The Fulfilling of the Scripture, Errata
ERRATA.
PAge 12, Line 1, for very, read every. pag. 45, lin. 2, for ate, r. are. p. 77, lin. 10, for ſecuritly, r. ſccurity. p. 90, lin. 18. for were, r. where. pag. 94, lin. 13, for plaines, r. plainneſs. p. 105, liu. 26, for moſt, r. muſt. p. 167, lin. 9, for hash, r. harsh. p. 185, len. 3, for therefore, r. thereof. p. 108, lin. 1. for Alba, r. Alva. pag. 214, lin. 25. for cruches, r, crutches. pag. 217, lin. 11, for III, r. 2. p. 220, lin. 1, for IV, r. III. p. 255, l. 31, for petioned, r. petitioned. p. 285, lin. 11, for obſervation, r. obſervable.
Other ſuch fmaller eſcapes as one letter for another, or wrong pointing will not hinder an intelligent Reader.
The fulfilling of the SCRIPTURE.
THere are two meanes by which the bleſſed Majeſty of God hath choſen, to reveal himſelf to the ſons of men, his Word and his Works, which may be called theſe two great Luminaries, for giving light to the Church, though the one be greater, I mean doth more clearly shine forth, yea doth communicate light to the other; theſe, men muſt not divide, which by ſo ſtrait a tye the Lord hath joyned, and by a mervellous correſpondence hath ſet the one over againſt the other, that it may be eaſy to ſee his faithfulnes, and the accomplishment of the Scripture therein, and indeed this is a great concerning truth, that calleth for a ſerious ſtudy, the ſolid perſuaſion of which should affoord a ſvveet ground of repoſe, and reſt for the ſoul, though the earth were all in a combuſtion ronnd about, and give a ſatisfying anſwer to our moſt ſollicitous thoughts, and feares: Now this being the intended ſubject of the following diſcourſe, I shall firſt touch it a little in the general, and then hold forth ſome more particular grounds, whence it may be clearly demonſtrated.
I. That the Scripture of God hath a certain accomplishment here in the World, and what is to be underſtood by the ſame, I shall endeavour to clear in theſe things, which would be conſidered.
1. This is the very unfolding of the Lords decree, and ſecret purpoſe, the bringing forth of his work, now within time, to the view of Angels and Men, which was before him in the deep of his thoughts, and counſel from eternity; it is an opening up of the ſealed book, which we muſt not underſtand to be that ſecret roll of election, and the book of life, wherein the names of the elect are writ; but Liber fatidicus, the ſealed book of Gods diſpenſations in the World, shewing out his counſels, and deſignes which should be brought forth in the after ages of time; for as the Lord did fully comprehend what he was to do, and all that was to befal his Church, and People from the beginning to the end, long long before there was a beginning, before the mountaines were formed, ſo hath he copyed, and written out his heart in the Word hereanent, wherein he hath moſt plainly shewed forth, what were his bleſſed purpoſes, and counſel of old, and thus the thoughts of his heart, his Word and his works do ſweetly aggree, and each one wonderfully anſwers to another, for his work doth bring forth, and accomplish his Word, that his decree, and counſel from all eternity may take place.
2. The Scriptures accomplishment is the tranſcript and writing of it over in providence, where we may ſee and admire how the Word doth shine upon all the pathes and footſteps of the Lord toward his Church in every age, and gives light to the ſame, and what an evident reflection, his work hath again upon the Word, ſo that through the whole ſeries and courſe of providence in the earth, we have a moſt exact portraicture, and image of the Scripture, anſwering one to another as face anſwers to face in the glaſſe, where it may be eaſy to diſcern the copy by the principale, and that reſemblance which is betwixt the building, and that excellent pattern, and model, which is held forth thereof in the Word.
3. The accomplishment of the Scripture is the very turning that which was the object of our faith, and contemplation to be the object of our ſenſe and feeling, it is the real birth, and bringing forth theſe truths unto the World in their appointed time and ſeaſon concerning the Church, and particular Chriſtians, which were hid in that womb of the promiſe, and many dark predictions of the Word; it is ſuch a thing as giveth the promiſes and Prophecyes, a viſible being, yea bringeth truth ſo near within the reach of our ſenſes, that we may even touch as it were and handle the Words of life. O what an excellent interpreter is experience! Tast and ſee, for thus the ſerious Chriſtian getteth a view of the Scripture, and ſpiritual things, which the moſt ſubtil, and piercing eye of unſanctified Schoolmen cannot reach, yea, by the practice of truth, nearnes to God, ahd retiring of the ſoul to him, hath oft got more light in ane houre then others by many dayes, putting their judgement and invention upon the rack.
4. This is Gods own ſeale, which he pntteth to the Word to confirm and ratify the ſame, I do not only mean that ſecret ſeale of the Spirit within, but ſomething more external that ſolemn teſtimony of his workes, whereby he doth every day appeal mens conſciences anent his truth, for his works are very manifeſt, whereon there is ſo clear an ingravening of his truth and faithfulneſs, that as the impreſſe and image of the ſeal is upon the wax, men may alſo ſee whoſe ſuperſcription and image that is, which doth appear on ſuch, and ſuch paſſages of providences.
5. This is ſomething we are not to ſeek onelyonly in the extraordinary acts of providence, or in any ſingular and eminent path of a chriſtian experience, nay it doth shine forth in the ſmalleſt and moſt caſual things that falls out, yea in every Page of that great Volumn of providence may be clearly read.
6. The Scriptures accomplishment is ſuch a thing as concerns every Chriſtian in his perſonal caſe, to which his ordinary experience doth relate, whereof theſe have a large regiſter, what of the Word hath been certainly proven in the ſeveral ſteps, and changes of their life, whoſe practice doth much ly betwixt improvement of the Word, and obſervation how it is fulfilled, ſuch can witnes how under a ſpiritual decay to be carnally minded is death, and when its well, that great peace they have who love Gods Law, they have oft found that in a ſtrait he is a very preſent help, and in the way of duty that its ſurely good to draw near to him, and in the cloſe of their life, can from many remarkable, and convincing providences declare the truth, and faithfulnes of God; and truely whilſt I ſpeak here, of the Chriſtians experience, I think its ſad, and a great short coming, that there is not a more ſerious improvement of it for this end, which is a very concerning duty on ſuch who have taſted that the Lord is gracious, & O what an excellent addition would this be to their teſtament, when they are to leave the World, to leave a teſtimony behinde them to the faithfulnes of God in his Word, and promiſe, and thus put their ſeale to the ſame, from what they have oft proven by ſure experience, for this should prove a ſingular help to ſtrengthen others, and ſpread abroad the fame, and good report of religion, yea, thus one generation should declare the works of the Lord to another, and tranſmit the memory of his goodnes to ſucceding ages.
7. This is ſomething which not only the Chriſtians experience doth witnes, and in every time take place, but hath alſo a peculiar reference to theſe ages, and periods of times, wherein ſuch particular truths, should have their accomplishment; for its true that the Prophets of old did not onelyonly in their predictions, hold forth in general, the truth, and certainty of theſe things, which should fall out, but they alſo inquired and ſearched diligently anent the time to what or what manner of time the Spirit by them, did point at 1 Pet. 1: 11. For its truely clear, that a piece of the Word, was under the Law to have its peculiar accomplishment, that part of it alſo, under the Meſſias Kingdome, in the dayes of the goſpel, should be fulfilled, and we find a very concerning part thereof belongs to thir latter times; and there is betwixt ſuch periods of time, and revolution of the Churches caſe, and the bringing forth of ſuch a piece of the Scripture, to a performance, a very certain and undoubted connection. Its true we do not yet well underſtand (which will be one of the laſt manifeſtations, the Church shall have at the end of time, when the myſtery of God is finished) how to ſort the event exactly to the Word, but it is ſure (and were worthy of our ſtudy and obſervation) how every age hath ſomething of the Scripture peculiar thereto, yea carrieth forward the Lords work and deſign a further ſtep, may we not ſee how one age fulfilleth ſuch a piece of the Churches ſufferings appointed for her, and puts ſome great tryal and ſad perſecution over her head; which she was to meet with, whilſt an other age, carrieth her thorow an other change, and giveth her a time of reſt and breathing, how ſuch a time bringeth Antichriſt fordward to his hight, and ſuch a following age begins the turn of the Churches caſe, yea every ſeveral period and revolution of time, ſtill addeth ſomething, to that excellent hiſtory of the Word, and providence, which we have ſince the beginning, and bringeth forth ſomething further into the world of the Lords counſel and deſign about his Church.
8. The accomplishing of the Scripture is ſuch a thing, we are to look after, in a ſpecial way here, which concerns this militant, and traveling condition of the Church, for if the Scriptures were once fully accomplished, and the great myſtery of God therein finished, there were then nothing more to doe, his work of providence were at an end, and time should be no more; this is ſomething, that is not here perfected at once, but is ſtill gradually carrying on, and then shall be compleat at the reſurrection of the juſt, and ſecond coming of the Lord, which is the laſt part of Canonick Scripture to be made out, when both his work and his word, and time, shall be all finished together; but whill the ſainets are yet by the way, they have the written word and all theſe pretious promiſes therein, for preſent uſe and encouragement, for that is its proper work to take them ſafe thorow this labyrinth of the world, and when it hath brought them to land, it hath no more to doe, there will be then no more need for a Chriſtian to goe to a promiſe, and adventure upon it, we shall then no more watch, with the watchmen in a dark, and ſtormy night, and hope for the breaking of the day, faith then shall not be at a ſtand, how ſuch a word shall be made out, becauſe of invincible difficulties in its way, no, then it hath done its worke, and that which is written shall be ſwallowed up, in that which is ſeen and enjoyed, all the ſtreames of our encouragement will then loſe themſelves in a greater depth. O then its finished and done what all the promiſes, prophecies, and threatnings of the Word, was bringing forth, and then no more need of ſomething as a pledge and earneſt in hand, to them who have the full poſſeſſion of the inheritance, under whoſe feet the God of peace hath trod Satan and all their enemies.
9. I shall adde this, the accomplishment of the Scripture, is ſomething, which is not onelyonly demonſtrat to a Chriſtian by ſenſible influences, and Gods Secret working with his Spirit, but is made out to the obſervation of men, in the way of providence, and not onelyonly witneſſed by that internal evidence of the Spirit, but by an external teſtimony, which both rationally, holdeth this out to the judgement, and ſenſibly to the ſight and experience, and this is the ſtrongeſt and moſt full of all outward evidences, ſince the world muſt shut their eyes if they do not ſee it, and a Chriſtian muſt deny what he both ſeeth and feeleth, if he deny a witnes to this.
II. We would conſider the accomplishment of the Scripture, as that which is the Lords peculiar work and deſign in the World, and that great buſſines which is upon the wheels of providence amidſt the various changes and revolutions, which are here within time, for bringing about whereof the bleſſed thoughts of his heart, are fixed and unalterable. This is indeed a grave and ſerious truth worthy to be more noticed and laid to heart by men, that the glorious providence of God which goeth throughout the earth, and doth particularly reach all things which come to paſſe, the ſmalleſt as well as the greateſt intreſts of men, in all theſe, doth move certainly and infallibly for the accomplishing of the Scripture, which is that great thing God hath before his eyes, for it is no perſonal intreſts of men how great ſo ever they be, that can anſwer this end, it is ſomething beyond the Setting up of Kings, or overturning Kingdomes and nations that he doth minde amidſt theſe varions changes, which are in the World, its ſome greater thing, then that which we moſt notice, the Lord thereby deſignes, how ſuch a party is advanced, and others brought low, for theſe things come within the reach of his care and providence, in ſo far as the fulfilling of the Scripture is therein concerned; the outmaking of the promiſes, and threatnings one ſyllabe whereof he doth more value then all the crounes and Kingdomes of the earth, yea will not let it fall to the ground, though it should be at the rate of laying cities, and countries deſolate, for its in this the Lord taketh pleaſure, and exerciſeth his bleſſed thoughts, even the bringing about what he hath ſpoken in his Word.
…. Now to clear this furder, I shall hold forth theſe following grounds, whence it may appear.
Firſt the fulfilling of the Scripture, and written Word is ſo great a thing, and of ſuch concernment, that the bleſſed Majeſty of God, thought it worthy of a place in his heart from all eternity, this was before him in his thoughts and counſels of old; even that mervalous work which should be the after-product, and outmaking of his Word to his Church here within time, and ſurely was ſuch a plott and contrivance that as no leſſe then infinit love, wiſedome and power, was required to bring it about, ſo it was well becoming the Majeſty of God, and worthy to be the work of all the three bleſſed perſons of the trinity; O if we could go doun a little to this deep, and ſee the wonders that are there, we would find that knowledge which uſually leſſeneth our admiration of other things, would highten it here, it would be new to us every day to think how great and mervelous a thing that is which the Word is bringing forth.
2. It is upon this, even the performance of the Word that the preſent encouragement, and after bleſſednes of the ſaints dothly, for the great intereſt of the Church is adventured upon the Word, and embarked with it, which should be loſt yea their ſtock and treaſure which is laid up in heaven, and all that a Chriſtian is worth, which is layd up in the promiſe, were then perished, if the Scripture should want an accomplishment, the Godly man hath then run & labourned in vain, & theſe who are fallen aſleep in Chriſt have dyed in a ſad deluſion, providence would be like the work of the foolish builder, who begun and knew not how to finish. O how heighly then is the Lord concerned in fulfilling of his Word? That he may perfect what concerns his People, and having ſurely payed the price put them alſo in poſſeſſion.
3. There is yet more then the intereſts of Angels and men, yea then heaven and earth is worth that depends upon the outmaking of the Scripture; the glory of God and eſpecially the praiſe of that great attribute his faithfulnes, which he will have no leſſe shine forth in the performance of his Word, then his power and wiſdome in this great fabrick of the univerſe, and theſe mervelous productions of nature; for he hath magnified his Word above all his works, therefore is his heart greatly ſet upon this, even the bringing to paſſe what he hath ſpoken, which if in the leaſt should faill, were no leſſe then to make God a lyer, and falſify his Word, who is through all the Church known by this bleſſed name, The God of truth.
4. We would conſider this, as that great truſt, which is put in his hand who onelyonly in heaven and earth was found worthy to open the book of Gods decrees and counſels, and looſe the ſeals thereof, a truſt which the Lord did not adventure upon the Angels, the ſmalleſt promiſe, being ſuch as requires no leſſe then an omnipotent power and the arme of Ithovah to bring it about; for which end, he whom the father hath anointed, is gone forth as a mighty man who rejoyceth to run his race, that he may perform his Word, and through this great deſign in the adminiſtration of providence, about his Church and People which he will not ceaſe or give over, until the myſtery of God in the Scripture, and all that was ſpoken by the Prophets be put to a cloſe, when Heaven and Earth at the pouring out of the laſt vial, shal give that ſolemn shout and exclamation, It is finished, it is finished. O if this were once fully perfect, there would be no more to do, then the Winter were paſt, and the Summer come, the ſong of Moſes and the lamb should be heard, becauſe the bride hath made herſelfe ready, then let al the trees of the wood rejoyce, the hills break forth into ſinging, and all that is therein be glade, becauſe the Scripture and great deſign thereof is fully finished, and the day of the perfect liberty of the Sonnes of God is come.
5. The accomplishment of the Scripture is of ſuch concernment, that nothing can be done until it be once finished, for this, time muſt wait, the Sun muſt keep its courſe, and the ordinances of the Heaven continue as they are, the World is but a ſcaffold until this building be perfected, for this the grave doth ſtill retain her priſoners and the duſt of the Saints muſt yet reſt in hope, the creation ſtill groaneth, and the marriage ſupper of the lamb is deferred, the cry of the ſouls under the altar get not a full return, until all that is written in the Word be fulfilled.
6. We would conſider, this is the great thing which the Lord this day is carrying on, even the accomplishment of his Word, for this is moſt brought upon debate, of any thing beſides; the World challengeth it, and the hearts of the godly do oft call it in queſtion; the Atheiſt ſcoffs at it, and ſayeth where is the promiſe of his coming, there are often to appearance inſuperable difficulties in the way of its performance, therefore doth the Majeſty of God ſo much concern himſelf in this, for bringing about of which he is in a holy way reſtles, and providence in an uuceſſant motion, until he hath done that which he hath ſpoken in his Word. It was for this cauſe that the Scripture might be accomplished, that the Word was made flesh, and he who counted it no robbery to be equal unto God, did take upon himſelf the forme of a Servant, this is of ſuch account in his eyes, that what time he ſpeaks concerning a Nation or People, ere it come not to paſſc, he will rather put forth omnipotency, for the working of miracles, and change the very courſe of nature, for this he wil make the deep dry, make a way through the red Sea, and cauſe I ordan ſtand as in heapes, that he may keep promiſe to his People; if there be no way for bringing about his Word, but through a Sea of blood, and over the bones and carcaſſes of his enemyes, he will do it, and bring it to paſſe, though Walled Cities, and the Sonnes of Anack mighty and ſtrong should ſtand in the way thereof. Abrahams old age, and Sarahs dead womb, muſt not fruſtrat this, if the promiſe of the Churches reſtauration cannot be made out without a wonder shewed upon dry bones ſcattered at the graves mouth, this shall not be wanting; when God ſayeth he'll bring down the enemyes of his Church, if the duſt of the ground should ariſe, down they muſt come; how many great deſigns of men hath this bleſſed deſign (that the counſel of the Lord may ſtand) crusht and broken? ſo that their work and counſel hath been as the Spiders web, when it ſtood croſſe to this end, the godly need not fear, that he be not a preſent help in time of trouble, for he will keep his word herein, though the Earth should be overturned and the Mountaines caſt into the midſt of the Sea; O who hath reſiſted his counſel! What are all theſe viciſſitudes and changes here in the World? But making way for the Scriptures accomplishment, with what deſire doth he move towards this end? So that as in Zachary 6: v. 8. the inſtruments by him appointed for executing his judgement and the threatnings of the Word, its ſaid they have quieted his Spirit, his decrees are mountaines of braſſe, which are unchangeable, the thoughts of his heart take place in all generations, therefore the Word Which is gone forth out of his mouth shall not return in vain, but the pleaſure of the Lord shall proſper in his hand
III. The accomplishment of the Scripture is a truth very clear and manifest, whereof none can pretend ignorance, if they doe not shut their eyes, and force their own light from the fear of ſuch a diſcovery; for the obſtruction doth not…ly in the darknes of the obiect or that men cannot ſee this, ſince we have it ſo clearly held forth in great and legible charecters, nay, we muſt ſay the cauſe is culpable, there is much of the will in it, which renders ſuch ane ignorance without excuſe. O that this should be ſo little lookt after, a matter of ſuch near and weighty concernment, when there needs not an other demonſtration, but come and ſee the works of the Lord through the earth, for he hath here ſo far condiſcended to his People, to bring the truth near, that they even feel and grip the ſame, yea doth in a manner ſay to every one as to Thomas, put in your bands, touch the Word, and truth thereof, and be no longer faithles, taſt but and ſee, that the Lord is good and that he is true in what he hath ſpoken.
We are indeed to look after a more clear, and full diſcovery of this truth the nearer the Church is to the end of time; there is a labyrinth as it were of turnings and windings, through which we may ſee the Word oft brought, ſo as we loſe ſight thereof, and are ready to ſtagger anent its performance; but its as true that the moſt eminent confirmations, the ſaints ever had of this truth, hath been after greateſt shakings thereanent, yea, the Lord hath in all ages, ſo viſibly ſealed his Word by its performance, that we may ſay, can he be a Chriſtian and a ſtranger to this in his experience, and a ſerious on-looker on providence and the diſpenſations of the time, wherein he lives, and a ſtranger to it, in his obſervation; yea, can any be ſo wholly brutish, not to diſcern a thing ſo clear that oftimes theſe, who run, may read?
But to ſpeak a little more to this I shall here point at ſome things, that may shew how manifeſt this truth is.
1. Is it not very clear, which we ſee very day, brings to light? A truth ſo conſpicuous, both in Gods ordinary way with his Church, and in the ſeveral ſteps and paſſages of a Chriſtians life: For theſe mercies which bring the Word, and promiſe to paſſe, are new every morning, and cry aloud, if we could hear, great is his faithfulnes…, this is indeed tryed; and needs there more, to convince a blind man, that his ſight is reſtored to him, but that he certainly ſeeth; ſure they never wanted confirmations here who do but ſerviouſly ſeek to be confirmed.
2. Is it not a clear truth, which not onelyonly is found upon the exacteſt tryal; but is witneſſed by ſuch who ever tryed it in their moſt preſſing ſtraits▪ and extremity; for its in the darkeſt night this truth hath moſt brightly shined, and theſe more remarkable ventorious acts of faith, have they not ſtill brought forth moſt convincing experiments thereanent? We may ſay there is none can give a better account of the performance of the Word, then theſe who againſt hope, have beleeved in hope, that this never made them ashamed.
3. Is it not alſo clear, whereof there are ſuch ſolemn extraordinary comfirmations in all ages? For that his name is near, his wondrous works declare, I am ſure no time could ever deny its witnes, how by great convincing providences, both of judgement and mercy it hath been ſo ſealed, as hath forced Atheiſts to keep Silence, no time wherein the Church had not cauſe to erect a pillar, and engrave thereon, We have ſeen with our eyes the great and wondrous works of the Lord, by which he hath witneſſed the truth of his Word.
4. Is it not a manifeſt truth which even in the moſt ſtrange, and dark footſteps of providence, ſo clearly shineth forth, theſe which at the firſt look are an aſtonishment, and hard to be underſtood, yet after moſt clearly verify the Scripture, that whilſt the Lords way goeth out of our ſight, yea, out of the ordinary road of his working, through a labyrinth of turnings, and croſſe diſpenſations, yet at length, it doth evidently clear, and diſſintangle it ſelfe, which men may oft ſee break forth as the ſun out of a dark cloud, that shiueth the more brightly, the more it was obſcured.
5. Is it not very clear which can be demonſtrated by ſuch viſible effects in theſe great changes of the World? For the fulfilling of the Scripture, is not a thing hid in a corner, but oft published in the houſe tops, that men may ſee legibly written, upon Kingdomes and nations, the deſolate ruines, and deva…ation of cities & houſes great, and fair, which are made to be without inhabitants, ſo as theſe who go by may clearly read the cauſe, and bear that witnes, Lothereis ſin viſibly punished according to the Word.
6. How clear is this, which we have ſo evidently drawen out, and acted over in a Chriſtian walk? For what elſe is the ſpiritual converſation of ſuch, theſe viſible effects, and evidences of the grace of God all along a Chriſtians way, but a viſible convincing witnes to the performance of the word? Hath not ſuch a very audible Echo, and reſound to that which is the great drift, and Scope of the Scripture; where men may ſee the bible turnd over into a practical hiſtory, written forth, and acted on the heart, and converſation of the ſaints, as on a ſtage, or theatre: the Word living, ſpeaking, moving, and clearly diffuſing it ſelfe through all the veines, as it were, and conduits of a Chriſtians life, ſo that if the truth, and reality of the grace of God be a thing manifeſt, and unqueſtionable, we muſt alſo ſee therein the reall performance of the Scripture.
7. I shall adde we may clearly ſee how one piece of the Scripture, is nothing elſe but the punctual fulfilling, and accomplishment of the other, how that which was shadowed out by dark types, under the Law, and held in a Prophe…y, through the Old Teſtament, is written before our eyes in a plain, and real hiſtory in the New Teſtament, and that the goſpel is only a perfecting of the Law, and the Prophets.
IV. Though its very manifeſt and by undenyable proofs can be demonſtrated that the Scripture hath a real accomplishment and doth certainly take place, in the conſtant courſe of providence here in the World, that I am ſure if men do not darken themſelves they can be no ſtrangers to ſuch a thing, yet we muſt ſay This truth which most nearly concerns us, is to the most of men, (even ſuch who ſeem to give a large aſſent to the Word) a myſtery and dark riddle. There are few who doe but enquire if there be ſuch a thing, if the promiſes and threatnings have indeed a certain outmaking, few doe ſeriouſly ponder the providences of God in which the truth and faithfulnes of the Word shineth forth, that they may thereby be furder confirmed, we ſee that to many, (alace too many) the great concernments of the Law and everlaſting happines are a trivial and an impertinent buſſineſſe, this is a truth the World doth paſſe without regarding: ſuch as ſport at Religion when they come to earneſt here, dare not ſtand before this diſcovery, it concerneth them much to reconcile their principles with their practice, their fear begetteth hatred, and both put their wit and invention on the rack, how to diſpute away any remander of a conſcience, to impriſon their light, and under the pretext of reaſon, run down godlineſs, and the abſolute neceſſity thereof, yea, beſids doth not ſenſuality wherein many wallow, and ſteep themſelves, ſo dull and droun the ſoul, put ſuch ane interpoſition of the Earth betwixt them, and this truth, as wholly darkens it? And, oh, how ſad that many having a large profeſſion to be Chriſtians ſcarce ever knew▪ what it is to put the Word to ane eſſay, and tryal in the concernments of their life, to have their light followed with experience, wherein the very truth, and reality of Religion lieth.
To clear this, I shall hold forth ſome things which may shew how little this truth of the Scriptures accomplishment is known, or ſtudied by the moſt of men.
1. The abounding of ſo much Atheiſme that there are ſo many who not onelyonly diſclaim the practice of that Religion they ſeem to profeſs, but do ſtate themſelves in moſt direct oppoſition to the rules, and principles thereof, theſe to whom the Scripture is but as a Romance, yea, doe onelyonly converſe therewith to prove their wit, and parts in impunging the ſame, who avowedly mock at the judgements, and providences of God; I confeſs theſe may be reckoned monſters, a very prodigy in the time, wherein they live, though alace, it is not the leaſt part of the World; and which is ſtrange, we ſee the moſt horrid Atheiſts do uſually abound, were the light of the Goſpel …ath moſt shined, the ſavage places of the Earth bring forth no ſuch monſtrous birth, as are hatcht within the viſible Chutch, for thus the judgment of God putteth a blacker dye on them then others; O what a terrible ſound should the fulfilling of the Scripture, have in mens eares, if they once came to have ſerious thoughts thereof, ſince they cannot admit this but they muſt certainly read their own ſentence of death, which a few dayes shall put in execution, and if the Scripture be true, they are then unſpeakably miſerable.
2. That indifferency whieh we ſee amongſt men about Religion, and the moſt concerning truths of Scripture doth shew how little this is knowen or laid to heart, whence there is ſuch a generation who doe not profeſſedly deny the Scripture, yet can turn it over in a Schoole probleme, and wonders that men should engadge ſo far upon it; it is not that it is hid from them, but they truly choiſe to hide themſelves from it, as more ſuitable to that intereſt, they drive, that the truth of God, should be rather a matter of opinion then of faith, a thing which they would diſpute, but not beleeve, but▪ O, what other thoughts would a clear ſight of this cauſe? That within ſo few dayes, the truths, and threatnings of the Word, shall be ſad earneſt, the fulfilling whereof no sharpnes of wit, nor ſubtil arguments, will be able to evade.
3. That there is ſo much barren theory of Divine truths in the World, with ſo little ſerious Chriſtian diligence, doth it not ſadly witneſs how ſmall acquaintance men have with this truth? Whence we ſee ſo great a part of theſe who prefeſſedly acknowledge the word, and are daily converſing with it, yet can give no other account thereof but report, ſo many that can ſatisfyingly diſcourſe of the Scripture, could never put their ſeal to it, that God is true therein; whence are ſo many great Schoole divines, and able Miniſters for parts, ſuch viſible Atheiſts in their way, and practice? Is it not, they really judge Divinity, and Religion, rather a ſcience, and matter of ſpeculation, then a matter of ſenſe, and feeling, which men should more live then ſpeak, and cannot be knowen without experience the true end of knowledge; but, O. this cannot be found in bookes, men will not meet with it in a throng of choiſeſt notions, it confoundeth the wife, and diſputer of this World, whilſt the meaneſt, and moſt ſimple Chriſtian oft knoweth more, then theſe of greateſt parts.
4. The great Hypocriſy which is in the world, I mean within the viſible Church, doth too clearly shew that this truth is little thought on, or laid to heart; for what is that falſe shew, and appearance (which we may ſay is not a ſin, but the very ſinfulneſs of ſin) is it not the height of Atheiſme? And a real contradiction in their practice to this, that the Scripture of God is true, and will have ane unqueſtionable accomplishment, O could any be ſo monſtrouſly irrational, to drive this poor plott how to appear that which they are not, to be at ſuch paines to act the part handſomly of a ſerious Chriſtian, to perſonat his teares, and grief, his ſpiritual frame, his zeal for God, if he did think gravely on this truth, and did beleeve the threatnings of the Word; that they will ſurely take place, and be within a little no complement, but ſad earneſt, and that he is every houre ſtanding under that Scripture-woe againſt Hypocrites? I am ſure it would make his very hair ſtand upright, his joynts louſe, and his thighs ſmite upon another, could he but ſeriouſly think upon this.
5. Theſe unwarrantable wayes which in a time of tryal men take for their eſcape may witneſs this that the Word they do not judge a ſure ground to adventure on; whence is there ſuch heſitation in ſuffering times? From that day many taking there leave of Chriſt, who have rather choifed ſin then affliction; O is it not? They judge the teſtimony of the God of truth is not ſufficient ſecurity to carry them through ſuch a ſtrait, and are not fully perſwaded that it muſt come to paſſe what he hath promiſed, for if this were, they should reckon it their greateſt ſafety to embarque their intereſt on ſo ſure a ground, and with much quietnes repoſe their ſoul, and disburthen their care by putting it over on the Word.
6. What doth the frequent diſcouragement and unconfortable walk of the People of God ſpeak forth, doth it not witnes how litle they are in earneſt with this great truth of the Scriptures accomplishment or eſtablisht thereanent? What meaneth theſe diſtruſtful feares, and perplexed complaints: if their eyes be but open to know, they have ſuch a well as the promiſe of God, at their hand; hovv is it that the ſmalleſt ſtraites are ſo puzling, and ready to out wit them, that they ſo uſually ſtumble at the croſſe? And as things from without doe appear, their eucouragement made to ebb and flow? Is not here the cauſe? That they ſtagger at the promiſe whilſt probabilities in ſome viſible way, doth not go along for its performance: Its truely eaſy to have ſome ſweet notions of faith at a diſtance, but whilſt the tryal comes near, upon ſuch a cloſſe approach, that there is not an other way, but to put the whole ſtreſſe of their particular intereſt, on the Word, and on it alone, many are then at a ſtand, becauſe they are not throughly aſſured that though the earth, should be overturned, there is an abſolut neceſſity for the promiſe of God to take place.
Now from theſe things may it not appear that this grave truth of the Scriptures accomplishment is but little known, or ſtudyed? I confeſſe we may think on it with aſtonishment, how a matter ſo nearly concerning is not more our work, there are indeed many things vvorthy to be knopvvn, but our short life can ſcarce allovv time, or give leaſure for the ſtudy thereof, but O this, thongh vve had only 2 dayes to live, I think might require the one, to be ſure, and perſvvaded anent the truth of that vvhereon our heaven, and eternal bleſſedneſſe lyeth, to vvhichwhich vve muſt lay the dead grip, vvhen vve are in the paſſage at that ſtrange ſtep betvvixt time, and eternity. O vvhat a vvonder, hovv rational ſouls vvho vvalke on the border of the greateſt hope, and fear imaginable, can yet be ſo unconcerned thereanent, ſuch ſerious thoughts might force men to retire, and go ſit alone; and truely theſe things gravely conſidered may ſeem ſtrange and hard to reconcile.
1. That there is ſuch a thing as the very Word and Teſtimony of God, this day upon record, vvherevvith vve have ſo much to doe, vvhichwhich doth offer it ſelf to mens tryal, and exacteſt ſearch, and yet vve put it ſo little to that touchſtone, that vve may knovv it upon an other account, then report or hear-ſay.
2. Hovv in a matter of ſuch high importance as ſalvation through all eternity, and the ground of this hope me … should take the truth on an implicit faith, or ſatiſ…y themſelves, with a common aſſent thereto, as though it vvere enough to vvitnes our beleeving the ſame, becauſe vve did never doubt or call it in queſtion, I am ſure men vvould not be ſo lax, and ſo eaſy to ſatiſfy in the moſt common intereſt they have here in the World.
3. Hovv can men render to others a reaſon of their hope, vvhen it is enquired, vvho did never ask a reaſon of this at themſelves, or vvill theſe ſeale the truth vvith their blood, who never had it ſealed upon their heart by experierrce.
4. Wence is it that men can have comfort in Scripture who are not well grounded in the faith thereof? Indeed theſe who are ſolidly perſwaded anent the truth, and its certain outmaking may have much joy and peace, whilſt they know the ground of their confidence can bear up any ſtreſſe or burden they lay upon it, and for what end did the Lord witnes the certainty of his Word by two immutable things, wherein its impoſſible for him to lie but that from ſo ſure and ſtrong a ground, his People might have ſtrong conſolation?
5. How can any think to adventure their immortal ſoul upon that whereon they fear to venture an outward intereſt, or put over their deareſt things in his hand and keeping, who could never ſay, they know in whom they beleeved.
6. May it not ſeem ſtrange that men can beleeve a certain performance of the Word, and promiſes, and not be more deeply affected therewith? O is this true, shall it ſurely come to paſſe, and not one jot thereof fall to the ground, and should it not cauſe us awake in the night, and bear us more company? Ought we not to think, our ſelves at a loſſe that day wherein, we take not a turn in the meditation of divine truth, if we be ſure that theſe muſt take place?
7. I would adde, if this be indeed the Scripture of God which ſurely hath an accomplishment. O how are we ſo little Chriſtians? Why doth mens walk, ſo ſadly jarr with ſo great an hope? What manner of perſons should theſe be, that are perſwaded within a little theſe heavens muſt paſſe away as a ſcoll, the elements melt with …ervent heat, and the earth be burnt up? I think if this will not preſſe home on men to be ſerious, and diligent, they muſt be in a very ſad lethargie.
V. The accomplishment of the Scripture is a moſt clear, and undenyable witnes of its Divinity, that it is his Word who is not like man to ly, or the ſon of man to repent, and hath this as its diſtinguishing character, that not one ſyllable thereof falls to the ground: This is the undoubted priviledge of God, and of him alone, to forſee things contingent which are many ages after to fall out, and hath no dependance upon neceſſary, and natural cauſes; and truely, this may be a convincing argument, yea, we may ſay of all external teſtimonies is the greateſt; but its ſtrange to think what a generation there is who can ſport at the Scripture, and queſtion the truth thereof, who yet did never once ſeriouſly enquire if ſuch a thing be true, elſe ſo clear a witne might ſtare them in the face, ſuch a party we should look on with compaſſion, its alſo ſad to think at how poor a rate far below their allowance, many of the Saints doe here live, becauſe there is ſo little of that excellent and more noble Spirit, to ſearch the Scripture for their further comfort, and eſtablishment thereby.
It is true this bleſſed record doth bear witnes to it ſelf, and is knowen by its own light whereon there is ſuch a viſible impreſſe of the glorious God, ſuch convincing marks of its true diſcent, as may throughly shew whoſe it is, and how far it exceeds all humane invention, and thus by a clear manifeſtation of the truth, doth commend it ſelf to mens conſciences as a ſafe ground whereon they may repoſe their ſoul: It is alſo clear, how wonderfully the Scripture hath been preſerved, and the original copyes thereof keept through all ages, that what ever ſmall variation there may appear as to ſome Apiculi, which in ſome places hath cauſed divers readings, yet, in any neceſſary or ſaving truth the greateſt Criticks will confeſſe they do not in the leaſt vary, and it is knowen (wherein we are to adore that ſpecial providence of God) that the Jewish Church, to whom this ſacred depoſitum was delivered, did with ſuch exact and ſingular care look to the ſame, even in the leaſt tittle, or letter thereof; this being the great work and ſtudy of the Mazarites, from one age to another, to ſee to the preſerving of that great record, from being in the leaſt vitiat, or corrupt; and the greateſt adverſaries of the truth cannot poſſibly deny that aggreement betwixt theſe many original copyes, in the whole ſubſtance, which may be very convincing to the World. And doth not men ſee, how marvellous the whole frame of the Scripture is? What a correſpondency betwixt all the parts thereof, that nothing in it doth in the leaſt, vitiat the proportion, and beauty of the work, but all alongſt an evident tendency to advance holineſſe, and conform the ſoul to God: With a wonderful conſent and harmony in anſwering to this great end, we ſee the ſimplicity, and plaines of its ſtyle, yet backt with a convincing Majeſty, and authority upon the conſcience; yea beſids it hath been atteſted by miracles that were great in themſelves, famous in their time, tranſmitted to the Church in after ages, with unanſwerable evidences of their truth, that not only from the witnes of the Word, but other preſſing, and rational grounds may let us ſee there could be no deceit, or impoſture therein.
Theſe are a great teſtimony to the truth, but I may ſay, on very ſure ground that, next to that great witnes of the Spirit, there is no argument more convincing to reach Atheiſme a ſtroke and throughly ſatisfy an exerciſed Spirit, who may be plunged anent this great thing, the authority of the Scripture, then a clear diſcovery of its performance, whilſt under the aſſault of ſuch a temptation, if this be the very word of God, they may but retire within, and then turn their eyes abroad in the World, to ſee what a viſible impreſſe, of the Word is ſtamped on every piece of the work, and providence of God. Now for further clearing I would offer theſe few things.
1. Firſt the accomplishment of the Scripture is a very publick teſtimony from Heaven to its divinity, whilſt the Lord by his works through the Earth which are done in the view of Angels and Men doth ſolemnly avow that this is his Word; for we muſt ſay his work within on the hearts of his People, & without about the Church is ſuch, whereat men, yea all the magicians of the earth, may ſtand amazed, and confeſſe that nothing leſſe then a divine almighty power can accomplish the ſame.
2. This gives in the witnes of all the generation of the righteous, who from the beginning have proven the truth thereof, yea ſealed by the blood of many excellent Chriſtians, ſome of whom though they could not well diſput for it, yet, had ſo ſtrong a demonſtration of the power of the truth within, as made it an eaſy work to dy for the ſame.
3. This doth clearly shew the Scripture is an unchangeable rule of righteouſnes, that alters not but takes place in all ages, whence ſuch as are wiſe to bring providence in to the Word, and compare the experience, and remarks of one time with another, may have a great reach, and be thus led in a ſure path as to the for ſeeing of events.
4. This alſo doth demonſtrat that it is his Word who doth rule and guide the World, and hath a ſoveraign dominion over the fame, whilſt we may here ſee ſuch remarkable events which both in the preſent, and in former times have fallen out, as may shevv a povver, that can reach the greateſt vvith a ſtroke, shake the moſt eſtablished Kingdomes and even over the belly of inſuperable difficulties, accomplish the Word, yea that ſurely the Spirit of the vvheels vvhichwhich moves them is from him vvhoſe Word this is; for it is not more clear that theſe courtaines of the Heavens are ſtretcht forth over the Earrh, then that the Scripture is ſtretcht out over the vvhole vvork and frame of providence, ſo as all the motious, and ſteps thereof even of the moſt caſual things that fall out hath a viſible tenden…y to accomplish theſe ends vvhichwhich the Scripture hath held forth.
5. This clearly sheweth it muſt be his Word who hath forſeen all things that were to be…all the Church, and the various changes and adventures of every Chriſtians life through time, whilſt it is ſo wonderfully shaped, and ſuited to every new tryal of the Church, as if intended only for that time, and to every caſe of a godly man, as though it had been alone writ for them.
6. This alſo sheweth that he who is the author of the Scripture and hath framed that admirable piece muſt have ſome immediat correſpondence with the Spirit of Man, knoweth our ſitting down, and riſeing up, yea doth ſearch the heart, and the reines; for experience can tell how the Word is directed to the heart, doth reach the moſt inward contrivances thereof, doth ſo clearly reveall. and open up a Chriſtian to himſelfe, that we may ſay of a truth, he is the God of the Spirits of all flesh, and one greater then our heart whoſe it is.
7. I shall further adde, the fulfilling of the Scripture in the experience of the ſaints, doth shew it is not a dead letter, but hath power, and life; and there muſt be an enlightning quickning ſpirit, that ſurely goeth along with the ſame, this clearly demonſtrates ſomething above words, yea above nature in the written. Word, that can make ſuch a change upon the ſoul, give life to the dead, open the eyes of the blind, yea, can turn a lump of earth, that formerly tended downward, now, without any violence to move from a principle of life towards God as the ſparks flee upward.
VI. The aceomplishment of the Scripture is a moſt pleaſant, and truely delectable ſubject, worthy of our Serious thoughts, and ſtudy, for here is held out the higheſt truth for the judgement to contemplat, the truth and faithfulnes of God in the Word, and here is alſo the greateſt good for the affections to embrace, and delight in, as that wherein our whole happines is certainly wrapt up; it is undenyable that it is the godly man, who knoweth beſt what true and ſolide pleaſure is; which he doth not loſſe, by turning his heart from the creature to God, but maketh a bleſſed exchange; O, how far doth the joy, and delights of the ſoul exceed theſe of the ſenſes, and the delight of a Chriſtian how far doth it ſurpaſſe that of a natural man, even in his beſt eſtate; and I am ſure this pretious ſtudy of the dayly performance of the Word, is one of theſe pathes of pleaſure, which would bring in more ſolide joy to the ſpirit in ſome few houres, then ſome years wallowing in the carnal delights of the flesh, which is but as pleaſure in ſport, but quickly turneth to grief in earneſt; it is one of the great miſtakes of the World, that religion tends ſo much to ſadden, and diſquyet the ſoul; nay, it is certainly the want of this, becauſe we are ſo little truely religious, when we ſcruffe over our duety, and take but a paſſing look of the wayes, and work of God in the World, then it is indeed very affrighting, and unpleaſant; but when in a more Chriſtian way, we doe ſeriouſly look thereupon, and get our heart near God, taking the Word alongſt with us, O how delightful, and ravishing a ſight will this be… I truely think though there were not a command, though it were no duety, nor ſuch advantage in the ſtudy of this grave truth, yet that joy, and refreshment which the ſoul would find in ſuch a diligent ſearch, in going down into this bleſſed deep, should invite us thereto.
But when I ſpeak of this, what a ſweet, and delightful ſubject, the performance and outmaking of the Scripture is, it muſt be underſtood that it is ſo only to the ſaints, and it is no wonder the World keep at ſuch a diſtance with it, for this is a truth they cannot bear, they hate it, which, as Micajah, doth Propheſy alwayes bad things, and carrieth a meſſage of death to them; a ſerious look of this truth to ungodly men, is as the hand witing upon the wall before them, which doth foretel their approaching ruin, and should cauſe them all tremble, the knowledge whereof muſt encreaſe their ſorrow, and diſquyetneſs, yea, cauſe them cry out, O, doe not torment us before the time, for they are ſurely undone, and ruined if the Scripture of God be true, and hath a performance; But O what pleaſant, and refreshful tydings, doth this carry to a Chriſtian! What a ſweet view doth he here get of the inheritance, and bleſſed eſtate of the ſaints, which may cauſe ſuch ane exclamation, how great is that goodnes which is laid up for theſe that fear thee!
To demonſtrate this, I shall hold out ſomethings, from which we may ſee how delightful a ſubject, the accomplishment of the Scripture is for a Chriſtian to ſtudy.
1. Serious converſe with this grave truth, leadeth forward to practice, and thus helpeth to bring down theory to experience, which is the moſt ſweet, and deſireable of all other demonſtrations, that we can have of the truth of the Scripture, and maketh our light clear, and pleaſant to the taſte, turning the exerciſe of our judgement, and reaſon thereanent, into ſenſe, and feeling; we are then made to ſee what a difference there is, betwixt that diſcovery which a ſpiritual man (whoſe religion is his practice) hath of this, and the cold winter-light of a natural underſtanding that hath no heat or warmenes therewith, which is as great a difference as betwixt hearing of ſuch a thing by report, and ſeeing it with our eyes.
2. This bleſſed ſtudy, hovv the Scripture hath certain accomplishment, vvould help to read the Word vvith an other kinde of pleaſure, O, vvhat repreſentation, should then the truths and promiſes thereof have to the godly man! it vvould be as one going in to look over his charters, and the great things therein contained, vvhichwhich he doth not in the leaſt debat, or queſtion, ſince they are paſt the ſeals, and fully ratifyed, and novv conſidereth all vvhichwhich is promiſed, as his own, vvhichwhich he lookt in former times upon, but as a common thing, vvhilſt he made not earneſt of the certainty thereof, and vvhat an intreſt he had in the ſame, O, when he readeth that promiſe of a new heaven and earth, & that glorious eſtate which abideth the Saints! He cannot turn his eyes, & thoughts ſo eaſily off it, but is made to ſtand, & vvonder, that ſo great a thing, that vvill make ſuch a mervellous change in his condition, is even shortly to come to paſſe; hovv ſvveet, and pleaſant is it for ſuch to turn over theſe promiſes, vvho can ſet to his ſeal, and bear this vvitnes, that he hath as really proven the truth thereof by ſure experience, as he knovveth he hath a real being, ſurely the Bible is an other thing to theſe, then it is to the great part of men, vvho only make it the ſubject of their contemplation.
3. In this bleſſed ſtudy vve should have much laid to our hand to obſerve, and our obſervation made ſvveet, and pleaſant to us; for there vve might ſee, hovv all the paths of the Lord tovvards his People, are mercy and truth, this vvould give us a refreshful diary of providence, hovv in ſuch a plunging ſtrait we found the Word ſenſibly ſealed; vvhat obſervable confirmations vve have had therevvith, at ſuch a time, and in ſuch a condition, the after-recounting of vvhichwhich in ane houre of tryal, or in the evening of our life, vvould exceed theſe greateſt pleaſures, the Men of this World can have in looking over their gold, and greateſt treaſures, which for many yeares they have been laying up.
4. In the ſerious ſtudy of the dayly accomplishing of the Scripture, we should have a moſt ſatisfying vievv, and proſpect of vvhat God is doing up and down the Earth, vvhat purpoſes and deſignes he hath on foot, and hovv things here beneath do vvork together for carrying on of the ſame, vve should ſee vvhat an excellent, and curious piece of vvork this frame of providence is, vvhichwhich the more it is conſidered, it vvill be the more a vvonder, hovv perfect in all its parts, hovv compact, and vvell ſet in all its various collours, what an obſervable concurrence there is there, hovv theſe ſeveral diſcords, vvhichwhich vve ſee here, do yet aggree vvith one conſent, for the compleeting of Gods deſign, vvhichwhich is ſtill going on, and vvhilſt vve think there muſt be ſome diſorder amongſt the vvheells, vve are made after to ſee that this confuſion, vvas an excellent ſtep of providence, confounding the vviſdome of men, every piece of his vvav being ſo knit to another, as diſcovers to ſuch who make this bleſſed truth their ſerious ſtudy, a moſt rare contexture beyond the reach, and uptaking of the greateſt Artiſts that ever was. Here alſo we might go up to that watch-tower of Chriſtian obſervation, and from thence take a grave look of Gods way, and lay his work in the World to the Scripture, as the meaſuring lyne, where we should ſee (and find the ſight thereof very pleaſant) how the Word every day takes place, doth ishue through all the veines, and arteries of providence, each line whereof is ſo exactly drawen, as by a pincel in ſome skillfull hand, to that great exemplar of the Scripture; here we might diſcern theſe eminent examples of judgement, and mercy that in every age are ſet before us, how wicked men proſper for a time, yet have a dreadful ishue, and are ſuddenly caſt into deſtruction, they ſpread as a green bay tree, and within a little their place cannot be found, how the godly are oft ſore afflicted, yet flowrishing as the palme tree, and the more they are depreſſed, the more they grow; how the enemies of the Church are oft lifted up for a ſorer fall, and the Church brought low, in order to her greater enlargement; how judgement findeth out ſinners, & is oft exactly proportioned in meaſure, and kinde to the ſin; and on the other hand how integrity is ſore toſſed oft, yet ſtill falleth upon its feet, & overclouded that it may shine more brightly after; how the threatnings of the Word do viſibly overtake Kingdomes, & nations, bring down great houſes, cauſeth the ſcarlet embrace the dunghil, & letteth not the hoary head of cruel, & wicked men goe oft into the grave in peace, & again to conſider how the Lord forſaketh not his People, but sheweth reſpect to their way, the good man walketh in his integrity, and his ſeed after him is bleſſed O, how ſweet an exerciſe were this for a Chriſtian even to loſſe himſelf in!
5. From thence we might in a great meaſure diſcern what of the night it is with the Church; if there be any evidences that it is neer day; and what ſuch a ſinful caſe doth threaten; we would be skilful to feell the Churches pulſe, and thereby find what ſymptomes there are of life or death, and perceave a dark cloud of judgement caſting up, when it is but like an handbreadth; ſurely this ſtudy should make us wiſe to know the tymes, and what we ought to do therein; for amongſt theſe various events which fall out in every age, the Lords way is conſtant with itſelfe, and vvith his truth, if we be right on lookers.
6. Here we should have a moſt pleaſant and clear view, how the Seripture of God, comprehendeth the whole ſtate of the Church, from the beginning to the end of time; that it is a moſt full, and perfect regiſter of all the viciſſitudes, and alterations, which are to go over her head whilſt in a militant condition; and doth alſo moſt exactly point out theſe occurrences, and remarkable events, which fall out in the ordinary way, and courſe of providence, that we may read them as evidently in the Word, as we ſee them with our eyes fall out in the World; for in following this ſtudy, vve should clearly ſee hovv the Scripture bringeth the Church to light, out of the vvomb of an eternal decree, and doth trace it from the firſt promulgation of the Goſpel after the fall throvv theſe dark times before the ſtood, vvhilſt it vvas but in families, and through that long tryal in Egypt, and all its ill journey in the vvildernes, untill it bring it to its ſe…led, and flovvrishing condition in Canaan, and carryeth her ſordward through all the ſeveral changes of her caſe, under her following decay, and in the times of the captivity, even to the manifeſtation of Chriſt, and dawning of the goſpel; and as it thus taketh in within its reach, the whole eſtate, and the ſpecial events, which did befall the Church under the Law, ſo we may ſee how the Scripture, alſo followeth the Church, through the wholl time of the goſpel, and bringeth her as a grain of muſtard ſeed from a day of ſmall things, until it bring her to perfection, taketh her as it were by the hand from her infancy, and goeth with her through all the turnings of her condition; through that long, and dark night of Antichriſts reign, pointeth clearly out her condition, and various aſſaults that shee should endure in that time, and that bleſſed victory which shee should after have, though not all at once, but gradually over her enemyes, and that the Word, and the Church do never part, but one walketh ſtep for ſtep with the other, until it bring her ſafe to land, and as it were put her of its hand, and guard, at the comming of Chriſt.
7. This would alſo help us to ſweet thoughts, and give us matter of a ſong in the ſaddeſt night of the Churches condition, when we ſee how Gods great deſign in the World is the accomplishing of the Scripture, and know that his ends which he hath held forth therein, cannot be fruſtrat, it would ſerve to ſilence all our complaints, with wondering at Gods vvay, and triumphing in the vvorks of his hands; vve should not then be affrayd of evill tydings; a ſtormy time vvould not outvvit us; being perſvvaded that though the earth should be overturned, it shall be ſurely vvell vvith the righteous, the Church muſt flovvrish, and all her enemyes be found lyars, becauſe he is faithful that hath promiſed, vvhoſe Word vvill as ſurely come to paſſe, as the ſun doth return after a dark night.
VII. It doth now more eſpecially concern the godly in theſe latter times, to ſtudy this great truth of the accomplishment of the Scripture, and ſet about a ſerious inquiry, and ſearch therein as a truth that shall yet be in a further meaſure diſcovered, and opened up, the nearer the Church is to the end of tyme vvhichwhich may thus appear.
1. Herein is the Word expreſs, that one piece of the Scripture, vvhichwhich from former ages vvas ſealed up, should in the latter dayes be clear, and eaſy to underſtand, Dan: lastch. 4: 9. ver. the ſeal is there put on; but go thy vvay Daniel for theſe Words are cloſed, and ſealed to the time of the end, but Rev. laſt Ch. and ver. 9. We have that bar taken of, ſeal not the ſayings of the Prophecy of this book; for the time is at hand; becauſe then the time did dravv near, to vvhichwhich a more full diſcovery, and opening up of the Scripture vvas reſerved, & a more large manifeſtation of the ſpirit beyond former ages. Novv by the laſt dayes, vve are not only to underſtand, the vvhole time of the goſpel, though it is thus tearmed in the Scripture, but the latter part of theſe laſt times, vvhichwhich is more eſpecially pointed at, even the cloſe, and evening of time, that laſt Epocha, and period of prophetick chronology, to vvhichwhich a greate… accomplishment of Scripture Prophecies is reſerved.
2. This alſo is expreſly promiſed that in the latter dayes, the Chnrch shall have a more full diſcovery of this truth, hovv the Scripture is verified, Dan. last Ch. v. 4. many shall run to and fro, and knovvledge shali be increaſed, vvhichwhich increaſe as it clearly pointeth at the laſt times, and that bright day the Church shall have, when Iſrael shall be brought in to Chriſt, it doth alſo point at, and promiſe ſome greater light, and a more full opening up of the myſteries of the Word, and fulfilling thereof, for the former part of the Chapter sheweth, that increaſe of knowledge doth relate to theſe things which were before ſealed; we wait and believe the further accomplishment of this promiſe to the Church beyond all we have yet ſeen, that many Scripture-truths now dark, and abſtruſe shall be made ſo clear, as shall even cauſe us to wonder at the groſſe miſtakes we once had thereof, yea, that after generations, shall have a diſcovery, and uptaking of ſome Prophecies now obſcure, which shall as far exceed us, as this time doth go beyond former ages, which comparatively we muſt ſay were very dark, O! when that promiſe of the incalling of the Jewes shall once take place, what a wonder will they be to themſelves that their underſtanding shonld have been under ſuch a vail, when the truth shall be clear, and evident to them in that day? Will it not be a ſweet, and eaſy work for the godly to ſort together the predictions of the Word, and the events? And truely there is much now wrapt up in Scripture Prophecyes, not yet fulfilled, which we may ſay, in after times when the event shall unvail their meaning, wil exceed, yea, confound all theſe comments, many have had upon them.
3. Is it not alſo clear, that theſe Prophecies which of all the Scripture were moſt obſcure, and overclouded with dark figures, and allegories, concerning which there had been ſuch miſtake, and heſitation by the Church, ſo many perplexing queries, have a peculiar reſpect to the laſt times? And that then they shall be made plain, and eaſy, vvhen ſo notable a key as the event doth open them up; ſuch as theſe of the vvitneſſes taking lyſe, and riſing again, Babylons fall, and ruine, Chriſts Reigning vvith his Saints a thouſand Yeares, vvhichwhich novv are in ſome meaſure already cleared, from their begun accomplishment, beyond former times, but vve vvait for a more full eommentary, that tyme shall give upon the ſame.
4. It is in the latter times that the glory of God in his truth, and faithfulnes, shall moſt eminently shine forth, that is a part of the ſolemn congratulation of the Church upon Babylons fall, Revelat. 15: ver. 3. not only great and marvellous are thy works, but just and true are thy wayes, for truely in this ſtroke of the judgement of God, and theſe remarkable providences concurring therevvith, the fulfilling of the Scripture vvill be ſo plain, and undenyable, that we may ſay, it vvill then dazel the eyes of men, even greateſt Atheiſts, alarme the World, yea, very effectually contribute (we have ground ſo to judge) to that promiſed encreaſe, of the Church, and incoming of the Jewes, when in Antichriſts fall, and ruine, they shall ſee ſo convincing a ſeal put to one of the moſt conſiderable Prophecies of the Word, in the accomplishment whereof much of the Prophetick part of the New Teſtament relating to the Churches ſtate, and her long tryal under Antichriſts reign, may be ſeen clearly verified.
5. The Lord hath reſerved his greatcſt Works to the latter dayes, wherein his judgments shall be manifeſt, and the Word confirmed by ſuch ſolemn convincing providences, that men will not get them paſſed without a remark; we are this day witneſſes to many ſuch, and are looking, what theſe times shall yet bring forth, that the great, and remarkable acts of the Lord, muſt force the World to ſee, a divine power, and ſay lo there is an undoubted accomplishment of the Scripture.
6. The Church in theſe laſt tymes, hath peculiar advantagcs, for underſtanding this truth of the Scriptures accomplishment, which former ages had not. Firſt a great part thereof is now fulfilled that men may ſee with their eyes, if they but know how to lay the Word, and work of God together, the Chriſtian Church had in former times, but dark glances at theſe great things; which we have this day viſibly tranſcribed in providence; the promiſes were then travelling in birth of that which is now brought forth. 2. Are we not mounted as it were on the shoulders of that experience and obſervation of former times? which hath been tranſmitted to us, and we muſt ſay upon that account, the Church hath now a greater ſeal and confirmation of the truth, then what it had in the dayes of the Prophets, and the Apoſtles, even when Chriſt was in the flesh. 3. The Temple of God and Ark of his Teſtament is now opened in Heaven, light more fully abounding, and the meanes of knowledge; And, O! should not this be much our ſtudy, who have a greater talent then former ages! certainly this will be a ſin of a deeper dye, then in times of ignorance, ſince we can be no ſtrangers to this truth, without shutting our eyes, blinding the conſcience, doing violence to our light, when the Lord doth give his People ſuch ſolemn confirmations.
7. I shall add, is it not clearly ſoretold in that Dan. 12… ver 4. that in the laſt times this will be one of the ſpeciall exerciſes of the ſaints to enquire, and make a diligent ſearch concerning the Scripturs accomplishment? For its there ſaid, many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increaſed, importing that this shall be much their ſtudy, and cauſe a diligent fearch, whereunto the great works of God in theſe times shall invite them; and what should be the poſture of the Godly in theſe dayes (on whom the end of the World is come,) should it not be lyke the watchman in the laſt watch of the night, who looketh oft what appearance there is from the eaſt of the day breaking? a ſerious enquery what of the Scripture is fulfilled, whereby we may know on very clear grounds, if the night be far ſpent, the day at hand, and that the coming of the Lord to judgement, draweth near.
VIII. This is a great, and concerning duety for Chriſtians to ſtudy this truth, that they may have ſomething more then repore, how the Scripture hath a ſure accomplishment, and doth take place in the providences of the time wherein we live. I muſt think ſtrange that there is ſuch a great help as this, ſo near, and yet we ſee it not, nor do ſeriouſly ponder the ſame, when the command is ſo expreſs to obſerve the works of the Lord, which for that end are shewed forth, that men may enquire, and read the faithfulnes of God therein, yea, that ſo great a truth, which would bide the ſearch of all the criticks of the World, a truth wherein our bleſſednes through time and eternity lyeth, should offer it ſelf to our tryall, and yet, is ſo little known; O, who can diſpenſe with the neglect of this duty? by which we anſwer that ſolemn call, and invitation of the works of God, do honour him, ſerve our generation, are helpers to our own faith, and are thereby helped to ſtrengthen others, yea, are brought to ſee with our eyes, and from experience, what before was as a ſtrange thing unto us.
Now to clear, how much this is Chriſtians duty, to ſtudy a practical converſe with the Word, and to be ſerious obſervers of its accomplishment, let us conſider.
1. We are thus helped to declare the works of the Lord and to give him the glory of his faithfulneſs; and is not that agrave duty? Which at all times in every ſtation, and condition of life, should engadge men to this ſtudy; thus, every Chriſtian may become a witnes to the truth, and put his ſeal thereto, for which he should think his life truely deſireable, and he doth in no ſmall meaſure, attain the true end thereof, though he had no other opportunity, for his maſters ſervice, and we may ſay, this truth of the Scriptures accomplishment like a great roll, hath been tranſmitted from hand to hand, from one age, to another, atteſted, and as it were ſubſcrybed by ſo many witneſſes, it doth thus come to our time, and to every mans doore and require their perſonal witneſſing and ſealing of the ſame.
2. This should make it an eaſy work, to truſt the Word, and to adventure thereon in the ordinary occurrences of their life, they may well truſt God in ſtrait, who have ſo ſtrong an argument to make uſe of, that oft they have tryed him, and the truth of his Word, by many, many experiences; will not theſe that know his name truſt in him? Which was a notable teſtimony from a ſerious Chriſtian in a very sharp triall; oft have I tryed God, and shall I not learn to truſt him once?
3. This doth lay the Chriſtian in the way of that promiſe; Pſal. 107. last. ver. a promiſe truely large, and comprehenſive, but little conſidered, that ſuch as are wiſe to obſerve the works of God, they shall ſee the loving kindnes of the Lord, even in their own particular caſe, made out to them, yea, whilſt they are ſerious to obſerve his works abroad in the World, and his way to others they shall be no loſers, thereby at home, but find this promiſe meet them and to turn their general obſervation unto perſonal experience of the loving kindnes of the Lord.
4. Thus the ſaints by experiencing the truth of the Word get a conyincing ſeal thereby to their intreſt in the promiſe; for begun poſſeſſion, is indeed a ſtrong witnes to this right, when they can ſay, they have got as certain returns of the Word, when they have put it to an eſſay, in ſome particulars of their life, as they are ſure of any thing they did ever ſee, ſo from unqueſtionable experience they ſet up a pillar, and write thereon Hither to hath the Lord helpt us.
5. Thus should Chriſtians, with much advantage be helped to convince gainſayers; for its ſure, Atheiſme could not make ſo bold, and publick an appearance, if men did not ſo much take their religion on truſt, O, the ſerious experienced man, can with an other confidence own the truth, whoſe experience, and obſervation of the works of God, give him an argument that none can anſwer, while not only he can aſſert, but conduct, and lead men to the things themſelves, that they may ſee if in ſuch, and ſuch particulars, the Scripture be not truely fulfilled.
6. Thus the providenee of God, should have a more ſweet refreshing countenance, when from this great height, that watchtower of Chriſtiau obſervation we take a look thereof, and truely otherwayes, men will ſtumble, at the moſt ordinary diſpenſations, and think Gods Work is a maſſe of confuſion, but here we are taught to ſee, how the written Word, and his way, are linked in a moſt ſweet aggreement.
7. We may thus trace Divine truth, even by our ſenſe, and feeling, and joyn the Word, and experience in a regular correſpondence; yea thus we should have a clear tranſſcript, of the Lords way with his Church taken out of that great authentick original of the Scripture, and there ſee on what a ſolid baſis, and foundation that magnificent ſtructure of providence is raiſed up, what a notable key, should we thus have for opening the Scripture, by a ſerious humble inquiry, after the works of God? Where not only the impreſſion, and ſignals of the power, but of the truth, and faithfulneſs of the Lord are ſo very legible.
8. This is a piece of our talent wherewith we are entruſted, of which every Chriſtian should ſtudy a ſerious improvement, knowing they muſt render an account, what their obſervation of this great truth hath gained and what furder eſtablishment, and confirmation they have thus attained.
9. I would adde, the concernment, and weight of this duty, may preſſe it much on us; for if the Scriptures accomplishment be an undoubted truth, O! then this is ſure the Saints have a great inheritance, they are Princes, though now under a diſguiſe, and though yet minors they are heirs of more then the World can shadow forth; the Chriſtian is then more happy on a dunghil, ſcraping his ſore, then ſuch who are cloathed in purple, and fare delicately every day; if this be ſure, we should look with compaſſion rather then envy on theſe, whom the World doth account happy, we need not queſtion the gain of Godlines, then it is ſure, that ſuch who ſow in teares shall reap in joy, and the righteous though now trampled under, in the morning shall have dominion; yea, in a vvord, we may then on ſure ground ſolace our ſelves with the thoughts of that great change, which will be within a little, when the grave muſt render back her priſoners, and may with as much aſſurance of a bleſſed reſnrrection ly doun in the duſt, as we are ſure there will be a morning, when we ly down at night. O! then, there is a Heaven, and a hell, that is certain, eternity is not a night dream, and one moment shall shortly put an end to all our ſervices, yea, the shutting of our eye lids at death shall but open them in the Pardiſe of God.
HAving touched this truth a litle in the general, I shall now, hold forth ſome arguments whence the accompl…shment of the Scripture may be demonſtrat; they are theſe five which I intend to proſecute in the following diſcourſe.
FIRST Argument, To prove the Scripture is certainly fulfilled, and hath an accomplishment is this; that which hath been in all ages, the teſtimony of the Saints, what every particular Chriſtian doth ſeal, from their frequent, and ſure experience, what is found, and proved by them, in there dayly walk, upon exacteſt tryal, yea, what as many as ever were ſerious in Religion, do witneſs muſt be certain, and true.
But the accomplishment of the Scripture is ſuch, Therefore, &c.
II. Argument, That which is manifeſt, and legible in the whole courſe, and tenor of providence about the Church and by clear convincing inſtances, both of judgement, and mercy, is made out to the obſervation of every age, muſt be a certain truth, but the Scriptures accomplishment is ſuch,
Therefore.
III. Argnment, Thar which hath not only the Chriſtians teſtimony, from experienee, and of the Church from conſtant obſervation, but is obvious even to the view of the World, which from the conſcience of the worſt of men, doth force a teſtimony that they can neither shift, nor deny, which alſo may be demonſtrat to the conviction of ordinary obſervers, & hath a publick acknowledgement, from greateſt Atheiſts, and mockers of Religion in every age, muſt ſurely be a clear truth.
But, &c, Therefore,
IV. Argument, That which was to take place in ſuch and ſuch periods of time, and hath accordingly come to paſſe, the event exactly anſwering to the prediction, yea, that whereof the great part is now fulfilled, and but a litle, at this day, remaineth to be made out, muſt be a certain truth.
But the great part of the Scripture is thus already fulfilled, and but a litle thereof now remaineth. Therefore,
V. Argument. That which not only is for the moſt part already accomplished, but is a thing whereof we have ſuch ſure confirmations, yea, ſo great a pledge in our hand from the Lord, that what yet remaines, shall be certainly fulfilled, muſt it not be an undoubted truth? But the Scripture as to theſe ſpecial predictions, that are not yet made out, is ſuch as concerning which the Lord hath given his People, a very larg… pledge, and ſtrong confirmations, now in theſe latter times, to believe their certain accomplishment. Therefore.