is written in the providences and judgments of every time to mens observation how judgments from the Lord which point as with the finger at the abounding sins of that time do reach a land and particular Churches according to the threatnings of the word this is indeed manifest that the greatest promises made to a people we find backed with saddest threatnings and accordingly we find the greatest monuments of wrath have usually been set up where sometimes the largest offers of the Gospel were yea that the anger of the Lord may draw so deep against a people professing his name as to make their land desolate and the high wayes thereof mourn for in this precinct of the Church doth both judgement and mercy most eminently shine forth and the Lords way there doth differ from that he hath with any other people Now to clear this grave truth a litle how these threatnings of the word against a nation and people because of sin are also verifyed in their judgements I shall touch a few instances that are most known and obvious where we may lay the word and observation of the Church together and see how they answer one the other First we find the Threatnings of the word do point at the time of a peoples judgement 1 Thes 2 ver 16. Rev. 14 ver 15 18. That when they fill up the measure of their sin and their cup is full the Lord will not then defer the execution until the cup of the Amorites was full he did let them alone and we find an answer deferred to the cry of the souls under the altar for avenging their blood on Antichrist because that accursed party had yet more to do against the Church and the Saints more to suffer under their hand Now to witness the accomplishment of this let us but consider what in all times may be observed First that there is an ordinary grouth and height of sin which a land cometh to before destruction some national and universal spreading thereof prodigious outbreakings the utter rejecting of reproof which shew that a peoples case must then be on some turn yea that strange and unusuall sinning useth to go before some strange stroke 2. Before judgement come is it not seen how the sin of a people hath become so daring that it hath had a loud cry yea their case hath been such as did justify the Lords procedure against them even in the conscience of all lookers that he did it not without much cause 3. Is it not easy for such as are wise to know the times to see night coming on a land when sin is at some dreadful height by considering the word and the Lords usual way with a people in such a case Yea hath there not then been some special forwarnings a more then ordinary impression of judgement upon the spirits of the godly the hiding of many of them in the grave which as threatning presages hath shewed the near approache of a stroke 4. There doth not usually want even some Noah or Jonas the Ministers of God sent forth to threaten who as watchmen upon the wall are discerning hazard at distance yea with an observable pressure then upon their spirit and a more then ordinary aggreement amongst themselves to cry out and give the people warning when the time of judgement hath been drawing near 2. It is clear there are some special evils and sins of a time which we find the word most dreadfully doth threaten yea in a peculiar way it doth put a mark upon them that though the Lord should passe by many infirmities in a Church and people professing his name yet for such and such sins as we find in Amos 1 ver 2. he will not turn away the punishment thereof but hath solemnly declared by his truth and faithfulnes that these shall not passe without some visible mark even before the world of his anger now in this the Scripture is clear and lets us see there are some sins more particularly threatned some land destroying sins that have as it were the marke set on them which doe especially provoke the holy indignation and jealousie of God such as idolatry corrupting the Worship of God Perjury and Covenant-breaking shall they break my Covenant and escape saith the Lord Ezek. 17 ver 15. also departing from God and his way for this the land shall be desolat as in Ierem. 9 ver 12 13. yea blood guiltines which the earth shall not cover and for which the sword shall not depart even from the house family of David 2 Sam. 12 10. Now to evidence the accomplishment hereof I shall point at somethings most obvious to the observation of every time how terribly the Lord useth to plead for such things and by some exemplary stroke and judgement point them out as we find them particularly set by themselves in the word and threatnings thereof First how in these sins thus marked men may see how their judgements use not wholly to be deferred to another world but though much is oft passed here and laid over to that last and great judgement yet upon such sins the Lord hath put some mark of his displeasure even in this life 2. That for these he useth to contend before the sun and in the view of men his judgements are indeed oft secret and doe consume as a moth but upon such sins we may frequently see some publick and visible stroke is made to follow that the world cannot passe without a remark 3. That the Lord also useth to be a very swift witness against such evils for as we find the oppression of the Church hath a lowd cry and the blood of the saints a how long it is also seen these forementioned sins do much hasten judgement so as seldome that generation passeth away without some witness thereto it is rarely found that some great revolt of a people from God and breaking Covenant with him doth ly long over unpunished nor doth the hoary head of the violent and bloody man go oft to the grave in peace 4. That these sins use to be followed with some very dreadful and eminent stroke they have made the land desolat their cityes sometime wast and a ruinous heap yea houses great and fair to be without inhabitans so as men have with astonishment enquired why is all this comed to passe and it was easy to answer even for such and such evils hath the Lord done this according to his word 5. That a divine hand useth to be most discernable in the punishments of such sins because of a very clear resemblance betwixt them and the stroke which hath forced their own conscience as well as of onlookers to confesse the Righteousnes of God therein 6. That the Lord will put some mark of his anger on the choisest of his servants for any accession to such sins these to whom he hath given their soul for a prey have yet got a sore outward stroke upon such an account which hath
First that they have oft tasted what communion with God is in the secret dueties of a Christian also in the publick ordinances in a special measure at some more solemn times but O! never knew his presence and communion with him more sensibly then under the crosse yea have found that the work and service of a suffering time as is it not the ordinary service of every day hath also a peculiar and more then ordinary allowance 2 That they never knew divine strength more sensibly then when they have been most pressed above their own strength that in the day they were cast on Gods immediat care and ordinary meanes of their help most withdrawen they had never lesse cause to complain but might often say this as their experience they thirsted not when he led them through the wildernes yea that they have no time of their life found their mercyes more observably tryst them more sweet and satisfying then when by prayer and beleeving they were put to digg the well and wait for the rain coming down to fill it 3. That they never found more true liberty then in the house of bondage more refreshing company then amidst their greatest solitude while they found him near whom gates and barres cannot shut out in the day when all things else seemed to frown upon them that their midnight songs have been sweeter then all the prosperity they sometimes enjoyed and that they have oft proved that the deeper any are in affliction for Christ and his truth they are also the deeper in consolation 4. They must say the most satisfying and clear discoveries of the vvord are under searching and sharpest tryals that a sanctifyed exercising affliction they have found one of the best interpreters of the bible and the vvoâ—d then to be an other thing then it is at other times yea even to have been that to them vvhich they could desire it to be so as they are sure it hath been shaped out and directed for that present plunge their soul was in 5 That there is a very easy passage dispatch betvvixt Heaven and an oppressed afflicted soul an observable vent by prayer and more sensible accesse to God face vvhen other things have most frovvned yea they can vvitness from experience he stayeth his rough vvind in the day of his East vvind While he shutteth one doore he hath set an other open that vvhen the storm vvithout hath been very sharp they have found a sweet calm and sun-shine within to make it easy and when he layeth on one sore tryal he will take an other off 6. They can tell what a sweet comfortable parting they have oft had with some sharp tryal that which at the first was bitter as death hath in the close after sanctified exercise under the same they have found cause to leave it their blessing and they confesse that the time of greatest jealousy and fear upon their part they have found on Gods part hath been a time of greatest kindnes and love the sharpest wounds from such an hand and heart as his hath tended to a cure yea that circumstance and ingredient in the same which of all was most bitter and grievous even there they have found their outgate encouragement most remarkable 7. That the peculiar advantage of a sanctifyed tryal is not so well seen in the present time as afterwards when the case hath altered then they found a long and rough storm recompenced at their landing with a rich loadning of experience an other kind of discovery of God his way the certainty of his word then they formerly had won to so as now they can speak of him and the good of the crosse and adventuring any thing for Christ with some greater esteem on some other ground then report or an hearing thereof by the ear 8. I shall adde what hath been the frequent testimony of these who ever endured tribulation for the gospel that their remembrance after reckoning upon this account hath not been sad or bitter when they sat down compared their gain with their losse their upmaking with these dayes of tryal that have gone over their head that they would not then exchange their experience or want what they have found by the crosse no not for many moe dayes of trouble and affliction SEVENTH Instance is that promise of the word which integrity in an evil time hath that it shall preserve their steps and be the best mean to help these through that keep Gods way yea even in this life shall not want some witnes of Gods respect Ps 18 25. Ps 112 4. Rev. 3 10. Now to hold forth the accomplishment of this I may with confidence appeal to the observation of the saints in all ages who ever made it their serious study to keep their conscrence and their garments clean in a time of tryal if their experience hath not this testimony to give First that though at present honesty in evil times hath brought them in hazard and with Joseph to a prison yet it hath brought them out also with observable advantage yea how ever the Lord did order their outgate they have found this did land them well and alwayes bring them to a comfortable harboury 2. That honesty and faithfulnes hath an authority even on the conscience of their enemies leaveth usually a conviction upon them Yea hath forced a testimony and approbation from such men hath oft found better entertainment then these have who in a sinful way have sought to please them 3. They have found this alwayes the choisest expedient and best policy in a dangerous time which hath observably met them when they had most to doe A thing whereof they have reaped the fruits in the day of their strait and times of judgement yea though it hath occasioned sometime their sufferings yet it hath been also their safety and protection from sadder sufferings 4. That though integrity is oft under a dark cloud of reproach yet it winneth still well out from under the same and hath shined usuallyt more bright afterward So as they might have had cause to observe what unexpected meanes the Lord hath made use off for their clearing 5. That while their enemyes might have vvere it not for the preventing goodnes of God quarrelled upon some other ground they have been observably led to pursue and make them the but of their malice for their honesty and that wherein they have peace before God and have been keeped from hitting on the right cause 6. They finde how unspeakably sweet this is upon an after reckoning and in the evening of their life that then they reap a comfortable harvest of that they have sown with much suffering and teares O! then it doth not repent them that integrity was their choice 7. They have sometime found a hundred fold even in this life and an observable upmaking in that which they have been willing to losse and hazard most 8. They must also say integrity was
followed them to the grave for this the sword shall not depart from Davids house Idolatry rent the Kingdome from the posterity of Salomon Jonas shall not escape for his rebellion yea God was wroth with Moses and no intreaty shall hinder his dying in the wildernes I may adde hath not the Lords controversy on this ground even reached their posterity which may shew that these threatnings are sad earnest and such sins are not more particularly pointed at in the word then they have been in after ages made exemplary in judgement 3. A peoples lukwarmenesse their slighting of the gospel and not receiving the love of the truth we find sadly threatned in the word Rev. 3 ver 15 16. 2 Thess 2 ver 10 11. and truely we must say they have not fallen to the ground in any age without an accomplishment as frequent observation can witness First how a peoples entring upon a Religious way their pursuing a form of reformation and not through for God therein but on carnal grounds hath thus put them in a worse condition then before for truely mens hypocrisy in going about a good work doth threaten more then the performance thereof doth promise Jehu got a temporal reward but his posterity must at length reckon for all the blood of Jezreel 2. That no people use to be furder from getting good of the gospel then such who have been under most clear and greatest convictions so as it is found there is oft more accesse to gain amongst the savages then these who have sit their day while the tide did flow yea ministers have found most discouragement to labour in these parts where the word hath been long preached with power 3. It is seen how light not improved will turn a People more grosse and is usually followed with some remarkable grouth in sin that the more the word doth put a restraint on mens corruption the more it rageth so as it may be observed what a very black dy and collour the powerful preaching of the Gospel hath put upon a People as a visible mark of judgement on such who profit not thereby 4. Is it notseen how mens formality in the matters of God hath been oft punished even with the taking away of the forme Yea that seldome errour and delusion doth want a harvest amongst a People who receive not the truth in love 5. Hath not slighting of the Gospel been at last followed with some visible restraint and inhibition both upon the ordinances and dispensers thereof a judicial withdrawing of the Spirit as to the work of conversion and conviction whereby the Lord doth plainly cease to be a reprover to such yea even saith bind up the Law and seal the Testimony 4. The Word doth also threaten carnal Security a disease whereof the Church is oft in great hazard yea we find it holds forth a certain connexion betwixt spiritual judgements upon a People and some outward strokes to follow thereon that these who are under that first woe and plague upon their spirits are then near to some judgement upon their persons and may expect a sharp wakening in hearing they shall not understand c. but the close is until the cities be consumd without inhabitants and there be an utter desolation yea we find judgement doth begin as a moth in that 5. of Hos. but in the 14. ver it doth turn at last to be a lyon We may truely say the fulfilling of this hath in all ages of the Church been obvious 1. That as the first part of the Churches deliverance is usually spiritual so it is found the first step of judgement and the execution thereof against a People hath been upon their spirits that serious discerners of the time might know that the night was fast coming on and some sad outward stroke on a land by the abounding of spiritual judgements 2. It is clear themost dreadful strokes that ever come on a particular Church doe usually find it in such a case judicially hardned and under many warnings plagued with security thus did the floud finde the old World and before that desolating stroke on Jerusalem by the Romans were not the Jewes in such a case Salvain can tell how it was with the African Churches before that dreadful inundation of the Gothes and Vandals yea the Churches records in all ages doe witness that before any sad stroke or persecution came upon a People a deep sleep and lethargie hath been previous thereto gray haires might have been seen upon them and the Word doth even shew that this will be the last disease whereof the Church shall be sick before the great day of the Lord. 3. It is also seen how spiritual judgements when they grow upon a people make great dispatch and do quickly ripen for some further stroke that when men have run down their conscience and are past reproof of the word going on from evil to worse the case cometh then to be clear and ready for the finall discussion of the processe 5. The word doth denounce woe against the troublers of the Church and these who are her persecutors that the Lord shall recompence tribulation to such and plead with her oppressours the accomplishment whereof hath been truely manifest yea to the observation even of the world Is 10 5. 2 Thess 1 ver 6. 1. That eminent oppressours of the Church have seldome gone out of the World without some remark of divine anger upon them surely if there were a record of such instances that in every age hath been conspicuous men should be forced to see and say that the most noted enemyes and persecutors of the saints have been also the most convincing and noted examples of judgement in the time 2. That the Churches suffering useth to go before a day of vengeance on the instruments thereof we find Jehu got an outward reward for executâ—ng the judgement of God on his enemyes but as for these men who have been the rod of the Church it hath been seen that they have not long wanted some scourge as sore upon themselves as they have been to his People and that at last these have payed dear-for their service 3. We may see how this also doth help to finish the contraversy of God with men and their houses that for this he hath taken many away in the midst of their dayes and made them cease to be who would not cease to trouble the Church while they had a being yea that He hath taken them in his own hand whom men could not reach and made their down-casting in the midst of themselves 6. Doth not the Scripture threaten carnal confidence in a People the putting of their trust in man or in any outward instruments Ier. 17 ver 5 6. Is 30 ver 16 17. to clear the accomplishment whereof let us but compare the word and the Churches observation together and we will find 1. That outward meanes have never more miscaried then when most promising and when there was greatest
truely this is oft seen as an usual attendant on reformation how unsuperable like difficultyes and unexpected lets do grow up in the vvay thereof thus â—hen Luther and other instruments were raised up in Germany to pursue the Churches Reformation what cruel edicts were then set forth to give it a dash division among themselves the rising up of the Boors and Anabaptists what a pure and through reformation was on foot under Edvvard the sixth in England vvhat a dreadful storm did quickly break it up for that time and I vvouldadde vvhat the present case of the Church in Brittain and Ireland may at this day vvitness vvhere once the Lord so eminently appeared in a begun Reformation vvhich novv is at so great a stand but let us go in to the scripture vvith this and vve vvill find 1. There is a vive portraicture of providence in the affaires of the Church held forth in that vision which Ezekiel had of the wheeles at the river Chebar whose misterious motions and turnings so cross one to the other without any discord therein as to the end to which they were directed doth witnes the rational and wise conduct of providence the Lords work about his Church is a most shadowed and elaborat piece which men cannotsee before their eye as they see behind upon a review while ordinary causes do oft vary in their operation yea goe out of the common road yet the Scripture will make this very plain 2. Was not Nehemiah Ezra and Zerobabel at their work and duty and had an expresse call for building of the temple yet how great and frequent interruptious did they find sometimes environed with difficulties Zach. 4 ver 7. Who are thou great mountain before Zerobahel Yea they were put to hold the sword and build to watch and work at once because of their enemies 3. What a very sore backset was the Church at Hab. 3. Revive they work ô Lord in the midst of the yeares this was both a great and long interruption yea doe we not find her almost at a non plus with a queree which no visible appearance could answer by whom shall Iacob arise for he is smell 4. We find a special reformation set on foot by Hezekiah with a solemn Covenant by the Princes Priests and body of the People with a setting up of the pure Worship and ordinances of God but lo a sharp storm is soon after by Sennacherib yeaâ— Hezekiah scarcely is in his grave when his Son doth bring in corruption and persecution both at once yea when the Christian Church in the times of the Apostles begun to flowrish successe following the Gospel did not a sad interruption and scattering follow Act 8. 5. This is promised that Zions walls shall even in troublsome times be built and her being brought to a heap of rubbish was but making way for a further advance that in the building of her again the Lord might appear in his glory and is it not clear that Christs coming in the Gospel and power thereof to purge his Church and to carry on a reformation Mal. 3. ver 2. proveth a searching and trying time which men cannot endure for the power of the Word and clear discovery of sin and other shaking dispensations which doe usually attend such times and torment them who dwell on the earth yea and put the Devil and corruption of men aloft with all rage to oppose the same 3. That a sad overclouding and darknes should come on a land after most special manifestation of the power and glory of God therein and that a time of the Gospel with much light should be so neer a forerunner of wrath and judgement would seem a strange piece of providence and cause a serious enquiry hovv such eminent appearances of God for a people such great confirmations observable success for a time vvith many signal encouragements should all seem to resolve in a desolating stroke and ruine This may be instanced in that protestant vvar in France vvhere instruments vvere remarkably raised fitted of the Lord for the service of that time had much of his presence and countenance yet to resolve thus in a bloody massacre likevvayes these confederat German Princes Saxony and Landgrave of Hesse Men eminent for piety caried forth vvith much zeal for God for defence of the truth yea in the beginning of that vvar having many promising encouragements yet remarkably deserted of the Lord vvith very sad-like consequences follovving the same Let us consider also the late Bohemian vvar stated upon necessary defence of religion and liberty and at first attended with some smiling providences should resolve into so great a desolation and ruine yea the Church of Ireland O what a dreadful massacre of the protestants there did quickly follow one of the most solemn times of the power of God and outpowring of the spirit that we ever heard of since the dayes of the Apostles I confesse this may have a strange aspect and is a part of the marvellous wayes of the Lord but when we take it in to the word we will find there is no jar or discord here for 1. It might seem as strange and astonishing what Baruch got from the Lord in answer to his compliant Ierem. 45. that he would pluck up what he had planted and cast down that which he had built for a work to be thus throwen down where the Lord had once so eminently appeared given his People many confirmations might then occasion great thoughts of heart yet the unspotted righteousnes of God and his truth was apparent therein yea after that discourse and all these large promise which Christ gave his disciples in that sixteenth of Iohn we find all is shut up with that the houre is comming and now is that ye shall be scattered 2. What strange providences did tryst the Church in the wildernes sometime brought back to the red sea tryed with hunger and nakednesse consumed with various strokes and many yeares wandring until most of that generation who came out of Egypt filled their graves in the journey and yet this was after most eminent confirmations and as clear singes of Gods presence as ever a People had 3. We find a publick reformation most zealously prosecute by Iosias which looked like the renewed espousales of that land with God by a solemn Covenant yet quickly after night came on that land with a long captivity and Josias did fall by the sword 4. Was there nor a bright sun-blink flowrishing plantation of the Gospel in Judea a little before the desolation of that land by the Romans yea we will find it clear from the word that times of much light and reformation doe much sooner ripen for a stroke then any other times 5 It is very manifest that particular Churches have their day where the Gospel hath its appointed work and their stroke at last may reach the length of removing the candlestick I truely think that sad instance of Bohemia's case may
and at a time when it is expected grossest of men would speak truth yea that this doth appear while men cannot in the least charge the dying Christian with any distemper in his judgement but while they have been most composed stayed and present in minde and as to other things of their concernment most deliberat and sober even then they have born this witnes THE FOURTH ARGUMENT I shall here offer to prove the Scriptures accomplishment is this That whereof the most part as to these special predictions and promises that concern the Church is fulfilled and hath now taken place in their appointed times which we may at this day clearly tead in the event and but a litle part thereof now remaineth to be made out must be a sure truth But the Scripture is thus fulfilled and the prophecyes thereof now made legible in the history of providence and in the works of God about his Church Therefore c. I would premit here some few things ere I speak particularly to this argument 1. Though the Scripture is thus wonderfully suited by the Lord and taketh place in every generation as if it were alone directed to that time yet it is also clear that a special part thereof hath its proper accomplishment in these ages and periods of time to which it doth in a peculiar way relate some part of it which did concern the times of the Old Testament some that doth also answer to the times of the Gospel and a part of it which hath a peculiar respect to these latter dayes which the Lord is now bringing forth and we wait for a more full accomplishment that it is on a near approach 2. It is also sure that the whole work of God and his providence about his Church here in the World which was perfect from the beginning and before him from eternity is comprehended under the written word where the Lord hath fully revealed his minde and counsel anent every event and concernment of the Church though we oft be in the dark in finding out the same but the event will in due time speak for it selfe which should cause us until then with much sobriety passe our judgement on some of these truths that are not yet fulfilled 3. It is clear that the Prophets of old did not onely foretell such great changes and revolutions as were to go over the Churches head and declare the certainty thereof but we find these prophecyes oft point at the times and periods of time whereto they did relate and though sometimes in dark tearmes yet did clearly shew that there was a certain prefixed time not at every time they could have their performance 4. We would consider how the full accomplishing of the Scripture and the perfecting the Lords work about his Church will be at once and doth keep foot together and then shall a full and satisfying discovery of Gods way and providence and all that he hath been doing in the World clearly break up when the great mystery of God in his written word is finished and the Church so near to land That I may speak a little to so grave a subject I would lay down these two things to be considered 1. How much of the Scripture and predictions thereof may be now seen clearly verifyed in the event 2. What doth yet remain to have an accomplishment in these last times by which we may certainly judge hovv near the Lords vvork about his Church is to a close anent the first I shall point at some of these most concerning events changes vvhich the Church hath met vvith vvherein vve may see vvhat of the Scripture may at this day be read in the history of providence and is certainly fulfilled I. WHAT IS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED I. Let us go back to these first times after the fall and see that dreadful stroke which came upon the old World by the flood after an universal defection from God and we shall there find the fulfilling of that which Noah that great preacher of righteousnes had oft foretold and of these threatnings which by Moses were there recorded wherein it may be very manifest 1. That this truth besides Divine authority no records of auncient times no antiquity could ever contradict yea some of the eldest writers doe clearly witnes something of an universal deluge over the earth with the strange preservation of some from it however they were in the dark as to many circumstances thereanent Josephus doth cite Berosus the Ciâ—aldean about this who without doubt had theÌ„ some of these oldest records true uncorrupt Eusebius also doth mention some fragments of Abidenus and Appollidorus which in his time were extant clearly pointing at the flood and at Noah under the name of Zisuthrus with his sending out of birds to see if the waters were asswaged 2. There is nothing here doth contradict reason how this might be brought about even in the way of ordinary natural causes which the Lord did make use of for that end for we find the windowes of Heaven were opened the air being condensed into clouds and their retentive power loused these great floodgates were thus set louse which falling not in drops but all in a full body like the spouts and cataracts of the West-Indies might soon overwhelm the earth with aboundance of water while these fountaines also of the great deep beneath were broken up which was not only the Ocean let forth to go over its banks but an universal vent to all the veines of the earth and that great masse of waters which is in the bowels thereof which from beneath meeting these that were from above may give men a clear and rational account how such a thing might be 3. This piece of the Scripture is most congruous and aggreable to the whole and the great scope and drift of the same for it points out an height of sin and of wrath an universall defection and an universal stroke meeting together it leads us forward to Christ of whom the ark was an excellent shadow and of that salvation which in and by him the Church hath from eternal wrath and is a very manifest pledge and sign of that last destruction of the World which though not in that manner yet shall once surely be and find men in such a condition as this flood found them into in the dayes of Noah II. What we have expresly promised in the word of the Churches delivery from Egypt and vvas foretold by Joseph at his death that God should surely bring back his People out of that land for vvhich he left his bones to ly unburied as a pledge thereof hath novv many ages past been fulfilled It is long since that remarkable day vvhen God made a vvay for his People through the red sea and his povver knovvn upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians since Moses vvith the Church did sing that triumphant song the horse and his rider he hath cast in the sea vvherein these things are most clear 1.
Olivares Chancellour of France Latomus Francis Spira who after they had quit their profession and over their light denyed the truth dyed with great horrour of conscience crying out to bystanders what a hell they found within them Du Serres doth shew how that Chancellour of France through the torment and anguish of his minde caused the very bed to shake under him but since there are many examples of this kinde already upon record I do the more briefly touch it and shall onely adde some few which are worthy of a remark in our own land how visibly the Lord did pursue by his judgement some who had deserted the truth and turned opposers and persecutors thereof in their promoting Antichristian Prelacy contrare to their former profession and engadgements 1. I shall instance Mr Patrick Adamsone a Preacher once of great repute in this land but one whom ambition and privat interest swayed more then the interest of Christ who insinuating himself in the Kings favour made it his work to overturn the established government and discipline of the Church until he got himselfe setled Archbishop of St Andrewes and Prelacy by his means advanced which the Church from her first Reformation from Popery had disclaimed yea in this height of his power and grandour turned an avowed persecutor of his brethren at which time he used to boast of 3. things that he said could not fail him his riches learning and the Kings favour but a little after as was then most known he was by the righteous judgement of God brought to this pass that his parts did so far wither and dry up that in seeking a blessing on his meat he could scarce speak a few words to sence though once admired for his eloquence as for his riches he was forced to get charity from these Ministers whom he before persecuted and for the Kings favour he was so abhorred by him that as he himself professed when the stroke of God brought him to some sense of his condition he was sure the King did care more for the worst of his dogges then for him and thus in great misery dyed cast off by the World whose favour he had onely sought his publick acknovvledgement of his guilt and apostacy and of the Lords hand pursuing the same vvas by himselfe subscribed before divers eminent and vvorthy Ministers of the Church vvho did also by their subscription attest the same and vvas aftervvards printed It is also manifest hovv the Lord in his judgement did persue that vvretched man his successour Bishop Spotswood vvho in a more subtile vvay did endeavour the overturning the discipline and liberties of the Church for setting up of Prelacy and by underhand dealing got himselfe first thrust in Glasgow and after to be Archbishop of St Andrews yea at last was Chancellour of Scotland his eldest Son a Barron in Fife and his second Son President of the Session his Daughter also married to Rostine then a considerable Barron but let us see vvhither this ends what an eminent example in all these respects of the judgement of God he was and therein the prophecy of that great man Mr Welsh accomplished who did foretel in a letter whilest he was prisoner at Blacknesse that he should be as a stone cast out of a sting by the hand of God his name should rot and a malediction on his posterity and truely this is known what become of himself in the year 1638. how he was excommunicated by the Church did flee into England vvhere in great misery he dyed his eldest Son Sir Iohn Spotswood vvas sometime brought to beg his bread vvhich is knovvn to many yet alive his second Son vvho vvas President of the Session being taken at the battel of Philips hauch was beheaded at St Andrews and his Oy young Darzie beheaded at Edinburgh and for his daughter who was married to Roslin it is knowen how quickly after that estate was rooted out and turned from that race Mr Iames Nicolsonne one very eminent in his time for parts and judgement in the effaires of the Church yea once very zealous for the truth and a great opposer of Prelacy when it first begun to assault the Church but at last was turned aside by Court insinuations gets the Bishoprick of Dunkel yea turns most fordward to promote that interest but lo in a short time he is stricken by the Lord with sicknes and great horrour of conscience within can get no rest his friends in vain endeavouring to comfort him and when they would have brought phisitians he told them his disease was of another kind for which they could give no phisick which pressed him more then his sicknes that against so much light and over the belly of his conscience he had opposed the truth and yeelded up the liberties of the Kingdome of Christ to please an earthly King and he charged his Children that nothing which he had acquired since he was Prelate should go amongst the rest of his estate and thus in great bitternes and grief died whereupon his brother in Law Mr David Lindsey then a witnes made some Verses is Latin Solatur frustra conjunx solantur amici Et medicum accersi sedulo quisque jubet Sed dare solamen nemo dare nemo salutem Te praeier poterit Rex Iacobe mihi Quae corpus gravat atque animam tantum exime mitra Huic caput hujus onus me premit perimit Mr William Couper sometime minister of Perth one who witnessed much zeal against Prelacy both by preaching and writting in a letter to Mr Greorge Grhame who had writ to him entreating his charity towards his own conforming he hath these words Sir for your self I never hated yow but the course yow are in I never loved how dangerous is their estate who cannot rise but with the fall of many who in Christ have entred the right way to the ministry closing these fountaines which God hath opened doing in a matter of conscience with doubting turns mens light to darknes whence followes induration therefore I cannot stand with you except to witnes to God in my heart against yow and thus shuts up his letter oonsider your selfe where yow was and where yow now are quantulum sit illud propter quod nos reliquisti this I set down to shew what sometimes he was yet shortly after this man turns to a Bishoprick was loathed by the Godly in that time some of his old friends brought his own sermons to him and desired him to reconcile them with his after actings which did visibly affright and disquiet him and one day being at pastime near to Leith he was suddenly terrified with apprehension that he saw armed men comming upon him these who were vvich him told him there vvas no such thing it vvas only a dream vvhereupon he became silent and fell a trembling but after he vvent home took bed and dyed in much anguish and trouble of spirit being observed to point oft vvith his finger
vvife for her husbands health During his sicknes he vvas so filled and overcome vvith the sensible enjoyment of God that he vvas sometime overheard in prayer to have these vvords Lord hold thy hand it is eneugh thy servant is a clay vessel and can hold no more II. I shall also here instance Mr Robert Bruce vvho in a very extraordinary vvay vvas called to the Ministry having for a long time follovved the study or the Lavv both in this countrey and in France yea had some ground to expect a place amongst the Lords of the Session his father being then a considerable Barron vvho had many friends but a more pressing and irresistible call from God did othervvise determine Whilest he vvas in the Ministry at Edinburgh he shined as a great light through the vvhole land the povver and efficacy of the spirit most sensibly accompanying the vvord he preached he vvas a terrour to evil doers and the authority of God did so appear upon him and his carriage vvith such a Majesty in his countenance as forced fear and respect from the greatest in the land even these vvho vvere most avovved haters of Godlines yea it vvas knovvn vvhat an avvful impression King James had of him and did once give him that testimony before many that he judged Mr Bruce vvas vvorthy of the halfe of his Kingdome He vvas a man that had much invvard exercise about his ovvn personal case had been oft assaulted anent that great foundation of truth if there vvas a God vvhich cost him many dayes and nights wrestling and vvhen he hath comed up to the pulpit after being sometime silent vvhich vvas his usual vvay he vvould have said I think it is a great matter to believe there is a God telling the People it vvas an other thing to believe that then they judged But it vvas also knovvn by his friends vvith vvhom he vvas familiar vvhat extraordinary confirmations he had from the Lord therein vvhat near familiarity he did attain in his secret converse vvith God yea truely somethings I have had from persons worthy of credit thereanent vvould seem so strange and marvellous that I forbear to set them dovvn The great successe of his Ministry at Edenburgh Innernesse and other places whither providence called him is aboundantly known whilest he was confined at Innernesse that poor dark countrey was marvellously enlightned many brought in to Christ by his Ministry and a seed sown in these places which even to this day is not wholly worn out I shall here set down one passage of famous Mr Henderson who at his first entry to the Ministry at Leuchars was very prelatick and by the Bishop of St Andrewes brought in against the parishes consent so that the day of his admission the Church doores being shut by the People they were forced to break in by a window to get him entrance but a little after this upon the report of a Communion where Mr Bruce was to help he would needs from a longing he had to hear and see such a man go secretly there and placed himselfe in a dark part of the Church where he might not be known when Mr Bruce was come to the pulpit he did for a considerable time keep silence as his maner was which did some way astonish Mr Henderson but much more when he heard the first vvords wherewith he begun which were these He that cometh not in by the door but climbeth up another way the same is a thief and a robber Which did by the Lords blessing at the very present take him by the heart and had so great an impression on him that it was the first mean of his conversion He was one that had the spirit of discerning in a great measure did prophetically speak of many things which afterwards came to passe yea which I had attested by sober and grave Christians who were familiar with him that divers persons distracted and of these who were passed all hope of recovery in the falling sicknes were brought to Mr Bruce and after prayer by him in their behalfe were fully recovered this indeed may seem strange but it is also true Mr Bruce was a great wrestler who had more then ordinary familiarity with his Master A little before his death when he was at Edenbrugh and through weaknes keept his chamber there was a meeting of divers godly Ministers at that time there on some special ground of the Churches concernment who hearing he was in the town came together and gave him an account of the actings of these times the Prelats then designing the service book after which Mr Bruce prayed and did therein tell over again to the Lord the very substance of their discourse vvhich vvas a sad representation of the case of the Church at vvhich time there vvas such an extraordinary motion on all present so sensible a dovvnpovvring of the Spirit that they could hardly contain themselves yea vvhich vvas most strange even some unusual motion on these vvho vvere in other parts of the house not knovving the cause at that very instant one Mr Weemes of Lothaker being then occasionally present vvhen he vvent avvay said O hovv strange a man is this for he knocked dovvn the Spirit of God on us all this he said because Mr Bruce did divers times knock vvith his fingers on the table I had this from a vvorthy Christian Gentleman in vvhose mothers house this vvas He vvas deeply affected vvith the naughtines and prophanity of many Ministers then in the Church and the unsuitable carriage of others to so great a calling and did expresse much his fear that the ministry of Scotland vvould prove the greatest persecutors of the Gospel that it had If there vvere a full collection of these remarkable passages vvhich have been knovvn to others in his life it vvould further vvitnes vvhat an extraordinary man that vvas I shall only shut this up vvith learned Didoclavius his testimony in his preface to his Altera Damascus Robertus Brusius ver genere virtute nobilis majestate vultus venerabilis qui plura animarum millia Christo lucrifecit cujus anima si ullius mortalium absit verbo invidia sedet in coelestibus anima mea cum anima tua Brusi si ex aliena fide esset pendendum III. Mr Davidsone Minister of the Gospel at Salt-Prestoun may be truly here instanced as one of an extraordinary prophetick Spirit vvho vvas likevvise eminently zealous and faithful for his Master in a time of the Churches defection as Didoclavius in that forementioned preface termes him Cato Constani Cato sui temporis He did then foresee Prelacyes breaking in upon the Church vvhen King James vvas pressing the setting up of superintendents under a very specious pretext and vvas for that end himself present at the assembly in Dundee having engadged many alace too many to consent thereto but Mr Davidsone vvith great boldnes rose up and vvarned the assembly of the hazard and told them he savv the
followed with a most strange and extraordinary darknes which both for the suddennes and greatnes of the same did astonish and affright all who were present and after all so violent a downpowring of rain as made the streets to run like a river imprisoning the Lords within that house for an houre and an half and truely as we are not hereon to lay stresse or be peremptory in the application of particular providences yet this was so very convincing as should not be passed without a special remark considering first how at that time many of the choise Ministers of the Land were together near the town at fasting and prayer bewailing before the Lord such an avowed defection from the truth 2. That likewise this horrid tempest and darknes appeared to these who were at some distances to be most directly above the toun the darknes overshadowing that part â—onely and was not so in other places 3. That they had by the instigation of the Prelats guarded the entry to the Parliament that day lest any Ministers should have entred a protestation in behalf of the Church against these Articles â—â—â— thus thought themselves seoure from any opposition of that kinde but whilest they least suspected they are met with a more publick and visible witnes from Heaven against the same 4. Which was also most strange upon the monday following whilest these acts were proclained the Heavens did in the same manner put on darknes with a most fearful tempest of thâ—â—der lightning and rain which continued all the time of their reading at the Crosse And truely when the Lord thus doubled his warnings it might cry aloud formens observation thereof The breaking of that journey to New-England which about the year 1636 was seriously intended by some of the choise Ministers and Christians in Ireland who were then much persecuted by the Prelates though not from any fear of their own sufferings but with a respect to a further liberty to serve the Lord in the work of the Gospel when that door was â—hut upon them in their own countrey This was truely a strange and remarkable providence and their preservation in some kind miraculous anent which these circumstances are worthy to be observed 1. That whilest their vessel amidst a tempestrous sea and far from any land was like a riddle with so many lakes yea the rudder of the Ship breaking so that the Pilots were turned wholly hopelesse and could not see any ground of safety in an ordinary way a poor sea man by a remarkable providence whose company they had much shunned was made the instrument of preserving the whole vessel with a marvellous dexterity fastening the rudder which others had given over as one visibly sent by the Lord for that end 2. The strong perswasion that some of these worthy Ministers had of their safety which with great confidence they declared before the passengers whilest the Pilot and others were giving it over as a hopelesse bussinesse and seeing a convincing necessity for a return though it was very astonishing and bitter at the first look yet was afterwards followed with a clear discovery from the Lord as one of them with much freedom did expresse his assurance to the rest of his brethren that since the Lord would not accept their service in America they should not want work and service whither he was sending them back by so remarkable a providence as within a short time was evident the downfal of the Prelats in Scotland and after in Ireland trysting shortly upon the back thereof so that it may be said this was a convincing presage thereof the Lord by a strong hand bringing back such choise and useful instruments for that great harvest vvhich did after follovv so that they could not but say the Lord did in a very marvellous and immediat vvay appear in that crosse vvind and storm and thereby as if vvith an audible voice did vvitnes his minde in such a disappointment 3. It vvas also most observable that none of these vvho on the account of their consciences that they might enjoy the purity of the ordinances vvent in that journey vvas the vvorse but had a safe return only some persons vvho upon another account expecting a fat soil and outward advantage in that place and had unexpectedly slipt in the vessel did all dye upon the sea save one being 5 in number and it vvas also vvonderful upon their return hovv the Lord as he had stayed the rage of the sea did also still the tumults of People vvhich they found by experience so that it did evidently give a dash and became a terrour to their adversaries I must here also set down a very singular and strange instance we may say both of judgement and mercy which was in this land not many yeares ago a Gentleman whose style was Wastraw a most bloodyman and otherwayes notour for profanity but most in this that it vvas his great vvork and pleasure to put difference betvvixt men and as it vvas at that time very easy to engadge them in blood vvhilest he had thus stirred up a neighbour Gentleman to kill an other in that place finding him after sore troubled in mind thereanent he told him more of that practice vvould be the best cure for he himself had killed 6 and at the first time was much disquieted but the longer he did continue it became the more easy But one day vvhilest he vvas on such an account riding to a place vvhere 2 had trysted to decide a privat quarrel by fighting his horse stumbles on the side of a steep rock and he falls a great vvay dovvn his svvord falling out before him yet vvithout any hurt and here by such a strange piece of providence did the Lord tryst and break in upon his conscience so that he quits his journey turns home vvith great trouble and remorse a most kindly change follovving thereon and for some yeares after vvitnessed much tendernes and repentance by his after vvalk spent much time alone mourning before his death and that day he dyed having no visible appearance thereof to these vvho looked on he vvas heard in his chamber much vvrestling in prayer and after long continuance these of the house vvere forced to break up the door getting no answer after their long knocking finds him dead in the room but upon his knees in a prayer posture the vvhole blood of his body vvhich from every passages thereof had issued out svveeming about him in the floore it being visible hovv all these passages vvere opened for that effect a most astonishing instance declaring this to the World though He pardon the inquity of his People yet some sins he vvill not let passe vvithout a visible mark of his anger but vvill take vengeance on their inventions What an observation passage is that also knovvn to many yet alive anent a notorious robber in the south parts of this land called Iohn of the Score who for many years having driven that