rule and principles of their profession that can never give the least latitude or connivance therto but is clear as the sun when on the other hand I could know no other way to imbrace such a profession as Popery but by turning Atheist in the first place and quite both religion and reason at once but may say in a resolute adherence to the doctrine of the Reformed Church I fear not to adventure my soul and enter into an eternal state The CONTENTS CHAPTER I. The primitive confirmation held forth and cleared in seven Positions POSIT I. That sad aspect which the implicit and traditional profession of this day hath upon the present state of religion Pag. 1 POSIT II. The greatnesse of that service for the Church to have a clear founding of the faith of assent upon known and solid grounds herein more universally promott Pag. 3 POSIT III. The true primitive confirmation as it was in the times of the Apostles hold forth and cleared from the Scripture Pag. 6 POSIT IV. The continued necessity therof no lesse convincing now for the Churches use then in these Primitive times Pag. 9 POSIT V. That such a confirmatory worke respects not only the more knowing and inquisitive part of men but the meanest within the Church Pag. 11 POSIT VI. VVhat is specially called for in the practicall use of this primitive confirmation held forth in some serious proposals for this end Pag. 14 POSIT VII VVhat special excitment we are under for promotting the same in so remarkable a period of time as this and from that hope of a greater reviving yet of such a Catholick spirit to advance the highest ends of religion amonghst men Pag. 19 CHAPTER II. For giving some clear view of these primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith that the meanest Christian should know and vvith the least expense of time may improve for their dayly use on these greatest principles SECTION I. I. Of the glorious being of God which is the first foundation of all religion Pag. 22 II. Of the original of the world and it s not being eternal Pag. 25 III. Of a supreme providence in the conservation and goverment of the world Pag. 26 IV. Of that special providence which in its continued administration about human affaires doth unchangably difference betwixt the righteus and the wicked Pag. 29 V. How such a wonderful record as that of an immediat revelation of God unto men is so demonstrably extant in the world Pag. 31 VI. Of these special evidences of the Scriptures divinity which men must needs see to be infallible Pag. 33 VII Of the secure convoyance of the Scripture through all the changes of times past Pag. 35 VIII Of the fall of man and entry of sin into the world as it is fully demonstrable to reason as well as by the certainty of faith Pag. 37 SECTION II. I. Holding for t these great assistances to the Christian faith and of the Messias being surely promised to the Church before his coming Pag. 38 II. Of the truth and accomplishment of this great promise of the Messias and how it is now as sure in the event as its clear he was promised Pag. 39 III. Of that special advantage for confirmation of our faith herein that for 4000. years the promised coming of the Messias was deferred Pag. 41 42 IV. Of the nature and internal excellency of Christianity to bear furthest evidence to the truth therof Pag. 43 V. That this is the same Gospel we now receive and injoy which from the first promulgation therof hath had so great effects on the world Pag. 45 VI. That the sufferings of the saints in times past was so demonstrably above the assistance of nature Pag. 46 SECTION III. I. For holding forth on what grounds the faith of a deity must determine men to be Christians Pag. 48 II. What confirmations the Christian Religion hath from that visible state of the Jews Pag. 49 III. That way and manner of its prevailing on the world as no profession else could ever pretend to Pag. 51 IV. The nature of that great evidence which Christ hath himself given to the world of his divine mission in the love and unity of his people Joh. 17 21. Pag. 53 V. How the strenth of such a demonstration stands still clear and evident in these dividing times of the Church Pag. 54 VI. What in these last times is under our hand to compense such a confirmation by miracles which was in the first times of the Gospel Pag. 56 SECTION IV. I. For holding forth with the furthest rational certainty and evidence the truth and doctrine of Christ to be a soul-quicking and experimental religion Pag. 58 II. The truth also of conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state of grace Pag. 60 III. Of so great an experiment of religion as Communion betwixt God and men here in the earth Pag. 62 IV. Of so great a demonstration of religion in the power and workings of the Conscience Pag. 64 V. Of that special confirmation to our faith which doth result from such a demonstration of this power of the Conscience over men Pag. 65 SECTION V. I. For holding forth the truth of a Kingdom of darknesse in the world in opposition to the Kingdom of Christ Pag. 66 67 II. What confirmation to our faith the certainty hereof and of these powers of darknesse doth clearly afford Pag. 68 III. That great truth of the immortality of the soul with the clearest evidence to reason as well as by the certainty of faith Pag. 69 70 IV. How confirming a seal to the Scripture that great change which passeth on all men by death is and how it s no natural accident Pag. 72 V. Some special assistances to the Christians faith of an eternal glory in heaven and to serve an unavoidable conviction thus on the greatest Atheists Pag. 74 VI. Some thing of a visible Hell in some near approach hereof even to mens senses held forth to awake and convince the world of such a state of horrour and torment in another world Pag. 77 VII Some assistances to our faith of that great truth of the Resurrection of the body Pag. 79 CHAPTER III. The Confirming vvorke of religion further improven vvith respect to this dismal and amazing time vve are novv fallen in SECTION I. To hold forth what may be both for light and confirmation upon this great distresse the Churches of Christ are now under Pag. 81 82 SECTION II. How great a talent we stand accountable for in this day of such immediate and extraordinare appearences of the Lord for confirming the same publick cause of the Reformed Church since the Reformation which we are now called to adhere to Pag. 84 SECTION III. What manner of time is the present lot of the Church now fallen in and what judgment we ought to have hereof from the Scripture for our furthest confirming in such a day Pag. 93 SECTION IV. Some special service that we
and was and shall be because thou hast judged tâ—us for they have shed the blood of thy saints and prophets and thou hast given them blood to drink in great measure XV. Yea have we not seen how four Kings of France successively were in lesse then 30. years taken away in the same continued pursuit how to destroy the Church there in whom that whole race of the Valois was thus extinct yea in the manner of their death were most remarkable monuments of divine judgement as the most famous writers of that time does attest XVI We have seen what marvelous effects did follow these bloody years of Queen Mary's reign in England to promot and commend the Protestant doctrine to mens consciences there with so great a triumph it had in the sufferings of such choise and excellent witnesses for Christ as hath brought in more rent to the praise and glory of their blessed head then may to the furthest compense all that blood of the Saints there though highly precious in the eyes of the Lord. XVII We have seen likewayes the blood and cruelty of late against the Protestants in Bohemia in a short time most observably returned on the authors thereof and how the immediate finger of God might be seen in calling forth the Swedes to avenge the same and in that desolating strock which followed on Germany XVIII We have seen in these late times the issue of that horrid massacre on the Protestants in Ireland to the utter ruine in a very few years after of that barbarous party who had thus acted herein XIX We have seen what wonderful providences did attend the actings of that poor handful of Protestants in the Valleys of Piemont since the Reformation upon the account of that bloody massacre which was set on foot there against them which was so astonishing as all might see an extraordinare appearence of the Lord herein as is clearly attested by the most faithful Histories of that time XX. And can it be forgot unto this day how visibly a divine hand did appear in breaking that great Spanish Armado in the year 1588. which had been for some years in contriving against England XXI As it was astonishing and specially demonstrative of the immediate power and presence of God it should be matter of wonder and praise also for after ages that solemne time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland for planting the reformed Religion there with that zeal and onnesse of spirit as did then appear in all ranks to imbrace and adhere to the profession thereof amidst the greatest threatnings of their adversaries so as a few years did bring forth that which would have seemed strang for an age to accomplish yea that we find betwixt the last Martyr for the truth there who was burnt at St. Andrews 1558. and the establishment of the Protestant Religion and full abolishment of Popery with the full concurrence of civil authority herein in July 1560. was but little above two years to shew what great things the Lord can doe above all human councel or confidence XXII It s sure we have seen in what remarkable degrees these last vials of the holy judgment of God hath taken place on the Kingdome of Antichrist and how conspicuous the event hath been of that prophecy 2 Thessal 2 8. in these great effects and consumption thereof by the ministry of the Gospel as an assured pledge of the full accomplishment of what remains herein XXIII And as every step of the Churches rise hath been still advanced in a continued conflict betwixt the truth and Antichrist so have we still seen when the assault and opposition hath been greatest it s most remarkable tendancy to a greater victory which were it rightly considered upon clear and solid grounds from the Scripture the most formidable appearences of trouble from this adversary should with more comfort then fear this day be looked on so that whatever be the nearest and most immediate events yet is it sure as the Lord is true whose word is passed hereon that whosoever gives their power and strength to support that interest of Antichrist shall lose the day and find their cause desperate for the party with whom they contend herein is the Son of God against whom no human power shall ever be able to stand These are but a few which are here mentioned of the great acts of our God in behalf of his Truth to be still as present in our sight in a time when the spirits of many are ready to stagger and faint and here mentioned to lay no stresse or weight of the authority of the truth and doctrine of our profession thereon but on the alone revelation of the Scripture but that they are such an undenyable seal for confirming our faith and of so known publick and famous evidence as should be no lesse considered and taken to heart now then in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein SECTION III. QU. WHat present judgment are we called to have of this time upon clear and assured grounds from the Scripture that we may know under what aspect therof the present state of Religion and of the reformed Churches is under when so great a crisis is this day as would seem to be in the very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of its conflict whither as to life or death ANSW It is no present appearences of the time must direct our faith nor should we either streath our fears or expectations of things and events beyond what the God of truth doth warrand in his word but its clear if we credite the same and admitt the divinity of the New Testament there is no just cause of hesitation or darknesse as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in these latter dayes nor can there be any pretence to seek an other light either from the stars above or the diviners of this time when so woful a trade hath got up in the world that men will thus goe to the God of Ekron as though there were not a God in Israel or such a thing as his written Oracles to inquire at when its sure these ly open and with a clear and distinct sound speaks to all who have a serious and unprejudged spirit I. That the Church under the New Testament hath now passed and gone through that most dismal and continued tryal herein which was to goe over her head under Antichrists reigne and hight and whatever appearence he now hath in great wrath yet is it sure and evident that the winter is past and the Churches spring begun and a few steps further of that judgment which is now hastning on will at lenth end the quarrel so that by a near converse with the word we may clearly see from what point the Churches course and motion this day lyes and how exactly it keeps in the certainty thereof by that clear conduct of the Scriptures of truth where a full map of her whole course and passage through
time is clearly shewed II. That we may now with some clear evidence judge and have our faith perswaded hereof that the Churches interest is upon the rising hand and on a present advance though nothing would seem more contradictory then all visible grounds now are since this cannot sail John 3 30. that Jesus Christ in his kingdom in the earth must increase yea that the Scripture so clearly points forth Antichrists ruine and progresse of his fall and douncasting with resemblance to that great judgment on Pharaoh as an evident type hereof in the same judicial strocks of induration on both and gradual progresse herein by one plague after another until the last and greatest assault as was then at the Red-sea hath the same effect for a more glorious appearence of God in the greatest step of judgment and victory over this adversary when not only the song of Moses but of the Lamb also shall be then sung Rev. 15 3. as importing something more glorious and a greater brightnesse to be put on this illustrious act of divine judgment reserved to these last times when a more immediate appearence of the Lord will be seen then in any sormer deliveries of his Church III. It is no conjectural thing but what by a clear Scripture conduct we may see that this time of the Church now under so notable a Crisis in her case is evidently falling under that remarkable assault and conflict with that adversary before the accomplishing of that vial on his seat and throne as we may see Revel 17 13 14. that when so conspicuous a step of the Churches victory is near the opposition thereto also will be in some higher degree proportionable to the same when the great men of the earth and such who shall receive power as Kings one hower with the beast shall have one mind and give their power and strength thereto and shall make war with the Lamb but the Lamb shall overcome them for he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords c. Nor is it found through the Scripture where any great thing the Lord hath done for his Church but some unusual darknesse and sore wrestlings hath still gone before and should be no matter of staggering to our faith whatever be of present fears to see so dismal a time of tryal as now is and amazing hight of trouble beyond what former times have known when one of the greatest events of providence in behalf of the Church since the revealing of Christ to the world until his second coming is assuredly near in the fall and overthrow of the man of sin IV. We have clear ground also to judge that so great an eclipse as seems allmost universally over the state of the Reformed Churches is no goeing down of the sun theron whatever did befall the most famous eastern Churches to an utter dissipation thereof if these different periodes of time be justly considered how their sun-set did then fall in with the entry of that great Apostacy of the Christian Church and with that long and dismall night of Antichrists reign whilst now this hower of tryal on the Churches doth meet in that blessed period of Antichrists begun fall and of a growing light of the Gospel and when the Scripture so clearly warrands our faith herein that the worke of providence is to plant and not cutt of but to bring forward that interest of the Reformed Churches in the founding of which the Mediator hath so eminently appeared in the glory of his power in these last times V. It is sure me now live in the evening and extremity of time when the motions of providence may be expected to be more quick and speady as being so near the center and to the last Epocha and period of all prophetick Chronology wherein the glory of God in his truth and faithfulnesse shall most eminently shine forth and these Scripture truths which were formerly dark abstruse with that evidence shine forth in the event as shall cause men to wonder at their former thoughts and stumblings thereat And here I must say that there is such a sight now in the earth as the Romish Church in its complex frame and state in so different a mould cast from any power or jurisdiction else and such a compound of a civil and Spiritual Monarchy in one and the same person is so solemn and undenyable a seal to the Christian faith and divinity of the New Testament that its strang why this is not improven more against the Atheism of this time that such a visible event of the Scripture is now in being which was so clearly fortold by the Holy Ghost 1500. years ago with its proper circumstances as to the manner of that Antichristian state with its rise grouth duration as is to admiration stil evident to the world when not the least shaddow or appearence of so strang future emergencies was to be seen or could have entred in mens thoughts to shew it only could be revealed to the Church by him to whom all his works are known from the beginning This I have looked on as such a confirmation to the truth of Christianity that no miracles in the first times of the Church could have more evidence for the same yea if such a party were not in being both what it now is and in former ages hath been it might in another manner stagger the faith of the Saints to a questioning the truth of the Scripture then its most formidable appearence this day can doe VI. I shall but add here that we know and are sure the Lord hath reserved his greatest works to these latter dayes wherein his judgments shall be manifest and that one of the most eminent manifestations of his glory before the close of time shal be conspicuous in the fall of Antichrist on whose ruines that glorious hous which Christ is yet to have for himself both of Jews and Gentiles shall be prepared and built up and though this great eclipse of Antichristian darknesse should yet more prevail even over the visible profession of the truth in the Churches of Britain and Ireland there is no cause to be staggered in the faith of Romes fatal period being near but to look hereon according to the Scripture as the Vltimus Conatus of that wounded adversary which will be found in the issue to have the most immediate connexion with his greatest downfall and the reviving glory of the Church for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her SECTION IV. QU. WHat is specially called for in this day of such as are accountable for so great a talent of light and confirmations to our faith ANSW If this were suitably taken to heart we could not but reckon our selves under the greatest excitment and call to such an improvment hereof I. That we account it not enough to have a faith for quieting our own spirits but how to confirme others by putting to our seal that God is true in the great assurances
but for strenthning the faith of others wherin he does thus judge 1 that there could be no true support or relief from religion here in the earth if it cannot bear out then and that death is the great touchstone and tryall when the true value and difference betwixt things of an eternall truth and substance and the things of this world will be best seen 2. He reckons each real Christian by his profession then sisted and accountable even by some explicit personall testimony to put to his seal that God is true and bear the same witnesse with his last and dying breath to the truth of Christianity which he gave in the whole course of his life and of that joy complacence and assurance of mind which he hath found and now hath in the way of truth so as to presse the same on his dearest relations as their alone true interest 3. He sees also how honorable it is for the Lord that such whose faith hath been oft tryed and when thus with joy and admiration he can look back on the most pressing and conspicuous conflicts of time should have it their last worke to pay in some tribute of praise unto him whose word promise unto them did yet never fail 4. He accounts the more weighty tryalls he hath been carryed thorow in his Christian warfare doth both give more accesse to this service and adds more to the value of such a testimony 5. He judgeth this one special way and advantage wherby one generation might declare the truth and faithfullnesse of God unto an other in a family line and relation to shew forth thus that the Lord is upright that he is their rock and with him is no unrighteousnesse yea which should be matter of unspeakable joy when now in his turn he can say that such hath the Lord been to him what was Davids dying words 1 Kings 1 14. Who hath delivered my soul out of all distresse how that in no trouble or exigence of his life he was ever left without a door of outgate and thus also with Caleb Josh. 14 10. to give in some such wittnesse for God I am now near the close of time and does testify that the word of his truth and promise he hath surely accomplished which hath brought me safe and honourably through when such as did dicredit the same by misbelief and sought after another refuge found all their confidences fail 6. And knowing likeways how great a suprizall death may be and that such as have shined in their day may yet fet under a cloud and goe silent off the stage he judgeth it the more needfull to have such a piece of his dying worke prepared as one of the choisest legacies he can bequath to his surviving friends in a season when it hath usually the greatest advantage of weight and acceptance it being still qualified with Christian prudence and humble sobriety so as all may see its whole intent is to commend to mens conscience the way of truth and godlinesse and not themselves and thus only direct for the proper use and improvement of their nearest relations I know it may be strang to some what is spoke upon this head but as its sure the present day hath its duty and each time of our life hath some proper worke so I humbly judge that this seems to fall in as the last service of a dying Christian to his generation to deliver of his hand the truth which he had received and hath oft proven with his confirmatory seal and testimony therto and now in some more then ordinare way called for in this hower of great darknesse when if that security of the absolute promises stood not good to the Church we might fear religion might quickly wear out and truth perish from the earth and as so solemn and weighty a thing should be mannaged with much humble prudence so it may be judged that no serious and observing Christian but hath some peculiare ingadgments under which they find themselves sisted even beyond others yea some such singulare confirmations in the journall of their life that should be not easy to hide under the ground where the strenthning of others hereby is conceirned and that such should not then leave the crosse of Jesus Christ at a losse or part therwith without their testimony which hath left them at so great an advantage And though this is not to offer particulare rules in such a duty but that Christian wisdome must direct herein as the present case is circumstantiate yet might it be hoped were this more taken to heart it should be a singulare mean to put a more deep impression of mens dying worke on their own spirit even whilst they are in health to excite their surviving friends and to keep religion thus alive in a family state and relation and gain a more venerable respect to the same on mens conscience yea to fix also stronger ingadgments on the succeeding offspring Thus is presented here a short Idea of the solid and judicious worke of Christian confirmation in the truth under these forgoing Characters to shew how rare an atteanment of religion this is yea to present herein a speciall series and scale of the greatest steps in this confirmatory worke by which it should be followed and where none of these may be parted from other though some be of an higher and more absolute use for such an end And if it should be objected here what needs any such expense of time or pains in this case when its sure the essentiall truths of the Gospell are not questioned and that without internall evidence of the spirit no externall means of this kind can be of use I know that its the alone worke of the holy Ghost to beget a divine and supernaturall faith without which the furthest light and objective evidence though backed with a continued dispensation of externall miracles could never bear Christians out either as to duty or comfort in their passage thorow time yea nothing is in the least here to subject the credite of our faith to mens rationall comprehension but rather tends to enervate wholly the strenth of any such tenet and take off all pretence for the same But its sure also I must quite all solid security in the way of religion and any clear founding in the light and certainty of the Scripture or admitt these things as undenyable 1 that supernaturall faith is the most highly rationall light that 's within time and that none who professe the name of Christ can be of so low a size as should not be pressed and excited to be much about this ground worke of knowing the truth and principles of their profession upon its own evidence yea are thus called as new born babes to drink in the sincere milk of the word 1 Pet. 2. Which as it s clearly in the originall is the rationall milk of the word to be thus received no lesse on conviction and certainty of the judgment
it may be ever seen how with the greatest prosperity of the wicked here there are punishments of another kind dispensed and more dreadful then any outward affliction such as judicial obstinacy and blindnesse of mind in opposition to God even when their own ruine is made visible to them herein VII How oft men are thus evidently condemned to be happy in this world by some strang measure of temporall successe and prosperity before some great fall and ruine as the issue hereof in the last shene of providence doth fully attest VIII That it s seen also how sin doth ever bring its own punishment therewith in some begun degree both of shame and torment and as Seneca an heathen could say that wickednesse was the most exquisite contriver of human misery so the world likewise may see how a present immunity from judgment is no release but when its sentence is not speadily execute yet is it at last surely execute IX And how evident is it that the greatest haters of godlinesse are yet inforced to justify the same and the Christians choise herein as the greatest wisdome upon any surprising state and extremity yea how such would be glad to joyne interests then with such in their death whom they most contemned in their life QU. V. How is it convincing and demonstrable that God hath given any clear and expres revelation of his will and councel unto men and that such a wonderfull record is undoubtedly extant in the world ANSW That I. it is not possible to believe the being of God and not also the truth of an established law and rule of commerce betwixt him and man here so as to know both what we should doe and what to expect and hope from him II. That this also must be known and display its power and efficacy to the world in that manner and by such infallible evidence of its truth as may render all inexcusable who give not intire credite therto III. I can be no more clear and assured there is but one sun in the firmament then that there is but one fountain and repository of sacred light about religion which is the Scripture and its being the alone publick standard of truth to the whole world IV. That no way was ever made known to recover mankind from a state of bondage darknesse and misery compatible with the very use of reason but by this blessed light which shineth there V. Yea that there is as visible a difference betwixt the same and any pretended religion which ever was besides in the world as there is betwixt day and night which is founded in the immutable nature of these things in themselves VI. That there is one proper sphere where this glorious light of divine truth is fixed and wherein it shines forth from one age to another which is the Christian Church QU. VI. But what more peculiare evidences can yow shew of the divinity of the Scriptures that all may see to be of infallible truth ANSW I. That its sure such a book is this day in the earth which no created wisdome could ever have done and contains such things of highest conceirn to mankind as doe infinitly exceed the bounds of human ability and invention or could ever have been discovered but by God himself II. That it gives forth such exquisite laws and constitutions of our religion as men must needs see the holy nature purity and perfection of God most brightly shining forth therin III. Which doth discover so great and proper a relief for all these evils and miseries that doe attend this fallen estate of man as none but an allsufficient God could only doe IV. That he alone must be the author of this blessed record who rules the world and hath determined the changes and revolutions therof when it is not more evident how these visible heavens are stretched forth over the earth then that this line of the Scripture is stretched over the whole worke and frame of providence and doth most clearly illuminate the same V. That surely this was the product of infinite wisdome whence so great a variety of matter doth meet with so visible a concent and harmony in one perfect and intire frame yea knit in so closse a bond of union together as makes the whole Bible to be intirly one piece though in the writing of each distinct part therof it could never have possibly been contrived or forseen by humane wisdome what we see here of so admirable an agreement correspondence as is in all the parts therof VI. That none els could have spoke to the world in so majestick a way becoming the greatnesse and soveraignity of God to assume such a supremacy give forth laws for absolute obedience from all mankind therto on such a penalty of eternal destruction or that any impostures either possibly could or durst have in such a manner personate the same VII That it must needs be his word who perfectly knows what is in man and hath an absolute authority over the soul and is a discerner of the thoughts therof who thus not only gives law to the conscience and our inward parts but doth establish an internal religion there no lesse absolutly then what respects our external worke and actions VIII Yea where all may see the whole penmen therof under so intire a subjection to the doctrine which they tought and to be no contrivance of their own as they did record their own failings and imperfections in behalf of the truth and did thus also require all just respect and obedience to the Magistrates when through the whole earth they were then greatest enemies to the truth of the Gospel IX That this must be his word who alone can derive principles of life to his own institutions and animate the same with a quickning Spirit and is a worke above the contrivance of Angels or men when directed to each new tryal of the Church and personal case of Christians as though it had been alone writt for that time so that I can be no more perswaded in reason there is such a book as the Bible in the earth then that it came from heaven and is the alone rule of religion and of divine revelation for the governing of mankind QU. VII How is the secure conveyance of the Scripture demonstrable amidst all the changes of times past and that no possible accesse could be for its corruption ANSW I. That its so undenyably the first rule which ever was given to mankind of religion and the alone publick standard of truth that hath endured the tryal and inquiry of all times past so as no pretences in the matter of antiquity could yet ever be to the contrare II. That so exact an harmony is betwixt the Old and New Testament as the one is a visible transcript of the other in its accomplishment that I can be no more sure of such a venerable record as the Old Testament and its unalterable conveyance to the Church to
we professe since this only is founded on that sacred revelation of divine truth in the Scripture which is that infallible rule to discerne true miracles and what is Gods seal herein under the undoubted signature and stampe of his own power and working in the same yet hath there been such incontrollable evidence of extraordinare signs and confirmations to confirme the truth of the Reformed Religion since the Reformation as in no ages past was ever known but with the first planting of the Gospel among the Gentiles SECTION IV. QU. I. IS it cleare and demonstrable that the doctrine of Christ is a soull quickening and experimental religion and the trial thereof in its most supernatural truths of such rational certitude and evidence as the world can no more deny or question the same then these experiments of nature that are of most universal use ANSW Though men looked but at a distance here or were come from Heathnism so for as to make a serious trial of Christianity its sure they could not but see and be fully perswaded in their judgement hereof on these grounds I. That such a discovery is undoubted and cleare in the Scripture of so great things as that there is a holy Ghost and his workings on mens souls of peace with God and the joy of his presence which all who receive the gospel are called to know and prove on their oun trial II. That this wittnesse of Christian experience hath as discernable a consent and harmony there with as face answereth to face in the glasse and is cleare to be no casual thing but where every step in this way of trial is by Scripture light and what they did before read there ere they knew it on their oun soul III. That this in all ages of the church and wherever such as served God in the spirit were found in the most remote parts from others hath still been the same and like a great roll is transmit from one generation to another with their confirmatory seal that God is faithfull and true in these truths of his word which seem most incredible to the world now comes to our hand to require the same attestation and wittnesse IV. That these who know and testify these things once found it not easy to beleeve the same and did no lesse judge of such great experiments of religion as a dream or imaginary thing then most now doe until they knew them on their soul V. That such also have been the most burning and shining lights that ever were in the church and these innumerable in all ages who declare the same yea this in the mouth of the grave and entrance to ane eternal state when no outward intrest could sway them here VI. That it must be a matter of greatest assurance which hath then pressed the most tender parents with their last and dying breath to commend the same trial to their children and to obtest their making earnest herein as the greatest interest they could leave them VII That what ever differences be oft among these in some matters of truth yet in the certainty of this great trial of the life power and comforts of religion is ane harmonious onenes in the same testimony in all times of the church VIII That if any question this because so remote from mens senses and the judgement of carnal reason the reality of its effects doth unanswerably prove both the reality and excellency of the cause QU. II. What cleare and rational conviction can yow offer of so great a thing as conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state by grace which doth raise them as far above the residue of mankinde as reason doth above the state of the beastes ANSW Though I should strive against the conviction of such a miracle and demonstration of the Gospel as conversion is yet were it not possible to deny such demonstrative evidences as the world cannot but see hereof I. That it is sure such a change is made essentially requisite to the being and constitution of a Christian by the whole consent of the Scripture II. That there was never yet ane argument in nature for ones being a Christian in the life and power thereof what ever may be for a naked form or shew III. That they are not a few but innumerable instances in all times and of all rancks conditions of men on whom so great a change and difference hath been made thus evident both from themselves what once they were and from the residue of the world IV. That this hath been not only upon such as have been signally impious in their practise but who in their judgment were wont to deread holynesse as a fancy so as Atheists must grant that there have been as profest Atheists sometimes as themselves who have been made such conspicuous monuments of the power of the gospel V. That none can object here as once the Jewes did doe any of the rulers or such as the world counts most wise and knowing stand wittnesses to the same when it is so knowen there have not been more wise learned and judicious in the things of reason upon the earth then such as have been eminent examples of the power of conversion VI. That its marvellous effects in subduing men to what once was there predominant interest and idol and to part from what had been as their right eye or hand could only be from ane immediat divine power VII That such as were greatest adversaryes to the truth have been made no lesse eminent instruments in the service of Christ and choise vessels of honour then once they were in their enmity and opposition VIII That this change hath been so discernable in times of most visible persecutions and hazard when no outward advantage or gaine could have the least influence thereon Now as these are demonstrably cleare so can there be no possible accesse to question this I. That the Scripture is faithfull and true in so great a discovery II. That there is a divine spirit and a power above nature which accompanyes the same in such a change III. That there are surely contrary states in ane other world when they are so undeniably manifest here QU. III. But can so great ane experiment of religion as that of communion betwixt God and men here upon earth be made rationally convinceing to such as are themselves strangers thereto and for a further confirming of the Christian faith ANSW Though this be ane experiment of divine truth of a more transcendent interest and value then all that ever were in nature yet is it no lesse evident there can be no possible delusion herein if I. to which so innumerable a company beares testimony and hath transmit the same as that which not once or twice they have proven but in the continued trial of their life II. That its knowen to the world how such as testify what they doe and have so oft found in the retirement of their
hath its proper burden and worke so hath it its proper allowance provided for the same which should be no lesse sought after by a Christian then his dayly bread and when the pressure of such a day grows to some more singulare hight so also should the expense hereof be in faith sought for expected 3. How the choisest mercies are reserved to the saddest times of a Christians lot and most usually crosse to their own choise and thus hath had the greatest struglings with these methods of providence which hath in the issue tended most to their upmaking 4. Yea how the returnes of a long deferred hope after much humble on-waiting have been to such as a Pisgah whence they have not only had a clear and comforting prospect of their bypast tryals but for being more fully confirmed of the time to come and can bear now that testimony that the Lord hath cleared all bygones to them and hath taken the vail off his worke which for long had been as a dark and strang riddle 7. This likeways gives a most clear and confirming prospect of that great seal of experience when he can now see both in his own case and of others what the issue of believing in a singular exigence and tryal and upon some special act of trust and adventure herein does at last come to which the more deeply it s considered he finds one of the most peculiare assistances to his faith and one of the greatest attainments of experimentall religion within time when he can thus see the same way of believing in some strong and extraordinare assaults which he hath had to crush and break him herein which hath carried so many thorow in their saddest tryals bring him also in his turn to be an instance in the same kind to bear an honourable testimony to this sure and excellent way of believing before the world and that none fear after him to hold by the promise of God and venture on that security tho it then seem against hope whose dispensations did yet never never give his word the lye CHARACT IV. Such is a truely confirmed Christian who in a dismall time is not staggered in his faith from the present signs and appearences therof but hath his soul ballast with such solid grounds of confirmation against the same as these providences wherat others doe most stumble tends to his further strenthning in the way of the Lord when he does now clealy see 1. How tribulation and the crosse makes one of the most illustrious and beutifull parts of the whole frame of Providence about the Church and in the lot of each Christian so as there can be no possible stumbling to any for want of light here that sore tryalls and distresse should most remarkably follow these in their journey who have an eternall blessednesse before them in the clofe hereof when so great a part of the Scripture is directed not only for comfort but for a clear conduct of the Christians faith through all the intrcacies and labyrinths of such a dispensation and thus sees how highly congruous it is to the infinit wisdom of God that so strait and narrow a way in such a state of tryall as is here should goe before the state of everlasting injoyment that there should be such a stage and theatre also whereon the passive graces of the spirit may not only be exercised but displayed in their true lustre and glory before Angels and men yea that thus the Redeemed of the Lord be first trained in so sharp a warfare as may not only put a due value and respect on the greatness of that triumph and reward which is to come but be matter of ineffable joy and exultation that ever they were admitt thus to evidence their love and adherence to their blessed head and his truth here on the earth and accounted worthy to be put on some hotter service and to peculiare tryals and conflicts this way beyond others for some example and incouragement to the Church in their day and here also he can now see how the greatest injoyments of comfort are more oweing to the most sharp and afflicting tryals of their life then to the greatest externall calme and that to endure patiently and suffer for the name Christ is such a priviledge as the elect Angels have not been admitt to yea that the Lords chastning worke and sorest smitting of his own is an act also of saving so that thus the more deeply he searcheth here the more does he see admire and consent to that glorious piece of the administration of providence about the Church and finds it to be one of the greatest confirmations of his faith within time 2. He does now clearly see how the truth and faithfulnesse of God is commensurate to his whole worke of Providence that all the lines hereof as they doe lead from his revealed councell in the Scripture which is the adequat signe of his eternall councell and decrees so doe they returne thither again to make this great demostration clear that if a full History were write of this world and what hath been conspicuous thorow the whole series of times past in all these conjunctions of inseriour causes whether necessare free or contingent and of such events that seem most casual it should be nothing else but an exact transcript and history of the Bible to bear this witnesse quod mundus nihil aliud est quam Deus explicatus secundum scripturam but though a full discovery hereof be not attainable within time yet is it a sad and deplorable want that the great acts of the Lord in each age of the Church are not more searched and sought out of all them that take pleasure therin that they may be seen observed and admired by that part of the creation Angels and Men who are only in a capacity to know the same which is a service for the Lord wherin his praise and declavative glory is so highly conceirned as a Christian should account the meanest roome herein one of the most desirable attainments within time yea it seems just matter of regret also that this comes not under a more publick care and nottice of particulare Churches and of the Christian Magistrate where religion hath any true regard to have such solemne providences as occurre in that time and place which may be called experimenta lucifera to the Church and of a further reach and extent then any private use both search'd after and recorded as becomes so high a service to the Christian cause and one of the highest conceirns of the posteritie to have such not only possessed of a pure religion but of that seal also which the Lord hath in the great acts of providence appended therto and thus to have that increase which each successive age brings therwith to the publick stock of the Church looked after as a piece of the greatest trust reposed theron so that the Children rise not up and say we have not