of the spirit which doe rarely go together so as to know when the pulse of this life does begin first to beat 3. As there are different sises and grouth amongst the Saints within time so does the talent of experience and inward observation much differ in the state of some in respect of others and does answer to higher conflicts and assaults in a Christians warefare and higher improvements of grace herein whence it is that patience brings forth experience and as it hath so great a room and service for God bejond other graces of the spirit so hath it a great income of reward by the most rare and inriching experience of a Christians life thence is it that these of the highest form of Christians and of the choisest spirit has been put to a higher exercise thereof then others and made to be a more publick blessing by example herein to their Generation 4. It is clear the experimental part of Christianity may have respect to some special times and Periods of mens life so as one day may be more memorable then as they have ever known before yea to such times when they are put to a higher service in the tryall of their Faith and led unto paths of providence that might seem untrodden which hath been usually a time of great observation as to a higher light and evidence on the experimental tryall of Religion 5. This different measure hath respect also to the first entry of Christians on some very dark paths of providence when the Lord is to lead and encline them into a wilderness by giving in assurance with a double measure on their souls like Elijahs call to arise and eat and Josephs dream twice given when his conflicts and tryalls were to be doubled upon him yea this may be also on this ground as it is peculiar to some Christians above others to be kept more closs on such a Scent in that rare exercise to discern the workings of God on their soull and to try the certainty hereof from the natural work of their own Spirit and who may be more exact then others to lay up and record the same and not lose the least fragment of such assistances to their Faith 3. This Inquiry should be of special use likewise to know what great things these are to which the experimental part of Christianity does relate wherein they of the lowest sise of Christians have a common and joint interest whatever difference be in the degree but it is a very short touch I can here give on so great a subject and on some few Heads 1. The translation and entry of a Christian unto a new state and world here in the earth is one of the greatest things of experience tho it hath not a like clear evidence nor the precise time and entry can be in the same manner known for men to know so marvelous a change in themselves and that here is no illusion or dream and how it is sure this was never told to mankind but in the Bible which none ever did foresee or project to themself yea which in the very notion thereof was once a terra incognita to them and could have no possible rise from nature whose proper work is to overcome nature I know this may seeme astonishing and not easie for many to bear that professed Christians may have the same need to be converted to Christianity that Pagans have or perish that the letter of the word only or any length in exter al duties can save none who know nothing of internal evidence or the spiritual Powers of Christianity 2. It does relate to this Head to know that God and his People here in the World are no strangers to other in the truth and enjoiment of communion with him for as this is ane essential part of our Faith and one of the most sure and established constitutions of our Religion by ane unalterable rule so is it matter of undoubted enjoiment without which a Christians course and passage through time were unpassible it is true this is so great a thing as may make the most experienced Christian to be a wonder to himself and is not a subject of ordinary thoughts 3. To this belongs also the truth and enjoiment of supernatural comforts here on the earth such as peace immediatly from God and the joys of the Holy Ghost which can have no possible rise from nature and was never known to men but on this tryall of experience that such a thing is sure with respect unto which the highest experiments of nature are low and of mean concern yea which are comforts of that kind as can be only known by its contrary and hath been still more ouweing to the sorest conflicts then to the sweetest calm of a Christians life and such as the elect Angels did never know or partake of 4. The prevalency of prayer with God and to know with assured evidence both the acceptance hereof in Heaven and the returns thereof upon the earth is also one of these great things of experience and can never be known else as a subject of contemplation only which hath been direct of the Lord as a prescript for such ones where no humane wisdome or power could possibly answer and is not bounded by the most desperate case which would seem to shut out all hope and encouradgment But as to this I must say how little seemes that part of our Religion tho one of the most wonderful parts thereof to be improven in that manner now as in former times and in the most extraordinare exigences which Christians have been in yea how low a trade is it which by most this day is carried on in so marvelous a way as this which the Lord hath established betwixt heaven and earth and hath such immediate correspondence with the whole inward life and vitalls of Christianity to preserve and strenthen the same A 5. Head on this Subject to be matter of great thoughts and reflection is this that here on the earth there is such a thing to be enjoyed in the truth and certainty of experience as an earnest and seall of the Spirit of God 2 Corinth 1 22. who hath also sealed us and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts Ephes. 1 13. in whom also after that ye beleeved ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of our inheritance c. 2 Corinth 5 5. now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God who hath also given us the earnest of his Spirit I know there hath been much inquiry on this Subject as to a clear sence and judgment thereof both by Schoolmen and Practical Writers tho it is such a thing as must needs be a strange and dark riddle where the Spirit of God is not the Interpreter and some near entercourse with this great teacher that in his light we may see light but that it is surely promised of God and could
whole Reformed Churches this day a standing witness yea have we not seen his appearance also in so unusual manner in the greatness of his power with garments dyed in blood to make way for the visible Glory of his Reign as we can see it was there foretold how the Nations were angry and by their oppositions to him made way for his wrath in such tremendous effects thereof as it hath had these days past to shew the time was at last come to let the World know that the Lord Jesus Christ is no titular King he to whom all power is given in Heaven and Earth nor will bear that Name and Stile in vain or admit a complemental Profession of the same but that it is sure his Dominion Kingdom hath a setled interest and revenue belonging thereto which none may alienate from him and the greatest of humane powers must be accountable for his claim thereto 5. But now as our day and lot does thus meet in so extraordinar a period of time which hath been so long expected and prayed for in ages past it may be a time of great thoughts and expectation of what is yet to come as to the visible Reign of the Lord Jesus our blessed Head in the Glory and Majesty of his Kingdom without his personal Reign or bodily appearance unto men which with full assurance of faith we sould now wait for when the voice of this Trumpet shall bring with it such a resurrection from the dead of these dry bones of the Jewish Nation with so immediate an appearance of God alone herein as shall dazle with astonishment all the Nations about yea when its sound and voice also shall call the whole Church that 's on the earth to that highest gratulatory song of Moses and the Lamb as once was at the Red Sea for the final stroke judgment on the Kingdom of Antichrist wherein the visible glory of his Reign will then be seen with that evidence and brightness as if he were personally on the earth and here is that true Millennium which is now in some measure begun and we are surely called to expect in a gradual increase to such a hight that in the value and splendor of this blessed Reign the light of one day shall be as seven days in one and the measure of one age then answer yea exceed a thousand Years before and is so before him with whom one day is as a thousand years This seems to many in such a time as a thing remote from their sense whose thoughts are bounded with present appearances whilst our blessed Head is now gone unto a far Country to receive a Kingdom for himself and is invisible to men in these preparations he is making for this higher glory of his Reign upon the Earth so that he is no object of humane sight nor can we come bodily to him to receave his verbal commands from his mouth as from an earthly Monarch and for these inward and great demonstrations of his Reign they ly deep and hid betwixt him and the souls of his People but if our comfort and hope stand by the Christian Faith this day and on that assurance dare venture our soul upon an Eternal State we should then with as full certainty of mind as of any visible things give faith to this that the Son of God will not lose the Work he hath begun and so eminently appeared in that the interest of his Kingdom on the earth is the alone highest object of the divine care and providence and though his Kingdom is not of the World but is purely spiritual yet does the World stand thereby so as it may be justly said sine praecibus pietate non staret mundus nor is it questionable but that his Work will be answerable this day to his revealed will intent or can it be in the dark to us what he is now doing in the World when he hath made such publick intimation hereof by the voice of the last Trumpet as should render this the most desirable part that men can act to fall in with this great and rising interest of his Kingdom in the season and opportunity hereof it will surely be found in this time that where the downfal of the Kingdom of Antichrist is made remarkable in a Nation where the terror of its rise and grouth had so lately gone before and the Kingdom of Christ is not set up in its room nor with a higher regard subjected to that it must then quickly ripen and make way for some great outbreaking of wrath and judgment in such a place for the time is come that nations which have imbraced the Profession of Christ must stand or fall according to their concurrence with that interest on which the Lord is now gone forth whose work carries not for men nor is dependent on humane Counsels yea it 's sure these great Ministers of providence the Angels tho not seen to us are eminently join'd in on this service who are the stated Servants of Christ as Mediator Head of the Church and have accordingly their delegate charge and commission to particular Churches and Kingdoms as that great design of Providence for the advance of his Kingdom in the World does require and if the giving forth of the Law was so glorious upon that solemne entry which the Churches Head then made on his Regal Office over Israël by so extraordinar a ministration of the Angels what a higher Glory must be on his entring on the greatest discovery and administration of his visible Reign within time blessed are they amongst men who may have ane interest in this service tho with most it comes not under their thoughts and apprehension but as it was said of Dux de Alva upon ane Eclips of the Sun which was then when he was in a hot persuit of the Wars that he had so much to do upon the earth as gave him no leasure to look up to Heaven fo is the great noise and business of this day how things may stand sure with us upon the earth It is become the proverb of these times we are in that interest will not lye because according to this men will always appear and discover themselves and when ever that word interest is made use of it 's judg'd to bear no other sense then of some temporal concern only because the scent that most of this Generation seemes to be wholly on is how to seek their own things but not the things of Jesus Christ which is truly the same for men to reckon that their soul is a forreine thing to themselves and that they have no reall interest in the great things of Religion or a hope bejond time but it 's well that there is yet such a party this day on the earth who 's way can give that proverb the lie and are of another spirit so as to lay their greatest temporal interest down that they may intensly persue the
briefly point at a few 1. That it is knowen and sure how most of the habitable World besides Judaea was in times past Pagan and a place of horror and darkness and these parts we now live in were once the dark places of the earth full of the Habitations of Cruelty where our Ancestors of whom we are come did Sacrifice to the Gods of the Heathens 2. It is evident and undeniable in the matter of Fact that within less then sixty Years after the Ascension of the Lord the visible extent of the Christian Church among the Nations which had been then Heathen did exceed what it is this day and since any extraordinar effect when it comes in our sight should cause a deep Inquiry upon the cause hereof is not this a matter of the highest concern that ever was even in the present day to be taken up with that made then so stupendious a change on the face of mankind and was as the bringing forth of a new World 3. And here is it possible to question that this wonderful thing which did so visibly then change the whole face of the earth was by the alone evidence and vertue of Sacred Truth and the pure Revelation of Christ in the Mystery of his Death and Sufferings wherein no humane Power could boast that their Arm or Sword did bring this about as I know it will be sweet and convincing thus to see under what influence the Christian Church was both planted and propogate in the earth and most savage parts thereof so that whatever respect Princes and visible Powers have given to the Kingdom of Christ yet is it fully demonstrable that it 's true interest and conquest was never beholden to humane assistance or that any temporal inducements made way thereto but when the World begun to smile most in the primitive times then also did the Glory and Lustre of the Christian Religion begin to darken and decline 4. As it was surely reserved to the Ghospel State of the Church to be the Theater of the greatest Wonders both of Providence and Grace bejond all that had been known to the World before and that in the times of the New Testament these great things which should be matter of highest observation and out of the ordinare road of Gods dealing with his Church then was to be expected so you can see with full evidence that this great and extraordinare appearance of God unto men had been never known on the earth before or any such outgoing of his Power since the beginning of time which was only reserved to follow the day of Christ and his Ascension as the first entry of â—hat glorious Scene which was to be acted under â—he Ghospel 5. And here also this Reflection is anavoidable how the God of this World was not easily put off his visible Throne which he had so â—ong kept over the Nations but the last strugle â—f these infernal spirits ere they were cast down was then very strong and put forth to the utmost who yet were made to fall before the Diviâ—ity of our Redeemer in such a manner as the â—hole frame of Paganism was then raz'd and exâ—inct and their Gods after whom the earth had for so many ages wondred for when you peruse the Records of the first times you can see the enmity and rage of the World against Sacred Truth was never before raised to such a prodigious height as was then aloft upon the first display of the Ghospel 2. But it is yet a further Inquiry should be made on this Head to see not only the outgoing of the Lord Jesus in the Glory of his Power since his Ascension for setting up his visible Kingdom in the World and extent of the Christian Profession but in the reality of that vital influence on the souls of men with so great and wonderful a change thus made on them from the residue of mankind This I doubt not will be a subject of great thoughts and reflection to you and should be a matter of higher concern to any of a serious spirit then the temporal interest and transactions which are about the greatest Kingdoms on the earth 1. To see how no reality in nature or the most visible objects of sense can be more sure then that under the times of the New Testament there hath been innumerable example of the truth and power of Holiness successively from one age to another in whom it might be no more discernable that they walked in the vertue and power of a humane soull then that they did truly walk before men in the light and power of Christianity and under that visible influence of inward Grace as all might see to be above the possibility of natural causes 2. If this were more deeply search'd into to see what does estentially belong to the frame and constitution of one reall Christian and what a marvelous Power must be put forth herein it could not but be in another manner affecting and afford a Seall to the Christian Faith as does exceed the greatest external Miracles when it 's sure one example of such who is truly converted by grace and made partaker of the Divine nature is so stupendious a work as does far exceed both the power and comprehension of Angels yea that the Glory of the Godhead does more eminently shine forth in the first frame in the conduct and persiting of one Christian then either in the first frame of man in his state of perfection or of the illuminate Angels since this is to make Saints of Sinners to turn such from a state of enmity and inbred opposition to the Holy God to be Lovers of him and subdue their soulls in that manner as with inward delight can make them part with what was their predominant and endeared Interest and what hath been as their right hand and eye This is one of the great discoveries of the Ghospel to let us see how one converted Christian is a higher demonstration of the Christian Faith then a thousand ordinare Professors hereof and may fully silence such a Question why it is that the Saints are not more numerous in the World comparatively with the great bulk of mankind yea with these who go under the Christian Profession when It might be rather just matter of wonder to see that such numerous Examples yet are to be found of this kind in the earth of whom each is one of the greatest of the Works of God and infinitely becoming the exceeding greatness of his Power put forth herein yea are such Examples where the Truth and Excellency of Grace does in any eminency shine forth as may justly supply the Room of Miracles which were given in the first times to be confirming to the Christian Faith that these hath assuredly been and I hope are this day not a few who doe with desire choise to preferr their Services for God to the greatest comforts enjoyments of this earth and are helped not only to keep ground but
times past and may be feared if our Faith stood not sure otherways that the light should be quickly extinguished and the candlestick taken away from most of the reformed Churches when most under such a profession yet never knew the power vertue and efficacy of the truth they profess on their own soul and that there is another evidence or teaching then by moral swasion only or another key to open the heart then external means and thus must either oppose themselves to so tormenting a light or be unavoidably condemned hereby But with this Inquiry as to the credit and quality of the witnesses who in all ages of the Church bears the same testimony to the truth from their experience it is undenyable also but that there are some in a more singular way sisted and under more peculiar engagements then others to appear on such a testimony and who may be admit to enjoiments of experience that are out of the ordinary road of Gods dealing with his people tho this must in no other sense be understood extraordinary then from so judicial a time as this and the great decay of the Power of Christianity with this generation why these are so rare and not in beeing any way cross to the firm and settled constitutions of the Ghospel or without that precinct of the promise of God to warr and the same and I hope the Church of Christ is yet to enter on such enjoiments of experience that would not be easie to beleeve in this day we are in were they told us at a distance But what I mean hereby of these who may be in a higher capacity then others for such a witness I shall breefly touch 1. These who through grace hath been admit to some higher intimacy of converse with God and to know his dealing familiarly with men here on the earth then may be ever known in such a degree to other choise and reall Christians tho I judge this may be more rarely known that where it is most in truth there also is a humble concealment and beeing hid in the same their usual studie who finds more sweetness in such enjoiments the less air they take I have oft thought such may be least known on the earth in this day who may be the greatest favourits of Heaven and have had most rare and immediate testimonies of the love and respects of their God but as this is not the standard by which the truth and reality of grace is to be judged so should this witness be to me no further strenthning then it hath some greater height in humility and tenderness of Spirit in the ways of God going alongst herewith and some more singular eminency of grace as does answer to that Isai 57 15. John 14 21. 2. I must judge these also have a higher room in this witness for God on their experience of his truth who have in a more singular way then others known the truth of supernatural assistance and sustaining grace under extraordinar tryalls I mean such Christians as have been tryed not only in the truth but in the strenth of divine grace at another rate then others whom I must reckon amongst the greatest witnesses for God in this day when 1. This renders their testimony to be of a higher valew and evidence according to the height and measure of their conflicts and tryalls whom thus the Lord hath choised and separate as Joseph was from the residue of his brethren for such a service of example that the excellency of his grace might here more brightly shine forth 2. Because the deposition herein is in a matter on which most doe stumble at the ways of God upon that scandall of the cross and on this account it may be said they are sent as messengers and spyes to witness what manner of allowance he does then impart to bear the expence of a more extraordinare time of affliction and suffering and what immediate support is then found above the allowance of ordinary times that with Caleb and Joshua they might bear a honourable report for God unto others 3. The credit of this testimony riseth the higher as it hath cost them so dear who bear the same and hath not been easily attained nor is an offering unto God of that which costs them nothing who have been helped bejond others to glorify him in the fires 4. They are such above the residue of Christians who hath usually a record of more special confirmations and great remarks of the way of God in the Journal and History of their life I know most would fear to have a room in such a testimony but as I doubt not there are many such witnesses this day in the earth so I must reckon it one of the most honourable services for God upon it and will ere long know the full sence of that truth when he hath tryed them to bring them forth as gold Job 23 10. 3. And are not such specially sisted as witnesses herein and under more singular engagements then others who upon greater Services for God assigned to them hath also had more then ordinare allowances of immediate divine assistance for the same to witness that they have not been sent hereon on their own charge and expence this is one of the great discoveries that the Lord gives unto men of his beeing God and is a clear and demonstrative evidence of that reall and near communication which the Churches head hath with his body here on the earth I know this hath a special respect to such as are called of the Lord on that Service of the Ministry of his Word who hath some peculiar and distinct part allotted to them as witnesses and put on a more publick theater before the World to witness that absolute dependance which the work and service of that station hath on their great Master and the outlettings of his Spirit both for support and success and what thus is found in the way of an immediate relyance on him for I must judge that none knowes a near entercourse with God and to be purely acted for him on this great service but hath some peculiar advantage bejond any else for more fingular and rare confirmations of the truth on their own soul and of a known and sensible seall from God both in fruit and acceptance of their work and tho such who look at a distance cannot discern what may be betwixt God and his Servants in some publick administrations of his service as may be then evident to their soul yet is it oft made so far discernible as to serve an awful sence and impression on mens spirits of God in the Assemblies of his Church and of the truth of supernatural assistances and something more then humane herein nor does such a witness ever cease tho it be now more rare then in times past in this sad and judicial period of time we are fallen in when almost all sence savour and discerning of the Spirit of God with
things of God which is alone sacred to him what concerns the publick rights and freedome of the spiritual Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ as a visible politick body with the highest respect to his Royal Authority who is the alone Head and Lawgiver thereto It is known that he hath given ane express Charter for the same to his Church under the New Testament according to which the due limits and bounds of that spiritual Jurisdiction which he hath settled there and the full extent hereof sould be both keep'd clear and closely adhered to as ane Interest of the Lord Jesus which is as the apple of his eye he hath join'd also these two great Interests of the Civil and Ecclesiastick Power in so entire a harmony that tho they are to be ever keep'd distinct yet are not to be divided from other but to move jointly in such a blessed and desirable Union as may most serve the great ends of the Kingdome of Christ and the publick good of humane Society and now when this great promise of Christs entring in a more conspicious manner on the Glory of his Reign is come to the birth and begun to bring forth which is that period where to it may be said hath been reserved the perfections of ihe Churches visible state here on the earth how highly desirable should it be to be found assistant thereto in such a day but oh is it possible that these who have such raised hopes of an eternal Crown and Kingdome in Heaven can have so low desires or designs how to be serviceable to the Kingdome of Christ here in the earth yea when none can want an interest and room in this service where it hath once a weight and value on their heart but yet it may be a matter of hope this day that these who by so singular an appearance of God hath now the Soveraign Power and Authority in these Nations are no less eminently fitted to appear for him herein then they are stated under the highest engagements for such ane end 3. It is surely one of the things of God and an interest which is purely sacred to him wherein the spreading of his Kingdome in the World is most nearly concerned which lyes in a serious and faithful Ministry to the Church and is of that concern as it may be justly called Indicium stantis cadentis Ecclesiae for this is one of the highest Ordinances of Christ given to the Church and that way which he hath himself consecrated for the inbringing and perfeiting of the Elect by which so great effects are wrought in the World where ever there is a divine mission for the same to any part thereof the Church is in a building up there ane Ordinance by which most visible efficacy supernatural influences are conveyed in a moral way under the blessing of that iustitution but on the other hand nothing is more threatning to a Nation as to the falling down of some dismal night of judgement then the corruption and debaesing of that which in it's own nature is so excellent where things that are more extrinsick and of a humane concern are so much looked after but that which is Gods part in the great intent of this erection is of so low regard that if ane Inquiry were made through a great part of Britain they should find the dark places of the earth there stil amidst so bright a day of the Ghospel as is now shining what a multitude is thus perishing thorow want of knowledge whilst it seems so â—itle desired or designed to have such a Ministry whose highest study should be upon the great Intent of Christianity to bring men to Christ not to themselves and to allure and perswade their coming under his blest dominion and yoake to press internal renovation of the heart and a necessity hereof with that seriousnes as might take hold on their conscience and let them see there can be nothing more highly irrational then to sist in ane exterior profession and form of Religion and not prove once upon their own tryall the truth hereof in its power and efficacy and whither it hath not a vital part which lyes in ane inward life of Communion with God for as this alone is such a Ministry that should be the blessing of a Nation and Kingdom so in respect of this to be of such a distinguishing Profession tho in its self most agreable to the truth should be of no regard where this is wanting as a test for so sacred ane Office It is I hope unquestionable that the trust of the souls of men is greater then any temporal concerns of a Kingdom or State and how this Ordinance is that which hath the most peculiar influence to prepare the way of the Lord in this day for that blessed and near approaching time of his more conspicous Reign on the earth in the Glory thereof I abstract here from any thing controversal as things are stated in the present day only as to what I hope there may be ane unite agreement in by all who have a deep sence on their spirits of the blood and perishing of immortal souls this way and a serious respect to that Catholick Interest of the Kingdom of Christ amongst men I know it was never a harder part then in this age to stemm such a tide as seems yet on the growing hand of prejudice against the way of truth when so many are in the dark tearing one another and counting it desirable to have where at they may offend and stumble whilst that study is not more followed to prevent so far as is possible mens taking of offence even where it is not given according that of the Apostle who is offended and I burn not the excess of disputing in this age hath been a peece of our judgement and the managing thereof so little to that end of edification but the defect may be no less evident on the other hand for the suitable improvements of Christian prudence as a duty and service to God so absolutely necessar for the regulating of duties according to the circumstances of the Churches case and what the present day can bear without coolness or indifference in any concern of truth which is that part of our Religion that hath been too little improven We are indeed blessed with an unchangeable rule of Sacred Truth which hath no dependence on humane Counsels or Power to change or alter the same or on the mutable revolutions of time and can never vary from its self yet is the tenderness and wisdom of divine Condescendence in the application thereof to be so far regarded as on of the most weighty parts of Religion lyes therein how present duties may be with a judicious discretion directed to that great end of edification since that which may be necessare in one case as it is cloathed with other circumstances may be hurtful and destructive This is one of the most difficult
and immortality in a future state as hath made it there continued and highest exercise to have a further and new strenthning of there faith herein who yet all that time knew not what it was to be shâ—ken or to have any inward fear as to there own personal interest herein but still found the Revelation of the Ghospel so great a thing and there spirits so deeply seased with the wonders of our Religion that whatever did tend to a higher strenthning of their faith herein was also the greatest addition to their joy and in that sence did most understand such a saying nunquam satis magna securitas in re tanti momenti ubi periclitatur aeternitas But in the next place what thoughts I would humbly offer to one of so knowing and judicious a spirit and where so great assistances you may have access to improve otherways â—ssiall be most in a directive way upon a sevenfold inquiry that may be of greatest weight for a Christians laying the ground work of their profession on solid and clear grounds which lyes first here 1. To know that rare and peculiar order that is suitable in a Christians first entry on Religion under a serious weight of the same on their spirits since as in any great studie there is an entrance and a progresse and that it is sure in the whole frame of Christianity there is so entire a correspondence as nothing stands alone by it self but in a line of mutual respect which in that manner runs through the same as ane entry aright upon one step must make way to render a further progresse clear and unavoidable so here I must judge 1. That a Christian should once make it such a proper and solemn business and work by it self to attain a solid founding and settlement of their faith on the truth and to sist his soul in such a manner as if he were then to enter on the Christian profession without respect to example education or influence of any humane authority or whatever any external motives could have weight herein since in a case of that high concern men should in the greatest recess and composure of spirit have some distinct special time such as may be matter after of sweet reflexion to them how they did then prove themselves with respect to so high and discriminating a profession from the residue of the world and did thus with full inward consent join in with the truth purely on its own evidence as though there were none of that profession in the bounds and place they lived in 2. As the naturall order of things should require that the foundation be sure laid ere we begin to build so is it sure that the first entry on serious Religion must be on the Faith of the divine nature and existence and that men have assuredly a God to trust to and to make them happy as Hebr. 11 6. he must first beleeve that he is c. and in the same order John 17. 3. must beleeve him to be the only true God ere he come to beleeve Jesus Christ whom he hath sent O how uncomfortable a thing should humane state be without God and ane absolute dependance on him who might see his life to be rather a curse and torment then blâ—ssing if there were no supernatural help above himself against the eâ—il and miseries of time and to subdue the distempers of the mind and the fears that should thus sease upon him both as to his present and future state but what possible comfort could there be in the light of a Deity or enjoiment of a Godhead if we know not with assurance also the Excellencies of his blessed nature and what a God we have to adventure on 3. Thus by ane unavoidable constraint there must be a further progresse and enquirie upon the certaintie of a revealed rule of correspondence betwixt God and man here both in order to dutie and what we may exspect and hope from him and if it be sure this day that there be ane express and clear revelation of his will herein to be found in the earth that comes with full and infallible evidence to men for here is it not possible to stand or fix until our faith be once settled on the truth of such a divine record when we see in what estate poor mankind were in if such a sure way of commerce were not betwixt the invisible God and this visible world we are in since then we should have no certain and fixed boundaries betwixt good and evil by that unchangeable difference which the holy nature of God hath put herein nor could we ever know that rule of subjection and relation we stand under to him then heaven and earth were shut up from correspondence together by any established rule for the same then should the most excellent and essentiall part of man his immortall soul have no directive or comforting light as to his future state and safe passage thereto whilst the visible creation hath a sun to shine thereon when such is the way to life as by the greatest improvements of nature it can be neither found nor followed then should that rare structure and workmanship oâ— grace here and of glory and blessedness to come be a terra incognita to poor mankind and as man only in this lower creation is capable of moral Goverment and humane lawes which yet can extend no further then their visible work and actions if such a blessed record were not there should be no establishment of laws to the whole inward man no rule of regulation to the heart and this inward world would be subject to no Goverment and tho the ruined state of humane nature may be as discernable as the truth of it's existence yet should we neither know its true original and rise nor any relief for the same we might discern the truth of invisible adversaries and of some great design they have against us as clearly as any object of sense but we could know no security from them by ane invisible guard or the way how to resist such a party then should the work and conduct of providence be wholly unintelligible to us and have our eyes shut on these wonders hereof which exceed the sphere of created nnderstanding if this great luminary of the Scripture did not continually shine thereon which we cannot see and not see also that no way besides this was ever made known to recover poor mankind out of that gulf of bondage and misery he is fallen into and as this glorious light of divine truth hath its proper sphere where it is fixed and shines forth in the Christan Chureh so the whole world beside is a place where horror falshood and impiety does visibly raign 4. But this must lead men of a serious spirit to a further enquiry upon that essential difference which is betwixt the revealed rule of our Religion and any other way that pretends thereto as there is betwixt light
and darkness which is not founded by positive institution only but in the immutable nature of these things themselves and tho I design to speak more fully to this hereafter yet should this be of highest use to strenthen the Christian faith to look in with the serious use of reason on the whole frame of Paganisme as it was in ancient times or of Mahumetisme in this day where even under a sense of the law and dictates of nature such a sight were enough to expose the very name and form of Religion to be just matter of abhorrence and to be the highest reproach of mankind and thus see whither so brutish and horrid a thing could ever claim a reception either on the purity of its rule or any internal evidence of truth or possible consistence with its self so that to have no sense or beleef of the glorious being of God is not worse or more dreadful then to have the highest contumely and affront thus put on the divine nature and which tends rather to justify Atheism This enquiry were it suitably improven could not but render that dilemma unansuerable either a Christian or of no Religion at all either that which we enjoy according to the Laws and constitutions of the Christian faith or else an absolute nullity as to all Religion and that no such sacred thing had a being on the earth INQUIRY II. But as it is not possible to hold by the truth of a Godhead or to have any trew enjoiment of Religion without a further and unavoidable progresse to the Christian Faith so must the first entry hereof be on the old Testament and by a necessar result upon this inquiry if the God of truth gave such a promise of a redeemer to mankind after the fall and that on this great assurance the faith of the ancient Church did entirly rest that so glorious a person as the Messias should come and be anointed to that work of redeemingman and bringing him again to God since tâ—is must be first cleared and our faith fixed on the same ere we can enter on any enjoiment of the Ghospel for the faith of the new Testament is not attainable else but in such an order and settlement of our faith in the old and hath ane absolute dependance on the same wherein the weight of this enquiry lyes 1. To see the truth and nature of that promise which was the first immediate object of the Churches faith to be irrevocable and absolute and given to be declarative of the immutable purpose and counsel of God herein and not dependant upon any condition in man 2. How this one great promise was given to be the original right and warrant of all other promises which doe wholly center in him in whom they are yea and amen 3. As a promise of such a nature that reason must stand amazed at the greatnes hereof and cry out can this possibly be yea the more deep enquiry herein must highten such ane astonishment and make the soul of a Câ—ristian sinke under the thoughts of such a thing that God wil in very deed bear such regard to man this being a truth of that concern as it might seem strange how one day should pass over men without some fresh reviving of such a reflection 4. To see how high a value and account God put upon that one promise by so long a delay and procrastination of the same as a promise worthy of the Churches waiting and expectation of the same for 4000. Years 5. This enquiry must lye here to see the first entry of the Christian Faith on the world in its precise time and date and how such a light did not shine on Adam and Eve in the state of perfection whilst they stood in a state of tryal upon a perfect obedience to their God but with the falling doun of that dismal night of there fall did the glory of this light first dawn that there might be no utter darkness in the state of mankind as in that of the fallen angels whereby the final condemnatory sentence on the one and releef for the other were made known and promulgate together and the room of the first Adam filled up with a higher glory by the second 6. How this blessed light tho with a gradual increase did never cease to shine on this world since it began to dawn nor hath there ever ceased a peculiar people in a Church relation who were distinct and separate from the residue of men whose profession was founded in the alone faith of a redeemer so as one day hath not been since the first entry of that promise wherein the sun did shine on the earth when the sun of righteousness did not shine also by vital influences of light and power and where the Churches head had not some part of his body here to converse with as the peculiar objects of his complaisance and love and did rejoice in the habitable parts of the earth tho that some ages have had a higher glory assigned thereto and a larger extent of the Church yet would he not restrict the ingathering of his elect to any special periods of time or let each age want a share of this glory and of a seed to be as salt to the earth 7. But this enquiry goes further to see these measures of evidence and divine condeshendence which was given to support the faith of the ancient Church on that great promise even by an ocular discovery to the outward sence as in the whole frame and successive course of the legal sacrifices and these numerous figures and types in that long preparatory service wherein he did not let his people feed on asshes naked shadows and where nothing was inept or usless but was expresly significative of that highest mystery of Christ and could possibly bear no other sence or intent and since the whole stress of the Christian Faith lyes upon this one promise or what can make the state of man valeuable in any true enjoiement of his life here it s on this head should be sett the first settlement of our faith for I know no releef but in a promised redeemer and if it were not for the old Testament I could not possibly be a Christian if the morning and growing-light of that glorious mystery had not gone before its meridian hight and as a clear conduct to the next step I shall enter on A III. INQUIRY to know that this fundamental promise of a redemers coming to the world is assuredly made good and is no more a matter of faith but of sense that its sure our eyes see such a day and long expected period of time and can be no dark or doubtful thing now to be a Christian but may enter on its profession in the open light but to clear how with the same evidence of the certainty of the promise we may see its performance also and if we be sure of the one that it is not possible to be
in question about the other is thus visible 1. Because we must then part with the old Testament and cease to credit its divinity and no comfort could be from the same if it had yet failed in this great event and what is the main intent thereof for if the promised Messias were yet to come I could then look for none since all these proper circumstances which are so expresly foretold whereby to know and discern him must be wholly made void and ane utter nullity should be in that faith 2. Because I could not possibly look for the accomplishment of that promise according to the whole tenor of the old Testament in another way then what we have hereof in the revelation of the Ghospel yea were it supposable that the Messias were yet to come is is sure I could only look and expect for his acting the same part and in the same appearance 3. Let us but compare the antient creed of the Church herein with that which is ours now under the dispensation of the Ghospel and see whither they be not entirely on in substance and center in the same redeemer with this variation only that the one was on the credit and assurance of what was promised and the other on the certainty of its accomplishment so as that may be as applicable to Moses Isaia and Daniel with other of the Prophets as to the Evangelists what is spoke by John Chap. 20 v. 31. But these are written that ye might beleeve that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that beleeving you might have life through his name where we may see there could be no humane contrivance in this joint concurring for the same end and by the same spirit but yet more specialy lyes the weight of this enquiry to see 1. how the most solemn times of the old Testament was still a waiting and expecting time and that their highest enjoiments lay in hope of that glory to be revealed in after ages when the seal should be taken off that great Pâ—ophesy then sealed up and how the whole dispensation of that time was preparatory and as a prelude to that great design of grace which was to be brought forth 2. How the breaking up of Ghospel and its first entry on the world had its precise time and date as that which was so absolutly necessare for a more clear settling of the Christian Faith this being a matter of fact and of the highest import that ever was and was ane external object of Sense in the view of the World which laid an inevitable constraint on the whole Christian Church then to have it keept clear and under the most exact and punctual circumstances 3 As Israels coming out of Egypt in a typical respect was a night and time of such great observation and that the Lord did put hereon so special a weight with respect to the punctual and precise time hereof so was this in a more eminent way to â—e matter of highest regard when and in what time the great universal good and blessing of mankind our blessed redeemer was revealed unto the World which should begin a new week and that solemn Epocha whence wee reckon the Churches entry on the highest glory of time and on a new state 4. Hereon hath that solemn observation of the first day of the week as the Lords day both its rise and right tho it might seem not possible this could ever come under forgetfulness when it was thus fixed upon the highest certainty and precise time both of the sufferings and resurrection of the Lord in matter of fact as that day and time was which had a glory put thereon that none else could possibly claim and no time ever since that glas sett up to their creation was like unto this yea which was wholly impossible to fix the Christian Church on the observation hereof otherways but that this was so publick and famous in the view of the world and had so great a weight on the primitive Christians then when these morning stars sung together and the Sons of God shouted for joy at the first entry of this new World and it may be specially remarkable that our Lord did the less inforce the same in an authoritative way both to try and trust the love of his people herein that what he had done for them put so strong ane enforcment and imposition to a frequent and solemn remembrance of this blessed day from internal motives and tho its divine authority be clear yet the less is of positive institution this way the more strenthning might it be to our faith and more excitment also for our love herein were it seriously considered 5. And of what weight should this enquiry be still on mens spirits that our hope leans novv no more on a promise on which the Saints of old did both live and die when this makes so essential a change in the Christian Faith that vvhat ane Abraham and Moses was saved by cannot possibly save us to beleeve in a Redeemer to come which would now be absolutly mortall nay not in generall terms to beleeve that he is come but to knovv and be sure that this is he whom the Fathers sealed and sent unto the World and he alone who in the dayes of Tiberius and Pontius Pilate suffered at Jerusalem A IV. INQUIRY which suitably followes here is to look in upon the glory of that time under the new Testament vvhich vvas peculiarly reserved thereto and on these publick declarative signs to the World whereby our Redeemer was declared to be the Son of God with power and by the spirit of Holiness so as it may be said the Lord did then set up Signs and Wonders to this very day with a more eminent lustre then these at the Churches outgoing from Egypt but since in the times we live in you may find more to shake and stagger then to strengthen your spirit in the way of truth when it is not in an ordinare degree that a reall Apostacy may be seen from the Christian Faith this day in the Reformed Churches whilst that choice spirit of the Bereans seems rarely to be found in the earth I shall touch but a little this great subject in some instances wherein our blest Redeemer after his Ascension hath still made himself visible before the World in the glory of his divine Power and are of such kind as no distance of time can take off that irresistable evidence of the same from a serious spirit as if they were still present 1. That tho in his bodily presence since he left the World he is no object any more of humane sense yet hath he been no less visible in his goings forth to conquer and establish a Kingdom to himself out of all Nations Tongues and Languages even to the utmost parts of the earth and since I know you can improve some Reflections on this Head bejond what I can speak thereon I shall the more
dissolved and fall ere one special act of trust and adventure on his hand and under the assured warrant of his truth should be frustrate and that the safe conduct also and security of one Christian in his passage through time is of that consequence and so essential a part of the great frame of providence that this should not be entire and perfect if it should fail as to the meanest of the Saints to make so great a nullity herein 7. And is it not in such a reflex work on the truth of experience that such can only know the sweet enjoiments of times past and what that peculiar comfort of remembrance means which I must reckon one of the rarest and most unknown enjoiments this day under the Sun since it is sure this can never be from the greatest delights of the earth when once passed which as they return no more so does ever leav a bitter sting and remembrance by a native result of the same whilst that which hath been experienced in the way of God can neither perish nor lose its sweetness but will render the most afflicting part of their life past which was most bitter and sore then to be the most comforting part thereof to their remembrance when they can see herein both what they have designed for God and he hath done for them 8. If there be any comfort of love in the Communion of the Saints here within time they may see how this is not attainable but in the light of inward experience whence they know what it is to meet and have fellowship in the same Savour and relish of the things of God when in a spiritual frame and to be mutually disclosed as they can discern something of the excellency of one anothers spirit and of the power and lively workings of inward grace by that native lustre and evidence which thus followes the same so as under the sensible power of such attractions their souls are more closely unite and joined together yea are mutually strenthned by other conflicts and what experiments they have made of divine truth herein as to their releaf And I must say where this is not understood that great mystery of the Communion of the Saints is but a strange and dark notion nor without this can that special design of the Lord in the settlement of Churches in a visible state be either known or answered which is to have external ordinances carried on with life and power amongst men and enjoying communion with our blessed head herein The VII and last INQUIRY I would make as to a more full assurance of understanding on the truth of our profession and for further clearing of this great Subject of the experimental part of Religion is to know the quality of the witnesses thereto which is an Inquiry of a higher concern and import then seems to be apprehended or of what weight and necessity this is upon these grounds 1. Because the whole truth of Spiritual experience is matter of fact and founded on a certainty of sense it is truth in the event and performance and not what God does speak but what according to the same he hath done so that this is not upon any principle of Faith but on mens personal tryall of the same according to that Isai 43 v. 10. ye are my witness says the Lord that ye may know and beleeve me and understand that I am he for tho it is of divine and infallible truth that whatever God hath assured by promise he will do yet the experience hereof since the Canon of the Scripture was sealed is of humane record and a testimony which could bear no weight from the greatest of men if the quality of such witnesses were not tried and considered herein 2. Because the highest pretence to spiritual enjoiments in the way of the promise is but a false testimony where there is no tender regard herewith to the precepts of the Ghospel when this connection is indissoluble Act 9. they walked in the fear of God and comforts of the Holy Ghost doe not my words good to them that walk uprightly Mica 2 7. It is true that choisest Christians may be much hid and in the dark herein to others and upon such an account should have a sad part if they were tryed and judged by men only this is sure there can be no more in the conclusion then is in the premises and that a Christians testimony to the truth lyes more in what they are then what they express to others 3. The quality of the witnesses is of such weight here and to be specially regarded as one of the highest services for God within time under their hand to put too their seall and testimony that God is true in what he hath promised who are as it were judicially sisted in behalf of his truth and faithfulnes since his declarative glory before angels and men does more peculiarly ly here then in the whole Structure and frame of this Creation This is a trust and debt also upon each age of the Church that the truth and faithfulnes of their God may be transmitt to the generations to come with such a confirmatory seall 4. This Inquiry is the more called for to know what these are who bear such a witnes to the truth upon the exceeding greatnes of these things which belong to Christian experience since this might awake the most sublime and inquisitive spirits of the time to search herein and be a Subject of great thoughts and reflection that such are on the earth yea an innumerable part of men who do verily enjoy so marvelous a light as is immediatly out of Heaven and shines upon none else and knowes such an enjoiment as an immediate communion with the Deity and his sensible presence with their Spirits with returns from Heaven to their suits in most reall effects since if this be sure then must men seek for another Idea of Christianity have other thoughts about the same then what most seem to have then is there a higher glory put upon mens souls in the way of grace and their beeing partakers of the divine nature then what all humane grandeur can ever amount to or is upon the Sun and the Stars of Heaven 5. The credit and quality of the Witnesses on this great head of Spiritual experience and the whole internal part of Christianity is of such weight that the spirit of this age and most predominant part of men within the Church is stated in so visible an opposition thereto not only to oppose the power and spirituality of Religion but to deny its principles and give a lye to this testimony of the most eminent workings of the spirit of God on mens souls as if it were some illusion or imposture which is in effect to take of the greatest seall that God hath given to the Divinity of the Scripture in the whole internal demonstrations of its truth this is the great prodigy of this age bejond any
been and may yet be in the present age greater attainments of the same then most of Christians can easily comprehend whole tryalls were never brought to such a pitch and in that manner assigned to them since these are of the Lord measured out only according to the measure of Faith given them Rom. 12 3. 2. As none may abridge the Spirit of God in the freedome and Soveraingty of his work herein whatever times men be in so is it known and clear that where the Lord does allott more extraordinare cases whither to Churches or particular Christians when such are keeping close by him and the revealed rule of their duty there also is a more extraordinare allowance for the same yea such a measure and encrease of their Faith to be sought from the great author thereof as may answer the present case to have their strength according to their day 3. It is unquestionable that the Lord designs in all ages of his Church to bring glory to himself by such a faith as hath no ground to grip on but ane infinit and immediate power that can extend it self to the most desperate and amasing case nor is a beleeving in hope when it is to be furthest against hope a strange and dark thing in this day either as to the warrant hereof or these proofs which have been made of the same in the issue And herein I must judge the appearance of God no less wonderful to some of his people in that which he works in them and in that deliverance from their fears where no humane Reason or Secondary causes could concurr then in that which he hath done for them in the most stupendious acts of Providence nor does any time want some share and proper talent of this kinde if such great appearances of God were more observed that might be singularly strenthning to the Christian Faith 4. Is there a reall Christian this day who is not called to such a Faith that he shall once upon himself experience a greater miracle by a divine omnipotent Power then was yet ever wrought in the earth which is of the Resurrection of his body after it hath been for some ages dissolved into dust wherein it is by the undoubted Faith of miracles to be wrought upon himself that his greatest support and comfort within time stands yea if there be such a Faith in the earth which is now still warranted as that we have Ps 46 12. it must then ly in ane actual trust and relyance in a case where a miracle can only help 5. If possessions by the Devil were in that manner now usual as in the primitive times it is undeniable that the Prayer of Faith herein for dispossession were not only warranted but expresly called for tho the inward assurance of such a Faith may not in the same manner be given to some as to others yet here is a special suiting from God the proof of a miracle by his immediate Power which they are in faith called too and as that Prescript given by our Lord of fasting and prayer for this end does still stand in force so hath there been known publick instances in these late times of reall dispossessions by prayer and solemn addresses to Heaven herein 6. If the oppressed innocence of a Christian and in such a case where the honor of God were highly concerned should be so stated as to be bejond humane releaf for clearing the same there might be herein an unquestionable reference to God for his more immediate decision and a warrantable ground to suit for the spirit of faith in such a measure as so extraordinare a tryall requires bejond what in an ordinare case is allowable but so as to wait for the same in his season and way This I know was in the primitive times in some more singular manner made use off when no ordinare means was attainable for the same but as that could have no safe warrant so the Law of jealousie and tryall by the waters of jealousie Numb 5. was then temporary and is now ceased yet is this still moral herein and of perpetual use that God is the same who hath reserved to himself an immediate appearance of himself when no ordinar means can help yea that promise Ps 57 3. is expresly given for such ane end of his sending from Heaven immediatly to save where no assistance on the earth is attainable and all natural means faiâ—l 7. It is unquestionable that the making use of Lots which in such a case is only safe where it is rendred absolutly necessar for a final determination in some great and weightie concern is such a solemn appeal to ane extraordinar decision of God as the faith of his appearance by a present and immediate sign from himself is necessarily required tho it be not by any strange or miraculous evidence yet is as truely to be taken from God in such a case and in faith subjected to as if some supernatural sign did accompany the same and as no humane wisdome or counsel can have place herein as to the event so I must judge an entire acquiescence of mens spirits on such a determination shewes not only a deep and reverent Seâ—ce of the Majesty of God but that this is as truely his answer as if they had seen fire coming down from Heaven to consume the Sacrifice as was in the days of Elijah at mount Carmel 8. It may be said that the truth of such a faith hath in a special evidence and power hereof been known when things have come to some unusual extremity in a Christians case as could bear no delay but like that of the Disciples of Christ help Lord ere we perish instances of this kind have been so clear as I judge is not possible to deny the truth of such a seall to the Faith of Christians were things of that nature more adverted to and observed It is a few years past that a famous Minister of Christ who now is at rest in the Lord was under such an extraordinare pain and torment by a confirmed stone in the gravel as nature sunk wholly under the same and as he shewed me was brought to that extremity that he turned to God with such a cry let not thy servant distract but help for I can possibly bear no more who said also that in the very present moment it was immediatly taken off and this at once with a perfect ease and releaf and did recurr no more till the day of his death which was sometime after this as I had from himself so was it from one that none in the age he lived in I could have credited more and could leave no room for doubting that such a return in the present act of prayer at so great a height and extremity of pain without any natural cause and mean was immediatly from God and supernatural I knew also with assurance such an instance in a Mnister of the Ghospel who was seased in the
Sabath morning with an extraordinar collick which grew upon him to that height as in an ordinare way rendred it not possible to go forth upon the publick work of the day which then lay upon him and to a great Auditory at that time so that whilst he essayed to rise he was pressed to take his bed again a very few minutes before the sett time for going to Church but whilst he presented the case to God upon the interest of his service it was in a moment taken off not by any gradual abatement of such a distemper but entirely at once so as he never had more sweet access and freedome to go forth on the work of the Lord both at that dyet and in the following part of the publick work and this also was when no outward mean was concurring herein as it is clear that the passive Faith which Christ did specially require for an immediate cure from himself Matth 9 was this beleevest thou that I am able to help when no ordinare means can do so I doubt not this was in some measure acted in both these instances leaving roome for omnipotency to act in such an exigence 9. Nor hath there been wanting eminent proofs of this kind of special applications of Faith made unto God by prayer in behalf of others under diseases where ordinare means hath been laid aside and the case past all hope and of such returns by a present restoring and under such evidence as enforced the conviction hereof upon mens conscience that we may see how in some strange cases of this kind the true cause and the Lords design herein does not untill then break up according to that John 9 3. That the work of God might be tâ—us made manifest in them 10 I may further add if there were this day a new erection and settlement of some particular Church from amongst Infidells and the commission for this end of Ministers of Christ made evident and clear to go forth on such a service where no natural and ordinare means of conviction were attainable I doubt not but something in a more extraordinare way of the faith of miracles and immediate appearances of God herein might be expected as in the primitive times when on the same ground it was lett forth Nor can it be found there hath been any particular Church of Christ without some extraordinare seall oâ— this kind especially in the first entry and erection of the same nor is there any time or age of the Church wherein the clear sence of that Scripture Mark 9 23. all things are possible to them that beleeve does not take place which is that no measuâ—e of tryall or difficulties whither as to Churches or particular Christians in the way of their duty can be at such an height as to restrain or sett bounds to the work of Faith on an infinite divine power tho all natural or second causes should cease yea that there is no case so singular wherein the warrant of a divine Promise herein and a Christians Faith should not be of the same extent The II. Proposal that I shall breefly touch as it thus followes upon the former is whither in these last times the Lord does appear by any such extraordinare signs that are publick in the sight of the World and bring near such discoveries of his Godhead in any special acts of Providence as may bear the same evidence of miracles For Answer it is sure the Lord does not reveal himself this way but on some great and extraordinare ground who hath setled the faith of his Church absolutly on his revealed truth yet may it be said that no age is left without some witnesse of such a kind if there were not a sad inadvertence and shutting of mens eyes when the Lord is going by them in any great acts of his power but as to this Proposal I shall only point at some instances that seem to have least fuitable regard or notice and to be past by with most 1. Can there be a serious judgment and reflection on that great and amasing stroake of the Pestilence and not see an extraordinar appearance of God herein and of its beeing a judgment of that kind in some more remarkable times wherein it is lett forth as goes above all natural causes and all may see the immediate hand of God herein both in its risâ— progress and swift spreading as a lightning through Cities or Countries in its passing by some more then others where no cause can appear so as men must see its beeing sent with commission from Heaven and a supernatural causality as visibly as if they had stood with David and the Elders of Israel 2 Samuel 29 17. to see the Angel that smote the People between the Heaven and the Earth upon which account David did choise rather to come under this stroak then the Sword or Famine because it was in a more immediate way the hand of the Lord and where there is a more then ordinare near approach and discovery of himself unto men 2. It is of publick and uncontroulable evidence that miraculous and immediate witness from Heaven in the bleading of the bodies of men on the touch of the murderer in such cases where no ordinare means can bear evidence I will not speak of the warrantable use of such an appeal where the revealed rule of our faith and practice is not express herein but as its undoubted in the truth and reality of the same where no humane witnesse could answer to this end so is it surely ane immediate visible and extraordinare sign from Heaven given in the sight of the World from him who maketh inquisition for blood in a most singular way and a sign which in every time is made evident 3. There is also the certainty of extraordinare Revelation and of the truth of a Prophetick Spirit imparted to some as to special events of Providence which is so known and of that evidence as no age of the Church hath been without instances hereof what I mean hereby as to that more singular way of the Lords revealing himself to some of his Servants by a more extraordinar application of his Word is such as in the truth and certainty hereof can leave no room for doubtfulness tho on the other hand as to the way and dismal trade of divination that hath got up in the World by seeking a Divinity either from the Stars above or the Powers of darkness below it may be clearly seen is one of the great designs of Satan not only to counterfite the way of the Lord herein but to bring men unto a more direct homage to himself but I mention this instance only as it is so great and unquestionable a demonstration of God and of his giving in every age some extraordinare seall of this kind I shall but mention here one remarkable passage of which I am to the furthest perswaded that may seem strange with respect to this late
of man the whole successive race of mankind each in their order with that full evidence of the Holy Righteousness of the Judge herein as shall irresistably constrain their conscience to bear witnesse thereto 8. Yea what a concern of the Christian Faith lyes here of that eternal separation and parting which will then follow betwixt the elect and reprobate World with that dreadful dimission to these infernal Regions and with this sight to see sin which made its first entry in Heaven amongst the Angels and hath since so much overspread the earth now for ever shutt up in hell both sin and sinners together never more to look out at the grate of these prison But II. There is another thing with respect to this Subject which hath been to me oft matter of serious thoughts whence is it that in so knowing an age as this we see how such as are greatest pretenders to reason and to a higher flight then others this way are more visibly then any else of an Atheistick Spirit and to be a length herein bejond any else on that design how to weaken both their own assent and others to the Christian Faith and to render the same so far as possibly they can to be problematick and doubtful but it is sure here is nothing to stumble but what may rather be strenthning to any of a serious spirit and needs be no strange thing when such are as tender as possible to marr their enjoiments of this present life who hath no more or to let their thoughts come near to what must needs torment them before the time whilst their reason serves them for such an use and constrains their conscience herein that they must either be Christians in earnest or none at all yea that under such bright discoveries of the truth of the Ghospel they must see it is not compatible with reason how there should be a mids betwixt a truly serious Christian who beleeves what he does professe and a rosolved Atheist whose work lyes to have the dread of such a Faith wholly extinguished I knew a most remarkable Atheist indued with special natural accomplishments who on the same account said to a person of quality if I did trul◠beleeve what you profess to do they are matters of so great concern that I do profess I could think upon nothing else or be taken up thus as the most of Christians are with the things of this World so as I cannot possibly credit you in the Faith of your own Profession And herein can any exerce reason and not see the Faith of Christianity is another thing then most this day did ever conceive it to be and a much higher attainment then a Christians particular interest herein for where the first is assuredly attained it may seem not possible but the other must follow that mens greatest business of the earth should be to have a sure evidence for Heaven and to be ripening for so great a change I have known some whose tryalls and conflicts in their warefare hath been extraordinare and strange who hath professed their highest releaf still lay herein from the Faith of divine truth more then as to any particular promise made applicable to such a case and would have sought no more to carry their spirits above the present temptations that occurred though they were not ordinary or to be at rest as to all temporal events but a more full strenthning in the Christian Faith and that their Redeemer did live since then they were in sure terms as to their security for whatever he hath promised III. But I must add yet one thing further which seems indeed a prodigy proper to such an age as this that it s become so hard a work to bring men living in the day light of the Ghospel to a serious beleeving the truth and existence of infernal spirits and of their commerce and traffick with this visible World or to bring such who seem greatest pretenders to reason to the Faith of Divells lest they should thus be unavoidably brought to that Faith of the Divells which is to beleeve and tremble which surely is an unconceavable and extream horror that these Apostate Spirits have herein whilst their assent to the glorious beeing of God to his attributes yea to the truth and History of the Ghospel is by such ane inevitable constraint that as there is no possible access for them to be Atheists so is their dréad and torment heigtned beeing such knowing intellectual essences as that power and subtilty of delusion whereby they deal with mankind will not work on themselves This I must judge to be the last effort of the horrid wickedness of this present age to strenthen such a way and since such a party can have no help or support from faith and reason herein and yet find the assured truth and beeing of Divels and of their communion and warefare with men does marr any possible defence or design for Atheism and a taking off the terror of ane infernal state off their soul they must therefore move to another airth which is to beleeve nothing but what they see and feell and comes under a sensible demonstration to warrant the same for this is to make sure work at once against the whole Christian Faith and shut the door on any way of conviction thence thus they keep a distance with the beeing of their own souls as if it were some dark and abstract notion because it comes not under their sence they can live at quiet and be secure from the fear of a Hell and infernal world or exclusion out of Heaven untill they once meet with such an argument as to make them both see and feell the truth hereof but oh they seeme not to apprehend how sore the application of this argument will be when they at last find its in vain to reject the conclusion where the premises are sure There is one of late who is come forth in the day light of Christianity in a book lately published to undeceive the World upon so great a delusion as to these invisible powers of darknesse and tho he seems to find it difficult how to annihilate and make void wholly their existence yet doth offer with a strange confidence to secure men from any fear of the molestations of such Spirits and that all inward temptations or assaults of Satan and his operating upon the souls of men is but a deplorable fascination and bewitchment that the Christian Church hath been so long under It might be judged there were little need for such a worke to take this generation we are now in off all watch and guard against these destroying adversaries and to render them more secure herein then they seem already to be and that this confidence must have some strange rise to go forth not only in the most direct opposition to Sacred Truth but to the universal Sence and reason of mankind except he hopes to find a numerous party who
yea that without this the furthest of objective evidence to cause irresistably a clear and rational assurance of divine truth tho it were followed with a dispensation of miracles will not quiet the Spirit of such who under some deep exercise may be haunted with hid and dreadful temptations to infidelity until they know the truth of a power and evidence as goes above any moral influence It is true this is not expressible to others and they must come and see who would know in what manner the Spirit of God bears evidence to his own truth and what strong impression his work hath on the internal Senses of a Christian yea what piercing intelligences are betwixt such who surely know and are partakers of a divine life and their blessed Head in this state of mortality but if this were not known and sure we might say ane established Christian whose work is to follow the Lord fully and adventure with assurance upon him is such as might be sought for here in the earth but would not be found 2. If I be perswaded of the truth and Excellency of Religion I must see this to be of as undeniable evidence that it hath no true or solid interest in the Earth but in the way of tryal and experience in it's power and efficacy on mens soull and makes no reall ground or conquest by an external profession or can serve to eternal ends until once that radical principle of the life of God in the soull be understood that choise company who are now going through time to the Church triumphant upon fresh and continued supplies of divine assistance are these alone in whom the Christian Faith is kept alive this day on the earth and it is one of the things I have thought most astonishing in the publick State of Religion that in an age when reason is so much pretended men can design a tryall of the enjoyment of a Heaven for ever in another World and yet hath not the same design on a personal tryall of the enjoyments of grace here to know converse with God in the spirit and the certainty of that trade and commerce which is betwixt Heaven and Earth whilst we are yet on it that are things so highly remote from all humane sence 3. It hath prest me to insist more on this subject that this way is so visibly gathering strength and seems to have the greatest prevalence now in the Reformed Churches how to divide the moral part of our Religion in the duties and services thereof from its internal and vital part so as this mortal contagion hath got in on the light and principles of this Generation that if there were not an absolute assurance by the promise of God we might fear truth and piety should quickly perish from the earth Oh what a strange prodigious opposition is this against the whole internal work vitals of that pure and excellent Religion wherein both the comfort and glory of humane state lyes how is' t conceivable men should be here capable of converse with God in the spirit if there were not a conformity to him in the same kind by a participation of the divine nature yea if there were not so rare a being on the earth as the new man which is born of God and his immediate workmanship which hath its peculiar grouth vital acts proper thereto and in that sence as it 's contradistinguished from the old man cannot possibly sin it self tho it be formed in the heart of a sinner and hath it's being therein no more then the life of God which is a partaking of the divine nature can put forth any act of sin but hath a continued conflict therewith and thus tends to give the clear sence of that Scripture 1 John 5 18. we know that whatever is born of God sinneth not Rom 7 20. It is no more I but sin that duelleth in me nam unumquodque operatur secundum suam formam for if this stood not sure the whole frame of experimental Religion were an unaccountable riddle A SECOND LETTER Wherein some Inquiry upon the times and the work of Providence about the Church but more specially with respect to the publick State of Britain and Ireland in this last age is seriously designed SIR I may truly say it did raise a special value and esteem on my spirit to meet with one in such a day who hath so great a weight and impression of the publick State of the Church and a sense of the present times so far above the ordinare thoughts of men when they seem so rare who look further then present things either to what is past in these extraordinar times have gone over this Generation or who hath another Judgment and Prognostication of what may be near yet before us then from visible and natural causes But though I must decline an answer to what you are pleased more particularly to propose under a just sence of my unfitness herein yet so far as I have attained in the matter of light upon a more general account with respect to the Work of God in these great changes past I am free to impart my self and to offer humbly some few thoughts on such a Subject which hath had most special evidence and weight on my spirit in the present day 1. I doubt not you make the same Judgment and reckoning of this with more advantage then I can reach that one of the most choise and weighty exercises of a Christian whilst he is within time lyes in a deep and serious observation of the times he is fall'n in not only with respect to the administration of Providence in humane affairs but what does more eminently relate to the Churches of Christ and where their lott is cast since this is ane essential part of Religion as it 's also one of the most choise of humane excellencies to discern and observe wisely the ways of the Lord. But I can only shew you some of these things in a short touch which I have found most engaging to such an Inquiry in this day 1. That as each distinct age hath a proper Talent given thereto under trust for observation of such events of Providence wherein the name of God is more near unto men in any singular way then in the ordinare course of his actings so hath the great Author of time choised to put a higher Glory upon one age and period of time then another wherein it might be said that the measure of one is five Talents as to more solemn appearances of the Majesty of God in his Providential Actings when the measure of other times hath been this way but as two Talents Such a differencing marke had that age of the Churches coming out of Egypt beyond all which had gone before yet was this comparatively little with respect to that glory which was reserved to the fulness of time when our blest Redeemer did appear to the World And it's clear how
in these later times that age which had it's first entry from the Year 1517. had a higher splendor put thereon then had been known for a thousand Years proceeding the same but when I have thought on the way and conduct of Providence and marvelous discoveries of God herein to this Generation I could not but see something in a most singular way of his appearance before the World to the same as seems but yet little understood tho this may be seen that we have surely lived in an age of wonders 2. I have lookt on such an exercise to discern and understand aright the times we are in as one of the most singular means for strenthning a Christians Faith on the certainty of sacred truth when with these more immediate discoveries of God in the way and administration of grace by his spirit on mens soull which is whelly hid from the World they can see in what manner his truth does visibly take place and is attested by an external seall in the glory of his work before men and I am perswaded none thus did ever persue a more near acquaintance with God but hath had some peculiar strengthning remarks of his way that have been hid from others tho of a serious spirit otherwise 3. It is such who have some greater weight of this choise study and their spirits more fully join'd in therewith then others who may attain more clear discoveries of light for directing them to the duties and work of such a time and on this account I fear that there is much yet this day in the dark to us and not understood what hath been the Voice of the Lord for answering the great ends of his Providence tho it hath been clear and distinct where mens spirits were laid open to entertain the same I confess it is not strange as to the greatest part of men this day tho they keep at the furthest distance from what might bring near an affecting sense of a Godhead to their soull in the ways of Providence who are resolute not to see or be perswaded of what doeth torment them hereby whose great study is to live without God in the World and seem emulous of these who can be most ingenious and expert to confirm their hearts against all that is sacred 4. But I am sure it is something much higher then any interest of men or of Nations or the greatest changes in the posture of humane affairs which should bear the greatest weight in this exercise to understand the times we are in and for a suitable observation thereof if men could once reckon that their great business in the earth lyes with God and in keeping sight of him in the outgoings of his Providence since the hidden wisdom of God in a Mystery is to be seen and sought out in his Works as well as in his Word it 's true publick Revolutions and the fall and setting up of great men are things highly observable and momentous but they are neither seen or understood when they make not way for some greater sight of the Majesty of God and the signal retaliations of Judgement herein what peculiar aspects such strange Revolutions of Providence hath on the present Generation II. Though it might seem unsuitable to offer any special Remarkes and Observations upon this late time to one of so discerning a spirit of things of that nature yet knowing how a mutual communication of light about the Work of God and his actings in our day is so incumbent a duty I shall point at a few things wherein I have desired to admire and observe the way of Providence in this remarkable age but in the first place more generally touch such a Head ere I speak in some particular way thereto 1. When we see the series of these times and different measures of tryall and service assigned thereto since that blessed rise and recovery of the Church from Antichristian darkness there might be seen also a growing increase of light which in this age hath had such ane advance as it could not but be expected that the Lord was to take some higher proofs of the improvements thereof from this Generation then of these past after such great things he had done for a full settlement of the Reformed Churches when he had opened the graves of his people and sent forth his Prisoners by the blood of the Covenant the trâ—â—h had made way for its self over mounâ—ains which once seem'd insuperable yea when this also is an age where in a great concurrence of the Prayers of the Saints in times before was â—o meet for â—he Churches interest so that unanswerableness to the expectation of God herein and to frustrate such eminent methods of grace might expect some unusual work of Judgment to follow thereon and the Lords coming at last to a judicial proces and procedure 2. We see how these extraordinar occurrences of this time past hath most remarkably had a joint respect both to Sacred and Civil Interests quoad Fata Ecclesiae Imperii humani so as in that sence it might be said there hath been a shaking both of Heaven and Earth as to the Churches visible State yea such hath these great changes from the right hand of the most high been within the measure of one age as men could not possibly see with the eye of reason without amasement tho it brings therewith one of the most dismal remarks of the present time if mens spirits be not seised with a deep and awful sense of the tremendous Majesty of God herein and know there is no stability of humane state this day in the earth but from him alone who can bring judgement on the greatest Nations or Persons above the common course of nature and influence of second causes but oh what intertainment should a diâ—pensation of Miracles find from the spirits of men now when the Revelation of Christ and Redemption by his Blood from Eternal Wrath hath no greater effects on this Generation and so few awak'd with the Glory of such a light 3. When I have considered this age as that which might have been judged a time of great expectation for a further advance of the Kingdom of Christ in the World which does specially make a time more remarkable yet how little access hath been herein to see the Work of God in any new planting of Churches or inbrirging of Nations to the Profession of the Ghospel as hath been formerly but instead of new Conquest rather a losing ground and is a difficult part become to maintain a defensive work in behalf of the truth and which may be a serious remark that in this age one tribe hath as it were been cut off from the Reformed Churches I mean as to that dismal State of Bohem where some time before had been so eminent and flourishing a plantation it is true there hath been a solemn tide of the effusion of the Spirit of God allotted to someof the Churches
the way of the Lord to bring Judgment a further length the God of Patience who does not easily destroy the Work of his own Hand and bears long ere a hight of sin does extort the last Stroke of Vengeance did then give such a new breathing or long intermission as to any extraordinary Acts of Judgment but did herewith send new Offers and Conditions of Peace before the decree bring forth Zephan 2 2. so as the next great warning which was given to these Nations was in an other way and method to take a new trâ—all how this yet would work by a most rare preventing Providence in the discovery of the Popish Plot which under the shadow of civil Authority had been so long hatching and ripening until this mine was ready to spring to a visible Ruine of the whole protestant Interest in these Nations This was a singular step of Divine Providence tho the sence hereof may be gone off the Spirits of most wherein he made us see that he was yet still watching over these Lands for their good when they were not aware and would not only warn by so awakning a Providence but turn that contrivance against the contrivers if so this might at last Work and answer the intent hereof But now I must further add what lyes nearer to our sight and observation upon this extraordinare course and Conduct of Providence from the Year 60. to that late call we have been sisted under to see what the Year 88 following did bring forth and here to fix our thoughts with a deep advertency on this strange sight and turn of providence which the most wise Discerners could not some time before have ever supposed on principles of Reason or by any natural connection of things a turn and vicissitude of Providence of such a kind where men may see the Name Majesty of God in some august and singular way shewed forth thereon and his arising to make way for his Power and immediate Appearance in such a manner as had not been known in former times This is indeed a peece of the Work of God that might bring near the Sense of a Godhead to the conscience of the most ordinare Observers and what ever sad and Judicial signs be too evident this day of the improvment made by most hereof yet should it deeply concern us that the Glory and Honor of God in so great a discovery of himself be not darkned or obscured This is a Work vve see but in part and the first Scene of vvhat is yet further in bringing forth and can be little knovvn or taken up by the nearest events of Providence untill the Vision-Speak and the vail be further taken off the same but it is sure herein that these of the most prejudged Spirit at such a Providence hath been constrained to see that this vvas by an immediate divine Hand contrare to the ordinary Course and Actings of Second Causes and how such vvho most eminently acted as Instruments herein vvhat ever access or advantage they had of Resolution Spirit and Counsel in such a Work yet vvere then only called forth to stand still and see a higher Power moving in the same vvho did there look down as in the morning watch to trouble the Motions of these who were against them and in an instant took off their Chariot wheels and made them knovv it vvas in vain either to stand or flee vvhen they had God against them who tho they reckoned to go forth as at other times they knevv not that their day and fatal period vvas novv come Tho there was nothing common or ordinare in this stupendous work wherein such incredible occurrences of providence did then concurr as might constrain the naturall conscience of men to see a supernaturall causality herein yet did somethings speciallie meet here to render this Work of God more highly astonishing 1. That when the fears of most were at the furthest hight of some desolating stroke to accompanie the same where the contrare parties were so stated as the one could not stand but on the ruine of the other and their interest on every side so extensive and great yea when in no times past the harvest of the earth and in these parts thereof seemd more ripe for putting in the Syckel yet even then did the Lord in his soveraign and marvelous disposal spare and went not forth as at other times with garments rolled in blood nor did the actings of his providence appear so terrible as when presages of judgment were more discernable but as this was the opening of the first scene who sees what God is to do who knowth his mind as to these great changes in the externall state of this western part of the World by such a remarkable entry to the same but this may be fully clear to any who does wisely consider the Work of the Lord herein that this was a new and higher tryall which he would yet once more take of these nations and did therefore hold his hand when the stroke seemd ready to fall down 2. It might seem unaccountable to all reason such a conjunction and concurrence of instruments as was in this work for tho the appearance of some herein who did most eminently appear and act did witness speciall high and heroick motions in the same yet how vast numerous a part was imbarked upon this interest and in behalf of the Protestant Religion who could claime no roome or title in the very form and visible profession of Christianity or to have any place in the outâ—er court but it might here with amasement be seen how upon the one side were such stated who maintaind Christs bodily presence in the earth in that sacrifice of the mass as the hibboleth of their profession and on the other side how great a part was there who did ridicull all revealed Religion and seemd not to beleeve his reall presence in heaven But here was it discernable what a return this was by the voice of providence to that grand engine and too known a design of the Romish spirit for many years past to take vvay for popery by destroying men especially the youth in Britain in the moralls of Christianity and to to take thus off all serious Sense and weight of Religion from their Conscience that herein this deep of Hellish Policy did at last turn against themselves and tho they judged themselves secure from any serious influence of Religion on such a Party yet could they not secure them from acting as men on principles of reason who could not but see the interest of Popery and of their civil Rights and Properties were incompatable yea that tho they were acted from no internal motives on a Religious Interest it could not be easie to join in with such a Religion as was made up wholy of external Rites and ceremonial Severity and Strictnesse and had no possible consistency with it self But if we seriously ponder this great vicissitude of
bound up but that they must widen further if there be not in some singular manner a standing up in this breach to turn away his wrath which is a service that comes now under our hand as may not linger or stay when warnings of so extraordinar a kind are reinforced for this is a call hath a limited time and season allotted thereto that may have a shorter period then we apprehend when a door of Intercession hath been in such unusual manner kept open and Grace hath so long interposed before Judgment should come to a final execution 4. I must add hereto what sence ought to be of the hazard of such a breach when a hight of all Immorality and Ungodliness is turned so open and visible as if Sathan did essay to have an open Throne again set up as once he had amongst the Nations whilst the spirit of few are seased with any suitable impression of the same lest this be the voice of the Lord without recalling shall I not visit these things shall not my soull be avenged on such a Nation Jer. 5 9. and what a time is it when the Reverence and Authority of Religion is so far gone off mens spirits that if such can bring up a private interest and have some treasure of that kind laid up they are under no fear of treasuring up Wrath and Judgment it was a rare example that of Daniel who upon the foreseeing of a stroke which he was not to fear for himself yet was astonished for ane hour and his thoughts troubled him by reason of the strangenes of it Dan 4 19. That there is a most choise and serious part yet in these Nations as is this day in the earth is unquestionable but even such who in these difficult perillous times past have been helpt to stand and go through a variety of dark and strange Dispensations I suppose have not found a time in a more singular way trying in the matters of Conscience then is this day and that there was never more hazard of an insensible wearing out from under former impressions of duty and the ways of truth which once they had or a more difficult part to have that ancient fear and tenderness of light kept in exercise which as the apple of the eye may be easily hurt but not so easily helped But tho it is clear that this voice and call for standing in the gape and breach does respect all of a serious spirit in the things of God yet are there some more eminently fitted from the Lord with peculiar Excellencies on their spirit then others to appear on so high a service which as it is a talent not bequeathed in vain where this in a more remarkable way is let forth so is it of greatest weight to know time and opportunity for this end and when a season of Providence may call to some higher improvement hereof for God then ever again may occur yea it may be seen in how strange a manner the choisest instruments in the service of their day are made to differ not only from others but from themselves as they are helped to answer such a call and to know the Counsel of God herein But that I may touch this more particularly it is requisite to know who may be at the greatest advantage and in a nearer capacity then others for such a service about which I judge these things will not be questionable 1. That such as have a more near and intimate converse with God in this day hath a great room also in this service to stand in such a Gape yea to save a Kingdom or Nation when Judgment is ready to break forth these have their Soull kept in that manner under the power and attractions of the things of God bejond the residue of men as not to be affrighted or taken off from appearing for him by the force and prevalence of example it is these who are at most advantage to discern the Judicial Removes of the presence of God from the Church and the Generation they live amongst and the imminent hazard of Wrath and approaching Judgment yea it 's these who from internal Motives can find it easy to lay their dearest things at the stake in behalf of the Truth and Glory of Christ in the Land they belong to and without respect to private interest lay themselves in the way of a publick hazard with the Spirit of blessed Bernard as he speaks Malo in nos murmur bominum sit quam in Deum bonum est si Deus me digneâ—ur uti pro clypeo 2. They are in a special way fitted to answer this call and service who hath the Sense of any singular engagements they are under to God much on their heart and what hereby they owe in a peculiar way to do for him and for a more special service to the age they live in to seek the interest and wellfare of their People to whom they have the nearest natural tye which is that service for the Generation and publick trust shouldly near these who have had more then ordinare receipts of mercy from the Lord of these specially it might be expected that they dare stand up for God and the Interest of his Truth tho they should stand alone herein which surely in the issue will be found a safer standing then with the multitude or such whose design for the publick interest goes no further then their private concerns does influence It is sure the Words of Mordechai Esth 4 13. Are still directed to this day think not with thy self thow shalt escape for if thow altogether holds thy peace at this time enlargements and deliverance shall arise from another place but thow and thy Fathers House shall be destroyed 3. But it is undoubted that this Service does in some peculiar way ly to the door of Princes and Rulers according to their Station who are of more publick relations then others their Authority came in with the second Covenant which by the fall of man was rendred necessar and have their Power derived from him by whom Kings Rule and Princes Decree Judgment Proverbs 8. 15. so as the advance of the Ghospel of Christ and Preservation of Sacred Truth both in its purity and power is made the object of their highest trust yea what a singular blessing this is to a time when such does eminently interpose upon any imminent hazard to the Church and thus bears evidence that they have ane Unction from God on their heart as well as their Office And it came to pass 2 Chron. 34 19. that when the King heard the Words of the Law that he rent his Cloathes and commanded Hilkia the Son of Shaphan c. go and enquire of the Lord for me and for them that are left in Israël and in Juda concerning the Words of the Book that 's found for great is the Wrath of the Lord that 's poured upon us because our Fathers kept not the Word of the
who would withstand the same for which end may it be clearly understood what such ane appearance did mean in so strange ane administration of providence by the Sword to these Nations in this age what such unusual shakings and overturnings there yea by such restless oppositions to any civil settlements since the Lord begun to shake Britain to make knowen this solemn period of time was come and the days of the 7t Trumpet when our Lord Jesus should take to himself his great Power and Reign which had been so long darkned by the usurpations and enmity of men thereto yea that he was surely gone forth who hath that name writen on his vesture and thigh King of Kings and Lord of Lords to make good the same and will have this name engraven on all the ways and actings of Providence who must reign until he hath putt all his Enemies under his feet 1 Corinth 15 25. and the Nation and Kingdome that will not serve him shall perish and these Nations shall utterly be layed waste Isay 60 11. for thus hath the Lord spoken and is settled sealed by the decree of him that chaingeth not It is true he hath been walking in the dark as to most in these times past and even from his choisest people there hath been oft a hiding of his work and keeping it out of their sight amidst these strange changes as hath put the most discerning to a stand it might be easie to see mens intent in their actings and under what influences they hake moved yea what bitter risings of heart anâ— quarrellings hath been upon the miscarrying oâ— their ends but this is an other sight and of a higher concern to see and discern wisely the Work of the Lord and how amidst all the realings of these strange times his way and course of providence hath been ever steady and sixt 3. It may be thus clearly seen if our spirits were more deeply lett forth on such a study that the strength of our day yea the standing and security of the publick state of these Nations does assuredly ly in a resolute concurrence with this great design of the Lord so as otherwise there can be no standing in the breach before him to turn away his wrath But since this Subject of the Catholick Right and Kingdom of Jesus Christ over the Kingdoms of this Earth is so strange a mystery to many in these times and such different thoughts and conceptions are hereof as I have desired to know the way of truth on these sure principles and grounds that I might have full rest and settlement to my own spirit herein so I may say that in the clearness of this light I have found a special strengthning in the Christian Faith when with the furthest evidence it may be seen 1. How that which is spoken of the donative and universal Kingdom of our Lord Jesus which was given him of the Father as incarnate and after his Ascension is not to be understood of that which is his essential and natural Kingdom which did belong to his person as he is the brightness of the Fathers Glory and God equal with him but is such as was promised and by special donation given to him that the ends and uttermost Coasts of the Earth sould be his inheritance Ps 2 8. and his Dominion to be from Sea to Sea and from the River to the ends of the earth Psalm 72 8. yea is the same which was given to him Dan. 7 v 14. when he was invested with Dominion Glory and a Kingdom that all People Nations and Languages should serve him c. 2. As there can be no suspence or darknes in this so is it no less clear his entring on the administration of his Mediatory Kingdom was reserved only to the times of the N. Testament to which the fall of the 4 greatest Monarchies which ever was in the earth was direct and subordinate to make way for the same and loe here may we see the first period of the visible Glory of Christs Reign and his entrance on the same when after such strong opposiâ—ions the Pagan World was at last made to bow down and fall before his truth and submit to him 3. But herein it cannot be understood by this special bequeathment of the Kingdoms of the World to be the Lords in that sense only of inbringing the Elect out of the same or of his internal Reign on the hearts of men but that it lyes in a visible surrender and subjecting of the collective body of Nations to the Scepter of his Government when the Princes and Kings of the earth should subject their Regal Authority to his Rule and Empire as holding their Dominion from him to whom all power and judgment is committed and can bear that stile only of being the Catholick King and Lord of all for this is a truth that shines with so clear a light from the whole Scripture as it may be strange how possibly it should be questioned nothing can be more comforting to Christian Magistrates then to have so highly desirable a holding of their power as they may have the Son of God thus interessed in their security and interest as a part of that inheritance which belongs to his Mediatory Kingdom Nor does it evacuate the Magistracy of Heathens for the interest of humane society tho they have none in the Church as it can never make void also his Catholick Right and Dominion over them by whom Kings reign Prov. 8 15. although it restrains the exercise thereof 4. But there is yet a further growing light on this great subject which now meet us to be clearly seen how the more eminent appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Glory and State of his Mediatory Kingdom in the Earth was alone reserved to the dayes of the seventh and last Trumpet for which as nothing can be more evident then the contemporating of the same with that period of time in which was the first rise and restoring of the Church from Antichristian darkness when the Lord did himself go forth in the glory of his power to plant and settle the Reformed Churches and thus to make way for his Kingdom did with the first blast of that Trumpet sound a retreat to his people out of Babylon so I have herein been made to admire with joy the exactness of that correspondence betwixt the events of this Trumpet that hath already taken place with what is so punctually foretold hereof Rev. 11 15. for as it is surely there promised that then should be an opening of the Temple of God in Heaven and the Ark of his Testimony be seen there which had been formerly shut up loe how expresly hath the God of Truth made good his Word herein and keept the time which he had set for the same in the bright shining forth of his truth and the way of Salvation when for so many ages keept hid from the World to which are the
things of God and the interest of his truth and Kingdome amongst men who with respect to this would account it a small thing fo be the greatest favourits of Princes if these should once come in competition 4. But I must now in the last place add somethings further on this serious Subject since if it be clear and undeniable so as to have our spirits once acquiescing herein what hath been the great design of Providence with respect to Britain and Ireland in all these great and astonishing changes which have of late been there it may be then fully undrstood what the present day does most call for and where the highest improvment of such an extraordinare time does ly which I hope will not be question'd to have the Kingdome of the Lord Jesus Christ and his preēminence herein more entirely acknowledged and settled in these Nations when he is yet once again taking a new tryall of them for this end We find under the Law such a thing which was called the Lords part and tribute payed unto him Numb 31. as a memorial and oblation to witness their holding of him alone all which they did enjoy we see also a national claime layd to a propriety and part in the Lord as their alone greatest interest in the earth and that they might not be shut out herein Josua 22 25. which would be a rare sight in this day to see Nations contending thus for a part in the Lord and to have their joint right secured this way as was then betwixt the two tribes and the half bejond Jordane and the residue of Israel we have also things claim'd by the Son of God as his alone propriety which are called the things of God Matt. 22 1. are purely sacred to him which are not mens and non◠may alienate to any private interest or end yea there is a bringing presents to him which is expresly foretold and promised under this blessed Reig◠Psalm 72 10. when thus Princes and Kings should serve and do homage to the Lord Jesus Christ not as men only but as Kings in giving their Power to the furthest to uphold the authority of his Regal Power and Dominion and here I must say what ever be threatning in ane unusual manner from the spirit and temper of this Generation when nothing would seem more hopeless then ane unite and publick concurrence to answer this great design of the Lord and herein to stand in the gape before him for turning away of his wrath or to design a National Reconciliation as well as Personal yet may there be no setting bounds to him therein who is able to subdue all things to himself and who in the way of his grace does oft exceed what could be possibly hoped for by men in such a case since now if after such signal indications of Providence this should be the season and time design'd of the Lord for a restoring work in these Nations and in other of the Reformed Churches and that he will yet spare a little as to the cutting down of the tree even when the ax is laid to the root it is then sure that this design shall make way for it's self and go over such difficulties as at other times would be insuperable and make the greatest Mountains be as a plain but if this one tide and opportunity for such a service be now lost in joining in with so eminent a call of Providence for this end it looks to be the shutting of the door with such a judicial barr as should never be again opened and the last woe be more sore and dreadful then all which hath gone before But now I must speak a little more particularly wherein it is these things doe most specially ly which in that sense are the things of God as purely sacred to him since all things whatsoever are his and belongs to him yea wherein that which is the Lords tribute and part is to be understood now in this day that should be returned with a resolute and cheerful consent unto him 1. It does in a peculiar respect ly here to have the same publick and national regard to the authority of the Laws and ordinances of his Kingdome as a people who are stated in as near a relation to God as once the Kingdome of Israël and Juda was this being a truth of the most undeniable evidence tho not in things ceremonial or typical or such Laws of Government as had a temporary respect to that dispensation only yet in a moral sense is it clear as to what does most essentially relate to a Nation or Kingdomes being the Lords For it 's sure these 3 Nations are this day under a higher dispensation of grace have a greater extent of their Priviledges and stated under more singular engagements now under the Messia's Reign then ever Israël was and it is in this sense that the Laws of the Kingdom of Christ are Royal Statuts and Laws James 2 8. suitable to the state and dignity of so great a King and Lawgiver whose authority will not be baffled and hath a higher power then that of Angels or Men to take account of their observance wherein is settled ane obligation on the souls and conscience of men without exception of persons herein in which our life as Christians and the standing and safety of Nations in a publick state does unavoidably ly but these are Laws Ordinances of such a kind as they can not possible be observ'd and not loved nor have any true regard amongst men without internal motives make way thereto and what a sad account may this be that these Kingdomes who were once so entirely subjected to Antichrist under the darkness of that dismal Reign and did give their power to uphold that interest with such ane unite consent yea did so resolutely give implicit obedience to his Decrees and Cannons now under the brightness of the light of the Ghospel comes not up to any such regard to the Authority of the Lord Jesus and to these Laws which he hath establish'd tho with the greatest endearments of love commended to his Church there hath been great stumblings at the Providences of the times past and what it should mean that this last age with such a differencing mark should be call'd the Iron age that thus the Holy God hath in so unusual a manner made use of a rod of Iron in these Western Parts where the Reformed Religion is most professed but it should be no dark riddle when the oppositions there to the Kingdom of his dear Son hath been at such a height that if we could wisely discern the Work of the Lord since the first rise of the civil Wars of Britain we might clearly see how this was the Signal given that he was then gone forth and on the way to take account of Nations as well as Persons that would oppose his interest 2. It is sure this can not be questioned also to be one of the great
discoveries of the works of God the depths of providence about his Church these was reserved to that period when the Mystery of God hereon should be more fully perfited and in this respect it 's to be said blessed is he that waiteth and cometh to such a solemn time and to have his lot fall therein as is spoken Dan. 12 12. III. But for a further clearing of this Subject since the Glory of the Kingdom of Christ is so nearly concern'd in the discovery and entertainment of his Works in the day thereof and now when a more eminent appearance thereof is near that Kingdoms and Nations in their Complex Body shall in a more solemn way be the Lords It should be expected that the return and oblation of praise upon the great Acts of his Providence shall be more remarkable as a publick deed of Nations and Churches then hath yet hitherto been yea that when the Lord does in any singular way appear for their security and standing by Providences of a publick and national extent that a gratulatory retribution on their part must be of the same extent under a publick care and regard It is true there is a settled frame of subordinat means by which the Providence of God does work in the great designs thereof that we are called to regard wherein I doubt not but the Ministry of the Angels hath the greatest interest as one of the great Ordinances he hath setled in behalf of his Church tho as to their special offices and dâ—legate service to particular Churcheâ— and Christians is something that 's more dark but it may be hoped wil ere long be with a clearer evidence known in these great transactions of Providence which are yet to take place when a nearer Communion may be then attained betwixt these blessed Spirits and the Saints here on the earth then is yet known but tho there is no time wherein the Lord will not put honor on instituted means and on that established order of his working yet whilst most have such ordinare thoughts of God herein and are so ready to fix their eyes wholly on men his honor is concern'd to let the World know he is God by more extraordinar demonstrations yea such are most of the great events of his Word which are yet to be brought forth as cannot possibly in an other way be expected But on this Subject I would humbly offer some few reflections which should be matter of a serious regard 1. That as it s highly becoming on some eminent piece of the Work of God or publick deliverances for a Nation or State to have solemn and publick returns of thankfulnes to him thereon yet is it strange how so little regard should thus be to have the greatnes of any such mercy sought out and the same publick care extended for keeping up a venerable remembrance thereof so that such a service of Gratitude be not bounded with the transient work of a day since otherways it is a most essential want and with holding a proper and important part of that Tribute which is due into God herein for there can be no suitable regard to serve the end of such Providences and what was so straitly injoined of the Lord under the Old Testament which was the Churches continued practice there yea of the same moral and perpetual use in all after times if it should not be still a publick trust under the furthest humane care to promote the same tho divine Record and History for this intent does now cease 2. But as this hath ane unquestionable tye on Churches and a Christian State to design the most honourable respect and entertainment of the great Acts of God in their day and is made their proper talent to answer to so does a just exoneration herein call for the most exact scrutiny and search on the truth and evidence thereof on which the weight and credit of this service does so far depend to cause a more full assent by these who come after to such a testimony that these rare Providences wherein the Lord did thus make himself known were not only in the present time sought out and enquired unto under their proper cÃrcumstances but by such of greatest weight and advantage for a work of this nature whose sincerity and judiciousness might be convincing and the integrity of such ane Intent cleared from any partial respect or end but allennerly for exalting the Majesty of God and strengthning men in the Faith by so great a seal to his Truth and for the interest of the Posterity yea wherein these who in some lesser differences did not fully meet in the same Judgment yet might intirely unite in such a service and testimony as this 3. Where the Lord makes himself known in more illustrious acts of his power as may be called Magnalia Dei to some particular Nation and Church beside others who herein are in a more then ordinare way interessed it might seem equal and answer to the highest reason they sould be of that value as to be entred on a National Record and have that concurrence of humane authority to make the evidence hereof as authentick as the publick deeds or rights which belong to such a state It is true there is no want of Histories and the Church hath been blessed with that singular mercy of Martyrologies by faithful and impartial hands to attest the power of divine grace and supports of the spirit given to sufferers for the truth and of late it was of great use the concurrence of Civil Authority to that Work of the History of the Church of England that 's now extant by an excellent Writer but for this intent â—â— is something distinct by its self with respect only to these Monuments of Providence relating to a particular Châ—rch that are of publique clear and uncontrolled evidence to have the remembrance thereof with the highest honor kept up and secured from the prejudices and cavills of men thereat yea to such Passadges in that day whereon the Signature and Impress of the more immediate appearance of God hath had most full and bright evidence these great changes of a publique interest which hath then occurred wherein some extraordinar Conjunction in the course of Providence might be seen above natural causes and the ordinare way of Gods Working such interpositions of his wonderful power by which he hath designed to put some eminent honor on acts of trust and relyances on his truth as might be exemplary to after times and serve for that end that they who come after might sett their hope on God and not forget his Works Psal 78 7. yea extraordinar Acts also of divine Judgment whereby he hath appeared in some unusual manner to vindicate the honor of his Laws against publick and notorious violations of the same which may be clearly seen were not designed for that age only but as a publick concern for after times 4. Can it be questioned that since that
Kingdom it 's in the faith hereof my soull does rest 3. How far these sett times of the Gentiles and of the coming in of the fulness thereof be accomplisht will in due time be disclosed and with humble sobriety we must judge hereof but it may be so far evident that then some singular withdrawing of the Spirit of God in the Power of the Ghospel will be discernable from the Gentile Church with the shutting up of these times and a very low ebb great darkness on the whole Western Churches before the rising again of the Glory of that Light and return of the Sun to the East again and how it stands now with the publick State of the Gentile Churches any where you can more fitly judge and discern There is a V. INQ yet for a more full settlement in the Christian Faith that I would seriously commend which is on the whole frame and nature of that pure and excellent Religion we professe and the intrinsick perfections thereof which beside the Authority of divine Institution you may see founded in the immutable nature and essence of the same and thus have your soull rais'd to admire and rejoice in that God whose Excellencies are with that evidence herein display'd as it is not possible for men to be more blest in the earth then in this way It is here I may say hath my spirit been oft drawn forth to see with admiration the Divinity and Perfections of the Moral Part of our Religion so that if men would see in a true mirror what the Hoiy invisible God is like in his blessed Resemblance lo here is it clearly presented to them and since any discovery of such a Light I know you prefer much above the Light of the Sun on this earth as that alone which renders the state of man to be desirable I would touch this a little as may afford some reflections oâ— so great a Head which may be in the very notion thereof rarely the subject of mens thoughts 1. That which is of the highest concern in the first place to fix your spirit on is to see in what manner the great design of the Ghospel for the saving of lost man is layd in that mystery of the Humiliation and Sufferings of our Redeemer and how this way the Majesty of God would take satisfaction to himself and his infinite Justice by himself which otherwise was not attainable I know that to look in an ordinare manner hereon might be ready to shake your spirit with astonishment that the Divine Majesty should ascribe to himself such an abasement as to join in the humane nature in an union with the Deity yea thus to be exposed to the highest ignominy of sufferings that could possibly be allotted to the most Criminal amongst men but it 's in such a choise enquiry you will find your establishment and admiration grow together and thus have a share in the same exercise of the Angels on this subject who look in hereon with joy and wondriug 2. You must see herewith also how of such a nature is this blessed Religion you enjoy as can never be known or enjoyed by men until it be enlivened from Heaven or be possibly taken up or understood in a natural way as humane sciences are but must have another teacher then men and a faculty and power supernatural to know and discern the things of God herein yea how in its vvhole coustitution it is made up of these great Excellencies of Light and Life which do inseperably meet here whose evidence lyes in seeing and not in report or a naked testimony to the ear but is in the same manner as the Sun is made known by its own beams and light and it were indeed sad if the Sun of Righteousness did not this day shine with as full evidence to men in this Lower Orb of the Ghospel as the Meridian Daylight is to our natural sense to let us see both the greatness and security of our hope yea that we are designed for an Eternal State must therefore seek after a Blessedness as will last as long as our immortal souls that cannot perish 3. But this will necessarily carry your thoughts further to see how the Christian Faith does not only with full evidence manifest it self by its own Light but does the more brightly appear by the opposition of darkness and of every false way and pretence of Religion and how the essential Differences betwixt the same are as fully evident and visible as is betwixt the day and night betwixt truth and falshood which are founded in the immutable nature of these things themselves and how the way of truth hath surely that vital air and fragrancy herewith and such a native lustre as is no more possible for humane art and invention to represent then it were to draw a living man on a broad or for one to draw forth the natural sent of a Violet or Rose 4. It is here also you will find it specially strengthning to see the nature of these services which belong to the Christian Faith how here is nothing that is servile or to affright any to come under such a blessed yoke which in its whole constitution is so full of a Holy sweetness to allure and imposeth no Law of Bondage on the spirits of men but what hath inward motives to render it both easy and comforting does prescribe no duty to be a task and no service but from love and where the Moral Law is purely Evangelick and administred to us in the Hands of Mediator yea of such a nature is the whole obedience and services of the Christian Faith as you may clearly see that duty on the matter is not anough where there is not a suitableness thereto in the manner of following the same that the leading motives and principles be purely for God nor can the way of his service be truly followed until his revealed Law have an internal efficacy on mens soull and â—he Moral Rule of Ghospel Obedience be turned â—nto living and inward principles this is a Reflection I should commend much to your thoughts that hath such irresistable evidence therewith for your establishment in the truth to see how that blest way which God hath established to bring man again to himself is such as no length in any external part or the outworks hereof can bear weight if there be not a vital influence on the soull nor does its interest ever subsist in the World by humane Power or Authority but by an internal establishment of the same from its own evidence on the spirits of men 5. It is here you may see likewise how the whole Constitutions of the Christian Faith are such as its highest Glory and Triumph here on the earth is still most conspicous in the darkest night of Affliction and Trouble and in the most remarkable depths thereof this is surely a great discovery and a strange riddle to nature which stands in an express opposition to
the universal sence of mankind how this way the Lord does put the highest honor on men here on the earth in the passive valour of Christianity yea thus puts the most distinguishing marks of respect on his choisest Favourites But there is a VI. INQUIRY I must further direct you to without which no evidences of the truth can be truly effectual on your soull which is on that wonderful part of Christianity that lyes in the truth of inward experience and is the very life and soull of our Religion The greatness of such a Subject makes it more difficult to speak hereon now in a short Epistolary Discourse but it shall be in as few words as is possible only to point at such things as may tend to more clear and solid impressions of this Mystery and make way for your own search and tryall of the same and I hope I may say they are things which have not been taken on report or have found it easy to be satisfyed herein as to a full acquiescence in the truth and assurance thereof but it 's to a few special ends I would refer your serious improvement of this great Inquiry 1. For this end that a clear notion and Idaea of spiritual experience of the things of God may be more deaply setled on your spirit and how in these respects it is to be understood 1. that God hath directed his Sacred Truth unto men not only for trust but for tryall which is a tryall of that nature stated on so great and wonderful things that the whole vital part of Religion should be a strange and dark thing until you be once entred hereon they are blessed who beeleve and have not yet seen what relates to the State of Glory above but they can never be blest who do not see as well as beleeve what belongs to the life and enjoyments of Grace within time in the truth of inward experience 2. It is here must be understood the first Acquaintance of men with the Spirit of God which is ane acquaintance of that concern as the Lord hath laid over the weight of his peoples spiritual joy refreshment and support whilst they are within time on the same and is the first entry on converse with spirits and with God the Father of spirits which shall be eternal 3. It is such as hath a distinct evidence from any moral influence by the Word or light to the judgment and is the proper object of spiritual sense which no humane power or Angels can impart but God hath reserved only to himself who can only make his own love known to the soul and no report or testimony of men can doe 4. It is hereby Christians enter on possession in some degree of divine truth and these great things promised as a earnest in hand to assure them that the rest shall not faill tho it adds no security to the truth of the promise but for a more abounding assurance to such who receave the same 5. Tho here be a common and joint interest amongst Christians yet must each have his proper and distinâ—l part in the truth of inward experience which is his peculiar interest and talent and it 's sure nothing does more work on mens souls and afford more sweet thoughts then what this way is made there own to know in themselves the internal demonstrations of the truth they professe in the power and vertue thereof and to know what great things hath passed between God and their own soul and what remarkable times hath gone over them and special remarkes herein of divine conduct and his immediate appearance in the course of their life 6. It is of that kind as none possibly can take on trust from the testimony of others or will satisfy without personal tryall tho this be more known to such who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil Hebr. 5 14. 7. But whatever singular use is hereby to the support of our Faith yet are they not the grounds thereof since these are only what God hath spoke in his word and not what he hath done in his work tho they are at a great loss who have begun late to observe the same it is true the greatest talent which is by inward observation and experiments which have been most deeply affecting in the present time does not abide in the same sense and fealing and mayly as a dead stock upon a Christians hand without fresh and immediate supplies yet are they still the same in the truth thereof and does ever evidence how far the enjoiment of grace and of a spiritual estate does exceed the greatest enjoiments of nature 8. This also must be understood not only by the testimony of inward sense but what comes under the most exact and judicious tryall as to the principles it leans on without which there could be no true enjoiment of the same if they were not as fully satisfied of holding their experience by right as in possession and that these great things are no shadowes or appearances but what is of the highest truth substance and reality 9. It is sure that God is not known in the earth or enjoyed in truth but in the light of inward evidence and experience except in such a manner of Balaam to see him but not near but not in the knowledge of converse and fellowship with that God whom they professe to know or what it is to have their soul inward and familiar with him in the experience of such a thing 10. It is by inward experience upon the souls of men that God doeth in a more special way secure and preserve that sacred record of his truth in the World then by humane Lawes or authority by ane internal conforming of the spirits of his people to his revealed truth whereby the inward man becomes as a repository thereof for when men once become Christians in truth they are then the declared Epistle of Christ by ane indissoluble union of the truth and their souls together I shall but add that the experimental part of Religion is not perfited here but within a little there will be ane entrance on ane eternity of experience of what once with admiration and desire was hoped for and the enjoiment of that state above will be no object of Faith but of sense and purely experimental A Second Intent of this Inquiry should be to clear how the enjoiment of one Christian in the way of experience may be no measure or rule to others in the tryall of their state upon these grounds 1. That the least reall evidence of the Sanctifying vertue of the truth bears witness to the truth of a new life and of spiritual sense and discerning herewith as a few grapes does difference between a vine and a bramble 2. Because the reall Work of God may be long without the witness thereof and the first giving of the new life and a discerning of the same are distinct acts