The Fulfilling of the Scripture, Argument 4

The Fulfilling of the Scripture · Argument 4

p. 170THE FOURTH ARGUMENT

I shall here offer to prove the Scriptures accomplishment is this, That whereof the most part, as to theſe ſpecial predictions, and promiſes that concern the Church, is fulfilled, and hath now taken place in their appointed times, which we may at this day clearly tead in the event, and but a litle part thereof now remaineth to be made out, must be a ſure truth. But the Scripture is thus fulfilled, and the prophecyes. thereof now made legible in the hiſtory of providence, and in the works of God about his Church. Therefore, &c.

I would premit here ſome few things ere I ſpeak particularly to this argument.

1. Though the Scripture is thus wonderfully ſuited by the Lord, and taketh place in every generation as if it were alone directed to that time, yet, it is alſo clear that a ſpecial part thereof hath its proper accomplishment in theſe ages, and periods of time, to which it doth in a peculiar p. 171way relate, ſome part of it, which did concern the times of the Old Teſtament, ſome that doth alſo anſwer to the times of the Goſpel, and a part of it which hath a peculiar reſpect to theſe latter dayes, which the Lord is now bringing forth, and we wait for a more full accomplishment, that it is on a near approach.

2. It is alſo ſure that the whole work of God, and his providence about his Church here in the World which was perfect from the beginning, and before him from eternity, is comprehended under the written word, where the Lord hath fully revealed his minde, and counſel anent every event, and concernment of the Church; though we oft be in the dark in finding out the ſame, but the event will in due time ſpeak for it ſelfe, which should cauſe us until then, with much ſobriety paſſe our judgement on ſome of theſe truths that are not yet fulfilled.

3. It is clear that the Prophets of old did not onelyonly foretell ſuch great changes, and revolutions, as were to go over the Churches head, and declare the certainty thereof, but we find theſe prophecyes oft point at the times, and periods of time whereto they did relate, and though ſometimes in dark tearmes, yet did clearly shew that there was a certain prefixed time, & not at every time they could have their performance.

4. We would conſider how the full accomplishing of the Scripture, and the perfecting the Lords work about his Church. will be at once, and doth keep foot together, and then shall a full, and ſatisfying diſcovery of Gods way, and providence, and all that he hath been doing in the World clearly break up, when the great myſtery of God in his written word is finished, and the Church ſo near to land.

That I may ſpeak a little to ſo grave a ſubject, I would lay down theſe two things to be conſidered. 1. How much of the Scripture, and predictions thereof may be now ſeen clearly verifyed in the event. 2. What doth yet remain to have an accomplishment in theſe laſt times by which we may certainly judge, hovv near the Lords vvork p. 172about his Church is to a cloſe; anent the firſt I shall point at ſome of theſe moſt concerning events, & changes vvhichwhich the Church hath met vvith, vvherein vve may ſee vvhat of the Scripture may at this day be read in the hiſtory of providence, and is certainly fulfilled.

I. WHAT IS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED.

I. Let us go back to theſe firſt times after the fall, and ſee that dreadful ſtroke which came upon the old World by the flood after an univerſal defection from God, and we shall there find the fulfilling of that which Noah that great preacher of righteouſnes had oft foretold, and of theſe threatnings which by Moſes were there recorded, wherein it may be very manifeſt. 1. That this truth beſides Divine authority, no records of auncient times no antiquity could ever contradict, yea, ſome of the eldeſt writers doe clearly witnes ſomething of an univerſal deluge over the earth with the ſtrange preſervation of ſome from it, however they were in the dark as to many circumſtances thereanent. Joſephus doth cite Beroſus the Ci…aldean about this, who without doubt had thē ſome of theſe oldeſt records true, & uncorrupt. Euſebius alſo doth mention ſome fragments of Abidenus, and Appollidorus, which in his time were extant, clearly pointing at the flood, and at Noah under the name of Ziſuthrus with his ſending out of birds to ſee if the waters were aſſwaged. 2. There is nothing here doth contradict reaſon, how this might be brought about, even in the way of ordinary natural cauſes, which the Lord did make uſe of for that end; for we find the windowes of Heaven were opened the air being condenſed into clouds, and their retentive power louſed, theſe great floodgates were thus ſet louſe; which falling not in drops, but all in a full body like the ſpouts and cataracts of the Weſt-Indies might ſoon overwhelm the earth with aboundance of water, while theſe fountaines alſo of the great deep beneath were broken up, which was not only the Ocean let forth p. 137to go over its banks, but an univerſal vent to all the veines of the earth, and that great maſſe of waters which is in the bowels thereof, which from beneath meeting theſe that were from above, may give men a clear, and rational account how ſuch a thing might be. 3. This piece of the Scripture, is moſt congruous, and aggreable to the whole, and the great ſcope, and drift of the ſame, for it points out an height of ſin, and of wrath, an univerſall defection, and an univerſal ſtroke meeting together, it leads us forward to Chriſt, of whom the ark was an excellent shadow, and of that ſalvation which in, and by him the Church hath from eternal wrath, and is a very manifeſt pledge, and ſign of that laſt deſtruction of the World, which though not in that manner, yet, shall once ſurely be, and find men in ſuch a condition, as this flood found them into in the dayes of Noah.

II. What we have expreſly promiſed in the word of the Churches delivery from Egypt, and vvas foretold by Joſeph at his death, that God should ſurely bring back his People out of that land, for vvhichwhich he left his bones to ly unburied as a pledge thereof, hath novv many ages paſt been fulfilled. It is long ſince that remarkable day vvhen God made a vvay for his People through the red ſea, and his povver knovvn upon Pharaoh, and the Egyptians, ſince Moſes vvith the Church did ſing that triumphant ſong, the horſe, and his rider he hath caſt in the ſea, vvherein theſe things are moſt clear.

1. That this vvas a deed knovvn, and publick in the time, vvhichwhich vvas not done in a corner, but in the vievv of the World, and before all the Children of Iſrael, and by them atteſted, and vvith greateſt carefulnes tranſmitted to their Children, and by theſe to the follovving generations, as a thing never to be forgotten.

2. Was teſtifyed by Moſes ſo great a perſon, and eyevvitnes thereof, one vvhom even the moſt auncient of heathen vvriters, do mention vvith much reſpect, and in this p. 174did never challenge his teſtimony, though a matter of fact, and of that moment. vvhichwhich all the nations about could not but knovv, and both in the preſent and after ages have the remembrance thereof keeped up; ſo that they might eaſily refute ſuch a thing if falſe, and vve may judge the Egyptians, and many others, could vvant no goodvvill to put diſgrace on a People they ſo much hated, nor be ignorant of that vvhichwhich Moſes published in his ovvn time, to vvhoſe vvorks ſome of the auncienteſt heathen vvriters, doe shew they have been no ſtrangers.

3. A truth which by Moſes was put in record, and delivered to the Jewes to be keept by them, and their Children in all ſucceeding ages, a record which they did ſo narrowly look to, and had in that reverence, and eſteem, that all the ſyllabs, and letters thereof were by them numbred, leſt in the ſmalleſt point it should be wronged, yea, were more careful to preſerve it then any nation can be of their moſt concerning rights, and charters.

4. A thing whereof the remembrance was yearly from that time celebrat by the Jewish Church, whence the inſtitution of the paſſover had its riſe, that deliverance being as a ſign, and ſacramentall pledge of that great ſalvation, by him who is our true paſſover.

III. What is held forth in the Scripture concerning the more full grouth of the Iewish Church that Judah should enjoy a Scepter, which was foretold by dying Jacob, and promiſed once and again to Abraham by the Lord that his ſeed should be as the ſand of the ſea, and enjoy Canaan for an inheritance hath it not long ſince been fulfilled? Wherein theſe things are clear.

1. That for many ages Iſrael did enjoy that land in a moſt flowrishing condition which doth in part appear from theſe very ruines, and deſolation, over which they have ſo long lamented, the glory of Ieruſalem, and the temple once ſo famous, which cauſeth ſuch reverence amongſt them to the very rubbish thereof at this day.

p. 1752. That they were once a People by themſelves who were not mingled with the Nations, but keept at a diſtance by their Religion, and Lawes, from the reſt of the World as a peculiar People to the Lord is a thing undenyable.

3. That whileſt they enjoyed it there was a ſingular bleſſing of fruitfulnes thereon above other places, ſo as that ſmall piece of ground, was eneugh for an innumerable multitude of inhabitants, but is novv at this day a barren ſand, an extraordinary curſe no leſſe ſeen thereon then the bleſſing was in former times.

4. It is alſo evident that ſomething in the way, and carriage of this people, even in their low, wandering condition doth diſcover they have not forgot what once they were, nor their former grandour, and flovvrishing, but ſtill keep by themſelves vvith ſome reſpect to their ovvn land, vvhichwhich their fathers did enjoy.

IV. That piece of the Scripture vvhichwhich did concern the declining times of the Church under the Old Teſtament, vvhat Jeremy foretold of the Babylouish captivity hath novv many ages ſince been fulfilled, a truth vvhichwhich vve have atteſted by ſacred hiſtory, an hiſtory vvhichwhich doth clearly juſtify it ſelf, and its authority by ſuch convincing marks thereof, that vve may ſay, theſe vvho do ſeriouſly converſe vvith the vvord, cannot take up Atheiſme vvithout the laying down of reaſon, and putting a force upon their ovvn light.

Novv as to this particular prophecy vve vvould but ſeriouſly conſider.

1. That vvhichwhich Jeremy did foretel anent the captivity, vvas not its accomplishment put on record in a book of the Churches lamentations? vvhere this truth may be read in her teares, and truely ſuch as ever knevv grief in a high meaſure, may eaſily knovv vvhat is there expreſt to be ſad earneſt, and read the lively motions of an afflicted caſe therein, and beſides hath not this been witneſſed to after ages by a viſible monument, even the deſtruction of the temple, that great, and excellent work which p. 176though after rebuilt did never attain its former ſplendour.

2. This was a matter of fact of great note, and famous in the time, done in the view of all the nations, a conſiderable piece of the Babylonish conqueſt, yea that teſtimony the Scripture beareth to the ſame, was it not a few ages after made publick to other parts of the world by the Septuagint translation, ſo that it had been eaſy for Ptolemy or any in that time to have diſcovered the falſehood of a thing ſo lately done, yet, theſe times nor the moſt profeſſed enemyes to the Church therein, could not in the leaſt contradict the ſame.

3. Though much of humane hiſtory, and theſe records of auncient times that vve now have, are both corrupt and defective, yet, there wants not ſome conſent, from the ſureſt of theſe, to many of the moſt obſervable things that we have of the hiſtory of the old teſtament, and as to the certanity of this truth beſids its own authority, we will find ſome of theſe oldeſt writers Beroſus, Herodot, and Xenophon, give ſome light to the ſame, whoſe witnes the Atheiſt cannot challenge, yea, is it not clear that Ioſephus not only from ſacred hiſtory but from theſe old records, and fragments of former times which were then extant (though ſince have been much loſt) compoſe his Iewish antiquityes, which give ſo particular a relatiou of this truth.

V. What was foretold by Daniel concerning the riſe, and fall of the Monarchies, and change of theſe great Empires, who had been ſo ſore a rod upon the Church, hath it not many ages paſt had a moſt punctual performance? It is now long ſince that great image shewed to the prophet in a viſion, hath been brought down, and broken, ſo that ſcarſe the toes thereof doe now remain, which beſides the witnes of the Scripture, may be clearly demonſtrat upon other rational grounds.

p. 1771. It being granted that the prophecie of Daniel was translated in Greek, and laid up in that great library of Alexandria, long before much of it was fulfilled, before Antiochus Epiphanes, and the riſing of the Roman empire which Porphyrius could not be ignorant of though all he could anſwer to that evident agreement betwixt his prophecie, and the event, was that it muſt have been writ, after theſe things were accomplished, whileſt it is clear, that a part of the prophecie of Daniel which concerned the fourth Monarchy, was not even in his times fully made out, yea, we muſt ſay ſomething thereof doth reach to the laſt end of time.

2. It is alſo undenyable that in theſe great revolutions of the Monarchies there is a diſcernable conſent and harmony betwixt the Scripture, and theſe auncient records which we yet have of theſe times, ſo that not only the things themſelves, but ſome of the moſt obſervable circumſtances thereof which are particularly mentioned by Daniel, we may read in Xenophon, Herodot, and Diodorus Siculus.

3. It muſt alſo be granted that ſomethings which in Daniels propheſie would ſeem moſt ſtrange, and improbable, ſuch as Belshazars death in that very night the hand writing was shewed to him, may be particularly underſtood in Xenophons hiſtory how Cyrus took the advantage of the Babylonian security whileſt they were in the midſt of a ſolemn feaſt, and by diverting the channel of Euphrates did enter the city vvithout oppoſition; alſo hovv that great horn of the high goat vvas ſo ſuddenly broken and the comming up of four in his room, vvhichwhich by Daniel are expounded of the Grecian Monarchy, and the deviding of that Empire after Alexanders death, is it not punctuallie held forth by all the hiſtoryes of that time.

4. Was there not a very convincing appearance of a divine hand, both in the riſe, and fall of theſe Monarchies and an extraordinary providence vvhichwhich vve cannot but ſee vvhen vve read theſe hiſtories, that ſurely p. 178ſomething above ordinary meanes, and ſecond cauſes vvas both in Cyrus conqueſt againſt the Babylonians, and the marvellous ſvvift progreſſe, and ſucceſſe of Alexander againſt the Perſians.

VI. That which was the great ſcope of all Propheſies under the Old Teſtament. The comming of the Meſſias is ſurelie verifyed, and now many ages paſt hath had an accomplishment, the Lord is come unto his temple even he whoſe day Abraham, and the Saints under the law did long after; this was the moſt happie, and notable criſis that ever the Church was under, the great Epocha, and period of time from which she doth now reckon, which we know is no fable, or cunning device of man, that God was manifeſted in the flesh, did make his abode, for ſome time in the earth, ſuffered at Ieruſalem in the view of the World, before many witneſſes, did ariſe from death on the third day, was ſeen, and known by his diſciples thereafter, and having finished the work for which he came vvas received up again into glory.

This is indeed a great truth vvhichwhich concerneth us no leſſe to knovv, and be ſure of, then our ſoul is vvorth, and intereſt through eternity, the fulfilling vvhereof beſids the authority of ſacred writ, the witnes, and records of the Evangeliſts, and Apoſtles of Ieſus Chriſt who teſtifie what they certainly knew, is a truth which from ſuch convincing rational grounds, may be demonſtrated that the greateſt height of Atheiſme knoweth not how to ſtate it ſelfe in direct oppoſition to the ſame; and truely in this the Lord hath ſo tendered the ſtrengthning of his peoples faith and their encouragement; that as it is the moſt concerning promiſe of the Scripture, on which our whole hope, and bleſſednes depends, ſo is it alſo moſt clear, and conſpicuous in the event: I shall but onelyonly touch this, whereof ſo much hath been ſaid by others.

p. 1791. It is undenyable the Meſſias was to come, to whom all the Sacrifices under the Law theſe auncient, types, and shadowes did clearly point, to whom the Prophets bear witnes, and was the faith of the auncient Iewish Church, of which promiſe, they were perſwaded even whileſt they ſaw it but a far, yea did embrace it, and repoſe themſelves thereon, yea, is there not a moſt clear, and exact portraicture drawn forth under the Old Teſtament, of the Meſſias, what an one he should be, and by what peculiar characters he should be known, who was to be revealed to Iſrael.

2. The ſpecial ſeaſon, and period of time wherein Chriſt should come, we find prefixed, and shewed to the auncient Church, which though under ſome figurative expreſſions, ſeemed then dark, yet, was ſo far revealed that upon a diligent ſearch, and enquiry, and particular collation of the times, it might be eaſy to diſcern the Meſſias comming, and near approach, of which ſalvation the Prophets did enquire, 1. Pet. 1: ver. 10. and truely the fall of the Monarchies, and right uptaking of Daniels weeks, were ſure, and ſolide grounds, for a clear computation thereanent; thence was it that ſo general an expectation of the Meſſias was among the Iewes, at that very time when he came, ſo as divers impoſtoures did ariſe whom the People was ready to follow, and we ſee with what amazement the Phariſees did enquire at Iohn the Baptiſt if he were the Chriſt, or not, yea, Ioſephus sheweth how the perſwaſion of this did moſt excite that People to war with the Romans from the prophecies they had in holy writ, that from Iudea should about that time come who vvas to be Emperour of the World.

3. It is alſo ſure there vvas ſuch an one vvho in the dayes of Tiberius, and under the reign of Herod was made manifeſt to Iſrael, and came with no outward shew, and obſervation, but did great, and marvellous things before all the People, was crucified at Ieruſalem, under Pontius Pilate, and notwithſtanding the ignominy of his death was after adored, and followed, both by many of the Iews and p. 180the gentils, whoſe doctrine did alſo in a short time ſpread through the World, a truth which the greateſt adverſaries of the Goſpel have ever confeſſed, and do atteſt the hiſtory thereof de facto, to be a faithful relation, not only Iewes, but the heathen writers Suetonius, Tacitus, and Plinius the younger that lived near and ſome of them contemp… rary with the times of the Apoſtles, do witnes that this Jeſus whom the Chriſtians worship, did truely ſuffer in the time of Pilats jurisdiction over the Iewes.

4. Is it not clear how this appearance of Chriſt to the World, did exactly tryſt with the very time, foretold by the Prophets thereanent? Was not Jacobs prophecy, thus accomplished? for until that time it is clear the royal line of Davids houſe, did not ceaſe, until Herod a ſtranger came to reign, by whom it was utterly cut off, and it is manifeſt theſe 70 weeks mentioned by Daniel, muſt be underſtood of years elſe they could admit no other ſence, which reckoning from the decree, given out by Cyrus, to rebuild the temple, are 490 Yeares, and doth anſwer to the very time of Chriſts being in the World, and his death, which neceſſarly fals in the laſt of theſe weeks, a thing ſo manifeſt, that Porphyrius an avowed enemy to the Chriſtian Religion could have no anſwer, but that this prophecy had been deviſed after the event, which I am ſure the Jewes, though as direct adverſaryes, vvould be loath to admit.

5. It is moſt clear that in him vvho at that time vvas revealed to Iſrael, vvhom the Chriſtian Church doth this day vvorship, vvas exactly accomplished vvhatever vvas by the Prophets to…d concerning the Meſſias, and it is no ſmall advantage for the Chriſtian cauſe, that it needs but appeal to theſe records, vvhichwhich have been keept, in the hands of her adverſaries, vvhere there is ſo clear a portraicure of him held forth, both as to his perſon, his vvay of coming, the place vvhence, the entertainment he should get, and his death, that I muſt think it a contradiction to reaſon, hovv men should acknovvledge the Old Teſtament, p. 181and not grant the Nevv; ſince, it is clear the Jewes look for no other Meſſias, then ſuch an one as is held out by the Prophets, and they acknowledge alſo the divine authority of Eſay, Daniel, Micah, Malachi, &c. vvho do, by ſuch cleer marks point him forth, and shew the Church how they should know him when he cometh, for truely it may thence appear, that it is not more certain the Meſſias should come, then that Jeſus Chriſt is he: I would but ſeriouſly ask vvhat do the levves this day miſſe in our bleſſed Lord Ieſus, vvhichwhich the Old Teſtament allovveth them to expect in the Meſſias, is it that he came vvith no outvvard shevv, and glory, ſure according to the Scripture, ſuch an one vve ought not to acknovvledge; no, should he not be of the ſeed of the vvoman, 2. Gen. vvho should be born of a virgin as Eſay shevveth, his voice not heard in the ſtreets, deſpiſed and rejected of men, a man of ſorrovves; ſuch an one, as vvas shadovved out under the Lavv, vvho should be made a ſacrifice for ſin, yea, come vvith no outvvard pomp, but meek, and lovvly, and riding upon an aſſe, vvas to be betrayed, and ſold, and his price shevved by Zach for 30 pieces; a crucified dying Chriſt that should be wounded in the houſe of his friends, and cut off from amongſt the children of his People, O! can men poſſibly deny ſo cleer an accomplihment of theſe in our bleſſed Lord?

6 Is it not undenyable that the Jevves novv in their preſent caſe cannot poſſibly expect the accomplishment of this promiſe? that the Meſſias cannot this day come, according to the Scriptrue, except they could be put in ſuch a condition, as they were then in at Chriſts comming; certainly it is impoſſible, that the Old Teſtament be ever fulfilled anent this, if it be not already, can he come forth out of Bethlehem whilſt now no ſuch place is known by that name? can he come into his Temple that is utterly deſtroyed, is there not now a ſubverſion of the tribes, and the family of David not known, at this day? yea, are not the gentils brought in, whom Iſai sheweth, should be gathered under the ſtandard of the Meſſias? doth not the p. 182daily ſacrifice ceaſe? which the Iewes will confeſſe hath been for many ages, and this was to be after his coming, and I would ask how was that ever fulfilled, that the glory of the ſecond Temple should exceed the glory of the firſt? for this cannot be on the account of its ſtructure, or outward magnificence, ſure there is nothing, wherein this glory could appear, but as it points at Chriſt, and the breaking up of that glorious light, which was before its deſtruction.

7. There is an innumerable company who have embraced the Goſpel, and received the ſpirit by the miniſtry thereof ſince the times of the Apoſtles who have put this ſeal thereto in all ages that it is the power, and wiſdome of God▪ and truely without partial reſpect (which the conſcience of the worſt of men have been forced to juſtify) it may be ſaid, theſe were the excellent of the earth in their time, many of greateſt outward parts, and abilities, whoſe moral integrity, and candour was beyond queſtion even with their adverſaries, and theſe both of Iewes, and gentils of all rancks of men, of all nations, and languages, who not only by a naked profeſſion, but by their walk, and ſufferings did shew forth the power, and vertue of a crucified Chriſt, yea, shine as lights whileſt they were in the World to the conviction of onlookers, and is not this a convinceing witnes to the truth of the Goſpel which its enemyes cannot poſſibly deny.

8. That excellent doctrine delivered to the Church in the New Teſtament by Chriſt, and his Apoſtles doth it not clearly shew whence it is, and witnes its own authority? for here we may ſee a manifeſt agreement, betvvixt this, and the doctrine of the auncient Ievvish Church, that as the five Books of Moſes hold forth the ſum of the Goſpel, the Covenant of grace, and that myſtery of Salvation by Chriſt, ſo the Prophets do carry it on vvith furder clearnes, and the Evangeliſts brings forvvard like an excellent edifice that is founded, and advanced in the one, but perfected in the other, all breathing the ſame ſpirit vvith a convincing tendency to the ſame end, ſo that vve may ſay the old Jewes under the Law, were in effect Chriſtians, and the p. 183followers of Chriſt now under the Goſpel in ſome reſpect are Jewes, being one in the ſubſtantials of their religion; for it is clear, that poor Apoſtat people, now in the Iewish nation, hath wholly departed from their own doctriue, and will not come to the light that they may be judged according to the Old Teſtament; now in this I would ſeriouſly atteſt the adverſaries of the Goſpel, if paganiſme, the Turks Alcoran, or Iewish Talmud hold forth any ſuch doctrine, or rule, as that which the Chriſtian Religion doth, ſuch pure, and excellent precepts to reſtrain the inordinacy of corrupt affection backed with arguments becoming an immortal ſoul, a doctrine ſo ſincere, ſolid, and rational ſo conſiſtent with it ſelfe, and agreable to the true ſcope, and drift thereof, which holds forth, the moſt exquiſite rule of perfection, for men to preſſe after, yea, where every page, and line breatheth forth holines towards God, and righteouſnes, and humanity towards man.

9. I shall adde, theſe clear convincing evidences of the truth of the Goſpel, which did attend the firſt publishing thereof, were ſo evident, and undenyable a ſeal from the Lord as may force the greateſt Atheiſt to ſilence, for. 1. They were Jewes as much concerned in the Religion of their Fathers as any, who did firſt publish the Goſpel, none more zealous according to the Law then Paul was before his converſion, none alſo could challenge their driving any outward intereſt hereby, ſince perſecution, and bonds, yea, greateſt hazard was that which they could expect. 2. It is clear they walked by no rules of human policy, nor theſe ordinary wayes of inſinuation, which the World doth uſe, to engadge men, and make a party to themſelves, but did deliver the truth, truth moſt repugnant to the flesh, and that intereſt, with greateſt candour, and ſimplicity, though likewiſe with a convincing authority, and confidence, yea, came with a meſſage to the World, which had no other convoy, or perſwading argument, but the evidence of its own truth, but withal, ſuch a power accompanying the ſame, before which men could not p. 184ſtand. 3. What is published concerning Chriſt by the Evangeliſts, the great works he did, his dying at Ieruſalem with all the ſtupendious circumſtances thereof, and ſigns from Heaven was not a thing done in a corner, but in the publick view of men, which in theſe dayes was moſt notour, and famous, but yet there cannot be produced, one contradictory teſtimony to the truth of theſe relations, by any adverſary of the Goſpel, either at that time, or ſince; ſure the World wanted no malice, and theſe great things were airly published, by the Evangeliſts, and Apoſtles, whileſt much of that generation was alive, yet, it is clear, though in a matter of that concernment, which made then ſo great a noiſe, and was at that time putting the earth all in a flame, none was found, either among Iewes or gentils, who could, or durſt put forth a manifeſto to diſcover the leaſt cheat, or falshood, in theſe things atteſted in the Hiſtory of the Goſpel. 4. What ever different partyes, and ſects, did break up with the firſt time of the Church, to opppſe the truth in other things, yet, in this they had all one conſent, that he who was crucified at Ieruſalem, was the Meſſias, and Chriſt, which truely, did witnes the clear irreſiſtible manifeſtation of this truth in theſe times, ſince if there could have been the leaſt ground to challenge any impoſture, or deceit, in this great foundation of the Chriſtian faith, it is more then probable, theſe bitter contentions followed with ſuch animoſity, and heat, and irritation of theſe whom the Apoſtles, and Church in that time, did with much zeall, and sharpeſt cenſures perſue, would have engadged them to put all the diſgrace upon the truth which they could, if they might have had where to faſten their teeth; I would furder adde, that even the arguments and objections, which the adverſaryes of the Goſpel could ever bring, to oppoſe the ſame, are indeed a convincing witneſs, and confirmation, and shew how little they could any way ſay, in giving their malice a vent, we find that abſurd alledgeance of the Iewes that the great works Chriſt did in the dayes of his flesh were by ſtealing the name Iehovah out p. 185of the temple, which they alleadge he ſewed up in his thigh, which truely needeth no further refutation but the reciting therefore, and, here they are even forced to witnes the truth of theſe relations held forth by the Evangeliſts as to the matter of fact, which we find alſo theſe later Atheiſts ſuch as Vanninus, Cardan, &c. dare not challenge, or debate, onelyonly they would aſcrive theſe great works which Chriſt then wrought, to the influence of the ſtarres, a challenge ſo abſurd, that needs no other anſwer but to relate it.

VII. We have that remarkable prophecy of the incoming of the Gentils, a truth indeed great, and marvellous, which as it is expreſly held forth in the Old Teſtament, yea, is there mentioned, Iſ. 54: ver. 1, 2. Iſ. 60: ver. 3, 9. is a thing ſo clearly now written forth in the event, that I am ſure, the greateſt Atheiſts can have no shift here, that in this ſtrange work of God about his Church, the Scripture hath an undenyable accomplishment. Now to clear this let us but conſider.

1. That for many ages this truth anent the incalling of the gentils was ſealed up in a prophecy, a thing ſo great, and aſtonishing to the auncient Iewiſh Church that they could not well comprehend the ſame, until once the event brought it forth, for this was indeed a myſtery hid from ages, how the Gentiles should be fellow heires, of the ſame body, and partakers of the promiſe in Chriſt, then the bounds, and extent of the Church did not exceed Iudea that ſmall incloſure, whileſt the whole World beſide did ly buried like an out field in dark paganiſme, it is well known that the moſt pleaſant places of Africa, Aſia, and Europe, where afterwards many famous Churches were, within theſe 1600 yeares was but a ſavage wildernes, Britain, Germanie, and France, did then vvorship the ſun, and ſtarres, they ſacrificed to the Gods of the heathens, yea, theſe eaſtern partes, on which the ſun did firſt riſe, did not then know the God of Iſrael, a truth which not only p. 186the Roman, and Grecian Hiſtoryes, but the records of particular Nations can clearly atteſt.

2. It is clear that this prophecy was not held forth in a general; but we find the time alſo prefixed (with other ſpecial circumſtances) when it should have its accomplishment at the appearing of the Meſſias, when he should be revealed to Iſrael, before which time a bar was drawen in the way of the Nations, and a wall of partition betwixt them, and the Church, until he ſtand up who should hold forth an enſign to the People, and gather the gentils under his ſtandard, which Eſay doth clearly shew, Eſ. 11: v. 10. and 34: ver. 1, 2. and 60: ver. 1, &c. and then muſt the mountaines flow down at his preſence, Nations be born at once, yea, the light break forth to the Eaſt, and the Weſt, then should the Children of the deſolate be moe then of the married wife, when this time, even the ſet time for the gentils is once come, and it may be very convincing, which is indeed obſervable, that notwithſtanding of a more flowrishing condition, of the Iewish Church in former ages, when her grandour, and proſperity was more tempting, and the neighbourhood, and commerce which the Nations about had with that People, yea, though by the captivity they were ſcattered, among the Perſians, and Babylonians, yet was there no ſtir, or change of the World, until the appointed time once came.

3. It may be eaſy to prove the event of this prophecy, and its manifeſt accomplishment, even at the time thereof, for this men can not deny, that the Lord did viſit the Gentils with the knowledge of his truth, which then cauſed ſuch a change in the earth, as a great part of it hath been brought from heathnish idolatry to vvorship the God of Iſrael, and ſuch who once were ſtrangers, and aliens, now made to profeſſe the ſame faith (as to the ſubſtance thereof) of the auncient Iewish Church, ſure this truth needs not want a vvitnes, vvhileſt Nations, and much of the knovvn World hath been for ſo long a time, and, yet to this day are a viſible proof thereof, a truth of ſuch concernment that in former ages made a great and ſtupendious change upon p. 187the face of the earth, ſo that not onelyonly an innumerable company out of all Nations, and languages, but the generality, the very complex body of Kingdoms, and Nations can bear vvitnes thereto, novv the Goſpel hath been preached through much of the World, yea, vve may ſay, fevv parts thereof, vvhere there hath not been ſome face of a Church, though the promiſe hath not yet had its full accomplishment, but vve wait for (according to the Scripture) a more flowrishing time, and great harveſt among the Nations, when Iſrael shall be gathered, how ever it is ſure the Lord hath in a great part fulfilled this his promiſe, ſo that the Church might then with aſtonishment cry out, who hath begotten all theſe Children, who are theſe that flee as a cloud, like the doves to their windowes? O bleſſed day, in which the light did firſt break up on the poor ofſpring of Iaphet who then dwelt in the shadow, and region of death. O bleſt day that brought ſalvation with it to the gentils, wherein the Lord did viſit theſe dark places of the earth, which were full of the habitations of cruelty, I think the ſenſe of ſo great a mercy, should never let us want an errant for giving thanks, yea, put much to ſilence our other complaints.

4. Is it not alſo clear that not only as to the time, but theſe very places of the earth which Eſai, and other of the Prophets did particularly point at, this promiſe had an exact accomplishment? for it is this day manifeſt the iſles which we find ſo frequently mentioned, that theſe should wait for his law, and the uttermoſt parts of the earth, whence he should bring th… Daughter of his diſperſed, may have a clear commentar upon the ſame, from what the Lord hath done to Britain, and Ireland with other remote parts of the earth, yea, hath not the Aethiopians been made to ſtretch out their hands, even in theſe ſun-burnt places of Africk, hath not Chriſt alſo had a conqueſt, where many a black moore was through grace made as the ſnow of Salmon, and the feathers of a dove, ſo that it is clear how theſe particular places, which were ſo oft pointed at by the p. 188Prophets have been viſited by the Goſpel, and fallen to the share of the Church.

5. This change which by the incoming of the gentils to the Church was wrought upon the Earth, is a thing ſo great, and aſtonishing, that were it ſtill in the promiſe, and this not yet fulfilled, it would truely ſtagger our faith, how ſuch a thing should ever come to paſſe, and is there not here a miracle, that the World cannot poſſibly deny? even this great work of God in bringing of the gentils, which without an extraordinary power, could not be effectuat, if men will conſider. Firſt. That ſvvift progreſſe which then the Goſpel had, how it did run, and was glorified through the furtheſt parts of the earth, and like a ligtning break forth from one place to another, ſo that in the Apoſtles time, the Scripture doth shew, how moſt of the conſpicuous Provinces of Aſia, had received the Goſpel, and Tertullian who lived in the ſecond Century, in his Book contra Iudaos doth there witnes how many nations, and theſe moſt remote from other, Parthians, Medes, Armenia, Phrygia, Cappadocia, Pontus, and Pamphilia, with much of Egypt, and diverſe parts of Africk, beſides Rome, Spain, and other places of Europe, were in his time almoſt wholly Chriſtian; for it is indeed clear that the bounds of the Church was then of a larger extent then it is now at this day. 2. It is alſo undenyable that in this ſolemn day of the Goſpels ſpreading amongſt the nations, ſuffering, and perſecution did all that time attend the Church, yea, in ſuch a meaſure that as the writers of theſe times do witnes neither famine peſtilence, nor the ſword, did deſtroy ſo many of the World, as then were of Chriſtians in the two firſt centuries put to death for adhering to the truth, and it is clear, that this great work of God in ſuch a ſwift ſpreading of the Church, was moſt diſcernable in theſe times of hotteſt perſecution, yea then was her moſt effectual grouth, and increaſe, which upon her getting ſome reſt, and beginning to flowrish with external peace, was at a viſible ſtand. 3 How marvellous a thing was this, to be brought about (if we conſider p. 189the many different languages, that did then ſtop correſpondence between the Church and the reſt of the earth, for how could the truth thus ſpread among the nations, yea, in ſuch remote places of the World Churches be planted by the Apoſtles, and have the Scripture tranſlated, and made legible to them without that extraordinary gift of tongues, which for that end was then given from the Lord? ſure beſide ſacred authority anent this, reaſon may convincingly witnes to the World the truth of ſuch a miracle. 4. How ſtrange, and wonderful a change was this, that in ſo short a time the Goſpel should thus enlighten, and put ſuch a luſtre on the moſt rude, and ſavage places of the earth, where ſcarſe humanity had been, and bring them from the condition of beaſts to men, should thus tame, and civilize the greateſt Barbarians, and cauſe the lion to ly down with the lamb, yea, by the preaching of that Goſpel, and of a crucified Chriſt, which as it was to the Jewes a ſtumbling block, ſo to the Greeks foolishnes.

And in a word was not this indeed a miracle how in a mattet of ſuch high concernment as that vvherein mens ſoul, and everlaſting intereſt lay they should be turned off their old vvay, and Religion, in vvhichwhich they, and their Fathers had been ſo long rooted, & that a little ſpark which did break up in Iudea, should bring dovvn the idols of the nations, and burn up their temples.

Alace that there is ſo little of a large heart, of that primitive zeal, and fervour this day among Chriſtians for the enlargement of the Church, that ſuch merchants are now rare who would venture out to trade with other parts, for this excellent ware, the merchandiſe whereof is better then of gold. O that in theſe parts where the truth is knovvn and profeſſed, the Lord vvould raiſe up men of ſuch a ſpirit, and ſuch a Magiſtrat, vvho vvould make it their vvork, and lay dovvn ſolid grounds hovv to advance the Kingdome of Chriſt in the dark places of the earth, and reckon their intereſt in a forrain plantation upon the account p. 190of the Goſpel, no leſſe then on the account of trade, vve vvould pray, and yet hope for this.

VIII. What vve find foretold by Daniel, yea, by Chriſt himſelf anent the deſtruction of Ieruſalem, and ceaſing of the Iewish dayly ſacrifice with the rejection of that people, Dan. 12. ver. 11. Matth. 24: ver. 2. hath many ages paſt come to paſſe, wherein the World may ſee how clearly the event doth anſwer this Prophecy, for it is manifeſt.

1. That this is a truth which doth need no other witnes, then the ſcattered remnant, and deſolate ruines of that once flowrishing Church, and nation of the Iewes vvhichwhich vve ſee vvith our eyes at this day, vvhoſe preſent ſtate is ſo great a monument of divine judgement, ſo clear a vvitnes to the Scripture that I think men cannot look thereon, if they be in any meaſure ſerious, but muſt have ſuch a conviction.

2. What hath befallen this people may it not be an aſtonishment to the World in all ſucceeding ages? a ſtroke that hath put them in a more ſad condition, then any nation, or people we ever yet heard of, that hath caſt them out of their own land, ſcattered them as vagabonds through the earth, ſo that theſe many ages they have had no ſcepter nor Law-giver, no piece of the earth they can call their own, but at the mercy, and arbitrary diſpoſal of every place they reſide in, no priviledge, or liberties but a naked permiſſion to brook their lives, and eſtates during the pleaſure of theſe under whom they get shelter, a people put by themſelves with a viſible mark of divine wrath upon them, like a beacon ſet up for all the nations to look on, even theſe who were once eminently ovvned of the Lord, who was known in their palaces for a refuge, yea, it is very manifeſt that no ſtir or eſſay that ever they made for their releef, but was ſtill to their further ruin, and found Gods hand viſibly croſſe to them therein; ſure Ammianus Marcellinus, a heathen writer did intend no teſtimony to the Chriſtian cauſe in relating p. 191that ſtrange paſſage which neer his time fell out, how the Iewes by Iulians warrant, and permiſſion did attempt to build the temple again, but a fire breaking up from the foundation thereof, which deſtroyed many of the workmen, forced them with much terrour to deſiſt.

3. Muſt it not be ſome ſtrange, and dreadful provocation, beyond the ſin of their forefathers, whereat ſo ſtrange, and unuſual a ſtroke doth point? whileſt it is clear that notwithſtanding frequent Idolatry, and departing from God when they were at that height in wickednes to offer up their children to Molech, and ſet up altars in the groves, to reject the meſſage of the prophets, and thruſt ſome of them in a dungeon, yet, were only punished with 70 yeares captivity, and after by Gods very immediat hand brought again, theſe who had taken them captive concurring with them to rebuild the temple: but now how long and dark hath their night been ſince this judgement came on them, and though they could not theſe many ages charge themſelves with Idolatry, yet no ſaviour or deliverer hath been raiſed up, no Prophet ſent forth, no ſign or appearance at this day of releef, now for theſe 1600 yeares, yea amidſt theſe frequent changes and revolutions that have been in the World no change in their condition, ſure if that people vvere in ſpeaking tearmes with their conſciences, this might put them to a ſtrange demurr, what should be the cauſe if they be not guilty of killing the Meſſias, and that blood purſuing them; what attrocious provocation beyond others they can condeſcend on, for which the Lord doth ſo long and ſo ſore by ſuch an unuſual, and unheard of ſtrok thus contend.

4. What a marvellous concurrence of providence, and convincing appearance of a divine hand was in this judgement, the beſieging of Ieruſalem by the Romans tryſted with the very time of the paſſover whileſt ſo great a confluence of people from all parts of the land were there on that account, that both ſword, and famine might contribute p. 192their help to deſtroy, what unreaſonable and aſtonishing obſtinacy againſt all offers of peace, and the moſt preſſing inſinuations thereof which Titus Veſpaſian made, even whileſt, their ruin was otherwiſe unevitable, an unheard of ſtrife where the enemy did contend to ſave, but they to undoe themſelves, how judicially hardened, under moſt remarkable prodigies, and warnings which they had of that approaching deſolation, divided wholly amongſt themſelves, yea, ſo cruel one upon another within, that their adverſary without could not but look thereon with compaſſion. O what a ſtroke was this wherein greateſt Atheiſts would grant a fatality, for indeed men cannot conſider the ſame without acknowledging a divine hand and ſomething above ordinary meanes, and cauſes where all did thus meet together in a ſolemn tryſt to accomplish that Peoples ruin.

5. But it is here we may ſee a ſingular providence of God for his Church, that theſe who of all the World are moſt violent enemyes to the Chriſtian truth, are alſo a moſt convincing vvitnes to the ſame, vvhileſt, firſt, theſe do clearly atteſt the Scripture (vvhichwhich is our alone charter) the divine authority of Moſes, and the Prophets, the true copyes vvhereof, they did moſt tenderly preſerve vvhat ever abſurd gloſſes ſome of their Rabbies have thereon. Yea, durſt never offer in the leaſt to vitiat the original, but hath had the ſame tranſmitted, ſtill from one age to an other, to vvhichwhich records that are this day in their hand, the Chriſtian Church can with much confidence appeal, and demonſtrat from the Old Teſtament the …undoubted truth of the New. Yea, in this we may appeal the Atheiſt to his conſcience that the Scripture is no impoſture, or any cunning device of Chriſtians which is ſo far witneſſed even by the greateſt adverſary, and maligners of the Chriſtian Religion. 2. That ſtrange induration of the Iewes, their unreaſonable rejecting of the truth, vvho after ſo long a time cannot ſee the cauſe vvhichwhich is moſt diſcernable in their ſtroke. O is not this alſo a moſt convincing ſeal to the Scripture, and clear fulfilling thereof that there is a p. 193vail over their mind as the Apoſtle sheweth, whileſt they read the Law, judicially ſmitten by the Lord with blindnes, that they cannot ſee until once this vail be taken off, and truely we may ſay there is nothing in their judgement more ſtrange and aſtonishing then ſuch a continued obſtinacy againſt the truth, how they should be thus dark in the noon day. But that herein the Scripture is fulfilled; ſo that we may even turn a poiſon unto an antidot.

IX. That which is ſo expreſly foretold in the New Teſtament, yea, is the great drift of the Prophecyes thereof, The coming of Antichriſt, and revealing of the man of ſin to the World, 2 Thiſſ. 2: ver. 3, 4, 7, 8, 9. hath long ſince been accomplished, wherein we may, ſay the wonderful correſponding of the event with the prophecy is ſo clear, that this truth is novv as plain, and obvious as once it was dark to the Church, theſe things being undenyable.

1. How the Spirit of God in the Scripture hath been in a more then ordinary way particular, to point Antichriſt forth by ſuch notour marks, and characters, that after ages may known him, if they will not shut their eyes, I confeſſe it is not ſtrange the popish party should ſeal-up the Scripture, and forbid the ordinary reading of it; ſince the breaking forth of that light vvould ſoon make their Kingdome dark, for if men vvould but ſet the hiſtory of the Church ſince the times of the Apoſtles, over againſt the Scripture, and make uſe of that notable key for opening up the prophecyes of the Nevv Teſtament it should be then eaſy to knovv, the Antichriſt is ſurely come, and vvho this is, and herein doth the Lords tender reſpect to his Church appear, that he doth not only in a very ſolemn manner, forevvarn men, anent this great trya…, and as it vvere by the ſound of a trumpet give an alarum, that ſuch an adverſary vvas coming, yea of the time thereof, vvho vvould do more hurt, then all who had gone before, but p. 194doth alſo make ſo clear a diſcovery of the whole fabrick, riſe, and progres of that party, with ſuch particular circumſtances and differencing characters from any other enemy of the Church, as may render the World moſt inexcuſable, if they will needs dash on that rock, whereon the Scripture, hath ſet ſo conſpicuous a beacon.

2. That this Prophecy should now want an accomplishment or Antichriſt be yet to come is a thing moſt repugnant to ſacred truth, ſince it is ſure, that myſtery of iniquity even in the times of the Apoſtles did begin to work, and he who then for a time withheld his coming, the heathen Empire of Rome, hath long ſince been taken out of the way, which cauſed ſome Chriſtians in theſe dayes wish the ſtanding, and continuance of that Empire, from the terrour they had of that adverſary who according to the word they knew was to fill his room, yea, doe we not find the Churches tryal from Antichriſt should be the moſt ſore, and laſting tryal of the Church under the New Teſtament, which after her begun breathing from heathnish perſecution, was to continue for many ages wherein the word is moſt expreſſe, and cleir, that the riſe, and fall of this enemy should be gradual, and not at once, whoſe beginning, and firſt appearance might be traced to the firſt times of the Church, and his cloſe, and finall run near the ſecond coming of Chriſt, by the brightnes whereof he shall be deſtroyed, and therefore, this is ſo much the ſubject of the Prophecyes of the New Teſtament, the great intent, and ſcope of the Revelation of Iohn, in which, the true ſtate of the Chriſtian Church, with the various changes of her condition, even from the opening up of the firſt ſeal to the blowing of the laſt trumpet, is particularly held forth, and there may we all alongſt trace the ſteps of the riſe, and fall of that man of ſin.

3. That ſuch an one as the Scripture points forth, who doth moſt fully anſwer to all theſe marks which are there given of Antichriſt, hath come, and been revealed to the World, is a thing ſo very manifeſt that except men will p. 195needs force their light, and conſcience it cannot but be beyond queſtion, and debate, even ſuch an one whoſe coming should be after the working of Satan with all power, ſignes, and lying wonders, forbidding to marry, and to abſtain from meats which God had appointed, who ſitteth in the temple of God, having a name full of blaſphemy, and doth exalt himſelfe above all that is called God, who bewitcheth the Kings, and great men of the earth with his enchantements, yea, even by his livery may he be known that he moſt uſually hath ſcarlet, and purple, which I think truely marvellous how particularly theſe are mentioned in the Scripture; and in a word, ſuch an one whoſe traffick, and merchandize, is not only gold, and ſilver but the ſouls of men, who should be drunk with the blood of the Saints, and martyres of Jeſus Chriſt, under whoſe reign the Church muſt flee to the wildernes, and there be latent for a long time, and his ſeat, that city which is ſituat upon 7 hills, even that great city which doth rule over the Kings of the earth. O ſtrange how men can acknowledge this for the Scripture of God, and yet not ſee it fulfilled before their eyes, that there is ſo vive an image, and portraicture of Antichriſt there held forth, ſuch peculiar characters which do convincingly point at the Pope, and popish hierarchy, yea could anſwer to no other adverſary which Chriſt ever had under the New Teſtament, either pagan, or Mahumetan, and yet ſo much of the World doth not know him when he is before their eyes.

4. It is clear that no age ſince Antichriſt was revealed, did altogether want ſome witnes, to point him forth, even in the darkeſt times, many of whom loved not their lives unto the death that they might ſeal this truth, and it may be a queſtion if more of the blood of the Saints, was shed under heathens then in after times under Antichriſt, yea, though we had not ſuch expreſſe marks to diſover him from the word, it may be eaſy for men to judge, who that is, who is this day ſo directly oppoſire to Jeſus Chriſt, and the great deſign of the Goſpel, that aſſumes to himſelfe p. 196what is alone due to God, to forgive ſin, and be worshipped with Religious adoration, doth challenge a Magiſterial power, and ſupremacy, over the whole Church as its head, a ſtyle too great for any of the Angels, who maketh void the merit of Chriſt, and layeth down a way of life, and ſalvation, on the ſame termes that it ſtood in the Covenant of works, doth deſtroy the great intent of the Goſpel, and in effect denyeth Ieſus Chriſt to have come in the flesh, who ſetteth Heaven upon ſale for money, and permitteth none to perish and goe to hell, but the poore, doth diſpence with the groſſeſt acts of ſin and the expres commands of the Law-giver, maketh moral prohibitions void by his authority, yea, halloweth the very ſtewes, and moſt horrid acts of uncleannes, taketh on him to change the condition of the dead, and enſure to their friends, the happy ſtate of their ſouls, if they will make large offerings on that account, O! who is this, is not that Antichriſt, whoſe way doth ſtate him in ſuch direct tearmes of oppoſition to Chriſt?

5. Have we not cauſe to wonder no leſſe at the ſtrange induration, and blindnes, of the popish party, then of the Iewes, that whileſt the one doth confeſſe the Old Teſtament; and yet knoweth not Chriſt, the other should grant the truth of the New Teſtament, and not know Antichriſt, that he is come, even he after whom a great piece of the World, for theſe many ages hath been wondering, ſure ſo clear an agreement betwixt this prophecy and the event may not only put this beyond debate, but leave a conviction, upon the greateſt Atheiſts, of the truth, and divinity of the Scripture, for what ever former times might pretend ignorance whileſt this myſtery was but working, now when the man of ſin hath comed to his full height, and ſtature, and ſo clearly revealed by the light of the Goſpel, it taketh away all excuſe, and I profeſſe in theſe latter times, I cannot ſee how one can be a knowing Papiſt, and not an Atheiſt alſo.

p. 197X, What was prophecyed anent the killing of the witneſſes under Antichrist, Rev. 11: v. 3, 7, 8. we may ſay hath clearly comed to paſſe, and at this day may read the ſame, in the event, for it is manifeſt.

1. That dureing Antichriſts reigne even in the darkeſt times, there wanted not ſome to ſeal the truth, and bear witnes thereto, both by open confeſſion, and ſuffering on that account, which the Church Hiſtories can aboundantly make out.

2. That dureiug that dark night theſe who did give a teſtimony, and any way appeared, againſt the grievous encroachments of Antichriſts in behalf of down-born truth, were put to prophecy in ſackcloth, when there was nothing left, but to weep, over the Churches ruines, and witnes their deteſtation, and grief, for the growing Apoſtacy of ſuch times.

3. It is clear, that as the prophecy doth point at ſome more remarkable ſuffering, and perſecution, which the Church was to meet with from Antichriſt, beyond all it had endured from that adverſary in former ages, yea, a ſpecial permiſſion from the Lord to that party, to vent their rage and cruelty againſt the Saints, which should fall out after the witneſſes finishing their teſtimony, who had ſo long in an abject, low condition, as in ſackcloth prophecyed yea, when Antichriſt should be at his height, and his Kingdome upon the turn, that then muſt this remarkable killing of the witneſſes be accomplished; ſo, likewiſe did the event convincingly verify the ſame, for it is knowen that upon the cloſe of Antichriſts reigne, whileſt the truth began to break up, this ſoreſt ſtorme of perſecution beyond all that had been before, did then break upon the Church, even in its budding forth, that we may ſay, that adverſary did not onelyonly put forth the outmoſt of his power, and rage againſt the Saints, but ſeemed in ſome meaſure to bring his cruel deſignes to paſſe, which, the dreadful maſſacres in France, Province, and the Valleys of Piemont, the ſore and violent perſecution of the Church p. 198through the Netherlands, under the Duke of Alba, and in England by Queen Mary, in Germany after the defeat of the Duke of Saxony, and Landgrave of Heſſe can clearly witnes.

4. Is it not alſo clear, how this remarkable ſtorm, and cutting down of the Saints, over whoſe dead bodyes their adverſaryes did rejoyce, was according to this prophecy to be previous to ſome eminent enlargement, and reviving of the Church, which did accordingly fall out in the event like a reſurrection of the witneſſes from the dead, to the aſtonishment of the World, that immediatly followed upon the back thereof, ſo that when their enemyes thought they had gained their end, as they did conclude by ſuch perſecutions, particularly that French maſſacre that the Proteſtant intereſt, should be quite ruined, they were forced to ſee their labour in vain, and the Church more eminently flowrishing after the ſame.

I shall but furder adde that Antichriſt hath not only been revealed, and his Kingdome come to its height, but it is clear this day that it is on the falling hand, and his ruine is now begun, upon which account we may ſay, yea, have cauſe to ſing that the winter is paſt, the fig tree putteth forth her leaves that sheweth the ſommers approach, yea, the ſinging of birds is heard in our land let us go forth, and meet him who is now gone out as a mighty man, for the ſalvation of his Church, and taken the fields againſt this great adverſary of his truth and people, on whoſe ſide victory doth ſurely wait.

II. WHAT IS YET TO BE ACCOMPLISHED.

HAving touched a little ſome of the moſt concerning prophecyes of the Scripture, both under the New & Old Teſtament, which are already fulfilled, and the truth p. 199thereof ſo clearly written forth in the hiſtory of providence, that we may ſay the moſt ordinary obſervers if they will not shut their eyes, cannot want a conviction thereof, I shall now in the next place point at that which yet remaineth of the prophetical part of the Scripture, to be accomplished, theſe prophecyes which concern the Church in theſe laſt times, whereby we may have a ſure demonſtration, how far the night is ſpent, and of the near approach of that bleſſed day, of the liberty of the ſonnes of God, for this doth finish the myſtery of God, and fully perfecteth his work, if once that which remaineth of the prophecyes of the word were fulfilled.

There are theſe truths the accomplishment whereof we have a ſure warrant to expect before the end; Firſt, the full ruin, and downfal of Babylon. 2. The converſion, and incalling of the Jewes to Jeſus Chriſt. 3. A ſolemn day of the Churches flowrishing, both Iewes, and Gentiles, which shall follow the outmaking of the former promiſe. 4. The fall, and deſtruction of the Turkish Empire, that cruel party who hath been raiſed up, and eſtablished for judgement, with whom the Lord shall yet reckon, for all that Chriſtian blood by them, ſo unjuſtly shed, ſeemeth clearly held forth, Rev. 16: ver. 12. 5. We are alſo to expect after all theſe, that full, and laſt ſtroke upon Gog, and Magog, and then the Lord is at hand, and that great myſtery of the prophecyes, and promiſes of the Scripture, shall then be finished, and at a bleſſed cloſe.

I. We have the full ruin and deſtruction of Antichriſt, and his Kingdome, clearly prophecyed, and in very expreſſe tearmes promiſed to the Church, 2 Theſſ 2: ver. 2 8. Rev. 16: ver. 10, & 17. the accomplishment whereof we do yet according to the Scripture wait for, that the God of truth who cannot lye or repent, shall in due time aſſuredly bring about, and that this day approacheth when that ſolemn cry shall be heard, Babylon is fallen, anent which we would conſider.

p. 2001. That this judgement is already begun and the firſt ſtep thereof viſible, is now clear, wherein men may ſee the event moſt exactly anſwer the prophecy, for the Lord hath begun to conſume Antichriſt by the breath of his mouth, and ſince the firſt breaking up of the light, his Kingdome hath been mouldering down before the Word, hath not Nations fallen off at the voice of the preached Goſpel? It is true the Church wanteth not ſore con…licts, even under the Vials, and it is the Lords way to try his People with ſuch various uncertainties, that when things have been moſt promiſing, another providence cometh like a croſſe wave, which ſeemeth to drive them as far back as once they ſeemed to be forward, yet, it is ſure, and should be beyond debate, that Antichriſts overthrow is upon a preſent advance, and that work of the Lord for his Churches deliverance, is going fordward, for if we believe ſalvation by Chriſt upon the warrant of the word, should we not alſo with much aſſurance believe that Antichriſts wound is deadly, and incurable, which he hath got by the preaching of the Goſpel, which all the Phyſitians of the earth shall never help.

2. This is one of the greateſt, and ſignal actes of the judgement of God, on his Churches enemyes, one of the moſt eminent manifeſtations of his glory which he hath reſerved for the laſt times, wherein, the appearance of his hand, and great power shall be very manifeſt, and we are to expect by this remarkable ſtroak, that way shall be made for that glorious houſe, which Chriſt is to have for himſelf in the latter dayes, which shall be built upon Antichriſts ruines, when that new bride both of Iewes, and Gentiles, shall be prepared for the marriage ſupper of the Lamb.

3. Though we are to expect on clear ground from the word, the Lords eminent appearing by his immediat hand in this great work which shall be ſo convincing in that day, and witnes an extraordinary providence, that all onlookers muſt with fear and aſtonishment confeſſe that this is Gods own work, yet, it is alſo clear, that he will therein make p. 201uſe of inſtruments fitted, and choſen for that end, who shall be raiſed, and acted forth with a more then ordinary Spirit, to execute the vengeance of the Lord, even the judgement written, amongſt whom the feeble shall then be ſtrong, yea, we have ground to expect, that of the Kings of rh…arth, and the race, and ſucceſſours of theſe, who in former times had given their power to the Beaſt, shall the Lord raiſe up to hate the whoore, and make her deſolate; O bleſſed are they who shall have a hand in ſo noble a work to ſack, and deſtroy that accurſed City, built up with the blood of the Saints, and martyres of Ieſus Chriſt.

4. We are not to bound the Lord, as to any particular time for accomplishing this piece of his word, yet, we have clear ground to believe that Babylons ruin maketh haſt, and the day of the Lord upon her is near, whoſe ſword is bathed in Heaven, and that the inſtruments of his vengeance are making ready, one ſtroke upon that party is already paſt, Antichriſt hath begun to fall before the word, and muſt fall further until that great …roke, which shall deſtroy his ſeat, and lay waſt that land be accomplished; ſome promiſing evidences of its near approach I vvould here point at. 1. The many prayers of the ſaints, vvhichwhich are novv before the throne, and cannot want a return, many who wreſtled oft with the Lord on this accompt, though they are away, yet, are their prayers to the fore, and waits for this ſolemn manifeſtation of the judgement of God, and the blood of the Saints doth not ceaſe to cry, yea, hath as loud a cry as ever. 2. It is clear that the preached Goſpel now ſince the light began to break forth doth ripen, and help to make the harveſt more white then many ages formerly, and truely if we conſider how long the word hath been ſounding a retreat to that party to come out of Babylon, and that for theſe 150 Years they have been ſtill acting in oppoſition to ſo clear a light, to ſuch a ſolemn call, ſo many warnings, yea, to ſuch convincing diſcovery of the Lords being againſt them in very remarkable providences, doth it not shew, at what an height p. 202their ſin this day is, and an obſtinat rejecting of cure? 3. We cannot but ſee, how that judgement which should be poured forth on Antichriſt under the vials, is in a great meaſure now verifyed in the event. 4. It is clear, and conſonant to the Scripture, that the Lords work is now haſtening in the latter dayes, providence in a…iſt motion and maketh great advance, more quick changes in the caſe of the Church both as to ſtormes, and calmes, and her tryals now muſt not be ſo long as in former times, Rom. 9: ver. 28. he will cut short his work in righteouſnes, for a short work will the Lord make in the earth. 5. That Antichriſt and his followers, do this day ſeem to be at ſuch an advantage, the Lords work, as it were at a ſtand, yea, rather going back, this late reviving of Antichriſtian Prelacy in Brittain, and Ireland, with ſo viſible a grouth of popery there, and ſo dark an houre upon the reformed Churches abroad, I think, on very ſolid grounds is a promiſing evidence, of the near approach of a furder ſtroak on that party; for it is clear both from the word, and Gods ordinary way of …ocedure how a sharp ſtorm is uſually previous to ſome remarkable enlargement of the Church, a very low ebb, before the turning of the tide, yea, that every ſtep of her advance, whereby she hath gained ground on Antichriſt, hath ſtill had ſome conflict, and wreſtling going before, and thus the Lord by ſuffering doth ripen his People for ſuch times of mercy, for which time, O let us pray, and wait, when the ſmoke of that accurſed City shall aſcend up to Heaven, and his People be made to triumph in his praiſe, and ſing that ſong, Halelujah, ſalvation, glory, and honour to the Lord God, who hath judged the great whoore, rejoyce over her thou Heaven, and ye holy Apoſtles, and Prophets, for God hath avenged you upon her.

II. We have a clear ptophecy anent, the incalling of the Iewes, and their converſion to Chriſt in the latter dayes, held forth by the Prophets, and in the New Teſtament very expreſly mentioned, for the fulfilling whereof the p. 203Church muſt y…t wait, and long after, when God shall being again the capt…vity of his auncient People, and ſay to that valley of dry bones live, anent which we would conſider, Iſas. 11: ver. 15. Rom. 11: ver. 24. Rev. 16: ver. 12.

1. That this promiſe doth not onelyonly concern particular perſons, or a few, but the body, and generality of that people, is moſt clear from the Scripture, if men would compare Iſai. 11: ver. 11. Zach. 12: ver. 10. with Rom. 11: ver. 25. where it is undenyable, that their gathering muſt be as full, and remarkable as their ſcattering, and as there is no nation ſo remote whither ſome of them are not this day, that shal not hinder the fulfilling of the promiſe, but as Eſai sheweth, the Lord shall then aſſemble the diſperſed, and outcaſts, and bring them back from the four corners of the earth, and furdeſt places thereof, yea, doth not the Apoſtle expreſly shew that it is all Iſrael, whereat this promiſe pointeth, for though they are enemyes concerning the Goſpel, yet, are they beloved for the fathers ſakes, becauſe of the Covenant which was made with Abraham, and his ſeed, and truely we have in this ground alſo to expect ſomething further then their converſion, that in this day, the Lord shall raiſe the tabernacle of David, which is fallen, and plant them upon their own land, Amos 9: ver. 11, 15. not only bring them to a viſible Church ſtate, but even therewith ſome temporal reſtitution, and recollection of them as a Nation, yea, may expect a return of the old bleſſing of that lands fruitfulnes which I think is clearly held forth in that of Ames 9: ver. 13. that the plewman shall overtake the reaper, the very hils drop down ſweet vvine, and melt as it vvere in outvvard bleſſings on them.

2. That this promiſe hath not yet had an accomplishment, is alſo clear from the Word, for it muſt follovv the rejection of that People, and should not take place untill the fulnes of the gentiles be brought in; vvhichwhich harveſt for many ages after vvas not to be reaped, yea, did not the Apoſtle hold this forth as a myſtery, a piece of the p. 204Scripture, vvhichwhich the auncient Ievvish Church could not vvell comprehend, vvhen it vvas pointed at by the Prophets, and even at that time vvas not underſtood, vvhichwhich ſurely could have been no myſtery if their converſion had reached no further then the Apoſtles time; and it is known, how ſmall a number ſince, of that People hath yet been brought in to Chriſt.

3. We have much ground from the Scripture, that this day, this great day of Iezreel shall be a very remarkable, and ſolemn time, which will even cauſe aſtonishment to the Nations about and make a wonderful change on the face of the earth, a time of Gods eminent appearance for that People, when his ſingular reſpect shall be as manifeſt as formerly his great diſpleaſure and anger was, a time on which many of the choiſeſt mercyes of the Church do certainly wait, the return of many prayers, a large pouring forth of the Spirit, even on the body of that People and all ranks, not only the familyes of David, Nathan, and Levi, but alſo the families of Shimei, with a large outletting of gifts, yea, ſuch a time wherein the converted of Iſrael shall then ſee, and underſtand, how far the glory of the ſecond Temple doth exceed that of the firſt, and shall be a very conſpicuous part of Chriſts univerſal Kingdome, eminent for the power, and purity of the ordinances, to which others shall look as to a moſt choiſe and excellent pattern of a purely reformed, and glorious Church.

4. Beſids the promiſe of him who is not like ma…, to lie, or the ſon of man to repent, there wants not ſome very convincing providences to confirm our faith anent this, if we conſider how this People are ſtill kept by themſelves, amidſt all their ſcatterings not mixt or incorporat with other Nations, which is moſt uſual through long converſe that People of ſeveral parts of the earth will unite and joyn in one, is not their great increaſe alſo remarkable? What great multitudes of them are in the eaſtern parts, yea, through moſt of Aſia, in Africk, and in theſe places of Europe where the Chriſtian Church is, and all this time their land not poſſeſſed but by a rabble of the Turks under p. 205whoſe yoke they groan, and though the genealogies of particular families are at this day much loſt, yet there is ſtill ſo much ſure, and evident, as to the ſeries, and genealogy of the Nation that doth difference them from any other People.

5. It is true the authority of the word should ſilence all our thoughts, how ſo great a thing shall be brought about, yet, we may judge, that as a mean this shall eminently contribute to the ſame, ſuch a convincing ſtroke upon Antichriſt which muſt go before their converſion, wherein ſo manifeſt an appearance of God, and the fulfilling of one of the greateſt promiſes of the New Teſtament, cannot but then ſtare them in the face, and with this the taking away of that ſtumbling block of idolatry which hath ſo long helpt to harden them againſt the profeſſion of the Goſpel.

I muſt shut up this with a ſad regrate that whileſt we have ſo clear a promiſe, there is no more tender reſpect, and further eſſay to promot the good of that People, who knoweth what a bleſſing might attend the uſe of ordinary meanes, ſince this is an unqueſtionable duty, and men know not when they ſow the ſeed, whither this, or that shall proſper, alace that the uſual deportment of Chriſtians with whom they converſe, doth oft further help to highten their prejudice againſt Chriſtianity, let us long, and pray more for this day, a day which shall bring ſo great a bleſſing with it to the gentiles.

III. There are many prophecyes both in the Old and New Teſtament which do clearly point at a great flowrishing and proſperity in the dayes of the Goſpel which I humbly conceive are not yet fully made out, but shall have a more remarkable accomplishment before the cloſe of time, Iſai. 60. ver. 13. Iſai 65: ver. 25. Iſai. 66: ver. 12. Mich. 4: ver. 1, 2.

I confeſſe the event will be the ſureſt commentar, and until this appear men should be ſober, and cautious, that they darken not the counſel of God, and his truth, with any wilde fancy and aim to be wiſe above that which is written, p. 206yet, I muſt think that with ſobriery, and on ſolid grounds it may be ſafe to judge that there are great things laid up in theſe promiſes for the Church, that we cannot now well reach, yea, would ſcarce get believed until the appointed time unvaile their meaning, I shall here but onelyonly touch …ow it may appear theſe promiſes are not yet fully accomplished, and what with a ſafe warrant we may expe… in their accomplishment, as to the firſt we would conſider theſe things.

1. That theſe great promiſes which hold forth ſo eminent an enlargement, and flowrishing of the Church, do alſo point at ſome particular limited time, ſome period, and revolution of the Churches condition, which is not agreable, and common to other times, until which theſe promiſes do not take place.

2. This promiſed flowrishing concerneth both Jewes, and Gentiles, and the word doth clearly point at ſome further encreaſe of the g…ntil Church by the calling of the Jewes, which muſt have a peculiar reſpect to that ſolemn time of Iſraels reſtauration, and Antichriſts ruin, a time on which the return of many prayers, and the fulfilling of many promiſes in the behalfe of the Church doth ſurely wait, ſo that as Eſay, and other of the Prophets do put over this great flowrishing of the Church to the dayes of the Goſpel, the Apoſtle Rom. 11. doth point at a more preciſe time, wherein this in a larger meaſure shall be made out.

3. We cannot find the Chriſtian Church did ever enjoy ſo great an enlargement, and flowrishing ſtate as theſe promiſes ſeem to import, for perſecution and ſuffering hath moſt been her lot, firſt from the Jewes, next from her heathen adverſaries, and laſt from Antichriſt, whoſe fall, and ruin we have ground to expect shall make room for ſo great an increaſe of the Church, for how much power Antichriſt hath, in ſo far is the Church keepe under, yea, it is clear how very short all her breathings have been.

p. 2074. It would appear ſo ſolemn a time of the Churches flowrishing whereat the Prophets did ſo oft point, as it hath an undoubted reſpect to the dayes of the Goſpel, ſo in its full accomplishment muſt anſwer to that remarkable day of Satans binding, and the Saints Reigne with Chriſt, when the Kingdoms of the Earth become the Lords, which we find doth immediatly preceede Satans laſt louſing, and his going forth to gather his broken forces, for that great battle which is to be very near the end.

I shall but adde we have ground to judge the Lord will usher in that glorious, everlaſting ſtate of the Church, even by ſome preparative degrees here, the latter times are therefore to be reckoned the more bleſſed, the more near they approach to the dawning of glory.

Now in the ſecond place I shall but point at ſomethings which with a ſafe warrant, we may underſtand, and look after, in the accomplishment of theſe promiſes.

It is very clear they hold forth a great enlargement to the univerſal Church both of Jewes, and Gentiles, particular Churches may be in a ſad withering condition whileſt other parts do flowrish, but theſe promiſes ſeem to point at a day, which will concern the Saints in all corners of the earth, who shall not want their share with the reſt of that bleſſed time, it may be alſo clear, ſome more bright, and hot ſun-shine of the Goſpel is held forth, ſome ſuch remarkable ſpringtide of the Spirit that shall be as diſcernable, as the Churches low ebb ſometime was, a day of the great power of God, his preſence very manifeſt among his people, and with the ordinances, beyond former times ſo that Ezek. 48: ver. 35. the name of that place shall be called Iehovah Shammah, the Lord is there, yea, that in this day Chriſts viſible Kingdome in a ſetled Church ſtate shall more eminently flowrish, and the flowing in of people and nations with much fervour, who shall joyn themſelves to the Lord, pure ordinances, a more univerſal oneneſſe amongſt the worshippers of God, the walk of Chriſtians with a diſcernable p. 208luſtre of holines, made to commend the Goſpel, Chriſts goings full of Majeſty, and the shout of a King which then shall be heard among his People, the noyſe of ſuch ſad complaints, and bitter exerciſes from the ſpirit of bondage, not ſo much among the Saints as in former times, and though we ſee no ſure ground from the word to expect ſuch a favourable time wherein the Church militant shall not have trouble and perſecution from the World, yet, there ſeemeth ſo much clearly imported in ſome of theſe great promiſes, as point at a greater calm, and more favourable gale of outward proſperity, which the Church shall then have, yea, this in ſome longer continuance then in former ages, a day wherein the haters of the Lord shall even be made to feign ſubjection with much of the countenance, and concurrence of Magiſtrates, and the civil authority in behalfe of the Church, yea, a time of much holy fear amongſt the people of God, and of much terrour, and aw upon his enemies, to which the great works of the Lord in that time shall then effectually contribute and cauſe them fear the Lord, and his goodneſſe in the latter dayes.

IV. We have a prophecy held forth, Rev. 16: ver. 12. which comparing with Rev. 9: ver. 13. ſeemeth clearly to point at the fall, and deſtruction of the Turkish Empire who have been theſe many ages ſo great a ſcourge to the Chriſtian World, for it is manifeſt that this drying up of the river of Euphrates muſt relate to that very party which we find in that 9 Chap, raiſed up from about that river where the Turk hath ſo conſiderable a part of his dominions, it is true the event will more clearly make this known, yet theſe are undenyable.

1. That ſuch a party was foretold by John in …at 9 Chap. and a ſolemn warning given to the Church of ſo dreadfull a ſtorm, the time alſo there pointed forth when Antichriſt should be at a great height, yea, the portraicture of ſuch an adverſary moſt evidently held forth, ſuch as indeed they p. 209were found to be, a terrible cruell deſtroying party, and therefore are ſaid to have breaſtplates of fire, their number alſo there held out to be a very great multitude, which theſe huge armyes uſually brought by the Turk to the field, can witnes.

2. The cauſe why the Lord should raiſe up ſo dreadful an enemy, and thus let them louſe, is alſo expreſly declared in that 9 Cha. 20 ver. that it was in judgement, and for a plague on men for Antichriſtian idolatry, which then had ſo much overſpread the earth, and it was no wonder, that when ſo much of the viſible Church was turned almoſt brutish in their Religion, and from the pure worship of God, was caried after idols of gold, and ſilver, the work of mens hands that ſo brutish, and barbarous an adverſary should be let out for a ſcourge; I truely think that as Antichriſt, and the abominations of that party hath been hitherto the lett of ſucceſſe againſt the Turk; ſo we are not to expect the proſpering of any ſuch deſign, and his fall, and ruin, until the cauſe be removed, for which the Lord did make uſe of this dreadful rod.

3. That ſuch a party was raiſed up according to the prophecy, yea, at the appointed time thereof, is very clear, who like a mighty deluge did overflow a great piece of the earth, and with ſtrange prodigious ſucceſſe, did overrun much of Aſia, ſome parts of Africk, and brake in on Europe to give work to theſe kings, and great men, and be a ſcourge to them who had given their power to uphold the throne of the Beaſt.

4. There is alſo clear ground from the Scripture that the Lord shall as eminently appear in the fall, and deſtruction of this adverſary as in the raiſing of them up, and that by their fall, he is to make way for the accomplishing of his promiſe, anent the Churches further encreaſe, his perfecting the fulnes of the Gentiles, and bringing in his auncient people, whereto this prophecy ſeems to have a particular reſpect, this we are to look after as one of the great works of the Lord that is reſerved for the latter dayes which shall no leſſe shew forth his power and glory, p. 210even the drying up of that great Euphrates, then in the day that he divided the ſea, and made Iordan a dry channel for his people to go through, we are not to be furder poſitive anent means, and inſtruments how ſuch a thing shall be brought about, it is eneugh what the Lord hath ſpoken, and the word that is gone out of his mouth shall not return in vain.

V. Now to cloſe this, there is yet one great aſſault which we find the Church shall have before the end, and then her warfare will be near finished, anent which the Scripture is clear, that Sathan for a little muſt be let louſe, and that ſolemn and perfect victory, which the Church in the cloſe of time will get over all her adverſaries, shall be ushered in with a very sharp tryal, and once again this ungodly World will shew its rage, ralley its broken ſcattered forces, in a general muſter Rev. 20: 8. with as much fury as ever, and there shall the Lord eminently appear, that by one full ſtroke he may for ever decide that long continued war, and feed betwixt the Church, and her enemyes, a deliverance which as it will be the laſt, ſo one of the greateſt, that ever the Church had, the Lord thus finishing his work of providence by ſo ſtately, and magnificent a cloſe; and truely after this we know no more of Canonick Scripture to be fulfilled but the comming of the Lord, when the poor, toſt, afflicted Church, shall enter unto a triumphant eſtate above all the violence, and oppreſſion of men. O bleſſed, and long looked for day, of Chriſts return to judgement, when the duſt of the Saints that for ſome thouſand yeares paſt have been reſting in hope, shall awake, and this earth, and all the glory thereof like a poor vain shew diſappear? O bleſſed, and comfortable time in which the ſaints shall then fully know what Heaven is, which they have ſo oft admired at a diſtance, to behold his face in whoſe preſence is fulnes of joy, and shall need no further confirmations of the truth of the word, when once this great promiſe of the Lords return is verifyed, a promiſe, wherein all theſe pretious p. 211truths which concerned the Church in her journey as ſo many ſtreames, shall empty themſelves in this great deep, then there is no more to do, the work of the Goſpel is finished, the redeemed all brought in, and the Bride made ready to go forth and meet him, who shall fully ſatiſfy, and comfort his People, according to the dayes of their former affliction, and be for ever their exceeding great reward.