fulfilling of the Scripture is therein concerned the outmaking of the promises and threatnings one syllabe whereof he doth more value then all the crounes and Kingdomes of the earth yea will not let it fall to the ground though it should be at the rate of laying cities and countries desolate for it s in this the Lord taketh pleasure and exerciseth his blessed thoughts even the bringing about what he hath spoken in his Word â— Now to clear this furder I shall hold forth these following grounds whence it may appear First the fulfilling of the Scripture and written Word is so great a thing and of such concernment that the blessed Majesty of God thought it worthy of a place in his heart from all eternity this was before him in his thoughts and counsels of old even that mervalous work which should be the after-product and outmaking of his Word to his Church here within time and surely was such a plott and contrivance that as no lesse then infinit love wisedome and power was required to bring it about so it was well becoming the Majesty of God and worthy to be the work of all the three blessed persons of the trinity O if we could go doun a little to this deep and see the wonders that are there we would find that knowledge which usually lesseneth our admiration of other things would highten it here it would be new to us every day to think how great and mervelous a thing that is which the Word is bringing forth 2. It is upon this even the performance of the Word that the present encouragement and after blessednes of the saints dothly for the great interest of the Church is adventured upon the Word and embarked with it which should be lost yea their stock and treasure which is laid up in heaven and all that a Christian is worth which is layd up in the promise were then perished if the Scripture should want an accomplishment the Godly man hath then run labourned in vain these who are fallen asleep in Christ have dyed in a sad delusion providence would be like the work of the foolish builder who begun and knew not how to finish O how heighly then is the Lord concerned in fulfilling of his Word That he may perfect what concerns his People and having surely payed the price put them also in possession 3. There is yet more then the interests of Angels and men yea then heaven and earth is worth that depends upon the outmaking of the Scripture the glory of God and especially the praise of that great attribute his faithfulnes which he will have no lesse shine forth in the performance of his Word then his power and wisdome in this great fabrick of the universe and these mervelous productions of nature for he hath magnified his Word above all his works therefore is his heart greatly set upon this even the bringing to passe what he hath spoken which if in the least should faill were no lesse then to make God a lyer and falsify his Word who is through all the Church known by this blessed name The God of truth 4. We would consider this as that great trust which is put in his hand who onely in heaven and earth was found worthy to open the book of Gods decrees and counsels and loose the seals thereof a trust which the Lord did not adventure upon the Angels the smallest promise being such as requires no lesse then an omnipotent power and the arme of Ithovah to bring it about for which end he whom the father hath anointed is gone forth as a mighty man who rejoyceth to run his race that he may perform his Word and through this great design in the administration of providence about his Church and People which he will not cease or give over until the mystery of God in the Scripture and all that was spoken by the Prophets be put to a close when Heaven and Earth at the pouring out of the last vial shal give that solemn shout and exclamation It is finished it is finished O if this were once fully perfect there would be no more to do then the Winter were past and the Summer come the song of Moses and the lamb should be heard because the bride hath made herselfe ready then let al the trees of the wood rejoyce the hills break forth into singing and all that is therein be glade because the Scripture and great design thereof is fully finished and the day of the perfect liberty of the Sonnes of God is come 5. The accomplishment of the Scripture is of such concernment that nothing can be done until it be once finished for this time must wait the Sun must keep its course and the ordinances of the Heaven continue as they are the World is but a scaffold until this building be perfected for this the grave doth still retain her prisoners and the dust of the Saints must yet rest in hope the creation still groaneth and the marriage supper of the lamb is deferred the cry of the souls under the altar get not a full return until all that is written in the Word be fulfilled 6. We would consider this is the great thing which the Lord this day is carrying on even the accomplishment of his Word for this is most brought upon debate of any thing besides the World challengeth it and the hearts of the godly do oft call it in question the Atheist scoffs at it and sayeth where is the promise of his coming there are often to appearance insuperable difficulties in the way of its performance therefore doth the Majesty of God so much concern himself in this for bringing about of which he is in a holy way restles and providence in an uucessant motion until he hath done that which he hath spoken in his Word It was for this cause that the Scripture might be accomplished that the Word was made flesh and he who counted it no robbery to be equal unto God did take upon himself the forme of a Servant this is of such account in his eyes that what time he speaks concerning a Nation or People ere it come not to passc he will rather put forth omnipotency for the working of miracles and change the very course of nature for this he wil make the deep dry make a way through the red Sea and cause I ordan stand as in heapes that he may keep promise to his People if there be no way for bringing about his Word but through a Sea of blood and over the bones and carcasses of his enemyes he will do it and bring it to passe though Walled Cities and the Sonnes of Anack mighty and strong should stand in the way thereof Abrahams old age and Sarahs dead womb must not frustrat this if the promise of the Churches restauration cannot be made out without a wonder shewed upon dry bones scattered at the graves mouth this shall not be wanting when God sayeth he 'll bring down
the enemyes of his Church if the dust of the ground should arise down they must come how many great designs of men hath this blessed design that the counsel of the Lord may stand crusht and broken so that their work and counsel hath been as the Spiders web when it stood crosse to this end the godly need not fear that he be not a present help in time of trouble for he will keep his word herein though the Earth should be overturned and the Mountaines cast into the midst of the Sea O who hath resisted his counsel What are all these vicissitudes and changes here in the World But making way for the Scriptures accomplishment with what desire doth he move towards this end So that as in Zachary 6 v. 8. the instruments by him appointed for executing his judgement and the threatnings of the Word it s said they have quieted his Spirit his decrees are mountaines of brasse which are unchangeable the thoughts of his heart take place in all generations therefore the Word Which is gone forth out of his mouth shall not return in vain but the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand III. The accomplishment of the Scripture is a truth very clear and manifest whereof none can pretend ignorance if they doe not shut their eyes and force their own light from the fear of such a discovery for the obstruction doth notâ—ly in the darknes of the obiect or that men cannot see this since we have it so clearly held forth in great and legible charecters nay we must say the cause is culpable there is much of the will in it which renders such ane ignorance without excuse O that this should be so little lookt after a matter of such near and weighty concernment when there needs not an other demonstration but come and see the works of the Lord through the earth for he hath here so far condiscended to his People to bring the truth near that they even feel and grip the same yea doth in a manner say to every one as to Thomas put in your bands touch the Word and truth thereof and be no longer faithles tast but and see that the Lord is good and that he is true in what he hath spoken We are indeed to look after a more clear and full discovery of this truth the nearer the Church is to the end of time there is a labyrinth as it were of turnings and windings through which we may see the Word oft brought so as we lose sight thereof and are ready to stagger anent its performance but it s as true that the most eminent confirmations the saints ever had of this truth hath been after greatest shakings thereanent yea the Lord hath in all ages so visibly sealed his Word by its performance that we may say can he be a Christian and a stranger to this in his experience and a serious on-looker on providence and the dispensations of the time wherein he lives and a stranger to it in his observation yea can any be so wholly brutish not to discern a thing so clear that oftimes these who run may read But to speak a little more to this I shall here point at some things that may shew how manifest this truth is 1. Is it not very clear which we see very day brings to light A truth so conspicuous both in Gods ordinary way with his Church and in the several steps and passages of a Christians life For these mercies which bring the Word and promise to passe are new every morning and cry aloud if we could hear great is his faithfulnesâ— this is indeed tryed and needs there more to convince a blind man that his sight is restored to him but that he certainly seeth sure they never wanted confirmations here who do but serviously seek to be confirmed 2. Is it not a clear truth which not onely is found upon the exactest tryal but is witnessed by such who ever tryed it in their most pressing straits and extremity for it s in the darkest night this truth hath most brightly shined and these more remarkable ventorious acts of faith have they not still brought forth most convincing experiments thereanent We may say there is none can give a better account of the performance of the Word then these who against hope have beleeved in hope that this never made them ashamed 3. Is it not also clear whereof there are such solemn extraordinary comfirmations in all ages For that his name is near his wondrous works declare I am sure no time could ever deny its witnes how by great convincing providences both of judgement and mercy it hath been so sealed as hath forced Atheists to keep Silence no time wherein the Church had not cause to erect a pillar and engrave thereon We have seen with our eyes the great and wondrous works of the Lord by which he hath witnessed the truth of his Word 4. Is it not a manifest truth which even in the most strange and dark footsteps of providence so clearly shineth forth these which at the first look are an astonishment and hard to be understood yet after most clearly verify the Scripture that whilst the Lords way goeth out of our sight yea out of the ordinary road of his working through a labyrinth of turnings and crosse dispensations yet at length it doth evidently clear and dissintangle it selfe which men may oft see break forth as the sun out of a dark cloud that shiueth the more brightly the more it was obscured 5. Is it not very clear which can be demonstrated by such visible effects in these great changes of the World For the fulfilling of the Scripture is not a thing hid in a corner but oft published in the house tops that men may see legibly written upon Kingdomes and nations the desolate ruines and devaâ—â—ation of cities houses great and fair which are made to be without inhabitants so as these who go by may clearly read the cause and bear that witnes Lothereis sin visibly punished according to the Word 6. How clear is this which we have so evidently drawen out and acted over in a Christian walk For what else is the spiritual conversation of such these visible effects and evidences of the grace of God all along a Christians way but a visible convincing witnes to the performance of the word Hath not such a very audible Echo and resound to that which is the great drift and Scope of the Scripture where men may see the bible turnd over into a practical history written forth and acted on the heart and conversation of the saints as on a stage or theatre the Word living speaking moving and clearly diffusing it selfe through all the veines as it were and conduits of a Christians life so that if the truth and reality of the grace of God be a thing manifest and unquestionable we must also see therein the reall performance of the Scripture 7. I shall adde we may
clearly see how one piece of the Scripture is nothing else but the punctual fulfilling and accomplishment of the other how that which was shadowed out by dark types under the Law and held in a Propheâ—y through the Old Testament is written before our eyes in a plain and real history in the New Testament and that the gospel is only a perfecting of the Law and the Prophets IV. Though its very manifest and by undenyable proofs can be demonstrated that the Scripture hath a real accomplishment and doth certainly take place in the constant course of providence here in the World that I am sure if men do not darken themselves they can be no strangers to such a thing yet we must say This truth which most nearly concerns us is to the most of men even such who seem to give a large assent to the Word a mystery and dark riddle There are few who doe but enquire if there be such a thing if the promises and threatnings have indeed a certain outmaking few doe seriously ponder the providences of God in which the truth and faithfulnes of the Word shineth forth that they may thereby be furder confirmed we see that to many alace too many the great concernments of the Law and everlasting happines are a trivial and an impertinent bussinesse this is a truth the World doth passe without regarding such as sport at Religion when they come to earnest here dare not stand before this discovery it concerneth them much to reconcile their principles with their practice their fear begetteth hatred and both put their wit and invention on the rack how to dispute away any remander of a conscience to imprison their light and under the pretext of reason run down godliness and the absolute necessity thereof yea besids doth not sensuality wherein many wallow and steep themselves so dull and droun the soul put such ane interposition of the Earth betwixt them and this truth as wholly darkens it And oh how sad that many having a large profession to be Christians scarce ever knew what it is to put the Word to ane essay and tryal in the concernments of their life to have their light followed with experience wherein the very truth and reality of Religion lieth To clear this I shall hold forth some things which may shew how little this truth of the Scriptures accomplishment is known or studied by the most of men 1. The abounding of so much Atheisme that there are so many who not onely disclaim the practice of that Religion they seem to profess but do state themselves in most direct opposition to the rules and principles thereof these to whom the Scripture is but as a Romance yea doe onely converse therewith to prove their wit and parts in impunging the same who avowedly mock at the judgements and providences of God I confess these may be reckoned monsters a very prodigy in the time wherein they live though alace it is not the least part of the World and which is strange we see the most horrid Atheists do usually abound were the light of the Gospel â—ath most shined the savage places of the Earth bring forth no such monstrous birth as are hatcht within the visible Chutch for thus the judgment of God putteth a blacker dye on them then others O what a terrible sound should the fulfilling of the Scripture have in mens eares if they once came to have serious thoughts thereof since they cannot admit this but they must certainly read their own sentence of death which a few dayes shall put in execution and if the Scripture be true they are then unspeakably miserable 2. That indifferency whieh we see amongst men about Religion and the most concerning truths of Scripture doth shew how little this is knowen or laid to heart whence there is such a generation who doe not professedly deny the Scripture yet can turn it over in a Schoole probleme and wonders that men should engadge so far upon it it is not that it is hid from them but they truly choise to hide themselves from it as more suitable to that interest they drive that the truth of God should be rather a matter of opinion then of faith a thing which they would dispute but not beleeve but O what other thoughts would a clear sight of this cause That within so few dayes the truths and threatnings of the Word shall be sad earnest the fulfilling whereof no sharpnes of wit nor subtil arguments will be able to evade 3. That there is so much barren theory of Divine truths in the World with so little serious Christian diligence doth it not sadly witness how small acquaintance men have with this truth Whence we see so great a part of these who prefessedly acknowledge the word and are daily conversing with it yet can give no other account thereof but report so many that can satisfyingly discourse of the Scripture could never put their seal to it that God is true therein whence are so many great Schoole divines and able Ministers for parts such visible Atheists in their way and practice Is it not they really judge Divinity and Religion rather a science and matter of speculation then a matter of sense and feeling which men should more live then speak and cannot be knowen without experience the true end of knowledge but O. this cannot be found in bookes men will not meet with it in a throng of choisest notions it confoundeth the wife and disputer of this World whilst the meanest and most simple Christian oft knoweth more then these of greatest parts 4. The great Hypocrisy which is in the world I mean within the visible Church doth too clearly shew that this truth is little thought on or laid to heart for what is that false shew and appearance which we may say is not a sin but the very sinfulness of sin is it not the height of Atheisme And a real contradiction in their practice to this that the Scripture of God is true and will have ane unquestionable accomplishment O could any be so monstrously irrational to drive this poor plott how to appear that which they are not to be at such paines to act the part handsomly of a serious Christian to personat his teares and grief his spiritual frame his zeal for God if he did think gravely on this truth and did beleeve the threatnings of the Word that they will surely take place and be within a little no complement but sad earnest and that he is every houre standing under that Scripture-woe against Hypocrites I am sure it would make his very hair stand upright his joynts louse and his thighs smite upon another could he but seriously think upon this 5. These unwarrantable wayes which in a time of tryal men take for their escape may witness this that the Word they do not judge a sure ground to adventure on whence is there such hesitation in suffering times From that day many taking there leave of
never their ruine but an outgate was oft brought about in a way they could not have expected yea the Lords shutting all other doores upon them hath been that he might open one himselfe like Hagars wel springing up in the wildernes 9. That in making this their aime when they had a large heart for God they have not then wanted an opportunity for evidencing the same their encouragement hath abounded with their duty and they have got much in in giving much out for Christ that there was no such feast in the world as they have sensibly found in the testimony of a good conscience EIGHT Instance is that promise which is held forth to the Christian in the word of strength and assistance to go about duties Is 40 29 30 31. Ps 18 6 14. Ps 84 5. Ps 68 28. To clear this that it hath an unquestionable performance I attest the experience of the generation of the righteous who ever knew what it was to serve the Lord in the spirit who by many sensible confirmations have not proven the certainty of these things First that when they have gone about duty under much deadnes and straitnes of spirit they have found a very sensible enlargement and got their bonds loused which surely they could no moe command without the concurrence of divine help something above nature then these who spread out the â—ail can command a fair wind when it is crosse 2. That Gods help and concurrence was never more discernable carrying them through and making them strong then in the day that to their own sense they were most weak when they have gone about duty under greatest feares and fainting in spirit 3. That when they had most confidence in themselves and judged they were at greatest advantage in their going about some duty they have usually had the saddest retreat and found that a sure truth the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong 4. They knew well what an influence divine concurrencâ— hath not only upon their inward frame but also upon the exercise of their gifts yea upon the commonest abilites of judgement and memory and that there is a most remarkable difference betwixt themselves at one time and an other according to the blowing of this wind 5. They must also witness this as their experience they found duty never more easy to them then when they have had most to doe and were keeped throngest therein yea when much work was laid to their hand they then wanted not an enlarged allowance for the same 6. That their fpirits have been fitted for duty and carried through difficulties where at some other time and in an other frame they would have fainted and thereby seen that none needs to scarr at piece of duty when God calleth them to it for while difficulties have appeared greatest at first the lesse they have found them afterward yea the hardest piece of service oft made most easy 7. They finde God doth raise the spirit of his followers with a suitable elevation for their work and can fit them for the service of that time and other tryals thereof even beyond their ordinary reach 8. That there is an open doore and sensible assistance when there hath been work for the Gospel in such a place while on the other hand they have found an inhibition sensibly served on them the doore as it were shut when the tide was going back and the work of the Gospel at a stand in such a part 9. That it is not greatest abilities which make undertakings succesful it being in vain to rise up early without the Lord. 10. It hath oft been their experience that in following the way of God his candle did then shine upon their paths the Spirit of the Lord was with them and sensibly let out the withdrawing wheteof hath been no lesse discernable while they turned aside from him that they have then been put to bear the burthen alone and found difficulty and despondency of spirit at once growing upon their hand 11. I may adde what these who are serious in Religion have oft tryed that there is no such help and furniture for going about duties as a spiritual frame and nearnes with God for then light and counsel inward freedome and sweet composure of spirit have brought most sensible advantage to them in their greatest yea and in their most common undertakings this hath been very evident NINTH Instance Is that great promise we have Rom. 8 ver 28. that all things shall work together for good to them who love God and Psal 25 ver 10. all the pathes of the Lord are mercy and truth to such as keep his Covenant I confesse it is not easy sometimes to reconcile Gods way and this piece of his Word together these who take only an ordinary passing look of providence cannot well judge how such things wherewith oft the godly in their life are trysted should contribute to their good and advantage while nothing would seem more directly crosse to the same But the Christian and wise observer can give another account they know what a sure truth this is that there is no real jarr betwixt the promise and providence of God in this matter and what ever be the present thoughts patient on waiting hath had cause to say this 1. When his way and their thoughts have most differed in the accomplishment of his Word and bringing about their mercy they have found it was to their advantage that his choice was alway better then theirs yea they have been oft made to confesse that their saddest disappointments therein have tended to their further upmaking 2. That the Lords denying them some outward thing which they have most desired they have found as afterwards hath appeared was to grant them more then their desire he hath refused them as it were in an Ishmael that he might give them ane Isaack 3. They can oft say they had been undone if they had not been undone that it was their mercy the Lord took such a way to cast them in a fever to prevent a lethargy and by some sharp crosse gave them a wound in the flesh to cure and let out some grosse impostume in their soul which should have made their case worse 4. How greatest shakings have helped their further establishment so as they were never more confirmed then in that about which they have been most brangled yea they have also found this the Lords way to cure their frowardnes and misbeleef by some further addition to their crosse that when they would not beleeve he hath caused them come in upon a greater disadvantage whileas a small affliction hath made them impatient a more heavy and pressing trouble hath been their cure and helped them to keep silence under Gods hand 5. That the growing of difficulties in their way and some further pressure in the tryal they have found it was from the Lord in order to its removal and to the bringing forth of some greater
enchantment had fallen on men vvhat that could bee vvhich the more they sought to bear dovvn the more it increased that made the rich choose poverty and these vvho dwelt in palaces take themselves vvith chearfulnes to the dens and caves of the earth but besides this it is very manifest that in a large measure the spirit hath been let forth to the church in after ages yea there is no particular church vvhere the light hath shined but hath had it's special times some solemn day of the powring out of the spirit before the sun vvent down vvhich may be observed either at the first breaking up of the gospel or at some other remarkable time and change of her condition vvhence a great tack of souls to Christ hath follovved in a day vvherein an effectual doore vvas opened besides the reaching of the conscience and stirring the affection of many others under a common vvork of the spirit which usually goeth along vvith such solemn times 6 The going back of the tide and visible withdravving of the spirit from particular churches vvhere it hath sometime in a large measure been let forth is a very convincing vvitnes to the truth of this promise for it is clearly seen at vvhat a stand the gospel is in these places vvhere it most eminently shined that the land vvhich blossomed and vvas like a vvatered garden hath been made as the heath in the vvildernes and the ground from vvhence rain is vvithdravven and then that the ministers of Christ vvhose lot hath fallen in such a time are put to very sore vvork to vvorke as it vvere vvith oares for vvant of vvind to cast out the net all night and catch nothing a shut doore is upon them in the exercise of their Ministry duty is made Lurthensome because the Lord is against them there is an evident restraint upon the word and its intercourse is more with the ear then with the consciences of men yea any liberty they find is to execut a commission of judgement and to denounce the woe of the Gospel O doth not so manifest withdrawing of the spirit witnes the outletting thereof and that it is a certain and real thing 7. Doe not the stirrings and strange convictions which even the worst of men have sometimes under the word witnes a divine spirit and power going along therewith that which forceth an assent from their conscience to the truth which otherwayes they hate yea maketh them for the time wonder they should not have been more serious in the wayes of God yea it doth often put a thorn in the bed of their security for indeed the word and the light thereof doth torment these who dwell in the earth And truely this is a marvellous thing which winneth in uponm mens secret designes and councels doth reveal to them the most closs thoughts of their heart which they are sure mens eye could not reach taketh them down through themselves and yet that the world knoweth not whence it is yea are they not forced to confesse what a great difference they find betwixt the word from the mouth of some who are holy and serious though held out in greatest simplicity then from others even of greater gifts and accompanyed with more shew of eloquence that surely the one hath an other sound and relish speaketh more feelingly home to their heart then the most polished discourse of greatest oratours 8. One witnes moe I shall here give to the truth of this promise even these eminent examples of the grace of God which in every age have shined in the firmament of the Church some in love and zeal some in patience and humility some in the strong acts of faith and â—elf-denyal which doe certainly demonstrat a more excellent spirit then that which is in the world whence they appear with another lustre in their walk and carriage and have a sweet and fragant savour of the spirit to the very discerning of bystanders which truely sheweth that his wind doth blow on his garden when the spices send forth so pleasant a sent FOVRTH We find an expresse Promise in the word of Deliverance to the Church â—n a low and oppressed condition that surely the Lord will plead her cause will deliver his People when he seeth their strenght is gone and save them from the hands of their enemyes Ps 18 47 48 50. Ps 22 4 5. Is 54 17. Is 51 23. It is true this promise hath its bounds limits and provisions which should be taken along in the application thereof we know the Covenant of God with particular Churches is conditional only he promiseth that he will be with them while they are with him yea it is oft seen and there is no jarr here with this promise that a People professing the Gospel confederat with God following duty have even turned their back before the enemy and in the holy providence of God have for a time been given up to their fierce rage and violence but it is also sure that this promise hath an accomplishment and in the day of the Churches strait the Lord hath oft appeared by a strong outstretched hand for her help his own arm brought salvation to his People when they sought to him for God is known in her palaces for a refuge yea surely the Church might oft sing that song on such clear grounds as though with Israel shee had been standing at the red sea thy right hand O Lord is full of power thy right hand hath dashed in pieces thy enemyes for what nation or People is like this to whom he hath shewed such marvellous things Now to shew forth the faithfulnes of God in this his promise I would offer some few things that are a most clear and undenyable witnes thereto 1. There are fevv ages but vvee have some record of the churches condition vvhich hold forth such signal convincing providences of God in behalf of his oppressed church and people as may be a manifest seal to this truth it is true some times have been more remarkable for suffering times of judgement of a growing tryal wherein this truth hath not so clearly shined forth yea that long night vvhich the church had under Antichrist might seem to call it in question but never the lesse if men take a serious look of the Lords vvay and series of providence in ages past comparing one time vvith another what the straits and most extream case of the church hath at last resolved in they will find cause to cry with astonishment great deliverances giveth he to his people yea the Lord hath done gteat things for them I am sure were a full record with that true account which might be given of these more remarkable delivrances that particular churches have met with since the first planting of the Gospel among them wherein Gods very immediat hand for their help hath been discernable it should non-plus the World and greatest Atheists anent the real outmaking of this promise 2. The confession even
is written in the providences and judgments of every time to mens observation how judgments from the Lord which point as with the finger at the abounding sins of that time do reach a land and particular Churches according to the threatnings of the word this is indeed manifest that the greatest promises made to a people we find backed with saddest threatnings and accordingly we find the greatest monuments of wrath have usually been set up where sometimes the largest offers of the Gospel were yea that the anger of the Lord may draw so deep against a people professing his name as to make their land desolate and the high wayes thereof mourn for in this precinct of the Church doth both judgement and mercy most eminently shine forth and the Lords way there doth differ from that he hath with any other people Now to clear this grave truth a litle how these threatnings of the word against a nation and people because of sin are also verifyed in their judgements I shall touch a few instances that are most known and obvious where we may lay the word and observation of the Church together and see how they answer one the other First we find the Threatnings of the word do point at the time of a peoples judgement 1 Thes 2 ver 16. Rev. 14 ver 15 18. That when they fill up the measure of their sin and their cup is full the Lord will not then defer the execution until the cup of the Amorites was full he did let them alone and we find an answer deferred to the cry of the souls under the altar for avenging their blood on Antichrist because that accursed party had yet more to do against the Church and the Saints more to suffer under their hand Now to witness the accomplishment of this let us but consider what in all times may be observed First that there is an ordinary grouth and height of sin which a land cometh to before destruction some national and universal spreading thereof prodigious outbreakings the utter rejecting of reproof which shew that a peoples case must then be on some turn yea that strange and unusuall sinning useth to go before some strange stroke 2. Before judgement come is it not seen how the sin of a people hath become so daring that it hath had a loud cry yea their case hath been such as did justify the Lords procedure against them even in the conscience of all lookers that he did it not without much cause 3. Is it not easy for such as are wise to know the times to see night coming on a land when sin is at some dreadful height by considering the word and the Lords usual way with a people in such a case Yea hath there not then been some special forwarnings a more then ordinary impression of judgement upon the spirits of the godly the hiding of many of them in the grave which as threatning presages hath shewed the near approache of a stroke 4. There doth not usually want even some Noah or Jonas the Ministers of God sent forth to threaten who as watchmen upon the wall are discerning hazard at distance yea with an observable pressure then upon their spirit and a more then ordinary aggreement amongst themselves to cry out and give the people warning when the time of judgement hath been drawing near 2. It is clear there are some special evils and sins of a time which we find the word most dreadfully doth threaten yea in a peculiar way it doth put a mark upon them that though the Lord should passe by many infirmities in a Church and people professing his name yet for such and such sins as we find in Amos 1 ver 2. he will not turn away the punishment thereof but hath solemnly declared by his truth and faithfulnes that these shall not passe without some visible mark even before the world of his anger now in this the Scripture is clear and lets us see there are some sins more particularly threatned some land destroying sins that have as it were the marke set on them which doe especially provoke the holy indignation and jealousie of God such as idolatry corrupting the Worship of God Perjury and Covenant-breaking shall they break my Covenant and escape saith the Lord Ezek. 17 ver 15. also departing from God and his way for this the land shall be desolat as in Ierem. 9 ver 12 13. yea blood guiltines which the earth shall not cover and for which the sword shall not depart even from the house family of David 2 Sam. 12 10. Now to evidence the accomplishment hereof I shall point at somethings most obvious to the observation of every time how terribly the Lord useth to plead for such things and by some exemplary stroke and judgement point them out as we find them particularly set by themselves in the word and threatnings thereof First how in these sins thus marked men may see how their judgements use not wholly to be deferred to another world but though much is oft passed here and laid over to that last and great judgement yet upon such sins the Lord hath put some mark of his displeasure even in this life 2. That for these he useth to contend before the sun and in the view of men his judgements are indeed oft secret and doe consume as a moth but upon such sins we may frequently see some publick and visible stroke is made to follow that the world cannot passe without a remark 3. That the Lord also useth to be a very swift witness against such evils for as we find the oppression of the Church hath a lowd cry and the blood of the saints a how long it is also seen these forementioned sins do much hasten judgement so as seldome that generation passeth away without some witness thereto it is rarely found that some great revolt of a people from God and breaking Covenant with him doth ly long over unpunished nor doth the hoary head of the violent and bloody man go oft to the grave in peace 4. That these sins use to be followed with some very dreadful and eminent stroke they have made the land desolat their cityes sometime wast and a ruinous heap yea houses great and fair to be without inhabitans so as men have with astonishment enquired why is all this comed to passe and it was easy to answer even for such and such evils hath the Lord done this according to his word 5. That a divine hand useth to be most discernable in the punishments of such sins because of a very clear resemblance betwixt them and the stroke which hath forced their own conscience as well as of onlookers to confesse the Righteousnes of God therein 6. That the Lord will put some mark of his anger on the choisest of his servants for any accession to such sins these to whom he hath given their soul for a prey have yet got a sore outward stroke upon such an account which hath
forth a vive resemblance of the Devil and some violent pressure and incitement from that airth 7. Is it not sure that there is such a party by this that he is an adversary to God and holines for which he doth so impetuously tempt and presse men to the outward acts of sin yea that there is a Spirit of blasphemy which so visibly rageth in the world and acts men to war against Heaven with their tongues by cursing and blasphemous oathes which hath no carnal pleasure or gain but yet cannot forbear from a violent incitement which may be seen swaying them to the same 8. Whence is it which is so very known and notour that these horrid wretches who give themselves to the Divill cannot enter in any formal engadgement without renouncing Christ and their baptisme doth it not shew that direct opposition he stands in to Christ yea to the very name and shadow of Christianity 9. Whence is it that even the grossest Atheists upon any appearance of the Devil or apprehension from that airth will not then make scorn of prayer but turns in earnest to that which at other times they mocked O doth it not shew mens Atheism is their choice but not their judgement that not onely there is a dreadful horrour and fear which by nature men have of these evil Spirits but some inbred sense also and impression of a Deity which doth bewray it selfe whither they will or not in a pressing strait and extremity TENTH That there is such an enmity betwixt the seed of the woman and the Serpent as the Scripture hath held forth is very manifest a truth wherein the world may see the Scripture clearly verifyed Gal. 4 ver 29. It is truely strange that this putteth not men to more serious thoughts to pursue such a thing to its true rise what should cause such a violent and unreasonable contrariety against the way and followers of God for here upon grave reflections they must needs see what a convincing witnes their way is to the truth of the Scripture which might put them in some other humor yea help to turn this poison into an antidot against it selfe but this is sure and undenyable the discovery where of cannot but stair the greatest Atheist in the face from these convincing evidences 1. That it is seen no privat quarrel which ever was among men hath been with such vigour and malice persued as this upon the account of religion which hath still put the World more in a flame then any privat interest yea it is very manifest how men are carried with the spaite of their own natural inclination to oppose the Church and People of God 2. That this feed and enmity could never be taken up through all the successions of time a strife which is not late begun or to be seen only in one age betwixt the children of the bond woman and of the free no the most sage and wise amongst men the greatest Peace-makers could yet never fall on a way to reconcile these two parties but the children have still served themselves heirs to the quarrell and hatred of their fathers against the Church 3. Is it not seen that these who are more civil and can hold a little up with the form of religion yet will break forth in greatest rage against the power thereof when once it begins to appear it is indeed here that imbred contrariety which is in men against holines doth bewray it selfe even in these who are other wayes noted for a calm and peaceable disposition while once they begin to be scorcht with its heat 4. What a strong natural antipathy is this which causeth men pnrsue with so much bitternes these from whom they never had any personal injury sure their conscience must oft tell that they have no reason or any other provocation then what is from the appearance of the image of God in such but this is their nature and indisposition an enmity which they can no more help then they can change their nature or the Leopard can change its spots 5. From what a strong inclination and inward principle doth the World thus act in its opposition to the Church and followers of God whilest it is clear that though these were never so quiet and peaceable yet their enemyes are still restlesse and cannot sleep beside them 6. It is seen how this doth separat betwixt nearest friends and relations and alienat such who have sometimes been most dear to other no bond in nature so strait which it will not break it doth oft set the husband against the wife and the parents against the children yea when religion once breaks up in a corner of a land or a family doth it not then make a visible jarr and put all in a flame 7. It is clear that when once grace appeareth in men they are as a sign and wonder to a profane generation the World doth then sensibly change her countenance and looketh like a step-mother while on the other hand it is clear that professours turning loose and running to that excesse of riot with others will cause their old adversaries warm towards them and alace proveth the surest way to gain mens frienship while the World thinks they are their own when once they turn profane ELEVENTH That the Creature is made subject to vanity because of sin which not only the wisest of men but the Spirit of God doth witnes that things here beneath the sun are indeed vanity and vexation of spirit Rom. 8 vor 20. Eccles 2 ver 11. is a piece of the Scripture in such great letters written forth to the view of men that none can be strangers thereto It is true the cause and solid remedy of this so general a complaint is only reached by the Godly man who knoweth how to read the vanity of the creature as a piece of the fulfilling of the word and doth seriously consider things as they are not as they appear but it is also sure that in every age through the various changes of mans life this is so cleirly witnessed that the most grosse and brutish cannot shift the conviction thereof but in one of these two times have been forced to a publick acknowledging of the same at death when they are leaving the World or in a day of strait when the World is leaving them now to demonstrat this I shall here but offer these few queries 1. Have not the greatest instances of the glory of the World been usually the greatest examples of its vanity and change how few hath ambition raised but it hath also ruined yea given the sorest fall to these it had lifted most high What sudden changes do attend great men and high places which these who sit lâ—â— do escape sure if the tragedies of Princes and such who in their condition have been raised above others were put by themselves in record it should make a great volumn and shew how their glory and prosperous estate did only make their
to the earth crying out these vvords a fallen Starr a fallen Starr It was also knovvn hovv for divers years he had been seised upon vvith an Hypochondriack distemper apprehending he vvas all glasse vvhereupon vvorthy Mr Simson of Sterling vvho had sometimes been his familiar hearing of his Court-advancement had this line Aureus hen fragilem confregit malleus urnam A very convincing instance of the judgement of God in that time vvas one Mr Andrew Foster Minister at Dumfermling vvho being sent Commissioner to the Assembly at Glasgovv 1610 and solemnly adjured as he should ansvver to Jesus Christ by his brethren not to consent to any alteration of the governement of the Church yet notvvithstanding voted for Prelacy having got 50 Merks from the Earle of Dumbar who made use of that argument to break some of these wretches a small sum indeed to sell the cause of Christ and by him very dear bought for after his return he falleth in sicknes and upon his recovery from that was seised with horrour of conscience so that he run out of the pulpit whilest he was going to preach confessing he had sold Christ at that Assembly for money that being poor and having a numerous family he chused rather to make hast then beleeve and thus laid aside his ministry requesting Mr Iohn Murrey who then was silenced by the Bishop that for Christs sake he would take the charge of that place after which he fell in a great distraction and became in some measure madde and though he did something recover yet dyed in great infamy poor and drouned in debt a very convincing example of the judgement of God This old Mr Row of Carnock being then a minister in the same Presbitery sets down under his hand vvhich he most certainly knew I shall only adde 2 remarkable instances of the Lords judgement vvithin these few yeares that should not be past without a remark The first relats to a considerable family in this countrey who made it their vvork to trouble and persecute the Minister of that Parish an eminently holy and faithfull man yea upon the accompt of his faithfulnes the old Laird of that house out of malice doth pursue him vvith a false libel before the Sinod using all means he could to reproach his name having it as his design either to get him broken and put out of the Parish or at least to crush his spirit and vveaken him in the exercise of the ministry but doth there meet vvith a disappointment the Lord cleiring the innocence of his servant and the malice of the other so that even such who otherwayes wanted not a prejudice at him were forced to acknowledge this at which time that Gentleman whilest he went to the stable where his horses were being then at the Sinod upon that accompt is in the place stricken with sicknes forced to haste home and take bed and there seised with such horrour of conscience which made him oft cry intreating most earnestly for his Minister whom he had thus persecuted and oft had these words O to see his face yea told his friends that if he would not come to him they would cause carry him to his house but his Lady out of malice did in a most rude and violent way hinder the Ministers accesse to him and thus that poor Gentleman in great horrour and anguish dyeth after his death his Lady doth still persue the quarrel with no lesse malice until she also falleth sick and therewith had much terrour upon her conscience yea did no lesse cry out for the Minister then her husband who then was providentially absent so that she was put to cry and in that denyed which she did hinder to her poor husband though at last he came to her before her death to whom shee vvith much bitternes confessed her vvrong After this a young man their chaplain vvho had been engadged by them to appear as a vvitnes against that godly man vvas so terrified in his conscience that he could get no rest until he vvent to the next Sinod to acknovvledge that horrid sin in bearing false vvitnes against his Minister but being there keept by some from a publick appearance he vvent to another part of the countrey vvhere it is certainly reported he dyed distracted Novv last of all the young Laird vvho did succed in that estate vvould needs pursue the quarrel and finding more accesse through the change of the time did so endeavour vvith some vvho vvere in povver that an order vvas past for banishing him out of that Parish and though he vvas then othervvayes staged upon the accompt of the publick cause yet it vvas knovvn the violent pursuit of that Gentleman vvas the main cause of this sentence vvhich these vvho had hand in passing it did themselves confesse for he had solemnly svvorn that if he lived in that place that man should not be Minister there but lo a fevv dayes after having returned to his house and boasting hovv he had keept his vvord and novv got his Minister cast out of the parish he vvas suddenly struck by the Lord vvith an high fever vvhich plucked him avvay in the very strength of his yeares This I had related as it is here set down from a grave Christian the party himselfe being present which he did humbly decline to relate though he could not but assent thereto Second is one David Mackbryar who was a member of the late Parliament being one of the commissioners of the Burrowes a man most notour in the countrey where he lived for a leud and grosse practice but most remarkable and knowen beyond others for his violence and rage against the Godly as he shewed by his carriage both in the Parliament and afterwards where he could have accesse did set himselfe to trouble and persecute such under that reproachful name of fanaticks but within some time thereafter whilest he was forced to retire by reason of debt for fear of caption he was found one day walking alone by one who was then comed out of the North to that countrey and had riden forth to see if he could catch any of that party whom he judged was then lurking and supposing upon his rencounter that he was surely one of these would needs apprehend him but he upon his resistance and strugling against him was by him run through with a sword and immediatly killed on the place upon that very accompt and perswasion that he was a phanatick and rebel as he then tearmed him thus he who had declared himself an enemy to the people of God whom he was wont in reproach to call phanaticks was himself under that very notion and upon that ground cutted down by one of his own stamp and principles O was not this the finger of God and a convincing proof of his righteous judgement FIFTH Witnes which holds forth the Lords eminent appearing and something of an extraordinary power in the late raising and reformation of the Church from Antichristianisme is this
woefull trade did one day rencounter a poor man travelling with 2 horses which he according to his custome takes away the poor countryman falling down on his knees did earnestly beg that for Jesus Christs sake he would give the one again for he had no more to maintain his poor family but what he could gain by them but it was in vain he carryeth them home with him leaving the poor man in that desolate condition but a little after he turns dumpish and melancholy could get no rest or quiet not knowing the cause but as he professed that these words the poor man had spoke to him though he was so great an Atheist that he understood not what he meant when he spake of Christ were lying like a heavy weight upon his spirit and whilest he was sought after for his robberies he desired his sonnes to shift for themselves for he could not go out of the vvay there being a restraint upon him and something vvithin him that in a kinde bound him from going out of the way and thus stayed at his house until he was apprehended brought in to Edinburgh and there put up in prison upon which a godly Minister Mr Henry Blyth with a Christian Gentleman William Cunir ghame Tutor of Bonitoun who had sometimes known him make a visit holding forth to him his miserable estate and the heâ—â—â—rd of his soul for he vvas judged by the Law to dye and amongst other vvords shewing him the necessity to flee to Jesus Christ he doth suddenly break out vvith a cry O what word is that for it hath been my death that is the word that hath lyen upon my heart since the poor man spake it to me so that I had no power from that time to go out of the way and after being told what an one Christ vvas vvithout whom he could not be saved he cryeth O will he ever look to me and shew mercy that for his sake would not shew mercy to that poor man and give him back his horse but after further instruction a most real and gracious change did appear upon him he gave most convincing evidences of the reality thereof attained to great assurance before his death and upon the scaffold in the publick streets vvhere he vvas executed did speak so vvonderfully of the Lords dealing vvith him and vvith such knovvledge and judgement as left a conviction on all present and forced them to see a truth and reality in the grace of God An other notable instance of grace vvith a very remarkable passage in his condition I shall here mention one Patrick Mackelwrath vvho lived in the vvest parts of Scotland vvhose heart the Lord in a remarkable vvay touched and after his conversion as he shevved to many of his Christian friends vvas in such a frame so affected vvith that nevv World vvherein he vvas entred the discoveries of God and of a life to come that for some moneths together he did scarce ever sleep but vvas still taken up in vvondring his life vvas very remarkable for tendernesse and near converse vvith God in his vvalk and vvhich vvas vvorthy to be noticed one day after a sharp tryal having his only son suddenly taken avvay by death he retired alone for several houres and vvhen he came forth did look so chearfully that to those who asked him the reason thereof vvondered at the same in such a time he told them he had got that in his retirement vvith the Lord that to have it afterwards renewed he would be content to losse a son every day This one remarkable passage I would set down it had been long his burden the want of memory that he could retain almost nothing of what he heard from the word and bitterly complaining thereof to worthy Master James English Minister of Daly his counsel to him was when he heard any truth which he desired to remember to hold it up to the Lord and desire him to keep it for him and give him it back according to his need which accordingly this blessed man did with much seriousnes practice and on his death bed to his Minister and divers Christians that were present he did solemnly declare how wonderfully the Lord had ansvvered and condescended to him in that particular for as they knew how much formerly it had been his burden the want of memory now the Lord had given him back all these truths that he had put in his keeping so that what for many yeares before he had heard was now most clearly brought to his remembrance which he witnessed by repeating many particular truths and notes of Sermons which at such and such times he had heard Now to shut up this we have truely cause to say even from late experience since this dark night came upon the Church in these Nations with so sharp a storm of persecution there hath not wanted some very signal and convincing providences witnessing the Lords appearance for his People and against their enemyes which are worthy of a remark and may let men see that there is one higher then the highest who ruleth in the Kingdomes of the Children of men for it is manifest 1. How eminently the Lord did appear in breaking that party vvho had been the great instruments both in Counsel and Action to break the governement of the Church of Christ in this land and lay so much of his vineyeard waste and desolate and this in the height of their povver and greatnes vvhilest they seemed most firmly rooted O hovv evident vvas a divine hand there that this Cabbal vvho made it their great work to raise up Prelacy and oppresse the poor Church and like a violent tempest did carry all before them in a moment vvhen they could have least expected should be made to fall yea in so short a time be turned out of their places and offices who but a little before had turned out so many of the faithfull Ministers of Christ and that great man who put forth his power and authority so much to turn many of the godly of the Land both Ministers and others out of their houses and familyes tossing them from place to place should thus be dealt with from the Lord and recompenced vvith that measure being forced to quite his lodging once and again yea even to banish himself out of the countrey vvho had been the chief instrument to banish some of the most choise servants of Christ and this stroke also made to tryst them from that hand whence they could have least exepected whose interest they studied to promote in opposition to Gods truely I should desire to study sobriety and fear in application of the judgements of God but vvhen the Lord doth so clearly reveal himself and shevv forth such an evident resemblance betvvixt mens sins and their stroke it cryeth aloud for a serious observing thereof 2. Should vve passe without a remark so solemn 2 vvitnes from the Lord of his respect to his Peoples sufferings in this late