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duty_n	day_n	time_n	work_n	2,608	5	5.7529	4	true

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A39768	The true settlement of a Christians faith,bafter shaking assaults, by its own evidence; and by the internal sealing work of the spirit; pointed at, in some special inquiries thereon in a letter to a friend. With some serious reflections on the present times we are in, and those great vicissitudes of providence, wihch have been in the publick state of Britain in this last age, in a II. letter. By a minister of the Ghospel [sic].	Fleming, Robert, 1630-1694.	1692 (1692)	Wing F1277A; ESTC R215628	111,123	216

in these later times that age which had it's first entry from the Year 1517. had a higher splendor put thereon then had been known for a thousand Years proceeding the same but when I have thought on the way and conduct of Providence and marvelous discoveries of God herein to this Generation I could not but see something in a most singular way of his appearance before the World to the same as seems but yet little understood tho this may be seen that we have surely lived in an age of wonders 2. I have lookt on such an exercise to discern and understand aright the times we are in as one of the most singular means for strenthning a Christians Faith on the certainty of sacred truth when with these more immediate discoveries of God in the way and administration of grace by his spirit on mens soull which is whelly hid from the World they can see in what manner his truth does visibly take place and is attested by an external seall in the glory of his work before men and I am perswaded none thus did ever persue a more near acquaintance with God but hath had some peculiar strengthning remarks of his way that have been hid from others tho of a serious spirit otherwise 3. It is such who have some greater weight of this choise study and their spirits more fully join'd in therewith then others who may attain more clear discoveries of light for directing them to the duties and work of such a time and on this account I fear that there is much yet this day in the dark to us and not understood what hath been the Voice of the Lord for answering the great ends of his Providence tho it hath been clear and distinct where mens spirits were laid open to entertain the same I confess it is not strange as to the greatest part of men this day tho they keep at the furthest distance from what might bring near an affecting sense of a Godhead to their soull in the ways of Providence who are resolute not to see or be perswaded of what doeth torment them hereby whose great study is to live without God in the World and seem emulous of these who can be most ingenious and expert to confirm their hearts against all that is sacred 4. But I am sure it is something much higher then any interest of men or of Nations or the greatest changes in the posture of humane affairs which should bear the greatest weight in this exercise to understand the times we are in and for a suitable observation thereof if men could once reckon that their great business in the earth lyes with God and in keeping sight of him in the outgoings of his Providence since the hidden wisdom of God in a Mystery is to be seen and sought out in his Works as well as in his Word it 's true publick Revolutions and the fall and setting up of great men are things highly observable and momentous but they are neither seen or understood when they make not way for some greater sight of the Majesty of God and the signal retaliations of Judgement herein what peculiar aspects such strange Revolutions of Providence hath on the present Generation II. Though it might seem unsuitable to offer any special Remarkes and Observations upon this late time to one of so discerning a spirit of things of that nature yet knowing how a mutual communication of light about the Work of God and his actings in our day is so incumbent a duty I shall point at a few things wherein I have desired to admire and observe the way of Providence in this remarkable age but in the first place more generally touch such a Head ere I speak in some particular way thereto 1. When we see the series of these times and different measures of tryall and service assigned thereto since that blessed rise and recovery of the Church from Antichristian darkness there might be seen also a growing increase of light which in this age hath had such ane advance as it could not but be expected that the Lord was to take some higher proofs of the improvements thereof from this Generation then of these past after such great things he had done for a full settlement of the Reformed Churches when he had opened the graves of his people and sent forth his Prisoners by the blood of the Covenant the tr●●h had made way for its self over moun●ains which once seem'd insuperable yea when this also is an age where in a great concurrence of the Prayers of the Saints in times before was ●o meet for ●he Churches interest so that unanswerableness to the expectation of God herein and to frustrate such eminent methods of grace might expect some unusual work of Judgment to follow thereon and the Lords coming at last to a judicial proces and procedure 2. We see how these extraordinar occurrences of this time past hath most remarkably had a joint respect both to Sacred and Civil Interests quoad Fata Ecclesiae Imperii humani so as in that sence it might be said there hath been a shaking both of Heaven and Earth as to the Churches visible State yea such hath these great changes from the right hand of the most high been within the measure of one age as men could not possibly see with the eye of reason without amasement tho it brings therewith one of the most dismal remarks of the present time if mens spirits be not seised with a deep and awful sense of the tremendous Majesty of God herein and know there is no stability of humane state this day in the earth but from him alone who can bring judgement on the greatest Nations or Persons above the common course of nature and influence of second causes but oh what intertainment should a di●pensation of Miracles find from the spirits of men now when the Revelation of Christ and Redemption by his Blood from Eternal Wrath hath no greater effects on this Generation and so few awak'd with the Glory of such a light 3. When I have considered this age as that which might have been judged a time of great expectation for a further advance of the Kingdom of Christ in the World which does specially make a time more remarkable yet how little access hath been herein to see the Work of God in any new planting of Churches or inbrirging of Nations to the Profession of the Ghospel as hath been formerly but instead of new Conquest rather a losing ground and is a difficult part become to maintain a defensive work in behalf of the truth and which may be a serious remark that in this age one tribe hath as it were been cut off from the Reformed Churches I mean as to that dismal State of Bohem where some time before had been so eminent and flourishing a plantation it is true there hath been a solemn tide of the effusion of the Spirit of God allotted to someof the Churches

bound up but that they must widen further if there be not in some singular manner a standing up in this breach to turn away his wrath which is a service that comes now under our hand as may not linger or stay when warnings of so extraordinar a kind are reinforced for this is a call hath a limited time and season allotted thereto that may have a shorter period then we apprehend when a door of Intercession hath been in such unusual manner kept open and Grace hath so long interposed before Judgment should come to a final execution 4. I must add hereto what sence ought to be of the hazard of such a breach when a hight of all Immorality and Ungodliness is turned so open and visible as if Sathan did essay to have an open Throne again set up as once he had amongst the Nations whilst the spirit of few are seased with any suitable impression of the same lest this be the voice of the Lord without recalling shall I not visit these things shall not my soull be avenged on such a Nation Jer. 5 9. and what a time is it when the Reverence and Authority of Religion is so far gone off mens spirits that if such can bring up a private interest and have some treasure of that kind laid up they are under no fear of treasuring up Wrath and Judgment it was a rare example that of Daniel who upon the foreseeing of a stroke which he was not to fear for himself yet was astonished for ane hour and his thoughts troubled him by reason of the strangenes of it Dan 4 19. That there is a most choise and serious part yet in these Nations as is this day in the earth is unquestionable but even such who in these difficult perillous times past have been helpt to stand and go through a variety of dark and strange Dispensations I suppose have not found a time in a more singular way trying in the matters of Conscience then is this day and that there was never more hazard of an insensible wearing out from under former impressions of duty and the ways of truth which once they had or a more difficult part to have that ancient fear and tenderness of light kept in exercise which as the apple of the eye may be easily hurt but not so easily helped But tho it is clear that this voice and call for standing in the gape and breach does respect all of a serious spirit in the things of God yet are there some more eminently fitted from the Lord with peculiar Excellencies on their spirit then others to appear on so high a service which as it is a talent not bequeathed in vain where this in a more remarkable way is let forth so is it of greatest weight to know time and opportunity for this end and when a season of Providence may call to some higher improvement hereof for God then ever again may occur yea it may be seen in how strange a manner the choisest instruments in the service of their day are made to differ not only from others but from themselves as they are helped to answer such a call and to know the Counsel of God herein But that I may touch this more particularly it is requisite to know who may be at the greatest advantage and in a nearer capacity then others for such a service about which I judge these things will not be questionable 1. That such as have a more near and intimate converse with God in this day hath a great room also in this service to stand in such a Gape yea to save a Kingdom or Nation when Judgment is ready to break forth these have their Soull kept in that manner under the power and attractions of the things of God bejond the residue of men as not to be affrighted or taken off from appearing for him by the force and prevalence of example it is these who are at most advantage to discern the Judicial Removes of the presence of God from the Church and the Generation they live amongst and the imminent hazard of Wrath and approaching Judgment yea it 's these who from internal Motives can find it easy to lay their dearest things at the stake in behalf of the Truth and Glory of Christ in the Land they belong to and without respect to private interest lay themselves in the way of a publick hazard with the Spirit of blessed Bernard as he speaks Malo in nos murmur bominum sit quam in Deum bonum est si Deus me digne●ur uti pro clypeo 2. They are in a special way fitted to answer this call and service who hath the Sense of any singular engagements they are under to God much on their heart and what hereby they owe in a peculiar way to do for him and for a more special service to the age they live in to seek the interest and wellfare of their People to whom they have the nearest natural tye which is that service for the Generation and publick trust shouldly near these who have had more then ordinare receipts of mercy from the Lord of these specially it might be expected that they dare stand up for God and the Interest of his Truth tho they should stand alone herein which surely in the issue will be found a safer standing then with the multitude or such whose design for the publick interest goes no further then their private concerns does influence It is sure the Words of Mordechai Esth 4 13. Are still directed to this day think not with thy self thow shalt escape for if thow altogether holds thy peace at this time enlargements and deliverance shall arise from another place but thow and thy Fathers House shall be destroyed 3. But it is undoubted that this Service does in some peculiar way ly to the door of Princes and Rulers according to their Station who are of more publick relations then others their Authority came in with the second Covenant which by the fall of man was rendred necessar and have their Power derived from him by whom Kings Rule and Princes Decree Judgment Proverbs 8. 15. so as the advance of the Ghospel of Christ and Preservation of Sacred Truth both in its purity and power is made the object of their highest trust yea what a singular blessing this is to a time when such does eminently interpose upon any imminent hazard to the Church and thus bears evidence that they have ane Unction from God on their heart as well as their Office And it came to pass 2 Chron. 34 19. that when the King heard the Words of the Law that he rent his Cloathes and commanded Hilkia the Son of Shaphan c. go and enquire of the Lord for me and for them that are left in Israël and in Juda concerning the Words of the Book that 's found for great is the Wrath of the Lord that 's poured upon us because our Fathers kept not the Word of the

Lord to do after all that is written in this Book This hath looked as a door of hope to Britain in the present day when such of a serious excellent spirit have come to the Throne if the sin of this Generation as may be feared be not come to that height of a resolute opposition to any restoring means but if the Authority of God sould be thus taken off the conscience of men by so publik abounding Atheism and Impiety it shall be found that the Honor and Authority of Magistrates will fall herewith before men 4. They have a peculiar access also to such a service for God and the interest of the place they live in who have more advantage then others by the Repute and Authority of their Example to walk in a countermotion to any publick and contagious evill of the time as are most prevalent and thus to affright the bold and daring countenance thereof this should be a honourable appearance to oppose the Kingdom of Sathan wherein it 's getting most remarkable strength and credit by the Customariness thereof 5. But in a special way these who would aim at so high and blessed a Mark as this must know some higher a●quaintance with that Mystery of Faith then what seems to be understood by most in this day and of a relyance on God by a partiticular trust yea the truth of such special assistances of the spirit as can raise the soull to a higher resoluteness in the matter of duty by opposition so as it can be born up amidst the strongest difficulties from no humane interest or the greatness of a party in the earth but from the greatness of their God It is true the way of beleeving is an immutable Ordinance which God hath settled for the support and services of his People within ●ime and should be the leading principle of a Christians Life to go through all conditions and changes in adventuring on that God who is of infinite Power both to hurt and help but it is one of the great experiments also of Religion to what a pitch and degree the Faith of some of the Saints hath been raised upon some extraordinar Service for the Lord where no natural causes could influence the same and above what they could in an ordinare way reach 6. Yet is not the door for such a Service shut on any who have an interest in the Truth once delivered to the Saints but may still have some share and room in so great an Undertaking for God and the Interest of his Truth and should each of a serious spirit design something personally for answering this call to sustain a part in so choile a service for the truth suitable to their Station and Talent it should bring a marvelous change therewith on the times and cause another face appear in the publick face of the Church nor is it expressible what the improvement of a little strength when it hath been designed for the Lord under his call hath oft attained which in no ordinare w●y or from any visible appearance could ever have been expected yea what a marvelous use the soveraing God can make of a few nay of one where his concurrence goes forth therewith But since the publick State of things this day is such as seems to controul any confidence or hope for answering such a call to stand in the breach of so trying and hazardous a time I would speak a few things in the third place which may put some more then ordinare weight of this call on our spirits 1. That as it 's easy for the Lord to raise and excite the spirits of men to such duties as in the way of humane reason would seem wholly insuperable so can it not be found in the Records of times past that where grace did interpose in any singular way to prevent Judgment and for recovering of a Church in some extreme case but there hath also been something more extraordinar then at other times in the acting forth and excitment of some instruments to appear for God with a more Heroick motion on their spirits then what hath been usual and when he hath had a saving work and design to accomplish then Saviours have come upon Mount Zion Obad v 21. 2. If it be a serious business to discern the times we are in with respect to the publick State of these Nations the voice of this call might then ly near our spirits since if we turn our eyes back it is demonstrably evident that the Lord hath not dealt so with any Nation of the Gentiles under the New Testament as with the Isle of Britain both as to eminent experiments of Providence and the dispensation of Grace and measures of light especially since it's recovery from the Power of Antichristian Darkness so as it is not strange that he hath gone forth in a more singular way of Procedure therewith then other Churches and tho nothing is new under the Sun as Solomon speaks yet there may be seen some thing peculiar and astonishing as to the way and Actings of Providence there in this age as will not be easy for the most judicious Observers to find a precedent for the same and if we now consider the present time as things are stated after such resolute oppositions to the voice of these times past and when no vicissitudes of Providence hath yet put any stop to a growing hight of Apostacy as may bee too visible there yea that it 's sure God will not lose his Work or Intent in the great expence he hath been at for reclaiming this Generation it may be then without a Prophetick Light seen that something very extraordinar is near either in the way of Judgment or Mercy so as this service and appearance in the present Breach seems to be in another manner call'd for bejond that of an ordinare day when there is yet room and the door of intercession not absolutely shut but if this seem light it will be found that the longest measure of divine Patience will come to a Year and a Day at last 3. It is sure and unquestionable also that the answering of this call is the alone way to have God interessed in the publick State and Concerns of Britain in the present day before whom all Nations are as nothing and the greatest Train of Inferiour Causes when their furthest strength and activity is put forth of no weight when he withdrawes his influence as Job 7 8. thy eyes are upon me and I am not It may be matter of serious remark that in this late time something more then ordinare hath appeared in the French standing and strength and tho on principles of reason the Power of such an Adversary should not be such matter of fear when an unusual concurrence of means is to stem such a tide and under the conduct of so Wise and Heroick a Leader yet on the other hand Ashur the rod of my anger Isay 10 5 is a formidable

Sabath morning with an extraordinar collick which grew upon him to that height as in an ordinare way rendred it not possible to go forth upon the publick work of the day which then lay upon him and to a great Auditory at that time so that whilst he essayed to rise he was pressed to take his bed again a very few minutes before the sett time for going to Church but whilst he presented the case to God upon the interest of his service it was in a moment taken off not by any gradual abatement of such a distemper but entirely at once so as he never had more sweet access and freedome to go forth on the work of the Lord both at that dyet and in the following part of the publick work and this also was when no outward mean was concurring herein as it is clear that the passive Faith which Christ did specially require for an immediate cure from himself Matth 9 was this beleevest thou that I am able to help when no ordinare means can do so I doubt not this was in some measure acted in both these instances leaving roome for omnipotency to act in such an exigence 9. Nor hath there been wanting eminent proofs of this kind of special applications of Faith made unto God by prayer in behalf of others under diseases where ordinare means hath been laid aside and the case past all hope and of such returns by a present restoring and under such evidence as enforced the conviction hereof upon mens conscience that we may see how in some strange cases of this kind the true cause and the Lords design herein does not untill then break up according to that John 9 3. That the work of God might be t●us made manifest in them 10 I may further add if there were this day a new erection and settlement of some particular Church from amongst Infidells and the commission for this end of Ministers of Christ made evident and clear to go forth on such a service where no natural and ordinare means of conviction were attainable I doubt not but something in a more extraordinare way of the faith of miracles and immediate appearances of God herein might be expected as in the primitive times when on the same ground it was lett forth Nor can it be found there hath been any particular Church of Christ without some extraordinare seall o● this kind especially in the first entry and erection of the same nor is there any time or age of the Church wherein the clear sence of that Scripture Mark 9 23. all things are possible to them that beleeve does not take place which is that no measu●e of tryall or difficulties whither as to Churches or particular Christians in the way of their duty can be at such an height as to restrain or sett bounds to the work of Faith on an infinite divine power tho all natural or second causes should cease yea that there is no case so singular wherein the warrant of a divine Promise herein and a Christians Faith should not be of the same extent The II. Proposal that I shall breefly touch as it thus followes upon the former is whither in these last times the Lord does appear by any such extraordinare signs that are publick in the sight of the World and bring near such discoveries of his Godhead in any special acts of Providence as may bear the same evidence of miracles For Answer it is sure the Lord does not reveal himself this way but on some great and extraordinare ground who hath setled the faith of his Church absolutly on his revealed truth yet may it be said that no age is left without some witnesse of such a kind if there were not a sad inadvertence and shutting of mens eyes when the Lord is going by them in any great acts of his power but as to this Proposal I shall only point at some instances that seem to have least fuitable regard or notice and to be past by with most 1. Can there be a serious judgment and reflection on that great and amasing stroake of the Pestilence and not see an extraordinar appearance of God herein and of its beeing a judgment of that kind in some more remarkable times wherein it is lett forth as goes above all natural causes and all may see the immediate hand of God herein both in its ris● progress and swift spreading as a lightning through Cities or Countries in its passing by some more then others where no cause can appear so as men must see its beeing sent with commission from Heaven and a supernatural causality as visibly as if they had stood with David and the Elders of Israel 2 Samuel 29 17. to see the Angel that smote the People between the Heaven and the Earth upon which account David did choise rather to come under this stroak then the Sword or Famine because it was in a more immediate way the hand of the Lord and where there is a more then ordinare near approach and discovery of himself unto men 2. It is of publick and uncontroulable evidence that miraculous and immediate witness from Heaven in the bleading of the bodies of men on the touch of the murderer in such cases where no ordinare means can bear evidence I will not speak of the warrantable use of such an appeal where the revealed rule of our faith and practice is not express herein but as its undoubted in the truth and reality of the same where no humane witnesse could answer to this end so is it surely ane immediate visible and extraordinare sign from Heaven given in the sight of the World from him who maketh inquisition for blood in a most singular way and a sign which in every time is made evident 3. There is also the certainty of extraordinare Revelation and of the truth of a Prophetick Spirit imparted to some as to special events of Providence which is so known and of that evidence as no age of the Church hath been without instances hereof what I mean hereby as to that more singular way of the Lords revealing himself to some of his Servants by a more extraordinar application of his Word is such as in the truth and certainty hereof can leave no room for doubtfulness tho on the other hand as to the way and dismal trade of divination that hath got up in the World by seeking a Divinity either from the Stars above or the Powers of darkness below it may be clearly seen is one of the great designs of Satan not only to counterfite the way of the Lord herein but to bring men unto a more direct homage to himself but I mention this instance only as it is so great and unquestionable a demonstration of God and of his giving in every age some extraordinare seall of this kind I shall but mention here one remarkable passage of which I am to the furthest perswaded that may seem strange with respect to this late

except to Personate Act such a part as that of the mourning Women amongst the Jews at Funerals and amongst these of the most serious Spirit in this day such a restraint may be found of that Seriousness and fervor herein which once did appear as renders it a more ominous Presage that there may be nothing to follow but that last sentence let them alone and must not all thus reason and judge that as the interest of Sacred Truth and the Honor and Glory of God in mens subjecting thereto is of much higher value then any temporal Interest so is the Vindication of the same before the World of a greater concern then the stability or standing of Kingdoms yea to fear more deeply that such a time how long so ever deferred must at last take place when his spotless procedure of Judgement shall be then cleared fully shall I not visit for these things shall not my soul be avenged on such a People But now in the third Place there is one Inquiry that should ly near and hath a more then ordinary call for the same in such a day to know what is yet left and accessible in the matter of duty that might be as a door of hope for the Lords Returning once more and his respiting of imminent Judgement when so great a Ruine is like to fall under the Hand of this Generation I know any such thing will be to most as matter of derision whose fear and hopes of this kind goes no higher then present Objects of Sense and it is little I can adventure to speak hereon but as to any measure of light I have attained I can no more question that the same voice from the Lord is now going forth to the Churches of Britain and Ireland then that I read what is spoke to Juda Ezechiel 22 30. And I sought for a man amongst you that should make up the hedge and stand in the gate before me for the Land that I should not destroy it but I found none therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them I have consumed them with the fire of my Wrath their own wayes have I recompens'd on their Heads says the Lord God It 's sure then wrath was near to a breaking forth when this last call came yet with an offer of Peace nor is it questionable there was a serious part then who were deeply affected with such a time tho it was not easy to find one of a truly raised spirit to do and endure something more then ordinare for God when so great a ruine was ready to fall under their hand but to clear the import of such a call with respect to the publick State of the Churches of Britain under this allusion here made use off to stand in a gape and breach when the Church as a defenced City is laid open to an extream and imminent hazard I must speak a few things to be considered what must follow if no Intercessor be found to answer the voice of this call by a suitable appearance herein 1. Tho it may be now reckoned that the sky is more clear as to the State of Britain then for many Years past when the breach seems to be made sure against either Forrain or intestine Assaults and that in the way of reason and the ordinare course of humane affairs things are come to a more secure and settled State yet is there an other aspect of things that should deeply affect our spirits when the publick hazard of the time is greater then from all humane power and the party to be most feared is assuredly divine Wrath after a long interval of forbearance that is ready to break forth in some extraordinar Acts of Judgment for where a day of attonement goes not before can no true deliverance be expected to raise and settle these Nations yet how rare are they who take this to heart or tremble within themself on the thoughts of Judgment to be near if it does not appear from natural or visible causes tho nothing be more discernable from Moral Signs 2. What ever present calm be from these terrors and fears that have been of late yet may it be judged whither it be a serious business or not to stand in such a breach as is this day when the greatest interest of our Faith is laid open to such numerous assaults as there seems no less cause to stand and contend for the Christian Cause and Interest now in these Nations against such who are under a visible Profession of the same then once was against the Heathens whilst that primitive Spirit which was then a Spirit of Power and of Glory does too rarely appear or these measures of grace in such impressions as was then that are under a sad and judicial restraint most being taken up so entirely with private refentments of personal Injuries and bitter in estine conflicts as the sound of such a hazard cannot be heard until it be felt It was the Power and Evidence of Christianity on mens soull that did first make Protestants and made way for the planting settlement of the Reformed Churches but it would seem now reckoned that the Protestant Interest can stand tho the Christian Faith were extinct in the power and vitalls thereof and might easily be given up by the greatest part of this Generation if it's outworks could be preserved where a temporal Interest ●enders that necessar whilst that magnetick power and vertue which the Truth once had on the World is not to be seen or any deep sence of that Interest which Religion once had in the Glory of a passive Testimony for the same 3. Is not the gape and breach we have to stand in this day of such a kind that where the ancient Love of these renowned Churches the Love of their Youth and Kindness of their Espousals unto God did so brightly shine forth after the Reformation from Popery it is now resolved unto so dismal a change as with most what ever is most lovely excellent and desirable in the Revelation of the Ghospel and should have the most attractive influence on mens soull is visibly despised and vilified yea which renders this breach and gape more dreadful that after all the cost expence which the Lord hath wared in planting and letting forth a vine yard to Britain sending moe Servants then at the first with the indearing persuasives of the Ghospel and on the other hand with solemn and express warnings of the hazard of such Strokes of Judgment to come as hath been afterwards felt yet hath the return been in a continued and growing enmity against the truth and instead of rendring the fruits of this Vineyard in its season hath rather conspired to deride and despitefully use such as have come to demand the same and what can be judged will be the result hereof if men have not concluded that God hath forsaken the earth can it be thought that the Breaches of these Nations shall be