his Kingdom and Glory burning more upon their hearts then others have The Promises shew of this thing frequently Isai 4.3 And it shall come to passe that he that is left in Sion and he that remaineth in Jerusalem shall be called holy even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem When the Lord is about to establish his Church above all Mountains all other Kingdomes and People in the World he will first cause them to separate and come out from the sins and uncleannesses of the World and will make them a People fitted to enjoy the glory of that day to be as Saviours upon Mount Sion and to judge the Mount of Esau The Warrs and changes that have been among us call for this too they have been as fires to purifie us from our sins and Idols though many are since gone back to commit fornication with them again The desolations and troubles that do at this time threaten the Nations all about us seem to be as signes and tokens to all that are wise hearted among us to prepare to meet the Lord Jesus in his Judgements he is above when ye see these things begin to come to passe then lift up your heads and look up This will be better understood by making a more particular enquiry what manner of Work that is wherein God will fit his People and make them ready to follow Jesus Christ in the things he is about First We may look that he will put another spirit upon his People then that is which is generally found at this day among the People of God a chosen People a picked People become those Works God has promised to do in the latter dayes If an Honorable Person had a Negotiation which concerned his Honour and Estate he would employ such Persons about it as would become such a Master and of abilities for such a Service Or if a great Prince were about to shew himself openly to be seen before his Subjects he would choose a Train of such Persons to attend upon him as should set off the glory and splendor of his Royal Person before the people The Works wherein the Lord Jesus will glorifie himself and be more eminently exalted he will choose such choice and precious Saints and Servants to be about him therein as that by the Grace and Blessedness which they shall shew forth his Glory shall shine forth the more there is so much dross and Tin mingled with our Gold so much of worldly spirit in excess pomp designs seeking and receiving honour and promotions so much of a carnal frame in debates envyings stripes backbitings whisperings swellings tumults and so much of an Antichristian spirit is found among us in joyning interests with Babylon confederacies with her Kings building up again her horned power hankering after her customes manners laws worldly splendor and greatness that whilst we are in such a condition as this God will commit no eminent or special service or trust unto us such a people are not in a condition fit to attend upon the Lord Jesus in his great Works he has to do among us Whilst the People of God among us were seeking after some better things in the Spirit of Grace with Faith Singleness and Purity the Lord was among them by a very gracious and wonderful Presence but sith they have left their first Loves and have forgot their first Works and are sat down in the middle way the Lord is seeking a People of another spirit who will follow him fully in the Works he has promised to do in these last days Now we may know such a People a People of another spirit where the following characters are found 1. In dayes of division and distemper of corruption and falling away from their first Love fervency of Spirit the simplicity savour and Spirit of Christ and Gospel-conformity unto security and rest from whence come uncleannesse lasciviousnesse strife wrath and heresies a People that in such dayes are growing in their Light love Purity and Zeal for Christ his Work and Kingdom are a People of another Spirit of such a Spirit as the Lord seeks for for such a Spirit was Paul and some few in his time 2. After a Reformation has begun in the Churches of God when the old leaven the constitutions and customes made in the time of Antichristian blindness and Idolatry are establisht and kept up among them or when a People in a Nation who were coming out of Babylon delivered from the yoaks and by a great deal of conviction through many wonders of Providence called to come out of the corruptions of the World shall return back again to bondage either by confederacies with Babylons friends mingling with their manners or taking the golden wedge if in such dayes as this there be any that continue in their love and zeal to Jesus Christ his Kingdom a thorow Reformation of things until all power be put into his hands and do shew forth the same by following all holy and righteous wayes and means for the promoting thereof in the World such are a people of another spirit such a spirit as this was in Elijah Phineas David Nehemiah and some others in their time and in the worthy Reformers of later times Zech. 12.10 I will pour upon them the spirit of grace and supplication and they shall look upon me who they have pierced and shall mourn for him The Lord will have such a people as shall be deeply affected with Christ and with a sense of the dishonor and reproach that lies upon him his cause and interest in these last times 3. When the signs of the times are not discerned nor heeded nor the Works and Mind of God pointed at thereby is not closed withall a great security and unbelief and a lazy luke-warm indifferency generally prevailing as to the things which concern the promised Kingdom and Glory of Christ and the overturning of all that which letteth whosoever shall then be found upon their watch in supplications and searchings mourning for the sins of the times refusing to bow to the Kings Image opening their window towards Jerusalem that is praying for the Redemption of the Church of Christ and enquiring out the time such are a people of another spirit such a people the Lord seeks for as a people fit to follow him wait upon him of such an excellent spirit was Daniel and the men of Issachar Noah Jeremiah and others As he is a man of a mean low base spirit that can be content Christ should have a little place in his heart and the old Man a great deal so it is a note of a people of a low and unworthy spirit not fit for any eminent service for Christ that are content with a little of Christs Righteousness and Reformation in a Nation well satisfied so they may live in peace and ease and plenty though Christ have not the swaying over-ruling Power in the publick and highest matters that are done among them
Power and the Ecclesiastick State should mingle together the Church should borrow many corrupt constitutions customs and helps from the wicked and worldly power this mixture is yet found among us the old leaven of Antichristian pollutions manners and proceedings that was begun to be purged out is leavening us again even the whole lump if grace prevent not The Basis upon which God will set up his Kingdome namely the Word of God as the Law and the Spirit of Christ in his Saints as the Counsellor is not admitted Ezra 9.14 Should we again break thy Commandements and joyn in affinity with the people of these abominations Whilst worldly aims and ends run along with the Work of Christ he had many followers but now that the God of this World hath given to many the golden Cup whereby they are overcome in security and ease to make another step in that Work beyond what the present state of things will bear such love and zeal is found but with few amongst us this is a low unworthy Principle If the blessed Reformers of former Ages or more later of our times who alwayes found every new step in Reformation to be attended with difficulty and opposition had been of this low and unsearchable spirit or could have been content for the enjoyment of their lives and liberties ease and pleasures with the losse of the Gospel and Reformation in the greater purity of it we should instead of seeing the things we have seen in our dayes have been inheriting the blindness and bondage of our forefathers It is worthy to be remembred while we were a people as one standing upon an Interest distinct from all Nations about us the Lord was graciously sought of us and that his Presence was nearer his wonderful Works declared but since we have made peace with the Enemies of the Lord this peace has pierced deeper into our sides then ever their swords before could do which puts me in mind of what is said Dan. 8.25 By peace he shall destroy many When Antichrist saw he could not prevail among us by the sword through his policy he prospers and by peace and ease and quiet he destroyes many wherefore the Lord will have a people of such light sincerity and love as will not be contented with the peaceable enjoyment of Wives Children houses Lands Honors or Preferments until the Lord Jesus in his Laws Government Spirit and Saints be exalted over all the Earth and his glory above the Heavens 2. Whilst there is a setting up the Maxims and rules of worldly corrupt States and Kingdoms yea though it were the most prudent and righteous Principles of Civil Interest when this is done to keep down the Work God is about in our day this is a sign we are a People of Principles low and unsuitable to the Promises and Dispensations that we are under as when the Kingdom of God comes into the heart the most rational and refined Principles or Nature that were there before must give place to the powerful convictions of Grace and the light of the Spirit so when the Kingdom of God is come forth visibly in the World the fashion and frame of things in Kingdoms and Nations must passe away before it and when God is about to do such a Work as this for any to insist upon the most righteous and prudent Principles to the hinderance of the Work of God cannot be justified Exod. 1.9 10 11. Behold the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier then we come on let us deal wisely with them lest they multiply and it come to passe that where there fall out any warr they joyn also unto our enemies and fight against us and so get them up out of the Land Therefore they did set over them Task masters to afflict them with their burdens Herein they exercised their wisdom of State against the Work God had in hand and paid dearly for it Judg. 8.22 The men of Israel said unto Gideon rule thou over us both thou and thy son and thy sons son also for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian What a more just and reasonable thing could have been thought upon and more conducing to common settlement and safety But observe what answer was returned verse 23. And Gideon said unto them I will not rule over you neither shall my son rule over you the Lord shall rule over you A noble and choice Spirit he looked upon Israel as under Gods more immediate Government and any other settlement by humane and worldly wisdom however pretending to common good was not by any means to be admitted I shall add only one Instance more Numb 32.5 Reuben and Gad said unto Moses Let this Land be given unto thy servants for a possession and bring us not over Jordan Their desire was just and reasonable for they had many Cattle and it was a place for Cattle But Moses answered Shall your Brethren go to war and shall ye sit here verse 6. behold ye are risen up in your Fathers stead an increase of sinful men Moses having his eye upon the Work the Lord was about would not indure that any Civil Interest how publick or just soever should be taken into any competition with the Lords Work It was Reason of State that set up Ieroboams Calves for the preservation of the Kingdom that erected the Romish Chair for preserving of unity in the Church and the peace of her Kings that formerly imposed uniformity of worship and other laws upon the Conscience and of late new Lords over the Church of God all devised by the Man of Sin thereby to put a check and stop upon the blessed Spirit of Christ and work of Reformation that both these might be kept under and might not grow up to any considerable height for fear of bringing in a change of things into the World During the time of the Churches being in the Wilderness Kingdomes and States and Churches have been left to be ordered by carnal Force and Policy and at the best by the Rules of Morality and Civil Right and these times of ignorance and corruption God winked at But now that the Kingdomes of this World are about to become the Kingdomes of our Lord and his Christ it will be the wisdom of all that fear the Lord to take heed of sitting down in or contending for any wayes or interests how just and prudent soever against the Work and Word of Christ that is about to be fulfilled When the Office and Right of Christ as Prophet and Head of the Church was brought to light in our dayes among us what a blow was there given to that corrupt state that was before so likewise when the Royal Prerogative of Christ as King of Nations began to be owned in the Government and publick Affairs among us how the Lord stood by a despised remnant of his People therein and how he left and laid aside all those that stick to their State Maxims to their
darkness and wasting in their spirits counsels and proceedings the very report whereof put a fear upon the Nations about while lie owned and blessed and comforted his People by a glorious leading Presence among them What is the meaning of these things Is there not a far other more Excellent State of things signified and intended hereby then the present frame of things of late set up under which worldly pomp and policy the old oppressive and corrupt Interests of former worldly States and Governments with a too general defection of many from their first light love and purity is springing and growing up again in the Land The changes that of late have passed over us are a further Testimony from God unto us that he is doing some new thing in the Earth It is said Gen. 49.10 The Scepter shall not depart from Judah nor a Law-giver from between his feet until Shiloh come The first coming of our Saviour was ushered in by a change upon all Nations the Romans possessing themselves of the Kingdome of David and of the Government of the whole World Joel saith chap. 2.30 31. I will shew wonders in the Heavens and in the Earth bloud and fire and pillars of smoak the Sun shall be turned into darkness and the Moon into bloud before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come We are to know the second coming of the Lord Jesus to set up his Kingdom on Earth draws near when we see changes coming upon the whole frame of things both in Church and State This Nation a Nation wherein Profession is reformed unto the greatest degree of Light and Purity of any Nation in the World yet how has it been turned upside down How have the Heavens of our more reformed as well as the Earth of our more loose corrupted Church-state been shaken How has the Sun of Monarchy Kings and Nobles been darkened and the Moon of our Civil State been turned into bloud How have formes of Government and Authorities hastily risen up one after another and have as fast dissolved in weakness and confusion Revel 21.1 I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth for the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away and there was no more Sea When the Governments Kingdoms and Common-wealths throughout both the Antichristian and the more Reformed Nations become unsettled shaken and falling in pieces it is a sign they are grown old in sin and guilt and as fit for no more use are ready to be done away The time for the fulfilling of that Prophesie seems at the very door Revel 14.15 Thrust in thy sickle and reap for the time is come for thee to reap for the harvest of the earth is ripe Who ever saw the Nations round about us in such a posture of warr and wrath as at this day so fitted for destruction What Earthquakes Eclipses Comets raining of Bloud and raging Pestilences have there been of late How is the whole Creation sensible of the drawing near of the Lord Jesus whose coming in the Spirit of Grace and Glory in his People and in Wrath and Judgements against his Enemies is that which causeth all these changes which have been and are yet to be in the World It is well known to many that both the spiritual and visible Interest of Christ hath begun to shine forth more of late in this Nation and God hath given more visible testimonies in a way of owning of it here then in any other Nations besides So soon as this Interest and Cause was placed among us what a series of changes did presently flow in upon us What commotions were stirred up against us from abroad and how are all the Nations about us since put into a flame Nations long settled upon their lees of Antichristian blindness and corruption when God begins to empty such from vessel to vessel to bring upon them one breach and change after another it is a sign he has some new and special thing to do with such People Oh that we might see the Lord Jesus as he comes forth through these things and lifts up himself still more and more by them The Refinings that have attended our changes have a fresh significancy with us that God is about some new and extraordinary things among us every change was as a fire purifying the succeeding parties into a more refined Spirit and Principles then those that were before as new work and new difficulties were presented while many went off their hearts failing them through darkness weariness or fear a new Spirit was put upon others in a fresh supply of light and strength giving a more piercing sight into the excellency of the interest and cause in hand and further Resolution to presse forwards towards it Principles in the beginning of the day were dim and weak both in the Civil and Military Instruments carrying them forth a little higher then unto the Interest of meer civil right and freedome against the Arbitrarines and excess of Monarchy and Prelatical Church state these Generations being most of them laid aside a choicer People were raised up in their place of clearer Principles and higher Aymes calling for Impartial Justice removal of burdens dethroning of Kingly Power abolition of Worldly Pomps and Splendour a Religious Magistracy a Spiritual Ministry liberty of Worship c. they had so much light as to discern the present frame of things to be exceedingly corrupted with Antichristian mixture and to see there was a better state of things to be had framed and acted not according to Humane Reason and Prudentials of State in the hands of men as men but according to the Decrees and Laws of Christ in the hands of men as spiritual and Saints Further changes so far heightened this Principle as that the Interest and Right of Jesus Christ to exercise a Kingly Authority over the Kingdomes of men was publickly and solemnly owned for a reason among us let it be observed how the Lord winnowed and purged one party after another how the said old dark and corrupt fashion of things was a going away and a new face of things began to appear with a new lustre both upon Church and State upon Doctrine and Worship garments of mourning and bondage formerly upon the People of God changed into a state of liberty and gladness a loose and worldly Church reformed first to the letter after to a degree of spirituality the contest begun for a civil Interest refined into a contest for spiritual Faith Prayer and expectations in many rising higher and higher first for civil liberty then for a spiritual after for the Kingdom and Government of Jesus Christ And here that word may not unseasonably be minded Psal 68.13 14. Though ye have lain among the pots yet shall ye be as the wings of a Dove covered with silver and her feathers with yellow gold when the Almighty scattered Kings in it it was white as snow in Salmon When the time came that the Lord would
scatter and bring down all those Authorities Powers and Parties that had held his Church in this Nation at the Brick-kills in the condition of Servants and Bond-men then did he take off our filthy garments and clothed us with change of Rayment high Reformation Victories and many visible Testimonies of his Presence among us and all these as Earnests or first-fruits of that flourishing State which shall be brought forth in the Coming and Kingdom of the Lord Jesus In Israels Redemption out of Egypt mention was first made of a civil Interest only of their deliverance from the burdens and oppressions of that King but the principal thing intended was that God himself would be their King If this was a typical Preludium of the State of the Church in these last dayes as that Prophesie seems to imply I will restore thy Judges as at first and thy Counsellors as at the beginning If so then a deliverance from the yoaks of Tyranny and Persecution unto a condition of meer outward liberty and quiet was not the chief Result in ended us in our changes but that God would thereby bring us both Church and State under a more immediate Government to his Son that he alone should be our Law-giver King and Judge ruling us according to his own Word and Spirit not according to the Prudentials and Policies of this World If the Lord has thus kindled a Refining fire among us let us take heed how we quench it till our purification thereby preparing us unto that Kingdom and Glory that is drawing near The Lord hath taken new and extraordinary wayes with us besides that peculiar eye that hath watched over the English Nation in former times to save it from the bloud-thirsty Rage of Antichristian Adversaries their Invasions from abroad and Conspiracies at home God has of late made this Nation as it were a Stage whereupon he came forth and began that Cup of the Wine of his Wrath against the Kingdomes and Monarchies of Babylon that is determined against them here began the Horns of Antichrist to be thrown down here the spiritual and civil Liberties and Rights of Saints and Men were more visibly owned of God against the Injustice and Usurpations of Ecclesiastical and Temporal Rulers then had been before here the Office of Christ as Prophet and Head of his Church was vindicated and advanced above the Commandements and Laws of Men to the contrary The Authority of Christ as King of Saints and Nations and the right of Saints with him to Rule and Judge the World has gained more Reputation and acceptance with us then all the World over God speaks concerning his Church in the latter dayes Isai 43.18 Remember ye not the former things neither consider the things of old behold I will do a new thing And what was that new thing For your sakes I have sent to Babylon and have brought down all their Nobles ver 19. I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert Chap. 44.3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty and flouds upon the dry ground I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed and my blessing upon thine off-spring The Lord had a People among us who he formed for his praise how did he for their sake bring down our Princes and Nobles the Paramours and Lovers of Babylon How was our Land which had layen like a wilderness for want of Gospel light and administration of Justice turned into Rivers of water through Righteousness Knowledge and the Presence of the Lord shining forth among us And in that day what a sprinkling of the Spirit was there upon the dry ground upon many Sons and Daughters among us of simple and low capacities weak and foolish things whereby many wise mighty and honorable were put to confusion and brought to nothing Let us call to mind what a Presence was with us in the fields what impulsions of the Spirit as of a mighty wind were upon many carrying them up beyond themselves through difficulties and dangers What a Spirit of Judgment was put upon many to bind Kings in chains and Nobles in fetters of iron What a light of the Gospel of the Glory of Christ shined round about us What meltings and yernings were seen throughout all even the darkest corners of the Land under the sense of a crucified Saviour What Lightenings among the People of God and what Earthquakes upon their Enemies Such things as made us a terror and wonderment to all the Nations about us speak oh ye Virgins that are fallen asleep if these be ordinary Dispensations if ye have read or heard of a parallel if not then look upon them as beginnings of greater things yet to come to passe But if any shall say Why may not this glory set in a cloud as great things were done and as great hopes and expectations raised in Germany yet all came to nothing I answer Luther lived to see his Doctrine prevailed over many Cities and Countries and soon after his death brake out the Warr in that Nation for the punishment of them that were Adversaries to the Gospel when that Light was quenched there it sprung forth with renewed strength in this our Island and has ever kindled such a fire as has at sundry times cousumed the chiefest part of the Riches strong Holds and Yoaks of Antichrist that were among us God has begun the influences and effects of some of the last and glorious Promises in our Nation Providences and Prophesies have been as teeming wombs bringing forth the first fruits of great things amongst us The Promises that concern the Church of Christ towards the end of her wilderness state do speak of great changes and revolutions to come to passe about that time in the Antichristian States and Kingdoms with their Governments and Affairs that by these tempests this old corrupt frame of things may be broken and fall and way made for a glorious State of things to be brought forth in the fuller exaltation of Jesus Christ A Stone shall be cut out without hands that shall smite the great Image upon his feet Vpon the servants and upon the hand-maids in those dayes will I pour out my Spirit and these shall hate the Whore and shall make her desolate and naked and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire then the earth shall rele to and fro like a drunkard and shall be removed like a cottage and the Lord shall punish the Hoast of the high ones that are on high and the Kings of the earth upon the earth Then the Moon shall be confounded and the Sun ashamed If these Promises have begun their effects upon us in this Nation then let us know that the way of the Lord amongst us is new and his work extraordinary let us remember what a sprinkling of a gracious choice and active Spirit has been among us what excellent things were done while it was fresh upon us How Monarchy and Prelacy was cut off as
out of the horns of Antichrist How the Stone has been at work among us whereby that whole Church and State with the pomp power and greatness of it was overturned What Parties and Instruments were laid aside as being short of spirit for the business of that day and what Laws Constitutions and Customs were cast off as Antichristian and opposite to the work then in hand Add to all these what a mighty Witness of God unto all these proceedings in a continued series of Salvations and Victories over all that rose up against us and then may we not conclude That the things that were then on foot among us were the first fruits and earnests of those precious Promises and not as too much cause has of late been given to say the productions of policy headiness or delusion to say nothing what most deep and sweet impressions were upon our hearts from the word of promise concerning the Kingdom of Christ and downfal of Babylon we have had two observable signs that the time or the Promise wherein the Lord will do great things is at hand the one is a most peculiar and distinguishing presence of the Lord by inward Refreshings of Spirit and outward Dispensations of Mercy which was with us whilst our hearts went after the Lord and our Principles and Proceedings were in a subserviency to his Cause and Kingdom when others whose aims and ends were more National and mixt with worldly interest were laid aside left in the dark and under visible rebukes So great a difference has the Lord made between these who sat down in a meer civil and worldly Reformation and others who pressed after better hopes viz the fulfilling of Promises and a full subjection of all things to the Word and Spirit must needs be taken for a singular Evidence to give light unto us which way the work and design of the Lord lies at this day The other sign is the sad clouds of displeasure that are now upon us that gracious and lively presence that brought us out from our former Egyptian darkness and slavery and by a strong hand led us through many dark and difficult paths in the beginning of the day is much departed from off our Councils Camp solemn Assemblies Laws are given unto us that are not good and Statutes whereby we cannot live our Rulers are many of them such as know not Joseph the faithful Servants of Christ such as had no heart unto or communion with that great Affair and Interest of Christ once on foot the Military Power which was as a new sharp threshing Instrument against us Babylon is now become a prey to the Heathen or as Hirelings under a forreign Prince the cause and truth once so dear and highly owned now as to any visible progress of it under a sentence of death so that we may say we have sown much and bring in little we looked for much and lo it comes to little the Lord hath blown upon it because his House lies wast Haggai proved to Israel That the visible discountenance that was upon all their publick and private concernments from the Lord was a sign That the time was come that the Lords House should be built even so clouds of displeasure from God returning again after such a morning of successes and blessings as has been upon us ought to be a sign unto us that the Lord hath great things yet to do among us and that it is time for us to awake and go on with the Work that has been begun among us Now let us enquire what Works the Lord is about and wherein his Saints should be found waiting upon him at this day there are some Rules which in this Point have given light unto the Church of God in former Ages and lately in our time and may be further useful to us in this day for our satisfaction herein First Rule The Word upon which we were made to hope in the day of our greatest difficulties and straits and in the strength and comfort wherein we suffered so many things when God sets it upon the heart of his People to wait for some word some spiritual Promise to be made good and to undergo many things for the obtaining thereof that is the Work of that day God made a Promise to Abraham four hundred and fifty years afore it came to passe when the time of the Promise drew nigh God put it upon Moses heart after him upon Joshuah to go up and possess the good Land David had a Word that he should be King he bore up himself upon this word through a long series of conflicts and troubles till the things was done In the late Warrs those who bare the burden and heat of that day had a Word whereupon they leaned which consisted of many Promises shewing a more full and glorious Reformation to be set up in the World wherein Jesus Christ in all his Offices Laws and Commands should be more visibly owned and exalted and Babylon in all her interests thrown down This was that Word that was a Guide and a Strength to many among us in the troubles and perplexities of that day and not the Policy and Power of this World Second Rule Observe of what nature were these breathings of the Spirit and the impressions that were wrought thereby upon the most enlightened faithful and praying part of the People while we were following God in the way of his Judgements among us the Work God is about begins in the heart of his People for if the Secret of the Lord is with them that fear him when a People are in the Work of God following Jesus Christ through many sore Tryals and hardships then observe what things in that day lay with most weight upon their hearts and what the stirrings and movings of the Spirit with the Word were then amongst them and there the Work of God her Psalm 102.13 14. Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Sion for the time to favour her yea the set time is come for thy Servants take pleasure in her stones and favour the dust thereof When God begins to awake the spirit of his People to call them out of their darkness security and carnal interests and puts upon them a gracious sense of the condition of Sion and to look and long and cry to the Lord for her building up then is the time at hand 1 Chron. 11. When the Lord would turn the Kingdom from the House of Saul unto David then he stirred up all Israel to come and make David King It may be observed whilst the Spirit of the Lord remained in the lively and fresh gales and actings of it upon our publick Instruments and Camp Council and Assemblies there was such a sense upon their hearts that the Kingdom of Christ might be promoted both in Civils and Spirituals and the remaining posts and pillars all the limbs and branches of Antichristianisme might be broke to pieces and carried them with a lively zeal and
When a deep sleep of security in present things has taken hold upon many then to have the eyes open and heart awake pressing forward towards things before is a sign of a people of another spirit 4. A people that follow the Lord fully which way soever he goes that whilst others are taken off by fear of difficulty worldly advantage or some cunning pretences will not be prevailed with to decline or cast off the Lord and the Work he is about such are a people of another spirit whilst Rulers Army and Churches were all as one for the Work of the Lord Jesus among us and many outward successes and incouragements were cast in and the owning thereof was the way to advancement in the World an ordinary and common spirit might follow the Lord in such a day but when all these props and foundations are shaken and the streams of interests affairs is turned into another channel against the Work and Promise of God then to be lovers and followers of the Lord Jesus his glorious Cause and Interest when it lies under such contempt and death as this is the work of a very choice and excellent spirit when the Spies returned Numb 13.27 They told Moses and said we came unto the Land whither thou sentest us and surely it floweth with Milk and Honey and this is the fruit of it neverthelesse the people be strong that dwell in the Land and the Cities are walled and very great and moreover we saw the children of Anak there and all Israel cryed and wept that night and said let us make a Captain and let us return into Egypt but Caleb and Joshua were of another spirit By the tastes we have had of Gospel light and Reformation of the Government of Christ Kingdom of late very many are ready to say that the Land is good and pleasant for Gods People to be under a Government of Gods making under Rulers of Gods annointing is blessed as it is but a reasonable thing but this Kingdom say they being not of this World will not be received nor subjected to by the World nor can it be set up but by a shaking and pulling to pieces the Kingdomes of the World as to the foundation they now stand upon wherefore it being a business of so great trouble difficulty and danger before it can be attained let us make say many among us a Captain and let us return into Egypt or let us sit down on this side Iordan with the enjoyment of our ease and quiet rather then seek or make out after such a Kingdom with the losse of all This is a low unworthy Spirit having little love to the Glory and Excellency of Christ and his Kingdom the Lord will prepare a People of another Spirit that will strengthen one another to go on until all the Enemies of Christ and his People be put under our feet 2. As the Lord will choose among his People such as are of another Spirit so he will have a People of more refined and excellent Principles then are commonly found among us Principles are the springs of Actions no man can act above his Principles a man of gracious noble and refined Principles is appointed for some excellent service and finer work then other men now the excellency of a mans Principles lies in their spirituality in how much they have of Christ and Grace above other men A man that has more communion with God with free-grace in Christ then others is a man of more excellent Principles Mens Principles cannot alwayes be judged by their Profession but their Profession may be judged off by their Principles a man of low and servile Principles may make a great shew and high profession before the World as Israel when brought out of Egypt having received the Oracles having seen great Wonders no Nation like to Israel yet had in them a strong sence and savour of Egypt still in their hearts they went back to Egypt so we of this Nation have been a People of great deliverances under astonishing Dispensations so that it was said of us what Nation like to ours what Mercies like to Englands Mercies Yet we are generally of low servile slavish and fearful Principles savouring much of that state whereunto we were first in Bondage how and who in our Principles are below the Dispensations that have been upon us and the work of God has further to do in the World may appear by considering what Principles they are that do prevail most at this day among us 1. They may be known what they are by our sitting down in an outward state of peace quiet and safety well contented and at ease therein while a full and thorow Reformation and the Mercies promised to the Church in the latter dayes are not sought after David was of far other Principles of a choicer Spirit 2 Sam 7.1 2. And it came to passe when the King sat in his house and the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies yet the King said unto Nathan the Prophet See now I dwell in an house of Cedar but the Ark of God dwelleth within Curtains This Principle is wanting where an outward deliverance and peace is so used and sat down in as yet the Work of the Lord is not carried on Though thou hast lain among the pets I will make thee as the wings of a Dove I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean Great goodness is promised to the Church in the latter dayes the Spirit of grace deliverance enlargement dominion and exaltation these things were sought after by the People of God among us of late and in pursuance thereof they went some dayes journeys following the Lord through dark and dangerous paths but are now sat down by the way in a low wearied unbelieving and slavish Spirit having little or no spirit to the things formerly pressed after Gen. 49.14 15. Issachar is a strong Asse couching down between two burthens and he saw that rest was good and the Land that it was pleasant and bowed his shoulder to bear and he became a seavant unto tribute But Dan shall judge his people as one of the Tribes of Israel In like manner after a little breathing space has been given us from our former troubles finding that rest was good and a condition of quiet and peace was sought so that we might enjoy our ceiled houses lands offices merchandizing c. how are many among us willing to put their necks again under the yoaks and to deliver up and let go the opportunity and power that was in their hands to have redeemed themselves and to have raised up that Work and Building the foundation whereof was laid with the price of so much precious bloud But you will say What is that Work that is to be carried on It is said the Iron was mixt without Clay it should signifie the heathenish worldly Civil
old Rules Customs and bounds â—…to the hindrance of the Work then in hand is well known wherefore the Lord will have his people purged from the old leaven of these low and carnal Principles and that will not sit down in any Interest or settlement how just or safe soever whereby a stop is or may be put into the Work of God in the exalting of his Son in his Word Works and blessed Spirit among us 3. That we are a People of Principles below the Works of God in our day and unsuitable thereunto may appear by the old pollutions entertained again from which many seemed to have been purged there is a corrupt mixture with this World that has spread it self through the hearts and lives of most and through the Ecclesiastical and Civil State whereby that holy frame of heart and work of Reformation formerly among us is much laid aside A Church or People is said to be holy when the Word of the Lord is their Law and when they yield up themselves unto the Lord all one in all things to be governed by his Commandements And on the contrary it is a People corrupted and unclean when other Lords besides Christ have dominion over them and the will and commandement of men is set up The Church of the Old and New Testament in their beginning had more of this beauty of holiness and professed subjection unto the Lord only then was ever seen since Moses said of Israel concerning their first estate Deut. 32.12 The Lord alone did lead him and there was no strange God with him though he soon forsook God which made him and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation So Paul said of the Church as it was in its first estate before the Man of Sin had deflowered it I have espoused you to one Husband that I may present you as a chast Virgin to Christ A looking back unto these things together with a measure of the Spirit vouchsafed in our dayes did work in the hearts of many among us strong convictions of much blackness and deformity of many pollutions contracted from Antichrist yet remaining upon us and gave light and discerning of a more holy reformed and happy estate both commanded and promised and upon this account was there a separation made among us as to Worship first from Prelacy then from the National way and afterwards as to Government from Monarchy Gods People being led all along herein and pressed on from a Principle of Grace and Holiness and from some light in the Promises which speak of a day when every poâ— in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord and the Idols he shall utterly abolish Whilst our hearts were under this holy and gracious frame we were going on to purge out all such mixtures yet remaining among us as were borrowed from corrupt and Antichristian States and Kingdomes that we might become a new lump a holy People a righteous State just Laws and all things reduced as near as might be unto the pattern but instead of going on with these first Works we are mingled again with the Idols and uncleannesses of former times the sad effects whereof do appear almost every where upon the 〈◊〉 and lives of most and upon the Profession and Government that is held out in the Nation This was the evil of the Church of old Psalm 106.25 They were mingled among the Heathen and learned their works Hosea 7.8 Ephraim he hath mixed himself among the people Israel is a Cake not turned 2 Cor. 6.4 Be ye not unequally yoaked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousnesse wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate When Gods People began to joyn with the World in Civils they afterwards joyned with them in Spirituals until the whole lump was learned The Reformers of the Church in former and latter times their Zeal was stirred up against these minglings both in doctrine and manners against the inventions and commandments of men in the one against worldly pomp pleasures and sensuality in the other Religion cannot be accommodated to interests and respects of pollicy and serving 〈◊〉 it cannot be mixt with error no more then oyl with water 〈◊〉 and stâ—… with clay Dan. 2.43 It is said 2. Kings â—7 3â— the mingled people of Samaria feared the Lord and served their God after the manner of the Nations But what faith God doth he approve of this â—…ture verse 34. God will no town his own commanded Worship when mingled and compounded with another Dr. Preston Wherefore before the Lord will go on with any further â—…t Mercies for his People he will have a People that shall purge out this old â—eaven from among them that they may be a new lump as it is said Numb 23.9 Lo the people shall dwell alone and shall not be reckoned among the Nations Another part of that Work the Lord is about among us is to call his People out from partakings in those sins that are more especially the sins of the time and of this Generation God may have a People subject to many infirmities and sailings and yea such as have overcome the sins of the times Although Asa had offended in divers things yet as to the times the heart of Asa was perfect all his dayes 2 Chron. 15.17 So there are many sins that may be spoken against without offence to the times but the special sins of the Generation are overcome and reproved but by a remnant of another spirit Now if we would rightly judge what are the sins of the times we live in this may be propounded as a sure Rule observe what have been the more eminent and special Dispensations and Works of God among us in our day and such courses and proceedings among us whether publick or private as lie more directly crosse and contrary thereunto are the special sins and evils of the time This being admitted for a good Rule in this place what are the special sins of the time from which the Lord will have his People to come out of and be separate from will somewhat appear by the Conclusions following First After the Lord has begun to wash away the filth of the Daughter of Sion to purge the Church of Christ among us from the fifth of Antichristianisme and by overturning some great Pillars of the Antichristian Church and State has begun a Reformation of things according to the pattern of the Gospel and Scripture light and also gave forth a portion of the Spirit for this Work after such a day as this to joyn our selves again with the people of those abomination as it is seen at this day by marriages leagues conjunction of their and our Interests by reviving and setting up again that old fashion of things in its constitutions customes worldly policies pomp greatness and lusts this is one of the special 〈◊〉 of the times and from which the Lord will have his People to redeem and separate