The Fulfilling of the Scripture, Argument 3

The Fulfilling of the Scripture · Argument 3

p. 131THE THIRD ARGUMENT

FOr the Scriptures accomplishment is this, that not only the Chriſtians experience, and obſervation of the Cnnrch beareth witneſs thereto, but it is alſo a truth which even to the view, and conviction of the World, may be demonſtrat, from whom it doth oft force a teſtimony, yea, in every age the worſt of men have been forced to acknowledge, and ſo it muſt be a thing very evident. But the accomplishment of the Scripture can be thus witneſſed, therefore, &c.

It is true theſe ſweet, and ſenſible enjoyments which the Saints have of this truth, the World cannot reach; but it is alſo ſure, that in every age, the works of the Lord, and ſome more notour convincing providences, both of judgement and mercy doe ſolemnly invite men, to obſerve the accomplishment of the word therein; yea, no time hath wanted ſomething of a publick vvitneſſe, from ungodly men even greateſt mockers of Religion, vvho under that conſtraining povver of conſcience at death, or in ſome day of their ſtrait, have been forced to ſeal the truth by a very open confeſſion of the righteouſnes of God tovvards them, and this is indeed the Lords bleſſed deſign in making his vvorks ſometime ſo conſpicuous, that they may not only confirm the faith of his people, but render Atheiſm inexcuſable, that the glory of his faithfulnes, as vvell as of his povver, and vviſdome, may shine forth before the ſons of men. I confeſſe vve may vvonder, vvhy the World looketh ſo litle upon this, and hovv the conviction of ſo great a truth, vvhichwhich they cannot shun, doth not more preſſe them; but the Holy Ghoſt doth fully reſolve this, the brutish p. 132man knovveth not, neither do fooles lay to heart, hovv the Scripture taketh place; and that the flovvrishing of vvicked men, is but in judgement for their further ruine.

To proſecut this argument a litle, there are ſome ſpecial truths I vvould inſtance, vvherein the faithfulnes of God in fulfilling his vvord may be ſeen, by the World, yea, is obvious to the moſt ordinary obſervers; and though they be but a fevv, vvhichwhich I shall here touch, yet I muſt ſay, they are ſuch concerning truths, and have ſo neer a reference to the foundation of our faith, that men cannot acknovvledge the ſame, but muſt alſo confeſſe the Scriptures Divinity, and that there is a truth, and reality in godlines, and in Chriſtian Religion; truely I may here vvith ſome confidence challenge the greateſt Atheiſts, yea, appeale them to their conſcience, and ſerious thoughts, if in theſe following inſtances, (though but a litle of what might be ſaid on ſuch a ſubject,) the truth, and accomplishment of the Scripture be not very manifeſt.

FIRST. I shall firſt hold forth this truth that man is ſurely fallen from that excellent estate wherein once he was formed, Rom. 5: ver. 18. 19. and now is not that which he was at the beginning; a truth ſo clear, that we may ſay even without the diſcovery of the word might be eaſy for any ſerious onlooker, to diſcern the ſame, did not even heathens have ſome glance at this? The evidence whereof they could not altogether shun.

It is true the cauſe, and original of this dreadful contagion, how ſin entered into the World, how it is derived to the whole race of man, by imputation, as well as inheſion, how that poiſon is carried from the fountain to the ciſtern, the Scriptnre doth only diſcover; but this I am ſure may be obvious to all, that poor man is thus ſick, and diſeaſed, and now beareth the marks of ſuch a fall, and ruine, as we read of in the word. I confeſſe it is ſtrange, that when this is ſo very convincing, and manifeſt, it should not force men to ſome more ſerious enquiry, p. 133whence ſuch a thing is, or if there can be a recovery of ſo ſad, and deſperat like caſe, but to clear this a litle, I would offer theſe three things to be conſidered.

1. That there is ſome remainder of that excellent fabrick, which may yet appear among its ruines, ſome print, and appearance (though dark) of that primitive luſtte and beauty, ſome draughts wich ſin hath not wholly worn out, that may clearly tell what man once was, and point out his former excellency, that he hath been an other wight, of whom Abſaloms character might be truely ſaid, without all blemish from the head to the foot. For we ſee the deep impreſſions of a Deity ſtill rooted in men, even among the moſt wilde, and ſavage which no invention can utterly raze, we ſee ſome common principles of reaſon that are imprinted in the moſt rude, and ignorant, ſome innate notions, and Ideas which the ſoul hath of good, and evil, among all, and in every place of the earth; likewiſe theſe natural truths foreign which we may ſee are no wayes impreſt on the ſoul from any objects of ſenſe, but ſuch whereto men by an unavoidable neceſſity are forced to aſſent, and beſides, what meaneth the witneſs of the conſcience, and authority thereof in every man, which they cannot poſſibly decline? O doe not theſe vvitneſs that from ſome great height poor man hath fallen.

2. Doth not the preſent appearance of mans nature, clearly shevv he his fallen into ſome dreadful diſeaſe, that it is ſurely overſpread, with ſome horrid leproſie, and contagion, the ſymptomes whereof now are moſt diſcernable. O what an exorbitancy doth appear in his deſires, with what contrary tydes, is he hurried? ſtill at jar with his preſent lot; his reaſon and will, once in a ſweet league are now at warr, betwixt which he is oft rent in pieces, as one betwixt wilde horſes; how is he now reſtleſs in an unreaſonable purſuit, he laboureth in the fire, and for a shadow; yea, what doe theſe tumults, and commotions of the earth mean, men upon the ſmalleſt account sheathing their ſwords in others bowels, homo homini Lupus; ruptures p. 134in familyes, unſatiable in revenge, and the earth ſo oft in an uproar as a raging ſea. O doe not theſe too viſibly witneſs what a dreadful diſorder, and perturbation there muſt be within, impetuous boyling of mans luſts▪ ſo that here we may ſee a very manifeſt rupture, and breath of building once well knitt, and framed

3. I would ask wherein mans true advantage and excellency, above others of the creatures can be ſeen, if not with ſome reſpect to that he once was, and that bleſſed reſtauration by grace; for his knowledge doth oft ſerve but to increaſe his ſorrow, to shew the good he wanteth, and the evil he is ſubject to; is there any of the creatures ſubject to ſuch outward miſery, and pain? to ſo many diſeaſes, as poor man now is? Yea, as to a ſenſual life▪ may we not ſay the beaſts have even ſome preference? or are theſe ſo unruely? do they ſo much go out of their bounds, and ſtation? which the many lawes made for man in the world with the convincing neceſſity thereof can wittneſs; we ſee alſo that fore travel is appointed to man; at hovv much toile he is for an outvvard ſubſiſtance, hovv he doth oft ſovv, and not reap; the beaſts vvithdravv from the yoke, theſe over vvhom he had dominion ready to aſſault him hovv vvomen bring forth their children in ſorrovv, the men are attended vvith fear, their life oft made bitter vvith care and labour, yea, as men increaſe in the vvorld, their care and diſcontent increaſing therevvith, but beſides all, is he not in the greateſt slavery of all the creatures through the violence of his luſts? that make him purſue the baite, though he knovveth it vvill undoe him, vvhile his corruption doth oft like a ſtrong man bind him in fetters, and his fleſh imperiouſly drag him at its heels; O may vve not ſay, vvas poor man thus formed at the beginning? or raiſed ſo far above the reſt of the creatures only, to make him the more miſerable for truely if a vive portraicture could be dravvn of ſinful depraved nature, there is none ſo groſſe but should-abhorr, yea be affrighted, to ſee that in the third perſon, vvith vvhichwhich alace, they ſo friendly comply in themſelves.

p. 135SECOND. That ſo great a change is truely wrought upon men in converſion, as the ſcripture doth promiſe, and hold forth, Ioh. 3: ver. 3, 6. Eph. 2: ver. 1, 5. Coloſſ. 3: ver. 1, 2. vvherein ſome thing above nature, even the marvellous povver of the grace of God may be ſeen, is a trnth Iam ſure, knovvn, and undenyable to the vvorld, yea, the greateſt mockers at religion muſt confeſſe, can be no deluſion, but is indeed real, and certain; upon theſe follovving grounds.

1. That the moſt groſſe, vvho in their practice have been notourly profane, in the place vvherein they lived, it hath been ſeen that grace hath reached them and thus the Leopard hath been made to change his ſpots, and ſuch vvho vvere accuſtomed to do evil have learned to doe vvell. O! Doe not many famous inſtances vvitnes this, in every age? 2. That alſo men moſt principled in their judgement againſt the vvay of God, who were wont to deride holines as fancie, even on ſuch ſo great a change hath been wrought as hath made the world to wonder; but then they were forced to lay doun their prejudice, yea to wonder at themſelves, how they could ſtand before the truth ſo long, whereof they have got ſuch an impreſſion; ſure Atheiſts muſt grant there have been as profeſt Atheiſts as themſelves, who have been made eminent examples of grace. 3. That ſuch even in the height of their wickednes (like Paul breathing out cruelty, and of late Vergerius while he was writing againſt the truth) grace hath ſometimes reached them, it hath been found that of Chriſts greateſt enemyes ſome have thus fallen upon their high places before the power of the word; ſome ſuch trophees of the goſpels conqueſt have been conſpicuous in every age; yea it is oft ſeen that ſome remarkable height in ſin, hath proved an evident Criſis, and turn in mens condition either to judgement, or mercy. 4. That ſome of the moſt eminent adverſaries of the truth have, through grace, been made eminently uſeful inſtruments in the Church the world cannot deny; that there have not been choiſer veſſels of honour, p. 136more zealous for the Lord in their time then ſuch, who were once moſt violent in their oppoſition. 5. That ſuch whom the world did reckon moſt wiſe, and diſcerning, yea that did want no judgement to know the value of outward things, as well as others, grace hath reached, can the Atheiſts object, do any of the rulers, or Rabbies believe in Chriſt, or follow that way when it is ſo clear that not more wiſe, learned, and judicious (even themſelves being judges) have been in their time then ſome vvho are moſt ſerious in the matter of Religion. 6. Hath not this change been made diſcernable, upon the ſimple; the moſt ſtupid, and dull, yea, upon ſome ſuch, as a natural incapacity might have obſtructed the worke if ſomething above nature had not carried it on, vvhichwhich may be alſo manifeſt by ſome change even on their underſtanding, to shew that this can make the ſimple wiſe; and in the way of holines, the way-faring man though fool shall not err. 7. That by a very improbable mean, the word, and that ſometimes by weakeſt inſtruments, we ſee this great change hath been wrought, and it is remarkable, how litle of the work of converſion did follow the putting forth of miracles in the primitive times, but by the ſimplicity of the preached goſpel much more, for indeed the converſion of a ſoul, and ſuch a change is it ſelfe ſome way a miracle. 8. That they are not a few on whom this, change hath been wrought is undenyable; and truely beſides theſe ordinary proofs I think it is a great want there should not be ſome more ſpecial record by the Church, of theſe illuſtrious, and eminent inſtances of the grace of God, which have been in ſuch an age, as well as remarkable inſtances of judgment. 9. Men muſt ſee this falleth not out at an adventure which is wrought upon one, and not an other while both are a like diſcerning, yea, ſome who ſeem furtheſt from the grace of God, very groſſe, and rude, have been taken when the more civil, and refined, and of a more promiſing natural diſpoſition have been paſt by. O doth not this witneſs the grace of God, and ſoveraignity thereof. 10. Is not this change oft diſcernable upon men in a p. 137time while no advantage from without doth appeare? even times of perſecution, and hazard from which many have dated their firſt acquaintance with God, when they could expect nothing but a ſuffering lot, ſure there muſt be ſomething above nature in it. 11. It is alſo known how great a cloud of witneſſes have ſealed this truth, O! can there be ſuch an univerſal enchantment, that in every age, in ſeveral yea in moſt remote places of the earth, hath fallen upon ſo many, who have witneſſed the povver of the Goſpel; or can all theſe be void of underſtanding? What gain, or outward advantage could they deſigne in that which is ſo uſually attended with outward hazard, and loſſe, or what credit from men, while it maketh them the very butt of the worlds hatred, and reproach? Yea, can it be thought that all theſe could have combined to conſpire into ſo great a cheat? I muſt appeale Atheiſts to their ſerious thoughts of this matter. 12. The marvellous effect of this change, doth it not witneſs this is no fancy, or deluſion, when men are reached with ſuch a ſtroke, and by one word, as hath made the ſtout hearted and moſt daring to tremble, and to shew, by their very countenance that there is an other tribunal then mans, before which they are arraigned? Muſt it not be ſad earneſt and a marvellous povver, that can make ſo willing a divorce betvvixt men, and their idols, vvhichwhich vvere once as their right eye to them, and beat them off that ground of ſelf-righteouſnes, vvhichwhich they had been ſo long eſtablishing to themſelves, that should cauſe them alſo chooſe the reproach of Chriſt, and his croſſe before any outvvard advantage, and abandon that ſociety without which ſometimes they could not live? Muſt not this ſpeak forth ſomething above nature, and natural reaſon. O! may not the world oft wonder what is become of their old friends, though I confeſſe this should rather put them with wonder, and aſtonishment, to ſome ſerious enquiry, whence ſo great a change can be.

THIRD. Thus communion, and fellowship with God, whereto the Saints are in this life admitted, and brought p. 138near to him in the ſpirit, is a moſt real thing, and no deluſion is a truth which may be very convincingly demonſtrat, even to the view of the world, and to ſuch who are but onlookers on the ſame, 1 Iob. 1: ver. 3. Phil 3: ver. 20. I confeſſe this is a truth that muſt be ſpiritually diſcerned, and therefore the world cannot know it or reach that unſpeakable joy, and delight which is found by the Saints in that ſweet path; yet we muſt ſay there are ſomethings, and ſome ſuch and ſo convincing evidences, as may witneſs to men, and rationally demonſtrat the ſame; the conviction whereof they cannot poſſibly shun, if they but come near, and in their ſerious thoughts conſider.

1. Hovv great, and excellent a company doe bear this teſtimony, even as many as in every time did ever ſerve God in the Spirit; is not this tranſmitted by the fathers to the children as their experience? And as certainly tryed by ſucceeding ages, a truth vvhichwhich is not once, or tvvice proved in the Chriſtians life, for the proofs thereof are innumerable, and paſt reckoning, vvhichwhich they have had, yea, amongſt all the Saints ſince the dayes of Abel, to this preſent time, there was never one contradictory witneſs could be produced.

2. Are not theſe who do thus teſtify, what they have oft found in ſecret retirements to God, ſuch whoſe teſtimony in any other matter, the worſt of men could not refuſe or deny to be famous, I am ſure the World is convinced, that the followers of Chriſt dare not, yea, uſe not to deal falſely in other things with theſe they have to do with how ever their malice carry them to reproach them, yea, that they are more to be credited then ſuch, who make a ſcorn of Religion.

3. Have they not had as great an intereſt, and share of the World as others, and been of as diſcerning ſpirits to know the true value of things, who from their experience doe not only declare, there is an undoubted reality in converſe with God, but that the joy and delight herein p. 139which they have found, is above all the pl…ſures of the flesh. O! what muſt that be which could make ſuch who wanted no outward allurements, who had not loſt their taſte, and were flesh, and blood as well as others to turn their back on all for Chriſt, and by their walk teſtify they have found ſome more ſatisfying enjoyment in fellowship with God?

4. Muſt not this be very obvious, and convincing that when men once become ſerious in the way of God they have got ſome new acquaintance, that ſure is another world, and ſome other ſociety then that of men with which they have intercouſe? Whence are their frequent retirements, from which they have been ſeen ſo oft to come forth with greateſt ſatisfaction, and with ſome remarkable change in their caſe, doth it not thus appear They are not alone, when they are alone, yea, in ſuch a ſolitude muſt find ſomething very deſireable?

5. Is not this alſo teſtifyed in ſuch times, when men could not well diſſemble, or be ſuſpected of deceit, in times of great outward affliction, when the World alſo hath been moſt tempting, with its offers, yea, at death when they are ſtepping over that threshold; a time, wherein the words of dying men are of greateſt weight, and credit, the ſpirits of ſuch being then more unbyaſſed, and free of theſe ordinary temptations wherewith others are ſwayed. How oft have they at ſuch times declared that ſurely God is familiar with men, which they have found, and though they were going to change their place, yet were not to change their company.

6. Can that be a deluſion which is ſo ſenſible in the preſent time, whereof the Saints are not more ſure that they live then they are ſure of this truth, what near approaches, what refreshing viewes they have got while God hath come near to their ſoul, what a diſcernable elevation of their ſpirits doth go along with this? yea, on the other hand, as the withdrawing hereof is very ſenſible to themſelves, ſo is there not ſomething of this obvious to byſtanders, how great a change, and difference this will p. 140make in their caſe, from other times, which they cannot get hid?

7. Doth not ſomething of this truth appear on the very countenance, and outward carriage of Chriſtians, with what a luſtre, and reſemblance of Heaven a holy ſtayednes, and compoſure of ſpirit, when they have been brought neer God, in ſecret converſe with him, and taken up to that mountain; in a word, doth not the walk of a ſerious mortified Chriſtian convincingly witneſs this, yea, cannot but be ſome way aſtonishing to the World, what should make them look ſo well, and with ſuch ſatisfaction, when no viſible cauſe for it, when shut up in priſon from converſe vvith friends, and acquaintance? Sure men will not think any rational ſpirit ſo demented to quite their former pleaſures, and choſe the croſſe that they may only deceive the World, with a conterfeit joy and ſatisfaction, if they did not really find the ſame, and while it is too too evident, what a dreadful ſociety and commerce many have with the Devil, should any queſtion, or debate, whither the Saints have truely communion and fellowship with God the Father of Spirits, whom they ſerve, and worship.

FOVRTH. That the righteous is more excellent then his neighbour, Prov. 12: ver. 26. And hath an other ſpirit which is greater, and more choice, then that which is in the World, is a truth which, I am ſure, men notvvithſtanding all their prejudice muſt needs confeſſe, and that therein the Scripture is truely verifyed vvhen ſuch clear and convincing evidences, doe ſtare them in the face. I confeſſe the Saints are much under a dark cloud here, through the prevalency of corruption, yea, are oft accounted as the filth of the World, but when grace in any greater meaſure, & in its vigorous exerciſe doth shew it ſelfe, then there appeareth ſo much as will darken all the grandour of this earth, & force men to ſee an excellency upon the ſaints, beyond any others, they cannot altogether shun ſuch a conviction. Firſt, what an evident difference is betwixt their way, who walk with God, & that of the moſt polished moraliſt, ſomething is in p. 141the one which doth witnes a more excellent ſp…, a higher elevation, a ſweet harmony, and equability in their way, that they move in ſome higher ſphere, act from other principles, with a reſpect to ſome greater intereſt then any thing here, have more of a large heart to ſerve their generation, then theſe whoſe ſelf-intereſt is ſeen to be the firſt, and laſt in all their motions.

2. May it not alſo appear to onlookers that tender ſerious Chriſtians who live neer God, do truly witneſſe their reſemblance, & likeneſſe to him to whom they move, as to their great, and laſt end, yea, do evidence, a more true excellency of ſpirit, what a ſweet calm, and ſerenity they have within, while going through things that are moſt croſſe, and vexing; with what diſcernable quietnes theſe can look upon moſt affrighting revolutions in the world, as ſuch, whoſe treaſure, and great intereſt is beyond hazard, though the earth were all turned to ashes.

3. Is there not ſo much in the way, and carriage of the ſaints, yea, ſuch a majeſty, and authority, that attendeth holines, as doth force reſpect, and fear, even from theſe, who doe moſt hate them, yea, and doth force men to juſtify ſuch, in their conſcience, whom they openly reproach, and perſecut; whence is it that a ſerious tender Chriſtian, is oft a ſcarr crovv, & terrour to the prophane, vvhen there is no outvvard cauſe for it, but that they are ſtruck vvith the conviction of a more excellent ſpirit, in theſe, carrying ſuch a reſemblance to the image of God as ſorceth fear, and ſubjection from that ſpirit vvhichwhich is in the vvorld.

4. Doth not a Chriſtian, and holy vvalk cauſe men shine, as a light in the midſt of a crooked and perverſe generation, yea darken all their neighbours, and in the darkeſt night, is it not ſeen hovv grace shineth vvith the greateſt luſtre, vvhat a ſvveet, and odoriferous ſent, doth this even ſend through the country vvhere they live, that may shevv to all vvhat a difference there is, betvvixt ſuch, and theſe vvho are vvallovving in this puddle of the earth.

p. 1425. Is …ot obvious vvhat a luſtre and beauty, yea, ſomething more becoming our immortal ſoul that is ſeen in the ſelf-denial of Chriſtians, their bearing injuries, forgiving ſuch as injure them, vvithout reviling, then in that proud vindictive ſpirit vvhichwhich is in the vvorld, that ſure ſuch vvalke by a more excellent rule, and move from a higher principle.

6. It may be alſo evident to the vvorld vvhat an other ſpirit is in theſe, vvho do not bovv vvith the ſpeate of every time▪ nor yeeld to men becauſe of their outvvard povver, then in that ſpirit vvhichwhich is in the vvorld, that vvhile the one doth preſſe men to ſave themſelves on any tearms, the other doth cauſe the Chriſtian take up his croſſe, yea▪ lay down his life, to ſave his Conſcience; & whence is that patience, and reſolution by which the godly in times of ſuffering have overcome their perſecutors; their bold avovving of the truth before men, vvhen hazards are moſt obvious, and that advantage vvherevvith they appear above others in ſuch a time. O! doth it not clearly vvitnes, they are of an other mettal, vvho doe thus abide the fire, yea, become more bright by that vvherewith others are conſumed?

I would add that which the world cannot deny how this ſpirit which is in the Saints, hath prevailed over the greateſt entiſements of carnal gain, and pleaſure, which to many may ſeem a wonder, as the popish party did once ſay of Luther, Beſtia haet non cur at aurum, that which they did ſpeak in contempt, that it did prove him a beaſt, did in effect shew him therein▪ to be ſomething above men; for that is a thing before which the ſpirit of the world could never ſtand.

FIFTH. That the promiſed encouragement which is held forth to the People of God under trouble and ſuffering for his name is a truth, and the Scripture herein verifyed, I am ſure, not only Chriſtian experience, can witneſs, but may even to the obſervation of others, be demonſtrat from very convincing p. 143grounds, that it is no fancy or deluſion, … 9: ver. 9. Iſ. 51: ver. 12.

1. The very countenance and outward appearance of the godly, in a ſuffering time, doth oft declare the peace, and tranquillity of their ſoul, ſo as ſurely they muſt have joy, and ſatiſfaction from whence the world doth not know, & have ſome other correſpondence, then with things viſible, for it may be oft ſaid, as of Daniel, & his fellows that under greateſt preſſures, and a very mean condition they look as well, yea, with as much chearfulnes as theſe who live on the Kings allowance.

2. It can be no counterfeit, which should thus reconcile the chriſtian with a ſuffering lot, for it is known how very ſearching affliction and trouble proveth, which oft doth broach the veſſel, and bring forth what hath formerly moſt cloſely lurked: And O! doth not that holy confidence, and freedome which the ſaints have evidenced in confeſſing the truth, before the princes of this world and their moſt cruel adverſaries, yea, that chearfulnes which in moſt extream pieces of ſuffering they oft doe wittneſs, even when they are reſiſting to the blood, doth not this, ſpeak forth ſomething beyond the gallantry of a natural ſpirit, that far exceedeth the ordinary way of men, and is a thing the world cannot reach yet cannot but wonder, and whither they will, or not ſee Gods very immediat help, and hand in the ſame, according to his word?

3. Is it not ſeen how the cheerful way of the Godly under ſuffering, while there is no outward ground for the ſame, doth not only aſtoniſh, but is an exceeding torment to adverſaries? when they are forced to ſee, how all their endeavours (when their wrath and malice hath been to the outmoſt put forth) have yet been in vain, either to turn them aſide, or to ruine their encouragement▪ but that the moſt sharp ſnfferings of the Godly▪ doe ſtill give them the ſoreſt dash▪ help to ſtrengthen others, and juſtify Gods way, and that tender reſpect he hath to his ſuffering people, even before all onlookers.

p. 1444. Is i… …t alſo manifeſt, that ſuch whoſe natural diſpoſition was known to be very fainting and timorous, yet when called to ſuffer for the truth have without the leaſt appearance of diſcouragement, showed an invincible reſolution, and not only their own feares, but the exſpectation of others hath a marvellous diſappointment. O is there not there a viſible fulfilling of the Scripture, that shaking reeds should be made to ſtand, where ſtrongeſt cedars have bowed, yea, ſome of very mean, and ordinary parts have been ſo diſcernably raiſed above themſelves, as they were made to confound the wiſe, and learned.

5. Muſt it not be confeſſed that the zeal and reſolution of the ſaints did never more appear then in times of greateſt oppoſition? that at no time they have looked more like Chriſtians with more advantage, and with ſome peculiar beauty, and luſtre of the grace of God, then under ſuffering, a thing which as it eminently doth commend the goſpel, hath alſo ſo far convinced their enemyes, as in ſome meaſure it hath blunted their edge, and taken off their prejudice againſt the way of God, and followers thereof.

6. I may appeal the greateſt Atheiſts to their conſcience, if any moral arguments (what ever influence they may have upon mens patient enduring) could ever produce ſuch effects as rejoycing in triumph over chooling affliction before ſin, and all its pleaſures, to triumph over perſecutors, and to go with ſuch a calme, and chearfulnes to a ſcaffold, to ſing amidſt a dark priſon, yea, and to abound, and have all things under greateſt wants? O! whence is this? ſure ſomething above nature muſt be here, that is ſtronger then moral reaſons, by which the Saints have thus overcome the world, yea, is it not obvious to all who look on, how great a difference there is betwixt the pretended reſolution of a natural ſpirit in death and ſuffering, and that joy, and confidence of a Chriſtian, which hath then shewed in the compoſure and tranquillity of their ſoul within? The one being but a dark shadow, and the other drawn to the life.

p. 145SIXTH. That there is a conſcience within men, whoſe power both as a judge, and witnes doth anſwer that clear diſcovery, the Scripture giveth thereof, Rom, 2: ver. 15. Ioh. 8: ver. 9. is a thing obvious even to the world which they muſt needs confeſſe both from its viſible effects on others, and the working thereof within themſelves; that herein the Word is verifyed theſe things make it clear, and undenyable.

1. That ſure there is ſomething within which thus maketh men affrayed to be alone with themſelves, yea, will cauſe them go abroad, and frame diverſions to be out of its noiſe, muſt it not be ſad earneſt, which hath ſo dreadful a ſound in their ear, doth haunt the wicked man whither he will, or not? Wherewith he would gladly be at peace, but amidſt his greateſt mirth, and proſperity, this doth mingle his wine with gall, and wormwood.

2. Is it not alſo ſure that men have oft an accuſer within their breaſt, while they ſeem to brave it out before orhers, whoſe judgment, and ſentence they can by no meanes decline, but after the committing of ſin, yea, on the back of their ſinful pleaſures doth follow the ſame with a bitter ſting, and ring this dreadful knell in their ear, that in the end their way will be bitterneſs. O! is not this an accuſing conſcience, which doth begin the torment of ſome before the time?

3. What is it that should make mens guilt ſo legible oft in their countenance, even when they ſtudle moſt to conceale it, and thus cauſe them give their tongue the lye, yea, bewray to byſtanders whither they will, or not ſome ſecret trouble, and ſore they have whithin, doth it not clearly shew the power of the conſcience, which hath ſuch authority on men, that without violence, or conſtraint from others, doth even force them to confeſſe the truth, and ſupply the room of witneſſes?

4. Whence is it ſome are ſo much diſquieted for ſecret ſins, which the eyes of others could not reach, yea tha… p. 146ſome groſſe ſins even the moſt profligat amongſt men have an horrour at them without reſpect to outward hazard, doth it not shew the power of a natural conſcience, that holdeth forth a greater party then the world with which they have to do, to whom all things are manifeſt, and ſome greater witneſs then that of man?

5. How is it that even greateſt men whom the world could not reach, and in the midſt of all probable advantages have yet often moſt affrighting thoughts, much terrour, and diſquieting reflexions? muſt it not be from within which doth cauſe them fear an other power then that of the world, and a judgement greater then of men?

6. What muſt it be which doth force men to juſtify God when his hand doth purſue them, and maketh them ſo eaſily find out ſin in a time of their ſtrait? why is the ſenſe of guilt, ſo every affrighting at death, is it not the conſcience which doth preſage a future judgement, and extend its power to matters of an everlaſting concernment, and duration?

7. What should make men tremble at the word and ſo much hate a ſearching miniſtery, is it not becauſe the Light doth torment them, though the word doth particularly name none, but that there is ſomething within, which maketh application of the truth, and doth plainly ſay, thou art the man?

8. How doe the worſt of men oft juſtify theſe in ſecret, whom they openly have condemned, that while they are even perſecuting the ſaints for truth and holines, yet, for theſe they give them, and their way a favorable teſtimony, over the belly of all their prejudices, yea what is it that doth cauſe a ſecret fear, and awful regard, of ſuch whom they hate, doth it not shew ſomething within, whoſe judgement they are not able to reſiſt?

9. I muſt furder ask vvhence is that horrour, and theſe dreadful cryes, and groans vvhichwhich vvicked men oft have in their ſickneſs, even ſuch vvho vvere vvont to ſport at ſin, vvith a daring countenance? can the vvorld get this paſt vvithout ſome remark, hovv intollerable a thing an evil conſcience is, vvhen once let looſe, vvhen in all ages p. 147ſuch terrifying examples of this kinde have been ſet up for all that paſt by to look on, ſuch as Spira, Latomus, Olivarius, &c and truly, I think it is a great want there should not be a more particular record of ſuch, vvhichwhich vvould give Atheiſme ſo great a dash, yea, force men to confeſſe the truth of a Deity, and of the vvritten vvord.

SEVENTH That there is a reward for the righteous and unqueſtionable gain in Godlines, in a piece of the Scripture, not only well known, and witneſſed to the obſerving Chriſtian, in his experience, but is alſo held forth in every age, as in great letters to the view of the world Ps. 58: ver 11. Ps. 97: ver 11. Iſ…. 3: ver 10. It is true that the Chriſtians lot is oft followed with much trouble, and ſometimes with loſ of his life, which may ſeem to have a very diſmal aſpect: for that great goodnes which the man who feareth God hath enſured to him, is much laid up in another world; but it is alſo ſure that there are ſuch notour convincing proofes of this truth held forth even to the obſervation of men, by which the Lord hath, in every age, confirmed the ſame, that I am ſure the greateſt Atheiſt cannot anſvver even theſe things.

1. That this is the very dictate of a natural conſcience not only that God is, bnt that he is a revvarde… of ſuch as ſerve him, yea, none amongſt men are ſo groſſe, or bruttish, which are not in ſome meaſure principled to difference betwixt good, and evill, with ſome fear of a punishment to the one, and ſome hope of recompence to the other, and are alſo forced to notice ſome more ſignal and convincing examples, vvhichwhich have been of that kinde in their time.

2. Muſt we not ſay, yea, doth not the World …ee, in every age, that hiſtory of Joſeph in ſome part acted over again? Sure there have not been wanting many ſuch remarkable inſtances, wherein it might be eaſy to trace an upright, and ſtraight vvalk, through a very maze and la…in…h of changes, and to shovv hovv that hath been p. 148their condition, and at laſt integrity hath brought them to land in to a comfortable harbour, yea how often they have had a marvellous, unlooked for outgate, contrary to all humane appearance, this indeed is no Romance, but a moſt true hiſtory which through all times, and many examples, might be written of the Word and providence, which should ſurpaſſe, the richeſt fancy that any fiction, or romance did ever contain.

3. Muſt it not be convincing, even to the worſt of men, what a viſible bleſſing doth oft follow the mean lot of ſome of the Saints, vvhichwhich can make their little reach far, and cauſe them abound more in their poverty then others amidſt their aboundance; vvhichwhich I think the vvorld, cannot shun to obſerve and gather that there is, ſure, ſomething elſe then mens ovvn care, vvhichwhich doth their buſines; and hovv that ordinary proverbe falleth not to the ground, that it is better to be happy then vviſe, vvhen they ſee a ſecret judgment blovv upon ſome mens eſtate that no meanes can prevent, and a ſecret bleſſing vvhichwhich maketh things proſper, and take effect, and doth accompany the Chriſtians little, ſo as it may be eaſy for ſuch vvho looke abroad to ſee where real contentement vvith chearfulnes, and giving of thanks, uſeth to dwel.

4. May not the vvorld, ſe… there is a feaſt in a good conſcience how litle ſoever they …artake of the World, that vvell doing, and the practiſe of godlineſs hath ſome preſent revvard in its hand; vvhereas ſo remakable a difference, may be diſcerned betvvixt the countenance, and carriage of ſuch, and of them vvho truſt in falſehood, that ſurely in a time of ſtrait, theſe have another kinde of ſecurity, and confidence, when greateſt natural ſpirits fail, yea, that theſe alone, can enjoy themſelves, have the moſt calm and compoſed ſpirits, amidſt the ſeveral changes of their life, that according to outward things, their peace doth not ebb, nor flow, but they are at a ſeen advantage above others in the day, when men are ſore outwitted with their ſtraites, ſo as it will be moſt eaſy then, to ſee the good and advantage of religion, when the vanity of other advantages, is moſt diſcernable.

p. 1495. Is it not alſo ſeen that true honour doth truely vvait on humility, & follovveth ſuch, but it fleeth from them who doe moſt perſue it, yea, that faithfulnes and an upright vvalk vvill gain credit even amongſt her enemyes, and reſpect before the World.

6. That theſe vvho are faithful in their litle, and diligent improvers of a ſmall talent, have uſually more added, vvith ſome diſcernable grouth, follovving the ſame, and as the drying up of the parts of ſome, as a judgement on unfaithfulnes, is oft obvious, ſo alſo ſuch a bleſſing upon ſerious diligence, as hath made the laſt firſt, and even outrun ſuch vvho vvere once before them; yea, it is truely ſeen hovv grace helpeth mens gifts, doth raiſe, and ſublimat their ſpirits, above that vvhichwhich once they vvere.

7. Doth not the Lord put ſome viſible difference oft, betvvixt the righteous, and the vvicked in a time of comon calamity… that a ſtrange outgate vvith the concurrence of very marvellous providences, doth ſometime tryſt ſuch even to the convictions of onlookers vvhichwhich may tell the World, ſuch have had an inviſible hedge of preſervation about them, and have been under ſome better care, then their ovvn.

8. What a clear vvitneſs doe ungodly men oft bear to this truth, at their death, or at ſome other ſtrait, ſo that their conſcience hath forced them to juſtify the godly mens choice, and to ſay that the lot of ſuch is onelyonly moſt deſireable, yea, vvith much bitternes to lament their folly that made not religion more their buſineſs, the good and advantage vvhereof, is novv no matter of debate; ſure the World vvill confeſſe hovv oft the confeſſion, and teſtimony of ſuch men, to this truth, hath reached their ear.

9. I shall but adde, that vvhichwhich is ſo very manifeſt, hovv faithfulnes, and integrity doth tranſmit mens name vvith more honour, yea, maketh it have a ſvveeter ſavour in their generations, then either riches, or outvvard preferment; yea, that there is a great difference betvvixt the p. 150memoriall of the righteous, and the wicked even to the conviction of the world.

EIGHT. That verily there is a God who judgeth in the earth, Pſ. 58: ver. 11. who doth render unto men vengeance, and doth purſue the tranſgreſſour becauſe of ſin, is a truth which the world hath in every age by many convincing inſtances held forth to them where they may ſee the Scripture clearly verifyed.

I have a litle touched this in the ſecond Argument how the accomplishing of Scripture threatnings is witneſſed to the obſervation of the Church, and to theſe who are wiſe to diſcern the times wherein they live; I shall here point at this truth as it is in the providence of God, written in ſuch great letters as are obvious to the view of the World, ſo as moſt common onlookers cannot paſſe this without a remark; it is true much may be laid over to that great general a…fize of the laſt judgement, that day of retribution; yea, ſometimes we ſee the moſt wicked and vile, go in peace to the grave, the ſoveraignity of God, doth alſo appear very obſervably, in the different meaſure, and kind of punishment, and it is too evident how prone men are to look more to the intereſt that ſecond cauſes have, in ſuch a thing, then to a divine hand, but this is alſo ſure that the Lord is known on the earth, by the judgement which he executeth, and in every age doth ſet up ſuch convincing examples before men, that the greateſt Atheiſt may ſee, yea, oft their conſcience muſt break the jayle, reſtrain it as they will, and force this acknowledgement, that ſuch judgements, can be no caſual thing; while ſomething of a power higher then man, and a clear verifying of the word is ſo diſcernable therein.

Now to demonſtrat this truth I would offer ſomethings which may shew how very near this cometh to the obſervation of men, ſo as none can be a ſtranger thereto, or want conviction of this piece of the truth of God, except they willingly shut their eyes, while it is clear.

p. 1511. That the very Heathens who never knew the Scripture, nor a written Law, have … ſo much of a natural conſcience that not only they can put ſome difference between vertue, and vice, but even in ſome meaſure can diſcern Gods putting ſome difference betwixt the ſame; how flagitious crimes uſe to be punished by a divine hand, we may ſay, time could never yet wear out the obſervation of this truth, through the World, and though many things may be received, and credited, which not having a ſure ground do quickly evanish, it being truths priviledge, ſtill to outlive falſehood, yet, it is ſure, how in the darkeſt parts of the earth, this hath been ſtill noticed with a remark, and tranſmitted from one age, to another, yea, the records of the nations even by heathen writers, shew what remarkable punishment, hath followed cruel oppreſſion, Covenant-breaking, and bloodshed, and ſuch other groſſe ſins againſt the ſecond table, yea, how theſe have been the uſual forerunners of great ſtrokes on Kingdomes and familyes.

2 Doth not the World ſee, that in theſe remarkable judgements which have come on a nation, and People, there is ſomething higher then inſtruments, or ſecond cauſes, which may be very evident in bringing the ſame about, ſo that all who goe by, muſt confeſſe, ſuch is no caſual tryſt, nor doth ariſe out of the duſt, but that ſurely a divine hand is there, and truely though ſome deſolating ſtrokes, are very terrible in themſelves, and blood, and ruines should be no matter of pleaſure, yet, whereas thereby that ſtately ſound is heard, even his voice who maketh the earth to tremble, and God is made known to the ſons of men, we should not only with fear, but even ſome holy congratulation, conſider his work; now to clear what a convincing witneſs theſe are to this truth, I shall point at ſome very obvious remarkes, which I am ſure the World cannot contradict of the Lords own immediat hand in ſuch judgements. 1. That ſtrange concurrence and tryſt of providence which uſeth to appear when God is againſt a People, how all things will then conſpire, as in p. 152a fatal conjunction to …k the woe, and ruine, that men may ſee, ſurely this … …rom the Lord, who is wonderful in counſel, from a hand againſt which there is no ſtriving. 2. How ſuch remarkable ſtrokes are ſeen to tryſt with ſome great, and remarkable height of ſin in ſuch a nation, and People, ſo that it is eaſy then for all onlookers to confeſſe the righteouſnes of God therein. 3. That vvhen judgement is coming on a land it may be ſeen hovv inſtruments are raiſed, and in a more then ordinary vvay acted vvith all advantages for ſuch a piece of ſervice. 4. A viſible blaſting then both of counſel, and ſtrength, and theſe meanes vvhichwhich othervvayes looked moſt probable, hovv remarkably ſuch are confounded even in the uſe of their ordinary abilities their heart and uſual courage taken from them vvhile the Lord is on a vvork of judgement. 5. That aſtonishing ſucceſſe vvhichwhich is uſually ſeen to follovv theſe vvhom the Lord ſendeth forth to execut his judgement, hovv then they move ſvviftly, and vvith vigour, they doe not ſtumble, or vveary, it is neither rivers, nor walled cities can ſtand in their way; mountaines are made vallies to shew it is the Lord whoſe hand in that day is ſtrong upon them, to ſtrengthen their loines, and make the ſword, and axe sharp for his ſervice. 6. Amidſt theſe various ſtrokes which come on a land, can men paſſe that of the Peſtilence without ſome ſpecial note, where Gods immediat hand, ſomething ſupernatural above ordinary, or natural cauſes may be clearly ſeen, both in its ſtrange progreſſe in ſpreading, which like a lightning doth oft go throvv cities and countryes in a ſmall time; do not theſe tell aloud to the World that they come not unſent, and vvithout ſome ſpecial commiſſion; and that there is no ſtryving againſt them, nor are ordinary meanes effectual in ſome ſuch extraordinary plagues until he vvho brought it on, do alſo by his ovvn hand take it off.

3. It is very obvious even to the world that clear reſemblance which is oft betwixt ſin, and the ſtroke, how holy juſtice doth keep a proportion, and doth shape out the judgement ſo exactly both in meaſure, and kind, that p. 153it may be eaſy to ſee, the ſtroke pointing, as with an hand to the cauſe, by its diſcernable likenes, and both at the righteous judgement of God which thus meaſureth out to men, as they have dealt with others: we ſee how the Lord tryſted Agag, and Adonibezek, how Sodoms burning luſt was punisht with fire from heaven, yea what even David had meaſured out for his murther, and adultery; the ſvvord shall not depart from his houſe, and for the other his wives by his own ſon abuſed, and truely every ages obſervation can witneſs this truth from many convincing examples, that there is a God who judgeth in the earth, it being oft ſeen if men would ſeriously obſerve. 1. How an univerſal overſpreading of ſin in a land, hath uſually ſome national, and univerſal ſtroke following.

2. That blood waiteth on bloody men, and ſuffereth them not oft to live out half their dayes; one oppreſſour punished by another, the unmerciful man, payed home in his own coyn, by ſuch as shall shew as little mercy to him, or his. 3. How the proud, and inſolent who do moſt hunt after outward glory, are uſually tryſted vvith ſome humbling abaſing ſtroke, he povvreth contempt on princes, and ſuch vvho vvill not honour God, shall not brook that honour they ſeek from man. 4. That ſuch vvho have been moſt given vp to uncleannes are oft ſeen not to encreaſe as to their poſterity, but their iſſue obſerveably made to faile, yea, by a divine hand rooted out, ſure many ſuch ſignal examples might be inſtanced. 5. How ſuch who have chooſed ſin to shun trouble, and ſuffering, have in their ſinful way got as large a meaſure thereof, as that man who in Queen Maryes time ſaid, he could not burn for the truth, and therefore forſook it, by an unſeen hand had both himſelfe, and his houſe in one night burnt. 6. That the treacherous, and deceitful men are thus dealt with by others, yea, children who have been unduetiful to their parents, have from theirs met with the ſame recompence. 7. That whileſt men to make a purchaſe have even denyed themſelves the neceſſary uſe of outward things, are oft ſeen to leave their eſtate to ſuch, who do p. 154quickly waſt and ſcatter the ſame, and thus the ſinful parſimony of parents punished with the prodigality of ſuch who ſucceed them. 8. That the frequent uſe of ſome dreadful imprecations are oft punished by the Lord with a ſutable ſtroke to the conviction both of themſelves, and onlookers, 9. How ſuch as have joyned together, and united themſelves againſt the truth have been viſibly broken as to their own privat intereſt, and truely we muſt ſay there is oft ſuch a tryſt of very convincing circumſtances, in ſome acts of the judgement of God, with ſuch a reſemblance to the ſin, yea, judgement ſometime purſueing men in the very place, where the ſin hath been acted that it may be eaſy for all who go by to ſay, there is indeed a God who judgeth in the earth.

4. Doth it not appear, how very convincing and obvious this truth is even to the world, from theſe ordinary remarkes, and proverbial ſayings which we find in all ages, and in every part of the earth, even the moſt rude, and ignorant have had, of the judgement of God; for truely what elſe are theſe but an expreſſe witnes, how univerſally this truth is known, and received by men, how much the world is convinced thereof, through a long tract of obſervation from the fathers to the children, yea, thence they have had a divinity of their own, drawn out thereof, how ſuch ſins do not uſe to paſſe without ſome notour punishment. Now I would but name ſome few of theſe remarkes, that have been moſt uſual in all times. 1. How ſome familyes have not thriven, but a ſecret judgement hath been diſcernable thereon ſince, they had hand in ſome groſſe acts of wickedneſſe; ſuch as bloodshed, their former proſperity from ſuch a day viſibly declining. 2. How that an evil purchaſe uſeth not to be of long continuance, but their eſtate oft in a very ſtrange, and unſenſible way made to evanish, which their children though frugal can by no meanes keep up, and the cauſe hereof, men doe eaſily point at, it was purchaſed by fraud tranſmitted with a curſe cleaving thereto, and ſo there was no warding of the judgement of God. 3. Such who doe not much conſider p. 155Gods contraverſy, yet are oft forced to remark that ſince ſome have medled, or matched with ſuch an houſe, they have ſadly ſmarted thereby, ſomething of a curſe even following the race, and poſterity of ſome. 4. How ſacrilegious medling with that which hath been for a pious, and publick uſe hath cauſed a viſible waſt and conſumption in their own eſtate. 5. That mens asking counſel from the Devil, and turning to that airth for their help, doth uſually reſolve in a ſad, and tragick cloſe, and truly this many in the shutting up of their life have been forced to confeſſe. 6. That falshood doth not uſe to keep its feet, nor a wicked way long proſper, what ever it ſeeme to the firſt view, yea, I may adde as one of the Worlds remarks which they cannot well shun, that which ſeemeth was an ordinary ſaying in the time of Eſter, that it is not ſafe troubling the Church, or for men to ſtate themſelves in oppoſition to that party, and I dare not queſtion, but this shall be yet as convincing, and obvious to the World as it hath been in any former ages.

5. Is not the appearance of a divine hand oft very obvious to the World in the diſcovery of ſin, and bringing to light ſome groſſe acts of wickednes, even in extraordinary way, while it is ſeen. 1. By what ſtrange unexpected meanes, theſe have been brought forth, ſuch an aſtonishing tryſt, and concurrence of things therein as hath forced not only onlookers, to ſome ſpecial remark, but hath even ſtruck the guilty party through the heart with wonder, and conviction of the ſame. 2. How the hand of Juſtice perſuing men for ſome notour, and known crime, doth oft bring to light ſome that have been moſt ſecret, which they thought the World could never reach, yea, it may be frequently ſeen while men have been in one ſin found out, it hath alſo brought forth the diſcovery of ſome other, and forced them to confeſſe, that is was a righteous judgement perſuing them for the ſame. It is a thing alſo known, yea, by many undenyable inſtances witneſſed that marvellous diſcovery of concealed murther, by the bleeding of the body upon the touch of the murtherer. p. 156I confeſſe it should be hard to aſſert the lawful, and warrantable practice of ſuch an appeal to ſo extraordinary, and ſtupendious a ſign from the Lord, where the Scripture goeth not clearly before us, but on the other hand, ſuch a thing ſo ſurely tryed for ſuch an end, and in the caſe where all ordinary meanes of diſcovery have been wanting, I think calleth us to a ſerious remark thereof, while it ſo viſiby ſeemeth to witneſs his hand, who doth make inquifition for blood.

6. Is not the dreadful conſternation, theſe tormenting feares which men after ſome groſſe acts of wickedneſſe do bewray, a very obvious witneſs to this truth, that there is a God who judgeth on the earth, in whoſe hands it is a terrible thing to fall, and sheweth how great a punishment wickednes is to its ſelfe, truely if Atheiſts turn not brutish, and ſtupid, they muſt notice this, and confeſſe a thing which doth ſo oft reach their eares, what have been the horrid cryes of many dying men who have moſt ſported with ſin in their life; that may tell byſtanders there is a judge who can ſtretch forth his hand on the ſoul, and conſcience, whereto no rack, or outward torments is any way comparable.

7. I would furder adde theſe extraordinary ſigns, and prodigies which do uſually go before ſome ſtroke and judgement on a land, do they not clearly point at a divine hand in the ſame? For as theſe are a ſolemn forewarning from Heaven to give men an alarum, before remakable changes the truth whereof the World cannot deny, ſo we muſt ſay they are a convincing teſtimony, that theſe judgements are no caſual things, which the Atheiſt cannot anſwer, it being ſo clear. 1. That ſuch ſignes, and prodigies, have been in every age viſible to the World, experience, and the graveſt hiſtories both of auncient, and later times, do fully witnes. 2. That ſuch things should alſo be previous to great revolutions in the World, we know the Scripture is moſt expreſſe, Ioel 2: ver. 30. Luk. 21: ver. 11. And as we should guard againſt any ſinperſtitious reſpect, we would alſo bevvare of ſtupid Atheiſtical p. 157inadvertency at theſe ſtrange works of the Lord, which call both for fear, and obſervation. 3. That ſuch have been uſually previous to great calamities, and judgements on a People, is a thing that all ages muſt witneſs, even theſe, who have been moſt cautious, and diſcerning in their time, who could not shun this as a remark, Herodotus doth ſet that down as a think moſt ſure, in his ſixth Boek, Cum Deus puniturus est gentem, & urbem, prodigiis id ſolet …ignificare, and Lucan could tell, what went before the Romans civill wares,—Superique minaces Prodigiis terras implerunt, yea, it can hardly be inſtanced any great change, or revolution in the earth, which hath not had ſome ſuch extraordinary Herald going before. 4. Can the World deny how ſometimes theſe prodigious ſignes have been shaped out to point at the very nature of the ſtroke then imminent, by a ſtrange reſemblance, to the ſame, ſuch as a flaming ſword in the air, the appearance of armyes fighting even ſometimes upon the earth, to the view of many, moſt ſober, and judicious onlookers, alſo showers of blood, the noiſe of Drummes, and ſuch like, which are known uſually to go before warr, and commotions.

NINTH That there are evil ſpirits, Eph. 6: 12. Rev. 20: ver. 2, 3. and a Diabolical power ſuch as the Scripture hath held forth whoſe conſtant work is the ruin, and undoing of man, is a truth not only witneſſed, from that experience Chriſtians have of their aſſaults, but is undenyable by the world, and greateſt Athieſts, except they deny the diſcovery of ſenſe as well as reaſon.

I confeſſe it may cauſe fear, and aſtonishment to think on this, that ſpirits ſo knowing, and once originally excellent, have fallen thus into ſuch an height of indignation, againſt infinit goodneſſe, that it is now their only aim, and pleaſure to dishonor God, and deſtroy his image in man. It should indeed cauſe us fear him that ſpared not the Angels who ſinned. But the truth it ſelfe is ſure, that ſuch a party is at this day, encompaſſing the earth, p. 158and trafficking up, and down there, to prove which by arguments were to light a candle to let men ſee that it is day, while it is known, what ordinary familiar converſe many have therewith, and alace too eaſy to diſcern that power which the prince of this world hath upon the children of diſobedience, how obvious are the marks of his conqueſt almoſt every where? Thouſands lying in his chaines, how far do we ſee many transformed even to the very image of the Devil, which in theſe deſperat prodigious acts of wickednes that are oft in the world may appear, ſuch whereat we should think humane nature, though corrupt could not but tremble, yea, look on with horrour, how many in all ages have even been in an expreſſe covenant with them, and is not there a great part of the earth where the Devil is viſibly, and audibly known where he hath a kind of neighbourhood with men? But there being no need for ſuch a demonſtra…ion, I onelyonly here aim to hold forth what a concerning truth this is, and of great conſequence if ſeriouſly conſidered, yea, how both the Scripture, and Chriſtian Religion, is hereby evidently confirmed ſince theſe things muſt neceſſarly follow.

1. That in this the Scripture is truely fulfilled which doth witnes what theſe Spirits are, adverſaries to man, in their nature, and inclination deſperatly evill, whoſe actings in the earth, have a viſible tendency to mens hurt, and ruin, yea, their pretended favours, alwayes directed to that end, whence we ſee, ſuch a natural inbred horrour which is in man againſt them.

2. That it is no common thing which they ſo much purſue, ſomething more pretious then the body for which ſo great, and cruel an adverſary is in continuall labour, for their actings have no ſuch tendency to ruin mens eſtate in the World; no, it is moſt evident this is the ſoul the immortal ſoul, to undoe them in that great intereſt, wich is the mark wherea… they level, that poor man might be p. 159sharer of that miſery under which they are concluded.

3. Is it not an undenyable conſequence of this truth that there muſt be an inviſible World that hath inhabitants of another kinde then ſuch as are here, that ſure there is ſome being above man, yea a real correſpondence betwixt men, and Spirits, and should not man thus placed in a middle eſtate betwixt the Angels and the beaſts here below partaking in his body with the one, but in his reaſonable ſoul with the other thence raiſe himſelfe to thoughts of ſome more excellent condition for which he is framed, then a ſenſual life, and that ſurely the ſoul hath an intereſt in an other world, which he should moſt look after?

4. Muſt not this alſo be ſure that there is an inviſible guard, and theſe deſperat Spirits are under reſtraint by a power ſtronger then they which can bound their malice, for, this may be certain that theſe who have ſo great enmity to man, are ſo near, and have ſuch advantages over us, could not keep at ſuch a diſtance, but that they are keept in chaines by a higher power.

5. How is it that now by the Goſpel and within this precinct of the Church, Sathans power is ſo much reſtrained in reſpect of former times while it is known what a familiar converſe they had with men, did even haunt their houſes and were ſo publick in their appearance under ſuch names of Fairies, and Brounies which ſince the breaking up of the light of the Goſpel hath not been, yea hath not the Devil to this day an open throne and dominion in theſe parts of the earth where Chriſt is not worshiped, it is alſo known, how the oracles of old did ceaſe, and that publick worship which the world for many ages had given them, with the very time of Chriſts apearance, and breaking up of the Goſpel theſe night beaſts getting to their dennes, when once the day was broke up. Plutarch, and other heathen writers are a witnes to this.

6. Whence is it that within the Church where Sathan is moſt reſtrained, yet there he doth more ſtur then in all the world beſids? Doth it not shew that that is the party p. 160with which he is at war, hence doth he more rage, the more clear the light shineth, yea, is there not ſeen ſomething, beſids mens natural enemity at the truth, even a fury, and violence wherewith ſome are viſibly driven in their actings with ſuch an unſatiable cruelry againſt the followers of Chriſt, without the leaſt shadow of provocation as holds forth a vive reſemblance of the Devil, and ſome violent preſſure, and incitement from that airth.

7. Is it not ſure that there is ſuch a party, by this, that he is an adverſary to God, and holines, for which he doth ſo impetuouſly tempt, and preſſe men to the outward acts of ſin, yea, that there is a Spirit of blaſphemy which ſo viſibly rageth in the world, and acts men to war againſt Heaven with their tongues by curſing, and blaſphemous oathes which hath no carnal pleaſure or gain, but yet, cannot forbear, from a violent incitement which may be ſeen ſwaying them to the ſame.

8. Whence is it which is ſo very known and notour that theſe horrid wretches who give themſelves to the Divill cannot enter in any formal engadgement without renouncing Chriſt, and their baptiſme, doth it not shew that direct oppoſition he ſtands in to Chriſt, yea to the very name and shadow of Chriſtianity?

9. Whence is it that even the groſſeſt Atheiſts upon any appearance of the Devil, or apprehenſion from that airth will not then make ſcorn of prayer, but turns in earneſt to that, which at other times they mocked. O doth it not shew mens Atheiſm is their choice, but not their judgement, that not onelyonly there is a dreadful horrour, and fear which by nature men have of theſe evil Spirits, but ſome inbred ſenſe alſo, and impreſſion of a Deity, which doth bewray it ſelfe whither they will, or not, in a preſſing ſtrait, and extremity.

TENTH. That there is ſuch an enmity betwixt the ſeed of the woman, and the Serpent as the Scripture hath held forth is very manifeſt, a truth wherein the world may ſee the Scripture clearly verifyed. Gal. 4: ver. 29.

p. 161It is truely ſtrange that this putteth not men to more ſerious thoughts, to purſue ſuch a thing to its true riſe, what should cauſe ſuch a violent, and unreaſonable contrariety againſt the way, and followers of God; for here upon grave reflections they muſt needs ſee what a convincing witnes their way is to the truth of the Scripture, which might put them in ſome other humor, yea, help to turn this poiſon into an antidot againſt it ſelfe, but, this is ſure, and undenyable, the diſcovery where of cannot but ſtair the greateſt Atheiſt in the face, from theſe convincing evidences.

1. That it is ſeen no privat quarrel which ever was among men hath been with ſuch vigour, and malice perſued, as this upon the account of religion, which hath ſtill put the World more in a flame, then any privat intereſt, yea, it is very manifeſt how men are carried with the ſpaite of their own natural inclination, to oppoſe the Church, and People of God.

2. That this feed, and enmity could never be taken up through all the ſucceſſions of time, a ſtrife which is not late begun, or to be ſeen only in one age, betwixt the children of the bond woman, and of the free, no, the moſt ſage, and wiſe amongſt men the greateſt Peace-makers, could yet never fall on a way to reconcile theſe two parties, but, the children have ſtill ſerved themſelves heirs to the quarrell, and hatred of their fathers againſt the Church.

3. Is it not ſeen that theſe who are more civil, and can hold a little up with the form of religion, yet, will break forth in greateſt rage againſt the power thereof when once it begins to appear? it is indeed here, that imbred contrariety which is in men againſt holines, doth bewray it ſelfe, even, in theſe who are other wayes noted for a calm, and peaceable diſpoſition, while once they begin to be ſcorcht with its heat.

4. What a ſtrong natural antipathy is this which cauſeth men pnrſue with ſo much bitternes theſe from whom they p. 162never had any perſonal injury? ſure their conſcience muſt oft tell that they have no reaſon, or any other provocation then what is from the appearance of the image of God in ſuch, but this is their nature, and indiſpoſition, an enmity which they can no more help, then they can change their nature, or the Leopard can change its ſpots.

5. From what a ſtrong inclination, and inward principle doth the World thus act in its oppoſition to the Church and followers of God? whileſt it is clear, that though theſe were never ſo quiet and peaceable, yet their enemyes are ſtill reſtleſſe, and cannot ſleep beſide them.

6. It is ſeen how this doth ſeparat betwixt neareſt friends, and relations, and alienat ſuch who have ſometimes been moſt dear to other, no bond in nature ſo ſtrait which it will not break, it doth oft ſet the husband againſt the wife and the parents againſt the children, yea, when religion once breaks up in a corner of a land, or a family, doth it not then make a viſible jarr, and put all in a flame?

7. It is clear that when once grace appeareth in men they are as a ſign, and wonder to a profane generation, the World doth then ſenſibly change her countenance, and looketh like a ſtep-mother, while on the other hand it is clear that profeſſours turning looſe, and running to that exceſſe of riot with others, will cauſe their old adverſaries warm towards them, and alace, proveth the ſureſt way to gain mens frienship while the World thinks, they are their own, when once they turn profane.

ELEVENTH. That the Creature is made ſubject to vanity becauſe of ſin, which not only the wiſeſt of men, but the Spirit of God, doth witnes that things here beneath the ſun, are indeed vanity, and vexation of ſpirit, Rom. 8: vor. 20. Eccleſ. 2: ver. 11. is a piece of the Scripture in ſuch great letters written forth to the view of men, that none can be ſtrangers thereto.

p. 163It is true the cauſe, and ſolid remedy of this ſo general a complaint, is only reached by the Godly man, who knoweth how to read the vanity of the creature, as a piece of the fulfilling of the word, and doth ſeriouſly conſider things as they are & not as they appear, but it is alſo ſure, that in every age through the various changes of mans life this is ſo cleirly witneſſed, that the moſt groſſe, and brutish, cannot shift the conviction thereof, but in one of theſe two times have been forced to a publick acknowledging of the ſame, at death, when they are leaving the World, or in a day of ſtrait when the World is leaving them, now to demonſtrat this I shall here but offer theſe few queries.

1. Have not the greateſt inſtances of the glory of the World, been uſually the greateſt examples of its vanity, and change? how few hath ambition raiſed, but it hath alſo ruined, yea, given the ſoreſt fall to theſe it had lifted moſt high? What ſudden changes do attend great men, and high places, which theſe who ſit l… do eſcape, ſure if the tragedies of Princes, and ſuch who in their condition have been raiſed above others were put by themſelves in record it should make a great volumn, and shew how their glory, and proſperous eſtate did only make their fall the more obſervable.

2. Is it not obvious what a fraile dying diſpoſition is in all worldly things? that even the greateſt Kingdoms, and politick bodyes, to maintain which neither policy, nor ſtrength was wanting, yet like the natural bodyes of men had their inevitable periods, their youth, and flowrishing times, their declining, and old age, and at laſt even brought to their grave, hath not the glory of greateſt Empires, and Monarchies ſunk in the duſt? yea, ſcarce▪ heap of ſtones left this day to tell us where once famous cities have ſtood, Nunc Seges est ubi Troja fui…, the ruines whereof, and ſuch excellent pieces of the World doth cleirly shew that certain diſſolution of the whole fabrick at laſt.

p. 1643. What a ſmall diſtance we may ſee betwixt extremityes in outward things, even greateſt plenty, and poverty, the higheſt place, and a low condition, ſo that the morning hath ſeen ſome happy, and flowrishing in the World whom the evening hath ſeen miſerable, and in a moſt short time, ſuch who have been objects of envy, and admiration, made the object of mens contempt, and pity, yea, hath ſo ſuddenly diſappeared, hath ſunk into ſo little bounds, that men have been put narrowly to conſider them, and with admiration ask, are theſe they who were once a terrour in the land of the living, and their place hath not been found who a few dayes before ſeemed to place themſelves alone in the midſt of the earth?

4. What elſe is it but the very preſent moment of time that maketh ſuch a difference betwixt the rich and poor, ſince as to what is paſt, and the bygon time mens happines, and miſery may be reckoned as though it had never been, Nam quicquid retro est mors tenet, and who but a fool would boaſt of that which is to come, a thing ſo uncertain? this onelyonly is ſure that a f… dayes will make all conditions equal, when the bones of the rich, and the duſt of greateſt Princes will not be diſcernable from theſe of the poor man.

5. Is there any thing ſo pleaſant which hath not a worm at the root thereof, a moth which naturally breeds in the moſt ſatisfying enjoyments that quickly eats out the heart thereof, and blaſts their hope before the harveſt? how oft is greateſt longing in the purſuit of things turned to loathing, and wearines when obtained, becauſe it is not the nature of the thing ſo much as an humor, and the novelty thereof that maketh them pleaſant, hence many ſenſual men have turned Monaſtick, and greateſt Monarches become melancholy, yea, how uſual is it for many to ſurvive their pleaſures, and bury their joy, and delights in the World, even before themſelves, while nothing remaines of all their former enjoyments but ſome ſad ſighs, and groanes with a heavy fairwell.

p. 1656. Is it not found that riches, and aboundance of the earth doth load more then it fils, and mens wealth onelyonly furder heighten their wants? How very poor are ſome amidſt their fulnes, more then theſe who earn their bread with ſore labour, whom the world doth wholly poſſeſſe, while they do not at all poſſeſſe it, neither is it in their power to make uſe of that they have, yea, are they not ſick and dy in Princes courts, as well as in the meaneſt cottage, and the complaints of the great, and rich uſually moe then theſe of the poor? Sure it is known that the great man doth oftner want a ſtomack, and reſt, then the poor want meat and a bed to ly in.

7. In what an endleſſe circle do voluptuous men move, from one thing to another in a perpetual ſearch after other enjoyments to ſatiſfy their ſpirits? which sheweth what a great want is there, which ſtill cals for variety of things, and ſome fresh ſupply, to take off the wearineſſe of one pleaſure by another, elſe the delight they have therein, would quickly languish, and wear out, yea, is it not ſtill found that the beſt of outward things are not on a near approach what they ſeemed to be at a diſtance, the eye not ſatiſfyed with ſeeing, nor the ear with hearing, but the more they are preſſed the leſſe the yeeld, neither do they enjoy ſuch things with moſt ſatiſfaction who take a full draught, who wallow, and ſteep themſelves in their enjoyments, being more in expectation then in poſſeſſion, ſo that ſometime mens attaining their deſire hath cauſed their delight, and pleaſure in theſe things ceaſe.

8. It is alſo clear that outward things are incident to the worſt without making them the better, and ſeparable from the beſt without making them the worſe, and what can ſilver, or gold ſuite an immortal ſoul, or anſwer ſuch a capacity, more then vertue, and godlines could anſwer to fill an empty cheſt, or glaſſe botle?

9. How rare is it for men to get their lot in the World brought up to their deſire? But are ſtill at ſome jar with their preſent condition, ſo that oft there needs no more to turn men diſcontent, but the thought of ſome other lot, p. 166which they apprehend more ſatiſfying then their own, the want whereof turns them more diſquiet then all their enjoyments are pleaſing, yea, it is alſo evident many mens labour, and diſquiet doth increaſe with their wealth, and turns the flame more violent, and that even in the condition of the poor there is ſomething the great man is made to envy, while the poor may find cauſe oftimes to pity, and compaſſionat ſome great men in the midſt of their proſperous eſtate.

10. What is the enjoying of the beſt of the earth, but its very paſſing away, while it perisheth in the preſent uſe? And what? Are not men going through the World and leaving it behind them in the midſt of their moſt ſatiſfying enjoyments? is not the excellency of moſt outward things onelyonly according to opinion, of the inſtitution of men, while they have but ſmall intrinſick worth from their own quality? in ſome parts of the earth, whitneſſe is reckoned deformity, and the blackeſt collour the greateſt beauty, and therefore they paint the Devil white, what a poor ſmoke is ſwelling titles of honour if ſoberly weighed? vvhile the proud mans happines, doth ſomeway hang upon the poor who goe by, which they muſt beg from others with the greateſt artifice; and would the choiceſt jewels, or a bag of gold laid upon the heart of a dying man, any way quiet his ſpirit, or eaſe his pain? Surely this is vanity.

11. Is it not oft ſeen amidſt the various changes of the earth, Princes, and great men walking on foot, and ſervants riding on horsback, the Children oft put to ask an almes from ſuch who have ſerved their fathers? Fooles loaded with wealth, and great ſtiles, while men of the choiceſt ſpirit, are buried under contempt, and poverty, yea, doe we not ſee how quickly men are cryed up, and down in the World? That which in one age is raiſed, is oft raſed in an other, yea, many at much labour to undoe that, which others have done with greateſt care, and expence, what a ſore vanity is this?

p. 16712. Will not the want of a very ſmall thing oft embitter the pleaſanteſt lot, and turn into w…mwood, and gall? the ſmalleſt touch of pain, the gravel, or tooth-ake, yea, even ſome melancholy thought will make men diſrelish all their preſent enjoyments, what a torment doth a ſmall ruffle, and affront oft prove to the proud man even in the midſt of his glory? is it not alſo found, how carnal mirth, and joy, men wallowing in the delights of the World hath ſtill in the cloſe a bitter ſting and hasth waygate, which as the shadow attends the body, is the native, and unſeparable conſequent thereof, and ſurely that may be eaſy to diſcern there is no condition, which can want a croſſe or ſome mixture of diſcontent, even where there is leaſt ſeen cauſe.

I would adde which cannot want a remark in every time that while men ſeem to be at the top, and furdeſt period of their thoughts, and projects, have things according to their deſire brought to ſome happy cloſe, they are oft then upon ſome turn, and change in their condition, either by death or ſome very ſad croſſe, and even in that day their thoughts have perished, truely ſuch as are wiſe obſervers of the World, and of the courſe of things therein may oft ſee, how uſuall a tryſt this is that when there is too bright a ſun-blink in outward proſperity, if great ſobriety and moderation do not accompany the ſame it is an ominous, and fatall preſage of a ſtorm, & ad ſummum quicquid venit, ad exitium prope est.

TWELFTH. I would furder adde this truth which hath in all ages been cleerly witneſſed, even to the conviction of the World, that the end of the upright man is peace, and integrity what ever rub it may ſeem to have by the way, yet, hath a ſweet and comfortable cloſe, Pſ. 37: 37.

This is an undenyable truth not only becauſe the Saints are then entring into perfect peace, but it is alſo clear that how ever the godly man may have very sharp aſſaults in the cloſe of his dayes, and ſome who have shined very bright do ſet in a dark cloud, their evening full of ſorrow, and bitternes, yea, their reflexion on ſome ſad ſtip which they p. 168have made by the way, bearing them company even to the grave, yet, this truth is ſtill verifyed, yea, may be diſcernable to the conviction of byſtanders, that integrity, and an upright walk hath much peace in the end, and doth land men upon a comfortable harbour, anent which I can appeal the World, and the moſt ordinary onlookers if this hath not been oft very convincing, and diſcernable to them, from many inſtances from the Lords uſual way with theſe who have been faithful in their generation at their death, from that teſtimony which they have then given to this, yea, from moſt viſible ſignes and evidences hereof even upon their countenance, and carriage vvhileſt it is ſeen.

1. How great an advantage ſuch uſe to have above others, when Death approacheth, ſo that it hath not been Balaams wish alone to dy the death of the righteous and to have his latter end like theirs, but the worſt of men are ſtill forced to witneſſe their reſpect to the lot of a dying Chriſtian, and would wish a share thereof when it coms to their turn, anent which I may ask the greateſt mockers at religion, and at the life of a Godly man, if they can poſſibly shun this conviction, that ſurely ſuch are of the beſt eſtare, and at the greateſt advantage, in their end.

2. This I am ſure cannot be hid from the World what aboundant peace, the Saints do then teſtify in their choice, what a preſent unſpeakable complacency they have with this that they valued Chriſt above all other advantages, did chooſe aff…iction rather then ſin, and now while they are turning their face to the wall, finds the witnes of a good conſcience, and of Gods approbation ſo ſweet a feaſt, that their joy, and peace on this account, they can not ſmother or keep in but declare to all who ſtand by what they find, and truely it hath been oft ſeen, how the inward joy which ſome of theſe have had hath exceeded their outward pain, been more ſenſible to them then their ſickneſſe, yea, have been in leaving the World much more chearful then theſe whom they left behind.

p. 1693. It is alſo known, and may be very obvious to byſtanders how with a ſweet compoſure, and recumbency of foul ſuch have laid themſelves upon the promiſe, in that houre, while they were grapling with the king of terrours, their ſpirit then quiet, and calm, having taken the truth, and teſtimony of God for their shield, and buckler, which may tell the World what an other kinde of ſecurity, and confidence theſe have beyond others, yea, that ſurely the ground on which this confidence is …ounded, muſt be a thing that is able to bear out the greateſt ſtorm, and aſſault, and is ſomething above nature.

4. Is it not clear that even an untimely, and violent death, could not let, or fruſtrat that peace which integrity cauſeth in the cloſe? For innumerable inſtances can witnes what marvellous joy, and ſatisfaction the Saints have shewed at a ſtake, and upon a ſcaffold, and thence hath had a more chearful going out of time, then the rich man ſtretched upon his ſoft bed, or the greateſt Monarch, amidſt all outward advantages, ſure we muſt ſay, that ſweet refreshing cloſe of the upright man, hath never been more viſible, and writ in greater letters, then in ſuch a caſe.

5. What very ſad conflicts have ſome of the Saints had in their life, yea, even upon the ſetting of the ſun hath been put to cry out through ſore perplexing feares, and doubts wherewith they have been aſſaulted, who have at laſt had this turned into a ſong, and ſuch a marvellous change in their caſe, as hath not been more ſenſible to themſelves, then diſcernable to all onlookers, like a ſudden calm, and ſunshin, after ſome dark ſtorm. I muſt here ask the Atheiſt, and ſuch as reckon Godlineſſe but a fancy whence should ſo ſtrange, ſo ſudden, and great alteration proceed, that theſe who a little before were under ſuch horrour, could have no reſt, no arguments could do their tnrn, doe thus witnes the aboundant peace of their ſouls, yea, which is oft ſeen that fervent deſire wherewith ſome of the Saints are taken away, the very luſtre of heaven being upon their countenance, how marvellous p. 170and piercing are their words, which may cleerly tell that now they feel, they ſee, and have got ſome glance of that, which onlookers cannot reach, though they cannot deny an acknowledgement of this.

6. Muſt not the World grant, yea, the greateſt enemyes to godlines allow this charity that ſure this peace, and joy which ſuch have witneſſed at death cannot be diſſimulation, that there is no temptation could thus byaſs them to deceive others, and themſelves in a matter of ſuch high concernment, and at a time when it is expected groſſeſt of men would ſpeak truth, yea, that this doth appear, while men cannot in the leaſt charge the dying Chriſtian with any diſtemper in his judgement, but while they have been moſt compoſed, ſtayed, and preſent in minde, and as to other things, of their concernment, moſt deliberat, and ſober, even then they have born this witnes.