The confirming worke of religion : in its necessity and use briefly held forth; that each Christian may have a proper ballast of his own, of the grounds and reasons of his faith, and thus see the greatnesse of that security, on which he adventures his eternal state. Or the true and infallible way, for attaining a confirmed state in religion, from these primary evidences and demonstrations of our faith; which the Lord hath himself given, so as it may be easy for the meanest in the Church to know the same, and be ready to render an account thereof to all that ask. With a short and confirming prospect of the work of the Lord about his Church, in these last times

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.

•

■'tzMmaamft.