which the whole race of the Jewes is yet a standing witnesse then how it is continued and perfected in the revelation of the Gospel and but one intire frame III. That its deliverance was no private deed but by a publick trust to the whole universal Church so as it were more easy in the way of reason to question the most fundamental statutes and lawes of any nation by which mens private right and property is secured then the truth hereof IV. That under the Gospel it hath been so fully dispersed over the world and in such various languages as an innumerable company of Christians these 1600 years past hath been as a common library of the same V. That these numerous versions and commentaries transmit theron in diverse languages doe fully evidence they had the same Scripture and no other then what we have this day VI. That this was delivered to the Church not only in write but in that forme of sound words for keeping closse therby as could admit no possible accesse to corrupt or alter the same besides the continued and publick reference hath been since the first ages of the Gospel to its decision which all these sharpe controversies that have been in the Church on all sides doe inevitably require QU. VIII What doth confirme the fall of man and entry thus of sin into the world this way from clear and unavoidable evidences of reason ANSW I. That there is such a thing as sin and evil in the world with the sense and conscience of guilt arising hereon amonghst all mankind can need no proof or evidence II. That it is simply impossible this should have been originally created with man or essentially belonging to his first frame and constitution since then there could be no conscience of guilt or remorse for what was given to be a part of himself in his first frame or be any sin to act thus suitably to their own original state III. That it were not conceivable also how one part of man should be in such opposition to another IV. Nor that such a thing as inherent shame could be in the nature of man upon the sence of guilt and by so natural a result follow the same or that such should be ashamed of any part of his own being if this were not upon ane undoubted apostacy from what once he was and that inevitable conviction of conscience that he now is what he ought not to be so as the certainty of mans fall though alone revealed in the Scripture as to the true cause thereof yet may be as evident to reason as the truth of his being now is SECTION II. QU. I. ARe there such assistances to the Christian faith upon that great and astonishing mystery of the revelation of Christ to the world as can fully answer the greatnesse thereof from cleare and infallible evidence to mens judgement ANSW It is sure there could nothing possibly be desired more to satisfy the most doubtfull and suspicious minde then is given for the furthest certainty hereof I. That such a glorious person as the Messiah was to come and be anoynted to that great work of redeeming mankinde from sin and misery and bring man back again unto God and how this promise is the alone foundation whereon the church was founded since man fell II. That all these numerous types and sacrifices under the law did so expresly tend to confirm their faith of that one blessed propitiatory sacrifice which was to be offered up III. That longer the New Testament was writ there was so cleare and exact a portraicture of the Messias drawen forth in the old with such peculiar marks whereby he should be knowen to the church and have infallibly taken place in the event as men could not upon any Scripture evidence exspect his comming in another way IV. That his humiliation and sufferings were so expresly shewed forth and foretold with the peculiar circumstances thereof in the 53. chap. of Isaiah and 9. of Daniel as if they had been eye wittnesses of the accomplishment thereof V. That even the speciall season and period of time for outmaking of this great promise was so far made knowen as upon diligent search and inquiry its neare approach might be discernable and cleare to what or what manner of time this did specially relate for which both the fall of the monarchies and Daniels seventy weekes were set up as highway markes to guide mens faith herein VI. That it s simply impossible according to the Scripture how the promised Messias could be yet to come except the Jewes were put in the same state they were in at his coming when now for these 1600. Jeares there hath been no Scepter nor lawgiver no temple or daily Sacrifice VII That this great mystery could never possibly have entered in our thoughts or be devised by any created understanding QU. II. But are there as cleare and infallible evidences of the truth of this great promise in the event that surely the blessed Messias of the world is now come as that it is sure be was promised ANSW It s beyond all possible debate I. That so divine and wonderfull a person was in the dayes of Tiberius Caesar manifested then to Israel with no outward shew or observation who did so great and marvellous things before all the people as were above all created power yea was crucifyed at Jerusalem under Pontius Pilate and is a truth in the matter of fact that both Jewes and heathens have been enforced to confesse II. That this special season of his comming into the world as the great Epocha and period of time from which the Christian church hath since to this day reckoned her state and succession is undoubted and clear also III. That the time of his appearance unto the world did so exactly tryst with that which was foretold by the Prophets as then the Jewish church was with greatest advertance looking after the Messias so as some remarkable impostors were thus excited to deceive the people herein IV. That in him who was then revealed and whom the Christian church worships its sure was most exactly fulfilled what ever was foretold concerning the Messias in the Old Testament and we do appeal herein to these records which all the Jewes even to this day do acknowledge to be divine V. That this was not done in a corner but in the publick view of men in these dayes most noture and famous yea by the special destination of God at so solemn a time of the passover in Jerusalem where Christ our passover was then sacrificed VI. That no humane interest or policy can possibly be in this discovery of the gospell when nothing more visibly crosse therto or obstructive of its successe then such a publishing of the death and sufferings of our Lord with all the ignominy and abasement which attended the same had there been any accesse here to consult carnal reason or any other ground to beare it out then the evidence and certainty
we professe since this only is founded on that sacred revelation of divine truth in the Scripture which is that infallible rule to discerne true miracles and what is Gods seal herein under the undoubted signature and stampe of his own power and working in the same yet hath there been such incontrollable evidence of extraordinare signs and confirmations to confirme the truth of the Reformed Religion since the Reformation as in no ages past was ever known but with the first planting of the Gospel among the Gentiles SECTION IV. QU. I. IS it cleare and demonstrable that the doctrine of Christ is a soull quickening and experimental religion and the trial thereof in its most supernatural truths of such rational certitude and evidence as the world can no more deny or question the same then these experiments of nature that are of most universal use ANSW Though men looked but at a distance here or were come from Heathnism so for as to make a serious trial of Christianity its sure they could not but see and be fully perswaded in their judgement hereof on these grounds I. That such a discovery is undoubted and cleare in the Scripture of so great things as that there is a holy Ghost and his workings on mens souls of peace with God and the joy of his presence which all who receive the gospel are called to know and prove on their oun trial II. That this wittnesse of Christian experience hath as discernable a consent and harmony there with as face answereth to face in the glasse and is cleare to be no casual thing but where every step in this way of trial is by Scripture light and what they did before read there ere they knew it on their oun soul III. That this in all ages of the church and wherever such as served God in the spirit were found in the most remote parts from others hath still been the same and like a great roll is transmit from one generation to another with their confirmatory seal that God is faithfull and true in these truths of his word which seem most incredible to the world now comes to our hand to require the same attestation and wittnesse IV. That these who know and testify these things once found it not easy to beleeve the same and did no lesse judge of such great experiments of religion as a dream or imaginary thing then most now doe until they knew them on their soul V. That such also have been the most burning and shining lights that ever were in the church and these innumerable in all ages who declare the same yea this in the mouth of the grave and entrance to ane eternal state when no outward intrest could sway them here VI. That it must be a matter of greatest assurance which hath then pressed the most tender parents with their last and dying breath to commend the same trial to their children and to obtest their making earnest herein as the greatest interest they could leave them VII That what ever differences be oft among these in some matters of truth yet in the certainty of this great trial of the life power and comforts of religion is ane harmonious onenes in the same testimony in all times of the church VIII That if any question this because so remote from mens senses and the judgement of carnal reason the reality of its effects doth unanswerably prove both the reality and excellency of the cause QU. II. What cleare and rational conviction can yow offer of so great a thing as conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state by grace which doth raise them as far above the residue of mankinde as reason doth above the state of the beastes ANSW Though I should strive against the conviction of such a miracle and demonstration of the Gospel as conversion is yet were it not possible to deny such demonstrative evidences as the world cannot but see hereof I. That it is sure such a change is made essentially requisite to the being and constitution of a Christian by the whole consent of the Scripture II. That there was never yet ane argument in nature for ones being a Christian in the life and power thereof what ever may be for a naked form or shew III. That they are not a few but innumerable instances in all times and of all rancks conditions of men on whom so great a change and difference hath been made thus evident both from themselves what once they were and from the residue of the world IV. That this hath been not only upon such as have been signally impious in their practise but who in their judgment were wont to deread holynesse as a fancy so as Atheists must grant that there have been as profest Atheists sometimes as themselves who have been made such conspicuous monuments of the power of the gospel V. That none can object here as once the Jewes did doe any of the rulers or such as the world counts most wise and knowing stand wittnesses to the same when it is so knowen there have not been more wise learned and judicious in the things of reason upon the earth then such as have been eminent examples of the power of conversion VI. That its marvellous effects in subduing men to what once was there predominant interest and idol and to part from what had been as their right eye or hand could only be from ane immediat divine power VII That such as were greatest adversaryes to the truth have been made no lesse eminent instruments in the service of Christ and choise vessels of honour then once they were in their enmity and opposition VIII That this change hath been so discernable in times of most visible persecutions and hazard when no outward advantage or gaine could have the least influence thereon Now as these are demonstrably cleare so can there be no possible accesse to question this I. That the Scripture is faithfull and true in so great a discovery II. That there is a divine spirit and a power above nature which accompanyes the same in such a change III. That there are surely contrary states in ane other world when they are so undeniably manifest here QU. III. But can so great ane experiment of religion as that of communion betwixt God and men here upon earth be made rationally convinceing to such as are themselves strangers thereto and for a further confirming of the Christian faith ANSW Though this be ane experiment of divine truth of a more transcendent interest and value then all that ever were in nature yet is it no lesse evident there can be no possible delusion herein if I. to which so innumerable a company beares testimony and hath transmit the same as that which not once or twice they have proven but in the continued trial of their life II. That its knowen to the world how such as testify what they doe and have so oft found in the retirement of their
then with the out going of their affections 2. That as it s not conceivable how a true and firme assent can be to divine truth but on its known certainty so here is no resolving of the Christians faith on the strongest rationall evidences hereof yet must it still be resolved on the testimony of God made clear evident to them to be such 3. It is sure also the Lord hath not given so large a measure of these grounds and demonstrations of his truth with such redoubled arguments of that kind to be of so small regard as is with most but for some great and universall use hereof to the wholl Church and knew how needfull such assistances to the faith of his people would be whilst they are on the earth 4. That these means which tend most convincingly to found a rationall assurence in the judgment are the proper vehicle of the Spirit of God by which his sealing worke should be both sought and expected nor can I judge how the credite and use hereof should be so small and not on the same ground quite any externall ordinance of the Gospell which without the Spirit of the Lord can never profite nor how we should expect and suite his confirming worke on the soul when these greatest confirming means which he hath given to the Church have no just weight but o how wonderfull a teacher is the holy Ghost when such ordinare means fail and are inaccessable by furnishing his people then with these strongest arguments of love and power who having had but small measures of light yet were not unfaithfull to improve the smallest degree of such a talent 5. Yea so great a thing is it to attain a solid faith of things wholly remott from our sense and so far above the reach and apprehension of nature or to have an absolute relyance on an invisible refuge for our present and eternall state as no common assent can answer when the very rest and quiet of the soul must needs ly in the sure and firme persuasion hereof 6. It is too visible also how little the practicall use of such a mean hath yet been essayed in the Church that all who are members therof might no lesse know the strenth and firmnesse of the foundation of their faith by its own evidence then the generall articles of religion but whilst the most usuall instructing worke lyes almost wholly about the noetick part of Divinity there seems not that serious regard to presse the dianoetick part hereof on mens conscience as if this were to be restricted to a few who are more knowing learned and of an inquisitive spirit about the rationall certainty of the truth and for whom these choise and abundant helps of this kind which are in this age seem more peculiarly directed It s sure that the Christian faith in the first times did remarkably then spread and prevail by these clear evidences hereof to the judgment made effectuall by the spirit of God more then by extraordinare miracles nor knew they otherwise what it was to be Christians but by imbracing the truth with a full assurance of understanding no lesse then of delight and affection But if it be objected it is not the same case now where religion is planted in a nation and hath an uncontrollable publick profession under the support of humane lawes I know no weight this can have except that should be admitt therwith quod nunc nascuntur Christiani sed non fiunt 7. Yea is it not sure tho it seems little understood that the primary grounds and evidences of our faith are not only as to their â—nd demonstrative of the truth and divinity of the Scripture but are upon the matter such demonstrations also which most natively result from the same by infallible consequence and are thus to be accounted not as human but divine arguments given us by the spirit of God 8. I shall but further add how such as doe seriously ponder things will find this demonstration to be not more important then clear that to be a confirmed Christian and a confirmed Protestant are convertible terms and that if these as are under that deplorable bondage and darknesse of popery were but once awaked to see the truth certainty of the Christian faith by its intrinsick and objective evidence and taken off that brutish credulity and dependance on the alone credite of others herein it might be said the strongest ingine to hold up that profession were then broke and should see the doctrine and rule of faith to be of such full and perspicuous evidence from the Scripture as without blasphemy they could not seek from the Lord to give them a plainer rule then what he hath there given READER IT s like you may think strang how these few sheets in the close fall in here after the forgoing part was finished but tho they meet in one designe and interest yet was not this then intended untill the former was done and if it might tend to a solid use and fruit unto any I shall forbear a further Apology herein I may trulie say the weight of the subject hath carryed it some further lenth then was designed when I so much sought to be short as I aim at in any thing of this kind that through my desirâ— to avoide any unnecessare multiplying of thords I sarâ— least it may make some things seem a litle dark at the first looke tho I hope not upon any serious perusall of the same Two things I must further crave leave to add 1 that when some succinct view of the great assistances and confirmations of our faith is here offered which these of the lowest capacity of the Church might with that advantage improve as in a few howers by reading it some times over may be so far impressed on their mind and judgment that they could give some clear and judicious account thereof it may be by such but seriously weighed taken to heart of what conceirn the use hereof is 2. That I would humbly judge also it were a most speciall service for the truth in this day to have some short Directory and remembrancer of the great acts of the Lord and monuments of his Providence now under the New Testament in that maner held forth as might most tend to some universall use of all within the Church I confesse my desire pressed me to some smal essay herein with intent to have joyned it to this worke but haveing with much conviction laid this wholly aside as to any further appearence that way so is it with an earnest desire that some more qualifyed might take to heart and under their hand so great a service both for their generation and posterity It is sure the Lord hath designed his people to be tought the greatnesse of his workes as well as the precepts of his word and as no duty is more pressed then this under the Old Testament both as to Publick and Family instruction so are we no lesse accountable iâ— these last times for this improvement of such as are of known publick and uncontrollable evidence and should be thâ— care of each age to have that solemne remembrance kept up hereof so as not a few but the very multitude within thâ— Church might be as a publick Library and Repository of thâ— same FINIS
to the truth and certainty thereof but to amazement both live and dye strangers to the same yea how many of these who are otherwise serious in religion yet have their faith starved this way and are destitute of any such support but as it is not the numberousnesse of professours but the strength and solidity of their faith wherein the Churches strength most lyes and hath more slowrished in a few such to beget a greater awe and veneration of religion amongst men then at other times in the greatest multitude so is it the glory of divine truth that it can subsist by its own proper evidence and preserve its station in the worst of times when all external arguments does most visibly cease That it s thus fully demonstrable and clear Posit VI how no simple instructing of men in the general principles of religion can be the proper and adequate mean for such a faith of assent to the truth thereof on its own evidence or answer that Apostolick pattern of laying the foundation Hebr. 6 2. but that some special duties else are called for to so high an end such wherein not only that true primitive confirmation in the Christian faith might have some practical use but we might also hope therewith for a more remarkable out-letting of confirming influences of the Spirit of God What is to be understood herein I shall humbly offer in a few particulars I. That it is one of the greatest concerns of the ministerial worke and of the key of doctrine to have all who heare the Gospel in the First place pressed to take religion so far to heart as to have a serious inquiry on the grounds and reasons hereof and thus to know their being on sure ground herein not because they know not another way but because they know this is the alone way of truth to which they dar trust their immortal soul II. That for this end the supreme truths of religion be represented with that certainty of evidence and demonstration as both such great and marvelous things does require and the temper of such a gainsaying age now calls for and to have this pressed more on mens judgment and conscience that the things of God which are of the highest consequence reality and substance can have no possible reception by any implicit or probable belief thereof nor can admit any pretence for the same when the Lord hath given such kind of proofes and evidence as leaves mens darknesse herein without any shaddow of excuse II. That it peculiarly belongs to the Catechetical work of religion to take some accompt of the meanest professours thereof and with a special respect to the youth of their faith of assent to the doctrine of Christ on what grounds and certainty of evidence this is founded and for their instructing therein as well as in the general principles of religion when one of the most ruining things to the Church lyes here that the profession of most is layed in so deep an ignorance as they have almost nothing to say for the same but a naked affirmation I know the difficulty hereof for the weak may be objected but without just cause since as the prime truths of religion are few easy and plaine for the meanest capacity so also are the primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith if such once with that desire did search after the same as for a hid and invaluable treasure wherein this respect should be still had to difference betwixt what is initial and of a more fundamental concern for the weak and what may tend to an higher grouth and increase of others III. It should be of greatest use and advantage also for the same end that the young grouth now coming up in the Church were put to give some explicit evidence of their consent and choice of the profession of Christ so far as may witnesse a ratification of the baptismal covenant now as their own proper dead wherein they were implicitly ingadged in their infancy Some special grounds and reasons for this are I. Because God will have his service freely entered in and upon choise as that way which is most agreable to his honour for as the covenant binds mutually so doe the seals therof also and therfor upon our part is baptisme a sacremental oath of aledgence to God II. Because it tends to a more resolute and firme adherence to the service of God that this bussinesse should be personally brought home to mens conscience especially before their first admittance to the Sacrament of the Lords supper and thus to ingadg them as Joshua did Chap. 24 22. Ye are witnesses against yourselves herein and they said we are witnesses III. Because this is expresly held forth 1 Pet. 3 21. where baptisme is called the answer of a good conscience toward God upon this ground that such then who were come to years of knowledge were personally sisted to confirme by their own consent that solemne ingadgment and dedication by Baptisme to be the Lords and therefor it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is vox juris and signifies sponsio stipulatio publica inter Christianum Dominum Christum as the most judicious Commentators on that scripture does clearly render and so this was a special part of the primitive practize not only with respect to such who were converted from Heathenisme but were born within the Church and partakers of that seal of Baptisme in their infancy to siste them upon answer to that great demand of the Covenant doe yow now consent upon evidence and choise to be the Lords and to be a subject of his Kingdom and embrace the laws therof and doe yow thus in sincerity and truth declare the same wherein you have a good conscience before God And of what blessed fruit and advantage should this be both for the increase and honour of the Gospel if this were more deeply taken to heart for some practical use according to the rule and primitive pattern in the Churches of Christ IV. It were specially desirable also that there be some clear view and summary by it self of the most cogent grounds and demonstrations of the Christian faith with respect both to the Doctrinal Historical and Prophetical part therof and in that manner accommodate as the meanest within the Church might have such a help still at their hand and thus with the least expense of time be provided of such arguments and reasons as should tend through the blessing of God not only to the furthest rational assent and certainty of the truth of their profession but to give a most special support of mind against that inward tryal of Sathans temptations and fiery darts this way yea is such a mean that in the serious improvment herof by having such evidences once brought in on mens judgment and conscience so as to see with their own eyes the truth of the same I must humbly judge there is nothing next to the internal work of the Spirit
it may be ever seen how with the greatest prosperity of the wicked here there are punishments of another kind dispensed and more dreadful then any outward affliction such as judicial obstinacy and blindnesse of mind in opposition to God even when their own ruine is made visible to them herein VII How oft men are thus evidently condemned to be happy in this world by some strang measure of temporall successe and prosperity before some great fall and ruine as the issue hereof in the last shene of providence doth fully attest VIII That it s seen also how sin doth ever bring its own punishment therewith in some begun degree both of shame and torment and as Seneca an heathen could say that wickednesse was the most exquisite contriver of human misery so the world likewise may see how a present immunity from judgment is no release but when its sentence is not speadily execute yet is it at last surely execute IX And how evident is it that the greatest haters of godlinesse are yet inforced to justify the same and the Christians choise herein as the greatest wisdome upon any surprising state and extremity yea how such would be glad to joyne interests then with such in their death whom they most contemned in their life QU. V. How is it convincing and demonstrable that God hath given any clear and expres revelation of his will and councel unto men and that such a wonderfull record is undoubtedly extant in the world ANSW That I. it is not possible to believe the being of God and not also the truth of an established law and rule of commerce betwixt him and man here so as to know both what we should doe and what to expect and hope from him II. That this also must be known and display its power and efficacy to the world in that manner and by such infallible evidence of its truth as may render all inexcusable who give not intire credite therto III. I can be no more clear and assured there is but one sun in the firmament then that there is but one fountain and repository of sacred light about religion which is the Scripture and its being the alone publick standard of truth to the whole world IV. That no way was ever made known to recover mankind from a state of bondage darknesse and misery compatible with the very use of reason but by this blessed light which shineth there V. Yea that there is as visible a difference betwixt the same and any pretended religion which ever was besides in the world as there is betwixt day and night which is founded in the immutable nature of these things in themselves VI. That there is one proper sphere where this glorious light of divine truth is fixed and wherein it shines forth from one age to another which is the Christian Church QU. VI. But what more peculiare evidences can yow shew of the divinity of the Scriptures that all may see to be of infallible truth ANSW I. That its sure such a book is this day in the earth which no created wisdome could ever have done and contains such things of highest conceirn to mankind as doe infinitly exceed the bounds of human ability and invention or could ever have been discovered but by God himself II. That it gives forth such exquisite laws and constitutions of our religion as men must needs see the holy nature purity and perfection of God most brightly shining forth therin III. Which doth discover so great and proper a relief for all these evils and miseries that doe attend this fallen estate of man as none but an allsufficient God could only doe IV. That he alone must be the author of this blessed record who rules the world and hath determined the changes and revolutions therof when it is not more evident how these visible heavens are stretched forth over the earth then that this line of the Scripture is stretched over the whole worke and frame of providence and doth most clearly illuminate the same V. That surely this was the product of infinite wisdome whence so great a variety of matter doth meet with so visible a concent and harmony in one perfect and intire frame yea knit in so closse a bond of union together as makes the whole Bible to be intirly one piece though in the writing of each distinct part therof it could never have possibly been contrived or forseen by humane wisdome what we see here of so admirable an agreement correspondence as is in all the parts therof VI. That none els could have spoke to the world in so majestick a way becoming the greatnesse and soveraignity of God to assume such a supremacy give forth laws for absolute obedience from all mankind therto on such a penalty of eternal destruction or that any impostures either possibly could or durst have in such a manner personate the same VII That it must needs be his word who perfectly knows what is in man and hath an absolute authority over the soul and is a discerner of the thoughts therof who thus not only gives law to the conscience and our inward parts but doth establish an internal religion there no lesse absolutly then what respects our external worke and actions VIII Yea where all may see the whole penmen therof under so intire a subjection to the doctrine which they tought and to be no contrivance of their own as they did record their own failings and imperfections in behalf of the truth and did thus also require all just respect and obedience to the Magistrates when through the whole earth they were then greatest enemies to the truth of the Gospel IX That this must be his word who alone can derive principles of life to his own institutions and animate the same with a quickning Spirit and is a worke above the contrivance of Angels or men when directed to each new tryal of the Church and personal case of Christians as though it had been alone writt for that time so that I can be no more perswaded in reason there is such a book as the Bible in the earth then that it came from heaven and is the alone rule of religion and of divine revelation for the governing of mankind QU. VII How is the secure conveyance of the Scripture demonstrable amidst all the changes of times past and that no possible accesse could be for its corruption ANSW I. That its so undenyably the first rule which ever was given to mankind of religion and the alone publick standard of truth that hath endured the tryal and inquiry of all times past so as no pretences in the matter of antiquity could yet ever be to the contrare II. That so exact an harmony is betwixt the Old and New Testament as the one is a visible transcript of the other in its accomplishment that I can be no more sure of such a venerable record as the Old Testament and its unalterable conveyance to the Church to
ever 5. He hath another sight and prospect of the Christian Creed then most who give ane easy assent thereunto and hath his reason so dazeled with the revelation of the gospell and of the wonders thereof as hath put him to such ane exercise as that 2 Chr. 6 8. How to credit his eyes therewith the more deep reflexion he hath upon the same but will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth and to judge their case who after some fluctuating suspence are admitt to see the truth of Christianity with that certainty of its evidence as the greatness of such a discovery does require may have some resemblance to that transport which the Angells had at the first being of the creation where the morning starres sung together and the Sonnes of God shouted for joy to see themselves thus who were brought out of pure nothing entered into that inestable light of seeing God and of their own blessedness in him in so high a degree so that he accounts it one of the highest attainements of religion for a Christian indeed to believe the articles of his own faith and have his soul thus as fully persuaded as of his being that such a time assuredly was now many ages since past when the glorious Redeemer of the Church the second person of the God head came doune from heaven and was revealed in our nature that on him as surety tâ— divine justice in the roome of the Elect Church was the whole guilt and sin thereof transferred and in this marvellous way did the holy God take satisfaction to himselfe by himselfe that thus our nature is exalted by the incarnation of Christ above the nature of Angels that the time is neare when the meanest afflicted Christian shall draw in no other aire then the breathings of the higher Paradise above and now hath ane eternity of joy and blessednesse before him that within a very little time he shall know this welcome of our blest Redeemer to his followers here on the earth come ye blessed of my father inherite the Kingdome c. when he shall take off the crosse and put on the crown when it shall be then no more a matter of faith but of sence to be partakers of that inheritance with the saints in light and know these proper mansions in that state of glory and peculiar assignement thereunto which all the Redeemed shall then have and be adjoyned in the same classe with the Elect Angels to be as pure flames of love and joy yea know what it s to walk in these streetes of the new Jerusalem which are as gold transparent as Christall and what that meeting will be of his soul perfected and in a triumphant state with his glorifyed body raised incorruptible and never to part any more and to have his proper share of that blessed and greatest solemnity that shall be celebrated in heaven of the marriage supper of the lamb with the whole triumphant Church and heare that honourable account which the great judge will then make of these trials of his faith and sharp conflicts which he had gone through within time with that solemn testimony of approbation which will be given thereof and since its sure these great things must be a part of the Christian faith can it be strange that such as would in that manner converse therewith tho they be not yet seen as no lesse undoubted realities then any present objects of sense be not easily satisfyed with a low degree of evidence and confirmation of their judgement but that their joy who are sure here should be perfected so far as this state of mortality can beare and thus find it easy to rejoyce and glory in tribulation and to weep now for a season who are to rejoyce for ever yea to say in the words of Mephibosheth let them take it all enjoy the same since he who is their life and exceeding joy lives and reignes who is infinitly better to them then all these things 6. He accounts the strengthning of his faith to be such a concern not only as it is his soules venture for all eternity but as the highest way of gloryfying God here that what ever tends to a more full confirmation of the same he reckons also one of the greatest additions to his joy and comfort within time and that these manyfold assistances with such reduplication thereof which the Lord hath himselfe given for this end are such as no fragments of such a talent should be lost tho he knowes the greatest demonstrations of our faith can add nothing to the certainty of divine truth in it selfe yet are they thus given in regard of the strong trials of a Christians life and of what their weaknesse stand in need of for support 7. It s in this study he sees and takes to heart how not only the condition of man in the earth but the profession of Christ also calls for such a reckoning that he may have trialls in that manner dispensed when no visible refuge will be found in the least to stand by but all humane comfort and assistance wholly to succumb as needes his laying in such ballast now in its season and to be founded thereon with that assurance of judgment as is needfull for that day when he must either get through in the alone way of beleeving against sence or perish and tho no such attainments of light can beare out then without present and immediat influences from above and that it is sure according to the day so must the Christian strength be yet does he see also the want of ane established judgement and of some proper stock laid up of aides and assistances this way forgainst a sharpe storm is like to make sad work among the professours of this age er the trialls of such a time have done their work 8. He sees also how the greatest contest which is this day in the world is betwixt God and man upon the truth and assurance of his word and that the highest triall and probation of a Christian in which all the trialls of their life does still meet may be resolved here if they receive the testimony of God in his word as an absolute security to rely on yea or not and tho this is the peculiar glory of the only true God to have ane absolute dependance of his whole work on himselfe and to be the alone center of his peoples rest yet may nothing be more evident then that with most he beares that name of being their trust when the whole burden and weight thereof lyes alone upon visible grounds so that those bonds and promises which he hath himselfe given unto men does beate no more credit then they have some externall surety in the earth which they still looke after to stand as it were good and responsible for the same which is the highest indignity can be offered to the glorious Majesty of God 9. He does much take to
THE CONFIRMING WORKE OF RELIGION In its necessity and use briefly held forth that each Christian may have a proper ballast of his own of the grounds and reasons of his faith and thus see the greatnesse of that security on which he adventures his eternal state OR The true and infallible way for attaining a confirmed state in Religion from these primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith which the Lord hath himself given so as it may be easy for the meanest in the Church to know the same and be ready to render an account thereof to all that ask With a short and confirming prospect of the work of the Lord about his Church in these last times BY R. FLEMING Minister of the Gospel of Christ At ROTTERDAM Printed by REINIER LEERS M.DC.LXXXV The PREFACE THis small Essay here offered is on the greatest subject can fall under the consideration of mankind and is a study was never more pressingly called for then in these dayes for men to be making peace with God and to have such an assurance of his truth as can fully quiet and support the soul though all sensible props should be brocken and fail Great changes doe surely hasten on this generation and the life of faith is in an other manner like to be put to tryal then since the Churches rise and recovery from Antichristian bondage The storme now visibly grows upon the Churches of Christ though nothing is thus to faint or shake the spirits of any who know their anchor is sure and cast within the vail but the strongest difficulties in following the Lord when overcome yeelds the greatest victory and will be not only matter of joy here but to all eternity in having with patience and hope indured and got well through a throng of temptations and assaults in a resolute adherence to the truth If men think it their wisdome to secure their private interest by dividing it in such a time from the publick cause of the Reformed Church and make light of the greatest truths of God now assaulted of the blood of the Martyrs yea of their own eternal state by any coolnesse or shrinking from the same they will find no temporal motives can ever compense that losse and ruine which inevitably will meet such in the issue yea that these words of Mordecai to Esther Esth 4 13 14. have the same voice and weight in this day What is held forth in the following worke I may with humble confidence say was under some pressure to have such clear evidence and quieting persuasion of divine truth as made it lesse easy to have my own spirit satisfyed herein then possibly it may be to others for if it were not from that blessed assurance of the Lords being God of the revelation of Christ and of the glory to come I should not know what could be conforting or make a rational being desireable Some singulare ingadgments I judge my self also to stand under for putting to my seal to the truth and faithfulnesse of God in his word from many signal confirmations hereof in the course of my pilgrimage if such a poor testimony might be of any weight Let the blessed Lord gratiously accept this small offering to him and for the interest of his truth by so mean an instrument and give some fruit hereof that may abide and be found in the day of Christ I hope the Reader may find by a perusal of the I. Chap. of what serious use and intent the II. is yea that in this day it was not unseasonable or incongruous to the forgoing subject what is held forth in the III. Chapter But oh it is sad and amazing to think how few are under that weight of Religion as once to have a serious inquiry on the grounds and reasons thereof and to accompt the most special assistances to their faith to be the greatest helpers of their joy within time THE True and infallible WAY For attaining a confirmed state in RELIGION c. CHAPTER I. The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Christianity held forth and cleared in its continued necessity and use to this day in a few Positions THat nothing can have a more sad and threatning aspect on the present state of religion in all the churches of Christ Posit I then that utter estrangment most are under to the true grounds of faith and to those foundamental differences betwixt Christianity every false way which no pretended religion can lay claim to The reasons of the Position are these I. That it is too visibly manifest how no men in the world know so little of their own profession were it of any human art or science as such who bear the name of Christians or are so generally strangers to the truth and firmnesse of the principles therof for maintaining either a due valuation or powerful sense of the same on their soul so that an implicit and traditional profession is the only part and propriety which most can claim in the truth and doctrine they professe II. That so rare also is any such serious worke amonghst men as a personal inquiry and tryal if there be indeed such a thing as an experimental and soul quickning religion in the earth that can bear the expense of the most dismal and afflicting times and hath so great a temporal revenue lying therto as peace with God an immediate communion with him the joy and comforts of the H. Ghost when under such pressours of trouble as are above the support of nature III. That the furthest account why most goe under the name of Christians rather then of any other forme can rise no higher then custome and education that it did bespeak them from their birth and was the religion of their ancestours yea become in that manner naturall to them as the customes and language of their country which are grounds that should determine to the very opposite profession if they were stated under the same circumstances and had the same motives to be Mahumetans since it is sure these can found no other assent then is suitable to the nature and strenth therof IV. That thus it cannot be under debate how the most numerous part of visible professours are so destitute of any defense from internal motives and solid conviction of the truth they professe upon its own evidence as there was never more cause to fear some unusual apostacy from the very visible profession of Christ upon any violent tryal and assault this way when such finds it more easy to render up their religion then to adhere to the same under strongh temptations who yet never knew that substance advantage or certainty herein as could preponderate with the want of all external motives for such a profession That thus one of the highest services of these times Posit II for the publik good of the Church does convincingly lye here to have the faith of assent to the truth and doctrine of Christ in a clear and firme certainty of the
Lord with the furthest light and assurance of mind amidst the great tryalls of such a time IX That its this way also the world is rendred inexcusable for their misbeliefe of the Gospel when under such sufficiency of means given for this end by so great a discovery of the confirming evidences of its truth so as they can have no pretence herein but an obstinacy and resolution not to be convinced on which ground doth our blessed Lord testify that it was no want of light upon the certainty of his truth why men did not receive it but that they loved darknesse better then light because their deeds were evil when such clear rational and convincing evidences are laid open to their view how most possibly can get these put by or rejected is not easy to comprehend but that a real irritation and torment of spirit from such clearnesse of evidence doth thus more tend to harden then convince That there is a continued necessity of such a confirmation in the faith to this day Posit IV what ever can be objected of so long a consent and prescription of time in the profession therof is fully demonstrable on these grounds I. Because it is sure the Christian faith doth still need these assistances and is a strang mistake that only for Heathens and Atheists such confirming evidences of the same should be adduced but not for any under a visible profession when the whole of divinity and doctrine of our faith is so full of demonstrative arguments for the dayly use of the most established Christians in their passage through time II. That as the highest motives to all serious godlinesse and the moral duties of Christianity must needs be from its known certainty to us so is the continued use therof to be still the same III. That these numerous tryalls and conflicts of Christians now doe no lesse call for some higher establishment in the truth on which they must alone rest when all visible props fail in their judgments then of supporting grace nor is it conceavable how men can this day walk in the light of any true joy and comfort without a more sollid assurance of their being on safe grounds herein then most seem to reckon IV. Because the revelation of the Gospel and of an eternal state in an other world is so great and wonderfull as its strang how this is not the highest interest of mens life to have their faith more deeply confirmed on the furthest tryal of their security now by the way herein who must shortly make so great a tryal therof at death for if we were but once this length to ask our own soul what the Christian faith indeed is and are thus called to believe it could not possibly but beget some extasy of wondering at the greatnesse therof and to reckon any light and implicit assent to the same as a degree both of Atheism indifferency in this matter V. Though there be no conflict with Heathens as in the first times yet was such a spirit never more aloft then it is now to take of all firm assent to the greatest principles of truth when Atheisme seems to be at its ultimus conatus in the world and we are fallen in so amazing an hower of the power of darknesse as makes these latter times more remarkably perillous and trying then the first VI. Yea if such a confirming worke be one of the greatest means to advance the repute and honour of religion when its wonted awe and veneration is so far lost and to awake men to deeper impressions of its truth when so few seeme now under any such weight then it is sure there was never more need of the same then in this day That such a service to the Church Posit V doth not only respect the more knowing inquisitive and judicious part therof but the meanest professours of religion also of whom this is necessarly required is evident on these grounds I. Because each Christian should have undoubtedly such a ballast on their own soul of the solid and rational grounds of their faith as well as these of greater parts and induments the promotting of which were it more deeply considered I dare humbly adventure to say should be found one of the choicest meanes to promot Christianity this day II. Because this is not to drive any to doubt or question the least sincere degree of assent though it be not with such strenght of evidence as in others nor can by that formal argumentation give the same accompt therof since a few grounds this way may specially help to some solid conviction and confirming of their mind when they may be ignorant of many other cogent arguments for this end but its sure also the greater clearnesse of evidence doth still in the appointed way of means lead in to a more firme and strong assent of the judgment to the truth of our religion III. Becaus the strenth of the foundation in it self cannot be enough if it be not with such a known evidence as men may build firmly and with assurance theron nor hath the Lord thus only designed to give his people an infaillible and sure testimony to adventure on but that it should be made sure also to them IV. Because none can in truth say that Jesus is the Lord but by the H. Ghost 1 Cor. 22 3. by which is not to be understood so much there the necessity of supernatural grace for a saving faith but that none can give a true assent and confession of the same but from these grounds and arguments which are revealed by the H. Ghost unto men for this end and as its sure that these characters and evidences of divinity which are imprinted on the whole revelation of the Gospel may be clear demonstrative to our judgment so are they as truly divine as the doctrine which is confirmed therby V. Because there can be no possible cause for credulity of the truth from any intricate obscurenesse of the same when the Lord hath given such great assistances to our faith to be as milk for babes as wel as meat to strong men And though it be objected that the furthest objective evidence of the Gospel with so clear and strong a conveyance therof is yet so little operative on most the same might be said also of the whole letter of the Scripture but as this tends not in the least to resolve our religion into any meer exercise of reason and leaves the whole worke of the Spirit in its energy and operation therwith on mens souls intire yet doth it fully evince such a sufficiency of evidence with the Christian faith as makes any doubtfulnesse herein simply impossible through want of the greatest advantage of means yea such as are of another kind then to induce only a probable perswasion of the same VI. Because it is one of the saddest symptomes of the present state of religion that so few almost in whole congregations can give any clear assent
of this kind might tend more to promote the Kingdom of Christ in this day I shal but add this further on the present subject Posit VII that as there are some more signal periods of time to which a greater brightnesse and increase of light hath respect under the New Testament so doth there now seem to be some remarkable call and excitment to such a confirming work in this day about the Christian faith when we may hope that a more solemne and restoring time of religion in the world is on a near approach though all sensible evidence would seem to control this and may be now more looked after then prepared for under any suitable impression of these grounds for the same I. That the promised time of the conversion of the Jewes doth assuredly draw near and whatever be judged by some of the Lords immediate appearence herein by a miracle yet is it unquestionable that nothing in the way of means could be more promising and hopeful to promot this great end then in promoting so great a service as this for the Christian Church II. That a greater extent also of the profession of Christ amonghst the Gentils and renting of the vaile that is now over many dark nations seemeth clearly insured therwith and what a hopeful evidence should this be if such a publick and catholick spirit were more seen how to advance the highest ends of religion on such an accompt without respect to any partial or divided interest yea that this blest zeal of God might in that manner appear to have the dark world get a more clear and convincing prospect of the highest rational demonstrations of Christianity as might through the Lords gracious concurrence bring men once to an inquisitive and serious spirit about the same Oh that such may be thus raised up in this dismal hower with something of that ancient spirit to travel with desire for the salvation of mankind and of whom it may be said as of blest Nehemiah these are indeed come to seek the welfare of their people in their greatest interest III. And this farther excitment we are now under for this end in a time when Popery seems to be upon one of its last and greatest assaults against the Church since it s so clear what ever tends to confirm men in Christianity from their own tryal and inquiry upon the confirming evidences therof must have the same native result to make such confirmed Protestants yea nothing is more demonstrable then that the method and grounds that are taken both to ingadge and fix men in the Popish profession have the same rational tendency to promot Atheism and to give infidels the greatest advantage to reject the profession of Christ CHAPTER II. The confirming worke of Religion reduced to practical use in some clear view of these primary grounds and demonstrations of our faith which none should pretend ignorance of who enters the profession of Christ upon choise and certainty of evidence SECTION I. QU. I. WHat reasons and demonstrations can yow give for so great a faith of the glorious being of God when he is invisible to humane sense since this is the fundation of all religion ANSW Though on the sacred truth and authority of his own word this is principally founded yet I am with the furthest infallible evidence herein confirmed I. That it can be no more sure this marvellous frame of the heavens and earth hath a being and is the object of our sense then that a supreme infinite wisdome and power must be the first cause hereof and it were simply impossible it could ever otherwise have been II. That he hath thus made himself visible to our eyes by such a visible world and in so exquisite an order and correspondence there to support the same as nothing stands alone by it self but in a line of mutual respect which runs through the whole creation whom we may as clearly thus see as that there is an invisible soul in a living body III. That this harmony is amongst thinghs in their own nature so contrare and destructive to other for to hold this wonderful frame as all must abandon reason or see an infinitly wise conduct herein and no need of extraordinary miracles to confirme what the whole constitutions of nature do witnesse IV. That this rare frame of man could never have come in being but by him who could unite such different substances as a material body and an immaterial soul in so near and marvelous an union V. That such an universal consent of mankind is in all ages therto as shews religion to be founded in the very nature of man and as essential to his being as his reason is yea how the ultimate difference of man from the beast and most essential property of human nature lyes here VI. That though every one be an enemy to what torments him yet was it never possible for an Atheist to free himself from that unavoidable sense and fear of a Deity nor in a world so much lost in wickednesse could ever extinguish the awe of religion or make any rational opposition to this greatest article of the common faith of mankind VII That the reason of the whole constitution of nature and vicissitude of things here is so great as without shutting out the use of reason we cannot but see how nothing possibly could have been better and that any want hereof in the whole frame of the universe would be as the dislocation of a joynt of the body and were not conceivable to be otherwise then it is by infinite wisdome appointed VIII That it s simply impossible that God blessed for ever should not exist or that this universe which is a worke so highly becoming the greatnesse of its maker could possibly subsist for one hour or minute of time without a supreme independent power and being on which all visible beings have their dependance since they cannot depend upon nothing IX That such is the absolute necessity of the faith also of a God-head as without this the state of mankind could not morally subsist or any possible order subjection piety and justice be to support human society but as Bradwardine saith O quam necesse est hunc esse quem impossibile est non esse O that men cannot but see these effects of his power on the conscience in the certainty of a profetick light and discovery as hath been oft given of future things and in the undenyable truth of miracles so as such a prodigy as a profest Atheist can have no claime to human race as a rational being more then the greatest monster in nature to be a true man QU. II. What doth witnesse the worlds not being eternal and its first original and beginning from God to confirme your faith herein by the further rational demonstration ANS I. That as an eternity is only communicable to the first cause so that which is made up of corruptible perishing things as this visible world cannot possibly
of its truth VII That herein have all divided partyes and sects in the Christian world been enforced stil to meet and consent in ane acknowledgement of the substance thereof VIII That in the same light which was held forth in the Old Testament about the Messias did the whole gentile church enter and made claime to their right for being adopted the seed and children of Abraham on these cleare and expresse promises given for the same which the Jewes could not but confesse to be of divine authority QU. III. What confirmation is to the Christian faith that for 4000. yeares the comming of the Messias should be deferred after the promise ANS Though the soveraign pleasure of God should silence and satisfy our minde herein yet is there such a sight to be had hereof and of insinit divine wisedome shining forth in the same as should be most confirming for these ends I. That there might be a more distinct representing of the glory of this mystery to angels and men in such a graduall opening up of the same II. To put that weight and high value on his own promise and testimony herein when on the alone credit thereof he would thus both try and beare out the faith of his church for so many ages and draw forth their desires and longings in all that long space of time after the same III. To testify the greatnesse of his wrath against sin and the Apostacy of mankinde by suffering the generality thereof to ly so long under its fatall effects IV. To prepare the church for so great a reception by all that long preparatory service of legall institutions as so highly becoming the greatnesse of this mystery to have so solemn and stupendious ane introduction thereto V. That thus the world might have its full tryall of the insufficiency of natural abilityes and of any improvements of humane wisedome and learning for help after this had first been at the furthest hight both in Greece and Rome before the alone Redeemer of the church came QU. IV. What can offer furthest conviction to the world of the truth of Christianity from its nature and internall excellencies and that it is no lesse essentially good in its selfe then evidently true ANS I. That its so undeniable even to these that live at a distance how such is the truth of Christ that though all visible and humane props should faill it can subsist by its oun evidence and authority over mens conscience and hath thus ever preserved its station in the worst of times II. That as it holds forth the most exquisite rule of perfection to follow so doth bring the greatest releef to the distempers of the minde and these miseries which attend humane state here so as a higher glory doth thus result to the holy God by this dispensation of Grace to fallen man then if he had stood in his primitive state III. That it is sure the truth and doctrine of Christ doth natively tend to fix men in a state of light and communton with God and in a state of separation of such in their principles affection and conversation from the world IV. That it doth more brightly shine forth in simplicity and truth and in its internall and vitallacts then in any outward form or shew yea in the way of selfe deniall meeknesse and poverty of spirit doth such ane excellency appeare as in its oun nature hath as visible a difference from the proud and vindictive spirit of this world as the day hath from the night V. How such is Christianity as by no naked doctrinall discovery of the same to mens judgement or such rules as any humane science is acquired by can be knowen without ane inward power and principles of a new life nor can there ever be a right knowledge of divinity untill it be first ingrafted in a divine heart so far is this mystery above all humane rule and contrivance VI. That it is stated in the greatest opposition to any false shew or hypocrisy yea brings such inforcements therewith of candor and truth and of love tendernesse and sympathy towards others as all must see is not only the highest ornament and perfection of our nature but the greatest blessing to the world that ever was knowen VII That such a native lustre and fragrancy doth attend the truth and simplicity of the gospell as it s no more possible for humane art or cunning to represent this then to make the dead image of a man to live or to paint in a broad the vitall scent of a violet or rose to our senses VIII That in this way of the gospels subduing men to the obedience thereof by the power of inward grace the glory of Christ doth more eminently shine forth then if he had appeared for this end with the greatest outward majesty and attendance of Angels to our bodily eyes IX That it is so visible how the whole world besides that is without the revelation of Christ is a place where horrour falsehood and impiety doth manifestly reign QU. V. But how do yow receive so wonderfull a truth as that of the Gospell is when it s now so great a distance of time from its first promulgation ANS I. That we can be no more sure and perswaded of the most visible and present objects of sense then that this is the same gospell which is still shining forth to the world whereby ane innumerable company of all nations tongues and languages hath received the spirit and been sealed yea hath made that change upon men in turning them from ungodlynesse and idols to serve the living God as hath been no lesse marvellous then the turning of so many wolves into lambs II. That it is the same gospell which not only through a series of 16. centuries hath been attested but by such innumerable witnesses who counted not their life deare unto the death for sealing thereof and found it sweet to be offered up in the flames for Christ III. Which in all ages past hath stood out the greatest opposition that ever the world made to any interest while the weapons of its warfare were spiritual and not carnal with that successe as the time of the Churches hottest persecution from heathens was that period of time also of a most remarkable spreading in the world IV. That the same Gospel is revealed this day which hath had such discernable triumphs and successe when no external assistance could be seen herein and no visible power by which it gained the most savage and dark parts of the earth to take on the yoak of Christ and prefer the objects of faith to the most desireable objects of sense V. Yea which hath not only had such vital influence on mens heart and practice to change it into the same image but that herein the doctrine of the crosse of Christ in the greatest simplicity hath still been the most effectual way of its conquest and the greatest attractive on mens souls to receive
souls with God are of as discerning spirits to know the true value of things as any else yea such whose testimony in other things the worst of men could not refuse nor deny III. How its undeniably evident such must know ane other acquaintance and society then that of men that not only makes these hid exercises of godlines so desireable where all may see they more flee then follow any humane wittnesse but thus makes so visible a change oft both in their case and countenance after most sad anguish and dounecastings of spirit IV. That it is so evident also how such as are most serious this way have been visibly oft raised above their ordinary case and frame in prayer and other dutyes of religion yea in that manner as they who never knew there is a holy Ghost but by report could not withstand so cleare conviction of the reality hereof that can beget such liberty humble tendernesse and melting of heart yea such discernable joy and confidence V. That no delusion or false shew can be here when it s ever seen how such as are most serious and frequent in prayer and these hid retirements with God are the most flourishing also in the vitals of Christianity and have the most honorable lustre and appearance of any in their profession VI. That its such only whose joy and comfort is most specially discernable beyond others when these lower springs of outward help and encouragement are most visibly shut up QU. IV. Is that great and experimental part of religion in the power of the conscience over man such as may be as demonstrable to the world as the truth of a rational being ANSW It may be matter of wonder how men are not struck with deeper convictions hereon when they cannot but see I. That though this be the greatest tormentor and troubler of the world yet is there no possible retreat from its power tho they should flee to the uttermost parts of the earth but doth thus enforce the soul to a reflexion on its selfe even when it trembleth at that sight II. Which causeth such feare and horrour upon the commitment of secret sins when no dread of humane wittnesse or of visible hazard this way could ever occasion this III. Which admits no violence in any to outdare the same but is a power that the greatest monarches finde to be stronger then they and is such as these oft are enforced for a present ease and releefe either to divert or bribe the same by some false grounds of peace IV. That it constraines men to justify God and judge themselves when his hand doth pursue them and to finde out their sin and guilt which was before hid V. Which makes men also afrayed to be alone with themselves and to tremble at the word of truth because its light doth torment them by that unavoidable application the conscience makes hereof VI. Yea makes mens guilt so legible oft in their countenance even when they study most to conceale it as all may see there is ane accuser within whose authority and power cannot possibly be declined VII Which with so remarkable a considence and security doth support mens spirit and makes it easy to sustain its greatest infirmityes from without when it is a friend yea thus upholds the opprest with unspeakable peace and comfort when it doth oft cause the oppressours to tremble QU. V. But what doth most necessarly result from so cleare a demonstration as the conscience is for confirming of our faith ANSW I. That its infallibly thus cleare how there is a higher power and judgment to which all mankinde is subjected gives the world an unavoidable demonstration both of the being of God the truth of his word in the great supernatural discovery which it makes hereof II. That there is a supream infallible law also invisible judge above us under whose power and authority this court of justice doth without respect of persons both summond arrest bring in witnesse and sentence great and small III. That the internal government of our blessed Lord this way both in the severity of his rebukes and most sensible enlargements of peace and comfort is unavoydably demonstrat IV. That it beares so clear evidence to that unknowen and undoubted releef and how none else could be ever found to these wounds and stings of the conscience but in the light and power of Christianity V. That it is simply impossible for men to delight freely in a course of sin when no humane power can disarm the conscience of that so intollerable a sting by which it begins so early a hell within the soul VI. That such is the power and peace of a good conscience as can make it stand unbroken amidst the greatest ruines and terrours of the world when under such a guard as it is wrapped up in its own innocency SECTION V. QU. I. IS the evidence of a Kingdome of darknes in a direct opposition and contrariety to that Kingdome of light which Christ hath set up by the Gospel such as the certainty thereof may be a matter of sense as well as of faith ANSW Since this is of such special use both to confirm the christian faith and awake such to deeper reflexion on the same with whom there seemes no accesse to deall but by proofes from palpable experience it is not possible to deny I. That there is such a power as the devil and these wicked spirits incompassing the earth yea that have ane ordinar and familiar converse with many therein II. That these spirits though once originally excellent have fallen into such ane apostacy as all may see their aim and only pleasure is to dishonour God and destroy his image in man III. That it is impossible to deny the marks of that power and conquest which the Prince of this world hath every where amongst men yea how visibly many are transformed into his image into such prodigious and desperat acts of wickednesse as we should think humane nature could not but tremble at IV. That none can control the certainty both of sense and reason which is in the truth of apparitions and bodily possessions of men in all ages and in all places of the earth and can need no demonstration for this that in many places of the earth the devil is both visibly and audibly knowen V. That he is so manifest in his appearence as a spirit of blasphemy which impetuously acts men to war against heaven with their tongue in such oathes and cursing as hath no casual pleasure or gain herein yea as a spirit of delusion in so visible ane excitement of others to these extravagancies under a shew of religion as are incompatible with any use of judgement or reason VI. That so innumerable a company of humane race hath in all ages been in a formal and expresse covenant with these powers of darknesse is undenyable upon the most severe and impartial inquiry herein Qu. II. What special
are given up to under the greatest discoveries of light so as all may see their being thus bound over in chains and shut up in prison until death bring them forth to the execution and how no relief or application of the means of grace hath then any more accesse VII From such a mape shaddow of eternal vengeance in these terrible acts of divine judgment inflicted here on Apostates and persecuters of the truth and other flagitious persons which with the very first view might present an awful and immediat appearence of God in the same and that some strang and supernatural punishment is oft visible on the workers of iniquity VIII And what ever be of natural causes in such visible representations here in the earth as that sulphureous lake where once Sodom was and these burning mountains such as Haecla Etna and Vesuvius yet we may truely judge their being thus set before the world as some visible memorials of these infernal flames and as it were so many lumeheads thereof for such who will not believe the same because they doe not yet see or feal such a thing QU. VII What assistances hath our faith of that great and wonderful truth of the resurrection of the body after its dissolution in the grave unto dust ANSW I. From that visible and stupendious frame of the heavens and the earth when its sure that the same infinite power that hath not only made man but the whole creation can as easily collect and recount the dispersed ashes of the body as form the same II. From that greatest pledge hereof in the resurrection of the body of Christ III. From that tribulation and sore pain that the saints here in their outward man are exposed to since it is sure that in the holy justice of God he did not give such bodies for labour and for toyl and to his martyrs to endure unexpressible torments for Christ to perish for ever IV. From these visible resemblances and prefigurations of the resurrection which the Lord hath given to confirme our faith herein in the ordinare course and productions of nature so as all may see how every night is as the grave of the day-light and each morning a new resurrection of the same and how visible an image of death is in each season of the winter with so marvelous and beatiful a resurrection of the earth on every return of the spring in the herbs flowers and plants taking life and rising again in the leaves blossomes and fruites yea this in such a variety as may no lesse convincingly evidence an infinite divine power herein then that the same body of man should be raised at the last day V. From that continued miracle of the harvest after the seed-time with so amazing a production of the grain sowen in the earth and its first dying there before it be quickned so as to be at last brought to 30 60 yea sometimes an hundred fold out of the very same grain which to these who had never before known the same would seem incredible above all reason to conceave or bear credite therto CHAPTER III. The confirming worke of Religion improven wich respect to the times to clear the way of the Lord herein before this generation and let us see how nothing is so strang in the events of this day which should not more strenthen then shake and that the God of the Reformed Church doth still own the same interest according to his faithfulnesse which is here briefly pointed at upon some special inquiry proposed about the same SECTION I. QU. WHat can afford both light and confirmation to our faith in such a time when we see the worke of the Lord about his Church to be most remarkably now a worke of judgement with such dark and searching tryals therwith as former times have not known ANSW It is sure we have seen nothing but what might have been too evidently looked for and that we can pretend no want of light herein upon these grounds I. That the Trialls of a Church should be suited to the measure of their talent of light when this hath been in some more then ordinare way dispensed that some remarkably searching times might be expected to follow nor can it be now strang to us that such things fall in with this day which did not meet the Churches of Christ at the first entry of the Reformation who then had not so clear discoveries of the truth and that measure of confirmation therein which hath been since II. That some unusual tryals and conflicts in the Lords usuall method of providence should be suited also to the greatnesse of that worke which he is bringing forth may be no strang thing and to see a time of such sore wrestlings as this when all things seem to cry be in pain as Micah 4 20. Yea when some great event of the Scripture is to be revealed to the world and near to its full hight and period of accomplishment as we have safe ground for assurance of this â—ay III. Nor hath this sad and dismal hower on the Church been more obvious then the provoking cause hereof in which the holy righteousnesse of God may be no lesse clear then the cloud now is dark when such a visible falling of hath been from that love tendernes and power of religion that did formerly attend its profession as for these many years past we might have seen that some sore and remarkable judgment was coming and that if we had not been in such a maner undone we were under some sadder strock of spiritual judgment ready to be undone IV. Yea it hath been too visible that such evils followed the Reformed Churches as in no time it was ever known that the holy God did passe such by without some signal evidence of his wrath against the same before the world V. We know that carnal confidence hath a curse ever waiting upon it in the Scripture which none can take of or make that thrive which God hath himself cursed and it is too visible how far we have gone thus out of the way of our strenth by such eager seeking human props support as we have forâ—ot the guide of our youth and convenant of our God and what great things he hath formerly done in the greatest straits of his Church when there was much humble trusting with little sence as though the spirit of the Lord had not done more to recover his truth then all human might or power ever could doe SECTION II. QU. WHat talent are we still accountable for to support our faith against the greatest fears of this time from these immediate appearances of God and of the glory of his power for the same truth and cause of the Reformed Church we are now called to contend for which hath been since the reformation when so strong unusual a tyde now is against the same ANSW If men shut not their eyes and hide this great talent of the workes of
and judgment to the same III. To admit no gratification to the most predominant desires and inclinations of men upon any darling sin which according to human wisdome would be judged of an absolute necessity for gaining any acceptance with such yea to give no partial respect to the greatest Princes more then to the meanest IV. To pursue its interest by so plain a discovery of the death and sufferings of our blessed Lord with the whole ignominy thereof when nothing could more evidently control such an end by any rules of human wisdome and policy if there had been a possible accesse to consult flesh and blood herein V. And its sure there could be no designe without an immediate divine power in such a manner to plead the interest of Christianity with men by inserting affliction and the crosse in the first entry as essential to the profession thereof and holding forth the necessity of taking on the yoke of Christ without which none can be his Disciples QU. IV. But wherein doth the evidence of that great demonstration of the Gospel most clearly appear in the love and unity of Christians amonghst themselves which we find Christ doth so specially presse for this end that the world might know and have such a visible seal of his divine mission Joh. 17 21. ANSW The greatnesse of this demonstration may be thus evident to all I. That its so clearly demonstrative of the purity of our Religion which can admitt of no bitternesse strife recrimination or such indecencies of heat and passion which are these fatal effects of discord in the Church and thus lets us see the excellency of the spirit and rule of the Gospel II. That thus also we may know the power and efficacy of the truth thereof which is according to godlinesse upon mens heart in subduing these distempers of the mind and judgment III. That this doth so specially tend to make religion lovely and to draw forth matter of praise and blessing to God from the world when they see such a native effect of Christianity as this to make those who professe the same in that manner shine forth in tendernesse humility and brotherly love so that they become as a publick good and blessing to mankind in the place they are in IV. This appears also from the nature of that union in the Church of Christ and amongst his followers which only a divine power could both frame and make effectual and its sure no human society or constitution could ever claim such an unity therein as this is where not only persons of all nations and languages and of all conditions both high and low but of the most different interests humours and dividing circumstances in other things doe yet in so marvelous an harmony meet in the body of Christ which is his Church here in the earth V. Because herein also doth the glory and honour of our blessed head more eminently appear in securing this unity of his Church under a diversity of light and judgement otherwayes by a spirit of love meeknesse and condescendence amongst his people then by imposing the most severe and absolute uniformity in all things to be the alone condition of Christian communion QU. V. But what strength and evidence doth this demonstration of the Gospel now bear in so divided a state of religion and when the wounds and breaches of the Church this day are like to blood unto death ANSW Whatever just cause be of griefe yet is there none for darkening the truth of this demonstration on these grounds I. That none can deny the perfection of the rule of the Gospel for the most firm and intire unity amonghst all the followers of Christ on the earth II. That no opposition which is made therto but what hath been fortold as one of the greatest tryals of the Church under the New Testament and the Spirit of God doth most expresly point at in these latter times III. Because the furthest opposition thereto can be no more cause for any to stumble or question the truth of this demonstration then that there is a Devil whose greatest designe hath ever been to divide and break Christians amongst themselves IV. Because this union which is chiefly mistical and invisible is much greater oft then what this way may appear to the world and of that kind as is not interrupted by distance of place or any want of local communion V. That such a guard is set by the Lord unto this piece of his glory and to oppose any invasion thereon that there stands an Angel with a flaming sword upon every hand in the commands and threatings of the Gospel to secure this blessed unity of the Saints amonghst themselves so as none can invade the same but on their highest peril of opposing that which is as the apple of Christs eye VI. That its ever found how this demonstration hath some clear evidence amonghst such who are indeed the Disciples of Christ and according to their advance in the life and power of Christianity doth the more brightly shine forth so that the nearer the lines are to the center the nearer also are they amonghst themselves VII That in all times there hath been some tremenduous marke â—f the judgment of God made visible on such who are contentious and have made it their worke to cause division in the Church and sow discord among brethren QU. VI. But what hath the Church now in these latter dayes to compense the want of that great demonstration by miracles and such extraordinare confirmations of the Christian faith as were in the first times ANSW I. That we may see how far that seal of martyrdome which came in the roome of miracles to the Church hath exceeded that which was in the first times of the Gospel II. That there hath been since such innumberable shining examples of holinesse yea these continued to this day whom the world might see did walk in the light and power of Christianity as sure as men walks under the power and vertue of a living soul III. That we now see what a length the course of the Gospel and of the Church militant is come and how far thus the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled which once was so contrare to all human appearence IV. That so sure and exact a performance of the Scripture is now undenyable in the event and of such great and marvelous things which were fortold under the New Testament that in an ordinare way none could have believed what we see with our eyes and now have these things which were in former ages the object of the Churches faith made the object of our sense and its sure this is such a seal and confirmation to our faith in these last times as doth much exceed the greatest miracles which were with the first planting of the Gospel V. Though we may not resolve our faith on any extraordinare providences or lay the least weight hereon to support the authority of the doctrine