The Churchs Troubles and Deliverance, Pages 43-84

The Churchs Troubles and Deliverance · Pages 43-84

p. 42There is a great controverſie between us and Rome, whether p. 43theirs or ours be the true Church of Chriſt, and they or we the true Chriſtians; therefore they produce a great Catalogue of Catholiques (as they would be called) Kings, Princes, and others of note, that have wonderfully flouriſhed, victoriouſly warred, and in their battels become victorious Conquerours. Bellarmine ſhewes how Abraham, Moſes, Joſhuah, Vlti…a Eccleſiæ nota eſt fælicitas temporalu. Bel. de notis Eccieſ.and ſo along to the Macchabees, that very many, that feared God were victorious and proſperous. And thence he goes to Eccleſiaſticall ſtories, and all to prove that proſperity and outward felicity it a note of the true Church; and indeed, ſo it may be of the true malignant Church, not of the true Church ſimply, ſo called, not of the Church of Chriſt. It may be anſwered, That many very wicked men have warred victoriouſly, and proſpered, as did Saul, Ahab, Senacherib, Nebuchadnezzar, and others: This is (as Salomon ſpeaks) to anſwer a foole according to his folly. 2. Nothing is more apparant then this, That the true Church of God, both Jewes and Chriſtians, have often been put to the worſe, and grievovſly afflicted by the Pagans and Heathens, That the moſt renowned ſervants of God have ſuffered great things, been brought to grievous exigents divers times, as Abraham, Job, David, &c. and yet were the deare ſervants and children of God, the dearly beloved of his ſoule:Heb. 12.5. &c.Heb 12:5 God ſcourgeth every ſonne whom he receiveth, and lets none goe without afflictions but baſtards. The Scripture runs much upon this, to ſhew that proſperity is a note of the wicked, and afflictions a note of the godly; Wherefore comfort your ſelves with theſe things.

Fifthly and laſtly, Seeing we are here ſubject to troubles,Ʋſe 5. even the moſt grievous, to be brought into the Mount, into extremities, this ſhould make us to thirſt and long after Heaven, to ſet our hearts upon, long after, and labour for that happineſſe and ſecurity of the Church in Heaven, where there is no trouble, no enemy that can approach or doe any hurt, neither man nor Devill; where there ſhall be no more any grieving thorne, or pricking bryar, yea, where ſinne ſhall be no more. Here the godly are ſubject to afflictions and troubles, even the moſt grievous, to the rage of malignant and mighty enemies, proud, inſolent adverſaries, ſuffer many things from their tongues, that are ſet on fire from Hell, are full of poiſon, and are as ſharp ſwords; and from p. 44their hands alſo, whoſe ſingers itch at the righteous, are brought ſometimes into great ſtraits and exigents, even to the utmoſt extremity, that if God ſet not in, they are gone and periſh, or are undone in the world, all outward comforts are loſt, beſide the inward troubles and perplexities of conſcience many times: Ba… there all enemies ſhall be far off, all evils removed, all teares wi…ed from the Saints eyes, all cauſe of ſorrow done away, yea ſinne it ſelf… ſhall be utterly aboliſhed, there ſhall be an abſolute freedome fr…m all evils both of ſinne and puniſhment, and all feares of evill, with a bleſſed fruition of Gods face and glorious preſence, with full delight for evermore. And therefore it is called, The triumphant Church, becauſe the Saints ſhall triumph over all enemies and evils. This ſhould make us to long and labour after Heaven, with Paul, willing to be diſſolved, and be with Chriſt, Phil. 1 21. Pſal. 4….2.Phil 1:21Ps 4:2which is beſt of all, when divine providence ſhall ſee good and ca…l for us, to ſay with David in his abſence from the place of Gods ſpeciall preſence, When ſhall I come and appeare before God? and with them under the Altar, How long Lord, holy and true, and with the Church,Rev. 22.10.Rev 22:10 Come Lord Jeſus, come quickly! And here I deſire to leave you awhile in your moſt ſerious thoughts, longing deſires, and labouring after Heaven, where there is fulneſſe of joy in the preſence of God,Pſal. 16.11.Ps 16:11 and pleaſures for evermore.

And thus much on that firſt point or obſervation (which is much more then I at firſt intended,Ʋſe 5. but the worke in the doing multiplyed under my hand, like the widowes oyle) now through the goodneſſe of God, I come to the ſecond Propoſition or Point obſerved (of which, as alſo of the third, more briefly) that I ſeem not to be too long on this Subject,

That God will be ſeen in the Mount, He will help and deliver his people in their extremities and troubles.Doct. 2.

In this point before I come to application, take notice of theſe 3. things:

1. The truth of the point, That God will help and deliver his people in their extremi…ies.

2. How he uſually doth it, by what wayes and meanes. And

3. Why he will doe ſo.

1. That God will be ſeen in the Mount. God doth help and deliver p. 45his people in their extremities, though the Text be moſt cleare and full, yet ſee it made good in a few inſtances inſtead of many.

1. Of particular perſons, Therefore call to mind Gods great mercy to Abraham here, when it was come to the very laſt minate of time; to Jacob, Gen. 32.3.6. & 33.1.Gen 32:3Gen 32:6Gen 33:1when his brother Eſau was come even to him with 400. men in a poſture of warre; to Lot, when he was taken and carryed away priſoner by the Kings;14.12, 13, 14. 1 Sa 23.26, 17. Ionah 2.1, 10. H…ſt 6. …, 4, 10. D…n. c 3 & 6. Act. 12.1 Sam 23:261 Sam 23:17Jonah 2:1Jonah 2:10Acts 12 to David when encompaſſed by Saul and his men in the Wilderneſſe of Maon; to Jonas, after he had been three dayes and three nights in the Whales belly; ſo he delivered Mordecai, the very ſame day he ſhould have been hanged by wicked Haman; the three children out of the fiery fornace, and Daniel out of the Lyons den; Peter the very night before hee ſhould have beene brought out to the people, to be condemned and executed.

2. Of delivering the whole Church or great multitudes of his people together.Exod. 6.7 & 7.45.13 3. v 14.10. Cap 16 2, 12.Exod 6:7Exod 7:45Exod 7:13 We read of Gods delivering Iſrael out of Aegypt in the height of their miſery, with a mighty hand. Againe, at the red Sea, when they were in a mighty ſtrait, bringing them through the red Sea, relieving them extraordinarily in the Wilderneſſe, when in great want of bread, fleſh and water: c In the time of the Judges, and in the dayes ofdd2 Chr. 14 6.112 Chr 14:62 Chr 14:11 Aſa, ee— 13 13.Abijah, ff— 20.12.Iehoſhaphat, and inggH…ſt. ….12. & 7.5. Heſters dayes. Many more Examples to this purpoſe may be given, but theſe may ſuffice. This is the firſt, That God doth helpe and deliver his people, God is ſeene in the Mount. Now

Secondly, How God is ſeene in the Mount, how he ſhewes himſelfe in their extremities, and that is two wayes,

1. In ſupporting them in the Mount. And

2. In delivering them out of the Mount.

1. God is ſeene in ſupporting his people in their troubles and extremities, they ſinke not under them, but hold up their heads and reſolve to cleave unto him and wait upon him, as he did Iob who reſolved. Though the Lord ſlay me, yet will I truſt in him. Iob 13.15. Pſ. 37.17, 14.Job 13:15Ps 37:17Ps 37:14The Lord upholdeth the righteous, though he fall (viz. into great te…tations and troubles) he ſhall not be utterly caſt downe, for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Even in ſpirituall deſertions p. 46there is ſtill a ſecret hand of God which doth uphold them, that they doe not wickedly depart from him, nor frowardly behave themſelves in his Covenant; but there is ſtill a generall recumbency and relying upon God, till be have mercy upon them and deliver them: And ſometimes the Lord fils their hearts fulleſt of inward comfort, when their outward condition is moſt grievous, as was to be ſeene in the Martyrs.

2. God is ſeene in the Mount of extremity in delivering his people out of their troubles and ſtraits, and that divers wayes, I ſhall mention the moſt and principall of them, and they are theſe,

1. By weakening ſtrong means againſt his Church or people God delivers them and that eſpecially 5. wayes.

1. By ſtriking ſuddain feares and dreadfull apprehenſions into them, like that into the Canaanites, The terrour of you is fallen upon us (ſaid Rahab) and the Inhabitants of the Land faint becauſe of you. Joſh 2.9.11.Josh 2:9Josh 2:11Aſſoone as we heard of theſe things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remaine any more courage in any man, becauſe of you. So the Midianites by a caſuall dreame of one of their company,Jud. 7.13, 17.Judg 7:13Judg 7:17 were ſo frighted, that though an innumerable Army, yet they were not able to ſtand before 300. unarmed men. So the Moabites were ſtrangely overcome and Iſrael delivered from their deſignes,2 Kin. 3.22, …3.2 Kgs 3:222 Kgs 3:3 by reaſon of the ſeeming colour of blood on the water, occaſioned by the reflection of the Sunne beames ſhining upon it. And thus he dealt with the Duke of Ireland and his Army,Relation of the Parl. begun at Weſt…min. 1386 p. 17. when with the forces raiſed in Lancaſhire, Cheſhire and Wales, he came up towards London againſt the Parliament, their great ſpirits were ſo benummed, diſcouraged and amazed at the ſight of the Appellants Army, that when they ſhould give the aſſault, (God not ſuffering the effuſion of blood) they ſtood ſtill making no ſhew of reſiſting, but without any fighting ſlung downe their armes, and yeelded themſelves to the mercy of the Lords Appellant. This is one way.

Secondly, God ſometimes weakens the Adverſaries power, and delivers his people,Exod. 14.25.Exod 14:25 by ſpoyling them of their inſtruments, which are very helpefull to them: So God tooke off the wheeles of Pharaohs Chariots, and made them drive heavily, ſo that they could not follow after Iſrael to hurt them.

p. 47Thirdly, ſometimes by infatuating them and their counſels (a grievous judgement and ſad ſigne of their deſtruction approaching, when God ſmites men in their wits.) So he dealt with Pharaoh king of Aegypt. Iſa. 19.11, 13.Isa 19:11Isa 19:13The Princes of Zoan are become …ooles, the councell of the wiſe Counſellours of Pharaoh is become brutiſh; how ſay you unto Pharaoh? I am the ſonne of the wiſe, the ſonn… of ancient Kings. The Princes of Zoan are become fooles, the Princes of Noph are deceived, they have alſo ſeduced Aegypt, even they that are (i.e. ſhould be) the stay of the Tribes thereof. They told him a faire tale, and ſo miſerably deluded him to the deſtruction of Aegypt. 2 Sam 17 7, 142 Sam 17:72 Sam 17:14So God turned Ahitophels politick counſell (that would have been very prejudiciall to David and his men) into fooliſhneſſe,2 Chro. 10.2 Chr 10 and Abſalom to reject it, and follow the counſell of Huſhai to his owne deſtruction. And Rehoboam to follow the adviſe of the young men, that were brought up with him, and to reject the counſell of the grave men, to his owne great dammage and diſhonour. Thus God ſometimes by infatuating the counſels of the Adverſaries of his people, and ſmiting them in their wits, doth diſable them to purſue their deſignes againſt his people, and ſo delivers them as David from Abſolom, and petitioning Iſrael from Rehoboams intended cruelty, and ſo make their owne counſels and deſignes their own over-throw and fall, and the riſe of his people.

Fourthly, ſometimes by taking away from the enemies of the Church, part of their ſtrength in which they truſt, as he did from Rehoboam, by rending ten Tribes, the farre greater part of his Dominion from him,2 Chr. 10.13.2 Chr 10:13 when he would not be diſſwaded from going on to oppreſſe his petitioning Subjects.

Fifthly, ſometimes by reſtraining their malice, when it comes to the upſhot, and turning their hearts towards his people, and enclining them to peace;Gen. 32.6. with 33.4, 10.Gen 32:6 as when Eſau came againſt Iacob with 400. men, God over-power'd his ſpirit, and turned his heart to his brother Iacob, That Jacob ſaw his face, as the face of an Angell of God. —31.24, …9.So he did reſtraine Laban and encline him to peace, that he had not an evill word to ſay againſt Iacob, when he over-tooke him. And this is the firſt way by which God doth deliver his people, namely, by weakening p. 48ſtrong meanes againſt them, that the Adverſaries cannot or will not hurt them. Thus the Lord h…th the hearts, even of Kings in his hands, P… 21.1.and turnes them as the rivers of waters, whitherſoever he pleaſ…th.

Firſt, by putting courage and ſtrength into his people, making the weake and feeble ſtrong, and the faint-hearted valiant. So he didaa1 Sam. 11.4, 5, 6.1 Sam 11:41 Sam 11:51 Sam 11:6 Saul to deliver Iſrael out of the hands of the Philiſtines, bbCap …4. v. 6.Jonathan to ſlay many of them, and route their armycc2 Chron 13.1…, 15, 16, 17.2 Chr 13:12 Chr 13:152 Chr 13:162 Chr 13:17 Abijah, and the men of Judah to ſlay 500000. of their enemies,dd14 9. Acts and M… …ents, p. 207 col …. & 208. col 1 l 70. Aſia and his men to deſtroy and route Zerah the Aethyoptan, with an army of a thouſand thouſand foot, and three hundred horſe. So he put a**Relation of the Parliament begun at Weſt-…enſter. Anno 1…86. p 4, 5, …, 7. & 12. ſpirit of valour and magnanimity into the Waldenſes, to defend themſelves and the true Religion againſt the Duke of Savoy, that ſought to ſuppreſſe and root out the Proteſtant Religion, to doe wonderfully, even to admiration. Likewiſe into the Proteſtants in France, to defend the…ſelves and Religion againſt them that would deſtroy both. Likewiſe into the Appellants, The Duke of Gloceſter, the Earles of Arundell and Warwicke in the raigne of King Richard the ſecond, to preſerve the King and Kingdome, and ſubdue the Conſpirators, the Duke of Ireland and others, that perſwaded the King to deſert his Parliament, and to ſend to the King of France for counſell and help againſt his Parliament, and to raiſe forces to deſtroy the loyall and faithfull members of it, that ſought the good of the King and Kingdome, and ſo by Gods bleſſing preſerved both King and Kingdome. So he hath put exceeding much courage and valour into the ſouldiers in Ireland, to doe very great things againſt the Rebels there, and obtaine wonderfull victories almoſt incredible.

Secondly, Sometimes the Lord ſends his people, wholly by unexpected wayes, which they thought not of, whereby they become victorious over their enemies, and free themſelves from them. So God raiſed up deliverance to his people in Zachary, when there were 4. hornes, that is, enemies of the Church on all ſides, that ſtood up to ſcatter his people Iſrael, Judah, and Jeruſalem: The Lord ſhewed the Prophet 4 Carpenters, i. e. the Babylonians and Grecians, whom God had raiſed up, as his inſtruments, to help his people, and breake the hornes of the enemies p. 49againſt them. Here comes help by a way altogether unexpected, which his people never ſo much as thought of.

3. The Lord ſomtimes delivers his people by diſcovering the enemies plots and deſignes againſt them, before they take effect, though never ſo cloſely contrived, and ſecretly carried, and a plot timely diſcovered is prevented, and fals to nothing, but to the hurt of the plotters. Thus God ſaved Iſrael, not once or twice, 2 Kin. 6.8. &c.2 Kgs 6:8by diſcovering the counſels and deſignes of the King of Syria againſt them: The Jewes, by diſcovering the bloudy plot of Haman againſt them: The Jewes plot againſt Saul, Heſt 4.1. Act. 23.12.Acts 23:12to kill him in the way: So God hath ſaved this Kingdome, not once nor twice, but many times, from eminent dangers, eſpecially from the Spaniſh Navy in 88. the Gun-powder Treaſon in …605, a few houres before it ſhould have taken effect, and from many deſtructive counſels and deſignes within theſe few yeares laſt paſt, which are freſh in every mans memory, mercies never to be forgotten, or thought of, without a thankfull remembrance of them: Yea, as one well obſerveth,Eccleſ. 10.20.Eccl 10:20 God hath promiſed, that rather then the rage of men ſhall take place to his diſhonour, a bird of the ayre ſhall carry the voyce, and that which hath wings ſhall tell the matter.

4. Sometimes God delivers his people by diverting the enemies power another way. So when Saul came againſt David, and had almoſt compaſſed him about, and taken him and his men in the wilderneſſe of Maon, 1 Sam. 23.26, 271 Sam 23:261 Sam 23:27a ſudden unexpected invaſion of the Philiſtines, inforced Saul to retire, and turne his forces againſt the Philiſtines. 2 King. 19.1. to 10.2 Kgs 19:1–10So when Senacherib intended in a mighty rage to fall upon Hezekiah and Judah, he was conſtrained to bend his forces againſt Tirhakah. And thus God turnes the power even of the greateſt enemies, whitherſoever he will as a man may turne a ſhip at his pleaſure by the rudder, a very ſmall thing, and ſo he doth other creatures alſo, reſtraining not only their voluntary, but even their naturall actions at his pleaſure,Dan. 3.27. C. 6.22, 24.Dan 3:27 as the fire from burning the 3. children, and the Lyons from devouring Daniel.

5. By deſtroying the enemies of his people, and that three wayes.

1. Sometimes immediately by his owne hand, or ſome extraordinary p. 50way. So he deſtroyed one hundred eighty five thouſand of the Aſſyrians by an Angell, when they came againſt Hezekiah, Judah, and Jeruſalem. For particular perſons, divers deliverances of this kind are noted in Maſter Fox his book of Acts and Monuments, God ſtrangely by ſudden death, ſtrange diſeaſes, &c. takes away their moſt cruell perſecutors, and ſo delivers his ſervants that feare his name, from them that are too mighty for them.

2. Sometimes by ſetting others againſt them, men and other creatures: Men, as the Perſians againſt Julian, when he was reſolved to deſtroy all the Chriſtians, Saul to kill the Philiſtines, and ſ… ſ…ved David, and brought him to the Kingdome.

And other creatures, Iudg 5 20, … …5 & 14 …9 …7. Cap. 8, 9, 10.Judg 5:20Judg 5:5Judg 14:9as the Starres fought againſt Siſera, the River Ki…n ſ…ept away his men, the haile to deſtroy the enemies, the water to drowne them, as he did the Egyptians; beſide other creatures, as Frogs, Flies, Lice, the Locuſts, &c. which did mightily hamper and confound that proud King Pharaoh, and his Princes, and whole Kingdome. Thus the Lord hath all the creatures in the world at his command, to deſtroy his and his Churches enemies, and can make the moſt contemptible of them, to confound and deſtroy the greateſt Princes, as the lice did one of the Herods, Act. 12.23.Acts 12:23and the wormes another of that name.

3. Sometimes by cauſing diviſion among the enemies themſelves, and ſetting their ſwords one againſt another. So the Lord delivered his people by deſtroying the Midianites and Amalekites, the Lord ſet every mans ſword againſt his fellow,Iudg. 7 23.Judg 7:23 throughout all the Hoſt. Thus alſo the Lord dealt with the enemy that came againſt Ju…ah, in Jehoſaphats dayes 2 Ch… …one deſtroyed another, The children of Ammon and Moab ſtood up againſt the inhabitants of Mount …eir, utterly to ſlay and deſtroy them, and when they had ma…e an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to deſtroy another.

Thus in the generall here, God is ſeen in the Mount, and by what wayes and meanes he ſhewes himſelfe, and delivers his people chiefly from publike enemies; for to ſpeake how God delivers his people, from particular ſtraites and exigents, would be endleſſe, becauſe the kinds of troubles, and extremities of his people p. 51are very many. And this is the ſecond.

Now thirdly, the reaſons why the Lord will doe ſo, and they are theſe:

1. God lets the enemies of his Church goe on,Reaſons. in their wicked wayes, againſt his people to the height, almoſt to the very utmoſt, till they are ready to ſtrike the fatall ſtroake, that they may fill up the meaſure of their ſinnes, and ſo his juſtice may be more cleare and remarkeable in their deſtruction. So God dealt with Pharaoh, he did not deſtroy him at the firſt, when he ſlew and drowned the Iſraelites children, nor at his firſt refuſall to let Iſrael goe, as he might juſtly have done; but lets him goe on ſo long, that his obſtinacy & rebellion againſt him, was ſo manifeſt, that all the world could not but ſay, yea, and Pharaoh himſelfe confeſſe,Exod 9.27.Exod 9:27 That the Lord was righteous and he and his people were wicked. And for this reaſon God did not preſently deſtroy the Canaanites, and ſettle his people in that good land, which he had promiſed them, but tarried till the iniquity of the Amorites was full, that his juſtice in their deſtruction might be more apparent to all the world.

2. God will be ſeen in the Mount, and deliver his people in their extremities, to manifeſt his glorious Attributes of knowledge, power, truth, faithfulneſſe and goodneſſe.

1. For the glory of his omniſcience.Ezek. 1.18.Ezek 1:18 In Ezekiels viſion at Chebar, the living creatures had wheeles, and the wheeles had foure faces, and the rings of the wheeles were full of eyes round about them, was a type ſignifying the al-ſeeing eye of God, that ſees and takes notice of all things, eſpecially of his owne people. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous. P…al. 34.…5. 8….1.121.3, 4.He is therefore called the Shepheard of Iſrael, and the Keeper of Iſrael, that doth neither ſlumber nor ſleep; When his ſheep (the people of Iſrael) are among the wolves (the enemies of the Church) he doth ſee and watch them, as well, yea, better then any ſhepheard can overſee his flocke: For 1. a ſhepheard may looke well to his flocke, but cannot at all times, he muſt have ſome times to reſt and ſleep himſelfe, but God doth neither ſleep nor ſlumber, he hath ever a waking eye upon his. 2. A ſhepheard cannot ſee all his flocke in all places at once, but God overſees all, as well them afar off, as them near home, whatſoever they be in the vallies, or in the p. 52mountaines, he is the God of both, though the blaſphemous Syrians ſaid otherwiſe. Now that God can, and doth manifeſt his al-ſeeing eye over his people for good, every where, in all places and parts of the world at once, and takes notice of their condition, and of their enemies, to deliver his people, and plague their enemies, in the fitteſt time, doth worke much for his glory.

2. His Almighty power is marvellouſly ſeen, and made glorious, by plucking the prey out of the mouth of the Lyon, even of the moſt mighty adverſaries of his people, when they thinke themſelves moſt ſure, as Iſrael out of Egypt, and Judah out of Babylon, which was as dry bones.Ezek. 37.3, 4.Ezek 37:3Ezek 37:4 Sonne of man (ſaid God to E… kiel in the viſion) can theſe bones live? O Lord God (ſaid the Prophet) thou knoweſt, I cannot ſee how it can be ſo, but thou art omniſcient and almighty thou knoweſt: God bade him propheſie, and he did ſo, and the bones came together every one to his place, ſtood up and lived, and became a mighty great army When this is done to dry bones, very dry bones, ſcattered bones, i. e. to the houſe of Iſrael, Ver 11.the Church of God, which were brought into ſo low a condition, that they ſaid, Our bones are dried, our hope is loſt, we are cut off from our parts: It ſhewes there is an al-ſeeing and an almighty God, that they may ſee and give him the glory of his omniſcience, and of his almighty power. So his power was wonderfully ſeen in reſtoring Hezekiah againe, and raiſing up Lazarus foure dayes dead, Jairus daughter, Dorcas and others, and delivering his people, when it is come to ſuch a dead lift that no creature can.

3. For the manifeſtation of his truth and faithfulneſſe he hath promiſed his people to heare their prayers, and deliver them: Call upon me (ſaith God) in the time of trouble, and I will deliver thee, Pſal 50 15.Ps 50:15and thou ſhalt glorifi… me, and he is faithfull and true, abundant in truth. Now if the Lord will help and make good his promiſe, he muſt then doe it, or not at all, and ſo breake his promiſe, and ſaile them that truſt in him. One man will not faile another, that truſteth in him, for that were treachery ſo to doe, much leſſe will God faile his people that truſt in him; and therefore he will then help and deliver them, God promiſeth to be ſeen in the Mount: Now if he bring them into the Mount, to the very p. 53top, and doe not there ſhew himſelfe in due time to their comfort, then he will faile them, and breake his promiſe, which is impoſſible.

4. His glorious wiſedome, goodneſſe, providence, and care over his people (put them altogether) is manifeſted in this, That be hath wayes and meanes, and can and doth provide for his people, and deliver them, when all meanes faile in humane reaſon:Exo. 16.2, 4, 12 Numb 20.28. Iudg. 15 18. 1 King 17 6, 10 14. 2 King 4.2.Exod 16:2Exod 16:4Exod 16:12Num 20:28Judg 15:181 Kgs 17:61 Kgs 17:102 Kgs 4:2 As in providing Manna and Quailes, and water for Iſrael in their wants, plenty of food in the famine of Samaria, relieving Sampſon when he was ready to periſh with thirſt, feeding Elijah, lengthening the Widowes meale, and increaſing the oyle in the cruſe: In all which, and the like, his wiſedome, care, and provident goodneſſe is ſeen, as well as his power, and eſpecially in reſtoring loſt man, fallen in Adam, Eph. 5.10.Eph 5:10by a moſt myſterious and unſearchable way, in reſpect of many things in it, that the very Angels, thoſe knowing creatures, deſire to pry into, and wonder at it.

Reaſ. 3. God will then deliver his people, that the world may know that he is the Helper of Iſrael. Now, Iſa 37.20.Isa 37:20O Lord our God (ſay the faithfull in their great troubles) ſave us from his hand, …at all the Kingdomes of the earth may know that thou art the Lord, even thou only. When it comes to an extremity, to ſuch a point that all outward helps and meanes faile, ſo that there is no help, or ſuch as is not conſiderable, it is ſo ſmall and weake, then Gods armes, his divine power and wiſedome appeares, then all men cannot but acknowledge, that it is the Lords owne doing, and ſo give him the praiſe. But ſo long as there are outward meanes and helps, that in an ordinary providence can relieve, we are wonderfull apt to aſcribe deliverance to the meanes, to ſecond cauſes: But when there is no help in the creature, then it muſt needs be the hand of God, and ſo acknowledged.

Therefore it was, that the Lord would not let Gideon fall upon the Midianites and Amalekites, with his thirty two thouſand men, leſt the victory might be thought to be from man, and not from God, but cauſed all to returne ſave 300, an inconſiderable number, to conquer ſuch an innumerable army, and gives them victory, without giving a blow, till the enemies themſelves ſled. The people that are with thee (ſaith God) are too many for me to p. 54give the Midianites into their hands, leſt Iſrael vant themſelves againſt me, Iu… ….2. … …, … &ſaying, mine …w… hana hath ſaved me. Therefore the Lord … to the Red Sea, where there … way f…r them …; and then againe into the midſt of …, that it might appeare to all the world, that …ra… liver …ce, and the F…ptians overthrow and deſtruction was from God, and ſo his right hand became glorious in power. That is the third Reaſon, why the Lord will deliver his people in their extremities, that the world may ſee, that deliverance is from the Lord, and that it is he that is the Helper of Iſrael, that they might aſcribe it to him, and ſeeke to him only in time of need.

4. The Lord will deliver his people in their extremity, that his people may have an experimentall knowledge of him, both to ſupport themſelves in evill times, and be the better inabled to comfort others, and ſupport the feeble-minded. It is a great comfort, and will help much in evill times, when a man can looke backe and ſay, Such a time I was brought to ſuch a ſtraite, and the Lord delivered me; into ſuch an extreame want, and God provided for me; into ſuch diſeaſes and weakneſſe, that all friends and Phyſitians forſooke me, and gave me over for a dead man; yet then the Lord did raiſe me up againe, beyond all expectation; into ſuch and ſuch a trouble, and the Lord carried me through, or delivered me when there was no hope, asaa1 Sam. 17.34. &c.1 Sam 17:34 David, andbb2 Cor. 1.9, 102 Cor 1:92 Cor 1:10 Paul did, and ſocc2 Cor. 1.4.2 Cor 1:4 might be able to help others alſo.

The godly know by faith, that God is the ſupporter and helper of the Saints; The word ſaith it, and they beleeve it, but when God doth indeed bring them into the Mount, into ſome great trouble, extremity or other doth awhile leave them there, yet d…th ſupport them in it, or deliver them out of it, then they ſee and know God by experience to be ſuch. That is obſervable to this purpoſe in 2 C…ron. Then Manaſſes knew that the Lord he was God, 2 Chr. 32.13.…2 Chr 32:13i.e. then he kn…w it by experience in himſelf.

5. The Lord will be ſeen in the Mount, and then help and deliver his people, that they may be truly thankfull, more affected with his goodneſſe, prize mercy more, and be more thankfull for it. O! how welcome is the Haven to a weather-beaten Mariner, p. 55that every moment looked to be ſhipwrackt? bread to an hungry man, that is even ready to periſh? pardon to a condemned wretch, that is upon the Gallowes, ready to be turned of the ladder? how will he prize ſuch a mercy? how thankfully will he accept it? but let the Mariner be ſafely batboured, ſo ſoone as the ſtorme begins to ariſe, or the hungry man have meate, ſo ſoone as his appetite craves it, or the malefactor have his pardon given him, as ſoone as he is apprehended or impriſoned, it will be ſleighted, he cannot be ſo affected with it, and thankfull for it as otherwiſe he would. How greatly Abraham here was …ff… cted with this mercy, and thankfull for it, when God appeared to him in the Mount, this Chapter doth teſtifie, and this verſe is a divine record of it. He called the name of the place Jehovah…ch.

6. And laſtly, The Lord will be ſeen in the Mount, help and deliver his people, that their faith faile not, and they behave themſelves untowardly and uncomely in his Covenant. If God bring his people into the Mount, into great extremity, and they wait and wait ſtill, and no help come, the feeble Chriſtians faith will be apt to faile, and he to faint and behave himſelfe uncomely, ſhame himſelfe, ſtaine his profeſſion, and diſhonour God, diſcourage others, and open the mouthes of evill men againſt the truth and wayes of God. Now the Lord will not breake a bruiſed reed, nor quench the ſmoaking flaxe, Iſa. 42.3. 1 Cor. 10.13. Iſa. 57.16.Isa 42:31 Cor 10:13Isa 57:16not ſuffer a poore weake Chriſtian to faint; and therefore will help in due time, that he may not quench the ſmoaking flaxe, nor breake the bruiſed reed; not quench, but increaſe grace; not deſtroy, but build un faith. I will not contend for ever (ſayes God) neither will I be alwayes wroth; for the Spirit ſhould faile before me, and the ſoules which I have made. And theſe be the Reaſons why the Lord will be ſeen in the Mount, help and deliver his people in their extremities and ſo we come to application.

And firſt, behold here this truth verified in our dayes,Ʋſ… 1. and in theſe Realmes of his Majeſty! Was not God ſeen in the Mount to Scotiand, our neighbour-Nation, given them a wounderfull deliverance, and a happy peace,1639. & 1640. when nothing was before their eyes but ruine and deſtruction, intended and threatened againſt them, by the publike enemies of both Kingdomes, who thought p. 56to raiſe and ſettle themſelves by their ruine? Did not God appeare in the Mount to poore Ireland, 1641 Octo. …3in ſaving the head-City of the Kingdome (and conſequently the Kingdome) the very night before it ſhould have been ſurprized? Was not this Nation bro…ht into the Mount? and did not God wonderfully deliver it in 88 from the Spaniſh Armado, …8…. …. 5.ſtiled invincible by the adverſ…es themſelves, in their vaine boaſt of it? In the yeare 1605. from the Gun-powder treaſon, that tranſcendent and moſt horrid villany, a few houres before it ſhould have taken effect? In the yeare 1639. from the Spaniſh Navy,1639. too little heeded, and too much forgotten by us? And many late deſperate deſignes of the enemies of Chriſt and his people, and particularly of this Church and State in which we ſtill live, by the goodneſſe of the ſame God, who ſhewed mercy to Abraham, and Iſrael, and Judah in their extremities, and delivered them out of the hands of their enemies, Pharaoh, Senacherib, Haman, and others?

Secondly,Ʋſe 2. if God be ſeen in the Mount, help and deliver his people in their extremities, then hence (by conſidering withall, Gods uſuall dealings and carriage towards his and their enemies, when he delivers his people) we may inferre, That God will deſtroy his and their enemies, the preſent and future enemies of the Church of Chriſt. See a few inſtances; when God delivered Iſrael out of Egypt, Exod 1….…9.14.23. & 15.1.Exod 1:9Exod 1:14Exod 1:23Exod 15:1he at the ſame time (to make the more for their delivery and ſecurity) he deſtroyed, firſt all the firſt borne of Egypt (beſide the other deſtructions that before did befall their cattle, corne, fiſh, &c) and then Pharaoh himſelfe, and all his Princes, and army in the Red Sea. So when God brought Iſra…l out of Babylon, …er. 25.12.he firſt by the Grecians deſtroyed the Babylonians Monarchy, that had waſted, and grievouſly oppreſſed his people.2 C…r 13 14.14 11. When he delivered Ab…ah and Judah, he deſtroyed of their enemies 500000. When he delivered Aſa and his people, he deſtroyed Zerah the Ethyopian, and many of his great army.20.10 22. When he ſaved Jehoſaphat, Judah, and Jeruſalem, he deſtroyed the Moabites, Ammonites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. 32.1 21When he ſaved Hezekiah, he deſtroyed 185000 of Senacheribs numerous army. When he ſaved the Jewes, he deſtroyed Haman the Jewes enemy,H…ſt. c 7. &. 9. and his ſonnes, and all thoſe that roſe p. 57up againſt them. Likewiſe often when he delivered Iſrael under the Judges, and in the time of the Kings, he deſtroyed or grievouſly puniſhed the proud enemies of his people. For God uſeth wicked men but as rods to correct his children, and when they are corrected and bettered, that he will uſe that rod no more, then he throwes the rod into the fire. The ſacred Scriptures are cleare and full to this purpoſe, and abundant in examples of this kind.

And aſſuredly, he is ſtill the ſame God, as powerfull, as wiſe, as loving and good as ever to his people, as faithfull in his promiſes, and as juſt, and full of indignation againſt his and their enemies, as ever he was, and therefore will ſtill ſhew himſelfe for his people, and againſt their enemies as much as ever heretofore. So that the Turke, the great enemy of the Chriſtians, and Antichriſt, the grand enemy of the true Church of Chriſt, muſt downe, and fall, and periſh. It is propheſied long agoe, in Saint Johns time, and by him,Rev. 18.2.Rev 18:2 Babylon the great (viz. myſticall Babylon, Rome) is fallen, is fallen, and in truth alſo, in part already, and is declining in number, wealth, greatneſſe, power, glory, and credit every day more and more. It remarkeably began to fall, when Luther that renowned ſervant of God, did ſo publickely ſet up the ſtandard of the Goſpell, and ſo many thouſands did reſort unto it, and many thouſands fell off from the Pope to Chriſt, in Germany, France, the Low-Countries, in England and Scotland: And it was no ſmall wound to the Antichriſtian beaſt, that that Nation gave to it the other yeare. And ſurely (beloved) the downefall of Antichriſt, the Pope, that Man of ſinne, and his Adherents, the Papacy, and Romane Hierarchy cannot (I conceive) be far off, if not very near at hand.

Thirdly, this may be of good uſe to ſuport and comfort us for the preſent, and in future times, againſt all extremities and troubles whatſoever. God will be as good ſtill to his ſervants, all that walke in the ſteps of the faith and obedience of Abraham, as to the faithfull in former ages. For our greater comfort, let us inſtance in 5. caſes, namely, in caſe of extremity, of want or danger, of loſſe, of violent temptations, of Gods ſeeming not to heare prayer, and of ſpirituall deſertion.

1. In caſe of extreame want or danger, we ſhould ſeeke unto p. 58God, and depend upon him, the al-ſufficient, and faithfull God, as Abraham did here, He will be ſeen in the Mount: As for inſtance, ſuppoſe thy eaſe ſhould be like Elijahs or Sampſons, that was ready to periſh with thirſt, or the poore Widow, that had only a little oyle in a cruſe, and a little meale in a barrell, that thou ſhouldſt be in want, have nothing to keep ſoule and body together, and maintaine life, no money in the purſe, no bread in the en…bord, no meale in the barrell, no friend in the world that thou knoweſt of, and it may be, greatly in debt alſo, that thou ſea…ſe dareſt ſhew thy face, for feare of an Arreſt, as was the poore widow,2 …ing … 1. All is gone, ſaith ſhe, and the Creditour is come to take unto him my two ſonnes to be bondmen: All is gone, nothing left to preſerve life, nor affoard me comfort, but my two ſonnes, and now the Creditor is come to deprive me of that alſo. Here is a ſad complaint,… King. 17.6. yet God did provide for Elijah bread and fleſh in the Morning, and bread and fleſh in the Evening, by a Raven, which in reaſon would rather have robbed, then relieved him.Iudg. 15.…8. Na…. 20.7, 8, 11. 2 Kin. 4.3, 4, 7.Judg 15:82 Kgs 4:32 Kgs 4:42 Kgs 4:7 He provided drinke for Sampſon, even out of the jaw-bone of an Aff…: for Iſrael out of the ſtony rocke, and the poore widow increaſed her oyle, whereby ſhe was inabled, both to live comfortably, and pay her debts: ſo if thou canſt by faith looke up unto God, and depend upon him in the moderate uſe of lawfull meanes, if any be, he is able, and will ſurely provide, and doe that which ſhall be beſt for thee.

Therefore reſolve with faithfull Habakkuk, in the perſon of the Church,Hab. 3.17.Hab 3:17 Although the fig-tree ſhall not bloſſome, neither ſhall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the Olive ſhall faile, and the field ſhall beare no meat, the flocke ſhall be cut off from the field, and there ſhall be no herd in the ſtalles, yet will reioyce in the Lord, I will ioy in the God of my ſalvation, The Lord God is my ſtrength.

Againe, ſuppoſe thou be in any great danger (as ſometimes was David, 1 Sam 23. Act. 27.18. … Cor. 1.8, 9, 101 Sam 23Acts 27:18Jonas, or Paul, when the ſhip was broken, and when he and the reſt of his brethren with him, were preſſed out of meaſure, above ſtrength inſomuch that they despaired of life, and had the ſentence of death in themſelves, that they ſhould not truſt in themſelves, but in God, God did deliver them from ſo great a death) Though I ſay it be thy eaſe, yet deſpaire not, be not diſcouraged, why ſhouldſt not thou hope in God, as well as they did? Oh! out p. 59they were moſt eminent perſons, for faith, humility, &c. but I am a poore, vile wretch, full of unbeleefe, pride, &c. Well, be it ſo; Yet know that God (though he expect, and command us to grow in grace, yet he lookes not in the hearing of prayer) at the meaſure of grace in the petitioner, but to the truth of grace, and the ſincerity of the heart: Yea, the rather will God help, becauſe thou art a poore weake ſoule, that canſt not wait long, or beare much.Iſa. 60.2.Isa 60:2 To him will I looke (ſaith God) even to him that is poore, and of a contrite spirit, to ſuch a ſoule as ſees nothing in himſelf, but abundance of ſinne, and emptineſſe of God.32.3. He will not quench the ſmoaking flaxe, nor breake the bruiſed reed, ſaith the Prophet Iſay.

Thus in reſpect of private, ſo alſo in reſpect of the publicke troubles and ſtraits of the Church, abroad in Germany, in Ireland, and here at home, whatſoever, or how evill ſoever our condition ſeeme to be, yet let not any fathfull ſoule be diſcouraged, God will not deſtroy his people, he will not deliver them up into the hands of their enemies, but will be ſeen in the Mount, and will help and deliver them when it comes to the point, when outward meanes faile.

1. All the former examples, and many more upon record, both in divine and humane Hiſtories (which might be mentioned) of Gods goodneſſe towards his people in their ſtraits, are encouragements to us:Rom. 15.4.Rom 15:4 For whatſoever was written afore time was written for our inſtruction, that we through patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope; And therefore why ſhould we be diſcouraged? humbled for our owne and others ſinnes, and Gods diſhonour, indeed we ſhould be, but not diſcouraged, hang downe the head as men without hope. Therefore

2, Weigh alſo thoſe 5. Reaſons, which doe over-power my ſpirit, diſpell ſuch feares, and carry it on high, as it were above the Sun.

1. God ſpared England when it was at the worſt, when Religion, Lawes, and all went downe the winde, and ſ…ſe a man durſt publickely ſhew his face for God, when prophaneneſſe, ſuperſtition, and idolatry increaſed greatly without controule, and no thoughts of Reformation; and therefore, much more will he ſpare it now, Reformation is begun. If God ſhould now p. 60ſuffer the enemies to prevails, now England begins to reforme, then it w… be to his great diſhonour, the enemies of the Church would impute it to the Reformation, and blaſphemouſly ſay, That becauſe …e goe about, to reforme things amiſſe in the Church, and remove ev…ls, therefore God is angry with us, and hath gi…n us up into their hands, and ſo impute our deſtruction to reformation, which is Gods worke, as the procuring cauſe of our …ſery and overthrow, and their victory and triumph in our ruines, to their Popiſh prayers, and Idoll-Saints; but God will not part with his glory, which he hath purchaſed with a ſtrong hand.

See a notable promiſe, and an example to this purpoſe.

1. A notable inſtance to this purpoſe in Jehoſaphats dayes,2 Chron. 19.2 Chr 19 he ſeeing things greatly amiſſe in the Church, and Civill State, ſet upon the worke of Reformation, purged the houſe of God, and reformed much in the Church and Common-wealth, preſently upon that came the Moabites, Cap 20. v. 10, 11, 12. Ver. 25.the Ammonites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir againſt him, with ſo great an army, that he profeſſed, there was no might in him and his people to withſtand them, and that they knew not what to doe; yet the enemies of Judah had a mighty overthrow, and why? becauſe Jehoſaphat had put himſelfe and his people into a good poſture of defence, in reſpect of their ſpirituall ſtate towards God, by their humiliation and reformation, they were returned againe to the Lord, and ſought him; and therefore God would not now leave them, when they had moſt need of his help:Ionah 3.10.Jonah 3:10 Yea, when Pagan Niniveh did begin to reforme and turne away from their evill wayes, God did not deſtroy them as he had threatened, and otherwiſe had undoubtedly done; and yet their reformation is generally ſuppoſed to be but outward, and hypocriticall, not inward, of the heart and ſincere, much leſſe will God deſtroy a Chriſtian Nation, when we begin to reforme, and turne to him.

2. See alſo a notable promiſe to this purpoſe, Jer. 18. ſaith God, At what inſtant I ſhall ſpeake concerning a Nation, Ier. 18.7, 8.Jer 18:7Jer 18:8and concerning a Kingdome to plucke up, to pull downe and deſtroy it; If that Nation againſt whom I have pronounced, turne from their evill, I will repent of the evill! thought to doe unto them. God threatens deſtruction to England, England begins to reforme her evill wayes, and p. 61p… away her whoredomes and abominations, and therefore ſurely God will ſpare, not deſtroy England, whatſoever dangers ſeem to threaten us.

3. God hath many mourners in England that ſigh and groane, becauſe of the abominations and ſinnes of the land, and doe ſtrive againſt them, and thirſt after a pure ſtate of the Church with longing deſire; Yea, the Parliament, the repreſentative body of this Kingdome, hath ever in theſe declining times bin againſt the evils, declared themſelves againſt them, and laboured what in them lay to redreſſe evils, and purge the Church, and God doth not uſe to deſtroy a Nation, or give them up into the hands of their enemies, ſo long as the Lots, Jobs, Samuels, Daniels remaine in it, and ſtand in the gap; much leſſe when the whole kingdome, as the Parliament is, by repreſentation and deputation, ſtand in the gap, and ſeeke to turne away wrath from the people. So much is clearly implyed in that ſpeech of God,Ezek, 22.30. I ſought for a man among them that ſhould make up the hedge, and ſtand in the gap before me for the land, that I ſhould not deſtroy it, but I found none. This Argument hath given good hopes to many, even when things were at worſt, and no Parliament thought of, that God would yet be gracious to England.

4. England fals to Faſting and Pryaing throughout the Land, and God hath put a mighty ſpirit of prayer into the hearts of his people, generally throughout the Kingdome; every good mans heart is inlarged towards God for the peace of Jeruſalem, even children in yeares, and young perſons have eyes to ſee that things are amiſſe, and their hearts open to goe to the throne of grace, for mercy and favour for England, and have their dayes of humiliation and prayer, yea, ſcarce any that hath the face of a Chriſtian, or principle of common honeſty in him, but doth as well as he can, pray for Englands peace and happineſſe. And we doe not any where reade of any people, whom God deſtroyed, when they fell generally throughout the Land to Faſting and Prayer, but ever that God ſpared them;Ion. 3.5.Jonah 3:5 Iſrael and Judah often (yea and ſome out of the Church, as the Ninevites) and very often when they have bin brought to a very low condition, yet, when they ſought unto God in their trouble, he delivered them. See one place inſtead of many, namely, Pſal. 107. eſpecially, v. p. 626, 13, 19, 28 Then they cryed unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their diſtreſſes. I will trouble you with one publike inſtance … that is in Heſter, Hoſt 2.4.7. & 3and two inſtances in particular perſons in Heſters time the Church of the Iews was brought into a very low condition, and a moſt deſperate ſtrait, nothing was before them in the eye of humane reaſon, but death and utter deſtruction, the Deerbe was ſealed never to be reverſed, and the Poſtes haſted to publiſh it every where, that all their enemies might be ready at the day appointed to deſtroy them; the Jewes fell to Faſting and Prayer, and God delivered them. For particular inſtances, one is in Nebuchadnezzar, he was brought ſo low, that a man would have thought,Dan. 4.31.Dan 4:31 it had been impoſſible for him, ever to have been reſtored, he had loſt his Kingdome and wits alſo, which are (as a learned man ſaid) the onelyonly way to bring a man in againe; he had loſt all his beauty and was become as a Beaſt of the field,Ver. 34. not in ſubſtance, but in condition and carriage, yet when be looked up to Heaven, God heard him and reſtored him to his ſenſes, kingdome and honour againe, and ſo he did Ionah, when a man in all reaſon would have thought it impoſſible,Jon ….2.1. being then in the middle of the Sea, covered over with waters, and in the Whales belly, a creature whoſe ſtomack can digeſt any thing.

4. And ſurely this alſo hath weight in it, and is a good argument of hope and comfort, that God hath ſet up many worthy lights, and put many faithfull, painfull and profitable labourers into his Vineyard very lately, and many, (eſpecially young people) come in a…p…ce and ſubmit to the Goſpell, and beginne to ſhew forth the power of Godlineſſe in their lives.

5. Alſo it is very remarkable and comfortable, conſider, that all the plots, deſignes, and indeavours of the enemies have hitherto been ſo timely (through Gods goodneſſe and the Parliaments vigilancy) diſcovered, prevented and diſappointed in a great part, that all hath turned to their diſ-advantage, and the good of the Church, and furtherance of the worke of God, that is upon the wheeles, and the whole carriage of all things (through Gods great goodneſſe) ſeemes to p. 63me to give great ground of comfort to his people, bleſſed be God.

And therefore (Brethren) be not diſcouraged! doe not feare, ſuffer not your hearts to be caſt downe, whatſoever the preſent dangers ſeeme to threaten: But looke up unto God and depend upon him. It is a great fault for a Chriſtian to let goe his hold, when dangers are great and imminent, though we be too too apt to doe ſo upon all occaſions: yet we ſhould not. David did ſo, but when he had recollected his thoughts, he did much blame himſelfe for it, Why art thou caſt downe ô my ſoule, and why art thou diſquieted in me? Pſ. 43 5.Ps 43:5And therefore plucke up your ſpirits, prepare for the worſt, yet looke beyond the cloud, and behold with an eye of Faith Gods great power, wiſdome, goodneſſe, faithfulneſſe and the like, and thinke upon what he hath done for his Church formerly, and of late yeares for our ſelves in particular, how he hath ſtill diſcovered the Papiſts plots and deſignes, and preſerved his people, and then thinke of what Manoahs wife ſaid to her diſtruſtfull timor us husband.Jud. 13.22, 23.Judg 13:22Judg 13:23 If the Lord were pleaſed to kill us, he would not then have received a burnt-offering and a meat-offering at our hands, neither would he have ſhewed us all theſe things, nor would at this time have told us ſuch things as theſe. So if the Lord had a purpoſe to deſtroy this Nation, or give us up into the hand of our enemies, he would not have done thus and thus for us as he hath done; for though the Lord doth not, or very rarely worke miracles now, yet he works wonders, and is as able and willing to doe as great things as ever he was, yea, and doth ſo too, when there is the like occaſion, and hath often within theſe few years laſt paſt done very great things. However let us doe our duty, look up unto God and depend upon him, and reſolve every one of us with Ioh, Though the Lord ſlay mee, yet, Job 13.15.Job 13:15will I truſt in him.

I will not deny but riſings may be, and ſome bloud be ſhed; God will ſurely repay blood with blood, and if not by the Sword, yet at leaſt by the execution of Juſtice on ſuch, as have ſhed the blood of his Saints, and bin the grand enemies of his Church, but I cannot conceive our trouble will be much or long, I hope, p. 62duplicate page p. 63duplicate page p. 64but a brunt: Indeed, when I looke upon our many, great, crying ſins, Gods Juſtice, Purity and Holines, and the unwillingnes of many to be healed, yea, obſtinacy in their evill wayes, &c. I can look for no mercy, but rather wonder we were not deſtroyed long agoe, but when again I look upon the conſiderations above mentioned, the whole courſe of Gods providence all along to this day, laying open perſons and things, diſcovering and preventing moſt dangerous plots and deſignes, and bringing on his worke ſtill notwithſtanding, yea, by the adverſaries plots (though full ſore againſt their minds) and when I alſo looke upon the intolerable inſolency, impiety, blaſphemies and confidence of victory in many of that party, I cannot conceive they ſhall go on long or doe much hurt.

Is not (I will onelyonly move the Queſtion, but determine nothing) Is not, or may not this be thought to be the time, when the witn…ſſes, the godly Miniſters ſlaine by the Prelacy and their procuring, in reſpect of their office, thruſt out of their livings and calling, wherein they might have bin uſefull in the Church of God, and ſo dead in reſpect of office, are riſen againe from the dead, reſtored to their Miniſtery, to the wonder of all that ſee it, and knew what havocke was made of them (when fifty able and godly Miniſters within two yeares ſpace, were excommunicated, deprived, ſilenced, and ſuſpended by one man) but the other day,A…ti…les agaiſt B Wr…n. and ſo upward, for divers yeares together?

Obſerve what is ſaid by Saint John, of the witneſſes, v. 12. And they aſcended up to Heaven in a cloud, Rev. 11.12, 13Rev 11:12Rev 11:13and their enemies beheld them, of the Churches enemies, v. 13. And the ſame houre was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the City fell, and in the earthquake were ſlaine of men ſeven thouſand, and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of Heaven. At the ſame houre (marke it) namely when the faithfull witneſſes were raiſed up, reſtored to life, to their offices and places in the miniſtery againe, there was a great earthquake, i.e. a great alteration and change in the Church, and it muſt needs be here from the worſe to the better, and a tenth part of the City fell: By City, ſome underſtand Rome it ſelf, which ſay ſome, is but a tenth part of that which once was, others p. 65rather of the Romane Hierarchy and power of Antichriſt, in his Adherents, Abettors, and Supporters, and in the earthquake were ſlaine of men, 7000. of men, in the Greeke, foreign not of men, but of the names of men. Names are ſometimes taken for Titles and Offices: were ſlaine, viz. in this earthquake, alteration and reformation of the Church. Now if there be found about 7000 of the Prelates, Chancellors, Arch-Deacons, Officials, with an Et cætera, ſuppoſe what may be the iſſue of this earthquake, that now ſhakes in theſe Kingdomes of his Majeſty, eſpecially in this of England. But the thing I chiefly note this place for, is this, to ſhew (as I conceive) that our troubles cannot be long, nor great, in reſpect of the downfall of our adverſaries, the enemies of the Church, and who can tell whether the Lord will not by ſuch a way take occaſion to ſingle out the enemies of his Church, which hee hath appointed to be the objects of juſtice, which otherwiſe could not be ſo obnoxious to juſtice, as by ſuch a way they may be? But I affirme nothing poſitively, times and meanes are in Gods hand, but doe aſſure my ſelfe, that the iſſue whenſoever it be, will be the Churches greater good, and the enemies downefall. That is the firſt caſe of extreame want or danger.

Secondly, In caſe of loſſe, as it was with the worthies, Heb 11. that ſuffered the loſſe of all, and the faithfull Jewes,Heb. 10 34. 1 Sam. 30.6.Heb 10:341 Sam 30:6 that tooke ioyfully the ſpoyling of their goods, and David, who when all was gone, and the people alſo talked of ſtoning of him, he comforted himſelfe in God, and Moſes, Heb. 11.24, 25, 26.Heb 11:24Heb 11:25Heb 11:26who refuſed to be called the ſon of Pharaohs daughter, chuſing rather to ſuffer affliction with the people of God, then to enioy the pleaſures of ſinne, that laſt but for a ſeaſon. You know alſo how it was with Job, he loſt all he had,Iob 1.2, 3.Job 1:2Job 1:3 that he had not an Oxe, or Aſſe, or Sheep left him, his ſervants and children alſo, and his friends left him; yea, his owne wife and ſervants that remained were againſt him, he was brought even to the top of the Mount, into ſuchan extremity, what with outward and inward loſſes and troubles that he could ſcarſe goe any further: Yet when Job humbled himſelfe, and ſought unto God, he was heard, and obtained mercy; God reſtored to him his health, and honour againe, proſperity, friends, beauty, and all returned to him againe, and he was greater then ever before, alſo he had p. 66ſons and daughters. Likewiſe God provided for Moſes and the reſt.See Mat. 6.25.20 3….Matt 6:25Matt 6:20 So be thy caſe like theirs, yet God will provide or ſupport, without meanes, or take thee away to a better ſtate of life, where we ſhall have better and more durable riches, where there will be no need of outward comforts. Jeſus ſaid to his Diſciples, Verily I ſay unto you, Mat. 19 27, 28 29.Matt 19:27Matt 19:28that every one that hath forſaken houſes, or brethren, or ſiſters or father, or mother, or Wife, or children, or land for my Names ſake, ſhall receive a hundred fold and ſhall inherit eternall life.

3. In caſe of violent temptations, looke upon Saul, he was buffeted grievouſly, he prayed often that God would free him from it, notwithſtanding …od ſtill continued his affliction, though very heavy, yet at laſt, after divers fervent prayers, God gave him this comfortable anſwer,2 Cor. 12.7, 8, 92 Cor 12:72 Cor 12:82 Cor 12:9 My grace is ſufficient for thee. If God lay on weight, he will give ſhoulders, and ſtrength to beare it.1 Cor. 1….13.1 Cor 1:13 God is faithfull (ſayes the Apoſtle) who will not ſuffer you to be tempted above that you are able. See it alſo in Heman, Aſaph, David, Job and others.

4. In caſe of Gods not hearing prayer. It may be thou prayeſt for ſome ſpeciall good, or removall of ſome ſpeciall evill, and prayeſt and prayeſt againe and againe, yet God heareth not (I ſpeake of hearing of teſtification) but ſeemes to turne the deafe eare,There is … 3 fold he…ing of pray…r, viz … obſervation of approbation, & of teſtification, Mat. 5… …. … Cor. 12.8, 9.Matt 5 and it may be to deny thee, yet be of good comfor: It was ſo with the woman of Canaan, ſhe begged hard, he denyed her, ſhe went to him againe and againe, would take no denyall, at laſt he gave her a gracious anſwer, Be it unto thee even as thou wilt. So Paul rayed againe and againe, God anſwered not till the third time, i. e. till he prayed often. It may be thou art not humbled enough, thou art not yet fit for mercy; and therefore ſearch and humble thy ſelfe, pray ſtill, and wait upon God, He will be ſeen in the Mo…at.

5. In caſe of ſpirituall deſertion, when God hides his face, withdrawes the light of his countenance from a ſoule that lyeth conflicting under great trouble: If this be thy caſe, yet faint not, be not eaſt downe, looke up unto God ſtill. So ſaith the Prophet Iſaiah, … …0.1….Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that walketh in darkneſſe, and hath no light, that is in great and deep deſertions and troubles, and hath no light of comfort, Let him truſt in the p. 67Name of the Lord, and ſtay upon his God. It is a great comfort to a ſtranger that is in a wide Forreſt in a darke night, to have a ſure guide with him, to direct him the way that will certainly bring him where he would be; And ſo it may be to a deſerted ſoule, that walks in darkneſſe, and hath no light of comfort to have ſuch a ſure guide as this to direct him a ſore way, to find comfort in the end, Let him truſt in the Name of the Lord, &c. This God will be ſeen in the Mount. It may be thou a… not yet come to the top of the Mount, and therefore patiently goe on ſtill, God will be ſeen in the Mount. Thus (brethren) when we conſider what a God we have in Covenant, and what a promiſe he hath made, we have good ground to comfort our ſelves in him in all extremities.

Fourthly, will God be ſeen in the Mount, Ʋſs 4.then this may ſerve to teach, incite, and encourage all in generall, and particularly the honourable Houſes of Parliament.

Firſt, All in generall, and that to a double duty.

1. To goe unto God by prayer in all caſes of extremity, yea in all troubles and afflictions whatſoever. God himſelfe directs us to this, Call upon me in the time of trouble, and I will deliver thee. Pſal. 50.15.Ps 50:15And it is the conſtant practiſe of the Saints, yea of wicked men alſo, to go to God in their troubles, yea very Pagans and Heathens doe ſo;Io…ah 1.5. Witneſſe the rude Mariners that carried Jonas in their ſhip, and the ſouldiers with him. And indeed this is a powerfull and prevailing meanes, being rightly performed, and cannot be otherwiſe, if we conſider that ſuch prayers are,

1. The act of Gods Spirit in the ſoule, and according to his will. The Spirit maketh interceſſion for the Saints, Rom. 8.27.Rom 8:27according to the will of God; and therefore being the worke of Gods owne Spirit, and according to his will, it cannot but be accepted and prevailing.

2. It is grounded on Gods owne promiſes, Aske and have, Whatſoever ye ſhall aske the Father in my Name he will give it you, Call upon me in the time of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and God cannot deny himſelfe.

3. Such prayers are put up by the hand of Jeſus Chriſt, the beloved of the Father, in whom he is well pleaſed, and whom he cannot deny any thing, ſo that though he may and will deny as when p. 68we goe in our owne name, yet he will not deny thoſe that goe unto him in his Sons name, the humble, faithfull requeſts of his poore ſervants put up in the name of Jeſus Chriſt.

4. I may adde alſo, that it tends much to his glory to heare the prayers of his ſervants, and help them in their extremities, it proclaimes his omniſcience, almighty power, wiſedome, goodneſſe, faithfulneſſe and care over his people.

Therefore pray, and pray fervently and faithfully, and pray conſtantly, give not over praying whatſoever extremity thou ſeemeſt to thy ſelfe to be brought into; yea, the greater the extremity, pray more earneſtly, and hope moſt. A ſhip hath moſt uſe of an Ankor when the waves are rougheſt, and the ſtorme greateſt: ſo here moſt need to pray, and put out the Ankor of hope in greateſt troubles, and there is ground for it, then to be fulleſt of hope, becauſe deliverance is neareſt, the nearer to the top of the Mount, to the uttermoſt extremity, the nearer to mercy, for God will be ſeen in the Mount, he will help and deliver in extremity.

2. It ſhould teach us all patiently to relye upon God in every caſe, in every place and condition caſt thy ſelfe upon him. He was with Daniel in the Lyons den to ſtop the Lyons mouthes, with the 3. children in the fiery furnace, to reſtraine the force of the fire that it hurt them not, and ſo with others in their troubles and tryals,Iſa. 43 2.Isa 43:2 and hath promiſed to be with all his. When thou paſſeſt through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers they ſhall not overflow thee; and when thou walkeſt through the fire, thou ſhalt not be burnt, Ioſh 1 5, 8. Heb. 13.5.Josh 1:5Josh 1:8Heb 13:5neither ſhall the flame kindle upon thee. I will never leave thee, nor forſake thee. In what condition or extremity ſoever thou be, yet ſtill wait patiently upon God, he will help in the moſt ſeaſonable time.

Oh, but my ſinnes are great, I am a vile unworthy creature, he will not regard ſuch a vile wretch as I am, beſide all outward meanes faile.

Anſw. But take heed, doe not limit the Holy One of Iſrael, neither for the thing, time, manner nor meanes, he is al-ſufficient, his mercies are great and free, and he knowes the fitteſt time; therefore feare not, but relye wholly on God, truſt perfectly in him. There is in many a truſting in God, p. 69but … is imperfect, they ſeeke to, and truſt in other things with God yea without God, in themſelves, friends, and other things and meanes. This ought not to be ſo, we ſhould truſt w…y and only in God, and wait patiently on him, he will be ſ…en in due time. Conſider the Husbandman, I am. 5.7, 8.he waiteth for the fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, be ye alſo patient, ſtabliſh your heart, ſaith James. If the Husbandman doe with patience undergoe all weathers and caſualties, and wait long for the fruit, that he may have a joyfull harveſt, then much more ought they to wait that ſow ſeed in Heaven, gracious and precious ſeed, teares and prayers, and doubtleſſe they ſhall reap in due time, we have Gods owne word for it,Pſal. 137.7, 8.Ps 137:7Ps 137:8 They that ſow in teares ſhall reap in ioy.

Secondly, as it may and ought to teach and encourage all to goe on, and reſt perfectly and patiently on God, ſo particularly to You the Worthies of Iſrael, who are now imployed by God, the King and Countrey, in the great ſervice of the Kingdome. You have a great worke before you, mighty Adverſaries, and great oppoſition, the Devill, the Pope, that Balaam of Rome, that curſeth the people that will not adhere to him, and all the rabble of popiſh and prophane wretches, who are digging as deep as hell to undermine you, and your honourable proceedings, and blow all up, their continuall deſperate deſignes, and hell bred treaſons, and bloudy threatenings, witneſſe to all the world the extreame height of their malice, and your dangers. You ſeeme to be now even in the very top of the Mount of extreame dangers, and the whole Kingdome, our Religion, Lawes, liberties, and free Courts of Juſtice with you are upon the verticall point; yet be not diſcouraged (much honoured Patriots) God will be ſeen in the Mount, doe you continue daily to ſeeke unto God, wholly deny your ſelves, and depend upon him, walke with him, and ſeeke him and the publicke good in all your undertakings, and be aſſured God will ever protect, direct, preſerve and deliver you. Hath he not preſerved, directed, and protected you hitherto, even to admiration, when there was but a ſtep, but a word betwixt you and death? and he will ever protect, and in due time deliver his Majeſty, and the Kingdowe with you, if you ſtill walke with p. 70him; God will be ſeen in the Mount, when it comes to the very point, when the enemies of Sion thinke to ſtrike the fatall blow.

But when God ſhewes himſelf in the Mount, helps and delivery you, and the Kingdome with you in our extremities, and tre…s the enemies under the foot of juſtice, then beware you doe no forget to returne all poſſible praiſe and thankfulneſſe to God, for ſo great a mercy; but with Abraham here, erect a Monument to perpetuate the memory of ſuch divine mercies to poſterity: And in the meane time you muſt ſet up your E…en-ezer, … Sam 7.12.Hitherto hath God helped us, as Samuel and all Iſrael did.

And ſo I come to the third and laſt point, obſerved in theſe words, which is this,

That mercies and deliverances in our extremity or great troubles, Dect. 3.ought eſpecially to be noted, and the remembrance of them continued.

Here Abraham in memory of ſo great a mercy, that ſo eminent a paſſage of divine providence might never be forgotten, he (as it were) ſets up a pillar, or Monument to all poſterity, with this inſcription, Jehovah-jirah, the Lord will ſee and provide, with this proverbiall ſpeech alſo, In the Mount of the Lord it ſhall be ſeen. All the while Abraham was buſied in making the Altar, laying on the wod, &c. God ſaw, but was not ſeen, did not ſhew himſelfe, but when it came to the act of ſtriking the fatall ſtroake, which was even falling downe, then God was ſeene, i.e. did manifeſt his gracious pleaſure in preſerving Iſaac; and therefore Abraham labours to perpetuate the memory of this great mercy, in the name of the place; He called the name of the place, Iehovah-jirah.

And ſo ſhould we doe of ſpeciall mercies and deliverances. Indeed we ſhould be thankfull for all, even for the leaſt mercy and deliverance, even nature, common honeſty, and equity require, that where we receive a benefit,Nihil eſt æquè Deo gratu a …q, grati eſſe anime, Chryſoſt. Orat. 2. ad Cor. 1. we ſhould returne thanks; beſide, it is a moſt excellent duty, more diſpleaſing to the Devill, but more acceptable to God then prayer; for prayer argues want, and miſery, which the Devill deſireth and rejoyceth at; but thankfulneſſe argues plenty, at leaſt a comfortable condition, p. 71which the Divell envies,Invitat al magna qui gratanter ſu…p… mudica Ca…ſiod. in Pſal. Grav ſſimum v…t…um … homine indig…um. it doth more argue ſincerity of the heart then prayer doth, and ſhall continue when prayer ſhall ceaſe. It is very advantagious to our ſelves, it conciliates favour with God, is (as I may ſay) an encouragement to our heavenly Father to go on to do us good, and to beſtow better and greate… mercies and deliverances. But unthankfulneſſe is a grievous fault in the opinion even of the very Heathens, diſpleaſing**Spiritus gratiæ contumeliam ſ…t, qui b…ne ficium dantis grat… mente non ſuſcipit. Ber. Ex. 17.14.Exod 17:14 to God, and ſeldome goes unpuniſhed in this world, God takes notice of it, though againſt man, much more if againſt himſelfe, records it to their infamy; inſtance in Pharaohs chiefe Butlers forgetfulneſſe of Joſeph, it hinders good things from us, ſhuts up the fountaine of Gods goodneſſe, cauſeth him to take away or blaſt what he hath already given a people, and often brings down judgement upon the head of the unthankfull, as the Scripture witneſſeth.

But eſpecially hould we be thankfull for, take ſpeciall notice of, and record to poſterity ſpeciall mercies and deliverances.

For 1. So we are commanded, after God had delivered Iſrael and diſco…ſited Amalek. Gen. 35.1.Gen 35:1God commanded Moſes ſaying, Write this for a memoriall in a booke. Likewiſe when God had brought Jacob ſafe home againe to his native country and delivered him from the wrath of his brother Eſau, God bad him goe to Bethel, and make there an Altar unto God, Joſh. 4.….Josh 4(namely, to offer ſacrifice of thankeſgiving unto God) who appeared unto him, when he ſled from the face of his brother Eſau, and had now delivered him. Likewiſe when God had delivered Iſrael, and brought them out of the wilderneſſe and through the river Iordan, he commanded Joſhua to take twelve …tones out of the middeſt of Jordan, and ſet them up to bee a memoriall to future generations of what God had that day done for them.

2. Therefore the people of God uſed to record speciall mercies and deliverances in their Chronicles, in the names of their children, of places and the like.Ex. 15.1. Jud. 5.1. Iſa. 38.….Exod 15:1Judg 5:1Isa 38 Alſo in spirituall Songs and Pſalmes: So did Moſes Iſraels deliverance out of Aegypt. Deborah and Baruk their great deliverance from, and victory over Siſera and Iabin King of Canaan: And Hezekiah his p. 72Song of thanksgiving after his recovery from ſo eminent a danger of death,Heſt. 9 10. &c. & ver. 29, 30, 31 and the Jewes feaſt of Purim.

And thirdly, there is great reaſon for it:

1. From the leſſe to the great. I argue thus, If we muſt be thankfull for particular and ſmaller, even f…r the leaſt mercy, as it is, Pſal. 103.2. Forget not at all, i.e. any of his benefits, and there is good reaſon for it, then much leſſe may we forget or be unthankfull for great and extraordinary mercies and deliverances out of extremities, wherein Gods goodneſſe, power, wiſedome, mercy,Reaſ. 1. &c. are moſt remarkably ſeen.

2. From the equity of the duty 2. wayes.

Firſt, becauſe Gods mercies to the fathers are mercies to their poſterity, future generations are the better for them; Here the mercy ſhewed to Abraham in ſaving Iſaac was a mercy to all ages; He was to be the ſeed of the Church, In him, i.e. in the Meſſiah that was to be borne of him, all Nations ſhould be bleſſed. So we this day reape the fruit of thoſe great deliverances in 88. and from the Gun-powder treaſon, and others ſince; if either of thoſe,1588 & 1605. or theſe had taken effect, either we had not now been at all, or been miſerable ſlaves to Antichriſt, both in our ſoules, bodies, and eſtates, without the wonderfull and extraordinary mercy of God; and therefore great reaſon ſuch great mercies and deliverances ſhould be recorded, and the memory of them perpetuated, that the generations to come after us, who have the bene…it of them, ſhould know them, and bleſſe God for them.Pſal. 102 18.Ps 102:18 This ſhall be written for the generation to come, and the people which ſhall be created ſhall praiſe the Lord.

Secondly, It is equall alſo, that there ſhould be ſome proportion between our receits and our returnes; our mercies are great, extraordinary, laſting, ſtanding mercies for future times, and therefore great reaſon our returnes of praiſe ſhould be more then ordinary, laſting, and continued in our poſterity.

3. Such mercies and deliverances ſhould be ſpecially noted, and the remembrance of them perpetuated to teſtifie our love to God, deſire of his glory, and hearty thankefulneſſe for his goodneſſe, care and providence over us, which appeares in that we would have his goodneſſe to be remembred, and his praiſe to live when we are dead. So men doe with benefactors, record their kindneſſe p. 73and bounty, ſet up a Monument with inſcriptions, that after times may reade their kindneſſe and bounty towards us, whom we love and deſire to honour for their beneficence towards us, eſpecially if publicke, and much more ſhould we labour to perpetuate the mercies and praiſes of our good and bountifull God and Saviour, to teſtifie our love to him, and deſire of his glory. In this caſe a gracious heart may uſe the words of Paul, who ſaid, The love of Chriſt conſtraineth us. If we truly love God,2 Cor. 5.14.2 Cor 5:14 and deſire to honour him, we ſhall endeavour to perpetuate his praiſes.

4. We ſhould take ſpeciall notice of, and labour to continue the remembrance of ſpeciall deliverances and mercies, for the benefit of future ages, for the ſtrengthening their faith, comfort and ſupport in evill times. For this cauſe (ſaith David) ſhall every one that is godly pray unto thee. We have heard with our eares, O God, Pſal 32.6.44.1. &c.Ps 32:6Ps 32:44Ps 32:1(ſay the faithfull in evill times) Our fathers have told us what work, thou didſt in their dayes, in the time of old, and marke what uſe the Church makes of Gods former mercies and deliverances to his people. Thou art my King, O God, v. 4, 5.command deliverances for Jacob, through thee we will puſh downe our enemies, through thy name we will tread them under that riſe up againſt us. The remembrance of former mercies to his people, though long before, doth ſtrengthen their faith, and put courage into them in their ſtraites, makes them confident in evill times, and to reſt on God in their greateſt exigents, and this uſe wee ſhould ever make of former deliverances, as did alſo David, 1 Sam. 17.34. 2 Cor 1.10.1 Sam 17:342 Cor 1:10Paul and others.

Ʋſe of Reprehenſion.This being a duty ſo apparent and neceſſary, it may ſerve to reprove and condemne the great ingratitude and vile practiſe of moſt men, and of our ſelves in particular, who are ſo far from perpetuating the remembrance of Gods mercies and deliverances to our ſelves and the Land, That▪

1. Many doe not returne thanks to God for them, no, ſcarce while they are freſh and new, before our eyes, eſpecially for ſmaller, more ordinary and common mercies and deliverances.

We cannot looke any way beſide mercies: If we looke into our ſelves, we have our being, our ſoules and bodies, all our members, p. 74faculties and abilities from God with the continuance of them: If we looke without us, on the Heaven, the Earth and Seas, meat, drinke, clothing, houſes, the fire, water, ayre we breathe in, every creature is a mercy. There are alſo ſpirituall mercies, God gave us his Sonne, a wonderfull mercy and deliverance wrought by him for man, the Goſpell, the Word and Sacraments, great mercies, and theſe with many others we doe enjoy hitherto, with peace, plenty and liberty, no ſmall bleſſings, God hath compaſſed us about with mercies, and delivers us every day from many knowne, and more unknown dangers that might befall us.

If we looke upon mercies in the Mount, in time of extremity, we may ſay much both of publicke and private, of privative and poſitive mercies. If God had not put in and holpen us (may many of us ſay) I had certainly dyed in ſuch a ſickneſſe, in ſuch a danger, I had been utterly undone in ſuch a leſſe, I had been ſpoyled at ſuch a time, &c. So for publicke mercies and deliverances, in which every one hath a ſhare for the publicke good, is every mans private benefit. Was not England brought into the Mount, to a very great exigent? and was not God ſeene for Englands good in 88. in ſcattering and deſtroying that invincible Navy,A…no 1588. as the Adverſaries themſelves ſtiled it? In November 5. 1605. when there wanted but a very little time to be added to make our King (that then was) and He that now is,1605. the Queene, Prince, Nobles, Commens in Parliment, and many thouſands more, together with the Houſes, the Records of the Land, and of every mans particular right, yea the whole Kingdome, our Religion, Lawes, Liberties, and all to come to nothing, and then God appeared, and wrought a great ſalvation for us before we knew our ſelves to be in danger. So when the Churches in Germany were brought to an exceeding low ebbe, God raiſed up that renowned King of Sweden, and others ſince, that have done great things, revived the dying hopes of Germany, this was the mighty worke of God. So God did wonderfully preſerve Ireland, eſpecially the great City of that Kingdome, giving very great and wonderfull deliverances and victories to a few over many very often. God hath preſerved and done great things for faithfull loyall Scotland (ſometimes pronounced, and p. 75commonly called traytors, though miſunderſtanding, when they ſtood for the defence of Religion, Lawes and Liberties, againſt the publicke enemies of the Church) when in the eye of earnall reaſon there was little or no hopes of enjoying either. Againe, for our ſelves at home, 1639. & 1640.did not the Lord ſtrangely and wonderfully preſerve this Nation from the Spaniſh Navy the other yeares, and from imbruing our hands in our neighbours bloud, who ſought our welfare, and deſtroying one another till none remaine, or if we were conquered by them we muſt needs loſe all, and if we did conquer them, we were ſure that both the victory and our ſelves ſhould be a prey to the malignant party for whom we fought. We have had many great mercies and deliverances from many great and deſperate deſignes, ſo that we doe enjoy peace, liberty and the Goſpell to this very day, notwithſtanding all our feares and jealouſies grounded upon moſt evident and imminent cauſes, threatening deſtruction and loſſe of all, broken our yoaks, eaſed our ſhoulders and our conſciences alſo in a great put-off of many grievous burdens. The time would faile me to tell of all the great things that God hath done for us within theſe few yeares by-paſt, and utter his mercies and our deliverances by while. There is cauſe enough why we ſhould ſtand even amazed with the Jewes in Babylon, Pſal. 126.1.Ps 126:1that after Proclamation of returning to Jeruſalem, were ſo affected with it, and wondred at it, that they were as men in an extaſie, like unto them that dreame, they could ſcarce tell whether it were true which they heard and ſaw, or but a dreame.

But beloved, what thankfulneſſe hath been returned to God for all theſe great mercies and deliverances? Surely little, and by too many in a manner none at all, eſpecially for common and ordinary mercies; Many are like the ungratefull Tenant, that enjoyes the Lands and Houſes of a good Land-lord, but will pay no Rent. Like the Husbandman in the Goſpell that did receive the fruits of the Vineyard, but returne nothing:Mat. 21.34, 41.Matt 21:34Matt 21:41 The truth is many are like the Swine that doe grouſe up the Acorns, that fall from the Tree, but never looke up to the Tree whence they come: ſo many daily taſte of Gods bleſſings, receive his mercies and deliverances, and yet ſeldome or never lift up the heart in thankfulneſſe to God the Authour and doner of them. p. 76They were wont in the firſt Ages of the world, to thinke they had good cauſe to praiſe God for the leaſt mercies,Deut 3….13.Deut 3:13 as for the dew, &c. We, too many of us, can ſcarce find in our hearts to praiſe God for great mercies, while freſh before our eyes, ſo far are we from labouring to continue the remembrance of them.

2 Others there are that thinke not of them, though they take ſome notice of them, and it may be are a little affected with ſome of them for the preſent, yet quickly forget them, even while the things themſelves are in their hands, and before their eyes,Gen 49.23.Gen 49:23 or newly received, as Pharaohs Butler forgat Joſeph, and as Iſrael did Gods goodneſſe, They remembred not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. Pſal …8.42.10 21. Ingratus eſt qui di…ſ…nutat. in gia …or qui non redd …ng…a… ſ…mus omni…i qui oblitus eſt. S…. de B…net.Ps 8:42Ps 8:10They forgate God their Saviour that had done great things for them in Egypt. There are, ſaith one, many ſorts of unthankfull men; Some deny they have received a benefit, ſome diſſemble it, ſome requite not; but moſt unthankfull are ſuch as forget a kindneſſe, ſhame, honeſty and time may mend the former; but what can amend the laſt ſort, who doe ſo willingly forget mercies?

3. Others, though they take ſome notice of, and remember mercies and deliverances, yet aſcribe them to other things, as the Heathens uſually doe to their Idoll-gods.Iudg 1623. 1 King. 5.18. Jer 44.17, 18.1 Kgs 5:18Jer 44:17Jer 44:18 The Philiſtines aſcribed their victories to Dagon. The Syrians to their Idoll Rimmon and Remphan, and Iſrael to the Queen and Hoſt of heaven, and too many Chriſtians to ſecond cauſes and inſtruments, as wit, ſtrength, policy, vigilancy, diligence, &c. yea to fortune and chance, a heatheniſh conceit, very unbeſeeming Chriſtians, yea, impious and diſhonourable to God, robbing him of his glory in thoſe things moſt commonly in which his wiſedome, power and providence is moſt ſeen, and giving that to the creature, ſecond cauſes, and inſtruments, or Idol-fortune, chance or lucke that belongs to God only.

4. Many doe ſleight and undervalue mercies and deliverances, accounting great mercies ſmall, and ſmall none, or not worth the taking notice of them,1 King. 9 1…, 13 Deu. 19.20. Pſal. …6.24.1 Kgs 9:11 Kgs 9:13Deut 19:20Ps 6:24 as Hiram did the Cities which Salomon gave him, and as Lot did Zoar, and Iſrael the pleaſant land, and are often murmuring and repining, becauſe mercies are not ſo great, and every way ſatisfying to our boundleſſe, unſatiable deſires: This is a great fault to undervalue, and much p. 77more to repine and murmure at Gods mercies, eſpecially if great and extraordinary, as many of ours of late have been.

5. There are ſome that are worſe then any of theſe, who envy the mercies of Gods people, repine at the goodneſſe of the Church, are grieved to ſe… ſuch great things done as of late have bin done for England and that other Nation (bleſſed be God) and even gu…ſh their teeth at it, ſpeake contemptuouſly of what God hath done by the great Councell of the Land, yea, oppoſe and hinder what they can, ſeeke to undermine it and undoe all and buty the Churches mercies and hopes in the ruines of deſtruction, and that curſe when they ſhould bleſſe, and blaſpheme where they ſhould ſet up monuments to perpetuate the praiſes of God and the remembrance of his mercies: So eſpecially doth that wicked Balaam of Rome by his Buls and Excommunications, and his Abettou…s here. Such are in a fearfull condition, the good Lord open their eyes to ſee and conſider, and make uſe of that gracious and terrible ſpeech of God, comfortable to his people and terrible to their enemies, Curſed be he that curſeth you, Gen 27.20. Num. 24.9.Gen 27:20Num 24:9and bleſſed be he that bleſſeth you, ſpoken indeed to Jacob, but in him to all the Iſrael of God, as it is applyed by him, whoſe eyes were open and ſaw the viſion of God.

Ʋſe of Exhortation.Secondly, Whatſoever others doe or our ſelves have formerly done, yet let us now be hence convinced of our failings, be humbled for them, and excited to our duty, and that is,

1. To give God the praiſe of all mercies and deliverances, and of all his wondrous workes. God gives deliverance to his people that he may fill their hearts and mouthes with Songs of praiſe, and gives us a charge ſo to doe. Call upon me in the time of trouble and I will deliver thee and thou ſhalt glorifie me. Sing unto him, ſing Pſalmes unto him, Iſal 50.15.105 2.and talke of all his wondrous workes.

2. To praiſe (Gods due and our duty for all his goodneſſe to us and his) ioyne prayer to God for our ſelves and the Church, that God would be pleaſed ſtill to goe on to doe us good, that God would accompliſh his worke and doe good unto Zion, and be favourable to Ieruſalem, ever watch over it, preſerve, p. 78ſupport, comfort it, and perfect his mercies, and evermore mightily defend it, that Ieruſalem may be the praiſe of the whole Earth,Cant 6.4.Song 6:4 Comely as Titz…h (in reſpect of pure order and ordinances) and terrible as an Army with banners, to the enemies in reſpect of d…me bleſſing and protection.

To move us to thankfulneſſe, conſider theſe Motives,

1. The number, Motives.greatneſſe, variety, ſutableneſſe and continuance of Gods mercies and deliverances both perſonall and nationall, temporall and spirituall: of which a touch hath bin given before. And ſurely the more, the greater and more excellent mercies are, the more they will a fect and ſtirre the heart, if there be but a principle of common honeſty in it, and any notice taken of them.

2. Conſider the affections of God the giver, which is to be preferred before a Parents. Never was a Father nor a Mothers love (whoſe affections are uſually more tender) more to their child, then Gods is to his choſen. See Iſa 49.15. It is therefore ſet downe by way of admiration, God ſo loved the world that he gave his onelyonly begotten Sonne! Joh. 3.16. 1 Joh. 3.1.John 3:161 John 3:1and Behold what love the Father hath ſhewed unto us! This conſideration and perſwaſion is very needfull; for unleſſe we be perſwaded and doe conſider, that what God doth for his people and for our ſelves in particular is not in wrath, as he ſometime gave Iſrael a King in his anger, and Quailes to murmuring Iſrael, but in mercy, out of love and for our good, we cannot be truely thankfull, we are more thankfull for a ſmall kindneſſe from him whom we know loveth us, then for a farre greater matter from him, of whoſe good affection towards us we have juſt cauſe to doubt: it is the perſwaſion of a kindneſſe and love in a benefactour that ſtirres up to thankfulneſſe, and when theſe meet together, that good turnes are great, many, ſutable to our condition and deſires, durable and out of love, and a man is perſwaded of this, then they affect the heart kindly.

3. Conſider all ſo the freeneſſe of God the giver, that all mercies and deliverances are free and altogether undeſerved: He is not bound to us by way of deſert and debt, but of free promiſe,Gen. 32.10.Gen 32:10 We are all (as was Iacob) leſſe then the leaſt of all p. 79his mercies; all is of meere grace and free favour. If we have but a bit of bread and cold water, it is free mercy, if more, it is his bounty, if nothing at all, if he give nothing, but take away all we have and puniſh us alſo for our ſins, he doth us no wrong, we have no cauſe to complaine, but to juſtifie the Lord. This is very conſiderable to move us to thankfulneſſe.

4. Conſider our miſerable condition without theſe mercies, which we may know, carendo magis quam fruendo, beſt by the want of them. Did we a while want health, ſtrength, liberty, meat, drinke, apparell or the like, we ſhould thinke our caſe ill. Were we turmoyled a while with civill warre (which God in mercy avert) as in Germany and Ireland at this day, where very many thouſands are already ſlaine, and they that ſurvive moſt of them have their goods ſpoyled, their houſes burnt, themſelves turned out naked very many of them; ſome have their husbands, ſome their ſonnes, barbarouſly murdered before their eyes; ſome their wives or daughters or both deſloured, ſhamefully abuſed, and afterward butchered by rude Souldiers; ſome women (as I remember) ript up alive; ſome have their fruit drop from them as they hang on the gallowes; ſome grievouſly mangled, and many other miſeries which they onelyonly can beſt know that feele them, or are eye and ear-witneſſes of them.

But it is much worſe where a ſoule lyes under an accuſing, condemning, tormenting conſcience, wants and feeles the want of pardon of ſinne and Gods favour, this is the greateſt miſery. Thinke then what a piteous caſe you ſhould be in, were it thus with us, as undoubtedly it had bin before this, if our proud enemies had prevailed as they hoped and believed they ſhould doe, and are yet confident, yea if you want but outward mercies, as liberty, meat, drinke, &c. but a few dayes, and much more, if you want pardon of ſin, for which a conſcious ſinner would give all the world, and lye under a ſore wounded conſcience, and let the conſideration of the want of mercies make us truely thankfull for what we doe enjoy.

5. Thinke alſo (on the other-ſide) what an happineſſe it is p. 80to enjoy theſe m…r…rs and deliverances, which we by the goodneſſe of God, and the wiſedome and care of the Parliament doe enjoy. Oh how happy would many a thouſand in Germany and Ireland, that are in extreame want, ready to periſh, thinke themſelves, did they enjoy the plenty we doe, or the fourth part of it, if they had but bread enough (though never ſo courſe) to put into their bellies: Or he that is extreame heart-ſicke, even ready to breathe out the laſt gaſpe, to have health: I he poore wearied man with continuall frights, fears, alarums, and great dangers to enjoy peace: And ſo in other things, all which by the indulgent goodneſſ of God we doe yet enjoy: We were happy if we had eyes to ſee our owne mercies, and hearts to be truly thankfull for them: ſo a wounded conſcience that is grievouſly afflicted, if God would ſhew mercy, and ſpeak peace to the ſoule how happy would he thinke himſelfe. Let this conſideration move us to thankfulneſſe for what we doe enjoy.

6. Conſider your future neceſſity, though you be now in a plentiful and comfortable condition in all theſe reſpects, yet fore-think what may be, you doe not know how ſoone you may be in great want,Neſcis quid ſerus ve…at ve…p…r. or trouble or danger, in ſome extremity or other, what a day may bring forth; we are all tenants at will to God, and much of our future happineſſe ſtands on our preſent thankfulneſſe. Unthankfulneſſe,Exod 14.21. Eccleſ 1.7.Exod 14:21Eccl 1:7 as it were, dries up the channell of Gods mercy and bounty, as the Eaſt winde did the Red Sea. All Rivers are from the Sea, and did they not pay their tribute backe againe to the Sea, very likely they would in time be dryed up, but they returne to the Sea againe, and ſo are continually fed by it. The way for us to have a continuance of Gods benefits, is to returne continuall praiſe and thanksgiving for the mercies we doe enjoy.

7. Looke backe and thinke (how it may be) thou didſt faſt and pray (or if thou didſt not, thou art greatly to blame, not to labour and pray) for thoſe mercies and deliverances: ſo for particular mercies before thou hadſt them when thou waſt in want or in great feares. Well, were theſe mercies, this or that deliverance worth the praying, wreſtling and tugging for before, whilſt thou waſt in want or danger, didſt thou feele or feare ſome grievous evill, and is it not as worthy thanksgiving now thou p. 81haſt it? This is juſt the caſe of the 9. Leapers, Luk 17 12, 17.Luke 17:12Luke 17:17they cryed aloud for help, but when they were cured, they returned not to give thanks; and the Iſraelites that cryed to God in their diſtreſſe,Pſal. 107.Ps 107 but were unthankfull for his benefits when they had them. A great ſhame it is we ſhould be ſo earneſt for a mercy or deliverance in our neceſſity, ſo open handed to receive,Gratias agere Deo poſsu… reſerre non po… ſumus Aug in …l. 47. and ſo cloſe mouthed and ſtrait-hearted, when we have them, to returne ſomthing in way of thankfulneſſe.

8. This (namely Gods glory and praiſe) is the end of all his mercies, benefits and deliverances, and ſhould be the end of all our actions and ſervices.Prov. 16.4. Rom. 11.36.Prov 16:4Rom 11:36 God made all things (and doth all things to) for himſelfe. All Agents worke …o ſome end, and therefore God much more. Now he is the beginning, from which, and the utmoſt end to which all things tend, and ſhall God miſſe of his end, loſe his praiſe? aſſuredly if he doe, he will be glorified, if not by us as active inſtruments of his glory; yet in and upon us,Luk. 1….48.Luke 1:48 as patients of his juſtice, for all our ingratitude, and the more and greater mercies we enjoy, the greater will be our condemnation if unthankfull.

Laſtly (by way of motive, and which is ſpecially applicable to publike mercies) Remember that publicke mercies are every mans private mercies, every ones private good is wrapt up in the publik: If it goe well with the publicke, all fare the better for it, if evill, all ſhare in it; as in the body naturall, if the whole body be out of order, all the members ſuffer with it, if ſound and well, all the members ſimpathize with it; and ſo it is in the body myſticall and politick, the Church & Common-wealth; therfore be thankull for publicke mercies, as well, yea rather, and more then for private; becauſe they doe concerne both our owne particular, and others good, whoſe welfare we ought heartily to deſire, pray for and rejoyce in, as fellow members of the body politicke and myſticall.

Q. But ſome ſay, What muſt I doe that I may be kindly affected with mercies and deliverances, and how may I continue the remembrance of them?

Anſw. To the firſt, to be kindly affected with mercies and deliveces, doe 4. things:

1. Take notice of all, more eſpecially of more remarkeable, p. 82ſpeciall and extraordinary mercies, ſupportment in, and deliverance out of troubles; for mercies that paſſe unobſerved cannot be thankfully acknowledged, much leſſe the remembrance of them perpetuated. And doe not onelyonly obſerve them, but take a full view of them, how great, free, undeſerved and ſutable they are to our condition: for theſe conſiderations help much to affect the heart with them.

2. Often meditate on them, well weigh and ponder them, as the faithfull did, Pſal 48. We have thought on thy loving kindneſſe, O God. Pſal. 48.9.Ps 48:9The word ſignifieth (as ſome have obſerved) as much as aſſimulavimus, we have made an Image of it in our minds, by ſerious pondering it hath made a deep impreſſion in our minds. The more a man doth meditate and roule any thing in his mind, the deeper impreſſion it makes, and the longer it continues; therefore labour to worke and imprint it on the heart by meditation.

But looke not too much on thy afflictions and wants, or what others have which thou haſt not, but on Gods benefits and mercies received and promiſed, and on what thou haſt more then many others: For if a man be much poring on his wants and others fulneſſe, or the greater mercies that ſome others have, this will indiſpoſe a man to duty, dead the heart, beget diſcontent, and imbitter the ſoule; but the often remembrance of mercies received and promiſed, and ſpecially of what himſelfe hath, which ſuch and ſuch a man, and many others (far better) have not, will ſweeten the ſpirit, rejoyce the heart, quicken a man and put life into him, make him more apt and active feelingly to praiſe God for them, and performe any good duty; it is as oyle to all holy actions.

3. Labour the heart to have a ſenſe and feeling of the worth of them and to have an high eſteem and holy admiration of his mercies,Pſal. 45.7.Ps 45:7 as David had, How great is thy goodneſſe? by conſidering the greatneſſe, number, variety, the freeneſſe of his mercies, and continuance of them, alſo how happy we are with them, and how miſerable without them; for it is not the having, but the prizing and high eſteeming of a benefit that affects the heart and moves the will to thankfulneſſe.

4 Labour to be ſtill poore in spirit, and to be alwayes conſcious of thine owne unworthineſſe, that thou mayeſt know thy ſelfe p. 83to be leſſe then the leaſt of all his mercies, as Jacob ſaid;Gen. 32.10.Gen 32:10 for hunger is the beſt ſawce, it makes every thing reliſh well; every morſell ſeemes ſweet to the hungry ſoule: ſo poverty of ſpirit makes the leaſt mercy ſeem great; The poore hungry beggar takes the leaſt and worſt ſcraps thankfully, which a full ſoule rejecteth and ſcorneth: ſo a man that is poore in ſpirit hath a ſenſe of his owne unworthineſſe, meane conceits of himſelfe, is thankfull for every mercy, thinks every thing more then he deſerves, and all thankfulneſſe too little for what he hath already, and therefore ſtands admiring at great and extraordinary mercies.

To the ſecond I anſwer, That to continue the remembrance of ſpeciall mercies and deliverances, it will help much, and the godly have uſed,

1. To write them down and ſet them upon record, that they which lived after them might reade them, and be affected with them, and thankfull for them. To this purpoſe were the Chronicles of the Kings of Iſrael and Judah of old, and of the Chriſtians under the New Teſtament; even Heathens have ever uſed to doe thus, record ſpeciall mercies and deliverances,Heſt. 6.1. Erza 4.15. as we reade of Ahaſuerus his times in Heſter, of the Medes and Perſians, and others.

2. Tell them to your children, and charge them to tell them to their children. So we are commanded,Deut. 4, 9, 10.Deut 4:9Deut 4:10 Only take heed to thy ſelfe (ſaith Moſes to Iſrael) that thou forget not the things which thine eyes have ſeen, but teach them thy children, ſpecially the day that thou ſtoodeſt before the Lord, &c. And David, Sing unto him, ſing Pſalmes, and talke of all his wondrous works; and ſo the faithfull did,Pſal, 105.2. Pſal 44.

3. They may be continued, and ſo the Saints have uſed to continue the remēbrance of ſpecial mercies. 1. In the names of their children. So was Enoch, Moſes, Samuel and many others named, and it was very uſuall to record ſpeciall paſſ…ges of Gods providence to his Church in the names of the r children, that their very name might put them and their children, and others alſo in mind of the thing.

2. In the names of places, where ſome notable mercy was received, or deliverance given. So Abraham here called the name of the place. Jehovah-jirah, i.e. God will ſee or provide: becauſe God there ſo unexpectedly provided for Iſaa…s ſafety & deliverance, and a ram to be …ffered in his room, & Jacob called the place Bethel, the p. 84houſe or place of Gods ſpeciall preſence, becauſe God there appeared to him.

3. Py ſetting up ſome pillar, heap of ſtones, or mark on the place, as d d Jacob and Laban J ſhuah and others; and therefore were Peniel, Gen. 32.20.…1, …, 49.Gen 32:20Gen 32:1Gen 32:49Galeed, M…zpah, and many other places ſo called.

4. Likw…e, by ſetting a marke on the time, and keeping a ſolemne anniverſary feaſt on that day, in memory of ſome ſpeciall mercy, as was the Jewes P ſſ o…e…, dayes of Purim and others.

5. In Songs and Pſa…mes, Exod 12.11, 14 Heſt. 9.26.Exod 12:11Exod 12:14as Exod. 15. recording Iſraels deliverance from Egypt; and Judg. 5. Gods mercy in ſaving and delivering them from Jabin King of Canaan.

6. In Proverbs, as here, In the Mount of the Lord it ſhall be ſeen. So often as this proverbe is mentioned, it puts us in mind of that marvellous and unexpected deliverance of Iſaac, and proviſion of a Ram to be offered in his ſtead.

Thus ſhould we doe upon like occaſions. And thus by the good hand of God, we have ſeen Gods dealing with his people; his providence and wiſedome in bringing them ſometimes into troubles and extremities; his power and goodneſſe in ſupporting them in, and delivering them out of troubles and exigents in the fitteſt time, and our duty that followeth thereupon, and uſe we are to make of ſuch dealings and deliverances, which he good God eff…ctually bow our hearts to performe upon all occaſions, To whom be all honour, praiſe and dominion, in all the Aſſemblies of the Saints, in all places from henceforth, and for evermore. Amen.

FINIS.

COurteous Reader. I pray thee correct with thy pen theſe …a…lt… which have eſcaped in the Printing in ſome copies. vſus… … for …, reade Iſaac. p 9. l. 30. for fa…en 1. ſoften. p. …0. l. …. for …eek … p …1 1.21 for igno…y r. ignor…nce. p 16. l 18. inſert this word beare, and adde out to with p. 30. l 38. for in r. …e. p 31 l. 35. for truſt r reſt. p c 5 l. 3… inter… that …tter the word extremities p 48 l. 4. add this 2. As God weakens ſtrong means againſt his people, ſo he d…livereth his own people by ſtrengthning them, and that eſpecially …. wayes p 48. l. 9. for Aſia r …ſa, & l 30 for wholy r help p. 49 l 10. for Saul r. Paul p 50. l 11 r the Philiſtines to … S…ul. p. 53 l. 5 for arme r. arme. p. 74. l. 18. make: after ſhare p. 75. l. 1. for through r. though. l. 18, for put off r part, and l. 21 for while r. retaile.

End of the text · Thomas Mocket, The Churchs Troubles and Deliverance (1642)