dissolved and fall ere one special act of trust and adventure on his hand and under the assured warrant of his truth should be frustrate and that the safe conduct also and security of one Christian in his passage through time is of that consequence and so essential a part of the great frame of providence that this should not be entire and perfect if it should fail as to the meanest of the Saints to make so great a nullity herein 7. And is it not in such a reflex work on the truth of experience that such can only know the sweet enjoiments of times past and what that peculiar comfort of remembrance means which I must reckon one of the rarest and most unknown enjoiments this day under the Sun since it is sure this can never be from the greatest delights of the earth when once passed which as they return no more so does ever leav a bitter sting and remembrance by a native result of the same whilst that which hath been experienced in the way of God can neither perish nor lose its sweetness but will render the most afflicting part of their life past which was most bitter and sore then to be the most comforting part thereof to their remembrance when they can see herein both what they have designed for God and he hath done for them 8. If there be any comfort of love in the Communion of the Saints here within time they may see how this is not attainable but in the light of inward experience whence they know what it is to meet and have fellowship in the same Savour and relish of the things of God when in a spiritual frame and to be mutually disclosed as they can discern something of the excellency of one anothers spirit and of the power and lively workings of inward grace by that native lustre and evidence which thus followes the same so as under the sensible power of such attractions their souls are more closely unite and joined together yea are mutually strenthned by other conflicts and what experiments they have made of divine truth herein as to their releaf And I must say where this is not understood that great mystery of the Communion of the Saints is but a strange and dark notion nor without this can that special design of the Lord in the settlement of Churches in a visible state be either known or answered which is to have external ordinances carried on with life and power amongst men and enjoying communion with our blessed head herein The VII and last INQUIRY I would make as to a more full assurance of understanding on the truth of our profession and for further clearing of this great Subject of the experimental part of Religion is to know the quality of the witnesses thereto which is an Inquiry of a higher concern and import then seems to be apprehended or of what weight and necessity this is upon these grounds 1. Because the whole truth of Spiritual experience is matter of fact and founded on a certainty of sense it is truth in the event and performance and not what God does speak but what according to the same he hath done so that this is not upon any principle of Faith but on mens personal tryall of the same according to that Isai 43 v. 10. ye are my witness says the Lord that ye may know and beleeve me and understand that I am he for tho it is of divine and infallible truth that whatever God hath assured by promise he will do yet the experience hereof since the Canon of the Scripture was sealed is of humane record and a testimony which could bear no weight from the greatest of men if the quality of such witnesses were not tried and considered herein 2. Because the highest pretence to spiritual enjoiments in the way of the promise is but a false testimony where there is no tender regard herewith to the precepts of the Ghospel when this connection is indissoluble Act 9. they walked in the fear of God and comforts of the Holy Ghost doe not my words good to them that walk uprightly Mica 2 7. It is true that choisest Christians may be much hid and in the dark herein to others and upon such an account should have a sad part if they were tryed and judged by men only this is sure there can be no more in the conclusion then is in the premises and that a Christians testimony to the truth lyes more in what they are then what they express to others 3. The quality of the witnesses is of such weight here and to be specially regarded as one of the highest services for God within time under their hand to put too their seall and testimony that God is true in what he hath promised who are as it were judicially sisted in behalf of his truth and faithfulnes since his declarative glory before angels and men does more peculiarly ly here then in the whole Structure and frame of this Creation This is a trust and debt also upon each age of the Church that the truth and faithfulnes of their God may be transmitt to the generations to come with such a confirmatory seall 4. This Inquiry is the more called for to know what these are who bear such a witnes to the truth upon the exceeding greatnes of these things which belong to Christian experience since this might awake the most sublime and inquisitive spirits of the time to search herein and be a Subject of great thoughts and reflection that such are on the earth yea an innumerable part of men who do verily enjoy so marvelous a light as is immediatly out of Heaven and shines upon none else and knowes such an enjoiment as an immediate communion with the Deity and his sensible presence with their Spirits with returns from Heaven to their suits in most reall effects since if this be sure then must men seek for another Idea of Christianity have other thoughts about the same then what most seem to have then is there a higher glory put upon mens souls in the way of grace and their beeing partakers of the divine nature then what all humane grandeur can ever amount to or is upon the Sun and the Stars of Heaven 5. The credit and quality of the Witnesses on this great head of Spiritual experience and the whole internal part of Christianity is of such weight that the spirit of this age and most predominant part of men within the Church is stated in so visible an opposition thereto not only to oppose the power and spirituality of Religion but to deny its principles and give a lye to this testimony of the most eminent workings of the spirit of God on mens souls as if it were some illusion or imposture which is in effect to take of the greatest seall that God hath given to the Divinity of the Scripture in the whole internal demonstrations of its truth this is the great prodigy of this age bejond any
times past and may be feared if our Faith stood not sure otherways that the light should be quickly extinguished and the candlestick taken away from most of the reformed Churches when most under such a profession yet never knew the power vertue and efficacy of the truth they profess on their own soul and that there is another evidence or teaching then by moral swasion only or another key to open the heart then external means and thus must either oppose themselves to so tormenting a light or be unavoidably condemned hereby But with this Inquiry as to the credit and quality of the witnesses who in all ages of the Church bears the same testimony to the truth from their experience it is undenyable also but that there are some in a more singular way sisted and under more peculiar engagements then others to appear on such a testimony and who may be admit to enjoiments of experience that are out of the ordinary road of Gods dealing with his people tho this must in no other sense be understood extraordinary then from so judicial a time as this and the great decay of the Power of Christianity with this generation why these are so rare and not in beeing any way cross to the firm and settled constitutions of the Ghospel or without that precinct of the promise of God to warr and the same and I hope the Church of Christ is yet to enter on such enjoiments of experience that would not be easie to beleeve in this day we are in were they told us at a distance But what I mean hereby of these who may be in a higher capacity then others for such a witness I shall breefly touch 1. These who through grace hath been admit to some higher intimacy of converse with God and to know his dealing familiarly with men here on the earth then may be ever known in such a degree to other choise and reall Christians tho I judge this may be more rarely known that where it is most in truth there also is a humble concealment and beeing hid in the same their usual studie who finds more sweetness in such enjoiments the less air they take I have oft thought such may be least known on the earth in this day who may be the greatest favourits of Heaven and have had most rare and immediate testimonies of the love and respects of their God but as this is not the standard by which the truth and reality of grace is to be judged so should this witness be to me no further strenthning then it hath some greater height in humility and tenderness of Spirit in the ways of God going alongst herewith and some more singular eminency of grace as does answer to that Isai 57 15. John 14 21. 2. I must judge these also have a higher room in this witness for God on their experience of his truth who have in a more singular way then others known the truth of supernatural assistance and sustaining grace under extraordinar tryalls I mean such Christians as have been tryed not only in the truth but in the strenth of divine grace at another rate then others whom I must reckon amongst the greatest witnesses for God in this day when 1. This renders their testimony to be of a higher valew and evidence according to the height and measure of their conflicts and tryalls whom thus the Lord hath choised and separate as Joseph was from the residue of his brethren for such a service of example that the excellency of his grace might here more brightly shine forth 2. Because the deposition herein is in a matter on which most doe stumble at the ways of God upon that scandall of the cross and on this account it may be said they are sent as messengers and spyes to witness what manner of allowance he does then impart to bear the expence of a more extraordinare time of affliction and suffering and what immediate support is then found above the allowance of ordinary times that with Caleb and Joshua they might bear a honourable report for God unto others 3. The credit of this testimony riseth the higher as it hath cost them so dear who bear the same and hath not been easily attained nor is an offering unto God of that which costs them nothing who have been helped bejond others to glorify him in the fires 4. They are such above the residue of Christians who hath usually a record of more special confirmations and great remarks of the way of God in the Journal and History of their life I know most would fear to have a room in such a testimony but as I doubt not there are many such witnesses this day in the earth so I must reckon it one of the most honourable services for God upon it and will ere long know the full sence of that truth when he hath tryed them to bring them forth as gold Job 23 10. 3. And are not such specially sisted as witnesses herein and under more singular engagements then others who upon greater Services for God assigned to them hath also had more then ordinare allowances of immediate divine assistance for the same to witness that they have not been sent hereon on their own charge and expence this is one of the great discoveries that the Lord gives unto men of his beeing God and is a clear and demonstrative evidence of that reall and near communication which the Churches head hath with his body here on the earth I know this hath a special respect to such as are called of the Lord on that Service of the Ministry of his Word who hath some peculiar and distinct part allotted to them as witnesses and put on a more publick theater before the World to witness that absolute dependance which the work and service of that station hath on their great Master and the outlettings of his Spirit both for support and success and what thus is found in the way of an immediate relyance on him for I must judge that none knowes a near entercourse with God and to be purely acted for him on this great service but hath some peculiar advantage bejond any else for more fingular and rare confirmations of the truth on their own soul and of a known and sensible seall from God both in fruit and acceptance of their work and tho such who look at a distance cannot discern what may be betwixt God and his Servants in some publick administrations of his service as may be then evident to their soul yet is it oft made so far discernible as to serve an awful sence and impression on mens spirits of God in the Assemblies of his Church and of the truth of supernatural assistances and something more then humane herein nor does such a witness ever cease tho it be now more rare then in times past in this sad and judicial period of time we are fallen in when almost all sence savour and discerning of the Spirit of God with
Sabath morning with an extraordinar collick which grew upon him to that height as in an ordinare way rendred it not possible to go forth upon the publick work of the day which then lay upon him and to a great Auditory at that time so that whilst he essayed to rise he was pressed to take his bed again a very few minutes before the sett time for going to Church but whilst he presented the case to God upon the interest of his service it was in a moment taken off not by any gradual abatement of such a distemper but entirely at once so as he never had more sweet access and freedome to go forth on the work of the Lord both at that dyet and in the following part of the publick work and this also was when no outward mean was concurring herein as it is clear that the passive Faith which Christ did specially require for an immediate cure from himself Matth 9 was this beleevest thou that I am able to help when no ordinare means can do so I doubt not this was in some measure acted in both these instances leaving roome for omnipotency to act in such an exigence 9. Nor hath there been wanting eminent proofs of this kind of special applications of Faith made unto God by prayer in behalf of others under diseases where ordinare means hath been laid aside and the case past all hope and of such returns by a present restoring and under such evidence as enforced the conviction hereof upon mens conscience that we may see how in some strange cases of this kind the true cause and the Lords design herein does not untill then break up according to that John 9 3. That the work of God might be tâ—us made manifest in them 10 I may further add if there were this day a new erection and settlement of some particular Church from amongst Infidells and the commission for this end of Ministers of Christ made evident and clear to go forth on such a service where no natural and ordinare means of conviction were attainable I doubt not but something in a more extraordinare way of the faith of miracles and immediate appearances of God herein might be expected as in the primitive times when on the same ground it was lett forth Nor can it be found there hath been any particular Church of Christ without some extraordinare seall oâ— this kind especially in the first entry and erection of the same nor is there any time or age of the Church wherein the clear sence of that Scripture Mark 9 23. all things are possible to them that beleeve does not take place which is that no measuâ—e of tryall or difficulties whither as to Churches or particular Christians in the way of their duty can be at such an height as to restrain or sett bounds to the work of Faith on an infinite divine power tho all natural or second causes should cease yea that there is no case so singular wherein the warrant of a divine Promise herein and a Christians Faith should not be of the same extent The II. Proposal that I shall breefly touch as it thus followes upon the former is whither in these last times the Lord does appear by any such extraordinare signs that are publick in the sight of the World and bring near such discoveries of his Godhead in any special acts of Providence as may bear the same evidence of miracles For Answer it is sure the Lord does not reveal himself this way but on some great and extraordinare ground who hath setled the faith of his Church absolutly on his revealed truth yet may it be said that no age is left without some witnesse of such a kind if there were not a sad inadvertence and shutting of mens eyes when the Lord is going by them in any great acts of his power but as to this Proposal I shall only point at some instances that seem to have least fuitable regard or notice and to be past by with most 1. Can there be a serious judgment and reflection on that great and amasing stroake of the Pestilence and not see an extraordinar appearance of God herein and of its beeing a judgment of that kind in some more remarkable times wherein it is lett forth as goes above all natural causes and all may see the immediate hand of God herein both in its risâ— progress and swift spreading as a lightning through Cities or Countries in its passing by some more then others where no cause can appear so as men must see its beeing sent with commission from Heaven and a supernatural causality as visibly as if they had stood with David and the Elders of Israel 2 Samuel 29 17. to see the Angel that smote the People between the Heaven and the Earth upon which account David did choise rather to come under this stroak then the Sword or Famine because it was in a more immediate way the hand of the Lord and where there is a more then ordinare near approach and discovery of himself unto men 2. It is of publick and uncontroulable evidence that miraculous and immediate witness from Heaven in the bleading of the bodies of men on the touch of the murderer in such cases where no ordinare means can bear evidence I will not speak of the warrantable use of such an appeal where the revealed rule of our faith and practice is not express herein but as its undoubted in the truth and reality of the same where no humane witnesse could answer to this end so is it surely ane immediate visible and extraordinare sign from Heaven given in the sight of the World from him who maketh inquisition for blood in a most singular way and a sign which in every time is made evident 3. There is also the certainty of extraordinare Revelation and of the truth of a Prophetick Spirit imparted to some as to special events of Providence which is so known and of that evidence as no age of the Church hath been without instances hereof what I mean hereby as to that more singular way of the Lords revealing himself to some of his Servants by a more extraordinar application of his Word is such as in the truth and certainty hereof can leave no room for doubtfulness tho on the other hand as to the way and dismal trade of divination that hath got up in the World by seeking a Divinity either from the Stars above or the Powers of darkness below it may be clearly seen is one of the great designs of Satan not only to counterfite the way of the Lord herein but to bring men unto a more direct homage to himself but I mention this instance only as it is so great and unquestionable a demonstration of God and of his giving in every age some extraordinare seall of this kind I shall but mention here one remarkable passage of which I am to the furthest perswaded that may seem strange with respect to this late
in these later times that age which had it's first entry from the Year 1517. had a higher splendor put thereon then had been known for a thousand Years proceeding the same but when I have thought on the way and conduct of Providence and marvelous discoveries of God herein to this Generation I could not but see something in a most singular way of his appearance before the World to the same as seems but yet little understood tho this may be seen that we have surely lived in an age of wonders 2. I have lookt on such an exercise to discern and understand aright the times we are in as one of the most singular means for strenthning a Christians Faith on the certainty of sacred truth when with these more immediate discoveries of God in the way and administration of grace by his spirit on mens soull which is whelly hid from the World they can see in what manner his truth does visibly take place and is attested by an external seall in the glory of his work before men and I am perswaded none thus did ever persue a more near acquaintance with God but hath had some peculiar strengthning remarks of his way that have been hid from others tho of a serious spirit otherwise 3. It is such who have some greater weight of this choise study and their spirits more fully join'd in therewith then others who may attain more clear discoveries of light for directing them to the duties and work of such a time and on this account I fear that there is much yet this day in the dark to us and not understood what hath been the Voice of the Lord for answering the great ends of his Providence tho it hath been clear and distinct where mens spirits were laid open to entertain the same I confess it is not strange as to the greatest part of men this day tho they keep at the furthest distance from what might bring near an affecting sense of a Godhead to their soull in the ways of Providence who are resolute not to see or be perswaded of what doeth torment them hereby whose great study is to live without God in the World and seem emulous of these who can be most ingenious and expert to confirm their hearts against all that is sacred 4. But I am sure it is something much higher then any interest of men or of Nations or the greatest changes in the posture of humane affairs which should bear the greatest weight in this exercise to understand the times we are in and for a suitable observation thereof if men could once reckon that their great business in the earth lyes with God and in keeping sight of him in the outgoings of his Providence since the hidden wisdom of God in a Mystery is to be seen and sought out in his Works as well as in his Word it 's true publick Revolutions and the fall and setting up of great men are things highly observable and momentous but they are neither seen or understood when they make not way for some greater sight of the Majesty of God and the signal retaliations of Judgement herein what peculiar aspects such strange Revolutions of Providence hath on the present Generation II. Though it might seem unsuitable to offer any special Remarkes and Observations upon this late time to one of so discerning a spirit of things of that nature yet knowing how a mutual communication of light about the Work of God and his actings in our day is so incumbent a duty I shall point at a few things wherein I have desired to admire and observe the way of Providence in this remarkable age but in the first place more generally touch such a Head ere I speak in some particular way thereto 1. When we see the series of these times and different measures of tryall and service assigned thereto since that blessed rise and recovery of the Church from Antichristian darkness there might be seen also a growing increase of light which in this age hath had such ane advance as it could not but be expected that the Lord was to take some higher proofs of the improvements thereof from this Generation then of these past after such great things he had done for a full settlement of the Reformed Churches when he had opened the graves of his people and sent forth his Prisoners by the blood of the Covenant the trâ—â—h had made way for its self over mounâ—ains which once seem'd insuperable yea when this also is an age where in a great concurrence of the Prayers of the Saints in times before was â—o meet for â—he Churches interest so that unanswerableness to the expectation of God herein and to frustrate such eminent methods of grace might expect some unusual work of Judgment to follow thereon and the Lords coming at last to a judicial proces and procedure 2. We see how these extraordinar occurrences of this time past hath most remarkably had a joint respect both to Sacred and Civil Interests quoad Fata Ecclesiae Imperii humani so as in that sence it might be said there hath been a shaking both of Heaven and Earth as to the Churches visible State yea such hath these great changes from the right hand of the most high been within the measure of one age as men could not possibly see with the eye of reason without amasement tho it brings therewith one of the most dismal remarks of the present time if mens spirits be not seised with a deep and awful sense of the tremendous Majesty of God herein and know there is no stability of humane state this day in the earth but from him alone who can bring judgement on the greatest Nations or Persons above the common course of nature and influence of second causes but oh what intertainment should a diâ—pensation of Miracles find from the spirits of men now when the Revelation of Christ and Redemption by his Blood from Eternal Wrath hath no greater effects on this Generation and so few awak'd with the Glory of such a light 3. When I have considered this age as that which might have been judged a time of great expectation for a further advance of the Kingdom of Christ in the World which does specially make a time more remarkable yet how little access hath been herein to see the Work of God in any new planting of Churches or inbrirging of Nations to the Profession of the Ghospel as hath been formerly but instead of new Conquest rather a losing ground and is a difficult part become to maintain a defensive work in behalf of the truth and which may be a serious remark that in this age one tribe hath as it were been cut off from the Reformed Churches I mean as to that dismal State of Bohem where some time before had been so eminent and flourishing a plantation it is true there hath been a solemn tide of the effusion of the Spirit of God allotted to someof the Churches
parts that such hath allotted to them in the times we are fal'n in who would stand in such a gape breach where oppositions now thereto are so strong and it may seem almost hopeless to crave justice in behalf of the truth at the bar of mens conscience when a latitude on principles hath come to such a height as the authority of light is without fear controlled yet on the other hand it may be feared that the answering of that Command of the Holy Ghost is not suitably taken to heart the great consequence thereof which is to walk in wisdom towards these who are without tho not being in that Sence without the Church yet as no less stated in a visible enmity to the truth which is according to Godliness then such could be there hath been much serious study and designs by the Servants of Christ in this age to promot his Kingdom in Britain and Ireland and there are yet there eminently fitted for so difficult a service how to gain and prevail with the furthest measures of prudence and judgement upon the most obstinatly prejudged as any in this day there hath been also of late a singular improvement made and blest for a more unite contending for the Faith once delivered to the Saints in so hazardous a time but it is sure there is yet some further length and essay called for upon this great service for the Kingdom of Christ in taking off letts and stumbling bloks out of their way who may be upon a sad precipice of breaking and further alienation from the truth and for some more full clearing of the same from these designed reflections cast thereon in such a way as convictions might thus insensibly prevail and gain ground with the greatest Gainsayers whilst we know little what design grace may in this day have on such and as the furthest regard should be kept to light upon any controverted truth without losing ground herein yet should I judge it a door of hope to see these who are unite in the great concerns of Truth and Godliness once meet in a more joint concurrence in behalf of these great things of God which are not controverted when the face of this Generation is so threatning as to a further revolt from the Christian Faith both in the pureness and power thereof This is to be a work by its self which as it's of the highest publick concern so does it require a more then ordinare measure of Judiciousnes in following the same My Unfitnes to speak on such a Subject should have restrained me herein were it not to witness something of a serious desire under which my soul is prest for such ane end when the hazard of the perishing of so many who hath ane Eternal State before them is so visible this day and yet no further tryall made to gain and recover according to that rule and practice of the Apostle I was all things to all that I might gain some Others can more fitly judge as to the suitable managing of such a service and how to fall in on the right lith of duty herein only somethings I should wish were more designed for taking off prejudices and to breake thus one of the greatest Engines of Satan this day against the interest of the Ghospel 1. In coming a greater length by these who are of a serious spirit to Sacrifice private resentments to that publick Interest of the Truth upon conceived Injuries when it s so evident what ane influence personal prejudice this day hath to keep up distance to highten differences and cause further estrangement on such an account from any fervent appearance for God and this is surely one of the most honourable parts of a Christians work how far he might overcome the distempers of others by humility tenderness and love and walk in such a countermotion to the spirit and temper of this day 2. It is a service this day much cals for to have stumblings more prevented against these unquestionable settled administrations of the Government of Christ in his Church so as the way and manner of his Spiritual Kingdom might be rightly understood the proper object whereof is the soul and inward man and it 's great design to restore edify which is in such a way that where it 's truly answered nothing can be more tender and healing and to attract any of a serious spirit to join in herewith for it is a sad measure that the truth should sufler from the weaknes or exorbitancies of any It was suitable for the Christian Church in the primitive times to plead that from Heathens that the offence and practices of none should be charged upon the rule of their Profession 3. It were desirable also that further conviction might be served on these who are prone to stumble how in the promoting of truth and Godliness there is no persuing any divided interest of a party and that if such would once try and see they can then judge where the most comprehensive interest within time lyes which all are jointly concern'd to promote who hath any design on the Christian Profession for eternal things 4. I shall but add this more what ane advantage should it be for the truth and to conciliate a greater respect thereto that all might see how sweet a Contemperature and Harmony there is betwixt pure zeal for God which is according to knowledge and the furthest prudence and tenderness towards men and how the rule and spirit of the Ghospel can admit of no bitterness wrath or recrimination which are so abounding this day in the Church in persuing of differences upon any concern of the truth for herein doth the glory and honor of our blessed Head more eminently appear in securing the concord and unity of his Church under a diversity of light and judgement in some lesser differences about the truth by a spirit of love and by its power and efficacy upon mens heart in subdueing the distempers of their mind then by imposing the most severe and absolute uniformity in all things to be the measure of Church Communion and it is ever found how this hath been most easy and practicable among such who hath made the highest advance in the life and power of Christianity then any else since he nearer the lines are to the Center the nearer also are they among themselves and I must add herewith that it may be little known what convictive power might follow in a time of such high distempers as this on a suitable application of that wisdom which dwells with prudence and comes from above according to the rule given for the same James 3 17. to make a higher interest for the Kingdom of Christ and to the saving of the souls of many then now in an ordinare way would seeme possible 4. As the furthest tenderness and prudence is called for to prepare the way of the Lord for a further advance of his Kingdom in taking out of
The true Settlement Of a CHRISTIANS FAITH After shaking Assaults by its own evidence and by the internal sealing Work of the Spirit Pointed at in some special Inquiries thereon in a LETTER to a Friend WITH Some serious Reflections on the present times we are in and those great Vicissitudes of Providence which have been in the publick State of BRITAIN in this last Age in a II. Letter By a MINISTER of the GHOSPEL Printed in the Year 1692. READER THe publishing these few sheets hath had no rise or call from the desires of any or the least motives of such a nature but it was with a serious desire that they might have some interest in the Service of the Truth in so sad and trying a time and for him to whom I stand under the highest engadgements of Duty in improvement of a little Season which must ere long be shut up It is true the writing of the first Letter had a very providential and unexpected rise with respect to a Friend who I knew had as great assistances in the way of means as any suitable to his case yet finding the weight exercise of his mind have such strong influence to obstruct that injoyment of ane intire rest and fixedness of his Faith which is the Christians Allowance I was prest to offer some thoughts in a directive manner for being a Helper to his Joy and now if by such a Providence through the good Hand of the Lord this might be serviceable to any in such a case The Subject of the II. Letter is of a much different nature from the first where somethings may possibly seem a litle strange and the spirit and temper of most in this day not so easily bear but they are spoke in the Words of Truth and Soberness in writing of both I have humble confidence to say it was with the furthest of light and persuasion yea that the most serious part therein was with my own spirit to have that evidence in things of so high concern as I might have peace and assurance herein before God yet if I knew there were any thing in the least to prejudge that great Interest of Truth and Edification as the utmost aim I hope is proposed herein I should count it my honor to retreat the same but under some serious prospect of an eternal State and of appearing before the great Judge I have desired to know his Counsel and rest my soull on his approving Testimony alone An excessive desire in such an Epistolary way to speak things in as few Words I could possibly I fear may at the first view render somethings more dark The Reader also will tenderly notice and construct Mistakes in the Printing HONOURED SIR IT was a sweet surprisal in such a time as this to meet with a friend on whom I found a more then ordinary sence and weight of the greatnesse of the Christian Faith and to have ane other prospect of such ane attainment to enjoy ane entire rest and assurance of mind herein then most seem to have even of the more serious part of Christians which did render it the more desirable to offer some thoughts to you on so weightie a concern not onlie to answer a special promise and engadgment I was under but with hope through the good hand of the Lord that such a service may not be wholly lost for the end it is designed But on so great a subject I must go a little out of an Epistolary way both in the method and measure and what in the first place I would speak to is this that I durst offer nothing to divert or take off any thing of the suitable weight of so choise ane exercise as is so rare in these times under which your spirit is so much pressed but were it needful rather to add thereto on these grounds 1. That it is surely the greatest designe can fall under the consideration of mankind for men to have such ane assurance of divine truth as can both answer the greatnesse of that adventure they have thereon and can fully quiet and comfort the soul when visible refuges and humane assistances seem wholly to succumbe and since we must either have ane entire rest and settlement herein or none at all I know not how to judge otherwise of that ordinar sence and implicit credit on so great ane account as this then as a degree and evidence of the sad Atheism of this day we are now in 2. If ever I knew any thing of the way of God in truth I must reckon this as the highest enjoiment of a Christian where the security and quiet of his mind upon the truth answers to so great a Revelation hereof and to know he is thus on sure terms with God on the whole adventures of his trust when it is so near to adventure on the triall thereof in the last decision of there eternal state yea when thus they know how to enjoy a promise for there support in this state of warefare under a long deferred hope tho the whole course of providence would seem to controul the same knowing the ground they anchor on cannot possibly faill since this should be the ultimate Inquiry about the event that it is sure they have a divine testimonie to warrant there confidence and if the highest joy and comfort oâ— our life be not stated on such an account it iâ— strange 3. If it be understood what it is to be a Christian in earnest and what is called for of such aâ—midst the numerous tryalls and temptations of this militant state it must need some higher degrees of assurance and inward establishment then seems by most to be either apprehended or sought after and that such have some proper stock of his own of these special aides and assistances as may be at hand in ane hour of tryall for how can the life and serious work of Godlinesse be conceivable under such common and transient impressions as most have of the truth and certainty hereof 4. Doe men know what Christianity means and the high consequence of such a distinguishing profession from the residue of mankind or is there any suitable exercise of reason about the greatnesse of that hope of the Gospel which we have set before us and yet be a subject both of ordinary thoughts and assent hereto which may still be as though it were a new discovery to us in the present day since it might be judged that if there were a Methuselahs age to pass within time this should be a suitable and continued exercise therein both to enquire and admire on the assured hope of ane eternity with God which they have before them and that they are to enter into a state where they shall be in the same Classe with the Angels of Heaven and made equal unto them I have known such who for many years have been dazled with ths glorie and greatness of that Mysterie of Christ and of life
and immortality in a future state as hath made it there continued and highest exercise to have a further and new strenthning of there faith herein who yet all that time knew not what it was to be shâ—ken or to have any inward fear as to there own personal interest herein but still found the Revelation of the Ghospel so great a thing and there spirits so deeply seased with the wonders of our Religion that whatever did tend to a higher strenthning of their faith herein was also the greatest addition to their joy and in that sence did most understand such a saying nunquam satis magna securitas in re tanti momenti ubi periclitatur aeternitas But in the next place what thoughts I would humbly offer to one of so knowing and judicious a spirit and where so great assistances you may have access to improve otherways â—ssiall be most in a directive way upon a sevenfold inquiry that may be of greatest weight for a Christians laying the ground work of their profession on solid and clear grounds which lyes first here 1. To know that rare and peculiar order that is suitable in a Christians first entry on Religion under a serious weight of the same on their spirits since as in any great studie there is an entrance and a progresse and that it is sure in the whole frame of Christianity there is so entire a correspondence as nothing stands alone by it self but in a line of mutual respect which in that manner runs through the same as ane entry aright upon one step must make way to render a further progresse clear and unavoidable so here I must judge 1. That a Christian should once make it such a proper and solemn business and work by it self to attain a solid founding and settlement of their faith on the truth and to sist his soul in such a manner as if he were then to enter on the Christian profession without respect to example education or influence of any humane authority or whatever any external motives could have weight herein since in a case of that high concern men should in the greatest recess and composure of spirit have some distinct special time such as may be matter after of sweet reflexion to them how they did then prove themselves with respect to so high and discriminating a profession from the residue of the world and did thus with full inward consent join in with the truth purely on its own evidence as though there were none of that profession in the bounds and place they lived in 2. As the naturall order of things should require that the foundation be sure laid ere we begin to build so is it sure that the first entry on serious Religion must be on the Faith of the divine nature and existence and that men have assuredly a God to trust to and to make them happy as Hebr. 11 6. he must first beleeve that he is c. and in the same order John 17. 3. must beleeve him to be the only true God ere he come to beleeve Jesus Christ whom he hath sent O how uncomfortable a thing should humane state be without God and ane absolute dependance on him who might see his life to be rather a curse and torment then blâ—ssing if there were no supernatural help above himself against the eâ—il and miseries of time and to subdue the distempers of the mind and the fears that should thus sease upon him both as to his present and future state but what possible comfort could there be in the light of a Deity or enjoiment of a Godhead if we know not with assurance also the Excellencies of his blessed nature and what a God we have to adventure on 3. Thus by ane unavoidable constraint there must be a further progresse and enquirie upon the certaintie of a revealed rule of correspondence betwixt God and man here both in order to dutie and what we may exspect and hope from him and if it be sure this day that there be ane express and clear revelation of his will herein to be found in the earth that comes with full and infallible evidence to men for here is it not possible to stand or fix until our faith be once settled on the truth of such a divine record when we see in what estate poor mankind were in if such a sure way of commerce were not betwixt the invisible God and this visible world we are in since then we should have no certain and fixed boundaries betwixt good and evil by that unchangeable difference which the holy nature of God hath put herein nor could we ever know that rule of subjection and relation we stand under to him then heaven and earth were shut up from correspondence together by any established rule for the same then should the most excellent and essentiall part of man his immortall soul have no directive or comforting light as to his future state and safe passage thereto whilst the visible creation hath a sun to shine thereon when such is the way to life as by the greatest improvements of nature it can be neither found nor followed then should that rare structure and workmanship oâ— grace here and of glory and blessedness to come be a terra incognita to poor mankind and as man only in this lower creation is capable of moral Goverment and humane lawes which yet can extend no further then their visible work and actions if such a blessed record were not there should be no establishment of laws to the whole inward man no rule of regulation to the heart and this inward world would be subject to no Goverment and tho the ruined state of humane nature may be as discernable as the truth of it's existence yet should we neither know its true original and rise nor any relief for the same we might discern the truth of invisible adversaries and of some great design they have against us as clearly as any object of sense but we could know no security from them by ane invisible guard or the way how to resist such a party then should the work and conduct of providence be wholly unintelligible to us and have our eyes shut on these wonders hereof which exceed the sphere of created nnderstanding if this great luminary of the Scripture did not continually shine thereon which we cannot see and not see also that no way besides this was ever made known to recover poor mankind out of that gulf of bondage and misery he is fallen into and as this glorious light of divine truth hath its proper sphere where it is fixed and shines forth in the Christan Chureh so the whole world beside is a place where horror falshood and impiety does visibly raign 4. But this must lead men of a serious spirit to a further enquiry upon that essential difference which is betwixt the revealed rule of our Religion and any other way that pretends thereto as there is betwixt light
in question about the other is thus visible 1. Because we must then part with the old Testament and cease to credit its divinity and no comfort could be from the same if it had yet failed in this great event and what is the main intent thereof for if the promised Messias were yet to come I could then look for none since all these proper circumstances which are so expresly foretold whereby to know and discern him must be wholly made void and ane utter nullity should be in that faith 2. Because I could not possibly look for the accomplishment of that promise according to the whole tenor of the old Testament in another way then what we have hereof in the revelation of the Ghospel yea were it supposable that the Messias were yet to come is is sure I could only look and expect for his acting the same part and in the same appearance 3. Let us but compare the antient creed of the Church herein with that which is ours now under the dispensation of the Ghospel and see whither they be not entirely on in substance and center in the same redeemer with this variation only that the one was on the credit and assurance of what was promised and the other on the certainty of its accomplishment so as that may be as applicable to Moses Isaia and Daniel with other of the Prophets as to the Evangelists what is spoke by John Chap. 20 v. 31. But these are written that ye might beleeve that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that beleeving you might have life through his name where we may see there could be no humane contrivance in this joint concurring for the same end and by the same spirit but yet more specialy lyes the weight of this enquiry to see 1. how the most solemn times of the old Testament was still a waiting and expecting time and that their highest enjoiments lay in hope of that glory to be revealed in after ages when the seal should be taken off that great Pâ—ophesy then sealed up and how the whole dispensation of that time was preparatory and as a prelude to that great design of grace which was to be brought forth 2. How the breaking up of Ghospel and its first entry on the world had its precise time and date as that which was so absolutly necessare for a more clear settling of the Christian Faith this being a matter of fact and of the highest import that ever was and was ane external object of Sense in the view of the World which laid an inevitable constraint on the whole Christian Church then to have it keept clear and under the most exact and punctual circumstances 3 As Israels coming out of Egypt in a typical respect was a night and time of such great observation and that the Lord did put hereon so special a weight with respect to the punctual and precise time hereof so was this in a more eminent way to â—e matter of highest regard when and in what time the great universal good and blessing of mankind our blessed redeemer was revealed unto the World which should begin a new week and that solemn Epocha whence wee reckon the Churches entry on the highest glory of time and on a new state 4. Hereon hath that solemn observation of the first day of the week as the Lords day both its rise and right tho it might seem not possible this could ever come under forgetfulness when it was thus fixed upon the highest certainty and precise time both of the sufferings and resurrection of the Lord in matter of fact as that day and time was which had a glory put thereon that none else could possibly claim and no time ever since that glas sett up to their creation was like unto this yea which was wholly impossible to fix the Christian Church on the observation hereof otherways but that this was so publick and famous in the view of the world and had so great a weight on the primitive Christians then when these morning stars sung together and the Sons of God shouted for joy at the first entry of this new World and it may be specially remarkable that our Lord did the less inforce the same in an authoritative way both to try and trust the love of his people herein that what he had done for them put so strong ane enforcment and imposition to a frequent and solemn remembrance of this blessed day from internal motives and tho its divine authority be clear yet the less is of positive institution this way the more strenthning might it be to our faith and more excitment also for our love herein were it seriously considered 5. And of what weight should this enquiry be still on mens spirits that our hope leans novv no more on a promise on which the Saints of old did both live and die when this makes so essential a change in the Christian Faith that vvhat ane Abraham and Moses was saved by cannot possibly save us to beleeve in a Redeemer to come which would now be absolutly mortall nay not in generall terms to beleeve that he is come but to knovv and be sure that this is he whom the Fathers sealed and sent unto the World and he alone who in the dayes of Tiberius and Pontius Pilate suffered at Jerusalem A IV. INQUIRY which suitably followes here is to look in upon the glory of that time under the new Testament vvhich vvas peculiarly reserved thereto and on these publick declarative signs to the World whereby our Redeemer was declared to be the Son of God with power and by the spirit of Holiness so as it may be said the Lord did then set up Signs and Wonders to this very day with a more eminent lustre then these at the Churches outgoing from Egypt but since in the times we live in you may find more to shake and stagger then to strengthen your spirit in the way of truth when it is not in an ordinare degree that a reall Apostacy may be seen from the Christian Faith this day in the Reformed Churches whilst that choice spirit of the Bereans seems rarely to be found in the earth I shall touch but a little this great subject in some instances wherein our blest Redeemer after his Ascension hath still made himself visible before the World in the glory of his divine Power and are of such kind as no distance of time can take off that irresistable evidence of the same from a serious spirit as if they were still present 1. That tho in his bodily presence since he left the World he is no object any more of humane sense yet hath he been no less visible in his goings forth to conquer and establish a Kingdom to himself out of all Nations Tongues and Languages even to the utmost parts of the earth and since I know you can improve some Reflections on this Head bejond what I can speak thereon I shall the more
briefly point at a few 1. That it is knowen and sure how most of the habitable World besides Judaea was in times past Pagan and a place of horror and darkness and these parts we now live in were once the dark places of the earth full of the Habitations of Cruelty where our Ancestors of whom we are come did Sacrifice to the Gods of the Heathens 2. It is evident and undeniable in the matter of Fact that within less then sixty Years after the Ascension of the Lord the visible extent of the Christian Church among the Nations which had been then Heathen did exceed what it is this day and since any extraordinar effect when it comes in our sight should cause a deep Inquiry upon the cause hereof is not this a matter of the highest concern that ever was even in the present day to be taken up with that made then so stupendious a change on the face of mankind and was as the bringing forth of a new World 3. And here is it possible to question that this wonderful thing which did so visibly then change the whole face of the earth was by the alone evidence and vertue of Sacred Truth and the pure Revelation of Christ in the Mystery of his Death and Sufferings wherein no humane Power could boast that their Arm or Sword did bring this about as I know it will be sweet and convincing thus to see under what influence the Christian Church was both planted and propogate in the earth and most savage parts thereof so that whatever respect Princes and visible Powers have given to the Kingdom of Christ yet is it fully demonstrable that it 's true interest and conquest was never beholden to humane assistance or that any temporal inducements made way thereto but when the World begun to smile most in the primitive times then also did the Glory and Lustre of the Christian Religion begin to darken and decline 4. As it was surely reserved to the Ghospel State of the Church to be the Theater of the greatest Wonders both of Providence and Grace bejond all that had been known to the World before and that in the times of the New Testament these great things which should be matter of highest observation and out of the ordinare road of Gods dealing with his Church then was to be expected so you can see with full evidence that this great and extraordinare appearance of God unto men had been never known on the earth before or any such outgoing of his Power since the beginning of time which was only reserved to follow the day of Christ and his Ascension as the first entry of â—hat glorious Scene which was to be acted under â—he Ghospel 5. And here also this Reflection is anavoidable how the God of this World was not easily put off his visible Throne which he had so â—ong kept over the Nations but the last strugle â—f these infernal spirits ere they were cast down was then very strong and put forth to the utmost who yet were made to fall before the Diviâ—ity of our Redeemer in such a manner as the â—hole frame of Paganism was then raz'd and exâ—inct and their Gods after whom the earth had for so many ages wondred for when you peruse the Records of the first times you can see the enmity and rage of the World against Sacred Truth was never before raised to such a prodigious height as was then aloft upon the first display of the Ghospel 2. But it is yet a further Inquiry should be made on this Head to see not only the outgoing of the Lord Jesus in the Glory of his Power since his Ascension for setting up his visible Kingdom in the World and extent of the Christian Profession but in the reality of that vital influence on the souls of men with so great and wonderful a change thus made on them from the residue of mankind This I doubt not will be a subject of great thoughts and reflection to you and should be a matter of higher concern to any of a serious spirit then the temporal interest and transactions which are about the greatest Kingdoms on the earth 1. To see how no reality in nature or the most visible objects of sense can be more sure then that under the times of the New Testament there hath been innumerable example of the truth and power of Holiness successively from one age to another in whom it might be no more discernable that they walked in the vertue and power of a humane soull then that they did truly walk before men in the light and power of Christianity and under that visible influence of inward Grace as all might see to be above the possibility of natural causes 2. If this were more deeply search'd into to see what does estentially belong to the frame and constitution of one reall Christian and what a marvelous Power must be put forth herein it could not but be in another manner affecting and afford a Seall to the Christian Faith as does exceed the greatest external Miracles when it 's sure one example of such who is truly converted by grace and made partaker of the Divine nature is so stupendious a work as does far exceed both the power and comprehension of Angels yea that the Glory of the Godhead does more eminently shine forth in the first frame in the conduct and persiting of one Christian then either in the first frame of man in his state of perfection or of the illuminate Angels since this is to make Saints of Sinners to turn such from a state of enmity and inbred opposition to the Holy God to be Lovers of him and subdue their soulls in that manner as with inward delight can make them part with what was their predominant and endeared Interest and what hath been as their right hand and eye This is one of the great discoveries of the Ghospel to let us see how one converted Christian is a higher demonstration of the Christian Faith then a thousand ordinare Professors hereof and may fully silence such a Question why it is that the Saints are not more numerous in the World comparatively with the great bulk of mankind yea with these who go under the Christian Profession when It might be rather just matter of wonder to see that such numerous Examples yet are to be found of this kind in the earth of whom each is one of the greatest of the Works of God and infinitely becoming the exceeding greatness of his Power put forth herein yea are such Examples where the Truth and Excellency of Grace does in any eminency shine forth as may justly supply the Room of Miracles which were given in the first times to be confirming to the Christian Faith that these hath assuredly been and I hope are this day not a few who doe with desire choise to preferr their Services for God to the greatest comforts enjoyments of this earth and are helped not only to keep ground but
never have entred on mens thoughts if it were not purely a divine Revelation none will offer to question and that the experience of the same in all times of the Church hath no less tendency to confirm and seall the truth of Christianity then it hath to confirm a Christians state but though I doubt not your acquaintance herewith is bejond many yet this beeing a truth of such high concern so far as I have attained I would offer some light hereon wherein my soul hath found rest and settlement as to a clear sence and conception of the same 1. That how rare soever the experience of this may be this day yet is it not the peculiar priviledge of some few select and eminent Christians or what God does rarely impart and on some singular account to his people but is the settled priviledge of all who are led by the Spirit and under his conduct 2. This is ane experiment of the Christian Faith which no humane testimony or vocal evidence can express that which is inward and a secret betwixt God and the soul or what taste that hidden Manna hath Rev. 2 17. which none knowes but he that enjoys the same for this is not the promise which is given to be the object of our Faith but is the seall of the Spirit of promise and the proper object of spiritual sense it is an internal work which goes above words and such as God alone can impart who only can reveal his own love to the soul and Shed abroad the sence hereof and hath reserved this to himself it is that also which gives a distinct evidence from any moral influence of the word tho it can never be disjoined and divided from the same but is such ane internal application hereof as puts their souls to rest and quiet thereon 3. It is here must be understood a more near and solemn approach of God and some higher enjoiment of Spiritual Sense then is usually known which will make such a time remarkable and sweet to a Christians after remembrance tho some in a more extraordinar way and higher degree may have this imparted then others as the tryall of their Faith hath been more heightned and hath attained to higher actings of grace under the same according to that settled Connection Isay 57 12. I doubt not there may be high pretences to this Seall and earnest who know little what in the way and order of grace is required to prepare and qualifie for the same but except the setled constitutions of the Ghospel should be changed for their sake it is then sure that God did never seall the comforts of his Spirit or his respects and approving testimony on such who are of ane untender unhumbled and vindictive spirit and is no more possible then as Job 18 4. That the earth should be forsaken for them and the rock removed out of its place 4. It is true this is more clearly understood by such who by reason of use have their senses exercised both to discern good and evill Hebrews 5 14. and have thus attained a more deep and judicious reflection for the tryall of the same since this is usually one of the most searching exercises of a Christian to discern the voice of the Spirit of God and know the same from that of a Stranger and to come to the light herein to see that such a seall or any rare enjoiments of that kind are assuredly from God and wrought in him John 3 21. It is clear also how many sharp conflicts and a hotter ware fare allotted to some of the Saints then others under griefs troubles and oppositions in their Christian course hath made way at so dear a rate for their acquaintance with the same so as the gradual difference in the truth of this experiment may be strange and marvelous and cause fear to impart the same nor be ever known within time 5. Tho it is sure that all who are entred in a reconciled state with God must be sealed by the Spirit yet is not this to be understood as the ordinar food and dyet of a Christian but as some more special restorative and cordial so as one enjoiment of this kind hath been sometimes so remarkable that through the whole course of a Christians life after it hath been a continued strenthning to their Faith yet is it no rare thing to these who are keeped in a more near intimacy of converse with God to whom the truth of this seall not once but in innumerable times hath been known who on the other hand does know also how long and sensible restraint of this great enjoiment may be when the choisest promises of the Word can afford no comfort but when the premises are clear the conclusion is oft suspended through hid jealousies and legall fears of the spirit of bondage 6. It is sure this blessed seall lyes here also in some special directive work of the Spirit of God to make use of light in particular cases with assurance and quiet of mind and in sealing instruction with that evidence and power on the soull as leaves such a print and impression thereon as the seall leaves on the wax this can be no strange or unknown thing to these who in a close adherence to Scripture light hath been specially tender to try the same thereby and under a just horror and dread of Enthusiasmâ— or the smallest dasshing on such a rock 7. But it is specially discernable where this seall and earnest hath been more abundantly let forth to some bejond others that it was for some higher support to their Faith where a long interval of delay was to be between the promise and performent and such a tryall of a deferred hope herein as might be ready to make their heart sick into death if the Lord had not given such a pledge and part in hand to assure them that the rest shall not faill in due time now this is so manifest in the conduct and methods of grace about the Saints under the old Testament and in how singular a way he did first seall before he entred them upon any great tryalls and which were to be of a long duration as there needs no particular instances to clear the same 8. It is here the sence of that hundred fold which Christ hath so expresly secured to his People on the adventures of their Faith may be understood as that which assuredly lyes in these rare enjoiments of the spirit and inward sense of the love of their God in the shinings of his face on them which are the first fruits of the Spirit more then in any external providence or these things which are of the highest value with men since as this is the most sure and greatest evidence that we are Christians so is it the most notable sign how dear such are to God and of his love and favour then if he had given them the whole World I know nothing will seem more strange and
endued with ane extraordinare Unction but if it respect the Quality and Holiness of the persons it surely must render this no less difficult that not only such as King Henry the VIII and his Daughter Queen Mary besides many others yea Richard the III. should on this account have the active faith of miracles and be empoured herewith from God for working of the same besides this it is known that the French Kings claim the same priviledge and power as peculiar to them alone and may not on this ground Lewis the XIV this day be reckoned a fit instrument for such a healing miracle and to bring a just repute and credit thereto 3. But whence is it that such a hereditary gift should not faill and be cutt off by the departure of England from the Romish Church since the first holding hereof was upon their adherence to the same and as a confirmatory Seall to the Romish Profession or that it should now controll the end for which it was given I know what some Popish Writers say hereon that this miracle is not now performed by such who have apostatised from that faith virtute propria sed virtute signi crucis but there needs no such Salvo as to reckon its being alienate now from serving for the same use and end it did before nor to have another rise if it were seriously pondered 4. But what interest in this cure hath the use of such a rite in applying with the touch a Medal of Gold to the Patient therewith or what vertue can this Amulet impart and so great a care taken that they should not lose it since it is sure this is not given out of charity to there outward want except it be from ostentation to shew they are endued with a gift which the Apostles had not when they cured the lame man and could make use of no such assistance of Silver or Gold herein Act. 3. 5. If the application of ane extraordinar gift for healing diseases without the use of natural means be aneugh to warrant the same and that such a cure is wrought without any further enquiry as to the cause and ground whereon it hath such an effect it is then sure the Devil and these Powers of darkness may have a publick and easie market in the Christian Church and exact an uncontrolled homage and subjection to them this way the extent of whose power for curing of disease is bejond our reach but since such a miraculous gift of healing if it be of God should be tryed in the truth thereof how it can answer to such peculiar evidences and criteria of the same as by the infallible rule and light of the Scripture may be clear it were suitable to try herein if this be indeed given to confirm and seall a divine testimony or any truth of the written Word if it come with that solemne and convincing evidence so as to serve a deep and reverent sense of the Majesty of God on mens spirit by such a discovery of himself and to promote piety and more firm adherence to the truth amongst men as the native effect that should follow a true miracle and so extraordinary a seall if it serve also to comptrol the Kingdom of Satan and strenthen the Christian Faith in opposition to Antichristian darkness and Idolatry yea if these who are thus empoured for so miraculous a cure have something suitable on their part of qualifications to such whom God hath ever made use off to work miracles otherwise it serves only to expose so great a seall to the Christian Faith wherein the Majesty of God in so august and solemne a way is revealed unto the highest contumely and reproach 6. Though this hath been a continued practice and that the matter of Fact and notority of experience herein in the truth of such a cure is not questioned yet if it be essentially requisite that such as claim to this power should do it in the Faith of a divine Warrant and assurance that it is of God with an immediate relyance on a special outsetting of some extraordinar power from him herein and of his call to rest on the same when it is without respect to any institute natural means yea that there spirit in such a case should be suited to so extraordinare a worke I judge it should then quickly cease as on the other hand that these who are deseased and apply themselves to such a cure should know the warrant of their faith herein else it were as justifiable to go to Loretta on such an account or to such who pretend by spells and charms to work extraordinary cures without any ordinary means for the same This is not to detract in the least from any just right or priviledge of Soveraing Princes and I judge these who are now on the Throne of Britain might lay as just a claim from personal qualifications thereto as any have gone before but in giving to Caesar what is due unto him we must not invade that Royalty and Prerogative which belongs to God only or to pretend to his seall and make use of it without his express warrant If any Protestant Writer have spoke their thoughts on such a head I have as yet seen none bu some time past I was necessarily called by a person of great worth to impart my light herein they beeing then much perplexed in spirit with respect to a near relation of theirs in order to their using such a mean and how small a reckoning may be made by many yet I find it related of that Famous Christian Mrs Honywood that the first rise of these terrors of conscience which keeped her so long was from consulting some mean as to the recovery of a childe in a way that was out of the roade of ordinar means and made her fear afterwards lest Satan might have a hand therein But I shall now cease to speak more on this subject and only shut up with some Reflections further which have been matter of serious thoughts to me 1. Whence it is that such who are of the most trying and comprehensive spirit hath usually been under greatest weight and exercise of minde about their establishment in the Christian Faith more then any others but herein it may be easie to see and discern the true cause thereof 1. How it is sure the more attainment of light and knowledge is upon the greatnesse of their Faith that a higher admiration and astonishment must needs follow thereon it was this which above all the wonders and depths of nature did swallow up the spirit of a Solomon and put him into such an exstacy when he once begun to fix on this Subject but will God indeed dwell with men on the earth yea will the eternal Son of God take up his abode and dwell in such a tabernacle as the humane nature and become truly man which is specially there imported 2 Chron 6 18. 2. It is these only who have their souls
of man the whole successive race of mankind each in their order with that full evidence of the Holy Righteousness of the Judge herein as shall irresistably constrain their conscience to bear witnesse thereto 8. Yea what a concern of the Christian Faith lyes here of that eternal separation and parting which will then follow betwixt the elect and reprobate World with that dreadful dimission to these infernal Regions and with this sight to see sin which made its first entry in Heaven amongst the Angels and hath since so much overspread the earth now for ever shutt up in hell both sin and sinners together never more to look out at the grate of these prison But II. There is another thing with respect to this Subject which hath been to me oft matter of serious thoughts whence is it that in so knowing an age as this we see how such as are greatest pretenders to reason and to a higher flight then others this way are more visibly then any else of an Atheistick Spirit and to be a length herein bejond any else on that design how to weaken both their own assent and others to the Christian Faith and to render the same so far as possibly they can to be problematick and doubtful but it is sure here is nothing to stumble but what may rather be strenthning to any of a serious spirit and needs be no strange thing when such are as tender as possible to marr their enjoiments of this present life who hath no more or to let their thoughts come near to what must needs torment them before the time whilst their reason serves them for such an use and constrains their conscience herein that they must either be Christians in earnest or none at all yea that under such bright discoveries of the truth of the Ghospel they must see it is not compatible with reason how there should be a mids betwixt a truly serious Christian who beleeves what he does professe and a rosolved Atheist whose work lyes to have the dread of such a Faith wholly extinguished I knew a most remarkable Atheist indued with special natural accomplishments who on the same account said to a person of quality if I did trul◠beleeve what you profess to do they are matters of so great concern that I do profess I could think upon nothing else or be taken up thus as the most of Christians are with the things of this World so as I cannot possibly credit you in the Faith of your own Profession And herein can any exerce reason and not see the Faith of Christianity is another thing then most this day did ever conceive it to be and a much higher attainment then a Christians particular interest herein for where the first is assuredly attained it may seem not possible but the other must follow that mens greatest business of the earth should be to have a sure evidence for Heaven and to be ripening for so great a change I have known some whose tryalls and conflicts in their warefare hath been extraordinare and strange who hath professed their highest releaf still lay herein from the Faith of divine truth more then as to any particular promise made applicable to such a case and would have sought no more to carry their spirits above the present temptations that occurred though they were not ordinary or to be at rest as to all temporal events but a more full strenthning in the Christian Faith and that their Redeemer did live since then they were in sure terms as to their security for whatever he hath promised III. But I must add yet one thing further which seems indeed a prodigy proper to such an age as this that it s become so hard a work to bring men living in the day light of the Ghospel to a serious beleeving the truth and existence of infernal spirits and of their commerce and traffick with this visible World or to bring such who seem greatest pretenders to reason to the Faith of Divells lest they should thus be unavoidably brought to that Faith of the Divells which is to beleeve and tremble which surely is an unconceavable and extream horror that these Apostate Spirits have herein whilst their assent to the glorious beeing of God to his attributes yea to the truth and History of the Ghospel is by such ane inevitable constraint that as there is no possible access for them to be Atheists so is their dréad and torment heigtned beeing such knowing intellectual essences as that power and subtilty of delusion whereby they deal with mankind will not work on themselves This I must judge to be the last effort of the horrid wickedness of this present age to strenthen such a way and since such a party can have no help or support from faith and reason herein and yet find the assured truth and beeing of Divels and of their communion and warefare with men does marr any possible defence or design for Atheism and a taking off the terror of ane infernal state off their soul they must therefore move to another airth which is to beleeve nothing but what they see and feell and comes under a sensible demonstration to warrant the same for this is to make sure work at once against the whole Christian Faith and shut the door on any way of conviction thence thus they keep a distance with the beeing of their own souls as if it were some dark and abstract notion because it comes not under their sence they can live at quiet and be secure from the fear of a Hell and infernal world or exclusion out of Heaven untill they once meet with such an argument as to make them both see and feell the truth hereof but oh they seeme not to apprehend how sore the application of this argument will be when they at last find its in vain to reject the conclusion where the premises are sure There is one of late who is come forth in the day light of Christianity in a book lately published to undeceive the World upon so great a delusion as to these invisible powers of darknesse and tho he seems to find it difficult how to annihilate and make void wholly their existence yet doth offer with a strange confidence to secure men from any fear of the molestations of such Spirits and that all inward temptations or assaults of Satan and his operating upon the souls of men is but a deplorable fascination and bewitchment that the Christian Church hath been so long under It might be judged there were little need for such a worke to take this generation we are now in off all watch and guard against these destroying adversaries and to render them more secure herein then they seem already to be and that this confidence must have some strange rise to go forth not only in the most direct opposition to Sacred Truth but to the universal Sence and reason of mankind except he hopes to find a numerous party who
hath given up with both and will easily grasp at such a bait tho they should see the hook that will at last destroy them But doe these mighty hunters and destroyers of mankind the Divels come so little speed in their work this day that they must have a Protestant Minister of the Church come forth before the Sun to offer his assistance to help them forward herein or if he deny such ane intent what security will he offer to secure men from a hazard that 's more dreadful then the killing of their body and is of an eternal concern is he empoured with authority from these infernal Regions I confess on these grounds he may have advantage to give such ane assurance 1. That the strong man whilst he keeps the house vvill be very tender to trouble their peace over whom he swayes with an uncontrolâ—ed Dominion and that he will not affright nor awake men out of such a pleasant dream who hath set their heart wholly on the world whose portion is in this life untill they be awaked for ever out of the same 2 He may give full assurance also that the Prince of this World is at no war nor needs be with such as are joined in with his interest and at the same work to promote the Kingdom of darkness and seeks not to have them tormented before the time 3. But there is this ground I must judge he specially goes on that he will be easily credited on such a Subject as this and knowes how small a patrociny will serve to promote a design for Atheism and could fall upon nothing which would be more grateful to a great part novv vvho bear the name of Protestants but whilst he calls them to lay aside their armour such as Christians are expresly called to put on Ephes. 5 11. will he secure them when it comes to the last battle and conflict from their beeing seased by such infernal Spirits in their entry into another World whom they did once deride and that the truce which was with them on the earth will not break up then if he had restricted this new discovery to the world of ane absolute security from the Power of Satan and his molestations to belong only to the Place and City he lives in it might have seemed to be on a politick interest to render it as a place of such eminent trade to be the only safe and most desirable part of the earth but he hath extended it to be universal to all other places and to be a Catholick good and priviledge There needs no question but that such a person himself must be in a deep quiet and under no touch of these assaults and temptations others are exposed to tho one thing he may fear in the managing of so strange a design and in such a manner that these knowing and active spirits for whom he acts may not reckon their service much advanced when there is as little of the subtilty of the Serpent herein as of the innocence of the dove It is true there is an invisible guard and hedge about each one of the Saints over which Satan cannot pass but by the measures of divine permission nor is it expressible how much Christians of the choisest Spirits are bettered and improven in their graces by the worst of Spirits and in their continued warefare with them and its sure they are reserved in chains of darkness to the Judgment of the great day but how far their chain is oft let forth and inlarged in judgment to the world may be too evident every where in the sad effects thereof and it now appears that their chain hath not been more remarkably lengthned out these many ages past then in this day I wish the Writer of such a Book might seriously repent and so far retract what he hath published as might thus turn such a poison unto ane antidote against it self for I judge he durst not put such Divinity in his Testament that he hath written in this Book POSTSCRIPT SIR IT may seem strange not only the lengthning of this Discourse so far but in insisting most specially upon that Head of the internal Work and Demonstrations of the Spirit of God on mens soul but as I may with humble confidence say this was under the sense of some peculiar engagements to such a Subject so I shall make this further Apology for the same 1. That since ever I accounted the Profession of Christ a serious business I have judged it not conceivable how Christians should have ane assent to the truth of the Ghospel or be at rest herein untill it once be brought up to a full and quieting assurance on that security to which they must concredite themselves for ever and thus know the strenth and sureness of the foundation of their Faith by its own evidence that tho it be not yet full whilst we are here in the way of enjoyment yet is it undoubtedly full in the truth and certainty of evidence I have judged it also an addition to the greatest joy which I could have within time whatever might be a further strenthning to such a Faith and hope we are called to by the Ghospel of Christ so as not to lose any fragment of this kind which might tend to a more full establishment and does reckon this the credit and glory of our Religion that in no other way it doth require acceptance of men but with a full assurance of understanding and the furthest conviction of evidence as beeing designed no less to found a rational certainty in the judgment then to determine the will or consent for embracing the same yea on this account it hath been oft matter of astonishment how in the teaching and ministerial work which God hath appointed for his Church the primary truths of Religion should not be more held forth to men with that clearness of evidence and demonstration as such great and marvelous things require and the temper of this age calls for or how the great things of God that are of the highest consequence and reality can have any possible reception from men by ane implicite or ordinare assent or whence it is that with most it seemes their work seems wholly sett on the noetick when so little on the dianoetick part of Divinity but on the other hand I must also witness that if ever I knew what it was to attain ane inward assurance of the truth and revelation of Christ and to be at rest herein that the eternal Son of God was revealed from Heaven in our nature to save lost man and that there is a state of grace here and of glory hereafter I have found that no light or conviction of judgment tho with such evidence as could leave no room for doubtfulness in the same can effectually work without the internal evidence and demonstration of the Spirit of God and a supernatural power both to beget and strengthen such a Faith in the soul
Providence brought forth on the stage which made a Revolution in the civil state of that nature as Britain had never before known a State whose strength whilst it stood firm was made formidable both by Sea and Land to the Nations about with so strong a tide of success as nothing was able to stand against the same but all essays which tended to an opposition then most visibly frustrate and no plots or mine laid so deep and closs which did not spring upon themselves who wrought therein such was the concurrence of favourable things and in so strange a manner until they had stood oâ—t that tryal wherein they were then sett how they should answer the call and intent of such a Providence 6. But when the eyes of most every where was aloft as to the issue of this settlement and all humane contrivance or forecast put to a stand herein on what side the ballance might cast amidst such different Parties and interests as was on foot it was then as with ane amasing earth quake that the whole foundation was razed and tho it was unquestionable that many of a serious spirit and design in the things of God was amongst such yet whilst the date of their commission was once expired and keeped not themselves in the way of mercy they are at last brought to know what it was to have God against them a God impartially hating sin before whom it is more highly aggravate and provockting the higher Profession of his way and truth men stands under yea then was it that it migâ—t be no less clearly seen how in tâ—e same manner of â—heir raising by a most visible series and irresistable course of Providence so was there fall and down casting made wonderful there Councils disordered dispirited in their resolutions wherein the ebb did run as low in impressions of fear and despondency on their spirits as it had once lowed who sometimes before they knew what it was to be acted above their own ordinare reach and thus as in a moment might it be seen how this frame and mould was broke as without hand This was the second overturning in the publick State of Britain in a very short time after the former answerable to that Ezek. 21 27. I will overturn overturn c. 7. It is now that a great and marvelous change we may see again go over these Nations an other piece of the Work of God brought forth on the stage and new Actors made use of herein which caused great thoughts of heart to know what aspect such a crisis might have on the publick State of Religion then was the Regal Power and Government in Britain raised again to its highest splendor and extent and this change in such a manner accomplisht as the most judicious and discerning spirits stood amased to see over what oppositions and difficulties which seemed insuperable this was carried and that surely it was the same hand who threw them down which did then lift them up with whom it is easie to make a way where there is none for any peece of his Work when he goeth forth herein 8. But when it might have been hoped and expected such extraordinare providences should work on these who were most interessed in this great Restauration when it was not there Sword or Counsel but the finger of God which wrought the same and that surely this might put a more then ordinare weight how to restore the Nations unto God who had restored them to the supreame Power and Government over the same loe then was it in the Room hereof that these things might be seen 1. How the Sluces were immediately let open for an impetuous flood and deluge of wickednesse to break in over the whole Isle ane unbridled licence to all immoralities and impiety and no restraint but what might tend to promote the Kingdom of Jesus Christ amongst men so as these Years past since the 60. hath tended to lay a lod of guilt on Britain bejond the measures of any times past and is still lying upon the same which will be found sore and heavy in the issue if Soveraign Grace do not wonderfully interpose 2. As it was then that such a crisis had so dismal and mortal an aspect there within these hights of Profanity vvhich did go over all banks bejond ane ordinare cure or relief so there might be seen a new way and unusual methods of sinning and a new progress and advance in Atheism bejond what hath been known in any times past yea this with such confidence in the publick light and before the sun as might be an amasement even to the infernal spirits to think how far they were out gone by such who were of humane race this way 3. But it was herewith also when it might have been thought that God should stay his hand no longer or forbear that the seall of their commission whose power had then the greatest influence might be discernable to all that they were assuredly established for judgment and had such a judicial work under their hand so as the most destructive designs of that party for a further Ruine to the Church seemed still then to have the greatest success and no attempts or oppositions whatsoever could withstand the same or stop it's course until their measure and the Epha was further filled up but such who did most hasten to brake prison as it were before the time found their bondage grew stronger hereby 9. But whilst such was thus at work and acting so dismal a part on the publick Theater of Britain lest they should reckon that surely God had forsaken the earth and that the Cry of such prodigious wickedness was not so loud as to go up to Heaven then was it that he came down in a visible way to make himself known and bring near his judgment with a very tremendous voiee then was it that he gave a special commission to one of the three great Judgments the devouring Pestilence to go to the most eminent and conspicous part of Britain and the publick Seat of the Regal Power and Authority and make that great City desolate for a time and make their dwellings void of Inhabitants in the Year 65. yea in ane extraordinare Conjunction did double such a warning by putting them in a flame that it might speak as a publick Herauld to these Nations and thus give a Second Cry that when his Wrath was begun to kindle a little men might meet him in the way of his Judgment ere it come to the utmost and a greater wo follow thereon This surely was the voice of God by a most stupendous dispensation and does speak still to this day tho there may be few now to hear it This was a Entry of Judgment and stroke of that kind on which the Lord did put a most discernable impress of his Greatness and Terror 10. Yet even then after this there was a most observable Pause and tender forbearance in
of blasphemie is let forth there and gott such a prevalence amongst all ranks as it 's accounted a matter of fashion and breading to go a length bejond other in tearing that blessed name of God in whose hand is their breath by profane and blasphemous oaths This is a thing by it self that 's purely diabolick and hath nothing humane in it can have no affinity with the flesh nor is as ane ordinarie degree of a reall possession by the Divel and much sadder then that which hath been on many by constraint and putting a force upon their tongue to blaspheme which otherwise would have been a horror and dread since this is by consent and a delight that could have no possible rise but from pure enmity to the Holy God yet is it now come to such a prodigious height as if Britain did design a proper monopoly this way and Preheminence of the same above all nations of the earth tho none more will pretend a nationall love and respect to it 's standing and interest to whom that saying of one of the ancients may be applicable if such would once give it a hearing si tibi non vis parcerâ— attamen parce Patriae tuae do we thus provoke the Lord to jealousie are we stronger then he but when such a contagion seemes to be past the restraint of humane Laws who declares their sin as sodome will not the great lawgiver at last take it under his hand to vindicate his authoritie 3. But what a symptome is this herewith of approaching judgments when to such a hight and so universalie the corruption of the youth is in this day and these parts in so ane usual a way and among such a Spirit of Atheism and pâ—ofanity is in that manner got up as may be sadly foreseen what a dismal night must follow hereon and cause these know whose respects seem to run so high for a national interest that what does thus strike at the root truth Godliness amongst men in so strange a debauchery of the generation that 's coming up gives the same stroke to the greatest security of goverment and to what founds the greatest obligations to civil or moral duties yea hath a native and unavoidable tendence to ruine the politick bodie to emasculate the spirits of men and obstruct the vigorous improvments of their natural parts and will in a short time depress and change the very genius of these once renouned nations if there be no due application of the proper and adequate remedie for the same 4. And do we not with too great evidence now see how much that old Protestant spirit which was in the power and life of that profession is gone and extinguished this day before which the Romish interest could not possibly stand when humane power and might did litle concur therewith so as it may be a strange but too visible a remark how that distinction hath got such place in Britain bejond any other reformed churches else which is betwixt the Protestant interest and politick concerns thereof and the Protestant Religion which lyes in the pure doctrine of Christ in its truth and efficacy on mens soul and practice when thus may be seen what a throng and easie concurrence is there to promote the one and bear the highest respects thereto so far as they find a private interest and external motives renders this necessary who does hate and to the utmost oppose themselves to the other yea fears nothing more then to have this get any authority over their conscience and oh thence it is that when priveledge and propertie upon a temporal interest are as the apple of mens eye when these are once touched yet are the highest indignities and affronts to the honor of God and to his truth of a small regard 5. But if we yet look further in to the Publick State of Religion in these Churches there may be a more astonishing sight and of greater abominations still answerable to that vision Ezechiel 8 when within the precincts of a Christian Church once so purely reformed such a party is got up and growing whose work is not onlie to take men off the serious work and power of Christianity but to subvert wholly the foundation of our faith under that late designation of Deists and that men are now become so wearied of the Christian Profession as were their power answerable to their will they would bring in a new model of paganism and fix themself at last there And oh is it come to such a day after so bright a sun shine of the Gospell hath gone before and after so great ane effusion of the Spirit of God that such a party should be upon the encrease in so horrid an appearance were it possible to make void the whole frame of the Gospel to justle our ever blessed Redeemer who once was the desire of the nations off his throne to thrust the crown off his head the scepter of whose goverment is righteousness peace and give if they could a mortall stroke to him who is the life and light of men and by whose stripes we are healed yea as if they could make their party good against that rod of iron with which he bears rule over his adversaries But what can these design to themselves to render humane being desirable here on the earth except to have a share of the same priveledge with the beasts of the field that within a little they should have no more being and oh what a God does such deprive themselves of who only propitious to poor man in Christ and otherwise not the object of our trust but of terror yet is this way now come to that length as it would seem to despise all moral releef 6. I must yet add here tho it be a very sad ungrateful Subject how we are faln in a day when the greatest discoveries of God both in the way of Judgment and mercy seems to have no affecting sense or regard on this generation and the great designs both of grace and providence amidst such marvelous changes hath gone before in that manner withstood as most seemes to unite there strength herein even when this may be in a singular way applicable to our time what the Lord did once speak to Israel by Moses your eyes have seen the great Acts of the Lord and these great temptations the Signs and Wonders which he hath done in this last age yet if Soveraign grace do not marvelously appear it may be fear'd that both the voice of God in his Word and Works hath discharg'd their commission without any due regard to the same and that judgment and mercy after such extraordinar methods of divine patience have done their part and is now come to such a judicial withdrawing and departure of that great Ambassador the Spirit of God from his Church that there seems but small access to serious Publick Humiliation and fasting or to call for solemn Assemblies for this end
bound up but that they must widen further if there be not in some singular manner a standing up in this breach to turn away his wrath which is a service that comes now under our hand as may not linger or stay when warnings of so extraordinar a kind are reinforced for this is a call hath a limited time and season allotted thereto that may have a shorter period then we apprehend when a door of Intercession hath been in such unusual manner kept open and Grace hath so long interposed before Judgment should come to a final execution 4. I must add hereto what sence ought to be of the hazard of such a breach when a hight of all Immorality and Ungodliness is turned so open and visible as if Sathan did essay to have an open Throne again set up as once he had amongst the Nations whilst the spirit of few are seased with any suitable impression of the same lest this be the voice of the Lord without recalling shall I not visit these things shall not my soull be avenged on such a Nation Jer. 5 9. and what a time is it when the Reverence and Authority of Religion is so far gone off mens spirits that if such can bring up a private interest and have some treasure of that kind laid up they are under no fear of treasuring up Wrath and Judgment it was a rare example that of Daniel who upon the foreseeing of a stroke which he was not to fear for himself yet was astonished for ane hour and his thoughts troubled him by reason of the strangenes of it Dan 4 19. That there is a most choise and serious part yet in these Nations as is this day in the earth is unquestionable but even such who in these difficult perillous times past have been helpt to stand and go through a variety of dark and strange Dispensations I suppose have not found a time in a more singular way trying in the matters of Conscience then is this day and that there was never more hazard of an insensible wearing out from under former impressions of duty and the ways of truth which once they had or a more difficult part to have that ancient fear and tenderness of light kept in exercise which as the apple of the eye may be easily hurt but not so easily helped But tho it is clear that this voice and call for standing in the gape and breach does respect all of a serious spirit in the things of God yet are there some more eminently fitted from the Lord with peculiar Excellencies on their spirit then others to appear on so high a service which as it is a talent not bequeathed in vain where this in a more remarkable way is let forth so is it of greatest weight to know time and opportunity for this end and when a season of Providence may call to some higher improvement hereof for God then ever again may occur yea it may be seen in how strange a manner the choisest instruments in the service of their day are made to differ not only from others but from themselves as they are helped to answer such a call and to know the Counsel of God herein But that I may touch this more particularly it is requisite to know who may be at the greatest advantage and in a nearer capacity then others for such a service about which I judge these things will not be questionable 1. That such as have a more near and intimate converse with God in this day hath a great room also in this service to stand in such a Gape yea to save a Kingdom or Nation when Judgment is ready to break forth these have their Soull kept in that manner under the power and attractions of the things of God bejond the residue of men as not to be affrighted or taken off from appearing for him by the force and prevalence of example it is these who are at most advantage to discern the Judicial Removes of the presence of God from the Church and the Generation they live amongst and the imminent hazard of Wrath and approaching Judgment yea it 's these who from internal Motives can find it easy to lay their dearest things at the stake in behalf of the Truth and Glory of Christ in the Land they belong to and without respect to private interest lay themselves in the way of a publick hazard with the Spirit of blessed Bernard as he speaks Malo in nos murmur bominum sit quam in Deum bonum est si Deus me digneâ—ur uti pro clypeo 2. They are in a special way fitted to answer this call and service who hath the Sense of any singular engagements they are under to God much on their heart and what hereby they owe in a peculiar way to do for him and for a more special service to the age they live in to seek the interest and wellfare of their People to whom they have the nearest natural tye which is that service for the Generation and publick trust shouldly near these who have had more then ordinare receipts of mercy from the Lord of these specially it might be expected that they dare stand up for God and the Interest of his Truth tho they should stand alone herein which surely in the issue will be found a safer standing then with the multitude or such whose design for the publick interest goes no further then their private concerns does influence It is sure the Words of Mordechai Esth 4 13. Are still directed to this day think not with thy self thow shalt escape for if thow altogether holds thy peace at this time enlargements and deliverance shall arise from another place but thow and thy Fathers House shall be destroyed 3. But it is undoubted that this Service does in some peculiar way ly to the door of Princes and Rulers according to their Station who are of more publick relations then others their Authority came in with the second Covenant which by the fall of man was rendred necessar and have their Power derived from him by whom Kings Rule and Princes Decree Judgment Proverbs 8. 15. so as the advance of the Ghospel of Christ and Preservation of Sacred Truth both in its purity and power is made the object of their highest trust yea what a singular blessing this is to a time when such does eminently interpose upon any imminent hazard to the Church and thus bears evidence that they have ane Unction from God on their heart as well as their Office And it came to pass 2 Chron. 34 19. that when the King heard the Words of the Law that he rent his Cloathes and commanded Hilkia the Son of Shaphan c. go and enquire of the Lord for me and for them that are left in Israël and in Juda concerning the Words of the Book that 's found for great is the Wrath of the Lord that 's poured upon us because our Fathers kept not the Word of the
things of God which is alone sacred to him what concerns the publick rights and freedome of the spiritual Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ as a visible politick body with the highest respect to his Royal Authority who is the alone Head and Lawgiver thereto It is known that he hath given ane express Charter for the same to his Church under the New Testament according to which the due limits and bounds of that spiritual Jurisdiction which he hath settled there and the full extent hereof sould be both keep'd clear and closely adhered to as ane Interest of the Lord Jesus which is as the apple of his eye he hath join'd also these two great Interests of the Civil and Ecclesiastick Power in so entire a harmony that tho they are to be ever keep'd distinct yet are not to be divided from other but to move jointly in such a blessed and desirable Union as may most serve the great ends of the Kingdome of Christ and the publick good of humane Society and now when this great promise of Christs entring in a more conspicious manner on the Glory of his Reign is come to the birth and begun to bring forth which is that period where to it may be said hath been reserved the perfections of ihe Churches visible state here on the earth how highly desirable should it be to be found assistant thereto in such a day but oh is it possible that these who have such raised hopes of an eternal Crown and Kingdome in Heaven can have so low desires or designs how to be serviceable to the Kingdome of Christ here in the earth yea when none can want an interest and room in this service where it hath once a weight and value on their heart but yet it may be a matter of hope this day that these who by so singular an appearance of God hath now the Soveraign Power and Authority in these Nations are no less eminently fitted to appear for him herein then they are stated under the highest engagements for such ane end 3. It is surely one of the things of God and an interest which is purely sacred to him wherein the spreading of his Kingdome in the World is most nearly concerned which lyes in a serious and faithful Ministry to the Church and is of that concern as it may be justly called Indicium stantis cadentis Ecclesiae for this is one of the highest Ordinances of Christ given to the Church and that way which he hath himself consecrated for the inbringing and perfeiting of the Elect by which so great effects are wrought in the World where ever there is a divine mission for the same to any part thereof the Church is in a building up there ane Ordinance by which most visible efficacy supernatural influences are conveyed in a moral way under the blessing of that iustitution but on the other hand nothing is more threatning to a Nation as to the falling down of some dismal night of judgement then the corruption and debaesing of that which in it's own nature is so excellent where things that are more extrinsick and of a humane concern are so much looked after but that which is Gods part in the great intent of this erection is of so low regard that if ane Inquiry were made through a great part of Britain they should find the dark places of the earth there stil amidst so bright a day of the Ghospel as is now shining what a multitude is thus perishing thorow want of knowledge whilst it seems so â—itle desired or designed to have such a Ministry whose highest study should be upon the great Intent of Christianity to bring men to Christ not to themselves and to allure and perswade their coming under his blest dominion and yoake to press internal renovation of the heart and a necessity hereof with that seriousnes as might take hold on their conscience and let them see there can be nothing more highly irrational then to sist in ane exterior profession and form of Religion and not prove once upon their own tryall the truth hereof in its power and efficacy and whither it hath not a vital part which lyes in ane inward life of Communion with God for as this alone is such a Ministry that should be the blessing of a Nation and Kingdom so in respect of this to be of such a distinguishing Profession tho in its self most agreable to the truth should be of no regard where this is wanting as a test for so sacred ane Office It is I hope unquestionable that the trust of the souls of men is greater then any temporal concerns of a Kingdom or State and how this Ordinance is that which hath the most peculiar influence to prepare the way of the Lord in this day for that blessed and near approaching time of his more conspicous Reign on the earth in the Glory thereof I abstract here from any thing controversal as things are stated in the present day only as to what I hope there may be ane unite agreement in by all who have a deep sence on their spirits of the blood and perishing of immortal souls this way and a serious respect to that Catholick Interest of the Kingdom of Christ amongst men I know it was never a harder part then in this age to stemm such a tide as seems yet on the growing hand of prejudice against the way of truth when so many are in the dark tearing one another and counting it desirable to have where at they may offend and stumble whilst that study is not more followed to prevent so far as is possible mens taking of offence even where it is not given according that of the Apostle who is offended and I burn not the excess of disputing in this age hath been a peece of our judgement and the managing thereof so little to that end of edification but the defect may be no less evident on the other hand for the suitable improvements of Christian prudence as a duty and service to God so absolutely necessar for the regulating of duties according to the circumstances of the Churches case and what the present day can bear without coolness or indifference in any concern of truth which is that part of our Religion that hath been too little improven We are indeed blessed with an unchangeable rule of Sacred Truth which hath no dependence on humane Counsels or Power to change or alter the same or on the mutable revolutions of time and can never vary from its self yet is the tenderness and wisdom of divine Condescendence in the application thereof to be so far regarded as on of the most weighty parts of Religion lyes therein how present duties may be with a judicious discretion directed to that great end of edification since that which may be necessare in one case as it is cloathed with other circumstances may be hurtful and destructive This is one of the most difficult
divine Wrath and last Plagues are but in part poured out wherein the appearance of God will be with much terror to the World and that last Triumph of his Justice within time will not be of ane ordinare kind we are to expect great shakings of the Nations and times of breaking down as well as of building up which are yet to come and drawing near II. Because we are entred on these times when the Lord is in a more singular way then heretofore to put the whole Generation of his People on that part of Divinity and the study thereof which relates to his Works and that great Mystery of Providence about his Church when the Key shall then be put in their hand for opening up and a more full understanding the way of the Lord in these times past under the New Testament This is indeed a weighty part of Divinity which is reserved to the latter times in the perfections thereof and these higher improvements to be made on that blessed study then was attainable in former ages when his work now is coming to a more full point It hath been remarkably the business of this age to make a more accurate search and some greater discovery upon natural causes and the workings thereof but I doubt not that ere long the inquisitive World shall be in another manner awaked and their Inquiries run in a higher channel above all second causes to see and admire the great Acts of Providence in the Divinity thereof and not what is humane therein but as they are by way of Eminency the Works of God in the brightness of his immediate appearance in the same It is one of the dismal signs of the present time how much the spirits of men are at work to darken so far as possible the most eminent Discoveries of God in his Works and in the most extraordinare revolutions of humane affairs as if they would set bounds and limits to him according to the course and order of second causes and subject both the truth of his Word and his Works to the comprehension of their reason tho some civil respect they will give and the name of his being the prime cause but shut their eyes on what is more extraordinar and solemne in any piece of his work I would yet point at some special Heads that belong to this choise part of Divinity which we are to expect will in another manner be opened up and I desire to rejoice in the hope hereof 1. As to these more singular cases of Providence which hath been in the Churches course since her first translation from the Jews to the Gentiles with the issue and consequences thereof contrare to the rules or principles of natural reason which is ane Inquiry to be more fully improven then whatever hath been attained this way when men shall see the end of the Lord herein with such evidence as shall tend to clear all bygones in his work 2. These remarkable Periods of time wherein the Prophetical Part of the New Testament hath been successively brought forth in their proper Season as was foretold is yet to have the seall more fully taken off and that vaill which was over them so as it shall be clear and easy to see how the Lord hath not only kept his Word and Truth to his Church but hath kept these times also exactly to which such great events of Providence did relate 3. There is a greater discovery yet to be made then hath been hitherto how the Church hath been led in a right way and by a straight line in her whole course through that long and terrible Wilderness which she was to pass under the dispensation of the Ghospel and what eminent services the Saints have been put on in these strange measures of their warefare which was then allotted to them and in theit overcoming work thereby yea what a higher Triumph our blessed Redeemer hath had in the Faith and patience of his People in so dismal a time then in any external flourishing state of his Church so as it might be said it was then day as to the presence of his spirit and irresistable efficacy of his truth on his followers when it seemed otherwise as the darknes of midnight 4. There belongs to this part of Divinity some higher breaking up of light yet to be made on that Mystery of the Communion of the Saints here with other in the way of providence and what a joint interest they have herein as to what hath been more singular in the Lords way and disposal about others of his People we have little understood what ane inriching trade we might drive upon that stock of these ancient experiments of Christians in following the Lord and these eminent tryalls they have made of the truth who hath in ages past gone before and what a Pawn is thus put in our hand for a further strengthning in the Faith yea what publick interest thus the whole Church of Christ hath in some eminent acts of Providence about particular Christians which in the import and greatness thereof was not given for themself only but as a publick concern to the whole Generation that seek after God in their day and for the times to come according to that Psal â—0 3. Many shall see it and fear and shall trust in the Lord. 5. I must add one great improvement of this special Head of Divinity which will yet be above the measures of times past in the extent of that Reference and Appeal before Angels and Men in behalf of the Truth and Faithfulness of God for what he hath spoken and promised to his Church and is that Tribute of praise which in a higher degree is to be payed in to him now when it 's so near to the close of time then by that great testimony of Joshua 25 14. how not one thing had fail'd of all the good things the Lord had then spoken in behalf of his Church but had fully taken place and was the same Appeal which Solomon made I. Kings 8 56. for this with a higher glory and evidence is to be the Testimony of the latter days when it 's drawing near to that magnificent close and period of Prophetick Chronology and finishing of the Mystery of God therein how his spotless truth hath as the Sun in his strength kept it's way and course amidst all these dark clouds which hath spread to darken the same and no promise or prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture hath ever fail'd or fallen to the ground now when it 's drawing so near to the perfect Day It is true each age hath had their proper measures of light in order to the service of that time and something peculiar allotted in the dispensations of Providence yea some greater eminency did belong to these times past when the sufferings of Christians did most abound in the adventures of Faith and in the tryal of love then in after times but as to higher
discoveries of the works of God the depths of providence about his Church these was reserved to that period when the Mystery of God hereon should be more fully perfited and in this respect it 's to be said blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to such a solemn time and to have his lot fall therein as is spoken Dan. 12 12. III. But for a further clearing of this Subject since the Glory of the Kingdom of Christ is so nearly concern'd in the discovery and entertainment of his Works in the day thereof and now when a more eminent appearance thereof is near that Kingdoms and Nations in their Complex Body shall in a more solemn way be the Lords It should be expected that the return and oblation of praise upon the great Acts of his Providence shall be more remarkable as a publick deed of Nations and Churches then hath yet hitherto been yea that when the Lord does in any singular way appear for their security and standing by Providences of a publick and national extent that a gratulatory retribution on their part must be of the same extent under a publick care and regard It is true there is a settled frame of subordinat means by which the Providence of God does work in the great designs thereof that we are called to regard wherein I doubt not but the Ministry of the Angels hath the greatest interest as one of the great Ordinances he hath setled in behalf of his Church tho as to their special offices and dâ—legate service to particular Churcheâ— and Christians is something that 's more dark but it may be hoped wil ere long be with a clearer evidence known in these great transactions of Providence which are yet to take place when a nearer Communion may be then attained betwixt these blessed Spirits and the Saints here on the earth then is yet known but tho there is no time wherein the Lord will not put honor on instituted means and on that established order of his working yet whilst most have such ordinare thoughts of God herein and are so ready to fix their eyes wholly on men his honor is concern'd to let the World know he is God by more extraordinar demonstrations yea such are most of the great events of his Word which are yet to be brought forth as cannot possibly in an other way be expected But on this Subject I would humbly offer some few reflections which should be matter of a serious regard 1. That as it s highly becoming on some eminent piece of the Work of God or publick deliverances for a Nation or State to have solemn and publick returns of thankfulnes to him thereon yet is it strange how so little regard should thus be to have the greatnes of any such mercy sought out and the same publick care extended for keeping up a venerable remembrance thereof so that such a service of Gratitude be not bounded with the transient work of a day since otherways it is a most essential want and with holding a proper and important part of that Tribute which is due into God herein for there can be no suitable regard to serve the end of such Providences and what was so straitly injoined of the Lord under the Old Testament which was the Churches continued practice there yea of the same moral and perpetual use in all after times if it should not be still a publick trust under the furthest humane care to promote the same tho divine Record and History for this intent does now cease 2. But as this hath ane unquestionable tye on Churches and a Christian State to design the most honourable respect and entertainment of the great Acts of God in their day and is made their proper talent to answer to so does a just exoneration herein call for the most exact scrutiny and search on the truth and evidence thereof on which the weight and credit of this service does so far depend to cause a more full assent by these who come after to such a testimony that these rare Providences wherein the Lord did thus make himself known were not only in the present time sought out and enquired unto under their proper cÃrcumstances but by such of greatest weight and advantage for a work of this nature whose sincerity and judiciousness might be convincing and the integrity of such ane Intent cleared from any partial respect or end but allennerly for exalting the Majesty of God and strengthning men in the Faith by so great a seal to his Truth and for the interest of the Posterity yea wherein these who in some lesser differences did not fully meet in the same Judgment yet might intirely unite in such a service and testimony as this 3. Where the Lord makes himself known in more illustrious acts of his power as may be called Magnalia Dei to some particular Nation and Church beside others who herein are in a more then ordinare way interessed it might seem equal and answer to the highest reason they sould be of that value as to be entred on a National Record and have that concurrence of humane authority to make the evidence hereof as authentick as the publick deeds or rights which belong to such a state It is true there is no want of Histories and the Church hath been blessed with that singular mercy of Martyrologies by faithful and impartial hands to attest the power of divine grace and supports of the spirit given to sufferers for the truth and of late it was of great use the concurrence of Civil Authority to that Work of the History of the Church of England that 's now extant by an excellent Writer but for this intent â—â— is something distinct by its self with respect only to these Monuments of Providence relating to a particular Châ—rch that are of publique clear and uncontrolled evidence to have the remembrance thereof with the highest honor kept up and secured from the prejudices and cavills of men thereat yea to such Passadges in that day whereon the Signature and Impress of the more immediate appearance of God hath had most full and bright evidence these great changes of a publique interest which hath then occurred wherein some extraordinar Conjunction in the course of Providence might be seen above natural causes and the ordinare way of Gods Working such interpositions of his wonderful power by which he hath designed to put some eminent honor on acts of trust and relyances on his truth as might be exemplary to after times and serve for that end that they who come after might sett their hope on God and not forget his Works Psal 78 7. yea extraordinar Acts also of divine Judgment whereby he hath appeared in some unusual manner to vindicate the honor of his Laws against publick and notorious violations of the same which may be clearly seen were not designed for that age only but as a publick concern for after times 4. Can it be questioned that since that