the same so far as is possible these lets and stumbling blocks where the greatest hazard may be of offence so should it be much preparatory also for a higher service a more unite appearing for God herein and to stand in the most hazardous part of the breach of this day in behalf of that great interest of our Religion which is upon the Authority of God in his truth and Testimony as the alone ground on which the ultimate resolution of our Faith must found since this is the very same inconvertible terms to give to the Divine Majesty the Glory of his Godhead and that tribute which is most inviolably sacred and essential to him it would seem almost incredible that fuch ane hour of the power of darkness should fall in with the growing light of the Ghospel as the strange prevalence of a way which is to commensurat the perfections of God and the greatest mysteries of his truth to our understanding and to make humane reason tho corrupt finite and limited to be the alone Judge and measure of our Faith of divine things when the highest principle of reason which is prima veritas without which reason hathno principle to reston no Standard else is this that where the God of Truth is the Revealer and that it 's sure it is his Testimony it must then be as infallibly true as it is sure he is God since it is simply impossible to find ever another foundation of truth and certainty but this We are fal'n in times of great expectation as to a near approach of the highest Glory of Christ's Mediatory Kingdom on the earth and it would seem a strange prelude thereto that so black a darkness should fall down with so astonishing ane encrease thereof as tends not only to eclips the same but to deny him his essential Kingdom who is the only begotten of the Father and brightness of his Glory yet I am sure it is a sign of that kind as the morning darkness which is the darker the nearer it is to the day It is indeed here we may see ane opposition to the Majesty of God in such terms that we might reckon humane nature could not be capable of and be just matter of horror to a natural conscience to see so numerous a party who claims to be Adorers of reason turn'd so visibly madd on their own destruction I know the furthest improvements this way by rational Inquiry and Tryal hath a greater Interest in Religion and for strenthning of our Faith therein then may be suitably apprehended but it is sure the ultimate Inquiry herein can possibly go no further in the use of reason but that what we beleeve is the undoubted Revelation of God himself unto men can we desire more when this is sure for a full quiet and acquiescence of the soul tho it seem wonderful in it self and exceed our dark and limited thoughts when it is impossible for him who is truth it self to lie whose word is such cui non potest subesse falsum as it is no less sure that he who is infinitly good can not deceive or put ane imposture in stead of truth in their hand who trust him divine truth is the first groundstone of our happiness but is not conceivable by the light of nature to beleeve his being truly God and not the truth also of his promises which ever conform not only to the things signified but to his intent therein who can never delude or deceive But whilst I have been put to some thoughts with amasement on ane appearance of such a kind against God this day amongst men not only within Christendom but by such as once layd claim to the Protestant Profession some Reflections tended to give more clearness and settlement to my own spirit herein which I shall but in a few words mention 1. that when the darkness of ane implicite Faith and relyance on men under Popery hath been so sore bafled turn'd out of credit in such an inquisitive World as this loe Satan hath taken himself to the very contrare airâ—h and knew how to fall in with the temper of a brâ—â—k bold and daring age that he might settle a new opposition against God and the interest of his Kingdom wherein he hath unite and fixed his greatest strenth so that since he was cast down from his Throne by the Power of the Ghospel he hath not had a greater Triumph then in this attempt how to bring man upon it and sett humane reason at once both against God and it self in such a manner as to be it's own Executioner and in subjecting the highest mysteries of truth to it's comprehension to make it not only equal to God but give it a preference to him who is the alone former thereof which I must reckon to be the nearest approach that humane nature yet ever made to that sin by which the Angels did first fall and that it it is the master peece of that Prince of darkness and his ultimus conatus against the truth who knows his time is short 2. It may be with astonishment discernable under what a stroak such are as not to see whither this way hath led them and how far the Holy God hath thus confounded their reason as visibly as once these were in their Language who would attempt to build a tower up unto Heaven when this way left to ane absolute uncertainty ever to fix their Faith the Standard and measure whereof must be the comprehension of reason which hath no firm or infallible ground to settle on besides it self and whilst they cannot make the reason and judgement of others as considerate and knowing as themself meet with theirs the result thereof is to put a judicial madness in the room of reason so as to conceive a created dependent God to give divine homage to and that at once he should be both a God and a Creature and adore a comprehensible Object with divine Worship yea this way without a contradiction to themself they can give no faith to the Creation as being brought purely out of nothing or to the Resurrection of the dead as wholly incomprehensible to reason they must deride Israëls Passage thorow the Red Sea or the Suns standing still on Josua's call to verifie that Rom. 1 21 because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God but professing themselves to be wise they became fools thence is such ane amasing stroke thus inflicted on their reason for it may be said as in the Poëtick Fiction of Phaëton that when he sought to guide the Chariot of the Sun for a time he was like to burn the earth until he was struck with a thunderbolt from Heaven so hath this party tryed how to manadge reason as the supream Directour and Judge upon all that is sacred as they have gone near to destroy both Reason and Religion at once but tho the strongest rational Arguments with such
the universal sence of mankind how this way the Lord does put the highest honor on men here on the earth in the passive valour of Christianity yea thus puts the most distinguishing marks of respect on his choisest Favourites But there is a VI. INQUIRY I must further direct you to without which no evidences of the truth can be truly effectual on your soull which is on that wonderful part of Christianity that lyes in the truth of inward experience and is the very life and soull of our Religion The greatness of such a Subject makes it more difficult to speak hereon now in a short Epistolary Discourse but it shall be in as few words as is possible only to point at such things as may tend to more clear and solid impressions of this Mystery and make way for your own search and tryall of the same and I hope I may say they are things which have not been taken on report or have found it easy to be satisfyed herein as to a full acquiescence in the truth and assurance thereof but it 's to a few special ends I would refer your serious improvement of this great Inquiry 1. For this end that a clear notion and Idaea of spiritual experience of the things of God may be more deaply setled on your spirit and how in these respects it is to be understood 1. that God hath directed his Sacred Truth unto men not only for trust but for tryall which is a tryall of that nature stated on so great and wonderful things that the whole vital part of Religion should be a strange and dark thing until you be once entred hereon they are blessed who beeleve and have not yet seen what relates to the State of Glory above but they can never be blest who do not see as well as beleeve what belongs to the life and enjoyments of Grace within time in the truth of inward experience 2. It is here must be understood the first Acquaintance of men with the Spirit of God which is ane acquaintance of that concern as the Lord hath laid over the weight of his peoples spiritual joy refreshment and support whilst they are within time on the same and is the first entry on converse with spirits and with God the Father of spirits which shall be eternal 3. It is such as hath a distinct evidence from any moral influence by the Word or light to the judgment and is the proper object of spiritual sense which no humane power or Angels can impart but God hath reserved only to himself who can only make his own love known to the soul and no report or testimony of men can doe 4. It is hereby Christians enter on possession in some degree of divine truth and these great things promised as a earnest in hand to assure them that the rest shall not faill tho it adds no security to the truth of the promise but for a more abounding assurance to such who receave the same 5. Tho here be a common and joint interest amongst Christians yet must each have his proper and distinâ—l part in the truth of inward experience which is his peculiar interest and talent and it 's sure nothing does more work on mens souls and afford more sweet thoughts then what this way is made there own to know in themselves the internal demonstrations of the truth they professe in the power and vertue thereof and to know what great things hath passed between God and their own soul and what remarkable times hath gone over them and special remarkes herein of divine conduct and his immediate appearance in the course of their life 6. It is of that kind as none possibly can take on trust from the testimony of others or will satisfy without personal tryall tho this be more known to such who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil Hebr. 5 14. 7. But whatever singular use is hereby to the support of our Faith yet are they not the grounds thereof since these are only what God hath spoke in his word and not what he hath done in his work tho they are at a great loss who have begun late to observe the same it is true the greatest talent which is by inward observation and experiments which have been most deeply affecting in the present time does not abide in the same sense and fealing and mayly as a dead stock upon a Christians hand without fresh and immediate supplies yet are they still the same in the truth thereof and does ever evidence how far the enjoiment of grace and of a spiritual estate does exceed the greatest enjoiments of nature 8. This also must be understood not only by the testimony of inward sense but what comes under the most exact and judicious tryall as to the principles it leans on without which there could be no true enjoiment of the same if they were not as fully satisfied of holding their experience by right as in possession and that these great things are no shadowes or appearances but what is of the highest truth substance and reality 9. It is sure that God is not known in the earth or enjoyed in truth but in the light of inward evidence and experience except in such a manner of Balaam to see him but not near but not in the knowledge of converse and fellowship with that God whom they professe to know or what it is to have their soul inward and familiar with him in the experience of such a thing 10. It is by inward experience upon the souls of men that God doeth in a more special way secure and preserve that sacred record of his truth in the World then by humane Lawes or authority by ane internal conforming of the spirits of his people to his revealed truth whereby the inward man becomes as a repository thereof for when men once become Christians in truth they are then the declared Epistle of Christ by ane indissoluble union of the truth and their souls together I shall but add that the experimental part of Religion is not perfited here but within a little there will be ane entrance on ane eternity of experience of what once with admiration and desire was hoped for and the enjoiment of that state above will be no object of Faith but of sense and purely experimental A Second Intent of this Inquiry should be to clear how the enjoiment of one Christian in the way of experience may be no measure or rule to others in the tryall of their state upon these grounds 1. That the least reall evidence of the Sanctifying vertue of the truth bears witness to the truth of a new life and of spiritual sense and discerning herewith as a few grapes does difference between a vine and a bramble 2. Because the reall Work of God may be long without the witness thereof and the first giving of the new life and a discerning of the same are distinct acts
dissolved and fall ere one special act of trust and adventure on his hand and under the assured warrant of his truth should be frustrate and that the safe conduct also and security of one Christian in his passage through time is of that consequence and so essential a part of the great frame of providence that this should not be entire and perfect if it should fail as to the meanest of the Saints to make so great a nullity herein 7. And is it not in such a reflex work on the truth of experience that such can only know the sweet enjoiments of times past and what that peculiar comfort of remembrance means which I must reckon one of the rarest and most unknown enjoiments this day under the Sun since it is sure this can never be from the greatest delights of the earth when once passed which as they return no more so does ever leav a bitter sting and remembrance by a native result of the same whilst that which hath been experienced in the way of God can neither perish nor lose its sweetness but will render the most afflicting part of their life past which was most bitter and sore then to be the most comforting part thereof to their remembrance when they can see herein both what they have designed for God and he hath done for them 8. If there be any comfort of love in the Communion of the Saints here within time they may see how this is not attainable but in the light of inward experience whence they know what it is to meet and have fellowship in the same Savour and relish of the things of God when in a spiritual frame and to be mutually disclosed as they can discern something of the excellency of one anothers spirit and of the power and lively workings of inward grace by that native lustre and evidence which thus followes the same so as under the sensible power of such attractions their souls are more closely unite and joined together yea are mutually strenthned by other conflicts and what experiments they have made of divine truth herein as to their releaf And I must say where this is not understood that great mystery of the Communion of the Saints is but a strange and dark notion nor without this can that special design of the Lord in the settlement of Churches in a visible state be either known or answered which is to have external ordinances carried on with life and power amongst men and enjoying communion with our blessed head herein The VII and last INQUIRY I would make as to a more full assurance of understanding on the truth of our profession and for further clearing of this great Subject of the experimental part of Religion is to know the quality of the witnesses thereto which is an Inquiry of a higher concern and import then seems to be apprehended or of what weight and necessity this is upon these grounds 1. Because the whole truth of Spiritual experience is matter of fact and founded on a certainty of sense it is truth in the event and performance and not what God does speak but what according to the same he hath done so that this is not upon any principle of Faith but on mens personal tryall of the same according to that Isai 43 v. 10. ye are my witness says the Lord that ye may know and beleeve me and understand that I am he for tho it is of divine and infallible truth that whatever God hath assured by promise he will do yet the experience hereof since the Canon of the Scripture was sealed is of humane record and a testimony which could bear no weight from the greatest of men if the quality of such witnesses were not tried and considered herein 2. Because the highest pretence to spiritual enjoiments in the way of the promise is but a false testimony where there is no tender regard herewith to the precepts of the Ghospel when this connection is indissoluble Act 9. they walked in the fear of God and comforts of the Holy Ghost doe not my words good to them that walk uprightly Mica 2 7. It is true that choisest Christians may be much hid and in the dark herein to others and upon such an account should have a sad part if they were tryed and judged by men only this is sure there can be no more in the conclusion then is in the premises and that a Christians testimony to the truth lyes more in what they are then what they express to others 3. The quality of the witnesses is of such weight here and to be specially regarded as one of the highest services for God within time under their hand to put too their seall and testimony that God is true in what he hath promised who are as it were judicially sisted in behalf of his truth and faithfulnes since his declarative glory before angels and men does more peculiarly ly here then in the whole Structure and frame of this Creation This is a trust and debt also upon each age of the Church that the truth and faithfulnes of their God may be transmitt to the generations to come with such a confirmatory seall 4. This Inquiry is the more called for to know what these are who bear such a witnes to the truth upon the exceeding greatnes of these things which belong to Christian experience since this might awake the most sublime and inquisitive spirits of the time to search herein and be a Subject of great thoughts and reflection that such are on the earth yea an innumerable part of men who do verily enjoy so marvelous a light as is immediatly out of Heaven and shines upon none else and knowes such an enjoiment as an immediate communion with the Deity and his sensible presence with their Spirits with returns from Heaven to their suits in most reall effects since if this be sure then must men seek for another Idea of Christianity have other thoughts about the same then what most seem to have then is there a higher glory put upon mens souls in the way of grace and their beeing partakers of the divine nature then what all humane grandeur can ever amount to or is upon the Sun and the Stars of Heaven 5. The credit and quality of the Witnesses on this great head of Spiritual experience and the whole internal part of Christianity is of such weight that the spirit of this age and most predominant part of men within the Church is stated in so visible an opposition thereto not only to oppose the power and spirituality of Religion but to deny its principles and give a lye to this testimony of the most eminent workings of the spirit of God on mens souls as if it were some illusion or imposture which is in effect to take of the greatest seall that God hath given to the Divinity of the Scripture in the whole internal demonstrations of its truth this is the great prodigy of this age bejond any
of man the whole successive race of mankind each in their order with that full evidence of the Holy Righteousness of the Judge herein as shall irresistably constrain their conscience to bear witnesse thereto 8. Yea what a concern of the Christian Faith lyes here of that eternal separation and parting which will then follow betwixt the elect and reprobate World with that dreadful dimission to these infernal Regions and with this sight to see sin which made its first entry in Heaven amongst the Angels and hath since so much overspread the earth now for ever shutt up in hell both sin and sinners together never more to look out at the grate of these prison But II. There is another thing with respect to this Subject which hath been to me oft matter of serious thoughts whence is it that in so knowing an age as this we see how such as are greatest pretenders to reason and to a higher flight then others this way are more visibly then any else of an Atheistick Spirit and to be a length herein bejond any else on that design how to weaken both their own assent and others to the Christian Faith and to render the same so far as possibly they can to be problematick and doubtful but it is sure here is nothing to stumble but what may rather be strenthning to any of a serious spirit and needs be no strange thing when such are as tender as possible to marr their enjoiments of this present life who hath no more or to let their thoughts come near to what must needs torment them before the time whilst their reason serves them for such an use and constrains their conscience herein that they must either be Christians in earnest or none at all yea that under such bright discoveries of the truth of the Ghospel they must see it is not compatible with reason how there should be a mids betwixt a truly serious Christian who beleeves what he does professe and a rosolved Atheist whose work lyes to have the dread of such a Faith wholly extinguished I knew a most remarkable Atheist indued with special natural accomplishments who on the same account said to a person of quality if I did trul◠beleeve what you profess to do they are matters of so great concern that I do profess I could think upon nothing else or be taken up thus as the most of Christians are with the things of this World so as I cannot possibly credit you in the Faith of your own Profession And herein can any exerce reason and not see the Faith of Christianity is another thing then most this day did ever conceive it to be and a much higher attainment then a Christians particular interest herein for where the first is assuredly attained it may seem not possible but the other must follow that mens greatest business of the earth should be to have a sure evidence for Heaven and to be ripening for so great a change I have known some whose tryalls and conflicts in their warefare hath been extraordinare and strange who hath professed their highest releaf still lay herein from the Faith of divine truth more then as to any particular promise made applicable to such a case and would have sought no more to carry their spirits above the present temptations that occurred though they were not ordinary or to be at rest as to all temporal events but a more full strenthning in the Christian Faith and that their Redeemer did live since then they were in sure terms as to their security for whatever he hath promised III. But I must add yet one thing further which seems indeed a prodigy proper to such an age as this that it s become so hard a work to bring men living in the day light of the Ghospel to a serious beleeving the truth and existence of infernal spirits and of their commerce and traffick with this visible World or to bring such who seem greatest pretenders to reason to the Faith of Divells lest they should thus be unavoidably brought to that Faith of the Divells which is to beleeve and tremble which surely is an unconceavable and extream horror that these Apostate Spirits have herein whilst their assent to the glorious beeing of God to his attributes yea to the truth and History of the Ghospel is by such ane inevitable constraint that as there is no possible access for them to be Atheists so is their dréad and torment heigtned beeing such knowing intellectual essences as that power and subtilty of delusion whereby they deal with mankind will not work on themselves This I must judge to be the last effort of the horrid wickedness of this present age to strenthen such a way and since such a party can have no help or support from faith and reason herein and yet find the assured truth and beeing of Divels and of their communion and warefare with men does marr any possible defence or design for Atheism and a taking off the terror of ane infernal state off their soul they must therefore move to another airth which is to beleeve nothing but what they see and feell and comes under a sensible demonstration to warrant the same for this is to make sure work at once against the whole Christian Faith and shut the door on any way of conviction thence thus they keep a distance with the beeing of their own souls as if it were some dark and abstract notion because it comes not under their sence they can live at quiet and be secure from the fear of a Hell and infernal world or exclusion out of Heaven untill they once meet with such an argument as to make them both see and feell the truth hereof but oh they seeme not to apprehend how sore the application of this argument will be when they at last find its in vain to reject the conclusion where the premises are sure There is one of late who is come forth in the day light of Christianity in a book lately published to undeceive the World upon so great a delusion as to these invisible powers of darknesse and tho he seems to find it difficult how to annihilate and make void wholly their existence yet doth offer with a strange confidence to secure men from any fear of the molestations of such Spirits and that all inward temptations or assaults of Satan and his operating upon the souls of men is but a deplorable fascination and bewitchment that the Christian Church hath been so long under It might be judged there were little need for such a worke to take this generation we are now in off all watch and guard against these destroying adversaries and to render them more secure herein then they seem already to be and that this confidence must have some strange rise to go forth not only in the most direct opposition to Sacred Truth but to the universal Sence and reason of mankind except he hopes to find a numerous party who
never have entred on mens thoughts if it were not purely a divine Revelation none will offer to question and that the experience of the same in all times of the Church hath no less tendency to confirm and seall the truth of Christianity then it hath to confirm a Christians state but though I doubt not your acquaintance herewith is bejond many yet this beeing a truth of such high concern so far as I have attained I would offer some light hereon wherein my soul hath found rest and settlement as to a clear sence and conception of the same 1. That how rare soever the experience of this may be this day yet is it not the peculiar priviledge of some few select and eminent Christians or what God does rarely impart and on some singular account to his people but is the settled priviledge of all who are led by the Spirit and under his conduct 2. This is ane experiment of the Christian Faith which no humane testimony or vocal evidence can express that which is inward and a secret betwixt God and the soul or what taste that hidden Manna hath Rev. 2 17. which none knowes but he that enjoys the same for this is not the promise which is given to be the object of our Faith but is the seall of the Spirit of promise and the proper object of spiritual sense it is an internal work which goes above words and such as God alone can impart who only can reveal his own love to the soul and Shed abroad the sence hereof and hath reserved this to himself it is that also which gives a distinct evidence from any moral influence of the word tho it can never be disjoined and divided from the same but is such ane internal application hereof as puts their souls to rest and quiet thereon 3. It is here must be understood a more near and solemn approach of God and some higher enjoiment of Spiritual Sense then is usually known which will make such a time remarkable and sweet to a Christians after remembrance tho some in a more extraordinar way and higher degree may have this imparted then others as the tryall of their Faith hath been more heightned and hath attained to higher actings of grace under the same according to that settled Connection Isay 57 12. I doubt not there may be high pretences to this Seall and earnest who know little what in the way and order of grace is required to prepare and qualifie for the same but except the setled constitutions of the Ghospel should be changed for their sake it is then sure that God did never seall the comforts of his Spirit or his respects and approving testimony on such who are of ane untender unhumbled and vindictive spirit and is no more possible then as Job 18 4. That the earth should be forsaken for them and the rock removed out of its place 4. It is true this is more clearly understood by such who by reason of use have their senses exercised both to discern good and evill Hebrews 5 14. and have thus attained a more deep and judicious reflection for the tryall of the same since this is usually one of the most searching exercises of a Christian to discern the voice of the Spirit of God and know the same from that of a Stranger and to come to the light herein to see that such a seall or any rare enjoiments of that kind are assuredly from God and wrought in him John 3 21. It is clear also how many sharp conflicts and a hotter ware fare allotted to some of the Saints then others under griefs troubles and oppositions in their Christian course hath made way at so dear a rate for their acquaintance with the same so as the gradual difference in the truth of this experiment may be strange and marvelous and cause fear to impart the same nor be ever known within time 5. Tho it is sure that all who are entred in a reconciled state with God must be sealed by the Spirit yet is not this to be understood as the ordinar food and dyet of a Christian but as some more special restorative and cordial so as one enjoiment of this kind hath been sometimes so remarkable that through the whole course of a Christians life after it hath been a continued strenthning to their Faith yet is it no rare thing to these who are keeped in a more near intimacy of converse with God to whom the truth of this seall not once but in innumerable times hath been known who on the other hand does know also how long and sensible restraint of this great enjoiment may be when the choisest promises of the Word can afford no comfort but when the premises are clear the conclusion is oft suspended through hid jealousies and legall fears of the spirit of bondage 6. It is sure this blessed seall lyes here also in some special directive work of the Spirit of God to make use of light in particular cases with assurance and quiet of mind and in sealing instruction with that evidence and power on the soull as leaves such a print and impression thereon as the seall leaves on the wax this can be no strange or unknown thing to these who in a close adherence to Scripture light hath been specially tender to try the same thereby and under a just horror and dread of Enthusiasmâ— or the smallest dasshing on such a rock 7. But it is specially discernable where this seall and earnest hath been more abundantly let forth to some bejond others that it was for some higher support to their Faith where a long interval of delay was to be between the promise and performent and such a tryall of a deferred hope herein as might be ready to make their heart sick into death if the Lord had not given such a pledge and part in hand to assure them that the rest shall not faill in due time now this is so manifest in the conduct and methods of grace about the Saints under the old Testament and in how singular a way he did first seall before he entred them upon any great tryalls and which were to be of a long duration as there needs no particular instances to clear the same 8. It is here the sence of that hundred fold which Christ hath so expresly secured to his People on the adventures of their Faith may be understood as that which assuredly lyes in these rare enjoiments of the spirit and inward sense of the love of their God in the shinings of his face on them which are the first fruits of the Spirit more then in any external providence or these things which are of the highest value with men since as this is the most sure and greatest evidence that we are Christians so is it the most notable sign how dear such are to God and of his love and favour then if he had given them the whole World I know nothing will seem more strange and
endued with ane extraordinare Unction but if it respect the Quality and Holiness of the persons it surely must render this no less difficult that not only such as King Henry the VIII and his Daughter Queen Mary besides many others yea Richard the III. should on this account have the active faith of miracles and be empoured herewith from God for working of the same besides this it is known that the French Kings claim the same priviledge and power as peculiar to them alone and may not on this ground Lewis the XIV this day be reckoned a fit instrument for such a healing miracle and to bring a just repute and credit thereto 3. But whence is it that such a hereditary gift should not faill and be cutt off by the departure of England from the Romish Church since the first holding hereof was upon their adherence to the same and as a confirmatory Seall to the Romish Profession or that it should now controll the end for which it was given I know what some Popish Writers say hereon that this miracle is not now performed by such who have apostatised from that faith virtute propria sed virtute signi crucis but there needs no such Salvo as to reckon its being alienate now from serving for the same use and end it did before nor to have another rise if it were seriously pondered 4. But what interest in this cure hath the use of such a rite in applying with the touch a Medal of Gold to the Patient therewith or what vertue can this Amulet impart and so great a care taken that they should not lose it since it is sure this is not given out of charity to there outward want except it be from ostentation to shew they are endued with a gift which the Apostles had not when they cured the lame man and could make use of no such assistance of Silver or Gold herein Act. 3. 5. If the application of ane extraordinar gift for healing diseases without the use of natural means be aneugh to warrant the same and that such a cure is wrought without any further enquiry as to the cause and ground whereon it hath such an effect it is then sure the Devil and these Powers of darkness may have a publick and easie market in the Christian Church and exact an uncontrolled homage and subjection to them this way the extent of whose power for curing of disease is bejond our reach but since such a miraculous gift of healing if it be of God should be tryed in the truth thereof how it can answer to such peculiar evidences and criteria of the same as by the infallible rule and light of the Scripture may be clear it were suitable to try herein if this be indeed given to confirm and seall a divine testimony or any truth of the written Word if it come with that solemne and convincing evidence so as to serve a deep and reverent sense of the Majesty of God on mens spirit by such a discovery of himself and to promote piety and more firm adherence to the truth amongst men as the native effect that should follow a true miracle and so extraordinary a seall if it serve also to comptrol the Kingdom of Satan and strenthen the Christian Faith in opposition to Antichristian darkness and Idolatry yea if these who are thus empoured for so miraculous a cure have something suitable on their part of qualifications to such whom God hath ever made use off to work miracles otherwise it serves only to expose so great a seall to the Christian Faith wherein the Majesty of God in so august and solemne a way is revealed unto the highest contumely and reproach 6. Though this hath been a continued practice and that the matter of Fact and notority of experience herein in the truth of such a cure is not questioned yet if it be essentially requisite that such as claim to this power should do it in the Faith of a divine Warrant and assurance that it is of God with an immediate relyance on a special outsetting of some extraordinar power from him herein and of his call to rest on the same when it is without respect to any institute natural means yea that there spirit in such a case should be suited to so extraordinare a worke I judge it should then quickly cease as on the other hand that these who are deseased and apply themselves to such a cure should know the warrant of their faith herein else it were as justifiable to go to Loretta on such an account or to such who pretend by spells and charms to work extraordinary cures without any ordinary means for the same This is not to detract in the least from any just right or priviledge of Soveraing Princes and I judge these who are now on the Throne of Britain might lay as just a claim from personal qualifications thereto as any have gone before but in giving to Caesar what is due unto him we must not invade that Royalty and Prerogative which belongs to God only or to pretend to his seall and make use of it without his express warrant If any Protestant Writer have spoke their thoughts on such a head I have as yet seen none bu some time past I was necessarily called by a person of great worth to impart my light herein they beeing then much perplexed in spirit with respect to a near relation of theirs in order to their using such a mean and how small a reckoning may be made by many yet I find it related of that Famous Christian Mrs Honywood that the first rise of these terrors of conscience which keeped her so long was from consulting some mean as to the recovery of a childe in a way that was out of the roade of ordinar means and made her fear afterwards lest Satan might have a hand therein But I shall now cease to speak more on this subject and only shut up with some Reflections further which have been matter of serious thoughts to me 1. Whence it is that such who are of the most trying and comprehensive spirit hath usually been under greatest weight and exercise of minde about their establishment in the Christian Faith more then any others but herein it may be easie to see and discern the true cause thereof 1. How it is sure the more attainment of light and knowledge is upon the greatnesse of their Faith that a higher admiration and astonishment must needs follow thereon it was this which above all the wonders and depths of nature did swallow up the spirit of a Solomon and put him into such an exstacy when he once begun to fix on this Subject but will God indeed dwell with men on the earth yea will the eternal Son of God take up his abode and dwell in such a tabernacle as the humane nature and become truly man which is specially there imported 2 Chron 6 18. 2. It is these only who have their souls
no condition on the earth can be safe whither as to a a Nation or Person were it never at such advantage in external things wherein they cannot say God is with us herein and we are designing for him as on the other hand it must be founded wholly on Atheism where the state and danger of a Nation is not judged from the sins thereof and the measure of the same more then from any visible hazard for tho particular places and people under a Profession of Christ comes not to the same hight in filling up the measure of sin yet it must surely have it's fatal period when deferred Judgment will nat stay on day longer 4. What ever uncertainty be in humane things yet is this unchangeable and sure that such who inherit the same sins of others against whom God hath appeared in any eminency of Providence shall inherit the same Judgements which hath not only been measured out to such as hath gone before but are pledges to after times of what may be expected For as the way of grace changeth not and the redeem'd of the Lord as dear to him now as ever so is he immutably just and his ways keeps the same measure with his revealed truth so as a Solid Interpretation of Scripture needs no extraordinare Prophetik Spirit to infer Judgment from sin where there is no serious returning unto him and when the Lord God hath spoken who can but Prophecy Amos 3 8. 5. It is of unquestionable evidence also that national sins wherein the body of a Nation and People is unite and hath a joint acceession herein when it is thus the publick Sin of a Community must meet with a Stroke and Judgment within time of as publick extent and cannot be laid over in this respect to the Judgment of the great day when once it's measure is filled up here since else the Glory of God in his truth and remunerative Justice should not have on such an account a Vindication before the World in the sight of Angels and Men if his spotless Judgment should not thus bear some proportion to the nature of that guilt the God of truth hath given his Word and Dominion and Authority over Nations both to pluke up and to plant as well as over persons which can never be made void 6. There can be no doubtfulness here also that it is simply impossible for a church to subsist or preserve ît's station in a Church state by a naked external form only or in the purity of religion without some life and power of the same since if there were no reall inbringing or building up of the elect there then the Gospel had no more work in the same and no interest were there for the Spirit of God to keep fellowship with so that the intrinsick strength of any particular church yea of the politick bodie therein lyes not in the number or bulk but in the weight nor is' t the extensive growth of a church to a visible profession that makes a reall increase but how great an interest does a few such whose way is the life and power of that doctrine they profess make in the place they are in tho this seems litle apprehended what influence the hid part in a nation of humble serious christians hath on the external State thereof and on the administration of providence in the world who makes least appearance in it by a near entercourse with heaven and by such high value and regard which they have there so as the Lord hath even subjected the greatest vicissitude and changes of the time to the intercession and prayers of such Let me but add this herewith that tho the Lord does ever distinguish betwixt the Godly and the residue of men in times of publick calamity and Judgments so as not to lay them common herein with the wicked yet on the other hand it is not a numerous Party even of most choise and Reall Christians in a Land will stand in the way of wrath and of some dismal stroke when the sett time of Judgment is once come but may be then such with a Nation when there is no more hearing or intercession but for that instance of the Lords sisting his judgment if there had been but 10 Persons in the Cities of the Plain it was an eminent return to Abraham and extraordinar act of condescendence that makes no rule There was a choise and numerous remnant in Judea who sought the Lord then when that dismal night of the Captivity came on and it is of late that such a tremendous instance we have before us in the Case of Bohemia where so conspicous a part then was of a People zealous for God when such a publick overwhelming stroke came on But now in the Second Place I must speak a few words to what seems in some singular way to speak to Britain and Ireland by very sad and monitory signs bejond any of the Churches about it is I know easie and usual to challenge the darkness of Providence more then to regard what is clearly revealed to us as the intent voice thereof and these are indeed sad and dismal like dispensations that tho they be not silent but have a distinct and audible voice yet Seals no Instruction herewith on the spirits of men I confess a natural Respect and tye to such a Part of the earth bejond any else renders this to some to be more heavie and dreadful that if Soveraign grace do not wonderfully interpose it cannot be found in the course of divine Providence since the beginning of time that ever the measure of sin contempt of a Deity and oppositions to the Holy God in the designs both of his Word and Providence hath come to such a hight as is visible in these Churches this day but that some extraordinare appearance of Wrath and Judgment from the Lord hath as visiby followed thereon to be a publick monument for after times wherein these Remarks are so unavoidable 1. To what a strange and fatal issue hath that purest profession of Christ in the Protestant Religion which hath been long enjoyed there now come when such publick contempt and scorn is thrown upon the same in the truth and power thereof as a matter of their greatest abhorrence when the most numerous part of the multitude every where may be seen in a stated opposition to the dominion and authority of God in his laws yea such horrid tenets as well as practices even in the common sense of mankind may be discernable there as in pagan nations under some aw◠and restraint of a natural conscience would be affrigting since every nation will walk in the name of their God but these are such as have at once divested themselves of all hope and cast off all fear or dread of a wrath that is to come 2. And as to one special evidence hereof what cause may it be to meditate terror as to the present state of these nations when a spirit
bound up but that they must widen further if there be not in some singular manner a standing up in this breach to turn away his wrath which is a service that comes now under our hand as may not linger or stay when warnings of so extraordinar a kind are reinforced for this is a call hath a limited time and season allotted thereto that may have a shorter period then we apprehend when a door of Intercession hath been in such unusual manner kept open and Grace hath so long interposed before Judgment should come to a final execution 4. I must add hereto what sence ought to be of the hazard of such a breach when a hight of all Immorality and Ungodliness is turned so open and visible as if Sathan did essay to have an open Throne again set up as once he had amongst the Nations whilst the spirit of few are seased with any suitable impression of the same lest this be the voice of the Lord without recalling shall I not visit these things shall not my soull be avenged on such a Nation Jer. 5 9. and what a time is it when the Reverence and Authority of Religion is so far gone off mens spirits that if such can bring up a private interest and have some treasure of that kind laid up they are under no fear of treasuring up Wrath and Judgment it was a rare example that of Daniel who upon the foreseeing of a stroke which he was not to fear for himself yet was astonished for ane hour and his thoughts troubled him by reason of the strangenes of it Dan 4 19. That there is a most choise and serious part yet in these Nations as is this day in the earth is unquestionable but even such who in these difficult perillous times past have been helpt to stand and go through a variety of dark and strange Dispensations I suppose have not found a time in a more singular way trying in the matters of Conscience then is this day and that there was never more hazard of an insensible wearing out from under former impressions of duty and the ways of truth which once they had or a more difficult part to have that ancient fear and tenderness of light kept in exercise which as the apple of the eye may be easily hurt but not so easily helped But tho it is clear that this voice and call for standing in the gape and breach does respect all of a serious spirit in the things of God yet are there some more eminently fitted from the Lord with peculiar Excellencies on their spirit then others to appear on so high a service which as it is a talent not bequeathed in vain where this in a more remarkable way is let forth so is it of greatest weight to know time and opportunity for this end and when a season of Providence may call to some higher improvement hereof for God then ever again may occur yea it may be seen in how strange a manner the choisest instruments in the service of their day are made to differ not only from others but from themselves as they are helped to answer such a call and to know the Counsel of God herein But that I may touch this more particularly it is requisite to know who may be at the greatest advantage and in a nearer capacity then others for such a service about which I judge these things will not be questionable 1. That such as have a more near and intimate converse with God in this day hath a great room also in this service to stand in such a Gape yea to save a Kingdom or Nation when Judgment is ready to break forth these have their Soull kept in that manner under the power and attractions of the things of God bejond the residue of men as not to be affrighted or taken off from appearing for him by the force and prevalence of example it is these who are at most advantage to discern the Judicial Removes of the presence of God from the Church and the Generation they live amongst and the imminent hazard of Wrath and approaching Judgment yea it 's these who from internal Motives can find it easy to lay their dearest things at the stake in behalf of the Truth and Glory of Christ in the Land they belong to and without respect to private interest lay themselves in the way of a publick hazard with the Spirit of blessed Bernard as he speaks Malo in nos murmur bominum sit quam in Deum bonum est si Deus me digneâ—ur uti pro clypeo 2. They are in a special way fitted to answer this call and service who hath the Sense of any singular engagements they are under to God much on their heart and what hereby they owe in a peculiar way to do for him and for a more special service to the age they live in to seek the interest and wellfare of their People to whom they have the nearest natural tye which is that service for the Generation and publick trust shouldly near these who have had more then ordinare receipts of mercy from the Lord of these specially it might be expected that they dare stand up for God and the Interest of his Truth tho they should stand alone herein which surely in the issue will be found a safer standing then with the multitude or such whose design for the publick interest goes no further then their private concerns does influence It is sure the Words of Mordechai Esth 4 13. Are still directed to this day think not with thy self thow shalt escape for if thow altogether holds thy peace at this time enlargements and deliverance shall arise from another place but thow and thy Fathers House shall be destroyed 3. But it is undoubted that this Service does in some peculiar way ly to the door of Princes and Rulers according to their Station who are of more publick relations then others their Authority came in with the second Covenant which by the fall of man was rendred necessar and have their Power derived from him by whom Kings Rule and Princes Decree Judgment Proverbs 8. 15. so as the advance of the Ghospel of Christ and Preservation of Sacred Truth both in its purity and power is made the object of their highest trust yea what a singular blessing this is to a time when such does eminently interpose upon any imminent hazard to the Church and thus bears evidence that they have ane Unction from God on their heart as well as their Office And it came to pass 2 Chron. 34 19. that when the King heard the Words of the Law that he rent his Cloathes and commanded Hilkia the Son of Shaphan c. go and enquire of the Lord for me and for them that are left in Israël and in Juda concerning the Words of the Book that 's found for great is the Wrath of the Lord that 's poured upon us because our Fathers kept not the Word of the
who would withstand the same for which end may it be clearly understood what such ane appearance did mean in so strange ane administration of providence by the Sword to these Nations in this age what such unusual shakings and overturnings there yea by such restless oppositions to any civil settlements since the Lord begun to shake Britain to make knowen this solemn period of time was come and the days of the 7t Trumpet when our Lord Jesus should take to himself his great Power and Reign which had been so long darkned by the usurpations and enmity of men thereto yea that he was surely gone forth who hath that name writen on his vesture and thigh King of Kings and Lord of Lords to make good the same and will have this name engraven on all the ways and actings of Providence who must reign until he hath putt all his Enemies under his feet 1 Corinth 15 25. and the Nation and Kingdome that will not serve him shall perish and these Nations shall utterly be layed waste Isay 60 11. for thus hath the Lord spoken and is settled sealed by the decree of him that chaingeth not It is true he hath been walking in the dark as to most in these times past and even from his choisest people there hath been oft a hiding of his work and keeping it out of their sight amidst these strange changes as hath put the most discerning to a stand it might be easie to see mens intent in their actings and under what influences they hake moved yea what bitter risings of heart anâ— quarrellings hath been upon the miscarrying oâ— their ends but this is an other sight and of a higher concern to see and discern wisely the Work of the Lord and how amidst all the realings of these strange times his way and course of providence hath been ever steady and sixt 3. It may be thus clearly seen if our spirits were more deeply lett forth on such a study that the strength of our day yea the standing and security of the publick state of these Nations does assuredly ly in a resolute concurrence with this great design of the Lord so as otherwise there can be no standing in the breach before him to turn away his wrath But since this Subject of the Catholick Right and Kingdom of Jesus Christ over the Kingdoms of this Earth is so strange a mystery to many in these times and such different thoughts and conceptions are hereof as I have desired to know the way of truth on these sure principles and grounds that I might have full rest and settlement to my own spirit herein so I may say that in the clearness of this light I have found a special strengthning in the Christian Faith when with the furthest evidence it may be seen 1. How that which is spoken of the donative and universal Kingdom of our Lord Jesus which was given him of the Father as incarnate and after his Ascension is not to be understood of that which is his essential and natural Kingdom which did belong to his person as he is the brightness of the Fathers Glory and God equal with him but is such as was promised and by special donation given to him that the ends and uttermost Coasts of the Earth sould be his inheritance Ps 2 8. and his Dominion to be from Sea to Sea and from the River to the ends of the earth Psalm 72 8. yea is the same which was given to him Dan. 7 v 14. when he was invested with Dominion Glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him c. 2. As there can be no suspence or darknes in this so is it no less clear his entring on the administration of his Mediatory Kingdom was reserved only to the times of the N. Testament to which the fall of the 4 greatest Monarchies which ever was in the earth was direct and subordinate to make way for the same and loe here may we see the first period of the visible Glory of Christs Reign and his entrance on the same when after such strong opposiâ—ions the Pagan World was at last made to bow down and fall before his truth and submit to him 3. But herein it cannot be understood by this special bequeathment of the Kingdoms of the World to be the Lords in that sense only of inbringing the Elect out of the same or of his internal Reign on the hearts of men but that it lyes in a visible surrender and subjecting of the collective body of Nations to the Scepter of his Government when the Princes and Kings of the earth should subject their Regal Authority to his Rule and Empire as holding their Dominion from him to whom all power and judgment is committed and can bear that stile only of being the Catholick King and Lord of all for this is a truth that shines with so clear a light from the whole Scripture as it may be strange how possibly it should be questioned nothing can be more comforting to Christian Magistrates then to have so highly desirable a holding of their power as they may have the Son of God thus interessed in their security and interest as a part of that inheritance which belongs to his Mediatory Kingdom Nor does it evacuate the Magistracy of Heathens for the interest of humane society tho they have none in the Church as it can never make void also his Catholick Right and Dominion over them by whom Kings reign Prov. 8 15. although it restrains the exercise thereof 4. But there is yet a further growing light on this great subject which now meet us to be clearly seen how the more eminent appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Glory and State of his Mediatory Kingdom in the Earth was alone reserved to the dayes of the seventh and last Trumpet for which as nothing can be more evident then the contemporating of the same with that period of time in which was the first rise and restoring of the Church from Antichristian darkness when the Lord did himself go forth in the glory of his power to plant and settle the Reformed Churches and thus to make way for his Kingdom did with the first blast of that Trumpet sound a retreat to his people out of Babylon so I have herein been made to admire with joy the exactness of that correspondence betwixt the events of this Trumpet that hath already taken place with what is so punctually foretold hereof Rev. 11 15. for as it is surely there promised that then should be an opening of the Temple of God in Heaven and the Ark of his Testimony be seen there which had been formerly shut up loe how expresly hath the God of Truth made good his Word herein and keept the time which he had set for the same in the bright shining forth of his truth and the way of Salvation when for so many ages keept hid from the World to which are the
divine Wrath and last Plagues are but in part poured out wherein the appearance of God will be with much terror to the World and that last Triumph of his Justice within time will not be of ane ordinare kind we are to expect great shakings of the Nations and times of breaking down as well as of building up which are yet to come and drawing near II. Because we are entred on these times when the Lord is in a more singular way then heretofore to put the whole Generation of his People on that part of Divinity and the study thereof which relates to his Works and that great Mystery of Providence about his Church when the Key shall then be put in their hand for opening up and a more full understanding the way of the Lord in these times past under the New Testament This is indeed a weighty part of Divinity which is reserved to the latter times in the perfections thereof and these higher improvements to be made on that blessed study then was attainable in former ages when his work now is coming to a more full point It hath been remarkably the business of this age to make a more accurate search and some greater discovery upon natural causes and the workings thereof but I doubt not that ere long the inquisitive World shall be in another manner awaked and their Inquiries run in a higher channel above all second causes to see and admire the great Acts of Providence in the Divinity thereof and not what is humane therein but as they are by way of Eminency the Works of God in the brightness of his immediate appearance in the same It is one of the dismal signs of the present time how much the spirits of men are at work to darken so far as possible the most eminent Discoveries of God in his Works and in the most extraordinare revolutions of humane affairs as if they would set bounds and limits to him according to the course and order of second causes and subject both the truth of his Word and his Works to the comprehension of their reason tho some civil respect they will give and the name of his being the prime cause but shut their eyes on what is more extraordinar and solemne in any piece of his work I would yet point at some special Heads that belong to this choise part of Divinity which we are to expect will in another manner be opened up and I desire to rejoice in the hope hereof 1. As to these more singular cases of Providence which hath been in the Churches course since her first translation from the Jews to the Gentiles with the issue and consequences thereof contrare to the rules or principles of natural reason which is ane Inquiry to be more fully improven then whatever hath been attained this way when men shall see the end of the Lord herein with such evidence as shall tend to clear all bygones in his work 2. These remarkable Periods of time wherein the Prophetical Part of the New Testament hath been successively brought forth in their proper Season as was foretold is yet to have the seall more fully taken off and that vaill which was over them so as it shall be clear and easy to see how the Lord hath not only kept his Word and Truth to his Church but hath kept these times also exactly to which such great events of Providence did relate 3. There is a greater discovery yet to be made then hath been hitherto how the Church hath been led in a right way and by a straight line in her whole course through that long and terrible Wilderness which she was to pass under the dispensation of the Ghospel and what eminent services the Saints have been put on in these strange measures of their warefare which was then allotted to them and in theit overcoming work thereby yea what a higher Triumph our blessed Redeemer hath had in the Faith and patience of his People in so dismal a time then in any external flourishing state of his Church so as it might be said it was then day as to the presence of his spirit and irresistable efficacy of his truth on his followers when it seemed otherwise as the darknes of midnight 4. There belongs to this part of Divinity some higher breaking up of light yet to be made on that Mystery of the Communion of the Saints here with other in the way of providence and what a joint interest they have herein as to what hath been more singular in the Lords way and disposal about others of his People we have little understood what ane inriching trade we might drive upon that stock of these ancient experiments of Christians in following the Lord and these eminent tryalls they have made of the truth who hath in ages past gone before and what a Pawn is thus put in our hand for a further strengthning in the Faith yea what publick interest thus the whole Church of Christ hath in some eminent acts of Providence about particular Christians which in the import and greatness thereof was not given for themself only but as a publick concern to the whole Generation that seek after God in their day and for the times to come according to that Psal â—0 3. Many shall see it and fear and shall trust in the Lord. 5. I must add one great improvement of this special Head of Divinity which will yet be above the measures of times past in the extent of that Reference and Appeal before Angels and Men in behalf of the Truth and Faithfulness of God for what he hath spoken and promised to his Church and is that Tribute of praise which in a higher degree is to be payed in to him now when it 's so near to the close of time then by that great testimony of Joshua 25 14. how not one thing had fail'd of all the good things the Lord had then spoken in behalf of his Church but had fully taken place and was the same Appeal which Solomon made I. Kings 8 56. for this with a higher glory and evidence is to be the Testimony of the latter days when it 's drawing near to that magnificent close and period of Prophetick Chronology and finishing of the Mystery of God therein how his spotless truth hath as the Sun in his strength kept it's way and course amidst all these dark clouds which hath spread to darken the same and no promise or prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture hath ever fail'd or fallen to the ground now when it 's drawing so near to the perfect Day It is true each age hath had their proper measures of light in order to the service of that time and something peculiar allotted in the dispensations of Providence yea some greater eminency did belong to these times past when the sufferings of Christians did most abound in the adventures of Faith and in the tryal of love then in after times but as to higher
Sacred Canon of the Scripture is sealed and consigned to the Church to have no more addition thereto but that it 's now a part of the highest trust upon the Gentile Churches to have a most venerable respect for conveyance of the great Works of God from one Generation to another to bear such evidence thereof as the nature of these things is capable of for a moral certainty yea that this might be on such tryall as should silence and convince the most inquisitive and suspicious spirits of men herein this is of a serious and weighty import if it were considered 1. How so high a concern of the Glory of God is thus intrusted to tradition by humane testimony and record and to the credit thereof as that way only which the Lord hath now fix'd for the convoyance of his marvelous works to after times on which he once put that value as to give them a special room in Sacred Writ and tho there is no such way now to attest the same yet is not the weight of that service taken off the Church which is mentioned Isay 62 6. to be the Lords Remembrancers and Recorders of his great Acts as the Original there bears 2. It is unquestionable that be hath reserved the greatest of his Works wherein he will most eminently appear to the last times and what a loss hath it been to the Christian World unto this day that unfaithful part which we must charge upon former ages in no suitable regard to have such ane interest and treasure with a publick care secured for the posterity through which the credit and honor of tradition hath been so much broke as hath rendred the use thereof of small effect 3. And it 's known how difficult a part it is to gain credit in this day to the truth of what 's more extraordinar in passages of providence even where the relaters thereof hâ—th as to their own conscience and conviction the most full assurance and hath designed what Inquiry was suitable in such a case whilst the want of a more unite and publique concurrence takes off so much of that weigâ—t which it might have in after times but I have confidence that a higher service of this kind in the improvement of so great a Talent for the honor of God does yet wait on the Church succeeding race as shall tend to bring up what hath been detain'd of such a rent and tribute of praise yea that these whose Lot shall be in the dayes that are now coming and fall in with the growing state and glory of the Kingdom of Christ to see these things which will exceed the thoughts and faith of this day herein shall see and enjoy such Records of these times where the great intent shall be of that kind Revel 15 3. Great and Marvelous are thy Works Lord God Almighty Just and True are thy Ways thou King of Saints and where the credit of such a testimony shall not be personal only but national in a more solemn unite concurrence herewith then hath been hitherto known 4. It is on this Subject I must add further that a traditional conveyance of more special and momentous things of Providence might be of much use were it suitably improven to have a remembrance thereof continued in a Family Line and Relation which is one peculiar way whereby the present Generation might declare the truth and faithfulness of God to the next It is true there is no serious Christian but is thus sisted and accountable on such a service to put to his seall by some explicit personal testimony that God is true upon his tryall hereof and most specially to improve that season when it is near to the close and shutting up of time that with his last and dying breath he might bear the same witness to the truth of Christ and to the advantage and excellency of his way and service which he did in the whole course of his life past and of that joy complacence assurance of mind which these have found and now hath in the way of truth but there is something more peculiar in this Testimony to be understood with respect to these to whom things in a more singular manner hath been allotted then to other Christians in the way of Providence and hath in the Record and Journal of their life had more extraordinar Remarks and Confirmations from the Lord as gives higher access to this service and adds to the value of such a Testimony I would offer but a few thoughts on such a Head which may possibly seem a strange and dark thing to some 1. It was once for a long time that the Series of the Church was kept up in a Family Line from Abraham to the 12 Patriarchs and what a rare course and conduct of Providence was thus transmit to after times which is so great ane interest and treasure to this day and tho that convoyance was by an infallible spirit yet is this so far exemplary thereby for such a confirmatory witness by observing Christians to the truth when it comes to their last improvement of time and of what hath been more signal and eminent in the Lords dealing with them that it should be one of the choisest Legacies they could be queath to their Relations yea a singular mean to have Religion thus kept alive in a more venerable respect thereto in a Family State and to fix stronger engagements to the way of God on their surviving Friends 2. I hope there be no serious discerning Christian but hath some more select Observations of their life and what hath been most remarkable in the course of Providence towards them layd up something of which might be of singular use besides their own personal interâ—st therein to a further establishment of others in the way of truth tho any improvement of that kind needs much Christian prudence and sobriety to qualify the same yea were this suitably designed in such dismal times we are now fall'n in what access might private Christians have these specially who have gone through more extraoâ—dinar tryalls then others to be thus a publique blessing to their Generation and how honourable a service were it for God to advance the credit of Religion and fix deeper impressions of the same on mens spirits that these who have been admit to more special adventures of Faith amidst the various conflicts of their day should in the close thereof have this as their proper work to deliver the truth off their hand which they had receaved with their seal and testimony to the same as that which they had proven and tryed in a more then ordinare way and which had brought them safe and honourably through as was the last Words and Witness of David 1 Kings 14. Who haâ—h delivered my soul out of all distress this I humbly judge falleth in as the last and peculiar service of a Christian when it hath the advantage to be more valuable and convincing to others then in any other time of their life were a thing highly desirable that a work of this kind should be suitably prepared to prevent a surprisal of death going silent off the stage which hath been the lott of these who have shin'd most brightly thereon and as it surely hath the most opportune season in the last Scene of a Christians Work so may it be yet more designed and regarded in the last ages of time when thete is to be expected such Testimonies for God and to the Glory of his Truth as will much exceed the ordinar Standard of these times past and we are now in The full sense of that Scripture John 3 33. should have a great weight herein he that hath received his Testimony hath sett to his seall that God is true where there is a peculiar debt and trust on the one hand that is put on such who hath the truth and testimony of God consign'd for tryall of the same and a discharge thereof which on the other hand they stand accountable for putting to their seall that God is true which is the most solemn way of a Testimony before men tho some may be thus in a special manner stated by higher engagements to fanctify God before others and when some more singular passages of Providence comes under such a witness and seall as a distinct part of a Christians Testament in his parting with time it brings the strongest evidence that humane testimony can possibly have for conveyance of the same FINIS