to a further establishing of the Reformed Churches there as though such had Intentionally acted for the same when if second Causes had brought forth their Ordinary effects it might have been judged impossible to fail XIII We have seen that issue of all the Councels Expence and Cruelty of Philip the II. of Spain to bear down the Truth of the Gospel in the Netherlands which was to the furthest setling of this Illustrious State and the Church of Christ there yea how their Conspicuous Rise and Flourishing even in the Externals and their resolute adherence to the Truth of Christ did most visibly keep together XIV We know that deluge of Blood which so quickly followed the French Massacre and the most dismal time which ever that Nation knew did then visibly Contemporate with such a time of their greatest Rage and Persecution against the Truth and that Event of the Third Vial most clearly fulfilled herein Rev. 16.5 6. Thou art Righteous O Lord which art and wast and shalt be because thou hast judged thus for they have shed the Blood of thy Saints and Prophets and thou hast given them Blood to drink in great measure XV. Yea have we not seen how four Kings of France Successively were in less than thirty years taken away in the same continued pursuit how to destroy the Church there in whom that whole race of the Valois was thus extinct yea in the manner of their Death were most remarkable Monuments of Divine Judgment as the most famous Writers of that time do attest XVI We have seen what marvellous effects did follow those Bloody Years of Queen Mary's Reign in England to promote and commend the Protestant Doctrine to Mens Consciences there with so great a Triumph as it had in the Sufferings of such choice and excellent witnesses for Christ and hath brought in more Rent to the Praise and Glory of their Blessed Head than may to the furthest compense all that Blood of the Saints there though highly Precious in the Eyes of the Lord. XVII We have seen likewise the Blood and Cruelty of late against the Protestants in Bohemia in a short time most Visibly returned on the Authors thereof and how the immediate Finger of God might be seen in calling forth the Swedes to avenge the same and in that desolating stroak which followed in Germany XVIII We have seen in these late Times the Issue of that horrid Massacre on the Protestants in Ireland to the utter ruine in a very few years after of that Barbarous Party who had thus acted herein XIX We have seen what wonderful Providences did attend the actings of that poor handful of Protestants in the Valleys of Piedmont since the Reformation upon the account of that Bloody Massacre which was set on foot there against them which was so astonishing as all might see an extraordinary Appearance of the Lord herein as is clearly attested by the most Faithful Histories of that time XX. And can it be forgot unto this day how visibly a Divine Hand did appear in breaking that great Spanish Armado in the Year 1588. which had been for some years in Contriving against England XXI Astonishing and specially Demonstrative of the immediate Power and Presence of God and matter of Wonder and Praise also for after Ages was that solemn time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland for planting the Reformed Religion there with that zeal and oneness of Spirit as did then appear in all ranks to imbrace and adhere to the Profession thereof amidst the greatest threatnings of their Adversaries so as a few Years did bring forth that which would have seemed strange for an Age to accomplish yea that we find betwixt the last Martyr for the Truth there who was burnt at St. Andrews 1558. and the establishment of the Protestant Religion and full abolishment of Popery with the full Concurrence of Civil Authority herein in July 1560. was but little above two Years to shew what great things the Lord can do above all Humane Council or Confidence XXII It 's sure we have seen in what remarkable degrees these last Vials of the Holy Judgment of God have taken place on the Kingdom of Antichrist and how Conspicuous the Event hath been of that Prophecy 2 Thes 2.8 in these great Effects and Consumption thereof by the Ministry of the Gospel as an assured Pledge of the full Accomplishment of what remains herein XXIII And as every step of the Churches Rise hath been still advanced in a continued Conflict betwixt the Truth and Antichrist so have we still seen when the Assault and Opposition hath been greatest it s most remarkable tendency to a greater Victory which were it rightly considered upon clear and solid grounds from the Scripture the most formidable appearances of Trouble from this Adversary would with more Comfort than Fear this day be looked on so that whatever be the nearest and most immediate events yet is it sure as the Lord is true whose Word is passed hereon that whosoever gives their Power and Strength to support that Interest of Antichrist shall lose the day and find their Cause desperate for the party with whom they contend herein is the Son of God against whom no humane Power shall ever be able to stand These are but a few which are here mentioned of the great Acts of our God in behalf of his Truth to be still as present in our sight in a time when the Spirits of many are ready to Stagger and Faint and here mentioned to lay no stress or weight of the Authority of the Truth and Doctrine of our Profession thereon but on the alone Revelation of the Scripture but they are such an undeniable Seal for Confirming our Faith and of so known Publick and famous Evidence as should be no less considered and taken to Heart now than in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein SECTION III. Qu. VVHat present Judgment are we called to have of this Time upon clear and assured grounds from the Scripture that we may know under what aspect thereof the present State of Religion and of the Reformed Churches is under when so great a Crisis is this day as would seem to be in the very Height of its Conflict whether as to Life or Death Ans It is no present Appearance of the time that must Direct our Faith nor should we either stretch our Fears or Expectations of Things and Events beyond what the God of Truth doth warrand in his Word but it 's clear if we credit the same and admit the Divinity of the New Testament there is no just Cause of Hesitation or Darkness as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in these latter days nor can there be any pretence to seek another Light either from the Stars above or the Diviners of this Time when so woful a Trade hath got up in the World that men wtll thus go to the God of Ekron as though there were not a
Declarative Glory is so highly concerned that a Christian should account the meanest Room herein one of the most desirable Attainments within time Yea it seems just matter of regret also that this comes not under a more publick Care and notice of Particular Churches and of the Christian Magistrate where Religion hath any true regard to have such solemn Providences as occur in that time and place which may be called most Instructive Providences to the Church and of a further reach and extent than any Private use both Search'd after and Recorded as becomes so high a Service to the Christian Cause and one of the highest concerns of Posterity in Order to have them not only possessed of a pure Religion but of that Seal also which the Lord hath in the great Acts of Providence appended thereto And thus to have that Increase which each Successive Age brings therewith to the publick Stock of the Church looked after as a piece of the greatest trust reposed thereon so that the Children rise not up and say we have not heard nor have our Fathers faithfully communicated to us the wondrous Works which the Lord hath wrought in their time 3. He is thus also taught to see the Demonstrative Causes of the most strange Judgments on the Church to be as clear in the Scripture as they are in the event And though the Holy God in the day of his Patience and Long-suffering is not alike quick in the Execution of the Sentences of his Word yet does he ever establish the Authority of his Laws by the works of his Providence in the most opportune season and as Judgment deferred is no acquittance so does it more threaten its being the greater when it comes than a quick and present dispatch yea though this tempest which now blows on the Churches of Christ come to a greater height and the darkness be such as no Moon or Stars may for many days yet appear of any Visible signs of Hope yet is his Soul thus at rest whilst he can see the Credit of the Truth cleared on which he hath more in trust than any Adventure within time and doth rejoyce whatever miscarrying there may be of Inferiour Ends that this great and ultimate End of the works of God is secured herein and the Glory of his Truth does shine forth in the most strange and amazing Acts of his Providence whereat many are ready to stagger when they do not wisely consider the same 4. He sees now likewise so high a value which the Lord puts on the Trial of his Peoples Faith and that the great dispensation whereby he deals with men is by trust and on the credit of his Word as it adds further to his Confirmation to see all humane and Visible Refuges oft taken out of his Churches sight Yea his greatest works in the Earth make the greatest delay ere they be brought forth and his Churches Case is put so far beyond help before a cure as the first quickning of her crushed and almost dead hope must be at the mouth of the Grave and he is thus herein more singularly strengthned that when the Lord speaks the same in the way of Providence which he hath spoke in his Word not by Might nor by Power that he doth with unspeakable Advantage supply and fill the room thereof by the next Word but by my Spirit saith the Lord. Which in this day should with a full Assurance of Faith be both sought and looked after 5. It is in this rare Study he attains also the greatest Confirmation to his Faith that could possibly be desired within time to see now when it 's so near the close thereof and after all the Revolutions of times past how the Truth and Faithfulness of God hath as the Sun in its Strength still kept its way straight and fixt amidst all those dark Clouds which have been to darken the same and is now gone its course until it draws near to the full and perfect day yea thus to see how signally this present Age is held upon that same appeal andd solemn Testimony which Joshua gave Josh 23.14 That not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you all are come to pass to you and not one thing hath failed thereof and Solomon did bear also at the Dedication of the Temple 1 Kings 8.56 Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest unto his People Israel according to all that he promised there hath not failed one Word of all his good Promise which he promised by the hand of Moses his Servant so is this now that great Testimony of the latter days and the highest Tribute of Praise to the Glory of God in his Truth which can be given by men that this present Generation stands accountable to make the same yea much greater appeal to the World if they can instance one Promise or Prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture which hath ever failed or fallen to the ground but may be this day read in the Event and under those proper circumstances wherein it was to take place in its proper Season as evidently as it was foretold And must still bear the same witness Psal 18.30 That the way of the Lord is perfect and his Word tryed on all the Adventures of Faith and Trials which to this moment of time have been made hereof and of his being still a Buckler to such as trust in him and are called to send this glorious Testimony to the succeeding Ages that it may never cease to shine or want a publick witness thereto before Angels and Men until the whole mystery of God in his Word be finished in that magnificent close which shall be thereof at the second Coming of the Lord. CHARACT V. A Confirmed Christian in this day should be thus also stated as one who hath not only attained a solid rest and settlement of Mind upon the Certainty of the Christian Faith but does know the pure genuine Truth of Christianity amidst such high Oppositions betwixt the Romish and Reformed Church herein And in the first place hath in this manner held himself upon such a trial 1. As one who knows there is but one true and saving Religion in the Earth to which God hath annexed the Promise of Eternal Life which can never be divided against it self 2. Who knows that within a little while his Religion will be tried in the Truth thereof at the Tribunal of Christ where every man must give account of himself unto God 3. Who sees there can be no possible indifference in the Exteriour Profession of either way but that so high a contrariety of Principles is in this Opposition that if the Doctrine of Christ be on the one hand it is sure Antichristianism must be on the other hand 4. Yea who hath in that abstract manner sought to state the Case herein with his own Soul as if he were just come out of Paganism to give a serious
the World might see did walk in the Light and Power of Christianity as sure as men walk under the Power and Vertue of a living Soul III. That we now see what a length the Course of the Gospel and of the Church Militant is come and how far thus the Times of the Gentiles are fulfilled which once was so contrary to all human Appearance IV. That so sure and exact a Performance of the Scripture is now undeniable in the event and of such great and marvellous things which were foretold under the New Testament that in an ordinary way none could have believed what we see with our Eyes and now have these things which were in former Ages the Object of the Churches Faith been made the Object of our Sense and it 's sure this is such a Seal and Confirmation to our Faith in these last times as doth much exceed the greatest Miracles which were in the first Planting of the Gospel V. Though we may not resolve our Faith on any Extraordinary Providences or lay the least weight hereon to support the Authority of the Doctrine we profess since this only is founded on that Sacred Revelation of Divine Truth in the Scripture which is the infallible Rule to discern true Miracles and what is Gods Seal herein under the undoubted Signature and Stamp of his own Power and working in the same yet hath there been such incontroulable evidence of extraordinary Signs and Confirmations to confirm the Truth of the Reformed Religion since the Reformation as in no Ages past was ever known but with the first planting of the Gospel among the Gentiles SECTION IV. Qu. I. IS it clear and demonstrable that the Doctrine of Christ is a Soul-Quickning and Experimental Religion and the Trial thereof in its most Supernatural Truths of such rational Certainty and Evidence that the World can no more deny or question the same than those Experiments of Nature that are of most universal Use Ans Though men looked but at a distance here or were come from Heathenism so far as to make a Serious Trial of Christianity it 's sure they could not but see and be fully perswaded in their Judgment hereof on these grounds I. That a discovery is undoubted and clear in the Scripture of so great things as that there is a Holy Ghost and there be his workings on Mens Souls of Peace with God and the Joy of his Presence which all who receive the Gospel are called to know and prove on their own Trial. II. That this witness of Christian Experience hath as discernable a Consent and Harmony therewith as Face answereth to Face in the Glass and is clear to be no Casual Thing but every step in this way of Trial is by Scripture Light and what Christians did before read there they know it now by Feelings on their own Souls III. That this in all Ages of the Church and where-ever such as served God in the Spirit were found in the most remote parts from others hath still been the same and like a great Roll is sent down from one Generation to another with their Confirmatory Seal that God is faithful and true in those Truths of his Word which seem most incredible to the World and now come to our hand to require the same Attestation and Witness IV. That they who know and testifie these things sometimes found it not easie to believe the same and did no less judge of such great Experiments of Religion as a Dream or imaginary thing than most now do until they knew them by Experience on their Soul V. That such also have been the most Burning and Shining Lights that ever were in the Church and these innumerable in all Ages declare the same and that in the Mouth of the Grave and entrance to an Eternal State when no outward Interest could sway them hereto VI. That it must be a matter of greatest Assurance which hath then pressed the most tender Parents with their last and dying Breath to commend the same Trial to their Children and to charge their being earnest herein as the greatest Interest they could leave them VII That whatever Differences be oft among these in some matters of Truth Yet in the Certainty of this great Trial of the Life Power and Comforts of Religion there is an Harmonious Oneness in the same Testimony in all Times of the Church VIII That if any question this because so remote from Mens Senses and the Judgment of Carnal Reason the reality of its Effects doth unanswerably prove both the Reality and Excellency of the Cause Qu. II. What clear and Rational Conviction can you offer of so great a thing as Conversion of men from a State of Nature to a new state by Grace which doth raise them as far above the residue of Mankind as Reason doth above the state of the Beasts Ans Though I should strive against the Conviction of such a Miracle and Demonstration of the Gospel as Conversion is yet were it not possible to deny such demonstrative Evidences as the World hath hereof I. That it is sure such a Change is made essentially requisite to the Being and Constitution of a Christian by the whole Consent of the Scripture II. That there was never yet an Argument in Nature for ones being a Christian in the Life and Power thereof what ever may be for a naked form or show III. That they are not a few but innumerable Instances in all times and of all Ranks and Conditions of Men on whom so great a Change and difference hath been made thus evident both from themselves what once they were and from the residue of the World IV. That this hath been not only upon such as have been signally Impious in their Practice but who in their Judgment were wont to deride Holiness as a Fancy so as Atheists must grant that there have been as profest Atheists sometimes as themselves who have been made such Conspicuous Monuments of the Power of the Gospel V. That none can Object here as once the Jews did Do any of the Rulers or such as the World counts most wise and knowing stand witnesses to the same when it is so known that there have not been more Wise Learned and Judicious in the Things of Reason upon the Earth than such as have been eminent Examples of the Power of Conversion VI. That its marvellous Effects in subduing men from what once was their Predominant Interest and Idol and to part from what had been as their right Eye or Hand could only be from an Immediate Divine Power VII That such as were greatest Adversaries to the Truth have been made no less eminent Instruments in the Service of Christ and choice Vessels of Honour than once they were in their Enmity and Opposition VIII That this Change hath been discernable in times of most Visible Persecutions and Hazard when no outward Advantage or Gain could have the least influence thereon Now as these are demonstrably clear so can
immediate revelation of God unto men is so demonstrably extant in the world page 24 VI. Of the special evidences of the Scriptures Divinity which men must needs see to be infallible page 25 VII Of the secure conveyance of the Scripture though all the changes of times past page 27 VIII Of the fall of man and entry of sin into the World as it is fully demonstrable to reason as well as by the certainty of Faith page 28 SECTION II. I. HOlding forth those great assistances to the Christian faith and of the Messias being surely promised to the Church before his coming page 29 II. Of the truth and accomplishment of this great promise of the Messias and how it is now as sure in the event as it 's clear he was promised page 30 III. Of the special advantage for confirmation of our faith herein that for 4000 years the promised coming of the Messias was deferred page 32 IV. Of the nature and internal excellency of Christianity to bear furthest evidence to the truth thereof page 33 V. That this is the same Gospel we now receive and enjoy which from the first promulgation thereof hath had so great effects on the world page 34 VI. That the sufferings of the Saints in times past was so demonstrably above the assistance of Nature page 36 SECTION III. I. FOR holding forth on what grounds the faith of a Deity must determine men to be Christians page 37 II. What confirmation the Christian Religion hath from that visible State of the Jews page 38 III. The way and manner of its prevailing on the world which no profession else could ever pretend to page 39 IV. The nature of that great evidence which Christ hath himself given to the world of his divine mission in the love and unity of his people Joh 17.21 page 40 V. How the strength of such a demonstration stands still clear and evident in these dividing times of the Church page 42 VI. What in these last times is under our hand to compensate such a confirmation by miracles which was in the first times of the Gospel page 43 SECTION IV. I. FOR holding forth with the furthest rational certainty and evidence the truth and doctrine of Christ to be a soul-quickning and experimental Religion page 44 II. The truth also of conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state of grace page 46 III. Of so great an experiment of Religion as Communion betwixt God and men here on Earth page 48 IV. Of so great a demonstration of Religion in the power and workings of the Conscience page 49 V. Of that special confirmation to our faith which doth result from such a demonstration of this power of the Conscience over men page 50 SECTION V. I. FOR holding forth the Truth of a Kingdom of Darkness in the World in opposition to the Kingdom of Christ page 51 II. What confirmation to our Faith the certainty hereof and of these Powers of Darkness doth clearly afford page 52 III. That great truth of the immortality of the Soul with the clearest evidence to reason as well as by the certainty of Faith page 54 IV. How confirming a Seal to the Scripture that great change which passeth on all men by death is and how it 's no natural accident page 55 V. Some special assistances to the Christians Faith of an eternal Glory in Heaven and to serve an unavoidable conviction on the greatest Atheists page 57 VI. Something of a visible Hell in some near approach hereof even to mens senses held forth to awake and convince the World of such a state of horrour and torment in another World page 59 VII Some assistances to our Faith of that great truth of the Resurrection of the Body page 61 CHAPTER III. The Confirming work of Religion further improved with respect to this dismal and amazing time we are now fallen in SECTION I. TO hold forth what may be both for light and confirmation upon this great distress the Churches of Christ are now under page 63 SECTION II. HOW great a talent we stand accountable for in this day of such immediate and extraordinary appearances of the Lord for confirming the same publick cause of the Reformed Church since the Reformation which we are now called to adhere to page 65 SECTION III. WHat manner of time is the present lot of the Church now fallen in and what judgment we ought to have hereof from the Scripture for our furthest confirming in such a day page 73 SECTION IV. SOme special service that we are now called to and accountable for in behalf of the truth and for sanctifying the Lord in the eyes of others who are under so great a talent of Light and confirmation in the same page 77 The True and Infallible WAY For attaining a confirmed State in Religion c. CHAP. I. The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Christianity held forth and cleared in its continued necessity and use to this day in seven Positions Posit I. THAT nothing can be of a more sad and threatning aspect on the present state of Religion in all the Churches of Christ than that utter estrangement most are under to the true grounds of Faith and to those fundamental differences betwixt Christianity and every false way which no pretended Religion can lay claim to The reasons of the Position are these I. That it is too visibly manifest how no men in the world know so little of their own profession of any human art or science as such who bear the Name of Christians Or are so generally strangers to the Truth and firmness of the Principles thereof for maintaining either a due Valuation or powerful sence of the same on their Soul so that an implicit and Traditional Profession is the only part and propriety which most can claim in the Truth and Doctrine they profess II. That very rarely also is any Serious Personal Inquiry and Tryal if there be indeed such a thing as an Experimental and Soul-quickning Religion in the Earth That can bear the expence of the most dismal and afflicting times and hath so great a temporal Revenue as Peace with God an Immediate Communion with him the Joy and Comforts of the Holy Ghost when we are under such pressures of trouble as are above the support of Nature III. That the furthest account why most go under the name of Christians rather than of any other form can rise no higher than Custom and Education that it did bespeak them from their Birth and was the Religion of their Ancestors yea become in that manner natural to them as the Customs and Language of their Country Which are grounds that would determine to the very opposite Profession if they were stated under the same circumstances and had the same motives to be Mahumetans since it is sure these can found no other Assent than is suitable to the Nature and Strength thereof IV. That thus it is plain the most numerous part of
quam necesse est hunc esse quem impossibile est non esse X. How plain is it that men cannot but see these effects of his Power on the Conscience in the Certainty of a Prophetick Light and Discovery as hath been oft given of Future things and in the undeniable Truth of Miracles so as such a Prodigy as a profest Atheist can have no claim to humane Race as a rational Being more than the greatest monster in Nature to be a true man Qu. II. Whâ—t doth witness the Worlds not being Eternal and its first Original and Beginning from God to Confirm your Faith herein by rational Demonstration Ans I. That Eternity is an Incommunicable Perfection of the first Cause and that which is made up of corruptible and perishing things as this Visible World cannot possibly be in it self Eternal nor could ever produce it self since thus it must both be and not be at the same time which is the greatest Contradiction II. That if there be such a thing now as time there can be no judging of Days Years and Ages to be Infinite or how one thing in a continued order should thus go before another without coming to some first beginning III. If there be a gradual Increase of human Learning on the Earth and a further discovery of Arts and Sciences and the greatest Experiments and Inventions have been but of a late Rise and Date then can there not possibly be an Eternal Succession of Mankind with a continued Progress and Experience this way nor can it be that but of late one part of the World is known and discovered to another IV. That so short an History as we have in the most Ancient Records of time were wholly Inconsistent with such an Eternal Duration or that Infinite Ages preceding should leave no remembrance to Posterity when so small a measure of time as a few thousand years have left so much V. Nor could men beget men Eternally without going back to some first man who could not beget himself VI. That if Eternity be preferable to time then should not the excellentest being in the Earth Man be thus corruptible and only this inanimate Mass of the Earth Eternal VII That infinite Ages past though they should have but multiplied the race of man in an Age to two or three more should have come to that at last that the whole Precinct of the Earth could not possibly bear the product of such an infinite Increase and no Wars or extraordinary Judgments were ever yet known to be such as to restrain such an unavoidable growth Qu. III. What infallible Evidence to Reason is there of a Supream Providence both in the Conservation and Government of the World for Confirming your Faith of the Scripture herein Ans I. That it is clear the support of this great frame of the Universe with that continued and regular course of nature herein is as simply impossible without an infinite Divine Power as its first Being and Creation II. That such an extent of Providence as respects so innumerable Objects with such a Contrariety both of Qualities and Passions in the same must needs be from an Infinite and Intelligent Cause III. That all things to this day continue in that established Order of second Causes wherein God hath placed them by a Law so Visibly Imprinted on the Nature of things without Reason that they do as exactly answer the same in their proper Course and Station as if they had a rational Knowledg of their Duty IV. That Universal respect the Sun in the Firmament hath to things here below though at so great a distance which doth neither cease or grow weary to send forth its beams and hidden influences to the meanest Creatures may let us clearly see how it hath the same Visible Use and End to Confirm an Incomprehensible and Infinite Providence about the meanest things as well as the greatest V. That immediate Precedency of the Soul in that lesser World of Man bears the same Evidence therewith which though we never saw with our eyes yet doth undeniably actuate the whole body in its Functions as the proper Spring of every act and Motion there VI. It is thus further confirmed by these continued vicissitudes and turns of Summer and Winter and of day and night that man might have both Light for his Labour and Darkness as a covering for his Rest VII By such Visible Discoveries of Divine Judgment and Execution of his Laws on men here as all may see his Hand therein who yet will not hear his Voice in the Word VIII By these extraordinary and wonderful Works of Providence which have been in all Ages IX By so evident a restraint both over Devils and wicked Men without which they would quickly disturb the whole frame of this Earth and make it uninhabitable for Human Society if their being thus Bounded and Chained were not as Visible as the Certainty of their Being X. By such a Natural Obligation to Moral Duties with the Sence of a difference betwixt good and evil as is founded in the very rational Nature of Man that none can possibly root out even where the Scripture is not known XI By that Natural Confidence also in God which all Men have and recourse to him on any present extream hazard to Witness not only that the most High bears Rule in the Kingdoms of men but that the Sence and Evidence hereof is unavoidable Qu. IV. But doth this great Administration of Providence about human Affairs as unchangeably appear in a diffâ—rencing betwixt the Righteous and the Wicked by some Recompence to the One and Punishment to the Other as in the established course of Nature Ans It is certain that such as desire a Confirming of their Faith herein want it not with the furthest Evidence but may ever see that exact Conformity in the whole Dispensation of Providence to the Rectitude and Perfection of the Divine Nature and how a firm belief that God is and that he is a Rewarder of them that Diligently seek him is one and the same Faith when we cannot but see I. That natural sense of good and evil and essential difference betwixt the same which is so firmly founded in the Reason of all Mankind as no human Laws or Custom could ever take this off their Conscience or make an indifference herein without extinguishing the very Nature of Man to shew that Eternal and Unchangeable difference which the Holy Nature of God hath put betwixt them II. That we see the worst of Men so constrain'd to an awful Sense and Regard of Truth and weldoing and to acknowledge the Loveliness and Excellency hereof as does make them seek their own repute by a false shew and counterfeit of the same and gives such a Being and Rise to that dreadful Imposture of Hypocrisie III. That it's the Truths Priviledge ever to outlive Falshood and prevail over the same yea to have the greater Triumph after its sorest Conflicts and how this is of
God in Israel or such a thing as his written Oracles to inquire at when it 's sure these lie open and with a clear and distinct sound speak to all who have a Serious and Unprejudged Spirit I. That the Church under the New Testament hath now passed and gone through that most dismal and continued Tryal herein which was to go over her Head under Antichrists Reign and Height and whatever appearance he now hath in great Wrath yet is it sure and evident that the Winter is past and the Churches Spring begun and a few steps further off that Judgment which is now hastning on will at length end the quarrel so that by a near converse with the Word we may clearly see from what point the Churches course and motion this day lies and how exactly it keeps in the Certainty thereof by the clear Conduct of the Scriptures of Truth where a full Map of her whole Course and Passage through Time is clearly shewed II. That we may now with some clear Evidence Judge and have our Faith perswaded hereof that the Churches Interest is upon the rising Hand and on a present Advance though nothing would seem more Contradictory than all visible grounds now are since this cannot fail John 3.30 That Jesus Christ in his Kingdom in the Earth must Increase yea that the Scripture so clearly Points forth Antichrists Ruine and Progress of his fall and downcasting with resemblance to that great Judgment on Pharaoh as an evident Type hereof in the same judicial stroakâ— of Induration on both and gradual Progress herein by one Plague after another until the last and greatest Assault as was then at the Red Sea hath the same effect for a more glorious appearance of God in the greatest step of Judgment and Victory over this Adversary when not only the Song of Moses but of the Lamb also shall be then sung Rev. 15.3 as importing something more glorious and a greater brightness to be put on this Illustrious Act of Divine Judgment reserved to these last times when a more immediate Appearance of the Lord will be seen than in any former deliverances of his Church III. It is no Conjâ—ctural thing but what by a clear Scripture Conduct we may see that this time of the Church now under so notable a Crisis in her Case is evidently falling under that Remarkable Assault and Conflict with that Adversary before the accomplishing of that Vial on his Seat and Throne as we may see Rev. 17.13 14. That when so Conspicuous a step of the Churches Victory is near the Opposition thereto also will be in some higher degree proportionable to the same when the great men of the Earth and such who shall receive Power as Kings one hour with the Beast shall have one Mind and give their Power and Strength thereto and shall make War with the Lamb but the Lamb shall overcome them for he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords c. Nor is it found through the Scripture where the Lord hath done any great thing for his Church but some unusual darkness and sore-wrestlings have still gone before and should be no matter of staggering to our Faith whatever it be of present Fears to see so dismal a Time of Tryal as now is and amazing heighth of trouble beyond what former times have known when one of the greatest events of Providence in behalf of the Church since the revealing of Christ to the World until his second coming is assuredly near in the fall and overthrow of the man of Sin IV. We have clear ground also to judge that so great an Eclipse as seems almost Universally over the State of the Reformed Churches is no going down of the Sun thereon whatever did befal the most famous Eastern Churches to an utter dissipation thereof if these different Periods of time be justly considered how their Sun-set did then fall in with the Entry of that great Apostacy of the Christian Church and with that long and dismal Night of Antichrists Reign whilst now this hour of Trial on the Churches doth meet in that blessed Period of Antichrists begun fall and of a growing Light of the Gospel and when the Scripture so clearly warrants our Faith herein that the Work of Providence is to Plant and not cut off but to bring forward that Interest of the Reformed Churches in the founding of which the Mediator hath so eminently appeared in the Glory of his Power in these last times V. It is sure we now live in the Evening and Extremity of time when the motions of Providence may be expected to be more quick and speedy as being so near the Centre and to the last Epocha and Period of all Prophetick Chronology wherein the Glory of God in his Truth and Faithfulness shall most eminently shine forth and these Scripture Truths which were formerly dark and abstruse with that Evidence shine forth in the event as shall cause men to wonder at their former thoughts and stumblings thereat And here I must say that there is such a sight now in the Earth as the Romish Church in its Complex frame and state in so different a mold cast from any Power or Jurisdiction else and such a Compound of a Civil and Spiritual Monarchy in one and the same Person is so solemn and undeniable a Seal to the Christian Faith and Divinity of the New Testament that it 's strange why this is not improved more against the Atheism of this time that such a visible event of the Scripture is now in being which was so clearly foretold by the Holy Ghost 1500. years ago with its proper Circumstances as to the manner of that Antichristian state with its Rise Growth and Duration as is to Admiration still evident to the World when not the least shaddow or appearance of so strange Future Emergencies was to be seen or could have entred mens Thoughts to shew it only could be revealed to the Church by him to whom all his Works are known from the Beginning This I have looked on as such a Confirmation to the Truth of Christianity that no Miracles in the first times of the Church could have more evidence for the same yea if such a party were not in being both what it now is and in former Ages hath been it might in another manner stagger the Faith of the Saints to a questioning the Truth of the Scripture than its most formidable appearance this day can do VI. I shall but add here that we know and are sure the Lord hath reserved his greatest works to these latter days wherein his Judgments shall be manifest and that one of the most eminent Manifestations of his Glory before the close of time shall be Conspicuous in the fall of Antichrist on whose ruines that Glorious House which Christ is yet to have for himself both of Jews and Gentiles shall be prepared and built up and though this great Eclipse of Antichristian Darkness should yet more prevail even