The Fulfilling of the Scripture, Argument 2

The Fulfilling of the Scripture · Argument 2

p. 84SECOND ARGUMENT.

SECOND Argument to demonſtrat the accomplishment of the ſcripture is this, that not only Christian experience, but the obſervation of the Church and people of God, doth in all ages bear witnes thereto, how the Lords way in theſe providences both of mercy, and judgement, about the Church, amidſt the various changes of her condition, yea, in the moſt ſtrange things which fall out in the world, doth convincingly anſwer the word, and verify the ſame.

It is indeed undenyable that the ſcripture of God, as it is written to the perſonal caſe of his people, and doth in their experience take place, ſo is there a part of it in a peculiar way directed to the Church, the fulfilling whereof in the providences, and events of the time should be the ſubject of our obſervation, and would ſingularly help to confirm our faith of the truth thereof.

For proſecuting this argument I would touch it a litle in theſe three branches.

1. How theſe General promiſes which belong to the chureh univerſal, and concern her in all ages, have an accomplishment.

p. 852. How theſe threatnings alſo of the word which doe not only concern the church, but have a reſpect to her adverſaryes are certainly fulfilled, & take place in mens obſervation, who do obſerve the judgements of their time.

3. How the Scripture of God doth clearly shine upon the darkeſt footſteps of providence, even theſe which would ſeem moſt ſtrange, and hard to underſtand, ſo that it may be demonſtrat nothing falleth out in the world, or befalleth the ſaincts, but what is moſt conſonant to the ſcripture.

FIRST BRANCH As to the firſt branch of this argument, I shall but inſtance five general promiſes, which we finde held forth in the word concerning the church, and endeavour to shew how very clear, and obvious the accomplishment of them is, if men do not willingly shut their own eyes.

FIRST Promiſe wherein we find the Scripture expreſſe, is the preſervation of the Church that he will be with her to the end of the world, and though he make an end of other nations, yet, will he not make an utter end of her; but while the ordinances of the ſun, and the moon doe laſt, and as the dayes of heaven, ſo shall her dayes be prolonged, againſt her the gates of hell shall not prevail. Pſ. 49: ver. 16. Math. 16: 18. Now that God hath truely verifyed this his promiſe & is as good as his word, is a truth though marvellous, yet, ſo very clear, and manifeſt, that I am ſure no Atheiſt can deny, it may be ſo eaſily demonſtrat.

Firſt, that the Church doth continue, and is kept alive to this day, it doth certainly prove the truth of his promiſe, for it can be ſaid of her, & none can ſay it is a lye, she hath outlived all her oppoſers, the greateſt of whom have found their grave in the quarrel, over whoſe tomb that laſt confeſſion, of a great adverſary Iulian may be written viciſti tandem Galilaee, hath not this deadly, and irreconciliable feed been perpetuat, from fathers to children, but who hath proſpered in that enterpriſe, the archers have oft shot, p. 86and wounded her ſore, but her bow doth abide in ſtrength, as at this day, this is her motto, perſecuted but not forſaken, cast doun, but not diſcouraged, she who hath brought forth many children, yet, ceaſeth not to bear whoſe age hath not marred her beauty, her eyes are not dimm, hor her ſtrength failed, a ſight which may cauſe us no leſſe ſtand, and conſider this great wonder, theu Moſes did at that; which was but the shadow, and embleme thereof, a bush, burning, and not conſumed, for behold a church keptalive, yet, ſtill in the flames, and when to appearance conſumed it doth ariſe more glorious out of her own ashes, this is indeed the only Phanix, and we know no other, of whom that can be ſaid, hath she not born out theſe univerſal deluges, which did like an inundation go over her head, of idolatry, and paganiſme in the firſt times, and Antichriſtianiſm with Arrianiſm in the after ages, yet not ſwallowed up, which may be no leſſe marvellous then when she was keept above the waters in the ark, and though her enemyes, have oft ſung her funeral ſong, and rejoyced over the dead, the dead bodyes of her witneſſes, yet, they have riſen again, her drie bones have taken life, and come together, and behold she is alive at this day.

2. Not only the Churches preſervation, but the continued ſeries, and ſucceſſion thereof unto this time, doth witnes the fulfilling of this promiſe, that in the darkeſt times, of her condition, she hath not altogether diſappeared, even, when she was ſo long hid in the wildernes, but ſtill in every age, had ſome witneſſes, and though the Church hath oft cryed out for the want of Children, and been heard weeping, bemoaning her ſelf becauſe they were not; yet, we may ſay she never wanted an ofſpring, to this day, shee did never dye without an heir, and ſeed of her own, to raiſe up her name, even ſince the Covenant was firſt made with her, in Adams family, and though particular Churches have their ſet times which like the ſun, have theſe uſuall periods, their firſt riſe, their height, and flowrishing, and afterwards a gradual decay, making way to the departure of the light, yet, this made never p. 87void the promiſe of God to the Church univerſal, whoſe lamp was never put out, nay, shall not while the dayes of Heaven doe laſt.

3. We muſt alſo ſay that the continuance, and preſervation of the Church, is peculiar to her alone, and can be ſaid of no other intereſt and party beneath the ſun, for it is clear that there was no Kingdome, or empire ſo firmly rooted, no ſociety ſo well governed by Lawes, backed with power, which hath had the beſt title, and claim, but time at laſt did prevail over it, and made the ſame a trophee of her conqueſt; yea, the greateſt Monarchies, and flowrishing cities, have at laſt yeelded, ſo as of them it may be ſaid, nunc ſeges eſt ubi Troia fuit, but time cannot to this day, boaſt of a triumph over the Church of God, though no nation, no family, in the earth could ever plead antiquity with her: This is that intereſt, which hath born out all theſe great revolutions that ſo oft changed the very face of the world, yea, hath outlived ſo many Kingdomes, and ſucceſſions thereof.

4. It doth convincingly demonſtrat the truth of this promiſe of the Churches preſervation, that the World, yea, greateſt Athieſts may ſee, this hath not come to paſſe, at an adventure, nay, not in an ordinary way of providence, but, by a divine power, moſt diſcernable therein; while it is ſo clear. 1. That no intereſt, or party had ever ſuch adverſaries, as the Church, againſt whom the powers of the World, and the powers of darknes have alwayes been on foot. 2. That outward advantages have uſually been on her adverſaries ſide, not only … great men of the earth, but theſe of greateſt parts, an… …ilities. 3. That there will was never wanting to their power, and their deſigne no leſſe then to raze her to the foundation. 4. That this enimity hath been rooted, and irreconciliable, which time to this day could never take up. 5. That no intereſt did ever endure, ſuch violent aſſaults, ſo many sharp batteries, for it is obſervable that moſt of the wars, and commotions of every age, have been ſome way ſtated on the Churches account, and what ever privat quarrels men have p. 88had among themſelves, yet it hath not hindred the purſuit of their malice, againſt the woman, and her ſeed. 6. That ſuch who have come out of her bowels, even the men of her own houſe, have oft been her greateſt enemyes; and lyen in wait to take her at an advantage in the day of her halting. 7. That her reall friends have oft fainted in a time of her ſtrait, and ſtood afar off, yea, almoſt none of the Children, which shee had brought forth, have been then found to take her by the hand; 8. That the depths of Satan, in her enemyes, as an angel of light, have ſometimes given her a ſore aſſault, ſo that if it had been poſſible, and ordinary midſes could have reacht their end, 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 p. 89the 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 prom… 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.

p. 901. 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 fa… 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 flowri…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 …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,

p. 912. 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 onelyonly 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 vvhichwhich men would be p. 92ready 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 p. 93eaſt, 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 p. 94in 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 onelyonly 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 the Goſpel,

It is true the Chriſtians inward experience can beſt witnes this, for theſe have an argument from within; they know, and they are ſure they have received the ſpirit by the word, whereby they underſtand, theſe things which are ſpiritually diſcerned; but that which here is intended, it is to shew, that the ſpirit is truely let forth to the church according to the promiſe, that it doth accompany the truth, and doctrine of Chriſt, and purity of the ordinances, as a thing which from clear undenyable evidences, may be demonſtrat to the conviction of the greateſt Atheiſt: for I muſt think even byſtanders, ſuch who never knew any ſaving p. 95work of the ſpirit, but live in theſe parts where the ordinances are diſpenſed with purity, and power, if they shut not their eyes, may oft clearly ſee ſomething going forth with the word, that is beyond words, a divine ſpirit, and power which ſendeth forth its ſavour in the dayly adminiſtration of the goſpel, yea, by its effects, and ſome convincing diſcovery thereof, doth force this truth in upon mens conſciences, who are otherwayes ſtrangers thereto.

Now to hold forth the accomplishment of ſo great a promiſe that God is faithful, and true therein, I would give in theſe clear, and convinceing witneſſes to the ſame.

1. Theſe excellent gifts, and enduments given to the Church, are they not a viſible proof of this truth? For it is undenyable, where once the goſpel cometh that inſtruments are raiſed with another ſpirit, reapers ſent forth, while there is a harveſt to be gathered, and shaped for their work, yea, theſe who were of mean, and ordinary parts, when called forth to the ſervice of the Church, will have another luſtre, that it may be oft ſeen with aſtonishment, how far not only they exceed themſelves but theſe who were of more eminent natural enduments, I would but ſeriouſly ask men who never laid this truth to heart whence is that variety of Gifts, ſo ſutably diſpenſed to the various employments, and different pieces of ſervice, the Church doth call for; how are they thus ſuted to the ſeveral times, yea, to the very genius, and temper of ſuch a time? Whence is it, that every gift, and qualification is ſo fitted, and diſpoſed for its proper uſe, ſome moſt peculiarly shaped out to awake, and threaten, theſe Boanerges, while others are ſet forth with a ſpirit eminently fitted to comfort; ſome mighty in perſwaſion, yet not ſo fit to expound; others moſt dexterous to inſtruct, yet, not ſo powerfull to apply; ſome the gift of tongues, and others the tongue of the learned to ſpeak a word in ſeaſon to the weary; to ſome the face of a lyon is given, when a heroick ſpirit of courage, and reſolution is called for, to others the face of a calf for p. 96patient enduring in ſufferings times, ſurely it were a choice meditation to think how with as great wonder, we may ſay of this excellent body of the Church, as of the natural body of man, how curious, yea, marvellouſly is it framed, where every part doth anſwer another, and to the uſe of the whole, each hath its peculiar excellency, and ſomething proper to every ones gift may be then ſeen, as well as in the face of man, by which in ſomethings they differ from all other.

2. Theſe more eminent extraordinary outlettings of the ſpirit do alſo witnes this truth, which at ſome ſpecial times when the churches neceſſity requireth it hath been moſt diſcernable, when the Lord ſendeth forth his ſervants, about a more then ordinary piece of work, either to doe, or ſuffer; when he is to plant the church in ſome place, where the goſpel will meet with much oppoſition, is it not then manifeſt how ſome more then ordinary power, and irreſiſtible efficacy doth accompany the truth, before which there is no ſtanding; the diſputer is then in his reaſoning confounded by ſomething above reaſon, the untoward, and rude are forced to ſtoop before the word, and to confeſſe they have to doe with power, and not with words; yea, theſe whom the Lord maketh uſe of, who were feeble, and weak as others, in that day are made as a brazen wall, & defenced city.

3. Is it not alſo undenyable that now under the New Teſtament there are Miniſters of the ſpirit, and not of a dead letter and empty ſound? That with the word, there goe along a miniſtration of power, and life, whence a Majeſty, and authority attending the publick ordinances is oft ſo diſcernable, that even theſe vvho know not what the Spirit is are made to ſee ſomething therein vvhichwhich doth dazle them vvith aſtonishment; vvhence is it that at ſometimes ſuch a beauty, and povver shineth forth vvith ordinances like a glance of the glory of God, even going before mens eyes, vvhichwhich for the preſent hath made a vvonderful change upon ſome very groſſe men and put them in an other temper, yea, forced them vvith fear to acknovvledge that ſurely God p. 97is near in the aſſemblyes of his people… and I would ask whence is it, the word giveth law to mens conſciences? should ſpeak with ſuch an authority, as maketh them all to shiver, that even the worſt of men are ſometime made to ſtand before the miniſtry of the word, like men ſtanding at the barr upon life, and death, before a judge whoſe authority they durſt not decline.

4. It is very diſcernable what a great difference & an other appearance, there is both on Miniſters, and Chriſtians at one time, from what they are at an other, in the diſcharge of duty, as if theſe were not the ſame perſons; vvhichwhich appeareth not onelyonly in the enlargement. and ſtreatning of their gift, but alſo in povver, and life; is it not ſeen, vvith vvhat liberty theſe doe ſometimes pray, are as a ship with a full gale before the vvind, that it is then eaſy to preach, vvhen at other times there is like a shut door, that even onlookers may perceive a ſenſible languishing and them hampered in their very expreſſions, yea, as men rovving againſt a contrary wind, the vvord vvanting that ſavour & rellish it hath had at other times, and this not through a natural indiſpoſition, or vvant of preparation, but that vvhichwhich all vvho ever ſerved God in the ſpirit muſt confeſſe, hath moſt ſenſibly tryſted them vvhen they have thought themſelves at the greateſt advantage, for going about duety: O vvho can deny this evidence of the ſpirit, a thing in all ages ſo ſenſibly felt, yea, even obvious to the vvorſt of men.

5. It is alſo clear that vvhere ever the Lord hath had a church at ſome ſpecial turnes of her condition there have uſually been, ſome more ſolemn times of the ſpirit & high ſpring-tydes of the goſpell, there was indeed marvellous flowing forth of the ſpirit of God after Chriſts aſcenſion, vvhichwhich like a mighty current did carry all before it, at which time more ſucceſſe did follow one ſermon, then hath been by the miniſtry of many others in an age; this made the vvorld vvonder, as if ſome univerſal enchantment had fallen on men, vvhat that could bee, vvhichwhich the more they ſought to bear dovvn, the more it increaſed, that made the rich chooſe poverty, and theſe vvho dwelt in palaces, p. 98take themſelves vvith chearfulnes to the dens. and caves of the earth; but beſides this, it is very manifeſt that in a large meaſure the ſpirit hath been let forth to the church in after ages, yea, there is no particular church vvhere the light hath shined but hath had it's ſpecial times, ſome ſolemn day of the powring out of the ſpirit, before the ſun vvent down; vvhichwhich may be obſerved either at the firſt breaking up of the goſpel, or at ſome other remarkable time, and change of her condition; vvhence a great tack of ſouls to Chriſt hath follovved, in a day vvherein an effectual doore vvas opened, beſides the reaching of the conſcience, and ſtirring the affection of many others, under a common vvork of the ſpirit, which uſually goeth along vvith ſuch ſolemn times.

6 The going back of the tide, and viſible withdravving of the ſpirit from particular churches, vvhere it hath ſometime, in a large meaſure, been let forth, is a very convincing vvitnes to the truth of this promiſe; for it is clearly ſeen at vvhat a ſtand the goſpel is in theſe places vvhere it moſt eminently shined; that the land vvhichwhich bloſſomed and vvas like a vvatered garden, hath been made as the heath in the vvildernes, and the ground from vvhence rain is vvithdravven, and then that the miniſters of Chriſt, vvhoſe lot hath fallen in ſuch a time are put to very ſore vvork, to vvorke, as it vvere, vvith oares for vvant of vvind to caſt out the net all night, and catch nothing; a shut doore is upon them in the exerciſe of their Miniſtry, duty is made Lurthenſome becauſe the Lord is againſt them, there is an evident reſtraint upon the word, and its intercourſe is more with the ear, then with the conſciences of men, yea, any liberty they find is to execut a commiſſion of judgement, and to denounce the woe of the Goſpel. O, doth not ſo manifeſt withdrawing of the ſpirit witnes the outletting thereof, and that it is a certain, and real thing.

7. Doe not the ſtirrings, and ſtrange convictions which even the worſt of men have ſometimes under the word, witnes a divine ſpirit, and power going along therewith, that which forceth an aſſent from their conſcience to the p. 99truth, which otherwayes they hate, yea, maketh them for the time, wonder they should not have been more ſerious in the wayes of God, yea it doth often put a thorn in the bed of their ſecurity; for indeed the word, and the light thereof doth torment theſe who dwell in the earth: And truely this is a marvellous thing, which winneth in uponm mens ſecret deſignes, and councels, doth reveal to them the moſt cloſs thoughts of their heart, which they are ſure mens eye could not reach, taketh them down through themſelves, and yet, that the world knoweth not whence it is, yea, are they not forced to confeſſe, what a great difference they find betwixt the word from the mouth of ſome, who are holy, and ſerious though held out in greateſt ſimplicity, then from others even of greater gifts, and accompanyed with more shew of eloquence, that ſurely the one, hath an other ſound, and relish, ſpeaketh more feelingly home to their heart, then the moſt polished diſcourſe of greateſt oratours.

8. One witnes moe I shall here give to the truth of this promiſe, even theſe eminent examples of the grace of God, which in every age have shined, in the firmament of the Church, ſome in love, and zeal, ſome in patience, and humility, ſome in the ſtrong acts of faith, and …elf-denyal; which doe certainly demonſtrat a more excellent ſpirit then that which is in the world, whence they appear with another luſtre in their walk, and carriage, and have a ſweet, and fragant ſavour of the ſpirit to the very diſcerning of byſtanders, which truely sheweth that his wind doth blow on his garden, when the ſpices ſend forth ſo pleaſant a ſent.

FOVRTH. We find an expreſſe Promiſe in the word of Deliverance to the Church …n a low, and oppreſſed condition, that ſurely the Lord will plead her cauſe, will deliver his People when he ſeeth their ſtrenght is gone, and ſave them from the hands of their enemyes, Pſ. 18: 47, 48, 50. Pſ. 22: 4, 5. Iſ. 54: 17. Iſ. 51: 23.

p. 100It is true, this promiſe hath its bounds, limits, and proviſions which should be taken along in the application thereof, we know the Covenant of God with particular Churches is conditional only, he promiſeth that he will be with them while they are with him, yea, it is oft ſeen, (and there is no jarr here with this promiſe) that a People profeſſing the Goſpel confederat with God, following duty, have even turned their back before the enemy, and in the holy providence of God, have for a time been given up to their fierce rage and violence; but it is alſo ſure that this promiſe, hath an accomplishment, and in the day of the Churches ſtrait the Lord hath oft appeared, by a ſtrong outſtretched hand for her help, his own arm brought ſalvation to his People, when they ſought to him; for God is known in her palaces for a refuge, yea, ſurely the Church might oft ſing that ſong on ſuch clear grounds as though with Iſrael shee had been ſtanding at the red ſea thy right hand, O Lord, is full of power, thy right hand hath dashed in pieces thy enemyes; for what nation, or People is like this to whom he hath shewed ſuch marvellous things.

Now to shew forth the faithfulnes of God in this his promiſe, I would offer ſome few things that are a moſt clear and undenyable witnes thereto.

1. There are fevv ages, but, vvee have ſome record of the churches condition, vvhichwhich hold forth ſuch ſignal convincing providences of God, in behalf of his oppreſſed church, and people, as may be a manifeſt ſeal to this truth; it is true ſome times have been more remarkable for ſuffering, times of judgement & of a growing tryal wherein this truth hath not ſo clearly shined forth, yea that long night vvhichwhich the church had under Antichriſt, might ſeem to call it in queſtion; but never the leſſe, if men take a ſerious look of the Lords vvay, and ſeries of providence in ages paſt, comparing one time vvith another, what the ſtraits, and moſt extream caſe of the church hath at laſt reſolved in, they will find cauſe to cry with aſtoniſhment, great deliverances giveth he to his people, yea, the Lord hath done gteat things for them. I am ſure, were a full record with that true account which might be given, of p. 101theſe more remarkable delivrances, that particular churches have met with, ſince the firſt planting of the Goſpel among them, wherein Gods very immediat hand for their help hath been diſcernable, it should non-plus the World, and greateſt Atheiſts anent the real outmaking of this promiſe.

2. The confeſſion even of the Churches enemyes hath oft witneſſed this truth that in purſuing their malice to trouble and undoe her, they have but undone themſelves; how tormenting diſappointments have cauſed their very flesh to pine away, and the cloſe and iſſue of their rage, forced this conviction from them at laſt, that the Church is a burthenſome ſtone, to be lifted up, a party with whom it is full of hazard to meddle; have not ſuch, been made to diſcern ſomething of a divine hand, ſo clearly againſt them, blaſting their counſels, and moſt promiſing attempts, as if their eyes with Balaam had been opened to ſee the Angel in their way, yea in all ages it is known how the conſcience, even of the worſt hath oft bewrayed ſomething of a preſaging fear they have had of theſe whom they purſued with greateſt malice, and a dreadful impreſſion they had of a praying people, and their prayers.

3. This truth hath had the cleareſt witnes in times of the Churches greateſt ſtrait, and extremity, when difficulties have appeared inſuperable and an outgate in an ordinary way of providence moſt hopeleſſe, when viſible meanes have been withdrawn, all refuge failed, and none to help, that in ſuch a day the Lord hath been ſeen upon the mount and unexpectedly by very ſtrange midſes brought deliveranee, to a broken almoſt ruined Church, even as it were betwixt the bridge, and the water; ſo that theſe who would have a clear view of the accomplishment of this promiſe, may but turn back, on theſe more remarkable extream exigences of the Churches condition, aod there have it, how oft a ſweet ſunshine hath followed the moſt dark, and cloudy times a raging ſtorm hath reſolved into a refreshing calm, yea, that with a further grouth of the Churches p. 102tryal, and doubling of her burthen, her enlargement, and outgate hath broken up with ſo great and obvious remarkes therein that it was a convincing return of prayer, & wreſtling, having further addition of ſome new and ſingular mercy therewith, yea, ſome eminent act of judgment upon her adverſaries.

4. The greateſt advantage, and victories which men have got over the Churches, and people of God can alſo bear witnes to this, that when the wicked have ſprung up like the graſſe, and the workers of iniquity ſeemed to flowrish, this very way hath the Lord taken to bring about a more full deliverance? Yea, on the other hand, hath it not been very obvious how the Churches gain hath been brought forth out of greateſt loſe, that theſe wounds which ſeemed moſt deadly, by the infinitly wiſe providence of God, have turned to her moſt effectual, and through cure; and mens unreaſonable violence, and rage againſt the Church hath oft had an evident tendency to bring about even that whereto it ſeemed moſt directly contrary, ſome further mercy, and deliverance, then could have been expected; as the Amorites refuſing Iſrael but… paſſage through their land did prove the very mean to give them more then they ſought, the poſſeſſion of that land for an inheritance.

5. This witnes the obſervation of the Church in all ages can bear to this promiſe, that deliverance hath oft ſprung up, and been brought to her hand from an airth, and by ſuch meanes, as none would have expected, by ſuch, as none but God could doe; a ſudden report and rumour; 1 Sam. 23: ver. 27. meanes, that have been not only ſmall, and improbable but that looked directly contrary, as in bringing the Church out of Egypt, yea, ſometime by the wicked enſnared in the work of their own hands, is it not obvious, how the Lord hath tryſted mens privat intereſts to put them on, for befriending his Church and hath cauſed the earth to help the woman and raiſed up one oppreſſour to punish another, yea, often hath prepared carpenters, whence p. 103it was leaſt thought, to cut the horns of theſe who had ſcattered his people.

6. There is this convincing witnes to the truth of ſuch a promiſe, that ſudden remarkable change, which may be oft diſcerned both on mens inward frame, and the outward face of the Church, when a time of mercy, and enlargement is come; inſtruments raiſed of the Lord with a diſcernable elevation of their ſpirits to act, and doe exploits, the feeble then made ſtrong, and theſe who ſometime would have fainted, at an ordinary piece of ſervice dare with ſuch a gale of divine aſſiſtance run, as it were, through a troup, and overleap a wall' for indeed this may in all ages be obvious, how eaſy it is to move, in the day when the Lord moveth for his people, and ſtrengthneth the girdle of their loines, that it was not their bow, or ſword, which got them the victory, but the very finger of God, ſomething above the counſels of men, or ordinary meanes, which hath ſometimes been made clear as the noonday, ſo that even, at ſome diſtance, theſe who are wiſe to diſc…n the times, did ſee when there was a breaking up of a d…y of a Churches hope, how a previous motion, and ſtir anongſt the dry bones, the ſound of the Lord as in the top of the mulberry trees hath been then diſcernable and ſome p…miſing appearance from the preſent diſpoſition, and tenper of the Godly in that time (though we muſt grant m…rcy & ſoveraign grace, hath oft tryſted the Church when litle of this hath appeared) which, like the breaking up of th…t cloud in the of mount Carmel to the Prophet, though at firſt but as an handbreath hath shewed that liv…rance to the Church was not far of.

…. I would adde this witneſs alſo; theſe convinceing pr…vidences which in all ages have been shewed againſt the enenyes of the Church, ſuch as men could not paſſe without ſome remark, what an iſſue theſe have had, who have ſometimes been a ſore rod, on the People of God, yea, a terour in the land of the living? How they have become a moſt abject and contemptible party, like bees who have loſt their ſting; their countenance hath been changed, and p. 104they ceaſed to be any more a fear, when once their work was done, and the date of their commiſſion for the humbling, and trying of the Church exſpired; yea a judicial ſtroke from the Lord, hath been often ſeen upon their very judgement, and reſolutions, which could not then ſerve them to trouble, and afflict the Church, the day being turned, and the time of her deliverance come.

FIFTH. There is this Promiſe alſo which concerneth the Church in general, as well as Chriſtians in their perſonal caſe, that all things work together for the go…d of theſe who live God, Rom. 8: 28. the accomplishment whereof as it is written out in providence to the obſervation of men, I would here touch.

This is indeed a great comprehenſive promiſe, which in the conſtant courſe, and tenor of providence about the Church we may ſee, it doth take place; how theſe turrings, and changes of the World, the moſt ſtrange emergents of the time, the various motions, and intereſts of men, doe cooperat together, and have an undoubted …e… dency to bring forth the Churches good as though they …d intentionally act for the ſame, there will indeed, one day, be a more clear, and marvellous diſcovery of this, when the Lord hath perfected his work, and the myſtery of God is finished, the Church brought ſafe to the harbour, then shall it be fully manifeſt, to what end all theſe ſtorm…s, and croſs winds in the counſels, and deſignes of men wee, theſe things which in the time could not be underſtood, but ſeemed perplexed and ſtrange, did really worke fo…the Churches good, for then men will ſee with their eyes afull performance of the word; yet we muſt ſay, even here in every age, amidſt the various changes of the Churches caſe, this hath ſo clear an outmaking, that there is no ſerious obſerver of providence, but may bear wineſs to it.

1. That not only the Churches good, but ever her greateſt good, hath moſt clearly had its riſe, and been p. 105brought forth out of the greateſt miſchiefs, and hurts intended againſt her; that if we ſearch the Scripture, and will turn over theſe after records of the Churches condition, we shall there find the moſt remarkable attempts, and plots ſuch as Pharaohs laſt eſſay to deſtroy the Iſiaelites, Hamans great deſign to root out the ſeed of the Jewes, that great Maſterplot Sathan once had on …oot, to crush the Goſpel, and the Chriſtian Church by crucifying her head, yea, in theſe laſt times Antichriſts killing the witneſſes have all, as if really intended by the inſtruments as well as the firſt mover, brought forth the Churches greateſt good; ſo as the after-mercy, and outgate, hath carried ſome viſible proportion to her tryal, and to the greatnes, of her adverſaryes deſign.

2. It may be alſo clear, if we but trace back theſe memorable changes…, which have been up and down the earth, how direct a tendency they have had to this end; did not the bringing down, that great image of the Monarchies witneſs this? We finde Nebuchadnezar raiſed up as a rod to the Church, and Cyrus for a deliverer; we may ſee the Perſian, and Grecian Monarchies brought down, to make way for the ſetting up of the Meſſias his Kingdome. Antiochus muſt ſtand up a little for a sharp tryal, and his downfal give the Church a new breathing, and hold forth to after ages, a remarkable monument of the judgement of God againſt his enemyes. Peaceable Auguſtus moſt tryſt with his time in whoſe dayes shall be aboundance of peace; we finde a Titus, ſet up to execute the judgement of God on the Jewes, to make way for a further enlargement to the …gentil Church, an Nero, and Domitian to help forward the Churches ſuffering, and a Conſtantine to give her ſome reſt, after ſo long, and ſore an aſſault, and at laſt, the Roman empire mouldred down for Antichriſts upſetting, to accomplish what did remain of the ſufferings of Chriſt, in his Church by that adverſary.

3. We may oft ſee a very ſtrange tryſt, and concurrence of things, how inſtruments act to bring about the Lords end and advance his Churches intereſt, even while each p. 106one, doth moſt vigorouſly drive their own proper end, and deſign, which sheweth there is ſurely a living ſpirit in the wheels, that ordereth theſe motions, a ſupream and firſt mover that can thus determine them, whither they will, or not, to ſerve his end and the Churches good, when they moſt directly intend the contrary.

4. We have ſeen how in mens plotting the ruine of the Church there is oft an unſeen hand determining their judgement, and inclination to fall upon that very way, then which we would think nothing could have been more direct for her good and their own ruine, how an Hushai, hath been ſent in or ſome have been ſtirred up amongſt themſelves (upon their own intereſt) to break the pernicious counſels, and deſigns of others.

5. We have alſo ſeen the perſonal quarrels of the Churches enemyes among themſelves, brought to ſuch an height, and to tryſt ſo ſeaſonably, that onlookers might clearly perceive that it hath been from the Lord, a judgement for their rage, and violence againſt his poor oppreſſed People.

6. We have ſeen the Churches enemies raiſed to a ſtrange height, all advantages favouring them, until their plot and mine hath been ripe for ſpringing, and lo, at that very choke, ſomething unexpected hath fallen out, which did turn their former ſucceſſe to their further ruine, yea, diſappoint all; this the World is ready to call ſome fata, and malevolent conjunction, which cannot be reſiſted, and what is this in effect, but the witneſs of mens conſcience to a divine hand?

7. Have we not ſeen ſome ſore dash, and overthrow in the Church bring forth her good, and a more full victory when viſible helpe and meanes have been taken out of the way, that ſomething above meanes might be ſeen in her condition, even in that day, when all hath been given for loſt, yea, truths loſeing the day upon the field, bring forth her triumph on the ſcaffold, and at the ſtake.

8. We have ſeen moſt deſpicable, and ordinary things, made ſubſervient for ſome great piece of the Lords work, p. 107a very ſmall thing made the firſt riſe of ſtrange revolutions, that remarkable changes, have been oft lying in the boſome of common providence; yea, truely we finde both Scripture, and the obſervation of after ages witneſs that the Churches deliverance, and outgate, did almoſt never come that way, by ſuch a method, and meanes, as shee had moſt expected the ſame, and that Gods time of working, may be oft very contrary to our time of expecting?

I shall only add, is it not oft ſeen (which I am ſure all ages can witneſs,) how mens endeavours to darken the truth by errour, hath been an effectual meanes for its further clearing? That the growing of a tryal, a violent, and ſore exacting upon the Church, hath kindly wrought towards her outgate, and enlargement, her meat hath been oft brought even out of the eater, by midſes moſt deſtructive thereto, and a ſvvord muſt pierce the Churches heart, that the thoughts of many may be diſcovered, a time of perſecution muſt help to cure the diviſions amongſt the godly, and bring them together in the furnace, vvhichwhich proſperity could not doe; yea, it is oft ſeen, vvhichwhich former ages can alſo vvitneſs that the very undoing of the Church, hath been Gods bleſt vvay, to keep her from being undone.

THE SECOND BRANCH

DOth concern theſe Scripture threatnings which are held forth in the word, with a reſpect to the viſible Church, and againſt a people profeſſing the Goſpel, that no priviledges they have above others shall exeem them from judgment, yea and from very ſad ſtrokes, he hath knowen them above the reſt of the World, he will contend with them moſt ſeverely becauſe of ſin; and ſuch particular evils as we find the Word threatneth.

I touched a little ſome Scripture-threatnings, in the preceeding argument as concerned Chriſtians in their privat p. 108experience; what I here intend is to point at this truth, as it 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 p. 109ſpreading 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; p. 110Perjury, 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, p. 111even 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 followed them to the grave; for this the ſword shall not depart from Davids houſe: Idolatry rent the Kingdome from the poſterity of Salomon. Jonas shall not eſcape for his rebellion, yea, God was wroth with Moſes, and no intreaty shall hinder his dying in the wildernes. I may adde, hath not the Lords controverſy on this ground even reached their poſterity. which may shew that theſe threatnings are ſad earneſt, and ſuch ſins are not more particularly pointed at in the word, then they have been in after ages made exemplary in judgement.

3. A peoples lukwarmeneſſe their ſlighting of the goſpel, and not receiving the love of the truth, we find ſadly threatned in the word, Rev. 3: ver. 15, 16. 2 Theſs. 2: ver. 10, 11. and truely we muſt ſay, they have not fallen to the ground in any age without an accomplishment, as frequent obſervation can witneſs. Firſt how a peoples entring upon a Religious way, their purſuing a form of reformation, and not through for God therein, but on carnal grounds, hath thus put them in a worſe condition then before, for truely mens hypocriſy, in going about a good work doth threaten more, then the performance thereof doth promiſe. Jehu got a temporal reward but his poſterity muſt at length reckon for all the blood of Jezreel. 2. That no people uſe to be furder from getting good of the goſpel then ſuch who have been under moſt clear, and greateſt convictions, ſo as it is found, there is oft more acceſſe to gain amongſt the ſavages, then theſe who have ſit their day p. 112while the tide did flow, yea, miniſters have found moſt diſcouragement to labour in theſe parts where the word hath been long preached with power. 3. It is ſeen, how light not improved will turn a People more groſſe, and is uſually followed with ſome remarkable grouth in ſin, that the more the word doth put a reſtraint on mens corruption, the more it rageth; ſo as it may be obſerved what a very black dy, and collour, the powerful preaching of the Goſpel hath put upon a People, as a viſible mark of judgement on ſuch who profit not thereby. 4. Is it notſeen how mens formality in the matters of God hath been oft punished even with the taking away of the forme? Yea, that ſeldome errour, and deluſion doth want a harveſt amongſt a People who receive not the truth in love. 5. Hath not ſlighting of the Goſpel been at laſt followed with ſome viſible reſtraint, and inhibition, both upon the ordinances, and diſpenſers thereof, a judicial withdrawing of the Spirit, as to the work of converſion, and conviction, whereby the Lord doth plainly ceaſe to be a reprover to ſuch, yea, even ſaith, bind up the Law, and ſeal the Teſtimony.

4. The Word doth alſo threaten carnal Security (a diſeaſe whereof the Church is oft in great hazard) yea, we find it holds forth a certain connexion betwixt ſpiritual judgements upon a People, and ſome outward ſtrokes to follow thereon that theſe who are under that firſt woe, and plague upon their ſpirits, are then near, to ſome judgement upon their perſons, and may expect a sharp wakening; in hearing they shall not underſtand, &c. but the cloſe is, until the cities be conſumd without inhabitants, and there be an utter deſolation, yea, we find judgement doth begin as a moth in that 5. of Hos. but in the 14. ver. it doth turn at laſt to be a lyon. We may truely ſay the fulfilling of this hath in all ages of the Church been obvious. 1. That as the firſt part of the Churches deliverance is uſually ſpiritual, ſo it is found the firſt ſtep of judgement, and the execution thereof againſt a People, hath been upon their ſpirits; that ſerious diſcerners of the time might know that the night p. 113was faſt coming on, and ſome ſad outward ſtroke on a land, by the abounding of ſpiritual judgements. 2. It is clear themoſt dreadful ſtrokes that ever come on a particular Church, doe uſually find it in ſuch a caſe, judicially hardned, and under many warnings plagued with ſecurity; thus did the floud finde the old World, and before that deſolating ſtroke on Jeruſalem by the Romans, were not the Jewes in ſuch a caſe. Salvain can tell how it was with the African Churches, before that dreadful inundation of the Gothes, and Vandals, yea, the Churches records in all ages doe witneſs that before any ſad ſtroke or perſecution came upon a People, a deep ſleep, and lethargie, hath been previous thereto; gray haires might have been ſeen upon them, and the Word, doth even shew that this will be the laſt diſeaſe whereof the Church shall be ſick before the great day of the Lord. 3. It is alſo ſeen how ſpiritual judgements when they grow upon a people, make great diſpatch, and do quickly ripen, for ſome further ſtroke, that when men have run down their conſcience and are paſt reproof of the word, going on from evil to worſe, the caſe cometh then to be clear, and ready for the finall diſcuſſion of the proceſſe.

5. The word doth denounce woe againſt the troublers of the Church, and theſe who are her perſecutors, that the Lord shall recompence tribulation to ſuch, and plead with her oppreſſours, the accomplishment whereof hath been truely manifeſt, yea to the obſervation even of the world. Iſ. 10: 5. 2 Theſs: 1: ver. 6. 1. That eminent oppreſſours of the Church have ſeldome gone out of the World, without ſome remark of divine anger upon them; ſurely if there were a record of ſuch inſtances that in every age hath been conſpicuous, men should be forced to ſee and ſay that the moſt noted enemyes, and perſecutors of the ſaints have been alſo the moſt convincing and noted examples of judgement in the time. 2. That the Churches ſuffering uſeth to go before a day of vengeance on the inſtruments thereof; we find Jehu got an outward reward for execut…ng the judgement of God on his enemyes; but as for theſe men p. 114who have been the rod of the Church it hath been ſeen that they have not long wanted ſome ſcourge as ſore upon themſelves, as they have been to his People, and that at laſt theſe have payed dear-for their ſervice. 3. We may ſee how this alſo doth help to finish the contraverſy of God, with men: and their houſes, that for this he hath taken many away in the midſt of their dayes, and made them ceaſe to be, who would not ceaſe to trouble the Church, while they had a being; yea that He hath taken them in his own hand, whom men could not reach, and made their downcaſting in the midſt of themſelves.

6. Doth not the Scripture threaten carnal confidence, in a People, the putting of their truſt in man or in any outward inſtruments, Ier. 17: ver. 5, 6. Iſ. 30: ver. 16, 17. to clear the accomplishment whereof, let us but compare the word, and the Churches obſervation together, and we will find▪ 1. That outward meanes have never more miſcaried then when moſt promiſing, and when there was greateſt expectation from the ſame, yea, that very eminent inſtruments when much leaned to, have been obſervably blaſted, and made to shrink under ſuch a burden. 2. That theſe whom the Lord had made much uſe of, yea, honoured greatly to be inſtruments in the ſervice of the Church, have oft had ſome diſcernable blot, to reprove mens overlading of inſtruments with their eſteem; a Tertullian, an Origen in auncient times, yea, even a Luther in theſe latter ages muſt goe with ſome halt to the grave. 3. That many vvho have been uſeful in the Church for a time, the Lord doth oft lay by, yea, maketh not uſe of them to the end, but, the laſt may be made firſt; and truely that exceſſe in mens eſteem, putting a further vveight on ſome meanes, then they could bear, hath oft helped to render many uſeleſs. 4. Is it not alſo ſeen, hovv one extremity, is thus plagued vvith an other? None more ready to shrink in a day of trouble, then ſuch vvho at a diſtance ſeemed moſt daring, yea. none more ready to fall in that ex…ſſe of undervaluing inſtruments, then theſe who have moſt exceeded upon the other hand.

p. 1157. Doe we not find the word threaten, and in a ſpecial way point at corrupt miniſters, unfaithful watchmen who give not warning to the Church, theſe shepheards that feed themſelves, but not the flock, the leaders of a people that cauſe them to err, and by their practice to ſtumble at the law Mal. 2: ver. 3, ver. 9.

The accomplishment whereof hath in all ages been very diſcernable. Firſt how ſuch have uſually been moſt noted as the greateſt and moſt violent enemyes which the Church hath, at any time, had, yea that no courſe hath been ſo evil and groſs that hath wanted ſome of theſe to help it on, whoſe hatred, and perſecution of the Godly hath been found to exceed the moſt openly profane and profligat in that time. 2. That as they are particularly threatned above others in the word ſo they get alſo ſome remarkable caſt above others in their judgement, and having once loſt their ſavour, becom vile, and loathſome even to the worſt of men, are contemptible in the eyes of ſuch whom they ſeek in a ſinful way to pleaſe, yea have a worſe ſavour, then the prophaneſt wretches, that being verified in them, Corruptio optimi, peſſima. 3. that theſe do ſeldome make a good retreat from an evil way; ſo as it is an uſual observation, it is rare for Church-men to repent, or a fallen ſtarr to shine again. 4. Are not ſuch oft ſmitten even in their gifts, which we may ſee wither, and drie up upon them while not faithfully improved, yea, to the very conviction of their hearers, to have loſt that edge which once they had in their miniſtry. 5. I muſt add another remark (thoug I deſire to deale with fear, and much tenderneſſe, in ſuch an application of the judgement of God) how the Lord doth oft put ſome note of his wrath on the Children, and ofſpring of unfaithful Miniſters, that it hath been ſeen none more wretched, and groſſe; whereto as their evill practice, and example, hath been a ſpecial help, ſo likewiſe are they thus punished of the Lord, who did not ſeek to beget Children to him, by the Word, but through their way did rather cauſe many to err and fal.

p. 116THE THIRD BRANCH.

HAving ſpoke ſomething how the Scripture both as to the promiſes, and threatnings thereof is evidently fulfilled in the Lords ordinary vvay of procedure vvith his Church I vvould a litle further follow this Argument, how this alſo hath a manifold accomplishment, even in theſe moſt ſtrange and dark paſſages of providence, whereas men are ready to ſtumble & challenge the ſpotleſſe righteouſnes of God, and his faithfulnes therein; but if we lay them to that meaſure, & line of the word which is ſtretched over the whole vvork of providence, vve vvill ſee hovv vvell theſe doe aggree, and anſvver one to the other, yea that all the paths vvherein God vvalketh tovvards his Church, and people, are ſurely mercy, and truth.

To clear this I shall point at ſome footſteps of the providence of God in the vvorld, and about the Church vvhichwhich vvould ſeem moſt dark, yea a contradiction to his vvord, and promiſe, but are plain and manifeſt, if vveighed in the ballance of the ſanctuary, vvhere vve may have a ſatisfying look, and reſolution of theſe things vvhichwhich other vvayes vvould be too hard for us to underſtand, and may ſee, hovv ſtraight theſe paths are vvich vve thought crooked; yea, hovv eaſy, and paſſable, the greateſt deeps of providence would be, both as to Gods way with his Church, and in our own particular caſe, when once they are ſet over againſt the word. I shall but touch this a litle in theſe following inſtances.

1. It may ſeem ſtrange how the Chnrcbes trouble and ſtrait is oft ſeen to encreaſe, with the firſt ſtirrings of her deliverance; yea, when ſome remarkable mercy, and outgate is in the bringing forth the firſt ſtep thereof, would ſeem to put her further aback, and in a worſe condition then before. This is indeed a piece of the Lords vvay vvith his Church vvhichwhich in many inſtances may be vvitneſſed, but let us take the vvord along therevvith, and vve vvill find. 1. Hovv the Chu…ch p. 117is oft at the brink of the grave even vvhen her caſe is upon a turn, and hovv it is congruous to his vvay (vvhoſe paths are in the deep vvaters, vvho cloatheth himſelf vvith darknes, that men should not find any thing after him or lay down abſolute concluſions, concerning his dealing) that the motions of p…ovidence should be oft ſo perplexed, and various. 2. Did not the caſe of the Church in Egypt, ſeem much worſe, their burdens doubled upon them, even when their deliverance was breaking up? 3. Joſeph to be ſold as a ſlave, and in Egypt turned in to a dungeon would ſeem ſteps of providence, very unlike the thing which God was driving at thereby, and yet we ſee how kindly theſe did work towards the ſame. 4. The Church in Micah. 4: ver. 10. When shee was even at the door next to a deliverance, her tryal was at the greateſt height, be in pain, and labour to bring forth, for ye shall goe to babylen and there be delivered, but ſoreſt pangs in the birth, do uſually promſe the beſt iſſue. 5, It was the ſtep of the providence of God which of all ſeemd moſt dreadful to the Church in Eſter, the ſealing of the decree, and ſending it forth to the out the whole ſeed of the Iewes, while Haman ſtill flowrished, but lo this was the very ſtep that wrought moſt throughly for her deliverance; a wet mourning ſeed time, is indeed one Scripture preſage of a good harveſt.

2. The ſore interruptions which a peoples endeavours for Reformation, and to promote the Kingdome of Chriſt, have met with, even when ſet about with a clear call, yea, ſolemn, and ſerious engadgements to God, would ſeem ſtrange, and a shaking piece of providence; and truely this is oft ſeen, as an uſual attendant on reformation, how unſuperable like difficultyes, and unexpected lets do grow up in the vvay thereof; thus …hen Luther and other inſtruments were raiſed up in Germany, to purſue the Churches Reformation, what cruel edicts were then ſet forth to give it a dash; diviſion among themſelves, the riſing up of the Boors, and Anabaptiſts what a pure, and through reformation was on foot under Edvvard the ſixth in England, & vvhat a dreadful p. 118ſtorm did quickly break it up, for that time; and I vvouldadde, vvhat the preſent caſe of the Church in Brittain, and Ireland may at this day vvitneſs, vvhere once the Lord ſo eminently appeared in a begun Reformation, vvhichwhich novv is at ſo great a ſtand, but let us go in to the ſcripture vvith this and vve vvill find. 1. There is a vive portraicture of providence in the affaires of the Church held forth in that viſion which Ezekiel had of the wheeles at the river Chebar, whoſe miſterious motions, and turnings ſo croſs one to the other, without any diſcord therein, as to the end, to which they were directed, doth witnes the rational, and wiſe conduct of providence: the Lords work about his Church, is a moſt shadowed, and elaborat piece, which men cannotſee, before their eye, as they ſee behind upon a review, while ordinary cauſes do oft vary in their operation, yea, goe out of the common road, yet the Scripture will make this very plain. 2. Was not Nehemiah, Ezra, and Zerobabel at their work, and duty, and had an expreſſe call, for building of the temple, yet, how great, and frequent interruptious did they find, ſometimes environed with difficulties, Zach. 4: ver. 7. Who are thou great mountain before Zerobahel? Yea, they were put to hold the ſword, and build, to watch, and work at once, becauſe, of their enemies. 3. What a very ſore backſet, was the Church at. Hab. 3. Revive they work ô Lord in the midſt of the yeares, this was both a great, and long interruption, yea, doe we not find her almoſt at a non plus with a queree which no viſible appearance could anſwer, by whom shall Iacob ariſe for he is ſmell? 4. We find a ſpecial reformation ſet on foot, by Hezekiah with a ſolemn Covenant, by the Princes, Prieſts, and body of the People, with a ſetting up of the pure Worship, and ordinances of God, but lo a sharp ſtorm is ſoon after, by Sennacherib, yea… Hezekiah ſcarcely is in his grave, when his Son doth bring in corruption, and perſecution both at once; yea, when the Chriſtian Church in the times of the Apoſtles, begun to flowrish, ſucceſſe following the Goſpel, did not a ſad interruption, and ſcattering follow, Act, 8. 5. This is promiſed that p. 119Zions walls shall even in troublſome times be built, and her being brought to a heap of rubbish was but making way for a further advance, that in the building of her again the Lord might appear in his glory; and is it not clear, that Chriſts coming in the Goſpel, and power thereof to purge his Church, and to carry on a reformation. Mal. 3. ver. 2. proveth a ſearching, and trying time which men cannot endure, for the power of the Word, and clear diſcovery of ſin, and other shaking diſpenſations which doe uſually attend ſuch times and torment them who dwell on the earth, yea, and put the Devil, and corruption of men aloft, with all rage to oppoſe the ſame.

3. That a ſad overclouding, and darknes should come on a land after most ſpecial manifeſtation of the power and glory of God therein, and that a time of the Goſpel with much light should be ſo neer a forerunner of wrath, and judgement, would ſeem a ſtrange piece of providence, and cauſe a ſerious enquiry hovv ſuch eminent appearances of God for a people, ſuch great confirmations, obſervable ſucceſs for a time, vvith many ſignal encouragements, should all ſeem to reſolve in a deſolating ſtroke, and ruine? This may be inſtanced in that proteſtant vvar in France vvhere inſtruments vvere remarkably raiſed, fitted of the Lord for the ſervice of that time, had much of his preſence, and countenance, yet, to reſolve thus in a bloody maſſacre; likevvayes theſe confederat German Princes, Saxony, and Landgrave of Heſse, Men eminent for piety, caried forth vvith much zeal for God, for defence of the truth, yea, in the beginning of that vvar having many promiſing encouragements, yet, remarkably deſerted of the Lord vvith very ſad-like conſequences follovving the ſame. Let us conſider alſo the late Bohemian vvar, ſtated upon neceſſary defence of religion and liberty, and at firſt attended with ſome ſmiling providences, should reſolve into ſo great a deſolation, and ruine: yea, the Church of Ireland, O, what a dreadful maſſacre of the proteſtants there, did quickly follow one of the moſt ſolemn times of the power of God and outpowring of the ſpirit that we ever heard of, ſince the dayes of the Apoſtles. p. 120I confeſſe this may have a ſtrange aſpect, and is a part of the marvellous wayes of the Lord, but when we take it in to the word, we will find there is no jar, or diſcord here, for. 1. It might ſeem as ſtrange, and aſtonishing what Baruch got from the Lord in anſwer to his compliant, Ierem. 45. that he would pluck up what he had planted, and caſt down that which he had built, for a work to be thus throwen down, where the Lord had once ſo eminently appeared, & given his People many confirmations might then occaſion great thoughts of heart, yet the unſpotted righteouſnes of God, and his truth was apparent therein; yea, after that diſcourſe, and all theſe large promiſe, which Chriſt gave his diſciples in that ſixteenth of Iohn, we find all is shut up with that, the houre is comming; and now is, that ye shall be ſcattered. 2. What ſtrange providences did tryſt the Church in the wildernes, ſometime brought back to the red ſea, tryed with hunger, and nakedneſſe, conſumed with various ſtrokes, and many yeares wandring until moſt of that generation, who came out of Egypt filled their graves in the journey, and yet this was after moſt eminent confirmations, and as clear ſinges of Gods preſence as ever a People had. 3. We find a publick reformation moſt zealouſly proſecute by Ioſias, which looked like the renewed eſpouſales of that land with God, by a ſolemn Covenant, yet, quickly after night came on that land with a long captivity, and Joſias did fall by the ſword. 4. Was there nor a bright ſun-blink, & flowrishing plantation of the Goſpel in Judea a little before the deſolation of that land by the Romans, yea, we will find it clear from the word that times of much light, and reformation doe much ſooner ripen for a ſtroke then any other times. 5 It is very manifeſt that particular Churches have their day where the Goſpel hath its appointed work, and their ſtroke at laſt may reach the length of removing the candleſtick, I truely think that ſad inſtance of Bohemia's caſe, may have this obſervable in it, that it had longer day, and enjoyment of the light even from the times of Iohn Hus, and Ierom of Pragus which was neer an 100 years before there was any day break on other parts, ſo that vve p. 121vvould conſider if their night did come ſoon on, that their day vvas alſo much longer, yea the ſtroke might tryſt vvith the ebb of the tyde, vvhen their harveſt vvas much gathered in, under ſo long a continuance of the Goſpel, though I dare not think, the Lords work is utterly extinct there, but that Bohemias dead, and withered root hath life yet in it, and shall once again bud forth.

4. Is it not uſually ſeen when judgement cometh on a land, that the Godly get the first ſtroke? but let us alſo conſider this in the word, where it is clear, 1. That judgement muſt begin at the houſe of God, and the green tree; and that the Churches trouble, and perſecution is a forerunner of vengeance on her adverſaries, do we not find, there is a cup of tryall which uſeth to go before, that cup of the judgement of God? And O the laſt is of a ſtrong compoſition, for the wine is red and mixed, and the dreg very thick which is reſerved for the troublers of the Church, and for ſuch who are at eaſe in a day of her grief, and truely they have the advantage that drink firſt, Bleſt are they whom thou chaſteneſt, &c. That they may rest in the day of their adverſity, untill the pit be digged for the wicked, yea, Rev. 3: 10. we find keeping of the word of patience, which doth import ſuffering to the Church, goeth before ſome more univerſal ſtroke; and in that day proveth the ſafety, and protection of the People of God. 2. It is alſo clear that men may be raiſed up of the Lord, and followed with ſucceſſe, when he hath them for a rod to his Church, but that at laſt, A shur the rod of my wrath will I caſt in the fire, ſaith the Lord, it is truely an evidence of great wrath, upon a party to be made the rod, and executioners of judgement upon the People of God; for they shall pay for it, by ſome ſadder ſtroke then any trouble or ſuffering whereof they have been inſtruments.

5. That proſperity, and ſucceſſe should follow ſometimes the worſt of men in an evil courſe, and cauſe, yea, ſuch a concurrence, and ſeries of providence, as ſeemeth to ſmile on them even to the bringing of their ſinful devices to paſſe, while the People of God, have been made to fall in a juſt p. 122quarrel, before their adverſary, would ſeem an aſtonishing providence, but let us lay it foreagainſt the Word, and there we will ſee. 1. That there is a proſerity which tendeth to deſtruction, Prov. 1: ver. 32. the tabernacles of the robbers proſper, Iob 12: ver. 6. and they that provoke God are ſecure, into whoſe hands he bringeth aboundantly, but they doe not ſee that wickednes is its own punishment, and how it is a dreadful ſtroke to thrive in an ill courſe. Was not the Church shaken with ſuch a providence, Mal. 3: ver. 15. yea, tempted to call the proud happy, but in the ver. 18. they were taught from further obſervation to diſcern, and to put a difference between the righteous, and the wicked. 2. Doe we not find that even the ſignes, and predictions of falſe Prophets in favours of a ſinful way may come to paſſe, Deut. 13: ver. 1, 2. whereof the Church is there warned, and Gods intent in the ſame cleared, that it is for the tryal of his People, whither they will love, and fear the Lord, and cleave to his way, when providence would ſeem to shine on a crooked path. 3. Did not ſucceſſe for a time attend Abſolom? Iſrael as one man went after him, yea, the friends and counſellours of David; a fair wind did alſo favour Haman in his eſſay to ruin the Church. Jeremy is almoſt shaken with this, yea they have taken root, yea, they grow, and bring forth fruit, but is not this at laſt uſually found an ominous weather-gall before a ſtorm? though the bruitish man knoweth not, nor fooles lay it to heart for what the wicked doth oft ſpring, and flowrish; I would add Iſraels falling before Benjamin, it was an aſtonishing like providence; and Habacuck was put to a ſtand with ſuch a thing, why the Lord lookt on, while the wicked devoured the righteous; Yea, Joshua, was to cry out in an amazement. O Lord what shall I ſay, when Iſrael turneth their back before their enemyes? but we have alſo the Lords intent therein witneſſed by his word, that this is to humble, and prove his People, that he may doe them good in the latter end, and thus he beateth them off from all carnal grounds of confidence, he woundeth them to a cure, that by p. 123bringiug them low, he may raiſe, and fit them for a further mercy.

6. What great diſappointments hath the Church met with, when outward grounds of confidence, and ordinary meanes have been moſt promiſing, as it is a thing moſt true, ſo it may ſeem ſtrange at the firſt look, but let us bring it to the word and the caſe will be there anſwered. Deut. 32. Why should one chaſe a thouſand, but becauſe their rock hath ſold them, and therefore their ſtrength is gone with the Lords departing from them, for, when a time of judgement is come, even the mighty then find not their hands, counſel faileth to the auncient, ordinary means bring not forth their wonted effects, which Solomon sheweth and after ages have oft ſeen, the race not ever to the ſwift nor the battel to the ſtrong, it is alſo clear from the word, how threatning a condition that is, for the People of God to be much caried out after meanes, or lifted up therewith, Iſ. 30. they will ride on horſes, and this shall be their punishment, but on the other hand the Lords way, in bringing forth his greateſt vvorks hath not been by might, and povver, but oft by meanes moſt improbable, and unexpected.

7. The long continuance of a heavy afflisting rod on the Church, without the appearance of an outgate, or any return to much vvreſtling, and prayer on that account, may ſeem a ſtrange ſtep in Gods vvay, vvith his People. But the vvord vvill anſwer us in ſuch a caſe where it is clear. 1. That there are no bounds in the Scripture ſet to the continuance of a tryal, it doth not tell how long a sharp ſtorm may ly on, either as to the Church, or any particular Chriſtian; for it is a piece of the Lords ſecret counſel, but not of that which is revealed, it is enough that we know from it that men cannot make the Churches ſuffering longer, then Gods time. 2. It was a long terme that of Iſraels tryal in Egypt and after under the captivity, three hundred and ninty dayes muſt the Church ly on her left ſide. O how many a ſad day, and weariſome night was there in that word, 70 weekes are determined upon thy people, and city Jeruſalem. 3. Have not the Saints under a long trouble been almoſt p. 124the 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 p. 125more 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, vvhichwhich 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 p. 126the 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. Its 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 p. 127great men of the earth run together, to hinder the riſing of Chriſts Kingdome, Pſal. 2: ver. 3. let us break his bonds, &c. for truely in all ages Chriſts riſing in the Goſpel, hath caſt a terrour, to its enemyes, that this should be their fall and ruine, when the Apoſtle hath an effectual doore opened in his miniſtery, he hath alſo much oppoſition thereto, but on the other hand all is ſtill, and quiet while the ſtrong man doth keep the houſe, yea, it is clear from the word, that where the goſpel cometh there is a red flag hung forth, that if men will not receive the ſame and ſubject to him who rideth on the white horſe, one shall come after whoſe worke is to take peace from the earth, to put the world in a flame, and to accomplish the judgement of a deſpiſed goſpel, who shall devide betwixt the husband, and wife, the parents, and children, wherein our bleſt Lord Jeſus is expreſſe, Math. 10: ver. 34. I come not to ſend peace on the earth, but rather a ſword, which might ſeem ſtrange from him, but it is to tell men if they will not embrace the offer of his peace they shall not have peace among themſelves, for the meſſage of the goſpel muſt either be the beſt, or the worſt ſight that ever a land had.

11. This may ſeem ſtrange how in all ages men of greateſt parts, and learning, are ſuch uſual oppoſers of the truth, yea, how the moſt ſober, and calme will even appear violent in their way, the more the goſpel is followed with power; but, O! how well doth this anſwer the ſcripture, for the wiſdome of this world is enmity to God, 1 Cor. 3: ver. 19. not many wiſe according to the flesh comparatively, with theſe who hate the truth; of all the beaſts of the field was not the ſerpent Satans choice? and if there be an Achitophel in the time, at him he will have a ſpecial pull, to ſuch the ſimplicity of the goſpel is foolishnes, whereat they ſtumble; to ſuch Chriſt is a rock of offence, we find the light doth torment them that dwell in the earth, will cauſe men blaſpheme and diſcover that, which would not appear, whileſt they got leave to enjoy their ſinful peace, without diſturbance.

p. 12812. Theſe ſtrange judgments which may ſometimes befal the Saints in their outward lot, yea, ſometimes attended with ſome very aſtonishing circumſtances would at the firſt look, put men to a ſtand and to challenge the holy way of God. But let us weight it in that ballance of the Scripture, and we will find. 1. That ſuch hath been the complaint of the Saints, the Lords wounding them vvith the vvound of a cruel one; vvhat a ſtrange query is that in Lament. 2: ver. 20. Behold, and conſider, to whom thou haſt done this shall the women eat the fruit of their womb, shall the Prieſt and Prophet be ſlain the Sanctuary of the Lord, yea, did it not even to Solomon ſeem ſtrange, Eccleſ. 8: ver. 14. that there are juſt men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked. 2. It looked like ſome ſtrange ſtroke, vvhichwhich forced David to this complaint, my enemies caſt iniquity on me, and ſay an evil diſeaſe, or as the original readeth it, a thing of Belial cleaveth to him; vve find loſias fell by the ſvvord; Eli, vvith one ſtroke hath his ſons killed, his Daughter in lavv dying, and himſelf falling from his ſeat, and breaking his neck; yea, Aaron hath both his ſons killed before his eyes, by an immediat ſtroke from the Lord. 3. The vvord doth alſo shevv, there is no jar betvvixt this, and the tenor of the Covenant vvhichwhich God hath made vvith his people, to punish their tranſgreſſion with rods, yea, ſometimes by a ſtrange rod, while he taketh not his loving kindneſſe from them, and doe we not find that a cleanly tryal, may tryſt the ſaints vvhichwhich the vvorld vvould think a dreadful judgement, for, great ſufferings may be ordered of the Lord, to give ſome great examples thereby, vve have heard of the patience of Job, and have ſeen the end of the Lord.

13. The groſs falling of theſe who have ſometimes shined with much luſtre in the Church may be aſtonishing, but here alſo, vve may ſee the ſcripture made out, for it is clear. Firſt that fevv inſtances of the moſt eminent of the Saints, vve have on Scripture record, but there is ſome particular ſpot, and blemish alſo noted, a Noah, Lot, Moſes and David, yea, under the Nevv Teſtament that great Apoſtle, p. 129whoſe denyall of his maſter is ſet forth, to shew how far ſome may fall whom grace will again reſtore, and make up. 2. It is there clear, that ſome of underſtanding doe fall for a judgement to others, that ſuch who will ſtumble, whoſe prejudice at the way of God is their choice, may thus further fall, and be broken. 3. The bleſt meaning, and intent hereof we may there alſo read to Alarum men to watchfulnes, that ſuch who ſtand may take heed leſt they …all, to warrant alſo their adventuring on the grace of God, that none should ſcar to come in after ſuch eminent examples.

14. I would adde this, The contingency of events, that we ſee many things in ſuch a caſual way fall out in the world, as if by chance only without the rational conduct of a providence (which doth infallably direct things to a certain end,) this might at the firſt look, put men to a ſtand, yea, would ſeem to give Atheiſts ſome shadow to ſay, how doth God ſee or doth the God of Jacob regard▪ But upon a more ſerious enquiry, ſetting the word over againſt it, O what a ſweet exerciſe should it be to conſider. 1. That though the providence of God in things here beneath moveth ſutably to the nature of inferiour cauſes, whither neceſſary, free, or contingent, not violenting them, or otherwayes making uſe of them, but according to their nature, ſo that though the event be neceſſary, and infallible, wit… a reſpect to the firſt cauſe, the determined counſel of God, it is never the leſſe contingent in reſpect of its neareſt cauſe; yet, this alſo on the other hand is clear, how the ſmalleſt, and moſt caſual motions doe certainly fall under that comprehenſive reach of providence, that even a ſparrow falleth not to the ground by gueſſe. Rebeccah cometh not with her pitcher to the well nor Ruth to glean in Boaz field at an adventure, but in theſe the providence of God muſt reach its end, and cannot miſcary. 2. That theſe things which to us would ſeem moſt caſual we oft ſee in their tendency, and product, have been intended by the Lord, as a ſpecial mean for the promoting of his glory wherein ſuch a wonderful tryſt, p. 130and uniting of things in themſelves moſt remote for that end may be truely diſcerned, that if prejudice do not shut mens eyes, they muſt confeſſe this can be no blind chance, but ſome higher counſel, and conduct of the ſame; what would look more contingent then that Ahaſuerus was indiſpoſed to ſleep and could have no reſt in the night, or that a reflexion of the ſun upon the waters should make them appear as blood to the Children of Moab? But we ſee what great things the Lord, is thus bringing about. 3. Is it not oft manifeſt, how not the ſmalleſt caſuality, or circumſtance providence doth loſſe, without ſome improvment thereof? yea, that it guideth the ſtroke of mans ſword in the battel, and directeth the bullet to its appointed mark, and it doth evidently check the ſtarres and control that fatal neceſſity, which we are ready to fear may or will follow their aſpect, and it doth even determine theſe which in themſelves are moſt free, and abſolute, the heart, and wil of man; muſt not the crowing of the cock, the foldiers dividing of Chriſts garments fall out for an accomplishment of the Scripture, and though it was at a venture that that man drew the bow which ſent Ahab to his grave, yet, it was no chance did direct the arrow between the very joynts of his armour. 4. Amidſt the various emergents, and hazards of mens life, may not experience tell that ſurely things contingent are not abandoned to fortune, but there is a providence which doth number our haires, without which they cannot fall to the ground. O how aſtonishing may it be to think hovv ſurprizing hazards have been oft obviated? by vvhat unexpected meanes men have been delivered from violent aſſaults, hovv help unlooked for hath even tryſted at a choke, and an extremity, yea, vvhile their foot vvas ſlipping even betvvixt their falling, and fall, they have been tryſted vvith ſome remarkable caſt of mercy. 5. Is it not eaſy to diſcern, hovv many accidents vvhichwhich ſeem moſt caſual, yet by no humane prudence or induſtry can be prevented, but are obſervably brought about, and guided to fulfil the threatnings of the vvord on ungodly men, hovv vvas Siſera led in to the p. 131houſe of Iael, by other places, hovv should Hamans ſuit for Mordecais death, tryſt vvith that very morning, vvhen the Kings thoughts vvere favourable to him, for it might ſeem had Haman been one day ſooner he vvould have got his vvill.