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
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.
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
THE FULFILLING OF THE SCRIPTURE OR An Essay shewing the Exact Accomplishment of the Word of God in his Works of Providence performed and to be performed For Confirming the Beleevers and Convincing the Atheists of the present time Containing in the End a few rare Histories of the Works and Servants of God in the Church of Scotland ISAI XLVI V. X. My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure JOHN X V. XXXV And the Scripture cannot be broken ACT. 1 V. XVI Men and brethren This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled Printed in the Year 1669. THE EPISTLE TO THE READER READER It is like you mâ— expect some accompt anent the rise and occasion of this discourse that on so great and weighty a subject so small an essay should venture abroad especially in a time when it seemeth more safe and prudent to keep silence to be swift to hear and slow to speak which seldome hath an after challenge the Author will say litle for his apology herein though he hopeth he may finde it more easy to satisfy others then he did himself this fredome onely he shall take to confesse that sometime it hath been matter of earnest yea hatâ— caused some tossing and exercise upon his spirit and pressed a more serious enquiry and search with a respect to his own case to be perswaded anent the Scriptures divine authority that Godlines is not an empty name or shadow but of an undoubted truth which indeed of all other things is the greatest and of most near concernment and truely anent that this grave convincing argument of the Scriptures certain accomplishment hath not onely oft stared him in the face with a satisfying discovery and impression thereof as a most quieting and unanswerable demonstration of the truth but he must also say that by very remarkable confirmations from the Lord this hath been so convincingly witnessed to his experience as leaveth him under engadgement were such a poor testimony of weight to put his seal to the Word that it falleth not to the ground neither doth the promise of God fail It is a dark time now with the Church of Christ which we see every where almost suffering and afflicted whilest the whole earth besides seemeth to be at ease Christians also even beyond others in their privat lot trysted with very sharp tryals though I think suffering may be the least of our fear at this day while Ath-isme doth now appear on so formidable a grouth and hath a more threatning aspect then the rage or violence of men we see a saâ— dâ—cay likewise on the Churches abroad Religion every where under a great consumption and weaâ—ing out that seemeth to have reached it in its vital parts men search after an unusual way of sinning as if they scorned to be wicked at a common and ordinary rate prejudice easily taken up and enterâ—ained against the way of God whilest the good man doth alace perish without any affecting observation thereof the choise and excellent of the earth pluckt away and none to fill their roome Christians burials now frequent but the birth and inbringing of such to the Church rare This is indeed a sad subject and so much the sadder that few are found whose eye affecteth their heart whose teares and groaning seem to answer such a stroke and ruin which now is like to fall under our hand but I shall leave this prayer will be the best cure and is this day more fit then complaining to turn unto him who seeth the wayes of his People that he may heal them and can prevent these with mercy who seem least fit for the same onely two or three sad remarks of this time I cannot altogether passe which indeed are strange symptomes of the Churches present case and distemper 1. To see men own the doctrine of sanctification who yet can professedly disown yea make it their work by reproach to beget a prejudice against the practice thereof Oh strange to finde such as will dip their pen in gall against a tender and strict walk in Religion and revile it in the power thereof whilest they doe not deny these truths and principles that necessarily oblidge to such a tender practice who in the most grave concerning dutyes of Christianity think it enough to charge their brethen with Pharisaical ostentation and hypocrisy whilest they must confesse these duetyes to be unquestionably binding and that they can be no competent judges of such a challenge which the great witnes of the heart and inward parts of men can onely determine 2. It is a sad remark also of the time that Protestant writers professing the Reformed Religion shall state themselves in opposition to the most concerning grounds thereof such as imputed righteousnes and justification by faith which are well called Articulus stantis cadentis Ecelesiâ— I cannot have that charity that it is from ignorance but from a height of malice that some of late reproach the Protestant doctrine in this great fundamental of justification as if it pressed beleeving and resting upon Christ without respect to works and holines I confesse we put not inherent righteousnes in the room of imputed though we assert each is necessary in their own place the one in order to ouâ— right the other in order to the actual participation of that right yea that holines is absolutly necessary not only necessitate praecepti sed medii and justifying faith doth necessarily require works sed non qua quatenus justificat but sure if these men grant we are justifyed by the satisfaction of Christ they must needs confesse it is by imputation since if the debtour be acquit by the cautioners payment is it not by the imputation there of to him O sad to see some put their invention upon the rack how to wound the Church yea a death wound it would be if they could reach their end in that great truth of imputed righteousnes but it were best they denyed that sixt ver of the 4. Chap. to the Rom. to be canonick Scripture which none can read and shift it being so clear that the blessed man is there held forth uuto whom God imputeth righteousnes without works sure that cannot be inherent righteousnes else it were contradictio in adjecto I professe these what ever they pretend I must look on as adversaryes to the Reformed Churches and there is nothing more dangerous then a pirat going forth under a counterfut flag 3. Is it not likewise sad yea astonishing to see Ministers now in these times who are the expresse Embassadors of Christ given to the Church for her edification stand so directly crosse to the very end of their work and Ministry many of whom may be said that knowingly and deliberatly they oppose piety that such should persecute whose work is to feed and wound in stead of healing grieve the spirit of the Godly who should be helpers of their joy that none are a greater plague to corrupt the Church and cause the
clearly see how one piece of the Scripture is nothing else but the punctual fulfilling and accomplishment of the other how that which was shadowed out by dark types under the Law and held in a Propheâ—y through the Old Testament is written before our eyes in a plain and real history in the New Testament and that the gospel is only a perfecting of the Law and the Prophets IV. Though its very manifest and by undenyable proofs can be demonstrated that the Scripture hath a real accomplishment and doth certainly take place in the constant course of providence here in the World that I am sure if men do not darken themselves they can be no strangers to such a thing yet we must say This truth which most nearly concerns us is to the most of men even such who seem to give a large assent to the Word a mystery and dark riddle There are few who doe but enquire if there be such a thing if the promises and threatnings have indeed a certain outmaking few doe seriously ponder the providences of God in which the truth and faithfulnes of the Word shineth forth that they may thereby be furder confirmed we see that to many alace too many the great concernments of the Law and everlasting happines are a trivial and an impertinent bussinesse this is a truth the World doth passe without regarding such as sport at Religion when they come to earnest here dare not stand before this discovery it concerneth them much to reconcile their principles with their practice their fear begetteth hatred and both put their wit and invention on the rack how to dispute away any remander of a conscience to imprison their light and under the pretext of reason run down godliness and the absolute necessity thereof yea besids doth not sensuality wherein many wallow and steep themselves so dull and droun the soul put such ane interposition of the Earth betwixt them and this truth as wholly darkens it And oh how sad that many having a large profession to be Christians scarce ever knew what it is to put the Word to ane essay and tryal in the concernments of their life to have their light followed with experience wherein the very truth and reality of Religion lieth To clear this I shall hold forth some things which may shew how little this truth of the Scriptures accomplishment is known or studied by the most of men 1. The abounding of so much Atheisme that there are so many who not onely disclaim the practice of that Religion they seem to profess but do state themselves in most direct opposition to the rules and principles thereof these to whom the Scripture is but as a Romance yea doe onely converse therewith to prove their wit and parts in impunging the same who avowedly mock at the judgements and providences of God I confess these may be reckoned monsters a very prodigy in the time wherein they live though alace it is not the least part of the World and which is strange we see the most horrid Atheists do usually abound were the light of the Gospel â—ath most shined the savage places of the Earth bring forth no such monstrous birth as are hatcht within the visible Chutch for thus the judgment of God putteth a blacker dye on them then others O what a terrible sound should the fulfilling of the Scripture have in mens eares if they once came to have serious thoughts thereof since they cannot admit this but they must certainly read their own sentence of death which a few dayes shall put in execution and if the Scripture be true they are then unspeakably miserable 2. That indifferency whieh we see amongst men about Religion and the most concerning truths of Scripture doth shew how little this is knowen or laid to heart whence there is such a generation who doe not professedly deny the Scripture yet can turn it over in a Schoole probleme and wonders that men should engadge so far upon it it is not that it is hid from them but they truly choise to hide themselves from it as more suitable to that interest they drive that the truth of God should be rather a matter of opinion then of faith a thing which they would dispute but not beleeve but O what other thoughts would a clear sight of this cause That within so few dayes the truths and threatnings of the Word shall be sad earnest the fulfilling whereof no sharpnes of wit nor subtil arguments will be able to evade 3. That there is so much barren theory of Divine truths in the World with so little serious Christian diligence doth it not sadly witness how small acquaintance men have with this truth Whence we see so great a part of these who prefessedly acknowledge the word and are daily conversing with it yet can give no other account thereof but report so many that can satisfyingly discourse of the Scripture could never put their seal to it that God is true therein whence are so many great Schoole divines and able Ministers for parts such visible Atheists in their way and practice Is it not they really judge Divinity and Religion rather a science and matter of speculation then a matter of sense and feeling which men should more live then speak and cannot be knowen without experience the true end of knowledge but O. this cannot be found in bookes men will not meet with it in a throng of choisest notions it confoundeth the wife and disputer of this World whilst the meanest and most simple Christian oft knoweth more then these of greatest parts 4. The great Hypocrisy which is in the world I mean within the visible Church doth too clearly shew that this truth is little thought on or laid to heart for what is that false shew and appearance which we may say is not a sin but the very sinfulness of sin is it not the height of Atheisme And a real contradiction in their practice to this that the Scripture of God is true and will have ane unquestionable accomplishment O could any be so monstrously irrational to drive this poor plott how to appear that which they are not to be at such paines to act the part handsomly of a serious Christian to personat his teares and grief his spiritual frame his zeal for God if he did think gravely on this truth and did beleeve the threatnings of the Word that they will surely take place and be within a little no complement but sad earnest and that he is every houre standing under that Scripture-woe against Hypocrites I am sure it would make his very hair stand upright his joynts louse and his thighs smite upon another could he but seriously think upon this 5. These unwarrantable wayes which in a time of tryal men take for their escape may witness this that the Word they do not judge a sure ground to adventure on whence is there such hesitation in suffering times From that day many taking there leave of
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
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
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
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
can the vvorld get this past vvithout some remark hovv intollerable a thing an evil conscience is vvhen once let loose vvhen in all ages such terrifying examples of this kinde have been set up for all that past by to look on such as Spira Latomus Olivarius c and truly I think it is a great want there should not be a more particular record of such vvhich vvould give Atheisme so great a dash yea force men to confesse the truth of a Deity and of the vvritten vvord SEVENTH That there is a reward for the righteous and unquestionable gain in Godlines in a piece of the Scripture not only well known and witnessed to the observing Christian in his experience but is also held forth in every age as in great letters to the view of the world Ps. 58 ver 11. Ps. 97 ver 11. Isâ— 3 ver 10. It is true that the Christians lot is oft followed with much trouble and sometimes with los of his life which may seem to have a very dismal aspect for that great goodnes which the man who feareth God hath ensured to him is much laid up in another world but it is also sure that there are such notour convincing proofes of this truth held forth even to the observation of men by which the Lord hath in every age confirmed the same that I am sure the greatest Atheist cannot ansvver even these things 1. That this is the very dictate of a natural conscience not only that God is bnt that he is a revvardeâ— of such as serve him yea none amongst men are so grosse or bruttish which are not in some measure principled to difference betwixt good and evill with some fear of a punishment to the one and some hope of recompence to the other and are also forced to notice some more signal and convincing examples vvhich have been of that kinde in their time 2. Must we not say yea doth not the World â—ee in every age that history of Joseph in some part acted over again Sure there have not been wanting many such remarkable instances wherein it might be easy to trace an upright and straight vvalk through a very maze and laâ—â—inâ—h of changes and to shovv hovv that hath been their condition and at last integrity hath brought them to land in to a comfortable harbour yea how often they have had a marvellous unlooked for outgate contrary to all humane appearance this indeed is no Romance but a most true history which through all times and many examples might be written of the Word and providence which should surpasse the richest fancy that any fiction or romance did ever contain 3. Must it not be convincing even to the worst of men what a visible blessing doth oft follow the mean lot of some of the Saints vvhich can make their little reach far and cause them abound more in their poverty then others amidst their aboundance vvhich I think the vvorld cannot shun to observe and gather that there is sure something else then mens ovvn care vvhich doth their busines and hovv that ordinary proverbe falleth not to the ground that it is better to be happy then vvise vvhen they see a secret judgment blovv upon some mens estate that no meanes can prevent and a secret blessing vvhich maketh things prosper and take effect and doth accompany the Christians little so as it may be easy for such vvho looke abroad to see where real contentement vvith chearfulnes and giving of thanks useth to dwel 4. May not the vvorld seâ— there is a feast in a good conscience how litle soever they â—artake of the World that vvell doing and the practise of godliness hath some present revvard in its hand vvhereas so remakable a difference may be discerned betvvixt the countenance and carriage of such and of them vvho trust in falsehood that surely in a time of strait these have another kinde of security and confidence when greatest natural spirits fail yea that these alone can enjoy themselves have the most calm and composed spirits amidst the several changes of their life that according to outward things their peace doth not ebb nor flow but they are at a seen advantage above others in the day when men are sore outwitted with their straites so as it will be most easy then to see the good and advantage of religion when the vanity of other advantages is most discernable 5. Is it not also seen that true honour doth truely vvait on humility follovveth such but it fleeth from them who doe most persue it yea that faithfulnes and an upright vvalk vvill gain credit even amongst her enemyes and respect before the World 6. That these vvho are faithful in their litle and diligent improvers of a small talent have usually more added vvith some discernable grouth follovving the same and as the drying up of the parts of some as a judgement on unfaithfulnes is oft obvious so also such a blessing upon serious diligence as hath made the last first and even outrun such vvho vvere once before them yea it is truely seen hovv grace helpeth mens gifts doth raise and sublimat their spirits above that vvhich once they vvere 7. Doth not the Lord put some visible difference oft betvvixt the righteous and the vvicked in a time of comon calamityâ— that a strange outgate vvith the concurrence of very marvellous providences doth sometime tryst such even to the convictions of onlookers vvhich may tell the World such have had an invisible hedge of preservation about them and have been under some better care then their ovvn 8. What a clear vvitness doe ungodly men oft bear to this truth at their death or at some other strait so that their conscience hath forced them to justify the godly mens choice and to say that the lot of such is onely most desireable yea vvith much bitternes to lament their folly that made not religion more their business the good and advantage vvhereof is novv no matter of debate sure the World vvill confesse hovv oft the confession and testimony of such men to this truth hath reached their ear 9. I shall but adde that vvhich is so very manifest hovv faithfulnes and integrity doth transmit mens name vvith more honour yea maketh it have a svveeter savour in their generations then either riches or outvvard preferment yea that there is a great difference betvvixt the memoriall of the righteous and the wicked even to the conviction of the world EIGHT That verily there is a God who judgeth in the earth Ps 58 ver 11. who doth render unto men vengeance and doth pursue the transgressour because of sin is a truth which the world hath in every age by many convincing instances held forth to them where they may see the Scripture clearly verifyed I have a litle touched this in the second Argument how the accomplishing of Scripture threatnings is witnessed to the observation of the Church and to these who are wise to discern the times
these records vvhich have been keept in the hands of her adversaries vvhere there is so clear a portraicure of him held forth both as to his person his vvay of coming the place vvhence the entertainment he should get and his death that I must think it a contradiction to reason hovv men should acknovvledge the Old Testament and not grant the Nevv since it is clear the Jewes look for no other Messias then such an one as is held out by the Prophets and they acknowledge also the divine authority of Esay Daniel Micah Malachi c. vvho do by such cleer marks point him forth and shew the Church how they should know him when he cometh for truely it may thence appear that it is not more certain the Messias should come then that Jesus Christ is he I would but seriously ask vvhat do the levves this day misse in our blessed Lord Iesus vvhich the Old Testament allovveth them to expect in the Messias is it that he came vvith no outvvard shevv and glory sure according to the Scripture such an one vve ought not to acknovvledge no should he not be of the seed of the vvoman 2. Gen. vvho should be born of a virgin as Esay shevveth his voice not heard in the streets despised and rejected of men a man of sorrovves such an one as vvas shadovved out under the Lavv vvho should be made a sacrifice for sin yea come vvith no outvvard pomp but meek and lovvly and riding upon an asse vvas to be betrayed and sold and his price shevved by Zach for 30 pieces a crucified dying Christ that should be wounded in the house of his friends and cut off from amongst the children of his People O! can men possibly deny so cleer an accomplihment of these in our blessed Lord 6 Is it not undenyable that the Jevves novv in their present case cannot possibly expect the accomplishment of this promise that the Messias cannot this day come according to the Scriptrue except they could be put in such a condition as they were then in at Christs comming certainly it is impossible that the Old Testament be ever fulfilled anent this if it be not already can he come forth out of Bethlehem whilst now no such place is known by that name can he come into his Temple that is utterly destroyed is there not now a subversion of the tribes and the family of David not known at this day yea are not the gentils brought in whom Isai sheweth should be gathered under the standard of the Messias doth not the daily sacrifice cease which the Iewes will confesse hath been for many ages and this was to be after his coming and I would ask how was that ever fulfilled that the glory of the second Temple should exceed the glory of the first for this cannot be on the account of its structure or outward magnificence sure there is nothing wherein this glory could appear but as it points at Christ and the breaking up of that glorious light which was before its destruction 7. There is an innumerable company who have embraced the Gospel and received the spirit by the ministry thereof since the times of the Apostles who have put this seal thereto in all ages that it is the power and wisdome of God and truely without partial respect which the conscience of the worst of men have been forced to justify it may be said these were the excellent of the earth in their time many of greatest outward parts and abilities whose moral integrity and candour was beyond question even with their adversaries and these both of Iewes and gentils of all rancks of men of all nations and languages who not only by a naked profession but by their walk and sufferings did shew forth the power and vertue of a crucified Christ yea shine as lights whilest they were in the World to the conviction of onlookers and is not this a convinceing witnes to the truth of the Gospel which its enemyes cannot possibly deny 8. That excellent doctrine delivered to the Church in the New Testament by Christ and his Apostles doth it not clearly shew whence it is and witnes its own authority for here we may see a manifest agreement betvvixt this and the doctrine of the auncient Ievvish Church that as the five Books of Moses hold forth the sum of the Gospel the Covenant of grace and that mystery of Salvation by Christ so the Prophets do carry it on vvith furder clearnes and the Evangelists brings forvvard like an excellent edifice that is founded and advanced in the one but perfected in the other all breathing the same spirit vvith a convincing tendency to the same end so that vve may say the old Jewes under the Law were in effect Christians and the followers of Christ now under the Gospel in some respect are Jewes being one in the substantials of their religion for it is clear that poor Apostat people now in the Iewish nation hath wholly departed from their own doctriue and will not come to the light that they may be judged according to the Old Testament now in this I would seriously attest the adversaries of the Gospel if paganisme the Turks Alcoran or Iewish Talmud hold forth any such doctrine or rule as that which the Christian Religion doth such pure and excellent precepts to restrain the inordinacy of corrupt affection backed with arguments becoming an immortal soul a doctrine so sincere solid and rational so consistent with it selfe and agreable to the true scope and drift thereof which holds forth the most exquisite rule of perfection for men to presse after yea where every page and line breatheth forth holines towards God and righteousnes and humanity towards man 9. I shall adde these clear convincing evidences of the truth of the Gospel which did attend the first publishing thereof were so evident and undenyable a seal from the Lord as may force the greatest Atheist to silence for 1. They were Jewes as much concerned in the Religion of their Fathers as any who did first publish the Gospel none more zealous according to the Law then Paul was before his conversion none also could challenge their driving any outward interest hereby since persecution and bonds yea greatest hazard was that which they could expect 2. It is clear they walked by no rules of human policy nor these ordinary wayes of insinuation which the World doth use to engadge men and make a party to themselves but did deliver the truth truth most repugnant to the flesh and that interest with greatest candour and simplicity though likewise with a convincing authority and confidence yea came with a message to the World which had no other convoy or perswading argument but the evidence of its own truth but withal such a power accompanying the same before which men could not stand 3. What is published concerning Christ by the Evangelists the great works he did his dying at Ierusalem with all the stupendious circumstances thereof and signs
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
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
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