clearly vvitnessed in all ages 1. What a direct tendency this hath to the further darkning of their light and to a judicial hardning and that reproofs not entertained do usually become lesse frequent yea lesse pungent and searching their heart then doth not so easily smite them and put the tear in their eye as sometimes a word or secret rebuke of the conscience would have done so as they can now digest greater things who would sometiumes have stood at that which comparatively was very small 2. That when they would not read their bosom distemper which both by the word adn conscience was pointed out others have got leave to read the same written on their fore head and the shifting of discovered guilt and of all serious endeavour to get the quarrel taken up in secret betwixt God and them hath brought the matter at last to some publick hearing even before the generation 3. That their darkening of their light upon some privat interest while they would again and again enquire if such a thing be warrantable concerning which the Lord had once cleared their minde is a most perillous thing yea hath got an answer according to the idol of their heart and their choice made to be their judgement I shall but adde what bitter and sad experience can tell how dreadful it is to give the conscieuce a wramp which is more easily hurt then healed that deliberat adventuring on the occasion of a temptation when they would goe to the high priests hall without warrant or a calling hath cost them dear and they have found that bold sinning doth afterward make faint beleeving SECOND ARGUMENT SECOND Argument to demonstrat the accomplishment of the scripture is this that not only Christian experience but the observation of the Church and people of God doth in all ages bear witnes thereto how the Lords way in these providences both of mercy and judgement about the Church amidst the various changes of her condition yea in the most strange things which fall out in the world doth convincingly answer the word and verify the same It is indeed undenyable that the scripture of God as it is written to the personal case of his people and doth in their experience take place so is there a part of it in a peculiar way directed to the Church the fulfilling whereof in the providences and events of the time should be the subject of our observation and would singularly help to confirm our faith of the truth thereof For prosecuting this argument I would touch it a litle in these three branches 1. How these General promises which belong to the chureh universal and concern her in all ages have an accomplishment 2. How these threatnings also of the word which doe not only concern the church but have a respect to her adversaryes are certainly fulfilled take
is written in the providences and judgments of every time to mens observation how judgments from the Lord which point as with the finger at the abounding sins of that time do reach a land and particular Churches according to the threatnings of the word this is indeed manifest that the greatest promises made to a people we find backed with saddest threatnings and accordingly we find the greatest monuments of wrath have usually been set up where sometimes the largest offers of the Gospel were yea that the anger of the Lord may draw so deep against a people professing his name as to make their land desolate and the high wayes thereof mourn for in this precinct of the Church doth both judgement and mercy most eminently shine forth and the Lords way there doth differ from that he hath with any other people Now to clear this grave truth a litle how these threatnings of the word against a nation and people because of sin are also verifyed in their judgements I shall touch a few instances that are most known and obvious where we may lay the word and observation of the Church together and see how they answer one the other First we find the Threatnings of the word do point at the time of a peoples judgement 1 Thes 2 ver 16. Rev. 14 ver 15 18. That when they fill up the measure of their sin and their cup is full the Lord will not then defer the execution until the cup of the Amorites was full he did let them alone and we find an answer deferred to the cry of the souls under the altar for avenging their blood on Antichrist because that accursed party had yet more to do against the Church and the Saints more to suffer under their hand Now to witness the accomplishment of this let us but consider what in all times may be observed First that there is an ordinary grouth and height of sin which a land cometh to before destruction some national and universal spreading thereof prodigious outbreakings the utter rejecting of reproof which shew that a peoples case must then be on some turn yea that strange and unusuall sinning useth to go before some strange stroke 2. Before judgement come is it not seen how the sin of a people hath become so daring that it hath had a loud cry yea their case hath been such as did justify the Lords procedure against them even in the conscience of all lookers that he did it not without much cause 3. Is it not easy for such as are wise to know the times to see night coming on a land when sin is at some dreadful height by considering the word and the Lords usual way with a people in such a case Yea hath there not then been some special forwarnings a more then ordinary impression of judgement upon the spirits of the godly the hiding of many of them in the grave which as threatning presages hath shewed the near approache of a stroke 4. There doth not usually want even some Noah or Jonas the Ministers of God sent forth to threaten who as watchmen upon the wall are discerning hazard at distance yea with an observable pressure then upon their spirit and a more then ordinary aggreement amongst themselves to cry out and give the people warning when the time of judgement hath been drawing near 2. It is clear there are some special evils and sins of a time which we find the word most dreadfully doth threaten yea in a peculiar way it doth put a mark upon them that though the Lord should passe by many infirmities in a Church and people professing his name yet for such and such sins as we find in Amos 1 ver 2. he will not turn away the punishment thereof but hath solemnly declared by his truth and faithfulnes that these shall not passe without some visible mark even before the world of his anger now in this the Scripture is clear and lets us see there are some sins more particularly threatned some land destroying sins that have as it were the marke set on them which doe especially provoke the holy indignation and jealousie of God such as idolatry corrupting the Worship of God Perjury and Covenant-breaking shall they break my Covenant and escape saith the Lord Ezek. 17 ver 15. also departing from God and his way for this the land shall be desolat as in Ierem. 9 ver 12 13. yea blood guiltines which the earth shall not cover and for which the sword shall not depart even from the house family of David 2 Sam. 12 10. Now to evidence the accomplishment hereof I shall point at somethings most obvious to the observation of every time how terribly the Lord useth to plead for such things and by some exemplary stroke and judgement point them out as we find them particularly set by themselves in the word and threatnings thereof First how in these sins thus marked men may see how their judgements use not wholly to be deferred to another world but though much is oft passed here and laid over to that last and great judgement yet upon such sins the Lord hath put some mark of his displeasure even in this life 2. That for these he useth to contend before the sun and in the view of men his judgements are indeed oft secret and doe consume as a moth but upon such sins we may frequently see some publick and visible stroke is made to follow that the world cannot passe without a remark 3. That the Lord also useth to be a very swift witness against such evils for as we find the oppression of the Church hath a lowd cry and the blood of the saints a how long it is also seen these forementioned sins do much hasten judgement so as seldome that generation passeth away without some witness thereto it is rarely found that some great revolt of a people from God and breaking Covenant with him doth ly long over unpunished nor doth the hoary head of the violent and bloody man go oft to the grave in peace 4. That these sins use to be followed with some very dreadful and eminent stroke they have made the land desolat their cityes sometime wast and a ruinous heap yea houses great and fair to be without inhabitans so as men have with astonishment enquired why is all this comed to passe and it was easy to answer even for such and such evils hath the Lord done this according to his word 5. That a divine hand useth to be most discernable in the punishments of such sins because of a very clear resemblance betwixt them and the stroke which hath forced their own conscience as well as of onlookers to confesse the Righteousnes of God therein 6. That the Lord will put some mark of his anger on the choisest of his servants for any accession to such sins these to whom he hath given their soul for a prey have yet got a sore outward stroke upon such an account which hath
followed them to the grave for this the sword shall not depart from Davids house Idolatry rent the Kingdome from the posterity of Salomon Jonas shall not escape for his rebellion yea God was wroth with Moses and no intreaty shall hinder his dying in the wildernes I may adde hath not the Lords controversy on this ground even reached their posterity which may shew that these threatnings are sad earnest and such sins are not more particularly pointed at in the word then they have been in after ages made exemplary in judgement 3. A peoples lukwarmenesse their slighting of the gospel and not receiving the love of the truth we find sadly threatned in the word Rev. 3 ver 15 16. 2 Thess 2 ver 10 11. and truely we must say they have not fallen to the ground in any age without an accomplishment as frequent observation can witness First how a peoples entring upon a Religious way their pursuing a form of reformation and not through for God therein but on carnal grounds hath thus put them in a worse condition then before for truely mens hypocrisy in going about a good work doth threaten more then the performance thereof doth promise Jehu got a temporal reward but his posterity must at length reckon for all the blood of Jezreel 2. That no people use to be furder from getting good of the gospel then such who have been under most clear and greatest convictions so as it is found there is oft more accesse to gain amongst the savages then these who have sit their day while the tide did flow yea ministers have found most discouragement to labour in these parts where the word hath been long preached with power 3. It is seen how light not improved will turn a People more grosse and is usually followed with some remarkable grouth in sin that the more the word doth put a restraint on mens corruption the more it rageth so as it may be observed what a very black dy and collour the powerful preaching of the Gospel hath put upon a People as a visible mark of judgement on such who profit not thereby 4. Is it notseen how mens formality in the matters of God hath been oft punished even with the taking away of the forme Yea that seldome errour and delusion doth want a harvest amongst a People who receive not the truth in love 5. Hath not slighting of the Gospel been at last followed with some visible restraint and inhibition both upon the ordinances and dispensers thereof a judicial withdrawing of the Spirit as to the work of conversion and conviction whereby the Lord doth plainly cease to be a reprover to such yea even saith bind up the Law and seal the Testimony 4. The Word doth also threaten carnal Security a disease whereof the Church is oft in great hazard yea we find it holds forth a certain connexion betwixt spiritual judgements upon a People and some outward strokes to follow thereon that these who are under that first woe and plague upon their spirits are then near to some judgement upon their persons and may expect a sharp wakening in hearing they shall not understand c. but the close is until the cities be consumd without inhabitants and there be an utter desolation yea we find judgement doth begin as a moth in that 5. of Hos. but in the 14. ver it doth turn at last to be a lyon We may truely say the fulfilling of this hath in all ages of the Church been obvious 1. That as the first part of the Churches deliverance is usually spiritual so it is found the first step of judgement and the execution thereof against a People hath been upon their spirits that serious discerners of the time might know that the night was fast coming on and some sad outward stroke on a land by the abounding of spiritual judgements 2. It is clear themost dreadful strokes that ever come on a particular Church doe usually find it in such a case judicially hardned and under many warnings plagued with security thus did the floud finde the old World and before that desolating stroke on Jerusalem by the Romans were not the Jewes in such a case Salvain can tell how it was with the African Churches before that dreadful inundation of the Gothes and Vandals yea the Churches records in all ages doe witness that before any sad stroke or persecution came upon a People a deep sleep and lethargie hath been previous thereto gray haires might have been seen upon them and the Word doth even shew that this will be the last disease whereof the Church shall be sick before the great day of the Lord. 3. It is also seen how spiritual judgements when they grow upon a people make great dispatch and do quickly ripen for some further stroke that when men have run down their conscience and are past reproof of the word going on from evil to worse the case cometh then to be clear and ready for the finall discussion of the processe 5. The word doth denounce woe against the troublers of the Church and these who are her persecutors that the Lord shall recompence tribulation to such and plead with her oppressours the accomplishment whereof hath been truely manifest yea to the observation even of the world Is 10 5. 2 Thess 1 ver 6. 1. That eminent oppressours of the Church have seldome gone out of the World without some remark of divine anger upon them surely if there were a record of such instances that in every age hath been conspicuous men should be forced to see and say that the most noted enemyes and persecutors of the saints have been also the most convincing and noted examples of judgement in the time 2. That the Churches suffering useth to go before a day of vengeance on the instruments thereof we find Jehu got an outward reward for executâ—ng the judgement of God on his enemyes but as for these men who have been the rod of the Church it hath been seen that they have not long wanted some scourge as sore upon themselves as they have been to his People and that at last these have payed dear-for their service 3. We may see how this also doth help to finish the contraversy of God with men and their houses that for this he hath taken many away in the midst of their dayes and made them cease to be who would not cease to trouble the Church while they had a being yea that He hath taken them in his own hand whom men could not reach and made their down-casting in the midst of themselves 6. Doth not the Scripture threaten carnal confidence in a People the putting of their trust in man or in any outward instruments Ier. 17 ver 5 6. Is 30 ver 16 17. to clear the accomplishment whereof let us but compare the word and the Churches observation together and we will find 1. That outward meanes have never more miscaried then when most promising and when there was greatest
brought neer God in secret converse with him and taken up to that mountain in a word doth not the walk of a serious mortified Christian convincingly witness this yea cannot but be some way astonishing to the World what should make them look so well and with such satisfaction when no visible cause for it when shut up in prison from converse vvith friends and acquaintance Sure men will not think any rational spirit so demented to quite their former pleasures and chose the crosse that they may only deceive the World with a conterfeit joy and satisfaction if they did not really find the same and while it is too too evident what a dreadful society and commerce many have with the Devil should any question or debate whither the Saints have truely communion and fellowship with God the Father of Spirits whom they serve and worship FOVRTH That the righteous is more excellent then his neighbour Prov. 12 ver 26. And hath an other spirit which is greater and more choice then that which is in the World is a truth which I am sure men notvvithstanding all their prejudice must needs confesse and that therein the Scripture is truely verifyed vvhen such clear and convincing evidences doe stare them in the face I confesse the Saints are much under a dark cloud here through the prevalency of corruption yea are oft accounted as the filth of the World but when grace in any greater measure in its vigorous exercise doth shew it selfe then there appeareth so much as will darken all the grandour of this earth force men to see an excellency upon the saints beyond any others they cannot altogether shun such a conviction First what an evident difference is betwixt their way who walk with God that of the most polished moralist something is in the one which doth witnes a more excellent spâ—â—â— a higher elevation a sweet harmony and equability in their way that they move in some higher sphere act from other principles with a respect to some greater interest then any thing here have more of a large heart to serve their generation then these whose self-interest is seen to be the first and last in all their motions 2. May it not also appear to onlookers that tender serious Christians who live neer God do truly witnesse their resemblance likenesse to him to whom they move as to their great and last end yea do evidence a more true excellency of spirit what a sweet calm and serenity they have within while going through things that are most crosse and vexing with what discernable quietnes these can look upon most affrighting revolutions in the world as such whose treasure and great interest is beyond hazard though the earth were all turned to ashes 3. Is there not so much in the way and carriage of the saints yea such a majesty and authority that attendeth holines as doth force respect and fear even from these who doe most hate them yea and doth force men to justify such in their conscience whom they openly reproach and persecut whence is it that a serious tender Christian is oft a scarr crovv terrour to the prophane vvhen there is no outvvard cause for it but that they are struck vvith the conviction of a more excellent spirit in these carrying such a resemblance to the image of God as sorceth fear and subjection from that spirit vvhich is in the vvorld 4. Doth not a Christian and holy vvalk cause men shine as a light in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation yea darken all their neighbours and in the darkest night is it not seen hovv grace shineth vvith the greatest lustre vvhat a svveet and odoriferous sent doth this even send through the country vvhere they live that may shevv to all vvhat a difference there is betvvixt such and these vvho are vvallovving in this puddle of the earth 5. Is â—â—â—ot obvious vvhat a lustre and beauty yea something more becoming our immortal soul that is seen in the self-denial of Christians their bearing injuries forgiving such as injure them vvithout reviling then in that proud vindictive spirit vvhich is in the vvorld that sure such vvalke by a more excellent rule and move from a higher principle 6. It may be also evident to the vvorld vvhat an other spirit is in these vvho do not bovv vvith the speate of every time nor yeeld to men because of their outvvard povver then in that spirit vvhich is in the vvorld that vvhile the one doth presse men to save themselves on any tearms the other doth cause the Christian take up his crosse yea lay down his life to save his Conscience whence is that patience and resolution by which the godly in times of suffering have overcome their persecutors their bold avovving of the truth before men vvhen hazards are most obvious and that advantage vvherevvith they appear above others in such a time O! doth it not clearly vvitnes they are of an other mettal vvho doe thus abide the fire yea become more bright by that vvherewith others are consumed I would add that which the world cannot deny how this spirit which is in the Saints hath prevailed over the greatest entisements of carnal gain and pleasure which to many may seem a wonder as the popish party did once say of Luther Bestia haet non cur at aurum that which they did speak in contempt that it did prove him a beast did in effect shew him therein to be something above men for that is a thing before which the spirit of the world could never stand FIFTH That the promised encouragement which is held forth to the People of God under trouble and suffering for his name is a truth and the Scripture herein verifyed I am sure not only Christian experience can witness but may even to the observation of others be demonstrat from very convincing grounds that it is no fancy or delusion 〈◊〉 9 ver 9. Is 51 ver 12. 1. The very countenance and outward appearance of the godly in a suffering time doth oft declare the peace and tranquillity of their soul so as surely they must have joy and satisfaction from whence the world doth not know have some other correspondence then with things visible for it may be oft said as of Daniel his fellows that under greatest pressures and a very mean condition they look as well yea with as much chearfulnes as these who live on the Kings allowance 2. It can be no counterfeit which should thus reconcile the christian with a suffering lot for it is known how very searching affliction and trouble proveth which oft doth broach the vessel and bring forth what hath formerly most closely lurked And O! doth not that holy confidence and freedome which the saints have evidenced in confessing the truth before the princes of this world and their most cruel adversaries yea that chearfulnes which in most extream pieces of suffering they oft doe wittness even when they
wherein they live I shall here point at this truth as it is in the providence of God written in such great letters as are obvious to the view of the World so as most common onlookers cannot passe this without a remark it is true much may be laid over to that great general aâ—fize of the last judgement that day of retribution yea sometimes we see the most wicked and vile go in peace to the grave the soveraignity of God doth also appear very observably in the different measure and kind of punishment and it is too evident how prone men are to look more to the interest that second causes have in such a thing then to a divine hand but this is also sure that the Lord is known on the earth by the judgement which he executeth and in every age doth set up such convincing examples before men that the greatest Atheist may see yea oft their conscience must break the jayle restrain it as they will and force this acknowledgement that such judgements can be no casual thing while something of a power higher then man and a clear verifying of the word is so discernable therein Now to demonstrat this truth I would offer somethings which may shew how very near this cometh to the observation of men so as none can be a stranger thereto or want conviction of this piece of the truth of God except they willingly shut their eyes while it is clear 1. That the very Heathens who never knew the Scripture nor a written Law have 〈◊〉 so much of a natural conscience that not only they can put some difference between vertue and vice but even in some measure can discern Gods putting some difference betwixt the same how flagitious crimes use to be punished by a divine hand we may say time could never yet wear out the observation of this truth through the World and though many things may be received and credited which not having a sure ground do quickly evanish it being truths priviledge still to outlive falsehood yet it is sure how in the darkest parts of the earth this hath been still noticed with a remark and transmitted from one age to another yea the records of the nations even by heathen writers shew what remarkable punishment hath followed cruel oppression Covenant-breaking and bloodshed and such other grosse sins against the second table yea how these have been the usual forerunners of great strokes on Kingdomes and familyes 2 Doth not the World see that in these remarkable judgements which have come on a nation and People there is something higher then instruments or second causes which may be very evident in bringing the same about so that all who goe by must confesse such is no casual tryst nor doth arise out of the dust but that surely a divine hand is there and truely though some desolating strokes are very terrible in themselves and blood and ruines should be no matter of pleasure yet whereas thereby that stately sound is heard even his voice who maketh the earth to tremble and God is made known to the sons of men we should not only with fear but even some holy congratulation consider his work now to clear what a convincing witness these are to this truth I shall point at some very obvious remarkes which I am sure the World cannot contradict of the Lords own immediat hand in such judgements 1. That strange concurrence and tryst of providence which useth to appear when God is against a People how all things will then conspire as in a fatal conjunction to â—â—â—k the woe and ruine that men may see surely this 〈◊〉 â—rom the Lord who is wonderful in counsel from a hand against which there is no striving 2. How such remarkable strokes are seen to tryst with some great and remarkable height of sin in such a nation and People so that it is easy then for all onlookers to confesse the righteousnes of God therein 3. That vvhen judgement is coming on a land it may be seen hovv instruments are raised and in a more then ordinary vvay acted vvith all advantages for such a piece of service 4. A visible blasting then both of counsel and strength and these meanes vvhich othervvayes looked most probable hovv remarkably such are confounded even in the use of their ordinary abilities their heart and usual courage taken from them vvhile the Lord is on a vvork of judgement 5. That astonishing successe vvhich is usually seen to follovv these vvhom the Lord sendeth forth to execut his judgement hovv then they move svviftly and vvith vigour they doe not stumble or vveary it is neither rivers nor walled cities can stand in their way mountaines are made vallies to shew it is the Lord whose hand in that day is strong upon them to strengthen their loines and make the sword and axe sharp for his service 6. Amidst these various strokes which come on a land can men passe that of the Pestilence without some special note where Gods immediat hand something supernatural above ordinary or natural causes may be clearly seen both in its strange progresse in spreading which like a lightning doth oft go throvv cities and countryes in a small time do not these tell aloud to the World that they come not unsent and vvithout some special commission and that there is no stryving against them nor are ordinary meanes effectual in some such extraordinary plagues until he vvho brought it on do also by his ovvn hand take it off 3. It is very obvious even to the world that clear resemblance which is oft betwixt sin and the stroke how holy justice doth keep a proportion and doth shape out the judgement so exactly both in measure and kind that it may be easy to see the stroke pointing as with an hand to the cause by its discernable likenes and both at the righteous judgement of God which thus measureth out to men as they have dealt with others we see how the Lord trysted Agag and Adonibezek how Sodoms burning lust was punisht with fire from heaven yea what even David had measured out for his murther and adultery the svvord shall not depart from his house and for the other his wives by his own son abused and truely every ages observation can witness this truth from many convincing examples that there is a God who judgeth in the earth it being oft seen if men would seriously observe 1. How an universal overspreading of sin in a land hath usually some national and universal stroke following 2. That blood waiteth on bloody men and suffereth them not oft to live out half their dayes one oppressour punished by another the unmerciful man payed home in his own coyn by such as shall shew as little mercy to him or his 3. How the proud and insolent who do most hunt after outward glory are usually trysted vvith some humbling abasing stroke he povvreth contempt on princes and such vvho vvill not honour God shall not brook that honour
they seek from man 4. That such vvho have been most given vp to uncleannes are oft seen not to encrease as to their posterity but their issue observeably made to faile yea by a divine hand rooted out sure many such signal examples might be instanced 5. How such who have choosed sin to shun trouble and suffering have in their sinful way got as large a measure thereof as that man who in Queen Maryes time said he could not burn for the truth and therefore forsook it by an unseen hand had both himselfe and his house in one night burnt 6. That the treacherous and deceitful men are thus dealt with by others yea children who have been unduetiful to their parents have from theirs met with the same recompence 7. That whilest men to make a purchase have even denyed themselves the necessary use of outward things are oft seen to leave their estate to such who do quickly wast and scatter the same and thus the sinful parsimony of parents punished with the prodigality of such who succeed them 8. That the frequent use of some dreadful imprecations are oft punished by the Lord with a sutable stroke to the conviction both of themselves and onlookers 9. How such as have joyned together and united themselves against the truth have been visibly broken as to their own privat interest and truely we must say there is oft such a tryst of very convincing circumstances in some acts of the judgement of God with such a resemblance to the sin yea judgement sometime pursueing men in the very place where the sin hath been acted that it may be easy for all who go by to say there is indeed a God who judgeth in the earth 4. Doth it not appear how very convincing and obvious this truth is even to the world from these ordinary remarkes and proverbial sayings which we find in all ages and in every part of the earth even the most rude and ignorant have had of the judgement of God for truely what else are these but an expresse witnes how universally this truth is known and received by men how much the world is convinced thereof through a long tract of observation from the fathers to the children yea thence they have had a divinity of their own drawn out thereof how such sins do not use to passe without some notour punishment Now I would but name some few of these remarkes that have been most usual in all times 1. How some familyes have not thriven but a secret judgement hath been discernable thereon since they had hand in some grosse acts of wickednesse such as bloodshed their former prosperity from such a day visibly declining 2. How that an evil purchase useth not to be of long continuance but their estate oft in a very strange and unsensible way made to evanish which their children though frugal can by no meanes keep up and the cause hereof men doe easily point at it was purchased by fraud transmitted with a curse cleaving thereto and so there was no warding of the judgement of God 3. Such who doe not much consider Gods contraversy yet are oft forced to remark that since some have medled or matched with such an house they have sadly smarted thereby something of a curse even following the race and posterity of some 4. How sacrilegious medling with that which hath been for a pious and publick use hath caused a visible wast and consumption in their own estate 5. That mens asking counsel from the Devil and turning to that airth for their help doth usually resolve in a sad and tragick close and truly this many in the shutting up of their life have been forced to confesse 6. That falshood doth not use to keep its feet nor a wicked way long prosper what ever it seeme to the first view yea I may adde as one of the Worlds remarks which they cannot well shun that which seemeth was an ordinary saying in the time of Ester that it is not safe troubling the Church or for men to state themselves in opposition to that party and I dare not question but this shall be yet as convincing and obvious to the World as it hath been in any former ages 5. Is not the appearance of a divine hand oft very obvious to the World in the discovery of sin and bringing to light some grosse acts of wickednes even in extraordinary way while it is seen 1. By what strange unexpected meanes these have been brought forth such an astonishing tryst and concurrence of things therein as hath forced not only onlookers to some special remark but hath even struck the guilty party through the heart with wonder and conviction of the same 2. How the hand of Justice persuing men for some notour and known crime doth oft bring to light some that have been most secret which they thought the World could never reach yea it may be frequently seen while men have been in one sin found out it hath also brought forth the discovery of some other and forced them to confesse that is was a righteous judgement persuing them for the same It is a thing also known yea by many undenyable instances witnessed that marvellous discovery of concealed murther by the bleeding of the body upon the touch of the murtherer I confesse it should be hard to assert the lawful and warrantable practice of such an appeal to so extraordinary and stupendious a sign from the Lord where the Scripture goeth not clearly before us but on the other hand such a thing so surely tryed for such an end and in the case where all ordinary meanes of discovery have been wanting I think calleth us to a serious remark thereof while it so visiby seemeth to witness his hand who doth make inquifition for blood 6. Is not the dreadful consternation these tormenting feares which men after some grosse acts of wickednesse do bewray a very obvious witness to this truth that there is a God who judgeth on the earth in whose hands it is a terrible thing to fall and sheweth how great a punishment wickednes is to its selfe truely if Atheists turn not brutish and stupid they must notice this and confesse a thing which doth so oft reach their eares what have been the horrid cryes of many dying men who have most sported with sin in their life that may tell bystanders there is a judge who can stretch forth his hand on the soul and conscience whereto no rack or outward torments is any way comparable 7. I would furder adde these extraordinary signs and prodigies which do usually go before some stroke and judgement on a land do they not clearly point at a divine hand in the same For as these are a solemn forewarning from Heaven to give men an alarum before remakable changes the truth whereof the World cannot deny so we must say they are a convincing testimony that these judgements are no casual things which the Atheist cannot answer it being so clear 1.
care and expence what a sore vanity is this 12. Will not the want of a very small thing oft embitter the pleasantest lot and turn into wâ—â—mwood and gall the smallest touch of pain the gravel or tooth-ake yea even some melancholy thought will make men disrelish all their present enjoyments what a torment doth a small ruffle and affront oft prove to the proud man even in the midst of his glory is it not also found how carnal mirth and joy men wallowing in the delights of the World hath still in the close a bitter sting and hasth waygate which as the shadow attends the body is the native and unseparable consequent thereof and surely that may be easy to discern there is no condition which can want a crosse or some mixture of discontent even where there is least seen cause I would adde which cannot want a remark in every time that while men seem to be at the top and furdest period of their thoughts and projects have things according to their desire brought to some happy close they are oft then upon some turn and change in their condition either by death or some very sad crosse and even in that day their thoughts have perished truely such as are wise observers of the World and of the course of things therein may oft see how usuall a tryst this is that when there is too bright a sun-blink in outward prosperity if great sobriety and moderation do not accompany the same it is an ominous and fatall presage of a storm ad summum quicquid venit ad exitium prope est TWELFTH I would furder adde this truth which hath in all ages been cleerly witnessed even to the conviction of the World that the end of the upright man is peace and integrity what ever rub it may seem to have by the way yet hath a sweet and comfortable close Ps 37 37. This is an undenyable truth not only because the Saints are then entring into perfect peace but it is also clear that how ever the godly man may have very sharp assaults in the close of his dayes and some who have shined very bright do set in a dark cloud their evening full of sorrow and bitternes yea their reflexion on some sad stip which they have made by the way bearing them company even to the grave yet this truth is still verifyed yea may be discernable to the conviction of bystanders that integrity and an upright walk hath much peace in the end and doth land men upon a comfortable harbour anent which I can appeal the World and the most ordinary onlookers if this hath not been oft very convincing and discernable to them from many instances from the Lords usual way with these who have been faithful in their generation at their death from that testimony which they have then given to this yea from most visible signes and evidences hereof even upon their countenance and carriage vvhilest it is seen 1. How great an advantage such use to have above others when Death approacheth so that it hath not been Balaams wish alone to dy the death of the righteous and to have his latter end like theirs but the worst of men are still forced to witnesse their respect to the lot of a dying Christian and would wish a share thereof when it coms to their turn anent which I may ask the greatest mockers at religion and at the life of a Godly man if they can possibly shun this conviction that surely such are of the best estare and at the greatest advantage in their end 2. This I am sure cannot be hid from the World what aboundant peace the Saints do then testify in their choice what a present unspeakable complacency they have with this that they valued Christ above all other advantages did choose affâ—iction rather then sin and now while they are turning their face to the wall finds the witnes of a good conscience and of Gods approbation so sweet a feast that their joy and peace on this account they can not smother or keep in but declare to all who stand by what they find and truely it hath been oft seen how the inward joy which some of these have had hath exceeded their outward pain been more sensible to them then their sicknesse yea have been in leaving the World much more chearful then these whom they left behind 3. It is also known and may be very obvious to by-standers how with a sweet composure and recumbency of foul such have laid themselves upon the promise in that houre while they were grapling with the king of terrours their spirit then quiet and calm having taken the truth and testimony of God for their shield and buckler which may tell the World what an other kinde of security and confidence these have beyond others yea that surely the ground on which this confidence is â—ounded must be a thing that is able to bear out the greatest storm and assault and is something above nature 4. Is it not clear that even an untimely and violent death could not let or frustrat that peace which integrity causeth in the close For innumerable instances can witnes what marvellous joy and satisfaction the Saints have shewed at a stake and upon a scaffold and thence hath had a more chearful going out of time then the rich man stretched upon his soft bed or the greatest Monarch amidst all outward advantages sure we must say that sweet refreshing close of the upright man hath never been more visible and writ in greater letters then in such a case 5. What very sad conflicts have some of the Saints had in their life yea even upon the setting of the sun hath been put to cry out through sore perplexing feares and doubts wherewith they have been assaulted who have at last had this turned into a song and such a marvellous change in their case as hath not been more sensible to themselves then discernable to all onlookers like a sudden calm and sunshin after some dark storm I must here ask the Atheist and such as reckon Godlinesse but a fancy whence should so strange so sudden and great alteration proceed that these who a little before were under such horrour could have no rest no arguments could do their tnrn doe thus witnes the aboundant peace of their souls yea which is oft seen that fervent desire wherewith some of the Saints are taken away the very lustre of heaven being upon their countenance how marvellous and piercing are their words which may cleerly tell that now they feel they see and have got some glance of that which onlookers cannot reach though they cannot deny an acknowledgement of this 6. Must not the World grant yea the greatest enemyes to godlines allow this charity that sure this peace and joy which such have witnessed at death cannot be dissimulation that there is no temptation could thus byass them to deceive others and themselves in a matter of such high concernment
undenyable that in these great revolutions of the Monarchies there is a discernable consent and harmony betwixt the Scripture and these auncient records which we yet have of these times so that not only the things themselves but some of the most observable circumstances thereof which are particularly mentioned by Daniel we may read in Xenophon Herodot and Diodorus Siculus 3. It must also be granted that somethings which in Daniels prophesie would seem most strange and improbable such as Belshazars death in that very night the hand writing was shewed to him may be particularly understood in Xenophons history how Cyrus took the advantage of the Babylonian security whilest they were in the midst of a solemn feast and by diverting the channel of Euphrates did enter the city vvithout opposition also hovv that great horn of the high goat vvas so suddenly broken and the comming up of four in his room vvhich by Daniel are expounded of the Grecian Monarchy and the deviding of that Empire after Alexanders death is it not punctuallie held forth by all the historyes of that time 4. Was there not a very convincing appearance of a divine hand both in the rise and fall of these Monarchies and an extraordinary providence vvhich vve cannot but see vvhen vve read these histories that surely something above ordinary meanes and second causes vvas both in Cyrus conquest against the Babylonians and the marvellous svvift progresse and successe of Alexander against the Persians VI. That which was the great scope of all Prophesies under the Old Testament The comming of the Messias is surelie verifyed and now many ages past hath had an accomplishment the Lord is come unto his temple even he whose day Abraham and the Saints under the law did long after this was the most happie and notable crisis that ever the Church was under the great Epocha and period of time from which she doth now reckon which we know is no fable or cunning device of man that God was manifested in the flesh did make his abode for some time in the earth suffered at Ierusalem in the view of the World before many witnesses did arise from death on the third day was seen and known by his disciples thereafter and having finished the work for which he came vvas received up again into glory This is indeed a great truth vvhich concerneth us no lesse to knovv and be sure of then our soul is vvorth and interest through eternity the fulfilling vvhereof besids the authority of sacred writ the witnes and records of the Evangelists and Apostles of Iesus Christ who testifie what they certainly knew is a truth which from such convincing rational grounds may be demonstrated that the greatest height of Atheisme knoweth not how to state it selfe in direct opposition to the same and truely in this the Lord hath so tendered the strengthning of his peoples faith and their encouragement that as it is the most concerning promise of the Scripture on which our whole hope and blessednes depends so is it also most clear and conspicuous in the event I shall but onely touch this whereof so much hath been said by others 1. It is undenyable the Messias was to come to whom all the Sacrifices under the Law these auncient types and shadowes did clearly point to whom the Prophets bear witnes and was the faith of the auncient Iewish Church of which promise they were perswaded even whilest they saw it but a far yea did embrace it and repose themselves thereon yea is there not a most clear and exact portraicture drawn forth under the Old Testament of the Messias what an one he should be and by what peculiar characters he should be known who was to be revealed to Israel 2. The special season and period of time wherein Christ should come we find prefixed and shewed to the auncient Church which though under some figurative expressions seemed then dark yet was so far revealed that upon a diligent search and enquiry and particular collation of the times it might be easy to discern the Messias comming and near approach of which salvation the Prophets did enquire 1. Pet. 1 ver 10. and truely the fall of the Monarchies and right uptaking of Daniels weeks were sure and solide grounds for a clear computation thereanent thence was it that so general an expectation of the Messias was among the Iewes at that very time when he came so as divers impostoures did arise whom the People was ready to follow and we see with what amazement the Pharisees did enquire at Iohn the Baptist if he were the Christ or not yea Iosephus sheweth how the perswasion of this did most excite that People to war with the Romans from the prophecies they had in holy writ that from Iudea should about that time come who vvas to be Emperour of the World 3. It is also sure there vvas such an one vvho in the dayes of Tiberius and under the reign of Herod was made manifest to Israel and came with no outward shew and observation but did great and marvellous things before all the People was crucified at Ierusalem under Pontius Pilate and notwithstanding the ignominy of his death was after adored and followed both by many of the Iews and the gentils whose doctrine did also in a short time spread through the World a truth which the greatest adversaries of the Gospel have ever confessed and do attest the history thereof de facto to be a faithful relation not only Iewes but the heathen writers Suetonius Tacitus and Plinius the younger that lived near and some of them contempâ—rary with the times of the Apostles do witnes that this Jesus whom the Christians worship did truely suffer in the time of Pilats jurisdiction over the Iewes 4. Is it not clear how this appearance of Christ to the World did exactly tryst with the very time foretold by the Prophets thereanent Was not Jacobs prophecy thus accomplished for until that time it is clear the royal line of Davids house did not cease until Herod a stranger came to reign by whom it was utterly cut off and it is manifest these 70 weeks mentioned by Daniel must be understood of years else they could admit no other sence which reckoning from the decree given out by Cyrus to rebuild the temple are 490 Yeares and doth answer to the very time of Christs being in the World and his death which necessarly fals in the last of these weeks a thing so manifest that Porphyrius an avowed enemy to the Christian Religion could have no answer but that this prophecy had been devised after the event which I am sure the Jewes though as direct adversaryes vvould be loath to admit 5. It is most clear that in him vvho at that time vvas revealed to Israel vvhom the Christian Church doth this day vvorship vvas exactly accomplished vvhatever vvas by the Prophets toâ—d concerning the Messias and it is no small advantage for the Christian cause that it needs but appeal to
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
Catholick league vvhich did quickly follovv upon the back thereof a very strong and formidable combination to root out the Protestant interest 8. The taking away of Edward the sixth of England establishing of a cruel persecutor Queen Mary did indeed look like a stroke that should root out the Church in that part and destroy that famous plantation of the Gospel in its tender grouth 9. I must adde that vvhich vvas as sore an assault to the Church as any so grievous a difference vvhich vvith the first breaking up of the vvork of Reformation did begin betvvixt Luther and Zvvinglius about Christs presence in the Sacrament yea came to such an height and vvith so great heat and animosity vvas follovved as in appearance vvould have vvholly frustrat the vvork they vvere about THIRD Witnes to this truth is that wonderful patience and resolution of the Saints yea with much chearfulnes in their greatest sufferings which in these late times did appear Wherein the World must confesse that same immediat support from Heaven yea the Lords owning his People in a very extraordinary way was no lesse manifest then in these primitive sufferings of the Church from heathens Sure no by past times even in these bloody dayes of Nero Domitian c. can shew more horrid more strange engines of torment and cruelty then what in these last ages the Church did endure from the Popish party whose savage and barbarous usage of the poor flock of Christ where ever they had accesse may witnes a cruelty more then humane and as to the number are they not almost without reckoning who in France Germany Brittain and the Low Countries beside other parts were slain within this 150. Yeares for the word of God and the testimony of his truth Now as this is most manifest it is also known what a divine and an invincible spirit vvith an astonishing courage and resolution did appear in the carriage of the People of God under this sore persecution hovv they triumphed over their oppressours and did chearfully meet death in its most terrible shape a thing vvhich the Schooles of Socrates and Plato vvith all their rules could never reach yea should be reckoned amongst the miracles of these later dayes anent vvhich vve vvould consider these things 1. That something more then nature a spirit and resolution above the ordinary rate of men yea something much above themselves their natural temper and disposition did in their most extream sufferings oft appear and this without the least shadow of affectation and deceit I am sure the World in these last ages yea the conscience of their persecutors and of the greatest Atheists must witnes this 2. That many of the most soft tender disposition many women whose complexion would declare more weaknes yet in this late Antichristian persecution did en dure greatest torments and by suffering triumphed over the fury and rage of their adversaryes whereof we have many instances in record 3. The World hath been also a witnes how serious and deliberat the Saints were in this that they made suffering their choise which they could easily have shunned at the rate of yeelding something in the truth but ere they would doe this or give the adversary such a bribe they choised to embrace death and goe to a stake for Christ even when they wanted not most perswading offers to turn them aside for instance I would here mention that excellent man in Queen Maryes time Julius Palmer who not only had life but preferment offered if he would recant to which his answer was that he had quit his living in two places for Christ and now was ready to yeeld his life also on that accompt likewise one William Hunter whom Bishop Bonar did urge with many offers to recant told him it must be Scripture arguments and not perfwasions of that kinde for he reckoned all earthly things but drosse and dung in respect of Christ and at the stake when a pardon by the Sheriffe was offered upon such an accompt did peremptorly reject the same Antonius Riceto a Venetian when condemned for the truth had a large offer to have his patrimony restored which was much morgadged with debt and made free beside his life if he would but a little yeeld and likevvise had his son vveeping on him for that cause gave this ansvver he vvas resolved to lose both Children and estate for Christ I shall adde vvhat vve have related of one Hervvin vvho suffered in the lovv countryes to vvhom the Magistrates made great intreaties vvith large promises to recant which he vvholly slighted many more instances of this kinde here might be set dovvn 4. It is knowen that such who were of great repute in the World and had a large share of outward things to tempt them did in these last times most chearfully part with the same and choise rather suffering for the truth we may instance these 2. great witnesses Iohn Frederick of Saxony and the Lantsgrave of Hesse who under that long imprisonment by Charles the 5. bare out many sharp assaults both by threatnings and offers without yeelding in the least to the prejudice of the truth yea on this accompt did the Duke of Sanony forgoe with his estate and dignity Annas Du Burg counsellour of the Parliament at Paris of great parts and repute who before Henry the II. had an excellent speech in Parliament for the Protestant party for which by him being imprisoned did forgoe all his honours and interests in the World which otherwayes he might have brooked and embraced death for Christ The Prince of Condee at the massacre of Paris when the King expresly shewed him he should within 3 dayes dye if he did not renounce his Religion told him his estate and life were in his hand but ere he renounced the truth he would quite both Charles de Zeroton a Moravian Barron of great interest and authority in that countrey in the late Bohemian persecution did quite all his estate and possessions for the Gospel not withstanding of many large offers and perswasions we find also in England the Dutches of Suffolk a lady who lived in the fulnes of the World and pleasures thereof yet in Queen Maries time did quite both estate and countrey for the truth and on that accompt did choise a very hard lot in other parts 5. Is it not also known how these who had been ready to faint and be overcharged with discouragement yet at death in the extremity of their suffering did shew a marvellous resolution and chearfulnes a thing which no Atheist can possibly answer and sheweth Gods very immediat support Mr Glover how sore was he cast down and could feel no joy or comfort after much wrestling but no sooner did come in sight of the stake but his soul was filled with the joy of the Lord and with his strength which forced him to clap his hands and cry forth to a friend who knew his former damp and discouragement Oh Ausline he is
of treasures and of some 100000 Lives by war yea of a considerable part of the Netherlands and after the breaking his great Armade at sea against the English by every remarkable stroke from Heaven is at last smitten of the Lord in his body by a strange disease or rather a conâ—uence of diseases which his phisitians could neither understand nor cure his body falling out in grievous boyss whence besids putride matter there did issue such abundance of Vermin that bystanders could hardly cleanse or endure the horrid smel thereof that he who had put so many of the Saints to cruel torments by the Inquisition was himselfe tormented for 2 years together with unexpressible pain and anguish Henry the II. of France a most violent enemy to the Church whilest he had caused sentence Annas Du Burg to death having solemnly protested in such words these eyes of mine shall see thee burnt a little before the appointed time of his execution running in the lists with a spear against Count Montgumry is pierced through the eye with such a wound that in a short time sent him to his grave and frustrat his expectation of seeing the death of that excellent man His son Charles the IX that bloody persecutor I shall mention elsewhere how remarkably the judgement of God did pursue him Henry the III. vvho vvhilst he vvas Duke of Anjou did assist at that horrid Councel keept at St. Cloud neer Paris where the Massacre was concluded is some yeares after stobbed to death by a Jacobin frier in that very chamber a thing which Du Serres doth twice mention with a remark as a maâ—vellous instance of the judgement of God The Duke of Guise the great executioner of that Massacre with his brother the Cardinal a special contriver of the same are not long after killed by Henry the III. at Blois with whom they had oft joyned in Councel to root out the Protestants and which is very observable by a specious show of friendship were circumvented and with solemn oathes and promises as treacherously reached as the Admiral and Protestants by Charles the IX was at Paris and these 2 who were his great Counsellers thus are they dealt with blood measured out to them for blood and treachery as they had dealt treacherously with the Saints We find also the Duke of Aumale who was a joynt actor with the Duke of Guise in that massacre doth a litle after fall by a shot off the walls at the siege of Rochel which not only Du Serres but also Davilla who was very popish doth particularly relate where we may see what a bloody end the great contrivers and actors of that horrid massacre had Henry the IIII. a Pâ—ince of excellent parts and great natural accomplishments was followed with marvellous successe whilest he owned the truth yet after many victoryes and the breaking of the Catholick League turns popish and abâ—ures the protestant Religion but lo within a litle he is stobbed in the mouth by a Jesuit on which a protestant Gentleman used this freedome with him Sir you have denyed God and his truth with your mouth and he hath given you there a stroke take heed you deny him not also with your heart lest the next stroke be there which as the French History sheweth did accordingly fall out when he was stobbed by Ravilack Du Serres his own Historiographer doth shew it vvas through the very heart and it vvas too evident that sometime before his death he had turned too cordial and zealous for the popish interest Ferdinand the II. a great persecutor of the Church in Germany who after his victory over Frederick and the Bohemian States made it his vvork to root out the Church Protestant Religion there turned that countrey unto a bloody shambles not sparing any rank vvho vvould not abjure the truth but a short time after vve find the avenger of blood in vvhose sight that of his Saints is precious persueth him raiseth up the Svveds for an adversary under vvhose svvord most of these cruel vvretches that vvere the Bohemian scourge doth fall turneth Germany and the Emperours countreyes in a field of blood breaketh that great army vvhich for many yeares had given Lavv to Germany so that as some historians mention an army of 24000 Captains because all old expert souldiers vvas broken in the plain fields vvith a hudge slaughter yea the violence and cruelty of the popish party thus measured out to them as they had measured to the poor Church of Bohemia and the Palatinat and Ferdinand the Emperour broken vvith breach upon breach that men may see the judgement of God persuing a bloody persecutor These barbarous cruel Irish who of late carried on that horrid Massacre there sparing no Protestans what ever was their age or rank without compassion to women or children O how visibly did the judgement of the Lord reach them and for that savage blood shed give them blood to drink in great measure their chief leader Marguier Machune and after Philomy Oneale taken publickly execute most of them consumed by the sword their spirits so debased that a few English or Scots Souldiers would have chased multitudes of them so that the World might see divine vengeance eminently persueing them which in a few years did root out most of that cruel generation We have an observable instance also recorded of Sir Iames Hamiltone natural Brother to the Earle of Arran who in King Iames the V. time was by the Popish Clergy promoted against such as was then suspected of favouring the Protestant Religion in which place he was most terrible and cruel against all he could reach yea so violent that some of his near kinsmen were by him brought under the lash of his power but lo when at his greatest height whilest he is making it his work to cruâ—h the Gospel in its budding forth this is made the mean of his ruine and by one of his friends whom he persued on the accompt of Religion he is accused of treason and notwithstanding of the solistation of the Popish clergy for him as their great Patriot he is presently arraigned beheaded and quartered in the publick street of Edinburg It is also known what violent persecutors Cardinal Beaton and his successor Bishop Hamilton were who were no lesse conspicuous instances of the judgements of the Lord in that time also what befel one frier Cambel who did bitterly rail on that excellent man Mr Patrick Hamiltonne when he was burnt at St Audrews to whom Mr Hamiltonne at the stake in great vehemency said wicked man thou knowest the contrare and hast sometime professed the same I appeal the to answer before the judgement seat of Christ and within a few dayes after which in that time was very notoure this frier fell sick and in great horrour of conscience as one mad died There are indeed many such remarkable instances it is known how the judgement of God did persue these 2 great Apostates from the truth
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
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