wherein they live I shall here point at this truth as it is in the providence of God written in such great letters as are obvious to the view of the World so as most common onlookers cannot passe this without a remark it is true much may be laid over to that great general aâ—fize of the last judgement that day of retribution yea sometimes we see the most wicked and vile go in peace to the grave the soveraignity of God doth also appear very observably in the different measure and kind of punishment and it is too evident how prone men are to look more to the interest that second causes have in such a thing then to a divine hand but this is also sure that the Lord is known on the earth by the judgement which he executeth and in every age doth set up such convincing examples before men that the greatest Atheist may see yea oft their conscience must break the jayle restrain it as they will and force this acknowledgement that such judgements can be no casual thing while something of a power higher then man and a clear verifying of the word is so discernable therein Now to demonstrat this truth I would offer somethings which may shew how very near this cometh to the observation of men so as none can be a stranger thereto or want conviction of this piece of the truth of God except they willingly shut their eyes while it is clear 1. That the very Heathens who never knew the Scripture nor a written Law have 〈◊〉 so much of a natural conscience that not only they can put some difference between vertue and vice but even in some measure can discern Gods putting some difference betwixt the same how flagitious crimes use to be punished by a divine hand we may say time could never yet wear out the observation of this truth through the World and though many things may be received and credited which not having a sure ground do quickly evanish it being truths priviledge still to outlive falsehood yet it is sure how in the darkest parts of the earth this hath been still noticed with a remark and transmitted from one age to another yea the records of the nations even by heathen writers shew what remarkable punishment hath followed cruel oppression Covenant-breaking and bloodshed and such other grosse sins against the second table yea how these have been the usual forerunners of great strokes on Kingdomes and familyes 2 Doth not the World see that in these remarkable judgements which have come on a nation and People there is something higher then instruments or second causes which may be very evident in bringing the same about so that all who goe by must confesse such is no casual tryst nor doth arise out of the dust but that surely a divine hand is there and truely though some desolating strokes are very terrible in themselves and blood and ruines should be no matter of pleasure yet whereas thereby that stately sound is heard even his voice who maketh the earth to tremble and God is made known to the sons of men we should not only with fear but even some holy congratulation consider his work now to clear what a convincing witness these are to this truth I shall point at some very obvious remarkes which I am sure the World cannot contradict of the Lords own immediat hand in such judgements 1. That strange concurrence and tryst of providence which useth to appear when God is against a People how all things will then conspire as in a fatal conjunction to â—â—â—k the woe and ruine that men may see surely this 〈◊〉 â—rom the Lord who is wonderful in counsel from a hand against which there is no striving 2. How such remarkable strokes are seen to tryst with some great and remarkable height of sin in such a nation and People so that it is easy then for all onlookers to confesse the righteousnes of God therein 3. That vvhen judgement is coming on a land it may be seen hovv instruments are raised and in a more then ordinary vvay acted vvith all advantages for such a piece of service 4. A visible blasting then both of counsel and strength and these meanes vvhich othervvayes looked most probable hovv remarkably such are confounded even in the use of their ordinary abilities their heart and usual courage taken from them vvhile the Lord is on a vvork of judgement 5. That astonishing successe vvhich is usually seen to follovv these vvhom the Lord sendeth forth to execut his judgement hovv then they move svviftly and vvith vigour they doe not stumble or vveary it is neither rivers nor walled cities can stand in their way mountaines are made vallies to shew it is the Lord whose hand in that day is strong upon them to strengthen their loines and make the sword and axe sharp for his service 6. Amidst these various strokes which come on a land can men passe that of the Pestilence without some special note where Gods immediat hand something supernatural above ordinary or natural causes may be clearly seen both in its strange progresse in spreading which like a lightning doth oft go throvv cities and countryes in a small time do not these tell aloud to the World that they come not unsent and vvithout some special commission and that there is no stryving against them nor are ordinary meanes effectual in some such extraordinary plagues until he vvho brought it on do also by his ovvn hand take it off 3. It is very obvious even to the world that clear resemblance which is oft betwixt sin and the stroke how holy justice doth keep a proportion and doth shape out the judgement so exactly both in measure and kind that it may be easy to see the stroke pointing as with an hand to the cause by its discernable likenes and both at the righteous judgement of God which thus measureth out to men as they have dealt with others we see how the Lord trysted Agag and Adonibezek how Sodoms burning lust was punisht with fire from heaven yea what even David had measured out for his murther and adultery the svvord shall not depart from his house and for the other his wives by his own son abused and truely every ages observation can witness this truth from many convincing examples that there is a God who judgeth in the earth it being oft seen if men would seriously observe 1. How an universal overspreading of sin in a land hath usually some national and universal stroke following 2. That blood waiteth on bloody men and suffereth them not oft to live out half their dayes one oppressour punished by another the unmerciful man payed home in his own coyn by such as shall shew as little mercy to him or his 3. How the proud and insolent who do most hunt after outward glory are usually trysted vvith some humbling abasing stroke he povvreth contempt on princes and such vvho vvill not honour God shall not brook that honour
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
Children who are these that flee as a cloud like the doves to their windowes O blessed day in which the light did first break up on the poor ofspring of Iaphet who then dwelt in the shadow and region of death O blest day that brought salvation with it to the gentils wherein the Lord did visit these dark places of the earth which were full of the habitations of cruelty I think the sense of so great a mercy should never let us want an errant for giving thanks yea put much to silence our other complaints 4. Is it not also clear that not only as to the time but these very places of the earth which Esai and other of the Prophets did particularly point at this promise had an exact accomplishment for it is this day manifest the isles which we find so frequently mentioned that these should wait for his law and the uttermost parts of the earth whence he should bring thâ— Daughter of his dispersed may have a clear commentar upon the same from what the Lord hath done to Britain and Ireland with other remote parts of the earth yea hath not the Aethiopians been made to stretch out their hands even in these sun-burnt places of Africk hath not Christ also had a conquest where many a black moore was through grace made as the snow of Salmon and the feathers of a dove so that it is clear how these particular places which were so oft pointed at by the Prophets have been visited by the Gospel and fallen to the share of the Church 5. This change which by the incoming of the gentils to the Church was wrought upon the Earth is a thing so great and astonishing that were it still in the promise and this not yet fulfilled it would truely stagger our faith how such a thing should ever come to passe and is there not here a miracle that the World cannot possibly deny even this great work of God in bringing of the gentils which without an extraordinary power could not be effectuat if men will consider First That svvift progresse which then the Gospel had how it did run and was glorified through the furthest parts of the earth and like a ligtning break forth from one place to another so that in the Apostles time the Scripture doth shew how most of the conspicuous Provinces of Asia had received the Gospel and Tertullian who lived in the second Century in his Book contra Iudaos doth there witnes how many nations and these most remote from other Parthians Medes Armenia Phrygia Cappadocia Pontus and Pamphilia with much of Egypt and diverse parts of Africk besides Rome Spain and other places of Europe were in his time almost wholly Christian for it is indeed clear that the bounds of the Church was then of a larger extent then it is now at this day 2. It is also undenyable that in this solemn day of the Gospels spreading amongst the nations suffering and persecution did all that time attend the Church yea in such a measure that as the writers of these times do witnes neither famine pestilence nor the sword did destroy so many of the World as then were of Christians in the two first centuries put to death for adhering to the truth and it is clear that this great work of God in such a swift spreading of the Church was most discernable in these times of hottest persecution yea then was her most effectual grouth and increase which upon her getting some rest and beginning to flowrish with external peace was at a visible stand 3 How marvellous a thing was this to be brought about if we consider the many different languages that did then stop correspondence between the Church and the rest of the earth for how could the truth thus spread among the nations yea in such remote places of the World Churches be planted by the Apostles and have the Scripture translated and made legible to them without that extraordinary gift of tongues which for that end was then given from the Lord sure beside sacred authority anent this reason may convincingly witnes to the World the truth of such a miracle 4. How strange and wonderful a change was this that in so short a time the Gospel should thus enlighten and put such a lustre on the most rude and savage places of the earth where scarse humanity had been and bring them from the condition of beasts to men should thus tame and civilize the greatest Barbarians and cause the lion to ly down with the lamb yea by the preaching of that Gospel and of a crucified Christ which as it was to the Jewes a stumbling block so to the Greeks foolishnes And in a word was not this indeed a miracle how in a mattet of such high concernment as that vvherein mens soul and everlasting interest lay they should be turned off their old vvay and Religion in vvhich they and their Fathers had been so long rooted that a little spark which did break up in Iudea should bring dovvn the idols of the nations and burn up their temples Alace that there is so little of a large heart of that primitive zeal and fervour this day among Christians for the enlargement of the Church that such merchants are now rare who would venture out to trade with other parts for this excellent ware the merchandise whereof is better then of gold O that in these parts where the truth is knovvn and professed the Lord vvould raise up men of such a spirit and such a Magistrat vvho vvould make it their vvork and lay dovvn solid grounds hovv to advance the Kingdome of Christ in the dark places of the earth and reckon their interest in a forrain plantation upon the account of the Gospel no lesse then on the account of trade vve vvould pray and yet hope for this VIII What vve find foretold by Daniel yea by Christ himself anent the destruction of Ierusalem and ceasing of the Iewish dayly sacrifice with the rejection of that people Dan. 12. ver 11. Matth. 24 ver 2. hath many ages past come to passe wherein the World may see how clearly the event doth answer this Prophecy for it is manifest 1. That this is a truth which doth need no other witnes then the scattered remnant and desolate ruines of that once flowrishing Church and nation of the Iewes vvhich vve see vvith our eyes at this day vvhose present state is so great a monument of divine judgement so clear a vvitnes to the Scripture that I think men cannot look thereon if they be in any measure serious but must have such a conviction 2. What hath befallen this people may it not be an astonishment to the World in all succeeding ages a stroke that hath put them in a more sad condition then any nation or people we ever yet heard of that hath cast them out of their own land scattered them as vagabonds through the earth so that these many ages they have had no scepter
of judgement and mercy that in every age are set before us how wicked men prosper for a time yet have a dreadful ishue and are suddenly cast into destruction they spread as a green bay tree and within a little their place cannot be found how the godly are oft sore afflicted yet flowrishing as the palme tree and the more they are depressed the more they grow how the enemies of the Church are oft lifted up for a sorer fall and the Church brought low in order to her greater enlargement how judgement findeth out sinners is oft exactly proportioned in measure and kinde to the sin and on the other hand how integrity is sore tossed oft yet still falleth upon its feet overclouded that it may shine more brightly after how the threatnings of the Word do visibly overtake Kingdomes nations bring down great houses causeth the scarlet embrace the dunghil letteth not the hoary head of cruel wicked men goe oft into the grave in peace again to consider how the Lord forsaketh not his People but sheweth respect to their way the good man walketh in his integrity and his seed after him is blessed O how sweet an exercise were this for a Christian even to losse himself in 5. From thence we might in a great measure discern what of the night it is with the Church if there be any evidences that it is neer day and what such a sinful case doth threaten we would be skilful to feell the Churches pulse and thereby find what symptomes there are of life or death and perceave a dark cloud of judgement casting up when it is but like an handbreadth surely this study should make us wise to know the tymes and what we ought to do therein for amongst these various events which fall out in every age the Lords way is constant with itselfe and vvith his truth if we be right on lookers 6. Here we should have a most pleasant and clear view how the Seripture of God comprehendeth the whole state of the Church from the beginning to the end of time that it is a most full and perfect register of all the vicissitudes and alterations which are to go over her head whilst in a militant condition and doth also most exactly point out these occurrences and remarkable events which fall out in the ordinary way and course of providence that we may read them as evidently in the Word as we see them with our eyes fall out in the World for in following this study vve should clearly see hovv the Scripture bringeth the Church to light out of the vvomb of an eternal decree and doth trace it from the first promulgation of the Gospel after the fall throvv these dark times before the stood vvhilst it vvas but in families and through that long tryal in Egypt and all its ill journey in the vvildernes untill it bring it to it s seâ—led and flovvrishing condition in Canaan and carryeth her sordward through all the several changes of her case under her following decay and in the times of the captivity even to the manifestation of Christ and dawning of the gospel and as it thus taketh in within its reach the whole estate and the special events which did befall the Church under the Law so we may see how the Scripture also followeth the Church through the wholl time of the gospel and bringeth her as a grain of mustard seed from a day of small things until it bring her to perfection taketh her as it were by the hand from her infancy and goeth with her through all the turnings of her condition through that long and dark night of Antichrists reign pointeth clearly out her condition and various assaults that shee should endure in that time and that blessed victory which shee should after have though not all at once but gradually over her enemyes and that the Word and the Church do never part but one walketh step for step with the other until it bring her safe to land and as it were put her of its hand and guard at the comming of Christ 7. This would also help us to sweet thoughts and give us matter of a song in the saddest night of the Churches condition when we see how Gods great design in the World is the accomplishing of the Scripture and know that his ends which he hath held forth therein cannot be frustrat it would serve to silence all our complaints with wondering at Gods vvay and triumphing in the vvorks of his hands vve should not then be affrayd of evill tydings a stormy time vvould not outvvit us being persvvaded that though the earth should be overturned it shall be surely vvell vvith the righteous the Church must flovvrish and all her enemyes be found lyars because he is faithful that hath promised vvhose Word vvill as surely come to passe as the sun doth return after a dark night VII It doth now more especially concern the godly in these latter times to study this great truth of the accomplishment of the Scripture and set about a serious inquiry and search therein as a truth that shall yet be in a further measure discovered and opened up the nearer the Church is to the end of tyme vvhich may thus appear 1. Herein is the Word express that one piece of the Scripture vvhich from former ages vvas sealed up should in the latter dayes be clear and easy to understand Dan lastch 4 9. ver the seal is there put on but go thy vvay Daniel for these Words are closed and sealed to the time of the end but Rev. last Ch. and ver 9. We have that bar taken of seal not the sayings of the Prophecy of this book for the time is at hand because then the time did dravv near to vvhich a more full discovery and opening up of the Scripture vvas reserved a more large manifestation of the spirit beyond former ages Novv by the last dayes vve are not only to understand the vvhole time of the gospel though it is thus tearmed in the Scripture but the latter part of these last times vvhich is more especially pointed at even the close and evening of time that last Epocha and period of prophetick chronology to vvhich a greateâ— accomplishment of Scripture Prophecies is reserved 2. This also is expresly promised that in the latter dayes the Chnrch shall have a more full discovery of this truth hovv the Scripture is verified Dan. last Ch. v. 4. many shall run to and fro and knovvledge shali be increased vvhich increase as it clearly pointeth at the last times and that bright day the Church shall have when Israel shall be brought in to Christ it doth also point at and promise some greater light and a more full opening up of the mysteries of the Word and fulfilling thereof for the former part of the Chapter sheweth that increase of knowledge doth relate to these things which were before sealed we wait and believe the further accomplishment
they should have deceived the very elect 9. I must adde this further witnes to the marvellous preservation of the Church which in an ordinary way could not come to passe that we find no other party was ever brought so low and near death to be yet alive the knife was once at the Churches throat in Isaack she did seek to adopt a bound-womans sonne in stead of a lawful heir when Abraham agreed to Sara's overture for the outmaking of the promise how near exspiring doe we finde her in Egypt when a sentence to destroy all her male issue was gone forth Yea what but a miracle could have preserved her when she was betwixt Pharaoh and the red sea How low was the Church in the wildernes and after in the dayes of the captivity even broken to pieces with small appearance of life when her face was all blurred with weeping and her enemyes made sport over her ruines at the rivers of Babylon when the Children of Edom cryed out let us raze her even to the foundation Yea could the Church be nearer the grave then when her bones were scattered at the graves mouth bnt above all in that dark night when her head and shepheard was smitten and her hope seemed to be buried in the grave with a stone put upon it when shee could get no entertainment among the Jewes was wounded in the house of her friends and the Gentils in wrath rose up against her that for some hundred Yeares the great Empire which had trod down all the nations about put forth the outmost of power and malice for her undoing O who could have thought the Church should outlive this Yea after all we finde her tost and hurried by Antichrist into the wildernes an adversary more cruel then any that had gone before where the Dragon watcht to get her destroyed but how in all these and through that long dark night she hath continued and marvellously flowrished as the palm tree under her greatest weights so that we cannot but see that which her enemies being judges will not deny that this promise to the Church of her preservation is this day fulfilled yea that it hath not in an ordinary way been brought about surely there is no inchantment against Iacob nor divination against Israel all her enemyes have been found lyers happy art thou above other People for the eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are everlasting armes else long since she should have been swallowed up may we not still say with astonishement O what hath God wrought in her behalfe SECOND Promise Which I shall here instance that God had made to his Church in the Word Of her increase and enlargement that the Earth should be covered with the knowledge of God as the sea of water and her seed be as the stars of Heaven that her bounds should be from the sea to the utmost rivers which was promised to Christ in the behalfe of his Church and that shee should possesse the gates of her enemyes Psal 89 v. 25. Psal 2 v. 8 Ifa 42 v. 4. Isa 54 v. As this promâ—â—â— is expresse in the Scripture we must say it is no lesse clear and evident in its accomplishment that surely the Lord hath keept his Word whereto the event doth most exactly answer and though yet it be not to the full made out I am sure there is so much at this day manifest considering the former condition of the Church as undenyably proveth the fulfilling of the formentioned promise which even to the conviction of greatest Atheists may be demonstrat from these grounds 1. That vast extent which the Kingdome of Christ hath had in the World for this cannot be denyed that the greatest Empire or Monarchy could never so faâ— extend their conquest as the Church hath done since the wall of partition was taken down short are the limits of the Grecian and Roman Empire considered with this whose bounds have been the ends and uttermost parts of the Earth where neither Greece or Rome did ever set up their Trophees hath not the Gospel as the sun made its circuit from the East to the West Yea crossed the seas to the dark northern nations thus fulfilling its course in order to its return again to the place of its first rising that it may as we are sure it shall once visit the Jewes again and the eastern places of the World that now are buried in a night of darknes which I think will be as sure a presage of the break of day and second coming of the Lord as the morning Star is to the World of the Suns accomplishing its course and that it is returning again to the East were it should rise hath not the Gospel now been through Asia where it did not tarry for a night for many flowriâ—hing Churches were there and the going back of the tyde from thence was its flowing to another part of the World which is indeed observable of the Church as it is of the sea that what it hath losed in one part it hath gained in another did the vast distance of Africk its great barren deserts or scorching heat hinder the Gospels making a visit thither so as it was once a fertil soyle and brought forth many famous lights yea something yet doth both there and in the East parts of the World remain to shew the Gospel was â—ruely in these places and hath Europe though last been least on this account Yea what do mean the late discoveries of unknown parts of the Earth but to make way for a more full performance of this promise that the Gospel might stretch its conquest over the line which surely was the gold and treasure Christ designd from thence that even America might have her day also and the voice of the turtle be heard in these lands 2. Not only the large extent of the Church as to its bounds doth witnes this but also the great and numerous ofspring of Sons Daughters which in these parts where the Gospel hath been were brought forth to Christ for we may say what Iohn saw in vision hath been very manifest to after ages an innumerable company of all Tongues Nations and Languages of whom it could be said these are born in Zion O how great a harvest of the Nations is even already gathered What a fleece hath every particular Church cast What a marvellous increase hath been in some places after special tydes of the Gospel May we not say that truth is now beyond debate that out of one and him not onely as good as dead but truely dead there hath come forth as the sand of the sea and Stars of Heaven in number the Church hath inherited Josephs blessing of the womb and the breasts in a fruitful ofspring the dew of Christs youth hath been as the womb of the morning O what a marvellous and goodly company will this once be when gathered together Then will the performance of these pretious promises be fully manifested 3.
This truth may be demonstrat not only from the reall conquest of the Gospel and these excellent trophees of her victory over many noted enemyes who have after been vessels of honour but also from the feigned subjection that so many have been made to render is it not strange what a multitude doth in these times professe the truth and yet hate it and were never drawn with the cords of love How very many have courted the name of a Christian and wooed the shadow of religion who never knew the truth thereof which certainly is a convincing evidence of the Gospels conquest that so many knees should bow to the name of Jesus whose hearts were never bowed or really subdued to him 4. It is an unanswerable proof of this truth that we see the churches increase enlargement hath come to passe most punctually after that manner yea with all the circumstances as was fortold and promised so that the event doth in every thing answer the word for First it is there held out that from a day of small things vvhich men would be ready to despise it should grow up as a tender plant and spread forth its branches over the nations that the children of the desolat should be moe then of the married Wife and the glory of the second temple exceed that of the first O! hath it not accordingly come to passe 2. This great increase and enlargement of the church was to fall out in the dayes of the new testament when Christ should be lifted up that then he should draw all men after him for these promises we have thereof in the old testament doe clearly point at the times of the gospel doth not the event here accordingly answer 3. The scripture holdeth out that the falling away of the Jewes should be the riches of the gentils and that their rejection should make way for the fulfilling of this promise even the ingathering of the nations and doe not men see the event with this very circumstance 4. We find the isles and outmost parts of the earth are given to Christ for his inheritance and foretold as a special part of the Churches increase and do we not clearly see there is no place of the world where Christ's Kingdome is more visible where moe children have been begot to him by the gospel we may say then in these northern places even in these Isles of Britain Ireland which are almost the uttermost parts of the earth there being but litle from that airth and nearer the pole which is inhabited yea we may judge hath been that Thule whereof the Ancients did so much speak 5. Was it not also foretold that the church should possesse the gates of her enemyes at whose great increase the world should wonder the princes thereof see and be troubled while God is known in her palaces for a refuge and doth not the event witnes this that over all these counsels and essayes which the world hath had to hinder the churches grouth her rising hath alwayes been upon the ruines of her greatest enemyes yea these who have been a terrour in the land of the living did oft fall and break themselves in that attempt can men deny the marvellous progresse of the church how from a small beginning shee at last possessed the gates of both the east and western empire her old enemyes and do we not this day see her conquest advancing on the ruines of Antichrist her last and greatest adversary 5. As the fulfilling of this promise anent the churches increase is undenyable since men cannot contradict their sense therein we must also say this is a thing great and marvellous which no lesse then some divine and extraordinary power could bring about if we consider these things first that quick dispatch which the churches grouth under the dayes of the new Testament hath made O might not the pagan world wonder how in the space of two or three hundred years it was almost become wholly christian O strange a Dioclesian Maximus so grievously persecuting and trampling on the very name of christianity yet near that same age this great Roman empire and Emperour submitting to the gospel which was fulfilled in the dayes of Constantine 2. How astonishing was it for the churches rise and increase to be brought about upon the ruine and dounfal of the idols of the nations who had their temples and were worshipped as God that the world should be made to renounce its Bible and that religion which for so many ages was deeply rooted by tradition from their fathers these altars which were had in such reverence demolished and their temples made a ruinous heap yea the very name of their Gods should be thus obliterat was not this indeed very wonderful But Dagon hath no strength to stand before the ark of the God of Israel 3. That it should be thus advanced by such a mean as the preaching of the word even of that which to the Jewes was a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishnes how this voice should put to perpetual silence these Oracles that for so many ages had given a response to the world might be indeed astonishing yea that the churches increase should thus be brought about at no lesse rate then the overturning of greatest Kingdomes the conversion of so many nations should tame and civilize the most savage and barbarous cause the lion to ly doun with the lamb and even make so great and universal a change in the face of the universe 4. Doth it not speak forth some divine power the carrying on of the churches grouth and increase not only over the violence of men but over all these dreadful errours and inventions these thick mists which both in former and late times have ascended out of the pit to choke her that we may say the church hath not onely been helpt to tread upon the lion and dragon but ou the adder and cockatrice also and doth carry the trophees of her conquest over all these at this day 5. I would adde is it not marvellous how the churches increase hath been advanced in a way most contrare to all the rules of ordinary policy by which states and empires have risen not by dissimulation but greatest plaines and free dealing for Christ and his Ministers did never flatter the world to embrace the truth not by open violence but a more excellent spirit power before which men could not stand where foolishnes was made to confound and outwit humane wisdome and weaknes to overcome strength that we may say O how litle of man and much of God was to be seen therein THIRD Promise which the Lord hath given to his church in the word is the giving of the Spirit powring out of the same which is there expresly held forth promised Zach. 12 10. Ioh. 14 17. Ps 59 21. And doth concern all the times of the church though in a more full measure to be let out in the dayes of
determined upon thy people and city Jerusalem 3. Have not the Saints under a long trouble been almost the length of blasphemy in their complaints Isa 40 ver 27. My way is had from the Lord and my judgement past over from my God Daniel how pressing with the Lord was he that he would hearken and do and not defer and yet the return cometh not until the first year of Cyrus yea that cry of the fouls under the Altar How long doth it not even get a dilatory answer for thus the Lord doth oft interpose his long suffering for some time betwixt his hearing of his people and avenging of them 4. It is also clear that there are many prayers before the throne the return whereof is suspended and an answer to Christians in their particular until that time when God shall build up Zion and then the prayer of the destitute shall be remembred even as to Christians privat enlargement when the Church shall be raised up 5. We know the Churches enemyes must have time to ripen and it is not a storm of a few dayes that will purge away the filth of the Daughter of Zion too soon letting out of a sore may cause it undercot and gather new matter and truely the word can resolve us in this that one minut sooner then Gods time would not be his peoples mercy 8. It is oft seen when there is some remarkable work of God on foott in a land and some great outpowring of the spirit how Sathan setteth up some usual counterfeit thereof and bringeth forth something of his work in such a time with a very strange resemblance of the same thus with the preaching of the freedome of grace and a clear discovery of that truth did Libertinisme under a very specious pretext spring up Thus we find the Anabaptist and Antinomian party set up in Germany to run down a Church-reformation under the shew of a more pure and spiritual way and of late did not Familisme in England and new England under pretext of a more spiritual dispensation cast off the very letter of the Scripture turning it over in an Allegory and in behalf of the liberty of prophesying cry down a standing ministry but though this may seem strange yet the Scripture is very clear concerning it 1. That even Sathan himself is transformed into an Angel of light and in no shape proveth more dangerous to the Church 2. That the most dreadful errours and a false way will oft come near to the choisest exercises of the saints and have such a resemblance to the same that if it were possible the very elect should be deceived 3. Was there not a Simon Magus with false miracles set up over against the Apostles and when the time of the Messias drew near did not then a Theudas and Judas of Galilee break forth to amuse the people We find also an altar from Damascus set up beside that which was shewed to Moses the Servant of the Lord in the mount yea when Moses and Aaron was giving Pharaoh a sign did shew forth the marvellous power of God then did the Magicians cast doun their rod also to counterfeit the same by which the heart of Pharaoh was hardned 9. The abounding so much of errour and heresie now in the times of the gospel with that swift grouth thereof which is oft seen where the light most clearly shineth would seem strange yea is a thing whereat many are ready to stumble and thus to challenge the way of God But is not the Scripture in this clearly verifyed so that this piece of providence which is so shaking to many if we take the word along with it might be a very convincing confirmation to us of the same for 1. We find the Apostles yea Christ himself hath given expresse vvarning thereof that this should be one of the special and greatest tryals of the Christian Church vvhereof the Old Testament vve find doth litle mention that tryal not concerning the Church then so much as these after-times under the Messias Kingdome wherein the event may be clearly seen to ansvver these predictions vvhich are so frequent thereof in the Nevv Testament 2. Doth not the event also ansvver the vvord as to that particular vvay and method hovv errour should be propagated which is there clearly foretold by subtil undermining under the pretext of liberty with plausible insinuations so that we must say not only the matter but with all these discernable tokens even upon the manner the word is made out 3. Doe we not find this should be judgement on men who receive not the love of the truth and that after flourishing times of the Church when he who rideth on the white horse is gone forth the black horse and his rider doth quickly follow and truely it is seen that in the time of hottest persecution the Church hath not been so much troubled with this adversary as when she did begin to get rest and most of outward liberty nor yet so at the first breaking up of the Gospel as after some time of its continuance 4. Doth not the event likewise thus answer the word that in the breaking out of heresy in the Church a spirit of errour the dephts and mighty working of Satan should be seen which I am sure is undenyable how manifest the interposing of these powers of darknes is therein if we consider 1. It s marvellous dispatch and grouth like a plague and the arrow that flieth by day 2. With what a discernable fury and violence men are thus driven as with an impetuous current yea oft a change on their very natural temper is seen most evidently 3. These monstrous and horrid things which are oft brought forth may shew whose hand is in such a birth 4. That usual tendency that at last errour hath to loosness in practice which as it poisoneth the spring and corrupteth the leading faculty the judgement so we see it moveth towards the vital spirits and doth influence the conversation and thus the leprosy in the head breaketh forth in blaines through the whole body 5. And doe we not see how many grosse and profane have been carried with this spate how few get leave to stand but are still carryed from one step to another and it is clear the world did never put out its rage so much against that way as it hath done against the truth except when some outward interest maketh it a quarrel 10. These great shakings and commotions that use to attend the Gospel when it cometh in power to a land may also seem strange yea is ready to make many stumble But is not the word verified herein what great stirs and trouble did tryst the the Church after great light in powring out of the spirit Ioell 2 ver 29. we may there likewayes see how this giveth the World an Alarum maketh the Kings and great men of the earth run together to hinder the rising of Christs Kingdome Psal 2 ver 3. let us
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.
extraordinary providence that all onlookers must with fear and astonishment confesse that this is Gods own work yet it is also clear that he will therein make use of instruments fitted and chosen for that end who shall be raised and acted forth with a more then ordinary Spirit to execute the vengeance of the Lord even the judgement written amongst whom the feeble shall then be strong yea we have ground to expect that of the Kings of rhâ—â—arth and the race and successours of these who in former times had given their power to the Beast shall the Lord raise up to hate the whoore and make her desolate O blessed are they who shall have a hand in so noble a work to sack and destroy that accursed City built up with the blood of the Saints and martyres of Iesus Christ 4. We are not to bound the Lord as to any particular time for accomplishing this piece of his word yet we have clear ground to believe that Babylons ruin maketh hast and the day of the Lord upon her is near whose sword is bathed in Heaven and that the instruments of his vengeance are making ready one stroke upon that party is already past Antichrist hath begun to fall before the word and must fall further until that great â—â—roke which shall destroy his seat and lay wast that land be accomplished some promising evidences of its near approach I vvould here point at 1. The many prayers of the saints vvhich are novv before the throne and cannot want a return many who wrestled oft with the Lord on this accompt though they are away yet are their prayers to the fore and waits for this solemn manifestation of the judgement of God and the blood of the Saints doth not cease to cry yea hath as loud a cry as ever 2. It is clear that the preached Gospel now since the light began to break forth doth ripen and help to make the harvest more white then many ages formerly and truely if we consider how long the word hath been sounding a retreat to that party to come out of Babylon and that for these 150 Years they have been still acting in opposition to so clear a light to such a solemn call so many warnings yea to such convincing discovery of the Lords being against them in very remarkable providences doth it not shew at what an height their sin this day is and an obstinat rejecting of cure 3. We cannot but see how that judgement which should be poured forth on Antichrist under the vials is in a great measure now verifyed in the event 4. It is clear and consonant to the Scripture that the Lords work is now hastening in the latter dayes providence in aâ—â—ist motion and maketh great advance more quick changes in the case of the Church both as to stormes and calmes and her tryals now must not be so long as in former times Rom. 9 ver 28. he will cut short his work in righteousnes for a short work will the Lord make in the earth 5. That Antichrist and his followers do this day seem to be at such an advantage the Lords work as it were at a stand yea rather going back this late reviving of Antichristian Prelacy in Brittain and Ireland with so visible a grouth of popery there and so dark an houre upon the reformed Churches abroad I think on very solid grounds is a promising evidence of the near approach of a furder stroak on that party for it is clear both from the word and Gods ordinary way of â—â—ocedure how a sharp storm is usually previous to some remarkable enlargement of the Church a very low ebb before the turning of the tide yea that every step of her advance whereby she hath gained ground on Antichrist hath still had some conflict and wrestling going before and thus the Lord by suffering doth ripen his People for such times of mercy for which time O let us pray and wait when the smoke of that accursed City shall ascend up to Heaven and his People be made to triumph in his praise and sing that song Halelujah salvation glory and honour to the Lord God who hath judged the great whoore rejoyce over her thou Heaven and ye holy Apostles and Prophets for God hath avenged you upon her II. We have a clear ptophecy anent the incalling of the Iewes and their conversion to Christ in the latter dayes held forth by the Prophets and in the New Testament very expresly mentioned for the fulfilling whereof the Church must yâ—t wait and long after when God shall being again the captâ—vity of his auncient People and say to that valley of dry bones live anent which we would consider Isas 11 ver 15. Rom. 11 ver 24. Rev. 16 ver 12. 1. That this promise doth not onely concern particular persons or a few but the body and generality of that people is most clear from the Scripture if men would compare Isai 11 ver 11. Zach. 12 ver 10. with Rom. 11 ver 25. where it is undenyable that their gathering must be as full and remarkable as their scattering and as there is no nation so remote whither some of them are not this day that shal not hinder the fulfilling of the promise but as Esai sheweth the Lord shall then assemble the dispersed and outcasts and bring them back from the four corners of the earth and furdest places thereof yea doth not the Apostle expresly shew that it is all Israel whereat this promise pointeth for though they are enemyes concerning the Gospel yet are they beloved for the fathers sakes because of the Covenant which was made with Abraham and his seed and truely we have in this ground also to expect something further then their conversion that in this day the Lord shall raise the tabernacle of David which is fallen and plant them upon their own land Amos 9 ver 11 15. not only bring them to a visible Church state but even therewith some temporal restitution and recollection of them as a Nation yea may expect a return of the old blessing of that lands fruitfulnes which I think is clearly held forth in that of Ames 9 ver 13. that the plewman shall overtake the reaper the very hils drop down sweet vvine and melt as it vvere in outvvard blessings on them 2. That this promise hath not yet had an accomplishment is also clear from the Word for it must follovv the rejection of that People and should not take place untill the fulnes of the gentiles be brought in vvhich harvest for many ages after vvas not to be reaped yea did not the Apostle hold this forth as a mystery a piece of the Scripture vvhich the auncient Ievvish Church could not vvell comprehend vvhen it vvas pointed at by the Prophets and even at that time vvas not understood vvhich surely could have been no mystery if their conversion had reached no further then the Apostles time and it is known how small a number since of
that large measure of the Spirit and outletting thereof which did convincingly follow the Gospel and ministry of the word in these last times a truth which we must say hath been manifest and by many solemn proofes thereof demonstrat no lesse then in the first planting of the christian Church It is undenyable how great a witnes to the truth the Spirit down-powring thereof is for this is Gods own seal which is not put to a lye or falsehood thus he beares witnes to his work in the hearts of his people and by this also the Lord doth seal and attest the doctrine of the Church and commission of his servants who publisheth the same yea at some special seasons when the truth hath least countenance or encouragement from without times of contradiction when men will not receive its testimony and a great speate of opposition is to the Gospel then hath this in a more full and large measure been discernable thus did the Lord eminently own and confirm the Christian Religion in the dayes of the Apostles and for some following ages by so great a downpowring of the Spirit such visible and extraordinary effects thereof as did then astonish the World and force men to confesse something above nature that this was surely the great work and power of God and have we not also cause to say that thus the Lord hath born a very solemn testimony to his truth the work of reformation and doctrine of the reformed Churches in these late times anent which I dare appeal by standers yea the adversaryes to their conscience if without shutting their eyes they could shift the conviction of a convincing appearance of God in the power and efficacy of the Spirit even in a more then ordinary way accompanying the word and ordinances a power which carried kingdomes and cityes before it yea in a very short time over the belly of greatest violence and opposition to clear this a little I shall point at some few remarkable evidences which might stare the grossest of men in the face and in some measure convince them of this truth 1. It is evident that marvellous conquest which the Gospel had in Germany by the ministry of Luther Melanchton Bucer Martyr Musculus and a few others of these excellent instruments whom the Lord then sent forth O was not this a day of the Spirit and powring forth thereof in a large measure a day of the gospels triumph not by might or by power yet such as before it the World could not stand cityes and countryes might then be said to be born at once the arme of the Lord revealed with the same that men were either scorched or truely warmed and gained thereby Did not that marvellous power and efficacy of the spirit also attend the ministry of Zuinglius and Oecolampadius in Zurick and Basile when so through a reformation followed to the throwing down of Images abolishing of the Masse by publick authority notwitstanding of its long continuance and this in a short time the spirit and power of God did very eminently appear also in these famons plantations of the Gospel by the Ministry of Calvine Farel and Vires in Geneva Lausanna and other adjacent Provinces It is written in the life of Vires that at Lyons which was a great populous city he preached in an open place where divers thousands were converted to the truth yea some who came by with no purpose to hear only out of curiosity stepped in were so wrought on and overcome with the power of the word as for that time made them neglect their other businesse 2. That great successe which did attend the ministry of Mr Wishart in Scotland can also witnes this truth whence so marvellous a change did quickly follow in these places where he preached through Angus Lothian and the western parts yea how much the spirits of the people were then raised and affected with the word but this being a thing so known from the historyes of that time I only name 3. Besides these which are more known and upon publick record I must here instance a very solemn and extraordinary outletting of the spirit which about the year 1625. and thereafter was in the West of Scotland whilest the persecution of the Church there was not from the prelatick party this by the prophane rabble of that time was called the Stewarton Sicknes for in that parish first but after through much of that countrey particularly at Irwine under the ministry of famous Mr Dickson it was most remarkable where it can be said which divers Ministers and Christians yet alive can witnes that for considerable time few Sabbaths did passe without some evidently converted and some convincing proofes of the power of God accompanying his word yea that many were so choaked and taken by the heart that through terrour the spirit in such a measure convincing them of sin in hearing of the word they have been made to fall over and thus carried out of the Church who after proved most solid and lively Christians and as it was knowen some 〈◊〉 the most grosse who used to mock at religion being engadged upon the same that went abroad of such things â—o go to some of these parts where the Gospel was then most lively have been effectually reached before their return with a visible change following the same and truely this great spring tide which I may so call of the Gospel was not of a short time but for some yeares continuancâ— yea thus like a spreading moor burn the power of Godlines did advance from one place to another which put a marvellous lustre on these parts of the countrey the savour whereof brought many from other parts of the land to see the truth of the same 4. I must also mention that solemn Communion at the Kirk of the Shots 20 June 1630. at which time there was so convincing an appearance of God and downpowring of the Spirit even in an extraordinary way that did follow the ordinances especially that sermon on the Munday 21 June with a strange unusual motion on the hearers who in a great multitude were there conveened of divers ranks that it was known which I can speak on sure ground near 500 had at that time a discernable change wrought on them of whom most proved lively Christians afterward it was the sowing of a seed through Clidesdeal so as many of most eminent Christians in that countrey could date either their conversion or some remarkable confirmation in their case from that day and truely this was the more remarkable that one after much reluctance by a special and unexpected providence was called to preach that sermon on the Munday which then was not usually practised and that â—ight before by most of the Christians there was spent in prayer so that the Mundays work as a convincing return of prayer might be discerned 5. I shall heâ—â—â—lso instance that solemn and great work of God which was in the Church of Ireland some
years before the fall of Prelacy about the yeare 1628. some yeares thereafter which as many grave and solid Christians yet alive can witnes who were there present was a bright and hot sun-blink of the Gospel yea may with sobriety be said to have been one of the largest manifestations of the Spirit and of the most solemn times of the downpowring thereof that almost since the dayes of the Apostles hath been seen where the power of God did sensibly accompany the word with an unusual motion upon the hearers and a very great tack as to the conversion of souls to Christ the goings of the Lord then full of Majesty and the shout of a King was heard in the solemn meetings of his people that as a judicious old Christian who was there present did expresse it he thought it was like a dazeling beam and ray of the glory of God with such an unusual brightnes as even forced by standers to an astonishment a very â—ffectual door opened with more then ordinary enlargement which the Ministers of Christ there did find in preaching the word whilest the people might be seen hearing the same in a melting frame with much tendernes of spirit surely this was the very power of God a convincing seal to the truth and ministry of his Servants who were then persecuted by the Prelats yea â— thing which as it was known had an awfull impression and was a terrour to their adveâ—saryes I remember amongst other passages what a worthy Christian told me how sometimes in hearing the word such a power and evidence of the Lords presence was with it that he hath been forced to rise and look through the Church and see what the people were doing thinking from what he felt on his own spirit it was a wonder how any could go away without some change upon them And then it was sweet and easy for Christians to come 30 40 miles to these solemn Communions which they had and there continue from the time they came until they returned without wearying or making use of steep yea but little of either meat or drink and as some of them professed did not feel the need thereof but went away most fresh and vigorous their souls so filled with the sense of God 6. That was also a remarkable time wherein the Lord did let forth much of the Spirit on his people in the year 1638 when this Nation did solemnly enter in Convenant vvhich many yet alive at this day do knovv hovv the spirits of men vvere raised and vvrought on by the vvord the ordinances lively and longed after for then did the Nation ovvn the Lord and vvas visibly ovvned by him much zeal and an enlarged heart did appear for the publick cause personal reformation seriously set about and then also vvas there a remarkable gale of providence that did attend the actings of his people vvhich did astonish their adversaryes and forced many of them to feign subjection Alace hovv is our night comed on for the Lord hath in anger covered the face of the Daughter of Zion vvith a dark cloud 7. Must not vve also say since the land vvas engadged by Covenant to the Lord in these late times vvhat a solemn outletting of the spirit hath been seen a large harvest with much of the fruit of the Gospel discernable which we may say with a warrant hath been proven in the inbringing of thousands to Christ a part whereof now are in glory and many yet live who are a visible seal to this truth of whom I am sure some will not lose the remembrance of these sweet refreshing times which the land for several yeares did enjoy of the Gospel and of many solemn Communions where a large blessing with much of the Spirit and power of God was felt acâ—ompanying the ordinances if it were expedient to set down circumstances I could here point at many such remarkable times and places which should clearly demonstrat this Now besids these more publick and obvious proofes it is knowen what a great testimony the experience of the godly in these late times could give to this truth what they have in a large measure felt of the power and refreshing outlettings of the spirit within their â—oul yea how oft after sorest downcasting have been wonderfully raised above themselves and filled with the consolation of God and joy unspeakable this would indeed make a great volum to reckon over all these instances even these whose experience in these last ages could in a large measure witnes this truth only to sâ—ut this up I shall name these two 1. Mr Welsh and Mr Forhes two great witnesses of Christ in this land when they were prisoners give this accompt of their case in a letter to Mr Iames Melvin and his Uncle then at London which under the said Mr Melvins hand is set down in a manuscript of his their wotds are these Dear Brethren we dare say by experience and our God is witnes we lye not that unspeakaâ—le is the joy that is in a free and full testimony of Christs royall authority unspeakable is the joy of suffering for his Kingdomeâ— for on that truth was their suffering stated we had never such joy and peace in preaching of it as we have found in suffering for the same we spake before in knowledge we now speak by experience that the Kingdome of God consists in peace and joy and in an other letter thus they say our joy hath greatly abounded since the last day which was after passing sentence of death on them by an assize at Linlithgow so that we cannot enough wonder at the riches of his free grace that should have vouchafed such a gift upon us to suffer for his Kingdome in which there is joy unspeakable and glorious and we are rather in fear that they to wit the sufferings be not conâ—â—nâ—â—ed and so we be robbed of further consolatioâ— then that they â—hould encrease surely there is great consolation in suffering for Christ we dow not expresse unto you the joy which our God hath caused abound in â—â— 2. I shall also mention that great Servant of Christ Mr Rutherfoard whose Letters now published can witnes what solemn dayes of the Spirit and sensible outlettings thereof he oft had in his experience Though books can tell but little what he really felt and enjoyed I shall onely set down some of his last and dying expressions which I had from these who were then present and caused write down the same from his mouth that may shew how lovely he also was in his death and how well that did correspond with his former life some of his words are these I shall shine I shall see him as he is and all the fair company with him and shall have my large share it is no easy thing to be a Christian but as for me I have got the victory and Christ is holding forth his armes to embrace mee I have had my feares and faintings as an
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
nor Law-giver no piece of the earth they can call their own but at the mercy and arbitrary disposal of every place they reside in no priviledge or liberties but a naked permission to brook their lives and estates during the pleasure of these under whom they get shelter a people put by themselves with a visible mark of divine wrath upon them like a beacon set up for all the nations to look on even these who were once eminently ovvned of the Lord who was known in their palaces for a refuge yea it is very manifest that no stir or essay that ever they made for their releef but was still to their further ruin and found Gods hand visibly crosse to them therein sure Ammianus Marcellinus a heathen writer did intend no testimony to the Christian cause in relating that strange passage which neer his time fell out how the Iewes by Iulians warrant and permission did attempt to build the temple again but a fire breaking up from the foundation thereof which destroyed many of the workmen forced them with much terrour to desist 3. Must it not be some strange and dreadful provocation beyond the sin of their forefathers whereat so strange and unusual a stroke doth point whilest it is clear that notwithstanding frequent Idolatry and departing from God when they were at that height in wickednes to offer up their children to Molech and set up altars in the groves to reject the message of the prophets and thrust some of them in a dungeon yet were only punished with 70 yeares captivity and after by Gods very immediat hand brought again these who had taken them captive concurring with them to rebuild the temple but now how long and dark hath their night been since this judgement came on them and though they could not these many ages charge themselves with Idolatry yet no saviour or deliverer hath been raised up no Prophet sent forth no sign or appearance at this day of releef now for these 1600 yeares yea amidst these frequent changes and revolutions that have been in the World no change in their condition sure if that people vvere in speaking tearmes with their consciences this might put them to a strange demurr what should be the cause if they be not guilty of killing the Messias and that blood pursuing them what attrocious provocation beyond others they can condescend on for which the Lord doth so long and so sore by such an unusual and unheard of strok thus contend 4. What a marvellous concurrence of providence and convincing appearance of a divine hand was in this judgement the besieging of Ierusalem by the Romans trysted with the very time of the passover whilest so great a confluence of people from all parts of the land were there on that account that both sword and famine might contribute their help to destroy what unreasonable and astonishing obstinacy against all offers of peace and the most pressing insinuations thereof which Titus Vespasian made even whilest their ruin was otherwise unevitable an unheard of strife where the enemy did contend to save but they to undoe themselves how judicially hardened under most remarkable prodigies and warnings which they had of that approaching desolation divided wholly amongst themselves yea so cruel one upon another within that their adversary without could not but look thereon with compassion O what a stroke was this wherein greatest Atheists would grant a fatality for indeed men cannot consider the same without acknowledging a divine hand and something above ordinary meanes and causes where all did thus meet together in a solemn tryst to accomplish that Peoples ruin 5. But it is here we may see a singular providence of God for his Church that these who of all the World are most violent enemyes to the Christian truth are also a most convincing vvitnes to the same vvhilest first these do clearly attest the Scripture vvhich is our alone charter the divine authority of Moses and the Prophets the true copyes vvhereof they did most tenderly preserve vvhat ever absurd glosses some of their Rabbies have thereon Yea durst never offer in the least to vitiat the original but hath had the same transmitted still from one age to an other to vvhich records that are this day in their hand the Christian Church can with much confidence appeal and demonstrat from the Old Testament the â—undoubted truth of the New Yea in this we may appeal the Atheist to his conscience that the Scripture is no imposture or any cunning device of Christians which is so far witnessed even by the greatest adversary and maligners of the Christian Religion 2. That strange induration of the Iewes their unreasonable rejecting of the truth vvho after so long a time cannot see the cause vvhich is most discernable in their stroke O is not this also a most convincing seal to the Scripture and clear fulfilling thereof that there is a vail over their mind as the Apostle sheweth whilest they read the Law judicially smitten by the Lord with blindnes that they cannot see until once this vail be taken off and truely we may say there is nothing in their judgement more strange and astonishing then such a continued obstinacy against the truth how they should be thus dark in the noon day But that herein the Scripture is fulfilled so that we may even turn a poison unto an antidot IX That which is so expresly foretold in the New Testament yea is the great drift of the Prophecyes thereof The coming of Antichrist and revealing of the man of sin to the World 2 Thiss 2 ver 3 4 7 8 9. hath long since been accomplished wherein we may say the wonderful corresponding of the event with the prophecy is so clear that this truth is novv as plain and obvious as once it was dark to the Church these things being undenyable 1. How the Spirit of God in the Scripture hath been in a more then ordinary way particular to point Antichrist forth by such notour marks and characters that after ages may known him if they will not shut their eyes I confesse it is not strange the popish party should seal-up the Scripture and forbid the ordinary reading of it since the breaking forth of that light vvould soon make their Kingdome dark for if men vvould but set the history of the Church since the times of the Apostles over against the Scripture and make use of that notable key for opening up the prophecyes of the Nevv Testament it should be then easy to knovv the Antichrist is surely come and vvho this is and herein doth the Lords tender respect to his Church appear that he doth not only in a very solemn manner forevvarn men anent this great tryaâ— and as it vvere by the sound of a trumpet give an alarum that such an adversary vvas coming yea of the time thereof vvho vvould do more hurt then all who had gone before but doth also make so clear a discovery of the whole fabrick rise