now on foot also against the truth yet he cannot but see how nothing could more effectually tend to confirm the protestant cause and take the credite of popery off the conscience of these in their own profession who are considerate and in the least serious herein when the world must thus see 1 how easy it s for such to take any measure and latitude in the doctrinals of their profession when this can most serve the juncture of such a time and highten or narrow the controversy betwixt them and the Reformed Church at their pleasure so as to sacrifice the Church of Rome unto the Court of Rome if no lesse can secure that end 2. That the most horrid Turkish Slavery over mens bodies comes no such lenth as that strang claime that these now make of an absolute impire over mens conscience by the sword and to put them to such a tribute of their obedience and they shall then be secure if they but come the lenth to sin against their light and adventure on so small a thing as to goe to Hell and perish eternally since its an externall and simulate profession of such a way they doe thus inforce from these whom they see cannot in faith be perswaded hereof 3. Yea it hath been too visible how much that master-plot and ingine hath in these times been working to take men first off all sense of religion and destroy them in the morals of Christianity to make this conquest more easy that such may have no inward defence and support against the terrour of human violence yea in this way when they have sought how to divide Protestants among themselves and betwixt Rulers and them this seams the last and greatest ingine of all how to divide betwixt them and their God and act the same plot which was laid betwixt Balack and Balaam as knowing that it s no naked shew or profession of the Reformed religion they nead fear so much as that old protestant spirit in the power life therof before which their interest could never stand and dreads nothing so much as the reviving hereof which as the hand-writing upon the wall did ever more threaten the fatall ruine of that Kingdome then any human power or strenth 6. Here also he finds just cause of astonishment how Kings or great men in the earth should give their power to support the Romish interest that hath been so visibly destructive to theirs when it s not possible to deny how its first advance and progresse to that supreme hight which it once attained and the declining of the civill impire did by the same steps goe together untill Magistracy was turned as unto a dead image and shaddow except its being enlivened by their breath and authority as it was during the whole hight of that Antichristian power nor will it be denyed that in these late times the French Monarchy was never more near its dissolution in its right line then by the Catholick league there and would seem not easy to be forgot how Henry the 3d who had most sought to crush the Protestants there in pursuance of that league was at last constrained to flee to such for help or by whom he was killed and that Heroick Prince Henry the 4. was first stobbed in the mouth and then in the heart yea that the publick records of that nation cannot possibly deny how the house of Burbon owes its power and preservation more to the Protestants without whom it had been fully extinct then Ahaswerus did to Mordecai the Jew for what he found written in the Chronicles of Persia when the decree was then past to destroy all the seed of the Jewes 7. As in no times past was ever a greater expectation then is now which way the scale will turn and what will be the end of these wonders when the nearest events of Providence are so darke and amazing so does he find this in some eztraordinare way called for to be still and see what God will doe for his Church and with humble confidence look for some dispensation as hath not hitherto been in this extreme exigence and tho he doe not appeare in that way and manner as in former times that it shall be in a way more signally glorious beyond what hath formerly been yea does in faith thus judge that then is the Churches day broke and hath found the sure way of her strenth and right lith of duty when her hope and confidence is taken of all visible refuges and intirely setled on her invisible head and his promise put to suite by prayer without fainting herein It is sure the truth faithfullnesse of God stands ingadged for Antichriâ—â—s fall as well as for salvation by Christ and since he hath said this adversary shall be broke and brought down it must surely be tho the dust of the ground should rise for this end and now is the faith of the saints called for becoming the greatnesse of such an assurance on which are the eyes of men of their own conscience of the elect Angels yea of the glorious God to see who does indeed credit him in this day when there is no sensible support herein and tho it is now like to shake sore the departure of many from the faith who had some visible profession therof yet may it be hoped for that the turn of the next tyde shall bring in moe with a solid and true increase to the Church then these sad dayes doe now take off CHARACT VI. It is thus a confirmed Christian should be specially considered as one who is not only at rest on the known certainty of his saith but is ready to render some account of the solid rationall grounds and demonstrations hereof unto all who ask after the same and doth thus judge 1 that these are the proper and appointed means which the Lord hath afforded for the greatest confirmation of mens faith within time yea preferable to any externall miracles which are more extraordinare and remott assistances therto 2. That these are given as so great an helper to his joy and excitment of his affections to follow the Lord fully as makes him wonder how the greatnesse of these things which men are called to believe can come near their thoughts and yet not more taken up about this confirming worke 3. That the too visible neglect herof both with respect to the youth and community of professours in the Church seems one of the sad and fundamentall defects of this day The reasons hereof with some clear view of these means which might most answer such an end are briefly offered in this preceding worke CHARACT VII À truely confirmed Christian may in the last place be herein also considered as such whose faith being oft tryed through all these stages of Christianity he hath been taken hath some proper record of the most choise and signall confirmations of his life to improve the same not only for his own support in that last warfare of death
THE CONFIRMING WORKE OF RELIGION In its necessity and use briefly held forth that each Christian may have a proper ballast of his own of the grounds and reasons of his faith and thus see the greatnesse of that security on which he adventures his eternal state OR The true and infallible way for attaining a confirmed state in Religion from these primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith which the Lord hath himself given so as it may be easy for the meanest in the Church to know the same and be ready to render an account thereof to all that ask With a short and confirming prospect of the work of the Lord about his Church in these last times BY R. FLEMING Minister of the Gospel of Christ At ROTTERDAM Printed by REINIER LEERS M.DC.LXXXV The PREFACE THis small Essay here offered is on the greatest subject can fall under the consideration of mankind and is a study was never more pressingly called for then in these dayes for men to be making peace with God and to have such an assurance of his truth as can fully quiet and support the soul though all sensible props should be brocken and fail Great changes doe surely hasten on this generation and the life of faith is in an other manner like to be put to tryal then since the Churches rise and recovery from Antichristian bondage The storme now visibly grows upon the Churches of Christ though nothing is thus to faint or shake the spirits of any who know their anchor is sure and cast within the vail but the strongest difficulties in following the Lord when overcome yeelds the greatest victory and will be not only matter of joy here but to all eternity in having with patience and hope indured and got well through a throng of temptations and assaults in a resolute adherence to the truth If men think it their wisdome to secure their private interest by dividing it in such a time from the publick cause of the Reformed Church and make light of the greatest truths of God now assaulted of the blood of the Martyrs yea of their own eternal state by any coolnesse or shrinking from the same they will find no temporal motives can ever compense that losse and ruine which inevitably will meet such in the issue yea that these words of Mordecai to Esther Esth 4 13 14. have the same voice and weight in this day What is held forth in the following worke I may with humble confidence say was under some pressure to have such clear evidence and quieting persuasion of divine truth as made it lesse easy to have my own spirit satisfyed herein then possibly it may be to others for if it were not from that blessed assurance of the Lords being God of the revelation of Christ and of the glory to come I should not know what could be conforting or make a rational being desireable Some singulare ingadgments I judge my self also to stand under for putting to my seal to the truth and faithfulnesse of God in his word from many signal confirmations hereof in the course of my pilgrimage if such a poor testimony might be of any weight Let the blessed Lord gratiously accept this small offering to him and for the interest of his truth by so mean an instrument and give some fruit hereof that may abide and be found in the day of Christ I hope the Reader may find by a perusal of the I. Chap. of what serious use and intent the II. is yea that in this day it was not unseasonable or incongruous to the forgoing subject what is held forth in the III. Chapter But oh it is sad and amazing to think how few are under that weight of Religion as once to have a serious inquiry on the grounds and reasons thereof and to accompt the most special assistances to their faith to be the greatest helpers of their joy within time THE True and infallible WAY For attaining a confirmed state in RELIGION c. CHAPTER I. The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Christianity held forth and cleared in its continued necessity and use to this day in a few Positions THat nothing can have a more sad and threatning aspect on the present state of religion in all the churches of Christ Posit I then that utter estrangment most are under to the true grounds of faith and to those foundamental differences betwixt Christianity every false way which no pretended religion can lay claim to The reasons of the Position are these I. That it is too visibly manifest how no men in the world know so little of their own profession were it of any human art or science as such who bear the name of Christians or are so generally strangers to the truth and firmnesse of the principles therof for maintaining either a due valuation or powerful sense of the same on their soul so that an implicit and traditional profession is the only part and propriety which most can claim in the truth and doctrine they professe II. That so rare also is any such serious worke amonghst men as a personal inquiry and tryal if there be indeed such a thing as an experimental and soul quickning religion in the earth that can bear the expense of the most dismal and afflicting times and hath so great a temporal revenue lying therto as peace with God an immediate communion with him the joy and comforts of the H. Ghost when under such pressours of trouble as are above the support of nature III. That the furthest account why most goe under the name of Christians rather then of any other forme can rise no higher then custome and education that it did bespeak them from their birth and was the religion of their ancestours yea become in that manner naturall to them as the customes and language of their country which are grounds that should determine to the very opposite profession if they were stated under the same circumstances and had the same motives to be Mahumetans since it is sure these can found no other assent then is suitable to the nature and strenth therof IV. That thus it cannot be under debate how the most numerous part of visible professours are so destitute of any defense from internal motives and solid conviction of the truth they professe upon its own evidence as there was never more cause to fear some unusual apostacy from the very visible profession of Christ upon any violent tryal and assault this way when such finds it more easy to render up their religion then to adhere to the same under strongh temptations who yet never knew that substance advantage or certainty herein as could preponderate with the want of all external motives for such a profession That thus one of the highest services of these times Posit II for the publik good of the Church does convincingly lye here to have the faith of assent to the truth and doctrine of Christ in a clear and firme certainty of the
it may be ever seen how with the greatest prosperity of the wicked here there are punishments of another kind dispensed and more dreadful then any outward affliction such as judicial obstinacy and blindnesse of mind in opposition to God even when their own ruine is made visible to them herein VII How oft men are thus evidently condemned to be happy in this world by some strang measure of temporall successe and prosperity before some great fall and ruine as the issue hereof in the last shene of providence doth fully attest VIII That it s seen also how sin doth ever bring its own punishment therewith in some begun degree both of shame and torment and as Seneca an heathen could say that wickednesse was the most exquisite contriver of human misery so the world likewise may see how a present immunity from judgment is no release but when its sentence is not speadily execute yet is it at last surely execute IX And how evident is it that the greatest haters of godlinesse are yet inforced to justify the same and the Christians choise herein as the greatest wisdome upon any surprising state and extremity yea how such would be glad to joyne interests then with such in their death whom they most contemned in their life QU. V. How is it convincing and demonstrable that God hath given any clear and expres revelation of his will and councel unto men and that such a wonderfull record is undoubtedly extant in the world ANSW That I. it is not possible to believe the being of God and not also the truth of an established law and rule of commerce betwixt him and man here so as to know both what we should doe and what to expect and hope from him II. That this also must be known and display its power and efficacy to the world in that manner and by such infallible evidence of its truth as may render all inexcusable who give not intire credite therto III. I can be no more clear and assured there is but one sun in the firmament then that there is but one fountain and repository of sacred light about religion which is the Scripture and its being the alone publick standard of truth to the whole world IV. That no way was ever made known to recover mankind from a state of bondage darknesse and misery compatible with the very use of reason but by this blessed light which shineth there V. Yea that there is as visible a difference betwixt the same and any pretended religion which ever was besides in the world as there is betwixt day and night which is founded in the immutable nature of these things in themselves VI. That there is one proper sphere where this glorious light of divine truth is fixed and wherein it shines forth from one age to another which is the Christian Church QU. VI. But what more peculiare evidences can yow shew of the divinity of the Scriptures that all may see to be of infallible truth ANSW I. That its sure such a book is this day in the earth which no created wisdome could ever have done and contains such things of highest conceirn to mankind as doe infinitly exceed the bounds of human ability and invention or could ever have been discovered but by God himself II. That it gives forth such exquisite laws and constitutions of our religion as men must needs see the holy nature purity and perfection of God most brightly shining forth therin III. Which doth discover so great and proper a relief for all these evils and miseries that doe attend this fallen estate of man as none but an allsufficient God could only doe IV. That he alone must be the author of this blessed record who rules the world and hath determined the changes and revolutions therof when it is not more evident how these visible heavens are stretched forth over the earth then that this line of the Scripture is stretched over the whole worke and frame of providence and doth most clearly illuminate the same V. That surely this was the product of infinite wisdome whence so great a variety of matter doth meet with so visible a concent and harmony in one perfect and intire frame yea knit in so closse a bond of union together as makes the whole Bible to be intirly one piece though in the writing of each distinct part therof it could never have possibly been contrived or forseen by humane wisdome what we see here of so admirable an agreement correspondence as is in all the parts therof VI. That none els could have spoke to the world in so majestick a way becoming the greatnesse and soveraignity of God to assume such a supremacy give forth laws for absolute obedience from all mankind therto on such a penalty of eternal destruction or that any impostures either possibly could or durst have in such a manner personate the same VII That it must needs be his word who perfectly knows what is in man and hath an absolute authority over the soul and is a discerner of the thoughts therof who thus not only gives law to the conscience and our inward parts but doth establish an internal religion there no lesse absolutly then what respects our external worke and actions VIII Yea where all may see the whole penmen therof under so intire a subjection to the doctrine which they tought and to be no contrivance of their own as they did record their own failings and imperfections in behalf of the truth and did thus also require all just respect and obedience to the Magistrates when through the whole earth they were then greatest enemies to the truth of the Gospel IX That this must be his word who alone can derive principles of life to his own institutions and animate the same with a quickning Spirit and is a worke above the contrivance of Angels or men when directed to each new tryal of the Church and personal case of Christians as though it had been alone writt for that time so that I can be no more perswaded in reason there is such a book as the Bible in the earth then that it came from heaven and is the alone rule of religion and of divine revelation for the governing of mankind QU. VII How is the secure conveyance of the Scripture demonstrable amidst all the changes of times past and that no possible accesse could be for its corruption ANSW I. That its so undenyably the first rule which ever was given to mankind of religion and the alone publick standard of truth that hath endured the tryal and inquiry of all times past so as no pretences in the matter of antiquity could yet ever be to the contrare II. That so exact an harmony is betwixt the Old and New Testament as the one is a visible transcript of the other in its accomplishment that I can be no more sure of such a venerable record as the Old Testament and its unalterable conveyance to the Church to
of its truth VII That herein have all divided partyes and sects in the Christian world been enforced stil to meet and consent in ane acknowledgement of the substance thereof VIII That in the same light which was held forth in the Old Testament about the Messias did the whole gentile church enter and made claime to their right for being adopted the seed and children of Abraham on these cleare and expresse promises given for the same which the Jewes could not but confesse to be of divine authority QU. III. What confirmation is to the Christian faith that for 4000. yeares the comming of the Messias should be deferred after the promise ANS Though the soveraign pleasure of God should silence and satisfy our minde herein yet is there such a sight to be had hereof and of insinit divine wisedome shining forth in the same as should be most confirming for these ends I. That there might be a more distinct representing of the glory of this mystery to angels and men in such a graduall opening up of the same II. To put that weight and high value on his own promise and testimony herein when on the alone credit thereof he would thus both try and beare out the faith of his church for so many ages and draw forth their desires and longings in all that long space of time after the same III. To testify the greatnesse of his wrath against sin and the Apostacy of mankinde by suffering the generality thereof to ly so long under its fatall effects IV. To prepare the church for so great a reception by all that long preparatory service of legall institutions as so highly becoming the greatnesse of this mystery to have so solemn and stupendious ane introduction thereto V. That thus the world might have its full tryall of the insufficiency of natural abilityes and of any improvements of humane wisedome and learning for help after this had first been at the furthest hight both in Greece and Rome before the alone Redeemer of the church came QU. IV. What can offer furthest conviction to the world of the truth of Christianity from its nature and internall excellencies and that it is no lesse essentially good in its selfe then evidently true ANS I. That its so undeniable even to these that live at a distance how such is the truth of Christ that though all visible and humane props should faill it can subsist by its oun evidence and authority over mens conscience and hath thus ever preserved its station in the worst of times II. That as it holds forth the most exquisite rule of perfection to follow so doth bring the greatest releef to the distempers of the minde and these miseries which attend humane state here so as a higher glory doth thus result to the holy God by this dispensation of Grace to fallen man then if he had stood in his primitive state III. That it is sure the truth and doctrine of Christ doth natively tend to fix men in a state of light and communton with God and in a state of separation of such in their principles affection and conversation from the world IV. That it doth more brightly shine forth in simplicity and truth and in its internall and vitallacts then in any outward form or shew yea in the way of selfe deniall meeknesse and poverty of spirit doth such ane excellency appeare as in its oun nature hath as visible a difference from the proud and vindictive spirit of this world as the day hath from the night V. How such is Christianity as by no naked doctrinall discovery of the same to mens judgement or such rules as any humane science is acquired by can be knowen without ane inward power and principles of a new life nor can there ever be a right knowledge of divinity untill it be first ingrafted in a divine heart so far is this mystery above all humane rule and contrivance VI. That it is stated in the greatest opposition to any false shew or hypocrisy yea brings such inforcements therewith of candor and truth and of love tendernesse and sympathy towards others as all must see is not only the highest ornament and perfection of our nature but the greatest blessing to the world that ever was knowen VII That such a native lustre and fragrancy doth attend the truth and simplicity of the gospell as it s no more possible for humane art or cunning to represent this then to make the dead image of a man to live or to paint in a broad the vitall scent of a violet or rose to our senses VIII That in this way of the gospels subduing men to the obedience thereof by the power of inward grace the glory of Christ doth more eminently shine forth then if he had appeared for this end with the greatest outward majesty and attendance of Angels to our bodily eyes IX That it is so visible how the whole world besides that is without the revelation of Christ is a place where horrour falsehood and impiety doth manifestly reign QU. V. But how do yow receive so wonderfull a truth as that of the Gospell is when it s now so great a distance of time from its first promulgation ANS I. That we can be no more sure and perswaded of the most visible and present objects of sense then that this is the same gospell which is still shining forth to the world whereby ane innumerable company of all nations tongues and languages hath received the spirit and been sealed yea hath made that change upon men in turning them from ungodlynesse and idols to serve the living God as hath been no lesse marvellous then the turning of so many wolves into lambs II. That it is the same gospell which not only through a series of 16. centuries hath been attested but by such innumerable witnesses who counted not their life deare unto the death for sealing thereof and found it sweet to be offered up in the flames for Christ III. Which in all ages past hath stood out the greatest opposition that ever the world made to any interest while the weapons of its warfare were spiritual and not carnal with that successe as the time of the Churches hottest persecution from heathens was that period of time also of a most remarkable spreading in the world IV. That the same Gospel is revealed this day which hath had such discernable triumphs and successe when no external assistance could be seen herein and no visible power by which it gained the most savage and dark parts of the earth to take on the yoak of Christ and prefer the objects of faith to the most desireable objects of sense V. Yea which hath not only had such vital influence on mens heart and practice to change it into the same image but that herein the doctrine of the crosse of Christ in the greatest simplicity hath still been the most effectual way of its conquest and the greatest attractive on mens souls to receive
we professe since this only is founded on that sacred revelation of divine truth in the Scripture which is that infallible rule to discerne true miracles and what is Gods seal herein under the undoubted signature and stampe of his own power and working in the same yet hath there been such incontrollable evidence of extraordinare signs and confirmations to confirme the truth of the Reformed Religion since the Reformation as in no ages past was ever known but with the first planting of the Gospel among the Gentiles SECTION IV. QU. I. IS it cleare and demonstrable that the doctrine of Christ is a soull quickening and experimental religion and the trial thereof in its most supernatural truths of such rational certitude and evidence as the world can no more deny or question the same then these experiments of nature that are of most universal use ANSW Though men looked but at a distance here or were come from Heathnism so for as to make a serious trial of Christianity its sure they could not but see and be fully perswaded in their judgement hereof on these grounds I. That such a discovery is undoubted and cleare in the Scripture of so great things as that there is a holy Ghost and his workings on mens souls of peace with God and the joy of his presence which all who receive the gospel are called to know and prove on their oun trial II. That this wittnesse of Christian experience hath as discernable a consent and harmony there with as face answereth to face in the glasse and is cleare to be no casual thing but where every step in this way of trial is by Scripture light and what they did before read there ere they knew it on their oun soul III. That this in all ages of the church and wherever such as served God in the spirit were found in the most remote parts from others hath still been the same and like a great roll is transmit from one generation to another with their confirmatory seal that God is faithfull and true in these truths of his word which seem most incredible to the world now comes to our hand to require the same attestation and wittnesse IV. That these who know and testify these things once found it not easy to beleeve the same and did no lesse judge of such great experiments of religion as a dream or imaginary thing then most now doe until they knew them on their soul V. That such also have been the most burning and shining lights that ever were in the church and these innumerable in all ages who declare the same yea this in the mouth of the grave and entrance to ane eternal state when no outward intrest could sway them here VI. That it must be a matter of greatest assurance which hath then pressed the most tender parents with their last and dying breath to commend the same trial to their children and to obtest their making earnest herein as the greatest interest they could leave them VII That what ever differences be oft among these in some matters of truth yet in the certainty of this great trial of the life power and comforts of religion is ane harmonious onenes in the same testimony in all times of the church VIII That if any question this because so remote from mens senses and the judgement of carnal reason the reality of its effects doth unanswerably prove both the reality and excellency of the cause QU. II. What cleare and rational conviction can yow offer of so great a thing as conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state by grace which doth raise them as far above the residue of mankinde as reason doth above the state of the beastes ANSW Though I should strive against the conviction of such a miracle and demonstration of the Gospel as conversion is yet were it not possible to deny such demonstrative evidences as the world cannot but see hereof I. That it is sure such a change is made essentially requisite to the being and constitution of a Christian by the whole consent of the Scripture II. That there was never yet ane argument in nature for ones being a Christian in the life and power thereof what ever may be for a naked form or shew III. That they are not a few but innumerable instances in all times and of all rancks conditions of men on whom so great a change and difference hath been made thus evident both from themselves what once they were and from the residue of the world IV. That this hath been not only upon such as have been signally impious in their practise but who in their judgment were wont to deread holynesse as a fancy so as Atheists must grant that there have been as profest Atheists sometimes as themselves who have been made such conspicuous monuments of the power of the gospel V. That none can object here as once the Jewes did doe any of the rulers or such as the world counts most wise and knowing stand wittnesses to the same when it is so knowen there have not been more wise learned and judicious in the things of reason upon the earth then such as have been eminent examples of the power of conversion VI. That its marvellous effects in subduing men to what once was there predominant interest and idol and to part from what had been as their right eye or hand could only be from ane immediat divine power VII That such as were greatest adversaryes to the truth have been made no lesse eminent instruments in the service of Christ and choise vessels of honour then once they were in their enmity and opposition VIII That this change hath been so discernable in times of most visible persecutions and hazard when no outward advantage or gaine could have the least influence thereon Now as these are demonstrably cleare so can there be no possible accesse to question this I. That the Scripture is faithfull and true in so great a discovery II. That there is a divine spirit and a power above nature which accompanyes the same in such a change III. That there are surely contrary states in ane other world when they are so undeniably manifest here QU. III. But can so great ane experiment of religion as that of communion betwixt God and men here upon earth be made rationally convinceing to such as are themselves strangers thereto and for a further confirming of the Christian faith ANSW Though this be ane experiment of divine truth of a more transcendent interest and value then all that ever were in nature yet is it no lesse evident there can be no possible delusion herein if I. to which so innumerable a company beares testimony and hath transmit the same as that which not once or twice they have proven but in the continued trial of their life II. That its knowen to the world how such as testify what they doe and have so oft found in the retirement of their
are given up to under the greatest discoveries of light so as all may see their being thus bound over in chains and shut up in prison until death bring them forth to the execution and how no relief or application of the means of grace hath then any more accesse VII From such a mape shaddow of eternal vengeance in these terrible acts of divine judgment inflicted here on Apostates and persecuters of the truth and other flagitious persons which with the very first view might present an awful and immediat appearence of God in the same and that some strang and supernatural punishment is oft visible on the workers of iniquity VIII And what ever be of natural causes in such visible representations here in the earth as that sulphureous lake where once Sodom was and these burning mountains such as Haecla Etna and Vesuvius yet we may truely judge their being thus set before the world as some visible memorials of these infernal flames and as it were so many lumeheads thereof for such who will not believe the same because they doe not yet see or feal such a thing QU. VII What assistances hath our faith of that great and wonderful truth of the resurrection of the body after its dissolution in the grave unto dust ANSW I. From that visible and stupendious frame of the heavens and the earth when its sure that the same infinite power that hath not only made man but the whole creation can as easily collect and recount the dispersed ashes of the body as form the same II. From that greatest pledge hereof in the resurrection of the body of Christ III. From that tribulation and sore pain that the saints here in their outward man are exposed to since it is sure that in the holy justice of God he did not give such bodies for labour and for toyl and to his martyrs to endure unexpressible torments for Christ to perish for ever IV. From these visible resemblances and prefigurations of the resurrection which the Lord hath given to confirme our faith herein in the ordinare course and productions of nature so as all may see how every night is as the grave of the day-light and each morning a new resurrection of the same and how visible an image of death is in each season of the winter with so marvelous and beatiful a resurrection of the earth on every return of the spring in the herbs flowers and plants taking life and rising again in the leaves blossomes and fruites yea this in such a variety as may no lesse convincingly evidence an infinite divine power herein then that the same body of man should be raised at the last day V. From that continued miracle of the harvest after the seed-time with so amazing a production of the grain sowen in the earth and its first dying there before it be quickned so as to be at last brought to 30 60 yea sometimes an hundred fold out of the very same grain which to these who had never before known the same would seem incredible above all reason to conceave or bear credite therto CHAPTER III. The confirming worke of Religion improven wich respect to the times to clear the way of the Lord herein before this generation and let us see how nothing is so strang in the events of this day which should not more strenthen then shake and that the God of the Reformed Church doth still own the same interest according to his faithfulnesse which is here briefly pointed at upon some special inquiry proposed about the same SECTION I. QU. WHat can afford both light and confirmation to our faith in such a time when we see the worke of the Lord about his Church to be most remarkably now a worke of judgement with such dark and searching tryals therwith as former times have not known ANSW It is sure we have seen nothing but what might have been too evidently looked for and that we can pretend no want of light herein upon these grounds I. That the Trialls of a Church should be suited to the measure of their talent of light when this hath been in some more then ordinare way dispensed that some remarkably searching times might be expected to follow nor can it be now strang to us that such things fall in with this day which did not meet the Churches of Christ at the first entry of the Reformation who then had not so clear discoveries of the truth and that measure of confirmation therein which hath been since II. That some unusual tryals and conflicts in the Lords usuall method of providence should be suited also to the greatnesse of that worke which he is bringing forth may be no strang thing and to see a time of such sore wrestlings as this when all things seem to cry be in pain as Micah 4 20. Yea when some great event of the Scripture is to be revealed to the world and near to its full hight and period of accomplishment as we have safe ground for assurance of this â—ay III. Nor hath this sad and dismal hower on the Church been more obvious then the provoking cause hereof in which the holy righteousnesse of God may be no lesse clear then the cloud now is dark when such a visible falling of hath been from that love tendernes and power of religion that did formerly attend its profession as for these many years past we might have seen that some sore and remarkable judgment was coming and that if we had not been in such a maner undone we were under some sadder strock of spiritual judgment ready to be undone IV. Yea it hath been too visible that such evils followed the Reformed Churches as in no time it was ever known that the holy God did passe such by without some signal evidence of his wrath against the same before the world V. We know that carnal confidence hath a curse ever waiting upon it in the Scripture which none can take of or make that thrive which God hath himself cursed and it is too visible how far we have gone thus out of the way of our strenth by such eager seeking human props support as we have forâ—ot the guide of our youth and convenant of our God and what great things he hath formerly done in the greatest straits of his Church when there was much humble trusting with little sence as though the spirit of the Lord had not done more to recover his truth then all human might or power ever could doe SECTION II. QU. WHat talent are we still accountable for to support our faith against the greatest fears of this time from these immediate appearances of God and of the glory of his power for the same truth and cause of the Reformed Church we are now called to contend for which hath been since the reformation when so strong unusual a tyde now is against the same ANSW If men shut not their eyes and hide this great talent of the workes of
are now called to and accountable for in behalf of the truth and for sanctifying the Lord in the eyes of others who are under so great a talent of light and confirmation in the same Pag. 99 FINIS AN IDEA Of the confirm'd state of a Christian in dismall and shaking times THo the same measure of Christians establishment in the truth be not alike to all but must have respect to the different trialls talent improvements of such for this end yet may it be cause of astonishment how rare any study of this kinde is now to be sound when it s not only one of the highest concerns of Christianity but in a more then ordinary way called for as the work of this day yea that this is a part of religion which seemes lest improven of any for the more generall state of professours within the Church under some conviction hereof was this essay designed where with humble confidence I may say the truth hath been sought with that serious enquiry into the nature of these things held forth as I judged needfull for such who have so great ane interest venture not only through time but for all eternity to support upon the alone certainty hereof er these dayes of triall which we now see passe over this generation it may be found this was not unseasonable or without cause directed to such a time if the Lord graciously blesse the same nor will it I hope be found incongruous without use to present yet further in such a method way of example some cleare prospect of a confirmed state in religion what these ought to be who with light assurance of minde would follow the Lord fully in such a day as is here offered in a 7 fold Character under which a truly confirmed Christian in the truth of his profession may be stated CHARACTER I. That he is one who hath ane other sence impression of this great study for attaining to a confirmed state in religion is on higher grounds pressed to follow the same then what most of the visible Church seemes to apprehend should be thus considred 1. As one to whom the glory of the Christian profession is in the highest degree deare to have the world see that such as embrace the same does most fully adventure on the testimony of God in his word are these also who walks on the highest principles of true enlightned reason yea who takes deeply to heart that obligation which is on all who desires to advance the repute honor of the truth to be in such tearmes therewith upon its own evidence as they may know how to serve a rationall conviction both on Atheists insidels if called thereunto 2. Who sees also how such is the state of fallen man as stands in need of all the contributions that can be not only to strengthen the Christians faith and beare out against the strong assaults of infidelity but to gain also more credit and veneration to the truth with these who are not easily delt with but by such meanes as beares some congruity to their naturall light and reason for which end the Lord hath affoorded these ministeriall helpes to render the misbeleefe of the world or any pretense of hesitation about his truth more fully inexcusable 3. He thus sees how the most important and fundamentall truths of Christianity needs the greatest confirmation of his faith for these who enter in so high discriminating a profession from the residue of the world to know in what manner they embrace the same yea that the naturall order of things does absolutly require to have the foundation sure laid on which so great a superstructure must rest so as he judgeth it a work by its selfe and to need some peculiar retiring his soul in the most serious recesse and composure thereof to attain a stedfastnes of his own in the truth and to know the strong and firm convoyances of that greatest mystery of the gospell in such a manner as needes no paund of a miracle to confirm the same But he knowes here that no sharpness of mens naturall understanding about the truth can ever attain a true rest and settlement of minde therein without a humble and serious spirit stooping doune before the wisedome of God and to enter as little Children into his Schoole yea that by humble practice and obedience of the gospell there is ane undoubted comming up to the greatest assurance and clearest demonstrations of the same as Joh. 7 17. 4. He knowes that as nothing tends more to shake mens spirits and stagger them about the truth then a light and transient view hereof so does the greatest establishment follow on the nearest approach by a deep and serious enquiry about the same and thus clearely sees that if such who look but at a distance on the way of religion did but once come that length of triall as to have their spirits separat by a more serious reflection thereon the first view they should have could not but be matter of wonder and amazement to think what can determine and support in so marvellous a way as the life and practice of Christianity which is so visibly above nature and wherein they must do violence to the same where they must part with the multitude and oppose themselves to the strongest tyde of exemple and must endure also in hope and believe for things not seen which were never the object of humane sence to any in this earth and are oft called to part with the most desireable things of sence upon the alone credit of their faith yea where they must enter in that profession on no other tearmes then to be martyrs for the same and seall it with their blood so that he must needs see a Christian according to the rule and institution of the gospell to be the greatest riddle and wonder of any sight within time but when such come more closse and neare upon this triall and have once understood the nature and greatnesse of that security which these have to adventure on yea what is the glory of their hope and the sure spring of their supplyes for their work and trialls within time then will this second wonder unspeakably exceed the first how its possible that such are not of a more raised and enlarged spirit in the service of the Gospell in that short season they have here for it on the earth and how their triall should not be more to beare the joy of so great a prospect and expectation then any present griefes and troubles yea how mens life who indeed makes earnest of the Christian profession is not in some more continued transport of ravishment and wondering to know that they are surely made for an eternall state in another world and are among these on whom the glorious God hath choised to have the exceeding riches of his grace shewed forth in these regions of blessedness above for
heart this present period of time wherein the fluctuating suspence and halting of so many under a visible profession of the truth is now one of the most dismall signes hereof that it seemes to be the time wherein the Lord will in ane unusuall way take this generation off any implicit profession of the same and when that great roll of visible professours in all the reformed Churches may be er long in that manner called as each must answer to his own name and put to stand to the proofe before the world when no temporall interest but internall motives and certainty of the truth upon its own evidence must beare out yea that the most establisht may er long finde it not easy to be keept from staggering and a few dayes come in the Churches way more remarkable for triall then hath been in some ages before CHARACT II. A truely confirmed Christian may be thus also stated as one who is in the first place most deeply taken up about that rare plot of mans redemption and to see these great and wonderfull truths there not singly and apart but in that harmony order and consent of all the parts thereof as they are linkt together in this marvellous frame so as to make the whole one entire peece and where no part does in the least interfere with an other which he finds to be one of the most principall demonstrations of this great mystery of the Gospell that the Lord hath given for confirming his peoples faith and thus in another manner then formerly can now entertain his soul herewith and have his joy unspeakably hightned 1 to see at once the ruined state of fallen man and what a floodgate of all evill is let loose on that race not only morally in sin but what is penall in the woe and miseryes thereof yea such a state where all hope of releefe is for ever cut off in the way of nature or by any created help and where the execution of a righteous sentence on such for the voluntare violation of a law just holy and equall can be no impeachment in the least of the righteousness of God But then therewith he does see such a releefe brought to light as can not only answer the whole extent of this ruin but the glory of God more eminently displayed therin then if the law had been obeyed or absolutely execute in its penalty on the whole race of man yea which makes this more wonderfull to see a higher dispensation of grace unto man now under the gospell then was to Adam in his primitive state whereby innumerable Christians are made to endure and prevail over stronger assaults then broke him even in his integrity which is a conjunction so marvellous that the great and infinit God only could finde out and effectuat 2. He does now see how cleare a consistence and harmony is here that he who had no sin by inhesion but holy harmles and undefiled should be under the greatest weight of sin by imputation and by the exactest rule of divine justice made liable to answer both the whole duty and full penalty of the Law having as surety betwixt the creditor debter put himselfe in his peoples roome to answer the full demands thereof both for debt and duty 3. It is here he does see that blest consent and harmony betwixt the spotles justice of God and his marvellous grace so as his love is to the highest glorifyed in that marvellous way as secures the full and compleat satisfaction of his Law and all the rights of justice inviolable 4. Whilst he is thus dazled with the greatnes of such a light and put to enquire what such a mystery can mean he is then furder led on to see that rare plot and contrivance of the covenant of reconciliation between God and man here within time to be the very duplicat and counterpart of that eternall transaction and stipulation between the father and the son and thus sees what ever God hath declared and promised in the one to his Church was first promised and secured to our blessed head in the covenant of Redemption wherein as with a reverend and awfull distance so with the greatest evidence of light he is made to see here these reciprocall obligations betwixt them and mutuall trust for making good the whole tearmes thereof in the appoynted time 5. He does also clearly see that rare order harmony of time in these signall periods of the revelation of this great mystery of Christ which from its more dark discovery and dawning did still more gloriously open its selfe to the Church by a graduall light and unvailing of the same as the Sun in its course unto the perfect day yea hath his faith thus unspeakeably confirmed to see herewith the gospell Church being still the same whither of Jewes or Gentil's and how that series and consent hath yet never been broken off since the beginning of one Church separat from the residue of mankinde set apart as a peculiar people for the Lord where none ever had right and priviledge to be members of the same but by faith in the Messias and profession of their obedience to his Lawes 6. It is in this union and harmony he sees the whole branches and parts of gospell obedience most exactly meet and terminat to advance both the greatest excellency and blessedness of man and assimulat him to the blessed image of God yea how all the rules and precepts there does so entirly conspire for this end as may constrain the world to see and admire the glorious nature and perfections of him whose lawes these are wherein he does so brightly shine forth 7. Nor can he looke seriously herein and not see that sweet concord as a part of this harmony which is betwixt the promissory and mandatory part of the gospell so as the Christians comfort is most fully established and no duty abolished but the very path rod to the must full enjoyments of the promise and proper way to attain rest and tranquillity of spirit must be ever here by taking on the yoke of Christ 8. Yea to confirm this entire union and harmony more fully he now sees that exact and marvellous correspondence which is betwixt that first fundamentall promise of the Messias and the event betwixt the whole ancient figures and types of the leviticall service and the revelation of Christ himselfe in which all these did meet as their proper center and now have their full end and accomplishment 9. His confirmation thus grows to see that wonderful consent of Christianity and native result hereof to put fallen man in a due postour towards God towards his neighbour and himselfe so as he may know by faith and adoration how to enjoy God and his brother by love and thus by patience meeknes and humility to possesse his own soul and enjoy himselfe 10. Yea it is in this rare and wonderfull frame he is made to see and no sight can be like
judgment on its own evidence more vigorously promot and the proper means and assistances which the Lord hath given for this end in some other manner yet improven then seems to be this day for a more universal use The grounds to inforce the necessity hereof are these I. that its sure wherever the Gospel is revealed to men it comes with so full an assurance of understanding and sufficiency of objective evidence as can admit no possible doubtfulnesse herein which is the credit and glory of our religion that in no other way it doth require acceptance but with the furthest conviction of evidence II. Because the expresse designe and tendency of this blessed revelation is no lesse to found such a rational assurance in the judgment of its truth then to ingadge their will and consent for imbracing therof and though such great demonstrations for this end can only in suo genere have a convincing influence to perswade the understanding yet are they of such weight here as next to the demonstration of the Spirit of God they are the greatest means to bring up mens assent to a full and quieting rest on that security to which they must concredite themselves for ever and to let them see that this even here by the way is assuredly full though not yet their injoyment III. Because this faith of assent should be first followed in the order of nature as being the very first principle of conversion to know and be sure that God hath sent his son into the world to save sinners wherin as the H. Ghost is not the objective but the efficient cause here of our faith so is not the internal worke and testimony he gives on the soul the first testimony but must still have respect to the revelation of the word without and such demonstrative evidences therof wherwith it is revealed to the world nor may ever be separate that which God hath himself so indissolubly joyned IV. That so convincing a necessity and use is hereof to the Church and in a special way with respect to the youth for a more firme laying of the groundwork of their Christian profession and to be as the seed-plot of a blessed and desirable grouth amonghst such in this day that they might thus know early something of these primary grounds and demonstrations of their faith so also is it a study of that high importance as I humbly judge should be of notable use for a Manuduction in the first place to students of Divinity before they launch forth in that vast and immense ocean of the speculative part therof and for being at some greater advantage thus for carying on such a confirming worke in the Church in their future service V. Yea of what use might this be with respect to many who may be sore haunted with hid and dreadful temptations to infidelity and to weaken them on the very foundations of their faith who are wholly unfurnished of any such grounds and arguments in their judgment to repel the same and it is sure to believe firmly the history of the Gospel that God was manifested in our nature to save man is with respect to the object a much higher act of faith then to believe that he will save us since as the one doth unspeakably more transcend all human reason then the other so doth the Apostle thus argue from the greater to the lesse Rom. 8 32. That he who gave his own son to the death will he not also with him give us all things That such a confirming worke Posit III was most specially followed in the practize of the primitive times and one of the great ends of the ministry of the Apostles and Evangelists to have this faith of assent and doctrinal certainty therof on its proper grounds and evidences deeply founded in mens judgment is so clear as cannot come under debate I. That this way did the great author of our profession himself take not only by the authority of his word and the power and energy of grace but with that convincing evidence and demonstration of his truth to mens understanding as might found also a firme and rational assurance hereof II. That for this end he did pray the Father Joh. 17 21. and was so much pressed herein that so great an external demonstration of the truth of the Gospel in the concord and unity of his people might be kept clear that the world might thus believe that he was sent of God and have a deeper conviction hereof served on them by such an evidence III. That one special intent of the Evangel of Luke was for this end Luke 1 4. that men might know not only the things themselves by a naked relatation but the certainty of these things wherin they had been formerly instructed IV. That herein did the ministry of Apollos so brightly shine forth Act. 18 28. and was then of most singulare use to the Church by that clearnesse of rational conviction and demonstrative arguments for the truth of Christ as the greatest gain sayers could not withstand V. That its sure it was then without exception expressly required of the meanest within the Church to be allways ready to render the reasons of their hope to all who ask and not only to know what they did believe but why they did so as is clear 1 Pet. 3 15. yea that this could not be by bringing forth of internal evidences for conviction of others but to give them an account of the most cogent grounds and demonstrations of the Gospel as might be most prevalent and confirming to the weak and leave others inexcusable and seems to have been then specially pressed in these primitive times as a proper test of their Christian profession VI. And we see herein also how much these excellent Bereans were taken up and were so highly commended of the H. Ghost Act. 17 11. to know the demonstrative part of Christianity and by its own evidence with that intire harmony and consent of the Scripture therin and their being thus diligently intent in that comparing-worke of religion to see the truth therof not singly and apart by themselves alone but in that joynt union and coherence wherin they stand each in their own room for confirming and giving light to other VII That this was the way also wherin the Gospel did come to the Gentil church is cleerly shewed 1 Thess 1 5. Not in word only but as in power and in the H. Ghost so also in much assurance of understanding upon its own evidence which was that way it did so wonderfully prevail over the world against nature and stream of flesh and blood that stood in the furthest opposition therto VIII That one of the greatest services of the Apostles in their visiting the Churches did expresly ly here Acts 14 22. to confirme the souls of the Disciples in the first place on the certainty of their faith and then in exhorting them to continue in the same so as they might follow the
Lord with the furthest light and assurance of mind amidst the great tryalls of such a time IX That its this way also the world is rendred inexcusable for their misbeliefe of the Gospel when under such sufficiency of means given for this end by so great a discovery of the confirming evidences of its truth so as they can have no pretence herein but an obstinacy and resolution not to be convinced on which ground doth our blessed Lord testify that it was no want of light upon the certainty of his truth why men did not receive it but that they loved darknesse better then light because their deeds were evil when such clear rational and convincing evidences are laid open to their view how most possibly can get these put by or rejected is not easy to comprehend but that a real irritation and torment of spirit from such clearnesse of evidence doth thus more tend to harden then convince That there is a continued necessity of such a confirmation in the faith to this day Posit IV what ever can be objected of so long a consent and prescription of time in the profession therof is fully demonstrable on these grounds I. Because it is sure the Christian faith doth still need these assistances and is a strang mistake that only for Heathens and Atheists such confirming evidences of the same should be adduced but not for any under a visible profession when the whole of divinity and doctrine of our faith is so full of demonstrative arguments for the dayly use of the most established Christians in their passage through time II. That as the highest motives to all serious godlinesse and the moral duties of Christianity must needs be from its known certainty to us so is the continued use therof to be still the same III. That these numerous tryalls and conflicts of Christians now doe no lesse call for some higher establishment in the truth on which they must alone rest when all visible props fail in their judgments then of supporting grace nor is it conceavable how men can this day walk in the light of any true joy and comfort without a more sollid assurance of their being on safe grounds herein then most seem to reckon IV. Because the revelation of the Gospel and of an eternal state in an other world is so great and wonderfull as its strang how this is not the highest interest of mens life to have their faith more deeply confirmed on the furthest tryal of their security now by the way herein who must shortly make so great a tryal therof at death for if we were but once this length to ask our own soul what the Christian faith indeed is and are thus called to believe it could not possibly but beget some extasy of wondering at the greatnesse therof and to reckon any light and implicit assent to the same as a degree both of Atheism indifferency in this matter V. Though there be no conflict with Heathens as in the first times yet was such a spirit never more aloft then it is now to take of all firm assent to the greatest principles of truth when Atheisme seems to be at its ultimus conatus in the world and we are fallen in so amazing an hower of the power of darknesse as makes these latter times more remarkably perillous and trying then the first VI. Yea if such a confirming worke be one of the greatest means to advance the repute and honour of religion when its wonted awe and veneration is so far lost and to awake men to deeper impressions of its truth when so few seeme now under any such weight then it is sure there was never more need of the same then in this day That such a service to the Church Posit V doth not only respect the more knowing inquisitive and judicious part therof but the meanest professours of religion also of whom this is necessarly required is evident on these grounds I. Because each Christian should have undoubtedly such a ballast on their own soul of the solid and rational grounds of their faith as well as these of greater parts and induments the promotting of which were it more deeply considered I dare humbly adventure to say should be found one of the choicest meanes to promot Christianity this day II. Because this is not to drive any to doubt or question the least sincere degree of assent though it be not with such strenght of evidence as in others nor can by that formal argumentation give the same accompt therof since a few grounds this way may specially help to some solid conviction and confirming of their mind when they may be ignorant of many other cogent arguments for this end but its sure also the greater clearnesse of evidence doth still in the appointed way of means lead in to a more firme and strong assent of the judgment to the truth of our religion III. Becaus the strenth of the foundation in it self cannot be enough if it be not with such a known evidence as men may build firmly and with assurance theron nor hath the Lord thus only designed to give his people an infaillible and sure testimony to adventure on but that it should be made sure also to them IV. Because none can in truth say that Jesus is the Lord but by the H. Ghost 1 Cor. 22 3. by which is not to be understood so much there the necessity of supernatural grace for a saving faith but that none can give a true assent and confession of the same but from these grounds and arguments which are revealed by the H. Ghost unto men for this end and as its sure that these characters and evidences of divinity which are imprinted on the whole revelation of the Gospel may be clear demonstrative to our judgment so are they as truly divine as the doctrine which is confirmed therby V. Because there can be no possible cause for credulity of the truth from any intricate obscurenesse of the same when the Lord hath given such great assistances to our faith to be as milk for babes as wel as meat to strong men And though it be objected that the furthest objective evidence of the Gospel with so clear and strong a conveyance therof is yet so little operative on most the same might be said also of the whole letter of the Scripture but as this tends not in the least to resolve our religion into any meer exercise of reason and leaves the whole worke of the Spirit in its energy and operation therwith on mens souls intire yet doth it fully evince such a sufficiency of evidence with the Christian faith as makes any doubtfulnesse herein simply impossible through want of the greatest advantage of means yea such as are of another kind then to induce only a probable perswasion of the same VI. Because it is one of the saddest symptomes of the present state of religion that so few almost in whole congregations can give any clear assent
to the truth and certainty thereof but to amazement both live and dye strangers to the same yea how many of these who are otherwise serious in religion yet have their faith starved this way and are destitute of any such support but as it is not the numberousnesse of professours but the strength and solidity of their faith wherein the Churches strength most lyes and hath more slowrished in a few such to beget a greater awe and veneration of religion amongst men then at other times in the greatest multitude so is it the glory of divine truth that it can subsist by its own proper evidence and preserve its station in the worst of times when all external arguments does most visibly cease That it s thus fully demonstrable and clear Posit VI how no simple instructing of men in the general principles of religion can be the proper and adequate mean for such a faith of assent to the truth thereof on its own evidence or answer that Apostolick pattern of laying the foundation Hebr. 6 2. but that some special duties else are called for to so high an end such wherein not only that true primitive confirmation in the Christian faith might have some practical use but we might also hope therewith for a more remarkable out-letting of confirming influences of the Spirit of God What is to be understood herein I shall humbly offer in a few particulars I. That it is one of the greatest concerns of the ministerial worke and of the key of doctrine to have all who heare the Gospel in the First place pressed to take religion so far to heart as to have a serious inquiry on the grounds and reasons hereof and thus to know their being on sure ground herein not because they know not another way but because they know this is the alone way of truth to which they dar trust their immortal soul II. That for this end the supreme truths of religion be represented with that certainty of evidence and demonstration as both such great and marvelous things does require and the temper of such a gainsaying age now calls for and to have this pressed more on mens judgment and conscience that the things of God which are of the highest consequence reality and substance can have no possible reception by any implicit or probable belief thereof nor can admit any pretence for the same when the Lord hath given such kind of proofes and evidence as leaves mens darknesse herein without any shaddow of excuse II. That it peculiarly belongs to the Catechetical work of religion to take some accompt of the meanest professours thereof and with a special respect to the youth of their faith of assent to the doctrine of Christ on what grounds and certainty of evidence this is founded and for their instructing therein as well as in the general principles of religion when one of the most ruining things to the Church lyes here that the profession of most is layed in so deep an ignorance as they have almost nothing to say for the same but a naked affirmation I know the difficulty hereof for the weak may be objected but without just cause since as the prime truths of religion are few easy and plaine for the meanest capacity so also are the primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith if such once with that desire did search after the same as for a hid and invaluable treasure wherein this respect should be still had to difference betwixt what is initial and of a more fundamental concern for the weak and what may tend to an higher grouth and increase of others III. It should be of greatest use and advantage also for the same end that the young grouth now coming up in the Church were put to give some explicit evidence of their consent and choice of the profession of Christ so far as may witnesse a ratification of the baptismal covenant now as their own proper dead wherein they were implicitly ingadged in their infancy Some special grounds and reasons for this are I. Because God will have his service freely entered in and upon choise as that way which is most agreable to his honour for as the covenant binds mutually so doe the seals therof also and therfor upon our part is baptisme a sacremental oath of aledgence to God II. Because it tends to a more resolute and firme adherence to the service of God that this bussinesse should be personally brought home to mens conscience especially before their first admittance to the Sacrament of the Lords supper and thus to ingadg them as Joshua did Chap. 24 22. Ye are witnesses against yourselves herein and they said we are witnesses III. Because this is expresly held forth 1 Pet. 3 21. where baptisme is called the answer of a good conscience toward God upon this ground that such then who were come to years of knowledge were personally sisted to confirme by their own consent that solemne ingadgment and dedication by Baptisme to be the Lords and therefor it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is vox juris and signifies sponsio stipulatio publica inter Christianum Dominum Christum as the most judicious Commentators on that scripture does clearly render and so this was a special part of the primitive practize not only with respect to such who were converted from Heathenisme but were born within the Church and partakers of that seal of Baptisme in their infancy to siste them upon answer to that great demand of the Covenant doe yow now consent upon evidence and choise to be the Lords and to be a subject of his Kingdom and embrace the laws therof and doe yow thus in sincerity and truth declare the same wherein you have a good conscience before God And of what blessed fruit and advantage should this be both for the increase and honour of the Gospel if this were more deeply taken to heart for some practical use according to the rule and primitive pattern in the Churches of Christ IV. It were specially desirable also that there be some clear view and summary by it self of the most cogent grounds and demonstrations of the Christian faith with respect both to the Doctrinal Historical and Prophetical part therof and in that manner accommodate as the meanest within the Church might have such a help still at their hand and thus with the least expense of time be provided of such arguments and reasons as should tend through the blessing of God not only to the furthest rational assent and certainty of the truth of their profession but to give a most special support of mind against that inward tryal of Sathans temptations and fiery darts this way yea is such a mean that in the serious improvment herof by having such evidences once brought in on mens judgment and conscience so as to see with their own eyes the truth of the same I must humbly judge there is nothing next to the internal work of the Spirit
which the whole race of the Jewes is yet a standing witnesse then how it is continued and perfected in the revelation of the Gospel and but one intire frame III. That its deliverance was no private deed but by a publick trust to the whole universal Church so as it were more easy in the way of reason to question the most fundamental statutes and lawes of any nation by which mens private right and property is secured then the truth hereof IV. That under the Gospel it hath been so fully dispersed over the world and in such various languages as an innumerable company of Christians these 1600 years past hath been as a common library of the same V. That these numerous versions and commentaries transmit theron in diverse languages doe fully evidence they had the same Scripture and no other then what we have this day VI. That this was delivered to the Church not only in write but in that forme of sound words for keeping closse therby as could admit no possible accesse to corrupt or alter the same besides the continued and publick reference hath been since the first ages of the Gospel to its decision which all these sharpe controversies that have been in the Church on all sides doe inevitably require QU. VIII What doth confirme the fall of man and entry thus of sin into the world this way from clear and unavoidable evidences of reason ANSW I. That there is such a thing as sin and evil in the world with the sense and conscience of guilt arising hereon amonghst all mankind can need no proof or evidence II. That it is simply impossible this should have been originally created with man or essentially belonging to his first frame and constitution since then there could be no conscience of guilt or remorse for what was given to be a part of himself in his first frame or be any sin to act thus suitably to their own original state III. That it were not conceivable also how one part of man should be in such opposition to another IV. Nor that such a thing as inherent shame could be in the nature of man upon the sence of guilt and by so natural a result follow the same or that such should be ashamed of any part of his own being if this were not upon ane undoubted apostacy from what once he was and that inevitable conviction of conscience that he now is what he ought not to be so as the certainty of mans fall though alone revealed in the Scripture as to the true cause thereof yet may be as evident to reason as the truth of his being now is SECTION II. QU. I. ARe there such assistances to the Christian faith upon that great and astonishing mystery of the revelation of Christ to the world as can fully answer the greatnesse thereof from cleare and infallible evidence to mens judgement ANSW It is sure there could nothing possibly be desired more to satisfy the most doubtfull and suspicious minde then is given for the furthest certainty hereof I. That such a glorious person as the Messiah was to come and be anoynted to that great work of redeeming mankinde from sin and misery and bring man back again unto God and how this promise is the alone foundation whereon the church was founded since man fell II. That all these numerous types and sacrifices under the law did so expresly tend to confirm their faith of that one blessed propitiatory sacrifice which was to be offered up III. That longer the New Testament was writ there was so cleare and exact a portraicture of the Messias drawen forth in the old with such peculiar marks whereby he should be knowen to the church and have infallibly taken place in the event as men could not upon any Scripture evidence exspect his comming in another way IV. That his humiliation and sufferings were so expresly shewed forth and foretold with the peculiar circumstances thereof in the 53. chap. of Isaiah and 9. of Daniel as if they had been eye wittnesses of the accomplishment thereof V. That even the speciall season and period of time for outmaking of this great promise was so far made knowen as upon diligent search and inquiry its neare approach might be discernable and cleare to what or what manner of time this did specially relate for which both the fall of the monarchies and Daniels seventy weekes were set up as highway markes to guide mens faith herein VI. That it s simply impossible according to the Scripture how the promised Messias could be yet to come except the Jewes were put in the same state they were in at his coming when now for these 1600. Jeares there hath been no Scepter nor lawgiver no temple or daily Sacrifice VII That this great mystery could never possibly have entered in our thoughts or be devised by any created understanding QU. II. But are there as cleare and infallible evidences of the truth of this great promise in the event that surely the blessed Messias of the world is now come as that it is sure be was promised ANSW It s beyond all possible debate I. That so divine and wonderfull a person was in the dayes of Tiberius Caesar manifested then to Israel with no outward shew or observation who did so great and marvellous things before all the people as were above all created power yea was crucifyed at Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate and is a truth in the matter of fact that both Jewes and heathens have been enforced to confesse II. That this special season of his comming into the world as the great Epocha and period of time from which the Christian church hath since to this day reckoned her state and succession is undoubted and clear also III. That the time of his appearance unto the world did so exactly tryst with that which was foretold by the Prophets as then the Jewish church was with greatest advertance looking after the Messias so as some remarkable impostors were thus excited to deceive the people herein IV. That in him who was then revealed and whom the Christian church worships its sure was most exactly fulfilled what ever was foretold concerning the Messias in the Old Testament and we do appeal herein to these records which all the Jewes even to this day do acknowledge to be divine V. That this was not done in a corner but in the publick view of men in these dayes most noture and famous yea by the special destination of God at so solemn a time of the passover in Jerusalem where Christ our passover was then sacrificed VI. That no humane interest or policy can possibly be in this discovery of the gospell when nothing more visibly crosse therto or obstructive of its successe then such a publishing of the death and sufferings of our Lord with all the ignominy and abasement which attended the same had there been any accesse here to consult carnal reason or any other ground to beare it out then the evidence and certainty
and judgment to the same III. To admit no gratification to the most predominant desires and inclinations of men upon any darling sin which according to human wisdome would be judged of an absolute necessity for gaining any acceptance with such yea to give no partial respect to the greatest Princes more then to the meanest IV. To pursue its interest by so plain a discovery of the death and sufferings of our blessed Lord with the whole ignominy thereof when nothing could more evidently control such an end by any rules of human wisdome and policy if there had been a possible accesse to consult flesh and blood herein V. And its sure there could be no designe without an immediate divine power in such a manner to plead the interest of Christianity with men by inserting affliction and the crosse in the first entry as essential to the profession thereof and holding forth the necessity of taking on the yoke of Christ without which none can be his Disciples QU. IV. But wherein doth the evidence of that great demonstration of the Gospel most clearly appear in the love and unity of Christians amonghst themselves which we find Christ doth so specially presse for this end that the world might know and have such a visible seal of his divine mission Joh. 17 21. ANSW The greatnesse of this demonstration may be thus evident to all I. That its so clearly demonstrative of the purity of our Religion which can admitt of no bitternesse strife recrimination or such indecencies of heat and passion which are these fatal effects of discord in the Church and thus lets us see the excellency of the spirit and rule of the Gospel II. That thus also we may know the power and efficacy of the truth thereof which is according to godlinesse upon mens heart in subduing these distempers of the mind and judgment III. That this doth so specially tend to make religion lovely and to draw forth matter of praise and blessing to God from the world when they see such a native effect of Christianity as this to make those who professe the same in that manner shine forth in tendernesse humility and brotherly love so that they become as a publick good and blessing to mankind in the place they are in IV. This appears also from the nature of that union in the Church of Christ and amongst his followers which only a divine power could both frame and make effectual and its sure no human society or constitution could ever claim such an unity therein as this is where not only persons of all nations and languages and of all conditions both high and low but of the most different interests humours and dividing circumstances in other things doe yet in so marvelous an harmony meet in the body of Christ which is his Church here in the earth V. Because herein also doth the glory and honour of our blessed head more eminently appear in securing this unity of his Church under a diversity of light and judgement otherwayes by a spirit of love meeknesse and condescendence amongst his people then by imposing the most severe and absolute uniformity in all things to be the alone condition of Christian communion QU. V. But what strength and evidence doth this demonstration of the Gospel now bear in so divided a state of religion and when the wounds and breaches of the Church this day are like to blood unto death ANSW Whatever just cause be of griefe yet is there none for darkening the truth of this demonstration on these grounds I. That none can deny the perfection of the rule of the Gospel for the most firm and intire unity amonghst all the followers of Christ on the earth II. That no opposition which is made therto but what hath been fortold as one of the greatest tryals of the Church under the New Testament and the Spirit of God doth most expresly point at in these latter times III. Because the furthest opposition thereto can be no more cause for any to stumble or question the truth of this demonstration then that there is a Devil whose greatest designe hath ever been to divide and break Christians amongst themselves IV. Because this union which is chiefly mistical and invisible is much greater oft then what this way may appear to the world and of that kind as is not interrupted by distance of place or any want of local communion V. That such a guard is set by the Lord unto this piece of his glory and to oppose any invasion thereon that there stands an Angel with a flaming sword upon every hand in the commands and threatings of the Gospel to secure this blessed unity of the Saints amonghst themselves so as none can invade the same but on their highest peril of opposing that which is as the apple of Christs eye VI. That its ever found how this demonstration hath some clear evidence amonghst such who are indeed the Disciples of Christ and according to their advance in the life and power of Christianity doth the more brightly shine forth so that the nearer the lines are to the center the nearer also are they amonghst themselves VII That in all times there hath been some tremenduous marke â—f the judgment of God made visible on such who are contentious and have made it their worke to cause division in the Church and sow discord among brethren QU. VI. But what hath the Church now in these latter dayes to compense the want of that great demonstration by miracles and such extraordinare confirmations of the Christian faith as were in the first times ANSW I. That we may see how far that seal of martyrdome which came in the roome of miracles to the Church hath exceeded that which was in the first times of the Gospel II. That there hath been since such innumberable shining examples of holinesse yea these continued to this day whom the world might see did walk in the light and power of Christianity as sure as men walks under the power and vertue of a living soul III. That we now see what a length the course of the Gospel and of the Church militant is come and how far thus the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled which once was so contrare to all human appearence IV. That so sure and exact a performance of the Scripture is now undenyable in the event and of such great and marvelous things which were fortold under the New Testament that in an ordinare way none could have believed what we see with our eyes and now have these things which were in former ages the object of the Churches faith made the object of our sense and its sure this is such a seal and confirmation to our faith in these last times as doth much exceed the greatest miracles which were with the first planting of the Gospel V. Though we may not resolve our faith on any extraordinare providences or lay the least weight hereon to support the authority of the doctrine
assistence to your faith doth the certainty of these powers of darknesse bring therewith ANSW I. That such a party both in their nature and continued actings are in a stated opposition to the Kingdome of Christ II. That it is so visible the prey which these mighty hunters do follow is not our body or the things of this life but is with respect to ane immortal soul and ane after state and that thus man might be made sharer of the same misery under which they are concluded III. That all may see their being under restraint of a supream power above them under such chaines as do irresistibly bound their rage and enmity against man by ane invisiâ—le guard and hedge which they cannot breake over IV. How their greatest rage and strugling is against the conversion of sinners to God and to hold fast his possession in such as the Spirit of God doth not more clearely move for their rescue then these doe to crosse that blessed design of the Gospel V. That there are none serious in the truth and life of religion but finde themselves pursued by such ane adversary and to have as discernably another party then themselves or the world to conflict with as if they saw them in a visible shape VI. That by the Gospel and within the precinct of the church is so discernably a greater restraint of Satans dominion and power then in all the earth besides yea that the advantage of being within the external covenant of Baptisme is so demonstrable as the least yeelding or tendency to a renouncing of the same or any acts of homage for making use of his help hath ever made way for some more extraordinary power of the devil over such then others VII Thus also is a most undeniable confirmation given of ane invisible world and of such intellectual beings there as are far above man yea that there is so undoubted ane intercourse betwixt men and spirits as may clearely shew that interest mens soul hath in another state and world then this QU. III. Is that great truth of the immortality of the soull and its never dying state after death as fully demonstrable to reason as it is by the furthest certainty of faith ANSW Though it be so amazing a thing to beleeve ane immortal soull and eternal state wherein it must shortly enter as by few seemes to be apprehended yet are its demonstrative evidences such that except men lose all sence and use of reason it is not possible to deny I. That there is such ane immaterial and active substance as the soull which can admit no cause either of its decay or dissolution from the body yea that the greatest excellency of this visible creation is here that such a vital beam of life light and immortality as the soull of man is therein II. Though we cannot see this rare and wonderful being yet it is here we both see and feel it to be something distinct from the body and to have a distinct interest both in its griefs and comforts III. How it can have no dependance on the body in its being which doth no way depend thereon in its actings and exercise but is oft most vigorous and cleare in its exercise not only when most separat and abstract from sensible things but when the flesh is under the greatest decay and neare its dissolution to shew the soull lyeth not a dying with the body but hath its distinct subsistence to live in a separat state when it dyes IV. It s being peculiarly framed for converse and intercourse with spiritual beings yea is only of the visible creation admit to fellowship with the invisible God and to have reflex acts upon it self V. How it is a being of a higher nature and value then the sun moon and starrs which not only can know and conceive of things above the evidence and impressions of sense but to make a rational choise of good though crosse to any sensual pleasure yea to rejoyce and have its proper delights when the body is afflicted and in pain nor can be defiled from the most loathsome sores and defilements of the flesh so as I must needs see both its dominion and preheminence over the body and to have assuredlie a subsistence without the same VI. That it is such a being as is capable of a happinesse beyond the whole extent of the world hath these intellectual facultyes which cannot possibly want both objects suitable thereto and injoyments above the senses VII That the most choise and excellent are usually most afflicted and crushed under the feet of their oppressours whilst these flourish in the earth and have no bands in their death so as such were of all men the most miserable if in this life both their being and blessednesse were founded VIII That there is so universal a sense of immortality as these who both feare and hate the evidences hereof yet under some constraint of reason hath the same for a continued terrour IX That it is sure the certainty of death makes it simply impossible for things only suited to this life of sense to be the ultimate good or fruition of man since else the beasts should have a greater happinesse then such if it were not from respect to ane after and immortal state QU. IV. What confirmation to your faith does that great and amazing change by death offer when it would seem to be something meerly natural ANSW Though the only wife God moves herein according to the nature of second causes and that it hath various wayes of approach unto men yet may all see with the furthest conviction of rational evidence as well as certainty of faith I. How death in its first constitution is penal and comes by a divine appointment unto all not meerly as men but as sinners and to be thus no natural accident and result of our primitive and original frames II. That its death as a penalty which keepes the feare and dread thereof so much on all living as that last period when the eternal state of men is then cast III. That the sting and bitternesse of sin is so manifest in innumerable diseases and stroakes of death which many feel an 100. times ere they dye once beyond other of the creatures IV. Though the sentence of dying is on all yet so great a difference is betwixt the saints and residue of men here that its penal execution on the ungodly is such as nature can give no support herein V. That supernatural presages and warnings hereof ere it come are in all times so known and sure yea such extraordinare evidences sometimes of the precise time as could have no possible rise from any natural cause VI. That its immediat commission from a supream and invisible power is so evident in such executions oft of this sentence by sword famine and pestilence as the visible finger of God in a just retribution unto men for sin may be no lesse seen and a supernatural
God under the ground its sure none can question such a seal which before the sun to the amazment and conviction of the world hath been put to the truth of the Reformed Religion that we are now sisted under such a call as the Church of Israel was Deut. 4 34. to ask of the times that are past since Israels coming out of Egypt and since the first planting of the Gentil Church by the Gospel whither there hath been so great a thing as this in the earth that God hath essayed to take to himself a people from the midst of other nations by temptations by signs and by wonders and by war and by a mighty hand and by an oustretched arm and by great terrours according to all that the Lord our God hath done for the rescue of his people in these last times from Antichristian bondage and darknesse and settling them in a church state but unto us was this shewed that we might know that the Lord he is God and there is noncelse beside him yea are still called to see and be as eye witnesses to these things I. How bright a day of the Gospel of Christ did goe before this great darknesse on the Church and what a solemne triumph in these late ages the truth hath had over Antichrist so as the full strock and ruine of his kingdome which is sure and established in the promise of God seems not now more marvelous and above human appearence then what we have seen in the begun degrees of its accomplishment II. In how few years also there was as a new Christian world brought forth in that swift course and progresse which the ingathering of the Reformed Churches had so as between the year 1621 and 1560. such famous plantations of the Gospel were setled in a Church state which all may see was the immediate worke and power of God to shew that none should fear or stagger at his promise though the waters yet swell and come to the flowings of Jordan and difficulties appear unsuperable to human sense after this great things which the Lord hath done III. How extraordinare a calling and excitment of instruments was then evident for the service of that time and reapers thus eminently prepared for so great an harvest of the Gospel as might put the world to inquire whence these were in so numerous a concurrence when a few of such a spirit were so rarely to be found in many ages before IV. Yea such an accession also of spiritual gifts and induments then for building of the Church as had not been formerly known since the first coming of the Gospel to the Gentils wherein it may be said the glory of these last times hath even in some degree exceeded that of the first V. And can the most dismal things of this time countervail the confirmations of our faith who have so clearly seen with the first breaking up of the pur doctrine of Christ the power and life of Christianity came therwith to the world as a seal and attestation therto beyond any miracles yea how innumberable a company in these last ages of different tongues and languages and these so remot from one another did not only receive the same truth but with such resolution adventure their souls theron as might fully witnesse they had another prospect of Christianity and to be in some other manner ravished with the glory beuty of the same then is now in these times VI. That such high spring tydes of the power and efficacy of the Gospel might be evident to all after so sad a restraint had been for so many ages before under Antichristian darknesse for whatever was then as a private seall on the spirit of Christians whilst the witnesses did prophesy in sack-cloth yet was there no such evidence and demonstration of the H. Ghost or a publick confirmatory seal to the truth as was after the Reformation VII Yea was it not the most sober serious and inquisitive part of men upon a sure tryal of the grounds of their faith who did most firmly imbrace the same and how many of these also were of the greatest parts and abilities whom none could judge to adventure so far herein without the highest assurances that this was their undoubted interest and upmaking VIII We have seen not only these of mean and low estate but such of the highest place and quality most chearfully adventuring whatever interest could be dearest to them in the earth for the truths sake yea was ever found how such as were most acquaint with the reformed religion in its power and living up in their practise to what they profest thereof were these who with the greatest assurance have most resoluty still adhered thereto IX We have seen also it s most remarkable spreading in the world when there could be no possible pretence of a lucrative interest or external motives for the same X. We have seen something not only extraordinare but even miraculous in the joy and resolution of innumberable martyrs since the Reformation who did bear out with a more then human strenth against a cruelty so visibly inhuman and savage yea which did in some degrees exceed that measure of the Heathens in the Primitive times as being against a greater light then theirs II. And have we not seen of what spirit such still have been since the Reformation who were the most notour instruments in the Churches persecution and how visibly such did act herein under so impetuous an incitment of the Devil that as Tertullien in his Apollogy speaks of Nero the truth might boast in having such adversaries XII It is sure we have seen how no human power could yet ever undoe this blessed interest of the Reformed religion tho no way or change of weapons hath been left untryed but we have thus seen whither so strong and unite a confederacy as the Catholick league in France did at last resolve and not only in the ruine of the greatest acters and contrivers therein but to a further establishing of the Reformed Church there as though such had intentionally acted for the same when if second causes had brought forth their ordinare effects it might have been judged impossible to fail XIII We have seen that issue of the whole councels expense and cruelty of Philip the II. of Spain to bear down the truth of the Gospel in the Netherlands which was to the furthest setling of this illustrious state and the Church of Christ there yea how their conspicuous rise and flowrishing even in the externals and their resolute adherence to the truth of Christ did most visibly keep together XIV We know that deludge of blood which so quickly followed the French massacre and the most dismal time which ever that nation know did then visibly contemporate with such a time of their greatest rage and persecution against the truth and that event of the third vial most clearly fulfilled herein Revel 16 5 6. Thou art righteous o Lord which art
and was and shall be because thou hast judged tâ—us for they have shed the blood of thy saints and prophets and thou hast given them blood to drink in great measure XV. Yea have we not seen how four Kings of France successively were in lesse then 30. years taken away in the same continued pursuit how to destroy the Church there in whom that whole race of the Valois was thus extinct yea in the manner of their death were most remarkable monuments of divine judgement as the most famous writers of that time does attest XVI We have seen what marvelous effects did follow these bloody years of Queen Mary's reign in England to promot and commend the Protestant doctrine to mens consciences there with so great a triumph it had in the sufferings of such choise and excellent witnesses for Christ as hath brought in more rent to the praise and glory of their blessed head then may to the furthest compense all that blood of the Saints there though highly precious in the eyes of the Lord. XVII We have seen likewayes the blood and cruelty of late against the Protestants in Bohemia in a short time most observably returned on the authors thereof and how the immediate finger of God might be seen in calling forth the Swedes to avenge the same and in that desolating strock which followed on Germany XVIII We have seen in these late times the issue of that horrid massacre on the Protestants in Ireland to the utter ruine in a very few years after of that barbarous party who had thus acted herein XIX We have seen what wonderful providences did attend the actings of that poor handful of Protestants in the Valleys of Piemont since the Reformation upon the account of that bloody massacre which was set on foot there against them which was so astonishing as all might see an extraordinare appearence of the Lord herein as is clearly attested by the most faithful Histories of that time XX. And can it be forgot unto this day how visibly a divine hand did appear in breaking that great Spanish Armado in the year 1588. which had been for some years in contriving against England XXI As it was astonishing and specially demonstrative of the immediate power and presence of God it should be matter of wonder and praise also for after ages that solemne time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland for planting the reformed Religion there with that zeal and onnesse of spirit as did then appear in all ranks to imbrace and adhere to the profession thereof amidst the greatest threatnings of their adversaries so as a few years did bring forth that which would have seemed strang for an age to accomplish yea that we find betwixt the last Martyr for the truth there who was burnt at St. Andrews 1558. and the establishment of the Protestant Religion and full abolishment of Popery with the full concurrence of civil authority herein in July 1560. was but little above two years to shew what great things the Lord can doe above all human councel or confidence XXII It s sure we have seen in what remarkable degrees these last vials of the holy judgment of God hath taken place on the Kingdome of Antichrist and how conspicuous the event hath been of that prophecy 2 Thessal 2 8. in these great effects and consumption thereof by the ministry of the Gospel as an assured pledge of the full accomplishment of what remains herein XXIII And as every step of the Churches rise hath been still advanced in a continued conflict betwixt the truth and Antichrist so have we still seen when the assault and opposition hath been greatest it s most remarkable tendancy to a greater victory which were it rightly considered upon clear and solid grounds from the Scripture the most formidable appearences of trouble from this adversary should with more comfort then fear this day be looked on so that whatever be the nearest and most immediate events yet is it sure as the Lord is true whose word is passed hereon that whosoever gives their power and strength to support that interest of Antichrist shall lose the day and find their cause desperate for the party with whom they contend herein is the Son of God against whom no human power shall ever be able to stand These are but a few which are here mentioned of the great acts of our God in behalf of his Truth to be still as present in our sight in a time when the spirits of many are ready to stagger and faint and here mentioned to lay no stresse or weight of the authority of the truth and doctrine of our profession thereon but on the alone revelation of the Scripture but that they are such an undenyable seal for confirming our faith and of so known publick and famous evidence as should be no lesse considered and taken to heart now then in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein SECTION III. QU. WHat present judgment are we called to have of this time upon clear and assured grounds from the Scripture that we may know under what aspect therof the present state of Religion and of the reformed Churches is under when so great a crisis is this day as would seem to be in the very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of its conflict whither as to life or death ANSW It is no present appearences of the time must direct our faith nor should we either streath our fears or expectations of things and events beyond what the God of truth doth warrand in his word but its clear if we credite the same and admitt the divinity of the New Testament there is no just cause of hesitation or darknesse as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in these latter dayes nor can there be any pretence to seek an other light either from the stars above or the diviners of this time when so woful a trade hath got up in the world that men will thus goe to the God of Ekron as though there were not a God in Israel or such a thing as his written Oracles to inquire at when its sure these ly open and with a clear and distinct sound speaks to all who have a serious and unprejudged spirit I. That the Church under the New Testament hath now passed and gone through that most dismal and continued tryal herein which was to goe over her head under Antichrists reigne and hight and whatever appearence he now hath in great wrath yet is it sure and evident that the winter is past and the Churches spring begun and a few steps further of that judgment which is now hastning on will at lenth end the quarrel so that by a near converse with the word we may clearly see from what point the Churches course and motion this day lyes and how exactly it keeps in the certainty thereof by that clear conduct of the Scriptures of truth where a full map of her whole course and passage through
time is clearly shewed II. That we may now with some clear evidence judge and have our faith perswaded hereof that the Churches interest is upon the rising hand and on a present advance though nothing would seem more contradictory then all visible grounds now are since this cannot sail John 3 30. that Jesus Christ in his kingdom in the earth must increase yea that the Scripture so clearly points forth Antichrists ruine and progresse of his fall and douncasting with resemblance to that great judgment on Pharaoh as an evident type hereof in the same judicial strocks of induration on both and gradual progresse herein by one plague after another until the last and greatest assault as was then at the Red-sea hath the same effect for a more glorious appearence of God in the greatest step of judgment and victory over this adversary when not only the song of Moses but of the Lamb also shall be then sung Rev. 15 3. as importing something more glorious and a greater brightnesse to be put on this illustrious act of divine judgment reserved to these last times when a more immediate appearence of the Lord will be seen then in any sormer deliveries of his Church III. It is no conjectural thing but what by a clear Scripture conduct we may see that this time of the Church now under so notable a Crisis in her case is evidently falling under that remarkable assault and conflict with that adversary before the accomplishing of that vial on his seat and throne as we may see Revel 17 13 14. that when so conspicuous a step of the Churches victory is near the opposition thereto also will be in some higher degree proportionable to the same when the great men of the earth and such who shall receive power as Kings one hower with the beast shall have one mind and give their power and strength thereto and shall make war with the Lamb but the Lamb shall overcome them for he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords c. Nor is it found through the Scripture where any great thing the Lord hath done for his Church but some unusual darknesse and sore wrestlings hath still gone before and should be no matter of staggering to our faith whatever be of present fears to see so dismal a time of tryal as now is and amazing hight of trouble beyond what former times have known when one of the greatest events of providence in behalf of the Church since the revealing of Christ to the world until his second coming is assuredly near in the fall and overthrow of the man of sin IV. We have clear ground also to judge that so great an eclipse as seems allmost universally over the state of the Reformed Churches is no goeing down of the sun theron whatever did befall the most famous eastern Churches to an utter dissipation thereof if these different periodes of time be justly considered how their sun-set did then fall in with the entry of that great Apostacy of the Christian Church and with that long and dismall night of Antichrists reign whilst now this hower of tryal on the Churches doth meet in that blessed period of Antichrists begun fall and of a growing light of the Gospel and when the Scripture so clearly warrands our faith herein that the worke of providence is to plant and not cutt of but to bring forward that interest of the Reformed Churches in the founding of which the Mediator hath so eminently appeared in the glory of his power in these last times V. It is sure me now live in the evening and extremity of time when the motions of providence may be expected to be more quick and speady as being so near the center and to the last Epocha and period of all prophetick Chronology wherein the glory of God in his truth and faithfulnesse shall most eminently shine forth and these Scripture truths which were formerly dark abstruse with that evidence shine forth in the event as shall cause men to wonder at their former thoughts and stumblings thereat And here I must say that there is such a sight now in the earth as the Romish Church in its complex frame and state in so different a mould cast from any power or jurisdiction else and such a compound of a civil and Spiritual Monarchy in one and the same person is so solemn and undenyable a seal to the Christian faith and divinity of the New Testament that its strang why this is not improven more against the Atheism of this time that such a visible event of the Scripture is now in being which was so clearly fortold by the Holy Ghost 1500. years ago with its proper circumstances as to the manner of that Antichristian state with its rise grouth duration as is to admiration stil evident to the world when not the least shaddow or appearence of so strang future emergencies was to be seen or could have entred in mens thoughts to shew it only could be revealed to the Church by him to whom all his works are known from the beginning This I have looked on as such a confirmation to the truth of Christianity that no miracles in the first times of the Church could have more evidence for the same yea if such a party were not in being both what it now is and in former ages hath been it might in another manner stagger the faith of the Saints to a questioning the truth of the Scripture then its most formidable appearence this day can doe VI. I shall but add here that we know and are sure the Lord hath reserved his greatest works to these latter dayes wherein his judgments shall be manifest and that one of the most eminent manifestations of his glory before the close of time shal be conspicuous in the fall of Antichrist on whose ruines that glorious hous which Christ is yet to have for himself both of Jews and Gentiles shall be prepared and built up and though this great eclipse of Antichristian darknesse should yet more prevail even over the visible profession of the truth in the Churches of Britain and Ireland there is no cause to be staggered in the faith of Romes fatal period being near but to look hereon according to the Scripture as the Vltimus Conatus of that wounded adversary which will be found in the issue to have the most immediate connexion with his greatest downfall and the reviving glory of the Church for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her SECTION IV. QU. WHat is specially called for in this day of such as are accountable for so great a talent of light and confirmations to our faith ANSW If this were suitably taken to heart we could not but reckon our selves under the greatest excitment and call to such an improvment hereof I. That we account it not enough to have a faith for quieting our own spirits but how to confirme others by putting to our seal that God is true in the great assurances
of his word and to sanctify him before the world which is so important a duty as the Lord was wroth even with a Moses and Aaron for one short-coming when he called for the same Numb 20 12. and its sure in no time was such a special trust more reposed thereon then in this age both as a publick debt on the Church personal on each Christian how to witnesse for the Lord upon that great interest of his faithfulnesse and for transmitting the same to the ages to come by a confirmatory seal and testimony therto II. To reckon our selves also under some more then ordinare call this day each in their present capacity and station how to appear for the credite of the truth and stemm so visible and impetuous a tyde as is now running of distruct and of a discreditable faint for it may be said never was the Church under the New Testament so remarkably sisted under such a trial as that wherein the Lord did prove the Church of Israel Numb 14. or had a more evident resemblance therto in the same circumstances as in this day if they were seriously pondered as I how in the same manner such a false evil report is too visibly raised upon the blest ways of the Lord to discourage and faint the spirits of his people as was then by the spyes that there were insuperable difficulties in the way of the promise by reason of the Anakims and of their walled cities and did thus oppose the credite of sense to all these assurances which God had given to their faith II. That this highly dishonourable faint and distrust did so sease on that people as was like to resolve in a visible revolt and to cry for a leader to goe back to Egypt again which amongst too many in this time may be justly feared III. That this was after such extraordinare confirmations which the Lord had given to the faith of his Church then who had by his own immediate and outstretched hand so latly brought them out of the house of bondage and from the iron furnace in Egypt as rendred their misbeliefe to be a guilt under such aggravations as the holy God did in that manner plead vers 22. These ten times have they tempted me who have seen my glory and my miracles which I did in the wildernesse c. IV. But herein we hope and are confidently sure of a blessed disparity in this resemblance as to the numberousnesse of such who shall be found of the Reformed Churches to act something of that part which these heroick witnesses a Caleb Joshua did were then put to stand alone therein who through grat shall yet appear with some measure of that spirit and withstand so high a tyde of fears discouragment and misbeliefe as is this day and thus to plead against the same as these did Num. 14 9. if the Lord delight in us then let us not rebel against him neither fear the greatest difficulties can be in the way c. V. And is not the same precedent of providence of so singular a respect as the Lord did then testify to his Caleb and Joshua who were of another spirit in following him fully in that day a continued assurance for all who shall be helped to any honourable appearence of this kind by making them see and inherit the truth of his promise yea that such a residue who outlives this great and amazing storme shal have something of that testimony to bear also which Caleb gave Josh. 14 8 10. My brethren which went up with me made the heart of the people faint but I fully followed the Lord my God and now behold the Lord hath keeped me alive c. o blessed they whose souls are raised with that holy zeal for the truth to stand up in this great breach by a resolute profession of their faith and witnesse to the faithfulnesse of God as such great and extraordinar confirmations given thertho now calls for III. It is one of the special duties of this day we stand also accomptable for how to stemm this high and growing tyde of prejudice and reproach against the Reformed Religion which in some unusual way is now aloft and by manifestation of the truth to gain some more awfull regard herof on mens conscience that they may see somthing of the glory of our profession and in what maner it maintains its conquest as no way else can possibly claim I. Which reckons none else to be the true and genuine professours hereof who imbrace not the same upon evidence and with respect to its intrinsick excellency and worth nor does judge the interest of religion to goe by number and poll where this is wanting but to pursue that end to have men ingadged first to be Christians that they may be true and sincere Protestants and therfor can admitt no such methods of any base compliance with the humour and interests of men which its principles will not bear II. Which in its course is ever regulare and certain according to that rule of an uncheangable and eternal truth without dependance on the will of man herein or any mutable revolutions of the time III. Which doth with the greatest lustre shine forth in the brightest light and is maintained by the clearest knowledge yea by the furthest plainesse and opennesse of heart towards all commends it self so that the world may see it espouseth not mens affection before it gain on their conscience and to have their judgment fixed on a judicious tryal before their resolution nor accounts the truth of religion can ever subsist by an external shew and profession without is known evidence and the efficacy therof on mens soul IV. Which sincerly follows the Catholick interest of Christianitie and publick good of mankind in promotting the great ends of the Gospel so as the world may see its highest intent is to exalt all divine institutions and advance the simplicity and spirituality of Gospel administrations according to the revealed rule amonghst men as that which doth most nearly conceirn the vitals of religion and ane inward life of communion with God V. Which pleads an impartial tryal of al its adversaries whither the principles of our profession or of Popery gives the greatest security to Civil Government founds the strongest obligations to Magistracy and to all Civil and Moral duties by which the awe and venerable esteem of religion is kept up in a nation It is high time that men should cease to be implicit upon this greatest interest they have within time which is the truth of their profession in the matter of religion when a deceit or mistake here is of an eternal conceirn upon which account without respect to interest party or education I have this day sought to know the truth and what adversaries could possibly pretend to reproach or prejudge any at the Reformed Religion which can only amount to charge mens corruption and offences in their practise upon the
rule and principles of their profession that can never give the least latitude or connivance therto but is clear as the sun when on the other hand I could know no other way to imbrace such a profession as Popery but by turning Atheist in the first place and quite both religion and reason at once but may say in a resolute adherence to the doctrine of the Reformed Church I fear not to adventure my soul and enter into an eternal state The CONTENTS CHAPTER I. The primitive confirmation held forth and cleared in seven Positions POSIT I. That sad aspect which the implicit and traditional profession of this day hath upon the present state of religion Pag. 1 POSIT II. The greatnesse of that service for the Church to have a clear founding of the faith of assent upon known and solid grounds herein more universally promott Pag. 3 POSIT III. The true primitive confirmation as it was in the times of the Apostles hold forth and cleared from the Scripture Pag. 6 POSIT IV. The continued necessity therof no lesse convincing now for the Churches use then in these Primitive times Pag. 9 POSIT V. That such a confirmatory worke respects not only the more knowing and inquisitive part of men but the meanest within the Church Pag. 11 POSIT VI. VVhat is specially called for in the practicall use of this primitive confirmation held forth in some serious proposals for this end Pag. 14 POSIT VII VVhat special excitment we are under for promotting the same in so remarkable a period of time as this and from that hope of a greater reviving yet of such a Catholick spirit to advance the highest ends of religion amonghst men Pag. 19 CHAPTER II. For giving some clear view of these primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith that the meanest Christian should know and vvith the least expense of time may improve for their dayly use on these greatest principles SECTION I. I. Of the glorious being of God which is the first foundation of all religion Pag. 22 II. Of the original of the world and it s not being eternal Pag. 25 III. Of a supreme providence in the conservation and goverment of the world Pag. 26 IV. Of that special providence which in its continued administration about human affaires doth unchangably difference betwixt the righteus and the wicked Pag. 29 V. How such a wonderful record as that of an immediat revelation of God unto men is so demonstrably extant in the world Pag. 31 VI. Of these special evidences of the Scriptures divinity which men must needs see to be infallible Pag. 33 VII Of the secure convoyance of the Scripture through all the changes of times past Pag. 35 VIII Of the fall of man and entry of sin into the world as it is fully demonstrable to reason as well as by the certainty of faith Pag. 37 SECTION II. I. Holding for t these great assistances to the Christian faith and of the Messias being surely promised to the Church before his coming Pag. 38 II. Of the truth and accomplishment of this great promise of the Messias and how it is now as sure in the event as its clear he was promised Pag. 39 III. Of that special advantage for confirmation of our faith herein that for 4000. years the promised coming of the Messias was deferred Pag. 41 42 IV. Of the nature and internal excellency of Christianity to bear furthest evidence to the truth therof Pag. 43 V. That this is the same Gospel we now receive and injoy which from the first promulgation therof hath had so great effects on the world Pag. 45 VI. That the sufferings of the saints in times past was so demonstrably above the assistance of nature Pag. 46 SECTION III. I. For holding forth on what grounds the faith of a deity must determine men to be Christians Pag. 48 II. What confirmations the Christian Religion hath from that visible state of the Jews Pag. 49 III. That way and manner of its prevailing on the world as no profession else could ever pretend to Pag. 51 IV. The nature of that great evidence which Christ hath himself given to the world of his divine mission in the love and unity of his people Joh. 17 21. Pag. 53 V. How the strenth of such a demonstration stands still clear and evident in these dividing times of the Church Pag. 54 VI. What in these last times is under our hand to compense such a confirmation by miracles which was in the first times of the Gospel Pag. 56 SECTION IV. I. For holding forth with the furthest rational certainty and evidence the truth and doctrine of Christ to be a soul-quicking and experimental religion Pag. 58 II. The truth also of conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state of grace Pag. 60 III. Of so great an experiment of religion as Communion betwixt God and men here in the earth Pag. 62 IV. Of so great a demonstration of religion in the power and workings of the Conscience Pag. 64 V. Of that special confirmation to our faith which doth result from such a demonstration of this power of the Conscience over men Pag. 65 SECTION V. I. For holding forth the truth of a Kingdom of darknesse in the world in opposition to the Kingdom of Christ Pag. 66 67 II. What confirmation to our faith the certainty hereof and of these powers of darknesse doth clearly afford Pag. 68 III. That great truth of the immortality of the soul with the clearest evidence to reason as well as by the certainty of faith Pag. 69 70 IV. How confirming a seal to the Scripture that great change which passeth on all men by death is and how it s no natural accident Pag. 72 V. Some special assistances to the Christians faith of an eternal glory in heaven and to serve an unavoidable conviction thus on the greatest Atheists Pag. 74 VI. Some thing of a visible Hell in some near approach hereof even to mens senses held forth to awake and convince the world of such a state of horrour and torment in another world Pag. 77 VII Some assistances to our faith of that great truth of the Resurrection of the body Pag. 79 CHAPTER III. The Confirming vvorke of religion further improven vvith respect to this dismal and amazing time vve are novv fallen in SECTION I. To hold forth what may be both for light and confirmation upon this great distresse the Churches of Christ are now under Pag. 81 82 SECTION II. How great a talent we stand accountable for in this day of such immediate and extraordinare appearences of the Lord for confirming the same publick cause of the Reformed Church since the Reformation which we are now called to adhere to Pag. 84 SECTION III. What manner of time is the present lot of the Church now fallen in and what judgment we ought to have hereof from the Scripture for our furthest confirming in such a day Pag. 93 SECTION IV. Some special service that we
this that exact correspondence which is betwixt the foundation and superstructure how the whole tract of the gospell is but one entire and compleat mean to glorify God and restore fallen man to the highest blessednes how that excellent stream of sanctification does flow from that fountain head of ane eternall decree herein which does still run under the ground until it break up at last in the heart of each Christian by the effectuall call of the gospell and thus runs doune through time untill it lose its selfe in that unconceiveable deep of perfection and glory Thus is it that each Christian might attain some higher degrees of confirmation in his faith then most seemes either to know or looke after if he understood more how to improve this rare comparing work of Religion by setting the great truths and principles thereof in their order dependance so as each may be seen in its necessare coherence with other and under its proper aspect But the more deep reflexion and enquiry he hath herein he is the more made to wonder and finds this one of the great assaults to his faith that the revelation of the Christ and redemption by his blood should have no greater effects this day amongst men and that the Christian world is not in some other manner awaked with the glory of this light and prest after a larger spreading and diffusion of this highest and universall good to poore mankinde yea the more he considers this it doth highten his amazement to think how mens designs in the matter of duty and service for the Kingdome of Christ can be so low within time whose designs and hopes in the close therof are so high in the matter of enjoyment or take so litle to heart that the whole day of the dispensation of the Gospell amidst the most dismal trials may fall in therewith is a continued time wherein we are called to keep the feast and from one age to another celebrate the same as a perpetuall Jubily of joy and exultation since Christ our passover was sacrificed for us but oh how rare a thing seems this to be and how litle of that flame and fervency of love to our blessed Redeemer is now kindled on his altar that might be expected on such wonderfull incitments therto and which once was in the Church CHARACT III. Though a confirmed Christian must be specially stated as such who knowes the internall part of religion and sealing work of the Holy Ghost on his own soul which is not by words but things of the highest truth substance and reality yet is he herein not alone satisfyed to know this by spirituall sence untill he can see the same with the furthest evidence of light also to his mind and have no lesse a clear and judicious tryal of this great mysterie of experimentall religion for confirmation of his faith then to be sensibly affected with the felt power therof And in the first place why this is necessarly requisite and called for with respect to the confirmed state of a Christian may be thus considered on some few grounds 1. That the things of religion which must be experienced within time are such sublime and wonderfull mysteries as may be just matter of astonishment and make men a wonder to themselves to think that these present pledges of so great a hope which is to come are no shaddows no appearences of things but most sure and undoubted realities and that such are this day in the earth who knowes so near a converse with an invisible God and the supernaturall truths of his word with the sensible fealing of that inestimable love of Christ by this demonstration of experience yea who in such dismall times does assuredly know what the joy of his presence and an immediate fellowshipe with their blessed head is upon the greatest certainty of tryall since these are so high and marvelous things which exceed all naturall understanding as the felt sweetnesse of their enjoyment should not more deeply take men up then to see the truth and surenesse of these principles wheron they found herein 2. Because this testimony of the truth of experimentall religion should be understood not only as its of highest use for Christians personall comfort and establishment but with respect to the publick interest of the Church as a special trust reposed theron to have the credit of this greatest testimony and seal demonstrably cleared with the furthest strength of harmonious and argumentive reason for such who look but at a distance yet theron as may not only awake them to some deeper sense and impression hereof but constrain them to see how no naturall science hath more clear and firm demonstrations then the experimentall part of Christianity which is the very life and soul thereof may have to mens reason and judgement tho they never knew it within themselves yea for this end should such as have experienced the truth and vertue of the Gospell reckon themselves as witnesses who are judicially sisted to put their seal therunto is now more called for in an age when no particulare truth seems more strongly impugned then the reality of experimental godlinesse is and become as a publick theam of derision tho men must either quite the whole revelation of the Scripture or see this to be as essentiall to the constitution of a Christian as vitall principles are to a living man 3. Yea its sure herein that such as take religion to heart must needs look to be put to the greatest tryal of its certainty and should most nearly concern them to know if they can abide as firmly by their spirituall sense as by that which is naturall and doe thus know as surely in themselves the operations and motions of a spirituall life as that they have being by nature and that here is no doubtfull or abstract notions but who have had such deep tryall and reflexion on the same as these who dare venture their eternal state on the known certainty theirof as they could thence reason their soul to a stedfast adherence to the truth if they were called to sacrifice their lives therto from what rare experiments and proofs they have oft had of the same in their own tryall 4. It doth more specially call for a demonstrative clearing of the credit of this testimony as one of the services of religion to promote the Kingdom of Christ amonghst men which seems least improven of any with respect to the general state of such who are within the Church who are so great strangers to the same yea should be judged one of the great wants of this day when Atheism is now at so astonishing a hight that it is not more studied to have the experimentall part of religion which in it self lyes deep and hid and is a secret betwixt God and the Christians soul with such clearnesse and by that manner of evidence demonstrat to the world as might tend to beget some more awfull sense and
hath its proper burden and worke so hath it its proper allowance provided for the same which should be no lesse sought after by a Christian then his dayly bread and when the pressure of such a day grows to some more singulare hight so also should the expense hereof be in faith sought for expected 3. How the choisest mercies are reserved to the saddest times of a Christians lot and most usually crosse to their own choise and thus hath had the greatest struglings with these methods of providence which hath in the issue tended most to their upmaking 4. Yea how the returnes of a long deferred hope after much humble on-waiting have been to such as a Pisgah whence they have not only had a clear and comforting prospect of their bypast tryals but for being more fully confirmed of the time to come and can bear now that testimony that the Lord hath cleared all bygones to them and hath taken the vail off his worke which for long had been as a dark and strang riddle 7. This likeways gives a most clear and confirming prospect of that great seal of experience when he can now see both in his own case and of others what the issue of believing in a singular exigence and tryal and upon some special act of trust and adventure herein does at last come to which the more deeply it s considered he finds one of the most peculiare assistances to his faith and one of the greatest attainments of experimentall religion within time when he can thus see the same way of believing in some strong and extraordinare assaults which he hath had to crush and break him herein which hath carried so many thorow in their saddest tryals bring him also in his turn to be an instance in the same kind to bear an honourable testimony to this sure and excellent way of believing before the world and that none fear after him to hold by the promise of God and venture on that security tho it then seem against hope whose dispensations did yet never never give his word the lye CHARACT IV. Such is a truely confirmed Christian who in a dismall time is not staggered in his faith from the present signs and appearences therof but hath his soul ballast with such solid grounds of confirmation against the same as these providences wherat others doe most stumble tends to his further strenthning in the way of the Lord when he does now clealy see 1. How tribulation and the crosse makes one of the most illustrious and beutifull parts of the whole frame of Providence about the Church and in the lot of each Christian so as there can be no possible stumbling to any for want of light here that sore tryalls and distresse should most remarkably follow these in their journey who have an eternall blessednesse before them in the clofe hereof when so great a part of the Scripture is directed not only for comfort but for a clear conduct of the Christians faith through all the intrcacies and labyrinths of such a dispensation and thus sees how highly congruous it is to the infinit wisdom of God that so strait and narrow a way in such a state of tryall as is here should goe before the state of everlasting injoyment that there should be such a stage and theatre also whereon the passive graces of the spirit may not only be exercised but displayed in their true lustre and glory before Angels and men yea that thus the Redeemed of the Lord be first trained in so sharp a warfare as may not only put a due value and respect on the greatness of that triumph and reward which is to come but be matter of ineffable joy and exultation that ever they were admitt thus to evidence their love and adherence to their blessed head and his truth here on the earth and accounted worthy to be put on some hotter service and to peculiare tryals and conflicts this way beyond others for some example and incouragement to the Church in their day and here also he can now see how the greatest injoyments of comfort are more oweing to the most sharp and afflicting tryals of their life then to the greatest externall calme and that to endure patiently and suffer for the name Christ is such a priviledge as the elect Angels have not been admitt to yea that the Lords chastning worke and sorest smitting of his own is an act also of saving so that thus the more deeply he searcheth here the more does he see admire and consent to that glorious piece of the administration of providence about the Church and finds it to be one of the greatest confirmations of his faith within time 2. He does now clearly see how the truth and faithfulnesse of God is commensurate to his whole worke of Providence that all the lines hereof as they doe lead from his revealed councell in the Scripture which is the adequat signe of his eternall councell and decrees so doe they returne thither again to make this great demostration clear that if a full History were write of this world and what hath been conspicuous thorow the whole series of times past in all these conjunctions of inseriour causes whether necessare free or contingent and of such events that seem most casual it should be nothing else but an exact transcript and history of the Bible to bear this witnesse quod mundus nihil aliud est quam Deus explicatus secundum scripturam but though a full discovery hereof be not attainable within time yet is it a sad and deplorable want that the great acts of the Lord in each age of the Church are not more searched and sought out of all them that take pleasure therin that they may be seen observed and admired by that part of the creation Angels and Men who are only in a capacity to know the same which is a service for the Lord wherin his praise and declavative glory is so highly conceirned as a Christian should account the meanest roome herein one of the most desirable attainments within time yea it seems just matter of regret also that this comes not under a more publick care and nottice of particulare Churches and of the Christian Magistrate where religion hath any true regard to have such solemne providences as occurre in that time and place which may be called experimenta lucifera to the Church and of a further reach and extent then any private use both search'd after and recorded as becomes so high a service to the Christian cause and one of the highest conceirns of the posteritie to have such not only possessed of a pure religion but of that seal also which the Lord hath in the great acts of providence appended therto and thus to have that increase which each successive age brings therwith to the publick stock of the Church looked after as a piece of the greatest trust reposed theron so that the Children rise not up and say we have not
only of practice but a native result of their tenets and principles and not only dispensed with but counted an highly meritorious service yea when it is sure that under no secular government of the most tyrannicall state that ever was in the world hath such arbitrary violence and oppression been exerced or so much innocent blood shed as by this party 12. And tho his judgment stood indetermined and in an equall ballance upon this great controversie he could not exerce reason and not see upon what hand such a decision is as was in Solomons time of the true mother of the child and who does most ruthfully seek to interesse themselves in the imminent hazard of the Christian faith and under least influence of any temporall motives does this day stand for the truth and substance of Chistianity and plead that it be not destroyed in envy and hatred to them or on what side it is likeways that this manner of conquest is most followed to gain men to the profession of the truth by a prevailing evidence of their own light and judgment herein and to require their exactest personall tryall and inquiry about the same In the 3d place tho he sees there can be no pretence of doctrinall wavering about the Reformed religion and finds it not easy to comprehend how in one and the same age wherin the truth hath so brightly shined this way of Popery should have prevalence or gain ground any more by seduction from arguments to the reason or conscience of any yet since it is an hower of temptation and of fainting above all that hath been hitherto known and mens eyes arreasted with such a prospect of the time as is like to stagger the faith of the most established he is thus pressed as one of the highest duties of this day to know and search out what may afford greatest assistance to his faith from the dispensations of providence therin and to know the evidence and strenth of such reslections as these are for this end 1. That its sure as the smallest things which the Lord does afford to strenthen and support against such a storme should be seriously improven and taken to heart so does it lay us in the way of that promise for having greater things given to our observation yea that now is the time when such as have been most comforted by the word of promise may be put to the forest tryal in their faith of any to keep off stumbling at the worke of providence and be thus tryed according to the measure of these confirmations 2. Tho the Churches declinings under greatest measures of light may be too visible and that religion gains not by persecution as formerly with such an amazing chang as is now in her external condition yet sees it to be no strang thing when most signal warnings have gone before of such a tryal with too evident dispositions towards the same and discovery of its approach in all the causes therof yea might be forseen by all that the holy God would not still bear with an impure and uninlivned profession of the pure and glorious truth of Christianity which hath now long been one of the most sad and mortall signs in the publick state of religion nor can it be found that ever any Church did decline and fall from the purity of the truth and lose ground herein by externall persecution where a judicial departure of its life and power did not remarkably goe before so as it is not of late this hath been too clearly presaged that somâ— dark and unusual measure of tryall from Amichrist and that ultima clades of the Reformed Churches was drawing near which would be sore er it had done its worke 3. He sees also how this present hower is not more searching and dark then it may be clear herewith 1. that now after the issue of that opposition which was betwixt the Christian faith in the first entry of the Gospell and that dying Apostate Church of the Jewes and next with the Pagan Impire after that new erection of the Gospell Church among the Gentils which is now over so is the greatest tryall of the latter dayes fixed on the decision of that long depending controversie betwixt Christ and Antichrist 2. That according to the Scripture we must believe that as after the manner of Egypt that glorious triumph and delivery of the Church from Antichrist will be surlie carryed on so the more near it comes to the last assault and when this falls in to have its proper roome in the frame and administration of providence the greater extremitie terrour and darknesse may be expected also as hath not been in any such manner formerly yea with that unite and formidable conjunction of strenth and growing successe of this adversary for a time as the most established Christians may be in hazard to stagger 3. That now is the day wherin the Lord will have men know what it is to have the Bible as the alone security of the Protestant religion on which they must intirely rest no lesse then it is the sole rule and standard therof which is a tryall worthy of all that expense of the pain anguish and wrestlings that can now possibly attend the same 4. Whilst the great standard of Antichrists Kingdome is visibly set up and brought to the open field as its this day in the Church of France and all human help taken out of sight yet does he see herewith 1 how this now is concluded as the most infallible remedy to recover Popery and that argument to which they trust more then to Peters keyes to wit these sanguinary lawes by the sword and rack which they have again betaken themselves to tho such an argument the Scripture never knew which sober heathens would abhorr and gives up the credite of all religion to Atheism 2. That there can be no more evidence of a desperate and sinking cause then is here and how nothing else can support it but these weapons which are not against the Conscience or by any terrours of the 2d death but of the first 3. that this is such an argument if they have not in a strang manner forgot which hath within these 100 Years been so fully answered and by such an immediate appearence of God in the Kingdome of France that according to these measures of cruelty against the Protestants there so was it returned in a deludge of their own blood yea thus both the publick state of the Church and faith of the saints in the truth more deeply rooted and tho we yet see not the end of these wonders and the darke side only of the dispensations of such a day yet doe we know this sore rod on the Church is but as the saw and axe in the carpenters hand who shall never undoe that glorious worke which Christ hath done and is still further perfecting on the ruins of Antichrists Kingdome 5. Tho some unusuall deeps and methods of subtilty be
but for strenthning the faith of others wherin he does thus judge 1 that there could be no true support or relief from religion here in the earth if it cannot bear out then and that death is the great touchstone and tryall when the true value and difference betwixt things of an eternall truth and substance and the things of this world will be best seen 2. He reckons each real Christian by his profession then sisted and accountable even by some explicit personall testimony to put to his seal that God is true and bear the same witnesse with his last and dying breath to the truth of Christianity which he gave in the whole course of his life and of that joy complacence and assurance of mind which he hath found and now hath in the way of truth so as to presse the same on his dearest relations as their alone true interest 3. He sees also how honorable it is for the Lord that such whose faith hath been oft tryed and when thus with joy and admiration he can look back on the most pressing and conspicuous conflicts of time should have it their last worke to pay in some tribute of praise unto him whose word promise unto them did yet never fail 4. He accounts the more weighty tryalls he hath been carryed thorow in his Christian warfare doth both give more accesse to this service and adds more to the value of such a testimony 5. He judgeth this one special way and advantage wherby one generation might declare the truth and faithfullnesse of God unto an other in a family line and relation to shew forth thus that the Lord is upright that he is their rock and with him is no unrighteousnesse yea which should be matter of unspeakable joy when now in his turn he can say that such hath the Lord been to him what was Davids dying words 1 Kings 1 14. Who hath delivered my soul out of all distresse how that in no trouble or exigence of his life he was ever left without a door of outgate and thus also with Caleb Josh. 14 10. to give in some such wittnesse for God I am now near the close of time and does testify that the word of his truth and promise he hath surely accomplished which hath brought me safe and honourably through when such as did dicredit the same by misbelief and sought after another refuge found all their confidences fail 6. And knowing likeways how great a suprizall death may be and that such as have shined in their day may yet fet under a cloud and goe silent off the stage he judgeth it the more needfull to have such a piece of his dying worke prepared as one of the choisest legacies he can bequath to his surviving friends in a season when it hath usually the greatest advantage of weight and acceptance it being still qualified with Christian prudence and humble sobriety so as all may see its whole intent is to commend to mens conscience the way of truth and godlinesse and not themselves and thus only direct for the proper use and improvement of their nearest relations I know it may be strang to some what is spoke upon this head but as its sure the present day hath its duty and each time of our life hath some proper worke so I humbly judge that this seems to fall in as the last service of a dying Christian to his generation to deliver of his hand the truth which he had received and hath oft proven with his confirmatory seal and testimony therto and now in some more then ordinare way called for in this hower of great darknesse when if that security of the absolute promises stood not good to the Church we might fear religion might quickly wear out and truth perish from the earth and as so solemn and weighty a thing should be mannaged with much humble prudence so it may be judged that no serious and observing Christian but hath some peculiare ingadgments under which they find themselves sisted even beyond others yea some such singulare confirmations in the journall of their life that should be not easy to hide under the ground where the strenthning of others hereby is conceirned and that such should not then leave the crosse of Jesus Christ at a losse or part therwith without their testimony which hath left them at so great an advantage And though this is not to offer particulare rules in such a duty but that Christian wisdome must direct herein as the present case is circumstantiate yet might it be hoped were this more taken to heart it should be a singulare mean to put a more deep impression of mens dying worke on their own spirit even whilst they are in health to excite their surviving friends and to keep religion thus alive in a family state and relation and gain a more venerable respect to the same on mens conscience yea to fix also stronger ingadgments on the succeeding offspring Thus is presented here a short Idea of the solid and judicious worke of Christian confirmation in the truth under these forgoing Characters to shew how rare an atteanment of religion this is yea to present herein a speciall series and scale of the greatest steps in this confirmatory worke by which it should be followed and where none of these may be parted from other though some be of an higher and more absolute use for such an end And if it should be objected here what needs any such expense of time or pains in this case when its sure the essentiall truths of the Gospell are not questioned and that without internall evidence of the spirit no externall means of this kind can be of use I know that its the alone worke of the holy Ghost to beget a divine and supernaturall faith without which the furthest light and objective evidence though backed with a continued dispensation of externall miracles could never bear Christians out either as to duty or comfort in their passage thorow time yea nothing is in the least here to subject the credite of our faith to mens rationall comprehension but rather tends to enervate wholly the strenth of any such tenet and take off all pretence for the same But its sure also I must quite all solid security in the way of religion and any clear founding in the light and certainty of the Scripture or admitt these things as undenyable 1 that supernaturall faith is the most highly rationall light that 's within time and that none who professe the name of Christ can be of so low a size as should not be pressed and excited to be much about this ground worke of knowing the truth and principles of their profession upon its own evidence yea are thus called as new born babes to drink in the sincere milk of the word 1 Pet. 2. Which as it s clearly in the originall is the rationall milk of the word to be thus received no lesse on conviction and certainty of the judgment