1

SvU^. .THE

CONFIRMING WORKE'

O F

Eflt

ELIGI 0 N»

^ tts neceffuy and ufe, briefly held forth; thai

each Chriftian may have a proper ballaft ot his

-own, of the grounds and reafonsot his

j faith , and thus fee the greatnefTe of that:

fecurity, on which he adventures

• ,„ his eternal (late.

OR

The true and infallible way , for attaining a «* HJ(-« in Religion, from theft primary- evi- Wes and demonftrations of our faith ; which th« Lord hath himfelf given , fo as it may be eafy fo| thcmeaneft in the Church to know the toe, • and be ready to render an account . thereof to aU th^t ask. With a short and confirming profped of the work of the Lord about his Ckurch , in thefelaft times. ,

B Y

R. F L E M I N G,

LMifripr oftheGofpelofChrtft.

At R O T T E R D A M ,

printed by R E l N I E R LEERS,

The PREFACE.

&afc

^^^^HisfmaUEjfay, here offered;

ISf§S is on the greateft fubjett, can

^^3](c fall under the confideration of

\i) JJ mankmd ^ and is aftudy, was

M never more preffmgly called

for, then in thefe dayes , for

wen to be making peace with God > and to have

fuch an affurance of his truth , as can fully quiet

and fupport the foul , though all fenfible props

should be broc ken, and fail. Great changes doe

fur ely haft en on this generation , and thelifcof

faith , is in an other manner like to be put to tryalt

thenfince the Churches rife and recovery from An-*

tichriftian bondage. The ftorme now vifibly

grows upon the Churches of Chrift, though nothing

is thus to faint or shake , thefpirits of any , who

know their anchor is fur e and caft within the vail-y

but the ftrongesl difficulties , in following the

Lord , when overcome , yeelds the great eft vie*

tory , and will be not only matter of joy here* but

to all eternity , in having with patience and hope

indured-> and got well through a throng of tempt a*

tions and affaults in a refolute adherence to the

truth, if men thinly it their wis dome to fecure

their private inter eft , by dividing it in fuch a time

frorv the publicly caufe of the Reformed Church ,

and make light of the greateft truths of God now

affaulted , of the blood of the Martyrs , yea of

their own eternal ftate > by any coolnejfe or shr'm-

* * king

Qng from the fame ; they will find no temporal motive's j can ever compenfe that loffe and mine which inevitably will meet fuch in the ifiue , yea that the fe words o/Mordecai to Efthcr, Efth.4; 13, 14. have the fame voice , and weight in this day. What is held forth in the following worke> I may with humble confidence fay , was under fome preffure to have fuch clear evidence and quieting perfuafion of divine truth, as made it leffe eajy to have my own fpirit fatisfyed herein , then poffibly it may be to others ; for if it were toot, from that bLfftd afj'urance of the Lords being God*, of the revelation of Chrifl , and of the glory to come, I should not know what could be confer- ring or make a rational being defy cable. Somefn- gulareingadgments I judge my felf alfo iofiand tinder , for putting to my feal to the truth and faithfulncjfe of God in ,his word , from many ftgnal confirmations hereof in the courfe of my pil- grimage , if fuch a poor teftimony might be of any weight. Let the bleffed Lord , gratioujly ac- cept this fmall offering to him , and for the in- ter eft' of his truth , by fo mean an tnftrument > and give fome fruit hereof, that may abide, and be found in the day if Chr'ift.

I hope the Reader may find iy a perufal of the 1. Chsp. of what fer totes u>fe and fht§nt the II. is; yea that in this dty it w« not n^fe.t ronable or incongruous to the forgoing fubj eel what tshcal fr.th in the III. tha/ter. But oh it is fad and dm.tU'ng to thinly how few are un- . der that weight »f Religion , as once to have afertous inquiry on the grounds and rcafhns they eof \ and to ac~ compt the mojt fyectal ajjifianees to their faith to be the wreateft helpers of their joy within time.

The

to

THE

True and infallible

WAY

For attaining a confirmed ftate in Religion 3 &c.

CHAPTER I.

The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Chrijiianitj , heldforth and cleared, in its continued necefjitj andttfeto this day, in a few Pofitzons.

: Hat nothing can have a mo-"^A j> 're fad and threatning afpecl: on the prefent ftate of reli- gion in all the churches of Chrift, then that utter ef- trangment , moft are un- der, to the true grounds of faith, and to thofe foundamental differences betwixt Chriftianity, & every falfe way, which no pretended religion can lay claim to. The reafonsof the Pofition, arethefe. I. That it is too vifibly manifeft , how no men in the

A world

world know fo little of their own profef- fion, were it of any human art or fcience, as fuch who bear the name of Chriftians > or are fo generally ftrangers to the truth and firmneffe of the principles therof , for main- taining either a due valuation, or powerful fenfe of the fame on their foul ; fo that an implicit and traditional profeffion is the only part and propriety which moll: can claim in the truth , and doctrine they profeffe. II.That fo rare alfo is any fuch ferious worke amonghft, men , as a perfonal inquiry and tryal, if there be indeed fuch a thing as an experimental and foul qHtckningreligion in the earth , that can bear the expenfe of the moil: difmal and afflicting times , and hath fo great a temporal revenue lying therto, as peace with God , an immediate communion with him , the joy and comforts of the H. Ghoft , when under fuch preffours of trouble as are above the fupport of nature. III. That thefurtheft: account, why mofr. goe under the name of Chriftians , rather then of any other forme , can rife no higher then cufto- me and education, that it did befpeak them from their birth , and was the religion of their anceftours, yea become in that man- ner naturall to them , as thecuftomes and language of their country ; which are grounds that should determine to the very

oppo-

(5)

oppofite profeffion , if they were ftated un-»

der the fame circumftances, and had the fa- me motives to be IJMahumetans ; fince it is Aire thefe can found no other aiTent, then is fuirable to the nature and ftrenth therof IV. That thus itcannot be under debate, how the moft numerous part of viiible pro- feflburs , are fo deftitute of any defenfe from internal motives , and folid convi&ion of the truth they profeffe, upon its own evi- dence ; as there was never more caufe to fear* fomeunufualapoftacyfrom the veryvifible profeflionofChrift, upon any violenttry- al and aflault this way , when fuch finds it more eafy to render up their religion > then to adhere to the fame , under ftrongh temp- tations , who yet never knew that fubftance , advantage , or certainty herein , as could preponderate with the want of all external motives forfuchaprofeilion.

That thus one of the highefl: fervices o(P°ft° it* thefe times , for the publik good of the Church, does convincingly lye here ; to have the faith of ajfent to the truth and doc- trine of Chrift , in a clear and firme certain- ty of the judgment , on its own evidence, more vigoroufly promot , and the proper means and ailiftances, which the Lord hath given for this end ? in fome other manner yet improven, then feems to be this day,

A i for

C4) foramoreuniverfal ufe, vThe grounds to

inforce the neceflity hereof, arethefe; I, that its fure wherever the Gofpel is revealed to men , it comes with fo full an aflurance of underftanding , and fufficiency of objec- tive evidence , as can admit no poffible doubtfulnefTe herein , which is the credit and glory of our religion, that in no other way it doth require acceptance , but with the furtheft convi&ion of evidence. II. Be- caufe the exprefTe defigne and tendency of this bleffed revelation , is no lefTe to found fuch zrationa I aflurance in the judgment, of its truth , then to ingadge their will and con- fent , for imbracing therof ; and though fiich great demonftrations for this end can only, in fuogentre , have a convincing influence to perfwade the underftanding, yet are they offuch weight here, as next to the demonftration of the Spirit of God, they are the greateft means to bring up mens afTent to a full and quieting reft on that fe- curity to which t hey muft concredite them- felves for ever, and to let them fee , that this even here by the way , is afluredly full , though not yet their injoyment. III. Be- caufe this faith of afTent , should be firft fol- lowed in the order of nature , as being the very firft principle of converfion , to know and be fure, that God hath fent his (on into

the

(5) the world to fave finners; wherin as the H,

(7/707? is not the objective , but the efficient caufe here of our faith, fo is not the inter- nal worke and teftimony he gives on the foul thefirftteftimony, but rnufr. dill haveref- ped: to the revelation of the word without, and fuch demonftrative evidences therof, wherwith it is revealed to the world, nor may everbefeparate, that which God hath himfelffoindiffolublyjoyned. IV. That fo convincing a neceflity and ufe is hereof to the Church, and in a fpecial way with res- pect to the youth, for a more fir me laying of the groundwork of their Chriftian pro- feffion , and to be as the feed-plot of a blef- fed and deferable grouth amonghft fuch in this day ; that they might thus know early , fomething of thefe primary grounds and de- monftrations of their faith ; fo alfo is it a ftu- dy of that high importance, as I humbly jud- ge , should be of notable ufe for a Manuduc- tion in the firft place to ftudents of Divinity , before they launch forth in that vail: arid im-. menfe ocean of the fpeculative part therof; and for being at fome greater advantage thus forcaryingon fuch a confirming worke in the Church in their future fervice. V. Yea of what ufe might this be with refpecl: to many, who may be fore haunted, with hid and dreadful temptations to infidelity , and A3 t$

(«)

to weaken them on the very foundations of their faith; who are wholly unfurnished of any fuch grounds and arguments in their judgment to repel the fame : anditisfure, to believe firmly the hiftory of theGofpel, that God was tnanifcfted in our nature , to fave man , is with refpecl: to theobjeclamuch higher ad of faith, then to believe, that he will fave us; finceas the one doth unfpea- kably moretranfcend all human reafonthen the other , fo doth the Apoftle thus argue from the greater to the lefle, Rom. 8: 32. That he who gave his own [on to the death ; will he not alfo with him nve us all thinvs.

That fuch a confirming worke, was molt fpecially followed in the pradize of the pri- mitive times , and one of the great ends of theminiftry of the Afoftles and Evange- lifls , to have this faith of affent and doctri- nal certainty therof, on its proper grounds and evidences , deeply founded in mens judgment; is fo clear, as cannot come un- der debate. I. That this way did the great author of our profefiion himfelf take, not only by the authority of his word, and the power and energy of grace , but with that convincing evidence and demonftration of his truth to mens under/landing, as might found alfo a firme and rational alTurance he- reof. 1 1, That for this end , he did pray

the

(7) theFather, Joh. 17: 21. and was fo much

preffed herein , thatfo great an external de- monftration of the truth of the Gofpel, in the concord and unity of his people , might be kept clear , that the world might thus be* lieve that he was fent of God , and have a dee- per conviction hereof ferved on them, by fuch an evidence. III. That one fpecial intent of the Evangel of Luke , was for this end, Luke 1: 4. that men might know not only the things themfelves by a naked relata- tion , but the certainty of thefe things, wher- in they had been formerly inftructed. IV. That herein did the miniftry of Ajol- losfo brightly shine forth, ^#.18:28. and was then of moft fingulare ufe to the Church, by that clearnefTe of rational con- viction and demonflrative arguments for the truth of Chrift , as the greateft gain fayers could not withftand. V. That its fure it was then without exception ,. expreiily re- quired of the meaneft within the Church, to be allways ready to render the reafons of their hope to all who ask ; and not only to know what they did believe , but why they did fo , as is clear 1 Pet. 3: 15. yea that this could not be by bringing forth of internal evidences, for convidion of others, but to give them an account of the moft cogent grounds and demonftrations of the Gofpel,

A 4 as

' (8)

as might be moil: prevalent, and confirming to the weak' , and leave others inexcufable ; and Teems to have been then fpeciallypref- fed in thefe primitive times , as a proper teft oftheir Chriftian profeflion. V I. And we fee herein alio , how much thefe excellent Bereans were taken up, and were fo highly commended of the H. Ghojiy Acl.ij: n. to know the demonftrative part of Chriftia- nity,, and by its own evidence, with that intire harmony and confent of the Scripture therin , and their being thus diligently in- tent in that. comparing- worke of religion, to fee the truth therof not fingly and apart by themfelves alone, but in that joynt union andcoherence, wherin theyftand, eachin their own room , for confirming and giving light to other. VII. That this was the way alfo, wherin the Gofpel did come to theGentiJ church is cleerly shewed i T/oeJf. 1 : 5 . JVot in word only , hut as in power , and in the H. Ghofl , fo alfo in much afjurance ofun- derftanding , upon its own evidence ; which was that way , it did fo wonderfully prevail over the world againft nature , and ftream of flesh and blood, that flood in the furtheft oppofition therto . VIII. That one of the greater!: fervices of the Apoftles in their vifiting the Churches , did exprefly ly here Aclsi/\\ ii. to confirme the fouls of

the

(9)

theDifciples in the firft place on the cer- tainty of their faith, and then in exhorting them to continue in the fame , fo as they might follow the Lord , with the fur- theft light and affurance of mind , amidft the great tryalls of fuchatime. IX. That its this way alfo the world is rendred inexcu- fable for their misbeliefe of the Gofpel, when under fuch fufficiency of means given for this end, by fo great a difcovery of the confirming evidences of its truth , fo as they can have no pretence herein , but an obfti- nacy and refolution not to be convinced ; on which ground doth our bleffed Lord teftify, that it was no want of light, upon the certainty of his truth , why men did not receive it , but that they loved darknefle better the n light, becaufe their deeds were evil; & when fuch clear, rational, and con- vincing evidences are laid open to their view, how moft poilibly can get thefe put by or rejected, is not eafy to comprehend, but that a real irritation and torment of. fpirit , from fuch clearneffe of evidence, doth thus more tend to harden then convince.

That there is a continued neceffity of fuch Pofit. a confirmation in the faith to this day, what I^r' ever can be objected of fo long a confent and prefcription of time in the profeflion therof , is fully demonftrable on thefe A 5 grounds.

fio) grounds. I. Becaufeit isfure, theChrif- tian faith doth ftill need thefe afliftances ; and is aftrang miftake , that only for Hea- thens , and Atheifls , fuch confirming evi- dences of the fame should be adduced, but not for any under a vifible profefiion , when the whole of divinity , and dottrine of our faith y is fo full of demonftrative arguments, for the dayly ufe of the mo ft established ChrifriariS in their pafifage through time. 1 1. That as the higheft motives to all ferious godlinelTe and the moral duties ofChriftia- nity muft needs be from its known certainty to us, fo is the continued ufe therof to be ftill the fame. III. That thefe numerous tryalls and conflicts of Chriftians now , doe no leffe call for fome higher eftiblishment in the truth on which they muft. alone reft, when all vifible props fail in their judgmens, then of fupporting grace ; nor is it concea- vable how men can this day walk in the light ofany true joy and comfort , without a mo- re follid aifurance of their being on fafe grounds herein then mod feem to reckon. IV. Becaufe the revelation of the Gofpel and of an eternal ftate in an other world , is fo gieat and wonderfull as its ftrang how this is not the higheft intereft of mens life, to have their faith more deeply confirmed on the furtheft: tryal of their fee urity now

by the way herein , who mud shortly make fo great a tryal therof at death ; for if we we- re but once this lenth to ask our own foul, what the Chriflian faith indeed is, and are thus called to believe , it could not pofllbly but beget fome extafy of wondering at the greatneffe therof, and to reckon any light and implicit afTent to the fame as a degree both of Atheifm & indifFerency in this mat- ter. V. Though there be no conflict with Heathens as in the firft times , yet wasfucha fpirit never more aloft then it is now to take ofallfirmaffenttothe greateft principles of truth, when Atheifme feems to be at its uU timus conatw in the world , and we are fallen in fo amazing an hower of the power of dark- neffe as makes thefe latter times more remar- kably perillous and trying then the firfr. V I. Yea if fuch a confirming worke , be one of the greateft- means to advance the re- pute and honour of religion , when its won- ted awe and veneration is fo far loft, and to awake men to deeper impreffions of its truth , when fo few feeme now under any fuch weight ; then it is fure there was never more need of the fame then in this day.

That fuch a fervice to the Church , doth Po/*t. V* not only refpecf. the more knowing , inqui- fitive, and judicious part therof, but the meaneft profcflburs of religion alfo , of

whom

tyhom this is neceffarly required , is evident on thztegromds. I. BecaufeeachChriftian should have undoubtedly fuch a ballafl on their own foul , of the folid and rational grounds of their faith,as well as thefe of grea- ter parts and induments : thepromottingof which were it more deeply confldered, I da- re humbly adventure to fay , should be found one ofthechoiceff. meanes to promot Chriftianity this day. II. Becaufe this is not to drive any to doubt or queftion the leafr, llncere degree of ajfent , though it be not with fuch ftrcnght of evidence as in others, nor can by that formal argumenta- tion give the fame accompt therof ; fince a few grounds this way may fpecially help to fome folid conviction and confirming of their mind, when they may be ignorant of many other cogent arguments for this end ; but its fure alfo the greater clearneffe of evi- dence doth ftill in the appointed way of means lead in to a more firmeand ftrong af- fent of the judgment, to the truth of our religion. III. Becaus the ftrenth of the foundation in it felfcannot be enough if it be, not with fuch a known evidence , as men may build firmly and with affurance theron; nor hath the Lord thus only dellgned to gi- ve his people an infallible and fure teftimo- ny to adventure on, but that it should be

made

A

made furealfo to them. IV. Becaufenonc can in truth fay that Jefus is the Lord but by tbeH. Ghoft , 1 Cor. 22: 3. by which is not tobeunderftood fo much there, thenecef- fity of fupernatural grace , for a faving faith, but that none can give a true afknt and con- feffion of the fame , but from thefe grounds and arguments which are revealed by the H. Ghoft unto men for this end ; and as its fure that thefc characters and evidences of divinity , which are imprinted on the whole revela- tion of the Gofpel , maybe clear &demon- ftrative to our judgment , fo are they as tru- ly divine , as the doctrine which is confirmed therby. V. Becaufe there can be no pof- fible caufe for credulity of the truth from any intricate obfcurenefTe of the fame, when the Lord hath given fuch great alliftances to our faith to be as milk for babes as wel as meat toftrong men. And though it be objected that the furtheft objective evidence of the Gofpel, with fo clear and ftrorjg a convey- ance therof, is yet fo little operative on moft; the fame might be fa id alfo of the whole let- ter of the Scripture ; but as this tends not in the lead to refolve our religion into any meer exercife of reafon , and leaves the who- le worke of the Spirit , in its energy and ops- ration therwithonmens fouls, intirej yet doch it fully evince fuch a fufficiency of evi-

den-

Ci4) dence with the Chriftian faith , as makes any

doubtfulnefle herein (imply impoffible , through want of the greateft advantage of means; yea fuch as are of another kind then to induce only probable perfwafion of the fa- me. VI. Becaufe it is one of the (add eft fymp- tomes of the prefent ftate of religion, that fo few almoft in whole congregations can give any clear aflent to the truth and certain- ty thereof, but to amazment both live and dye ftrangersto the fame, yea how many of thefe who are otherwife ferious in reli- gion* yet have their faith ftarved this way, and are deftitute of any fuch fupport; but as it is not the numberoufneffe of profejfoftrs, but the flrength and foliditj of their faith , wherein the Churches ftrength moft lyes, and hath more flowrished in a few fuch to beget a greater awe and veneration of reli- gion amongft men, then at other times in the greateft multitude; fois it the glory of divine truth, that it can fubfift by its own proper evidence , and preferve its ftation in the worft of times, when all external argu^ ments does moft vifibly eeafe.

That its thus fully demonftrable and clear, hownoiimple inftru&ingof men intheg*- ncra.1 principles ofreligwn , can be the proper and adequate mean for fuch a faith of aflent to the truth thereof, on its own evidence ,

or

OS)

or anfwer that Apofloltck pattern of laying the

foundation, Heir. 6: i. but that fome fpecial duties elfe are called for to fo high an end; fuch wherein not only that true primitive confirmation in the Chriftian faith might have fome practical ufe , but we might alfo hope therewith , for a more remarkable out- letting of confirming influences of the Spirit of God. What isto be understood herein I shall humbly offer in a few particulars.

I. That it is one of the greateft concerns of the minifterifli worke , and of the key of doUrine, to have all who heare the Gofpel , in the Firfi place prefled to t^ke religion fo far to heart as to have a ferious inquiry on the grounds and reafons hereof, and thus to know their being on fur s ground herein , not becaufe they know not another way, but becaufe they know this is the alone way of truth , to which they dar truft their immor- tal foul. 1 1. That for this end the fupreme truths of religion be reprefented with that certainty of evidence, anddemonfiration , as both fuch great and marvelous things does require , and the temper of fuch a gainfaying age now calls for; and to have thispreffed more on mens judgment and confcience, •that the things of God, which are of the highefi conference y reality, and fub fiance , can have ©o po fiible reception by any implicit or pro- bable

i k

(16)

table belief thereof, nor can admit any pre- tence for the fame , when the Lord hath gi- ven fuch kind of proofes and evidence, as leaves mens darkneffe herein, without any shaddow of excufe.

II. That it peculiarly belongs to the Ca- techetical ivork of religion to take fome ac- compt of the meaneft profefTours thereof, ^nd with a fpecial refped to the youth; of their faith of affent to the do&rine of (Thrift, on what grounds and certainty of evidence this is founded , and for their inftructing therein , as well as in the general principles of religion ; when one of the moft ruining things to the Church lyes here , that the pro- feiTion of moft is layed in fo deep an igno- rance , as they have almoft nothing to fay for the fame , but a naked affirmation. I know the difficulty hereof for the weak may be objected, but without juftcaufe*, fince "as the prime truths of religion are few , ealy andplaineforthe meaneft capacity, fo alfo are the primary evidences and demmftrations of our fatth, if fuch once wiih that defiredid fearch after the fame as for a hid and invalua- bletreafure; wherein this refpecl: should be ftillhad, to difference betwixt what is ini- tial and of a more fundamental concern for the weak, and what may tend to an higher erouth and increafe of others,

■h in.

f'7) III. It should be of greatefiufe and ad- vantage alfo for the fame end , that the young grotitb now coming up in the Churchj were put to give feme explicit evidence of their con- sent and choice ^o£rhe profeflion of Ch rift, fo far as may witnefle a ratification of the baptijmal covenant y now as their own proper dead, wherein they were implicitly ingad- ged in their infancy. Some fpecial grounds and reafons for this are ; I. Becaufe God will have his fervice freely entered in and upon choife , as that way which is moft agrea- ble to his honour; for as the covenant binds mutually, fo doe the feals thzxo£ alfo, and therfor » upon our part is baptifme afacre* mental oath ofaledgence to God, IlfJBecaufe it tends to a more refolute andfirme adhe- rence to the fervice of God, that this buf- fineffe should be perfonally brought home to mens confeience , efpecially before their firft admittance to the Sacrament of the Lords fupper, and thus to ingadg them as Joshua did Chap, 24: 22. Te are witneffesa* gain ft your [elves herein , and they faid ive are witnejfes. III. Becaufe this is exprefly held forth 1 Pet, 3:21. where baptifme is called the anfwer of a good confeience toivard God , upon this ground , that fuch then who were come to years of knowledge , were perfonally filled to continue by their own confentthat

£ folemne

H

(i8) folemne ingadgment and dedication by BaptifmetobetheLords, and therefor it is called imqu'mpx , which is vox juris, and fignifies, fponfio , & ftpulatio public* inter Cbnftianum , & Dominant Chriftum , as the moft judicious Commentators on that fcrip- ture does clearly render; and fo this was a fpecial part of the primitive pra&ize , not only with refpect to fuch , who were con- verted from Heathenifme , but were born within the Church and partakers of that feal of Baptifme in their infancy , to fifte them upon anfwer to that great demand of the Covenant, doe yow now con fent upon evi- dence and choife to be the Lords and to be a fubject of his Kingdom, and embrace the lawstherof, and doe yow thus infincerity and truth declare the fame wherein you have a good confcience before God. And of what bleffed fruit and advantage should this be both for the increafe and honour of theGofpel, if this were more deeply taken to heart for fome practical ufe , according to the rule , and primitive pattern in the Churches of Chrift.

IV. Itwerefpeciallydefirablealfo, that

there be fome clear 'view and fummary by it

felf, of the moft cogent grounds and demon-

flrations of the Chriflian \ faith , with refpecl:

both to iheDottrinal, Hiftorical> andPro-

• \ fhetical

pheticalpart therof, and in that manner ac* commodate , as the meaneft within the Church might have fuch a helpftillat their hand , and thus with the leafl: expenfe of time , be provided of fuch arguments and reafons , as should tend (through the blef* fing of God) not only to the furtheft ratio- nal aflent , and certainty of the truth of their profeffion , but to give a moft fpecial fup- portofmindagainftthat inward tryal of Sa* thans temptations and fiery darts this way \ yea is fuch a mean , that in the ferious im* provment herof by having fuch evidences once brought in on mens judgment and confcience , fo as to fee with their own eye9 the truth of the fame , I mull: humbly judge, there is nothing, nextto the internal work ofthe Spirit 5 of this kind might tend more to promote the Kingdom of Chriftin this day. - £?*v

I shal but add this further on the prefent vofh fubje£c, that as there arefome mo^fignalv lI periods of time, to which a greater brightnefTe and increafe of light hath refpecl: under the New Teft anient , fo doth there now feem to be fome remarkable call and excitment, to fuch a confirming work , in this day about the Chriftian faith; when we may hope that a more foUmne andrefloring time of religion in theworld, is on a near approach, (though

B % all

(20)

all fenfible evidence would feem to control this,) and may be now more looked after, then prepared for, under any fuitable im- preflion of thefe grounds for the fame. I. That the promifed time of the convtrfion of the Jeives doth afluredly draw near ; and whatever be judged by fome of the Lords immediate appearence herein by a mi- racle , yet is it unqueftionable that no- thing in the way of means could be more promifing and hopeful topromotthis great end, then in promoting fo great aferviceas this for the Chriftian Church. II. That a greater extent alfo of the profeflion of Chrift amonghft the Gehtils , and renting of the vailethat is now over many dark nations, feemeth clearly infured therwith ; and what a hopeful evidence should this be if fuch a ■publick and catholick fprit were more feen, how to advance the highefl ends of religion on fuchanaccompt without refpecl: to any partial or divided intereft \ yea that this bleft 2eal of God might in that mannerappear to have the dark world get a more clear and convincing profpecr. of the highefl rational demonftrations of Qhriflianity , as might through the Lords graciou's concurrence bring men once to an inqwjitive and feriom fp'trit about the fame. Oh that fuch may be thus railed up in this difmal hower with

fome-

(It)

fomething of that ancient fpirit , to travel with defire for the falvation of mankind, and of whom it may be (aid, as of bleft JVehe- miah , thefe are indeed come to feek the wel- fare of their people , in their greateft intereft. III. And this farther excitment we are now under for this end, in a time when Popery feemsto be upon one of its laft and greateft: affaults againft the Church; iince its fo clear what ever tends to confirm men inChriftia- nity from their own tryal and inquiry upon the confirming evidences therof , mud have the fame native refult, tomakefuch confir- med Proteftants ; yea nothing is morede- monftrable then that the method and grounds that are taken bothtoingadge and fix men in the Popish profeflion , have the fame rational tendency to promot Atheifm, and to give infidels the greateft advantage to reject theprofeflion of Chrift.

Bj T CHAP-

CHAPTER II.

The confirming worke of Religion , reduced w practical ufe; in /owe clear "view ofthefe primary grounds , and demonflrations of our faith ; which none should pretend ig^ norance of , who enters the profeffwn of Chrifl upon choife , and certainty of evi- dence,

SECTION I.

Q_u. I. VVTTHat reafons, and demonflra- W tions , can yow give for To great a faith of the glorious being of God , when he is invifible to humane fen fe, fince this is the fundation of all religion ?

Answ. Though on the facred truth and authority of his own word , this is principally founded , yet I am with the furthefr. infallible evidence herein confir- med ; I. That it can be no more fure , this marvellous frame of the heavens and earth hath a being , and is the object of ourfenfe, then that a fupreme infinite wif- dome and power mud be the firfl: caufe hereof, and it were (imply impoflible it could ever otherwife have been. IL That he harh thus made him felf vifihle to our eyes byfuch a vifihle world , and info exquifite

an

an order and corrcfpondence there to fup? port the fame, as nothing ftands alone by it felf , but in a line of mutual refpecl, which runs through the whole creation , whom we may as clearly thus -fee, as that there is aninvifible foul in a living body. III. That this harmony is amongft thinghs, in their own nature fo contrare and deftru&ive to other, for to hold this wonderful frame, as all muft abandon reafon , or fee an infinitly wife conduct herein ; and no need of extra- ordinary miracles , to confirme what the whole conftitutions of nature do witnef- fe. IV. That this rare frame of man could never have come in being, but by him who could unite fuch different fubftances as a material body > and an immaterial foul , info near and marvelous an union. V. That fuch an univerfal confent of mankind is in all ages therto , as shews religion to be founded in the very nature of man, and as efTential to his being , as his reafon is , yea how the ul- timate difference of man from the beaft, and moft efTential property of human nature lyes here. VI. That though every one be an enemy to what torments him ; yet was it never poffible for an Atheifr. to free himfelf from that unavoidable fenfe and fear of a Deity ; nor , in a world fo much loft in wic- kednefle, could ever extinguish the* awe of

B 4 reli-

, v i ***

(H) religion , or make any rational oppofition

to this greateft article of the common faith of mankind. VII. Thatthereafonof the whole conftitution of nature , and vicifii- tude of things here , is fo great , as , without shutting out the ufe of reafon, we cannot but fee, how nothing poflibly could have been better ; and that any want hereof in the whole frame of the univerfe, would be as the diflocation of a joynt of the body , and were not conceivable to be otherwife then it is by infinite wifdome appointed. VIII. That its (imply impoflible that God bleffed for ever should not exift, or that this uni- verfe, (which is a worke fo highly becoming thegreatnefTeof its maker) could poflibly fubfift for one hour or minute of time, with- out a fupreme independent power and being , on which all vifible beings have their dependance, fince they cannot depend upon nothing. I X. That fuch is the abfolute neceflity of the faith alfi of a God-head, as without this the ftate of mankind could not morally fubfift, or any poilible order , fubjection, piety, andjuftice, be to fup- port human fociety , but as Bradwardine faith , O c^uam necejfe eft hunc ejfe , quern im- poffibile eft noneffe I O that men cannot but fee thefe effects of his power on the con- science , in the certainty ofa profetick light

and

anddifcovery , as hath been oft given of fu- ture things , and in the undenyable truth of miracles , fo as fuch a prodigy as a profeft u4theift, canhavenoclaimeto human race, as a rational being, more then the greateft monjier in nature to be a true man.

Q^u. I L What doth witnefle the 'worlds not being eternal, and its firft origi- nal and beginning from God, to confirme your faith herein, by the further rational de- monftration.

Ans. I. That as an eternity is only com- municable to the firft caufe , fo that which is made up of corruptible & perishing things, as this vifible world, cannot poflibly be in it kit eternal; nor could ever produce it fel£ fincethus itmuft both exift andnotexift at the fame time, which is the greateft contra- diction. 1 1. That if there be fuch a thing now as time , there can be no judging of dayes , yeares and ages to be infinite , or how one thing in a continued order , should thusgoe before another , without coming to fome firft beginning. III. If there be a gradual advance of human learning on the earth , and a further difcoveryof arts and fciences; and that the greateft experiments and inventions there have been but of a late rife and date ; then can there not poflibly be an eternal fucceffion of mankind , with a

B 5 con-

continued progrefle and experiency this way ; nor that but of late one part of the world is known and difcovered to another. IV. That fo short an hiftory as we have in the moft ancient records of time , were wholly inconfiftent with fuch an eternal du- ration , or that infinite ages preceeding, should leave no rememberance to pofterity, when fo ffnall a meafure of time, as a few thoufand years , have left fomuch. V. Nor could men beget other eternally without going back to fome firftman , who could not beget himfelf. VI. That if eternity be preferable to time, then should not the cxcellentefl being in the earth , man , be thus corruptible, and only this inanimate maffe of the earth eternal. VII. That infinite ages paft , though they should have but mul- tiplyed the race of man in an age , to two or threemore, should have come atlaft, that the whole precinct of the earth could not poflibly bear the product of fuch an infinite increafe ; and no wears or extraordinary judgments were ever yet known to be fuch , as to reftrain fuch an unavoidable grouth.

Qu.lII. What infaiJIible evidence to rea- fon is there of a fupream Providence , both in the confers at ion, and government oft he world; for confirming your faith of the Scripture herein?

Answ.

(*7> Ans. I. That it is fo clear thefupportof

this great frame of the Univerfe, with that continued & regular coure of nature herein, are as (imply impoffible without an infinite divine power , as its firft being and creation, I I. That fuch an extent of providence as refpectsfoinnumberable objects, with fuch a contrariety both of qualities and paffions in the fame, muft needs be from an infinite and intelligent caufe. III. That all things to this day , continue in that established or- der of fecond caufes , wherein God hath pla- ced them by a law fo vifibly imprinted on the nature of things without reafon , that they doe as exactly anfwer the fame in their proper courfe and ftation , as if they had a ra- tional knowledge of their duty. IV. That univerfal refpec! , the fun in the firmament hath to things here below , though at fo greatadiftance, yet doth neither ceafe, nor weary to emit its beams and hid influences to the meaneft creatures , may let us clearly fee , how it hath the fame vifible ufe and end to confirme an incomprehenfible and infini- te providence about the meaneft things, as wel as the greateft. V. That immediate precedency of the fowl in that leffer world of man , bears the fame evidence therwith^ which though we never faw with our eyes, yet doth undenyably actuate the whole bo- dy

(28)

dy in its fun&ions, as the proper fpringof every ad and motion there. VI. It is thus further confirmed , by thefe continued vi- cifiitudes of Summer and Winter > and of day and nighty that man might have, both light for his labour, and darknefle as a covering for his reft. VII. By fuchvifibledifcove- ries of divine judgment and execution of his laws on men here, as all may fee his hand therin , who yet will not hear his voice in the word. VIII. By thefe extraordinare and wonclerfull works of providence, which have been in all ages. IX. By fo evident a reftrainft both over Devils , and wicked men, without which they would quickly difturbe the whole frame of this earth , and make it uninhabitable for human fociety ; if their being thus bounded and chained , were not as vifible , as the certainty of their being. X. By fuch a natural obligation to moral du- ties, with the fenfe of a difference betwixt good and evil, as is founded in the very ra- tional nature of man, that none canpofli- bly root out, even where the Scripture is not known. XI. By that natural confi- dence alfo in God , and in a recourfe to him on any prefent extreme hazard, towitnefle, not onlvthe moil: hi^h beares rule in the kingdomesofmen, but that the fenfe and evidence hereof is unavoidable.

Qu.

(*9> Qj7. IV. But doth this great adminP

flration of providence 9 about human affaires as uncheangably appear, in i differencing be- twixt the righteous and the wicked, by fome recompence to the one , and punishment to the other , as in the eftablished courfe of na- ture.

Ans. It is fure fuch as defire a confirming of their faith herein, wants it not, with the furtheft evidence , but may ever fee that exad conformity in the whole difpenfation of providence, to the rectitude and perfe- dion^of the divine nature, and how a firm beliefe that God is, and that he is a revarder of them that diligently feek him , is one and the fame faith; when we cannot but fee , T. That .natural fenfe of good and evil , and effentiall difference betwixt the fame , which is fo fimly founded in the reafon of all mankind, as no human laws orcuftome could ever ta- ke this off their confcience, or make an in- difference herin , without extinguishing the very nature of man ; to shew that eternal and uncheangable difference , which the ho- ly nature of God hath put betwixt them. 1 1. That we fee fuch conftraint ferved on the word of men, to an awful fenfe and regard of truth and weal doing , and to ac- knowledge the loveleneffe and excellency hereof, as does make them feek their own

c^

repute by a falfe shew and counternte of the fame ; and gives fuch a being and rife to that dreadful impofture ofhypocrijy. III. That its the truths priviledgeever to outlive/* /j- hood , and prevail over the fame , yea to have the greater triumph after its foreft con- flicts; and how this is of as foundamental a conftitution in the courfe ofprovidence , as the mod firm eftablishment of nature* I V. That in no time fince man was formed in the earth , doth true joy and ferenity of mind , ceafe to be the native refultof weal- doing , or the fruit of right eoufneffe , to be peace and ajfurenceof mind , nor hath ever wanted a witnefle even before the world of the Lords taking pleafure herein. V. That its fo evi- dent, in the moftdifmal times, what a pu- blick blelfing , fuch are , who by more ex- traordinare tryals have been put to the hi- gheft exercife of their grace and patience; yea how vifibly fuch have been promot to the mod honourable fervice for God , and to advance the credite of religion before men $ who on the firft fight and view have been accounted the moll: miferable of any* VI. Whilft, on the other hand , it may be ever feen , how with the greateit profperity of the wicked here , there are punishments of another kind difpenfed , and more dreadful then any outward affii&ion, fuch as ^W/-

$ ml

(v)

cial objlinacy 9 and blindnejfe of mind in oppo* Jition to God, even when their own ruine is made vifible to them herein. VII. How oft men are thus evidently condemned to be happy in this world by fome ftrang meafure ottemporallfftccejfe andprofperity , before fo- me great fall* and ruine, as the iiTue hereof in the laft shene of providence doth fully at- teft. VIII. That its feenalfo, how fin doth ever bring its own punishment therewith , in fome begun degree both of shame and tor- ment ; and , as Seneca , an heathen could fay , that wkkedneffe was the moft exquijite contriver of human mifery , fo the world like- wife may fee how a prefent immunity from judgment is no releafe , but when its fenten- ce is not fpeadily execute , yet is it at laft fure- ly execute. 1 X. And how evident is it, that the greateft haters of godlinefle are yet inforced to juftify the fame and the Chrif- tians choife herein , as the greateft wifdome, upon any furprifing ftate and extremity ; yea how fuch would be glad to joyne interefts then with fuch in their death , whom they moft contemned in theirlife.

Q^u. V. How is it convincing and demonftrable, that God hath given any clear and expres revelation of his will and councel unto men , and that fuch a wonderfull record is undoubtedly extant irt the world.

Answ,

A nsw. That , I. it is not pofhble to believe the being of God, and not alfo the truth of an eftablished law , and rule of com- merce betwixt him and man here, fo as to know both what we should doe, and what to.exped and hope from him. II. That this alfo muft be known anddifplayits po- wer and efficacy to the world, in that man- ner and by fuch infallible evidence of its truth, as may render all inexcufable, who give not intire credite therto. III. lean be no more clear and alTured there is but one fun in the firmament , then that there is but one fountain , aud rcpojitorv of f acred light about religion , which is the Scripture , and its being the alone publick ftandard of truth to the whole world. I V. That no way was ever made known to recover mankind from a flate of bondage , darknefTe , and mifery , compatible with the very ufe of rea- fon, but by this blefled light which shineth there. V. Yea that there is as vifible a dif- ference, betwixt the fame and any preten- ded religion which ever was befides in the world , as there is betwixt day and nighty which is founded in the immutable nature of thefe things in themfelves. VI. That the- re is one proper sphere > where this glorious light of divine truth is fixed, and wherein it shines forth from one age to another;

>y

which is the Chriftian Church. Qu<

Qu . VI. But what more peculiare eviden- ces can yow shew of the divinity of the Scrip* tures, that all may fee to be of infallible truth.

Answ. I. That its fure fuch a book is this day in the earth, which no created wisdome could ever have done , and contains fuch things of higheft conceirn to mankind) as doe inflnitly exceed the bounds of human ability and invention, or could ever have been difcovered but by God himfelf. 1 1. That it gives forth fuch exquiflte laws and constitutions of our religion , as men muft needs fee the holy nature , purity, and perficlion of God, moft brightly shining forth therin. III. Which dorhdifcoverfo great and proper a relief for all thefe evils and mi- feries that doe attend this fallen eftate of man , as none but an allfufficientGod could only doe. IV. That he alone mufl be the author of this bleffed record , who rules the world, and hath determined the changes and revolutions therof , when it is not more evident how thefe vifible heavens are ftretched forth over the earth, then that this line of the Scripture is ftretched over the whole worke and frame of providence , and doth moft clearly illuminate the fame. V. That furelythis was the product of infinite wif- dome, whence fo great a variety of matter » doth meet with fo vifible a concent and har-

C mony

(54). xnony in one perfect and intire frame; yea

Juiit in fo clofTe a bond of union together, as makes the whole Bible to be intirly one piece j though in the writing of each diftincT: part therofit could never have poflibly been contrived orforfeen by humane wifdome , what we fee here of fo admirable an agree- ment & correfpondence, as is in all the parts therof.VI.That none els could have fpokc to the world,in fo majeftick a way,& becoming the greatnefle and foveraignity of God, to ai- fume fuch a fupremacy, & give forth laws for abfolute obedience from all mankind therto, & on fuch a penalty of eternal deftrudion;or that any impoftures, either poflibly could, or durfthave, in fuch a manner, perfonatethe fame. VII. That it muft needs be his word who perfectly knows what is in man, and hath an abfolute authority over the foul , and is a difcerner of the thoughts therof, who thus not only gives law to the con- ference, and our inward parts, but doth eflablish an internal religion there , no leife abfolutly, then what refpe&s our external workeand actions. VIII. Yea where all may fee the whole penmen therof under fo intire a fubjection to the doctrine which they tought , and to be no contrivance of their own , as they did record their own failings, and imperfections in behalf of the

truth.

truth; and did thus alfo require aJIjuftre- fped and obedience to the Magiftrates , when through the whole earth they were then greatefr, enemies to the truth of the Gofpel. IX. That this muft be his word, who alone can derive principles of life to his own inftitutions, and animate the fame with a quickning Spirit; and is a worke above the contrivance of Angels or men , when directed to each new tryal of the Church, and perfonal cafe of Chriftians , as though it had been alone writt for that time ; fo that I can be no more perfwaded in reafon there is fuch a book as the Bible in the earth, then that it came from heaven, and is the alone rule of religion, and of divine revelation, for the governing of mankind.

Q^u. VII. How is the fecure conveyance of the Scripture demonftrable amidft all the changes of times part, and thatnopoffible acceffe could be for its corruption.

Answ. I. That its fo undenyably the firft rule which ever Was given to mankind of religion , and the alone publick ftandard of truth , that hath endured the tryal and in- _ quiryofall times pad: , foas no pretences in the matter of antiquity could yet ever be to thecontrare. II. That fo exact an harmony is betwixt the Old and New Tejtamznt , as [the one is a vifible tranfcript of the other, in

C z its

sr

its accomplishment; thatlcanjfce no more fure of fuch a venerable recor8*as the Old Teilament , and its unalterable conveyance to the Churchy to which the whole race of the Jewes is yet a (landing witnefTe, then how it is continued and perfected in the re- velation of theGofpel, and but one intire frame. III. That its deliverance was no private deed, but by a publick trull to the whole univerfal Church ; fo as it were more €afy in the way of reafon to queilion the moil: fundamental ftatutes and lawes of any nation, by which mens private right and property is fecured, then the truth hereof.

IV. That under theGofpel it hath been fo fully difperfed over the world, and in fuch various languages; as an innumerable com- pany of Chriftians thefe 1600 years pail, hath been as a common library of the fame.

V. That thefe numerous verfions and com- mentaries tran fmit theron in diverfe langua- ges, doe fully, evidence they had the fame Scripture, and no other then what we have this day. VI. That this was delivered to the Church not only in write, but in that forme of found words, for keeping cloffe therby, as could admit no poffible acceiTe to corrupt or alter the fame; beiides the con- tinued and publick reference hath been fince the firft ages of theGofpel to its decision,

which

■(37) which all thefe sharpe controversies , that

have been in the Church on all fides, doe

inevitably require.

Qu. VIII. What doth confirme the fall of man , and entry thus of fin into the world, this way, from clear and unavoida- ble evidences or reafon.

Answ. I. That there is fuch a thing as fin and evil in the world, with the fenfe and confcience of guilt arifing hereon, amonghft: all mankind, can need no proof or evidence. II. Thatitisfimplyimpoffible this should have been originally created with man, or elTentially belonging to his firft frame and constitution , fincethen there could be no confcience of guilt or remorfe, for what was given to be a part of himfelf, in his firft . frame; or be any fin, to act thus fuitably to their own original irate. III. That it were not conceivable alfo how one part of man should be in fuch oppofition to another. I V. Nor that fuch a thing as inherent shame could be in the nature of man , upon_-the fence ofgttilt , and by fo natural a refult fol- low the fame, or that fuch should be asha- med of any part of his own being , if this were not upon ane undoubted apojiacy from what oncehe was , and that inevitable conviction 6fconfcieneethathe now is what he ought not to be, fo as the certainty of mans fall

C i though

f?8) though alone revealed in the Scripture, as to the truecaufe thereof, yet may be as evident, to reafon, as the truth of his being now is,

SECTION II.

Qu. I. A Re there fuch ajfiflances to the ./^Chriftian faith upon that great and aftonishing myftery of the revelation of Chrift. to the world as can fully anfwer the greatneffe thereof from cleare and infalli- ble evidence to mens judgement ?

Answ. It is fure there could nothing pof- fibly be defired more to fatisfy the mofi: doubt-full auci fufpicious niinde then is given for the furtheft certainty hereof. J. That fuch a glorious per fin as the AieJJlah was to come, and be anoynted to that great work o£ redeeming manhnde from fin and mifery and bring man back again unto God; and how this promife is the alone foundation , whereon xhe church was founded fince man fell. 1 1. That all thefe numerous types and facrifices under the law , did fo exprefly tend to confirm their faith of that one bleffed propitiatory [acrtfice which was to be offered up. III. That long er the NewTeframent was writ, there was fo cleare and exact a portrai&ure of the Mejjias drawen forth in the old, with fueh peculiar marks whereby

he

(59) he should be knowen to the church, atrd have

infallibly taken place in the event as men could not upon any Scripture evidence exfpecl: his comming in another way. IV. That his humiliation and fufferings were fo exprefly shewed forth and foretold , with the pe- culiar circumftances thereof in the 5 3 . chap, of Ifaiah , and 9, of Daniel, as if they had been eye wittnefles of the accomplishment the- reof. V. That even the fpeciall feafon and period of time for outmaking of this great promife was Co far made knowen , as upon diligent fearch and inquiry, its neare ap- proach might be difcernable and cleare to what or what manner of time this did fpecially relate; for which both the fall of the mo- narchies and Daniels feventy weekes were fet up as highway markes to guide mens faith herein. VI. That its (imply impoflible according to the Scripture, how the promi- fed Meffias could be yet 'to come , except the Jewes were put in the fame irate they were in athis coming, when now for thefe 1600. Jcares there hath been no Scepter , nor lawgiver , no temple , or daily Sacrifice VII. That this great myftery could never poflibly have entered in our thoughts, or bedevifedby any created underftanding.

vQ_u. II. But are there as cleare and in- fallible evidences of the truth of this great

C 4 promife

(4°) promife in the event , that furely the blefTed

Meffiasof the world is now come, as that it

is fure he was promifed.

A n s w. Its beyond all poilible debate.

I. That fo divine and wonderful I aperfon was in the dayes of Tiberius Cafar manifefted then to Ifrael, with no outward shew or ob- fervation; who did fo great and marvellous things , before all the people , as were above all created power, yea, was crucified at Je- rufalem , under Pontius Pilate , and is a truth in the matter of fad:, that bothjewes and heathens have been enforced to confeffe.

I I. That this fpecial feafon of his comming into the world as i\\c great Epocha and period of time from which the Chriflian churchy hathlince to this day reckoned herftate and fucceiiion , is undoubted and clear alfo.

III. That the time of his appearance unto the world, did fo exactly tryft with that which was foretold by the Prophets, as ihenthe Jewish church was with greateft ad- vertance looking after xheAfeffias; foasfome remarkable impoflors were thus excited to deceive the people herein. IV. That in him who was then revealed , and whom the Chriftian church worships its fure , was moft exactly fulfilled , what ever was foretold, concerning the Meliias in the Old Tefta- mcntj and we do appeal herein to thefer?-

, cords

i. >

(40 cords which all the Jev/es even to this day do

acknowledge to be diyine. V. That this was not done in a corner, but inthepublick view of men in thefe dayes , moft noture and famous; yea by the fpecial deftination of God at fofolemn a time of the pajfover in Je- rufaiem , where Chrifl our pa/over was then facrifited. V I. That no humane interefl or policy can podibly be in this difcovery of thegojpell; when nothing more vifibly croffe therto or obftru&ive orbits fuccefle, then fuch a publishing of the death and fufferings of our Lord, with all the ignominy and aba- tement which attended the fame , had there been anyaccefle hereto confult carnal rea- fon , or any other ground to beare it out then the evidence and certainty of its truth. VIT. That herein hive all divided partyes and feels in the Chriftian world been enfor- ced ftil to meet and confent, inane acknow- ledgement of the fubdance thereof. VIII. That in the fame light which was held forth in the Old Tefbment about the MeJJias t did the whole gentile church enter; and made <hime to their right for being adopted the feed and children of Abraham , on thefe cleare and exprefTe promifes given for the fame; which the Jev/es could not j^utcon- fefTeto be of divine authority. 81

Q^u. III. What confirmation is to- the V'a^ Cj ^ Chriftiatv

-i

(4>) Chriftian faith, that for 4000. ycares the

comming of the Meflias should be deferred after the promife.

A n s. Though the foveraign pleafure of God should filence and fatisfy our minde herein ; yet is there fuch a fight to be had hereof, and of infinit divine wifedome shining forth in the fame as should be moft tonfirming for thefe ends. I. That there -tnightbeamorediftindreprefentingof the ' glory of this myftery to angels and men, in fuch a gradual! opening up of the fame. II. To put that weight and high value on his own promife and teflimony herein , when on the alone credit thereof, he would thus both try, and bearc out the fait h of his church , for fo many ages , and draw forth their defi~ res and longings in all that long fpace of time after the fame. III. To teftify the greatnelfe of his wrath againfty?/* and the Apofiacy of mankmde , by furfering the generality there- of to ly fo long under its fatalleffe&s. IV. To prepare the church for fo great a reception, by all that long preparatory 'Jervice of legall wftitutions , as To highly becoming the great- neiTeofthis myflery, to have fo folemn and itupendious ane introduction thereto. V~ That thus the world might have its full tryall of the infufriciency of natural abilityes , and ofany improvements of humane wifedome

and

(45) ■ andlearning, for help; after this had firfl

been at the furtheft hight both in Greece and Rome, before the alone Redeemer of the church came.

Qjj. IV. What can offer furtheft: con- viction to the world of the truth of Chriftia- nity from its nature and internall excellen- cies; and that it is no leffe eifentially good in its felfe , then evidently true.

An s. I. That its fo undeniable even to thefe that live at a diftance , how fuch is the truth rfCkrift that though all vifible and humane props should faill, it can fubfift by its oun evidence, and authority over mens confeience, and hath thus ever preferved its ftation i the worft of times. II. That as it hold forth the mod exqmCncritle of perfeclion t follow, fodoth bring the greateft rejeef to the diftempers of the minde , and thefe mi- series which attend humane ftate here; fo as a higher glory doth thus refult to the holy God> by this difpenfation of Grace to fallen man then if he had flood in his primitive ftate.

III. That it is fure the truth and doctrine of Chrift doth natively tend to fix men in a ft ate of light and communion with God, and in z ftate of feparation of fuch in their principles , ajfeclion, and conuerfation from the world.

I V. That it doth more brightly shine forth in Jimplicity , and truth and in its internall

M$YJ SJ eml

-i

&- </

C44)

and vitalities , then in any outward form or

shew, yea in the way of felfe deniall , rneek- nejfe , and poverty cf fpirit , doth fuch ane excellency appeare j as in its oun nature , hath asvifible a difference from the proud and vindictive fpirit of this world, as the day hath from the night. V. How fuch is Chrifiianity , as by no naked dottrinall difco- veryof the fame, to mens judgement, or fuch rules as any humane fcience is acquired by, can beknowen, without ane inward power and principles of a new life; nor can there ever be a right knowledge of divinity, untill itbefirft ingrafted in a divine heart ; fofar is this my/lery above all humane rule, and contrivance. VI. That it is ftated in thegreatefl: opposition to any falfeshew or hypocrijy; yea , brings fuch inforcements therewith of candor, and truth, and oflove, tendernejfe and fympathy towards others, as all mull: fee is not only the highefb ornament and perfection of our nature, but thegreatefl bleffing to the world that ever was knowen. V 1 1. That fuch a native luflre and fragrancy doth attend the truth , and fimplicity of the gofpell , as its no more poffible for humane art or cunning to reprefent this, then to make the dead image of a man to live, or to paintinabroad the vita II [cent ofa violet or rofe, to our Jenfes. VI 1 1. That in this way

of

or the gojpels fubduing men to the obedience thereof, by the yower of inward grace, the glory of Chrtft doth more eminently shine forth , then if he had appeared for this end with the greateft outward majefty and atten- dance otAngels to our bodily eyes. IX. That it is fo vifible how the whole world befides, that is without the revelation or Chrifl\ is a place where horrour,falfehood, and impiety doth manifeftly reign.

Qu. V. But how do yow receive fo wonderfull a truth , as that of the Gofpell is, when its now fo great a diftance of time from its firft promulgation,

Ans. I. That we can be no morefure andperfwaded of the moft vifible and pre- fcnt objects of fenfe, then, thatthis isthe famegofpell which is frill shining forth to the world , whereby ane innumerable company of all nation s , tongues and languages , hath received the /pint 3 and beenfealed; yea, hath made that change upon men, in turning them from ungodlyncffe and idols to ferve the living God , as hath been no leffe marvellous then the turning of fo many wolves , into lambs. 1 1. That it is the famegofpell which not only through a feries of i<5. centuries hath been attefted, but by fuch innumerable nninejfes who counted not their life deare unto the death for fealing thereof, and found

it

C4«;

it fweet to be offered up in the flames for Chnft. III. Which in all ages paft hath flood out the greateft oppofition that ever the world made to any intereft., while the weapons of its war 'fare werefpiritttal, andnot carnal^ & with that fucceffe as the time of the Churches hotteftperfecmion from heathens was that period of time alfo of a mod remarka- ble fpreading in the world. IV. That the fame Gofpelis revealed this day, which hath had fuchdifcernable triumphs and fucceffe when no external afliftance could be feen herein ; and no vifible power by which it gained the moil favage and dark parts of the earth, to take on ihejoakofChrift y and pre- fer the objects of faith to the moft defireable objeBs of fenfe. V. Yea , which hath not only had iuchvital influenceon mens heart, and practice to change it into the fame image; but that herein the doctrine of the crojje of Chrifl in the greateftJtmpUcitj hath ftill been the mod effectual way of its conqueft , and the greateft attractive on mens fouls to re- ceive the fame.

Qjj. V I. How is it demonftrable that fuch remarkable fufferings of times paft for the truth of Chrift, were both founded on the alone certainty thereof, and carryed out by a divine Spirit above any afliftance of nature.

An-sw.

(47) Answ. That it is fure, T. Here was no

comedy , or perfonated fufferings which the primitive Chriftians, and in after times did endure for Chrift ; or that thefe unsxpreffa- ble torments and paines were any dream, and delujion either to themfelves or the world , and that their adverfaries did thus conflict and wreftle with their own shadow in fo continued and cruel ane oppofition. II. That fuch joy and exultation of Spirit thefe witnef- Ced amidft their torments, who otherwife wanted no fenfe or feeling of their paines and fufferings , could have no rife but what was fupernatural. III. That this could be no poflible diilimulation or comterfit when they were ftepping in on eternity, nor the product ofadiCtempered judgment; whilft all might fee what ferioufneffe of Spirit , tenderneffe , and bowels of companion to their adverfaries they did then evidence. I V. That thefe greateft fufferings were upon choife, and to endure rather then to be fafe at the rate of receding in any thing from the truth. V. Yea no natural reafon can comprehend how fuch mean and feeble perfons as many of thefe were, should endure, what would have made the greateft natural courage to faint 3 as if they had foregone humane paffions which flesh and blood muft needs have here- in, foas lam conftraind to fee fomething

no

(48)

no lefs marvellous and fupernatural in the

faith ofmartyres > then in the faith of miracles*

SECTION III.

Qu. I. TS it fully demonftrable,- that the xfaith of a deity , and of fuch an eftablishment as a religious worship, mull: neceffarly determine men to be Christians > on this ground that they cannot but fee how religion hath not another being in the earth, but in the truth otChriftianity.

Answ. It is limply impolfible to make a rational tryal herin , and not fee the cer- tainty of this demonftration , to be thus clear. I. That there needs no more for any of a ferious fpirit , but to come and fee , what the whole frame of Heathemfme was> and if it be poffible to deny, even under any fenfe of the law and dictates of nature, its being thehigheft reproach of mankind; and how the very myfteries of that Heathenish worship, was fo horrid and impure , as they needed a vail then from the common view of the world. II. Nor can there be a ratio- nal refledion this day, onthatftrang mon- fler of Mahumit anifme , but of a vifi ble pro^ *//£)' of the judgment of God, on thefe parts of the earth; upon their apoflacy from the Chrijlian faith, by giving men up to fuch an

impofture,

T4P) Impofture, as expofeth the very name and

form of religion, to derifion; and can ne- ver claime a reception either from the puri- ty of its rule or internal evidence of the truth therof , or of its having any poffible confluence with it felf. III. That its fure alfo the Jewish religion had never another being but in the truth and faith of Chrtftiani- ty , and where this fundation is divided from, it hath none at all; yea how that peo- ple unto this day are fuch a confirming wit- neffe to the Chriftian Religion , as its ftrang this doth not beget deeper impreflions on mensfpirit. So that there is anabfolute ne- ceffity , we muft either forgoe the ufe of reafon, or fee, iftherewerenotfucharule given and revealed for commerce betwixt God and man, as the Scripture, where the Jaws and conflitutions of the Chrifltan faith, are for this end held forth , that its then fure there is no fuch thing, as any religion in the, earth , but what wer fo highly irrational and abfurd , as should rather juftify Atheifm,

Qjj. II. What fpecial confirmation to "Chrifiianity , can this vifible ftate of the Jews bear , who are in fo expreffean oppo- sition totheGofpelofChrift?

A nsw. If this were brought near our thoughts we should find it one of the great affiftances to our faith. I. That its fure there

D \$

(jo;

Is fuch a people and race , as a living and vi- able evidence to ourfenfe, of the truth of that renowned nation , and church of Ifrael9 to which the oracles of God were committed, and thus are fti]l , as fome part of the evident ruines of that once flourishing ftate. II. That the world may fee , fuch a people kept by themfelves and not mixed with the na- tions , whofe fathers from one generation to another did ftill own the divinity of the Old Teftament ; and doth atteft that doc- trine, in which the truth and fubftance of Chriftianity lyes, even whilft with greatefl malice they oppofe the Chriftian faith, to witnelTe there can be no pofTible collufion here. III. Their being under a flroak of that judicial induration and blindneffe of mind, as noreafon could poffibly compre- hend fuch a thing , how they fee not the light in the very noon-day of the Gofpel, if it were not exprefly fortoJd their being con- cluded under fuch an arreft of judgment, until the fulnejfe of the gentiles be brought in. I VI That fo immediate an appearence of God , is in the jttdgmtnt of that people, both in the manner and continuance there- of, as no inftance could ever be found to referable the fame, llnce man was formed in the earth ; and thus as a confpicuous mo- nument of divin wrath , fet up for every

age

(50 age and time of the Church, to turn sfide

and confidcr this great fight, and inquire . what means fo ftrang and amazing a thing, as the ft ate of the feat t ere dfews is, now un- der the times of the Gofptl. V. Thauhis defolation on them and ftroak , had fuch fpecial concurring circumftances forgiving lighrtherto; as being not above^ years , after the death ofCkrift , with theij- hand s , as it were , hot and reaking with that bkod which they had wished on them , and their children ; that it should be at that time of the Paffover , which was the very fame o£ the fuffermgs of oUr bleffed Lord there , and point- ng as with the finger at the fame ; as alfo by the Ramans , whofe intereft in their op* pofition to Chrift they pretended to own.

Qu. 1 1 L fs the iv *y and mariner of the Go [pels promulgation fuch, asnooiJber pro- feilion could ever pretend to, and where ail may fee there can be no human interefi or contrivance in thefamc?

Answ. Itisundenyable, that no i me reft elfe was ever in fuch a way pro mot and does exceed all natural underftanding, how the truth of Christianity could in this manner prevail. I. To ptrfwade men without any motives, or inducements from thisprefent world , to imbrace a doctrine fo wholly re- pugnant to nature; yea to preferranintereil

D z of

(sO .

of things not feen , and which none ever in the earth faw, to the moft defirable objecls offenfe. II. To admit no implicit reception from any , but on their exacteft inquiry and tryal herein ; or in an other way claime an intereftinmens affections, but by afullak fent of their light and judgment to the fame.

III. To admit no gratification to the moft predominant defires and inclinations ofmen upon any darling fin, which according to human wifdome would be judged of an ab- folute neceffity for gaining any acceptance withfuch; yea to give no partial refpecl: to the greateft Princes more then to the meanefr.

IV. To purfue its intereft, by fo plain a difcoveryof the death, and fufferings of our bleffed Lord , with the whole ignominy thereof \ when nothing could more evidently con- trol fuch an end by any rules of human wif- dome and policy, if there had been a pofli- ble acceffe to confult flesh and blood herein.

V. And its fure there could be no defigne, without an immediate divine power* in fuch a manner to plead the intereft of Chriftiani- ty with men, by inferting affliction, and the crojfe in the firft entry, as effentia.lt o the frofejfion thereof , and holding forth the neceiluy of taking on the joke of Chrift without which none can be his Difci- pies*

Qu. IV.

Qu. IV. But wherein doth the evidence of that great demonftration of the Gofpel moft clearly appear," in the love and unity of Chriflians amonghft themfelves, which we find Chrift doth fo fpecially preffe , for this end, that the world might know, and have fuch a vifible feal of his divine mijjion > Joh. i j:ii.

An s w. The greatnelTe of this demon- ftration may be thus evident a> all. I. That its fo clearly demonftrative of the furitj of ear Religion , which can admitt ofnobitter- nefle, ftrife, recrimination, or fuch inde- cencies of heat and pailion , which are thefe fatal effects of difcord in theChjjrch; and thus lets us fee the excellency of the fpirit and rule of the Gofpel. 1 1. That thus alfo we may know the power and efficacy of the truth thereof, which is according togodlinejfej upon mens heart, in fubduing thefe diflem- pers of the mind and judgment. III. That this doth fo fpecially tend to make religion lovely , and to draw forth matter of praife and blefling to God from the world , when they fee fuch a native effect of Chriftianity as this , to make thofe who profeffe the fame in that manner shine forth in tendemejfe, hu- mility , and brotherly love , fo that, they be- come as a publick good and bleffing to man- kind in the place they are in. iy. Thisap-

D i pears

pe.irsalfo fromrhe nature of that umon inthe Church sfChnft, and amonghfthjs fol'owt rs, vrhichonly a di vim- power could both fi ame and make effectual; arnd its fure no human- fociety or constitution could ever claim fuch an unity rherein as this is ; where not only perfons of all nations and language s and of 41I conditions, both high and low, but or the moft different mterefts ] humours, anddividingcircumftancesin other things, doe yetinfomirvelous an harmony meet in the body of Cr-ft ivhich is his Church here in thcearth. V. Becaufe hereinalfo doth the glory and honour of our bUffed bead> more eminently appear mfecuring this unity of his Church , under a divirfity of light and j udge- jnentotherwayes, by a j pint of love, meek- nefleandcondefcendence amongft his peo- ple; thenbyimpofing themoft fevere and abfolute uniformity in all things, to be the alone condition of Chrtftian communion.

Qu. V. But what ftrength and evidence doth this demonftration of the Gofpel , now bear in fo divided a ft ate of religion , and when the wounds and breaches of the -Church this day are like to blood unto desth?

Answ. -Whatever juft caufe be of griefe, yet is there none for darkening the trv'h of this demonftration, on thefe grounds. I. Tha?

none

(55). none can deny the perfection of the rule of

the Gofpel , for the mofi firm and intire uni- ty amonghffc all the followers of Chrift oh the earth. II. That no oppofition which is made therto , but what hath been fort old as oneofthegreatefltryals of the Church un- der the New Teftament , and the Spirit of God doth moil: exprclly point at in thefe latter times. III. Becaufe the furtheft op- pojition thereto can be no more caufe for any to flumble , or queftion the truth of this demonftration % then that there is a Devil, whofegreatefl defTgne hath ever been to di- vide and break Chriftians amon<?il them- felves. IV. Becaufe this union , which is chiefly mifticalandinvifible , is much greater oft , then what this way may appear to the world, and of that kind as is not interrup- ted by diftance of place, or any want of lo- cal communion. V. That fuch a guard is fet by the Lord unto this piece of his glory, and to oppofe any invifion thereon ; that there (lands an Angel with a flaming fword, upon every hand in the commands and thv eas- tings of the Gofpel , to fecure this blefled unity of the Saints amonghfr. themfel ves , fo as none can invade the fame but on their hi- gher}, peril , of oppoling that which is as the apple of ' Chrift s eye. VI. That its ever found how this demonfiration hath fomc clear cvi-

D 4 dence

(50 dence amonghft fuch who are indeed the

Dtfciples ofCbrifi, and according to their ad- vance in the life and power of Chriftianity doth the more brightly shine forth ; fo that the nearer the lines are to the center , the nearer alfo are they amonghft themfelves. VII. Tint in all times there hath been fome tremenduouswtfr&eofthe judgment of God rmde vifible on fuch who are contentious, and have made it their worke to caufe divifion in the Church and fow difcord among bre- thren.

Qjj. VI. But what hath the Church now in thefe latter dayes to compenfe the want of that great demonftration by rnira* cles, and fuch extraordinare confirmations of the Chriftian faith, as were in the firft times?

Answ. I, That we may fee how far that feal of martyr dome , which came in the roome of miracles to the Church, hath ex- ceeded that which was in the firft times of theGofpel. II. That there hath been fince fuch innumberable shining ex amp les of holi- nejfe , yea thefe continued to this day, wh ^m the world might fee did walk in the light and power of Chriftianity, as Aire as menw^lks, under the power and vertue of a living foul. III. That we now fee what a length the cottrfe of the Gofpel and of the

Church

(17) ', r

Church militant is come, and how far thus

the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled , which once was To contrare to all human appea- rence. IV. That Co fure and exadt^ per- formance of the Scripture , is now undenya- ble in the event , and of fuch great and mar» velous things which were fortold under the NewTeflamtnt, that in an ordinare way none could have believed, what we fee with our eyes, and now have thefe things, which were in former ages the object of the Churches faith, made the object of our Jenfe ; and its fure this is fuch a Jeal and confirmation to our faith in thefe la ft times as doth much exceed the greeted miracles which were with the firfi planting of 'the Go/pel. V. Though we may not refolve our faith on any extraor- dinar e providences , or lay the leaft weight hereon tofupport the authority of the doc- trine we profeffe , fince this only is founded on that facred revelation of divine truth in the Scripture, which is that infallible rule to difcerne true miracles, and what is Gods feal herein under the undoubted fignaturc and ftampe of his own power and working in the fame ; yet hath there been fuch incon- trollable evidence of extraordinare figns and confirmations toconfirme the truth of the Reformed Religion, fince the Refor- mation, as in no ages paft was ever known, D 5 buc

f 58) . but with the firffc planting of the Gofpel among the Gentiles.

? SECTION IV.

Qu. I. TS it cleare and demonstrable that Xthe doclrine of Chrijl , is a foull quickening and experimental religion , and the trial thereof, in its mod fupernatural truths, offuch rational certitude and evidence, as theworldcannomoredenyor queftionthe fame then thefe experiments of nature, that, are of mod universal ufe ?

A nsw. Though men looked but at a diftance here or were come from Heathnifm, fo for as to make a ferious trial otChriftian'ny, itsfure they could not but fee, and be fully perfwaded in their judgement , hereof on thefe grounds. I. That fuchadifcoveryis undoubted and cleare in the Scripture of fo great things, as, that there is aholyGhoft, and his workings on mens fouls, of peace with God-, and the joy of his prtfence y which ail who receive the gofpel are called to know and prove on their oun trial. II. That this wittneffe of Chriftian experience, hath as difcernable a confent and harmony there with asface anfwerethto face in the glaffe, and is cleare to be no cafualthin^ , but where every flep in this way of trial, is by Scripture

faBt

(59) light , and what they did before read there , ere th^y knew it on their oun foul. HI. That this in all ages of the church atij wherever fuch as ferved God in thA fpirit were found in the moft remote farts from others, h.*th ftilf been the fame \ and like a great roll is tranfmit from one generation to another, with their confirmatory feal> that God is fait h- full and. true, in thefe truths of his word which feem moft incredible to the world, & now comes to our hand to require rfi£ fame atteftationand wittneffe. IV. That thefe who know and teftify thefe things once found it not eafy to beleeve the fame and did no leflfe judge of fuch great experiments of religion as a dream or imaginary thing then moft now doei until they knew them on their foul. V. That fuch alfo have been the moft burning and shining lights that ever Were in the church and thefe innumerable in all ages who declare the fame, yea this in the mouth of the grave and entran e to ane eter- nal ftate when no outward intreft could fway them here. VI. That it muft be a matter of greateft affurance which hath then preiled the moft tender parents wirh their Iaft and dying breath to commend the (zmztrial t9 their chiUren, and to obteft their making carneft herein as the greateft intereft they could leave them. VII. That what ever

(6o) differences be oft among thefe in Tome matters of truth : yet, in the certainty of this great trial of the life, power and comforts of reli- gion , is ane harmonious onenes in the fame teftimony in all times of the church. VIII. That ifanyqueftion thisbecaufe fo remote from mens fenfes , and the judgement of car- tjpl reafon; the reality of its effrfts, doth unanfwerably prove both the reality and excellency of the cattfe.

Qjj. II. What cleare and rational con- viction can yow offer, of fo great a thing as confer/ion of men from a ftate of nature , to a new fl Ate by grace , which doth raife them as far above therefidue of mankinde, as rea- fon doth above the ftate of the beaftes ?

Answ. Though I should ftrive againft the conviction of fuch a miracle , and demon- ftrationof theGofpel, as conversion is, yet were it not poilible to deny fuch demonftra- tive evidences as the world cannot but fee hereof. I. That it is fure fuch a change is made eflentially requifite to the being , and confti- tution of a Chriftian , by the whole confent of the Scripture. 1 1. That there was never yet ane argument in nature , for ones being a Chriftian in the life and power thereof what ever may be for a naked form or shew. 1 1 L That they are not a few, but innumerable inftances in all times andofallrancks & con- ditions

(61) ditions of men on whom fo great a changi - and difference hath been made thus evident, both from themfelves what once they were , and from the refidue of the world. IV. That this hath been not only upon fuchas have been Jignally impious in their pra&ife , but who in their judgment were wont to deread holyneffe as a fancy, fo as Atbeifts mud grant that there have been as profeft Athetfls fome- times as themfelves, who have been made l^^^p fuchconfpicuous monuments of the power ^ *^5 of the gofpel. V. That none can object ?c?^v here, as once the Jewes did, doe any of the rulers , or fuchas the world counts mod 'wife, and knowing ftand wittneffes to the fame 5 when it is fo knowen there have not g-v/^ been more wife, learned, and judicious in the things of reafon upon the* earth, then fuch as have been eminent examples of the / power of conversion. VI. That its mar- vellous ejfecls in fubduing men, to what once was there predominant intereft and idoI,and to part from what had been as their right eye, or hand could only be from aneimmediat di- vine power. VII. That fuch as were grea- teft adverfaryes to the truth , have been made no leffe eminent inftruments in the fer- vice of Chrifl: , and choife veffels of honour, then once they were in their enmity and op- pofition. VIII. That this change hath

been

been To difcernable in times of moft vifible pirlecutions and hazard, when nooutward advantage or gaine could have the lcaft in- fluence thereon. Now 3S thefe are demon- flrably c k-are , fo can there be no poffible ac- cede to quefKon this. I. That the Scripture is Eiirhfull and true in fo great a difcovery. 1 1 . That there is a divine fpirit and a power above nature , which accompanyes the fame in fuch a c hange. 1 1 1. That there are fureJy, contrary fiates inane other worlds when they are 1o undeniably manifeft here.

Qu. III. But can To great ane experi- ment of religion as that of communion betwixt Go I and men , here upon earth be made ratio- mlly convinceing to fuch as are themfelves Grangers thereto; and for a further confir- ming of the ChrifHan faith?

An s w. Though this be ane experiment of divinetrurhofa more tranfeendent interefi and value then all that ever were in nature, yet is it no ieffe evident , there can be no pof- fible delufion herein; if I. to which fo *#- numerable a company beares testimony and hath, tranfmit the fame, as that which not once o: twice they have proven but in the continued trial of their life. II. That its knowen to the world , how fuch as teflify what they doc, and have fo oft found in the retirement of their fouls with God , are of as

• difcer-

decerning Jpirits to know the true vahie of things, as any elfe; yea fuch whofe teftimony in other things the worft of men could not refafe nor deny. III. How its undeniably evident , fuch muft know ane other acquain- tance andfociety then that of men> that not only makes thefe hid exercifes of godlines fodefireable, where all may fee they more Jleethen follow any humane wittneffe, but thus makes fo vifible a change oft both in their cafe and countenance after moft fad anguish and dounecaftingsoffpirit. IV.That it is fo evident alfo how fuch as are moft ferious this way, have been vifibly oft rai- fcd above their ordinary cafe, and frame in prayer, and other dutyes of religion ; yea, in that manner, as they who never knew, there is a holy Ghoft but by report, could not withftandfo cleare conviction of the reality hereof, that can beget fuch liberty , humbU tendernejfe and melting of heart, yea fuch difcernable joy and confidence. V. That no delufion or falfe shew can be here , when its ever feen, how fuch as are moft ferious and frequent in frapr and thefe hid retire- ments with God, are the moft flourishing alfo in the vitals ofChriftianity, and have the moft honorable luftre, and appearance of any in their proreffion. VI. Thatits fuch only whofe joy and comfort is moft fpecially

difcer-

C«4)

difcernable beyond others when thefe lovwr

fprings of outward help and encouragement are moft vifiblyshutup.

Qu. IV. Is that great, and experimental part of religion in the power of the confcience overman, fuchas maybe as demonstrable to the world , as the truth of a rational being?

Ans>w. It may be matter of wonder how men are not (truck with deeper convictions hereon, when they cannot but fee. I. That though this be the greateft tormentor , and troubler of the world, yet istherenopofli- ble retreat from its power tho they should flee to the uttermofl: parts of the earth , b,ut doth thus enforce the fo\i\tozreflexton ontts felfe even when it trembleth at that fight. J I. Which caufeth fuch feare and horrour upon the commitment of ficrtt Jins^ when no dread of humane wittnefTe , or of viable hazard this way could ever occafion this,. III. Which admits no violence in any to outdare the fame, but is a power that the greateft monarches finde to be ftronger then they; and is fuch, as thefe oft are enforced for a prefent eafe,and releefe either to divert, or bribe the fame by fome falfe grounds of peace. TV. That it conftraines men to juftify God, and judge themfelves when his hand doth purfue them, and to finde out

their

0*5 >

their fin, and guilt, which was, before hid.

V. Which makes men alfo afrayed, to.be alo* ne with themfelves;. and to tremble at the word of truth , becaufe its light -doth torment them , by that unavoidable application the confcience makes hereof. VI. Yea makes mens guilt fo legible oft in .their countenan- ce , even when they ftudy moft to conceals it, as all may fee, there is anea^cufer with- in whofe authority and power cannot poiH- bly be declined. VII. Which with fo re- markable a confidence, and fecurity doth (up- port mens fpirit and makes it ea (y, to fuftain itsgreateftinfirmityes from without, when it is a friend; yea, thus upholds the oppreft with unfpeakable.peace and comfort , when it doth oft caufe the opprefTours to tremble.

Q^u. V. Bur what doth'moft necefFarly refult from fo cleare a demonstration as the confience is for confirming of our faith? .

A nsw. I. That its infallibly thus' cleare, how there is a higher power and judgment , to which all jnankinde is Subjected , & gives the world an unavoidable demonftration , both of the being of God, & the truth of Insivord, in the great & Supernatural difcovery which it makes hereof. I J. Thatthereisafupream & infallible law a!fo& invifible judge" above us, under whofe power and authority; this court of juftice doth without refped: of per- il fons

Ions both fwmmond \ arrctl , bring in wit* ttejfe and /emence great and fmall. III. That the internal government of our bleffed Lord, this way both in the feverity of his rebukes and moll; fenfible enlargements of peace and comfort i is unavoydably demonftrat* I V. That it beares fo clear evidence to that unknowen and undoubted releef; and how none elfe could be ever found , to thefe wounds and (lings of the confcience , but in the light and power of 'Ckriftianity, V. That it is (imply impoffible for men to delight freely in a courfe of (in , when no humane power can difarm the confcience of that fo intollerable afting , by which it begins fo «arly a hell within the foul. VI. Thatfuch is the power and peace of a good confcience as can make it (land unbroken, amidft the greater!: ruines and terrours of the world when tinder fuch a guard, as it is wrapped up in its own innocency.

SECTION V,

Qjj. I. yS the evidence of a Kingdome of \darknes^ in a direct oppolition and contrariety , to that Kingdome oflight, which Chriit. hath fet up by the Gofpel, fuch as the certainty thereof may be a matter of fenfe, as well as of faith £

Answ,

■ W

A ft s w. Since this is of fuch fpecial u.Ce$ both to confirm the chriftian faith arid awa- ke fuch to deeper reflexion on the fame* with whom there feemes no accefTe to deal I , but by proof e s from palpable experience ; it is notpoilibletodeny. I. That there is fuch a power, as the devil andthzfewkkedfpirits incompailing the earth , yea that have ane ordinar and familiar converfe with many therein. 1 1. That thefe fpirits though once originally excellent y have fallen into fuch ane apoftacy , as all may fee their aim and only pkafure ,. is to dishonour God, and des- troy his image in man. III. That it is im- poilible to deny the marks, of that power and itonqueit. , which the Prince of this worlds hath every where amofigft men; yea" how vi- sibly many are transformed into his image into fuch prodigious and defperat afts of wickedneffe ; as we should think humane haturecould not but tremble at. I V. That •none can control the certainty both offenfe ■and reafon which is in the truth of apparitions and bodily poJfeJfionSofmenin all ages y and in all places of the earth ; and can need no de- knonftration for this:, that in many places of the earth, the devil is both vifibly and audi- bly knowen. V. That he is fo manifeftin his appearcnce as zfpirit of blafphemj , which impetuoufly ads men to war again ft hea-

E 2r ven

((58) ven with their tongue in fuchoathcsand cur- fing as hath no caiual pleafure , or gain here- in; yea, aszfptritofdeluJtoninfoviCMcanQ excitement of others to thefe extravagancies under a shew of religion, as are incompati- ble with any ufe of judgement or reafon. V I. That fo innumerable a company of hu- mane race , hath in all ages been in a formal, and exprejp covenant with thefe powers of darknelfe is undenyable upon the moil fcve- re and impartial inquiry herein.

Qu. II. What fpecial ajfflence to your faith doth the certainty of thefe powers of darknejfe bring therewith?

Answ. I. That fuch a party both in their nature andcontinued actings , are in a ftated oppofnion to the Kingdome of Chrift. 1 1. That it is fo vifible the prey which thefe mighty hunters do follow is not our body , or the things of this life, but is with refpe&to ane immortal foul , and ane after fate, and that thus man might be made sharer of the fame mifery under whkh they are conclu- ded. III. That all may fee their being un- der reftraintofafupream power above them & under fuchc^wwasdo irreilfbibly bouna their rage , and enmity againfr man by ane invifble guard and hedge which they cannot breake over. IV. How their greatcft ra- ge , and (bugling is againft the convcrjion*

of

offinnerstoGod, and to hold faft his poA feflion in fuch , as the Spirit of God doth not, more clearely move for their refcue, then thefe doe to croffe that bleffed defign of the Gofpel. V. That there are none ferious in the truth and life of religion but fin dc themfelves purfued by fuch ane adverfary ; and to have as difcernably another party then themfelves , or the world to conflict with as if they faw them in a vifible shape. V I. That by the GofpeUnd within the pre- cinct of the church , is fo difcernably a grea- ter refiraint ofSatans dominion and power then in all the earth befides ; yea that the advanta- ge of being within the external covenant of Baptifme , is fo demonftrable as the leafr, yeel- ding or tendency to a renouncing of the fa- me, orany z&s of homage , for making ufe of his help, hath ever made way for fome more extraordinary power of the devil over fuch then others. VII. Thusalfoisamofl undeniable confirmation given of ane invifi- lie -world , and of fuch intellectual beings the- re, as are far above man ; yea that there is fo undoubted ane intercourfe betwixt men and fpirits , as may clearely shew that intereft mens foul hath in another ftate and world then this.

Qjj. III. Is that great truth of the f'w- mortality ofthefoull , and its never dying fta-

E I te

(7°) te after death , as fully demonfirable to rea-

fon , as it is by the furtheft certainty of faith?

Answ. Though it be fo amazing a thing to beleeve ane immortal foully and eternal [/fa- te, wherein it muft shortly enter, as by few feemes to be apprehended , yet are its de- monftrative evidences , fuch that except men lofe all fence and ufe of reafon , it is notpoffibletodeny. I. That there is fuch ' ane immaterial and active fubftance as the foull , which can admit no caufe, either of its decay or diffolution , from the body , yea that thegreateft excellency of this vifible creation , is here, that fuch a vital beam of bfe, lights and immortality , as the foull of- man is therein. II. Though we cannot fee this rare and wonderful being , yet it is here we both/? e , and feel it to be fomething di- ft met from the body ) and tohaveadiftinft: in- tereft , both in its griefs and comforts. III. How it can have nodependance on the body in its being , which doth no way de- pend thereon in its actings and exercife \ but is oft moft. vigorous and cleare, in its exer- cife, not only when moft feparat and abftracl: from fenfible things, but when the flesh is underthe greateft decay, and neare its dif- fo'ution; tosliewthey2«//lyeth nota dying with the body , but hath its dtftinff ftt'-fiften*

C7i>

ce, to live inafeparat ftate, when it- dyes,

I V. Its being peculiarly framed for conver- fe , and intercourfe with Spiritual beings, yea is only of the vifible creation admit to fellowship with the invifible God, and to. have reflex acts upon it k\f. V. How it is a being of a higher nature and value, then, the fun, moon and flairs; which not only qan know , and conceive ofthings above the evidence and impreflions offen/e , but to make a rational choife of good, though crof- fe to any fenfual pleafure ; yea to rejoyce, and have its proper delights, when the bo- dy is afflicted and in pain ; nor can be defiled from the moft loathfome fores and defile- ments of the -flesh , fo as I mud needs fee both its dominion and preheminence over the body, and to have affuredlie a fubfiftence without the fame. VI.That it is fuch a bdng9 as is capable ofa happineffe beyond the who- le extent of the world , & hath thefe intellec- tual facultyes , which cannot poflibly want, both objects fuitable thereto , and injoy- ments, above the fenfes. VII. That the mofl: choife and excellent, are ufuallymofl afflicted , and crushed under the feet of their . oppreffours , whilff. thefe flourish in the earth and have no bands in their death , fo as . fuch were of all men the mofl: miferable, if in this life, both their being and bleifedneffe

E 4 were

tve re founded. VIII. That there is fount- verfal a fenje of immortality , as thefe who both feare and Hate the evidences hereof, yet under fome conftraint of reafon hath the fame for a continued terrour. IX. Thatit is fure the certainty of death, makes it (im- ply impoflible , for things only fuited to this life of fenfe, to be the ultimate good, or fruition of man ; fince elfe the be aft s should have a greater happineffe then fuch, ific were not from refpecr, to ane after and immortal ft ate.

Qjj. IV. What confirmation to your faith docs that great and amazing change by death offer , when it would feem to be fome- thing meerly natural?

Answ. Though the only wife God moves herein according to the nature of fe- condcaufes, and that it hath various waves of approach unto men , yet may all fee with the furtheft conviction of rational evidence, as well as certainty of faith, I. How death in its firft conftitution is penal; and comes by a divine appointment unto all, not meerly as menbutasfinners, and to be thus no natu- ral accident and refult of our primitive and original frames. II. That its death, as a pe- nalty which keepes the feare and dread there- of fo much on all living, as i h it Jaft period, when the eternal ftate of men is then ca(K

III.

( 73 ) III. Tha t th c fling and bittern efle of fin, is*

fo manifeft: in innumerable difeafes and ftroakes of death, which many feel an 100. times ere they dye once , beyond other of the creatures. IV. Though the fentence of dying is on all , yet fo great a difference is be- twixt the faints and refidue of men here, that its' penal execution on the ungodly, isfuch as nature can give no fupport herein. . V. That fupernatural prefiges and warnings hereof ere it come , are in all times fo known and fure ; yea fuch extraordinare evidences fometimes of the precife time , as could have no poflible rife from any natural caufe. VI. That its immediat commijjion from a fupream and invifible power , is fo evident in fuch exe- cutions oft , of this fentence , by Jword, famine and pefl Hence , as the vitible finger of God, in a juft retribution unto men for fin, may be no leffe feen , and a fupernatural cau- fality , then the effects have been undoubted and cleare ; to shew fuch is the ftate of man , as this great revolution by death , doth each moment depend on a call from heaven. VII. That the certainty offometh'mgfuper- natural herein , as the King of terrours, is fo^ known as no releefe can poflibly be found , but in the truth andpower ofChriftia- mty , to fet men both above the feare of death and ane after ftate, when once it comes

E 5 <; neere.

(74) iteerfr/ VIII. Yea thatitisfurely above thq poffibility of nature , which can beare out in thisgreat adventure and trial of mens faith , botrrinthe truth and ftrength thereof, at death, for which end the Lord hath thus choitedthatby fo ftrange me entry , and at fodark a port they should firft pafTe to the full enjoyment of that glorious ftate a- hove. .

Qj;. V. What evidence and demonff ra- tion can yow shew , to confirm fo great a fairh of an eternal glory abiding the Saints in heaven, and of its earne ft and firfl fruits here, as may ftrike ane undeniable convic- tion hereof on the world ?

Answ.1. By that viCMe ripening and re- femblance to fuch a ftate in all the degrees of a Chriftians grouth , to a more fall feature of the man in CbnsT-, as may be no lefle evident then the natural grouth of our body. 1 1. That though the opening of theCe gates of the fecondworld be hid , as no humane fenfe can difcern the fpirit in its afeent through thefe higher regions , to that unconceivea- ble paradife and glory in the third heaven , yet is the trmmp'ant entry andpalTage of innu- merable Chriftians at death , fuch as hath oft been , a matter of fenfe and cleareft evi- dence to the world. III. That fuch alfo were both humble , tender 3 and fincere in

their

(7J>

their life, and then info great acompofure

of judgement , as all might fee they knew what made them glade and could fwallow up both the feares and bitterneiTe of death; yea that this was not given for their own fup- port only, but for a more pttblick ufe , to the conviction and confirming of others, IV. That the flate of glory is demonftrable and hath been oft brought downe to mens fenlc, bythefe ravishing joyesofthe^Mar^ tyres of Chrifl , and exultation of fpirit even in the flames. V. By fuch fupernatural comforts as attend the life of Chriftianity, andcanhavenopoilible rife from the flesh and outward caufes , with that joy and peace > which by fo natural a refult followes well- doing ; andanyferviceof love forChrift aa all may fee to be the firft fruits of that har- veft which is above. Vf. By fo rare and marvellous a frame of the new man ^ fetup in this lower region of grace, in fodifcer- nable a conformity to the bleffed God, and rcfemblence to another ftate then here, to which the world is but as a place of pilgri- mage , trial and a preparatory flate only. V 1 1. By fuch vifible returns of joy and comfort of Chriftians after faddell: conflicts and downecaftings, and day-break of thefe vital ynickning beames of divine light , that have been no leffe evident oft j then that of

the

C7«) the martyfs at the ft ike , who cryed out^

Now he is come , he is come. VIII. By thefe breathings of love after ane unfcen Chrift andvifible effects of its power on men, as might shew fome begun tranjlation of the foullfo far herein, as to be more where it loves then it lives. IX, Though we can- not fee here, that ineffable glory , which is above , but should have out faith infteed of tyes; yet fuch is the truth of holinejfe , as doth not only eviJence, but in its own na- ture partake of a future glory ; fo as every decree and act thereof doth enter in a be- gun ftate of fruition and bleffednefle , and makes*ic limply impolTible for a good man in any true exercife of godlinefs , not to be hap- py alfo, and thus in a more near capacity to Know that joy unfteakabie , and full of glory , which is above. X. By fo fure , known , and tryed a paflage betwixt heaven and mens fouls in prayer , with fo fetled a trade of com- merce*hisway, and certain returns, as with affurance fuch can fay, though they muft change their pLce , yet not their company. X \ That the whole difpenfations of provi- dence in Ifra Is pajfage through thewdder- nejfe, and to fo excellent a country as Ca- naan > isnoleffe fure initfelf, then that i was given foranemblemeandf^g&thejurt nying and militant ftate of the faints here-

and>

(77) „ and to be a folemne pledge of that Canaan a*

bove. XII. Thatfuch is the magnificence*

harmony, and order of thefe vifible/wi/^w,

and cekjiial bodies there, with their different

degrees org/077, (though all illuminated from

the fame fountain of light the fun) as we

may judge by a divine ordtnation have fome

pec uliar refped: to that end , to awake & raife

our thoughts thus, to thefe higher regions of

glory, which are above all thele, by what is

thus vifible to our eyes; where the redeemed

of the Lord shall be ever fixed , &' shine forth

as the Sun in thekmgdome of their Father.

Qu. V I. What vihble and awakning evidences are there of the truth of an Hell , and that (late of honour and torment in ano- ther world , which.even to mensjenfis here, might prefect the certainty thereof i

Answ. T. That it can be no morefure, there is fuch a power and party as that of the Devils , then the reality of fome fuch horrid region and place alfo , to which they belong > and are adjudged to. I L.Fromfoirinume- rablea company of human race , as are not only in the vilible fervice of thefe infernal fpirits, but partakers of the fame nature and enmity againft the H. God 'and his image , as doth clearly witnefle their refped and ten- dency to the fomzftate and fla<'-e y and to be confederate in their judgement > as they were

here

C7*> here in their//*. III. From fuch vifible

impreffians of vindiUive juflice on mens,

fouls, withfuch horrour of confeience and un-

fufferable torments this way, as in all ages:

have been known by moft remarkable in-

ftances , when not in the leaf! diftemper of*

their. natural reafon , that .may prefent to

mens'fenfes fomething of a vifible Hell, as

convincingly, as if one had rifen from the

dead y for the fame. IV. From fuch a

trembling fenfe , and terrvr of 'divine <ven~

geanct , as oft follows upon horrid afts ofwic*

kednefje and mboiT: eminently then breaks

forth, 'uponafurprifing light of death, as all

may fee fomething more dreadful herein

then the diffolution of nature and the power

and pitefen t arreft of a future judgment made

vifible irr the fame. V. From fuch begun

degrees , as that ofbUfpheming and rage a-

gainft God , becaufe of his •plagues , with

thefe prodigies of 'cruelty exerced by men herd

in the earth i as might be evident to all to bet

mo re she n human, and rather the erfe&rof

infernal fplrits a&ing in a human shape?

V I. From fo clears pre Iztde of the fame in

thatjudieialfl^^r^/otf, and blfndnefTe., fo

many are given up to under the greatefr. dif^

coveries of light, fo as all may. fee their being

thus bound over in chains, and shut up in

prifon r until death bring them forth to the

• • exe-

(7» .

execution ; and how no relief or application of the means ofgrace hath then any more ao xeffe. .VII. From fuch a mape & shaddow Cisternal vengeance , in thefe terrible ax5tsof ■divine.judgment inf!i6ted here on ^perflates, and perfecuters of the truth , and other flagi- tious perfons which with the very firft view •might prefent an awful and immediatappea- renceof God in the fame, and that forne -Jfrang and fupernatural punishment is oftvi- lible on the workers of iniquity, VIII. And whatever be of naturalcaufesinfuch vifible ireprefentations here in the earth , as that fulphureous /akewhsre once Sodom was, and theft burning mountains fuch as Btecla y Et- na , and Fejuvius, yet we maytruely judge .their being thus let before the world as Tome vifible .memorials of thefe infernal flames-; and as it were fomanylumebeads thereof, for fuch who will. not believe the fame ,becaufe -they doe not yet fee or.feal fuch a thing.

QV. VII. Whrit ajfiflances , hath our ■faith , of thatgreatand wonderful truth of the refurreclioh of the body , after its diffolu- tion in the grave unto dufl ?

A-nsw. I. From that: vifible and ftupen- dious frame o&thcdseavens and the earth , when its fure that the fame infinite foww*, that hath not only made Ynan , but the whole creation , can .as eaiily collect and recount

the

rthe difperfed ashes of the body, as form the fame. II. From that greateft pledge hereof, in the refurreclion of the body of Chrift. III. From that tribulation and fore pain , that the faints here in their outward man are ex- -pofed to, fince it is fure that in the holy juftice of God, he did not give fuch bodies for labour , and for toy 1, and to his 'mar- tyrs , to endure unexpreflible torments for Chrift, to perish forever. IV. Fromthefc vifible refemblances and prefigurations of the refurreclion which the Lord hath given to confirme our faith herein, in theordinare courfe and productions of 'nature ; fo as all may fee how every night is asxhe grave of the day- light, and each morning a new refurre&ion of the fame ; and how vifible an image of death is in each feafon of the winter , with fo marvelous and beatiful a refurreclion of the earth, on every return of the fpring, in the herbs , flowers and plants , taking life and ri- * fing again , in the leaves , bloffomes andfruites; yea this in fuch a variety, as mayno'lefre convincingly evidence an infinite divine power herein, then that the fame body of man should be raifed at the laft day. V. From that continued miracle of the harvest, after the feed-time, with fo amazing a p'ro- ! du<5bion of the grain fo7i>en in the earth, and : itsrrrft dying there before it bequickned,

fo

fo as to be at laft brought to 30, tfo, yea fometimes an hundredfold , out of the very fame grain; which to thefe who had never before known the fame.would feem incredi- ble , & above all reafon to conceave , or bear crcdite therto.

CHAPTER II r;

The confirming worke of Religion, impro+ *ven wichrefpeB to the times , to clear the way of the Lord herein , before this gene-

■ ration, and let us feehownoihingisfoflrang in the events of 'this day , 'which should not more flrenthen^ then shake , and that the God of the Reformed Church doth fill own the fame intercft , according to his faithful- ' neffe : which is here briefly pointed at y upon fome fpecial inquiry , irGpofed about th$ fame, A w ; *i

SECTION L

Qjj. VlTTHat can afford both light 9 and W confirmation to our faith , in fuch a time, when we fee the worke of the Lord , about his Church , to be moft re- markably now a worke of judgement , witflr fuch dark and fcarching tryals therwith, as former times have not known.

F Answ«

*

(8i) Answ. Itisfure, we have feen nothing I but what might have been too evidently looked for , and that we can pretend no want of light herein , upon thefe grounds. L That the Trialls of a Church, should be fuited to the meafure of their talent of light ,8c when this hath been in fome more then ordi- nare way difpenfed, that fome remarkably fearching times might be expected to follow; nor can it be now ftrang to us , that fuch things fall in with this day , which did not meet the Churches ofChriftat the firft entry of the Reformation , who then had not fo clear difcoveries of the truth , and that meafure of confirmation therein, which hath been fin- ce. I I. That fome unufual tryals , and confliclsy in the Lords ufuall method of pro- vidence , should be fuited alfo , to the great- nefle of that worke , which he is bringing forth, may be no ftrang thing; and to fee a time of fuch fore wreftlings as this , when all things feem to cry, be in pain as Lfflicah 4: 20. Yea when fome great event of the Scripture is to be revealed to the world , and near to \x.% full high , and period of accomplish- ment, as we have fafe ground for affurance of this day. III. Nor hath this fad and difmal hower on the Church , been more obvious then the provoking caufe hereof , in which the holy right eoufnejje ef God, may be

no

mi

no lefle clear then the cloud now Is dark j when fuch a vifible falling ofhath been from that love , tendernes , and power of religion that did formerly attend its profeifion ; as for thefe many years paft we might have (em that fome fore and remarkable judgment was coming , and that if we had not been in fuch a maner undone , we were , under fome ladder ftrock of fpiritual judgment, ready to be undone. IV. Yea it hath been too vifible, that fuch evils followed the Refor- med Churches , as in no time it was ever known, that the holy God, did paife fuch by , without fome fignal evidence of his 'Wrath againft the fame before the world. V. We know that carnal confidence hath a cur- fe ever waiting upon it in the Scripture, which none can take of, or make that thrive which God hath himfelfcurfed; and it is too vifible. how far we have gone thus out of the way of our ftrenth , by fuch eager feeking human props , & fupport , as we have forgot the guide of our youth , and convenant of our God ', and what great things he hath formerly done in the greateft ftraits of his Church , when the- re was much humble trufling , with little 'fence; as though the fpirit of the Lord t had not done more to recover his truth , then all human might or power, evercoulddoe.

F £ S E C~

(84) SECTION fcij

Qjj. \V7Hat talent, are we ftill accoun- Vr table for to fupport our faith, againft the greateft fears ok this time, from thefe immediate appear ences of God, and of the glory of his power , fo r the fa m e truth and can-' fe of the Reformed Church , we are now cal- led to contend for , which hath been fince the reformation when fo ftrong &unufuala tyde, now is againft the fame?

Answ. If men shut not their eyes, and hide this great talent of the workes of God^ un- der the ground , its fure none can queftion {uch a feat, which before the fun, to thea- mazment and conviction of the world > hath been put to the truth of the Reformed Reli- gion ; that we are now lifted under fuch a call, as the Church of Ifrael was , Deut, 4: 34. to ask of the times, that are paH , fine e If raels coming out of Egypt , and fince the £rft planting of the Gentil Church , by the Gofpel, whither there hath been fo great a thing as this in the earth , that God hath ejfayed to ta- ke to himfelf a people from the midfl of other na- tions } by temptations , by figns 3 and by won- ders , and by war , and by a mighty hand, and by an onfir etched arm , and by great t err ours , according to all that the £977/ our God hath

dons

(85)

done for the refcue of his people , in thefe lafi times , from Antichriftian bondage and dark- nefTe; and fettling them in a church ftate,* but unto us was this shewed , that we might know* that the Lord he is God, and there is none elfe befidehim : yea are ftill called to fee , and be as eye witnejfes to thefe things ; I. How bright a day of the Gofpel of Chrift, did goe before this great darknejfe on the Church , and what a folemne triumph in thefe late ages the truth hath had over Antichrifty foasthe fullftrocl^ and mine of his kingdome , which isfureandeftablishedinthe/>rowi/e of God , feems not now more marvelous and above human appearence , then what we hauefeen, in the begun degrees of its accomplishment. II. In how few years aifo, there was, as a new Chriflian world brought forth , in that fwift courfe and progreffe which the inga- thering of the Reformed Churches had , fo as between the year 162 1 , and 1 560. fuch fa* mous plantations of the Gofpel , were fetled in a Church (late ; which all may fee was the immediate worke and power of God ; to shew that none should fear, or [I agger at kispromife , though the waters yet fwell , and come to xheflowings of Jordan , and difficul- ties appear unfuperableto human fenfe , af- ,-ter this great things which the Lord hath do- jne. III. Howextraordinare icalling,. and

F y ex-

i\

y

(8(5) excitrilent ofwftruments , was then evident, for the fervice of that time, and reapers thus eminently prepared for fo great an harve/l of the Gofpel , as might put the world to inqui- re whence thefe were , in fo numerous a^on- currence, whenafewoffuch a fpirit, we- re fo rarely to be found in many ages before. IV. Yeafuchanacceffion alfo , of 'jpiritual . gifts , and induments thenfor building of the Church , as had not been formerly known. , fince the firfl: coming of the Gofpel to the< Gentils ;r wherein it may be faid, the glo- ry of thpfo lafi times hath even in fome degree exceeded that of the firft. V. And can the jnoft difmai things of this time , countervail! the confirmations of our faith , who have foi clearJy feen, with the rirft breaking up. of the pur doclrine of Cbrift > thepoTixr and life efChriftianity came therwith to the world-} zszfial, and attcftation therto , beyond aixymiracles; yea how innumberable a com-r pany., in thefe laft ages of different tongues and languages, and thefe fo remot from one another, did not only receive the fame truth, but with fuch refolution adventure their fouls theron, as might fully witneffe, they had another profped otChriflianity , and to be in fome other manner ravished with the glory & beuty of the fame , then is. now in thefetimes, VI. That fuch highjpringtjrr

~i

(87)

des of the power , and efficacy of the Gofpel ,

might be evident to all , after fo fad a re- ftraint had been for fo many ages before , un- der Antichriflian darkneffe ; for whatever was then as a private fe all , on the fpirit of Chriftians whilft the witneffes did prophefy in fack-cloth, yet was there no fuch evidence and demonftration of the H. Gboft , or zpublick confirmatory feal to the truth , as was after the Reformation. VII. Yea was it not the moftfober, ferious, andinquifitivepartof men, upon a fure tryal of the grounds of 'their faith , who did moft firmly imbrace the fame ; and how many of thefe alfo were of the greateft parts and abilities, whom none could judge to adventure fo far herein, without the higheft affurances , that this was their undoubted intereft and upmaking. VIII. We have feen not only thefe of mean andloweftate, but fuch of the higheft place and quality , moft chearfully adventuring whatever intereft could bedeareft to them, in the earth for the truths fake ; yea was ever found , how fuch as were moft acquaint, with the reformed religion in its power , and living up in their praclife, to what they pro- feft thereof, were thefe who with the grea- teft aflurance , have moft refoluty ftill adhe- red thereto. IX. We have feen alfo, its moft remarkable fpreading in the world , F 4 when

(88) -_. when there could be no poffible pretence of a lucrative interefl , or external motives for the fame. X. Wehave feen lomethins not onlyextraordinare, but even miraculous in the joy , and refolution of innumberablc mar- tyrs fince the Reformation who did.bear out with a more then human ftrenth , againft a cruelty fo vifibly inhuman , and favage ; yea which did in fome degrees exceed that mea- fure of the Heathens , in the 'Primitive t'mesy as being againft. a greater light then theirs. 1 1. And have we not feen of what fpirit , fuch flill have been fince the Reformation , who were the mod notour inftruments in the Churches perfecution, and how vifibly fuch did ad'herein , under fo impetuous an incitmentof the Devil, that asTertuI lien, in his Apollogy fpeaks ofJVero, the truth might boafl: in having fuch adverfaries. XII. It is fure we have feen , how no human power, could yet ever undoe this bleifed intereft of the Reformed religion y thonoway, or chan- ge of weapons, hath' been left untryed j* but we have thus feen , whither fo ftrong , and unite a confederacy, as the Catholick^leagu$ lnir^^^didat hftrefolve, and, not only., in theruineofthegreateflra&ersand contri^** vers therein , but to a further eftablishing of the Reformed Church there , as though fuch had intentionally acfeiTor the fame; when

:• • if

(89) iffecondcaufes had brought forth their ordi-

nare effects , it might have been judged im- poffibletofail. XIII. We have feen that ifTiie of the whole councels , expenfe and "cruelty o£ Philip the II of Spain , to bear down the truth of the Gofpel in the Nether- lands, which was to the furtheft fetling of this illuflrious flute and the Church of Chris~i there-, yea how their confpicuous rife and flowrishing even in the externals, and their refolute adherence to the truth of Chrift did moft vifibly keep together. XIV. We know that deludge of. blood , which fo quick- ly followed the French maffacre ; and the rnoft difmal time which ever that -nation know, did then vifiblycontemporate, 'with fuch a time of their greateft rage and perfe- ction againft the truth, and that event of the third vial mod clearly fulfilled herein, Revel, 1 6: 5,6. Thou art righteous , oLord, which art , and was, and shall be, becaufe thou haft judged t- \w , for they have jhed the blood of thy faints and prophets, and thou ha fl given them blood to drinl^ in great meafure. XV. Yea have we not feen how four Kings 6f France fucceflively were in leffe then 30. years, taken away, in the fame continued purfuit , howtodeftroy the Church there, in whom that whole race of xhtFalois was thus extinct • yea in the manner of their

F 5 death.

C9o) death , were moil: remarkable monuments of divine judgement , as the moll: famous writers of that time does atteft. XVI. We have feen what marvelous effects did follow thefe bloody years of Queen Marfs reign in England , to promot and commend the Proteftant doctrine to mens confciences there, with fo great a triumph it had in the fufferingsof fuch choife and excellent wit- neifes for Chrift, as hath brought in more rent tothepraife and glory of their bleiTed head , then may to the furtheft compenfe all that blood of the Saints there , though High* ly precious in the eyes of the Lord, XVII. We have feen likewayes the blood and cruelty, of late againft the Protefbnts in Bohemia , in a .short time moil obfervably returned on the authors thereof, and how the im- mediate fingerof God might be feen in cal- ling forth the Swedes to avenge the fame, and in thatdefolating ftrock which followed on Germany. XVIII. We have feen in thefe late times the iffue of that horrid majjacre on the ProtefianU in Ireland , to the utter ruine in a very few years after , of that barbarous party, who had thus acted herein. XIX. We have feen what wonderful providences, did attend the actings of that poor handful ■of Proteflants in the Valleys of Piemont fince the Refornmtwn , upon the account of that

bloody

(90

bloody majfacre which was fet on foot there

againft them , which was fo aftonishing as all might fee an extraordinare appearence of the Lord herein , as is clearly attefted by the moil faithful Hiftories of that time, XX. And can it be .forgot unto this day, how vifibly a divine hand did appear in brea- king that great Spams h Armado,, in the year 15 8 8 . which had been for fome years in con- triving againft England. , XX I. As it was aftonishing , and fpecially demonftrative of the immediate power and prefence of God, it should be matter of,w,onder and praifealfoforafterages, that folemne time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland* for planting the reformed Religion there} with that zeal and onnefle of fpirit, as did thea appear in all ranks toimbrace and adhere to the profeffion thereof, amidft the greateft threatnings of their adverfaries,* foas a few .years did bring forth that, which-would have feemed ftrang for an age to accomplish ; yea that we find betwixt the h$ Martyr for the truth there, who was burnt at-«S>. Andrews 1558. and the establishment of the Proteftant .Religion , and full abolishment of Popery, .with the full concurrence of civil authority -herein, in July 1560. was but little above .two years ; to shew what great things, the Lord can doe, above all human councel or

con*

(9*) confidence. XXII. Its Cure we have fecii

in what remarkable degrees thefe left vials of the holy judgment of God , hath taken place on the Kingdome of Antichrift , and how con fpicuous the event hath been of that frophecy , i TneJfaL 2: 8. in thefe great ef- fects and confumption thereof by the mini- stry of the Gofpel , as an allured pledge of the full accomplishment of what remains herein. XXIII. And as every ftep of the Churches rife , hath been ilill advanced in a continued conflict betwixt the truth and uintichrift'i fo have we ftill feen , when the aflfault and opposition hath been greateft , its moft remarkable tendancy to a greater vic-^ tory ; which were it rightly con tidered upon clear and -folk! grounds from the Scripture, the mofl formidable appearences of trou- ble from this adverfary should with more comfort thenfear this day be looked on; fo that whatever be the neareftand moil: imme- diate 'events, yet is it fure \ as the Lord is true, whole word is pafled hereon , that whofoever gives their power and llrength to fupport that intereft of Antichrist shall lofetheday and find their caufe defperate, for the party with whom they contend here- in is the Sorfof God , againft whom no hu- man power Shall ever be able to fland. Thefe are but a few, which are here men- tioned,

(93 ) tioned , of the great acts of our God , in be- half of his Truth, to be ftill as prefent in our fight , in a time when the fpirits of ma- ny are ready to ftagger and faint ; and here mentioned, to Jay no ftrefTe or weight of the authority of the truth and doctrine of our profeffion thereon, but on the alone reve- lation of the Scripture ; but that they are fuch an undenyable feal for confirming our faith , and of fo known , publick and famous evi- dence y as should be nolefle confidered and taken to heart now, then in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein,

SECTION IIL

Qu. "VlTTHat prefent judgment are we yy called to have of this time% upon clear and allured grounds from the Scripture; that we may know under whztafpeff therof, the prefent flate of Religion and of the refor- med Churches is under, when fo great acri- Jis is this day, as would feemto be in the veryaapj of its conflict, whither as to life or death?

Answ. It is no prefent appearences of the time muft direct our faith, nor should vye either ftreath our fears or expectations of things and events , beyond what the God of truth doth warrand in his word, but its

clear,

clear, if we credite the fame, andadmitt the divinity of the NewTeflament , there is no jufl: caufe of hefltation or darkneffe as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in thefe latter dayes; nor can there be any pretence , to feek an other light, either from the fiars above, or the diviners of this time , when fo woful a trade hath got up in the world , that men will thus goe to the God ofEJ^ron , as though there were notrf Godinlfrael, or fuch a thing, as his •written Oracle s to inquire at, when its fure thefe ly open, and with a clear and diftincl; found fpeaks to all who have a ferious and unprejudged fpirit. I. That the Church un- der the New Ttfi am ent hath now paffed and gone through that mod difmal and conti- nued tryal herein, which was to goe over her head under Antichrijis r eigne and hight; and whatever appearence he now hath in great wrath, yet is it fure and evident that the winter is paft and the Churches firing be- gun; and a few fteps further of that judg- ment which is now haftning on , will at lenth end the quarrel ; fo that by a near converfe with the word, we may clearly fee from what ■point the Churches courfe and motion this day lyes, and how exactly it keeps, in the certain- ty thereof , by that clear conduEt of the Scrip* tares of truth, where a full map of her whole

courfe

C95>

tourfe and pafTage through time is clearly

shewed. II. That we may now with fome clear evidence judge , and have our faith perfwaded hereof, that the Churches intereft is upon the rifinghand, and on a prefent ad- vance , though nothing would feem more contradictory then all vifible grounds now are ; fince this cannot fail, John, 3:30. that fefus Chrifi in his kingdom in the earth mufi increafe ; yea that the Scripture fo clearly points forth Antichrifts ruine and progrefTe of his fall and douncafting , with refemblan- ce to that great judgment on Pharaoh as an evident type hereof ; in the fame judicial flrocks of induration , on both, zn&gradual progrefTe herein by one plague after another , until the laft and greateft aftault , as was then at the Red-fea , hath the fame effect for a more glorious appearence of God , in the greateff ftep of judgment , and victory over this adverfary , when not only the Jong; of Mofes but of the Lamb alfo shall be ihenjung. Rev. 1 J: 3. as importing fomething more glorious and a greater brightnefle to be put on this illuflriotts a fl of divine judgment , re- ferved to thefe laft times , when a more iw- mediate appearence of the Lord will be feen , then in any former deliveries of his Church. III. It is no conjectural thing, but what by a clear Scripture conduct we may fee, that this

time

(9*)

time of the Church now under fo notable a Cnfis in her cafe, is evidently falling under that remarkable ajfauh > and conflict ', with that adverfary , before the accomplishing of thai vial on his feat and throne , as we may fee Revel. 17: 13514. that when fo confpi- cuous a ftep of the Churches viclory is near; theoppofition thereto alfo will be in fome higher degree proportionable to the fame, when the great men of the earth, and fuch who shall receive power as Kings , one hower with the beafi , shall have one mind and give their power anJftrength thereto , and shall make war with the Lamb , but the Lamb shall over' come them , for he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords , &c. Nor is it found through the Scripture where any great thing , 'the Lord hath done for his Church , but fome unu- fual darknejfe , and fore wr eft lings hath ftill gone before, and should be no matter of daggering to our faith, whatever beofpre- fent fears, to fee fo difmal a time of trjal as now is,and amazing hight of trouble beyond what former times have known, when one of 'the great eft events of providence in behalf ofthe Church, fince the revealing of Chrisl to the world , until his fecond coming , is af- furedly near in the fill and overthrow of the man of Jin. IV. We have clear ground alfo to j udge , that fo great an eclipfe as feems

allmoft

allmoft uftiverfally over the ftate of the Re* formed Churches, is no goeing down oftht fm theron , whatever did befall the moft famous eaftern Churches to an utter dilTipa- tion thereof ; if thefe different periodes of time bejuftly confidered, howtheiryw«-yfo did then fall in with the entry of that great Apoftan of the Chriftian Church and with that long and difmall night of Antichnflt reign } whilfr. now this hower of tryal on the Churches, doth meet in that bleffed period of ' Antichrifls begun fall , and of a growing light of the Gofpel , and when the Serif tare fo clearly warrands our faith herein , that the worke of pro vidence is to plant , and not cutt cfy but to bring forward that intereftof the Reformed Churches , in the founding of which the Mediator hath fo eminently appeared in the glory of his power in thefe UB times* V. It is fure me now live in the evening , and extremity of time , when the motions of providence may be expe&ed to be more quick and fpeady ■, as being fo near the cen- ter, and to the laft Epocha , and period of all froyhetickChronology; wherein the glory of God in his truth and faithfulneffe shall mofb eminently shine forth, and thefe Scripture truths which were formerly dark & abftrufe? with that evidence shine forth in the event , asshaUcaufemento wonder at their former G ' thoughts

(98)

thoughts and ftumblings thereat. And here Imuftfay, that there is fuch a fight now in the earth, as the Romish Church , in its complex frame and ftate , in fo different a mould cad: from any power or jurifdiction elfe, and fuch a compound of a civil y and Spiritual L^ionarchy in one and the fame per- fbn , is fo ioJemn and undenyable a feat to the Chrifiian faith , and divinity eftbe New Teftament ; that ics ftrang why this is not im- proven more , againft the Atheifm of this ti- me, that fuch a vifible event of the Scriptu- re is now in being , which was fo clearly for- told by the Holy Ghofl 1500. years ago , with its proper circumftances , as to the manner of that Antichriftian ftate , with its rife , grcuth , & duration , as is to admiration ftil evident to the world, when not the leaft shaddow or appearenceof fo ftrang future emergencies was to be feen or could have en- tredin mens thoughts; to shew it only could be revealed to the Church by him , to whom all his works are known from the beginning. This I have looked on , as fuch a confirmation to the truth of Chriftianity , that no mira- cles in the fir ft times of the Church could have more evidence for the fame ; yea if fuch a party were not in being , both what it now is and in former ages hath been, it might in another manner ftagger the faith of the

Saints ,,

(99) Saints , to a questioning the truth of the

Scripture, then its moll formidable appea- rence this day can doe. VI. I shall but add here, that we know and are fure the Lord hath referved his greateft works to thefe lat- ter dayes , wherein his judgments shall be manifeff; and that one of the molt, eminent manifeftations of his glory before the clofe of time shal be confpicuous in x\\zfallofAn- tichrift , on who fe ruin es that glorious hous which Chrift is yet to have for hirn felf both o£Jews and Gentiles, shall be prepared and built up ;and though this great ecl/pfi of An- tichriflian darknefje , should yet more pre- vail, even over thevidble profeilionof the truth in the Churches of Britain , and Ireland, there is no caufe to be daggered in the faith of Romes fatal period , being near, but to look hereon according to the Scripture as the Vltimtts Conatus of that wounded ad ve r- fary , which will be found in the iffue to have the moft immediate connexion with his greatefl: downfall , and the reviving glory of the Church ; for ftrong is the -Lord God wIq judgcth her.

SECTION IV.

'•yfp

Qu. ^^rfHat is Jpecially called for , in

this day, offuchasareaccoun-

G 2, table

(ioo) table for To great a talent of light, and confir- mations to our faith f

An s w. If this were fuitably taken to heart, we could not but reckon our felves tinder the greateft excitment and call, to* fuch an improvmenthcreof.

I. That we account it not enough to have % faith , for quieting our own fpirns, but how ro confirm 'e others , by putting to ourfeal that God ts true , in the great a flu ranees or his word , and to fanblify him before the world > which is fo important a duty, as the Lord was wroth even with a Mofes , anH Aaron for one short-coming, when he called for the fame, ATumb.2o:i2. and its fure in no time was fuch a fpecial truft more repofed the- reon, then in this age , both as a publick debt on the Church,& perfonal on each Chriftian, how to witneffe for the Lord , upon that great intereft. of his faithfulneffe and for tranfmitting the fame , to the ages to come , by a confirmatory feal , and teftimony ther- to.

IT. To reckon our felves alfo under fome more then ordinarec^// this day, each in their prefent capacity and ftation , how to appear for the crcdite of the truth , and flemm fo vinble and impetuous a tyde > as is now run- ning of diftrucl, and of a difcreditable/W/tf ; for it may be faid 3 never was the Church un- der

dcr the NewTeftamentfo remarkably fitted under fuch a trial , as that wherein the Lord did prove the Church oflfraeL, Numb. 14. or had a more evident refemblan^etherto, in the fame circumstances as in this day , if they were ferioufly pondered ; as I how in the fa* me manner , fuch a falfe & evil report is too vifibly raifed upon the bleft ways of the Lord , to difcourage and faint the fpiritsof his people, as was then by the fpyes , that there were infuperable difficulties in the way of the promife , by reafon of the Anakims , and of their walled cities^ and did thusop- pofe the credite otfenfe^ to all thefe a jfur an- tes which God had given to their faith. II . That this highly dishonourable faint and diflruft did fo feafe on that people, as was like to refolve in a vifible revolt , and to cry for a lea- der togoe bach to Egypt again ; which amongft too many in this time maybe juftly feared. III. That this W3S after fuch extraordinare confirmations which the Lord had given to the faith of his Church then , who had by his own immediate and outftretched hand fo latly brought them out of the houfe of bonda- ge , and from the iron furnace in Egypt , as ren- dred their misbeliefe to be a guilt under fuch aggravations , as the ho'^ God did in that manner plead, verf.zi. Thefe ten times have they tempted me > who ha<v 'e Jean my glory , and

G 3 my

(102)

htj miracles , which I did in the wilderneffe 9 &c. I V. But herein we hope, and are con- fidently Aire, of a bleffed dtfparity in this re- semblance , \^s to the mtmberoujnejje of fuch > who shall be found of the Reformed Churches, to ad: fomething of that part, which thefe heroick^ witneffes a Caleb & Joshua did & were then put to ftand alone therein, who through grat shall yet appear with fome meafure of thatfpirit, and withfland fo high a tydeof fears, difcouragment and misbeliefe as is this day , and thus to plead againft the fame as thefe did, Num. 14:9. if the Lord delight in us, then let us not rebel agiinft him, nei- ther fear the greateit difficulties can be in the way &c. V. And is not the fame precedent of providence,offo fingulararefpecfcas the Lord did then teflify to his Caleb and Joshua (who were of another fprit m following him fully, in that day) a continued aiTurance,forall who shall be helped to any honourable appearence of this kind, by making ihem fee, and inherit the truth of his promife ; yea that fuch a refi- due who outlives this great and amazing ftorme shal have fomething of that teftimony to bear alfo which Caleb gave Josh. 14: 8,10. My brethren which went up with me made the heart of the peoplk faint, but I fully followed the Lord my God , and now behold the. Lord bath peeped me alive, &c. o blefTed they whole

fouls

fouls are raifed , with that holy zeal for the truth to ftand up in this great breach, by a refolute profeflion of their faith, and wit- nefle to the faithfulnelfe of God, as fuch great and extruordinar confirmations , given thertho, now calls for.

I T I. It is one of the fpecial duties of this day weftandalfoaccomptable for, how to ftemm this high and growing ty/e of preju- dice , andreproach againfl the Reformed Re li- gion which in fome unufual way is now aloft; and by manifeftation of the truth to gain fome more awful) regard herofon mens con- science, that they may fee fornthing otthe glory of our profejjion , and ia^hat maner it maintains its conqueft as no way elfe can pof- (ibly claim; I. Which reckons none elfeta be the true and genuine profeffours hereof, who imbrace not the fame upon evidence , and with refpecT: to its intrinjick excellency and worth; nor does judge the interefi: of reli- gion to goe by number , and poll, where this is wanting; but to purfue that end to have men ingadged firfl to be Chrijiians , that they may be true and lincere Proteftants, and therfor canadmitt no fuch methods of any bafe compliance with the humour and in- terefts of men , which its principles will not bear. I I. Which in its courfe is. ever . regulare and certain , according to that rule

G 4 of

t>fan uncheangable and eternal truth y without dependance on the will of man herein , or any mutable revolutions of the time. 1 1 f . Which doth with the greatcft luftre shine forth in the brighteft lights <md is maintained by the cleareji knowledge ; yea by the further!: plaineiTe, and openneiTe of heart, towards <al! , commends it ftlf; fo that the world may fee, itefpoufethnotmens^<?f?^», before it gain on their eonfeience; and to have their judgment fixed on a judicious tryal , before their refolution; nor accounts the trurh ■of religion, can ever fubfift by an external shew and profeiTion , without is known evidence and the efficacy therof on mens foul. IV. Which llncerly follows the Catholick interefi of Chriflianitie and publick good of mankind, in promotting the great ends of the Gofpel, foas the world may fee its higheft in- tent is to exalt all divine inflitntions , and ad- vance the Jimpltcity , and fpiritual'ty of Go/pel admwtfirations , (according to the revealed rule ) amonghftmen, as that which doth mod: nearly conceirn the vitals ofreli- gion and ane inward life of communion with God. V. Which pleads an impartial tryal ofal itsadverfaries, whither the principles of our profejfion or of Popery , gives the grea- t c {I fee u ri t y to Civil Government , & fou n d s the frrongefl obligations to Magiftracy and

to

to all Civil, and LMoral duties , by which the awe and venerable efteem of religion is kept up in a nation. It is high time that men should ceafe to be implicit upon this greateft intereft they have within time , which is the truth of their profefifion in the matter of re- ligion, when a deceit or miftakchereis of an eternal conceirn : upon whLh account without refpecl: to interefl:, parry, or edu- cation , I have this day fought to know the truth, and what adverfaries could poilibly pretend , to reproach , or prejudge any at the Reformed Religion, which can only amount, to charge mens corruption and of- fences in their practife, upon the rule and principles or their profejfion , that can never give the \tz{[ latitude, or connivance therto, but is clear as the fun-, when on the other hand I could know no other way, toim- brace fuch a profefifion , as Popery, but by turning Atheift , in the frf place, and quite bothreligion and reafonzX. once : but may fay, in a refolute adherence to the docftrine of the Reformed Church, I fear not to adventure my foul y and enter in to an eternal flate.

The

The CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

The primitive confirmation , held forth and chart dtn /even Pofiticnt.

tOSlT. I. That fad afpeft, which the implicit and traditional profe£ lion of this day hath upon the prefent ftate of religion. Pag. I

POSIT. 11. ThegreatneOe of that fer vice for the Church to have a clear founding of the faith of affent , upon known and iblid grounds herein, moreuniverfally promott. j

PO:>IT. Ill, The true prim five confirmation as ir was in the times of theApoftles, hold forth and cleared from the icriprure. 6

POS IT. IV. The continued neceffity therof , no lefle convincing now , for the Churches uie , then in thefe Primitive rimes. 9

POSIT. V. Thatfuch a confirmatory workerefpe&s not only the more knowing and inquifitive part of men , but the mcaneft within the Church. ri

POSIT. VI. Vyhar is fpecially called for in the pracVica'lufe of this pri- mitive confirmation , held forth in lbme ierious propofals for rhis end. 14

POSIT. VII. What fpecial excitment we are under , for promoting the feme in fo rematkable a period of time as this , and from rh.n hepe of a greater reviving yet of fuch a Catholick fnirit , to advance the highefl ends of religion amonghft men.- 19

CHAPTER II.

for giving forme clear "vieiv , of thefe primary evidences and demon ft rat ions of

0ur ftith, that the meanefi Chriflidn should k*i6W> and with the Uaftex-

feafeeftimt may improve for their diiyly nfe, on thefe greateft principle f,

SECTION I.

I. Of the glorious being of God, which is the fiift foundation of all religion. ax

II. Ofthe original of the world , and its not being eternal. 2j

III. Of a fupreme providence in the confervation and government of the world. 16

JV. Of tharfpecial providence, which in 'us continued adminiftratioa abou: human affaires , doth unchangably difference betwixt the righ'cus and the wicked. " 29

V. How fuch a wonderful record as that of an immediat revelation of Godun:omen, isfodemonitrably extant in the world. $ 1

VI. Of thefe fpecial evidences of the Scriptures divinity , which men muft needs fee to be infallible. 5 ?

VII. Ofthe fecure couvoyance of the Scripture through all the changes of times paft. 35

Y11J.

TOI. Of the fall of.man and entry of fin into the world, as itisfullf dcinonftrablcto reafon , as well as by the certainty of faith. 3 7

SECTION II.

I. Holding fort thefe great afliflanccs totheChriftian faith, and of the Meflias being furcly prom i led to the Church before his coming. 38

II. Ofthetrurhand accomplishment of this great promife of the Meflias, and how it is now as fure in the event as its clear he wis promifed. 3$

III. Of that Ipeciai advantage for confirmation of our faith herein, that for 4000. years thepromifed coming of the Meflias was deferred.

4T, 4*

IV. Ofthe nature and internal excellency of Chriftianity, tobear fur-, theft evidence to the truth therof. 4?

V. That this is the fame Gofpel we now receive and injoy, whichfrom the firft promulgation therof hath had fo great effects on the world. 4? .

VI. That the fufferngsofthe faints in times paflwas fo demonftrabljr above the afliftance of nature. 46

SECTION III.

I. For holding forrh on what grounds the faith of a deity mud determine mentobeChriftians. 48

II. What confirmations the Chriftian Religion hath from that vifible ftateof the Jews. . 49.

III. That way and manner of its prevailing on the world , as no pro- feflion elfe could ever pretend to. 5 1

IV. rhenattireof i hat great evidence, which Chrift hath himfelf given to the world of hjs divine miflion in the love and unity of his people , Joh. 17: 21. s£

Y. Howtheftrenth of fuch a demonftration ftands ftill clear and evident in thefc dividing times of the Church. 54

Vl. What inthele laft times is under our hand to compenfe l'uch a con- firmation by miracles , which was in the firft times of the Golpel. $6

SECTION IV.

I. For holding forthwith the furtheft rational certainty , andevidenccr the truth anddo&rineof Chrift , tobc a loul-cjuickning and expert- menial religion. jg

II. 1 he truth alio of converfion of men from a flare of nature to a new ft ate of grace. Oo

II i. Offo great an experiment of religion as Communion betwixt God and men here in the earth. 6z

IV. Of fo great a demonstration of religion in the power and workings of 1 he Confcience. 64.

V, Of that fpeaal confirmation to our faith, which doth refult from fuch edenaonilration oftSnspouer of the Confcience overmen. 6$

SEC-

S B C T I O ' N ▼.

I. For holding forth the truth of 4 Kingdom of darkneflcintfte world, ifl oppofition to the Kingdom of Chrift. 66, 67

II. what confirmation to our faith , the certainty he*eof, andofthefc powers of da rkncfle, doth clearly afford. 6$

III. That great truth of the immortality of the foul , u'ththe cleaxeft evidence to rcafon , as well as by the certain y offaith. 69,70

IV. How confirm ;ng a (l-al to the ieripture thai great change which pall feth on all men by death is , and how its no natural accident. 71

V. Some fpecialafliftancestothe Chriftians faith of an eternal glory in heaven , and to fervean nnavoidable conviction thusonthegreateft Atheifts. 74

Yl. Some thing of a vifible Hell , i nfome near approach hereof evert tx> mens fenJes , held forth to awake and convince the world of fuch a ftatc of horrour and torment in another world. 77

VII. Someafliftances to our faith ot that great truth of the Refurrc&ion of the body. 79

CHAPTER III.

Tht Confirming vverl^e of religion further improven v>ithrefpe8 to this dtjmal and amazing time vve are now fallen in. ■

SECTION I. To hold forth what may be both for light and confirmation upon this great diftrefie the Churches of Ch rift are now under. 8 1 , 82

SECTION II.

^ow great a talent we ftand accountable for in this day of fuch imme- diate and extraordinareappearences of the Lord for confirming the fame publick caufe of the Reformed Church fince the Reformation,

which we are now called to adhere to. 84

SECTION III.

What manner of time is the prefent lot of the Church new fallen in ,, anjj what judgment we ought to have hereof from the Scripture, for ouf fur theft confirming in fuch a day. 93

SECTION IV.

Some fpecial fervice that we are now called to, and accountable for, in behalf of the truth, and for fan&ifying the Lord in theeyesof

. others, who are under fo great a talent of light and confirmation in the lime, 29

v 1 a 1 s.

0->

AN IDE A ,

Of the confirm d ftate of a Cbnflun in

difmall and shaking times.

Ho the fame meafure of Cbrifiknt eliablisbment in the truth be not alike to all , but mutt have re- fpect to the different mails , tt- lent , & improvements of iucn tor this end 5 yet may it be/aufe of afton.to. how rare any ftudy of this kmde is now "be found , when its not only one of the highe concerns of Chriflianitj , but in a more then or- dinary way called for , as themorkoffs day, yea , thlt this is a part of religion , winch feemes left improve! of any , for the more gene- rail ft ate of prof effoms mm the c;«^vu.n;

der fome convidion hereof, was ; th> . effi y de- figned , where with humble confidence (I m£ fay) the truth hath been fought with that fen- ous enquiry into the nature of tbefe thngs heH forth, as I judged needfull for fuch, who have Keat aneUeft & venture not only through time , but for all eternity , to fupport upon the alone certainty hereof, & er thefe dayes of triall, which we nowfee pane over this ge ner*. tion it may be found this was not unfeafona- bk , or Shout caufe direded to fuch a time,

if the Lord gracioufly bleiTe the fame ; nor will it ( I hope ) be found incongruous & without ufe to prefent yet further , in fuch a method , & way of example , fome cleare profpedfc of a confirmed flat e in religion, & what thefe ought to be , who with light & afliirance of minde would follow the Lord fully , in fuch a day > as is here offered in a 7 fold Character , under which a truly confirmed Chriftian in the truth of his profef&on may be ft at ed.

CH AR ACTF-R. I.That he is one who hath ane other fence , & impreffion of this great ftudy for attaining to a confirmed (late in religion •> & is on higher grounds preffed to follow the fame ., then what mo ft of the vifible Church feemes to appre- hend ; & fhould be thus confidred.

1. As one to whom the glory of the Chrifti- an profeffion is in the higheft degree deare , & to have the world fee , that fuch as embrace the fame & does moft fully adventure on the teftimony of God in his word , are the/e alfo who walks on the higheft principles of true , & enlightned reafon ; yea , who takes deeply to heart that obligation which is on all , who dedres to advance the repute , & honor of the truth , to be in fuch tearmes therewith upon its own evidence , as they may know how to fervc a rational 1 conviction both on Atheifts , & infidels , if called thereunto.

2. Who fees alfo , how fuch is the flate of

fallei

m

fallen man , as ftands in need of all the contru buttons that can be > not only to ftrengthen the Chriftians faith > and beare oat againft the ftrong affaults of infidelity, but to gain alfo more cre- dit and veneration to the truth with thefe who are not eafily delt with , but by fuch meanes , as beares fome cwigrvity to their natmali light , and reafon ; for which end the Lord hath af- foorded thefe minifteriall helpes , to render the misbeleefe of the world , or any pretenfe of he- fitation about his tru i more fully inexcufable. 5. He thus f^s , how the mod important, and fund atn entail truths of Chriftianity , needs the greateft confirmation of bis faith) & for thefe who enter in fo high & difcriminating a profef- fion from the refidue of the world , to know in what manner they embrace the fame : yea that the natmali order of things does abfolutly re- quire to have the foundation fure laid 5 on which fo great a fuperftruclure muft reft , fo as he judgeth it a worthy itsfelfe, and to need fome peculiar retiring his foul in the moft feriousr#- cejfe 3 and compofuie thereof , to attain a stedfaftnes of his own in the truth? and to know the ftrong and firm conveyances of that greateft my fiery of the gofpell , in fuch a manner , as needes no paund of a miracle to confirm the fame. But he knowes here that fiofliarpnefs of mens naturall underfianding about the truth can ever attain a true reji > and fettlement of minde

A 2 there-

(4-)

therein > without a humble , and ferious fyirit

{looping doune before the wifedome of God > and to enter as little Children into his Schoole ; yea that by humble praclice , and obedi- ence of the gofpell there is ane undoubted com- ming up to the greateft affuranceand cleareftde- monflrations of the fame, as Joh; 7; 17.

4. He knowes that as nothing tends more to fhake mens fpirits , and ftagger them about the truth, then a light and transient view hereof, fo does the greateft efiablishment , follow on the neareft approach by a deep and ferious enqui- ry about the fame , and thus clearely fees that if fuch who look but at a dijlance on the way of religion , did but once come that length of trial! , as to have their fpirits feparat , by n more ferious reflection thereon , the firft view they fhould have , could not but be matter of wonder , and amazement , to think what can determine and fupport in fo marvellous a way as the life and practice of Chrifliantty , w7hich is fo vifibly above nature , and wherein they muft do violence to the fame, where they muft part with the multitude , and oppofe themfelves to the ftrongeft tyde of exemple , and muft endure alfo in hope , and believe for things not feen , which were never the objeel: of humane fence , to any in this earth > and are oft called to part with the moft defireable things of fence , upon the alone credit of their faith , yea , wher^e

they

they muff enter in that profeflbn, on no other tearmes , then to be martyrs for the fame , and feall it with their blood ; fo that he muft needs fee a Chriftian according to the rule and *«- ftitution of the gofpell, to be the greateft riddle , ,and wonder of any fight within time j but when fuch come morecloffe and neareupon this mall, and have once underftood the nature and great- ■nete of thatfecurity which thefc have to adven- ture on , yea what is the glory of their hope, and the fure fpiing of their fupplyes , for their work and ttialls within time , then will this fecond wonder unfpeakably exceed the firft; how its poffible that fuch are not of a more raijed, a ad enlarged ftirit , in the fervice of the Ool- pell , in that (hott feafon they have here for it on the earth , and how their wall fhould not be more to heme the joy of fo great a fro- (peel, and expectation, then any prefent gnetes and troubles , yea how mens life who in- deed makes earneft of the Chriftian profeffion, is not in fome more continued tranfport of ra- vishment and wondering , to know that they are furely made for an eternall ftate in another world, and are among thefe on whom the glorious God hath choifed to have the exceeding riches °t his grace fhewed forth in thefe regions of blefednejs

above for ever. r a. c .u„

< He hath another fight and profpett ot the

Chilian Creed , then moft who give an||j|

atfent thereunto ,• and hath his reafon fo dazeled I with the revelation of the gofpell and of the won- ] ders thereof as hath put him to fuch ane exer- j cife as that z Chr. 6: 8. How to credit his eyes \ therewith , the more deep reflexion he hath upon the fame , but will God in veiy deed dwell with men on the eaith ; and to judge their cafe , who after fome fluctuating fufpence > are admittto fee the truth of Chriftianity, with that certainty of its evidence , as the greatnefs of fuch a difcovery does require , may have fome refemblance to that tranfport which the Angells had at the fir ft being of the creation , where the morning flan es fung together^ and the Sonnes of , God shouted for joy , to fee themfelves thus, who were brought out of pure nothing , entered in- to that ineftable light of feeing God > and of their own bleffednefs in him > in fo high a de- gree * fo that he accounts it one of the higheft attainements of religion* for a Cbriflian indeed to believe the articles of his own faith , and have his foul thus as fully perfuaded , as of his be- ing > that fuch a time afluredly was , & now many ages fince paft , when the glorious Redee- mer of the Church , the fecond perfon of the God head- came doune from heaven and was revealed in our nature 5 that on him as furety^ to divine, juflice in the roome of the Elect Church , was the whole guilty and fin thereof transferred , and in this marvellous way did the holy God take _ _ fatis-

.;■, (7-)

fatis faction to himfelfe , by bimfelfe ; that thus our nature is exalted , by the incarnation ofchrift jabove the nature of Angels ; that the time is Ineare when the meaneft afflicted Chriftian, fliall cjraw in no other aire , then the breathings of the higher Varadife above , and now hath ane eternity or joy 5 and blefledneffe, before him ; that within a very little time he friall know this welcome of our blefl Redeemer to his followers here on the earth , come ye bleffcd of my father inherite the Kingdotne, &c. when he /hall take ofT the croffe , and put on the crown , when it fliall be then no more a matter of faith , but of fence to be partakers of that inheritance with the faints in light , and know thefe proper manfi- om in that ftate of glory and peculiar affignement thereunto which all the Redeemed fliall then have , and be adjoyned in the fame clafle with the Elecl Angels to be as pare flames of love , and joy , yea know what its to walk in thefe ftreetes of the new Jerufalem which are as gold tranfparentas Cbriftall <> and what that mee- ting will be of his foul perfected , and in a tri- umphant fate with his glorify ed body •> raifed in- corruptible and never to part anymore ; and to kave his proper (hare of that blefled and great- eft folemnity , that fliall be celebrated in heaven oi the marriage fupper of the lamb , with the whole triumphant (.hurch , and heare that ho- 'nourable account which the great judge will then

A 4 make

> -

(8.)

jnake of thefe trials of his faith , and /harp con- flicts which he had gone through within time, with that folemn testimony of approbation which will be given thereof , and fince its lure thefe great things muft be a part of the Chrifiian faith, can it be ftrange, that fuch, as would in that manner converfe therewith (tho they be not yet leen ) as no leffe undoubted realities then any prefent objects of fenfe , be not eafily fatis- fyed with a low degree of evidence and confir- mation of their judgement , but that their joy who are fure here fhould be perfected To far as this ftate of mortality can beare, and thus find it ea- fy to rejoyce , and glory in tribulation , and to weep now for a feafon , who are to rejoyce for ever , yea to fay in the words of Mephibosheth let them take it all, & enjoy the fame, fince he who is their life and exceeding joy , lives and reignes , who is infinitly better to them then all thefe things.

6. He accounts the flrengthning of his faith , to be fuch a concern , not only as it is hisfoules venture for all eternity , but as the higheft way of gloryfying God here , that what ever tends to a more full, confirmation of the fame , he rec- kons alfo one of the greateft additions to his joy and comfort within time \ and that thefe ma- ny fold ajjijlances with fuch reduplication thereof, which the Lord hath himfelfe given for this end, are fuch as no fragments of fuch a talent fhould

be

he loft 5 & tho he knowes the greateft demon- strations of our faith can add nothing to the certainty of divine truth in it felfe ; yet are they thus given in regard of the ftrong trials of a Chriftians life , and of what their weaknejfe ftand in need of for fupport.

7. Its in this ftudy , he fees and takes to heart , how not only the condition of mania the earth , but the profeffion of Chrifl alfo calls for fuch a reckoning, that he may have trialls in that manner difpenfed , when no vifible refuge will be found in the leaft to ftand by , but all hu- mane comfort and afliftance wholly tofuccumb; as needes his laying in fuch ballaft now in its feafon , and to be founded thereon with that aflurance of judgment , as is needfull for that day j when he mull: either get through in the alone way of beleevmg , againft fence, or perish, and tho no fuch attainments of light can beare out then without prefent and immediat wfluen- ces from above, and that it is fure according to the day , fo mufi the Chrifiian ftrength be , yet does he fee alfo , the want of ane eftablifhed judge- ment , and of fome proper flocks laid up of aides , and affiflances this way forgainft a fharpe ftorm , is like to make fad work^ among the pro- fefours of this age , er the trialls of fuch a time have done their work.

8. He fees alfo how the greateft conteft , which is this day in the world , is betwixt God , and

A 5 man j

(io.;)

mm 5 upon the truth and ajfurance of his word ; and that the higheft triall , and probation of a Chrifiian , in which all the trialls of their life does ftill meet , may be refolved here , if they receive the tefthnony of God in his word as an abfolute fecurity to rely on , yea or not » and tho this is the peculiar glory of the only true God , to have ane abfolute dependance of his whole work on himfelfe , and to be the alone center of his peoples reft , yet may nothing be more evident , then that with moft he bea- res that name > of being their n'uft 5 when the whole burden and weight thereof lyes alone upon vifible grounds , fo that thofe bonds , and pro- mifes which he hath himfelfe given unto men does beare no more credit , then they have fome externall furetj in the earth , which they ftill looke after , to ftand as it were good and refponfible for the fame , which is the higheft indig' nityczn be offered to the glorious Majefty of God ♦ 9. He does much take to heart this prefent period of time , wherein the fluctuating fufpence and halting of fo many under a vifible profeili- on of the truth is now one of the moft difmall fignes hereof; & that it feemes to be the time, wherein the Lord will in ane unufuall way take this generation off any implicit profejfion of the fame 5 and when that great roll of vifible profef- fours in all the reformed Churches may be er long in that manner called , as each mujl anfwer

to

(II.)

to his own name , and put to dand to the prbofe before the world , when no temporall intereft, but int email motives and certainty of the truth iipon its own evidence > mud beare out ; yea that the moft ejlablisht may er long (tnde it not eafy to be keept from daggering , and a few dayes come in the Churches way , more remarkable for triall then hath been in fome ages before.

CH AR ACT. II. A truely confirmed Chriftian , may be thus alfo dated as one who is in the firft place moll: deeply taken up about that rare plot of mans redemption , and to fee thefe great and . bonder full truths there-, not fingly , and apart , but in that harmony , order and confent of all the pans thereof 5 as they are linkt together in this marvellous frame , fo as to make the whole one entire peece-, and where no part does in the lead: interfere with an other , which he finds to be one of the mod principal} demonflrations of this great mydery of the Gofpell, that the Lord hath given for confirming his peoples faith ; and thus in another manner then formerly can now entertain his foul herewith , and have his joy unfpeakably hightned, i to fee at once the ruined fiate of fallen man , and what a floodgate of all evill is' let loofe on that race , not only;;/o- rally in fin , but what is penall in the woe and miferyes thereof ; yea fuch a date , where all hope of releefe is for ever cut off in the way of nature or by any created help j and where

the

(12.)

the execution of a righteous fentence on fuchfor the voluntare violation of a law , juft,holy and eqaall , can be no impeachment in the leaft of the righteoufnefs of God ; But then therewith he does fee fuch a releefe brought to light as can not only anfwer the whole extent of this ruin, but the glory of God more eminently difplayed ther- in, then if the law had been obeyed, or absolu- tely execute in its penalty on the whole race of man, yea which makes this more wonderfull to fee a hlshcr difpenfation of grace unto man now under the eofpell then was to Adam in his primitive ftate ; whereby innumerable Chriftians are made to en- dure and prevail over ftronger ajfaults then broke him even in his integrity, which is a .conjuncti- on fo marvellous that the great and inhnit Uod only could flnde out and effecluat. 2. He does now fee how cleare a confidence and har- mony is here, that he who had no fin by /«- hefiony but holy, harmles, and undented , fnould be under the greateft weight of fin by imputation and by the exacted rule of divine juftice made liable to anfwer both the whole duty, and full penalty of the Law, having as furety betwixt the creditor & debter,?ut himfelfe in his peoples) roome to anfwer the full demands thereof b^th tor

debu aud duty. 3- * is here he does, feV bleft confent and harmony betwixt the ipot- les juftice of God, and his marvellous grace , <o as his love is to the higheft glorifved , in that mar-

vellous

vellous way , as fecures the full and compleaC fatisfa&ion of his law > and all the rights of ;«- slice inviolable. 4. Whilft he is thus dazled with the greatnes of fuch a light , and put to enquire what fuch a myftery can mean , he is then fur- der led on to fee that rare plot and contrivance of the covenant of reconciliation between God and man , here within time to be the very duplicat » and counterpart of that eternall tranfaction and/ri- f illation between the father and the fon> and thus fees what ever God hath declared and promifed in the oh? to his Church, was fir ft promifed and fecared to our blejjed head in the covenant of Redemp- tion ; wherein as with a reverend and aw- full diftance , io with the greateft evidence of light he is made to fee here thefe reciprocal! obli- gation* betwixt them , and mutuall truft for ma- king good the whole tearmes thereof in theap- poynted time. 5. He does alfb clearly fee that rare order & harmony of time in thefe fignall periods of the revelation of this great myftery ofChrift which from its more dark difco very and dawning did ftill more glorioufly open its idfe to the Church by a graduall light and unvailingof the fame,as the Sun in its courfe unto the perfect day ; yea hath his faith thus unfpeakeably confirmed to fee herewith the gofpell Church being ftill the fame, whither of Jewes otGentirs , and how that/me* and con- fent hath yet never been broken off flnce the be- ginning of one Church feparat from the refidue

of

(MO

of mankinde fet apart as a peculiar people for the

Lord* where none ever had right and priviledgs to be members of the fame, but by faith in the MejfiaS) and profeffion of their obedience to his Lavves, 6. It is in this union and harmony he fees the whole branches and parts of gofpell obedience mod: exactly meet , and terminat , to advance both the greater!: excellency and bleffednefs ofmaik, and affimulat him to thebleffed image of God 3 yea how all the rules and precepts there does fo entir- ]y confpire for this end as may conftrain the world to fee > and admire the glorious nature , and perfections of him , whofe lawes thefe are-, wherein he does fo brightly fhine forth. 7. Nor can he looke ferioufly herein and not fee that fweet concord as a part of this harmony , which is betwixt the promiffory , and mandatory part of the gofpell, foas the Christians comfort is moft fully eftabli- fhed and no duty abolifhed ; but the very path rod to the muff, full enjoyments of the promife and proper way to attain reft and tranquillity offpirit muft be ever here by taking on the yoke of Chrift. 8. Yea to confirm this entire union and harmo- ny more fully he now fees that exact and mar- vellous correspondence which is betwixt that firft fundamentall promife of the Mejftas , and the event ; betwixt the whole ancient figures and types of the leviticall fervice and the revelation of Chrift himfelfe > in which all thefe did meet as their proper center* and now have their full end and

accom*

accomplishment. 9. His confirmation <fc*grpws to fee that wonderful confent of ■Cbrifitamty , and native refult hereof to put fallen man in a due foftour towards God,* towards his neighbour, and bimfelfe, (o as he may know by faith and adorati- on how to enjoy God , and his brother by love , and thus by patience, meeknes and humility to pojfejfe bis own foul , and enjoy hirnfelfe. 10. Yea it is in this rare and wonderfuJI frame he is made to fee ( and no fight can be like this ) that exacl corres- pondence which is betwixt the foundation and fa* perftruclure, how the whole tract of the gofpell is but one entire and compleat mean to glorify God,<md reftore fallen man to the higheft blef]ednes,how that excellent ftream of fanclification dots flow from that fountain head of ane eternall decree herein, which does ftill run under theground,untiI it break up atlaftin the heart of each Chriftian, by the effe~ cluall call ofthegofpell;and thus runs doune through time untillit Jofeitsfelfe in that unconceivable deep of perfection and glory. Thus is it that each Chriftian might attain fome higher degrees of con- firmation in his faith, then moll feemes either to know or looke after if heunderftood more how to improve this rare comparing work of Religion by letting the great truths and principles thereof in their order & deperi dance fo as each may be ken, in its neceflare coherence with other and under its proper afpecl.

But the more deep reflexion and enquiry he

hath

hath herein, he is the more made to wonder and finds this one of the great afiiults to his faith , that the revelation of the Clwfi, and redemption by bit blood should have no greater effeBs this day amongft men, and that the Chilian world >s not in fotfae other manner awaked with tht glory of this light , and preft after a larger fpreading and dtffufion ot this W ft and univerfall good to poore man- £k? « the moreJheconfidersth,s, doth

highten his amazement to think how mens de- fies in the matter of duty and ferv.ce lor the Kingdome ofChrift, can be fo low within time, whole defigns znd hopes in the clofe therof are fo high in the matter of enjoyment; or take fol.tle to heart, that the whole day ofthed,fpenfation oftbeGofpell, amidft the moft d.fmal trials may fallin therewith, is a continued time wherein we are called to keep tbefeafi, and from one age to an- other celebrate the fame, as a perpetually^ o ft and exultation, face Chrift our T^verwas (acriftcedforus; but oh how rare a thing feems KobiUdhowlitle of that flamean^erjen- cv of love to ourbleffed Redeemer is now kfffedm llr, thatm/ghtbe expend ionfuc iwon- deiftill inckments therto, and which once was

" CHCARACT.in. Though a confirm dCbrifti- an muftbefpecially ftatedasfuch, who^«<J< tnmnallpa-to religion, andfealingworkoftheHoly 3*2 his own foul, which is not by word^

(i70

butflw/gf ofthehigheft truth , fubftance > and 7^-

/jy ; yet is he herein not alone fatisfyed to know this by fpirituall fence , untill he can fee the fame I with the fur theft evidence of light alfo to his mind; and have no leile a clear and judicious tryal of this great myfterie of experiment all religion , for con- firmation of his faith 5 then tobe fenfibly attested with the felt power therof. And in the firft place why this is neceiTarly recjuifite and called for > with refped: to the confirmed ft ate of a Chriftian , may be thus confidered > on fome few grounds.

i. That the things of religion , which muft be experienced within time , are fuch fublime , and wonderfull mjfteries > as maybe juft matter of aftonifhment > and make men a wonder to themielves , to think that thefe jircfcnt pledges of fo great a hope which is to come > are no shaddows , no appearences of things > but moft fure and undoubted realities ; and that fuch are this day in the earth who knowes fo near a con- verfe with an invifible God, and the fupematurall truths of his word , with the fenfible fealing of that ineftimable love of Chrift, by this demonftration of experience ; yea who in fuch difmall times does aiTuredly know what the joy of his pre fence-, nnd an immediate fellowmipe with their blefled head is, upon the greateft certainty of tryall \ flnce thefe are fo high , and marvelous things , which exceed all naturall underftanding , as the felt fwcet- tieffe of their enjoyment mould not more deeply

B take

Ci?0

take men up J then to fee thenar/;, and fitreneffe of thefe principles , wheron they found herein,

2. Becaufe this teftimony of the truth of ex- perimentall religion , fliould be underftood not only as its of higheft ufe for Chriftians perfonall comfort and eftablifhment , but with refpecl to the publichjinterefi of the Church > as a fpecial trull repofed theron , to have the credit of this greateft teftimony andfeal, demonflrably cleared^ with the furtheft ftrength of harmonious, and ax- gumentive reafon , for fuch who look but at a. diftance yet theron , as may not only awake them to fome deeper fenfe and impreilion here- of , but conftrain them to fee , how no nam- vail fcience hath more clear , and firm demon- jlrationsjthen the experimental? pan of Chriftiani- ty, (which is the very life and foul thereof,) may have to mens veafon , and judgement > tho they never knew it within themfelves ; yea for this end mould fuch , as have experienced the truth, and venue of the Gofpell , reckon themfelves as witnejfes who are judicially fifted to pw their feat therunto; & is now more called for in an age,when no particulare truth feems more ftrongly impugn- ed , then the reality of experimental godlinejfe is , and become as a publicl^theam of derifion , tho men mult either quite the whole revelation of the scripture « or fee this to be as effentiall to the con flit ution of a Qhr'tftian , as vitall principles are to a living man.

S. Yea

3. Yea its fure herein , thatfuch as take re* tigion to heart , muft needs look to be put to the greateft try al of its certainty, and fhould mod nearly concern them to know if they can abide as firmly by their fpirituall fenfe as by that which is naturally and doe thus know as furely in them- felves the operations and motions of a jpirituaUlife-t as that they have being by nature; and that here is no doubtfull or abftraft notions , but who have had fuch deep try all and reflexion on the fame as thefe who dare venture their eternal fiate on the known certainty therof, as theycould thence reafon their foul to a ftedfaft adherence to the truth , If they were called to facrifice their lives therto, from what rare experiments , and p-oofs* they have oft had of the fame in their own try all* 4. It doth more fpecially call for a demon- ftrative clearing of the credit of this teftimony, as one of the fervices of religion , to promote the Kingdom of Chrift amonghft men , which feems leaft improven of any with refpeft to the general ft ate of fuch who are within the Church, who are fo great Grangers to the fame ; yea mould be judged one of the great wants of this day , when Atheifm is now at fo aftonifhing a hight , that it is not more ftudied to have the experimentall part of religion , ( which in it felf lyes deep and hid, and is a fecret betwixt God and the Chriftians foul , ) with fuch clearneffe , and by that manner of evidence demonftrat ro

B 2 the

(20.)

the world , as might tend to beget fome more awfull fenfe and conviction hereof, (when fuch clear and unanfwerable grounds might be impro- ved for this end ) on thefe who look thereon as fome ftrang and dark riddle, fo as they could no more deny or withftand the evidences hereof, then that they have a living foul which yet they ne- ver faw , or could ever be the object of human fenfe. And how fad a profpect mould this give of the greateft part of the Chriftian world , who not only know nothing of the true glory , and fpi- rituallpowers ofchriflianity , but have not the very notion, or any fenfe of the reality of fuch a thing.

But in the id place it is thus that each Chri- ftian, for being folidly confirmed in the way of re- ligion, may as clearly fee , as he does fenfibly feaU the truth of his own experience, and have his faith as fully eftablifhed by this inward and great demonflration of the things of God , as his ajfeclions are quickned , upon fuch ftrong and de- vionjlrative grounds of the certainty hereof , as thefe are.

i. By confidering , his prefent andformer fiate , that not in a dream , but in the moH: deep and ferious compofure of fpirit , he knows how once he was blind and wholly eftranged from this myfterie of Chrijlian experience , which now he does fee ; and once had the fainefentiment here-' of with fuch who doe nioft deeply reflect on the fame , but no fooner did the truth , and

power

(21.) , .

power of religion feafe on his foul* then he found himfelf entered into a new world to know the dawningsof this marvelous light , and what be- lonastothefeinjoymencs , andv*f4/^orChrii- tiamty , that hath not the lead dependence on any

natural! caufe. av„n„v*

2 By considering that marvelous fuperjtruclure

of experimental religion , which from the inward obfervation of Chriftians in all ages , is fuchas the world could not z\mo& contain the books* tUtmtgm be write hereof , which yet is fo intirelyiound- ed on one and the fame foundation, and dots in all the lines of this great circumference, (till meet in the fame center; yea thus how intire and *wr- monious a thing religion in all the parts therot is within upon the foul , as well as without fo as every ftep in this way of the experience ot the faints is no groping in the dark, but what is by line and rule , with as fure and demonftrable a connexion with the ext email teftimony of the word , as there is in nature betwixt the cauje and the effetl ; which affords a more wonder- full aiMance to his faith , then the greatelt**- temall miracles could ever doe, andtho the f pint of God does fometimes in an extr aor dinar e man- ner reveal himfelf to men (as ads of his Sore-' raign prerogative which make no rule ) yet with the eftablifhed conftitutions of his word does the continued experience of the faints mod: harmo- cioufly evacorrefpond.

■ b 3 3- By

3- By conflderingthus alfo the being, & f£ fifty of grace , not in its effete only but in its proper canfe and original, & how the truth of Mmeffe in the Jife of a Chriftian is fc exprcfs a tranfcript of the Gospel! , in its external reve- lation , that the imprejfe doth not more clearly smivver the [eal on the wax then it doth be^et the fame forme and image of it [elf in fucrfas believe; yea alfo that conformity it bears to the ever blefed Architjpe , as well as 'to the revealed ru- le , and how bright a discovery is thus of To glorious a being , and nature, to which its con- formed , who is the alone patern , and exemple of all truth and holineffe ; which is fo great a discovery , as he is made to wonder , how men m this age are fo much awakened to find out the true Phenomena of nature , (though in its own room a moft choife ftudy , and fpeciai? defirable, ) and will be as in a tranfport , upon lome rare natural experiment , as made one in that manner cry out Utfit* lu/wc«; whilft here is another kind of demonftration , and of more transcendent intereft then all thefe could ever amount to , on which the eyes of moft are this day mutt.

4. By considering that uncheangable congruity,

which u betwixt the nature of thefe things , injoy-

ited in the whole inftitutions of the Gospell , and

mens being made happy therby , now in their pre-

fentfiate , and how great a temporal revenew

of the fruits of religion , as inward confidence , peace , andferenity of mind, doth as natively fol- low the life and practice hcrof , as the fruit of a tree aniwers to its kind-, and is ever found the alone trae relief of mankind, againftall the griefs and bitternefle of time; yea that its no diftance of place , but of mens fpirit by impurity , and cor- ruption that makes fo fad a diftance betwixt God, and man here in the earth.

5. He is thus further confirmed upon this great teftimony of experimental religion , by confi- dering that its fure fuch as does bear this witnefle are known ; r. to be fuch who are of the mod; difcerning and judicious in the things of reafon , as any dfe. 2. Whofe walke and practice ufe to have thegreateft authority over mens confcience -with whom they converge. 5. who are found mod intenfly taken up in the retired worke, and duties of religion , that can havenorefpecl: to the witneiTeand obfervation of others. 4. Who feeks no 'implicit credit'foom any herein , but does ob- teft men to come and fee , and prove the fame in their their own experience , with an appeal to the mod exact inquiry , and rational! tryall of all mankind, if here be any cafuall thing, and if that teftimony of the doftrinall , and experiment all part of religion be not (till one and the fame. 5 . Who alfo out of the moft retnott places of the earth > and otherwife ftrangers amonghft themfelves > does yet moft harmonioufly meet in the fame wit-

B 4 ncfe<t

nepe > and are thus mutually difclofed to other ^ by a near and fealing intercourfe of their fouls , from fuch znonneffe in a fpirituall ftate and thefe fpecifick^properties of a fpirituall , and new nature, with as difcernible evidence as if one man fhould meet with ane other of the fame kind, , in fuch a place of the earth which were only inhabited with beafts.

6. By conddering alfo , ( with a deep and fe- rious reflection hereon , ) that fure and known conjunction , which is betwixt the mod rare ex- periences of a Chriftians life , and the mofty?- atcbing try alls thereof , with that uniform con- fent , that hath in all ages of the Church been, in fuch marvelous things > as thefe. i what folemne tokens and teftimonies of the love of God » and his acceptance 3 are found ufually to meet his people in the entry of fome great try all , or fervice for him , even in fome unufuaJJL manner then , in the fence whereof > as it w$^'with Eli- jah , they have been made to gee Many days af- ter in a wildernefe flate\ yea how this does not tefpe&perfons only , but Churches , that the word ftill ufeth to goe before with fome remarkable confirming worke to fecure the heart , before the crop and fome fpecial tryal of perfection comes 2. That as each day hath its proper burden v and worke , fo hath it its proper allowance provided tor the fame , which fhould be no lefle fought after by a Chriftian <, then his dayly bread, and

when

•when the pretfure of fuch a day grows to fome more fingulare hight , fo alfo mould the ex- penfe hereof be in faith fought for & expected. 3. How the choifeft mercies are re/erved to the faddeft times of a Chriftians Jot , and moft ufually croffe to their own choife, and thus hath had the greateft ftruglings with thefe methods of providence , which hath in the iffue tended moft to their upmaking. 4. Yea how the returnes of a long deferred hope after much humble on- waiting, have been to fuch as a Pisgah , whence tbey have not only had a clear and comforting profpeft of their bypaft trjals, but for being more fully confirmed of the time to come ; and cart bear now that teflimony , that the lord hath clear- ed all hjgones to them , and hath taken the vail off his worke , which for long had been as a dark and ftrang riddle.

7. This likeways gives a moft clear, and con- firming profpecl: of that great feal of experience, when he can now fee , both in his own cafe and of others, what the issue of believing inafw- gular exigence and tryal and upon fome fpecial ad of truft and adventure herein does at laft come to ; which the more deeply its considered he finds one of the moft peculiare ajjiftances to his faith , and one of the greateft attainments of ex* penmentall religion within time , when he can thus fee the fame way of believing, (in fome ftrong and extraordinare aflaults , which he hath had to

B 5 crum.

truth and break him herein , ) which hath car- ried fo many thorow in their faddeft tryals , bring him alfo in his turn , to be an in/lance in the fame kind , to bear an honourable teftimonj to this fme , and excellent way of believing before the world, and that none fear , after him > to hold by the promife of God and venture on that fecurity , tho it then feem againft hope, whofe difpenfations > did yet never , never give his word the lye.

CHARACT. IV. Such is a truely con- firmed Qhriftiany who in a difmall time , is not ft agger ed in his faith from the prefeni figns and ap- pearences therof , but hath his foul ballafl with fitch [olid grounds of confirmation againft the fame, as thefe providenc es> wherat others doe moRftum- ble, tends to his further firenthning in the way of the Lord , when he does now clealyfee ;

i. How tribulation and the croffe makes one of the moll: illuftrious 'and beutifull farts tff the whole frame of Providence about the -Church , and in the lot of each Chriftian , fo as there can be no polTible ftumbling to any for want of light here, that fore try alls , and d'tftreffe fhouldmoft remarkably follow theft in their journey , who have an eternall blejfedneffe before them in the clofe hereof-, when fo great a part of the Scrip- ture is directed not only for comfort but for a clear conduct of the Christians faith , through all the intrcacies and labyrinths of fuch a difpenfati- on , and thus kcs how highly congruous it is

to the

(27.) to the infinit wifdom of God , that fo [trait and narrow a way , in fuch a ft ate ef tryall as is here, mould goe before the Irate ofeverlafting in- joyment ; that there mould be fuch a ftagemd theatre aho , whereon the paffive graces of the fpirh , may not only be exercifed , but difplay- ed in their true luftre and glory before Angels and men ; yea that thus the Redeemed of the Lord be firft trained in fo fharp a warfare , as may not only put a due value and refpeel on the great- nefsofthat triumph and reward which is to come, but be matter of ineffable joy and exultation , that ever they wereadmitt thus to evidence their love and adherence to their blejfed head and his truth here on the earth , and accounted worthy to be put on fome hotter fervke , and to peculiare tryals and conflicls this way beyond others , for fome example and incouragement to the Church in their day ; and here alfo he can now fee how the greateir, injoyments of comfort are more owe- ing to the moft fharp and afflicling tryals of their life, then to the greatefl: external! calme ; and that to endure patiently and fuffer for the name Chrft is fuch a priviledge as the eleel Angels have not been admitt to , yea that the Lords chaftnmg workey and foreft [mitt ing of his own , is an aft alfo of forcing ; fo that thus the more deeply he fearcheth here , the more does he fee , admire and confent to that glorious piece of the adm'miftra- tion of providence about the Church , and finds

it to

it to be one of the greateft confirmations of bis fa'th within time.

2. He does now clearly fee how the truth and fa'<thfu\neffe oiGod is commenfurate to bis whole worke of Providence & that all the lines hereof , as they doe lead from his revealed councell in the Scripture, which is the adequat figne of his eternall councell and decrees , fo doe they returne thither again , to make this great demoftration clear ; that if a full Hiftorjf were write of this world , and what- hath been conspicuous thorow the whole feries ©f times paft in all thefe conjunctions of inferi- our caufes , whether necejfare » free , or contin- gent , and of fuch events that feern mod cafu- al ? it fhould be nothing elfe but an exact transcript and htftory of the Bible, to bear this witneffe , quod mundus nihil aliud eft quam Deus explicatus fecundum fcripturam ,• but though a full difcovery hereof be not attainable within tirne , yet is it a fad and deplorable want , that the great acts of the Lord , in each age of the Church are not more fearched and fought out of all them that take pleafure therin , that they may be feeji r obferved , and admired by that part of the crea- tion, Angels and Men, who are only in a capaci-' ty to know the fame ; which is a fervice for the Lord wherin hispraife, and declarative glo- ry is fo highly conceirned, as a Chriftian fhould , account the meaneft roome herein one of the j moft dcfirable attainments within time; yea it

feems

(290

feems juft matter of regret alfo that this comes

not under a more publicly care and nottice of particulare Churches and of the Chriftian Magistra- te , where religion hath any true regard , to have fuch folemne providences as occur re in that time , and place , which may be called expert* menta lucifera to the Church , and of a further reach and extent then any private ufe , both fe- arch'd after and recorded as becomes fo high a Service to the Chrifitan caufe and one of rhe hig- heft conceirns of the pofteritie , to have fucb not only poflerTed of a pure religion^ but of that feal alfo ; which the Lord hath in the great ads of providence appended therto , and thus to have that increafe , which each fucceflive age brings therwithto the publick^ftocJ^of the Church 9 looked after , as a piece of the greateft truft re- pofed theron , fo that the Children rife not up and fay, we have not heard nor have our fathers faithfully transmitt to us the wonderous works .which the Lord hath wrought in their time,

5. He is thus alfo tought to fee the Xion and demonftrative caufes of the moft ftrang judgments on the Church, to be as clear in the Scripture as they are in the event, and though the holy God in the day of his patience , and long-' Suffering is not alike quick in the execution of the fentences of his word , yet does he ever ef- tablifh the authority of his Laws by the works of his providence in the moft opportune feafbn ;

and

.(30.) and as judgment deferred , is no acquittance , fo does it more threaten its being the greater , when it comes , then a quicksand prefent dis- patch *, yea though this tempefl which now blowcs on the Churches of Chrift , come to a gre- ater hight , and the darkneffc be fuch, as no Moon or Starres may for many dayes yet appear of any vifible figns of hope , yet is his foul thus at reft whilft he can fee the credit of the truth clea- red > on which he hath more in dependence then any adventure within time > and does rejoyce , whatever miscarrying may be of inferiour ends, that this great and ultimate end of the works of God is fecured herein , and theglory of his truth does fhine forth in the moft ftrang and amazing ads of his providence , wherat many are ready to dagger , when they doe not wifely confider the fame.

4. He Ce.es now likewife , fo high a value which the Lord puts on the try all of his peoples faith , and that the great dispenfation wherby he deales with men is by truft and on the credit of his word > as it addes further to his confirmation , to fee all human and vifible refuges oft taken out of his Churches fight * yea his greateft works in the earth make the greateft delay er they be brought forth , & his Churches cafe put fo far beyond help before a curt , as the firft quick- ning of her cruihedand z\\mo& dead hope, muft beat the mouth of the gr aye \ and he is thus here- in

(31-

in more lingularly ftrenthned , that when the Lord fpeaks the fame in the way of providence * which he hath fpoka in his word , not by might nor by power , that he doth with unspeakable advantage fupply and fill the roome therof by the next word , but by my fpirit faith the Lord , which in this day mould with a full ajjurancc of faith be both fought and looked after.

5. It is in this rare ftudy he attaines alfo the greateft confirmation to his faith that could po£. fibly be defired within time, to fee now when its fo near the clofe therof and after all the re- volutions of times pall: , tiow the truth and fa thfu'nejfe of God 5 hath , as the fun in its ftrenth , ftiil keept its way ftraight and fixt a- midft all thefe dark clouds which have been to darken the fame and is now gone its courfe un- till it draws near to the full and perfect day; yea thus to fee how fignally this prefent age is fifted upon that fame appeal and folemne teflimony which as Jofua gave , Josh. 23: 14. that not ont thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God fpake concerning yow , all are come to paffe to yow , and not on thing hath failed there of i and Solomon did bear aJfoat the dedication of the Temple , 1 J^tngs S: v. 56. Bleffed be the Lord that hath given reft unto his people Ifrael , according to all that he promifed , there hath not failed one word of all his good promife , which he promifed by the hand of Mofes his fervant ; fo is this now that great tefti- mony of the latter dayes and the higheft -tribute'' o£ praifc to the glory of God in his truth which can be

given

0*.)

given by men * that this prefent generation" ltands accountable to make the fame yea much greater appeal to the world , if they can in- stance one promife or predi&ion of that facred re-> cord of the Scripture which hath ever failed or fallen to the ground , but may be this day read in the event , & under thefe proper cir- cumftances wherin it was to take place in its proper feafon , as evidently as it was fortold , and mud (till bear the fame witnes , Ufa1, 18; 30. that the way of the Lord is perfett , and his word tryed on all the adventures of faith , and tryaU which to this moment of time have been made hereof, and of his being ftill a buckle' to fuch as truft in him, and are called to transmit* this glorious teftimony to the fucceeding ages, that it may never ceafe to shine or want a publick witnerle therto before Angels and men , untill the whole myftery of God m his word be finished in that magnificent clofe which fliall be therof at the fecond coming of the Lord.

CHARACT. V. A confirmed Chriftian in this day mould be thus zlfoftated , as one who hath not only attained a folid reft and fettlment of mndt upon the certainty of the Chriftian faith , but does know the pure genuine truth of Chrifti* anty , amidft fuch high oppofitions betwixt the Burnish and Reformed Church herein.

And in the 1 place hath in this manner fifted himfelf upon fuch a tryal \ l as one who knows

there

there is but one true and faring religion in the earth, to which God hath annexed the promifeofW- nail life which can never be divided againft it felf. 2. Who knows that within a litle his re- ligion will be tryed in the truth therof at the m- bunall of Cbrift , where each muft give account of bimfelf unto God. $. As fuch who kes there can be no poflible indifference in the exterior pro- fejfion of either way , but that fo high a contra- riety of principles is in this oppofition , that if the dottrine of Cbrift be on the one hand, it is fure Antichriftianisme muft be on the other hand. 4. Yea who hath in that abftratt manner fought to ftate the cafe herein with his own foul as if he were come out ofPaganifm , to give a ferious as- fentto the divinity of the Scripture, and thus pref- fed to joyn in with that profeflion of the Cbm ftian faith , which is moit exactly conforme to the fame , in the genuine and perfpicuous fence

therof.

In the id place he hath fought to know, how he could, imbrace the Voptsb creed and adventure his eternal 1 ftate theron, or can extinguifh his rea-* fony and confcience fo far as to believe that the holy God would ever impofe fuch a faith upon men , *S this is-j 1 where he muft abandon thefe princi- ples ofnaturall reafon in the moft neceflare ufe therof, which God hath himfelf p lanted in mans foul , fo as not to truft his own eyes but otheis in that great jntereft- of his eternall ftate , and

- C with

with his own confent be fhuttout from all pro- per knowledge of the rule of his religion , yea account a blindPand unlimited obedience to men , amongft the higheft excellencies of 'fahh. z. Where hemuft at once believe the fuBefe , and f ejec- tion of the Scripture , and to be not only fitted for that great end of bringing' mankind to God ,. but for fuch an univerfall ufe herein , as to make the ftmple wife, and that the poor may receive the Gofpell- and yet believe alfo that k is a map of dead] and unfenfed characters , untill the Romish Cler- gy putajuft/^theron , tho ksfenfe and mean- ing isthe very/™/ thereof, yea thus paflefrom the wholcletter of the fame, or any certainty of its truth , from imrinfic^ evidences and thefe marks and characters of its divinity , wherby the Chrif tian caufe could be maintain'd againft Pagans. 3. Where he muft believe alfo that thefe are 'the words of Chrift Job. 7- 17. if any man doe my will he shall know my doctrine whither it be of God or not, and that men errs through not knowing the Scripture Math. 22. and yet believe therewith , that thefe facnd fountains of light should be shun up > to^eepmen from going wrong , and that the fole right of un- demanding the fame belongs to a few , but not to the multitude , who yet can pretend no ex- traordmare afiflance or revelation herein , nor will themfelves come to thefe waters of]caloufie to be tryed. 4. Where he muft needs believe that the Scriptures are the oracles of Godcgmmitt

to

to the Church , to give anfvver in every darfre cafe Rom. 3: 2. the type and forme of foUnd do- ctrine , Rom. 6. 17. unto whofe fentence in all matters both oT faith and pactife , we are ex- presfly referred , Is. 8. 20. and yet believe al- io that it hath no authority or decifive voice , but what is precarious and dependant on the Romish Church , and thus confent to have the whole Chriftian faith vifibly unhinged of that foundation of the Scripture , and fubje&ed to a fitpreme , vifi- ble , and infallible judge here in the earth , with fuch a chime of dominion over the faith of the faints , as theApoftles ofChrifi durft never owne* but did fully difclaime 2 Cor. 1: 24. 5. Where he muft believe that Jefus Qhrift ame for this end , to fave loft man , and by one offering hath ptrfe&ed for ever them that are fatiBified Htb* 10; 18, and yet joyn in the fame faith herewith a hu- man fatisf action for fin , fo as men may both me- rit , mediate , and fupererogate above what is needfull for themfelves, and be thus faved in the fame way of life , which was by the covenant of works; afcribing that only to Chrift to give fal- yation to their merits , which -yet their own $- tr in fck, value > and condignity doth require as a debt, 6. He finds not how in the fame creed he could poilibly hold by one Mediator be- twixt God and man , where a plurality for this end is admitt ; and by the reality of Chrifts hu- man nature , and bis having a true and fnit bo*

C Z dj'y

dy , which is fubje&ed to have a new created being , each time in the Con ft crate Hoftia ; or believe the truth of his fufferings as now fully accomplifhed , and to be repeated no more » when* it is in that doyly facrifice of the Mef- fe fidl offered , as a propitiatory facrifice for the liveing and the dead ; Co as on the mod fevere and im- partial inquiry here » he cannot find how one . holding by thefe principle should goe a further lenth ; then Morality , or claim another Handing then by a covenant of works. 7. Nor knows he how to believe at once the truth of the Gofpell > to be a doBrine of Holinefje > and infinite purity , and yet joyne in the fame faith herewith fueh an immunity and indulgence for men to fin > as mo- ney cm ftand for merit, and the rich have the moft eafy and large cntrey to heaven and ac- count it a priviledge to deflroy themfelves ; yea j . where fome externall feverities and pennance to ] the flefh , like to the lanching and gashing of j Baals Friefts , are reckoned enough to fupply the roome of Chriftian mortification. 8. Yea he finds it not pofible to believe » that fin by the blood of Chrift can only* be expiate , and is his alone worke, who hath purged our fin himfelf-% Heb. 1: 3. or that there are but two ways that lead to a twofold ftate of men , a flrait way which leads to a life , and a broad unto deftruc- tion , Math. 7: 14. aud yet believe that there is a Purgatory after this life > where men muft

be

be tormented and fuffer wfrww prow there, to expiate fuch venial fins , as their prayers and p^ 4M«ftj here could not doe ; yea is here made to wonder how any that believes fuch a thing, can ever havem** peace, or comfort in the -world* but doe either take it as a pclion , or forget themfelves when they are chearfull -9 where the fear of fuch a place , the uncertainty ofreleafe, and how long a term it may be er this purg- ing worke becompleat , (when their own writers afligne no lelTe time , then ioooo Tears as need- full to fatisfy for fomejiiw, ) andleaft it prove I zreaUhell, muft ftill be a prefent terrourj nor can he believe that fuch poilibly doe credit them- felves herein , who aflumethis power to change the condition of the dead , fince were it real- \y believed , that the keyes of fuch a prifonwere here in mens hand , and could, by the largefl: dotations to the Romish Church , get a fafe out- gate thence , it were not ftrang , to fee the temporal! (late ofCrijlendome in a fhort time made o- ver to thefe, and fhouid Judge they were in a ftrang manner indead priviledged by the whole refidue of men, who by fuch a power over the world to come can make fo eafy a pur chafe over this alfo which ispre- fent.o.He finds &is lure he could never get his rea- fonzndcenfcience brought to fuch a faith , even thohemadeajww«/*f*profeflion herein , of that pretended fupremacy of Peter as Bishop of ^ome , on

which the whole frame and ftru&ure of thepa-

c 5 t*y

(38.)

pacy leans , and the venue of all the pardons and absolutions founded theron > on which fo many have adventured into another world except he would thus build on the [and only , but not on the rocl^ i o. He finds alfo how fuch an erection oi the Gofpell Church in her militant ftate here , as the Papacy in its complexe frame is , un- ite in fuch an head , as the Pope , who as the fole vicegerent of Cbrift in the earth , is at once inverted with a civill Monarchy , and univerfall impire over the Church , to impofe , and judge in the higheft tr an factions that relate to the eter- naU ftate and immortall fouls of men » is a thing that as to matter of right is as forreign to the Scripture and incompatible therwith , as Ma- humitanisme can be , and as to matter of fact is iLtruft that no created being could everexerce. u. he feesi & is fure that he muft either Iofe fight both of the ?«/<?> mdfpirit of the Gofpell , or haveajuft abhorrence at that way > where hefiiould be in- evitably involved in a virtual conjent , and acceffton to all that cruelty and blood which for fo many ages hath been fried therin, when its fo clear that this was no exorbitance only of practice , but a native refult of their tenets> and principles, and not only difpenfed with , but counted an highly me- ritorious fervice ; yea when it is fure that under no fecular government of the molt tyrannicallftate that ever was in the world , hath fuch arbitrary vio*> lence , and oppreffwn been exerced , or fo much in- nocent

noccnt blood flied , as by this party. 12. And tho his judgment flood indetermined and in an squall ballance upon this great controverfie , he could not exerce re*afon , and not fee upon what band fuch a decifionls as was in Solomons time of the true mother of the child , and who does moll: \mthfully feek to interefle themfelves in the im- jminent hazard of the Chriftian faith, and under jleall influence of any temporall motives does this iday fland for the truth and fubftance of Chiftia- \nity, and plead that it be not dellroyedin envy and hatred to them ; or on what fide it is like- Iways that this manner of conqueft is moft follow- ed to gain men to the profeflion of the truth '■ by prevailing evidence of their own light and jud- Igment herein, and to require their exacted per- \fonall try all , and inquiry about the fame. I In the 3d place, tho he fees there can be no pretence of dottrinall wavering about the Re- \formed religion , and finds it not eafy to com- prehend how in one and the fame age , wher- in the truth hath fo brightly mined , this way of Popery , mould have prevalence, or gain ground any more by feduclion from arguments to the rea- fon or confeience of any * yet fince it is an hower of temptation , and of fainting > above all that hath been hitherto known , and mens eyes ar- reafted with fuch a profpetl of the time , as is )ike to ft Agger the faith of the moft eftablifhed, he is thus preiTed , as one of the higheft duties

C 4 of

(4°0

of this day , to know and fearch out what may

afford greateft ajfiftance to his faith , from the dtfpen fat ions of providence therin, and to know the evidence and Jirentb of fuch refleclions as thefe are for this end.

i. That its fure> as the fmallefi things which the Lord does afford, to ftrenthen and fupport againft fuch a forme , mould be ferioufly impro- ve n , and taken to heart • fo does it Jay us in the way of that promife for having greater things given to our obfervation ,• yea that now is the time when fuch as have been moft comforted by the word of promife , may be put to the foreft trj/al in th&x faith of any , to keep off ft umbling at the worke of providence , and be thus tryed accor^ .ding to the meafure of thefe confirmations,

2. Tho the Churches declinings under greateft meafures of light may be too vifible , and that re- ligion gains not by perfecution as formerly , with fuch an amazing changasis now in her external condition, yet fees it to be no ftrang thing, when moft fignal warnings have gone before of fuch a try- al with too evident difpofitions towai ds the fame and difcovery of its approach in all the caufes therof ; yea might be forfeen by all , that the holy God would not ftill bear with an impure , and uninlivned profeffwn of the pure and glori* ous truth of Qbrifitanitj , which hath now long been one of the moft fad, and mondl figns In t he publickflate of religion ; nor can it be found

that

(v.).

that ever any Church did decline and fall from the purity of the truth and lofe ground herein by ex- ternall perfection, where a judicial departure of its life and power did not remarkably goe before; fb as it is not of late this hath been too clear- ly prefaged , that f m : dark and unufual me«f- ure of tryall from Anticbrift , and that ultima elu- de* of the Reformed Churches, was drawing near > which would be fore er it had done its worke.

3. He fees alfo? how this prefent howeris not more fearching and dark^ , then it may be clear herewith) 1. that now after the ijfue of that op- pofition, which was betwixt the Chriftian faith in the frft entry of the Gofpell and that dying Apoftate Church of they ewes, and next with the Tagan Impire , after that new ereeffcion of the Gofpell Church among the Gentils , which is now over;fo is the greateft tryall of the latter dayes fixed on the decifion of that long depending contro- verfje betwixt Cbrift and lAntichrift. 2. That ac- cording to the Scripture we muft believe that as after the manner of Egypt, that glorious triumph and delivery of the Church from Antichr'tft will be furlic carryed on,io the more near it comes to the laftaf- fault, and when this falls in to have itsproper roome in the frame and adminiitration of providence, the greater extremitie, terrour and darkneffe may be expected alfo , as hath not been in any fuch manner formerly, yea with that unite and formi- dable conjunclion of fhenth and growing fucceffe of

C 5 this

.(4*-)

this adverfary for a time , as the moft eftablifhed

Chriftians may be in hazard to ftagger. 3. That now is the day wherin the Lord will have meri know what it is to have the Bible as thealone/i?- curity of the Vroteftant religion , on which they mult intirely reft no Jetfe then it is the file rule and ft andard therof , which is a try all worthy of all thatexpenfeofthep4/«, anguish , and wr eft lings* that can now poflibly attend the fame.

4. Whilft the great (I andard of Antichrifts King~ dome is vifibly fet up and brought to the open field* as its this day in the Church of France, and all human help taken out of fight; yet does he fee here- with, 1 how this now is concluded, as the moft in- fallible remedy to recover Popery , and that ar- gument, to which they truft more then to Peters keyes to wit thek fanguinary lawesby the [word , andracb which they have again betaken themfel- ves to , tho fuch an argument the Scripture ne- ver knew, which fober heathens would abhorr , and gives up the credite of all religion to Atheifm. 2. That there can be no more evidence of a defperate and fining caufe then is here, and how nothing elfe can fupport it but thefe weapons which are not againft the Conference , or by any ter- rours of the id death , but 'of the firft. 3. that this is fuch an argument* (if they have not in a (jtrang manner forgot, ) which hath within thefe 100 Tears been fo fully anfwered , and by fuch an immediate appearence of God in the King- dome

(430

dome of France, that according to thefe meafo- res of cruelty againft the Proteftants there , fo was it returned in a deludge of their own blood , yea thus both the publickftateofthe Church and faith or' the faints in the truth more deeply root- ed ; and tho we yet fee not the end of thefe wond- en and the darke fide only of the difpenfations of fuch a day , yet doe we know this fore rod on the Church is but as the faw and axe in the car- f enters hand, who fhall never undoe that glori- ous work? which Chtift hath done and is (till fur- ther perfecting on the ruins of Antichrifts King- dome.

5. Tho fame unufmll deeps and methods of fub- tiltj be now on foot alfo again!!: the truth , yet he cannot but fee how nothing could more ef- fectually tend to confirm the poteftant caufeznd take the credite of ppry oft' the confcienee of thefe in their own pofeffion who are confederate and in the leaft ferious herein; when the world muft thus" fee , 1 how eafy its for fuch to take any meafure and latitude in th<? doclrinals of their iprofeffion , wh*?n this canmoft ferve the jun- l&ure of fuch a time and high ten or narrow the controverfy betwixt them and the Reformed Church at their pleafore , fo as to facrifue the Church of Rome unto the Court of Rome , if no llefle can fecure that end. 2. That the moll: horrid Turkish slaver/ over mens bodies cornea no fuch lenth , as that ftrang claime thai: thefe

notf

(44:>

now make of an abfolute impire over mens con*

fcicnce by the fword^ and to put them to fuch a tribute of their obedience > and they fhall then be fecure, if they but come the Jenth^to fin a- gainft their light , and adventure on fo fmall a thing as togoeto Hell and perish eternally , fince its an externall and fimulate profeffion of fuch away they doe thus inforce from thefe , whom they fee cannot in faith be perfwaded hereof. 3. Yea it hath been too vifible how much that mafter-plot > and ingine, hath in thefe times been working > to take men firft off all fenfe of religion > and deftroy them in the morals of Cbri- fianity\ to make this conqueft more eafy , that fuch may have no inward defence and fupporta- gainft the terrour of human violence , yea in this way , when they have fought how to divide Pro- teftants among themfelves and betwixt Rulers and them s this feams the laft and greateft ingine of all 9 how to divide betwixt them and their God, and act the fame plot , which was laid betwixt Balack and Balaam , as knowing that its no naked fhew or profeffion of the Reformed religion they nead fear,fo much as that old proteftant fpirit in thepotper & life therof, before which their intereft could ne- ver ftand ) and dreads nothing fo much as the reviving hereof, which as the hand~writing upon the wall did ever more threaten the fatall ruine of that Kingdome , then any human power or ftrenth.

6. Here

( 45- >

6\ Here alfo he finds jufl cau/e of aftonifh-

mentj how KJngs or great men in the earth fhould give their power to fupport the Romish inte- reft y that hath been fo vifibJy definitive to theirs > when its not poflible to deny how its firft advance and progrelTe to that fupreme hight > which it once attained, and the de- clining of the chill impire , did by the fame ftepi goe together , untill Magiftracy was turned as unto a dead image and shaddotv , except its being enlivened by their breath and authority , as it was during the whole hight of that Antichriftian po- wer ; nor will it be denyed that in thefe late times the French Monarchy was never more near its diflblution in its right line , then by the Ca- tholic!^ league there ; and would feem not ealy to be forgot , how Henry the $d 5 who had mod fought to crufli the Vroteftants there in pursuance of that league , was at laft conftrained to flee to fuch for help , or by whom he was killed \ and that Heroicl^ Prince Henry the 4' was firft ftobbed in the mouth and then in the heart ; yea that the pu- blick records of that nation cannot poflibly deny how the houfe of Burbon owes its power and pre- fervation] more to the Proteftams , ( without whom it had been fully extinct >) then Ahaswe^ rus did to Mordtcai the Jew for what he found written in the Chronicles of Perjia , when the decree was then paft to deftroy all the ked of the Jewes.

7. As

(4«-J

7. As in no times pad was ever a greater

expiation then is now > which way the fcale will turn , and what will be the end of thefe wonders , when the neareft events of Providence are fo darke and amazing ; io does he find this, in fbme eztraordinare way Called for , to be ftill, and/** what God will doe for bis Church , and with hum- ble confidence look for -fbme difpenfation as hath not hitherto been in this extreme exigence , and tho he doe not appeare in that way and manner as in former times , that it fhall be in a way more, iignally glor'ous 9 beyond what hath formerly been ; yea does in faith thus judge 1 that then is the Churches day broke , and hath found the fure way of her ftrenth , and right lith of duty > when her hope and confidence is taken of all vifible refuges and intirely fetled on her invifiblc headt and his promife put to fuite by prayer without fainting herein. It is fure the truth & faithfullnejfe of God Hands ingadged for Anti- christs fall , as well as for falvation by Chrift > and fince he hath faid this adverfary fhall be broke and brought down , it mult furely be , tho the duft of the ground mould rife for this end , and now is the faith of the faints called for be- coming the greatneffe of fuch an ajjurance , on which are the eyes of men , of their own con- fcience , of the eleU Angels , yea of the glorious God , to fee who does indeed credit him in this day, when there is no ienftble fupport herein j and

tho

(47.) tho it is now like to make fore the departure of many from the faith who had fome vifible pro- feflion therof , yet may it be hoped for, that the turn of the next tyde mall bring in moey with a folid and true tncreafe to the Church > then thefe faddayes doe now takeoff.

CHARACT. V J. It is thus ^confirmed Chriftian mould be fpecially confidered, as one who is not only at reft on the known certa- inty of bis faith , but is ready to render fome account of the folid rationall grounds and deroonflrations here- of, unto all who ask^ after the fame , *nd doth thus judge , i that thefe are theproper and appoint- ed means which the JLord hath afforded for the greateft confirmation of mens faith within time, yea preferable to any externall miracles , which are more extraordinare and reinott affiances ther- to. 2. That thefe are given as fo great an helper to his joyy and excitment of his affe&ions to follow the Lord fully i as makes him wonder how the greatnefle of thefe things, which men are called to believe, can come near their thoughts, and yet not more taken up about this confir- ming worke. 5. That the too vifible negle&her- of, both with refpecl: to the youth and commu- nity ofprofeffours in the Church , feems one of the fad , and fundamental defecls of this day. The reafons hereof, with fome clear view of thefe means which might moft anfwer fuch an end , are briefly offered , in this preceding worke.

CHA-

(48.) CHARACT. VII. A truely confirmed Cbiftian may in the laft place be herein alfo confi- dered, asfuchwhofe faith being oft tryei through all thefe flag" «/ Chrijiianity he hath been taken ; hath fome proper record of the moft cboife , and fisnall confirmation, of his life , to improve the lame not only for tiswm fuffort in that aft warfare cf death, but tot (trenthning the fanb of others-, wherin he does thus judge , t that there could be no true fupport & relief from rehgton here in the earth , If it cannot bear out then, and tUt death is the great toucbftoneznd tryall, when the true value and difference betwixt things ot an «otm0 f«r* and fubftance , and the things of this world, willbe beft feen. z. He reckons each real Chriftian , by his profeffion then [ft ed and accountable . even by fome explmt perfo- nall teftimony , to put to tof*^;*** true, and bear the fame witnefle with his kftand dying breath to the truth ef Chrifmntty , which he gave in the whole coutfe of his life j and of thatjov, complacence and affuranceoftmnd, which he hath : found , and now hath in the way of truth , fo as to prefle the fame on his deaeft . relations as their alone true mterelt 3. He'e« alfo, how honorable it is for the Lord, that luch whofe faith hath been oft tryed , ( an d when thus with >/ and admiration he can loot : bacK on the moft preffing and confpicuous conptlsoi time,) mould have it their laft worke to pay

(49-)

in fome tribute of praife , unto him whole word & promt je unto them did yet never fail. 4. He ac- counts the more weighty try alls he hath been ear- ryed thorowin his Chriftian warfare 5 doth both give more accefTe to thlsfervice, and adds more to the value of fuch zteftimony. $# He judgeth this onefpecial way and advantage, wherby one generation might declare the truth and Jaitbjullmjfe of God unto an other, in a family line and relationy to them forth thus that the Lord is upright , that he is their tock^y and with him is no umighteoufneffe\ yea which mould be matter ofunfpeakablejoy , when now in his turn he can fay that fuch hath the Lord been to him y what was Davids dying words' 1

Kjngs. 1; 14. Who hath delivered my foul out of all dt- firejje > how that in no trouble or exigence of his life he was ever left without a door of outgate ; and thus alio with Caleb Josh. 14:10. to give in fome fuch wittneffe for God I am now near the dofe of time s and does teftify , that the word of his truth , and promife he hath furely accompli- shed-, which hath brought mefafe and honourably through, when fuch as did ^credit the fame by misbelief y and fought afcr another refuge* found oil their confidence* fat" 6. And knowing like- ways how.5-*A-at tfetprizMl death may be , and thatnV' as have WjWfd in their day , may yet fet imtfer a cloud andgoefilent tofftheftage, he jud- geth it the more needfull to have fuch a piece of hit dying wwke prepared , as oac of the choi£

D eft

- (50.) eft legxcieshe can bequath to his furviving friends, in a jeafon when it hath ufually the greateft ad- vantage of weight and acceptance : it being ftill qualified with Chriftian prudence » and bumble fo- hriety , fo as all may fee its whole intent is to commend to mens conference the way of truth and godlinejfe and not themfelves , and thus only direcl > for the proper ufe , and improvment of their neareft relations. I know it may be ftrang to fome 9 what is /poke upon this head ; but as its fure the prefent day hath its duty , and each time of our life hath fome proper worke , i o I humbly judge , that this feems to fall in as the laft fervice of a dying Chriftian to his generation , to deliver of his hand the truth which he had re- ceived and hath oft proven , with his confirmato- ry feal and teftimony therto > and now in fome more then ordinare way called for in this hower of great darkneMe , when if that fecurity of the abfolute promifes ftood not good to the Church » we might fear religion might quickly wear out* and truth perifh from the earth; and as fo fo- lemn and weighty q thing fhould be mannaged with much humble prudc«Ce , fo it may be judg- ed that no ferious and ob[eivinz Chriftian but hath fome peculiare ingadgments una** which they find themfelves fifted even beyond other* , vea fome fuch fmgulare confirmations in the jour nail of their life * that mould be not eafy to hide under the ground > where the ftrenthning of others here-

I (51) *

by is concerned , and that fuch mould not then

leave the crojfe of ]efus Lhrift atalojfe , or part therwith without their tefiimony , which hath left them at To great an advantage. And though this is not to brier particulare rules in fuch a duty> but that Chriftian wisdome mull: direct here- in , as the prefent cafe is circumft annate , yet might it be hoped » were this more taken to heart 5 it mould be a (ingulare mean , to put a more deep impreflion of mens dying worke on their own fpirit , even whilft they are in health, to excite their furviving friends > and to keep re- ligion thus alive in a family flate , and relation , and gain a more venerable refpett to the fame on mens confcience , yea to//* alfo ftronger ingadg- menu on the fucceeding offspring.

Thus is prefented here a fliort Idea of the {olid and judicious worke of Cbrijlian confirmation in the trutb> under thefe forgoing Characters, to mew how rare an atteanment of religion this is , yea to pre- fent herein a fpeciall feries and fcale or the great- eft fieps in this confirmatory worke ? by which it mould be followed , and where none of thefe may be parted from other , though fome be of an higher and more abfolute ufe for fuch an end. And if it mould be objected here, what needs any fuch expenfe of time or pains in this cafe , when itsfure the eflentiall truths of the Gofpell are not quefiioned , and that without internal! evidence of the fpirit > no externall means of this kind can

D 2 be

jr..:-

(5*..)

be of ufe. I know that its the alone worke of

the holy Ghofl , to beget a divine and fupernaturall faith , without which the furtheft light , and oh- jeclive evidence , though backed with a continu- ed difpeniation of ext email miracles > could never bear Chriitians out, either as to duty or comfer t , in their pafiage thorow time; yea nothing is in the lead here to fubjecl: the credite of our faith to mens rational comprehenfion , but rather tends to enervate wholly the itrenrh of any fuch tenet and take off all pretence for the fame : But its fure alfo, I mull: quite all folid fecurity in the way of religion , and any clear founding in the light and certainty of the Scripture ,, or admitt thele things as undenyable, i that fupernaturall/^rf/ns the moft highly rationall light thats within time , and that none who profeile the name of Chrift Can be of fo low a^e, as fhould not be prefs- ed and excited to be much about this ground worke of knowing the truth , and principles of their pro- feilion upon its own evidence ; yea are thus called as new born babes to drinj^in the Sincere milj^ of she word , i?et.i. Which, as its clearly in the origiuall, is the rationall milkofthe wordy to be thus received no lelTe on conviction and certainty of the judgment, then with the out going of their affcclions. z. That as its not conceivable how a true zndfirme af- fent can be to divine truth , but on its htwwn cer- tainty , fo here is no refolving of. the Chrifti- ans faith on the ftrongcfl: rationall evidences here*

of,

of, yetmuft it ftill be refohed on the ttfiimony ofGod>made clear & evident to them to be fuch.3.IC is fure alfo , the Lord hath not given fo large a meafure of thefe grounds and demonftrations of his truth with fuch redoubled arguments of that kind, to beoffofmall regard, as is with moft, but for fome great , and univerfall ufe hereof to the whollChurch,and knew howneedfiill fuch affi* fiances to the faith of his people would be, whilft they are on the earth. 4. That thefe means , which tend moft convincingly to found a ratio- nail afurence in the judgment , are the proper vehicle of the Sprit of God , by which his [eating worke , fhould be both fought and expected 5 nor can 1 judge how the credite and ufe hereof mould be fo fmall , and not on the &me ground quite any externall ordinance of the Gofpell , which without the Spirit of the Lord can never profite , nor how we mould exped: and fuite his confirming worhe on the foul , when thefe greateft confirming means , which he hath given to the Church , have no juft weight ; but o how wonderfull a teacher is the holy Ghoft > when fuch ordinare means fail , and are inac~ cejfable , by fiirniming his people then with thefe ftrongeft arguments of love and pwer , who hav- ing had but fmall meafures of light , yet were not unfaithful! to improve the fmalleft degree of fuch e talent, 5. Yea fo great a thing is it , to at- tain a (olid faith of things wholly remott from our

D 3 fenfe,

(54.)

fenfe , and fo far above the reach and apprehenfton of

nature y or to have an abfolute relyance onanw- vifible refuge , for our prefent and eternall ftate , as no common afTentcan anfwer, when the very reft and quiet of the foul muft needs ly in the fure and firme perf uafion hereof. 6. It is too viflble alfb . how link the prattlcall ufe offuch a mean hath yet been effayed in the Church , that all who are mem- bers therof might no leffe know the ftrenth and firmnejje of the foundation of their faith by its own evidence , then the generail articles of religion , but whilft the moft ufuall inftruding worke lyes almoft wholly about the noetick^part of Divinity , there feems not that ferious regard to prefTe the dianoetickjpzrt hereof on mens confcience, as if this were to be reftri&ed to a few who are more know- ing,learned> and of an inquifitive fpirit about the rationall certainty, of the truth, and for whom thefe choife and abundant helps of this kind* which are in this age, feem more peculiarly directed. Its fure, that the Chriftian faith in the firft times did remarkably then fpread and prevail , by thefe clear evidences hereof to the judgment , made efte&uall by the fpirit of God , more then by extraor dinar e mi- racks , nor knew they otherwife what it was to be Chriftians but by imbracing the truth with a full affu- rance of under (landing y no fetfethen of delight and affeclion. But ifit be objected , it is -not the fame cafe now, where religion is planted in a nation, and hath an uncontrollable publicly pr of effton under the

fup-

fupport of humane lawes; 1 know no weight this can have, except that should be admkt therwith^Ho^ nunc nafcuntur Chriftiani, fed nonfiunt. ,7. Yeaisitnotfure, ( tho it feems little underftood , ) that the primary grounds and evidences of our faith are not only as to theirj end demonftrative of the truth and divinity of the Scrip- ture, but are upon the matter fuch demonftrations alfo which moft natively refult from the fame by infalii: ble consequence, aud are thus to be accounted not as hum man l ut divine arguments, given us by the fpirit of God. 8. 1 shall but further add ,^how fuch as doe ferioufly ponderthings,xvi\l find this demonftration to be not more important then clear, that to be a confirmed Cbriftian and a confirmed Proteftant are convertible terms ; and that if thefe as are under that deplorable bondage and dark: ™ffe °f popery were but once awaked to fee the truth & certainty of the Chriftian faith, by its intrinfickmd objeaive evidence , and taken off that brutish creduli. ty and dependanceon the alone_credite of others here- in , it might be faid the ftrongeft ingine to hold up that profdlion were then broke, and should fee thedoBrm and rule of faith to be of fuch full zndperfpicuoUs evidence from the Scripture, as without blafphemy they oould not leek from the Lord to give them iplainer rdh then what he hath there given.

READER.

X ts like yow may think ftrangy how thefe few sheets in XtkecXofefallinhere, after the forgoing part ms finu shed • but tho they meerinwe defigne and mereft, yet was not this then intended untill the former was 4one, and tf it mtghttend to a foli4 ufe and fruit unto any , I shall wtt r(f ^JW&tou*. I may trulie fay, the ™&" -/the fucject hath carryed it fame further lentb ibmwas defigned, *hjn I fornix fM& rffcX^S

( 5«0

I aim at in any thing of this kind) that through my defire $o avoide any unmet ff an multiplying of wurds > I (tar haft it may make fome things' fttm a title da}\at the fir ft look? > tho 1 hope not upon any furious ptrufall of the famt* Tvi&things I muft further crave leave to add ; i that when font fuccinft view of the great affiftances and confirma- tions of our faith is here offered, which theft of the low- tft capacity of the Church > might with that advantage improve 5 as in a few howers 5 by reading it fame times ■ hvtr 3 may be fo far impreffed on their mind and judg- ment j that they could give fome clear and judicious ac- count thereof $it may be byfuch butferioufly weighed & takm to heart of what conceim the ufe hereof is: z. That I would humbly judge alfo.it were a moji fpeciall fervice for the truth in this day , to have fome short Directory and rememm hrancer of the great a&s of the Lord and monuments of his Providence now under the NewTeftamtnt , in that maner held forth as might moft tend to fome univerfall ufe t>f all within tkeCburch.Iconfejfe my defire preffed me tofewe final effay herein) with intent to havejoyned it to this work?* int. has&ing^ith much conviction laid this wholly afide, as to any farther appearence that way , fo is it with an tame ft defire , that fome more .qualify ed , might take i to heart and under their -band fS*great a fervice both for their generation and pofterity* It is fure the Lord hath defigntd bis people to be fught the greatneffe of his works5 as well as the precepts of his word , and as no duty is more preffed then this under the Old Teftament both as to Puhlick and Family inftrutlion -, fo are we no Uffe accountable in thefe loft times for this improvment offuch as are of known> publicity and uncontrollable evidence , and should be the care of each age to have that folemne remembrance kept up hereof i fo>as not a few 5 but the very multitude within the Church might be as apublick. Library and Hfpofitory of *^ fame.

FINIS.

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■'tzMmaamft.