The True Settlement of a Christians Faith, Letter 1

The True Settlement of a Christians Faith · Letter 1

p. 1HONOURED SIR,

IT was a ſweet ſurpriſal in ſuch a time as this to meet with a friend on whom I found a more then ordinary ſence and weight of the greatneſſe of the Chriſtian Faith; and to have ane other proſpect of ſuch ane attainment, to enjoy ane entire reſt and aſſurance of mind herein then moſt ſeem to have; even of the more ſerious part of Chriſtians; which did render it the more deſirable to offer ſome thoughts to you on ſo weightie a concern, not onlie to anſwer a ſpecial promiſe and engadgment I was under; but with hope, through the good hand of the Lord, that ſuch a ſervice may not be wholly loſt for the end it is deſigned. But on ſo great a ſubject I muſt go a little out of an Epiſtolary way both in the method and meaſure; and what in the firſt place I would ſpeak to is this, that I durſt offer nothing to divert, or take off any thing of the ſuitable weight of ſo choiſe ane exerciſe as is ſo rare in theſe times, under which your ſpirit is ſo much preſſed, but were it needful rather to add thereto on theſe grounds.

p. 21. That it is ſurely the greateſt deſigne can fall under the conſideration of mankind for men to have ſuch ane aſſurance of divine truth, as can both anſwer the greatneſſe of that adventure they have thereon, and can fully quiet and comfort the ſoul when viſible refuges, and humane aſſiſtances, ſeem wholly to ſuccumbe; and ſince we muſt either have ane entire reſt, and ſettlement herein, or none at all, I know not how to judge otherwiſe of that ordinar ſence, and implicit credit on ſo great ane account as this, then as a degree, and evidence of the ſad Atheiſm of this day we are now in. 2. If ever I knew any thing of the way of God in truth, I muſt reckon this as the higheſt enjoiment of a Chriſtian, where the ſecurity, and quiet of his mind, upon the truth, anſwers to ſo great a Revelation hereof, and to know he is thus on ſure terms with God, on the whole adventures of his truſt; when it is ſo near to adventure on the triall thereof in the laſt deciſion of there eternal ſtate; yea when thus they know how to enjoy a promiſe for there ſupport in this ſtate of warefare, under a long deferred hope, tho the whole courſe of providence would ſeem to controul the ſame, knowing the ground they anchor on cannot poſſibly faill: ſince this ſhould be the ultimate Inquiry about the event, that it is ſure they have a divine teſtimonie to warrant there confidence, and if the higheſt joy and comfort o… our life be not ſtated on ſuch an account it i… p. 3ſtrange. 3. If it be underſtood what it is to be a Chriſtian in earneſt, and what is called for of ſuch a…midſt the numerous tryalls and temptations of this militant state; it muſt need ſome higher degrees of aſſurance, and inward eſtabliſhment, then ſeems by moſt to be either apprehended or ſought after; and that, ſuch have ſome proper ſtock of his own, of theſe ſpecial aides and aſſiſtances as may be at hand in ane hour of tryall, for how can the life, and ſerious work of Godlineſſe, be conceivable under ſuch common and tranſient impreſſions, as moſt have of the truth and certainty hereof. 4. Doe men know what Chriſtianity means, and the high conſequence of ſuch a diſtinguishing profeſſion, from the reſidue of mankind, or is there any ſuitable exerciſe of reaſon about the greatneſſe of that hope of the Goſpel, which we have ſet before us, and yet be a ſubject both of ordinary thoughts, and aſſent hereto, which may ſtill be as though it were a new diſcovery to us in the preſent day ſince it might be judged, that if there were a Methuſelahs age to paſs within time, this ſhould be a ſuitable, and continued exerciſe therein both to enquire, and admire on the aſſured hope of ane eternity with God, which they have before them, and that they are to enter into a ſtate, where they ſhall be in the ſame Claſſe with the Angels of Heaven, and made equal unto them; I have known ſuch who for many years have been dazled p. 4with ths glorie, and greatneſs of that Mysterie of Christ and of life, and immortality in a future ſtate, as hath made it there continued and higheſt exerciſe, to have a further, and new ſtrenthning of there faith herein, who yet all that time knew not what it was to be ſh…ken, or to have any inward fear as to there own perſonal intereſt herein; but ſtill found the Revelation of the Ghoſpel, ſo great a thing, and there ſpirits ſo deeply ſeaſed with the wonders of our Religion, that whatever did tend to a higher ſtrenthning of their faith herein, was alſo the greateſt addition to their joy, and in that ſence did moſt underſtand ſuch a ſaying, nunquam ſatis magna ſecuritas in re tanti momenti ubi periclitatur aeternitas.

But in the next place what thoughts I would humbly offer to one of ſo knowing and judicious a ſpirit, and where ſo great aſſiſtances you may have acceſs to improve otherways, …ſſiall be moſt in a directive way upon a ſevenfold inquiry, that may be of greateſt weight for a Chriſtians laying the ground work of their profeſſion on ſolid and clear grounds, which lyes firſt here.

1. To know that rare and peculiar order that is ſuitable in a Chriſtians firſt entry on Religion, under a ſerious weight of the ſame on their ſpirits ſince as in any great ſtudie, there is an entrance, and a progreſſe, and that it is ſure in the whole frame of Christianity there is ſo entire a correſpondence as nothing ſtands alone by it ſelf, but p. 5in a line of mutual reſpect, which in that manner runs through the ſame, as ane entry aright upon one ſtep, muſt make way to render a further progreſſe clear and unavoidable, ſo here I muſt judge.

1. That a Chriſtian ſhould once make it ſuch a proper and ſolemn buſineſs, and work by it ſelf, to attain a ſolid founding, and ſettlement of their faith on the truth, and to ſiſt his ſoul in ſuch a manner, as if he were then to enter on the Chriſtian profeſſion, without reſpect to example, education, or influence of any humane authority, or whatever any external motives could have weight herein, ſince in a caſe of that high concern men ſhould in the greateſt receſs and compoſure of ſpirit, have ſome diſtinct ſpecial time, ſuch as may be matter after of ſweet reflexion to them, how they did then prove themſelves, with reſpect to ſo high and diſcriminating a profeſſion, from the reſidue of the world, and did thus with full inward conſent join in with the truth purely on its own evidence, as though there were none of that profeſſion in the bounds and place they lived in.

2. As the naturall order of things should require that the foundation be ſure laid, ere we begin to build; ſo is it ſure that the firſt entry on ſerious Religion, muſt be on the Faith of the divine nature, and exiſtence, and that men have aſſuredly a God to truſt to, and to make them happy, as p. 4duplicate page p. 5duplicate page p. 6Hebr. 11: 6. he muſt firſt beleeve that he is, &c. and in the ſame order, John 17. 3. muſt beleeve him to be the only true God, ere he come to beleeve Jeſus Chriſt whom he hath ſent: O how uncomfortable a thing ſhould humane ſtate be without God, and ane abſolute dependance on him, who might ſee his life to be rather a curſe, and torment, then bl…ſſing, if there were no ſupernatural help above himſelf, againſt the e…il, and miſeries of time, and to ſubdue the diſtempers of the mind, and the fears that should thus ſeaſe upon him both as to his preſent and future ſtate; but what poſſible comfort could there be in the light of a Deity, or enjoiment of a Godhead, if we know not with aſſurance alſo, the Excellencies of his bleſsed nature, and what a God we have to adventure on.

3. Thus by ane unavoidable conſtraint there muſt be a further progreſſe, and enquirie upon the certaintie of a revealed rule of correſpondence, betwixt God and man here, both in order to dutie, and what we may exſpect, and hope from him; and if it be ſure this day that there be ane expreſs, and clear revelation of his will herein to be found in the earth; that comes with full and infallible evidence to men; for here is it not poſſible to ſtand or fix until our faith be once ſettled, on the truth of ſuch a divine record, when we ſee in what eſtate poor mankind were in if ſuch a ſure way of commerce were not betwixt the p. 7inviſible God, and this viſible world we are in, ſince then we should have no certain, and fixed boundaries betwixt good, and evil, by that unchangeable difference, which the holy nature of God hath put herein nor could we ever know that rule of ſubjection, and relation we ſtand under to him; then heaven and earth were shut up from correſpondence together by any eſtablished rule for the ſame; then should the moſt excellent and eſſentiall part of man, his immortall ſoul, have no directive or comforting light as to his future ſtate, and ſafe paſſage thereto, whilſt the viſible creation hath a ſun to shine thereon; when ſuch is the way to life as by the greateſt improvements of nature it can be neither found nor followed; then should that rare ſtructure, and workmanship o… grace here, and of glory and bleſſedneſs to come, be a terra incognita to poor mankind, and as man only in this lower creation is capable of moral Goverment and humane lawes, which yet can extend no further, then their viſible work, and actions, if ſuch a bleſſed record were not, there should be no eſtablishment of laws to the whole inward man, no rule of regulation to the heart, and this inward world, would be ſubject to no Goverment, and tho the ruined ſtate of humane nature may be as diſcernable as the truth of it's exiſtence, yet should we neither know its true original, and riſe, nor any relief for the ſame, we might diſcern the truth of inviſible p. 8adverſaries, and of ſome great deſign they have againſt us, as clearly as any object of ſenſe, but we could know no ſecurity from them by ane inviſible guard, or the way how to reſiſt ſuch a party, then should the work and conduct of providence be wholly unintelligible to us, and have our eyes shut on theſe wonders hereof which exceed the ſphere, of created nnderſtanding, if this great luminary of the Scripture, did not continually shine thereon which we cannot ſee, and not ſee alſo, that no way beſides this was ever made known to recover poor mankind out of that gulf of bondage and miſery he is fallen into; and as this glorious light of divine truth hath its proper ſphere where it is fixed, and shines forth in the Chriſtan Chureh; ſo the whole world beſide, is a place where horror, falshood, and impiety does viſibly raign.

4. But this muſt lead men of a ſerious ſpirit to a further enquiry, upon that eſſential difference, which is betwixt the revealed rule of our Religion, and any other way, that pretends thereto as there is betwixt light, and darkneſs, which is not founded by poſitive inſtitution only, but in the immutable nature of theſe things themſelves; and tho I deſign to ſpeak more fully to this hereafter, yet should this be of higheſt uſe to ſtrenthen the Chriſtian faith, to look in with the ſerious uſe of reaſon on the whole frame of Paganiſme, as it was in ancient times, or of Mahumetiſme in p. 9this day, where even under a ſenſe of the law and dictates of nature ſuch a ſight were enough to expoſe the very name, and form of Religion, to be juſt matter of abhorrence, and to be the higheſt reproach of mankind, and thus ſee whither ſo brutish, and horrid a thing could ever claim a reception either on the purity of its rule, or any internal evidence of truth, or poſſible conſiſtence with its ſelf; ſo that to have no ſenſe or beleef of the glorious being of God, is not worſe, or more dreadful, then to have the higheſt contumely, and affront, thus put on the divine nature, and which tends rather to juſtify Atheiſm. This enquiry were it ſuitably improven could not but render that dilemma unanſuerable, either a Chriſtian or of no Religion at all; either that which we enjoy according to the Laws, and conſtitutions of the Chriſtian faith, or elſe an abſolute nullity as to all Religion, and that no ſuch ſacred thing had a being on the earth.

INQUIRY II. But as it is not poſſible to hold by the truth of a Godhead or to have any trew enjoiment of Religion, without a further and unavoidable progreſſe to the Chriſtian Faith; ſo muſt the firſt entry hereof be on the old Teſtament, and by a neceſſar reſult upon this inquiry, if the God of truth gave ſuch a promiſe of a redeemer to mankind after the fall, and that on this great aſſurance, the faith of the ancient Church did entirly reſt; that ſo glorious a perſon as the Meſſias p. 10should come, and be anointed to that work of redeemingman, and bringing him again to God; ſince t…is muſt be firſt cleared, and our faith fixed on the ſame ere we can enter on any enjoiment of the Ghoſpel, for the faith of the new Teſtament, is not attainable elſe, but in ſuch an order and ſettlement of our faith in the old, and hath ane abſolute dependance on the ſame; wherein the weight of this enquiry lyes. 1. To ſee the truth, and nature of that promiſe, which was the first immediate object of the Churches faith, to be irrevocable, and abſolute, and given to be declarative of the immutable purpoſe, and counſel of God herein, and not dependant upon any condition in man. 2. How this one great promiſe was given to be the original right, and warrant of all other promiſes, which doe wholly center in him, in whom they are yea, and amen. 3. As a promiſe of ſuch a nature that reaſon muſt ſtand amazed at the greatnes hereof, and cry out can this poſſibly be, yea the more deep enquiry herein muſt highten ſuch ane aſtonishment, and make the ſoul of a C…riſtian ſinke under the thoughts of ſuch a thing that God wil in very deed bear ſuch regard to man; this being a truth of that concern as it might ſeem ſtrange how one day should paſs over men, without ſome freſh reviving of ſuch a reflection. 4. To ſee how high a value, and account God put upon that one promiſe, by ſo long a delay, and procraſtination of the ſame, as a promiſe p. 11worthy of the Churches waiting, and expectation of the ſame, for 4000. Years. 5. This enquiry muſt lye here, to ſee the firſt entry of the Chriſtian Faith on the world in its preciſe time, and date, and how ſuch a light did not shine on Adam, and Eve in the ſtate of perfection, whilſt they ſtood in a ſtate of tryal upon a perfect obedience to their God, but with the falling doun of that diſmal night of there fall, did the glory of this light firſt dawn (that there might be no utter darkneſs in the ſtate of mankind as in that of the fallen angels,) whereby the final condemnatory ſentence on the one, and releef for the other were made known, and promulgate together, and the room of the first Adam, filled up with a higher glory by the ſecond. 6. How this bleſſed light (tho with a gradual increaſe,) did never ceaſe to shine on this world ſince it began to dawn, nor hath there ever ceaſed a peculiar people in a Church relation, who were diſtinct, and ſeparate from the reſidue of men, whoſe profeſſion was founded in the alone faith of a redeemer, ſo as one day hath not been, ſince the firſt entry of that promiſe, wherein, the ſun did shine on the earth, when the ſun of righteouſneſs did not shine alſo by vital influences of light, and power, and where the Churches head, had not ſome part of his body here to converſe with as the peculiar objects of his complaiſance, and love, and did rejoice in the habitable parts of the earth; tho that ſome ages p. 12have had, a higher glory aſſigned thereto, and a larger extent of the Church; yet would he not reſtrict the ingathering of his elect to any ſpecial periods of time; or let each age want a share of this glory, and of a ſeed to be as ſalt to the earth. 7. But this enquiry goes further, to ſee theſe meaſures of evidence, and divine condeshendence, which was given to ſupport the faith of the ancient Church, on that great promiſe even by an ocular diſcovery, to the outward ſence, as in the whole frame and ſucceſſive courſe of the legal ſacrifices, and theſe numerous figures, and types in that long preparatory ſervice; wherein he did not let his people feed on aſshes, naked shadows, and where nothing was inept or uſleſs, but was expreſly ſignificative, of that higheſt myſtery of Christ, and could poſſibly bear no other ſence, or intent; and ſince the whole ſtreſs of the Chriſtian Faith lyes upon this one promiſe, or what can make the ſtate of man valeuable, in any true enjoiement of his life here, its on this head should be ſett the firſt ſettlement of our faith; for I know no releef, but in a promiſed redeemer, and if it were not for the old Teſtament, I could not poſſibly be a Chriſtian; if the morning, and growing-light, of that glorious myſtery, had not gone before its meridian hight, and as a clear conduct to the next ſtep, I shall enter on

A III. INQUIRY, to know that this fundamental promiſe of a redemers coming to the world p. 13is aſſuredly made good, and is no more a matter of faith, but of ſenſe, that its ſure our eyes ſee ſuch a day, and long expected period of time, and can be no dark or doubtful thing now to be a Chriſtian, but may enter on its profeſſion in the open light; but to clear how with the ſame evidence of the certainty of the promiſe, we may ſee its performance alſo, and if we be ſure of the one that it is not poſſible to be in queſtion about the other, is thus viſible. 1. Becauſe we muſt then part with the old Teſtament, and ceaſe to credit its divinity, and no comfort could be from the ſame; if it had yet failed in this great event, and what is the main intent thereof for if the promiſed Meſſias were yet to come, I could then look for none, ſince all theſe proper circumſtances, which are ſo expreſly foretold, whereby to know and diſcern him, muſt be wholly made void, and ane utter nullity should be in that faith. 2. Becauſe I could not poſſibly look for the accomplishment of that promiſe, according to the whole tenor of the old Teſtament, in another way then what we have hereof in the revelation of the Ghoſpel; yea were it ſuppoſable that the Meſſias were yet to come; is is ſure I could only look and expect for his acting the ſame part and in the ſame appearance. 3. Let us but compare the antient creed of the Church herein, with that which is ours, now under the diſpenſation of the Ghoſpel, and ſee whither they be not entirely on in ſubſtance, p. 14and center in the ſame redeemer, with this variation only, that the one was on the credit and aſſurance of what was promiſed, and the other on the certainty of its accomplishment, ſo as that may be as applicable, to Moſes, Iſaia, and Daniel with other of the Prophets, as to the Evangeliſts, what is ſpoke by John Chap. 20: v. 31. But theſe are written that ye might beleeve that Jeſus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that beleeving you might have life through his name; where we may ſee there could be no humane contrivance, in this joint concurring for the ſame end, and by the ſame ſpirit: but yet more ſpecialy lyes the weight of this enquiry, to ſee, 1. how the moſt ſolemn times of the old Testament was ſtill a waiting, and expecting time, and that their higheſt enjoiments, lay in hope of that glory to be revealed in after ages, when the ſeal should be taken off that great P…opheſy, then ſealed up, and how the whole diſpenſation of that time was preparatory, and as a prelude to that great deſign of grace, which was to be brought forth. 2. How the breaking up of Ghoſpel, and its firſt entry on the world, had its preciſe time, and date, as that which was ſo abſolutly neceſſare, for a more clear ſettling of the Chriſtian Faith, this being a matter of fact, and of the higheſt import that ever was, and was ane external object of Senſe, in the view of the World, which laid an inevitable conſtraint, on the whole Chriſtian Church, then to have it p. 15keept clear, and under the moſt exact and punctual circumſtances. 3, As Iſraels coming out of Egypt in a typical reſpect, was a night, and time of ſuch great obſervation, and that the Lord did put hereon, ſo ſpecial a weight, with reſpect to the punctual and preciſe time hereof; ſo was this in a more eminent way, to …e matter of higheſt regard, when and in what time, the great univerſal good, and bleſſing of mankind, our bleſſed redeemer, was revealed unto the World, which should begin a new week, and that ſolemn Epocha, whence wee reckon the Churches entry on the higheſt glory of time, and on a new ſtate. 4. Hereon hath that ſolemn obſervation of the first day of the week, as the Lords day both its riſe, and right; tho it might ſeem not poſſible this could ever come under forgetfulneſs when it was thus fixed, upon the higheſt certainty, and preciſe time, both of the ſufferings, and reſurrection, of the Lord, in matter of fact; as that day and time was, which had a glory put thereon, that none elſe could poſſibly claim, and no time ever ſince that glas, ſett up to their creation, was like unto this, yea which was wholly impoſſible to fix the Chriſtian Church on the obſervation hereof otherways, but that this was ſo publick and famous in the view of the world, and had ſo great a weight on the primitive Chriſtians, then, when theſe morning stars ſung together, and the Sons of God shouted for joy, at the firſt entry of p. 16this new World, and it may be ſpecially remarkable, that our Lord did the leſs inforce the ſame in an authoritative way, both to try and truſt the love of his people herein, that what he had done for them, put ſo ſtrong ane enforcment and impoſition, to a frequent and ſolemn remembrance of this bleſſed day from internal motives; and tho its divine authority be clear, yet the leſs is of poſitive inſtitution this way, the more ſtrenthning might it be to our faith, and more excitment alſo for our love herein, were it ſeriouſly conſidered, 5. And of what weight ſhould this enquiry be ſtill on mens ſpirits, that our hope leans novv no more on a promiſe, on which the Saints of old did both live and die, when this makes ſo eſſential a change in the Chriſtian Faith, that vvhat ane Abraham and Moſes was ſaved by cannot poſſibly ſave us, to beleeve in a Redeemer to come, which would now be abſolutly mortall, nay not in generall terms to beleeve that he is come, but to knovv and be ſure, that this is he whom the Fathers ſealed, and ſent unto the World, and he alone who in the dayes of Tiberius, and Pontius Pilate ſuffered at Jeruſalem.

A IV. INQUIRY, which ſuitably followes here, is to look in upon the glory of that time under the new Teſtament, vvhichwhich vvas peculiarly reſerved thereto; and on theſe publick declarative ſigns to the World, whereby our Redeemer was declared to be the Son of God, with power, p. 17and by the ſpirit of Holineſs, ſo as it may be ſaid the Lord did then ſet up Signs and Wonders to this very day, with a more eminent luſtre then theſe at the Churches outgoing from Egypt; but ſince in the times we live in, you may find more to ſhake and ſtagger then to ſtrengthen your ſpirit in the way of truth, when it is not in an ordinare degree, that a reall Apoſtacy may be ſeen from the Chriſtian Faith this day in the Reformed Churches, whilſt that choice ſpirit of the Bereans ſeems rarely to be found in the earth, I ſhall touch but a little this great ſubject in ſome inſtances, wherein our blest Redeemer after his Aſcenſion hath ſtill made himſelf viſible before the World in the glory of his divine Power, and are of ſuch kind, as no diſtance of time can take off that irreſiſtable evidence of the ſame from a ſerious ſpirit, as if they were ſtill preſent.

1. That tho in his bodily preſence, ſince he left the World, he is no object any more of humane ſenſe, yet hath he been no leſs viſible in his goings forth to conquer and eſtablish a Kingdom to himſelf out of all Nations, Tongues and Languages, even to the utmoſt parts of the earth; and ſince I know you can improve ſome Reflections on this Head, bejond what I can ſpeak thereon, I ſhall the more briefly point at a few. 1. That it is knowen and ſure, how moſt of the habitable World beſides Judaea, was in times paſt Pagan, and a place of horror and darkneſs, and theſe parts p. 18we now live in were once the dark places of the earth, full of the Habitations of Cruelty, where our Ancestors of whom we are come, did Sacrifice to the Gods of the Heathens. 2. It is evident and undeniable in the matter of Fact, that within leſs then ſixty Years after the Aſcenſion of the Lord, the viſible extent of the Christian Church among the Nations which had been then Heathen, did exceed what it is this day; and ſince any extraordinar effect when it comes in our ſight, should cauſe a deep Inquiry upon the cauſe hereof, is not this a matter of the higheſt concern, that ever was, even in the preſent day to be taken up with that made then ſo ſtupendious a change on the face of mankind, and was as the bringing forth of a new World. 3. And here is it poſſible to queſtion, that this wonderful thing which did ſo viſibly then change the whole face of the earth, was by the alone evidence and vertue of Sacred Truth, and the pure Revelation of Christ in the Myſtery of his Death and Sufferings, wherein no humane Power could boaſt that their Arm or Sword did bring this about; as I know it will be ſweet and convincing thus to ſee under what influence, the Christian Church was both planted and propogate in the earth and moſt ſavage parts thereof, ſo that whatever reſpect Princes and viſible Powers have given to the Kingdom of Christ, yet is it fully demonſtrable that it's true interest and conquest was never beholden to humane aſſiſtance, p. 19or that any temporal inducements made way thereto, but when the World begun to ſmile moſt in the primitive times, then alſo did the Glory and Luſtre of the Chriſtian Religion begin to darken, and decline. 4. As it was ſurely reſerved to the Ghoſpel State of the Church, to be the Theater of the greatest Wonders both of Providence, and Grace, bejond all that had been known to the World before, and that in the times of the New Teſtament, theſe great things which should be matter of higheſt obſervation, and out of the ordinare road of Gods dealing with his Church then was to be expected, ſo you can ſee with full evidence, that this great and extraordinare appearance of God unto men, had been never known on the earth before, or any ſuch outgoing of his Power ſince the beginning of time, which was only reſerved to follow the day of Christ, and his Aſcenſion, as the firſt entry of …hat glorious Scene, which was to be acted under …he Ghoſpel. 5. And here alſo this Reflection is anavoidable, how the God of this World was not eaſily put off his viſible Throne, which he had ſo …ong kept over the Nations, but the laſt ſtrugle …f theſe infernal ſpirits ere they were caſt down was then very ſtrong, and put forth to the utmoſt, who yet were made to fall before the Divi…ity of our Redeemer in ſuch a manner, as the …hole frame of Paganiſm was then raz'd and ex…inct, and their Gods after whom the earth had p. 20for ſo many ages wondred; for when you peruſe the Records of the first times, you can ſee the enmity and rage of the World againſt Sacred Truth, was never before raiſed to ſuch a prodigious height, as was then aloft upon the firſt diſplay of the Ghoſpel.

2. But it is yet a further Inquiry should be made on this Head, to ſee not only the outgoing of the Lord Jeſus in the Glory of his Power ſince his Aſcenſion, for ſetting up his viſible Kingdom in the World, and extent of the Chriſtian Profeſſion, but in the reality of that vital influence on the ſouls of men, with ſo great and wonderful a change thus made on them from the reſidue of mankind. This, I doubt not, will be a ſubject of great thoughts and reflection to you, and should be a matter of higher concern to any of a ſerious ſpirit, then the temporal intereſt and transactions, which are about the greateſt Kingdoms on the earth. 1. To ſee how no reality in nature, or the moſt viſible objects of ſenſe, can be more ſure, then that under the times of the New Teſtament, there hath been innumerable example of the truth and power of Holineſs, ſucceſſively from one age to another, in whom it might be no more diſcernable, that they walked in the vertue and power of a humane ſoull, then that they did truly walk before men in the light and power of Chriſtianity, and under that viſible influence of inward Grace, as all might ſee to be above the p. 21poſſibility of natural cauſes. 2. If this were more deeply ſearch'd into, to ſee what does eſtentially belong to the frame and conſtitution of one reall Chriſtian, and what a marvelous Power muſt be put forth herein, it could not but be in another manner affecting, and afford a Seall to the Chriſtian Faith, as does exceed the greateſt external Miracles; when it's ſure one example of ſuch, who is truly converted by grace, and made partaker of the Divine nature, is ſo ſtupendious a work as does far exceed both the power and comprehenſion of Angels, yea that the Glory of the Godhead does more eminently ſhine forth in the first frame, in the conduct, and perſiting of one Christian, then either in the first frame of man in his ſtate of perfection, or of the illuminate Angels, ſince this is to make Saints of Sinners, to turn ſuch from a ſtate of enmity, and inbred oppoſition to the Holy God to be Lovers of him, and ſubdue their ſoulls in that manner, as with inward delight can make them part with what was their predominant and endeared Intereſt, and what hath been as their right hand and eye. This is one of the great diſcoveries of the Ghoſpel to let us ſee how one converted Christian is a higher demonſtration of the Christian Faith, then a thouſand ordinare Profeſſors hereof, and may fully ſilence ſuch a Question, why it is, that the Saints are not more numerous in the World, comparatively with the great bulk of mankind, yea with theſe p. 22who go under the Chriſtian Profeſſion, when It might be rather juſt matter of wonder to ſee that ſuch numerous Examples yet are to be found of this kind in the earth, of whom each, is one of the greatest of the Works of God, and infinitely becoming the exceeding greatneſs of his Power put forth herein; yea are ſuch Examples, where the Truth and Excellency of Grace does in any eminency shine forth, as may juſtly ſupply the Room of Miracles, which were given in the first times to be confirming to the Christian Faith; that theſe hath aſſuredly been, and I hope are this day not a few, who doe with deſire choiſe to preferr their Services for God, to the greateſt comforts & enjoyments of this earth, and are helped not only to keep ground, but gain, under ſuch conflicts and aſſaults in their ſpiritual courſe, as go above the poſſibility of nature to withſtand. 3. And what a wonder may one Chriſtian be, who does converſe with God here on the earth, both to himſelf and others, who hath ſuch near enjoyments of the divine preſence, hath ſuch aſtonishing hopes, hath ever the Elect Angels to be both their guard and obſervers; and tho the Saints above return no more to converſe with us, yet is it not queſtionable, but that they have the ſame proſpect of the outgoings of providence towards the Saints yet militant, & as to their ſervices, trialls, and victories, which the Angels have to whom they are now made equal, and in the ſame p. 23ſtate of perfection; and that they know the return of their prayers in behalfe of ſuch who are on the earth, for whom they had wreſtled with God whilſt they were upon it; yea that the joy which is in Heaven, and in the preſence of the Angels, on the converſion of ſinners reſpects the whole Church triumphant; and I humbly judge even in that ſence may the in…ent of that Scripture be underſtood Hebr. 12: 1. as to ſuch a cloud of Witneſſes &c.

3. Let me referr you to one great inſtance alſo, wherein our Redeemer hath in ane eminent way made himſelf viſible before the World ſince his Aſcenſion, which is in the greatneſs of that ſeall of Martyrdom, where you may ſee with joy and admiration that as he did alott the highest diſcoveries of his love unto lost man to the day of the Ghoſpel, ſo did he reſerve unto theſe times, the highest Teſtimony and triall of the Love of Mankind to him. This is a great Subject, tho it be eaſily paſt without a ſuitable weight and impresſion of the ſame, how high an intereſt this hath in the Chriſtian Faith; wherein 1. the truth of ſuch a wonderful ſeall in the matter of fact is not poſſible to queſtion. 2. And that it's ſure there was no perſonated ſhew in theſe unexpreſſible ſufferings of theſe Saints for Chriſt, nor did the World in ſuch a perſecuting work, through moſt of the times of the New Teſtament conflict with a ſh…dow herein; and if a reall Miracle be ſuch as p. 24exceed the ſphere and poſſibility of nature; it hath thus the moſt full and undeniable evidence; nor vvere it poſſible that the most excellent of the earth ſhould upon choiſe act ſuch a part of imbracing death under the greateſt torments, when their life and the enjoyments of time was ſet before them, if they had not been acted by a Divine Spirit, and knew theſe unexpreſſible comforts and joy, which was then given in for their ſupport, and matter of preſent ſenſe, and fealing, to be no illuſion of mind herein. 3. It is on this Head you can ſee and compare what a difference was betwixt the Legal Sacrifices under the Old Testament, which were figurative and typical, and theſe freewil offerings and oblations of love by Martyrdom under the Ghoſpel, which were offered up as a publick confirmatory Seall to the Divinity of Christ, and that the deſire of all Nations was now come; how the one did in a myſtery, and under a vaile confirm the Churches Faith of a Redeemer to come, the other with the higheſt evidence of power did atteſt his being come, and ſeall this Teſtimony with their Blood, the one from a temporary and poſitive Inſtitution, the other not only under a conſtraint of light, but an impoſition of love, by the Spirit of Christ, and of Glory resting on them was thus offered up, and as to the quality of theſe Sacrifices: how great a difference was herein? the one only of Beasts, wherein the Lord would p. 25admit no humane Sacrifice to be typical, but now after the great propitiation was offered up, theſe Sacrifices of Love was not only of men, but of the moſt excellent of humane race, who in purity and holineſs were the greateſt ornament of the earth in their day, the number whereof ſince the Aſcenſion of Chriſt, is of that extent as can be only known by him who counts the number of the Stars, ſo innumerable have they been; yea as to the expence and allowance of ſo high a ſervice, men can not exerce reaſon, and not ſee it did not only anſwer but exceed the meaſure of their ſufferings, and how theſe Flames of Love in which they were offered, was more prevalent then theſe of the Fire. 4. And is it not matter of ſweet Reflection herein, that as the incomprehenſible Love of God unto man is the admiration of the elect Angels, ſo this illuſtrious teſtimony of humane Love unto God, is not only made conſpicous to them, but is both the foile and torment of the Powers of Darkneſs, to ſee ſuch a triumph of the Power of Grace amongſt men here on the earth made viſible; wherein my ſoull deſires to rejoice that as our blest Head hath aſſigned ſuch a meaſure of his ſufferings, as a teſtimony to the truth to be filled up by his People, under the times of the New Testament, and to take a higher tryall of the love of mankind herein to him, then he would take even of the love of the bleſſed Angels, ſo hath this Teſtimony with the cleareſt and undeniable evidence been made known.

p. 26But there is a 4. ſpecial Inſtance of the out goings of our Redeemer in a viſible diſcovery of himſelf to the World ſince his Aſcenſion, which is in the ſucceſſive courſe of the Ghoſpel amongst the Nations, and theſe remarkable Periods of the riſing and ſetting of this bleſſed light on different places of the earth; on which a few things I would ſpeak for your further clearing herein. 1. That it is undeniable, the Gentiles have their appointed times, which muſt be fulfilled, Luke 21: v. 24. wherein the fulneſs thereof muſt be brought in Rom. 11: 25. which Scriptures bear expreſly the ſame intent, but it's now many ages, ſince theſe times of the Gentiles hath been fulfilled both in Aſia and Africa, where the Ghoſpel in its courſe at the Sun, hath had its firſt upbreaking, hen in the Eaſt, and its progreſs to the Weſt and Northern Parts of the Earth. 2. That it is clear, theſe times of the Gentiles, and the fulneſs thereof, is to be only underſtood in a diſtinct and ſeparate State from the Jews, ſo that as the Jewish Church once had their proper times allotted them in a ſeparate ſtate from the whole reſidue of the World, ſo have the Gentiles had their times under the New Teſtament, peculiar to them only; and the Spirit of God hath there expreſly ſhewed, that this great Revolution in the incalling of the Jews to the Chriſtian Faith, is not to be expected until theſe times be once accomplish'd, when there ſhall be then no more diſtinguishing names of p. 27Jew and Gentile, and no proper intereſt owned by them in a divided way as formerly, but that the Lord shall be one, and his name one, in that bleſſed frame of his univerſal Kingdom; it's in the faith hereof my ſoull does reſt. 3. How far theſe ſett times of the Gentiles, and of the coming in of the fulneſs thereof, be accomplisht, will in due time be diſcloſed, and with humble ſobriety we muſt judge hereof, but it may be ſo far evident, that then ſome ſingular withdrawing of the Spirit of God in the Power of the Ghoſpel will be diſcernable from the Gentile Church, with the shutting up of theſe times, and a very low ebb, & great darkneſs on the whole Weſtern Churches, before the riſing again of the Glory of that Light, and return of the Sun to the Eaſt again; and how it ſtands now with the publick State of the Gentile Churches any where, you can more fitly judge and diſcern.

There is a V. INQ: yet for a more full ſettlement in the Chriſtian Faith, that I would ſeriouſly commend, which is on the whole frame and nature of that pure and excellent Religion we profeſſe, and the intrinſick perfections thereof; which beſide the Authority of divine Inſtitution, you may ſee founded in the immutable nature and eſſence of the ſame, and thus have your ſoull rais'd to admire and rejoice in that God, whoſe Excellencies are with that evidence herein diſplay'd, as it is not poſſible for men to be more bleſt in the earth, p. 28then in this way. It is here I may ſay hath my ſpirit been oft drawn forth to ſee with admiration the Divinity and Perfections of the Moral Part of our Religion, ſo that if men would ſee in a true mirror what the Hoiy inviſible God is like in his bleſſed Reſemblance, lo here is it clearly preſented to them, and ſince any diſcovery of ſuch a Light, I know you prefer much above the Light of the Sun on this earth, as that alone which renders the ſtate of man to be deſirable; I would touch this a little as may afford ſome reflections o… ſo great a Head, which may be, in the very notion thereof, rarely the ſubject of mens thoughts. 1. That which is of the higheſt concern in the first place, to fix your ſpirit on, is to ſee in what manner the great deſign of the Ghoſpel, for the ſaving of lost man is layd, in that myſtery of the Humiliation and Sufferings of our Redeemer, and how this way the Majeſty of God would take ſatisfaction to himſelf, and his infinite Juſtice, by himſelf, which otherwiſe was not attainable; I know that to look in an ordinare manner hereon, might be ready to ſhake your ſpirit with aſtonishment, that the Divine Majeſty should aſcribe to himſelf ſuch an abaſement, as to join in the humane nature in an union with the Deity, yea thus to be expoſed to the higheſt ignominy of ſufferings, that could poſſibly be allotted to the moſt Criminal amongſt men, but it's in ſuch a choiſe enquiry you will find your eſtablishment and admiration p. 29grow together, and thus have a share in the ſame exerciſe of the Angels on this ſubject, who look in hereon with joy and wondriug. 2. You muſt ſee herewith alſo, how of ſuch a nature is this bleſſed Religion you enjoy, as can never be known or enjoyed by men until it be enlivened from Heaven, or be poſſibly taken up or underſtood in a natural way, as humane ſciences are, but muſt have another teacher then men, and a faculty and power ſupernatural, to know and diſcern the things of God herein; yea how in its vvhole couſtitution it is made up of theſe great Excellencies of Light and Life, which do inſeperably meet here; whoſe evidence lyes in ſeeing, and not in report or a naked teſtimony to the ear, but is in the ſame manner as the Sun is made known by its own beams and light; and it were indeed ſad, if the Sun of Righteouſneſs did not this day shine with as full evidence to men in this Lower Orb of the Ghoſpel, as the Meridian Daylight is to our natural ſenſe, to let us ſee both the greatneſs and ſecurity of our hope, yea that we are deſigned for an Eternal State, & muſt therefore ſeek after a Bleſſedneſs as will laſt as long as our immortal ſouls that cannot perish. 3. But this will neceſſarily carry your thoughts further, to ſee how the Chriſtian Faith does not only with full evidence manifest it ſelf by its own Light, but does the more brightly appear by the oppoſition of darkneſs, and of every falſe way and pretence of Religion, and how the p. 30eſſential Differences betwixt the ſame are as fully evident and viſible, as is betwixt the day and night, betwixt truth and falſhood, which are founded in the immutable nature of theſe things themſelves; and how the way of truth hath ſurely that vital air and fragrancy herewith, and ſuch a native luſtre, as is no more poſſible for humane art and invention to repreſent, then it were to draw a living man on a broad, or for one to draw forth the natural ſent of a Violet or Roſe. 4. It is here alſo you will find it ſpecially ſtrengthning to ſee the nature of theſe ſervices, which belong to the Chriſtian Faith, how here is nothing that is ſervile, or to affright any to come under ſuch a bleſſed yoke, which in its whole conſtitution is ſo full of a Holy ſweetneſs to allure, and impoſeth no Law of Bondage on the ſpirits of men, but what hath inward motives to render it both eaſy and comforting, does preſcribe no duty to be a task, and no ſervice but from love, and where the Moral Law is purely Evangelick, and adminiſtred to us in the Hands of Mediator, yea of ſuch a nature is the whole obedience and ſervices of the Chriſtian Faith, as you may clearly ſee that duty on the matter, is not anough, where there is not a ſuitableneſs thereto in the manner of following the ſame, that the leading motives and principles be purely for God; nor can the way of his ſervice be truly followed until his revealed Law have an internal efficacy on mens ſoull, and p. 31…he Moral Rule of Ghoſpel Obedience be turned …nto living and inward principles; this is a Reflection I ſhould commend much to your thoughts, that hath ſuch irreſiſtable evidence therewith for your eſtablishment in the truth, to ſee, how that bleſt way, which God hath eſtablished to bring man again to himſelf, is ſuch as no length in any external part, or the outworks hereof can bear weight, if there be not a vital influence on the ſoull, nor does its intereſt ever ſubſiſt in the World by humane Power or Authority, but by an internal eſtablishment of the ſame from its own evidence on the ſpirits of men. 5. It is here you may ſee likewiſe, how the whole Conſtitutions of the Chriſtian Faith are ſuch, as its highest Glory and Triumph here on the earth, is ſtill moſt conſpicous in the darkest night of Affliction and Trouble, and in the moſt remarkable depths thereof; this is ſurely a great diſcovery, and a ſtrange riddle to nature, which ſtands in an expreſs oppoſition to the univerſal ſence of mankind, how this way the Lord does put the higheſt honor on men here on the earth, in the paſſive valour of Chriſtianity, yea thus puts the moſt diſtinguiſhing marks of reſpect on his choiſest Favourites;

But there is a VI. INQUIRY, I muſt further direct you to without which no evidences of the truth, can be truly effectual on your ſoull; which is on that wonderful part of Chriſtianity, that p. 32lyes in the truth of inward experience, and is the very life and ſoull of our Religion. The greatneſs of ſuch a Subject makes it more difficult to ſpeak hereon, now in a short Epiſtolary Diſcourſe, but it shall be in as few words as is poſſible, only to point at ſuch things as may tend to more clear and ſolid impreſſions of this Myſtery, and make way for your own ſearch and tryall of the ſame; and I hope I may ſay they are things, which have not been taken on report. or have found it eaſy to be ſatisfyed herein, as to a full acquieſcence in the truth and aſſurance thereof; but it's to a few ſpecial ends I would refer your ſerious improvement of this great Inquiry.

1. For this end that a clear notion and Idaea of ſpiritual experience of the things of God, may be more deaply ſetled on your ſpirit, and how in theſe reſpects it is to be underſtood: 1. that God hath directed his Sacred Truth unto men not only for trust, but for tryall, which is a tryall of that nature, & ſtated on ſo great and wonderful things, that the whole vital part of Religion should be a ſtrange and dark thing until you be once entred hereon; they are bleſſed who beeleve and have not yet ſeen what relates to the State of Glory above, but they can never be bleſt who do not ſee, as well as beleeve what belongs to the life and enjoyments of Grace within time, in the truth of inward experience. 2. It is here muſt be underſtood the firſt Acquaintance of men with the Spirit of God; p. 33which is ane acquaintance of that concern, as the Lord hath laid over the weight of his peoples ſpiritual joy, refreſhment, and ſupport, whilſt they are within time, on the ſame; and is the firſt entry on converſe with ſpirits, and with God, the Father of ſpirits, which ſhall be eternal. 3. It is ſuch, as hath a diſtinct evidence from any moral influence by the Word or light to the judgment; and is the proper object of ſpiritual ſenſe, which no humane power, or Angels can impart, but God hath reſerved only to himſelf, who can only make his own love known to the ſoul, and no report, or teſtimony of men can doe. 4. It is hereby Chriſtians enter on poſſeſſion in ſome degree of divine truth, and theſe great things promiſed, as a earnest in hand, to aſsure them that the rest shall not faill tho it adds no ſecurity to the truth of the promiſe, but for a more abounding aſſurance to ſuch who receave the ſame. 5. Tho here be a common, and joint interest amongſt Chriſtians, yet muſt each have his proper, and diſtin…l part in the truth of inward experience, which is his peculiar interest and talent, and it's ſure nothing does more work on mens ſouls; and afford more ſweet thoughts then what this way is made there own, to know in themſelves the internal demonſtrations of the truth they profeſſe, in the power and vertue thereof; and to know what great things hath paſſed between God and their own ſoul, and what remarkable times hath gone over p. 34them, and ſpecial remarkes herein of divine conduct, and his immediate appearance, in the courſe of their life. 6. It is of that kind as none poſſibly can take on truſt, from the teſtimony of others, or will ſatisfy without perſonal tryall, tho this be more known to ſuch who by reaſon of uſe have their ſenſes exerciſed to diſcern good and evil Hebr. 5: 14. 7. But whatever ſingular uſe is hereby to the ſupport of our Faith, yet are they not the grounds thereof; ſince theſe are only, what God hath ſpoke in his word, and not what he hath done in his work; tho they are at a great loſs who have begun late to obſerve the ſame: it is true the greateſt talent, which is by inward obſervation, and experiments which have been moſt deeply affecting in the preſent time; does not abide in the ſame ſenſe, and fealing, and mayly as a dead ſtock upon a Chriſtians hand, without freſh, and immediate ſupplies; yet are they ſtill the ſame in the truth thereof, and does ever evidence, how far the enjoiment of grace, and of a ſpiritual eſtate does exceed the greateſt enjoiments of nature. 8. This alſo muſt be underſtood not only by the teſtimony of inward ſenſe, but what comes under the moſt exact, and judicious tryall, as to the principles it leans on, without which, there could be no true enjoiment of the ſame, if they were not as fully ſatisfied of holding their experience by right, as in poſseſſion, and that theſe great things are no shadowes or appearances, p. 35but what is of the higheſt truth, ſubſtance, and reality. 9. It is ſure that God is not known in the earth, or enjoyed in truth, but in the light of inward evidence and experience, except in ſuch a manner of Balaam, to ſee him but not near; but not in the knowledge of converſe, and fellowship with that God, whom they profeſſe to know, or what it is to have their ſoul inward, and familiar with him, in the experience of ſuch a thing. 10. It is by inward experience upon the ſouls of men, that God doeth in a more ſpecial way ſecure, and preſerve, that ſacred record of his truth in the World, then by humane Lawes, or authority; by ane internal conforming of the ſpirits of his people, to his revealed truth, whereby the inward man becomes as a repoſitory thereof, for when men once become Chriſtians in truth, they are then the declared Epiſtle of Christ by ane indiſſoluble union of the truth, and their ſouls together. I ſhall but add, that the experimental part of Religion is not perfited here, but within a little, there will be ane entrance on ane eternity of experience of what once with admiration, and deſire, was hoped for, and the enjoiment of that ſtate above will be no object of Faith, but of ſenſe and purely experimental.

A Second Intent of this Inquiry, should be to clear, how the enjoiment of one Chriſtian in the way of experience, may be no meaſure, or rule to others in the tryall of their ſtate, upon theſe grounds. 1. That the leaſt reall evidence of the p. 36Sanctifying vertue of the truth, bears witneſs to the truth of a new life, and of ſpiritual ſenſe, and diſcerning herewith, as a few grapes does difference between a vine, and a bramble. 2. Becauſe the reall Work of God, may be long without the witneſs thereof, and the firſt giving of the new life, and a diſcerning of the ſame, are diſtinct acts of the ſpirit, which doe rarely go together, ſo as to know when the pulſe of this life does begin firſt to beat. 3. As there are different ſiſes, and grouth amongſt the Saints within time; ſo does the talent of experience and inward obſervation, much differ in the ſtate of ſome, in reſpect of others; and does anſwer to higher conflicts and aſſaults in a Chriſtians warefare, and higher improvements of grace herein; whence it is that patience brings forth experience, and as it hath ſo great a room, and ſervice for God; bejond other graces of the ſpirit, ſo hath it a great income of reward; by the moſt rare, and inriching experience of a Chriſtians life; thence is it that theſe of the higheſt form of Chriſtians and of the choiſeſt ſpirit, has been put to a higher exerciſe thereof, then others, and made to be a more publick bleſſing by example herein to their Generation. 4. It is clear, the experimental part of Chriſtianity may have reſpect to ſome ſpecial times, and Periods of mens life, ſo as one day may be more memorable, then as they have ever known before; yea to ſuch times, when they are put to a p. 37higher ſervice in the tryall of their Faith, and led unto paths of providence, that might ſeem untrodden, which hath been uſually a time of great obſervation as to a higher light, and evidence on the experimental tryall of Religion. 5. This different meaſure hath reſpect alſo, to the first entry of Chriſtians on ſome very dark paths of providence, when the Lord is to lead, and encline them into a wilderneſs, by giving in aſſurance with a double meaſure on their ſouls, like Elijahs call to ariſe, and eat, and Joſephs dream twice given, when his conflicts, and tryalls were to be doubled upon him; yea this may be alſo on this ground, as it is peculiar to ſome Chriſtians above others to be kept more cloſs on ſuch a Scent, in that rare exerciſe to diſcern the workings of God on their ſoull, and to try the certainty hereof from the natural work of their own Spirit; and who may be more exact then others, to lay up, and record the ſame, and not loſe the leaſt fragment of ſuch asſiſtances to their Faith.

3. This Inquiry should be of ſpecial uſe likewiſe to know what great things theſe are, to which, the experimental part of Christianity does relate, wherein they of the lowest ſiſe of Chriſtians have a common, and joint interest whatever difference be in the degree; but it is a very short touch I can here give on ſo great a ſubject and on ſome few Heads.

1. The tranſlation, and entry of a Christian p. 38unto a new ſtate, and world, here in the earth; is one of the greateſt things of experience (tho it hath not a like clear evidence, nor the preciſe time, and entry can be in the ſame manner known) for men to know ſo marvelous a change in themſelves, and that here is no illuſion or dream, and how it is ſure this was never told to mankind but in the Bible, which none ever did foreſee, or project to themſelf; yea which in the very notion thereof, was once a terra incognita to them; and could have no poſſible riſe from nature whoſe proper work is to overcome nature. I know this may ſeeme aſtoniſhing, and not eaſie for many to bear, that profeſſed Chriſtians may have the ſame need to be converted to Chriſtianity that Pagans have, or perish, that the letter of the word only, or any length in exter al duties can ſave none, who know nothing of internal evidence, or the ſpiritual Powers of Chriſtianity.

2. It does relate to this Head, to know that God and his People here in the World, are no ſtrangers to other in the truth, and enjoiment of communion with him, for as this is ane eſſential part of our Faith, and one of the moſt ſure, and eſtablished conſtitutions of our Religion, by ane unalterable rule, ſo is it matter of undoubted enjoiment, without which a Chriſtians courſe, and paſſage through time were unpaſſible; it is true this is ſo great a thing as may make the moſt experienced Chriſtian to be a wonder to himſelf, and is not a ſubject of ordinary thoughts.

p. 393. To this belongs alſo the truth; and enjoiment of ſupernatural comforts here on the earth ſuch as peace immediatly from God, and the joys of the Holy Ghost, which can have no poſſible riſe from nature. and was never known to men, but on this tryall of experience, that ſuch a thing is ſure, with reſpect unto which the higheſt experiments of nature are low, and of mean concern; yea which are comforts of that kind, as can be only known by its contrary, and hath been ſtill more ouweing to the ſorest conflicts, then to the ſweeteſt calm of a Chriſtians life, and ſuch as the elect Angels did never know or partake of.

4. The prevalency of prayer with God, and to know with aſſured evidence both the acceptance hereof in Heaven, and the returns thereof upon the earth, is alſo one of theſe great things of experience, and can never be known elſe as a ſubject of contemplation only, which hath been direct of the Lord as a preſcript for ſuch ones where no humane wiſdome or power could poſſibly anſwer, and is not bounded by the moſt deſperate caſe, which would ſeem to ſhut out all hope and encouradgment. But as to this I muſt ſay how little ſeemes that part of our Religion, tho one of the moſt wonderful parts thereof to be improven in that manner now as in former times, and in the moſt extraordinare exigences which Chriſtians have been in, yea how low a trade is it which by moſt this day is carried on, in ſo marvelous a way p. 40as this, which the Lord hath eſtabliſhed betwixt heaven and earth, and hath ſuch immediate correſpondence with the whole inward life, and vitalls of Chriſtianity, to preſerve and ſtrenthen the ſame.

A 5. Head on this Subject to be matter of great thoughts and reflection is this, that here on the earth there is ſuch a thing to be enjoyed in the truth and certainty of experience, as an earnest and ſeall of the Spirit of God 2 Corinth 1: 22. who hath alſo ſealed us, and given us the earneſt of the Spirit in our hearts Ephes. 1: 13. in whom alſo after that ye beleeved, ye were ſealed by that Holy Spirit of promiſe, which is the earneſt of our inheritance &c. 2 Corinth. 5: 5. now he that hath wrought us for the ſelf ſame thing is God, who hath alſo given us the earneſt of his Spirit. I know there hath been much inquiry on this Subject, as to a clear ſence, and judgment thereof, both by Schoolmen, and Practical Writers, tho it is ſuch a thing as muſt needs be a ſtrange, and dark riddle where the Spirit of God is not the Interpreter; and ſome near entercourſe with this great teacher, that in his light we may ſee light; but that it is ſurely promiſed of God, and could never have entred on mens thoughts, if it were not purely a divine Revelation, none will offer to queſtion; and that the experience of the ſame in all times of the Church, hath no leſs tendency to confirm and ſeall the truth of Chriſtianity, p. 41then it hath to confirm a Chriſtians ſtate; but though I doubt not your acquaintance herewith is bejond many, yet this beeing a truth of ſuch high concern, ſo far as I have attained, I would offer ſome light hereon, wherein my ſoul hath found reſt and ſettlement, as to a clear ſence and conception of the ſame. 1. That how rare ſoever the experience of this may be this day, yet is it not the peculiar priviledge of ſome few, ſelect, and eminent Chriſtians, or what God does rarely impart and on ſome ſingular account to his people, but is the ſettled priviledge of all who are led by the Spirit, and under his conduct. 2. This is ane experiment of the Chriſtian Faith, which no humane teſtimony or vocal evidence can expreſs, that which is inward, and a ſecret betwixt God and the ſoul, or what taſte that hidden Manna hath Rev. 2: 17. which none knowes but he that enjoys the ſame; for this is not the promiſe, which is given to be the object of our Faith, but is the ſeall of the Spirit of promiſe, and the proper object of ſpiritual ſenſe; it is an internal work which goes above words, and ſuch as God alone can impart, who only can reveal his own love to the ſoul, and Shed abroad the ſence hereof, and hath reſerved this to himſelf; it is that alſo which gives a diſtinct evidence from any moral influence of the word, tho it can never be disjoined, and divided from the ſame, but is ſuch ane internal application hereof, as puts their ſouls to reſt and quiet p. 42thereon. 3. It is here muſt be underſtood a more near and ſolemn approach of God, and ſome higher enjoiment of Spiritual Senſe, then is uſually known which will make ſuch a time remarkable, and ſweet to a Chriſtians after remembrance, tho ſome in, a more extraordinar way, and higher degree, may have this imparted then others, as the tryall of their Faith hath been more heightned, and hath attained to higher actings of grace under the ſame, according to that ſettled Connection Iſay 57: 12. I doubt not, there may be high pretences to this Seall and earneſt, who know little what in the way and order of grace is required to prepare, and qualifie for the ſame, but except the ſetled conſtitutions of the Ghoſpel, should be changed for their ſake; it is then ſure that God did never ſeall the comforts of his Spirit, or his reſpects and approving teſtimony on ſuch, who are of ane untender, unhumbled, and vindictive ſpirit, and is no more poſſible, then as Job 18: 4. That the earth should be forſaken for them, and the rock removed out of its place. 4. It is true this is more clearly underſtood by ſuch, who by reaſon of uſe, have their ſenſes exerciſed both to diſcern good, and evill Hebrews 5: 14. and have thus attained a more deep, and judicious reflection, for the tryall of the ſame, ſince this is uſually one of the moſt ſearching exerciſes of a Chriſtian, to diſcern the voice of the Spirit of God, and know the ſame, from that of a Stranger, and p. 43to come to the light herein, to ſee that ſuch a ſeall, or any rare enjoiments of that kind, are aſſuredly from God, and wrought in him John 3: 21. It is clear alſo how, many sharp conflicts, and a hotter ware fare allotted to ſome of the Saints, then others, under griefs, troubles, and oppoſitions in their Chriſtian courſe, hath made way at ſo dear a rate for their acquaintance with the ſame, ſo as the gradual difference, in the truth of this experiment, may be ſtrange, and marvelous, and cauſe fear to impart the ſame, nor be ever known within time. 5. Tho it is ſure, that all who are entred in a reconciled ſtate with God, muſt be ſealed by the Spirit, yet is not this to be underſtood as the ordinar food, and dyet of a Chriſtian, but as ſome more ſpecial reſtorative, and cordial, ſo as one enjoiment of this kind, hath been ſometimes ſo remarkable, that through the whole courſe of a Chriſtians life after, it hath been a continued ſtrenthning to their Faith; yet is it no rare thing to theſe who are keeped in a more near intimacy of converſe with God, to whom, the truth of this ſeall not once, but in innumerable times, hath been known, who, on the other hand does know alſo, how long, and ſenſible reſtraint of this great enjoiment may be, when the choiſeſt promiſes of the Word, can afford no comfort, but when the premiſes are clear, the concluſion is oft ſuspended through hid jealouſies, and legall fears of the ſpirit of bondage. 6. It is ſure this p. 44bleſſed ſeall lyes here alſo, in ſome ſpecial directive work of the Spirit of God, to make uſe of light, in particular caſes with aſſurance, and quiet of mind, and in ſealing inſtruction with that evidence, and power on the ſoull, as leaves ſuch a print and impreſſion thereon as the ſeall leaves on the wax, this can be no ſtrange, or unknown thing to theſe who in a cloſe adherence, to Scripture light hath been ſpecially tender to try the ſame thereby, and under a juſt horror, and dread of Enthuſiasm… or the ſmalleſt dasſhing on ſuch a rock 7. But it is ſpecially diſcernable, where this ſeall and earnest hath been more abundantly let forth to ſome bejond others; that it was for ſome higher ſupport to their Faith, where a long interval of delay was to be between the promiſe, and performent, and ſuch a tryall of a deferred hope herein, as might be ready to make their heart ſick into death, if the Lord had not given ſuch a pledge and part in hand to aſſure them that the reſt shall not faill in due time, now this is ſo manifeſt in the conduct, and methods of grace, about the Saints under the old Teſtament, and in how ſingular a way he did firſt ſeall, before he entred them upon any great tryalls, and which were to be of a long duration, as there needs no particular instances to clear the ſame. 8. It is here; the ſence of that hundred fold, which Christ hath ſo expreſly ſecured to his People on the adventures of their Faith may be underſtood, as that which aſſuredly p. 45lyes in theſe rare enjoiments of the ſpirit, and inward ſenſe of the love of their God, in the shinings of his face on them, which are the first fruits of the Spirit; more then in any external providence, or theſe things which are of the higheſt value with men; ſince as this is the moſt ſure and greateſt evidence that we are Chriſtians, ſo is it the moſt notable ſign how dear ſuch are to God, and of his love and favour, then if he had given them the whole World. I know nothing will ſeem more ſtrange, and disrelishing to the ſpirit of moſt this day then ſuch a thing, but wisdom is juſtified of her Children, and with ſuch let my ſoul be joined in. 9. As it is known and ſure that here is no illuſion or imaginary thing, where any fallacy or deceit lyes, to the moſt judicious and obſerving Chriſtians, who knows herein, what makes them glad, and whence it is, and how no aſſiſtance of their own ſpirit, or in the power of nature could poſſibly impart ſuch a thing; ſo may it be aſtonishing how ſuch who live under the Profeſſion of Chriſt, and hath any deſign on ane eternal ſtare in Heaven, can take this on report, or be ſo little inquiſitive about ſo wonderful a truth, that there should be ſuch ane enjoiment here on the earth, which without any natural cauſe, can put the ſoul of men into ane entire rest, and ſettlement, and when under greateſt shakings and fears other ways, cauſe them know the truth of pardon, and peace with God with a ſure p. 46evidence, yea at ſo low ane ebb can immediatly revive and raiſe with ſo diſcernable a change in their inward caſe; for if this be ane undoubted matter of experience it should be not eaſie for men to live without tryall hereof themſelves. 10. Let me add further, here is a part of that communion which Chriſtians have within time, with the moſt excellent of the earth; and ſuch who in all ages of the Church have been the greateſt lovers of God, and adventurers for him; ſuch with whom he hath been moſt familiar, and hath admit not only to the allowance of Subjects, but the regard of favourites, who hath known how great a Rewarder he is of his own grace, yea ſuch, who have made the moſt exact inquiry and tryall, upon the truth and ſecurity of their comfort herein, and hath put to their ſeall that God is faithfull and true, in that he hath thus promiſed.

4. There is this ſpecial uſe to be made of ſuch ane enquiry on the truth of inward experience, to ſee how great, and wonderful a Subject we have for reflection hereon; and of what ſingular advantage this ſhould be for ſtrenthning the ſoul of a Chriſtian, againſt the workings of unbeleef, and to give a more full ſecurity of mind in the adventures of hope and relyance upon God, for things to come. It is ſure the reflex faculty of man is one of the greateſt wonders of nature, and if the ſpiritual uſe, and improvement hereof were more underſtood on this Subject, and what it is to dive in p. 47to theſe ſtill and deep waters, it might make ſuch be oft as a wonder to themſelves. I shall but point at a few reflex acts of a Chriſtian on this great myſtery of ſpiritual experience, to shew what manner of enjoiments, theſe are admit to herein, which the whole reſidue of mankind knows nothing of 1. To have ſuch great ſupernatural truths of the Scripture, which did once exceed their faith, and reaſon, to be now matter of undoubted experience in the truth, power, and efficacy hereof on their own ſouls; and thus to know what belongs to the enjoiments of ſpiritual ſence, which formerly ſeemed ſo darke and incomprehenſible a thing, yea how great a difference there is betwixt the cleareſt Acts of the Judgment, and underſtanding about divine things; and a reall fealing of the ſame in the power, and vertue thereof; betwixt the moſt ſublime apprehenſions by theory; and the ſenſible impreſſions, by the Holy Ghoſt, and what a preſent, and marvelous change this makes on the ſoull of a Chriſtian. 2. To enjoy the ſame no leſs under a full evidence, and certainty of the truth thereof as the alone, and immediate Work of God, then in their felt power and ſweetneſſe; & that here was no caſual thing, or matter of doubtfulneſs or uncertainty, but where they can clearly ſee the object of their faith on the truth of divine Revelation, now to be the object of there inward Sence, and enjoyment; and are ſure that what God hath ſpoken, he hath done p. 48according to the ſame; for if this be not clear; Spiritual comforts would be of low value if it were not with that evidence, and aſſurance of being Gods ſeall, as they could adventure their eternal ſtate on the truth hereof. 3. And how ſweet a part is it, when they can thus reflect on their own experience, and enjoy the ſame with no leſs evidence of the proper cause, and original, then of the truth of its effects, which is one of the greateſt helps to give ſtability, and aſſurance to our Faith; to ſee how the power of Religion is never barren of new experiments of the truth hereof, how the greateſt objective means in the way of light cannot doe, if there were not an Internal effective cauſe, that works powerfully herein, and as in nature, ſo in the way of grace, how the ſame cauſe, which makes us live, must make us move, and act, yea to ſee how the ſame ſpirit that confirms a Chriſtian on the truth of his ſtate, and of the enjoiments of grace here, does confirm Chriſtianity, and the enjoyments of glory, which muſt infallibly follow the ſame, and ere long be a matter of their experience alſo. 4. To know this way, that ſurely a nearer intimacy is to be enjoyed with God, and of a higher kind, which is by the communion of the Holy Ghost, then by the immediate miniſtry of the Angels, yea a greater evidence thus given to a Chriſtians ſoul, then by any external miracles; ſince this is a ſeall of that nature, as is given to none, but ſuch as are the objects of the divine complacence p. 49and delight; and its ſure the alone greateſt evidence of divine love lyes in the internal part of Chriſtianity, and theſe immediate operations of the Spirit of God, more then by any external providences. 5. To ſee, how theſe great things of experience, come under a preſent tryall, and given to be experienced here on the earth, and are not ſome rare contingency, or what may be ſtated on an extraordinar account, but does keep cloſs with a tender walk, and near entercours with God through a Chriſtians whole courſe; and thus knows what ſuch an anointing with fresh oyl means Pſalm 92: 10. by innumerable reiterated times of ſuch enjoiment; yea how the ſenſe and ſweetneſs thereof comes not then by the power, and workings of reaſon; but the immediatneſs of the divine preſence, tho even then it does not exclude ſuch a discurſive work, in the clearneſs of Spiritual reaſon, and light, as can fully quiet the mind, that here is no illuſion, or deceit; but lets us ſee, that the Spirit of God can make uſe of an argument to ſettle, and ſecure the ſoul when all eſſays, whither from themſelves, or others can give no releaf. 6. Thus are they admitt to ſee herewith, how deep the foundation of our comfort, and ſecurity, is layd on the faithfulneſs of God in his revealed truth, ſo as the whole frame of Chriſtianity muſt be diſſolved, and fall ere one ſpecial act of truſt, and adventure on his hand, and under the aſſured warrant of his p. 50truth, ſhould be fruſtrate; and that the ſafe conduct alſo, and ſecurity of one Chriſtian, in his paſſage through time, is of that conſequence, and ſo eſſential a part of the great frame of providence, that this should not be entire, and perfect if it should fail, as to the meaneſt of the Saints, to make ſo great a nullity herein. 7. And is it not, in ſuch a reflex work on the truth of experience, that ſuch can only know the ſweet enjoiments of times past, and what that peculiar comfort of remembrance means; which I muſt reckon one of the rareſt, and moſt unknown enjoiments this day under the Sun; ſince it is ſure, this can never be from the greatest delights of the earth, when once paſſed, which as they return no more, ſo does ever leav a bitter ſting, and remembrance, by a native reſult of the ſame; whilſt that which hath been experienced in the way of God, can neither perish, nor loſe its ſweetneſs, but will render the moſt afflicting part of their life past, which was moſt bitter, and ſore then, to be the moſt comforting part thereof to their remembrance, when they can ſee herein both what they have deſigned for God, and he hath done for them. 8. If there be any comfort of love, in the Communion of the Saints here within time, they may ſee how this is not attainable, but in the light of inward experience whence they know, what it is to meet, and have fellowship in the ſame Savour, and relish of the things of God, when in a ſpiritual frame, p. 51and to be mutually discloſed as they can diſcern ſomething of the excellency of one anothers ſpirit, and of the power, and lively workings of inward grace, by that native luſtre, and evidence, which thus followes the ſame; ſo as under the ſenſible power of ſuch attractions their ſouls are more cloſely unite, and joined together, yea are mutually ſtrenthned by other conflicts, and what experiments they have made of divine truth herein as to their releaf. And I muſt ſay where this is not underſtood, that great mystery of the Communion of the Saints, is but a ſtrange and dark notion; nor without this can that ſpecial deſign of the Lord in the ſettlement of Churches in a viſible ſtate, be either known or anſwered, which is to have external ordinances carried on with life, and power amongſt men, and enjoying communion with our bleſſed head herein.

The VII. and laſt INQUIRY. I would make as to a more full aſſurance of underſtanding on the truth of our profeſſion, and for further clearing of this great Subject of the experimental part of Religion, is to know the quality of the witneſſes thereto, which is an Inquiry of a higher concern and import then ſeems to be apprehended, or of what weight, and neceſſity this is, upon theſe grounds.

1. Becauſe the whole truth of Spiritual experience is matter of fact, and founded on a certainty of ſenſe, it is truth in the event and performance, p. 52and not what God does ſpeak, but what according to the ſame he hath done; ſo that this is not upon any principle of Faith, but on mens perſonal tryall of the ſame, according to that Iſai. 43: v. 10. ye are my witneſs ſays the Lord, that ye may know, and beleeve me, and underſtand that I am he; for tho it is of divine, and infallible truth, that whatever God hath aſſured by promiſe he will do; yet the experience hereof, ſince the Canon of the Scripture was ſealed, is of humane record, and a teſtimony which could bear no weight from the greateſt of men, if the quality of ſuch witneſſes were not tried, and conſidered herein. 2. Becauſe the higheſt pretence to ſpiritual enjoiments in the way of the promiſe is but a falſe teſtimony, where there is no tender regard herewith to the precepts of the Ghoſpel, when this connection is indiſſoluble Act 9. they walked in the fear of God, and comforts of the Holy Ghost; doe not my words good to them that walk uprightly Mica 2: 7. It is true, that choiſeſt Chriſtians may be much hid, and in the dark herein to others, and upon ſuch an account ſhould have a ſad part, if they were tryed, and judged by men; only this is ſure, there can be no more in the concluſion then is in the premiſes, and that a Chriſtians teſtimony to the truth lyes more in what they are, then what they expreſs to others. 3. The quality of the witneſſes is of ſuch weight here, and to be ſpecially regarded, as one of the highest ſervices p. 53for God within time under their hand, to put too their ſeall, and teſtimony that God is true in what he hath promiſed; who are as it were judicially ſiſted in behalf of his truth and faithfulnes; ſince his declarative glory before angels, and men, does more peculiarly ly here then in the whole Structure, and frame of this Creation. This is a trust and debt alſo upon each age of the Church, that the truth and faithfulnes of their God may be transmitt to the generations to come with ſuch a confirmatory ſeall. 4. This Inquiry is the more called for, to know what theſe are who bear ſuch a witnes to the truth, upon the exceeding greatnes of theſe things which belong to Chriſtian experience, ſince this might awake the moſt ſublime, and inquiſitive ſpirits of the time to ſearch herein, and be a Subject of great thoughts and reflection, that ſuch are on the earth, yea an innumerable part of men, who do verily enjoy ſo marvelous a light as is immediatly out of Heaven, and shines upon none elſe; and knowes ſuch an enjoiment, as an immediate communion with the Deity, and his ſenſible preſence with their Spirits, with returns from Heaven to their ſuits in moſt reall effects; ſince if this be ſure, then muſt men ſeek for another Idea of Chriſtianity, & have other thoughts about the ſame, then what moſt ſeem to have, then is there a higher glory put upon mens ſouls in the way of grace, and their beeing partakers of the divine nature, then what all humane grandeur p. 54can ever amount to, or is upon the Sun, and the Stars of Heaven. 5. The credit, and quality of the Witneſſes on this great head of Spiritual experience, and the whole internal part of Chriſtianity is of ſuch weight that the ſpirit of this age, and moſt predominant part of men within the Church is ſtated in ſo viſible an oppoſition thereto, not only to oppoſe the power, and ſpirituality of Religion, but to deny its principles, and give a lye to this teſtimony, of the moſt eminent workings of the ſpirit of God on mens ſouls, as if it were ſome illuſion or impoſture; which is in effect to take of the greateſt ſeall that God hath given to the Divinity of the Scripture in the whole internal demonſtrations of its truth: this is the great prodigy of this age bejond any times paſt, and may be feared if our Faith ſtood not ſure otherways, that the light ſhould be quickly extinguiſhed, and the candleſtick taken away from moſt of the reformed Churches; when moſt, under ſuch a profeſſion yet never knew, the power, vertue, and efficacy of the truth they profeſs on their own ſoul, and that there is another evidence or teaching, then by moral ſwaſion only, or another key to open the heart, then external means; and thus muſt either oppoſe themſelves to ſo tormenting a light, or be unavoidably condemned hereby.

But with this Inquiry as to the credit and quality of the witneſſes, who in all ages of the Church bears the ſame teſtimony to the truth from their p. 55experience, it is undenyable alſo, but that there are ſome in a more ſingular way ſiſted, and under more peculiar engagements then others to appear on ſuch a teſtimony, and who may be admit to enjoiments of experience, that are out of the ordinary road of Gods dealing with his people, tho this muſt in no other ſenſe be underſtood extraordinary; then from ſo judicial a time as this, and the great decay of the Power of Chriſtianity with this generation why theſe are ſo rare, and not in beeing any way croſs to the firm and ſettled conſtitutions of the Ghoſpel, or without that precinct of the promiſe of God to warr and the ſame; and I hope the Church of Chriſt is yet to enter on ſuch enjoiments of experience that would not be eaſie to beleeve in this day we are in, were they told us at a diſtance. But what I mean hereby of theſe, who may be in a higher capacity then others for ſuch a witneſs I shall breefly touch.

1. Theſe who through grace hath been admit to ſome higher intimacy of converſe with God, and to know his dealing familiarly with men here on the earth, then may be ever known in ſuch a degree to other choiſe, and reall Chriſtians; tho I judge this may be more rarely known, that where it is moſt in truth, there alſo is a humble concealment, and beeing hid in the ſame, their uſual ſtudie, who finds more ſweetneſs in ſuch enjoiments the leſs air they take; & I have oft thought ſuch may be leaſt known on the earth in this day p. 56who may be the greateſt favourits of Heaven, and have had moſt rare, and immediate teſtimonies of the love, and reſpects of their God; but as this is not the standard by which the truth, and reality of grace is to be judged; ſo should this witneſs be to me no further ſtrenthning, then it hath ſome greater height in humility, and tenderneſs of Spirit in the ways of God going alongſt herewith, and ſome more ſingular eminency of grace as does anſwer to that Iſai 57: 15. John 14: 21.

2. I muſt judge theſe alſo have a higher room in this witneſs for God on their experience of his truth, who have in a more ſingular way then others known the truth of ſupernatural aſſistance, and ſuſtaining grace under extraordinar tryalls. I mean ſuch Chriſtians as have been tryed not only in the truth, but in the ſtrenth of divine grace, at another rate then others, whom I muſt reckon amongſt the greateſt witneſſes for God in this day, when 1. This renders their teſtimony to be of a higher valew and evidence according to the height, and meaſure of their conflicts, and tryalls, whom thus the Lord hath choiſed, and ſeparate as Joſeph was from the reſidue of his brethren, for ſuch a ſervice of example, that the excellency of his grace might here more brightly ſhine forth. 2. Becauſe the depoſition herein, is in a matter on which moſt doe ſtumble at the ways of God, upon that ſcandall of the croſs; and on this account it may be ſaid; they are ſent as meſſengers, p. 57and ſpyes, to witneſs what manner of allowance he does then impart, to bear the expence of a more extraordinare time of affliction, and ſuffering, and what immediate ſupport is then found above the allowance of ordinary times; that with Caleb, and Joshua, they might bear a honourable report for God unto others. 3. The credit of this testimony riſeth the higher, as it hath coſt them ſo dear, who bear the ſame, and hath not been eaſily attained, nor is an offering unto God of that which coſts them nothing, who have been helped bejond others to glorify him in the fires. 4. They are ſuch above the reſidue of Chriſtians, who hath uſually a record of more ſpecial confirmations, and great remarks of the way of God, in the Journal, and History of their life; I know moſt would fear to have a room in ſuch a teſtimony, but as I doubt not there are many ſuch witneſſes this day in the earth, ſo I muſt reckon it, one of the moſt honourable ſervices for God upon it, and will ere long know the full ſence of that truth; when he hath tryed them to bring them forth as gold Job 23: 10.

3. And are not ſuch ſpecially ſiſted as witneſſes herein, and under more ſingular engagements then others, who upon greater Services for God aſſigned to them, hath alſo had more then ordinare allowances, of immediate divine aſſistance for the ſame, to witneſs that they have not been ſent hereon on their own charge, and expence; p. 58this is one of the great diſcoveries that the Lord gives unto men of his beeing God, and is a clear, and demonſtrative evidence of that reall, and near communication, which the Churches head hath with his body here on the earth. I know this hath a ſpecial reſpect to ſuch, as are called of the Lord on that Service of the Ministry of his Word, who hath ſome peculiar, and diſtinct part allotted to them as witneſſes, and put on a more publick theater before the World, to witneſs that abſolute dependance, which the work, and ſervice of that ſtation hath on their great Master, and the outlettings of his Spirit both for ſupport, and ſucceſs, and what thus is found in the way of an immediate relyance on him; for I muſt judge that none knowes a near entercourſe with God, and to be purely acted for him, on this great ſervice, but hath ſome peculiar advantage bejond any elſe for more fingular, and rare confirmations of the truth on their own ſoul, and of a known, and ſenſible ſeall from God both in fruit, and acceptance of their work; and tho ſuch who look at a diſtance, cannot diſcern, what may be betwixt God, and his Servants, in ſome publick adminiſtrations of his ſervice, as may be then evident to their ſoul, yet is it oft made ſo far diſcernible, as to ſerve an awful ſence and impreſſion on mens ſpirits, of God in the Aſſemblies of his Church, and of the truth of ſupernatural aſſiſtances, and ſomething more then humane herein; nor does ſuch a p. 59witneſs ever ceaſe, tho it be now more rare then in times paſt, in this ſad and judicial period of time, we are fallen in, when almoſt all ſence, ſavour, and diſcerning of the Spirit of God, with publick adminiſtrations of the Word, ſeems loſt, & the wiſdom of Words, or what may appear more neat or polished that way, is come in the room hereof, as though the alone end, of ſo high a ſervice were to act a ſcene handſomly on a theater that may carry the applauſe of the Spectators, but not mens hearts unto God; this I have lookt on with no leſs horror then on the moſt viſible Atheiſm, and profanity of theſe times, and one of the moſt diſmal Signs in the publick ſtate of Religion.

4. Theſe alſo may have ſome higher acceſs for ſuch a witneſs, who know with evidence, the truth of immediate, and ſupernatural excitments, to engadge upon ſome ſpecial work, and ſervice for God, and to be acted forth herein under the power, and irreſiſtable discovery of ane inward call, when under greateſt oppoſitions from their own ſpirit thereto, and furtheſt a verſion of mind. This I have known in the truth hereof in moſt eminent examples, but the credit of ſuch a teſtimony, tho in it ſelf, founded on divine Revelation, does neceſſarly require ſuch ane evidence of the quality of the witneſſes herein; that they be of a known tender, humble, and judicious Spirit, who are skilled both in the deep things of God, and in the deeps of Satan, who this way p. 60does oft act in the greateſt deep, and myſtery of deluſion.

5. There is yet ſomething more ſingular in the experience of ſome Chriſtians bejond others, and in ſuch a witneſs, as to a ſpecial confidence, and aſſurance raiſed on their ſoul, of events of providence, and the iſſue of ſome remarkable caſe of tryall, when it hath been contrare to all humane appearances, and no reaſon from any viſible airth could be given for the ſame; this I know may ſeem a ſtrange thing in the eyes of many, nor can it poſſibly have that evidence, or in that manner work to others, as it is to theſe, who know, and have experienced the ſame, but we ſee, and are ſure there hath been great attainments of ſuch a Faith, both in Scripture examples, and uncontroverted experiments, made hereof in after times, which hath met ſuch in the road of their duty▪ and in ane expreſs harmony, and correſpondence with the Word, ſince the extent of our Faith in any particular caſe, muſt keep with the ſame exent, and meaſure of divine Revelation herein, and the Lord will be trusted for no more then he hath made warrantable by his promiſe. But this is a Subject, on which I may not inſiſt further then to clear the evidence and truth of the ſame on theſe grounds. 1. That Chriſtians may be at ſuch ſteps in their way and paſſage through time, and on ſo dark ground; yea the tide of difficulties, and amaſing fears ſwelled to ſo great a hight, that p. 61if there were not a ſupport of this kind, by ane argument of power, to their ſoul, they ſhould otherways be ready to ſink. 2. This experiment how rare ſo ever it may ſeem to many, is no dark, or diſtinct thing from that ſeall of the ſpirit of promiſe, which we ſhould look after; or from that promiſed earnest, which ſometimes the Lord gives, with reſpect to a ſpecial mercy, and deliverance within time as well as their great interest in Heaven, tho it be not in the ſame degree imparted to ſome as to others. 3. It is alſo of no other kind then that ſettled allowance on the Saints, of the peace of God in ſuch a meaſure as can raiſe, and fully quiet their ſpirit, above any ſinking fears, and above the preſent aſſault they may be under, tho with ſuch evidence then, as is not poſſible to attain at other times, nor can be kept clear, and comforting to themſelves without much tenderneſſe of ſpirit and fear. 4. Where this is known, and enjoyed in any higher degree by ſome then may be the allowance of others, it is aſſuredly found on a ſpecial & near intimacy with God, and to follow ſome diſcernable acceſs, and ſpecial gale of the ſpirit of interceſſion in prayer, and wreſtlings; ſo as it thus meets them in the way of a ſettled ordinance, and in the ſame way wherein we may ſee the Saints in Scripture have attained to a confidence of this kind; for otherways there could be no comforting evidence of its beeing the undoubted work of God. 5. And here p. 62muſt be tryed, & ſought for, whither the more immediate testimony of God, does then ſtill bring the testimony of the renowed conſcience alongſt therewi…h ſo as to clear the condition in themſelves, and their claim thereto, of ſuch a ſpecial promiſe, whereon their confidence hath been raiſed, whereby it is thus rendred to them an abſolute promiſe, that can not poſſibly be fruſtrate. 6. I shall but add further as this rare experiment comes with ſuch evidence of ſpiritual ſenſe, as is diſcernable from any natural workings of mans own heart, and is that wherein the moſt deep enquiry and judicious tryall of Chriſtians is needful to know that its ſurely from God, and hath both his warrant, and ſeall herewith, ſo is it not ſtrange that where he takes a more ſingular way to try and exerciſe ſome, and out of the ordinar road of his dealing with others, yea where ſupport in the way of external providence may then ceaſe, that this ſpecial allowance by inward evidence be ſomething more ſingular alſo, and ſome higher influence of the ſpirit and power of beleeving be imparted for ſuch a caſe.

This leads me to offer ſome thoughts in the cloſe upon two Propoſals, which I did not intend, if from another airth, whilſt I was writing this there had not occurred a ſpecial call herein, and that I judged it might not be unſuitable to the intent of this diſcourſe.

1. Whither there be any ſuch ſeall to the truth p. 63of Christianity in theſe times we are now in as the Faith of Miracles, or that it be warrantable to expect ſuch a thing from God, which lyes in a particular act of trust in ſome ſpecial caſe, where a Chriſtian may be taken off all ordinare means, and nothing but a divine immediate, and miraculous Power can anſwer thereto; for Anſwer it is clear the active Faith hereof which was once given to the Primitive Church in the workings of miracles now ceaſeth, but in this paſſive Sence, I know no time, nor age, to which it does not belong, and comes not under the Promiſe of God, to warrant the ſame in theſe caſes.

1. When the Lord meaſures out ſuch tryalls to any of his people in the way of their duty, and under his ſpecial conduct, where there is no releaf, or ſupport, but in the Faith of ane extraordinar, and immediate appearance of God, and no neglect in the leaſt; of what in the way of ordinare, and warrantable means is attainable, it is ſure, there it is both warranted and requires ſuch a Faith, yea are put by a more ſingular call on the tryall of the ſame, and in this reſpect; I doubt not there hath been, and may yet be in the preſent age greater attainments of the ſame, then moſt of Chriſtians can eaſily comprehend, whole tryalls were never brought to ſuch a pitch, and in that manner aſſigned to them; ſince theſe are of the Lord meaſured out only according to the meaſure of Faith given them Rom. 12: 3.

p. 642. As none may abridge the Spirit of God in the freedome, and Soveraingty of his work herein, whatever times men be in, ſo is it known and clear, that where the Lord does allott more extraordinare caſes whither to Churches or particular Chriſtians, when ſuch are keeping cloſe by him, and the revealed rule of their duty, there alſo is a more extraordinare allowance for the ſame, yea ſuch a meaſure and encreaſe of their Faith to be ſought from the great author thereof, as may anſwer the preſent caſe, to have their ſtrength according to their day.

3. It is unqueſtionable that the Lord deſigns in all ages of his Church, to bring glory to himſelf, by ſuch a faith as hath no ground to grip on, but ane infinit and immediate power that can extend it ſelf to the moſt deſperate and amaſing caſe, nor is a beleeving in hope, when it is to be furthest againſt hope, a ſtrange and dark thing in this day, either as to the warrant hereof, or theſe proofs, which have been made of the ſame in the iſſue. And herein I muſt judge the appearance of God no leſs wonderful to ſome of his people in that which he works in them, and in that deliverance from their fears where no humane Reaſon or Secondary cauſes could concurr, then in that which he hath done for them in the moſt ſtupendious acts of Providence, nor does any time want ſome ſhare and proper talent of this kinde, if ſuch great appearances of God were more obſerved, that p. 65might be ſingularly ſtrenthning to the Chriſtian Faith.

4. Is there a reall Chriſtian this day, who is not called to ſuch a Faith, that he ſhall once upon himſelf experience a greater miracle by a divine omnipotent Power then was yet ever wrought in the earth, which is of the Reſurrection of his body, after it hath been for ſome ages diſſolved into duſt, wherein it is, by the undoubted Faith of miracles to be wrought upon himſelf, that his greateſt ſupport and comfort within time ſtands; yea if there be ſuch a Faith in the earth, which is now ſtill warranted, as that we have Pſ. 46: 12. it muſt then ly in ane actual trust, and relyance in a caſe where a miracle can only help.

5. If poſſeſſions by the Devil were in that manner now uſual as in the primitive times, it is undeniable, that the Prayer of Faith herein for dispoſſeſſion were not only warranted, but expreſly called for, tho the inward aſſurance of ſuch a Faith may not in the ſame manner be given to ſome as to others; yet here is a ſpecial ſuiting from God the proof of a miracle, by his immediate Power, which they are in faith called too; and as that Preſcript given by our Lord of faſting and prayer for this end does ſtill ſtand in force ſo hath there been known publick inſtances in theſe late times, of reall diſpoſſeſſions by prayer, and ſolemn addreſſes to Heaven herein.

6. If the oppreſſed innocence of a Chriſtian, and in p. 66ſuch a caſe where the honor of God were highly concerned, ſhould be ſo ſtated, as to be bejond humane releaf for clearing the ſame, there might be herein an unqueſtionable reference to God, for his more immediate deciſion, and a warrantable ground to ſuit for the ſpirit of faith in ſuch a meaſure, as ſo extraordinare a tryall requires, bejond what in an ordinare caſe is allowable, but ſo as to wait for the ſame, in his ſeaſon and way. This I know was in the primitive times in ſome more ſingular manner made uſe off, when no ordinare means was attainable for the ſame, but as that could have no ſafe warrant ſo the Law of jealouſie, and tryall by the waters of jealouſie Numb. 5. was then temporary and is now ceaſed; yet is this ſtill moral herein and of perpetual uſe, that, God is the ſame who hath reſerved to himſelf an immediate appearance of himſelf, when no ordinar means can help; yea that promiſe Pſ. 57: 3. is expreſly given for ſuch ane end of his ſending from Heaven immediatly to ſave, where no aſſiſtance on the earth is attainable, and all natural means fai…l.

7. It is unqueſtionable that the making uſe of Lots (which in ſuch a caſe is only ſafe, where it is rendred abſolutly neceſſar for a final determination in ſome great, and weightie concern) is ſuch a ſolemn appeal to ane extraordinar deciſion of God, as the faith of his appearance by a preſent, and immediate ſign from himſelf is neceſſarily p. 67required, tho it be not by any ſtrange or miraculous evidence yet is as truely to be taken from God in ſuch a caſe, and in faith ſubjected to, as if ſome ſupernatural ſign did accompany the ſame, and as no humane wiſdome or counſel can have place herein as to the event, ſo I muſt judge an entire acquieſcence of mens ſpirits on ſuch a determination, ſhewes not only a deep and reverent Se…ce of the Majeſty of God, but that this is as truely his anſwer, as if they had ſeen fire coming down from Heaven to conſume the Sacrifice, as was in the days of Elijah at mount Carmel.

8. It may be ſaid that the truth of ſuch a faith hath in a ſpecial evidence, and power hereof been known when things have come to ſome unuſual extremity in a Chriſtians caſe, as could bear no delay but like that of the Diſciples of Christ, help Lord ere we perish; inſtances of this kind have been ſo clear as, I judge, is not poſſible to deny the truth of ſuch a ſeall to the Faith of Chriſtians, were things of that nature more adverted to and obſerved. It is a few years past, that a famous Miniſter of Christ, who now is at reſt in the Lord, was under ſuch an extraordinare pain and torment by a confirmed ſtone in the gravel, as nature ſunk wholly under the ſame, and as he ſhewed me was brought to that extremity, that he turned to God with ſuch a cry, let not thy ſervant diſtract, but help, for I can poſſibly bear no more, who ſaid alſo that in the very p. 68preſent moment it was immediatly taken off, and this at once, with a perfect eaſe and releaf, and did recurr no more till the day of his death, which was ſometime after: this as I had from himſelf, ſo was it from one that none in the age he lived in, I could have credited more, and could leave no room for doubting that ſuch a return in the preſent act of prayer, at ſo great a height, and extremity of pain, without any natural cauſe and mean, was immediatly from God, and ſupernatural. I knew alſo with aſſurance ſuch an inſtance, in a Mniſter of the Ghoſpel, who was ſeaſed in the Sabath morning, with an extraordinar collick, which grew upon him, to that height, as in an ordinare way rendred it not poſſible to go forth upon the publick work of the day, which then lay upon him, and to a great Auditory at that time, ſo that whilſt he eſſayed to riſe, he was preſſed to take his bed again, a very few minutes before the ſett time for going to Church, but whilſt he preſented the caſe to God, upon the intereſt of his ſervice, it was in a moment taken off, not by any gradual abatement of ſuch a diſtemper, but entirely at once, ſo as he never had more ſweet acceſs and freedome to go forth on the work of the Lord both at that dyet, and in the following part of the publick work; and this alſo was, when no outward mean was concurring herein; as it is clear, that the paſſive Faith, which Christ did p. 69ſpecially require for an immediate cure from himſelf Matth 9 was this, beleevest thou that I am able to help, when no ordinare means can do; ſo I doubt not this was in ſome meaſure acted in both theſe inſtances, leaving roome for omnipotency to act in ſuch an exigence.

9. Nor hath there been wanting eminent proofs of this kind, of ſpecial applications of Faith, made unto God by prayer in behalf of others under diſeaſes; where ordinare means hath been laid aſide, and the caſe paſt all hope, and of ſuch returns by a preſent reſtoring, and under ſuch evidence as enforced the conviction hereof, upon mens conſcience that we may ſee how in ſome ſtrange caſes of this kind the true cauſe, and the Lords deſign herein does not untill then break up, according to that John 9: 3. That the work of God might be t…us made manifest in them.

10 I may further add, if there were this day a new erection, and ſettlement of ſome particular Church from amongſt Infidells, and the commiſſion for this end of Miniſters of Chriſt made evident, and clear to go forth on ſuch a ſervice, where no natural and ordinare means of conviction were attainable, I doubt not but ſomething in a more extraordinare way, of the faith of miracles, and immediate appearances of God herein might be expected, as in the primitive times, when on the ſame ground it was lett forth. Nor can it be found there hath been any particular p. 70Church of Christ without ſome extraordinare ſeall o… this kind, eſpecially in the firſt entry and erection of the ſame; nor is there any time or age of the Church, wherein the clear ſence of that Scripture Mark 9: 23.—all things are poſſible to them that beleeve, does not take place: which is that no meaſu…e of tryall or difficulties, whither as to Churches or particular Chriſtians in the way of their duty, can be at ſuch an height, as to reſtrain or ſett bounds to the work of Faith on an infinite divine power, tho all natural or ſecond cauſes ſhould ceaſe, yea that there is no caſe ſo ſingular, wherein the warrant of a divine Promiſe herein, and a Chriſtians Faith, should not be of the ſame extent

The II. Propoſal that I shall breefly touch, as it thus followes upon the former, is whither in theſe last times the Lord does appear by any ſuch extraordinare ſigns▪ that are publick in the ſight of the World, and bring near ſuch diſcoveries of his Godhead in any ſpecial acts of Providence, as may bear the ſame evidence of miracles. For Anſwer; it is ſure, the Lord does not reveal himſelf this way but on ſome great and extraordinare ground, who hath ſetled the faith of his Church abſolutly on his revealed truth, yet may it be ſaid, that no age is left without ſome witneſſe of ſuch a kind; if there were not a ſad inadvertence, and shutting of mens eyes, when the Lord is going by them in any great acts of his power, but as to this Propoſal p. 71I shall only point at ſome inſtances, that ſeem to have leaſt fuitable regard or notice, and to be paſt by with moſt.

1. Can there be a ſerious judgment and reflection on that great and amaſing ſtroake of the Peſtilence, and not ſee an extraordinar appearance of God herein, and of its beeing a judgment of that kind, in ſome more remarkable times wherein it is lett forth, as goes above all natural cauſes, and all may ſee the immediate hand of God herein both in its riſ… progreſs, and ſwift ſpreading as a lightning, through Cities or Countries, in its paſſing by ſome more then others where no cauſe can appear, ſo as men muſt ſee its beeing ſent with commiſſion from Heaven, and a ſupernatural cauſality, as viſibly as if they had ſtood with David, and the Elders of Iſrael 2 Samuel 29: 17. to ſee the Angel that ſmote the People between the Heaven, and the Earth; upon which account David did choiſe rather to come under this ſtroak then the Sword or Famine, becauſe it was in a more immediate way the hand of the Lord, and where there is a more then ordinare near approach, and diſcovery of himſelf unto men.

2. It is of publick and uncontroulable evidence, that miraculous, and immediate witneſs from Heaven in the bleading of the bodies of men on the touch of the murderer in ſuch caſes, where no ordinare means can bear evidence. I will not ſpeak of the warrantable uſe of ſuch an appeal where p. 72the revealed rule of our faith, and practice is not expreſs herein; but as its undoubted, in the truth and reality of the ſame, where no humane witneſſe could anſwer to this end, ſo is it ſurely ane immediate, viſible, and extraordinare ſign from Heaven given in the ſight of the World, & from him who maketh inquiſition for blood, in a moſt ſingular way, and a ſign which in every time is made evident.

3. There is alſo the certainty of extraordinare Revelation, and of the truth of a Prophetick Spirit imparted to ſome as to ſpecial events of Providence, which is ſo known and of that evidence as no age of the Church hath been without inſtances hereof, what I mean hereby as to that more ſingular way of the Lords revealing himſelf, to ſome of his Servants by a more extraordinar application of his Word, is ſuch as in the truth and certainty hereof can leave no room for doubtfulneſs; tho on the other hand, as to the way and diſmal trade of divination, that hath got up in the World, by ſeeking a Divinity either from the Stars above or the Powers of darkneſs below, it may be clearly ſeen is one of the great deſigns of Satan, not only to counterfite the way of the Lord herein, but to bring men unto a more direct homage to himſelf; but I mention this inſtance only as it is ſo great, and unqueſtionable a demonſtration of God, and of his giving in every age ſome extraordinare ſeall of this kind.

p. 73I shall but mention here one remarkable paſſage of which I am to the furtheſt perſwaded, that may ſeem ſtrange, with reſpect to this late great Revolution in the State of Britain; how it was expreſly foretold under its proper circumſtances many years paſt; and was one of the firſt paſſages of any weight that hath been ſtill fixed in my remembrance; of a relation I had from ane ancient, and eminent Miniſter of Christ of a Prediction imparted to him by one of an extraordinar, and Prophetick Spirit in that time; that ſo great, a Scene of Providence should be acted in Britain, and change in the publick face of affaires by the coming over of a Prince of Orange, who should be the great Inſtrument, and Actor therein; and tho ſome particulars relating thereto I cannot exactly remember, yet this in the ſubſtance with ſuch ane expreſs deſignation as I have now mentioned hath from my young years had a ſettled impreſſion in my memory, and as I am ſure and perſwaded of the truth hereof, and that the foreſaid Relater had ſuch a Prediction long before there was any allyance betwixt the Houſe of Britain and of Orange; yea am ſure this did exceed the reach of humane apprehenſion at that time, from any riſe or tendency of natural cauſes in the order and ſeries thereof; ſo is it not now mentioned after the event only, but what ſeveral years before, I gave ane account p. 74and relation off to ſome of great quality, who ſtill know the ſame, when there was not the leaſt appearance of ſuch a thing, tho I could lay no further weight thereon, which ſeemed ſo ſtrange and improbable, but that the thing in it ſelf as to the truth of ſuch a Prediction was reall.

4 That there are ſupernatural warnings hath been given to men by ſome ſpecial inſtinct and impreſſion not only of the approach of ſome great, and extraordinar tryall with reſpect to themſelves, but of the near approach of their death, yea to ſome, the preciſe time hereof is a truth ſo known in the World, and with that undeniable evidence as might fully convince thoſe of the moſt doubtful, and ſuspicious Spirit in things of that nature, and were it ſuitable here, I might give ſpecial inſtances which I have ſurely known of this kinde with reſpect to ſuch, who were both pious and of great compoſure in their judgment, who hath had ſuch perſwaſion fixed on them without the leaſt preſage from any natural cauſe, or what in ane ordinary way could give a riſe thereto, as it did after fall out in the event.

5. That there are alſo extraordinare ſigns, and forewarnings given the World of great Revolutions and Judgments, ere they came on particular nations by prodigies and ſignes from Heaven, is of that publick evidence, and certainty as would ſeem not poſſible to queſtion; if ſome methods of oppoſition p. 75to God both in his Word and Works were not peculiar to this age, and the ſpirit thereof this way bejond any that hath gone before, for what may be ſuppoſed and misjudged by many on ſuch ane account through ignorance and unacquaintance with natural cauſes, and the extent thereof, is not to be queſtioned, but from this, will men debate or diſcredit a truth that all ages muſt witneſs, and theſe of the moſt cautious and diſcerning amongſt men, how ſuch ſolemn forewarnings from Heaven by extraordinar ſigns, and prodigies, hath been ſtill previous to publick changes and revolutions, and to any great calamities, and judgements. Its ſure theſe are no imaginary things, but are direct for ſome ſpecial end, and are ſometimes in ſuch a manner viſible to the experience of the World, as hath not been in like manner known for ſome ages paſt, as that late Comet 81. yea occurr not according to the ſettled conſtitutions of nature, but come both with an ſurpriſing aſpect, and are expreſly formed and directed of the Lord for ſome higher end then to be an emptie ſhew, and wonder to the World; but when the Word of truth, and threatnings thereof ceaſeth to warne or be matter of trembling, and the Atheiſtick contempt, and deriſion of the Works of God is in this day at ſuch a height, its like the door may be now judicially ſhut on any extraordinar preſages or warnings this way untill one prodigy of ſome unuſual judgement come, that will not be baffled by men.

p. 76Whilſt I ſpeak on ſuch a Subject; I know there is a ſtrange thing that comes under the notion, by many, of a miracle, tho matter of very ordinare thoughts with others, and of a light and common regard about the ſame, which is in that ſtrange, and aſtonishing cure of the Struma, or as its termed the Kings evil by a touch of the hand only, without any application of ordinary means; that here is no impoſture in the truth of ſuch a thing, but that many have been undoubtedly healed by this touch of the Kings of England, is not queſtionable, which is of ſo p…blick, and known evidence in the tryall of numerous inſtances, yea that here is ſomething ſupernatural, and unaccountable to humane underſtanding on principles of reaſon; when its one of the moſt contumacious diſeaſes of mens body, that in the ordinare uſe of means is found the moſt difficult to cure; but ſince any extraordinar effect should lead men to a deep enquiry, and tryall about the cauſe hereof, and have the more weight in ſuch a caſe that a miraculous work, where it is in truth, is Gods own ſeall, which he doth rarely give but on ſome great, and important ground, where his glory and the intereſt of his truth is highly concerned; yea that its ſure, where he intends ſuch a miraculous diſcovery of himſelf to confirm the faith of his people, he gives it with the cleareſt evidence of his work, and a concurrence of ſuch circumſtances, as may ſerve conviction on all, whoſe p. 77impreſs and ſignature it bears, to difference the ſame from any impoſture, or its beeing a diabolick ſign and work, and ſo this calls for a juſt enquiry, and tryall in the preſent caſe in theſe reſpects. 1. To know its true riſe and original, which I find in the English Chronicles to be dated from the time of Edward the Confeſſor, when Antichriſtian darkneſs was then at his greateſt height, it beeing in the 1042 Year, when he began to reign, and when that Prediction of the Apoſtle Theſsal. 2: 2. of a more then ordinary power and working of Satan, with ſigns and lying wonders to promote the Antichriſtian intereſt, was then taking place; and was in that ſence only admitt to confirm the Romish Faith by ſuch a ſtrange miracle. 2. This Inquiry should be neceſſar herein, whither this pretended miraculous power belong to the Crown only, or hath reſpect to the Quality, and Holineſs of the perſons who weare the ſame, ſince if it be to the first, then tho ane Infidel, or Mahumetan were eſtabliſhed on the Throne, if this gift follow the ſame it muſt needs be derived to them alſo, and have ſuch a high Priviledge annexed thereto, as the Throne of Iſrael never had, when a David, and Solomon ſate thereon tho endued with ane extraordinare Unction; but if it reſpect the Quality and Holineſs of the perſons, it ſurely muſt render this no leſs difficult, that not only ſuch as King Henry the VIII. and his Daughter Queen p. 78Mary, beſides many others, yea Richard the III. should on this account have the active faith of miracles, and be empoured herewith from God for working of the ſame: beſides this it is known that the French Kings claim the ſame priviledge and power as peculiar to them alone, and may not on this ground Lewis the XIV this day be reckoned a fit inſtrument for ſuch a healing miracle, and to bring a juſt repute and credit thereto. 3. But whence is it that ſuch a hereditary gift should not faill, and be cutt off by the departure of England from the Romish Church, ſince the firſt holding hereof was upon their adherence to the ſame, and as a confirmatory Seall to the Romish Profeſſion, or that it should now controll the end for which it was given; I know what ſome Popish Writers ſay hereon, that this miracle is not now performed by ſuch who have apoſtatiſed from that faith, virtute propria, ſed virtute ſigni crucis, but there needs no ſuch Salvo, as to reckon its being alienate now from ſerving for the ſame uſe, and end it did before, nor to have another riſe if it were ſeriouſly pondered. 4. But what intereſt in this cure hath the uſe of ſuch a rite in applying with the touch a Medal of Gold to the Patient therewith, or what vertue can this Amulet impart, and ſo great a care taken, that they should not loſe it; ſince it is ſure this is not given out of charity to there outward want, except it be from oſtentation to shew they are endued p. 79with a gift which the Apoſtles had not when they cured the lame man, and could make uſe of no ſuch aſſiſtance of Silver or Gold herein Act. 3. 5. If the application of ane extraordinar gift for healing diſeaſes without the uſe of natural means be aneugh to warrant the ſame, and that ſuch a cure is wrought without any further enquiry as to the cauſe and ground whereon it hath ſuch an effect, it is then ſure▪ the Devil, and theſe Powers of darkneſs may have a publick and eaſie market in the Chriſtian Church, and exact an uncontrolled homage and ſubjection to them this way. the extent of whoſe power for curing of diſeaſe, is bejond our reach, but ſince ſuch a miraculous gift of healing if it be of God should be tryed in the truth thereof, how it can anſwer to ſuch peculiar evidences, and criteria of the ſame, as by the infallible rule, and light of the Scripture may be clear; it were ſuitable to try herein, if this be indeed given to confirm and ſeall a divine teſtimony or any truth of the written Word; if it come with that ſolemne and convincing evidence ſo as to ſerve a deep and reverent ſenſe of the Majeſty of God on mens ſpirit, by ſuch a diſcovery of himſelf, and to promote piety, and more firm adherence to the truth amongſt men, as the native effect that should follow a true miracle, and ſo extraordinary a ſeall, if it ſerve alſo to comptrol the Kingdom of Satan, and ſtrenthen the Chriſtian Faith in oppoſition to Antichriſtian p. 80darkneſs, and Idolatry; yea if theſe who are thus empoured for ſo miraculous a cure have ſomething ſuitable on their part of qualifications, to ſuch whom God hath ever made uſe off to work miracles, otherwiſe it ſerves only to expoſe ſo great a ſeall to the Chriſtian Faith, wherein the Majeſty of God in ſo august, and ſolemne a way is revealed, unto the higheſt contumely and reproach. 6. Though this hath been a continued practice, and that the matter of Fact, and notority of experience herein in the truth of ſuch a cure is not queſtioned, yet if it be eſſentially requiſite, that ſuch as claim to this power, ſhould do it in the Faith of a divine Warrant, and aſſurance that it is of God, with an immediate relyance on a ſpecial outſetting of ſome extraordinar power from him herein, and of his call to reſt on the ſame, when it is without reſpect to any inſtitute, & natural means, yea that there ſpirit in ſuch a caſe ſhould be ſuited to ſo extraordinare a worke, I judge it should then quickly ceaſe; as on the other hand that theſe who are deſeaſed, and apply themſelves to ſuch a cure, should know the warrant of their faith herein, elſe it were as juſtifiable to go to Loretta on ſuch an account, or to ſuch who pretend by ſpells, and charms, to work extraordinary cures without any ordinary means for the ſame. This is not to detract in the leaſt from any juſt right or priviledge of Soveraing Princes, and I judge theſe who are now on the p. 81Throne of Britain might lay as juſt a claim from perſonal qualifications thereto, as any have gone before, but in giving to Caeſar what is due unto him, we muſt not invade that Royalty, and Prerogative which belongs to God only, or to pretend to his ſeall, and make uſe of it without his expreſs warrant. If any Proteſtant Writer have ſpoke their thoughts on ſuch a head, I have as yet ſeen none; bu ſome time paſt, I was neceſſarily called by a perſon of great worth, to impart my light herein, they beeing then much perplexed in ſpirit with reſpect to a near relation of theirs, in order to their uſing ſuch a mean; and how ſmall a reckoning may be made by many, yet I find it related of that Famous Chriſtian Mrs Honywood, that the firſt riſe of theſe terrors of conſcience which keeped her ſo long, was from conſulting ſome mean as to the recovery of a childe, in a way that was out of the roade of ordinar means, and made her fear afterwards leſt Satan might have a hand therein

But I ſhall now ceaſe to ſpeak more on this ſubject; and only ſhut up with ſome Reflections further which have been matter of ſerious thoughts to me.

1. Whence it is that ſuch who are of the most trying and comprehenſive ſpirit hath uſually been under greatest weight and exerciſe of minde, about their eſtablishment in the Chriſtian Faith more then any others: but herein it may be eaſie to ſee, p. 82and diſcern the true cauſe thereof, 1. How it is ſure, the more attainment of light and knowledge is upon the greatneſſe of their Faith, that a higher admiration and aſtonishment muſt needs follow thereon; it was this which above all the wonders and depths of nature, did ſwallow up the ſpirit of a Solomon, and put him into ſuch an exſtacy, when he once begun to fix on this Subject, but will God indeed dwell, with men on the earth, yea will the eternal Son of God take up his abode, and dwell in ſuch a tabernacle as the humane nature, and become truly man which is ſpecially there imported 2 Chron 6: 18. 2. It is theſe only who have their ſouls ſeaſed with a deeper ſenſe then others, of the high, and wonderful conſequence of ſuch a Faith, as to themſelves, and what is their perſonal intereſt herein; on which their ſouls venture for eternity lyes; ſo as it is not ſtrange, that they can not poſſibly enjoy the comfort of ſuch a Faith under any doubtful ſuſpence this way, or have their ſouls at reſt, with that manner of aſsent wherewith moſt ſatisfie themſelves in this day. 3. Yea it is theſe alone, who have another Idea of Religion, and the wonders of the Chriſtian Faith ſettled on their ſpirit, then the reſidue of men, who thus ſee what great things are before them, and shortly to come to paſs, and how ſuch a Faith is not eaſily attained, but that a continued weight, and exerciſe herein on their ſpirits become unavoidable. And p. 83tho Sir to one of ſuch a ſpirit, as I know you are off, there needs little be ſaid of this kind, yet when I look on the face of this Generation, even of the more ſerious part of men herein, it would appear that moſt were rather in a ſleep and dream, then awake; elſe were it conceivable, how they could find it eaſie to bear, and ſtand under the weight of ſuch diſcoveries, without almoſt fainting under the greatneſs hereof, if they be indeed aſſured of ſuch things as theſe. 1. That within a little time, their eyes are to be for ever ſhut on this earth. and in one moment opened on that entry which is into another World, and on that hid, and marvelous paſſage, which lyes betwixt the earth, and the higher Paradiſe above, which is in the thrid Heavens, and will then know what it is to ſee with clear, and preceptible evidence ther conduct, and convoyance by the bleſſed Angels, and the manner of their aſcent through theſe Aetherial Regions, in every ſtep of the ſame, their begun acquaintance, and ſociety with theſe glorious ſpirits, which ſhall be without fear, and conſternation, as when they were in the body, and at laſt that unconceivable reception by the bleſſed Trinity; now is it poſſible, that men here on the earth can with aſſurance entertain their ſouls with ſuch great things as before them, and near, and yet in an ordinare way converſe with the ſame. 2. Is it a light or ſmall thing to live in the Faith of ſuch a Triumph, as is reſerved to each of the p. 84Saints in the iſſue of their warefare, when the God of Peace shall tread Satan under their feet, and ſhall enter them into the overcomers joy, with that publick teſtimonie, well done good, and faithful ſervant &c. before the whole Church of the redeemed there, and then to be called to a peculiar aſſignment of their room, and ſtation in that bleſſed ſtate anſwerable to their ſervices and attainments of grace here, when they ſhall ſee the end of the Lord in his whole conduct and methods of providence about them within time, which once ſeemed incomprehenſible to their thoughts. 3. Yea what is it to be in the ſerious exerciſe of ſuch a Faith, that in a short time there shall be a final tranſlation of the whole Church militant from this earth to theſe higher Regions of glory, where no more diſtance of place, and but one Church and Society for ever, where our bleſſed Redeemer shall then rejoice in his whole puchaſe, whom he had bought at ſo dear a price, and preſented without ſpot, or blemish unto the Father; and where the whole elect from Abell, the firſt of humane race, that entred Heaven, and the firſt member of the Church triumphant there, to the l…ſt, who was called by the Ghoſpel, shall meet once and for ever together. 4. And are there ſuch now on the earth, who shall ere long ſee themſelves in the ſame ſtate and claſſe with the elect Angels, who could not in this ſtate of mortality bear the ſight, or apparition of one of theſe glorious ſpirits; p. 85yea shall enjoy them in the ſame intimacy of fellowship as theſe that were redeemed from amongſt men; and tho with humble ſobriety, I would offer any thoughts on ſo high a myſtery, yet ſeems it ſa…ely warranted to judge, that as each of theſe bleſſed ſpirits, is a diſtinct perſon from other, endued with a moſt excellent life, and underſtanding, tho in ſome different degree of exaltation, as to their office and ſervices, ſo are they ane undoubted part of the Church, over which Christ is the ſupreme Head; wherein at that last and great Jubilee, even in ſomething of a glorious corporeal frame, there may be a likneſs, and conformity to him, in whom the fulneſse of the God head dwells bodily, and for a more near oneneſſe, and Communion with the Saints made perfect who shall then not only be like, but equal to the Angels, which otherwiſe could not be well underſtood, ſince it is ſure their bodies, though then ſpiritual and glorious, will be the ſame in ſubſtance that they were here, and will not be only ſpirits. 5. And what a wonder of our Faith should it be that ere long this alſo shall be the object of mens ſenſe, the conflagration of this whole earth; that earth, on which moſt of the generations of men had ſettled their Heaven, to ſee it all burnt up before them, and herein the final isſue of their hopes, and projects upon the ſame, whilſt nothing to ſuch will then further remain, but to enter themſelves into everlaſting p. 86flames. 6. Is it a ſmall thing to enjoy ſuch a Faith here on the earth, as that reunion, which they shall then have with ſo endeared a part of themſelves, their body, and what a meeting that muſt be after ſo dark a parting, and ſeparation; theſe very bodies which had been partners with them, both in their work and ſervices, and in all their ſufferings within time; which they can now embrace never to part with, to partake of the ſame eternal enjoiments, and which will be then no lett to their aſcent to meet the Lord in the air. 7. Can it poſſibly be a ſubject of ordinare thoughts or aſſent, that men now on the earth, shall shortly ſee the glory and ſtate of the last Judgment, and of their bleſſed Head on that Throne of His Majeſty, yea thus ſee at once, the whole generations of men, and theſe who ſometime were the greateſt Monarchs here, preſented then to be judged; and to ſee ſuch a ſolemn particular, and diſtinct judgment paſt on each according to their deeds, and work within time; and in that bleſſed order wherein the whole Saints, and each perſonally of theſe, having a diſtinct part herein, shall be first acquitt, approven, and accepted in the face of this great Aſſembly, with the publick teſtimony of the Judge, according to the meaſure of their ſervice and tryalls for his ſake, whilſt they were in the World; and next in the condemnatory part of that Judgment to ſee the whole fallen Angels, who first ſinned have the p. 87firſt final ſentence past on them; as it was thus intimate after the fall of man, & the whole ſucceſſive race of mankind, each in their order, with that full evidence, of the Holy Righteouſneſs of the Judge herein, as ſhall irreſiſtably conſtrain their conſcience to bear witneſſe thereto. 8. Yea what a concern of the Chriſtian Faith lyes here, of that eternal ſeparation and parting, which will then follow betwixt the elect, and reprobate World, with that dreadful dimiſſion to theſe infernal Regions, and with this ſight to ſee ſin, which made its firſt entry in Heaven amongst the Angels, and hath ſince ſo much overſpread the earth, now for ever shutt up in hell, both ſin, and ſinners together, never more to look out at the grate of theſe priſon.

But II. There is another thing with reſpect to this Subject, which hath been to me oft matter of ſerious thoughts, whence is it that in ſo knowing an age as this, we ſee how ſuch as are greateſt pretenders to reaſon, and to a higher flight then others this way are more viſibly then any elſe of an Atheiſtick Spirit, and to be a length herein bejond any elſe on that deſign, how to weaken both their own aſſent, and others to the Chriſtian Faith, and to render the ſame ſo far as poſſibly they can, to be problematick and doubtful; but it is ſure here is nothing to ſtumble, but what may rather be ſtrenthning to any of a ſerious ſpirit, and needs be no ſtrange thing, when ſuch are as tender as poſſible, to marr their enjoiments of this preſent p. 88life, who hath no more; or to let their thoughts come near to what muſt needs torment them before the time: whilſt their reaſon ſerves them for ſuch an uſe, and conſtrains their conſcience herein, that they muſt either be Chriſtians in earnest, or none at all, yea that under ſuch bright diſcoveries of the truth of the Ghoſpel, they muſt ſee it is not compatible with reaſon, how there should be a mids betwixt a truly ſerious Chriſtian, who beleeves, what he does profeſſe; and a roſolved Atheist whoſe work lyes to have the dread of ſuch a Faith wholly extinguished. I knew a moſt remarkable Atheist indued with ſpecial natural accomplishments, who on the ſame account ſaid to a perſon of quality, if I did trul… beleeve what you profeſs to do, they are matters of ſo great concern, that I do profeſs I could think upon nothing elſe or be taken up thus, as the moſt of Chriſtians are, with the things of this World; ſo as I cannot poſſibly credit you in the Faith of your own Profeſſion. And herein can any exerce reaſon, and not ſee the Faith of Chriſtianity, is another thing, then moſt this day did ever conceive it to be, and a much higher attainment, then a Chriſtians particular interest herein, for where the first is aſſuredly attained, it may ſeem not poſſible, but the other muſt follow, that mens greateſt buſineſs of the earth, should be to have a ſure evidence for Heaven, and to be ripening for ſo great a change. I have p. 89known ſome whoſe tryalls, and conflicts in their warefare hath been extraordinare, and ſtrange, who hath profeſſed their higheſt releaf ſtill lay herein, from the Faith of divine truth more then as to any particular promiſe made applicable to ſuch a caſe, and would have ſought no more to carry their ſpirits above the preſent temptations that occurred though they were not ordinary, or to be at reſt as to all temporal events, but a more full ſtrenthning in the Chriſtian Faith, and that their Redeemer did live, ſince then they were in ſure terms, as to their ſecurity for whatever he hath promiſed.

III. But I muſt add yet one thing further which ſeems indeed a prodigy, proper to ſuch an age as this, that its become ſo hard a work to bring men living in the day light of the Ghoſpel to a ſerious beleeving the truth, and exiſtence of infernal ſpirits, and of their commerce, and traffick with this viſible World; or to bring ſuch who ſeem greateſt pretenders to reaſon, to the Faith of Divells, lest they should thus be unavoidably brought to that Faith of the Divells, which is to beleeve, and tremble, which ſurely is an unconceavable and extream horror that theſe Apoſtate Spirits have herein, whilſt their aſſent to the glorious beeing of God, to his attributes, yea to the truth, and Hiſtory of the Ghoſpel, is by ſuch ane inevitable conſtraint, that as there is no poſſible acceſs for them to be Atheiſts, ſo is their dréad, and p. 90torment heigtned beeing ſuch knowing intellectual eſſences, as that power, and ſubtilty of deluſion, whereby they deal with mankind will not work on themſelves. This I muſt judge, to be the laſt effort of the horrid wickedneſs of this preſent age, to ſtrenthen ſuch a way, and ſince ſuch a party can have no help or ſupport from faith, and reaſon herein, and yet find the aſſured truth, and beeing of Divels, and of their communion, and warefare with men, does marr any poſſible defence or deſign for Atheiſm, and a taking off the terror of ane infernal ſtate, off their ſoul, they muſt therefore move to another airth, which is to beleeve nothing but what they ſee and feell, and comes under a ſenſible demonſtration to warrant the ſame: for this is to make ſure work at once againſt the whole Chriſtian Faith, and shut the door on any way of conviction thence; thus they keep a diſtance with the beeing of their own ſouls, as if it were ſome dark, and abſtract notion, becauſe it comes not under their ſence; they can live at quiet, and be ſecure from the fear of a Hell, and infernal world, or excluſion out of Heaven untill they once meet with ſuch an argument, as to make them both ſee, and feell the truth hereof; but oh they ſeeme not to apprehend how ſore the application of this argument will be, when they at laſt find its in vain to reject the concluſion, where the premiſes are ſure. There is one of late, who is come forth in the day light of p. 91Chriſtianity, in a book lately published, to undeceive the World upon ſo great a deluſion, as to theſe inviſible powers of darkneſse, and tho he ſeems to find it difficult how to annihilate, and make void wholly their exiſtence, yet doth offer with a ſtrange confidence to ſecure men from any fear of the molestations of ſuch Spirits, and that all inward temptations or aſſaults of Satan, and his operating upon the ſouls of men, is but a deplorable faſcination, and bewitchment, that the Chriſtian Church hath been ſo long under. It might be judged, there were little need for ſuch a worke to take this generation we are now in off all watch, and guard againſt theſe destroying adverſaries, and to render them more ſecure herein, then they ſeem already to be; and that this confidence, muſt have ſome ſtrange riſe, to go forth not only in the moſt direct oppoſition to Sacred Truth, but to the univerſal Sence, and reaſon of mankind, except he hopes to find a numerous party, who hath given up with both, and will eaſily graſp at ſuch a bait tho they should ſee the hook that will at laſt deſtroy them. But doe theſe mighty hunters, and destroyers of mankind the Divels, come ſo little ſpeed in their work this day, that they muſt have a Protestant Minister of the Church come forth before the Sun to offer his aſſiſtance to help them forward herein, or if he deny ſuch ane intent, what ſecurity will he offer to ſecure men, from a hazard that's more dreadful then the killing p. 92of their body, and is of an eternal concern; is he empoured with authority from theſe infernal Regions, I confeſs on theſe grounds he may have advantage to give ſuch ane aſſurance. 1. That the ſtrong man whilst he keeps the houſe, vvill be very tender to trouble their peace over whom he ſwayes, with an uncontrol…ed Dominion, and that he will not affright, nor awake men out of ſuch a pleaſant dream, who hath ſet their heart wholly on the world, & whoſe portion is in this life, untill they be awaked for ever out of the ſame. 2 He may give full aſſurance alſo that the Prince of this World is at no war, nor needs be with ſuch as are joined in with his intereſt, and at the ſame work to promote the Kingdom of darkneſs, and ſeeks not to have them tormented before the time. 3. But there is this ground, I muſt judge he ſpecially goes on; that he will be eaſily credited on ſuch a Subject as this, and knowes how ſmall a patrociny, will ſerve to promote a deſign for Atheiſm, and could fall upon nothing, which would be more grateful to a great part novv vvho bear the name of Protestants, but whilſt he calls them to lay aſide their armour, ſuch as Chriſtians are expreſly called to put on Ephes. 5: 11. will he ſecure them when it comes to the last battle, and conflict, from their beeing ſeaſed by ſuch infernal Spirits in their entry into another World, whom they did once deride, and that the truce which was with them on the earth, will not break p. 93up then: if he had reſtricted this new diſcovery to the world, of ane abſolute ſecurity from the Power of Satan, and his moleſtations, to belong only to the Place, and City he lives in, it might have ſeemed to be on a politick intereſt, to render it, as a place of ſuch eminent trade, to be the only ſafe, and moſt deſirable part of the earth; but he hath extended it to be univerſal to all other places, and to be a Catholick good, and priviledge. There needs no queſtion, but that ſuch a perſon himſelf muſt be in a deep quiet, and under no touch of theſe aſſaults and temptations others are expoſed to; tho one thing he may fear in the managing of ſo ſtrange a deſign, and in ſuch a manner, that theſe knowing and active ſpirits, for whom he acts, may not reckon their ſervice much advanced, when there is as little of the ſubtilty of the Serpent herein, as of the innocence of the dove. It is true there is an inviſible guard, and hedge about each one of the Saints over which Satan cannot paſs, but by the meaſures of divine permiſſion; nor is it expreſſible how much Chriſtians of the choiſest Spirits are bettered, and improven in their graces by the worst of Spirits, and in their continued warefare with them; and its ſure they are reſerved in chains of darkneſs to the Judgment of the great day, but how far their chain is oft let forth, and inlarged in judgment to the world, may be too evident every where in the ſad effects thereof, and it now p. 94appears, that their chain hath not been more remarkably lengthned out theſe many ages paſt, then in this day. I wiſh the Writer of ſuch a Book might ſeriouſly repent, and ſo far retract what he hath published, as might thus turn ſuch a poiſon unto ane antidote against it ſelf, for I judge he durſt not put ſuch Divinity in his Teſtament, that he hath written in this Book.