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
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
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
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
the same so far as is possible these lets and stumbling blocks where the greatest hazard may be of offence so should it be much preparatory also for a higher service a more unite appearing for God herein and to stand in the most hazardous part of the breach of this day in behalf of that great interest of our Religion which is upon the Authority of God in his truth and Testimony as the alone ground on which the ultimate resolution of our Faith must found since this is the very same inconvertible terms to give to the Divine Majesty the Glory of his Godhead and that tribute which is most inviolably sacred and essential to him it would seem almost incredible that fuch ane hour of the power of darkness should fall in with the growing light of the Ghospel as the strange prevalence of a way which is to commensurat the perfections of God and the greatest mysteries of his truth to our understanding and to make humane reason tho corrupt finite and limited to be the alone Judge and measure of our Faith of divine things when the highest principle of reason which is prima veritas without which reason hathno principle to reston no Standard else is this that where the God of Truth is the Revealer and that it 's sure it is his Testimony it must then be as infallibly true as it is sure he is God since it is simply impossible to find ever another foundation of truth and certainty but this We are fal'n in times of great expectation as to a near approach of the highest Glory of Christ's Mediatory Kingdom on the earth and it would seem a strange prelude thereto that so black a darkness should fall down with so astonishing ane encrease thereof as tends not only to eclips the same but to deny him his essential Kingdom who is the only begotten of the Father and brightness of his Glory yet I am sure it is a sign of that kind as the morning darkness which is the darker the nearer it is to the day It is indeed here we may see ane opposition to the Majesty of God in such terms that we might reckon humane nature could not be capable of and be just matter of horror to a natural conscience to see so numerous a party who claims to be Adorers of reason turn'd so visibly madd on their own destruction I know the furthest improvements this way by rational Inquiry and Tryal hath a greater Interest in Religion and for strenthning of our Faith therein then may be suitably apprehended but it is sure the ultimate Inquiry herein can possibly go no further in the use of reason but that what we beleeve is the undoubted Revelation of God himself unto men can we desire more when this is sure for a full quiet and acquiescence of the soul tho it seem wonderful in it self and exceed our dark and limited thoughts when it is impossible for him who is truth it self to lie whose word is such cui non potest subesse falsum as it is no less sure that he who is infinitly good can not deceive or put ane imposture in stead of truth in their hand who trust him divine truth is the first groundstone of our happiness but is not conceivable by the light of nature to beleeve his being truly God and not the truth also of his promises which ever conform not only to the things signified but to his intent therein who can never delude or deceive But whilst I have been put to some thoughts with amasement on ane appearance of such a kind against God this day amongst men not only within Christendom but by such as once layd claim to the Protestant Profession some Reflections tended to give more clearness and settlement to my own spirit herein which I shall but in a few words mention 1. that when the darkness of ane implicite Faith and relyance on men under Popery hath been so sore bafled turn'd out of credit in such an inquisitive World as this loe Satan hath taken himself to the very contrare airâ—h and knew how to fall in with the temper of a brâ—â—k bold and daring age that he might settle a new opposition against God and the interest of his Kingdom wherein he hath unite and fixed his greatest strenth so that since he was cast down from his Throne by the Power of the Ghospel he hath not had a greater Triumph then in this attempt how to bring man upon it and sett humane reason at once both against God and it self in such a manner as to be it's own Executioner and in subjecting the highest mysteries of truth to it's comprehension to make it not only equal to God but give it a preference to him who is the alone former thereof which I must reckon to be the nearest approach that humane nature yet ever made to that sin by which the Angels did first fall and that it it is the master peece of that Prince of darkness and his ultimus conatus against the truth who knows his time is short 2. It may be with astonishment discernable under what a stroak such are as not to see whither this way hath led them and how far the Holy God hath thus confounded their reason as visibly as once these were in their Language who would attempt to build a tower up unto Heaven when this way left to ane absolute uncertainty ever to fix their Faith the Standard and measure whereof must be the comprehension of reason which hath no firm or infallible ground to settle on besides it self and whilst they cannot make the reason and judgement of others as considerate and knowing as themself meet with theirs the result thereof is to put a judicial madness in the room of reason so as to conceive a created dependent God to give divine homage to and that at once he should be both a God and a Creature and adore a comprehensible Object with divine Worship yea this way without a contradiction to themself they can give no faith to the Creation as being brought purely out of nothing or to the Resurrection of the dead as wholly incomprehensible to reason they must deride Israëls Passage thorow the Red Sea or the Suns standing still on Josua's call to verifie that Rom. 1 21 because that when they knew God they glorified him not as God but professing themselves to be wise they became fools thence is such ane amasing stroke thus inflicted on their reason for it may be said as in the Poëtick Fiction of Phaëton that when he sought to guide the Chariot of the Sun for a time he was like to burn the earth until he was struck with a thunderbolt from Heaven so hath this party tryed how to manadge reason as the supream Directour and Judge upon all that is sacred as they have gone near to destroy both Reason and Religion at once but tho the strongest rational Arguments with such
justly feared of an inordinate respect to men and concurrence of visible means above what it can bear when nothing is more effectual to cause the greatest humane succor miscarry and sink under this weight theÌ„ relyances thereon as if they could stand by them self without keeping in with God alone with that God who is of infinite Power both to hurt help whose presence is ever the highest Security of a Nation tho the whole World were against them 2. But this also looks with confidence hope that the Lord is near to give some extraordinar demonstration of himself by Providences as this Generation shall not get their eyes shut at yea that this strange piece of his work is a prelude and entry on a revolution of the publick State of the World that shall be of a higher extent then may be apprehended by most and it 's sure when he does begin he will also make an end 3. I have lookt on this remarkable silence and suspence as to any publick Decision of Providence this Year past when things seemed to be in the highest 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a Crisis that hereby the Lord would yet give men time to consider his Work and take to heart his Voice by such a further warning and have still observed from the records of times past as to his Procedure that when he was to bring forth some great piece of his Work before the World there hath been as it were an interval of silence for a time like some Cessation of Providence which hath preceeded the same and made the time of his Working when it was lest mens Expectation yea the sorer a stroak hath been when it came the longer hath a tender forbearance gone before even when the hand of Justice hath been lift up the wheels sometimes stand still and the publick state of affairs is in a strange manner becalm'd when the Lord is in some eminent manner to arise according to that Isay 42 14. I have long time holden my peace I have been still I have refrained my self now will I cry as a travelling Woman c. 4. Yea it may be a special remark that when the Lord hath so signally appeared to make this great revolution in Britain effectuall and to clear the sky and coast there from visible opposition with such rare preventing Providences for that end yet is so little ground gained by the unite strength of this Confederacy but it was in the one that the Lord did act in an extraordinar way of Providence in the other things doe run more in the ordinare channel of visilbe means It looks as a sign of great Wrath that such an Instrument of Judgment hath had his chain so far let forth in this day who might be called not only Host is Ecclesiae sed humani Generis by these cruelties more then inhumane exerced in the Palatinate and other Parts of Germany but it 's fitt the World should know of what spirit and way the great Persecutor of the Protestants in this age is yea for the Nations about to see there is no possible Moral Security for their Civil Interests from one whom no establishments of Laws nor that Law of Gratitude towards such whose Fathers had brought the House of Bourbon to the Throne could bind but as there is an anointing and establishing men for judgment whose hand is made strong untill that work be perfited so is the Sin of Britain and other Reformed Churches the greatest strength of this Adversary 12. Have we not also been called to see such vicissitudes of Providence that these for whom God had sometimes most signally appeared in raising them to the highest greatness and power as all might clearly discern it was his hand alone that did the same how in a way no lâ—ss wonderful he hath made knowen his power in breaking and bringing them low whilst they did not know and regard God in the day of their greatness but thought to stand by themselves and gave such a requital to him as to betake themselves to another strength then that which raised them and try a new Scene of opposition to his truth and interest yea thus forgot the tempest they were once in and these engagements which were then on their soul when they had once got to the Haven It is sure this hath been writ forth as in Capital Letters once and again that men who run might read the same and know how great and terrible a party God is when he is not for a Church or People but against them and how easie it is for him by ane occurrent of Providence least feared or thought off to give a check to the greatest deeps of humane Policy and Wit and let such know when they judge themselves secure from any hazard on the earth there can be no standing when their counsels and confidence is derided from Heaven 13. It hath been in some singulare manner also that in this age we have been called to see sin and judgment meet other with such astonishing circumstances and so visible a resemblance and proportion betwixt the same as the stroke herein pointing as with a finger at the cause was unavoidable for a natural conscience to discern and see a just and Holy God thus made known and visible in such publick and tremendous instances of his Judgment as bejond the rate of former times have been set up as beacons in our sight I must join herewith this sad remark which hath had a peculiar respect to these times that as it 's sure nothing but Religion in the truth thereof can effectually take off men from sin so hath nothing so much as Religion been oft made use off as the grand Engine to secure them therein and what was spoke by one of the Ancients hath been more applicable to our day then almost any past that never was ane age more fertile of Religions under a different profession hereof and never more barren of Religion in the power and efficacy of the same on mens soul 14. It hath been in this age that such a call often and alowd hath sounded in our ears to come and see how the greatest Powers and Nations of the earth are but as a little dust in the ballance for the Soveraigne God to blow off at his pleasure and that he hath reserved to himself a dominion and preeminence over the Kingdoms of the Children of men to change the greatest Monarchies Oh what a strange reflex work might this be to have our spirits but going back on these great and marvelous shakings and utter razing hath been of publick settlements that seemd most firmly laid the bowing down and fall of the greatest of men and raising up such who had bâ—en low when the great God once begun to contend with the Oaks and Cedars and herewith to see the extent of his power over mens spirits and inclinations as well as their actings so as to determine their concurrence with their hand
Providence in it's Conjunction with what hath gone before it 's here we must see a thrid marvelous overturning which in one and the same age hath been successively in these Kingdoms according to that forementioned Scripture Ezek. 21 27. I will overturn overturn overturn and it shall be no more until he come whose right it is and I will give it which is to be understood there of such great Revolutions as should in their proper order follow upon other For tho this had a respect then to these great shakings which was to come upon Juda and the House of their Kings in the entry of their captivity yet may none bound the intent of the Holy Ghost in this Prophecy as if there only it was to take place and had not a Respect to some further accomplishment of the same in after times which surely was since never more clear in the event then in this late wonderful Series of Providence that hath been in these overturnings But now let me speak herewith what hath been sometimes deeply affecting how there is something yet more solemn and extraordinare now in this thrid call then all that hath gone before to be awakening to this generation and that which with too clear evidence may be judged the last cry and call such as hath no dark or uncertain sound therewith to the State and Churches of Britain and unto all ranks there if there be not a resolute shutting of our ear at the same that this is assuredly the voice of the Lord I will yet once more take proof and tryall of these Lands which I did choise and in so singular a way deall with bejond other Churches and Nations and will yet respite the last stroak of Judgment and if tenderness and forbearance in a most surprising and extraordinare display thereof will once work if the actings of providence such as could not of late have been beleeved by men will once reclaim and return Britain and Ireland again unto God I will then take of both their fetters and fears and give a new settlement to their civill rights and interest will sease their adversaries with terror and trembling and yet spare their blood will sett such also upon the Throne who shall seek the good and welfare of their People under whose shadow ye may ly down safely without dread either of the terrors by night or such affrightments by day they were once under and take off any fears of external force But oh if this voice can not be heard when it is so clear and audible which if some knew ever any thing or had discerning of the ways of God and of the times they cannot but hear this to be the present voice of the time it then seems to be come to the last and highest tryalls that these Nations ever stood under when such extraordinar measures of divine patience and long suffering and so long a day given to repent must either be speedily answered or it be found that the stroke will be the more terrible when it comes the longer it hath been deferred that threatned judgment shall assuredly at last come to a year of recompence yea to a precise day of the spotless Vengeance of God when his spirit will no more strive with men when he will clear his Justice and go forth to see the Authority of his Laws and Sentences of his Word ratified in the execution thereof when no Intercessor shall be then heard tho a Noach Daniel and Job were upon the earth and it shall be then no more possible to hold off that long threatned stroke or turn Judgment out of his way then for men to stop the course of the Sun to recall the day and years that are past or make void the Ordinances of Heaven but then will the Works of God gett a hearing when his Words could not A IV. Head on this subject which I must join in with the former that is of great weight and consequence is this to know what aspect such extraordinary providences of these times past now hath on the churches there and whither so great a crisis as hath been in the publik State of affairs hath more promising or threatning signs therewith It was the highest part of Hezekiah observation upon that great deliverance he met with Isai 39. not to see only God in his immediate hand herein but how his heart was toward him in the same as is there expressed thou hast loved my soul out of the pit of corruption for so does the originall render it A loosing sight of providence in what the Lord doth speak to men thereby maketh way not only for great shakings but to read the sense thereof contrair to its intent and tho there be a regarding by all the visible effects of providence and what herein lyes nearest to our sense yet few goes a further length in their observing It is undenyable that an extraordinare condescendence of grace and of the long suffering of God might be seen in these great things here done of late but the next enquiry lyes here how such ane unusual application of providence does work It was upon some serious thoughts hereof and this present State of things I sett my self for more clear discerning of the way of the Lord and his voice to this generation in these astonishing changes hath gone over the same of late to have my own spirit fix'd herein and some higher strenthning on the faithfulnes of his truth but in the first place there are some undoubted principles of truth which I would mention here and must hold by as truths which are of ane eternall verity and may have a clear applicatory light to the present day we are in 1. That it 's sure the most notable mercies which hath been bequathed of the Lord either to churches or persons have also been an entry to the greatest of judgements when not answered it was with the brightest sunshine of ane immediate appearance of his hand and ane extraordinary course of miracles that Israel entred into the wilderness whereon so black a night of dismal providence did fall and is it not the same voice which is now speaking to us that we have Malach. 2. 2. if ye will not lay to heart to give glory to my name says the Lord of host I will curse your blessings 2. It stands ever sure and unchangeable that God will never return to a people against whom he is wroth untill the cause of his departure be taken away for both the same date and measure which mens forsaking of God doth bear the same also does his departing bear unto them and tho repentance where it is in truth can never be in vain yet may it come to late to prevent temporal judgment or to regain ever again a season of acting for God when there is a more eminent call thereto at one time then another 3. It is ane unchangeable truth which varies not with the changes of time that there is
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
parts that such hath allotted to them in the times we are fal'n in who would stand in such a gape breach where oppositions now thereto are so strong and it may seem almost hopeless to crave justice in behalf of the truth at the bar of mens conscience when a latitude on principles hath come to such a height as the authority of light is without fear controlled yet on the other hand it may be feared that the answering of that Command of the Holy Ghost is not suitably taken to heart the great consequence thereof which is to walk in wisdom towards these who are without tho not being in that Sence without the Church yet as no less stated in a visible enmity to the truth which is according to Godliness then such could be there hath been much serious study and designs by the Servants of Christ in this age to promot his Kingdom in Britain and Ireland and there are yet there eminently fitted for so difficult a service how to gain and prevail with the furthest measures of prudence and judgement upon the most obstinatly prejudged as any in this day there hath been also of late a singular improvement made and blest for a more unite contending for the Faith once delivered to the Saints in so hazardous a time but it is sure there is yet some further length and essay called for upon this great service for the Kingdom of Christ in taking off letts and stumbling bloks out of their way who may be upon a sad precipice of breaking and further alienation from the truth and for some more full clearing of the same from these designed reflections cast thereon in such a way as convictions might thus insensibly prevail and gain ground with the greatest Gainsayers whilst we know little what design grace may in this day have on such and as the furthest regard should be kept to light upon any controverted truth without losing ground herein yet should I judge it a door of hope to see these who are unite in the great concerns of Truth and Godliness once meet in a more joint concurrence in behalf of these great things of God which are not controverted when the face of this Generation is so threatning as to a further revolt from the Christian Faith both in the pureness and power thereof This is to be a work by its self which as it's of the highest publick concern so does it require a more then ordinare measure of Judiciousnes in following the same My Unfitnes to speak on such a Subject should have restrained me herein were it not to witness something of a serious desire under which my soul is prest for such ane end when the hazard of the perishing of so many who hath ane Eternal State before them is so visible this day and yet no further tryall made to gain and recover according to that rule and practice of the Apostle I was all things to all that I might gain some Others can more fitly judge as to the suitable managing of such a service and how to fall in on the right lith of duty herein only somethings I should wish were more designed for taking off prejudices and to breake thus one of the greatest Engines of Satan this day against the interest of the Ghospel 1. In coming a greater length by these who are of a serious spirit to Sacrifice private resentments to that publick Interest of the Truth upon conceived Injuries when it s so evident what ane influence personal prejudice this day hath to keep up distance to highten differences and cause further estrangement on such an account from any fervent appearance for God and this is surely one of the most honourable parts of a Christians work how far he might overcome the distempers of others by humility tenderness and love and walk in such a countermotion to the spirit and temper of this day 2. It is a service this day much cals for to have stumblings more prevented against these unquestionable settled administrations of the Government of Christ in his Church so as the way and manner of his Spiritual Kingdom might be rightly understood the proper object whereof is the soul and inward man and it 's great design to restore edify which is in such a way that where it 's truly answered nothing can be more tender and healing and to attract any of a serious spirit to join in herewith for it is a sad measure that the truth should sufler from the weaknes or exorbitancies of any It was suitable for the Christian Church in the primitive times to plead that from Heathens that the offence and practices of none should be charged upon the rule of their Profession 3. It were desirable also that further conviction might be served on these who are prone to stumble how in the promoting of truth and Godliness there is no persuing any divided interest of a party and that if such would once try and see they can then judge where the most comprehensive interest within time lyes which all are jointly concern'd to promote who hath any design on the Christian Profession for eternal things 4. I shall but add this more what ane advantage should it be for the truth and to conciliate a greater respect thereto that all might see how sweet a Contemperature and Harmony there is betwixt pure zeal for God which is according to knowledge and the furthest prudence and tenderness towards men and how the rule and spirit of the Ghospel can admit of no bitterness wrath or recrimination which are so abounding this day in the Church in persuing of differences upon any concern of the truth for herein doth the glory and honor of our blessed Head more eminently appear in securing the concord and unity of his Church under a diversity of light and judgement in some lesser differences about the truth by a spirit of love and by its power and efficacy upon mens heart in subdueing the distempers of their mind then by imposing the most severe and absolute uniformity in all things to be the measure of Church Communion and it is ever found how this hath been most easy and practicable among such who hath made the highest advance in the life and power of Christianity then any else since he nearer the lines are to the Center the nearer also are they among themselves and I must add herewith that it may be little known what convictive power might follow in a time of such high distempers as this on a suitable application of that wisdom which dwells with prudence and comes from above according to the rule given for the same James 3 17. to make a higher interest for the Kingdom of Christ and to the saving of the souls of many then now in an ordinare way would seeme possible 4. As the furthest tenderness and prudence is called for to prepare the way of the Lord for a further advance of his Kingdom in taking out of
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
Sacred Canon of the Scripture is sealed and consigned to the Church to have no more addition thereto but that it 's now a part of the highest trust upon the Gentile Churches to have a most venerable respect for conveyance of the great Works of God from one Generation to another to bear such evidence thereof as the nature of these things is capable of for a moral certainty yea that this might be on such tryall as should silence and convince the most inquisitive and suspicious spirits of men herein this is of a serious and weighty import if it were considered 1. How so high a concern of the Glory of God is thus intrusted to tradition by humane testimony and record and to the credit thereof as that way only which the Lord hath now fix'd for the convoyance of his marvelous works to after times on which he once put that value as to give them a special room in Sacred Writ and tho there is no such way now to attest the same yet is not the weight of that service taken off the Church which is mentioned Isay 62 6. to be the Lords Remembrancers and Recorders of his great Acts as the Original there bears 2. It is unquestionable that be hath reserved the greatest of his Works wherein he will most eminently appear to the last times and what a loss hath it been to the Christian World unto this day that unfaithful part which we must charge upon former ages in no suitable regard to have such ane interest and treasure with a publick care secured for the posterity through which the credit and honor of tradition hath been so much broke as hath rendred the use thereof of small effect 3. And it 's known how difficult a part it is to gain credit in this day to the truth of what 's more extraordinar in passages of providence even where the relaters thereof hâ—th as to their own conscience and conviction the most full assurance and hath designed what Inquiry was suitable in such a case whilst the want of a more unite and publique concurrence takes off so much of that weigâ—t which it might have in after times but I have confidence that a higher service of this kind in the improvement of so great a Talent for the honor of God does yet wait on the Church succeeding race as shall tend to bring up what hath been detain'd of such a rent and tribute of praise yea that these whose Lot shall be in the dayes that are now coming and fall in with the growing state and glory of the Kingdom of Christ to see these things which will exceed the thoughts and faith of this day herein shall see and enjoy such Records of these times where the great intent shall be of that kind Revel 15 3. Great and Marvelous are thy Works Lord God Almighty Just and True are thy Ways thou King of Saints and where the credit of such a testimony shall not be personal only but national in a more solemn unite concurrence herewith then hath been hitherto known 4. It is on this Subject I must add further that a traditional conveyance of more special and momentous things of Providence might be of much use were it suitably improven to have a remembrance thereof continued in a Family Line and Relation which is one peculiar way whereby the present Generation might declare the truth and faithfulness of God to the next It is true there is no serious Christian but is thus sisted and accountable on such a service to put to his seall by some explicit personal testimony that God is true upon his tryall hereof and most specially to improve that season when it is near to the close and shutting up of time that with his last and dying breath he might bear the same witness to the truth of Christ and to the advantage and excellency of his way and service which he did in the whole course of his life past and of that joy complacence assurance of mind which these have found and now hath in the way of truth but there is something more peculiar in this Testimony to be understood with respect to these to whom things in a more singular manner hath been allotted then to other Christians in the way of Providence and hath in the Record and Journal of their life had more extraordinar Remarks and Confirmations from the Lord as gives higher access to this service and adds to the value of such a Testimony I would offer but a few thoughts on such a Head which may possibly seem a strange and dark thing to some 1. It was once for a long time that the Series of the Church was kept up in a Family Line from Abraham to the 12 Patriarchs and what a rare course and conduct of Providence was thus transmit to after times which is so great ane interest and treasure to this day and tho that convoyance was by an infallible spirit yet is this so far exemplary thereby for such a confirmatory witness by observing Christians to the truth when it comes to their last improvement of time and of what hath been more signal and eminent in the Lords dealing with them that it should be one of the choisest Legacies they could be queath to their Relations yea a singular mean to have Religion thus kept alive in a more venerable respect thereto in a Family State and to fix stronger engagements to the way of God on their surviving Friends 2. I hope there be no serious discerning Christian but hath some more select Observations of their life and what hath been most remarkable in the course of Providence towards them layd up something of which might be of singular use besides their own personal interâ—st therein to a further establishment of others in the way of truth tho any improvement of that kind needs much Christian prudence and sobriety to qualify the same yea were this suitably designed in such dismal times we are now fall'n in what access might private Christians have these specially who have gone through more extraoâ—dinar tryalls then others to be thus a publique blessing to their Generation and how honourable a service were it for God to advance the credit of Religion and fix deeper impressions of the same on mens spirits that these who have been admit to more special adventures of Faith amidst the various conflicts of their day should in the close thereof have this as their proper work to deliver the truth off their hand which they had receaved with their seal and testimony to the same as that which they had proven and tryed in a more then ordinare way and which had brought them safe and honourably through as was the last Words and Witness of David 1 Kings 14. Who haâ—h delivered my soul out of all distress this I humbly judge falleth in as the last and peculiar service of a Christian when it hath the advantage to be more valuable and convincing to others then in any other time of their life were a thing highly desirable that a work of this kind should be suitably prepared to prevent a surprisal of death going silent off the stage which hath been the lott of these who have shin'd most brightly thereon and as it surely hath the most opportune season in the last Scene of a Christians Work so may it be yet more designed and regarded in the last ages of time when thete is to be expected such Testimonies for God and to the Glory of his Truth as will much exceed the ordinar Standard of these times past and we are now in The full sense of that Scripture John 3 33. should have a great weight herein he that hath received his Testimony hath sett to his seall that God is true where there is a peculiar debt and trust on the one hand that is put on such who hath the truth and testimony of God consign'd for tryall of the same and a discharge thereof which on the other hand they stand accountable for putting to their seall that God is true which is the most solemn way of a Testimony before men tho some may be thus in a special manner stated by higher engagements to fanctify God before others and when some more singular passages of Providence comes under such a witness and seall as a distinct part of a Christians Testament in his parting with time it brings the strongest evidence that humane testimony can possibly have for conveyance of the same FINIS