Gods Waiting to be Gracious Unto His People, Sermon · Part 2

Gods Waiting to be Gracious Unto His People · Sermon · Part 2

p. 57Twelve Arguments that God is doing good to England.

First, Is the neer approch of Babylons downefall; of which we have the consent and harmonie of a threefold conjecture.

The first is hinted to us from the 12. Dan. where we find a Prophesie of the finall restauration of the Jewes, and the 11. vers. expresseth the time, which is 1290. years after the ceasing of the dayly sacrifice, and the setting up of the abomination of desolation, which is conceived to be in Julian's time, who did essay to rebuild the Temple of the Jewes, which was an abomination to God; who therefore to shew his just detestation thereof destroyed it by fire (out of the earth) tearing up the very foundation thereof to the nethermost stone, this was in the year 360. after Christ, to which if you adde 1290. years, it will pitch this calculation upon the year 1650. And before this full and finall restauration of the Jewes (when ever it comes) Babylon must down, Rome must be destroyed, and it is very probable that these may be beginnings of that glorious work, which conjecture is strengthened from a

Second conjecture bottom'd upon the prophesie of p. 58the seven Vials, The second conjecture of the approch of Babylons downfall from the effusion of the 7. Vials. Revel. 16.Rev 16The effusion whereof is by the best Expositors concluded to be so many degrees of the ruine and destruction of the Beast: For as he arose by severall steps and gradations, so he must decrease by proportionable measures and abatements. This all or most agree on, though they differ exceedingly in the severall expositions of the Vials themselves, and it were as needlesse as it is an endlesse labour to present them all before you. I shall content my self to set in your view a few of those opinions which are most received, by the harmonie whereof you may make some guesse what probability this conjecture of the approch of Antichrists downfall carrieth with it.

The first Viall which was powred out upon the earth, Viall. 1. Vers. 1.2.vers. 2. seems to expound it self to be a plague powred upon the men that had the mark of the beast, and worshipped his Image, that is to say, upon the ordinary people or the common sort of Papists which (like the earth) are the lowest and basest part in the kingdome of Antichrist, the foot stoole upon which he treads.

That which some conjecture, that by earth should be meant the common sort of godly Christians plagued and persecuted by Antichrist, bears no probability at all, or the least that may be; for by that interpretation Antichrist himselfe must be the Angel that pours out this viall, and godly Christians those which receive the marke of the Beast, for upon the effusion of this viall, the plague broke out upon them that had received that mark.

The second Viall was poured out upon the Sea, Viall 2.on the world, and the great ones thereof, say some, but not with much likelihood of truth; for that I conceive p. 59to be not only a warrantable but an undeniable rule which some judicious expositors lay down; viz. that the generall subject of all the Vials is the Antichristian Church or world, and the particular subject whereupon each severall viall is poured out is some part or thing in that Antichristian state. And therefore they speak with much more probability, who by Sea understand the Doctrine, Religion, Worship, and Ordinances of that Antichristian Church, which was gathered together into one body, as it were into one Sea, and combination of waters in the Counsell of Trent, and was then separated from the Orthodox Christian Doctrine of the Scripture (as the waters from the drie land in the third dayes creation) and might well be called a Sea, Gen. 1.9.10.Gen 1:9Gen 1:10the Doctrine of the See of Rome, or the Sea of that Romane doctrine. Upon which when Chemnitius and others after him had poured out their Vials, this Sea turned into bloud, i. e. it was discovered and convinced to be a bloudy Religion, a dead Doctrine, a mare mortuum, a deep Sea of thick, black, stinking bloud: it being a doctrine that doth not hold forth the clensing, quickning, pacifying, purifying bloud of the Lord Jesus, as the Sea in Solomons Temple did; but it holds forth the bloud of a dead man, a dead Christ, and dead Ordinances, dead to any spirituall life, fitter to pollute then to purge the Conscience; Heb. 9.14.Heb 9:14yea a doctrine that teacheth bloud, the murdering of Kings, the massacring of the people and members of Jesus Christ.

There be that by Sea chuse rather to understand whole Nations, People, Kingdomes, Provinces, Diocesses, as in Luthers time; The Reader may please himselfe, and if he would have more variety looke p. 60into those Authors that have written on this subject, and he may have enough; but that is not my work.

The third Viall (therefore) is poured out on the rivers and fountains of waters, Viall. 3. Vers. 4.which are the Romane Tyrants and persecutors as some conceive: for they became bloud too; bloudy Tyrants, bloudy persecutours, like their doctrine. And this opinion is not contradicted, but extended in a larger sense by others, to Popish Bishops, Priests Jesuites, and all other Ecclesiasticall persons, Agents and Factors for Antichrist; who, as the Rivers doe the Sea, carry forth this bloudy Religion and doctrine, and worship through the earth to and fro among the Nations, and then like the Rivers run back again into the Sea from whence they came, and fill it againe with the riches and revenues of the Nations, till they have drain'd the whole world into that immense Ocean.

This Viall some would have poured out in Queene Eliz. Reigne, when in the year 1581. she by consent of the Parliament made the Statute for the banishing of Priests and Jesuites from the Kingdome, under pain of high Treason: But whether this exposition will not be too narrow, both in regard of time, place, and plague, I leave to the judgement of the understanding Reader.

The fourth Viall poured out on the Sun, Viall 4. Revel. 16.8.Rev 16:8was not as it seems to hurt the Sun, and so the Sun must not be any any part or thing in the Antichristian state, but to arme the Sun (whatsoere it be) with a scalding scorching influence to wound and burne and torment men withall.

Some of those that make the Sun to be some part or thing in the Antichristian world, would have it to p. 61be that transcendent light which the Pope assumes to himselfe (as the Sun is the greatest Luminarie in the Heavens) whereby he gives authority to Scriptures, to doctrines, to worship, to government, to Counsells, &c. And the Angell that poured out this Viall upon him, the Queen Eliz. (also) and her Parliament (among other States and Kingdomes) taking away the Popes Supremacy, making it, and the defence of it high Treason. Some the House of Austria, the chiefe Governour in the Antichristian state of most eminent lustre and brightnesse; and the Angell that poured out this Viall of Gods wrath to be the King of Sweden going forth like another Angell of God, and slaying many thousands of the Host of that blasphemous Sennacherib.

But other that make the Sun to be but the medium or instrument, which the Angel of God useth to make it more vexatious and tormenting to men of the Antichristian state, by the Sun understand Christ himself, but without any shadow of probability, since so some created Angell should have used the Ministery of Christ in the effusion of this Viall; whereas it is most probable, that it is Christ the Angell of the Covenant that poures out all the Vials by the Ministery of other created Angels, or Creatures whatsoever. Others therfore with much more dexterity by Sun understand the Holy Scriptures (the purest and perfectest body of light and heat under the Heavens) the preaching whereof by a more abundant effusion of the Holy Ghost (in the dayes of the pouring out of this Viall) being raised to infinite more purity and power than in those misty cloudy times of blindnesse and ignorance, wherein Antichrist reigned without controll, doth p. 62make the Scriptures to be of such a vexing, tormenting influence, as it maketh men (members or friends of Antichrist) that doe oppose it, to blaspheme the Name of God. And so the Angel that poures out this Viall may be those who (though not by their nature, yet) by their office are Angels, or Messengers, even the faithfull Ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; And as the Scriptures shall be more and more cleerely and powerfully preacht, so this Viall shall more and more aboundantly and tormentingly be poured out, till that time come, when the light of the Moone shall be as the light of the Sun, and the light of the Sun shall be seven-fold as the light of seven dayes, Isai. 30.26. at which time (saith M^r Brightman) this Viall shall have its compleat and perfect effusion.

The fifth Viall is poured out upon the seat of the Beast, Fifth Viall. Revel. 16.10.Rev 16:10by which some of good repute and learning understand the Forme of the Pope's government, which is Monarchicall or Sole Episcopall Authoritie in Ecclesiasticall causes; which is another throne distinct from that universall Supremacie of the Pope whereby he challengeth transcendent authoritie over all Kings and Princes, (and whereupon he hath exalted himself above all that is called God, whether Magistrates, or Ministers of the Gospel,) and the Angel that poures out this Viall to be such Protestant Writers that doe discover the Antichristianisme of this kinde of church government, but especially the Church of Scotland, which hath not only discovered it to be Antichristian, but as Antichristian hath thrust it out by head and shoulders; not in a tumultuous popular way, but with so much wisdome, courage, judgement and Pietie, as that one may see and say it is p. 63not a Viall poured out by a weake and an unadvised multitude, but by an Angel of God, by the heavenly Ministers of his wrath. Some by the seat of the Beast understand the whole kingdome of Antichrist; but others (and with more probabilitie) the Citie of Rome; (not when it was besieged and sack'd by Charles the 5^th. Anno 1527. as Artopoeus casts it; but) when it shall be totally and finally layd waste; according to the prophesie of the Sybyll,

Tota eris in cineres quasi nunquam Roma fuisses.

The sixth Viall poured out upon Euphrates is literally understood by some; Sixth Viall. Revel. 16.12.Rev 16:12of a River in Mesopotamia by others, which hinders the passage of those Orientall Countries into Judea; the literall drying up whereof as of the Red sea and Jordane shall prepare a way for the Jewes to returne to Jerusalem to entertain the Gospel and Kingdome of Jesus Christ; these be the Kings here mentioned in this verse: as all the Redeemed are called, Chap. 1. ver. 6. By others Metaphorically, of the Turks Dominion, and the Angel that poures it out to be the Jewes; while others very learned and judicious extend it in a larger analogie to whatsoever it is that hinders the approch of those Kings of the earth, who are to doe execution upon Antichrist, as Euphrates did hinder the passage of Cyrus to old Babylon, till by a straragem of his it was dryed up by turning the course of the streames to runne in other Channels.

VnderUnder the seventh and last Viall poured out on the aire, Seventh Viall. Revel. 16.17.Rev 16:17some contend for judgements and plagues to be poured out upon the whole Kingdome of Satan, who is called the prince that ruleth in the aire; some, as forerunners, p. 64others, as Concomitants of the day of judgement; because the voice out of the Temple, from the Throne, cries, It is done, in the same vers. Yet there are who keeping more close in their Exposition of these seven Vials to the state of the Antichristian Church, and so making all the subjects upon which all the Vials are poured out, some part or thing in that state, doe understand by aire, the aire of the Antichristian Church; and conceive it to be (the same with the smoke that arose out of the bottomlesse pit, Chap. 9.1.2.) namely, nothing else but the darknesse of ignorance that fils the Kingdome and Region of Antichrist.

But I am travell'd further then I need, in giving you an account of the severall opinions of Interpreters concerning the two last Vials; for most of our judicious Divines conceive this age to be under the effusion of the fourth Viall, and then if by the Seat of the beast (upon which the fifth Viall is poured out) be meant Rome it selfe (as it is greatly probable) then surely the ruine and downfall of that beast which sits upon that seat cannot be a calculation of any long expectation. And that is the main result which I desire may be observed, that all this variety of opinions (and much more which might be produced, were it not rather to distract than to instruct you) concerning the Vials, and the subjects on which they are poured out, is yet picht by their Authors upon such times and periods, that entertaine which you please, they will allow you no long time for the expectation of the ruine and downfall of that man of sin.

Now if any man shall demand of me, Object. saying, Suppose this approch of Babylons fall which you contend p. 65for, yet how doth this lie in such a necessary tendencie to Englands good? for may not Babylon fall, and yet England not stand?

I answer, First, Answ. that without all Controversie the good of all the Protestant Churches in Christendom is deeply concern'd in the downefall of Antichrist, else what meanes that Exultation in heaven mentioned by S^t John, Revel. 19.1.2.

1. And after these things, Revel. 19.1.2.Rev 19:1Rev 19:2I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Hallelu-jah: Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.

2. For true and righteous are his judgements, for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornications, and hath avenged the bloud of his servants at her hand. &c.

Is it not the voice of the Saints and people of God triumphing in the confusion of Antichrist? and in what heaven? not in the heaven of glory, but in the heaven of grace; for as by Earth the generall subject of all the Vials, ver. 1. is meant the earthly corrupt state of the Antichristian Church or world, so (in opposition to that) by heaven is meant the pure and heavenly state and Complexion of the Reformed Churches. And if so, England will have as much cause to beare a part in that song as any other Church under heaven; yea she may justly sing the Altus in that Hallelu-jah.

But secondly, that Englands good is yet more neerly and particularly concern'd in the downfall of Antichrist, I shall only observe from the premised interpretations of the Vials, that as we see many in the naturall death die upward and by degrees in their extreame limbs and members before death seize upon p. 66the heart, that being primum vivens & ultimum moriens, the first that lives, and the last that dies; so must Antichrist, he must dye abroad in Germanie, in Geneva, in Scotland, in England and in other Kingdomes, before he die at Rome in Saint Peters chaire; he must dye in his Catholiques, in his Doctrine and Doctors, &c. before he dye in his Person, that being also the first that lived, and the last that shall dye in the Antichristian state.

And therefore if there be found many Symptoms of death upon his limbs in the effusion of divers of the Vials upon his Catholiques, Doctrine, Doctors, Worship, Ceremonies (and the like) here in England, as it were together (for it is not conceived necessary that the effusion of one Viall should be determined, before the other begin;) If the holy Scriptures had never such a scalding influence poured out upon them to torment the men of the Antichristian Church, as in this morning of Englands revivings, Revel. 16.9.Rev 16:9making the popish partie to bite their tongues for paine, and blaspheme the God of Heaven in stead of repenting of their deeds. If the sole Episcopall power of Ordination and Jurisdiction (which if it be not the seat of the Beast, I am sure is one of the stayes of that seat) never received such a blow and wound in England as by this Happy Parliament, which like another Angel of God hath poured out this Viall or at lest some drops of this Viall upon it? If these, I say, and the like Symptoms of death be found upon the limbs of that man of sin, we shall humbly hope that he is no long-lived man amongst us, but that as he hath we hope given up the Ghost in Scotland, and many other Reformed Churches, so also he lies drawing on in England; his p. 67pulse beats low, his Countenance is ghastly, a cold sweat stands on his members, and all these strivings and strugglings of his friends and family seeme to be nothing else but ultimus singultus morientis papatus, the last pangs and prongs of dying popery in England, unlesse our sinnes, murmurings and unthankfulnesse more then all the strong waters and cordials his Physitians can prescribe, revive him againe, which God forbid.

And if indeed Antichrist be fetching his last breath in England, who doubts not (unlesse it be such as are content to receive his marke) but Englands recovery and happinesse is bound up in it? for did not Englands miseries and plagues come in when Antichrist came in, and grow as Antichrist grew, and revive as Antichrist revived? and shall we not hope that as Antichrist goes out, our plagues and miseries will goe out; as he declines, they will decline; as he dies, they will die? As Antichrist came in, so Christ went out, his Truthes, his worship, his glory, his Government went out; and shall we not hope as Antichrist goes out, so Christ will come in, his Truthes, his worship, his glory, his Government will come in and be set up in power and beautie among us? Surely so farre as Antichrist's dominion hath obscured or hindred the Government of Christ among us, so farre shall his destruction and extirpation make way for the lifting up of the Kingdome of the Lord Jesus in our borders: and so England shall not need wait for her Nationall Salvation, prayed and hoped for, till the Totall and Finall destruction of the man of sin from the face of the earth, while in the Sole Government and Kingdome of Jesus Christ is the glory and happinesse of a p. 68Church and people, and cause enough joy and triumph; for so runnes the Command and Promise together, Zech. 9.9.Zech 9:9Rejoyce greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: Behold, thy King commeth unto thee: he is just and having Salvation.

I have done with this second Conjecture of the approach of Babylons downfall: the third followes.

And that is, 3. Conjecture. Revel. 18.4.Rev 18:4That God hath begun with such a distinct and audible voice from heaven to Call his people out of Babylon, saying, Come out of her my people, that ye be not pertakers of her sinnes, (her idolatries, her bowings and cringings, her Altars, Crosses and Crucifixes, her cursed Ceremonies, false worship, false doctrines, teaching for doctrines the traditions of men. Be ye not partakers with her of her sins) lest ye partake with her also in her plagues. This Call God hath made from heaven, not only by the pure and powerfull preaching of the Word, which like the Sun hath broken through the cloud of errour and ignorance, spread upon the face of the Kingdome by the popish Factors and Agents here, and now shines upon us with a cleere and enliving influence (blessed be God) I say, not only by this voice hath God call'd to us, Come out of her, but yet more distinctly and fully by bringing us into the bond of the Covenant, that Solemn Protestation into which both Houses of Parliament, and the greatest part of the Kingdome (after them) have religiously and solemnly entred; which hath been to us like the Israelites Circumcision to them at the end of their fortie yeeres travell: Josh. 5.9.Josh 5:9our Gilgal: The rouling away of our reproch. As it was their reproach among the heathen that they had not been Circumcised from the day they came forth from the land of p. 69Egypt, so it was Englands reproch among the Churches (and we have heard of it on both eares) that we were never separated from Rome by solemne Covenant and Protestation as other Reformed Churches in Germanie, France, Scotland, &c. who were therefore called Protestants, because they did solemnly protest against the Pope, and enter a religious Covenant to separate from all his Antichristian usurpations, while there was nothing, as some could hit us in the teeth, that made us differ from Rome but a bare Proclamation: But brethren, how ever that reproch was as untrue as it was uncharitable (for there was a reall separation from the usurpations and doctrine of that man of sin) yet we have infinite cause to blesse God for that dayes work in the House of Parl. and may christen it, Gilgal, i.e. Rolling; because then and thereby did the Lord roll away this reproch from England; and if you will observe it you may, Hagg. 2.19.Hag 2:19with the Prophet Haggai, From that very day hath the Lord blest us: Great things hath God done by and for our Parliament since that day, as hereafter shall appeare. Now brethren, when this call was made from heaven in that 18. of the Revelations, see I beseech you what a voyce followed in the 2. vers. for though it is exprest before, it must be understood after (for it had been too late to fly out of Babylon, when Babylon was fallen) see I say, and heare what the voyce is upon this Separation, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen. Revel. 18.2.Rev 18:2Surely my brethren as the call out of Babylon hath been in other Churches, so it will in this poore oppressed Church of England, be an immediate Forerunner of Babylons down-fall: and if by this as by the two former Evidences it appeares that Antichrist p. 70is falling, though his fall may cause the Nations to shake, yet the issue and result will be peace and truth and mercy to these three Kingdomes.Second Arg. The stay of the flight of Gods people. Psal. 55.6.Ps 55:6

The second argument of hope, is that God hath staied the flight of his people, were they not all upon David's wish, Oh that I had wings like a Dove, and as many as could disengage themselves from their intanglements here, were they not even upon the tiptoe, ready to take their flight, where they might happily find an hole where they might hide themselves from the storme and tempest, that was comming upon us, with a dreadfull aspect and noise. But God did suddenly and even miraculously stay their flight; I could tell you of a ship fraught with Christians that after they had lancht forth a day or two into the deep, were struck all sick as it were by an immediate hand from heaven, and glad to turn their sayles and come back againe for cure and recovery. I could tell you of another vessel from the Irish coasts, which the winds had brought within view of the American shore, and were even now hawling to Land, when the great master of the winds in a moment of time commanded them to blow with a contrary blast, and in one continued storme to drive the vessel back again, so that in an incredible short space the passengers found themselves upon the very same coasts from which they first hoysed up their sayles. Preparations were made by some very considerable Personages for a Western voyage, the vessell provided, and goods ready to be carried aboard, when an unexpected and almost a miraculous providence diverted that designe in the very nick of time.

I read in the Roman history, when the Roman Army p. 71had once turned back before the Sabines their enemie, in the day of battle, and at the prayer of Romulus, Jupiter stayed their flight, who on a sudden returned upon their pursuing enemies, and overcame them; Romulus in way of thankfull acknowledgement and remembrance of such a miracle, built a Temple in the place where the flight was stayed, and to Jupiter's names added another title, calling him from thenceforth Jupiter Stator: The immediate hand of divine providence hath made many even miraculous stayes of his flying servants for which they have cause in a like manner to erect monuments of thankfulnesse and may honour God with a new title Jehovah Stator, Jehovah that stayed the flight of his poor persecuted flying people, for surely it speaks in more then ordinary language that God in tends good for his people; for as when God intends to destroy a people or place, he gives his servants some secret warning and bids them fly for their lives, as to Lot when Sodome must be burnt with fire and brimstone, Escape for thy life, Gen. 19.17.Gen 19:17look not behind thee, escape to the mountain. And the Christians in Jerusalem before it was destroyed, heard a voice by night crying, Ite ad Pellam, Joseph de bello Jud.Ite ad Pellam; away to Pella, fly to Pella. So on the other side when God doth in such a wonderfull manner stay their flight, yea doth bring them back again by a strong hand out of Captivity, surely the meaning of it is, that word of God to Israel looking which way they might fly from the Egyptian Army, Stand still, Exod. 14.13.Exod 14:13and see the salvation of the Lord, or like that word in Isaiah to the Grape-gatherer concerning the cluster that was ready to be destroyed, Isai. 65.8.Isa 65:8Destroy it not for there is a blessing in it. Stay, stay, for I have yet a blessing p. 72for England. Hath God think you staid so many of his Worthies, and brought back others, to slay them by the hands of Papists and murderers? I blesse God I want faith to beleeve it. Surely this Stay of thousands and Return of many of the precious sonnes of Sion, I cannot look upon, but as the first fruits of our Resurrection.

A third ground of hope is, 3. Arg. The Colledge of skilfull Physicians.That God hath called together a Colledge of skilfull Physicians to discover our disease and study our cure. This shews that God is not yet willing that England should dye; as when a King commands all his skilfull Physicians to goe to a sick favourite and lay their heads together to find out the cause and cure of his sicknesse, it is an argument he is unwilling that favourite should miscarry for want of means of recovery.

When Israel was a dying people, the complaint was, Jer. 8.22.Jer 8:22Is there no balme in Gilead, is there no Physician there? When God will not have a wound healed, he hides away the balme that should doe it, when he intends to deny recovery, ordinarily he denies a Physician; at least he doth not usually create extraordinary means when he intends to deny deliverance and reviving. Other Parliaments have given up the ghost as soon as they have been brought forth into the light The children have come to the birth, and there hath not been strength to bring forth: But if you will remember what an eminent and mighty arme God put forth in calling this Parliament together, and in keeping of them together; how he sent forth his own Spirit, as it were through the Kingdome to gather Votes for their election, and since their comming together hath commanded their Votes for the Kingdome against a p. 73torrent of potent opposition: can ye think God hath done all this to let England perish? Other Parliaments have been Parliaments of dayes, or hours rather; this of months, and is like to be a Parliament of years; no weapon form'd against it hath prospered; there have been no inchantments against this Parliament, nor divination against this great Counsell of the Kingdome. His Majesty hath been pleased to ratifie this Parliament with the broad Seale of the Medes and Persians, that it cannot be altered; and is all this that England may dye under the hands of her Physicians? and give up the ghost in their armes? God forbid we should think such a thought; According to this time it shall be said of this Parliament, What hath God wrought?

The Spirit that God hath poured out so abundantly on the Kingdome may be a fourth securing pledge that God hath some thoughts to doe England good; 4. Aug. The effusion of the Spirit.I am sure it is promised in Joel as an evidence and fore-runner of deliverance and salvation, vers. 28. Joel 2.28.Joel 2:28Ezek. 39.29.Ezek 39:29I will poure out my Spirit upon all flesh, and what then? it follows vers. 32. In mount Sion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance. And this Argument is one of those teeming arguments I told you of, and brings forth more than twins; for as this Spirit of God is one in it selfe, and yet divers in his gifts and operations, so this encouragement though but one in the head or fountaine of it, doth yet divide it self into many channels.

For first God hath poured out on his people a spirit of compassion towards the desolations of Sion, 1. A spirit of Compassion.and this was in his eyes (whoever he was whether David or Daniel) that wrote the 102. Psal. such a promising argument, that he dare assure himself and others p. 74of a gracious restauration with as much confidence as if he had been in Gods bosome when he spake it; Thou shalt arise and have mercy upon Sion; Psal. 102.13.Ps 102:13I, might some say, we know that, but when, can ye tell? It may be many years or ages hence, we know God will save his Church, she shall have the better of it in the end; but we may be dead and rotten in our graves before that time, nay saith the Prophet, God will doe it and you shall see it with your eyes, The time to favour her, yea the set time is come; but how did the man know that? why Brethren, he seems not now to speak by a Spirit of prophesie, or divine revelation (as at other times) but by way of argumentation, or necessary demonstration; the particle For (which follows) is a word of inference, inforcing the conclusion from rationall principles or premisses, and the reason which it ushers in this his confidence, is that sweet tender melting frame of spirit, which he did wisely and thankfully observe God had created in the bosomes of his people towards the breaches and desolations of Sion: For thy servants take pleasure in her stones and favour the dust thereof. As if he had said, would you have me give you an account of this my hope and confidence, that God will arise and have mercy upon Sion. Why (saith he) doe you not see the servants of God every where troubled for Sion, and bemoaning Sion, and weeping over Sion, crying out over her ruines, oh is this Sion? what the Citie of our solemnities? what she that was the praise and beauty of the whole earth? ah Lord who can hold his peace at such a sight as this? who can look upon Sion with dry eyes? are these her stones that lye thus scattered in the dust? oh it is a thousand p. 75pities to see Sion in such a sad and mournfull condition? Oh that our head were waters, and our eyes rivers of tears. Come Sirs, what shall we doe for Sion? is there nothing that we may doe by our petitions to the King of Babylon, our Counsels, our Contributions, our prayers for the repairing of these breaches, to the restoring of her desolate places to dwell in? Oh it grieves us at the very soule to see Sion lye thus like the barren and desolate wildernesse!

Brethren have there not been some such workings of Spirit and yearning of bowels, and rollings and meltings of compassions in the heart of Gods people towards our English Sion? there have surely, and in this businesse we may sing with Deborah. Judg. 5.9.Judg 5:9My heart is towards the Governours of Israel who willingly offered themselves. Blesse ye the Lord. Vers. 25.The Princes of Issachar were with Deborah, even with Deborah and Barak. Yea the oppression of the faithfull Ministers, the suppression of the precious truths, the violation of the holy Ordinances of the House of God, together with the breaches which have been made upon the walls and very foundations of Civill government, have been a griefe of soul and burden of spirit to the servants of God, of all ranks and conditions, and it hath pitied them at the heart to see these stones of beauty and strength, Religion and Policie lie in the dust; In which if they have been as sincere, as they have been active, either the man of God is out in his Logicks, or else none can justly censure me for presumption, if upon the same premisses, I take the humble boldnesse to inferre the same conclusion (the name onelyonly changed) Thou shal arise and have mercy upon England, for the time to favour her, yea the set time is come. For thy p. 76servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.

2. 2. A Spirit of Prayer.A Spirit of Grace and Supplication. It is not a Spirit of Prayerlesse compassion which God hath poured out, but accompanyed with strong cries and teares. There is a passage in the 24. Psalme, that in my eare seemes to speake another kinde of language then usually is understood by Interpreters on that place. Psal. 24.6.Ps 24:6This is the generation of them that seek him; that seeke thy face, O Jacob. It should seeme it was a troublesome time with the Church in regard of enemies, and the Psalmist lookt abroad, and behold he had spied a considerable number of praying people, that every where did set upon God with Jacob-like importunitie, and would not let him goe till he blest them: why saith the Prophet, this is a generation of Wrestlers, these be none other then the Sons and Daughters of Jacob, they be as like him as ever children were like their father, they doe patrizare, thus did Jacob when in the midst of his dangers the Angel met him, so did he crie and wrestled, and wrestled and cry, and would not let him goe without a blessing, and for his paines, of a Jacob was created Israel, a Conquerour, Gen. 32.24 vers. 18.Gen 32:24a Prince with God. Well, prayer hath as much power now with God as ever, it was not Jacobs Hands, Hos. 12.4.Hos 12:4but Jacobs Prayers and teares that preva il'd with God; verse 7.and therefore lift up you heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up ye everlasting dores: Be of good cheere, Oh ye Sons and daughters of Jacob; lift up your heads and hearts in expectation of Victory and Salvation; your Prayers shall not be lost, The King of glory shall come in: and the answere to the question, Who is the King of glory? implies p. 77what I said before that the state of the Church at that time was militant, conflicting with many and mighty adversaries in great hazard and danger, and therefore he presents God to them in the most sutable posture and aspect to their condition, verse 8.The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battell; the Lord of Hosts, ver. 10. q.d. though you be weak and feeble, yet the Lord is strong and mighty, though you have not equall power to encounter your enemies in battell; yet your God is the Lord of Hosts, and if he doe but give the word, he can have Armies enough to attend him to the battell, the Sun, Moon and Starres, the winds and Seas, Frogs, Lice, Caterpillars; the Lord cannot want souldiers, if he will but send out a presse, though he need them not, for he alone is able to conquer all his enemies that rise up against him, He is mighty in battle, and therefore be of good cheare, your prayers will doe more than your enemies weapons, for prayer will bring God, the Lord of Hosts into the Army, and then woe be to them; the victory is yours: and of this he is so confident that he repeats the incouragement, and the ground of it, vers. 9. and 10. as if nothing could disadvantage them but want of faith and courage in a confident expectation of a blessed return of their prayers. Surely Brethren, when we may see also how God hath knit the hearts of his people in such an holy conspiracy as it were, to besiege heaven with their prayers, all is not to be given for lost; he intends to bring them off with honour from their straits and hazards: for when God hath resolved not to help a people, he hath usually laid a bridle of restraint upon the lips of his praying servants, as he did to Jeremiah, Jer. 14.11.Jer 14:11Pray not for this people p. 78for their good. So much doth God prize and love the prayers of his Jeremiah's, that when he intends to deny, he will some way or other forbid them to pray; that so much precious breath may not be spent in vaine: But (Brethren) God hath taken off this bridle from the lips of his people, and put it into the mouths of the enraged railing Rabshekah's whose rage and tumult is come up into his eares. Isai. 27.39.Isa 27:39Blessed be God, they are a little more muzled, then they have been in former years. Indeed the times were and not long since, when the language of Gods mourning servants one to another, was that, Amos 6.10. Hold thy tongue for we may not make mention of the Name of the Lord. Amos 6.10.Amos 6:10Christians could not meet together to call upon the name of their God, though God is their record, it was not against, but for the King, and his children and Kingdome) but in feare of the Pursevant, the Inquisition, the prison, almost of their lives. With Daniel they must into the Lions den, even for what they deserved best of Church and State. Oh the affliction and misery, the wormwood and the gall of those times; Lam. 3.19.Lam 3:19Let our souls have them continually in remembrance, and be humbled within us. But now blessed be God, those fears and stumbling blocks are remoued out of the way, Gods people meet together in publike and in private to pray for the King, his Queen, and Children, the Parliament and Kingdome; while our enemies look on, and all they can doe is to curse and swear, and grin like a dog, and even gnaw their tongues for indignation. As if God had reserved the accomplishment of that promise for our times; Jer. 29.12.13.Jer 29:12Jer 29:13Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall goe and pray unto me. And surely not without some of that blessed successe p. 79there promised; I will hearken unto you, and ye shall seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. I appeal else to the obseration… of those that sit in the watch towres, and wait … of prayer; tell me oh ye praying Christians w… hath God with-held from us hitherto … have askt at the throne of grace, unlesse … thing which our souls long for, and for wh… will wait, and pray, and hearken what the Lord will say, for he will speake peace to his people, &c.

There is a dreadfull curse imprecated upon all prayerlesse people, both by David and Jeremiah, Jer. 10.25. Psal. 79.6.7.Jer 10:25Ps 79:6Ps 79:7Poure out thy fury upon the Heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not upon thy name, for they have devoured Jacob, and laid wast his dwelling place: And surely this curse is gone forth, and hath kindled upon the habitations of the mighty enemies of prayer, a fire that will burn downe to their very foundations, and none shall quench it, a just and a righteous judgement that prayer should pull them downe that would have pul'd down prayer; that prayer should curse them that cursed and blasphemed that holy Ordinance, and spirit of prayer. Surely the prayers of Gods people are gone up to heaven in great assemblies, and have surrounded the throne of grace, and laid hold on God himself; God was never so tempted to bow the heavens, and come downe to the rescue of his people; of whose further and prevailing successe we may be humbly confident with holy David, Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble, Psal. 10.17.Ps 10:17thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine care to heare. To put the heart into a praying frame is the work of Gods mighty arme, which when he hath done, if he should p. 80not hear, he should crosse his own project, as well as discourage his people, and rather then that, he will cause his eare to hear, that is, if any obstruction should lye between beaven and their prayers, God will bow down his eare to them, if they cannot come up to God, he will cause his eare to come down to them, he will make hard shift as it were to hear, rather than their prayers shall be lost. And therefore David resolves against all the objections that can arise from the unworthinesse of himself or his prayers. Psal. 55.16.Ps 55:16As for me I will call upon God and the Lord shall save me. I will. He shall: and so againe in the next verse, Evening and morning and at noon day, will I pray and cry aloud, and he shall heare my voice. Verse 19.And again, God shall hear and afflict them. See double and treble confidence, no may be, no peradventure, he will and he shall. Oh where this holy confidence accompanies prayer, it makes it way through the thickest, darkest clouds of sinne and dangers, and pierceth the heavens, and leaves a mighty seale and evidence behind of glorious successe: and that is a

Third issue or streame of which God hath poured out his spirit, 3. A Spirit of Faith.scil. a spirit of Faith. They be no faint, faithlesse, hopelesse supplications which are gone up to heaven in these later dayes; In former times indeed there hath been the spirit of bondage (as it were) upon the prayers of Gods people; I have heard divers of them complain that they found nothing to hold up their hands, and to keep their hearts close to the duty, but a simple obedience to the command: but now we may say with the Apostle, Rom. 8.15.Rom 8:15They have not received the spirit of bondage to fear again, but they have received the spirit of Adoption wherby they cry Abba Father

p. 81Great is the boldnesse and power that Faith is admitted into, in heaven, if that Scripture be not mistaken by many of our best Divines; Thus saith the Lord, the holy one of Israel and his maker, Isai. 45.11.Isa 45:11aske of me things to come concerning my Sonnes, and concerning the worke of my hands command ye mee. Aske what you would have me to doe for the redemption of my Sonnes and Daughters out of Babylon, and you shall receive; yea command, and it shall be done. I will give men for thee, and people for thy life, Isai. 43.4. It seems Luther understood the latitude of this royall Charter, who praying for the recovery of a godly usefull man, amongst other passages, lets fall ths transcendent rapture of a daring faith, Fiat mea voluntas, I beseech thee let him recover, My will be done; and then he falls off sweetly, Mea voluntas Domine, quia tua, My will Lord, because thy will for thy glory. **Melchior Adamus vitae Germanorum Theologorum.He that writes Luthers life saith thus of him, Vir iste potuit quod voluit, That man could doe what he would with God, it was but aske and have. If there be that power in faith, let the enemies of Gods truth and people looke to themselves; it were safer standing at the mouth of a Cannon when it is discharged, then before the prayers of Gods people discharged by the hand of faith. Mercy is the Mother, Faith the midwife of deliverances; when Gods people come with boldnesse to the throne of grace, Heb. 4.16.Heb 4:16then there is mercy and grace to help in the time of need. Faith is the pledge and security of eternall salvation, and therefore may well be the pawne and fore runner of temporall Redemption; Mark 9.23.Mark 9:23There is nothing too hard for Christ where a people can beleeve,

4. God hath poured out the spirit of Vnanimitie. p. 824. A Spirit of Unanimitie.Indeed for the divisions of Reuben there have been great thoughts of heart. The Lord knows we were within these few moneths in a divided shattered posture, and it is infinite mercy the enemy did not fall upon us then, the divided House could not have stood: but God hath begun graciously to soder our divisions with the prayers of his people, and the bloud of his Sonne, the bloud of reconciliation; England and Scotland, Lords and Commons, Citie and Countrey, Brethren and Brethren begin graciously to combine for the joynt opposing of the common adversary, and the carrying on of the great designe of Reformation: while many of those that have laboured to kindle a fire in the Kingdome, have by their malignant breath done nothing else but quencht their own coal. Now when the Prophet could sing that song, Psal. 122.3.Ps 122:3Jerusalem is as a Citie that is compact together, then observe how he drives on the triumph, Vers. 4.5.Thither the Tribes goe up to give thanks to the Name of the Lord, There are the thrones of judgement, &c. Then the worship of the God in the Temple, and Civill government in the Common wealth then flourisht. Ezek. 37.19.Ezek 37:19So when the sticks of Joseph and Judah were made one in the hand of God, so that they became one Nation in the land, vers. 22. then follows safety, an happy government, peace and security, and a Gad, even a whole troop of mercies on that happy union. The Lord in mercy perfect this encouragement every day more and more.

5. 3. A Spirit of Magnanimity.You may observe a Spirit of Magnanimitie to be poured out upon our Worthies, Captains, Souldiers and people. It was a sad time in Israel when the Prophet complained, They bend their tongues like their bowes for lies, Jer. 9.3.Jer 9:3but they are not valiant for the truth: for p. 83what followes then? vers. 7. Therefore thus saith the Lord of Hosts, behold I will melt them and try them. Melting and trying judgements are the fruits of a base timorous cowardlinesse for the Truth and Cause of God. Indeed England was not long since like Issachar, an Asse couching down betwixt two burdens; The one of the Church, the other of the Commonwealth: the spirit, and life and courage of the English Nation was even quite expired and extinguished; and it was sad and ominous to all that duly considered it. but God who is slow to anger, and rich in mercy, when he might have struck us dead in our sleep or suffered our enemies to have burnt us in our bed, our bed of security; was pleased seasonably and graciously to awaken us of our sleep, and call up the spirit of courage and resolution, whereby some of our Nobles did with Queen Esther [If I perish, I perish] venter into the Royall presence with their petitions, where God commanded the like royall favour and grace for them, as He did for her.

Some of our Worthyes in Parliament threatned by the Sanballads of our times, have answered with stout Noble-hearted Nehemiah (put in feare of his life) Should such a man as I fly. We will keep our places, if they come they shall find us in our places. How hath God heightned their spirits to great encounters and undertakings to the wonder and astonishment of all the beholders. He that was weak among them hath been as David, and he that was as David, Zech. 12.8.Zech 12:8like the Angell of the Lord.

Have not Citie and Countrey come in with their Petitions in one hand, and their Protestations in the other, and their lives and fortunes in both, and laid p. 84them down at the feet of his Majesty and his Parliament, for the defence of Religion, and the Kingdome. Yea, what shall I say? Out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings God hath ordained strength that he may still the enemie and the avenger,Psal. 8.2.Ps 8:2

Hath God thus engaged and heightened the spirit of the land to let us fall before our enemies? Doe but read over the 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. Verses of the 4^th. of Nehemiah, and without a paraphrase you may see an Embleme of that seasonable courage which God hath poured out upon our Governors and people. Hath God awakened us (thinke ye) that we might be slain with our eyes open?

Tell me now in the close of this fourth Argument, what means this abundant effusion of the Spirit; the Spirit of Compassion, Prayer, Faith, Vnanimity; Magnanimitie? doth it not speake in Scripture language strong and abundant assurance that God is doing good to England? Let's heare whether the next and fifth Argument will not speake with the same mouth.

And that is in the language of our Saviour, 5. Arg. John 4.35. The fields look white to the Harvest.John 4:35John 4.35. The fields look white to the harvest.

Brethren the emergēcies of the times hath given me occasion to visit diverse places in the Kingdome, and this I find, that where ever I come, there is a poor afflicted people that hunger after the word, that are not content onelyonly with spirituall food if a man will give it them, but are so sharp set that they are ready to pull the Ministers of the Gospel out of their cloathes for bread to relieve their soules, never did the poore prisoners at Ludgate beg bread more emphatically then these poor soules, it would make your bowels p. 85yerne to hear the pittifull complaints of those poor creatures in every place; & no wonder alas poor souls they have been famisht and starved to death almost by a generation of false Prophets Idol shepherds, who have stollen away the word of God every one from their neighbours, and instead of bread hath given them stones, stoned them with hard words, loquanter lapides, Jude 15 and hard deeds too; in stead of fishes have given them Serpents; Cockatriees for eggs; poysonous doctrines for evangelicall truths; chaffe in stead of wheat; the husks of swine in stead of childrens bread; dead Ceremonies for pure and living ordinances. Did I say it is no wonder people cry for bread now? I must recall my self, for truly it is a wonder and a great one (if we duly weigh it) that after so long a forbearance of wholsome food, there should be any tast or hunger or life left; that want of bread hath not caused want of appetite also; a wonder and an argument too that God hath a people in England to be brought in by the ministery of the word, unlesse that promise be antiquated and out of date. Blessed are they which hunger and thirst, Matth. 5.6.Matt 5:6for they shall be filled. Here is the discouragement that we may say with our Saviour, John 6.5.John 6:5Whence shall we have bread that these may eate? Alas where shall every congregation in England & Wales be furnisht with a faithfull and able ministery? But brethren he that is able of stones to raise up children to Abraham, is able also to turne stones into bread for these chidren; He that sayes give ye them to eate is able so to multiply the Loaves, that there shall be enough and to spare. The maine weight of this care must lye upon the great Counsell of the Kingdom: in the meane time Christ hath taught every Christian what to doe in this case, namely to fall to their prayers: p. 86The harvest truly is great, the labourers are few, pray ye therfore the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers into the harvest.

Oh pray, pray pray, that he that hath created appetites will create bread also, that he that hath reserved himself an harvest in a time of such drought will also furnish himself with labourers for the bringing in of that harvest, that loiterers may be cast out and labourers may be brought into their places.

And truly Brethren neither in this respect also hath the Lord left himself nor us, without witnesse that he intends to doe us good, which brings to

The sixth argument.6. Arg. The encrease of faithfull Ministers.

And that is, that the Lord hath reserved to himself many hundred faithfull Prophets, while we said with Elijah they are all slaine and I onelyonly am left and they seek my life to take it away, or as the Prophet complaines concerning his so we concerning our English Jerusalem. Isai. 51.28.Isa 51:28There is none to guid her among all the sonnes whom she hath brought forth, neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sonnes that shee hath brought up.

But surely Brethren it hath fared with the faithfull Ministers of England as with the Hebrew males in Egypt they have multiplyed under oppressions; And so still the blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Gospel. You know the cruell commands and wiles of our Egyptian Taskemasters to kill all the male children to suppresse and strangle in the very birth all the faithfull and godly Preachers in the Kingdome: what else have been their Subscriptions, Oaths of Canonicall obedience, Ceremonies, with their late improvement of Innovations, but so many ginnes and snares to suspend p. 87and strangle the Conscientious Clergy, and when they saw these would not doe mischiefe enough or not fast enough, what was their last Oath, with that bottomlesse &c. but a drug compounded of purpose to choak or poyson all the sincere Ministry within the Kingdome? One of their Chaplins about the time of the making thereof, comforted another of his ambitious Tribe, whining for want of preferment; Be content man, there will be Livings enough void within this twelve-monethmonth. And truly it is a wonder and a miracle of providence, that all the Livings in England (and the Kingdome it self) are not voided of every faithfull godly Minister. But Brethren God hath not only left us a remnant, (preserving them as miraculously as the fire of the Altar was fancied to be preserved under ground all the time of the Babylonian Captivity) but hath also multiplyed their number by a numerous encrease of yong Timothyes, admirably gifted and instructed for the right and skilfull dividing of the word of truth, able and ready to doe singular service in the Temple, when the Buyers and Sellers are whipt out; (the Lord Jesus make this Parliament his whip for that purpose) and when by a warrantable and comfortable Call, they may be sent forth to this work of the Gospell. In respect of which miraculous improvement England may sing with Jerusalem returning out of Captivity, wondring at her increase, Who hath begotten me these, Isai. 49.20.21.Isa 49:20Isa 49:21seeing I have lost my Children, and am desolate, a Captive, and removing to and fro? Behold I was left alone, these where had they been? Surely I have lost my Children, my sonnes have been suspended, silenc't, deprived, degraded, excommunicated, imprisoned (and some of them p. 88have died there) banish't, others have been fain to fly into the wildernesse from the rage and fury of the red Dragon; I was left alone, a Widow, a Captive, taken captive and spoiled of all my Gospel-ornaments; These where had they been? who hath begotten them?

And may we not humbly and thankfully look upon this strange and admirable increase, as a fore runner and a pledge, that Englands Captivity is now expiring. If a King gather Souldiers together, hath he not a battell to fight? If an Husbandman hire Labourers, hath he not seed to sow and corn to reap? If a man call Carpenters together, hath he not a structure to build. 1 Cor. 3.9.1 Cor 3:9We are labourers together with God, Ye are Gods Husbandry, Ye are Gods building.

If God had not some great worke to doe in England, would he think ye make all this great preparation? I know and desire to be sensible of it, God hath taken away many of our famous worthy Divines, both Masters and Scholars in Israel, who would have been of singular use in this great worke of building the Temple. Mr Browne. Mr Swallow. Mr Rogers.Three Shepherds did God smite almost in one week within this Citie, which hath been observed to have beene very ominous in former times. Methusalem was taken away the year before the floud came, thereby expounding his own name; A messenger of death. ☞Augustine immediately before the sacking of Hippo. And before the taking of Heidelbergh it was observed God took away the chiefe of the learned and godly Preachers, as Paraeus and others. Divers like instances might be produced. But Brethren let me intreat you when your leisure will serve you to make a Catalogue, doe as the Clerks of London doe, when they make their weekly and yeerly p. 89Bills; Set your Christnings right over against your Burials, and then computing the odds, you shall finde many more godly Ministers have beene Christned than buried; Blessed be God (Brethren) our Christnings doe farre exceed our Burials; and that is an argument it is but a correcting, not a destroying plague that is amongst us.

Beloved Christians, the summe is this, take your pens and paper compare your accounts with former ages, and you shall not find any age since Protestantisme first came into England, that can parallel the faithfull Ministery of England either for number, or that which I would have in the second place taken notice of, (that God may have the glory) for spirituality, inwardnesse, power of conviction, and transcendent skill in discovering to their hearers the need, Ministerial Abilities.worth, use, the beauty and excellencies of Jesus Christ.

Surely Christ never road in such triumph in the Ordinance of preaching, as now he doth; Compare the labours of the most eminent Preachers in Queene Elizabeths dayes, with the labours of many of our times, (& some even but Babes in comparison of their years) the vision of Christ in these dayes with the vision then, and you would almost all say as the Apostle of the vision under the Law, and compared with the Revelation of Christ in the Gospel; The vaile was upon their face. But we all with open face behold as in a mirrour the glory of the Lord. 2 Cor. 14.18. Jer. 30.26.Jer 30:26Or that the accomplishment of that promise, Isai. 30.26. was fixt upon our times, wherein the light of the Moon is as the light of the Sun, and the light of the Sun seven-fold, as the light of seven dayes. As much light and revelation of Christ in one Sermon as in seven of former ages, and p. 90in what degree soever that promise which hath so long beene in the stalke, doth now begin to shoot forth into the eare, in that degree must this be one of those dayes wherein the Lord will bind up the breaches of his people, and heal the stroke of their wound by the Oracle of the same promise. I am sure when God doth give a people Pastours according to his own heart, Jer. 3.13.1.15.Jer 3:13Jer 3:1Jer 3:15Jer. 3.14. he hath a purpose to bring them to Sion, v. 13. and to multiply and increase them in the Land, ver. 15.

This Argument is of so much the more strength, because we may comfortably observe the fruit to have beene proportionable to the seed, the successe to the cost and pains, which God hath been at in these reviving times; which casts me upon.

A seventh Argument of Hope, Arg. 7. The increase of converts.and that is, The plentifull number of Converts.

The Gospell was never preach't with greater and fairer successe, since that time (I thinke) when three thousand souls was converted by one Sermon. Acts 2.41.Acts 2:41There is hardly a Sermon preacht by any faithfull Minister of the Gospel, but they hear of some or other that being prickt in their heart come in with Men and Brethren what shall we doe? I blesse God I doe not speak without book. I doe not beleeve the most peaceable times in the Reignes of our former Princes did ever afford a parallel List of Converts of all sorts both of Nobles, Lords and Ladies Gentry, City, Countrey, especially among the Youth, with abundance of young Disciples, there be in every place it rejoyceth my soul to see it. Even our Vniversities, where Religion hath not been of such an Honourable esteem, as we could wish it had been where (perhaps) a praying Scholar, hath been like the Prophet Isaiah, and his p. 91Pupils, Isai. 8.18.Isa 8:18for signes and wonders in Israel (the more have the masters of those Schools of the Prophets to answer for, that have minded no more the things of Jesus Christ in their government) doe now in some Colledges and Halls bring forth not onelyonly here, and there one, (like apples in an after gathering) but by clusters and scores of choice and gracious Spirits of sin gular worth and Hopes; and let those Elders ther… be counted worthy of double honour, who by ruling well doe labour to countenance and propagate purity of Religion, and the power of godlinesse within their wals.

This I say is the successe of that inward and faithfull and powerfull Christ-preaching Ministery, wherewith God hath blest and beautified these later times; For I remember what Christ said, John 12.32. And I if I were lifted up mould draw all men unto me, John 12.32.John 12:32this the holy Ghost tels us, Vers. 13.he spake signifying what death he should dye: But there is also as I conceive a vailed sence in the words alluding to the lifting up of the brazen serpent in the wildernesse, which was so lift up that all might see, and they that saw were healed of their stings by the fiery serpents, and lived. Surely if the Lord Jesus were lifted up in the ministery of the Gospel that all might see, the necessitie, beauty, excellencie, of this Christ, this vision would be a vision of life, like the resurrection of the dead, the beauty of Christ would draw all men after him; oh that all the ministers of the Gospel that desire to be found faithfull and fruitfull in their places, would take notice of it and remember what Christ said of the spirit which he would send into the world after his departure. He shall glorifie me; for he shall receive of mine, John 16.14.John 16:14and shall p. 92shew it unto you. If the holy Ghost the spirit of wisdome and truth could not use any better meanes to glorifie Christ then to take of Christs excellencies and hold them out to the view of the world, what other course should they that be the mouth of the holy Ghost take to make him lovely and desireable in the eyes of their people. This kind of preaching hath been the seed of a mightie gener ation to Jesus Christ.

And surely times of conversion are not times of destruction, Hos. 9.13.Hos 9:13these are not the children which are brought forth to the murderer. It is the day of Christs power, when in the beauty of holinesse, (the beauty of holy ordinances) Christ birth dew (the influence of Christs spirit, and presence in those ordinances) is from the wombe of the morning i.e. of that generative & enlivening vertue, that the dew of the teeming morning is to the seeds and plants of the earth.

Whensoever God makes that prophesie good to his Church your sonnes and your daughters shall prophesie your old men shall dream dreams, Joel 2.28.Joel 2:28& your yong men shall see visions. And upon the servants, and upon the hand-maids in those dayes will I poure out my spirit. Vers. 34.Those dayes shall be daies of deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and to the remnant whom the Lord shall call when soules begin to rise from the dead, shall bodies think you fall to the ground?

Take into this argument a second branch worthy our thankefull observation and that is the power and puritie of profession. Puritie and power of profession.Religion I am perswaded was neverprofessed since the Apostles times, in greater beuty and power then now it is in England. Consult travelers abroad and they will tell you that in other parts of Christendom; as France, Germany, and Holland, &c. p. 93familie duties are rare things, the entire sanctification of an whole Lords day an unknowne peece of precisenesse, with divers others lower parts of profession wanting, the neglect whereof we esteeme prophane, and let no man thinke we are more precise then needs, for God hath made them smart and bleed for their formality and remisnesse in religion, the Lord in mercy be reconciled to them in the blood of reconciliation.

I know, and desire we might all be humbled to the dust before the Lord in this behalfe, that there be fearfull miscarryings among professours; much pride and censoreousnesse and devisions and wantonnesse and worldlinesse, yea (that which many Heathens would be ashamed of) unconscionable dealings, whereby much offence and scandall doth dayly arise, and the good way of God is evill spoken of, and I wish that every one may lay hand on beart & say, nunquidego Domine, My Lord is it I? and what have I done? remembring that dreadfull word of our Saviour, Luke 17.1.2.Luke 17:1Luke 17:2woe unto him by whom offences come better that a milstone were hanged about his necke and hecast (not into the pitts) but into the midst of the sea. Oh that repentance and reformations may heale their wounds and the Gospels, woe to them indeed by whom offences come and they do not lay them to heart.

But I know withall God hath a people, and they noe contemptible number that walke up with their principles, that wear their garments unspotted, (as far as they durst wherein they live will suffer) they hold fast the word of life and shine as lights in the midest of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom if you come you shall finde them as Chrysistome sayes, walking like Angels rather than men and women, p. 94I appeal to all observing understanding Christans, whether not onelyonly in respect of other Churches but also in comparison of former times in England, there be not a mightie improvement and even a resurrection of the power of godlinesse.

And surely if God would have spared a Sodome for ten, Gen. 19. Jer. 5.1.Gen 19Jer 5:1and jerusalem for one righteous person, he will spare England for many tens and hundreds and thousands, and (I hope in God I may add) millions of such as professe and adorne the Gospel with a shineing and glorious conversation.

Now if God be saying to England Thy people shall be all righteous, Isai. 60.20.21.22.Isa 60:20Isa 60:21Isa 60:22he will also say the dayes of mourning shall be ended, ver. 20. and they shall also inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the worke of my hands, that I may be glorified.

Brethren I am not turnd Papist to plead merrit, I do onelyonly humbly argue Gods own engagements in the Churches language. Lord thou wilt ordaine peace for us: Isai. 26.12.Isa 26:12how knowes she that? For thou hast wrought all our works in us.

I come to the eight argument.8. Arg. Deliverance from Idolatry and Blood

Heare it and it will speak peace, scil. That God hath so graciously and even miraculously delivered the Kingdome from guilt especially from those two Land-destroying Kingdome-desolating sinnes, Idolatry and blood.

I could instance in more but for paslage sake I forbeare. Brethren let me tell you this, you that say this Parliament hath done nothing, I tell thee unthankfull and blind who ever thou art; if they had done no more but this, namely the keeping out of these foundations-subverting provocations which like the roaring Sea were breaking in upon us in these latter dayes, it would contribute more to the safety and p. 95hopes of the Kingdome, and call for more acknowledg ments and prayses at our hands, then if they had made us the most flourishing common wealth this day under heaven, or have put us into the most warlike posture that ever we were since we were a nation: for if the foundations had been destroyed, Psal. 11.3.Ps 11:3what could the righteous doe, or what could the righteous have hoped for? There is indeed a world of Idolatry, & there are swarmes of Idolaters in the land; Idolatry.yet blessed be God Idolatry cannot be said to be the sinne of the land.

A sinne is then (among divers other wayes) properly said to be the sinne of a Nation when it is established or at least tollerated by law: by the government of a Nation, not onelyonly some Governours in a Nation. But herein therefore you may with wonder and thankfulnesse remember with what jealousie and resolution of spirit our Worthies in Parliament did abominate the very mention of a toleration of Popery in Ireland, protesting the they would rather hazard the losse of that, and of this kingdome too; then consent to a toleration of that nature, either there or in any of his Majesties dominions: thus did they with Nehemiah-like zeal and courage resolve while some of those whose pretended authority in and over the Church should have suggested to them a little more care of the affairs of Christs kingdome, were either silent, or in their great devotion to the cause of Resormation, pleased to be Mediatours in that Antichristian motion. Alas Beloved, if the Lords and Commons had not had more Divinity in them than the Bishops, Popery might have beene establish't by a law, men might have gone to Masse by act of Parliament, and we might have trussed up our fardels, and have bid p. 96farewell England before this time, where ever did Idolatry come into a Nation but desolation and ruine trod upon the heeles of it? It is the sinne of Gods jealousie and therefore must needs be the sinne of Gods unquenchable indignation.

And for the other sinne of bloud how miraculously hath God delivered us from bloud guiltinesse! how neer was this Kingdome to have imbrued its hands in fraternall bloud, the bloud of our deer Brethren in Scotland? what preparations what arts and provocations to have engaged the King and Kingdome in that fratricidous designe; woe unto the contrivers thereof without repentance) for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Baalam, and have or shall perish in the gainesaying of Core.

But behold the goodnesse of God to England, that which formerly had often been our great affliction, was now one of the seasonablest mercies that ever England saw, the dissolution of a Parliament; for surely brethren had the Paliament given but sixpence towards the mainetenance of that warre, that Bellum Episcopale it might have envolved the Kingdome in guilt, brought God as an enimie against us and undone us and our children for ever, our poor Brethren in Ireland have dearly and deeply tasted the bitter and deadly fruite of that unnaturall as well as unchristian contribution though we hope it was but extorted from many of them by the power and policie of a wily and cruell oppressor under whose iron yoke they did then groane and languish yet God saw it and was displeased, and behold into what devouring flames hath the fircenesse of his anger broken forth upon them which hath burnt downe almost to the very p. 97foundation of that Kingdome, and they had by this time been made like Sodome and Gomorrah, Jer. 1.9.25.Jer 1:9Jer 1:25had not the Lord of Hosts left them a little remnant, and begun to turn his hand upon the enemy. But see the justice and righteousnesse of God, who hath kept off that Nation from comming in to their timely rescue and succour, who would suffer themselves for any respects of hopes or fears to be beguiled to a contribution for their spoyling and slaughter. Behold the goodnesse and severity of God; Ireland did contribute their money toward the ruine of Scotland, and it did them no harme: Scotland would have contributed their lives toward the relief of Ireland, and it could doe them no good. The Lord humble the remnant there for this among the rest of their sinnes, and then heal their wounds, and stinch their bloud: the shedding whereof though it have been just with God, it hath notwithstanding been most unjust with men, and God will be revenged for it; for if the bloud of one Abel had so many tongues as drops (Clamor sanguinum fratris (so the Heb.) the voice of thy Brothers Blouds cryeth unto me from the ground) how many tongues have the blouds of so many thousands, as have been barbarously and inhumanely butchered in Ireland, to multiply clamors in the eares of God for vengeance? And therefore oh the unspeakable love and goodnesse of God, in keeping the guilt of that bloud also from the land! for oh if the bloud in Ireland did lift up its voice against England, we might sit down in the dust, and weep tears, not of water onelyonly, but of bloud too, in a sad expectation of a storm of wrath and bloud to be rained down upon us from heaven, in Gods avengement of our Brethrens desolation! Indeed there hath not been p. 98that speedy dispatch of succours and supplies, as either our Brethren in Ireland, or standers by might have expected from a people so neerly concerned in their peace or warre, woe or welfare, as we are; but there have been a generation of men (who they be God knows) of whom both King and his Parliament may say with David, You are too hard for me ye sonnes of Zerviah, who have by some whily and mysterious artifices retarded the relief and rescue of that poore, bleeding, crying, dying Nation; which may by this means complain with the Church, As for us, our eyes as yet failed us for our vain helpe, Lam. 4.17.Lam 4:17in our watching we have watched for a Nation that could not save us, they have looked on their right hand, and cryed, Oh helpe me England; and on the left hand, and cryed, Oh pitie me, oh save me Scotland, my soule is weary because of murderers; but behold refuge hath failed, none or few have come into their succour. I know God hath seemed to fight against them many times, when men and munition have been ready, the winds have blowne with a crosse and angry blast, but surely the hand of Joab (and his Brethren) hath been in it, who may therefore (without deep humiliation) expect to inherit the Legacie which Solomon be queathed him and his posterity, 1. Kin. 2.33.1 Kgs 2:33The Lord shall return the bloud of Ireland upon the head of Joab, and Abner, and Amasa; their bloud shall returne upon their owne head, and upon the head of their seed for ever, but upon the King and Parliament there shall be peace for ever from the Lord. If the bloud of the Sichemites shall be avenged sevenfold, then the bloud of Ireland shall be avenged seventy times seven-fold. Oh Brethren what an argument of hope is this, that God will shew mercy to England, p. 99as much as he hath kept us from the crying guilt of bloud; the bloud of Scotland, and the bloud of Ireland; for hath their bloud been precious in our eyes, and shall not our bloud be precious in Gods eyes?

It was a saying of King James, that if God should leave him to kill a man, he would think God did not love him; What an argument of divine displeasure had it been, if God should have left us to have murdered a Kingdome, two Kingdoms, either by wilfull slaughter, or by willing sufferance? Surely there is not a greater expression of Gods love to a people or person, then when he keeps them from sinning against him, & that in the midst of many and mighty temptations & provocations. There hath been bloud shed in England, but blessed be God, it hath not been shed by England, Read over that promise, Isai. 61. ver. 8. I the Lord love judgement, I hate robbery for burnt offering, and I will direct their way in truth; and if you thinke God hath made it good to us, then rejoyce in that which follows, I will make an everlasting Covenant with them, and their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their off-spring among the people, and all that see them shall acknowledge them that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed.

A ninth ground of Hope that God is waiting to do England good, is, 9. Arg. The clearing of the reputation of his slandered servants.that He hath so graciously vindicated the reputation of his belyed slandered people.

The earth hath not been able to bear the words of the rayling Rabshekahs of our times against the servants and Children of God. Puritans the only Schismaticks and troublers of the peace of the Church; and Papists the Kings best Subjects; The Scots were proclaimed Rebels in the Pulpit by them that never p. 100had a word to speak against the Rebels in Ireland, or for Gods poor afflicted people there; and they that have done the King and Kingdome the best service; have been suggested by some the greatest Traytors against King and State: but God (according to the word of promise) hath brought forth their righteousnesse as the light, Psal. 37.6.Ps 37:6and their judgement as the noon day. Religion hath been found to be wounded under the sides of Puritanisme; his Majesty cals the Scots his good Subjects; the Parliament their Friends their Brethren; Papists doe now discover themselves to be the Traytors and Rebels, while those that have been stigmatized with those infamies and scandals, are honoured in the eye of the Kingdome for the Patrons of Religion, and Patriots of the Countrey. And you shall finde that the time when God takes away the rebuke of his people is a time also of wiping off tears from their eyes. Isai. 25.8.Isa 25:8In that day when God will plead the cause of his people, Mica. 7.9.10.11.he will also execute judgement for them. In that day when he brings them forth to the light, he will build their walls, and the decree shall be far removed.

The Tenth Argument.

A great part of our hopes lyeth in our Enemies themselves. 10. Arg. Our Enemies.They that have threatned us the greatest dangers doe now promise us the greatest hopes; Howbeit (as God speaks of the Babylonian Tyrant, Isai. 10.7. Isai. 10.7.Isa 10:7They mean not so neither doe their hearts think so, but it is in their hearts to destroy and to cut off people not a few. And this argument is twisted of a six-fold thread, and surely a twice treble cord is not easily broken.

The first is, The fulnesse of their sinnes.The fulnesse of their sin. We have heard of the pride of Moab (said the Church) he is very p. 101proud, even of his haughtinesse, and his pride, Isai. 16.6.Isa 16:6and his wrath. We have heard of the pride of the Enemies, (may England say they are very proud) even of their haughtinesse and their pride and their wrath; I, and felt it too: the villanies of their Courts, the vilenesse of their officers, the viciousnesse of their families, their owne briberies, covetousnesse, unsatiable ambition, their perjuries, adulteries, drunkennesse, prophane healths, cursed oaths, oaths fetcht I know not how many miles in hell, malice against the power of godlinesse, blasphemies against the spirit of prayer, suppression of the truth, oppression of the faithfull Ministers thereof, discountenancing of religion, encouragement and support of prophanenesse and superstition; to all which we may justly put an &c. of an endlesse catalogue of all manner of wickednesses, Jer. 2.34.Jer 2:34Also in their skirts is found the bloud of the soules of poore innocents: not only the bloud of mens liberties, estates, limbs, lively-hoods and lives, but the bloud of soules; thousands of soules have been sent to hell either by their corrupt and poysonous drugs, or at lest for want of sound and seasonable food, and all this (as it followes there) hath not been found by secret search but upon all these. Isai. 3.9.Isa 3:9The shew of their countenance doth witnesse against them, and they declare their sin as Sodome, they hide it not: they went not behind the dore to commit their villanies, but in the eye of the Kingdome, in the face of the Sun have they discovered their shame, surely they were not altogether so good as the whited Sepulchers our Saviour speaks of; nor so much an outside of holinesse unlesse in some Idolatrous, ridiculous cringings and complements, inside and outside stinking Sepulchers; never a more ulcerous rotten body hath p. 102been beheld then that which hath been laid before & anatomized by the grave and learned Counsel and Colledge of Physicians now assembled. Posterity shall hear and blush and be ashamed and astonish't at the report of such unheard of abominations.

And If the sinnes of these Amorites be fall, Gen. 15.16.Gen 15:16what remains, but that (in answer to the type shewed to Abraham) they must be destroyed, and Israel (now in the very edge of the wildernesse) brought in to their possessions. Tell me else what is there yet remaining that may fill up the measure of their iniquities?

It may be some will reply (with the Apostle, Heb. 12.4.) Heb. 12.4.Heb 12:4Ye have not yet resisted to bloud; they have not yet broken forth into a bloudy and fiery persecution.

To which I answer, that we have not, it is part of our salvation, not of their moderation; we may thank God not them, that the Cinders of Queen Maryes dayes are not uncovered, and blown up into a fiercer flame than ever. Looke into their Ephah, and there you shall finde Puniards and Pistols, match and powder, fire and faggot, and all the instruments of a fiery triall and bloudy persecution. Brethren what meant the casting of new Cannons, the repairing of old prisons (that were never used since the Lollards dayes,) the preparing of strange Engines of cruelty, and such aboundance of Armes, that all the wisedome and power of Parliament cannot divest them off to this day? what mean these things I say?

When I free Boyes gathering of sticks and other fuell together, doe not I know they mean to make a bone-fire? Certainly (Brethren) Smithfield had not now to have been fil'd with faggots, and the prisons with Professours; Godly Ministers had not now to p. 103have been made the ransome of Priests and Jesuites; the Parliament had not now been unblown up, nor our Worthies to have been murthered; the streets had not now been to have run down with bloud; and the whole Kingdome to have been made the seat and stage of the most bloudy warre and persecution that ever was acted by barbarous hands, had our Antichristian enemies had time and opportunity to have set abroach their Hogs-heads of wrath and revenge which they have been tunning up these many yeares together. Witnesse poor, bleeding, groaning, gasping dying Ireland, was there ever such treacheries and treasons, such massacres and murders, such deflouring of Virgins, such ravishing of women with child, and then ripping them up alive, and tearing out their unborn infants out of their wombs, such tortures and torments invented by the wit and madnesse and malice ever heard of among Heathen and Barbarians? yea the Heathen shall hear of it and be ashamed; after ages shall read, and their faces shall gather palenesse, fear shall take hold on them, as pangs upon a woman in travail, when these tidings shall come to their eares.

And were not (I pray you) the same whips prepared for our backs, the same knives for our throats, the same swords, for our bowels, the same halters for our necks, the same fire for our houses, the same tortures and torments for our selves and wives and children and families? was not the same massacre and butchery plotted, contrived, and sealed up by oath and sacrament for all the three Kingdomes? and now that all this hath not been acted upon us in the same height of mischiefe and fury, we are no more beholding to our p. 104Babylonian adversaries, then Jacob to his Brother Esau for his life and safety, what time he said within himselfe, The dayes of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. Gen. 27.41.Gen 27:41Then I will, now I would, but now I cannot, his will waited but for a then; there was no want of will but of opportunitie onelyonly in Esau, that Jacob was not murdered like Abel; nor in our Isau-like brethren that we are not murdered like our brethren in Ireland; Esau's heart was full of bloud, though his hands were not; and so were, and so are our Esaus, very thirsty they are for bloud, they began to sip of the cup of Protestant-puritan bloud (as they called it,) the bloud of their liberties, estates, livelyhoods, limbs, and very sweet it was, and much they thirsted after the bloud of their lives; if their eare bloud was so sweet what would their throat bloud, their heart bloud be? and well, they hoped long before this to have glutted themselves with deep draughts of English bloud, they promised themselves a whole vintage of bloud before this, Deut. 33.29.Deut 33:29day but blessed be God hitherto they are found lyers; they said they would not leave a Puritan in the Kingdome, but that was a lye; they said they would make the proudest of them all take their cursed oathes &c. but that was a lye; they said their hand should reach New-England too, but that was a lye; a thousand such lyes they have told; though I'le bear them witnesse they did not intend to lye, certainly they meant as they speake; their hearts were full of bloud though their hands were not, and can any one doubt their sinnes are come to the height; bring me a sinne which they have not committed (among them) with an high hand and an out streched arme, and I shall be almost perswaded p. 105that God will spare them: but me thinks I see the two women (in Zachariahs vision) with the wind in their wings coming to take up this Ephah between earth and heaven, and to carry it into the land of Shinar, Zech. 5.9.Zech 5:9(even Babylon, Romish Babylon) from whence it came, that there it may be setled upon her owne base. Their Ephah is full of wickednesse, 'tis full, 'tis full.

Be of good chear you waiting servants of God, our Enemies wickednesse is like to stand us in more stead, than our own prayers: our prayers are imperfect, their sinnes are perfect; if our prayers cannot pull them down, their wickednesse shall, especially if we consider in the second place.

Their wicked and desperate Mediums which they use for the effecting of their owne designes.2. Their wicked mediums they use to support themselves.

Are they not a generation of men that never had a Vote for Jesus Christ? doe they not oppose all Reformation both of Church and Common-wealth, that cannot stand with their own pride and ambition? yea, they would not passe to sacrifice three Kingdomes at once to their own pompe and lusts, could they get the knife into their owne hand. Tumults and divisions, Treacheries and treasons, massacres and murders are the undersetters of their Babel, and heark the Prophets question, Shall they escape by iniquity? Psal. 56.7.Ps 56:7have they no other instruments for their defence but instruments of cruelty? no other policies but the policies of Antichrist? no other mediums but such as they borrow from the Prince and powers of darknesse? and Shall they escape by these? no, In thine anger cast down the people O God. It is propheticall as well as optative, not onelyonly in thine anger doe thou cast them downe, but in thine anger thou wilt cast downe this people, p. 106O Lord. Had I seen them humbling themselves and walking softly with Ahab, it might have prevailed with God, for a time had they but used their policie (in which they so much trusted) it might have prevailed with men. We are a mercifull nation (too mercifull God be mercifull to us) and might happily have compounded the businesse betwixt Christ and Antichrist; (according to the desire of the Harlot, neither mine nor thine, 2 Kings 3.26.2 Kgs 3:26but let it be divided) and so wrath might have come upon the whole Kingdome. And therefore when I see them by a just judgement of God upon them lose their judgements that have first lost their Conscience, and put off the man as well as the Saint; they seem to be of that generation who when their kingdome was full of darknesse, Revel. 16.10.11.Rev 16:10Rev 16:11gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of heaven, because of their pains and sores, and repented not of their deeds: and therefore neer their ruine and desolation. Who ever hardened himself against God and prospered?Job 9.4.Job 9:4

A third branch of this Argument.

The discovery of their wickednesse and Counsels. Time was when we might not peep nor mutter, Mi'n mutire nefas nec clam nec cum scrobe nusquam? Pers.nor whisper out our just and sad complaint in the modestest language of a trembling lip, but it was censured for schisme and faction, sedition and treason, and what not? Isai. 29.21.Isa 29:21They made a man an offender for a word. They made him an offender, when neither his actions nor his words did make him so; but blessed be God, the times are turned, and we may lawfully call a Spade a Spade; Popery Superstition and Idolatry; the Pope Antichrist; and a Bishop &c.

Their folly is made known to all men; 2 Tim. 3.8.9. Mal. 2.9.2 Tim 3:82 Tim 3:9Mal 2:9God hath discovered their folly, and made them base and contemptible p. 107before all the people, according as they have not kept Gods wayes, but have been partiall in the Law. And what doth the Apostle inferre upon the discovery of the false Apostles folly? why, They shall proceed no further. God will stop them in their wayes of seduction and persecution; they have done their worst, he is very confident of that, They shall proceed no further; God hath discovered the words and counsels they have had in their very bed chambers, as 2 Kings 6.12. Were there no more but this, it would speak great hopes, but behold

A fourth branch or twist to strengthen this Argument, and that is, that God hath not onelyonly discovered their Counsels, but hath also frustrated and blasted their projects.

They have covered snares for our feet, but God hath discovered them; they have appointed our destructions, but God hath disappointed their expectations. Plot hath been hatcht upon plot, treason upon treason, now upon Scotland, and then upon England, and anon upon Ireland, now in the North, and by and by in the South, sometime upon the Citie, and then upon the Parliament, the whole House, particular Members, by plague sore clouts, poysons, armed-Cutthroat villains, what not? but blessed be God, they have all been hitherto like the untimely fruit of a woman, that could never see the Sun; what promise God made to Israel, he hath made good to England, no weapon formed against it hath prospered: Isai. 54.17.Isa 54:17many weapons have been formed, cruell, deadly, formidable weapons, but none prospered; these later years have been nothing else but a series of treachery and treason against King and State; and though God hath hedged up their way p. 108with thorns, yea compast them about with hewen stones yet have not these desperate Engineers desisted their Treasons, but changed them only (as many men doe their sinnes) out of one Rebellion into another, out of one wicked plot into another cursed conspiracy; and that none of these have prospered, is it not a fruit of the Covenant (in the former place) In righteousnesse shalt thou be established, Isai. 54.14.Isa 54:14thou shalt be farre from oppression, and from terrour, for it shall not come neer thee. It hath come toward us indeed, but not neer us; or neer us it may be, but not upon us; And an Argument it is, that our Enemies gather themselves together, but not by God, and that they that doe gather together against us, shall fall for our sakes. Tell me but one designe wherein the Parliament hath miscarried; and but one project wherein the Malignant party have prospered, and I will give you leave to call all these hopes into question. This is much, but this is not all, for not onelyonly this, but

Fifthly, Their weapons have been turn'd upon their owne bosome, and their Cannons have broken, and splinterd into their owne faces. They have lost ground by advancing, neither hath any thing, or in rationall probabilities, could any thing have contributed so powerfully to their owne ruine, as that which they have projected for their support and conquest.

You may observe it in a constant succession of their plots and Counsels, it hath been the unchangeable project of divine providence to beat them with their owne weapons, to turne the mouth of their Cannons upon their owne forces, to burn them with the fire they have kindled, and cast them into the pits themselves have digged, and in the things wherein they p. 109have delt proudly, still to be above them. Exod. 18.11.Exod 18:11In so much that when those which have been inbarqued in the great designe of Reformation, have been non-plust, and not know what to doe next, the Enemies contrivements have dig'd them an hole to creep out at, where they have found a path of providence chalkt out to them, and with liberty and enlargements have gone on and prospered. Surely all Parliament endeavours and unweariable debates have not conduc'd so much to the ripening of our hopes, as the headlong desperate attempts of the enraged adversaries.

Could all the visible Artillery, of the poor derided and despised people of God, have ever given such a wound to the Prelacie, as they have received in their owne Episcopall warre with Scotland? or hath any thing so dangerously shaken the foundation of their rotten fabrick, as the discharging of their roaring Canons, overladen with an oath of an unreasonable size, and ramd up to the very mouth with a voluminous &c.? And while by their late learned and vigorous protestation, they thought to have been above the Parliament by trampling under their feet the Acts of King and State (because not consecrated forsooth by their Episcopall Vote) they did that in an houre, which the Parliament could not doe in a year, and (not much unlike the Angels that kept not their first estate) cast themselves down from their Hierarchicall seat, and lost both Vote and place in that Royall Senate. Surely these were their Babels which they built of purpose to be above all inundations, But God came down and confounded their language.

What skill and physick could have been so effectually operative for the purging of that representative p. 110body of the Kingdome from so many corrupt and pestilentiall humours, which did much endanger the constitution thereof, as their owne malignant and desperate activity? or was there any means within the view of rationall conjecture, and the list of second causes that could give such hopes or probability that ever popery and Papists should ever be rooted out of his Majesties Dominions, as their own trayterous and Antichristian insurrections and rebellions?

But this is the working of him that disappointeth the devices of the crafty, Job 5.12.13.Job 5:12Job 5:13so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. That taketh the wise in their own craft: and carries the counsell of the froward headlong. And when we see heathenish men sinke downe in their owne pit, Psal. 9.15.16.Ps 9:15Ps 9:16their foot taken in their net which they made: and the wicked snared in the worke of their owne hands, why should not those that waite upon God sing their Higgaion. vers. 17.Selah. in an holy confidence that God is executing his judgements on the wicked, and that their next turne (without speedy and importunate repentance) shall be into hell, with all the nations that forget God. why may not we upon Davids premisses infer Davids conclusion? and when we see our Enemies turned back resolve they shall fall and perish at Gods Presence. Psal. 9.3.Ps 9:3When mine enemies are turned back they shall fall and perish at thy presence? oh ye cruell Tyrants, and bloud-thirsty persecuters of Christ and his members, do ye begin to turne your backes and betake your selves to your heeles, nay then I know you have not long to live, you are appointed to destruction, you shall fall and perish at the presence of God, verse 6.oh thou Enemie destructions are come to a perpetuall p. 111end; thou shalt destroy no more, you shall excommunicate no more, suspened no more, imprison no more, banish no more, draw bloud no more, ravish no more women with child, and then rip them up alive before their husbands faces; murder no more husbands before the eyes of their tender wives; you shall dash out no more infants braines against the stones defloure no more virgins, torture no more faithfull Ministers, burne no more houses, spoile no more Townes and Villages, lay desolate no more Countries, &c. thou shalt destroy no more: thou hast made an end of destroying; and now thy turne is come, Woe unto thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled, Isai. 33.1.Isa 33:1and dealts treacherously and they dealt not treacherously with thee: when thou shalt cease to spoile thou shalt be spoyled, and when thou makest an end to deal treacherously they shall deal treacherously with thee.

How may this encourage us to wait on God, whilst it lays a foundation not onelyonly for prayer, in the next verse, O Lord be gracious unto us, verse 2.we have waited for thee, be thou our arme every morning, and our salvation also in the time of trouble: Vers. 5.6.but a foundation also of faith and confidence, vers. 5.6. The Lord is exalted for he dwelleth on high, he hath filled Sion; he hath filled England (may we say) with judgement and righteousnesse: There is the foundation; and what is the confidence he builds on it? it follows, Wisedome and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times and strength of salvation.

The sixth & last branch which makes up this Argument compleat and entire, is, The fear which God hath struck into the hearts of the Enemies. While God hath made some of them Prophets of their own destruction, p. 112with Haman's wife and the Midianitish Souldier (and a better oracle cannot be than the mouth of an Enemies foretelling his own destruction) and hath caused a trembling, Esther 6.13. Judg. 7.13.14.Esth 6:13Judg 7:13Judg 7:14a mightie fear and horror to fall upon others so that the sword of the Lord and of Gideon never stroke more terror and faintnesse into the hearts of the Midianites than the sword of the Lord and of England, the sword of the Lord and of Scotland doth into the hearts of the Rebels in Ireland; at what time all the host ran and cryed and fled hath not God (in his faithfulnesse and power) made good that promise (almost to the letter) one of you shall chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight,Deut. 32.30.Deut 32:30

Fear is a certaine foreruner of confusion; witnesse the confession of Rahab to the spies. I know the Lord hath given you the land, Jos. 2.9Josh 2:9and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you; when the Egyptians cry out let us fly let us fly, you may know that God begins to trouble their Host, and take off their wheels, and is about to drown them in the midst of the Sea; the Psalmist gives the reason of it, There were they in great fear, for God is in the Congregation of the Righteous. I could enlarge this consideration, but we have dwelt long enough here, letus remove to another refuge both of beauty and strength.

The great things which God hath done already: 11. Arg.Too too great for me to recount in this so narrow a passage of my discourse; neither is it the proper worke of this Argument. I shall leave it to those whose leisure and abilities mayinvite them to undertake a work that requires so much skill and industry, for surely by that time God shall have pleased to p. 113perfect the thing which he hath begun among us; there was never an history of more wonder and delight delivered over to the eare of posterity: The Lord find and fit some spirits to a work of so much honour to his Name, and advantage to after-generations. Interim, because I would not altogether faile your expectations, give me leave to present to your view some of the most remarkable footsteps wherein divine providence hath gone as visibly before our eyes, as ever the pillar of fire by night, or the pillar of the cloud by day, before Moses and Israel in their forty years travell between Egypt and the Land of promise. I must but make a bare mention of them, that my dispatch may not swell to too great a bulke and burden.

The Calling of a Parliament this Phaenix Parliament, which like the Phaenix indeed did spring out of the ashes of the old ones; we had not had now an indissoluble Parliament, if former Parliaments had not been untimely dissolved; Surely God hath done for this Parliament, in as great wonder and more mercy, what he did for Joshuah, he hath caused the Sunne to stand still in Gibeon. Josh. 10.13.Josh 10:13The light and influence of this Parliament to stand still in England, that the people may avenge themseves upon the enemies of King and Kingdome; so that, as of that day it may be said, There was no day like that before it nor after it. I am sure, there hath been no Parliament day like this before it, (what shall be after it, is known onelyonly to the maker of dayes) wherein the Lord hearkened to the voice of man, even to the voice of his poor, praying, despised people.

Contemplate I beseech you every one of you in p. 114his owne private thoughts the great things which God hath done by this Parliament.

That miraculous pacification of the two Kingdomes like the Parliament it self (after many sad and fearfull dissolutions) made (we humbly hope) indissoluble to the unspeakable security and joy of both the Nations; and even then when they stood like Joabs and Abners men, ready to have runne together, and sheathed their swords in one anothers bowels; was not the Signall given, and bloud drawn on both sides? Oh the fears and tremblings! the pains and horrors of that day! Surely it is a day much to be observed unto the Lord, &c. You have not forgot I hope that second Eighty eight, not long before the Parliament began; nor the gun-powder treasons since, from the devouring rage and cruelty whereof, the wakefull eye of providence did rescue us, while we slept; and so our deliverances were wrought before our dangers were discovered.

Looke into the Common-wealth, and that you shall find disburthened of the grievous pressures and oppressions of Ship-money, Coat and conduct money, and a bed-roll of Monopolies, as long as the Inventory of all your goods and chattels, meat, drink and clothing; this kind of vermine like the frogs of Egypt comming into your houses, Exod. 8.3.4.Exod 8:3Exod 8:4and bed-chambers, and beds, and ovens, and kneeding troughs, &c. or like the Locusts, which darkened the Land, Chap. 10.15.and did eate every herbe of the land, and all the fruit of the trees, so that there remained no greene thing in the Land; all was almost eaten up and destroyed.

Look into the Church, and there you shall see that yoke (which in former ages had been made but p. 115of wood, but now of iron; that yoke (which neither we nor our fathers were able to bear, happily broken off our necks, those formidable oaths ex officie, and Canonicall obedience, Subscriptions, Canons, Images, Altars, and Altar-worship, with the whole Romish pack of Idolatrous Ceremonies seasonably suspended and removed, which formerly occasioned the suspension and removing of many godly and learned Ministers, the bloud of whose Ministery, and of the souls depending upon them, cryes in the language of Sion, Jer. 57.35.36.The violence done to me and to my flesh, be upon Babylon, and my bloud upon the Inhabitants of Chaldea.

Look again into both, and you shall see those two strong and seemingly invincible Forts, from whence the Enemie did continually batter down the wals of Church and State. Exod. 1.11.Exod 1:11Those two Cities Pithon and Rameses, which the Egyptians built not onelyonly for treasure Cities, but also to keepe Israel in perpetuall bondage; that Mizpah and Tabor, Hos. 5.1.Hos 5:1where the Priests and Judges built Towres wherein to lay men in wait for them that came to worship the Lord at Jerusalem; In English, the Starre-chamber, and High-commission Court, thrown down to the ground, not so much left as the very foundations where they might again erect any such like fortifications in after times, to the annoyance of the Kingdome.

Where are the mighty oppressours that made the Kingdome, yea three Kingdomes tremble? behold some fled, others fast, and others taken out of the land of the Living. Prov. 11.8.Prov 11:8Are not the Righteous delivered and the wicked brought into their places.

Remember that great and solemne Protestation till which we were hardly worth our names, Protestants, p. 116or onelyonly a Name, and without which we might have lost (who knows how soone?) both our names and truth and Kingdome; had not the Lord raised and strengthened our resolutions by this oath of Gad. I cal'd it before Gilgal, because by that the Lord rolled away our reproch; Gen. 30.11.Gen 30:11I may now call it Gad, for behold a troope commeth, a troope of mercies followed. Behold from thenceforth banished ones returning, dangerous ones flying, Priests and Jesuites banisht, faithfull silenc't Ministers restored, Scandalous Priests discovered, discountenanced, threatned (though because sentence against those evill doers was not speedily executed, Eccles. 8.11.Eccl 8:11the hearts of those sonnes of Belial, is wholly set in them to doe evill;) the Masse going downe, Preaching going up, Popery and Arminianisme hiding the head, sound Orthodoxe Doctrine set at libertie, holy Ordinances comming in, ridiculous Cerimonies going out; the day of the Lords Resurrection rising (it selfe) againe from the dead; bad Canons damned, good Lawes enacted, others revived; evill officers removed out of places of skill and trust, faithfull and honourable persons put in their rooms; Episcopall pride bowed down, the honour of the true-hearted Nobility raysed up; those that never had a Vote for Jesus Christ, voted out of their Votes; Lords and Commons blessedly united; Aspice exinde universas nationes emergentes ad Dominum denm & ad Dominum Christum ejus Tertul. Apol. Jab. 38.2.Disturbers of the publike peace; Opposers of Reformation curb'd and censured; Cities and Countreys comming in and laying down at the feet of King and Parliament, their lives and estates, for Religion and Reformation.

Alas Brethren, I shall eclipse the glory of God and the work which he hath wrought; I doe but darken prayses. Inopem me copia fecit. I am straitned by fulnesse, p. 117I have so much to doe in this work that I can doe nothing; pray for a large portion of skill and power on them, whose spirits God either hath or shall stirre up to this honourable work, of writing up the righteous acts of the Lord done for poore England in these later dayes. Never was the world blest with such a vision as this will be, when it shall speake out; wherein Treason and Salvation, Hells mischiefe and Heavens mercy meet to make an unparalleld monument of wonderand delight. This story shall be the Anagram of all the Acts and Monuments which God hath wrought in and for his Church, since the foundations were laid.

That which is my most proper work in this Argument is to demonstrate, that what hath been done in and for England, hath been done by the immediate wisedome and power of God; and but as a pledge that God will perfect the thing which concerns us.Psal. 138.8.Ps 138:8

For the former, I will give you these two observations very worthy of your best intentions.Two evidences that God hath done all that is done. Zech. 4.6. 1 Evidence.Zech 4:6Zech 4:1

That what hath been done, hath been done upon the spirits of men. Not by might nor power but by my spirit saith the Lord. not by force and Armes, not by violence and compulsion but by a secret influence upon mens spirits hath the worke been carried on all this while, warming them when deadly cold and frozen entouraging them whem despairingly poor and timerous, and heightning them with dangerously low and sinking: have I not seen men like Deers to day, and like Lyons to morrow, like fainting men now, and like the Angel of the Lord anon, clothed with a kinde of omnipotence so that no opposition or hazard hath been able to turn them out of their road, or to stand p. 118before them, and this in such a secret concurrence and combination of providence, not by communication and discourse, but when men have been seperated and at distance, that it seemes not lesse miraculous than that which is reported of the septuagint, who shut up in their severall studies, and not suffered to communicate their thoughts and labours one to another, did yet by a secret instinct, meet in such an harmonious translation of the Bible that they differ'd neither in sence nor words. To see Lords and Commons so strangely raised and changed (as it were) in the frame of their spirits, as if they were not the same men. Parliament and City, the several! Counties even from the remotest parts of the Kingdome concentred in the same designe and humbly desires of reformation; notwithstanding all art and industry of malignant agents to put all into a combustion. Is not this his work who gathers the waters of the Sea into an heap and makes them run which way he please? yea if you will call to mind the deportment and behaviour of that ragged regiment that should have fought the Bishops battels against Scotland, between whom and the barbarous ignorantmoores, there went (one would think) but a payre of sheeres, from whom the religious partie in their travell might have expected nothing but inhumane violence and spoile (which oh how greatfull a service would it have been to their masters?) I say if you will remember in what an unexpected posture they carried themselves, much more like Bishops then those that set them a worke, pulling up of railes which they had erected; calling upon idle ministers to preach, whose silence the Bishops did not onelyonly beare with but approve of; threatning scandalous p. 119Priests whom they supported, letting out the streame of that severity they used against Papists onelyonly, and their popish commanders, whom the Bishops spared and favoured, (all the world, but their own Chaplains and favourits will bear me witnesse I do them no wrong) in a word (for particulars are so many) to see a poor rude untaught company keeping such a visitation in their progresse as the Bishops harely ever did since Queen Elizabeths dayes, must not all the beholders confesse (unlesse more blind then the Egyptian sorcerers,) Digitus Dei, the finger yea the hand of God upon their spirits, forcing them like Jordan in a contrary streame to their wonted course; which of the Puritans (as they once used to call them) had catechised this poor ignorant multitude before they went? or which of their Commanders did infuse into them these principles? surely their Masters were men of another Notion. But this was the worke of him who created the spirit of man, and hath the residue of spirits in his owne hand.

The God of spirits onelyonly can worke on, and governe, and turne, and change, and mould, and fashion, the spirit of man as he pleaseth. Consider the zeale and courage the wisdome and patience the unweariednesse and undauntednesse of those that are embarqued in the great affairs of Church and state both at home and abroad, 1 Cor. 14.25.1 Cor 14:25and you must say God is in them of a certaine, for surely these are not the spirits they brought from home. Every man may easily enlarge and strenthen this demonstration by his own observation. I will give you the second observation, and that is.

That which hath been done hath been wrought of the very Rock of difficulty and opposition.

p. 120Our mercies and enlargements have not come gliding downe the swift and silent streame of union and peace. 2 EuidenceA great doore and effectuall was opened unto us, but there were (and are) many Adversaries. 1 Cor. 16.9.1 Cor 16:9All the births of which this Parliament hath been delivered, have been with great throws and sorrows: though (blessed be God) the joy of a masculine issue hath swallowed up (hirherto) the sorrows of an hand travell.

In all our mercies we have beheld Abrahams vision, wherein God revealed to him (as in a type) in what a method he must expect the accomplishment of the promise and covenant he then made with him and his seed.

The smoaking Furnace hath gone, Geu. 19.17.before the burning Lampe. Great feares and shakings have ushered in great comforts and setlings when our hopes have been even giving up the Ghost, then have we seen sweet revivings and liftings up in unexpected and glorious waies.

Our despairing times have been Gods rescuing and redeeming times, So that as when Lazarus was raised from the dead after he had lain foure dayes stinking in the grave, such have the incomes of our deliverances and enlargements been, all the works of him and him onelyonly, who quickneth the dead, dead men, dead hopes, dead bisnksses, Rom. 4.17.Rom 4:17and calleth those things which are not as though they were.

Sum up all this, and if you would have the second demonstration, scil. influence and inference of this argument from a warrantable hand, take't from the man after Gods owne heart well acquinted with his workings, Psal. 75.1. That thy name is neer thy wondrous p. 121works declare. q.d. that the wisdome, power, The Inference.faithfullnesse, mercy, truth and goodnes of our God is now contriving and combining to perfect and hasten our deliverance and mercies, the wonderfull things which God hath done for us already do sweetly ascertaine us: in a word, what God hath done already is an infallible demonstration God will do more: This was good Logick in Davids time, and may it not be so in ours? Surely if England do not lay in strange obstructions of unbelief, unthankfullnesse, unfruitfulnesse, these premisses may support our hearts in the expectation and waiting for a comfortable and desired conclusion.

Hath God thinke you removed all these mountaines of difficulties, and laid these more then foundations of merciemercy and reformation, that he may raise up a throne for our enemies triumph in the eye of the world.

Hath God lift us up that he may cast us downe? and cast them down that he might lift them up: which way have they obliged God to do them so much honour? I cannot beleeve it, I cannot beleeve it? If God had had a mind to destroy us, he wanted not opportunity long agoe, when he had lockt our feet in the stocks, Iob 33.11. Psalm. 40.2.Job 33:11Ps 40:2and we stuck fast in the mire and clay?

Blessed be God the worke of Reformation is not yet at that losse which some malignant spirits (whom an opinion of too much learning seare hath made mad) would insultingly charge upon poore unlearned, yet not altogether unlettered generation. Although I must confesse, if we consider the professed opposition of some, and the bribed mercinary Apostacy of others, blazing stars, ignes fatui!) it is a wonder of p. 122mercy that voice of rebuke and blasphemy is not heard amongst us. Isa. 37.3.Isa 37:3The Children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. Many beautifull and masculine births have been brought forth already, and I would gladly have all men which feare thankfullnes and joy, heare God himselfe expostulating the sequell. Isa. 66.9.Isa 66:9Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to be bring forth? Or shall I cause to bring forth and shut the wombe saith thy God, Psa. 84.1, 2, 3, 4 There be sixe hasts drawing in the next Turne, vers. 4. So 2. Cor. 1.10.Ps 84:1Ps 84:2Ps 84:3Ps 84:42 Cor 1:10God hath and therefore God will, is a strong medium of hope, if not a demonstration of Scripture Logicks. Surely Gods hand is in doing wonders, and therefore if not for our sakes, yet for his own Names sake, he will not see this worke goe back and perish, which casts my discourse and your attentions on.

The twelfth and last argument of Hope.12. Arg. Gods name.

Gods Name seems to be engaged in this worke. First, his Power and Wisdome (for we must be constrained for brevity sake to lead them by paires. First his Power and Wisdome.) It was Moses jealousie for God, and the argument wherewith he strengthens himselfe to wrestle with him, that Israel might not be slaine in the wildernes by the hand of divine justice; Num. 14.15, 16Num 14:15Num 14:16if thou shall kill all this people as one man, then the Nations which have heard the fame of thee will speake saying. Because the Lord was not able to bring them into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slaine them in the wildernes. Moses save that his Act of justice should be scandolized by the enemies abroad as want of strength in the Hebrews God to make good his promise unto his people; and this went to Moses heart; would not (thinke ye likewise) the Atheisme and folly that is mens hearts be tempted out to the like blasphemy, if this p. 123worke thus prosperously began, and gloriously carried on like the sun in the firmament in the eye of all the world should now set in a cloude of blood and finall ruine and desolation? It were better the sunne should bee covered with sack-cloth, and the starres should be extinguish't into everlasting darknes then that the wisdome and power of God should be obscured with the least shadow of such an imputation.

This man began to build, and could not make an end, Luk. 14.30.Luke 14:30is the reproach of the foolish man. The infinitely wise God saw what the worke would stand him in before ever he laid the first corner stone of it, and therefore need not let the worke desist by being run out of purse beyond expectation.

But secondly, as his power and wisdome; so also his Loving kindnesse and tender mercies might fall under the Jealousies and misgivings of unbeleeving Spirits in such a case. 2. His loving kindnes and tender mercies.Would not such a sad and dismall change and turne of things (should all the hopes and expectations of Gods people perish) bee construed (by the ill-willers to them and the worke) as the birth and issue of his dislike and hatred of them and it.

It was another breach of Moses his holy jealousie over Gods name. Deut. 9.28.Deut 9:28Least the land whence thou broughtest them out say, because the Lord was not able to bring them into the land which he promised (that before) and because he hated them he hath brought them out to slay them in the wildernes. You may see how well their God loved them (would the Aegyptians have said) Aegypt was too good for them; and now you may see the fruit of their Rebellion against their lawfull Soveraigne and Rulers in Aegypt; their God hath as a demonstration how little hee approoved p. 124their religion, or defection, overthrowne them every mothers child in the wildernes.

Alas poore Pharaoh how causelesly didst thou and thy army perish in the waters! Though such an execution of divine justice upon this unbeleeving murmuring generation would not have borne such a charge as this is, yet Moses saw how the spirit of malignancy in the enemies round about would catch at advantages to raile on the name of God, and slaunder the footesteps of his Redeemed.

Thirdly, 3. His Faithfulnes and Truth.his Faithfulnes and his Truth are like to suffer not a little, should this worke proove abortive. It might stagger (in double minded-men, people not rooted nor setled in the faith) the credit of that observation which hath got God so much honour and trust in the world. Psalm. 9.10.Ps 9:10They that know thy Name will put their trust in thee, for thou never failest them that seek thee.Psalm. 65.2.Ps 65:2

And oh thou that hearest prayers to thee shall all flesh come when men have found in God an indificency and infalabillity of help; Seekers, they will begin to trust God too; when they observe free accesse certaine audience, unmiscarrying returnes in addresments to the throne of grace, they hither to, they pray also but let God deny to answer Saul, hee'l to the witch, if God will not, the Devill shall: yea failes of returne shall be objected against God by unbeleeving men, Isa. 58.2.Isa 58:2though the fault be in their prayers not in Gods eare. Why have we fasted say they, and thou hearest not, wherefore have we afflicted our soules and thou takest no notice? God tells them in their eares in the next verse the reason of it, and yet though they did offend they were offended; they finde fault p. 125with God, when God findes fault with their prayers. They fast for strife and debate and to smite with the fists of wickednesse. But let God and them debate the matter betweene themselves; there which occasions a greater scandall is when Gods Elijah, and Jeremiahs, and all Israel, Prophets and people are seeking God in solemn duties fasting and prayer, and that not so much in point of fafety as of reformation in their just appeales end complaints to the throne of divine justice; not so much in regard of their sufferings, as of Gods dishonours and provocations; and their Enemies stand by and jear at them and their prayers, to see what will be come of them, that they may laugh thē and their prayers to scorne, in such a cease as this is, if God should make as if he did not hear, and desert their rescue in the very midest of his seemeing approaches to their succour, (though matters may so stand betweene God and his people, that he may have just cause to do all this) how gladly would the cursed Enemies of God and his ordinances, and people hugg this advantage and blaspheme the God of truth and the truth of God; and thousands of standers by be ready to call in question, either the faithfullnesse of God, or the infallibility of those truths which Gods people have so many yeares together profest and suffered for, surely much of the credit of those truthes for which the Saints have contended into this appostate generation: scil. Election without any consideration of works foreseen or faith foreseene justification by faith, true grace, unchangablenesse of Gods love, &c. pure ordinances, and spiritual dispensations of Gospel-worship and the like; I say much of the credit of these truths and wayes, depends upon p. 126the successe of the battels betwixt Michael & his Angels and the dragon and his: and in such a case as this is, David observes how ready God was to step in to the succour of his people, even in the mid'st of great conflicts and hazards (as you may see in the begining of the Psalme.) Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed; i. e. Thou hast given thy people occasions of joy and triumph in their victory over their Enemies, why, because of the truth that is not onelyonly because of the truth of Gods promise, but because also of the truth of doctrine and worship: which we preserved among the people of Israel, especially of the Tribe of Juda; which cleaved to David: Moller. in Psal. 60.Ps 60(for this Psalme is a golden Psalme of Davids to teach, that is to teach the rest of the Tribes by the observation of these great victories vouchsafe to David for the truth sake, to submit unto his government, chosen and establish't by God himself.) David I say, and the house of Juda preserved the truth of doctrine and of worship; and therefore the truth of the promises did preserve them. They fought for the truth, and the truth fought for them, and crowned them with a multitude of victories, over Aram Naharaim, and Aram Zobah, and the Edomites, as you may see in the title of the Psalme, was it ever knowne that God deserted a people that stood up for truth and reformation?

Is it not the truth of God, truth of doctrine, truth of discipline; truth of ordinances, truth of government, that England stands up for this day; if they stand for the truth, it is not for the truth of God and the God of truth (if we may speake with feare and humble confidence) engaged to stand for them? surely God p. 127will do much for his truths sake even when a Church or people deserve not very well at his hands; Judah was not much better then Israel in regard of great and fearfull sinnes in their conversations, hardly free from Sodomie that peccatum non nominandum, that sinne not to be named, Hos. 1.7.Hos 1:7yet saith God I will have mercy upon the house of Juda and will save them by the Lord their God, when at the very same time hee threatens utterly to destroy Israel, as Vers. 6. what was the reason of it, surely one reason was because Judah had kept to the way of worship, which God himselfe had prescribed; whiles Israel had made a base and desperate Apostacy to Jeroboams calves and idolatrous worship, 1 Kings 12.33.1 Kgs 12:33which he had devised of his owne heart, Hos. 5.11.Hos 5:11which is therefore brought into the account of Israels undoing. Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgement, because he willingly walked after the command, scil. of Jeroboam; in the place quoted before) and againe Ephraim compasseth me about with lies and Israel with deceit (scil. with lying and deceitfull arguments and colours to justifie their Idolatrous courses) while to the honour of Judah, it is reportep in the very same verse, and implyed as one reason of their immunitie from Israels destruction; But Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithfull with the Saints. It must needs be understood in regard of divine ordinances, Truths and worship (for otherwise they were extreamly corrupted) in respect whereof faith God, I will save Judah, &c.

Fourthly his free-grace of all the rest is highly concernd in it, 4. His freegracenone of all the Names of God having suffered so much by a blasphemous generation of prophane ambitious Priests: Free grace hath been spoken p. 128against, and preacht against, and printed against, though it have been the best friend that ever England had, & is not yet weary of doing England good, which is the highest confutations of the lyes and blasphemies of the Adversaries that can be. For surely freewill hath had no share in these blessed revivings of our hopes and comforts: This salvation of God did not find us a praying, reforming people but made us so, it found us with our backs upon God; while he might complaine of England as once of Ephraim; For the iniquity of covetousnesse was I wroth, Isai. 57.17.Isa 57:17and smote him: I hid me and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.

And is not England destroyed for this pride and contumacy? oh no see a wonder of free grace follows. Vers. 18.I have seen his wayes and will heale them, his wayes, what wayes? why, his waies of covetousnesse and frowardnesse; these were the onelyonly works and wayes God saw, these were all the preparatives for cure and healing which God found; and yet he resolves I will heale him; as if he should have said, well I see these froward children will lay nothing to heart frownes will not humble them, blowes will do them no good if I do not save them till they seek me, they will never be saved; if I stay for their returning they must for ever perish; I will heale them; I will restore comfort to them. I will do it because I will do it, as in my text, I will be exalted, that I may have mercy upon them. And truly if the Lord please to carry on the worke in wayes proportionable to the begining. Englands deliverance will be the most irrefragable confutation of Popery and Armianisme, and the highest monument of free-grace that ever was set up in the p. 129view of the world. And therefore in respect of all these the mourners in Sion and for Sion, may plead and presse Joshuahs argument, if this work miscarry; Lord what wilt thou doe for thy great name? Iosh. 7.9.Josh 7:9what wilt thou doe for thy power and wisdome? thy mercy and love, thy faithfulnesse and truth? what wilt thou doe for thy free grace? wilt thou suffer it againe to be trampled under feet by dogs & swine?

But you will surely object and say if our hopes should be dasht in peeces, the worke goe backward; Objection. Protestants goe downe, Papists and prophane men get up againe, and all returne into the former chaos of confusion, and if any should be offended at it; it would be scandalum acceptum non datum: God could no wayes be justly charged, the fault would questionlesse be found in our selves, and God must be justified in his sayings, and clear in his judgements.

I do humbly and cordially subscribe to this acknowledgement, Answere. God may destroy England and be never the lesse powerfull and wise, mercifull and good, faithfull and true, every way a God still, and his freegrace no whit lessened; God may say against England as once against Israel: I will scatter them into corners, Deut. 32.26.Deut 32:26I will make the remembrance of them cease from among the children of men. I will destroy England, and shift for my name as well as I can.

How ever give me leave to present unto you these foure observations, which will much, Foure observations to strengthen this last argument of Hope 1. Observationboth clear and corroborat the evidence of this twelfth and last argument.

1 We find God in all times to have been very jealous of his owne name, not onelyonly when this argument hath been wavered before him by his faithfull and humble p. 130remembrances: as you may see in the former instances of Moses and his successour Joshuah, Isa. 59.16.Isa 59:16but when (as it seemes) there was no intercessor as hee complaines. His owne righteousnesse suggested this argument to him and it prevailed even them, when he had said and sworne (as it were) the finall rooting out of Israel and their very name: Devt. 32.26.Deut 32:26see him saying it in the forequoted place, I said I will scatter them into corners, I will make the remembrance of them to cease from among men: And why did he not? why his Name did interpose; Vers. 27.I feared the wrath of the enemy least their adversaries should behave themselves strangely. Wrath, strange wrath, unheard of cruelty; if I leave my people in their adversaries hands, they will shew them no mercy, I will not doe it saith God, this shall not be; there he had respect to his mercy: mercy could not behold such strange wrath and crueltie, Amos 7.3.6.Amos 7:3Amos 7:6and not even weep her self sick as it were. And againe Least they should say our hand is high and the Lord hath not done all this. Strange pride against God, as well as strange wrath against his people; there he wrought for his power and wisedome, that the Enemie should not rob him of his praise and glory; and as you hear God saying, so you may hear him swearing, yea saying and swearing over and over againe (or at least reporting what he had said and sworn before) Ezek. 20. I said I will poure out my fury, vers. 8. and I said so againe, vers. 13. and a third time, ver. 21. and swearing too (as I say) I lifted up my hand, vers. 15. and I lifted up my hand to them in the wildernesse that I would scatter them, vers. 23. there you have the form of an oath, though not the words of an oath, as you may see, Gen. 14.22. I have lifted up my hand unto the Lord, &c. p. 131I have lifted up my hand, that I will not take from a thread, &c. that is, I have sworne. But what then hindered the execution of Gods word and oath? It is as often expressed in the same place, I wrought for my Names sake, vers. 8. I wrought for my Names sake, vers. 14. and so a third time, vers. 22. and a fourth time, vers. 44. Surely God hath not ordinarily nor easily denied the solicitations of this argument, even then when his word and oath have seemed to have concluded a peoples destruction. This must be understood with much sobrietie and caution, for in these various expressions God doth not change his will, but wills a change; in all these seeming mutations, God discovers his unchangeable and immutable love unto his Name and people.

But secondly, Observation 2 observe that this plea hath then especially carried all before it, when Gods Name hath been reproached and blasphemed by the proud Enemie. They will say, my hand is high (ut sup.) Isa. 43.8.Isa 43:8nay but they shall not, I am the Lord, that is my Name, and my glory will I not give to another. I will spare Israel, rather than their adversaries shall blaspheme my Name in their destruction.

Israel had deserved to smart and bleed, but if the Syrians dare once to limit Gods power to the hills only, as if he were not a God as well in the vallies, 1. King. 20.28.1 Kgs 20:28God will deliver the Syrians into Israels hands, and plead his owne quarrell with his people another time. Nothing will sooner tempt out Gods jealousie and indignation against the enemies of his people (even when Gods people be not so good as they should or might be) then the cursed blasphemies of railing Rabshekahs against his Name. Heark how angerly he doth take up p. 132that Assyrian blasphemer, 2. King. 19.22.2 Kgs 19:22Whom hast thou reproved and blasphemed? &c. Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine eares, I will put my hook into thy nose and my bridle into thy lips, and lead thee back by the way thou camest. 2. Sam. 16.9.2 Sam 16:9Alas, Israel at that time had but one, England hath at this day many many thousands of Rabshekahs, dead dogs, that with Shimei, bark (though dead) and blaspheme God and his Truths, and his Ordinances, and worship, and people, and Sabboths; their rage and tumult against God is come up into his eares, Psalm. 58.10.Ps 58:10and therefore God shall hook them by the nostrils, and bridle them by their jawes, and the Righteous shall rejoyce, when he seeth the vengeance, he shall wash his feet in the bloud of the wicked. Many times Gods people are more beholding to the enemies blasphemies than their owne prayers. David observed it, and therefore doth often take the advantage of that argument in one Psalme, Psalm. 74.22.10.18.23.Ps 74:22Ps 74:10Ps 74:18Ps 74:23Remember how the foolish man reprocaheth thee dayly; he pleads with God as Abishai once with David, concerning that railing Shimei, Why should these dead dogs curse my Lord the King? the King of glory? oh! avenge thy great Name of the blasphemies of these wicked men.

Thirdly observe, Observation 3 If at any time this Argument could not prevaile, it hath been when no means which God hath used with a people could doe them good. The Prophet Jeremiah went forth to wrastle with God for his people as at other times, Ier. 14.7.Jer 14:7and thought to have carried it with this Argument, O Lord though our iniquities testifie against us, doe thou it for thy Names sake, for our backslidings are many. q.d. Lord it is evident enough we have deserved to be consumed by famine (for that prayer was made in a time of drought) but Lord p. 133remember thou hast a Name, and though our name deserve to perish, yet thy Name doth not; for thy Names sake therefore hear and give rain to thine inheritance: No saith God, hold thy peace Jeremiah, that argument will not doe it now; why? verse 10. They have loved to wander, they have wandred, and loved to wander, their hearts are set upon their wicked wayes, They have not refrained their feet; nothing will make them change their courses, I have used all means, but none will doe; I will remember their sin, not my Name now, I will think of that another time; Pray no more for this people: I had as liffe the Babylonians should blaspheme my Name, as this Israel; let me alone, they shall into Captivity, and I will shift for my Name as well as I can. This Argument prevail'd till there was no remedy, then away they went, 2. Cron. 36.16.and nothing could stay Gods hand or reverse the decree. If England thou hast dealt thus with God, then woe unto us; who shall plead for us? or what Argument shall prevaile, if Gods name cannot? Oh that every one would lay his hand upon his heart, and say What have I done?Ier. 8.6.Jer 8:6

But brethren here is our hope, that God hath in England, a considerable number both of governours and people that tremble at his word, whose soules do thirst and pant after, and stand up for reformation: they do not desire peace more than truth, nor happinesse more than holynesse, and therefore we have good hopes through grace to receive the fruits of this argument: for so runnes the promise. Isa. 66.2.Isa 66:2To this man will I looke, that is of a poore and contrite heart, and trembles at my words.

Fourthly and lastly observe, Observation 4 that God delights p. 134many times to raise himself a name and a praise by outbidding the hopes, Isa. 64.3.Isa 64:3prayers, and the very faith too of his people: thou didst terrible things we looked not for saith the Church to God; we little thought to have seen such deliverances, and such enlargements as our God hath wrought for us: why did God thus out-bid their expectations? To make thy name known Vers. 2. did they ever thinke of walking through the red Sea dry-shod, when they saw that before them and the Egyptians behinde them, and the woods on either side? did they dreame of travailing to their rest, through a barren wildernesse, fitter to starve them than to feed them and their flocks? why did God thus outbid not their merits onelyonly but their thoughts and faith? To make himself an everlasting name, Isa. 63.12.14.Isa 63:12Isa 63:14To make himself a glorious name.

I read of an Emperour that delighted in no undertakings, so much as those, which in the esteeme of his counsellors and Captaines were deemd impossible; If they said such or such an enterprise would never be accomplisht, it was argument enough to him to make the adventure; and he seldome miscarried. Truly (brethren) this may bee much more truly said of our God; Exod. 15.11.Exod 15:11it is one of his names, glorious in holinesse, fearfull in prayses, doing wonders. England may truly say, when thou bowedst the Heavens and came downe, thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, God hath done all our impossibles for us; when we have said in our unbeliefe this or that never could be done; God hath done it for us, we said in our hearts (and mouthes two) England and Scotland can never be ceconciled; God hath done it; we hear'd of a Parliament, but we said it cannot be; we p. 135shall never see a Parliament againe in England; but God hath done it, we see it and rejoyce, and so I might run on in a thousand instances more, Gen. 21.7.Gen 21:7who would have said Sarah shall give suck? who would have said England shall have a Parliament? who would have said, you shall live to see the day in England, when there shall not be a Monopolie in the Common-weath, a Ceremony in the Church? when there shall not be a Bishop in the House of Lords? when Scandalous Ministers shall be as vile in their names as ever they were vile in their lives; and painfull labourers had in honour; when Popery and prophanesse shall goe downe, and purity of Religion, and the power of godlinesse shall goe up; when good men shall be put into great places, and Oppressours shall betake themselves to their heels, &c. who would have said it? or if any would have said it, who had faith enough to beleeve it? But our God hath done it for us; and thereby hath made our denials the seals and Amens of his wonders; and me thinks I hear him speaking from heaven, Iohn 5.20.John 5:20I will shew you greater works than these that you may marvell. You have seene great things already, but you shall see greater things than these that you may marvel.

The Bishops are cast out of the house of Lords, and it is a great thing in your eyes (and well it may be so) but if you should live to see never a Bishop in England, this would be a greater worke, and you will wonder; I know some would wonder and swear and curse and be ready to burst with indignation; but Gods people would wonder and sing and rejoyce and be filled with thankefulnesse; you see scandalous Preists threatned and censured, the faithfull preachers set at some liberty (blessed be God,) and it is a grat matter; p. 136but when you shall see all the filth carried out of the Temple; and all the ordinances of God spring in the beauty of holynesse in their purity and power, this will be a greater worke and you will marvell; Isa 66.14.Isa 66:14your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herbe: and the hand of the Lord shall be knowen toward his servants, and his indignation towards his Enemis. Well, what you shall see I cannot certainely divine but this I know, God delights to raise the wonder of men, & angels to the highest pitch, even til there be no more room left for joy & admiration; and when wonder itself falls short of his excellent praises (as certaine all the men and Angels can reach to, infinitly doth) even when they stand upon the very tiptoe of admiration, Gen. 1.32.Gen 1:32then doth God delight himself in the beholding of his owne glorious workes, and satisfie himself in the contemplation of his owne unconceiveable names and excellencies. Therefore will the Lord waight that he may be gracious, therefore will he be exalted that be may have mercy. who knowes but this may be one of those times wherein God will worke wonders in England and in Ireland, as he hath done in Scotland to make himself a glorious name; to make himself an everlasting name? Micah. 7.12.Mic 7:12even because he delighteth in mercy!

Thus I have presented unto you the twelve arguments upon which I conceive Englands hope doth stand, I have broken unto you these twelve Loaves of comfort which like those which Christ brake unto the people have multiplyed in my hands: if you have found any refreshment and strength by them, gather up I beseech you the broken fragments that nothing may be lost.

p. 137The main arguments with their appendices have been these:

1. The neere approach of Babylons downefall, witnes

1. The probability of the drawing neer of the calling of the Jewes.

2. The cold sweat that stands on Antichrists limbs.

3. Gods call of his people out of Babylon.

2. The stay of the flight of his people.

3. The calling together of a Colledge of skilfull Physitians.

4. The Effusion of the Spirit, the Spirit of

Compassion.

Prayer.

Faith.

Unanimity.

Magnanimity.

5. The fields looke white to the harvest.

6. The great improvement of godly Ministers, in their

Number.

Abilities.

7. Their eminent successe seen in the Number, Graces, of Converts and Professors.

8. Gods miraculous keeping the Kingdom from guilt, especially of those two land destroying sinnes, Idolatry. and Blood.

9. The gracious vindicating of the Honour and reputation of his reproached people:

p. 13810. The enemies themselves,

1. The fulnes of their sins.

2. Their desperate medicines to support themselves.

3. The discovery of their plots.

4. The blasting of their projects.

5. The recoyling of their engins upon there owne selves.

6. The spirit of feare and trembling that hath possest their hearts.

11. The great things God hath done already evidenc't by two demonstrations,

1. That which hath been done is by a secret worke of God upon mens spirits.

2. That it hath been hewn out of the very rock of difficulty.

12. Gods owne Name which lies at stake, sc. his

Power and Wisdom.

Love and Mercy.

Faithfullnesse and Truth.

Free-grace.

Strengthened by foure observations.

1. That this consideration hath prevailed with God against much unworthines of his people his own seeing

Word.

Oath.

2. Especially when it hath been blasphemed by the enemy.

3. It never failed but when no remedy.

4. God delights to make his Name glorious.

I have done with the Arguments of Hope and so with the first motive to waite on God, namely, that they that wait on God shall not be ashamed.

But now least what I have spoken may be misapplied, p. 139and so that which is intended for your good become a snare unto you; before I come to the second motive have patience with me, while for your sakes and safety, I desire to lay into these twelve encouragements but halfe so many Cautions, and then I shall winde up the rest of the motives in a few words.