m A I 1 .* V* I 'W IS ■WUt SW k 1 . n V 5 cS4!H^ P=~L 'fhsryrui* f * ^^ «/ v5c.6 ^ \ mam \Ws > £*&? H F late Reverend and Learned W. Robert Fleming isuni- "lly known to have been a Petfon of fingula. Worth and piety, and his Works declare him a diligent and carefu Obferver of the Providences of God towards h, S C Lurch and People. Many fuch inftances, which no othe Antho has taken notice of, and which, were they not _fl Author nab TLA ilirre dible are to be met with in his JKi^HwSE' T$ *$"<• A Performance which has Book, call'd Th em ft ng oji fa . ious chriftians, as not to need fo far intituled itftlf »™ ™^ ° now prin ted an handfome Edition of this our Recommendation. Bu tas there : i in J . thKe Parts> fome o£ Work, in -^ta"% o «h« -ith fome Account of his Life, taken g^ <^ffii«5Z U may be made or ,eat Service and Ufe to thofc who ihall perufe it. Matthew Clark, W. Tong, I Watts, Tho. Reynolds, Tho. Bradbury* John Hurrion, Jenhn Lewis, Robert Thomas Thomai 'Dan. R. Wrjfr John Jofeph Bill, m^m^^^mi^^^ Jalez Earl, Tat. Ruffe I, James Wood, Tho. Uarrifon. John Afty, darnel JVilcox, John Mitchel. % BOOKS publilhed by.^r- #««««•■ THE confirming Work of Religion. The Treatife of Earth-Quakes. The one thing neceffaty. Ptote ft a nt Faith. • aSS^SSS deS°Uneen M* ^-opart, 6. The Survey of Q^cnCm. 7 . The prefent Afpft of jhe Tunes rf ^ * ,„,** 8. The healing work, written on hi ir ■„„ Works of Mr, Robert fo complete his Pfbrks. THE i. FULFILLING i*e . n J^J° F T H E *^° faw^^ 11 / SCRIPTURE COMPLETE In Three Parts. Part I. An Effay fhewing the exacr. Accomplifhment of the Word of God in his Works of Provi- dence, perform'd, and to be per- formed, for confirming Believers, and convincing the Atheists Time. As** aifo of the prefent many rare Hiftories of t the Works* and Servants o^G o d in the Church of Chris*l P A R T IL * The Faithfulnefs of (3§d confider'd and clear'd, in the great Event of his Word. Part III. The great Appearances of * God for his Church under the NewTestament; with many- choice Speeches of fuffering and dying Christians. #■ I By the late Reverend and Learned Mr. RO BERT FLEMING, Sen. T O G E T H E'R. WITH Some Memoirs of the Author's Life ; in a Sermon preached on the Occafion of his Death. By the late Learned Daniel Burgefs. Colle&ed into one Volume. The Fifth Edition CorreclecL To which is added An INDEX, Alphabetically digefted, of all the principal Matters contained in the Three Parts -, and at the Beginning of the Work a Table of Scots Phrafes, which often occur in reading Mr. Flemings, Mr. Rutherford's, Mr. Durham's, and other Scots Author's Works. LONDON: Printed for J. and B. Sprint, at the 'Bell, and Aaron Ward at the Kings-Arms in Little-Britain; Richard Ford, at the Angel in the Poultry, near Stocks- Marker, and John Oswald at the Bible in Whiter-Alley in Chancery-Lane, u dccxxvi! \ /' ■A. The SUBSCRIBERS Names. TH E Rev. Mr John Afty. ! Mr Jofeph Aftweek. Mr Edward Auftin. — Jofeph Anfely. — George Anderfon. — Benjamin Allen. — Abraham Adams. — Jofeph Alleine. — James Annand. — John Anderfon. — David Atchifon. — John Atchifon. Mrs Elizabeth Atkefon. B, The Rev. Mr Thomas Bradbury. The Rev. Mr Robert Black, Minifier of the Scots Church at Rotterdam. The Rev. Mr Theodorus Bolten. The Rev. Mr Ebenezer Bradfhaw, Mr John Brown. — William Benford. — Jofeph Bradney. — Edward Buckingham- — John Brikmyre. — John Boye. — Samuel Bladon. — James Blaikie. — Jofeph Bunny, of Andover* — John Bigrave. — Samuel Belfham. — Benjamin Bond, Merchant. — William Bently, Peruke maker in St. Michael's Alley, Cornhil. — Jofeph Bailer. — David Brown. — Stephen Beafly. — John Blachly. — Thomas Buchanan. — John Burrard. C. Mr Alexander Carftairs, Elder of the Scoch Church at Rotterdam — Gabriel Van Charandan, Deacon of the Scotch Church at Rotterdam. — Alexander Cochran, ditto. Mrs Sarah Corfield. Mr Samuel Cooke. — William Calhoune, belonging to hisMa- jefty's Houfhold, Scot land-Tar d. — Charles Charlton — Clifford Chitterfbrd, i Books. — Richard Collins. — Stephen Carter. — John Combe. — John Cowthron. Mr Clifford Clutterbuck. — Stephen Clutterbuck. — William Clarke. Mrs Chriftian Cumming. Mr Cheesbrook. Mrs Margaret Crosby. Mr Edward Cooper. — Alexander Cumming. Meff. John Clarke and Richard Hett, Book- fellers, 7 Books. Mr Alexander Crighton. — Neal Carmichael. — John Collins. — James Gofin. — George Cook. — John Cook. — Edward Cripps. — John Cuningham. — Michael Cowan. — David Crighton. — Andrew Cowan. D. Mr William Danil, Yeoman of his Ma- jefty's Kitchen. — Jofeph Dyer, of London, Jeweller. — William Doby, Cheefmonger. — William Dermer. — Jofeph Devenport. — Nathan Dell. — Thomas Duncan. — William Dyker. E. The Rev. Mr John Enftie, Minifter of the Scotch Church at Rotterdam. Mr Thomas Elliot, Writer, in Edinburgh. — William Elkins. Mrs Abigail Edwin. Mrs Mary Ellis^ Mr James Edge* — Fra. Elliot. F Mr Elias De Gruchy Faflcc. — Robert Falconer. — Thomas Fergufon. ■ — James Falconer. — William Ford. — Ifaac Feild. \ — James Figgens. — William Feaft. — Nehemiah Formantel. G. Mr John Gordon, Elder of the Scotch Church at Rotterdam. — Henry Gould. — James Gibfon, 7 Books. * a Mr James The SUBSCRIBERS Names. Mr. James Green, Gent. - — John Graham. ■ — Matthew Glover. George Gordon. • Robert Gerton. Peter Gray. Thomas Go ware. Thomas Gill. James Grier. William Gawler. Walter Graham. John Gilberti . William Gray. H. The Reverend Mr Jofeph Hill. The Reverend Mr Thomas Hal!, 7 Books. The Reverend Mr Samuel Hoawey. Mr Walter Hood, 7 Books. Ifaac Honey wood of Nemngton , Efq. 3 Books. Mr Oliver Heme, of Andover. John Hutton. - — Henry Horn. John Hitchin. ■ Thomas Hitchin. Samuel Howtyn. 1 Cleeve Harrifon. I nomas Hollis, Jun. Mr Hiatr. William Hoog. James Hutchifon. ■ George Hutchifon. John Howfon. Charles Hannel. James Huips. John Hopley. Andrew Hood, at the white Peruke in Lombard- fireety fix Dozen and a half of Books. J- Mr John Juby. William juftis. Jofeph Jones. Samuel Johnfton, 2 Books. James Johnfton, Merchant. fames [ohnfton. The Reverend Mr Wm. King, S. M. Mr fames King John Keen. John Knotts. John Kennedy. Mr Robert Latimer, Tobacconift, 2 Books. Mr Low, of Hammer fmith. ■ Thomas LilTonbey. • William Legg, 4 Books. Fina Lamb. Mrs Rutland Ladyman. Mr John Ladyman. James Leman. Mr Stephen Lye. - — Thomas Laidler. M. The Reverend Mr John Mitchel. The Reverend Mr David Millar, of Ando- ver in Hampfoire, 6 Books. The Reverend Mr Henry Miles. Mr John Martin. Richard Moth. John Morrifon. William Montgomery. Ifaac Mead. ■ Alexander Millen. Frances Morrant. ~^- Afahel Mafon. William Morburne. Charles Marfhal. Peter Murdoch, Merchant in GUfg. . — John Mackubin. . fames Mackubin. N. Mr Alexander Naughten. William Nelfon. John Norris. . — Henry Nelfon. O. Mr John Ormered, Surgeon. P.- Mr John Patrick, 7 Books. • — fohn Puilen, 7 Books. ■ Nathaniel Puilen. John Palmer. John Philips, — - Henry Pulley. John Piatt. Richard Pye. . Jofeph Poole. . Charles Pomeroy. Jofeph Panton. • John Powell. R. The Reverend Mr Thomas Ridgley, 2 Books. The Reverend Mr Patrick Ruffe!, 3 Books. The Reverend Lacland Rofs, M. A. of Rockwood-hall in Ejfex. Mr Peter Rae, 7 Books. - — George Ring. James Roe. Thomas Rutherford, at Berwick^ upon Tweed, 2 Books. Richard Robifone. S. The Reverend Mr Thomas Savill. Mr Ralph Smith. Mrs Martha Sprew. Mr Richard Sharp. • William Staples, Junior. William Smith. ■ Thomas Stratton. 1 John Smart. John Slatter. 3 Mr James A Table of S COTS Phrafes. Mr James Scot. John Savidge. i John Syrett. Jofeph Shanks. ■ Robert Stone. John Slaney. John Sawyer. . — . Alexander Sutor. John Seager. Thomas Smith. , — m William Smith. T. Mr Thomfon, Tobacconift. ■ James Tod, Merchant, ■ — Thomas Tweddale. Edmund Thorp, M. D. Mr Nathaniel Tyler. . John Travers. William TurnbulU Jofeph Taylor. Benjamin Tomkins. - — John Tuftin. . Andrew Turner. V. Ds' Heer John Van-Meel, Burger Matter, and one of the Elders of the Scotch Church at Rotterdam. W. The Reverend Mr Daniel Wilcox.^ The Reverend Mr Samuel Wilfon. Mr Jafper Watters, Linnen-Draper in Corn' hill. The Reverend Mr George Weggett. Mr James Waldon. John Wellh, Junior. William Wellh, Apothecary. Jofeph Wakeford, of Andover, Mer- cer. — Henry Weft, 6 Books. ■ Robert Walker,- John Watts Thomas Whitehead. James Ward. Thomas Walker. Benjamin Webb. Jofeph Warren. James Wefton, at the Hand and Pen in Wbodftreety Mafter of Short-hand, 3 Books. — - Charles Warrender. Y. Mr John Young. A Table oi SCOT S Phrafes. A. '^j5mt, concerning, of, or about. Siitttj, a point of the heavens. StU&anD. toreftrain, or have com- mand of a thing. SCtrjlbme, frightful, or aftonifhing. ^irfe0, earneft given for fomething bought. 2£p, always. B. *B1inft, to fhine for a fhort time. 23U£'ftei). drefTed, or adorned. 2$jafi),, to have a fit of ficknefs. 25;iCC, to fpring out of the ground. IBlfGt, to be (hamefaced, modefr, or fhy. SSoiUtp, beautiful or comly. S3airne, a child 23o$). a fign of good or evil to come. 23^fa, the brow of a hill, or bank of a river. 23?aip, bravely, or finely. 2£^uftf. to live and enjoy any comfort of life. 23an, to curfe or fwear. 25Ipti)£, pleafant, or glad hearted. 2S?flgg, to boaft or flump of any thing. 23cnn, to be admitted to the greateft fami- liarity. 23d2J, behoved, or obliged to do.^ 25enfail s with force and vigour. 230Ut&, is to fport or be merry. C. Cautioner, to be furety, or engage for a perfon. Coi&cifc, to be lukewarm or indifferent. Call in a fame, caft in a mould. Canity, good humored, or fometimes faving. Cijalkllge, to accufe or charge a perfon. CaR oat, to fall out or difagree. Coittpct tDitlj Oli€, to match or equal them. Caff, to vomit, or fpew. Caption, is a writ againft a perfon to feize them. D. IDctMraftinr, grieved, or forrowful. SDppcne, to depofe, or fwear as a witnefs. jDatpi', to be indulged. iDafr, unwife. A !Dpfeci=r. a bankrupt. jDpftc, a wall or fence. 5DQ2t0, pettifh, or crofs A jDatD, is an ill houfewife. ID^icrp, frightful, or fad and mournful. A Table ofSCOTS Phraies. 2D?umlp tontcrs!, is muddy or troubled waters. 2C&inf, to languifh, or pine away. jDcrff, beat, or ftricken, &c. ^DcllKCf ts. mourning apparel. IDftrcf f, judgment, or fummons as a writ. jDittap, is either accufation or condemna- tion. jDoUmof, cannot abide. E. to upbraid a Perfon to whom we give a gift. A <£kcft, is a fool, fometimes ufed for the cuckow. 43jC tt, is to cry, or weep. <£5ccr, is goods of any fort. H« ®aino, faved. $5am!p, familiar, or free. JpCfiruftintJ, this way, or to be in this life. S$alT, embrace, or hug in ones arms. ^Otfe n Roll dig a pitt. ^)0Clp, is foftly, or flow. J.* 51uchr, is to ftoop and fhun a blow. 5Jlha OW 3 every one. K. $JC11, to know a perfon or thing. l&naU, the way of a thing. Sttie^JJ, is a pin to hang a thing upon. flirllt is commonly call'd the Church of Scotland. fjptlje, to fhow, or make a thing appear. L. ITcto&i&inrj, to be able to anfwer a charge. £ateS&arrott£, bound over to good beha- viour. %et\, true, or honeft. Slippcn, to truft or rely on any promife. Hour, is rogue, or knave. A Hilt), a joint of the body. M. 2$fU?I, much, or great. £J?i£Ucn, not to know a perfon or thingi £B$i&ff0, means, ^opcn, is to make friends. N. |5at0lir, noted. &c ft-naft, a toy, or thing of fmall value. JfJlttCtj to exchange one thing for another. O. (Dutatflt, deliverance, or freedom from bondage. to underfiand a thing. W. Jl^Orif, ufed, or cuftomary to do. 30111 tlntfjer, to get thither. Wit, little, or fmall. iBl0f)f, ftrong, or clever. I©cn at, attain'd to. Weat out. to decline, or apoftatize. W^ilCty picked, or chofen. W&M 0i goods of any fort that are to be fold. iBeelstonrfO, money laid out to ad- vantage. HBetff), unfavory, it needeth fait. J©arrnnf. is to fpeak with a caution and proof. Y. f#Ulf, is Chriftmas. flealfc, Barren, or dry. A Funeral The Church s Triumph over DEATH. A Funeral SERMON PREACHED Upon the Deceafe of the bleffed Mr. Robert Fleming, late Pallor of a Church in Rotterdam. By T> A N I E L BURGESS. To the Right Worfliipfnl Sir HENRY ASH HURST, Bar'. By Mr. Baxter e TTciyv, and by Dr. Bates in De- dicat. Epiftles. S I Ry HERE is a frenzy abroad, of which Men do together adore the pipes, and negletl the fountain. Make great court to his miniflersy and flight the King, the King eternal. Worfhipping the Jlars that do lead to Chrifly and crucifying to themfelves afrefh, the Chrijl that they lead unto ; yea, by unbelief and difobedience, putting him to open fhame. But, / mufl hope better things of you. And believe it to be your love of Chriff, that conftrains you to receive a Pattly and an Appollos, as an angel of God, yea, as Chrifi himfelf. Wherefore, as your extraordinary kindnefs to ano- ther renowned faint hath been told to the world by incomparable pens ; I do refolve, that wherefoever this fermon pall be read, your like affe&ion to our heavenly Fleming fhall have its memorial. Very deeply I am lmprefifed with your favours done unto both : for their love was eminent, and much exceeded the fame of it, to a man born to reproach. And not pre- tending to be richer than his brethren, in any other treafure. A love to be wondered at ; had it not been fo known, that God is love. And that, therefore, love is godlinefs. And, where godlincjs abounds, loving-lejndnefs over flows. As we fee in angels, they do flagrantly love the leaft of Abraham's children. And highly honour the meaneft of fanclified worms. As for the former, Jonathan muff, needs have known his David', and the world will by and by have his life in Folio to read. And, as concerning the latter, as little as any man do you need to be told, with what a fulnefs of God he was fill'd. Sir, your wondring eyes were your witnefles. The great love he bare you, gave you more than common knowledge of him ; whofe humility and modejly hid him fo, that he was not much known, unto thofe that knew him mod. As Eztkiel fpeaks of other angels, his wings fo covered his feet. . However, fo much you faw, that, as very well you might, you fingularly loved him. And efteemed his love unto you, to be of that kind which is moff. va- luable next unto God's own love. a For ii The Ept/ile Dedicatory. For the information of other?, fomewhat is faid of this man of God, in the following page?. Whereto I can add this, which was faid of trie fa.rous Antonine ; he hath this fraifc crowning all the reft, that he hath no gam-foyer of his praifes, I hear not of any daft to be blown off from this diamond. Honoured Sir, Two or three of your letters to me, bewailed the world's lofs, the Church's, and your own, in the departure of holy Fleming. Nor do I doubt, but the bell: of the Church and world, do lay it to heart. Even, generally, all that hear, how much light, and fait, and halm, is taken from' a needy age, Tor your relief and others, this is all in this place to be faid. It is elfewhere (hewn, how we may hold departed faints in our fight, and in our fervice. If the courfe there prefcribed be duly followed, I am certain that the faint's death ihall not ^cTofTZTck- be only his own gain : but his afcenfion to Heaven, fha'l be made to fur- partcd, on Heb. ther our converjation therein. And notably contribute unto the vitlory, xiii. 7. joy, and triumph, of faith, which this fermon defcribes. Thereto I difmifs you, without any failles ok flattery, the common fin and fcandal of dedications. It muft be confeffcd, that if all pra fe of Sir Henry Aftihurft be flattery, Old England and New, are over-run with that leprofy. And, the Israelites are much moie fick of its plague, than the Egyptians be. The name of Aft)hurft was left richly perfum'd by your excellent father. And, I hear not but it is fo kept by your sir Wilkam A. ^jp anc j y 0ur honourable brother. Otherwife, you had before this time loudly heard of it. For they do fink deepeft, who fall from p.nacles higheft ; they who were at firft the left angels, are now the worft devils, faith Du Moulin. And by the Old Law, you had been condemned to be burnt for the profanation cf fuch a father's name. Lev. xxi. o. Comprehend!- Surely the fun muft have looked pale, aud the fpheres have caft out liL CU &c.Calv. tneir ft ars > ^ ^ UC ^ as Y° H an£ ^ m y Lord had forfaken your God, and the God of your fathers ! and had left no beeter to be faid of you, than Philoftratus fays of Perinthius ; barely, that he was the fin of Rufus. But, Sir, as you very well know, my office is to bring low all mountains and hills; not, the contrary. And, as my own heart fweetly knows, my ambition is to edify, not mag- nify you ; to ferve your faith, not your fame j which as it lefs needs it, doih lefs de- ferve it. Much rather would I provoke you to one good work, than make known all that ever you did. And be the mear.eft mftrument to make you a better man, than a trumpet to proclaim you a goodox\e. Plain dealing is a jewel ; and will appear fo cne day, though now there be much more of it at the mill than about the throne. And, I do account that earthly-gods themfelves are feldom fo richly treated, as my friends that hz entertained with thefe complements. Sc. That Baronets muft perift) without the new-birih That, a repenting Lazarus is of better eflate than a joval Dives. That, a grain of holy faith is worth more than a mountain of pure gold. That, in the day of judgment, Chrift will be afiamed of the greatefl, that are now afliamed of chriftianity. That royal heads, honourable, and worflnpful ones, muft worfliip God's majef- ty, or bear his fury ! That, there is no fafety for the higheft on earth, without truft in the moft High in heaven. That, they pall Jujfer eternal death , who love not Chrift *] ejus above the richeft life. That, no greatnefs can fave them from vengeance, who deny Chrift re- verence. That, whatever their rank^ is in this world, their portion fliall be cverlafting Jhame, who do not all that they do to God's glory. That, the moft prosperous who will not fubmit to Gods afflttling hand, ftjall not efcape his revengeful hand'. That, // they love not their ene- mies, and blefs them that curfe them, and do good to them that hate them, and pray for them that defpitefully ufe them and perfecute them ; they /ball not be the children of God. Finally, that, whojocver of them pall live without dying thoughts, he ft ball die without living comfort si SIR, My prayers ceafe not to afcend for you, your pious confort, and eminently hopeful bran- ches : may you ever be more and more honours to them ; and they be more and more joys unto you. May neither of you, now fteep in the afternoon; for to that time of day it is come in your lives ! And may both of tbem have their noon and evening anfwerable to their fair morning. Nlif felf-denial be your and their bujinefs ; without which all religion is 1 but A Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. iii bur your play : may your profperity nether flay, or fo much as wound you ; in your eye may the paradifes which have no tree of life in them be contemned, though they are ported fed. May great roots under ground make you great trees above it j rich truth in the inner parts make you rich in good works. May you prefer heaven above earth, as mani- feftly as others prefer it above hell! not accounting your felves to have much profited in chriftianity, till you count that you have nothing elfe to profit much in. And always remembring, that if you take not the kingdom of heaven by force, the kingdom of hell will take you by it May the mercy of the Lord reft upon the family of the Afhhurfts, and his righteoufnefs be to their childrens children. Under many obligations, and in fweet hopes, thus prayethj SIR, Tour honourer t and humble fervant. Daniel Burgess. A SERMON on the Death of Mr. Robert Fleming. Cor. xv. 55, 56, 57. O death-, where is thy fling ? O grave where is thy viffiory ? The fling of death is fin, and the flrength of fin is the law. But thanks be to God who giveth us the -victory through our Lord Je- fus Chrifl. TlS cxQ, GaWrs, to xhrpv, itn as, a.S~D, tc vI'ms To $i y-tVT^OV rS ^olvcLtv, fi d/ULct^Tict,' r\ 7)t@* frlCt, T8 Kuf*^ flf**" 'IkO - * Ubi eft aculcus tuus, O mors ? Ubi eft vi&oria tua, inferne ? Syriac. Ubi fuprema vis tua, O mors ? Arabic. Ubi igitur mortis vi&oria ? Ubi igi- tur mortis ftimulus ? <^yEthiopic. They our fong There An holy PON this mournful occafion I prefent this text as a pearl-cordial and the raoft reftorative that I could find in the divine difpen- fatory. Wonderful words it confifts of, fuch as feem too high to be uttered below heaven, and too foon fpoken before the refurrec- tion. But what heavenly fcribe wrote them , you do all know ; and with how like a boldnefs and bravery of faith our holy Flem- ing did ufe to fing them, all of you are not ignorant, are made the theme of this difcourfe for this end, that they may alfo become, in the houfe of our pilgrimage. are obvious in them; A triumphant fong, v. 55. A juftifying reafon, v. <6. gratulation, v. 57. A tri- iv A Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. A triumphant fing, wherein Rhetorick hath even exhaufted it felf ; fuch is the melody cf its Profbpcpaia, fpeaking to death and the grave, as perfcns and not things : fuch is the pungency of" its interrogation, which doth not here doubt, but upbraid and infult : fuch the elegancy of the Me'wfis, covering the biggeft part of its meaning, asking no more than what is become of their power to hurt, though meaning, that both are made to work for good : fuch is the giory of the Celeufma and (hout, wherein victory, faith, and joy, as above expreffion, are publiflied in form of admiration. O death where is thy fling ? O grave where is thy vitlory ? O death ! O grave ! our o ne enemy bearing thefe two names, once fo flrong as to conquer all, and fo cruel as to (pare none ; once a dragon that fwallowed up the world ! an Abaddon and Apollaon of Jew: 111 world and gentile \ Chriftian faith now dares to look thee in the face, and ask, in Zebfil's words to 6W, Where is now thy month ? I proclaim thee to be as the beaft in the revelation, which was and is not ; yea, as a corrected viper, of an horrid poifon to be made a fovera'gn medicine ! of a king of terrors to be made a gracious prince of peace ; the loath r om prifon of thy grave to be turned to a quiet bed- CxTr.ero in My- chamber ; and thy fepulchers to be no more hell's qates, but heaven's por- . in Mat. i - • * ' xvi. 18. cnes It is true, thou retained power to kill the bodies of faints ; but ha- ving (a done thou canft do no more : and what is it that thou doff, therein ? thou kill- eft, but makes nor an end of them : thou cureft them of fin, their loathfom difeafe ; and art a real Saviour, and but a feeming deftroyer. Power indeed thou haft, fometimes to affrighten fouls. Abraham our father was af- frighted by thee, ten. xii. David the valiant was feared, i Sam. xxi. Miferably thou didft terrify upright Ez^ekuh, Ifa.xxxvw. And Peter 's magnanimity vanifhed at a fhadow of thee, /Vat. xxvi But egregiam laudem, fpolia amplal Is this thy praife \ To affrighten is no more than every fhaddow can do ; and what is more inglorious than a bug-bear that is harmlefs ? thy affrightning believers fpeak much weaknefs in them, but not any ftrength in thee. It is confeffed, as for thy appearance, it is asacurfe and not a blefling. Thou comeft with a warrant in thy hand from the fupreme king, and irrefiftably turneft all flefh into deftruclion. Upon thy devouring fword chriftians do read fin's terrible mark, though Soc'mian eyes fee nothing but mere Nature's. Pttntlnra peccati morimur,\s the faints motto: They believe thee fent from their God to execute wrath on their fins ; and full often do fear thee to inflict it on their fouls ; fo much do thy cruel hands look like God's vindictive ones : but Jimillimumnon efl idem. Andwhatart thou, O death, but as the end of plants and brutes, and the ruin of finners, fo the gra : nof believers? fuch again aspafTeth underftanding, and makech their holy faith to proclaim thee more than a fpoiled fpoiler, even a gcod and faithful fervant become unto them ; a fervant unto thy old fervants, who were all their days fubject to bondage through fear of thee ; all the days of their Chrift- lefs eftate fubject to bondage : but now that they are Chrift's, thou, O death, art theirs ! Thy name hath a place in the inventory of their goods, i Cor.'m. Feed on then upon thy Egyptians, Pfal. xlix. I . But know, O Pharaoh and thy Princes! O death and thy har- bingers ! the heads of Leviathan are broke in pieces, they are given to be meat to Jfraelttes in- habiting the wildernefs, Pfal.lxxiv. 14. If it be infolently faid, that this triumph is too loud ; that death is the fear of none but little fouls, and deferves not fo lofty a fong ; or that it is not yet fo dead but that it has fling enough left to pinch and pain, and poifon its mod exulting victors ; and ftrength enough to hold them in its dungeon till the refurrection. This mouth of infi- delity is prefently flopped. Here follows, A jttflfying reafon, fuch as clears the triumph from the charge of abfurdity. It is con- fefted, if death were but it felf, and not Pars minima fm, it would be unworthy of the honour of being infulted over ; it would be an infect of an inconfiderable fling, if not a perfect drone. An enemy too defpicable to be triumphed over with harp and pfaltery ; nor would chriftians blow a trumpet for the overthrow of a wafp. But death's name is Legion, and as it's an hoft of enemies in one, it is a formidable one. The fling of death is Jin t q. d. fin is the whole element of evil, it is all the evil of doing: nothing befide is evil eflentially, or meritorioufly This hell of fin being in- fufed into death, makes it felf like it felf; even the whole element of mifery, and all the evil of fufRring ; where then, if not here, ihall be found a trophy for faith ? here, in death envenomed by fin : by fin, whereof a fpark made devils of the moft blefTed crea- tures. And no more than the imputed guilt made the ever-living God to fwcat blood ! feems this to be a paradox ? hear then ; Tl:e si Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. v The flrength of fin is the law, q. d. No wonder that fin is fo pernicious a thing ; for the curfe of the divine law is on it : And who can think what is God's power, or his law's terror ? His law muft be like himfelf, as in its precepts and promifes, fo in its threats. The punifhments of fo great a king mult neceffarily be great ; the breach of his law's duty can deferve no lefs than extremity and eternity of mifery ; 2nd the curfe laid upon it is no lefs. No marvel then that fin's guilt maketh an hell of death, being the law's curfe maketh fin a worfe thing than death or hell i an evil that hell it fe'f muft have all eternity to punifh. But over both law and fin God giveth us the vitlory. As fiery as this law is, Chrift's blood quencheth it : as boiling a furnace it makes of fin, it cannot make fin to be the death of a believer s foul Thefe, the worft of enemies, are firft flain : for upon our firft believing Chrift's righteoufnefs is imputed, and by that imputation the law's curfe and fin's condemnation are removed. Over them we have triumph founded, Rom. vii 4. Ye are dead to the law by the body of Chrifl. And, ver. 24, 2 5 Who pall deliver me from the body of this death ? I thanks God through Jefus Chrifl our Lord. Death's dominion is thereiorc at an end, though its power to kill the moft holy body, and to retain the moft facred duft for a rime, be not taken from it. In fhorr, the grace of Chrift hath made fin a broken enemy, the law a kind friend, and death an ufefu; fervant. Doth the faints triumph therefore precede or exceed victory ? let the wife judge. When Ifrael was brought through the Red-Sea, what fongs of praife were ftraitway fung ? though they had an howling Defart to be puffed through, and were not prefently in Canaan. Their fongs injected terror to the dukes of Edom, and the mighty men of Mo- ab. Yea, the Greeks no fooner heard the articLs of peace purchafed for them by Titus Flamln'ms, but rhey cried s«t«?. 2«T»f, a Saviour, a Saviour. And with fuch fhouts o* joy, as made the air to ring, and the birds to drop down £ l?^ hmv,t - aftonifhed ! A deep lethargy it is that maketh chriftians joy to be lefs, while there reafon for it is infinitely more : that reftrains them from fuch triumph, as ftiould make the infidel world to tremble. But O where flia'l offerings, and whole burnt-offerings be found ? fcr this victory, this inchoate one, Lebanon is not fuffcient, or the cattel upon a thoufand hills. But, as Je- hofljaphat in Bsrachah, the faints throughout the earth do blefs the captain of their falya- tion and conqueft. The next verfe and breath, is An holy gratulation. A lovely heaven of it, in a little globe of words. Thanks be to God \ To the Father, Son, and Spirit, our one God, be all ho'y obedi- ence ! whereof gratitude is the principal part ; that which contains and animates all. Laws bind to obedience, and benefi s unto thankfulnefs. But God our Law-giver is in all things our benefactor. His very laws, all, are benefits. To him be therefore all obedient thank- fulnefs and all thankful obedience ! to him, Who giveth us the vitlory, through our Lord Jefus Chrifl. Of his faints victory, we pub- li(h the truth. We declare his gift of grace, to be the original. We teftify the Itmita tion of this gift, unto believers only ; and the extent of it, unto all believers. As well to babes in the cradle of chriftianity, as the oldeft Mnafonh inGod s kingdom. We proclaim the never to be forgotten Purchafer of it, the Lord Jefus Chrift. Whofe death gave the angel of death his mortal wound. Whofe refurretlion certified and exemplified believers. Whofe righteoufnefs by faich received, inftateth them in the power of an end'efs life. Whofe fantlfying Spirit mortifieth finful lufts, which be not the lead ftings of death. Whofe comforting Spirit takes out the pain and anguifh that fin fticketh into our fouls. And whofe glorious appeariug one day, will fulfill his old word to a tittle ; death J will be thy plague, O grave I will be thy deflrutlion ! Waving all others, the argument I take hence, is this. Holy believers on Chrifl, do rejoice in their vitlory over death. Truly, right eoufly, and holily, they rejoice in their falvation by Chrifl. They fing, O death, where is thy fling ? O grave, where is thy vitlory ? &c. The plural number in which he fpeaks, may affiire us that the apoftle fung in con- fort : Thanks be to God, who giveth us the vitlory. And it (hall be fhown, that this text is all the holy catholick church's fong. Which while militant/, is fo far triumphant We may fay of death, and of ail enemies in combination with it, as St. John faith of the world, Whofoever is born of God, overcometh them. And this is the vitlory that overcomes them, even our faith. Confequently, he that overcometh pall not be hurt of the ficond death, b muft vi si Funeral Sermon on Mt. Robert Fleming. niuH: take it for his duty, 2nd make it his practice, to joy in the Lord, and rejoice in the God of his Jalvation. But left, with rhe Dogs, I fhould fhut children out of the church-doors and wound any that have already the arrows of the Almighty flicking in them, I muft premile two things. Obflrvilions arc allowed for. It is not affirmed, that all, or any believers, do always rejoice. Tull oft they are hindrcd, by bcd.iy maladies, by mental miflakes, by Satan's buffeting?, and by divine deferrion. Under which, their harp is turned 1 mourning, and their organ into the voice of them that weep. And ftcondfy, Degrees be wondrouf.y different. Of them that ling triumph ; the voice of fome is as thunder, which all hear ; the voice of others is fcarcely audible whifper. Some have but a drop of oil of joy ; others, in cemparifon, a very fea of it. However, this is aflet ted of all believers. The joy of filth is the chief joy of every fort of them. Of them that want it none dare to flight it. None can reft or be very eaiy, till they have it. The new nature in them panteth for ir, as the hart panteth after th watir-brookl. -And as oft as they get from under the forefaid obftructions, §. 1. Believers do truly rejoice in their viilory over death. Here examples fhall fhow that they do fo, and reafons fhall fatisfy why they mufl fo do. The time would fail to tell of Abraham, forefee ng the day and work of his victo- rious Lord, and rejoicing in it. Of Jacob, cheering himfelf under heavieff. preffures, with the fame comforting profpect. Of Job, infulting over death, and g'orying in his afTurance of a bleffed refurredion. Of David, proclaiming that his God would not leave h'un in death : and that he "would fear no evil, when he walked through the valley of its JIm- dow. The heart of the faints of the Old Ttfl anient, is to be feen in the for.g of Solomon. Hear it uttering it felf to the Lord Jefus ; we will be glad and rejoice in thee : In thee, that is, by whofe ftripes we are healed. In thee on whom the Lord hath laid the iniquities of us all, and by the faith of whom he juflifieth us. In thee to whom a portion is divided with the great, and does divide the fpoil with the ftrong, as the evangelical pro- phet fpeaks. We will remember thy ? edecming live n.cre than wir.e : I fat dewn under kisfbadow with great delight, andhisfrmtwasfwetttomytajle. Confults, with thefe rr.anifeflo'i, the plalms and fongs of his father David. It fhall appear, that the church was dancing for joy, be- fore the day broke, and the fjadows flew away, and the Son of righteoufnefs aioie with the light and giory of the New Teflament. Under which, who needs to be told, what a fpirit of joy was preflntly poured out? Glad tidings of great joy, the heavenly heralds called the gofye\ Where-ever it comes, a torrent of joy follows it. Gladly it is received, at its firfr. publication, though with the lofs of ai things adventured. Philip preaches it at Samaria, and there is great joy in all the City. We glory in tribulations : we rejoice with joy unfpeakable, and full of glory : we are more than conqueroms. We are always confident, and willing rather to be abfent from the body, and prejent with the Lord. Me are always rejoicing. We rejoice in the hope of the glo- ry of God. Thus fpeak the Apoftles, as well of their converts as of them elves. And what faith Ecclejiaflical Htflory of the ages ever fince * The fame fpirit of joy and gladnefs hath been in all times of the church : they that have loved the Loid Je- fus, have rejoiced in him. And in his name have wilhed for death, have welcomed it, and have been unterr fied with its mod gaftly fhapes and pomps. Polycarp deflres his executioners to let him fliew them, that he could burn at a flake without being tied to it. Lutius, thanketh a barbarous judge for the favour of fending him to his God and Father. Cyprian, thanks God for his Goal-delivery by death. Hdarion cri^s, Out of this body O my foul ! what, is there any thing for thee to fear ? for thee, an old fer- vant of Cnrifl ! but to come nigher our own days. Cranmcr thrufrs his right-hand in- to the fire, to be revenged on it for fubferibing a damned fcr oil, as he cafed it, for fear of death. Think you that I have not learned to de? faid Adam Daml'p Be at my burning, you fhall fee and fay, There's a foldier of Chrift, faid Ktrby. F'.aley called his death his wedding. And Latimer told the Bifhop going before him to the flake, he would have after him as faff as he could : and when fire was put to him, with a fmil- ing face, he uttered the r e words, God is faithful, 11 h) doth not fuffer us to be tempted a- love tur frcngth, Eainam, in the fire profefted he felt no mo;e pain than on a bed of downs. A Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. vii downs. Death in the mod hideous fhapes, hath been thus triumphed over. Clouds of infhnces are to be read, even in Engl (h books. And do we not know multitudes of furviving friends and neighbours, whom wedif- cern to be of the mind of the martyr, Adam WallackJ If death be ready, we are ready. Blefled be God this age is not forfaken by him, but that there are multitudes to whom Chrift s word is verified ; Tour heart pall rejoice, and your joy pall no man take jrom you. Is it yet, with any of you, an hard faying, which holy Hilderfam hath written? He that doth not defire, and Jirtve to be willing to die, he hath caufe to fufpecl that there is no true faving grace in him. Or that harmonious paffage of great Calvin on Hebrews n. 14. He that is not able to quiet his heart in holy contempt of death, let him know that he hath made but little progrefs in the faith of Chrift. For as excejjive fear of death arifeth from ig- norance of the- grace of Chrift, fo it is a fare fign of unbelief Or, that of Dr. Hammond on 1 Tim. 115. If the converjion of a finner be not accompanied with unwontad joy and fir- row, a godly finfi of paft aiftrefs, and a godly triumph for his delivery, I counfel not to dif- truft but to fear ; to a folicitous, though not a fufpicious trembling. Let me add one more of Mr. Ward of Ipfwich ; If we had but half the Jhength of St. Paul'* faith, or life of his hope, or fore-imaginations which he had of his future felicity, we could not but have the fame dejircs and longings for our fruition of them. I think few truths to be more evident. But it's poffible that thefe following reafons may add to its evidence. Thele reaions I give, why believers muft needs rejoice in their victory over death. Firft, Believers are men : and it is the nature of man to rejoice in his moft defired good, when he knows it to be obtained. Victory over death is certainiy moft defired, and the obtained good of believers. And, ordinarily, they do know themfelves to have obtained ir, through Chrift their Lord, For, the law of grace, through faith they do underftand. Their own aEls of grace, by fenfe they do perceive. And, their Jiate of grace, by reafon they do infer. And the fpirit which is of God they do receive, whereby they know the things which are freely given them of God, 1 Cor. ii iz. What our Saviour, in his days on earth, faid to the ears of fome, the Holy Ghoft faith now to believers hearts, Be of good chear, your fins are for- given : witnejfing with their fipirits, that they are the children of God, Rom. viii \6. Not on.y eniightning their minds to fee the truth of their graces, and thence to conclude them r elves in a ftate of grace ; but, verbis mentalibus, by fecret fpiritual words, by inter- nal myfterious whifpers, teftifying unto them th it they are in that bleffed fkte. For, the matter witnefling is more than enabling a perfon to read his evidence. In Weftminfler- hall he would not be taken for a witnefs, who mould do no more than hold a candle to one reading his evidence. But the Holy Ghoft the Comforter is exprefly named a witnefs to believers, of their being taken into the number, and being blefs d with all the privileges of the fons of God. Ordinarily, therefore, I fay, that believers do know the caufe of joy that they have. Though, , as hath been aforefaid, times of defertion there are, in which they know it not. And it is moft certain, the heavenly Comforter, doth not at all times comfort. Nor is joyful afTurance, of the very efTence of juftifying faving faith. But, by reafon of fore-named obftruftions , children of light may fit all their days in the dark and in the deeps : and afcend to heaven at laft, in a thick cloud. Otherwife, we do all gene- rally believe and teach, that the fpirit of adoption being given unto fons, as fons of God, he is given unto every child of God : and, commonly, they do know themfelves conquerors, who are in Chnft, and are not reprobate, unfound chriftians. This being admitted, they muft be dead, and not lively fiones, as St. Peter calls them, if they rejoice not. Thiy muft ceafe to be men, if th:y become not joyful ones. They muft be ftupified, as foon as juftified and adopted. For the human nature hath an infeperable inftinft and power ; which on good tidings heard, doth tranfport minds and bodies into expreffions of gladnefs. Diffufing fpirits, and by them fending forth the news ; trying it as it were, by communicating, to multiply it. Gaudio, cogendt vis ineft ; The Roman orator fays, all men feel it : joy enters with a violence, with a grateful violence, that we are not able to refift, breaks forth from us. Who thinks that David was able to forbear his dance before the ark ? Or, that the healed Cripple could contain himfelf from running, leaping, and pra fing God? We have read of them who have di- ed of joy : and it is true which one faith, Should believers have the degrees of affirmce, which imprudently they do fimetimes defire, they muft prefintly die for joy, or be kept alive by miracle. In mort then ; 1 Blievers viii A Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. Believers rauft put off nature if they rejoice not in (Thrift's grace : they mud be without natural affection if they be without any fpiritual confolation, if ord.narily they be fo. Secondly, Believers are wife men : and it is wifdom to rejoice in fuch felicity as vic- tory over death. In the day of profperity nature neceffi tares joy, and reafon enforces it : for happinefs is a feaft made for mirth ; and how monftrous a folly muft it be to fruftrate fo kind a deflgn upon us ? wifdom is a true guft and right relifh of things ; Sapit cui res fnp'mnt itn m funt : but how far be they from it who tafte no fweetnefs in the milk and honey that flow in this victory ? Hearts delighting not themfelves in fubftances, do moft cer- tainly delight themfelves in ftiadows : and what a delufion is that ? what a gathering to- gether of all folly, and what a very fea of it ' The laughter of wretches laden with irons, or ftanding on the ladder ready for execution, feems no greater madnefs than the difconfolatenefs of them when they are both pardoned and advanced. Should the Saints and Angels in heaven cei" rejoicing, it were to be asked, What wifdom is in them ; they would be charged with extreme folly. Unreafonable it would be for them to give over rejoicing, as it would be for Devils and damned ghofts to be- gin: and yet it is moft certain, that juhSfied and adopted believers have as true caufe of joy as angels and glorified fpirits; are in a ftate, only in degree, lefs bleffed ; confequently have as true reafon to fing Hofannatis here below, as they to fing Hallelujah* s above ; and cannot but hold on fongs of joy in the houfe of their pilgrimage, without firft becoming fenflefs of their conqueft : joyful praife it comely for them. Nor is trumph on the way to hell more unreafonable, than on the way to heaven it is difcreet. In a word ,• To think that faints did ordinarily incur and indulge the guilt of its neglect, would be to think them, what the world ftiles them, Men bsftdes themfelves. This guilt would be a dead fly in their ointment, and make it to fend forth fo ftinking a favour of the moft loathfome folly. Thirdly, Believers are righteous men ; and it is their juftice to be glad, and triumph in their victory over death. Juftice witholds not what is due, when it is in the pov/er of its hand to repay : to repay vengeance to evil-doers, and praife to them that do well. Death and its compli- ces, the law, fin, Satan, and hell, are enemies that have tragically ufed believers j made them to bear God knows what, fhamed them, and tempted them to curfe the day of their birth ; held them fubject to bondage, through fear, all the time that they lay un- der their power. An holy revenge is now owing to fin and to Satan ; and now that through Chrift they are taken out of thofe cruel hands, they are able to pay it ,• able to expofe them, and put them to open fhame ; to fhew abroad how they themfelves have been ufed by one mightier than they ; how the law, as damning, is abolifhed ; fin is condemned ; Satan's head is bruifed ; death is plagued j the grave is deftroyed j and hell hath its mouth ftopp'd. On the contrary, there is no finding out to perfection, the breadth and length, the depth and height of God's grace. The love of God which is in Chrift Jefus our Lordpaf- feth all underftanding: His grace, and his gift by grace unto believers, are ineffable ; in- finitely free, without merit in us or any motive. Aftonifhingly rich, while we were enemies, moft defiled and deformed ones ; and equally without power to refift dam- ning juftice, and without the prudence to ask faving mercy : angels, our elders and bet- ters, were not pitied, but irreverfably doomed to deftruction. More than angels and all the creation was worth, was given to redeem us; even as much more than thev are worth, as God by Effence exceedeth the mere creature. Chrift is God by eternal Ef- fence ; and yet God fpared not his Son, but gave him up to redeem rebel?: where- at hell envies, and heaven wonders. A vaft tribute of praife muff, hence rife due ; (o due, that if believers be filenr, the ftones mufl needs cry out. Believers, that are no longer mutes, have the dumb Devil expell'd, and their mouths opened for praife ; their tongues touched with a coal from the holy altar, and qualified to lift up the name of their Re- deemer. But what fafe triumph in their victory, through him, can render to death the things that are death's, or to Chrift the things that are Chrift's ? If faith do not now p'ay on the hole of that afp, and boldly put his hand on that cockatrice s den y what fhame does it there- to ? If it doth not joy in the Lord, and rejoice in the God of its Jalvatiox, what honour doth it pay him ? Who makes it to be feen, either that death is disarmed, or that it was Chrift who did take away its rwo-edged fword ? Thar, of worft lofs is made our gain ; or that Chrift was he who fo bkffedly converted it ? Wherefore, Believers A Funeral Ser?;icn on Mr. Robert Fleminsr. ix Believers muft not be thought to put on righteoufnefs, or to deferve the name of jufl men, but to be moft unlike to their righteous Lord, who lovcth righteoufnefs, if thev are tak.n for men void of David's resolution J / will Jing unto the Lord as long as I live : I willjing praije to my God while I have my being. Fourthly, Believers are crowned head?, men of honour, kings and priefts to God ; and it is their honour to rejoice and triumph over death. Fight is not honourable without victory, nor victory wirhout triumph. Believers fight the good fight of faith, and overcome by the blood of the Lamb ; but without the j ,>y and triumph of faith they appear but as Samp'on, when Jlmven, like any other man. Joy is there fenfible and vifible principality, the confpicuous crown of their glory : take a- vvay that, and they are kings deprived of their crowns ; priefts unadorned with their holy garments for beauty and for glory, inglorious and unlike themfelves ; eye-fores, and offen- five to them that made them kings and priefts ; and, in the world's eyes, the vilcft ab- jects ; yea, many an one becomes a VLigor-mijfabib, a terror to himfelf and all about him. The Israelites, when their ornaments were off, were nailed, to their frame: believers are fo when their joy ceafeth. If there come in among them thofe that are unlearned or un- believers, they cannot think God to be in them of a truth, or fee what they are, or do more than others. Certain it is, that God doth not willingly grieve them ; and the woild and Devil can- not take away their joy from them, till they themfelves do caff, it away. Divine grace fails not to adminifter comfort to them, while they keep in the way of comfort :. fo that their joy never dies but when they kill it ; their honour is not laid in the duft but by their own hands. Wherefore, How unworthy a judgment mull we make of believers, if we take them for a gene- ration fo carelefs of their honour ? yea, fuch murderers of it? for they are no lefs who cad away the joyful confidence and hope which keeps them from appearing of all men the moft mi/erable. The garment of" praife that can very much diftinguifh between God's hers, and Satan's flaves. Fifthly > Believers are lovers of true p'eafures ; and it is their only pieafure to enjoy and triumph in Chrift Jefus, and in God through him. Pieafure is the life of life^^the end of action, and the ftrength of agents unto it. Carnal men do in all things purfue carnal pleafures ; and fpiritual men fpiritual ones. Pieafure is the fprin^ of action in both ; and in both, joy is ftrength, and forrow lays amort. Heav'mefs in the heart of a man bowcth it down : like a moth in a parment it bites afunder its firings and its ftrength ; infomuch that the counfels and determinations of difconfolate fouls are faint and tottering, like the motions of wounded bodies. But mer- ry hearts do good like, medicines', they prevent and remove indifpofitions : they are alfo con- tinual feafts, and preserve fpirits: fait and fawce they are, to fweeten all things in peace; and as drums and trumpets they infpire courage in war. Wherefore the love of action draws with it the love of joy : and infeparable are the defires of holy life and holy mirth ; nrrth and joy (as the w r ater of es£Jculapius his well was feigned to be) uncapa- ble of putrefaction. ' But what joy is fo, fave joy in the falvation of the Lord ? All others, corporal and intellectual, are vanifhing in themfelves ; and without this are delufive and corrup- tive. A nature they have that is clogging, and fuch as makes variety needful to keep out loathing. Believers do fee this, and therefore defpi r e the cucumbers and melons, which they did eat freely in their dark^ Egyptian fate. Manna they muft have now, or they die : a bread and a joy that the world knows not of; one in a higer object, and perfect with- out defect, p rpetual without decay ; wherein all defires may be fatisfied, and all wants be fupplied. Now, What charity, which thinketh no evil, can think believers to be a number of bewitch'd creatures? which they muft be above any heard of upon this earth, if having a defire of joy as of life, and having no other joy, or at leaft none that they can exercife without this of their victory by Chrift, they do not conftant'y rejoice herein. Is it creditable that the new creature is one that is averfe from his file pieafure ? negligent of what is dear to it as its life? Sixthly-) Believers are the lights of the world, and fait of the earth : and it is their capital fervice to the church and world to triumph over death. The work of converting, confirming, and comforting fouls, is the whole bufinefs of a minifter ; but it is the true bufinefs of every believer. Doing good unto all men is the duty c of x A Funeral Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. of all, and the practice of all that be truly good : it is fufe that all fuch do defire and endea- vour, in their places, to make others good ; and accordingly have the honourable names given them in the word, which fpeak them to be very ufeful in the world. Touching the means of their ufefulnefs, it is known even to a proverb, that precepts do far lefs avail than examp'es : and of examples of holy life, it needs not to be faid how incomparab'y moft beneficial thofe are which are moll: refp'endent with divine confolation ! how much more than others thefe do attract and win the tractable, fhame and filence the in- corrgible, quicken the fupine and flothful chriftian, ftrengthen the weak and wavering, end folace all ! Thefe, it is confeffed, do fingularly lift up the hands that hang down, and the fee- ble knees ; and keep what is lame from being turned out of the Map and heal it. But it is to be awfully thought on, what I add. Unfpeakable are the fad effects and confequences of holy mens fad and utterly comfort- lefs watk. Weak Chnfiians fee it, and call in queftion the truth of chriftianity : [corners do open wide their mouth : ignorant wanderers irom the truth are hardened again/I: it : the lovers of God are grieved. And till fuch t me as good mens fackcloth is put off, and they become girded with gladnefs, their light hardly fends forth any convincing or converting beams : their fait emits little piercing and purifying favour. If therefore the love of God, or the love of mm moveth them, believers mud watch and pray for the voice of joy and gladnefs : without wlvcb, as their own fouls be dif- quieted, others are difmayed ; and the ways of their God are by them expofed to the jea- loufies of his children, and to the prejudices of his enemies. Their character is blctced, and they muft be taken rather for the defiling pitch than thscleanfingfi.lt of the earth. Lafily, Believers are obedient children ol God ; and it is their required obedience to triumph in their victory through Chrift. It is not only a licence for it that the gofpel giveth them, but it is a precept. The old primitive law bound man innocent to enjoy and glory in his bleffed life : the Redeemer's law doth not lefs oblige man renewed, to joy and glory in his more wonderful falvation ; in his more bleffed life brought out of death. Who knows not how exprefly and repeatedly this precept is proclaimed ? Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice ye righteous ! flout for joy all ye that are upright ! let the faints be joyful in glory , let them fing aloud. Rejoice and be exceeding glad : rejoice in the Lor 4 i and again I fay, rejoice : rejoice evermore, Becaufe thou fervedfi not the Lord thy God with joy fulnefs and gladnefs of hearty thou flidt ferve thine enemies, &c. texts are numberlefs. Under the law it felf many were the feafts inftituted for one faft. In the gofpel- day the Holy Ghoft is fent to be a comforter extraordinary. It were endlefs to ennumerate the ways in which God expreffeth his zeal for his faints joy. The reafons of which zeal are both great and evident. For, Joy is the commanding affection, the end of all others, that which all do fubferve and feek i And if this ruler be corrupted, all hsfirvants are neceffarily wicked. If this potentate be fiot obedient to God, it draws the whole man into rebellion. He that rejoiceth not in Chrift Jefus, feels a thoufand temptations to forfake him ; yea, in a fearful degree he dotii forfake him : for not to delight and rejoice in him is to vilify and difhonour him ; and that is to forfake him, with whatever unpleafant fervices you fhall all the while follow him. All is carrion that is not chcarfully given : it is not pure facrifice that is not offered with joy and gladnefs. In fhoit, thoughts of a Chrift not delighted in, will come but feldom, and ftay but little in any mind : and an heart not delighted in him, will foon believe a little meditation of him to be enough ; and all the duties which are laborious to be an excefs. Why are fecret ones, and publick, fo generally neglected ? what makerh back- wardnefs to them ? whence rife chriftians inclinations to foolilh forbidden chats and games ? whence cometh their quarrelfomnefs with each other, and with their fpiritual fathers and nurfes? To thefe and many like queftions it muft be anfwered, They rejoice not in Chrijl Jefits. It needs not be faid how impoflible it is, without joy in him, to rejeice in tribu- lations, to take joyfully the fpoiling of outward goods, and to lay down our lives for him ! fen'e doth fufikiently certify it. What fhall we then judge of believers, if we take them for men that make no con- fcience of rejoicing in Chrift ? we muft judge them in the worft fenfe to be fblijidiani ; very demoniacki that break all bonds, and caft the ftrongeft cords of God behind their backs ; which is as truly impoflible as it would be unrighteous for a found believer ordinarily to do. Extraordinary is the cafe of perfons ob,ftru<5ted by a melancholy habit of body and tem- porary temptations : to will is pre fent ly with them, though how to. do they find not : they are noc fugitives, but captives, and fold under forrow : fo that it is a duty they would do, which they A Funeral- Ser?non on Mr. Robert Hleming. xi they do not do: while remembring death, they are troubled, they complain, and their fpirit is overwhelmed. Of other chriftians I flick not to fay, they do not rightly feekjbc'Lord who rejoice not-, and are not glad in him through whom they are conquerors of death j who are Grangers to thepeace, the joy, and the glory of faith, Rom. v. i, z, 3. lam next to mow, that §. 2. Saints do right eoufly triumph aloud over death. To fhout for joy as foon as they are in Chrift, is their reafonable fervice : the equity of the command is apparent as the authority of the Law-giver; and the objections againft k are chaff eafily blown away. The fum of them all is this : heaven only is the feat of high joy. On earth 'tis'Aro- Ttov. abfurd, and out of place. It is a bufinefs proper for none but fpirits made perfect ; unfpotted with fin, unclouded with forrow, unalarmed with fear: but moft unfit for fouls that are bemiredwith corruption, laden with guilt, clothed with infirmities, furrounded with temptations, and in jeopardy every hour. The anfwer is of no difficulty : though the King's prefence makes the fulnefs of joy above, it gives abundance below. The victory given to believers is vocation and adoption, poffef- fes them of an heaven on earth. We which have ielieved do enter into reft, Heb. iv. 3 . Te that believe on the Son of God-, may know that ye have eternal life, 1 Joh. v. 13. This but inchoate victory of believers, mikes all old things pafs away, and all things become new. The believer's corruption is mortified, gui't s pardoned, infirmities gradually healed, temptations rebuked, perfecutions fweetned, death difarmed ; and all things are made to ferve his interefts : all things are yours, 1 Cor. iii. What is there to hurt, after removal of fin's guilt, and the law's curie, which is the divine hatred and wrath ? what is lacking to his comfort, whofe tranfgrejfion is forgiven and Jin covered ? In fhort, There do meet in this inchoate vtctory of believers, all things requifite to make an ob- ject of joy unfpeakabb ; and, thereby, to juftify the moft lofty triumph. For, what ihould put a foul into exultation, if not,-: Firft, So great a bleffing t one if it muft be called, it is one and all. And of a greatnefs mining forth in the extreme and eternal evil, from which it exempts; and good, wherewith it endows. If the pitch of joy fliould be proportionable to the good of its object, here can be no excefs Secondly, So everlafling an one ? The greateft things, if like Jordan's flreams, they haften to a fulphurous lake, are unworthy of delight. It is a forry feaft, on which death it felf muft one day feed. But, duration makes things of value to be invaluable. And nothing is more durable than a believer's victory. His crown is immortal : and heaven fhall no longer be a kingdom, than he reigns in it with Chrift. Peccata non redeunt ; his pardon is irrevocable ; the love of God to him is unchangeable ; the feed of God in him is incor- ruptible. If then immortality it felf doth appretiate ; all joy is not too much for him, whofe object is for all eternity. K'»v.«t h 'Am- Thirdly, So [unable an one ? The more durable goodnefs gives little joy without fuit- ablenefs. Pleafure, is appltcatio convenientts convenient!. All the mines of India would lels tranfport a famifhing nan, than a morfel of bread. But never was gift fo fui ted to a crea- ture's need, as believer's victory is. Herein, being in themfelves dead, in Chrift they are made alive. Being blind, they receive their fight. Being weak* they are made ftrong. Being referable, they are made bleffed. Being mutable, they are eternally eftablifhed, Joh. Vi. 57. -As the Father hath fent me, and I live by the Father, fo he that eatcth me fjalllive by me. They muft, therefore, die for joy, who joy too much for their victory: and fcarce- ly cou'd that it felf, be called too much. Fourthly, So fumptuous an on; ? all the world rates high what is bought dear. But, was there ever fuch a purchafe as the Believer's conqueft ? It aftoniihed the angels. Our Saviour mentions it, not without wonder, Job. iii. 16. The price, was the very blood of God. And only the mind of God, can comprehend rhe worth of the blood of God. Wherefore, of the moft triumphant joy herein, it is boldly to be asked, Is there not acaufe* Fiftly, So rare a bleffing ? rarity doth extremely enhanfe valu:. Diamonds would be no idols, if they were no rarities. Yea, what would crowns be, if every head wore one ? It fs what few attain, that all do admire. Now of believers victory, who knows not how little there is of commonne's, to take away from the comfort ? alas! of the many called to it, how few are chofen, how few will come to Chrifl for it ? And of the lapfed angels, not io much as one recovered his fall. Believers higheft joy is then furely unblamable, if rarity makes good thines delectable i and adds fweetnefs to honey it felf. Sixthly, xii A Funeral Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. Sixthly, So prefent an one ? It is molt, true, abfcnt good is the object but of defire ; it muft. be prefent, before it can be embraced with delight Infidels ask, therefore, of be- lievers, Are they not mad ? mad to pretend their fouls tilled with the marrow and fatnefs of things far from them. Bur, they are to be told, believers are not drunken as they fuppofe ! It is in things prefent, that they exult. Prefcnt, though to the world invifible. And real though every where fpoken againft, as very chimeras. The glories of their victory are pre- fent in the eye of faith feeing them, in the bandog faith receiving them, in the mouth of faith tafting them. Or, (to fpeak more to the capacities of infidel objectors; it mud be faid that the bleffing wherein they rejoice, is in their minds in daily contemplation ; is in their hearts in conftant expectation, is in their whole-man in fweet fruition. And how are the things in which they themfelvesdo triumph, any more, or othtxways prefent to them? Do natural things incur their natural fenfes ? as truly do fpiritual ones incur the fpiritual fenfes of believers. Whofe fpiritual light and tafte, do therfore make their exultations as ju'r. No more crndies fhall be lighted in this fun. I proceed to evince that the fou > a joyful and thankful, are hoiy ; that, §. 3 Believers do triumph holily over death. Their laughter is not madnefs. If it be asked of their mirth, what doth it? it muft. be anfwered, it doth on earth, what faints and angels mirth doth in heaven. It gives praife and thanks to God, and to the Lamb : For, O death, where is thy fling? never goes before, but thanks be to God follows faft after. Thankful repentance, thankful faith, hope, and love, thankful new -obedience. Blind feers are the Romanifts, and others, who teach others ife : And would bear us in hand, that affurance of victory over death, is a wine too ftiong for the head of a viator ; any living believer. Such, whofe mirth would be madnefs ; and the joy of it, turn the grace of God into wantonnefs : Di'pofe us to nothing but floth and fecurity, pride and prefumption. But, what do the arguings of men io fenfual, and void of the fpirit of faith, avail? It is true, there are wretches of flight and frothy fpirits, who will bq boajling of a falfe gift, a cloud without water. Proclaim their wondrous joy, and fpeak fwell.ng words ; though their cloven-feet do manifefily confute their flaming tongues. And, not walking in the fear of the Lord, it is fure they do notwalkjn the joy ef the Hoh Ghoft. No fmall ftum- bling block this hath been to men of fenfes, not exerciied to difcern. But thefe following particulars will confute or confound all gain-fayers. Firfl, The efficient worker of the joy and triumph we fpeak of, is the Holy Ghofr,. Exprefly it is named his ; whofe operations, no doubt, are holy, and mak: for holinefs. His comforting work tending as much to fmctify, ashisfanctifying work rendeth to com- fort us. A contrary thought would be blafphemy againft the Holy Ghoft, and plainly make him a minifter of fin. Secondly, The law of this joy, is the Holy Gofpel. Believers joy is as furely by the gofpel's warrant, as by the fpint's work. For, he never fpeaketh of his own ; never, as a judge, fpeaks life and joy to any ; but thofe to whom the gofpel, as the law of grace and peace, doth affign it. There is a perfect; confent between Chrifl's fpirit and his word. The joy given by one, is given by both. And, to think that the joy by them given is a fervant of fin, were fearfully to blafphcme both ; belying them with a brow ofbrafs. - Thirdly, The end of this joy is holy converfation. Whereby is our heavenly Father glo- rified but by our bringing forth much good fruit . ? Or, what doth he either conflitute in his word, or difpenfe with his fpirit, but for the end that he thereby be glorified ? If we imagine that this joy of believers, fo conftituted and fo difpenfed for this end, is no apt means for it, but for the contrary ; how foolifhly muft we charge him, who is only wife ? Fourthly, The means whereby this joy is wrought, are holy ordinances and vigorous ex- ercife of grace therein. The holy fpirit ufeth not to lift fouls out of the hell of their fi.ars; much lefs to lift them up to the heaven of triumphant joys but in this way And, is it likely that the effect: mould be an enemy to its caufes ? That the believers joy, like a viper, fhould be death to his parents ? That communion with Cod fhould beget fuch a delight in him as fhould make us by and by weary of him. Fifthly, The fubjects of this joy are holy fouls; others are uncapable of it : nor need we fay what ufe they would make of it, who make the worft ufe of all the grace (obje- ctive and fubjective) that they do receive. Mofi fure it is, the holy Spirit firfl: worketh grace, then witnejfeth it to be in a man ; and fo comforteth him, and caufeth him to tri- 3 umpb A Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. xiii umph in his ftate of grace. Chrill is formed in the foul before the foul rejoiceth in Chrift; and it is then a prepared fubjeft for joy ; is it not ? And who can believe that then, like a dunghil, it will be made the falter of ftench and noifom fumes by the fhines of heaven on it ? and not, like a garden, have its fpices flow out more abundantly. Bees do fuck honey out of fweet flowers, whatever it be that fpiders do extract. Sixthly, The very ejfence of this joy is holy obedience : And is not obedience the womb of obedience, as lin is the womb of fin ? What carries to obey God more than obeying doth ? Naturally ads do ftrengthen habits ; and inftitutively alfo. God of admirable love rewards grace with grace. The believer's joy anfwering a known precept, prepares his ear and heart to anfwer all the divine ones. In a word, how fruitful of holinefs is the joy of faints in heaven ? Believers joy is is the very fame nature ; and why mould it not be their holy ftrength alfo ? - Seventhly, The conftant vifible concomitants of this joy are extraordinary holy. Satan's delufion it is, and not divine confolation, which fheweth not, out of an excelling converfa- liou, its works with meeknefs ofwifdom. Holy joy hath thefe jewels lliining in the crown of it. High efieem of Chrift Jefus. No ftar leads to Chrift more than joy in him doth. Pro- found humility : The moft joyful Apoftle filled himfelf leaft of faints, chief of finners. Spiritual flame is herein natural ; the higher it rifes the more it trembles. Sorrow for Jin af- ter the moji godly manner. No where are fo bitter herbs eaten, and foSfweetly, as in this joy- ful feaft of paffover. Stritleft watchfulnefs againfl Jin. The more joy in a treafure, the ftronger guard is fet upon it againfl: the robber : Becaufe joy breeds jealoufies, omnia tut a timet, thedifciples for very joy believed not, Luke xxiv. 41 ) and jealoufy fuffers not to deep or (lumber. Thoughtfulnefs of heaven. The joyful Ifraelite had Canaan in his mind all the while he was in thedefart True contempt of this world's gaudies. What are candles or ftars when the fun appears ? When the good of all the land of Egypt was before Jacob and his fons, they regarded not their fluff, Exod. xlv. 10. The joy of paradife flams the glory of a Paris Sweet content in the moft hitter wordly fiate. The joy of faith finds meat in the eater, and fweetnefs in the flrong. The God whom we ferve is able and he will deliver us, fay the hebrew heroes. And what follows \ Vpon their bodies the fire had 'no power ; not an hair of their heads isfinged ; they walk in the midfl of the fire, and have no hurt, Lions dens are quiet rooms to Daniels. Prifons are mufick-houfes to fuch as Paul and Silas. Ex- quifite pleafure in all holy fervices. Being full of holy joy, St. Paul was well pleafed to be kept out of heaven for a time, to ferve Chrift's interefl on earth. And joyful Luther profeffed, he had rather honour God with his fervice, than be honoured by God with any gifts which made great and noted in the world : Mallem obedire quum miracula jacere. Laftly, a real indifferency towards this prefent life. It is only the joyful chriftian that can pofTefs this,butthe heart of every one that is fuch doth fay as his Lord, father, not my will, but thy will be done. Concerning his flay in the body, it thus faith moft fincerely. To conclude, is God to be thought now a lofer and not a gainer in his glory by belie- vers joy ? or is it poflible that holinefs fhould languifh in a joy wherein thefe fruits do flourifh? In a joy that fo evidently maketh God to be the center of the rejoicing heart ? the center toward which it moves, and in which it refts. There are many inferences of moft humbling, inftructing, and comforting truth, which do here offer themfelves ; and, I prefume, will be darting in their beams upon minds noc fhut up again ft them : Their light is fuch as is ready for every prepared eye. It is therefore a tripartite exhortation, wherewith I conclude ; 1. To thofe that have not ever fang triumph over death. 2 . To thofe who have fung it, but have loft that voice of joy and gladnefs, 3. To thofe who have for any time fung it, and are flilljinging it. I muft have leave to think that all three forts are prefent among us. Unto the firft, I firft addrefsmy felf. §. 1. To fuch of you as have not yet fung triumph over death. If now y.u bdieve the truth which hath been irrefragably proved, I exhort as fol- lows: Firft, ^Acknowledge your felves to have no faving- faith, if you have no flirring dejiresto attain a joying faith. It hath been faid by what means a child of God may be kept, it may be all his days from the joy of faith ; but it cannot be faid, whereby he fliould be fo kept d from xiv A Funeral Sermon on Mr. Robert Fiertnng. from defiring ir and from purfuing it Nothing but a re gning and damning preemption or defp.iir is ab.e to keep aToul from thefe. Review my (even arguments, which I may not repeat ; and aiTure you, it is no child of light that fits unconcernedly in the dark, as if nothing ai ed him; and unto whom it is not as death :t fe f, that he cannot triumph o- ver death ; who travels not from ordinance to ordinanc. for the power and the ad ; and fol- lows not heaven with unutterable fighs and groans until he gains them. Comfortlefs be- lievers are reprefented fo do ng ; Cant iii. i, i, 3. and v. 6, 7 Secondly, When yon bejlir your felves for the joy of faith, be not impa'ient if it doth not pre- fently become triumphant. To be nilng the means appointed for getting it, is your unquesti- onable duty ; but to fret againft God, as though he wronged you if he made you wait long for it, is your certain fin and fol y. Doubt not but God will gve it as foon as he fees you fit for it : And nothing fave ignorance and pr de can make thit wild queftion, why JJjould I wait on the Lord any longer ? In a word, let him not go till he blefs \on with it ; but let him take his ovn time to blei's you with his richeft g ft. It is unbelief that makes hafte, and that hade makes woe. Thirdly, When you are waiting for the joy of faith, be praifing and bleffing God for putting you upon the purfuit of it, and enabling of you to wait therein. This grace well deferveth your beft thanks. Had you ever ran after it, if grace had not drawn you ? or had not you laid violent hands on your felves, as others have done under their terrors, if grace had not re- ftrained you ? Thanks are facrifiies with which God is well pleafed. And who was ever known to be thankful for twilight, but he had e'er long a fhining noon-day ? On the contrary, from him who is unthankful, fun, moon, and ftar-light is full often removed, and he is left as without hope. Fourthly, When you are bleffing God for drawing you to feek the joy of faith, fail not to mul- tiply the two firft alls of faith. That which prepareth for union to Chrift, and that which uniteth unto him. Plainly thus, night and day tell your fouls, that God, propitiated by Chrift, will furely fave them if they truly repent, and believe on him. Proceed alfo, and perpetually be faying to your God, that, as far as the Holy fpirit doth and fhallaffift, you do, and you ever wil commit you to his faving-mercy, and fubmit you to his ruling au- thority in Chrift. \ultiply diretl acls if you would have the comfort of reflex, fay all our Divines. This is the only way wherein a trembling faith may be expected to be made a triumphing one. Fifthly, When you aEl holy faith attend upon God in all holy ordinances. It is at wifdom's gates that the hearts of the poor and forrowful are made to fing for joy. Be you con- ftantly found at every one of them ; for you know not whether your waiting at this or that ftnll beft profper : but you may be certain your neglect of any one will provoke Gcd to fend you away empty from all the other. Sometimes it is in reading and hearing that joy is infufed : Sometimes it is in prayer, that, as Peter s bonds are loofed : Sometimes it is with facramental wine that hearts are cheered : Sometimes it is the conference of holy friends that fharpneth a man, as iron ftiarpneth iron : Many times fing'ng of pfalms and hymns, and fpiritual fongs, do together make glad the heart of God and man. Try all, and continue in them, and fear not but you fha'.l have beauty given you for afhes,and the oil of joy for mour- ning* Sixthly, When you attend on holy ordinances, caft away all your tranfgrefftons. As foon fliall heaven'y joy enter hell, as a prefumptious finner's heart. It is only the conqueror that is capable of triumph ; the conquerors of all wilful fin : he that being made free from all fuch, hath now his fruit unto holinefs. We lie, fairh St. John, if we fay we have fellow fliip with him, and do not the truth. They, who, like Devi's, are ever in the fire, and be never refined ; be ever ufing holy things, but are not made holy by them ; they are, as certainly as Devils, held in chains of darknefs. Old and new Teftament fay, there is no peace to the wicked. Allow then no fin, if you would attain any peace. Seventhly, When you cafl away all your fins, be ye doers of all Chrift' s word. Negative good- nefs is a very chimera. Chrift loves and manifefts himfelf to them only who have his com- mands, and keep them. Though duties be not the merits, they are the means, and common- ly the meafures of peace and joy , - and of all duties, thofe arduous ones that do moft crofs the grain of corrupt nature, and moft thwart our fecular intereft. Would you have your light to rife in obfeurity, and your darknefs be made as noon-day ? draw out your foul to the hungry, fatisfy the ajfliEled Would you be made appear to be children of God and co-heirs of Chrift ? love your enemies, blefs them that curfe you. Would you have your confeiences, and all the world, be made to know that God is not afhamed to be called your God? Be not afoamed then of the go/pel of Chrift at any time, but couragioufly own and confefs him and _A Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. xv and it in the midft of gainfayers. Would you be moft certain you are not reprobates ? Keep under your bodies, and bring them into fkbfiUion. By rare duties you may rife up to as Eiehtly, Woen you are doers of the word, give not way to fitch firuples as have no bottom on the -word. Unrealonable fears are the fins of our hearts as truly as they be thorns in our fides : they grieve the Holy Spirit ; and they together deny and impair, and tend to deftroy his work* in us. Thieves they are that do wafte the candle of the Lord ; and worms that eat up the hidden manna. As many as are liable to thefe diftempers would do well to take to heart thefe and like anti- Godaccepteth mites, though his due be ten thoufiand talents : elfe what would become of the richeft in faith and works ? Holinefs is kfs than finfulnefs. The field which hath millions of weeds in it is a corn- field for al! that : there v/ere none upon this earth elfe. Damning fins be fimewhat more than terrifying falls : yea, we receive the lead hurt by the fins that put us into the greateft fright. He that exclaims, ! am dead, exprefTeth a conceit which he confuteth. David's fall and Peter's, were terrible, but were not mortal. It is keeping under water drowns a man ; it is not his falling into it that kills him. Smoahing flax hath more fire in it than is thought of. No doubt but Heman was ftored with God's graces while he was diftra&ed with his terrors. Travellers be not out of their way as oft as they be out of fight of the city they would be at : No, but thev are as truly moving towards it when they are in the vale, and do but think of it, as when they are on the top of an hill, and do pleafantly behold it. The way to heaven isthrough great changes and many viciffitudes, up hill and down hill : but in the deep as truly as on the mount, in temptation as truly as out of it, a faint makes way toward heaven. The will and work of his God he very profitably fuffers, when he knows not what he does. And on he goes toward heaven, as finners do toward hell, not knowing whither they go. Trees do grow downward when they have fcarce fiip enough tofijow that they be alive upward. Wondroufly gainful are many fpiritual loffes themfelves : good words and works are a chrifti- ans leaves and fruits. Self-denial and faith in Chrift are his root. By the winter-feafon, which doth deaden him to thofe former, he is enlivened and (Lengthened in thefe latter. And the temptations and temporary defertions, which take from him his activity, do make him amends by norable additions unto his humility, even all days of his life. Moft true are judici- ous Hooker s words ', Happier A great deal is he, whofi foul by inward defolation is humbled, than he whofi heart, through abundance of fpiritual delight, is lifted up above-meafure. Remember, troubled foul, remember it well, bitterly humbling winters do make fweet and fruitful ham- mers And know thou, If the com upon the ground be good, it matters not how little deep the plough went. Do not tor- ment thy felf, as the manner of fome is, with fears that thou art not of the good ground, upon a furmife that God hath not broken rhee up with convictions and humiliations fuffici- ently deep. Examine more thy corn, and be lefs concerned about the plough. , If thy re- liance on Chnft's righteoufnefs be entire, and thy imitation of his holinefs be conftant and cordial, the plough hath done its part upon thee. Confider on the other hand too, that There are valuable things kept in brine as well as infugar. Dream nor, that becaufe thy life is made lorrowful, God intends not ever to advance thee to his fulnefs of joy. The fruits which are preferved in fweetnefs that exceed honey, be not more intended for the table of the Lord, than the meats that are buried in fait and bitternefs. All the fruits of Chrift s garden be not of a fiz,e, not equally ratheripe. Conclude not, that thou art none of his plants, becaufe others do vaftly excel thee in all chriflian virtues, and out-do the in all the works of righteou'nefs. Onerofe upon a bufh, though but a little one, and though not yet blown, proveth that which bears it to be a true rofe-tree. Look well to thy fincerity, and to thy fincere labour for proficiency : then know, that neither God or Men do cut down good trees, becaufe fmal! ; or defpife unripe flowers and fruits, if they be ripening. A firry fieaker may be a mofi excellent wreftler. Milo had not the tongue of Cicero. Mo- fies, that great prevailer with God, was a man of a very flow utterance. Do not fay, you cannot pray becaufe you cannot fipeak^ much, or well, or long. Praying is wreftling with God. The heart is the wreftler: holy faith is the ftrength of it. If by means of this ftrength thy heart be a good wreftler, though thou art ever fo tongue-tied, thou wilt be a prevailer. Rhetorick goes for little in the heavenly court; but fincere groans have a kind of omnipotence. A mint xvi A Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. Amine of gold may be a long time unknown. The heat of the fun may make it many a year before the light of the fun doth difcover it. It is long before the Spirit doth witnefs to fome, what he works in them. A king is not the lefs a kmg for dreaming himfelf a beggar. Suppo/itio nilponit in ejfe. Vic- torious believers are raoft truly fo, when they are not fenfibly fo. The mofl bruifed reed maketh no little melody to the Lord. Our companionate Saviour tells his affrighted dove, when driven into the chfts of the rock, that her voice was fweet, CW.ii. 14. The little fpechs in the milky way be as real flars as the fun. We muft not argue that we are darknefs it felf, becau r e we are not the molt burning and mining lights. The crying child is alive as Jure as the laughing one. If whatever ftole away our joy, did Ileal away our faith alfo, where would faith be found upon earth ? The world and church will be foon at an end, when all mail kill that maketh to cry. ft doth often rain and pine together in the heart of a believer. His foul hath the joy that is his duty, and mines with grace acted in defires and endeavours to triumph : when as yet it hath not the joy that is the largenefs of God's bounty ,by which its clouds muft be chafed a- way ; no, but is lamenting after the Lord for it : Dolet, & de dolore gaudet. Joyfully it la- ments after him for it, finging our renowned Gataker'% moft dele&able lamentations. / thirji for thirftinefs, I weep for tears ; Well pleased I am to be difpleafed thus: The only thing I fear, is want of fears ', Sufpetling I am not fufpiciousl I cannot chufe but live, becaufe I die j And when I am not dead, how glad am /. ? Tet, when I am thus glad for fenfe of pain, And careful am, left carelefs I fiould be ; Then do I grieve for being glad again ; And fear, left carelejfnefs take care from me ! Amidft theft reftlefs thoughts, this reft J find, For thofe that reft not here, there's reft behind. And as for finf ul forrow it felf, be it obferved, A believer may glorioufly conquer, even - when he is miftrably conquered. And he doth fo, when, tho fin ftrikes him down, it can- not make him yield. Pofitive nolition is conquefl of fin. Of the unconfenting and outcrying virgin, over-powered by the ftrength of a ruffian, God did pronounce that there was no fin in her worthy of death. By refilling fhe made the deftroyer flee, even then when fhe could not make the defiler flee. The believer that refifts, is not ftruck down un- der the wrath of God, when he is ftruck down into the mire of fin. Glory be to Cod m the higheft. Fight againft fin, though it be upon our knees, is conqueft. And therefore, laftly, Rahab is in heaven asfure as Abraham, St. Jamas faith, that dwarf in faith was juftified by it as well as this giant. And it's fure, if juftified, is glorified. Now, Whofo is wife and will obferve theft things , they pall to their joy, under ft and the loving kntdnefs of the Lord. My exhortation is ; §. 2 . To thofe that have formerly fung triumph over deatjp, but have loft that voice of joy and gladnefs. All fuch, are to be thus exhorted. Firft ; Defpife not your lofs. For it's a lofs of more than all the world is worth. It's a lofs of heaven upon earth. A lofs, that was to David as a /word in his bones: and cannot but be grievous to a heart that is not perfectly fenfelefs. Unto any other, to joy in Chrift's love is fweeter than life ; and to have that joy taken away, muft be more bitter than death. Yet, Secondly ; De/pair not under this lofs. You are not the firfl that have fallen under it. Da- •wWloft his joy, and cried, /pare me. Jeremiah was afraid to die, Jer. xxxvii. 20. He- ztkiah turned to the wall, and wept at the tidings of death. Holy Latimer told his Rid- ley, that fometimes he could run into an hole for fear. A balm in Gilead there was for them, and a phyfician that reftored them. Nor is there any reafon, why your wound fhould be prefumed to be incurable. It is furely your duty to pray for the cure. And it were a fond conceit that you might not look for, the things you are bound to pray for. Thirdly ; Enquire how you came by your lofs. Whether pride were not fwelling in you; and made needful this lofs, to keep you from being exalted above meafure. Or, whether tarthly-mindednefs got not into you : for, as in nature, it cannot be night till the earth in- terpole between the fun and us j Jo I queftion whether ever a very dark night fall on the face of a foul, but by fome earthly things interpofing between Chrift and it. The Achan that is the troubler - - -■■ — ■■■■■.■■*■ ..-^»»^ — — ■ — — - -^, ll — — .-.. — ■—. _ ,■ ■.. ■■ — — — *■ - ■■ ■ ^4 Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. xvii troubler, muft be ftoned e'r« you are like to be quiet. To which purpofe, you are to make diligent learch after it. Fourthly; Blame not God for your lofs. Juftifying God, as David did ; and to your- felves take all the blame and mame. To be fare, your own fin was all the culpable caufe. And this know; till a Job let's go his hard thoughts of God, and abhors himfelf in dufl and afhes, his captivity is not to be turned. But then, it is prefently turned, and his com- forts be forthwith multiplied. Fifthly; Conceal not your lofs. Hide it not from thofe to whom God faith, Comfort ye, comfort ye my people. Peace and joy are created by God, but they are adminiftred by his fer- vants. Whom, not to confu't in your troubles, is to defpife. And whom to defpife, is to defpife Chrift and him that fent him. Sixthly; Confine to God' s terms for the repair of your lofs. With a thoufand thanks, go and enter a-new the covenant of grace. He cannot in honour make the terms thereof any Jower. But if you humble you as low as the gofpel demands, you will be feafonably exal- ted to the glorious joy that it promifes. Lazy delires of comfort on other conditions, will fhame you much, and profit you nothing. Seventhly ; Ply all the appointed means for recovering your lofs. Be much in the ordinances wherein you fir ft found comfort. Read much the gofpel, which was written that faints joy might be full. Hear it much, as preached by Chrift's minifters ; who are given to be help- ful of your joy. Pray much,- our Saviour having faid, Ashland ye jbaU receive, that your joy may be full. Look much to Chrift in the feals of the covenant alfo, until you are lightned. Of all ordinances, they are the higheft reftoratives. Laftly ; Refolve to follow God, though he never in this life repair your lofs. To follow him, and perfevere in his fervice mournfully, if you cannot comfortably. Yea, and labour to fhow all about you, that you are fo fenfible of your rranfgreflions, of his punifhing you lefs than they defcrve ; that your foul loves him and bleffes him for his effential goodnefs and his benignity, even whilft he giveth you no kid to make merry. Thus, Wait on the Lord, and he pall reneiu your flrength : he giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increafith flrength. A few words remain to be fpoken, §.5. To thofe of you that arefinging, O death, where is thy fling? 8cc2 Fird: ; Forget not your envious enemy. Satan envies none fo much as you, who are moun- ted on the higheft pinade of the temple. If he cafts you down, the greatnefs of your fall gives an eminence to his conqueft. And he will fpare no pains for his glory in your ftiame. Secondly ; Remember your undoubted duty, i e. of doing more than others. Walking more holily, righteoufly, and foberly than other faints ; even faints more aged, and mere richly gifted. For it is to you, of all faints on the earth, that much is given; and from whom much is required. Much more than was required from you, before you were taken up into this third heaven Thirdly ; Confider the difficulty of kindling again the fire, that is eafily quenched. Your joy is an holy flame ; but it is extinguifhable by one fin of prefumption. And then where are you ? That meafure of repentance that fitted you for your firft confolation, will not fit you for its renovation. Fourthly ; Bind the gofpel covenant about your neckj write it on the table of your heart. It hath been faid, he who underftands this, is a good divine. Sure I am, he that fhall not keep it as the apple of his eye, it not like to be a joyful chriftian very long. Let the terms hereof flip out of our minds, we are flrait-way like the waves of the fb, at the mercy of the next wind that blows. Fifthly ; Fear motes as truly as beams, gnats as camels. Your greateft danger is of incur- ring the guilt of fins, comparatively, leaft. And fear of falling into them, is a means of keeping free from them Bear it ever in your minds then; though rapes do not vio'ate •wedlock, yet a wanton glance, which is a wilful wickednefs, ftrikes at the heart of it. And bodkins do ftab as mortally as broad fwords. Sixthly; Defer not to pay your vows. Few, I fuppofe, do come to the joy of faith with- out this natural worfhip of vowing to God. But, furely, none that pcifidioufly break their vows do long hold their joys. Jacob, ftiled ufually the Father of vows, paid dear for his unmindfulnefs of them. Seventhly ; Be eyes to the blind, feet to the lame, and make the hearts of your difconfolate bre- thren to Jing jor joy. As much as in you lies, this do. For this end, among others, are you comforted, that you might comfort others by the comfoit wherewith you are comforted of e God xviii A Funeral Ser?non on Mr. Robert Fleming. God. If you neglect this duty, no wonder if your fun be turned into darknefs, and your joy into mourning. No wonder it God withdraw from you, and fin and Satan getting advantage againft you, do again plunge you into the pit where there is no water. He that witholdcth corn, the people pall curfc him: he that witholdeth fpiritual bread from the poor and needy, his God will chaftife him. Bur, the liberal foul Jh.ill be made (and kept) fat ; he that water eth, pall be watered alfo himfelf. His heart pall rejoice, and his joy no man pall take from him. To conclude ; Would you not lofe the fenfe of God's love ? > would you not bear a-new his hot di - pleafure i would you not be loaded with opprefling apprehenfions of his temporal judge- ments ? would you not be fcorched with fears of being eternally rejected by him ? would you not be perfectly difpirited unto duty, and be made to cry as David, I am not able to look fp • Theje things, then do, and the C od of peace pall be with jou. God your Ma- ker, pall give you fongs in every night. Your Redeemer mall be a Prince of Peace, as well as of Righteoufnefs to you. The Holy Ghoft your Sandifier, (hall make you to know him and his glorious Attribute, the Comforter. Wherefore, £pe, the whole affi fiance hereof on his grace and help. And how, info extraordinary a cafe, as is alone to my Lord, I defire to witnefs and renew the fame here, with my humble and intire reliance on him, who is my truft from my youth to this day, my floiddand exceeding great reward. To him I commit my felf, my ways, my work and fervice, which with my foul's defire, I offer to my Lord : In wbofe band I defire to fecure my credit fir the gofpeVs fake, my coynf or t and enlargement in this day of deep trouble and anguijh : together with my poor children, and the whole inter eft (f my family and concerns ; defiring to put my felf, with bumble confidence, and all that is dear tj me under his care and conduct. O myfoulblefs thou the Li-rd ! This I write the ift of J m. 1691. My Lord and my God, R. Fleming. 1694. It is in the fir ft day. and monday of this new year 169^. that as I have for- merly through moft of my life pafl 3 fo now do defire to renew my dedication and engagements to the Lord my God, and to join in the fame witnefs with what herein hath been formerly, with my whole heart and defire ; and to offer unto my deareft Lord praife, in remembrance of what he hat b been through the year pafi, and in the whole of my life; wh fie gracious tender condutl bath been fo wonderful (and well baft thou my Lord dealt with thy Servant accor- ding to thy word) in all hath befallen me. And, as my foul does new move, and betake my felf alone to him, as my own God,my Father, my Redeemer and bleffed Comforter, and my only all ; fo do I hereby witnefs the fettling of my truft, my hope, and reliances ahne upon him, for this new year, or what time of my life may yet remain, with earnefl defire to enter yet a- gain, and continue in hif fervice, even in that delightful fervice of my deareft Lord and mafter. And now 1 do again, by a new furrender, witnefs my entire commitment of my felf, my poor children, my credit for the gofpel, my condutl and comfort, info extraordinary a j-inclure, to my dean ft Lord, to his gracious and compaffionate care and providence ; together with my works, and any f mail defign toferve him and my generation. And I do intreat new J applies of his grace and ftrengtb, to fecure and make this poor fervant (if it were his bleffed will) yet more abundantly forth coming to him. And with hope and acceptance, I write this, Jan. 1. 1694. Poft tenelras fpero Lucem. R. Fleming, At A Funeral- Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. xxiii i At another time, thus floweth his facred pen : O my ftul, never forget this folernn wednefday night, nor the lafl mcnday night; what fulemn vifits I had from my Lord, after fo ferious a -work of trial about the -warrant of my hope, and petition for the heightning of my faith, and fealing teftimony of 'his fpirit : In how marvthus a way did my dearefl Lord, I hope, bear evidence to the great affurance he had formerly given me ! &c. O let my foal blefs and adore the Lord for thisfweet and marvelous vijit this monday night, which my dearefl Lord, I hope, hath given this poor fervant, when fo near finking; and 1 hope J aid to my foul: ' Fear not, I forget you nn,for I have graven you on the palms of my * hands &c / look on thee with delight, and the time is come when I will give thee an account ' of thy prayers and tears, of thy many groans and long on-waiting. Have I fpoken, and e will 1 not do it ? &c thou afflicted, toffed with te?npefts, in an acceptable time have c I heard thee ! trufl thou in the Lord, for I will make thee a fign to this generation, &c. * I am leading thee right, and thy ftrength is to ft fill . Is the Los d's hand Jhortned, that it ' cannot fave? &c. O how ft) all I entertain this marvelous day, and appearance of 'my d.areft Lord to his poor fervant ! wonderful condefcenjion this morning, after fofweet an evening before, that hejhould pleafe to give fo near an approach of him [elf ! 0, I hope, it was his voice? ' / am come, lam ' furely come, my fervant, in the fourth watch of the night, to bring frth my pr if oner andfet ' him at liberty, who hath flay dfo long for me, &c. — — I embrace you as an over-comer ', ' rejoice, for great is your reward in heaven. I am n w entring thee on a day ofrejoycing ; Be ' not doubtful, it is I who comfort thee i &c. And when I [aid, howfonll I manage fuch a * wonderful enlargement ? how difcernibly ivas it returned, 1 hope from himfelfl I wili manage ' it for thee : Thou hafl flayed for me ; bat thou haft got the victory, and the day fhall be ' thine, and thou fhalt know what I have been doing with thee and for thee. * O let me never forget the 25th or" Decemb. at night ; when after 60 years under ' the Lord's fpecial conduct, he gave me fo fvveet and remarkable a vifit, never to ' be forgotten 1 O whit a night was it, when I went home, prelTed to ling the J ciii Pfalm! But it were endlefs to name paiTages of this nature; fince almoft every Day was a communion-day between God and him. And how remarkably God hath anfwered his prayers, may eaiily be inferred from hence. One inftance to this purpofe we may fee in his epiftlary difcourfe, Page 68. of a minifler, who ha J a violent collick immedi- ately taken off, upon his praying to God for that end. It is known to be himfelf he fpeaksof there ; though he expreffes it modeftly, in the third perfon. I fhall now prefent a tew taings, which he fets down in writing by themfelves, un- der this title afiort index of fome of the great appearances of the Lord, in the difpenfations of his providence to his poor fervant, &c And, although the brevity and obfeurity of the hints, mufl needs leave us in the dark as to the full meaning of mod: of them, (as be- ing written only for his own memory, as the title fhews ,•) ye: they will ferve to fhew us, the particular care of his great Mailer, over this his faithful and eminent fervant. They are the remarks, which he calls the appearances of the Lord towards him ; in his own words. I . How war was J brought to death in my infancy, given over, yea and efleemed a hurden to my friends, fo as my death was made deferable to them, I being the refufe of my father's children : yet even then I was God's choice, and in a mofl fingular way re- flored' 2. That remarkable deliverance and receiving a blow by a club, when a child, which was fo near my eye, as endangered both my fight and life. 3 . That flrange and extraordinary impreffion I had of an audible voice, in the church, at night ; when, be- ing a child, I had got up to the pulpit; casting to me, to make hafle, &c. 4. That T, of all my father's fons, being four, ftjould be fpared, when the other three were fo promi- Jing and deferable above me ; and flmdd thus come to be the on'y mah-heir furviving of fuch a flock. 5. That folernn and memorable day of the communion at Gray-Friers, in the entry of the year 1 648 where 1 had fo extraordinary a fenfe of the Lord's prefence ; yea, whence I can date the firfl fealhg evidence of my ccnverfioib now 40 years pa (I 6. The Lord's gracious and fignal prefer vation and deliverance given me at Dunbar-y%/jf. 7. Thofe folernn times and near approaches of the Lord 10 my foul : the firfl at the Elve, when I went there ; and the other a little after my Father's death in the high-ftudy* 8. That fcripture Acts xii uvz ( by an objcrvable providence given to be m y fir ft text ; and how I was unexpectedly, and by a furpriz^al, engaged therein. 9. Thofe two great deliver a;,' ces at fea, in going to Dundee ; the firfl time in company with the Duke of Lauderdale ; the other time in company with Air. Andrew Gray of Glafgow. io* That extraordinary dream, and marveUus l/ijion I had twice repeated, with the unexprejjible joy after the fame, 11. Thofe xxiv A Funeral Sermon on Mr. Robert Fleming. 1 1 . Tbofe memorable impreffions and pref ages akut my health, when it feemed hope lefs, at my firft entry upon the miniflry ; and the Jlrange expreffion oj Mr. Simpfon to that purpose at New- JMillF. 12. The Lore's immediate and wonder Jul appearance for me, in my fir ft entry upon the miniflry J with that extraordinary florm on the day of my ordination , and the /ima- ging ajjault which followed the fame, in what bejel ; —— wherein Satan s immediate ap- pearance againfl me was fo vifible. 13. The great and confpicuous leal given to my miniflry from the Lord, intheconverfion of fever al per [ons; with that marveLus power which then ac- companied the wcrd on the hearts of the people. 14. That fignal appearance of the Lord, and his marvelous condefcendeme, in my marriage-lot, and in the while conduU of the fame, 15. My deliverance from fo eminent hazard of my life, in my fall from my horfe at Kilm ir- nock. 16. The Lord's marvelous affflance and countenance at the two communions of Gath- cart and Dunlop ; with that great enlargement I had at the I aft of thefe places, at the lafl table. 17. That as my entry to my charge was with jo bright a fun-pine, fo no lefs did the' Lord appear at my parting from that place ; wherein all things did meet, in a remarkable junc- ture, to 'make the fame both honourable and comforting. 1 8. The Lord's fpecial providence, as to my outward lot, after my removal thence, in many in fiances that way. \ upon the death of thofe fxeet children whom God removed from me to himfilf. Now, go reader, go and do thou likewife : for bleffed is that fervant, whom his Lord, when he cometh > [hall find fo doing; Mar. xxiv. 26. An acroftical memorial to the memory of the reverend and worthy Mr. Robert Fleming, who deceafed July 2/, 1694. By a Friend. M y pen muft be Ike to an angel's ^uill A nd my weak parts muff, equalize my wi'lj S hould I prefume him fully t* fet forth, (r hough in rude characters) or draw his worth. E xtol him as you p!e3fe, yet fti 1 yon fliall R emaining find behind, This is not all. R enowned men and righteous are this day, (O fad prognoftick!) quick'y pluckt away. B ehold how faft he's gone, as if he griev'd E njoying of his life, whilft here he liv'J. R are fruits foon pluckt, and fouls to ripenefs gro vn T 00 good for earth, are fnatcht up to the tbroue. Free and unbiafs'd for the truth he flood: L iv'd al he knew; knew all that's underftood; E ach virtue in him did fo equal dwel', M en hardly cou'd perceive wheh cid ex'Cfl, / n endlefs blefs he's now, whilft moumtul I 2sT otbing can think, but ho v he piere'd the sky G ot into heaven, and feem'd am:z'd to cry; R eviewing (O behold ! ) eterniry's rich throne, F rom living earthly mourned I'm now goiK . } Vi acem nolo dolorem ; Sed manor Attrno tern fort vivat Amor. To TO THE E AD I N G Solomon made filver in Jerufalem as (tones, and cedars as the very Sycamore trees for abundance. I would be allowed to fay, the author of this treat ife is a Nevv- Teftament Solomon, a right princely divine. His works are truly filver and cedar ones j excellently rich in their fubje&s and the management of them. His rare and royal liberality (which the title-page is commanded to publiffo) maketh them as plenty and as eafy to be come by, as the writings of vulgar fcribes are. Unto my difpofal it pleafed him to commit a good number of thefe his books; which, without his com million or knowledge, I affume to fend forth with thefe port advertifements. The author is that Mr. Fleming, of whom in another * Confirming work: * treatife, thou haft the honourable thoughts of T)r. Bates, °; ; f ^ thin s smade Mr. Mede, Mr. Howe, Mr. Cole, Mr. Sylvefter, Mr. Wil- liams, Mr. Showers. A Treatife laden with the praifes of fever al eminent church-men, as well as DhTenters, (as we muft (till unhappily diftinguifti). This work of his, full like unto Mofes, was bom in evil-days ; not at all propitious unto fo mafculine facred iflues. By reafon whereof, it was in a manner hidden in thefe dominions, while extolled beyond the feas. Indeed the zeal of good families in Scotland {and offome devout ones in England) kept it clofe unto their holy Bibles, valuing it next thereto, be- caufe of its mighty fervice to the Faith,. Life, and Joy thereof. But till (through the hndnefs of God) the forefatd winter-days were pad, and their rain was over and gone, this flower appeared not much in our land. So that this third edition is unto us but as a firft. S Heartily ii To the Reader. Heartily I congratulate the needy age, this antidote againft Atheifm and Medicine againft the languors of faith and virtue. For though I do compe- tently know how rich our London-Empory is in both, I do not know any equal to Mr. Fleming'.? that are to be found in our fljops, Wherefore^ I praife and thank thofe religious perfons, who have promifed to make known this hitherto hid treafure. And I humbly and earneftly befeech, both Minifters and private Chriftians, especially Gentlemen, and the few Noble, who love God, and are known of Him, to confult well this. Book them/elves, to commend it unto their relations, and to beftow it upon the poor in their neigbourhoods. With this facrifice God will be well pleafed ; and, by this fervice {hall they gain the good report of all good men, and of the truth it felf. So teftijieth, One ambitious to promote the Common Salvation, Bridges- ftreet near Covent-Garden, July 17. 1693. D. B U R G E S S. THE THE EPISTLE T O T H E RE ADE Reader. T is like you may expeB fome account of the rife and occafion of this difcourfe, that on Jo great and weighty a fubjecl fo fmall an effay Jhould venture abroad, efpecially in a time, when it feemeth more fafe and prudent to keep filence, to be fwift to hear, and flow to fpeak, which feldom hath an after challenge ; the author will fay little for his apology herein y though he hopeth he may find it more eafy to fatisfy others, than he did himfelf: this freedom only he fhall take to confefs, that fometime it hath been matter of earneft, yea, hath caufed fome tojfng , and exercife upon his fpirit, and preffed a more ferious enquiry and fearch , with a refpefl to his own cafe, to be perfwaded anent the fcriptur's divine authority , that godlinefs is not an empty name or fladow, but of an undoubted truth, which indeed of all other things is the greateft, and of mofl near concernment : and truly anent that, this grave convincing argument of the fcriptur's certain accompli 'fo- ment, hath not only oft fared him in the face, with a fatisfy ing dif covery and imprejfton thereof, as a mofl quieting and unanfwerable de- monfhation cf the truth, but he muft alfo fay, that by very remarkable confirmations from the Lord, this hath been fo convincingly xoitneffed to his expemyce^as leaveth him under engagement {were fuch a poor tefti. man iv The Epiftle to the Reader. mony of -weight) to put his feal to the word, that it falleth not to the ground, neither doth the promije of God fail. It is a dark time now with the church of Chrift, which we fee every where almoft f offering and afflicted, whilft the whole earth befides fa met h to be at eafe, chrifiians alfo even beyond others, in thiir private lot, trvfled with very fharp trials, though I think fuffering may be the leaji of our fear at this day, while ^Atheifm doth now appear on fo formidable a growth, and hath a more threatning afipecl than the rage or violence of nten: we fee a fad decay like wife on the churches abroad, religion every wh.re under a great confumpticn, and wearing out, that feemeth to have reached it in its vital parts, men fearch after an unufual way of fin- 7iing, as if they [corned to be wicked at a common and ordinary rate prejudice eafi'y taken up and entertained againjt the way of God, whiljl the good man doth alafs perijh, without any affecting observation thereof the choice and excellent of the earth plucked away, and none to fill their room ; chrifiians burials now frequent, but the birth, and bringing of finch to the church, rare. This is indeed a fad fubjeel, and fo much the faddcr that few are found who fe eye affclleth their h art, who/} tears and groan- ing feem to anfwer fuch aftroke and ruin, which now is like to fall under our hand, but I fhall leave this 5 prayer will be the befl cure, and is this day trior e fit, than complaining, to turn unto him who fceth the ways of his people that he may heal them, and can prevent thefie with mercy, who feem le aft fit for the fame ; only two or three fad remarks of this time, I cannot altogether pafs, which indeed are flrange fymptoms of the churches pre fent cafe and diftemper. 1. To fee men own the doctrine of fiantiification, who yet can prof effedly difown, yea, make it their work by reproach to beget a prejudice againft the pratlice thereof, oh flrange! to find fuch as will dip their pen in gall againft a tender andftrict walk in re- ligion, and revile it in the power thereof, whilft they do not deny the fe truths and principles that necejfarily oblige to fuch a tender practice ; who in the moft grave concerning duties of chrijtianity think it enough to charge their brethren with pharifaical oflentation and hypocrify, whilft they muft confefs thefie duties to be unqueftionably binding, and that they can be no competent judges of fuch a challenge, which the grave witnefs of the heart and inward parts of men, can only determine. 2. It is a fad re- mark alfo of the time that Troteftant writers, profejfing the Reformed Religion, fhall ft ate themfelves in oppofition to the moft concerning grounds thereof, fuch as imputed right eoufhefs and juftification by faith, which are well called Articulus ftantis & cadentis Ecclelise. I cannot have that charity ', that it is from ignorance, but from a height of malice, that fome of late reproach the c Proteftant 'Doctrine, in this great fundamental of juftification t as if it preffed believing and refting upon Chrift, without refpeel to works and holinefs ; i" confefs, we put not inherent righteoufnefs in the room of imputed, though we affert each is neceffary in their own plate, the one in order to our right , the other in 4 order to the actual participation of that right, yea, that holinefs is abfolutely neceffary not only neceflitate prse- cepti, fed medii, and juftifying faith doth necejfarily require works, fed nonqua, & quatenus juftificat, but fur e, if thefie men grant we are juftified by the fat isf action of Chrift, they muft needs confefs it is by imputation^ fince if the debtor be acquit by the cautioner's payment, is it not by the imputation thereof to him? Ofadl to fee fome put their invention upon the rack how to wound the church {yea, a death wound it would be ifiihy could The Epiftle to the Reader. v could reach their end) in that great truth of imputed right eoufnefs, but it were beft they denied that 6, v. of chap. iv. to the Rom. to be canonic k fcrip- ture, which none can read and jhift, it being fo clear, that the blejfed man is there held forth, unto whom God imputcth righteoufnefs without works, fme that cannot be inherent righteoufnefs, elfe it were contradi&io in ad- je&o, 1 profefs thefe whatever they pretend, Imuft look on as adverfaries to the Reformed churches, and there is nothing more dangerous than a pirate going forth under a counterfeit flag. 3. Is it not like- wife fad, yea, aflonifhing to fee miniflers now in thefe times, who are the exprefs embaffadors of Chrifl given to the church for her edification, ftand fo direcJ/y crofs to the very end of their work and miniflry, many of whom may be faid, that knowingly, and deliberately they oppofe piety, that finch fhould per fe cute, whofe work is to feed, and wound inflcad of heal- ings grieve the fpirit of the godly, who fhould be helpers of their joy that none are a greater plague to corrupt the church, and caufe the fa- crifice of the Lord be abhorred, than fome of thefe who fhould be the fait of the ea>'th, yea, none more obflrutj the treaty of the go/pel, betwixt Chrifl and his church, then mini(ters who are called the friends of the bridegroom. Oh, what a flrange and aflonifhing contradiction may this feem y but it fhould be no reproach to that holy and excellent calling of the minflry, for of fuch the fcripture hath exprefly warned. I confefs it may 'oe [aid no Atheift like an unfancliflied minifter, yea, no Atheifm of fo black a die as theirs, who being ft ill inured with holy things have yet no fenfe thereof. Mow in this very dark hour, wherein the church feemeth to have fal- len in a death like pang, and oh, many of her children in a fad lethargy, that if we looked in an ordinary way, her wound might feem incurable there are two great and concerning queries that I think fhould much take us up. The one is to know what the fcripture fpeakeih to the church what folid ground of encouragement is there held forth, for truly if we had not that fure teftimony of the word, we might fear religion fhould quite wear out, and truth peri jh from the earth, but doth the fcripture fpeak peace ? all then is well; that, O that is fufficient fecurity to put the churches hope beyond further debate, though men fhould threaten, though the earth were overturned, and the foundation fhaken, this is a determination above men, above all the rules of human policy, yea, above the flars, which fruflrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad, even that revealed counfel of God, taking place anent his work and people, I know fome grave writers of thefe late times, do exprefs their fear that the horrid wickednefs and apoflacy of the Gentile church may at laft refolve in the Lord's departure and univerfal darknefs, that as the rejection of the Jews made way for the Gentiles incoming, fo their fall may as remarkably preceed that folemn return and reftauration of the Jewifh church, it is alfo become the fear of many that Popery may yet once overturn the whole Reformed churches before Ant ichrifi fall : but fince thefi fad thoughts, nor any appearances of the time, are no part of our Bible, we fhould learn neither to flretch our fears nor ex- pectations beyond that which the fcripture warranteth, and if the Lord be God, and this his very word, let us adhere to it and wait for its accompltflmient. A fecond querie which is indeed no lefs concerning in fuch a time, miy be anent Duty, what fo imminent an hazard of the h church, vi The EpilUe to the Reader. church, and this great dscay of drift ianity doth mi ft preffingly call for, but this is a fubftB which requinth another pen, and too large, to touch tiith a pajftng word, yea, we m.iy fay the great want of thefe days is not antnt the difcovery of duty, hat of the fraffke of knov.n and dift over ed duties, for the fcripiure giveth a certain, and diftincl found in the darhft tirne, a id hath not left us to doubtful inquiries and de- bate in this matter, I foal I therefore Lave it with a few things only to be in the general con fid. rid. i. it is fture, that every time hath its f re- ft nt duty, and the wife difctrners thereof will know thence what they ought to do, what work and ftrvice the preftnt circumftances of that time call for, fhall the earth have its feafons wherein things are leautiful, foall the fork and fw allow know their time, and yet chriflians tot know how to bring forth fruit in their feafon, and difctm the fpecia' time end opportunity of duty f 2. It is alfo fire, that every chriftian in 11 hat- fever capacity or condition as he hath his meafure and talent, fo hath fome work and opportunity of duty, wherein they may ferve the Lord in their generation, yea, it is not the meanefi lot or condition that fhttteth that do.r upon any, that they have no work for God, who a '-fire to be faithful for him : Oh that in this threatning time when darknefs is like to over/pre ad the church, it were more upon the heart of chriftians to ftrive together, and contend by a ferious improvement of their fever al capacities to prefer ve religion, and tranfmit the knowledge of Jefus Chrift to the pojlerity, that the chriftian Tarent or Aloft er of family did witnefs more that great reflation in a time when many are drawing back, but as for me, I and my houfe will ferve the Lord. 3. J t is found that the moft eminent and honourable fervice of the church doth ufually tryft her in a low and faffering condition, when there hath been tut httle ftnngth, many outward difadv ant ages, then both their call and furniture hath been moft obfrvable to corfefs the truth, to endure for the go/pel cf Chrift, to overcome by the word of his teftimory, a piece of ftrvice whereto more profperous times do not give fuch an opportunity, yea, it hath been in fuch a cafe, Dan. xi. 3 2, that thefe who knew their God, were made flrcng to do exploits. 4. It doth much concern us to put an high va'ue on the truth in a time when men muft either loft it, or buy it, and what a choice purchafe is that which cannot be bought too dear, though at the rate of our liberty, eftate, credit and reputation, yea, with the lefts of peace when it cometh in competition with it? For it is that great depofitum once delivered to the faints, the inheritance of our children, that way whereby Jefus Chrift keepeth intercom ft with his bride on the earth, yea, the charter of all our mercies, and of our hope throvgh eternity. 5. Though every line of divine truth is ineftimable, yet it is Jure there is a more prejftng call for our adherence to that truth which is moft controverted in the time, for it is the iiord of his patitr.ee and the matter of our prefent teftimory, and it is knoizn through all ages what a ftngular blefftng hath followed the contending and witneffng of a few for the truth in a fpait of publick defect. on, to keep it a- live, when it was like to be [wallowed up, yea, to effects above rational belief, Unus Athanaftus contra totum orbem, many fuch remarks have not been wanting. 6. I foall only add that which is always ne- ceffary and binding, yet we may fay in a time of the church's hazard and fuffering is more preffingly called far, even the ftudy of chriftian prudence, a duty convincingly necejfary, for regulating of duties, according to the cir- The Epiitle to the Reader. vii cir cum fiances of the church's cafe, which doth fo nearly concern the in- terejl and prefiervation of religion, that I mufl fiay, a breach in that con- cord betwixt zeal and chrifiian prudenee, when there is not fome equal refpetl (ludied in the exercife of both, cannot but give the church a fore wound, this is indeed a large theam, but I jball only point at three things. 1. In our avoiding and being tender to give offence, not only to keep a di- flance from evil, but from the fmallejl appearance thereof I miift fay they are bad cafuifis, and have little refpeil to the churches edification, who make it their work, not fo much to keep men from fin, as to fiew them, quam prope ad pecatum fine peccato accedere liceat, what a becoming fear is that, not to lay a fumbling block in the way of others, to grieve the weak, or confirm fitch who ufe to found their prejudice againfl the truth, and way of God, upon the mifcarriage of fuch as profefs the fame, 2. This excellent fludy of chrifiian prudence hath a refpeft to mens taking offence as well as their giving it, to our being fob er in judging in perfonal refle&ions t to cover and hide the infirmities of others rather than fpread them, even for the gofpels fake, yea, to fntt as it were our eyes^ and cafl a mantle on their nakednefs, who overtaken with the violence of fome temptations may yet be ferviceable to the church, but efpccially this fiould pre fs us to a watch- ful regard of any breach, and rent in the church, and to Jiudy an healing fpirit fo far as is pojfible without prejudice to truth. 3. It is alfo a con- cerning piece of chrifiian prudence, how to walk wifely towards thefe who are without, when prejudice againfl the way of God is now in fuch a growth to fludy how we may convince, gain ground, and by chrifiian pru- dent and tender carriage conciliate refpetl to the truth, and thus commend holinefs, and thefe who prof efs it to the confidence of men, to fludy that rule of expediency much in things of themfelves warrantable, what fitnefs and advantage prefent circum (lances may offer, or deny for edification, and pro- moting that great inter efl of the gofpelin our converfe with men. Ifhall now ceafe to trouble you further, only would premit fome few things with a refpeft to the fubjeff of this following ejfay. 1. Should we not with wonder and a fioni foment look on this great record of the fcripture .ws the mo (I remarkable changes of her lot, for it is clear that in diver fe prophecies and in a dif- ferent manner the fpir it doth point at one and the fame thing: and tru'y it ftjould caufe no miftake or prejudice, that we find fever al of the fcrip- ture prophecies expreft in fuch dark terms, fince the wifdom of God faw it fit that for a time thefe truths flould be locked up, and fealed ± but ?iow light hath fo far broken up with the event, as we may fee how very fignificant and fuitable to the matter thefe moft dark anigmatick terms are. 5. We ftould upon no account fiut our ears where the fcripture is clear, and giveth us ground to wait that the outgoings of the Lord for his people in their deliverance, and for the deftruUion of his enemies now in thefe laft times, fijall be very glorious, yea^ by fome Jlately and flupendious atls of providence that he ft all accomplijh his judgment on Antichrift : neither muft we take a prejudice at truth, becaufe of the wild fancies of many who would extend it beyond its bounds, or that near refemblance which the terror of fome in this time may feem to have there- to, for that hath been an old flratagem of the Devil to prejudge the world at fome of the truths of God, by fetting up a counterfeit thereto. J (hall add «? more, only what account is given upon the clofe of the laft argu- ment of fome remarkable paffages of providence in the late times^ as here- in the author hath fome confidence to profefs he did endeavour what could be attained for certainty of the fame, and if any circumflance of thefe re- lations jhould be found a miftake, he dare fay before Him who is great- er than our confidence, it was not the negletl of a ferious inquiry, fo he muft alfo permit, the inferting of them was upon no further intent, than to be a witnefs to that truth of the Lord's eminent appearance for his church in the laft days : it would be of great ufe and profit to the church that fome more fitly qualified would fludy a more large collection of this kind. that this might go forth with a blejfingfrom him who by the meaneft things can feme himfelf and promote the edification of his church, and that the Lord would raife fome up with much of his fpirit to make a further fearch and enquiry in this great and weighty truth. THE fife ^Sfi^ Sfif mi: ifes THE Fulfilling of the Scripture, PART I. ■ ? -iw^ ?: veJous a thing that is which the Word is bringing forth. 2. It is upon this, even the performance of the Word that the prefent encouragement, and the after blcffednefs of the faints doth lye, for the great intereft of the Church is adventured upon the Word, and embarked with it, which fhould be loft, yea theit flock and treafure which is laid ur> in heaven, and all that a Chriftian is worth, which is laid up in the promife, were then perifhed, if the Scripture mould want an accom- plifhment, the Godly man hath then run and laboured in vain, and thefe who are fallen afleep in Chrift have dy'd in a fad delufion, providence; would be like the work of the foolifh builder, who begun and knew not how to finifli. O how highly then is the Lord concerned in fulfilling of his Word ? That he may perfect what concerns his People, and having furely payed the price put them alfo in poffeilion. 3. There is yet more than the interefts of Angels and men, yea and than heaven and earth is worth that depends upon the outmaking of the Scrip- ture ; the glory of God and efpecially the praife of that great attribute his faithfulnefs, which he will have no lefs fhine forth in the performance of his Word, than his power and wifdom in this great fabiick of the uni- verfe, and thefe marvellous productions of nature 5 for he hath magnified his Word above all his works, therefore is his heart greatly fct upon this, even the bringing to pafs what he hath fpoken, which if in the leaft ihould fail, were no lefs than to make God a lyar, and falfify his Word, who is through all the Church known by this bleffcd Name, The Godof truih. 4. We (hall confider this, as that great truft, which is put in his hand who only in heaven and earth was found worthy to open the Book of Gods decrees' and counfels, and loofe the feals thereof, a truft which the Lord did not adventure upon the Angels, the fmalleft promife being fuch as requires no lefs than an omnipotent power and the arm of Jehovah to bring it about 5 for which end, he whom the father hath anointed, is gone forth as a migh- ty man who rejoiceth to run his race, that he may perform his Word, and through this great defign in the adminiftfation of providence, about his Church and People which he will not ceafe or give over, until the myftery of God in the Sctipture, and all that was fpoken by the Prophets be put to a clofe, when heaven and earth at the pouring out of the laft vial, fhall give that folemn fhout and exclamation, It rs Jinijhed, it is finifhed. O if this were once fully perfecl, there would be no more to do, then the Winter were paft and the fummercome, the fong of Mofes and the Lamb fhould be heard, becaufe the bride hath made herfelf ready, then let all the trees of the wood rejoice, the hills break forth into finging, and all that is therein be glad, becaufe the Scripture and great defign thereof is fully finifhed, and the day of the perfect liberty of the Sons of God is come. 5. The accomplishment of the Scripture is of fuch concernment that nothing can be done until it be once finifhed, for this, time muft wait ; the Sun muft keep its courfe, and the ordinances of the Heaven continue as they are, the World is but a fcaffold until this building be perfeclcd, for this the grave doth flill retain her prifoners and the duft of the Saints muft yet reft in hope, the creation flill groaneth, and the marriage fuppcr of the Lamb is deferred, the cry of the Souls under the altar get not a full return, until all that is written in the Word be fulfilled. C <5. We 6 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. 6. We fhall confider, this is the great thing which the Lord this day is carrying on, even the accomplishment of his Word, for this is mod brought upon debate of any thing befides ; the World challengeth it, and the hearts of the godly do oft call it in queftion ; the Atheift feoffs at ir, and faith, where is the promife of his coming, there are often to appear- ance infuperable difficulties in the way of its performance, therefore doth the Majefty of God lo much concern himfclf in this, for bringing about of which he is in a holy way reftlefs, and providence in an unceffant moti- on, until he hath done that which he hath fpoken in his Word. It was for this caufc that the Scripture might be accomplifhed, that the Word was made flefh, and he who counted it no robbery to be equal with God, did take upon himfclf the form of a Servant, this is of fuch account in his eyes, that what time he fpeaks concerning a Nation or People, ere it come not to pais, he will rather put forth omnipotency, for the working of mi- racles, and change the very courfe of nature, for this, he will make the deep dry, make a way through the red Sea, and caufe Jordan fhnd as in heapes, that he may keep promife to his People ; if there be no way for bringing about his Word, but through a Sea of blood, and over the bones and carcaflcs of his enemies, he will do it and bring it to pafs, tho' walled Cities, and the ions of Anack mighty and ftrong fhould ftand in the way thereof. Abrahams old age and Sarah's dead womb muft not fru- flrate this, if the promife of the Churches reftauration cannot be made out without a wonder (hewed upon dry bones fcattered at the graves mouth, this fhall not be wanting ; when God faith hell bring down the enemies of his Church, if the dull of the ground fhould arife, down they muft come ; how many great defigns of men hath this blefied defign (that the counfel of the Lord may (land) crufhed and broken ? fo that their work and counfel hath been as the Spider's web, when it flood crofs to this end, the godly need not fear, that he be not a prefent help in time of trouble, for he will keep his word herein, though the Earth fhould be overturned and the Moun- tains caft into the midft of the Sea ; O who hath refilled his counfel ! What arc all thefe vicilTitudes and changes here in the World ? But making way for the Scriptures accomplifhment, with what defire doth he move towards this end? So that as in Zechary vi. v. 8. the inftruments by him appointed for executing his judgment and the threatnings of the Word, it's laid they have quieted his Spirit, his decrees are mountains of brafs, which are unchange- able, the thought of his heart takes place in all generations, therefore the Word which is gone forth out of his mouth fhall not return in vain, but the pleafure of the Lord fhall profper in his hand. III. The accomplijhment of the Scripture is a truth very clear and mani- feft, whereof none can pretend ignorance, if they do not fhut their eyes, and force their own light from the fear of fuch a difcovery ; for the obftru- clion doth not lye in the darknefs of the objeel: or that men cannot fee this, fince we have it fo clearly held forth in great and legible characters, nay, we muft fay the caufe is culpable, there is much of the will in it, which ren- ders fuch an ignorance without excufe. O that this fhould be fo little look'd after, a matter of fuch near and weighty concernment, when there needs not another demonftration, but come and fee the works cf the Lord through the earth, for he hath here fo far condefcended to his People, to bring the truth near, that they even feel the fame, yea doth in a manner fay to every one as to Thomas, put in your hands, touch the Word and truth thereof, and be no longer faithlcfs, tafte but and fee, that the Lord is good and that he is true in what he hath fpoken. 3 We Part I ~~fhe Fulfilling of the S cripture. 7 We arc indeed to look after a more clear and full difcovery of this truth the nearer the Church is to the end of time ; there is a labyrinth as it were of turnings and windings, through which we may fee the Word oft brought about, fo as we lofe fight thereof, and are ready to ftagger about its performance ; but its as true that the mod eminent confirmations the faints ever had of truth, has been after the greateft fhakings concerning it, yea, the Lord hath in all ages, fo vifibly fealed his Word by its performance, that wc may fay, can he be a chriftian and a ftranger to this in his experience, and a ferious on-looker on providence and the difpenfations of the time, wherein he lives, and a ftranger to it in his obfervation ; yea, can any be fo wholly brutifh, not to difcern a thing fo clear that oftimes thefe, who run, may read ? But to fpeak a little more to this I fhall here point at fome things that may fhew how manifeft this truth is. i. Is it not very clear, which we fee every day brings to light ? A truth fo confpicuous, both in Gods ordinary way with his Church, and in the fe- veral fteps and paflages of a Chriftian life : For thefe mercies which bring the Word and promife to pafs, are new every morning, and cry aloud, if we could hear, great is his faithfulnefs, this is indeed tryed j and needs there more to convince a blind man that his fight is reftored to him, but that he certainly feeth 5 lure they never wanted confirmations here who do but feri- oufly feck to be confirmed. 2. Is it not a clear truth, which not only is found upon the exacteft tryal ; but is witneflcd by fuch who ever tryed it in their moft prefling ftraits and extremity ; for it's in the darkeft night this truth hath moft brightly {hined, and thefe more remarkable ventorious acts of faith, have they not ftill brought forth moft convincing experiments thereof ? We may fay there is none can give a better account of the performance of the Word, than thefe who a^ gainft hope, have believed in hope, that this never made them afhamed. 3. Is it not alfo clear, whereof there are fuch folemn extraordinary con- firmations in all ages \ For that his name is near, his wondrous works declare, I am fure no time could ever deny its witnefs, how by great convincing providences, both of judgment and mercy it hath been fo fealed, as hath forced Atheifts to keep filence, no time wherein the Church had not caufe to erect a pillar, and engrave thereon, We have feen with our eyes the great and wondrous works of the Lord, by which he hath witneiled the truth of his Word. 4. Is it not a manifeft truth which even in the moft ftrange and dark footfteps of providence fo clearly fhineth forth, thefe which at the firft look are an aftonifhment, and hard to be underftood, yet after moft clearly verify the Scripture, that whilft the Lords way goeth out of our fight, yea, out of the ordinary road of his working, through a labyrinth of turnings and crofs difpenfations, yet at length it doth evidently clear and dif- entangie it fclf, which men may oft fee break forth as the Sun out of a dark cloud that fhineth the more brightly the more it wasobfeured. 5. Is it not very clear which can be demonftrated by fuch vifible effects in thefe great changes of the World ? For the fulfilling of the Scripture is not a thing hid in a corner, but oft published on the houfe tops, that men may fee legibly written upon Kingdoms and Nations, the defolate ruins and deveftation of cities and houfes great and fair, which are made to be with- out inhabitants, fo as thefe who go by may clearly read the caufe, and bear that witnefs, Lo there is fin vifibly punijhed according to the Word. 6. How 8 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. 6. How clear is this, which we have fo evidently drawn out, and acted over in a Chriftian walk ? For what clfe is the fpiritual converfation of fuch, thefe vifible effects and evidences of the grace of God all along a Chriftians way, but a vifible convincing witnefs to the performance of the word \ Hath not fuch a very audible echo, and refound to that which is the great drift and fcope of the Scripture j where men may fee the Bible turn'd over into a practical Hiftory, written forth and acted on the heart and converfation of the faints, as on a ftage or theatre : the Word living, fpeaking, moving, and clearly diffufing itfelf through all the veins, as it were, and conduits of a Chriftians life, fo that if the truth and reality of the grace of God be a thing manifeft and unqueftionable, we muft alfo fee therein the real perfor- mance of the Scripture. 7. I fhall add, we may clearly fee how one part of the Scripture is no- thing elfe but the punctual fulfilling and accomplishment of the other ; how that which was fhadowed out by dark types under the law and held in pro- phecy through the old Teflament, is written before our eyes in a plain and real hiftory in the New Teftament, and that the gofpel is only a fulfilling of the Law and the Prophets. IV. Though it is very manifeft, and by undeniable proofs can be demon- ftrated, that the Scripture hath a real accomplifhment and doth certainly take place in the conftant courfe of providence here in the world, that I am lure if men do not darken themfelves they can be no ftrangers to fuch a thing ; yet we muft fay, This truth which moft nearly concerns us, is to the mofi of men (even fuch who feem to give a large afient to the Word) a myftery and dark riddle. There are few who do but enquire if there be fuch a thing, if the promifes and threatnings have indeed a certain evidence 5 few do feri- oufly ponder the providences of God in which the truth and faithfulness of the Word fhineth forth, that they may thereby be further confirmed, we fee that too many (alas too many) the great concernments of the Law and e* verlafting happinefs are a trivial and an impertinent bufinefs, this is a truth, the World doth pafs without regarding : fuch as fport at Religion when they come to earneft here, dare not ftand before this difcovcry, it conccrn- eth them much to reconcile their principles with their practice, their fear begetteth hatred, and both put their wit and invention on the rack how to difpute away any remainder of a confeience, to imprifon their light, and under the pretext of reafon, run down godlinefs and the abfolute neceflity thereof, yea, befides doth not fenfuality, wherein many wallow and fteep themfelves, fo dull and drown the foul, put fuch an interpofition of the Earth betwixt them and this truth as wholly darkens it ? And, oh how fad, that many having a large profeflion to be Chriftians fcarce ever knew, what it is tc put the Word to an eflay and tryal in the concernments of their life, to have their light followed with experience, wherein the very truth and rea- lity of Religion iieth. To clear this, I fhall hold forth fome things which may fhew how little this truth of the Scriptures accomplifliment is known or ftudied by the moft of men. The abounding of fo much Atheifm that there are fo many who not only difclaim the practice of that Religion they feem to profefs, but do Mate themfelves in a moft direct oppofition to the rules and principles thereof, thefe to whom the Scripture is but as a romance, yea, do only converfe therewith to prove their wit and parts in impunging the fame 5 who avowedly mock at the judgments and providences of God ; I confefs thefe may be reckon- ed Monfters, a very prodigy in the time, wherein they live, though alas, it is Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 9 is not the lcaft part of the World 5 and which is ftrange, we fee the moft hor- rid Atheifts do ufually abound where the light of the Goipel hath moft fhined ; the favage places of the Earth bring forth no fuch monftrous births as arc hatch'd within the vifible Church ; for thus the judgment of God put- tcth a blacker dye on them than others j O what a terrible found fhouid the fulfilling of the Scripture have in men'^ears if they once came to have feri- ous thoughts thereof, fincc they cannot admit this but they muft certainly read their own fentence of death, which a few days (hall put in execution, and if the Scripture be true, they are then unfpeakably miferable. 2. That indifYerency which we fee amongft men about Religion, and the moft concerning truths of Scripture doth mew how little this is known or laid to heart, whence there is fuch a generation who do not profefledly deny the Scripiure, yet can turn it over in a fchool probleme, and wonders that men fhouid engage 10 far upon it ; it is not that it is hid from them, but they truly choofe to hide themfelvcs from it, as more fuitablc to that intereft they drive, that the truth of God fhouid be rather a matter of opi- nion than of faith, a thing which they would difpute but not believe ; but O, what other thoughts would a clear fight of this caufe ? That within fo few days the truths and threatnings of the Word fhall be fad earneft j the fulfilling whereof no fharpnefs of wit no fubtil arguments will be able to evade. 3. That there is fo much barren theory of divine truths in the world, with fo little fcrious Chriftian diligence, doth it not fadly witnefs how fmall acquaintance men have with this truth ? Whence we fee fo great a part of thefe who profefledly acknowledge the word, and are daily converfing with it, yet can give no other account thereof but report,,, fo many that can fa- tisfyingly difeourfe of the Scripture, could never put their Seal to it, that God is true therein, whence are fo many great fchool divines and able Mi- nifters for parts, fuch vilible Atheifts in their way and practice ? Is it not, they really judge Divinity and Religion, rather a fcience and matter of fpeculation than a matter of fenfe and feeling, which men mould more live than fpeak, and cannot be known without experience the true end of knowledge 5 but, O this cannot be found in books, men will not meet with it in a throng of choiceft notions, it confoundeth the wife, and difputer of this world, whilft the meaneft and moft ftmple Chriftian oft knoweth more than thefe of great- eft parts. 4. The great Hypocrify which is in the world, I mean within the vifible Church, doth too clearly fhew that this truth is little thought on or laid to heart ; for what is that falfe fhew and appearance (which we may fay is not a fin, but the very finfulnefs of fin) Is it not the height of Atheifm? and a real contradiction in their pra&icc to this, that the Scripture of God is true and will have an unqucftionable accomplilhment, O could any be fo raon- rtroufly irrational, to drive this poor plot how to appear that which they are not, to be at fuch pains to ad the part handfomly of a ferious Chriftian, to perfonatc his tears and grief, his fpiritual frame, his zeal for God, if he did think gravely on this truth, and did believe the threatnings of the Word j that they will furely take place and be within a little no complement, but fad earneft, and that he is every hour ftanding under that Scripture- woe a- gainft Hypocrites ? I am fure it would make his hair ftand upright, his joynts loofc 5 and his thighs finite one upon another, could he but ferioufly think upon this. 5. Thefe unwarrantable ways which in a time of tryal men take for their cfcape, may witnefs this, that the word they do not judge a fure ground to D adventure io The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. adventure, on ; whence is there hesitation in fuffering times ? From that day- many taking their leave of Chrift, who have rather choofed fin than af- fliction ; O is it not ? They judge the teftimony of the God of truth is not furficient fecurity to carry them through fuch a ftrait, and are not fully perfwaded that it muft come to pafs what he hath promifed, for if this were, they mould reckon it their greateft fafcty to embark their intereft on fo fure a ground, and with much quictnefs repofe their foul and disburthen their care by putting it over on the Word. 6, What doth the frequent difcouragement and uncomfortable walk of the People of God fpeak forth, doth it not witnefs how little they are in earned with this great truth of the Scriptures accomplifliment or eftablihYd therein. What mcaneth thefe diftruftful fears and perplexed complaints : if their eyes be but open to know, they have fuch a well as the promife of God at their hand ; how is it that the fmalleft ftraits are fo puzling, and ready to out-wit them, that they fo ufually Humble at the crofs? And as things from without do appear, the encouragement made to ebb and flow ? Is not here the caufc ? That they ftagger at the promife whilft probabilities in ibme vi- able way do not go along for its performance : It's truly eafy to have fome fwect notions of faith at a distance, but whilft the tryal comes near, upon fuch a clofe approach, that there is not another way, but to put the whole flrefs of their particular intereft on the Word, and on it alone many are then at a ftand, becaufe they arc not thoroughly allured that though the earth fhould be overturned, there is an abfolute neceflity for the promife of God to take place. Now from thefe tilings may it not appear that this grave truth of the Scriptures accomplifhment is but little known or ftudyM ? I confefs we may think on it with aftonifhment, how a matter fo nearly concerning is not more our work, there are indeed many things worthy to be known, but our fliort life can fcarce allow time or give leifure for the ftudy thereof, but O this, though we had ouly two days to live I think might require a perfon to be fure and perfwaded concerning the truth of that whereon our heaven and eternal bleflednefs lycth, to which we muft lay the dead hold when we arc in the pailage at the ftrange ftep betwixt time and eternity. O what a wonder ! how rational Souls who walk on the border of the greateft hope and fear imaginable, can yet be (o unconcerned there anent -, fuch ferious thoughts might force men to retire and go fit alone 5 and truly thefe things gravely confidered, may feem ftrange and hard to reconcile. 1. That there is fuch a thing as the very Word and Teftimony of God this day upon record, wherewith we have fo much to do, which doth offer it felf to men's tryal and exacted fearch, and yet we put it fo little to that touchftone that we may know it upon another account than report or hear- iay. z. How in a matter of fuch high importance as falvation through all eter- nity, and the ground of this hope, men mould take the truth on an implicit faith or fatisfy themfelves with a common aflent thereto, as though it were enough to witnefs our believing the fame, becaufe we did never doubt or call it in queftion, I am fure men would not be fo lax and fo ealy to fatisfy in the moft common intereft they have here in the World. 3. How can men render to others a reafon of their hope when it is enqui- red who did never ask a reafon of this at themfelves, or will thefe feal the truth with their blood, who never had it fealed upon the heart by experi- ence. 4. Whence Fart I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. u 4. Whence is it that men can have comfort in Scripture who are not well grounded in the faith thereof ? Indeed thefe who are folidly perfwaded about the truth and its certain accomplifhment may have much joy and peace, whilft they know the ground of their confidence can bear up any ftrefs or burden they lay upon it ; and for what end did the Lord witnefs the certain- ty of his word by two immutable things, wherein 'tis impoffible for him to lie, but that from fo fure and ftrong a ground, his people might have ftrong conlolation ? 5. How can any think to adventure their immortal foul upon that where- on they fear to venture an outward intereft, or put over their deareft things in his hand and keeping who could never fay, they know in whom they believed ? 6. May it not feem ftrange that men can believe a certain performance of the Word and promifes, and not be more deeply arTe&ed therewith ? O is this true, (hall it furely come to pafs, and not one jot thereof fall to the ground, and mould it not caufe us awake in the night and keep us com- pany ? Ought we not to think our felves at a lofs that day wherein we take not a turn in the meditation of divine truth if we be fure that thefe muft take place ? 7. It would add, if this be indeed the Scripture of God which furely hath an accomplifhment. O how are we fo little Chriftians ? Why do men's walk fo fadly jarr with fo great a hope ? What manner of perfons mould thefe be that are perfwaded within a little thefe heavens muft pafs away as afcroll, the elements melt with fervent heat, and the earth be burnt up ? I think if this will not prels home on men to be ferious and diligent they muft be in a very fad lethargie. V. The accomplijhment of Scripture is a mofl clear and undeniable witnefs of it's divinity, that it is his Word who is not like man to lye or the fon of man to repent, and hath this as its diftinguifhing character, that not one fyl- lable thereof falls to the ground : This is the undoubted privilege of God, and of him alone, to fore- fee things contingent which are many ages aftertofall out, and hath no dependance upon necctfary and natural caufes ; and truly this may be a convincing argument, yea, we may fay of all external tefti- monies is the greateft ; but it's ftrange to think what a generation there is who can fport at the Scripture and queftion the truth thereof, who yet did never once ferioufly enquire if fuch a thing be true, elfe fo clear a witnefs might ftare them in the face, fuch a party we mould look on with compafli- on 5 it's alfo fad to think at how poor a rate, far below their allowance, ma- ny of the Saints do here live, becaufe there is fo little of that excellent and more noble Spirit, to fearch the Scripture for their further comfort and efta- blifhment thereby. It is true this blelTed record doth bear witnefs to it felf, and is known by its own light whereon there is fuch a villble imprefs of the glorious God, fuch convincing marks of its true defcent as may thoroughly fnew whofe it is, and how far it exceeds all human invention ; and thus by a clear mani- feftation of the truth, doth commend itfelf to men's confeiences as a fafe ground whereon they may repofe their Soul : It is alfo clear, how wonder- fully the Scripture hath been preferved, and the original copies thereof kept through all ages, that whatever fmall variation there may appear as to fome Ap'tculi^ which in fome places hath caufed divers readings, yet, in any ne- ceflary or faving truth the greateft criticks will confefs they do not in the leaft vary 5 and it is known (wherein we are to adore that fpecial providence of God) that the Jewifh Church, to whom this facred depofitwn was deli- vered, ix The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. vcred, did with fuch cxatt and. fmgular care look to the fame, even in the lcaft tittle or letter thereof, this being the great work and ftudy of the Ma- zoritcs from one age to another, to fee to the prefcrving of that great record from being in the leaft vitiate or corrupt ; and the greatcft adverfaries of the truth cannot poflibly deny that agreement betwixt thefe many origi- nal copies in the whole fubftance, which may be very convincing to the World. And do not men fee how marvellous the whole frame of the Scripture is ? What a correfpondency betwixt all the parts thereof that no- thing in it doth in the leaft vitiate the proportion and beauty of the work, but all alongft an evident tendency to advance holinefs and conform the foul to God : With a wonderful confent and harmony in anfvvering to this great end, we fee the fimplicity and plainnefs of its ftyle, yet back'd with a convincing Majefty and authority upon the confeience; yea befides it hath been attefted by miracles that were great in rhemfelves, famous in their time, tranfmitted to the Church in after ages, with unanlwerablc evidences of their truth, that not only the witnefs of the Word, but other prefling and rational grounds may let us fee there could be no deceit or impofture there- in. Thefe are a great teftimony to the truth, but I may fay, on very fure ground, that next to that great witnefs of that Spirit, there is no argument more convincing to reach Atheifm a ftroke and thoroughly fatisfy an exercifed fpi* rit who may be plunged about this great thing, the authority of the Scripture, than a clear difcovery of its performance whilft under the afiault of fuch a temptation ; if this be the very word of God they may but retire within, and then turn their eyes abroad in the world to fee what a vifible imprefs of the Word is ftamped on every piece of the work and providence of God. Now for further clearing I would offer thefe few things. i. Firft the accomplifhment of the Scripture is a very publick teftimony from Heaven to its divinity, whilft the Lord by his works through the earth which are done in the view of Angels and Men doth folemnly avow that this is his word, for we muft fay his work within on the hearts of his peo- ple, and without about the Church is fuch, whereat men, yea all the magi- cians of the earth may ftand amazed, and confefs that nothing lefs than a divine almighty power can accomplifh the fame. 2. This gives in the witnefs of all the generation of the righteous, who from the beginning have proven the truth thereof, yea, fealed by the blood of many excellent Chriftians, fome of whom though they could not well difpute for it, yet had fo ftrong a demonfttation of the truth within, as made it an eafy work to dye for the fame. 3. This doth clearly fhew the Scripture is an unchangeable rule of rightc- oufnefs, that alters not but takes place in all ages, whence fuch as are wife to bring providence in to the word and compare the experience and remarks of one time with another, may have a great reach and be thus led in a fure path as to the forefeeing of events. 4. This alfo doth demonftrate that it is his Word who doth rule and guide the World, and hath a fovereign dominion over the fame, whilft we may nere fee fuch remarkable events, which both in the prefent and in former times have fallen out, as may fhew a power that can reach the greatcft with a ftroke, fhake the moft cftablifhed kingdoms and even over the belly of in- fuperable difficulties accomplifn the VVord, yca^ that furely the Spirit of the wheels that moves them, is from him whole word this is ; for it is not more clear that thefe curtains of the heavens are ftretch'd forth over the earth, than that the Scripture is ftretch'd out over the whole work and frame of pro- vidence. Parti. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. ig vidcncc, fa as all the motions and fteps thereof, even of the mod: cafual things that fall out hath a vifible tendency to accomplifh thefe ends which the Scripture hath held forth. 5. This clearly fheweth, it mud be his word who hath forefeen all things that were to befall the Church, and the various changes and adventures of every Chriftian's life through time, whilft it is lb wonderfully fhaped and fuit- ed to every new tryal of the Church, as if intended only for that time and to every cafe of a godly man, as though it had been alone writ for them. 6. This alfo fheweth, that he who is the author of the Scripture, and hath framed that admirable piece, muft have fome immediate correspondence with the Spirit of man, knoweth our fitting down and rifing up, yea, doth fearch the heart and the reins ; for experience can tell how the Word is directed to the heart, doth reach the moil: inward contrivances thereof, doth fo clearly reveal and open up a Chriftian to himfelf, that we may fay of a truth, he is the God of the Spirits of all flefh, and one greater than our heart whofe it if.' 7. I (hall further add, the fulfilling of the Scripture in the experience of the Saints doth fhew it is not a dead letter, but hath power and life 5 and there muft be an cnlightning, quickning Spirit, that furcly goeth along with the fame 5 this clearly demonftrates fomething above words, yea, above na- ture ra the written word, that can make fuch a change upon the foul, give life to the dead, open the eyes of the blind, yea, can turn a lump of earth that formerly tended downward, now, without any violence, to move from a principle of life towards God as thefparks flee upward. VI. The accomplijhment of the Scripture is a moji pleafant and truly de- legable fubjeEi, worthy of our ferious thoughts and ftudy ; for here is held forth the higheft truth for the judgment to contemplate, the truth and faithful- nefs of God in the Word, and here is alfo the greateftgood for the afrecli* bns to embrace and delight in , as that wherein our whole happinefs is cer- tainly wrapt up ; it is undeniable that it is the godly man, who knoweth beft what true and folid pleafure is ; which he doth not lofe by turning his heart from the creature fo God, but maketh a blelTed exchange ; O how far doth the joy and delights of the foul exceed thofe of the fenfes ! and the delight Of a Chriftian how far doth it furpafs that of a natural man, even in his beft eftate ! and fure this precious ftudy of the daily performance of the Word, is one of thofe paths of pleafure which would bring in more folid joy to the fpirit in fome few hours, than in fome years wallowing in the carnal de- lights of the flefn, which is but as pleafure in fport, but quickly turneth to' grief in earneft 5 it is one of the great miftakes of the World, that re- ligion tends fo much to grieve and difquiet the foul, hay, it is certainly the Want of this, becaufe we are fo little truly religious, when we fcrufFe over our duty, and take but a palling look of the ways and work of God in the World, then it is indeed very affrighting and unpleafant ; but when in a more Chriftian way we do ferioully look thereupon and get our heart neat God, taking the Word alongft with us, O how delightful and ravifhing a fight will this be! I truly think though there were not a command, though it were no duty, nor fuch advantage in the ftudy of this grave truth, yet that joy and refrefhment which the foul would find in fuch a diligent fearch in going down into this bleiled deep, mould invite us thereto. But when I fpeak of this, what a fweet and delightful fubjecl: the perfor- mance and fulfilling of the Scripture is; itmuft be underftOod, that it is fo only to the faints ; and it is no wonder the World keep at a diftance from it, for this is a truth they cannot bear, they hate it, which, zsMicajah, doth E prophecy 14 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. prophecy always hard things, and carrieth a meffage of death to them, which doth foretell their approaching ruin, and mould caufe them all to tremble •-, the knowledge whereof muft encreafe their forrow and difquietnefs, yea, caufe them to cry out, O, do not torment us before the time ! for they are furely undone and ruined, if the Scripture of God be true and hath a perfor- mance 5 but O, what pleafant and refrefhful tidings doth this carry to a Chri- ftian ! What a fweet view doth he here get of the inheritance and blelfed cftate of the faints, which may caufe fuch an exclamation, how great is that goodnefs which is laid up for thefe that fear thee I To demonstrate this, I fhall hold forth fome things, from which we may fee how delightful a fubjed the accomplishment of the Scripture is for a Chriftian to ftudy. i. Serious converfe with this grave truth leadeth forward to practice, and rhus helpeth to bring down theory to experience, which is the moll: fweet and defirable of all other demonftrations that we can have of the truth of the Scripture, and maketh our light, clear and pleafant to the tafte ; turning the exercife of our judgment and reafon thereanent into fenfe and feeling j we are then made to fee what a difference there is, betwixt that difcovcry which a fpiritual man (whofe religion is his practice) hath of this, and the cold win- ter-light of natural understanding that hath no heat or warmnefs therewith, which is as great a difference, as betwixt hearing of fuch a thing by report, and feeing it with our eyes. 2. This bleffed ftudy how the Scripture hath a certain accompli{hment, would help to read the word with another kind of pleafure. O, what reprefentation mould then the truths and promifes thereof have to the godly man ! It would be as one going in to look over his charters, and the great things therein con- tained, which he doth not in the leaft debate or queftion, fince they arc paft the feals and fully ratified, and now confidereth all which is promifed as his own, which he look'd in former times upon but as a common thing, whilft he made not earned: of the certainty thereof, and what an intcreft he had in the fame ; O, when he readeth that promife of a new heaven and earth, and that glorious eftate which abideth the Saints ! He cannot turn his eyes and thoughts fo eafily off it, but is made to ftand and wonder that fo great a thing that will make fuch a marvellous change in his condition is even fhortly to come to pafs ;how fweet and pleafant is it for fuch to turn over thefe promi- fes, who can fet to his leal and bear this witnefs, that he hath really proven the truth thereof by fure experience j as he knoweth he hath a real being. Surely the Bible is another thing to thefe, than it is to the great part of men who only make it the fubject of their contemplation. 3. In this bleffed ftudy we mould have much ready to our hand to ob- ferve and our obfervation made fweet and pleafant to us ; for there we might fee how all the paths of the Lotd towards his people are mercy and truth, this would give you a refrefhful diary of providence, how in fuch a plunging ftrain we found the Word fenftbly fealed ; what obfervable confirmations we have had therewith at fuch a time and in fuch a condition, the after re-counting of which in an hour of tryal or in the evening of our life, would exceed thefe greateft pleafures the men of this age can have in looking over their gold and greateft treafures, which for many years they have been laying up. 4. In the ferious ftudy of the daily accomplifhing of the Scripture, we fhould have a moft fatisfying view and profpecf of what God is doing up and down the earth, what purpofes and defigns he hath on foot; and how things here beneath do work together for carrying on of the fame, we mould fee what Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. i f what an excellent and curious piece of work this frame of* providence is, which the more it is confidercd, it will be the more a wonder, how perfect jn all its various colours, what an obfervable concurrence there is there, how Several difcords, which we fee here, do yet agree with one confent for the compleating of God's deflgn, which is Hill going on, and whilft we think there muft be fome diforder amongft the wheels, we are made after to fee that this confufion was an excellent ftep of providence confounding the wif- to ftudy this great truth of 'the accompli jhment of the Scripture, and fet a- bout a ferious enquiry and fearch therein as a truth that fhall yet be in a further meafure difcovered and opened up, the nearer the Church is to the end of time, which may thus appear. 1 . Herein is the Word exprefs, that one part of the Scripture, which from former ages was fealed up, fhould in the latter days be clear and cafy to un- derftand, T>an. laft chap. ver. 4. 9. The feal is there put on ; but go thy way T)aniel y for thefe Words are clofed and fealed to the time of the end, but Rev. laft chap, and ver. 9. We have that bar taken off; feal not the fay- ings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand ; becaufe then the time did draw near, to which a more full difcovery and opening up of the Scripture was referved, and a more large manifeftation of the fpirit be- yond former ages. Now by the laft days we are not only to understand th« whole time of the gofpei, though it is thus termed in the Scripture ; but the latter part of thefe laft times ; which is more efpecially pointed at, even the clofe and evening of time, that laft Epocha and period of prophctick chro- nology, to which a great accomplifhment of Scripture prophecies is re- ferved. 2. This alfo is cxprefly promifed, that in the latter days the Church (hall have a more full difcovery of this truth, how the Scripture is verified, 'Dan. laft chap. v. 4. many pall run to and fro, and knowledge fh all be increafed, which increafe as it clearly pointeth at the laft times, and that bright day the Church fhall have, when lfrael fhall be brought in to Chrift; it doth alfo point at and promife fome greater light, and a more full manifefting of the myfteries of the Word and fulfilling thereof; for the former part of the chapter Fart I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 17 chapter fheweth, that increafe of knowledge doth relate to thefe .things which were before fealed ; we wait and believe the further accomplifhment of this promife to the Church beyond all we have yet feen, that many Scrip- ture truths now dark and abftrufe, fhall be made io clear as (hall even caulb us to wonder at the grofs miftakes we once had thereof, yea, that after ge- nerations fhall have a difcovery and underftandirtg of fome prophecies now obfcure, which mall as far exceed us, as this time doth go be- yond former ages, which comparatively we muft fay were very dark, O! when that promife of the incalling of the Jews fhall once take place, what a wonder will they be to themfelves that their underftanding mould have been under fuch a vail when the truth fhall be clear and evident to them in that day ? Will it not be a fweet and eafy Work for the Godly to match together the predi&ions of the Word and events ? And truly there is much now wrapt up in Scripture Prophecies, not yet fulfilled, which we may fay, in after times when the events fhall unvail their meaning, will exceed, yea confound all thefe comments many have had upon them. 3. Is it not alio clear, that thefe prophecies which of all the Scripture were mod obfcure and overclouded with dark figures and allegories, concerning which there had been fuch miftake and hefitation by the Church, fo many perplexing queries have a peculiar reipecl: to the laft times ? And that then they fhall be made plain and eafy, when fo notable a key as the event doth open them up, fuch of thefe of the witnelles taking life and rifing again, Babylon's fall and ruin, ChrifVs reigning with his Saints a thoufand years, which now are in fome meafure already cleared, from their begun accom- plifhment beyond former times, but we wait for a more full commentary, that time fhall give upon the fame. 4. It is in the latter times that the glory of God in his truth and faithfulnefs fhall moft eminently fhine forth, that is a part of the folemn congratulation of the Church upon Babylon's h\\,Revelat. xv. v. 3. not only great and marvelous are thy works ', but juft and true are thy ways, for truly in this ftroke of the judgment of God, and thefe remarkable providences concurring therewith, the fulfilling of the Scripture will be fo plain and undenyable, that we may fay it will then dazzle the eyes of men, even the greateft Atheiik, alarm the World, yea very efFe&ualiy contribute (we have ground fo to judge) to that promifed increafe of the Church and incoming of the Jews, when in Antichrift's fall and ruin, they fhall fee fo convincing a feal put to one of the mod confiderable prophecies of the Word, in the accomplifhment whereof much of the prophetick part of the New Teftament relating to the Church's ftate, and her long trial under Antichrift's reign may be Cccn clealy verified. 5. The Lord hath referved his greateft Works to the latter days, wherein his judgments fhall be manifeft, and the Word confirmed by fuch folemn convincing providences, that men will not get them paiTed without a remark ; we are this day witnelles to many fuch, aud are looking what thefe times (hall yet bring forth, that the great and remarkable acts of the Lord muft force the World to fee a divine power, and fay, lo there is an undoubted accomplifh- ment of the Scripture. 6. The Church in thefe laft times hath peculiar advantages for underftand- ing this truth of the Scripture's accomplifhment, which former ages had not. Firft a great patt thereof is now fulfilled that men may fee with their eyes, if they but know how to lay the Word and work of God together, the chriftian Church had in former times but dark glances at thefe great things, which we have this day vifibly tranferibed in providence 5 the promifes were F thcu 1 8 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Fart I. then traveling in birth of that which is now brought forth. 2. Are we not mounted as it were on the fhoulders of that experience and obfervation of former times ? which hath been tranfmitted to us, and we muft fay upon that account, the Church hath now a greater feal and confirmation of the truth, than what it had in the days of the Prophets and the Apoftles, even when Chrift was in the flcfh. 3 . The Temple of God and Ark of his Te- ftament is now opened in heaven, light more fully abounding and the means of knowledge; And, O! fhould not this be much our ftudy, who have a greater talent than former ages! certainly this will be a fin of a deeper dye, than in times of ignorance, fince we can be no ftrangers to this truth with- out (hutting our eyes, blinding the confcience, doing violence to our light, when the Lord doth give his People fuch folemn confirmations. 7. I fhall add, is it not clearly foretold in that T)an. xii. v. +. that in the laft times this will be one of the fpecial exercifes of the faints to enquire and make a diligent fearch concerning the Scripture's accomplifhment ? For it's there laid, many fhall run to and fro and knowledge fhall be increafed, im- porting that this mall be much their ftudy, and caufe a diligent fearch where- unto the great works of God in thefe times fhall invite them : and what fhould be the pofturc of the Godly in thefe days (on whom the end of the world is come) fhould it not be like the watchman in the laft watch of the night, who looketh oft what appearance there is from the eaft of the day breaking ? a ferious enquiry what of the Scripture is fulfilled, whereby we may know on very clear grounds if the night be far fpent, the day at hand, and that the coming of the Lord to judgement draweth near. VIII. This is a great and concerning duty •■> for Chriftians to ftudy this truth y that they may havefomething more than report, how the Scripture hath a fure accomplifhment, and doth take place in the providences of the time wherein we live. I muft think ftrangc that there is fuch a great help as this fo near, and yet we fee it not, nor do ferioufly ponder the fame, when the command is fo cxprefs to obferve the works of the Lord, which for that end are fhewed forth, that men may enquire and read the fairhful- nefs of God therein, yea, that fo great a truth which would indure the fearch of all the criticks of the World, a truth wherein our blefiednefs through time and eternity lieth, fhould offer it felf to our trial, and yet is fo little known ; O, who can difpenfe with the neglect of this duty ? by which we anfwer that folemn call and invitation of the works of God, do honour him, ferve our generation, arc helpers to our own faith, and are thereby help- ed to ftrengthen others, yea are brought to fee with our eyes, and from ex- perience what before was as a ftrange thing unto us. Now to clear how much this is a Chriftian's duty, to ftudy a practical converfe with the Word, and to be ferious obfervers of its accomplishment, let us confider. 1. We are thus helped to declare the works of the Lord and give him the glory of his faithfulnefs -, and is not that a grave duty ? Which at all times in every ftation and condition of life fhould engage men to this ftudy ; thus every Chriftian may become a witnefs to the truth and put his fcal thereto, for which he mould think his life truly defirablc, and doth in no fmall mea- fure attain the true end thereof, though he had no other opportunity for his matter's fervice; we may fay, this truth of the Scripture's accomplifhment like a great roll, hath been tranfmitted from hand to hand, from one age to another, attefted as it were fubferibed by fo many witnefles, it doth thus come to our time, and to every man's door and require their perfonal witnef- iing and fealing of the fame. a. This Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 19 2. This fhould make it an eafy work to truft the Word, and to adventure thereon in the ordinary occurrences of their life, they may well truft God in a ftrair, who have io ftrong an argument to make ufe of, that oft they have tried him and the truth of his Word by many, many experiences; will not thcfe that know his name truft in him ? Which was a notable tcftimo- ny from a ferious Chriftian in a very fharp trial ; oft have I tried God, and mail I not learn to truft him once ? 3. This doth lay the Chriftian in the way of that promife. 'Tfal. 107. laft ver. a promife truly large and comprehenfivc, but little conftdered, that fuch as are wife to obferve the works of God, they pall fee the loving kindnefs of the Lord, even in their own particular cafe made out to them, yea whilfl: they are ferious to obferve his works abroad in the World, and his ways to others they (hall be no lofers thereby at home j but find this promife meet them and turn their general obfervation under perfonal experience of the loving kindnefs of rhe Lord. 4.Thus the faints by experiencing the truth of the Word get a convincing fcal thereby to their intereft in the promife ; for begun pofleilion is indeed a ftrong witnefs to this right, when they can fay they have got as certain returns of the Word which they have put to an efTay in fome particulars of their life, as they are fure of any thing they did ever fee, fo that from un- queftionable experience they may fet up a pillar, and write thereon Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. 5. Thus fhould Chriftians with much advantage be helped to convince gain- fayers ; for it's fure, Atheifm could not make fo bold and publick an ap- pearance if men did not fo much take their religion on truft, O the ferious experienced man, can with another confidence own the truth, whofe experi- ence and obfervation of the works of God give him an argument that none can anfwer, while not only he can aflert but conduct and lead man to the things themfelves, that they may fee if in fuch and fuch particulars, the Scrip- ture be not fulfilled. 6. Thus the providence of God fhould have a more fvveet refrefhing coun- tenance, when from this great height the watchtower of Chriftian obferva- tion we take a look thereof, and truly otherways, men will ftumble at the mod ordinary difpenfations, and think God's work is a mafs of confufion, but here we are taught to fee how the written Word and his way are linked in a mod fvveet agreement. 7. We may thus trace divine truth, even by our fenfe and feeling, and join the Word and experience in a regular correfpondence j yea thus we fhould have a clear tranfeript of the Lord's way with his Church taken out of that great authentick original of the Scripture 5 and there fee on what a folid bafis and foundation that magnificent ftrudture of providence is raifed up, what a noble key fhould we thus have for opening the Scripture, by a ferious humble inquiry after the works of God ? Where not only the impreffion and fign of the power, but of the truth and faithfulnefs of the Lord are fo ve- ry legible. 8. This is a piece of our talent wherewith we are entrufted, of which eve- ry Chriftian fhould ftudy a ferious improvement, knowing they muft render an account what their obfervation of this great truth hath gained and what further eftablifhment and confirmation they have thus attained. 9. I would add, the concernment and weight of this ftudy may prefs it much on us ; for if the Scripture's accomplifhment be an undoubted truth, O ! then this is fure the Saints have a great inheritance ; they are Princes though now under a difguife, and though yet minors, rhey are heirs of more' than ■ ■ ■■■ » - ' — ■ I ■■!■■« ■■■■ ■■ I »■ ■ ■ » ^» ™ ■ « ■' ■ ■■' ■ — ■ ■ — ■■■■ -I ■ ■——»—■■—- |, 1|| |,|| > M ^ io 77? they are thefe five which I intend to profecute in the follow- ing difcourfe. First Argument \ To prove the Scripture is certainly fulfilled and hath an accomplifhment is thisj That which hath been in all ages the teftimony of the Saints, what every particular Chriftian doth feal from their frequent and fure experience, what is found and proved by them in their daily walk upon exacteft trial, yea, what as many as ever were ferious in religion do witnefs muft be certain and true. But the accomplifhment of the Scripture is fuch, Therefore, &c. II. Argument, That which is manifeft and legible in the whole courfe and tenor of providence about the Church and by clear convincing inftances both of judgment and mercy, is made out to the obfervation of every age, muft be a certain truth, but the Scripture's accomplijhment is fuch. Therefore. III. Argument, That which hath not only the Chriftian's teftimony from experience, and of the Church from conftant obfervation, but is obvious e- ven to the view of the World, which from the confeience of the worft of men, doth force a teftimony that they can neither fhift nor deny ; which alio may be demonftrate to the conviction of ordinary obferveis, and hath a pub- lick acknowledgement from the greateft Atheifts and mockers of religion in every age, muft furely be a clear truth. But, &c. Therefore. IV. Argument, That which was to take place in fuch and fuch periods of time, and hath accordingly come to pafs, the event exactly anfwering to the prediction, yea, that whereof the great part is now fulfilled, and but a little at this day remaineth to be made out, muft be a certain truth. But the great part of the Scripture is thus already fulfilled, and but a little thereof now remaineth. Therefore. V. Argument, That which not only is for the moft part already accom- plifhed, but is a thing whereof we have fuch fure confirmations, yea, fo great a pledge in our hand from the Lord, that what yet remains fhall be certainly fulfilled, muft it not be an undoubted truth? But the Scripture as to thele fpecial predictions, that are not yet made out, is fuch concerning which the Lord hath given his people a very large pledge and (hong confirmations, now Part I. The Fulfilling of : the Scripture. it now in thcfe latter times, to believe their certain accomplifhment. There- fore. ARGUMENT FIRST. THAT the Scripture of God contained in the old and new teftament, wherein our great hope, and comfort doth lye, is certainly true, and hath a real accomplifhment, may be thus demonftrated, That it is tried, and proved in the godly mans experience, to which in all ages, yea, from innumerable proofs the faints have put to their feal, that this is a fure and faithful tejlimony. Experience is indeed a ftrong demonftration, and it is fuch a witnefs as leav- eth no room for debate, for here the truth is felt, proven, and acted on the heart, which the chriftian knoweth well, and is as fure of as he is perfwaded that he liveth or that the fun when it fhineth hath light, and warmnefs there- with, it is true the world liveth at a great diftance with this, they only con- verfe with the found of fuch a thing, and we know the naked theory of fcripture- truth hath but a fhort reach and that it differeth as far from that which a ferious practical chriftian hath as the fight of a country in a map is from a real difcovery of the fame ; where the difference is not in the degree, but in the kind : yet though this grave teftimony of experience is a thing where too many (alace too many ) are (hangers, we muft fay fo much thereof is obvious, as may force its authority on mens confciences, and fhew there can be no fallacy, or delufion in this witnefs, if they but allow the ufe, and ex- ercife of reafon, feeing it is not the record of a few, at one time, or in one corner of the earth, but a folemn witnefs from the faints and followers of God, whofe judgment and integrity , their adverfaries muft often confefs, yea, of all the faints in every age through the whole univerfal church in parts of the earth moft remote from other, and this, by moft frequent renew- ed proofs hath found, and experienced the truth and real accomplifhment of the word : and now if this be not fufficiently convincing, I would but add, O / will you then come and fee, be but chriftians indeed, and then ye will no more debate that teftimony j and truly it is a very poor fhift, for men who have the fcripture before them, which of it felf doth witnefs its authority, and this backed with fo folemn a leal from the Lord, by his works and providence, to debate the chriftians witnefs, from their experience, becaufe they do not fee this themfelves, for what is the caufe thereof, is it not their choice ? that they do not follow on to know the fame, the truth of God feek- eth credit from no man upon truft, yea, craveth no more but that by a pra- ctical converfe they would put it to a trial, and then it (hall not decline their judgment. Now to profecute this argument a little, I fhall point at fome fpecial fcri- pture-truths, with which chriftians have moft ufual trade, and converfe in their own cafe ; and give in therewith, their teftimony, how thefe are clearly pro- ved and verifyed by moft fure experience : it is not to be here underftood, the giv- ing a particular account with refpett to perfons, time, or other circumftances, how the word doth thus take place. I think it may be fufficiently convincing to inftancein the general fuch clear uncontroverted experiences, which are well known to the godly, and have by them been oft proved amidft the various changes of their life ( though not by all in the fame meafure but fome fuit- able proportion to their different fizes, trials and wreftlings) which can wit- nefs that real correfpondence which the word hath with the experience of the faints ; and truly concerning thefe I may with fome confidence aflert, they are not naked, or airy notions, but fuch as can witnefs their truth to the feri- ous experienced chriftian, whom on this account I dare atteft. 3 G I ^^ The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Fart I I fhall here inftance. $. Special truths of the word, which are much tryed, and proved in chriftians experience. i . That there is fuch a contra- riety betwixt the flefh and the fpirit, as the fcripture holdeth forth. 2. The deceitfulnefs of mans heart. 3. That there is a fpiritual, and invifible adver- faiy, with whom we have war. 4. That the promifes of the word have undoubted accomplilhment. 5. The truth ai(o of the thrcatnings, I mean fuch under whole reach the godly may fall. 1 . That there is contrariety betwixt the flefh, and the fpirit, a Law in our members rebelling againft the Law of our mind, is a truth very clearly pro- ted to the chriftian, whofe experience though fad doth undenyably verify, and confirm the fcripture, Gal. v. 17. Rom. vii. xix. 23. this is a part of the word which holds forth mans nature in its true fhape and form, whe- ther their byafs and inclination mod cafily turneth, yea, fo marveloufly anfwereth their experience, that to queftion the fame were to put it far beyond queftion that they know nothing of a new nature or prin- ciple of grace within. For who ever made earneft of religion but their firft acquaintance with the peace of God, was the beginning of this war ; it is then that the houfe divideth, and corruption fetteth up a ftandard, yea, no fooner can any begin to be a chrifiian, but he muft be a foldier alfo ; and we may lay none ever attained fuch a meafure of mortification, or was fo old in the trace of God, as could priviledge them from the ftirrings of the old man ; and neceflity of that complaint, who [hall deliver us from a body of deaths but whatever advantage fome of the faints have above others, yet in this their experience can witnefs. 1. They now know two different parties within themfelves, that until once grace came they could not underftand, which at the fame time in the very fame action do ad oppofitely one to the other, yea, that there is no fpiritual duty, wherein the flefh ( though not always in fuch a prevalent degree ) dcth not mew fome active refiftance. 2. That all the ftirrings, and motions of the flefh have ftill a tendency congruous to their own nature, to turn the heart carnal and to alienate it from God, fo as it is eafy to difcern, how in thefe the rife and the end do through- ly correfpond. 3. That this is a cruel taskmafter if once it bear fway 5 imperious in its command, and violent in its purfuit, fo that their experience may herein tell, its a fore, and an intolerable thing for a fervant to bear rule. 4. That to things mod forbidden, the flefh moveth mod impetuoufly, fo, as it will even break through the hedge, though fure thereby to be fcratch'd with thorns, yea, it is oft fo eager in its purfuit, that it will follow the bait, while the hook is moil: difcernible. 5 . That when once this doth fwell, and wax fat, they may upon another intereft cry, woe's us, our leanefs, for like the fcales of the ballance, they find a proportionable abatement and depreffing of their fpiritual life, as the flefh goeth up, yea, they have caufe to know how every ftep of their heart going forth to the world is a ftep that doth put them further off from God. 6. That the more clofely the Law is preft in its fpiritual extent, yea, the more fpiritual a duty is, the more fully oppofite they find their carnal heart, and though the flefh may bear up a little with the form of Religion, and hath more complacency with that way, which lieth moft in externals, yet it can- not endure the power thereof, it can fuffer men to be hypocrites but not truly chriftians. 7. To reftrain, and bring this under bondage they find that it doth put the fpirit fo much at liberty, which getting loofe reins for a little will leave the foul Parti. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. i.^ foul work for many days, and with fad after groans pay back an hours plca- fure, yea, they alfo know, when the outward man is low, and upon a fen- iible decay, it hath not then hindered but rather effectually helped their in- ward joy and ftrength. 8. That indulgence to the flefh caufeth a fenfible thick interposition be- tween heaven and the foul, whence they arc fo clogged and hampered in their flight and motion toward God, yea, thus have often their choiceft du- ties been made a fore and grievous task. 9. That this is the true rife of their ufual perturbations, and doth ftill put fome jar betwixt them, and their lot, and doth hinder a fatisfyed enjoying of that which they have, through murmuring at that they want, yea, they know, that to pleafe the flefh hath been oft the caufe of their greater! grief and difpleafure. 10. They alfo find how the defilement of their fpirit, doth help to darken ir, which overgrown with the flefh, can have no clear difcovery of fpiritual things, but the more feparate from the body, and purged from thefe grois dregs, they find themfelves at a further advantage to converfe with divine truths, which thus they get difcovered beyond all that nature can reach. 11. That the heart of man is deceitful, and defperately evil, Jer. xvii. 9. Jer. iv. 14. Prov. iv. 23. Is a Scripture truth, whereto the Chrijlians ex- perience doth anfwer, as the face anfwereth to its felf in the glafs, yea we may fay it is fo clearly demonftrated to thefe who were ever ferious about their inward cafe, that while they thus read the word in themfelves and are made to read themfelves in the word, they may with wonder acknowledge, that he, who can found this great deep of the heart, and draw fo vive a portraiture thereof, is furely one before whom all things are manifeft ; who doth fearch, and try the reins, and know what is our mould, and fafhion $ this is one of the very firft leflbns which practical religion doth teach, and the more neamefs with God, and further meafure of grace, that is attained, the more clear difcovery there will be of this ; O ! what fad hours, what bitter complaints, hath it caufed ? this oft doth obftruct the chriftians feaft, and min- gle their wine with gall and wormwood ; I am fure if that excellent com- pany of the faints, who have been from the beginning to this day could be brought together, to give in their fuffrage, and witnefs concerning the deceit- fulnefs of the heart there would be one joint teftimony to this truth ; we fhould find that Enoch who walk'd with God, Mofes with whom he fpake face to face, that beloved fervant, who leaned in Chrift's bofom, and he who was caught up to the third heavens were no ftrangers thereto, but could witnefs thus. 1. That it is within which aileth them mod, and their greateft adverfarics are men of their own houfe, yea, that in the worft of times, there is ftill more caufe to complain of an evil heart, than of an evil and corrupt world, there being no worfe company, than they are oft to themfelves. 2. That no time of their life, but might give them, fome further proof, that they are fools who truft their own heart, which oft will efcape and over- reach their quickeft reflection, even when both their eyes are on it ,• yea, that there is no time that alloweth the putting off their armour, or to difmifs their guard, not the belt cafe, the greateft eftablifhment in grace, nor the evening of the day, though they were within fome minutes of the crown, and com- pleat victory, doth priviledge them from the experience of a deceitful heart. 3. That under the beft frame they find, there will often lurk that which after- time doth difcover that for the prefent though it had been told, they could not have believed, until frequent experience maketh them fee that the word knew their heart better than themfelves. 4. That 14 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. 4. That to being home their heart when once it goeth abroad, or recal the liberty they have given it, is not eafy, which doth no fooner parley with a temptation at a diftance, adventure to fport therewith, but it quickly turneth to earned, and is ready to yield. 5 . They know the conftant need to have a watch upon their fenfes, and to make a covenant with their eyes, which do quickly betray their heart ; Co eafy it is to be deceived, yea, to grow warm, catch fire upon the fmallefl touch. 6. How quickly alio their fpirit doth flacken, and loofe its keenefs even in the greater! advantage of their cafe, their experience can tell, that when in fome meafure they have been raifed up in any fpiritual enjoyment, they were then in hazard to be lift up to the wind, and to have their fubftance dilTolvcd in the more folid part of chriftianity. 7. What a fight have they fometimeof themfelves, fuch as would be a ter- rour to them, if the heart and motions thereof could be writ out to the view of others, or that any were witneffes to that which in one room will dwell befide the grace of God as its door- neighbour. 8. In a word, their experience doth witnefs, how foon the ftrongefl refo- lutions will evanifh, that they are not oft in the evening, what they were in the morning, nor for many hours do they keep the ground they had at- tained, but Reubens character unliable as water, may be ftill their complaint, yea, I am fure as many as ever obtained mercy to know themfelves, can tell that its pall: all reckoning, how oft their heart hath deceived thern^ when they trufted it moll : This every day may caufe them fit down, and admire the grace of God, which can mend, what they fo oft marre, and is llronger to fave and preferve than they are to deftroy. III. That as there is a body of death within, they alfo know there is, An adverfary without, Eph. vi. 12. 1 'Pet. v. 8. Joh. viii. 44. whofe way, and devices, and method of tempting doth raoft exadlly anfwer the dis- covery of the word 5 this is indeed a truth, which chriftian experience in all ages doth witnefs, that no fooner they had a ferious look after Gcd, but found themfelves purfued by an invifible party whofe approaches though fpiritual, are yet certain, and moft fenfibly demonllrated, befide that which the word doth clearly teach j yet it is fure none of the faints were ever priviledged from fuch experiences, for herein doth the chriftians warfare ly, but O how fweet may the evening be while they fit down, and can fing that fong, Our foul hath efcaped as a bird from the fowler. I fhall here give in fomething of the godly mans experience, which can bear witnefs to this. 1. That there is furely another party than the world, or themfelves, with which they have to do, an invifible adverfary without, whom they perceive by that fenfible correlpondence he keepeth with their heart within, by thefe violent inroads, importunate Iblicitations, thefe impetuos motions, wherewith they are lo ftrangely hurried, and oft driven over light and judgment, yea, over their llrongeft refolutions, fo as he may be as difcernible to them, and that there is fomething therein befide themfelves, as if they converted with him in an outward vifible fhape. 2. That fince the time when they began to look after God, and to know any thing of his work upon their fpirits they have been acquainted with moft affrighting, dreadful temptations, and do now perceive his rage, and vio- lent purfuit to bring them back, which they knew not before, when at peace with their idols and finfui way. 3. That the mark he levelleth at, to which his ufual temptations have a ten- dency, is their foul, and inward man, to hinder communion with God, and to turn their heart off from him, to break the Law, and lay afide commanded duties. 4. That Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. if 4. That his ordinary approaches to the heart are oft by a very fmall thing, he needs no more but an open door, or a ftnful look for the difpatch of a temptation, and knoweth by a wound in the eye, how to carry death in to the foul. 5 . That he is fuch a party as knoweth his time and opportunity, can change his weapons, and busk the kook with divers baits, and yet he is always at hand, when the heart is lifted up, when they are out of their duty, and in a a carnal frame, to put in then with fome temptation, and fifh in fuch muddy water. 6. That his way doth truly anfwer his name, fpiritual wickednefs in high places, this being fo difcerned by daily experience that he hath the advantage of the ground, is a mod fubtil obferving adverfary, who lieth in the dark to us, while we are in the light to him, and knoweth how to correfpond with our corruption, and to fuit his temptation to our natural temper ( wherewith he is well acquainted ) and to cur calling, and our company, to the prefent (trait, to our predominant inclination and to our retirement, and folitude, yea that he is one who knoweth how to follow in, and ply with fuch a gale, when we are in hot blood, or in any diftemper, and difcompofure of fpirit. 7. That he can transform himfelf into an angel of light and fuit his tempta- tions to the fpiritual excrcifes, and enjoyments of the faints j that there arc temptations on the right hand as well as the left, which are fo refined, and fb like a chriftian exercife that they can fcarcely difcern the weed from the flower, and moft dreadful errours from the choiceft truths, to which they oft have a great refemblance, though at laft it doth appear that the native tendency even of the moft ipecious errours in the judgment is to loofnefs in practice, and to make men religioufly irreligious. 8. That he is alio a roaring lion, which they have oft proved by the dreadful blafphemous injections, thefe fiery darts which are thrown in with violence, wherewith there is no concurrence of the inclination, or confent, but a dif- cern ible force put upon them, aflfaulting them with moft horrid atheiftical thoughts, even while their heart doth rife with abhorrence, and enter their diflent againft the fame. 9. That he is a moft reftlels adverfary who is going ftill about and giveth no ceflation, but with purpofe to return at fome greater advantage, andisnolefs terrible in his flight than in his aflault, and that he can fpeak out of a friend as well as out of a foe, yea, and doth then moft dangeroufly tempt, when the temptation is leaft feen, or difcovered. 10. That his temptations do not only drive at engaging of the heart to bring fin to the thought, but alfo the bringing it forth to the act, for putting fome biot upon their walk and converfation. 11. That he is one who is overcome by refiftance, and doth flee before thefe that withftand him, which they have oft proved, that they have returned from prayer with the fpoil of their adverfary, and at fuch a time have been made to wonder, how that which hath oft foyled them, fhould have been their temptation. 12. They alfo find by frequent obfervation, that though he is moft fubtil, being indeed one who through long experience and continued practice hath attained a great deal of dexterity in tempting, yet, that he hath one ufual me- thod, and fuch devices which the ferious chriftian, by daily experience and watchfulnefs, may eafily dilcern and perceive his temptations in their rife, and at a diftance while they were as it were, creeping up the wall 5 yea thus in fome mcafure he may find out the depths of fatan, and know how to avoid the net fpread by that great fowler. H IV. — I II I ■ ■ r6 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. IV. 'That the promifes of the Word which are held forth to the godly for their life, and encouragement while they are in the way, have a certain ac- complipment, and are a fafe ground to adventure upon, and worthy to be cre- dited, is a truth tried in all ager, whereto experience of the faints can give a large tcftimony. Now in fpcaking to this grave fubject, it is not needful to fpeak any thing of the nature, and diverfe kinds of promifes, nor whence it is that we live at fo poor a rate, and fo uncomfortably while fuch a well as this, is at our hand, for its eafy to read the caufe within our felves, we fow fparingly, and venture little out, therefore we have fo fmall an increafe; there is a price for wifdom, but it is in the hands of fools who have no heart thereto, but this doth not concern us here, for I only aim to hold forth this, that the promifes which God hath given his people in fcripture, arc of unqueftionable verity, and have as real and fure performance in the faints experience, as they are lure of that which cometh mod ncccflarily to pafs, by the work and concurrence of natural caufes as that the fire doth burn, when combuftible matter is auded, or the fun rife after it's going down 5 for indeed this truth is Co manifeft, proved by fuch innumerable experiments, amidft the various changes of a chriftians condition, that we might fummon as many witnefles as have been followers of God in the world, which are not a few, who in all ages have put the promifes to an eflay, and put their feal thereto that God is true , yea, to ask at fuch, if they know whether there be a truth in fcripture promifes, that cometh not to pafs, I think were to enquire at a living man, whether he feeth and feeleth, or if there be fuch a thing as motion, ftnee they have as fure and fenftble a de- monftration of the one as he hath of the other. But e're I fpeak any thing particularly to this, I would firft premife fome things to clear what we under- ftand here, by the faints experience of the truth of the promifes, in thefe fol- lowing confiderations. 1. We would confider, though the fcripture hath here it's accompli fhment and is intended for the ufe of the church, and every particular chriftian, while on the way in his militant condition, yet there are fbmc promifes of the word, yea thegrcateft, which belong to the faints, that will not be fulfilled, until they have call off their armour, and arc called to divide the fpoil, their experience of which, will be the high prize of the calling of God in Chrift, whereof all which they enjoy is but an earncft. 2. We would confldcr that the great intent of the fcripture and promifes thereof is not for contemplation, but that we may know them by experience, and drive a blefled trade and commerce therewith, the merchandize of which is better than that of gold, for here lycth the chriftians life in the world, yea, it is a great part of their talent, the pro- mifes, which are not to be laid up in their heart, and memory, as in a napkin, but they muft give an account what experience they have gained thereby, and thus the diligent hand mould make rich. 3. What ever be the different fizes and degrees of experience among the faints, according to their growth, and age in Chrift, yet it is certain that the meanefl who have intereft in the pro- mifes, and did ever lay hold on them in carneft and put them to trial muft know fomething of the performance of the fame in their own cafe j for the, Lord doth not fufTer his work in his People to want a Ce:A. 4. The godlies expe- rience hereof, is then much made out, when they are much in obfervation, and we know little of the truth and performance of the promifes, becaufe we arc not more habitually in a frame to obferve ; thus he goeth by, and we perceive not ; but they never wanted confirmations, who were ferioufly feeking to be confirmed in the truth of the word. 5. The fpecial mercies and providences of a chriftian life arc a certain return of the promife, and in that way do meet them, Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. ry them, as the proper channel of their conveyance ; for they are the fure mer- cies of the covenant, and how refrefhful is it, that all the feveral cafes of the faints, and their deliverance therefrom, their mean eft as well as their great- eft neceflities, are comprehended in the word, and under fome promifc, and were all forefeen in his everlafting view, who hath fo marveloufly fuitcd the fame to all that his People ftand in need of, as if it had been dircclcd to fuch, and fuch a chriftian only. 6. This helpcth to make the mercies of the godly man to have a peculiar and fweet relifh, and to be fome way twice his mercy, when he gets them in fo immediate a way reached to him as it were out of the promife, and as an obfervable return from heaven, when thus the Lord fealeth his word to him by his work, and the way of the word he findeth hath been the way of his comfortable deliverance ; that when he hath had no other efcapc, but to turn in to the promife and to caft himfelf upon it, he gained this experience ; he trufted in God, and was helped and can give in this tcftimony of him, that he hath both fpoken it and himfelf alfo hath done it, according to his word. 7. It is not any extraordinary thing, we here underftand, by the chriftian mans experience of the truth of the promi- fes, it is not a rapture or revelation, or fuch as fome of the faints have upon fome fingular, and fpecial account had j for we have not any promife for thefe things, but it is fomething well grounded upon the word, which conftantly holdeth in the Lords ordinary way of procedure with his people, according to the tenor of the covenant, for his word doth good to them that walk up- rightly, and doth certainly take place in the experience of every ferious and di- ligent chriftian. 8. This is not the teftimony of a few, but the record of all the faints fince the beginning, whofc experience doth all moft harmoni- oufly agree, and bear one witnefs that he is faithful who hath promifed, and it is not that which a chriftian hath found once or twice in his life, but the daily food of fuch as live by faith. 9. This doth put a ftrong obligation on the godly man to the word for the time to come, for thefe who have tryed it often, may with much confidence truft it, in the day of their ftrait. 1 o. The experience which the godly hath of the real performance of the promifes is a moft convincing evidence of his ftate in Chrift, it is the earneft and pledge of the inheritance, and full accomplishment of that which remaineth, that the Lord will make perfect what concerneth him, who hath been his help hitherto, and will be his exceeding great reward in the end, who hath made him find fo much of the fome way godlinefs here by the way. Now having premifed thefe things, I (hall here inftancc fome particular promifes, wherein the christians moft ufual trade and commerce doth lie, and to which they give in their feal and wit- nets ; I confefs if all thefe proofs which the faints have had of the fulfilling of the promifes could be gathered together, we might make ufe of that divine hy- perbole, The world could not contain the books that Jhould be written there- of. O, what an admirable volume, what an excellent commentary and copy mould this be of the fcripture, to fee it thus turned over into the experience of every chriftian -, it would be fome way as eafy to number the drops of rain and dew ftnee the creation, as to reckon all thefe precious drops and emanations of love, thefe fcnfible returns, and fulfilling of the promifes, which they have had in their experience ; I truly think it could hardly be believed, though it were told, what fome of the godly here, have found in the way of the word; but it is fufficient to anfwer the defign of this work, to fhew that there is a fcnfible demonstration and performance of fcripture promifes, concerning which the experience of the faints in all ages do agree •-, that by many con- firmations the Lord hath oft fealed the truth thereof to their fouls. There x8 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. There arc 10. fpecial promifes held forth to the godly in the word, which I fliall here inftance, and therewith hold forth, what a clear teftimony their experience can give of the undoubted truth and accomplifhmcnt of the fame. First, Inftance, is that promife given to beliving, to fuch who credit the naked word,when there is no probable appearance of its outmaking, and thus give God the glory of his faithfulnefs, which we have exprefly held forth, i Chron. xx. 20. Tfal. cxii. 7. 8. Job. 1.50. To clear the accomplifhmcnt of this promife, I mall but appeal to that te- ftimony the faints in all ages have left thereof, yea to the prefent experience of the godly at this day, if they have not certainly found it fo. 1. That when in a particular they have truftcd God therewith and got their fpirit quiet, in a recumbency on him, he hath dealt with them according to his wore, yea if then from clear convincing returns of the promife they have not been made to fay, it did never repent them, that they gave more credit to the teftimony of God, than of their own hearts. 2. That they have not found a more fweet, and obfervable ifliie than when their help lay moil: immediate- ly on the word alone 5 never a more fenfible deliverance than when leaft of fenfe, and mod of faith was in carrying them through, when little of the creature, and much of God appeared in their mercy, and where they were at the lowcft, no way of efcape but to throw themfelves on the promife 5 they have then had the beft retreat, yea, their fupply as fenfibly felt, as their need and burden had formerly been. 3. That their greateft difficulties, and makings concerning the promife have helped to their further confirming and eftablilhmcnt, fo as they can fay, the Lords way, by wrangling with them firft, yea, to their fenfe loofing their hold, hath helped to faften it better, and that which for the time did fpeak their cafe mod helplefs, hath made way for his more eminent appearance, and manifefting of himfelf. 4. That their greateft venture, and giving moft out hath ufually had the richeft income, the moft eminent experiences of their life have followed the moft adventurous ads of their faith, yea, upon an after reckoning they have oft found, that their adventuring of life, eftate, and credit on the promife of God, even in thefe things, hath very obfervably been their making. 5. That where they have moft been a friend to their faith, there hath faith alfo been moft a friend to them, in their ftanding to the credit of the promife, over the belly of great- eft objections, and falfe reports raifed thereof, they have found a very evident mark of Gods refpect to the fame, caufing them to fee, that he will honour fuch who thus honour him. And it is indeed worthy of a remark, what we have of Caleb upon record, that he took part with the promife of God againft that difcouraging report which then was raifed of the Anakims, and their walled cities ; and therefore the inheritance of the children of Anzk was given to Caleb and his fons, in their lot, from the Lord. 6. That be- lieving doth always make way for fenfe, and in their clofing with the naked word of promife, they have not wanted the feal of the fpirit of promife, but have found a fweet calm, their burden fenfibly eafed, when once they got it laid over on the word, which they can fay hath been their firft refting place, like the very fixing of the motion of the needle towards it's right point, when their fpirit had been reftlefs, and in greateft agitation. 7. Thatthele great- eft difappointments, which their hope in the word feemed to have, they have found afterwards moft to their advantage, when their returns have not only been according to their faith, but have often exceeded their adventure, and been far beyond what they believed, yea, that from frequent experience they may lay, the iftue of trailing the word, how long foever they thought it deferred, yet, came always in feafon, was never too late and out of time. 8. That this Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. a 9 this did never occafion bitter reflections, or was their upcaft before the world, that they trufted God in a day of ftrait and were not helped ; but this tefti- mony have all fuch left, who have moft credited it in a difmal hour, that none fhould be afraid of them to hazard upon fuch a hand, and venture on the promife, for, their faith hath oft taken them well and comfortably through, where both fenfe and reafon have been ready to fink. Second lnftance, whereby we may fee the performance of the promife in chriftian experience is this, That God truly heareth prayer, is near unto his people for what they call upon him, agreeable to his word, and will anfwer their defires, we have this promife moft exprefs, Tkil. iv. 6. Tfal. xxxii. 16. e Pfel. Ixv. 2. < PfaL xci. 15. Nowtheaccomplifhing of this part of fcri- pturc is lb very clear, that I can atteft the experience of all the generation of the righteous, flnce the beginning, what frequent and unanfwerable confirma- tions they have got of this truth in their chriftian walk, fothat I am fure, no man ever was in earneft in the matter of religion, and a ftranger to this ; yea, that he was never more certainly perfwaded of any thing, than of this that God doth hear prayer. O if mens fouls were but in their fouls ftead whofe evening wreftlings, and teares, the Lord hath oft turned into a morning fong, they fhould know this is no delufion. I (hall here touch fomething of that experience which by many proofs the faints can give as a witnefs to this promife. 1. That when they have oft with Hanna gone in before the Lord in the bitternefs of their fpirit, they have been made to return with a fcnfible and marvelous change in their cafe 5 yea, when in going about prayer, they have been put to wrcftle with much diftemper and deadnefs, they have oft feen the wind difcernably change, and therewith their fpirits lightned from under that burden, an obfervable calm, and ferenity after much inward perturbati- on, yea they can fay that they have found their hearts thawed, and put in a flufh of tendcrnefs, upon the back of a moft fenfible reftraint. 2. That ac- cefs and liberty to pour forth their fouls to God when he hath filled their mouth wirh arguments, and inabled them both to wreflle and wait, they have found a favourable Crijis and begun deliverance, yea, the very turn of a fad cafe, which they have got from the Lord, as the pledge of a further anfwer, and that when he thus prepareth the heatt, he doth caufe his ear to hear. 3. That when they have been under a moft dark cloud, they have found their sky clear, have got a very fenfible tafte of Gods acceptation in prayer and of his taking their futc off their hand, even while the matter wasftill in dependance before him, yea that they have oft had fuch a fatisfying im- preflion of Gods mind, and perfwafion of his anfwering their defire, as hath helped them cheerfully to wait, yea fometimes to fing the triumph before the victory. 4- That when they had been much in prayer, they muft alfo fay, it hath been the time wherein the fpirit hath flourifhed, was moft lively, yea then they had their beft days, then the candle of the Lord fhined upon their paths, and his dew lay all night upon their branches, and they have found there is an evident and proportionable abatement of their fpiritual life, and encouragement in God, according to their flacknefs in the exercife of this duty. 5. They have many times found, that when there was nothing left them , but to return in to God, and they knew of no other way to come through but to pray, and look up, they never found a more fweet and feafonablc deliverance ; fo that moft obfervable times of prayer have been alfo the moft obfervable times of their experience, and they can fay from many proofs, it is no hopelefs bufinefs, which is put over upon God by prayer, though there be fmall outward appearance. 6, That I it go The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part L it is not in vain to follow out a fute before the throne, but accefs and intereft in heaven is as fure a way to come fpeed ( which they know well ) as great- eft intereft upon earth ; having fo evidently found, while many feek the ru- lers favour, that the determination of every thing is from the Lord. y. That prayer with quiet waiting in theufeof means getteth comfortably through, where overcaring and carnal policy, in the ufe of all other fhifts hath been forced to flick. 8. They know by experience, that as there are judicial times, where- in an inhibition as it were is laid on them from the Lord, in their wreftling, yea, and a fore reftraint on their fpirits, which hath been very fenfible, fo alio they have found times of prayer let forth, before fome fpecial mercy, and de- liverance to the church, whereby they could in fome mcafure difcern its near approach. 9. That after fome folemn addrefs, and application to God by prayer and falling in a day of ftrait, they have oft feen caufe even from that day and upward to date a remarkable return and deliverance, in which even common obfervcrs might difcern what an evident anfwer the churches inter- ceiTion with God in times of extremity hath had. 10. I may add, the faints know this fo well by experience that furely God heareth prayer, even in fuch a particular, that they can with much confidence adventure and make an er.rand of the meaneft, as well as their greateft concernments to him, hav- ing fo oft tried and found that ferioufnefs and fincerity in addrefs to God was never in vain, but whatever be the times, therein his promife taketh place, their heart (hall live that feek God. Third lnflance, Is the promife of the Jpirit, and pouring out of the fame y which we have clear in the word, Ifa. lix. 21. J oh. xiv. 16. Luk. iv. 49. Rom. viii. 16. The accomplilhment of which is fo manifefr, fuch a fenfible demonftration thereof, in the experience of the faints that I am fure this can no more be denyed, than thefe who are warmed with the heat of the fun can deny their fenfe and feeling, that the fun hath fuch an influence : and doth not the chriftians fpiritual walk bear as convincing a witnefs to the ful- filling of this promife, as any living man, by walking in the way fheweth that he hath a foul, and principle of life within him. Now to demonftrate this a little I would but touch fome of the ordinary experiences of the faints therein, which they do teftify and by clear undenyable evidences know to be nodelufion. 1. That which caufeth fo real a change upon them, which maketh them alive to God, who once were dead, creating them as it were of new, that which bringeth a clod of earth fo near heaven, railcth fo far above themfelves to a delightful converfe with things not feen, that while their place and abode is here, their company and fellowship is above ,• that which maketh all things new to them, and doth fo far change their nature and inclination, as caufeth them find more fweetnefs in a fpiritual life than in the pleafures of fin, yea, recqncileth them with the law and exercifes of a chriftian, where once there was fuch contrariety, O ! is not this a real efFe& of the fpirit and no imagina- ry thing. 2. That whereof they were altogether ignorant, when they were ftrangers to God, and knew not if there was a Holy Ghoft, but by re- port, now, fince their being born again they find themfelves entred in ano- ther world, brought out of darknefs unto a marvelous light, and of this are fure, that once they were blind, but now they fee, is not this a proof of the truth of this promife? 3. That which maketh them fee more of God in his word and works, at one time than at another j whence is this difFerence* and unequality, the fcriptues are at one time the great found of the law, which are at an other time, but a common found to them 5 the object is the fame, but O! what different manifeftation thereof? whence is it that fuch a light fpring- Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 3 1 fpringeth up in the word, that opcncth up this deep, and maketh them fee the wonders of his law, and within a little but dark night, do not the faints know this well, and that it is no delufion ? 4. That which maketh fuch fenfible liber- ty in their foul and confidence in their approach to God, after, fore bondage and fear, which raifeth them often fo far above their ordinary frame as they are not only quickned and refrefhed themfelves, but do obfervably warm others, O how piercing and favory are their words, which mew what difference there is oft, be- twixt a chriftian and himfelf, betwixt a dead exercife of a gift which reacheth the ear, and that which melteh the heart, and doth even reach by-ftanders with a pleafant perfume. 5. That which maketh fuch a fudden change in their cafe under ordinances, that their heart that died within them as a ftone, e're ever they were aware hath taken life, and need-fire with a word, yea, hath been poured out within them fo as their beloved's voice hath had an other found j O then they think not the time long, the word is the honey from the comb, fo as they have oft wifht a perpetual arreft upon their fpirit in fuch a conditi- on, that none may flirr up their beloved until he pleafe ; can that be any de- lufion ? 6. That which bringeth in promifes feafonably into their mind in the day of their ftrait, and caufeth the word agree fo fuitably to their pre- fent cafe with fuch a fatisfying impreflion of the fame, as doth give moft fen- fible and prefent eafe. 7. That which fo clearly by the word difcovercth to men their own heart, and doth fearch them out in their moft clofe and retired thoughts, that they have been oft made to wonder, how the word is upon all their fecrets ; is not this the candle of the Lord ? 8. That which doth demonftrate their fiate and being in Chrift, by an argument which is be- yond all words, and doth by power in an irrefiftible way anfvver all objecti- ons, and turn the moft froward cafe into a bleffcd calm, and hath made a fimple word more effectual in a moment, than moft perfwafive arguments could be. 9. That which maketh fuch abundant joy fpring up in the heart, when there is no vifible grounds for the fame, like the dry bone gufhing out water, muft furely be fome fupernatural and excellent power, that cannot only bring it out of nothing, but out of contraries. 10. That which giv- eth them fo fenfible a tafte of the powers of the world to come, fuch a ra- vifliing glance of the inheritance, that they could hardly fometime forbear to rife at midnight and fing for joy in the hope thereof, and hath given them fuch a difcovery of God at fome fpecial times, as hath made them judge that all they ever knew of him before, was but by hearing of the ear. 1 1 . That which is fo difcernible and fenfibly felt in the ptefent time, that Chrifts re- turn to the foul and the outletting of the fpirit, hath been as evident oft to the faints, as to that martyr who was forced to cry out at the flake, He is come, he is come ; and hath been fo fwcet when enjoyed, that the remem- brance of fome of thefe times hath been very pleafant and refreming, yea this is fuch a thing as moft obfervably melts the godly man in the way of his duty, according to the word. 12. That is no delufion, the withdrawing where- of is £0 fenfible to them, as it maketh their duty wherein they have had de- light, become their burden, when they are put to row with oars, the wind being gone, and maketh it like night to the foul, when the fun is gone down, and fad experience hath oft (hewed them, how the overclouding of their foul, the withdrawing of the fpirit and comfort doth obfervably follow a fit- ting up of duty and yeilding to any known fin, by which it is grieved. Fourth Jnftance, is that Tromife for direction which God hath given his people in the word, that he will guide them with his Counfel, will or- der, and direcl their fteps, who do commit their way to him, and teach themtheway the/ flail choofe,? fal.xxxvil 5. Pfal. xxv. 9, 14. Pfal. Ixxiii. 24. The 3 % The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. The fulfilling of which hath been fo manifeft to thefe who ever made ear- ned of acknowledging of God in their ways, and committing the conduct thereof to him, that I fhall but atteft their experience, if they have not this remmony to give. i . That to truft God with their cafe, and give him the guiding of their way hath taken them much more eafily through a plunging cafe, than over- caring anxiety, yea, the Lords directing their fteps, and making things fuc- cefsful, when they have committed the fame to him, hath been oiten as fenfi- ble to them, as their ftrait and difficulty was. 2. That the way of the word hath been the bed expedient for taking them fafe and comfortably through, and that they never repented that they did more confult their duty than in- clination, when they were at a ftand about a particular, and did not debate the command, even while there feemed a lion in the way. 3. That they were never left without counfel and direction, when their eye was fingle and feri- ous about it, and it was not fo much want of light as of an heart to clofe there- with, that made their way oft fo dark, but when they fubjectcd themfelves to Gods mind, they found, that fuch who follow him, fhall not walk in dark- nefs. 4. That light and counfel doth meet men in following the command and the practice of known duty, hath helped them to know more their duty, and that light did mod abound when it was their ferious ftudy to follow the fame. 5. They found it was never in vain after Gods mind by prayer, and alfo in the temple to make a reference of a particular to him, when it was too hard for them, but have often feen the word evidently directed to fuch 2nd fuch a cafe, as if they had gotten a return from heaven by an audible voice. <5. They al(o know, that Gods following in light, with a^owerful impreffion, his teaching the reins, and inftructing with a ftrong hand is no delufion, but the fure and well grounded experience of moft folid chriftians in all ages, yea; mod difcernible from any falfe impulfe, and that fomc fpecial piece of work and fervice, which God hath lay'd in their way, wants not ufually fome fpecial call, backed with fuch light and authority, as in an irrefiftible way, can an- fwer all objections, to make them go bound in the fpirir, about fuch a duty. 7. How Gods fpecial directing hand hath been oft very obfervable, not only in preventing and croffing their way to withdraw them by fome fharp difpen- fation from their purpofe; but fenfibly overpowering them, fo that they have been plucked as it were back from unavoidable hazard, that they could not find their paths. 8. I fhall add, they have oft obfervably found, how eafy their way was made to them when the Lord doth countenance and profper the fame ; what fweet concurrence of providences, how then difficulties have moft fenfibly been taken out of the way, yea, wind aud tide going along with them, in fuch a manner, that they have been forced to fee and con- fefs a divine hand therein. Fifth lnftance, is the promlfe of pardon and forgivenefs which God hath given his people in the word, that for his names fake he will blot out their iniquity, and remember their fin no more, yea, is ready to pardon, which is exprefly held forth to thefe who are truly humbled, Mic. vii. 18. Jer. xxxi. 34, If. xliii. 25. Now that there is a real accomplifhment of this, I am fure the expedience of the faints can in all ages clearly witnefs, what joy and peace this hath occafioned, what a fenfible demonftration and folemn con- firmations they have had of this promife, fo as their very bones might fing j Who is like unto thee y O Lord? It is true real pardon of fin doth not. always infer the fenfible feeling thereof, and when it is remitted in heaven, there is not always a declaration of it in the confeience, but it is alfo fure, that this is fenfibly felt, and that it is tryed by all, even all the generation of the righ- 5 teous Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 35 tcous to have had as powerful an operation on a difquict, troubled foul, as ever wine, or the choiceft cordial could have on the fick , or faint; O! if thefe who queftion this, were in their cafe, to whom God fpeaketh peace af- ter a ftorm, they mould know how real and certain that is: I would offer the chriftians witnels to this promife, from many, many experiments, by which the Lord hath lealed it to their foul, whereby they knew afiurcdly it is no fancy or delufion. 1. How this hath as fenfible a connection with the fcrious excrcife of con- trition and repentance in their experience, as it certainly hath in the word and promife ; while they find, that in filence, and keeping up their cafe from God, their bones have been troubled, their fpirit in a reftlefs and difquict conditi- on, until once they made an addrefs, and got their foul vented by confeffing to the Lord which was then like a kindly turn and cool of a fever. 2. They know it is no delufion that is found fo certain a cure to a wonuded fpirit, un- der the fenfe of fin, a wound which the world and all itsdiverfions could ne- ver heal, whofe pain and grief no muftck can allay (a drop of divine dif- pleafure being enough to turn all their pleafures into wormwood and gall ) but, O! atafte of this unfpeakable cordiai, one warming look of a reconci- led God, they know by experience, can give prefent eafe. 3. It is no de- lufion which they can command no more than the fun to fhine when over- clouded, or the wind to blow, but when it lifteth, which the moft perfua- ding moral arguments can no ways effectuate, nor all their former experience, yea, the letter of moft refre fh ing promi fes, which fometimes are to them, but as the white of an egg without taftc, until once the fpirit breath, which not only difcovercth the ground of their joy in the word, but doth alfo caufe them to rejoyce therein, when it fhineth upon the fame. 4. It muft be no delufion which caufeth fo marvelous a change that after greateft difquiet- ing fears, they have found moft fenfible manifeftations of love, the greateft: flood on the back of the loweft ebb in their fpirituai condition, which oft hath forced them to retreat, what their fears and jealoufies did utter j yea, hath made them enquire with wonder, whence they are fo chearful to day, who yefter- night were fo broken and crufht : whence their fpirit mould be in fo fweet a calm, that fo lately was like the raging and troubled fea. 5. That this hath oft met them, as a bleft furprizal and unexpected welcome, when they have in a backfliding cafe come in to God, they certainly know, that when they knew not how to adventure, and at what end of their raveled con- dition to begin, counts having run long over, yet on their very firft addrefs have got a fweet difappointment to their fears, been helped to their feet, yea, fome times have had as it were the fatted calf killed to make merry with their friends. 6. That which hath an audible voice within, fo ftrong an impref- fion upon the foul, which carrieth with it fuch a clear fatisfying difcovery of Gods heart and love, is furely no delufion, while the intimation of that one truth, Tour fins are forgiven ; or any other word of promife for that end, they have found to be an argument beyond words, which they could not re- fift, but for the time, have been as lure, they fee and feel this, as that they live, yea, can no more now call it in queftion, than formerly they could get it believed. 7. That is no delufion which caufeth them with another kind of freedom, approach to God, maketh them know there is a fpirit of adop- tion which fets the foul at liberty from the fore bondage and thraldom under which their former backfliding had put them, yea, a thing not only fenfibly felt by themfelves, but may be difcerned by others, while they cannot fmother the joy of their heart or hide in their countenance fuch a change of their condition, that truly God hath dealt comfortably with them. 8. Hath K not 34 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. not this the faints in all ages witnciTed even a joy unfpeakable and full of glory, which though but of (hort continuance, yet for the prefcnt fo ftrong, as hath ravifhed their foul with the hope of the inheritance above, and clear view of their intercft in it, yea, fometimes, made them fing for joy, in expectation of that blelled day, but, O! this is better felt than exprefTed. 9. And in a word, can that be a delufion that hath oft turned the poor mans hell into a heaven, which tryfts the chriftian in the way of his duty, and the work doth io cxa&ly anfwerthe promife, mod fenfibly felt after greateft fhakingsof the 1 confcicnce by the law, and can make a fad outward lot fo very fwect and pleafant, caufe them triumph over the wrath of men, to fing in a dungeon, to abound and have all things under greateft wants, look grim death chear- fully in the face in its mod dreadful afpeel, yea, doth make fo great and vi- able a difference betwixt the chriftian and himfelf. Sixth Inftance, Is that promife of encouragement and fupport under the crofs, which is cxprefly held forth in the word, that the Lord will own his people, bear their charges, and be with them in trouble in the day of their fuffering for his truth ; yea, will bind up the broken in heart, and heal their wounds, Pfal. xci. 15. Ifa. xliii. 2. xli. 17. and xlix. 14. Pfal. ix. 9. Ifa. li. 12. Now that this promife is a truth, and hath a certain accomplish- ment, the experience of the faints in all ages will witnefs, and we know their tcftimony is true, what at folemn times of Gods prefence they have had in a barren wildernefs, how great a cloud of witneffes doth feal this, and give their tcftimony to the crofs of Chrift, of which we may fay, the fame and fweet favour hath gone forth and fpread abroad through the church, the fathers have told it to the children, and one generation to another, but how little a part thereof can be exprelTed ! I think it would be a marvelous record, if the iufTering and prifon experiments of the faints were particularly fetdown, what they have found under the crofs, but it is well, we know this promife hath 1 been, and this day is evidently fealed, concerning which I dare atteft the ex- f perience of as many as did ever drink of this bleffed cup, and were counted worthy to fufFer for the teftimony of Chrift, if this be not faithful and true witneiles. 1 . That they have oft attefted what communion with God is in the fecret duties of a chriftian, alfointhe publick ordinances, and in a fpecial meafure, at fome more folemn times, but O! never knew his prefence and commu- nion with him more fenfibly than under the crofs, yea, have found that the work, and fervice of a fuffering timc^ as it is not the ordinary fervice of eve- ry day, hath alfo a peculiar, and more than ordinary allowance. 2. That they never knew divine ftrength more fenfibly, than when they have been moft prelTcd above their own ftrength, that in the day they were caft on Gods immediate care and ordinary means of their help moft withdrawn, they had never lefs caufe to complain, but might often fay this as their experience, they thirfted not when he led them through the wildernefs, yea, that they have no times of their life found their mercies more obfervably come to them, more fweet and fatisfying, than when by prayer and believing, they were put to dig the well, and wait for the rain coming down to fill it. 3. That they never found more true liberty than in the houfe of bondage, more refrefh- ing company than amidft their greateft folitude, while they found him near, whom gates and barrs cannot fhut out in the day when ail things el fe feemed to frown upon them, that their midnight fongs have been fweeterthan all the profperity they fometimes enjoyed, and that they have oft proved, that the deeper any are in affliction for Chrift and his truth, they are alfo the deeper in confolation. 4. Thevmuft fay the moft fatisfying, and clear difcoveries of Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. i$ of the word are under fearching and fharpeft trials, that a fan&ifycd exercifing affliction, they have found one of the beft interpreters of the Bible, and the word then to be another thing, than it is at other times, yea, even to have been that to them, which they could defire it to be, fo as they are fure it hath been fhaped out and directed for that prefent plunge their foul was in. j. That there is a very eafy paffage and difpatch betwixt heaven and an opprefled af- flicted foul, an obfervable vent by prayer, and more fenfible accels to Gods face, when other things have mod frown'd, yea, they can witnefs from expe- rience, he fiayeth his rough wind in the day of his Eaft wind. While he fhutteh one door he hath fet another open, that when the ftorm without hath been very fharp, they have found a fweet calm and fun-fhine within to make it eafy, and when he layeth on one fore trial, he will take another off. 6 They can tell what a fweet comfortable parting they have oft had with fome fharp trial, which at the firft was bitter as death, but in the clofe, after fan&irkdexercife under the fame, they have found caufe to leave it their blef- ftng, and confefs that the time of greateft jealoufie, and fear upon theic part, they have found on Gods part, hath been a time of greateft kind- nefs and love, the fharpeft wounds from fuch an hand and heart as his, hath tended to a cure, yea, that circumftance and ingredient in the fame, which of all was molt bitter and grievous, even there they have found their deliverance and encouragement moft remarkable. 7. That the peculiar advantage of a fanctifyed trial is not fo well feen in the prefent time, as afterwards, when the cafe hath altered, then they found a long and rough ftorm recompenced at their landing, with a rich loading of experience, another kind of difcovery of God, his way, and the certainty of his word than they formerly had at- tained to 5 fo as now they can fpeak of him, and the good of the crofs, and adventuring any thing for Chrift, with fome greater efteem, on an other ground than report, or an hearing thereof by the ear. 8. 1 fhall add what hath been the frequent teftimony of thefe who ever endured tribulation for the gofpel, that their remembrance and after reckoning, upon this account hath not been fad or bitter, when they fat down, and compared their gain with their lofs, their upmaking with thefe days of trial that have gone over their head, that they would not then exchange their experience, or want what they have found by the crofs, no not for many more days of trouble and af- fliction. Seventh Inftance, is that promife of the word which integrity, in an evil time hath, that it fhall preferve their fteps, and be the beft mean to help thefe through that keep Gods way, yea, even in this life fhall not want fome witnefs of Gods refpect, 'Pfal. xviii. 25. 'Pfal. cxii. 4. Rev. iii. 10. Now to hold forth the accomplifhment of this, I may with confidence appeal to the obfervation of the faints in all ages, who ever made it their lerious ftudy to keep their garments clean in a time of tryal, if their experience hath not this teftimony to give. 1. That though at prefent, honefty in evil times hath brought them in hazard, and with Jofeph to a prifon ; yet, it hath brought them out alfo, with obfervable advantage, yea, however the Lord did order their deliverance, they have found this did land them well, and always bring them to a comfortable harboury. 2. That honefty and faithfulnefs hath an authority even on the confeience of their enemies, and leaveth ufually a conviction upon them : yea, hath forced a teftimony and approbation from fuch men, and they have oft found better entertainment, than thefe who in a finful way have fought to pleafe them. 3. They have found this always the choiceft expedient and beft policy in a dangerous time, which hath obfervably met them, when they had 3 6 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. had moft to do ; a thing whereof they have reap'd the fruits in the day of their ftrait and times of judgment, yea, though it hath occafioncd fometimc their buffering, yet it hath been alio their fafcty and protection from fadder,. fufferings. 4. That though integrity is oft under a dark cloud of reproach, yet itgetteth flili well out from under the fame, and hath Chined ufually more bright afterward : So as they might have had caufc to obferve, what unexpected means the Lord hath made uie of, for their clearing. 5. That while their enemies might have (were it not for the preventing goodnefs of God) quar- relled upon fome other ground, they have been obfervablv led to purfue, and make them the but of their malice for their honcfiy and that wherein they have peace before God, and have been kecped from hitting on the right caufe. 6. They find how un(peakably fvveet this is upon an afer reckoning, and in the evening of their life, that then they reap a comfortable harveft of that they have fown with much differing, and tears; O! then it doth not repent them that integrity was their choice. 7. They have fometime found a hundred fold even in this life, and an obfcrvable advantage in that which they have been willing to lofs and hazard moft. 8. They muft alfo fiy, integrity was never their ruin, but deliverance was oft brought about in a way they could not have cxpe&ed, yea the Lords fhutting all other doors upon them, hath been that he might open one himfclf, like Ragars well fpring- ing up in the wildernefs. 9. That in making their aim, when they had a large heart for God, they have not then wanted an opportunity for eviden- cing the fame, their encouragement hath abounded with their duty, and they have got much in, in giving much out for Chrift, that there was no fuch feaft in the world, as they have fenfibly found in the teftimony of a good con- feience. Eight Infiance, is that promt fe which is held forth to the chriftian in the word, of Jlrength, and ajjiftance to go about duties, I fa. xl. 29, 31. Pfal. xviii. 6, 14. Pfal. lxxxiv. 5. Pfal. lxviii. 28. Toclear this, that it hath an unqueftionable performance, I attelt the experience of the generation of the righteous; who ever knew what it was to ferve the Lord in the fpirit, who by many fcnfible confirmations, have not proven the certainty of thefe things ? 1 . That when they have gone about duty under much deadnefs and ftrait- nefs of fpirit, they have found a very fenfible enlargemet, and got their bonds loofed, which furely they could no more command, without the con- currence of divine help, and fomething above nature than thefe who fpread out the fail can command a fair wind, when it is crofs. 2. That Cods help and concurrence was nevermore difcernible carrying them through, and making ftronger than in the day, that, to their own fenfc, they were moft weak, when they have gone about duty under greateft fears and fainting in fpirit. 3. That when they had moft confidence in themfelves, and judg- ed they were at greateft advantage in their going about fome duty, they have ufually had the faddeft retreat, and found that a fure truth, the race is not to the fwift, nor the battel to the ftrong. 4. They know well what an influence divine concurrence hath, not only upon their inward frame, but alfo upon the exercife of their gifts, yea, upon the common (labilities of judge- ment and memory, and that there is a moft remarkable difference, betwixt themfelves at one time, and another, according to the blowing of this wind. 5. They muft alfo witnefs this as their experience, they found duty never more eafy to them, than when they have had moft to do and were keeped thronged: therein ; yea, when much work was laid on their hand, they then wanted not an enlarged allowance for the fame. 6. That their fpirits have been fitted for duty and carried through difficulties, where at fome other time, and Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 37 and in another frame they would have fainted, and thereby feen, that none need to fcare at any piece of duty, when God calleth them to it, for while difficulties have appeared greateft at firft, the lefs they have found them after- ward, yea, the hardeft piece of fervice oft made moft eafy. 7. They find God doth raife the fpirit of his followers with a fuitable elevation for their work, and can fit them for the fervice of that time and other trials thereof, even beyond their ordinary reach. 8. That there is an open door, and fen- fible afiiftance, when there hath been work for the Gofpel in fuch a place, while on the other hand they have found an inhibition fenfibly fcrved on them, the door as it were fhut when the tide was going back, and the word of the Gofpel at a ftand in fuch a part. 9. That it is not greateft abilities which make undertakings fuccefsful, it being in vain to rife up early without the Lord. 10. It hath oft been their experience, that in following the way of God, his candle did then mine upon their paths, the fpirit of the Lord was with them, and fenfibly let out, the withdrawing whereof hath been no lefs difcernible, while they turned afide from him, that they have then been put to bear the burden alone, and found difficulty and defpondency of fpirit at once growing upon their hand. 1 1 . I may add what thefe who are feri- ous in religion have oft tried, that there is no fuch help and furniture, for going about duties as a fpiritual frame, and nearnefs with God, for then light and counfel, inward freedom and fvveet compofure of fpirit have brought moft fenfible advantage to them, their greateft, yea and in their moft common un- dertakings, this hath been very evident. Ninth Inftance, is that great promife, we have Rom. viii. 28. That all things Jhall work together for good to them who love God, and Pfal. xxv. 10. All the paths ef the Lord are mercy, and truth to fuch as keep his co- venant. I confefs it is not eafy fomctimes to reconcile Gods way and this piece of his part together, thefe who take only an ordinary paffing look of providence, and cannot well judge, how fuch things, wherewith oft the godly in their life aretryfted, fhould contribute to their good and advantage; while nothing would fecm more directly crofs to the fame ; but the chriftian and wife obferver can give another account, they know what a fure truth this is, that there is no real jar betwixt the promife and providence of God in this matter ; and whatever be the prefent thoughts, patient on waiting hath had caufe to fay this. 1. When his way and their thoughts have moft differed, in the accom- plifhmcnt of his word, and bringing about their mercy, they have found it was to their advantage, that his choice was always better than theirs, yea they have been oft made to confefs that their faddeft difappointments therein have tended to their further advantage. 2. That the Lord's denying them fomc outward thing which they have moft defired, they have found ( as after- wards hath appeared ) was to grant them more than their defire ; he hath re- fufed them as it were an IJhmael, that he might give them an Ifaac. 3. They can oft fay they had been undone if they had not been undone j that it was their mercy, the Lord took fuch a way to caft them in a fever, to prevent a Lethargy, and by fome fharp crofs, gave them a wound in the flefh to cure and let out fome grofs impoftume in their foul, which mould have made their cafe worfe. 4. How greateft makings have helped their further eftablifhment, fo as they were never more confirmed than in that about which they have been moft wrangled ; yea, they have alfo found this the Lords way to cure their frowardnefs, and unbelief by fome further addition to their crofs ; that when they would not believe, he hath caufed them come in upon a greater difadvantage, while as a fmall affliction hath made them impatient, a L more 3 8 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Fart I. ■ i ■ ■ ■ ■■ — ■ ■■ f i n ii i m i — i. ■- — — -■■■ i ■ .. ■■ .,- — ■ i i ■ ii . i ..,.. more heavy and prefling trouble hath been their cure, and helped them to keep filence under Gods hand. 5 . That the growing of difficulties in their way, and fome further preffure in the trial, they have found it was from the Lord, in order to its removal, and to the bringing forth of fome greater good, and that all vifiblc grounds of confidence have been oft broken, but with this advantage that their mercy, they had it more immediately out of Gods own hand, yea that the lefs moderation was whilft their trial hath come to an extre- mity, they have found it then upon the turn, and their hope and encourage- ment oft made to fpring up therewith. 6. How the Lords deferring their mercy which they had oft fought hath been indeed their mercy and advantage, which did always come to them in feafon, yea they muft fay his way is al- ways neareft, and waiting on God without making hafte doth truly make the quickeft difpatch. 7. Their experience can alfo witnefs, how mens re- proach and venting their malice that way to ruin their reputation, hath oft been the very mean ordered by the Lord, to bring forth their further clearing and vindication, even by that very mean. 8. How by fome fad crofs he doth oft prevent a fadder, which though ftrange at firft, have been forced upon af- ter difcovery to eonfefs : <( The man who riding in hafte to the fea-port, to *' have paflage over feas with a fhip going then off, fell and broke his leg by " the way, which was the faving of his life, for the fhip, and all its pafTen- yea, they have found there is a mercy within a mercy, and fome peculiar mercy in every crofs, which is only found and brought forth by the exercifed ferious improver of the fame. 1 1 . That much fincerity hath alfo much fenfe following the fame, fecret honefty before God hath met them openly before men, and faithfulnefs in chriftian freedom purchafed them more fa- vour and refpecl even from the worft, than when they ftudied moft to pleafe them in a finful way. 12. That they never faw more clearly the gain and real advantage of godlinefs, and what a difference there is betwixt thefe that ferve God, and thefe that ferve him not, as in time of trouble and ftrait, how that in tendernefs their former walk, and that which they entertained in the morning, doth now meet them at night, and pay them home with advantage in an hour of temptation. 13. They have been forced to obferve that there is an invifible guard about his people in their duty, that the miniftery of the angels towards fuch is no delufion, and have oft been made to wonder how hazard within an hair-breadth hath been prevented, relief and help come as betwixt the bridge and the water 5 how they have been fenfibly preferved amidft greateft dangers, while, as it were, an inhibition hath been ferved upon thefe, that they fliould come near, but not hurt, and only met with them, 4-o The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. them, that they might read their prefervation from them. 14. That an enlarged heart doth meet with an enlarged allowance, and bearing burden with others of the people of God, hath helped to make their own private burden the lighter. 15. That real godlinefs and religion hath as much in hand, as may be a reward to its felf; which beautifieth the foul, and mak- cth the face and converfation to fhine with an obfervable luftre, that guard- eth and preferveth the heart from many vexing crolTes, preventeth fad ftroaks and forrows that others are pierced with, who will follow their idols and the ways of fin, which are bitter in the clofe. In a word, this is furely found, that God is the belt friend, and when there is peace with him, things without do not offend, but they (hall then underftand what it is to be in league with thebeafts of the field and ftones of the ground, having a fweet agreement with all provi- dences and difpenfations that come in their way. V. That the Scripture thr earnings have alfo a certain accomplifhment, are found to be fad earneft, and do not fall to the ground, the chriftian can alfo feal from his experience. It is not here to be underftood the threatings of wrath ( from which believers are freed in Chrift ) but of a fatherly dif- pleafure, which becaufe of fin, may draw deep, yea, bring forth very dread- ful effects, to witnefs that it is an evil and bitter thing to depart from God, and that their own doings mail chaftife them, and thefe threatnings of the covenant, If thy children for fake my law, 1 will punijh their tranjgrefflon with rods, &c. Pfal. Ixxx. 30. are fure truths which want not in every time a performance. To clear this er'e I fpeak any thing particularly I would premit fomethings to be confidered. 1. That the word is a perpetual rule, which in every time muft take place, and though affliction is a piece of the common mifery of man, yet, doth it not arifc out of the duft, neither fall out at an adventure, but doth oft vifibly follow the tract of fin, as a flouth-hound, pointing at fuch evils as thecaufe, by the ftroak, and at the truth and fulfilling of the threatnings, written upon both. 2. We fhould adore his foverajgnty whofe way both in the meafure and manner of his peoples chaftifement, is fo various, as that none can in- fallibly conclude, what he is to do in fuch a cafe, I mean we are not to limit the Lord to fuch a way and method in his working ; yet, this we may aflert and firmly conclude, that not only the threatnings of the word have a per- formance, but men may alfo have, even beforehand fome more than probable conjecture, yea, a clear difeovery, what fuch a cafe doth threaten, and what will be the iffue of a finful courfe, by confidering the Lords ordinary procedure, both with themfelves and others, how fin hath very fad effects, and his way in all ages is mil uniform agreeing with its felf, and with the word. 3 . Tho' a graeious ftate doth furely fave from wrath and condemnation, yet not from affliction and ftroaks of divine anger becaufe of fin > for he taketh venge- ance on mens inventions, even when he will (pare the inventors. 4. The Lord doth oft contend with his people for their folly and mifcarriages, more feverely than with others, and will not let pafs in them that which he pafieth by in the world, without being a reprover ; but when light and love and the law will not hedge in their v/ay , he will fet briers and thorns before them, yea, fpeak by chaftifement upon their bones, to withdraw men from their purpofe. 5. It is known, how very deep the holy anger of God may draw againft his children* even fometimes, to purfue them out of the land of the living, and follow them to the grave, with fome remarkable ftroak, yea, it hath made them dreadful examples of judgment in this life, for whom, he hath accepted an eternal facrifice in Chrift. 6. I fhall add, this is the Lords bleifed end in making out his threatnings againft his people, that they fhould not perifh with the world. O ! what a bleft exchange is it, that the flaming Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 41 flaming fword which once flood to guard the tree of life, dorh now ftand as it were in the way of the faints, to keep them from running into the paths of death. Having premitted thefe things, I fhall now inftance fome particular evils, wherewith the godly are ready to be overtaken, which the word doth expref- ly threaten and hold forth the hazard of, both as to outward and fpiritual ftroaks, and give in here the chriftians wirneis from their experience in all ages of the truth of thefe threatnings. First Security ', and carnal confidence, which we find the word doth threaten, is an evil wherewith chriftians are ready to be overtaken ; but they do alio know by fad experience, what bitter fruit this brings forth, and that therein the word falleth not to the ground, which is held forth, Hof. ii. 1. 9. Ho/iv'u. 9- Ifa.xxx. 16, 17. 1. That a fecure condition is the ufual forerunner of fome fad change, that when they are mod at eafe in a dull and dead temper of fpirit, tome fharp roufing difpenfation is upon the back of it, either a grols fin, or a fearching crofs, as a thorn in the bed of their fecuriry to put them to their feet. 2. That feldom reckoning with the confeience, the running on of accounts for fome time upon their hand, doth put their cafe into a fad confufion and maketh it a bitter, and burdenfome work to retire alone, or within them- felves, yea, hath a moft direct: tendency to a further hardening, and real giv- ing up of their duty. 3. That when fecurity, and deadnefs groweth within, it quickly maketh them dry up and wither without, in the external per- formance of duty, and in that vigorous lively appearance which did former- ly luftre their walk and carriage before others, fo as very byftanders may read the languishing of grace in the dead exercile of their gifts. 4. That going about duty with moft confidence in themfelves doth ufually give them the moft clear difcovery of their weaknefs, yea, when they have leaft lookt for any crofs, they have then been fure to meet with it with that fad addition, of being a furprizal in a fecure condition, whereas on the other hand they may tell, what refrefhing difappointments they have got where fome trials have been moft feared and lookt for. 5. That fecure (porting with a temptati- on may foon turn to fad earned, and they have found it very hard to dance about the fire and not be burnt, and the temptation, which at a ciftance feem- ed fmall, upon a nearer approach, they have found moe bands on their heart, and was another than they could have believed. 6. That the means whereon they have laid moft weight, they have alfo found, have given them the faddeft difappointment, the putting of them in Gods room, and out of their own place hath been the way to caufe them mifcarry, yea, to turn their crofs, whereas they have oft feen fome thing unexpected made the mean of their help, that they might know means are ordered of the Lord, and are ufe- ful, becaufe he maketh them fo. 7. Their experience can alfo witnefs that carnal confidence defpifing the trial at a diftance, is ufually punifhed with carnal diffidence and delpondency of fpirit under the fame, one extremity made the punifhment of the other, like the hot and cold fits of an ague, which do mutually make one the other more intenfc, yea, that their immoderate confidence and expectation of a thing, hath after refolved in as immoderate difcouragement, as their ftrokc. Second, The chriftians unwatchfulncfs, and intermitting in the exer- cife of that fo neceffary and commanded duty, we find the word threateneth, and holdeth forth the hazard thereof, Left ye enter into temptation, the proof thereof their experience can alio witnefs, Luke xxi. 34. 36. Matth. xxvi. 41, M 1. That I . ■ .. — I I ■ I ■ ■ I 1 I I II 41 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. i. That it is not eafy to guide their walk and convention when their guard over the heart doth flacken, but the giving loofe reins for a little may make fuch a fad and large breach, that many many days will not eafily make up, yea they do alfo know, how a fenfible withdrawing of the fpirit, and dry- ing up of their life and liberty is the ufual fruit which unwatchfulnefs brings forth. 2. That this helpeth to make their fun-fhine (hort, caufeth a low ebb after the greateft enlargement, whilft they do not guard againft peculiar evils, and thatufually there doth haunt fuch a condition, the fwelling of the flefh, when the fpirit is moft enlarged, which will foon put them as far behind, as they formerly thought themfelves at an advantage. 3. That when once the heart lieth open, it is quickly feifed on and made a prey, with what a bitter fling doth it return, after it hath taken liberty to wander ? yea, doth find there is a fwift progrefs that fin hath from the thoughts to the rol- ling of it to the imagination, and thence to the affection, wherewith it is more eafy to engage, than to (hake this off. 4. That unwatchfulnefs hath oft turned the moft ipecial times and opportunities for advantage to the great- eft lofs which through their neglect of thefe, hath put them further behind than they were, it hath turned their retirement and folitude to be their mare made the defert worfe, and more dangerous than the city, and made them find that vain thoughts the following whereof feemeth pleafant to the mouth, will prove gall and wormwood in the belly, there being no fadder company than a mans fpirit let loofe upon it fclf, whilft they cannot ftop that current, whereto they had given a vent. 5. Their experience of this can witnefs that unwatchfulnefs hath an undoubted tendency to caft off prayer, how hard is it in the evening to retire to God, whilft the heart is abroad all the day ? To be religious in worihip, when men are not fo in their walk? Yea they do find that this will bring their diftemper within out at doors to fome diforder, impertinency,or paffion in their words or outward communication,a thing which experience may tell doth wound the foul, make a fad breach in their peace, and doth quickly overcloud the fpirit, and unfit them for communion with God and going about of fpiritual duties. Third, To reftrain prayer, and negletl calling on God is an evil alfo which the word doth threaten, and hold forth the fame hazard thereof, as of unwatchfulnefs, left ye enter into temptation, yea, that this is even a ftep to the calling off fear, the chriftians experience, from frequent trial can witnefs, that this fcripture threatning is true, Matth. xxvi. 41. Jobw. 4. 1. That they have found this the rife, which giveth life and increafe to their prevailing evils, and that corruption then is upon a fenfible growth, as the lively excrcife of prayer begins to be intermitted. 2. That this wear- eth out their fpiritual life and bringeth a confumption upon the vital lpitits of chriftianity, fo that thefe who fometime flourifhed and kept green, as by the fcent of water, that correfpondence which they had with the fountain of their life, while his dew did lye all night on their branches, hath through neglect of prayer been brought to a poor fhadow ; fo although fometimes the great- nefs of their lofe and diftemper hath been hid from themfelves, yet, might be eafily difcerned by on-lookers. 3. That wearing out of prayer and of de- light therein will quickly make them difrelifh any other part of religion, put them out of frame to meditate, or to give thanks, or entertain fcllowfhip with the faints, yea, the more lively and fpiritual thefe are, itmaketh them the more burden and torment to them 4. That wearing out of this is a ftrong temptation to a further forbearance, and will fenfibly wear them out of any fenfe of their need thereof, and make them ftrangers to themfelves and to their own cafe, fo that they (hall find, the lefs they are in this exercife, 4 the Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 43 the further they (hall be indifpofed and the fewer errands they have, the kfs felt neceflity of the fame. 5. Their experience can alfo witnefs that little prayer makcth a heavy burden, doth multiply their (traits and caufe their care grow as this is abated; they muft then bear their burden alone, and with heavinefs take counfel within themfclves, while they ply not this bleft tried remedy to make their requefts in all things known to God. Fourth. IVe find the word doth threaten defection from the truth, and turning from the way of God in a time of trial, as an evil into which thefe that are kept by grace from final apoftafie may yet through the violence of a temptation fall, Jer. ix. 1 3. 15. e i*fil. Ixxxix. 30, 32. Jof.w'm. 1 1. and their fad experience can witnefs, the truth of the fcripture threatnings concerning this alfo, while they have found. 1. That in one day they may adventure on that, which through raoft of their life they have not got above it, but hath made them go with their back bowed down to the grave ; that there giving the Lords work a wrong touch is one of thefe things which doth fcarcely leave them all their time, but, be- yond other fins they have found this ft ill come up with a bitter and heavy re- flection, yea, in the evening of their life they have found this fo fore on their fpirit, that it could not lye hid or filent but were forced to witnefs their fenfc of it before the world, er'e they could get to any eafe. 2. That this the Lord doth ufually meet with fome fharp and publick reproof even before men, that though he pardon his people, yea, give fome fenfible intimation thereof to their fouls, yet, he hath not pafi them, as to fome vifible mark of hisdil- pleafure, becaufeof fuchathing. 3. They fee that a crooked and unclean- ly way proves not the means of extricating them out of trouble, but their ftraits have been made to grow therewith, yea they have found that which they efliewed in God's way, hath more fadly met them in another rod, and that there is a thick dreg in the bottom of the cup, which maketh it worfe to drink thereof at the clofe, than at the beginning. 4. That it is not eafy to make a ftand in turning afide from the way of God, when once they are engaged, a retrograd motion is very violent, and yielding in a little will bring with it fome neceility of going further, as a judicial ftroke. 5. That neglect- ing of fome clear opportunity, to give a teftimony for the truth, when called thereto, hath turned to be their judgement, that they fhould not have further accefsorbe made ufeful that way; a thing truly obvious to fuch, as are wife to obferve the judgements of God in their time ; yea, likewife that publick back-fliding, doth oft vifibly wear men out of perfonal tendernefs. Fifth. Unfubduednefs of fpirit, and want of mortification to outward things, the word doth clearly threaten, and hold forth its hazard, the ac- complilhment whereof chriftians experience can witnefs, Rom. viii. 6, 7. 1 . That God hath oft turned their idol to be their crofs, put a mark of his jealoufy on their deareft things, when once they put them in his room, yea, frequent obfervation of the Lord's way both with themfelves and others doth fhew, if they would be rid of a thing, they may fet their heart immoderate- ly on it, fuch eagernefs and exorbitancy of aflfeclion being a fure prefage, it fhall either be their judgement or forrow or ceafe to be. 2. That out- ward things did never yield lefs than whilft they preft them moft, that when they are eager in purfuit of the world, and fatisfa&ion there, their fpirits are fenfibly hurried with many perturbations, fo that they muft fay, that which keepeth them from enjoying of God doth alfo hinder the comfortable enjoying of themfelves. 3. They have found that flow advance in the work of mortification, hath at laft doubled their fmart, and been the con- curring caufe of fome very fharp cure, when the difeafe did come to that height, 44 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. height, that a fmall and ordinary potion could not do the turn. 4. That immoderate defire, and pieffing after an outward thing, they have fometime got anfwercd, but therewith a fharp reproof from the Lord, yea, ufually have found fmall fatisfaftion in their enjoying that, about which they were fo in- tent in their purfuir, give children, or elfe I dye, faid Rachel, fhe got chil- dren and fhe dyed in bringing one of them forth. 5. Their experience can alfo witneis how overeating anxiety hath oft caufed things thrive worfe under their care, whilft they found never a more fatisfying ifiue in a parti- cular, than by a quiet, fubmiffive dependence on the Lord for the fame. Sixth. The doing violence to light t and finning with a witnefs againft the confeience, as it is clearly threatned in the word, fo likewife the (ad ef- fects theteof hath been clearly witnefled, in all ages, Trov. xxix. 1. Tfal. lxxxi. 11. 12. 1. What a direft tendency this hath to the further darkning of their light, and to a judicial hardening, and that reproofs not entertained do ufually be- come lefs frequent, yea, lefs pungent and fearching ; their heart then doth not fo eafily fmite them, and put the tear in their eye, as fometimes a word, or fecret rebuke of the confeience would have done, fo as they can now di- geft greater things, who would fometimes have flood at that, which compa- ratively was very fmall. 2. That when they would not read their bofom diftemper, which both by the word and confeience was pointed out,, others have got leave to read the fame written on their forehead, the fhifting of dif- covered guilt, and of all ferious endeavour to get the quarrel taken away in fecret betwixt God and them, hath brought the matter at laft, to fome pub- lick hearing, even before the world. 3. That their darkening of their light upon fome private intereft, while they would again and again enquite if fuch a thing be warrantable, concerning which the Lord had once cleared their mind, is a moft perilous thing, yea hath got an anfwer according to the idol of their heart, and their choice made to be their judgment. I lhall but add what bitter and fad experience can tell, how dreadful it is to give the confei- ence a thruft which is more eafily hurt than healed, that deliberate adventuring on the occafion of temptation, when they would go to the high priclYs hall without warrant, or a calling, hath coft them dear j and they have found that bold finning doth afterward make faint believing. (5 ) I know it is by the ferious and experienced chriftians, and by thefe on- ly, this argument in the meaning thereof can be reached, and it is fure, fuch will not debate the fame, who know the truth and have it dwelling in them, and on another ground than report are eftablifhed in its certainty ; for thefe can witnefs what fweet comforting hours they have had with ]cfus Chriit in a fad uncomfortable time, that he hath both fpoken, and himfelf alfo hath done it, and mult therefore fcal his word and the truth thereof, becaufe he hath feal- ed it on their heart ; yea, do fo finely know, it is God who worketh all their works in them, that with their laft words and dying breath, they have confidence to affert this, and commend that excellent fludy of godlinefs to others. I know that with a great many of the world, this grave convincing argu- ment of experience hath no weight, for ftrangcrs intermedlc not with that joy, and therefore fancy it a pure fi&ion, as the only expedient and preferva- tive to their heart, from the horror and inexprcflible torment, which muft feafe on them, if the certainty and necefTity of godlinefs were granted, thefe fcoffat this excellent thing, as fome vain conceit or diftemper j becaufe they would have it fo. But with fuch, I muft here crave a fcricus and free com- •muning, yea in fo great and concerning a bufinefs muft obteft they would net 1 (hut Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 47 fhut their eyes, but allow reafon that room, they would do in any other cafe ; what do you alledge, on what ground do you reject this great witnefs of experience ? If you deny it, becaufe you have not found it, do not others af- fert this, becaufe they furely know it ? And their aflcrtion hath thefe two ad- vantages, one, that they once had the fame fentiment and opinion with you, which now they reflect on with much horror. 2. The reality of its effects on them proves, both the reality of the caufe, and the excellency thereof j and now if thefe be indeed ferious, and their teftimony true whom you thus challenge, are you not in a fad and dreadful cafe ; fince you cannot think to lod«e together at night, or that your intereft and theirs will meet in another world, which hath been fo very oppofite here by the way 5 you muft furely part with thefe at death, and land at fome other port, to whom all your life you have walked fo crofs : O fit but with your felves alone, and confider this, you hate ferious religion, and therefore you reproach it ; will you take fuch a revenge on your felves, and out of prejudice to it, run on fo great and eter- nal a ruin ? But know alluredly, it is not v/hat you judged, and if once you pafs in this ddufion that great and laft ftep betwixt time and eternity, you are undone, oh undone for ever ! And fure if you admit the authority of this Scripture, you cannot debate the chriftians experience, while there you have fo great a cloud of witnefTes, who bear that fame teftimony, but it is on your felf you muft reflect, not on the truth, that you know fo little in this way. Now to leave fome conviction on the atheifts of this time, and thefe who take liberty to feoff at ferious religion, I would here offer fome rational grounds, which even to the world and byftanders may convincingly demon- strate, if they would but confider the fame in earneft, that this teftimony the faints do in all ages bear, from their experience, to the truths, can be no cun- ning device or falfhood, but is moft certain and true j for, 1. That muft be a fure teftimony, and is no cheat, if you judge thefe who declare the fame have the fenfe of a deity and have any truth, or moral can- dour, for it is a clear dilemma y either fuch, whofe witnefs this is, are impo- ftors of the higheft degree, yea in atheifm and gtofs deceit muft exceed all the world befide, or, it is true and valid what they witnefs ; now for the firft, 1 fhall crave no more in their behalf, but an appeal to your confeience and fober thoughts* if you could judge thus. 2. This teftimony muft be fure, if you but allow thefe the ufe of judgment and reafon who bear it, and do not judge them wholly demented > for it were a ftrange and unheard madnefs, that men would purfue a fhadow, with fo great ferioufnefs, and on this inte- reft venture fo far, if religion and the power thereof were not a reality -, fure one of thefe two muft hold, if chriftians do not experience themfelves, what they hold out to others, that they are either in the higheft meafure profligate and wicked, even beyond the ordinary rate and depravation of humane na- ture, or, they muft be under a ftrange madnefs and delirium j they muft ei- ther defign to cheat the world, or themfelves ; but though their adverfaries could wifh to have it fo, I think their malice will not make them fo mad, as to own that challenge, and fince thefe cannot be alledged, I profefs were I the greateft atheift who did not own the fcripturc, I could not ferioufly con- fider the way, and walk of fuch who are ferious chriftians without aftonifh- ment, or conceive how in fuch a world, and at fo many vifible difadvantages, they fhould be thus engaged, on any other confideration, than the truth and reality of chriftianity. 3. Do you not fee, this is their teftimony, who are willing to be tried therein, and render a reafon of that hope which is in N them ? 46 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part L them ? yea, do in this offer themfelvcs to trial, and with greateft ferioufnefs ob- teft the world, not to credit implicitly their witnefs, and take it on truft, but themfelvcs put it to the moft exact inquiry and fearch, and truly if there be an appeal and reference to mens fenfe and feeling, which can admit no de- bate, I know not what accefs they have to queftion this witnefs, until they firft put it to an elTay, that from their own experience, they could contradict the fame. 4. Should you not admit this for a fure teftimony, if you grant any moral certainty of a thing, that there is fome cafe wherein a human te- ftimony can allow no debate, which in this prefent cafe muft be undeniable ; for you know by two witneffes a matter is judicially eftablifhed : but is it not more confirming when they are of known judgment and integrity ? yea out of diverfe and remote places of the earth, and otherways ftrangers amongft themfelves, but yet more, not only when dying they own and afTert this, but are willing to dye upon a teftimony thereto, and feal it with their blood, and this alfo through all ages renewed ; O what can be more convincing as to moral certainty ? Now I do atteft the world if this argument of chriftian ex- perience hath not full and unanfwerable proofs of it's certainty. 5. This witnefs can be no counterfeit, and you muft judge they are worthy of credit, to verify the fcripture from experience, on whole pradice you fee it fo con- vincingly tranferibed, fhould not the declaration of fuch concerning the truth of the promife, have much weight whilft you fee what a ferious refped thefe have to the rule, to have their walk ordered in that way, where the fcripture warrands them to exped the fulfilling of the promife 5 and are not thefe feen to be the moft tender ferious chriftians, whofe way ufeth to have greateft au» thority over your confeience, who do moft own this witnefs, and hath the largeft account to give thereof. 6. Is not this their teftimony alio, whom on your exadeft and narroweft notice, you may fee ftudy religion, in the fe- cret and retired duties thereof? where fome other intereft than the obfervati- on of men muft be an incitement 3 yea, may you not obferve there are fuch, who do ferioufly own the pradice of thefe duties when the view of thefe about them, might be a greater lett, and ground of fear, than any per- fwading motive ? And whilft you challenge the light profeflion of many within the church, do but alfo ask your confeience if there be not fuch, whofe way you muft juftify, even over the belly of your hatred and pre- judice againft them, that it hath a convincing favour of humility ? yea, their growth under the ground, and being ferious and real in what they profefs may be clearly difcerned from a naked and empty fhew. 7. Can thefe in- tend by fuch a teftimony to deceive others ; who have oft been in fo great fear and difquict, that they be not themfelves deceived ? O how convincing may this be to the world to confider what perplexing queries, and doubts chri- ftians have fometime about their own inward cafe, yea after fuch fharp wreft- lings a moft fweet calm and compofure of ipirit may be difcerned ; it is orange this puts not atheifts to a more ferious inquiry, what fuch changes can mean, which will make men differ fo far from themfelves, whilft no outward caufe can be difcerned 5 it is true fome matters lye much under ground, the heart knows its own bitternefs, and a ftranger doth not intermcdle with its joy, yea, the deepeft plunge and exercife make little noife without, yet this is fure, there is fo much under thefe viciflitudcs, that is obvious even to the view of on- lookers as may leave fome convidion, their enjoyments muft be true and real when the want thereof is fo fenfibly felt, and the world is not fo ftupidly inadvertent, not to obferve this, if they did not fhut their eyes for fear of fuch a difcovery. 8. Should not their teftimony be very convincing whofe complaints and accufations you may find more at home upon them- felves, Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 47 lelvcs, than againft others, who are oft bemoaning over thefe evils which the eyes of man could not reach •■> may not the world fee how fome arc prcft with anguifhof foul to the wafting of their body when no caufe from without is known, and otherwife rational and molt compofed ; yea, may it not fome- times be difecrned there is more fmothered within, which gets no vent, than appears without ? for grief in carneft wants not fome peculiar marks, by which it may be witnefled to others, I think this ihould put the world to fuch a re- flection, there mud be fome grief and joy and a caufe for it, which goes a- bove the world or the things thereof. 9. This is their teftimony, whofe confidence and compofure of fpirit in the greatest exigencies may witnefs to others that perfvvafion they have of the truth within their fouls ; you fee alfo at what labour and work thefe are in the duties of religion? yea, when they are moft ferious, how native and unconftrained their motions are j O doth not this fhow the grace of God, and a new nature is another thing than words, and that they muft furely find iatisfa&ion in thefe duties which makes it to them a fpecial delight and pleafure, which you would reckon an intole- rable and fore toyle. 10. Do you not fee how thefe agree everywhere and at every time anent this teftimony, that the fcripturc is verified by experi- ence, and the breathings and influences of God on the foul meets them in the way of duty according to the promife, even whilft they remarkably differ a- mongft themfelves in their natural temper and difpofition ; and is it not known whatever particular and lefler difference, through the prevalence of corruption, are too frequent amongft thefe, yet no accufation, no reflection on the truth in reality of godlinefs in it (elf will be found when their chal- lenges are moft bitter one upon another j I muft further atteft your confei- ence, whilft you have heard the fad regret of dying chriftians about the in- tereft of their foul and fhort coming in the ftudy of godlinefs, have not thefe complaints been ftill to commend religion, and the excellency thereof, and re- flect only upon themfelves j but none ever was heard to have fuch a complaint, that they did cheat the world in that matter, by obtruding upon them a falf- hood. 1 1. May you not fee this teftimony which chriftians give to the way of godlinefs, that it is from thefe who act deliberately in that great inter- eft, and have a rational account to give of the grounds on which they walk, and do you not find they are men as well as chriftians, that none are more friends to reafon and the right exercife thereof, than fuch who are moft feri- ous in the ftudy of religion ; it is fure could the world have their fight, and with Mofes fuch a look of an invifible God, it would be eafy for them to be of their judgment alfo. 12. That you are 10 ready to chalenge the chriftians teftimony, may you not find the true caufe within your felf ; not from your judgment, but a rooted prejudice and enmity at the way of the Lord, where- of you can give no reafon ; yea, have you not oft reproached chriftians at a di- ftance, whom upon a more near particular acquaintance, you have from fome irrefiftible conviction left upon you, been forced to juftify ? For godlinefs hath this lingular advantage to filcnce all its adverfaries that none will challenge or reproach the fame, but thefe who never knew it, and fhould fuch a witnefs be admitted ? O ftrange with what liberty men can deride this, who yet dare not go alone to have fome ferious thoughts about it. 1 3 . 1 know you will not deny there is fuch a thing as hypociify and a falfe fliew of godlinefs, yet fure you have no ground of challenge, or to queftion the truth and power of this, which is fo convincingly witneffed to, even by hypociify ; for there fhould be no ufe for fuch a cover, no caufe for that impofture, if there were not alfo a truth, and reality therein 5 you cannot conceive a counterfeit, but as it fcands related to that which is true •■> if there were not fuch a thing as ferious godli- nefs, 48 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. nefs, the world could never have known how to perfonate it ; could there be a lye, if there were not a truth ? You fee alfo that it is the moft ferious decern- ing chriftians; fuch ufually do fear, and have an awful regard of, for which there were no ground, if they were not confcious of the truth of that in o- thers, whereof they only ftudy the appearance, yea, here I mult alfo appeal to the world and ordinary onlookers, if there be not, even to them, fome difcerni- ble difference betwixt the power of religion, and an empty fhew, ( though this make greater noife ) betwixt thofe who are ferious and tender in following the Lord, and others who glory in appearance, but not in heart ; for the one by a convincing manifeftation of the truth does commend it felf to mens con- lcicncc, hath a living air and breath, which by no art or cunning can be drawn to the life, no more than an exquifite painter with the choiceft colours in drawing a man upon a board can therewith draw the vital acts of breathing and moving. 14. May you not fee holinefs muft be fome excellent thing, which hath fuch credit, even with it's real adverfaries, and the worft of men, to make them grafp at the appearance and fhadow of that, which o- thers know, they hate the power and practice of; and here I would ask the world, is it not to the fcripture and truth thereof, the experience of the faints bears witnefs, that they do indeed feel and prove within their foul, what you fee written before you, in this blelfed record, but is it not alfo fure, that nothing is more directly crofs and oppofite to the fcripture, than a falfe ap- pearance and fhew of that, which is not real ? 15. Can you debate, there are fuch chriftians in the world, many fuch whofe experience does witnefs the truth of religion, of whom it muft be faid ( even their enemies being judges ) their being ferious in that way, and choice thereof, muft be for it felf, and hath no outward defign or intereft, to which it can be fubfervient,- whilft in this oft they run thegreateft hazard and are rendred a prey to others ? O muft it not be a marvelous thing, which hath that dominion over the fouls, to teach men the practice of felf-denial, not only to a quiet, but a chearfui quitting their intereft, to fmile on the fpoilers, to rejoyce in their fuffering and reproaches, to forgive wrongs, and take revenge by good will* this is indeed above nature, and is only peculiar to chriftianity, which can alfo turn poifon to an antidote and cure, and gain by its greateft lofTes. 16. You may fee what different fizes are amongft the faints, how great a difference alfo be- twixt the experiences of one and another 5 fome made to witnefs much bitter- nefs in departing from God, and others that Angular advantage in drawing near to him, yea, how near fometimes will great extremes in their condition, border with other; at a ftrait to exprefs their joy, who not long before would have thought a vent to their grief a fpecial cafe ; O muft not this be a matter of earneft, and when you fee how much thefe amongft themfelves do thus differ, that yet all thefe differences meet together, and concur in a moft clear teftimony to the fcripture, and truth of godlinefs ; yea, how this wonderful contrivance of the fcripture is futed to anfwer all this variety of changes in the chriftians cafe, and pafleth none over. But oh, what can be faid here where weeping fhould be more fit than words, to fee what contempt the great part of men puts on ferious religion, which doth truly raife them a- bove the condition of the beafts ; is not the arhcifm of the time at that height that we muft fay the aflault of the adverfary is not fo much at one fingle truth, as at the root and being of all religion ? and truly we may fear fome extraor- dinary cure to recover this generation of a difeafe, that would feem in an or- dinary way incurable; I fhall but further offer thefe few queries, and plead fo far with the adverfary, that they would er'e they pafs them have but fome thoughts thereon. 1 I. If Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 49 1. If there be a God, or a truth in any religion, is it not with this blef- fed record of the fcripture you muft clofe as the alone rule thereof? Yea, if your judgment and confcience be not both extinct, muft you not content to the law and doctrine therein held forth, that it is good, what ever be your averfion therefrom ? 2. Is not an immortal foul, and a being for ever fuch a venture as is of more value, and (hould be to you, than the whole world ? 3 . O can you be thus undetermined about fo great an intereft, you feem to be hefitant and unfure if there be an other world, a heaven, or a hell, but oh, are you fure thefe are not, and how then can you be fecured from fuch a fear, which of all fears is the greateft ? 4. What a horrid and uncomfortable thing is it to be an atheift, which gives men no hope be- yond this prefcnt life ? Yea, what a world would this be to dwell in, if there were no true godlinefs in it, iince without this, no comfortable human fo- ciety, no kindly and right fubjection to the magiftrate can be expected from thefe, who have no tye from above, and knows not what it is to pay ho- mage to a foveraign being. 5. Is not the native tendency of atheifmtoall ungodlinefs in mens practice, yea, how far doth it debafe human nature and levels it, even with the beafts. 6. Whilft you feoff at ferious religion, I dare appeal to your felves, if in your retirements, when you have any fober reflections, you are not forced to have other thoughts ; and why is it, you fo^much fear to go alone, and be in any meafure ferious with your foul; oh what a defperate fecurity is that? I mail only add, is it not rare to find a profefifed atheift at death, when once the approach of another world does awake the fenfe of a Deity ? but then it is eaile to fee men, who have fported at godlinefs in their life, weep over that wretched mirth, when it comes to death, and call for fuch minifters, whom once they hated ; and oh, what a dreadful cure will hell be of atheifm, for there they know the truth in earneft, though it be their terror ; it is alfo fure the devil is no atheift, who believes there is a God and trembles. I muft yet a little further crave liberty e'er I pafs this argument, to fpeak aword, even to thefe, who know and have experienced the fame ; O how great mould this be in our eyes, and with what aftonifhment may we confider it? which by fo full, fo fatisfying a demonftration doth wirnefs, not to the eye, or ear, but to the foul, the certainty of divine truth and the power and reality of godlinefs, mould we not think, if but one, in an age, or that every particular chriftian were but once at fome folemn time of his life thus confirmed, that he could fay, then did he tafte and fee the word, and found it furely verified on his foul, as fure as he knoweth that he lives, at what a rate would he value and preferve fo lingular a feal and confirmation of the truth, yea, keep up the remembrance of fuch a fpecial time whilft he lived ? but oh, muft it be faid that this grave witnefs this clear demonftration of the fcripture, and of the certainty of the words of truth, which we have by experience doth lofe its weight, and the ineftimable value thereof lefs regarded, that it is the chriftians daily bread ? O what a reach hath this argument; what great things are there held forth? I think a ferious look of the fame, if it were brought near to us, might put us to que- ftion, whether we believe the fame or not; are we in a dream or awake ; and fees them with our eyes which this doth fo convincingly demonftratej whilft we can fo eafily pafs them with fo little weight thereof on our fpi- rit i now to hold that forth, let us but bring near this argument, and grave- ly confider the fame with refpedt to fome of thefe great truths, which by this unanfwerable demonftration of experience are witnefled : I muft fay, fuch truths that we may wonder how men can fo eafily admit their being O true-, ?o The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. true, and in fo ordinary a way look thereon, without wondering and afto- nifhment. I. Doth not this argument of experience by a very clear demonftration witnefs that great truth of a God-head, whereon the whole fuperftruclure of truth and godlinefs doth ftand \ yea, in another manner does enforce on men the perfwafion of this by a more near and convincing difcovery than the greateft works of God, or thefe glorious appearances of his power and wifdom in the heavens, and earth do ; it is true, thefe brin» him near to our eye and ear j but O this brings the blelTed and invifible God nearer in- to the heart and foul, that we may both tafte and fee, that furely he is 'and is that which in the fcripture he is declared to be ; it is not the contemplation of nature in its higheft flight can anfwer fuch analTault of the devil, which may overtake the mod eftablifhed chriftian about the being of God ; but there is a demonstration within which goes further than the judgment and paffeth natural understanding, whence we feel, we tafte, we enjoy, yea, his voice is heard in the foul which we furely know to be his, and this is the reach and import of this argument : there is indeed caufe to wonder at the atheifm of this world, fmce men can look no where, without fome wit- nefs of a Deity to flare them in the face ; but oh, there is a more refined atheifm that lyes in the bofom of a profefTed aflent to divine truth and is not eafily difcerned, though not the leis dreadful that it goes under 'a cover not only from the view of others, but even from a mans felf j I would here offer fome things which do witnefs a Special advantage the godly man is at, thereby to believe, and to be more throughly periuaded of the glo- rious being of God. i. That he finds the believing of this is a very <*reat thing, and not fo eafy to reach as the world do fuppofe, for it is no fmall matter even to attain this j Oh, what ordinary thoughts have many about it, who think it eafy to pafs an aflent to this marvelous truth, becaufe they never confidered the greatnefs thereof? but it is fure, the more ferious and grave a chriftian is, it will give him the more work, and we may find thefe ufually are more plunged and exercifed about this, than others. 2. It is a great advantage, when this is fo far mens ferious ftudy, as to be up- on an inquiry after a further eftablifhment in fo great a truth ? O what another fight of the invifible God ? What a fatisfying perfwafion of his bleiTed bein°- might we have, if our foul were indeed herein exercifed ; and knew but how little we know and have reached in this, that there is a nearer approach to God, which Should (hew us the faith of a Deity is fomething beyond thefe former thoughts we have had thereof, we lofe many fingular confirmations conferning this, becaufe we do not in earneft look after them. 3. They are at a fpecial advantage to whom believing of this truth, (O blefled truth, that God is) is their exceeding joy, and amidft their heavinefs can fay, the thought and meditation of him isfweet, that when through a varie- ty of temptations they are ready to faint, this reftoreth their foul, yea, will caufe it leap within for joy, and is their enough when other cncoura"ements arc furtheft off, that God lives : O what a thing is it in fuch a world, and in fome deep perplexing plunge, to know the Lord. is God, whom he hath now for a rock and a Shield, and in the clofe of time for his exceeding o- reat reward ; can we have fome ferious thought of this, and fo eafily turn our felves to other things without aftoni(hme«t, yea, is it not ftran^e there fliould be oft fo near and immediate a bordering betwixt our thou°hts of the glorious God and the meaneft trifrle. 4. It is no fmall advantage where men can open the Bible and retire into it, under the fenfe and im- prellion of a Godhead, and that near correfpondence he hath this way with ,: his Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. ^i his people, on whofe foul thefe words hath awe and authority, Thus faith the Lord, yea, have that repofe upon his teftimony and promife, which the folid perfwafion of his being and faithfulnefs fhould caufe. 5. They have come a great length here, who in their ordinary walk, are under fome deep impreftion of this that God is near, who knows of their fitting down and rifmg up, from whofe fight they cannot fhift one thought, yea, that on him they have fuch an abfolute dependance, that without him they can not draw their breath > O where this is believed muft it not caufe both fear and wondering ? II. Is not this an argument which by a fure and unanfwerable demon- ftration does witnefs the truth and reality of grace, that there is fuch a thing, and is no empty found, which doth raife man above the natural ftate of men, as far as reafon puts him above the ftate of the beaft, it is truly ftrange this mould be believed, and yet is not more marvelous in our eyes, how we can be at fuch reft whilft one of thefe two lies under de- bate, the reality of grace or our being really interefted therein ; O is there not caufe of aftonifhment that fuch a product of heaven mould be found in the earth, whofe defcent and original is fo clearly demonftrated by its breath- ing upwards after God, its native tendency and motion towards him, whence it came? Surely grace is a great lubject to think on, and that it is not fo in our eyes, it muft be either we do not believe it, or do not confider what a change it makes on the foul, which is no transient diC- pofition, but the feed of God that remains, is not this fuch a thing as makes fpring in the winter, caufeth men grow under their greateft weights ? that lifts the foul up from the clay, yea does by bringing it low in its own eyes, raife it nearer God, this makes a man to have another appearance, on which the world is forced to look with fome aftonifiiment, one chri- ftian doth admire this in another, and the more it (hews it (elf, it caufeth a more near approach betwixt their fouls j it will caufe fear in them who hate it ; and hath a power even over its perfecutors $ now it is the truth and reality of this excellent thing, that this argument does witnefs ; , yea fuch a witnefs that can admit no debate, where experience makes it fure : I confefs a ferious look and perfwafion of this might make the chriftians4ife a continued wonder, that there is fuch a thing, which by a marvelous fur- pril'al did prevent him when he was not aware, hath entred him into a new world, and tranflated him from a ftate of darknefs unto a marvelous light, caufeth the foul breath in another air, brings him fo near that ftate of the angels, fubdues the will without violence, and (ubjects it with its own conlcnt ; yea, by fo ftrait a tye is link'd with an eternal glory in blef- lednefs. Surely this is one of the molt (lately pieces of the work of God, that exceeds the whole ftructure of the univerfe ; O with what aftonifh- ment fhould we look on this marvelous thing, if we could confider the whole frame and ftructure of the grace of God in a chriftian, and there make as it were a direction in its feveral parts and proportions, its decay and languiihing, thefe different changes and fizes, its vigorous actings and abatements thereof, how it breaths, is nourifhed, how it is kept green and preferved by a continued intercourfe with the fountain of its being : and lo, whilft we confider this great wonder, both in the whole and in its parts, we may fee how in thefe it does moft exactly anfwer that model we have thereof in the fcriptuie of God. III. This is a great argument, and fhould be fo in our eyes, which does not only witnefs the reality of grace in its acting and exercife, which in this former lection is fpeciajly pointed at ; but does unanfwerably demonftratc a 1 fpiritual St The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. fpiritual life and beings which the chriftian knows and is perfuaded there- of, as he is fare he breaths and hath a natural life : O what a marvelous de- monftration is this, wherein fenfe and feeling doth in as certain a way con- curre, as in any difcovery we have by our outward fenfes, that there is a new life and another being beftdes that we have by nature, which aniwers to a new birth ; yea, an other breathing and acting that is alio futed thereto ; but oh, can it be faid, we believe and know it is alTuredly true, who have fuch. common and palling thoughts thereof, and does not confider what it is whereof wc are fure. i. That this is fo great a thing, it may indeed caufe wonder to think we are men, and that we have a rational being, but O a fpiritual life is another caufe for wondering, which comes not by our birth, hath no natural caufes, yet a life that hath it's proper operation, and vital acts put forth, as truly as thefe natural actions of breathing and moving are put forth by a living man : O life that hath in as fenfible a way quickning and refrefhing influences, as the earth or bodies of men, knows the influences of the heavens; which hath apleafure and delight peculiar to its nature, that hath no affinity with things we enjoy by the fenfes, but is a pleafure does far ex- ceed the fame, and is this a fmall matter to be perfwaded ? 2. What a demonftration is it which doth witnefs even to our fenfe and feeling a power on the foul by the word, above the mod perfuaflve words of man, and above all moral influences, by which men are not only reached, but trans- form'd into the fame image, whence the chriftian knows, and knows alTured- ly, thefe great truths the fealing, witneffing, teaching, comforting of the fpirit, &c. are no matter of words, or fome ftrange devifed names, but are undoubted realities acted and verified on the foul. 3 . If this de- monftration of a fpiritual life be fure, have we not this alfo, an eternal life and being with God put beyond debate, for if we be certain of the one, O, is not this undeniable that this noble being of the new creature, this life that is here begun, mult have a more fulgrowth and be at the furtheft ftature of the man in Chrift, when we now fee it with our eyes in it's infancy, and upon a growing advance towards the fame, for the one is furely as demon- ftrative of the other, as a young child which we fee in a growing tendency towards a man, doth fnew there is a man in his furtheft growth. 4. If we affuredly know this fpiritual life, muft we not alfo admit the undoubted truth of fpiritual beings, and of an invifible world, with which this life hath it's correfpondence, yea thus as by a ftream be led up to the true fountain to know an invifible God. IV. How great an argument is this, which gives us fuch a demonftration that heaven is not altogether deferred until we be there, but that fuch a thing is fure, as the real prefence of the glorious God, and a near familiar approach of him to the foul, which is here asrealy felt and enjoyed, as we can be fure of any thing ; O how marvelous mould this be to us ! I cannot doubt but the report hereof does fometime dazle the world with amazement, and puts the groffeft of men to ftrange thoughts j but oh, may not this caufe them queftion it's reality whether thefe who bear fuch a witnefs, do truly feel and enjoy the fame, who by their way and appearance do fo little declare any deep impreflion, that this hath on them 5 I have fometimes thought ftrange how men are taken, even in a kind of tranfport with the difcovery of fome rare experiment and demonftration in nature, which could make that poor man cry out evpw«> as though therewith he had gained the whole earth : but O here is another kind of demonftration, of a more tranfeendent value and intereft ! to know and be fure of this near approach and intercourfe betwixt God and the foul ; that even with men in the earth he will verily dwell, and Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. ^l and have fo real a converfe 5 this does indeed rife above K_Archimedes's reach, and fuch who ever follow'd the fearch of nature in their meft exact and fub- tile inquiry ; O blefled fouls who have found it ! for they have found a treafure ; the thoughts whereof may make it a new thing every day, and make them confider this with a renewed wondering, to know, there is not only a claim and title to the inheritance above, but that thefiift fruits and earneft thereof is got here 5 that as furely as there is a real and immediate converfe betwixt men, they have found (uch a near immediate fellow (hip with God, that all the words of the world cannot exprefs ; fuch a meeting betwixt him and them, where their foul hath been drawn out with defirc, where they have found a breaking up of the day with an aftonifhing brightness, after a moft cloudy and dark night; O is not this a great thing ! have they not caufc both for joy and wondring who have fallen on fuch an experiment that they can fay, and not from report, I do furely feel, 1 enjoy, I am perfwad- ed this is the Lord, and thus have come forth from him with fuch a change on their foul, and compofureof mind, that even by- (landers might fee where they have been; now this is the chriftian's witnefs, which all who are ferious in the way of the Lord can in lome meafure bear, that in away no lefs lure and demonftrative than any thing here beneath can be known, they have had fuch a difcovery, and now thefe ftrange fcripture truths, the meaning whereof once they could not know, fuch as, their foul melting within at the voice of their beloved, to have his name as ointment poured forth, and be brought near to fee his face with joy, they know well that they arc as tru- ly verified on the heart, as they are written before their eyes in the word j I mall but add, it is a very great thing thefe know, who know afluredly the real prefence of God here, for thus they are made fure that he is, as one may know the fun, becaufe of it's warming heat, and when they fee it with it's own light, thus they are confirmed of the truth of the fcripture, whilfl they fee and feel one of the moft marvelous things therein verified. V* This is an argument does clearly witnefs a truth and reality in prayer, which may be called one of the great wonders of religion, that fuch a way is, wherein there is fo near, fo immediate an addrefs to the majefty of God in all our concernments, is not this a very great thing that poor man, now up- on the earth, hath fuch apaflage to heaven, and may fpeak up unto him who inhabits eternity, the glorious object of the adoration of angels, without the interveening of any creature : yea, with fo lure a warrand may approach the throne of God, and there pour out his foul, and prefent his requefts unto him who lives and fees : O with what aftonifhment mould we confider this! fuppofe at fome folemn times in our life this only might be attained, yea, that it were but in one part of the earth fhould we not look on the whole earth befides as accurfed , and reckon an abode there , were it a bar- ren defert and wildernefs, to be preferable to all other advantages : it may truly be a queftion whilft we are moft in the practice of this duty, if we believe the truth and reality thereof; but it is beyond queftion whac chriftians have moft fenfibly found here, that they can fay, if they be fure they have a foul, they have been as fure in this blefled way, they have had their foul reftored and return'd again, and under fome deliquium, that by wreftling they have at laft prevail'd, yea have got an anfwer from heaven, as if they had got it by an audible voice : now is not this a great and marvelous demon- stration ? but oh what common thoughts have we thereof, and may not thefe things feem ftrange, if ferioufly confidered. 1. That we are not more reftlefs to be furely perfwaded this is a truth when we are fo highly con- cerned therein, that we may have further confirmations as to this, which we lhould look on as an ineftimable treafure, both for our joy and eftablhhment. P 2. It S^ The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part J. 2. It isdrangc we can find it fo eafic a matter to pray and appear before God, that we are not afray'd to be hady in uttering a matter before him, whild we confider God is in heaven, and we arc but on the earth; it is liite, if we in- tend the bringing of our foul with us in fuch a duty, it fhould be more our ftudy to warch unto prayer throughout our walk. 3. It may fecm drange how cafily we can ftep out from the world, and the noife thereof, in before the Lord, without the lead paufc or time intcrveening, which the imprcflion of Co great a bufmefs mould require ; yea, fo immediately in our return again, itep into the world, as if he had wholly forgot where we have been. 4. How drange is formality in Inch abufincls as prayer which is an addrefs to the Jiving God, one of the moil: folcmnacls of the foul ; yea, v/e may call it the mod natural work of achridian, like the breathing 01 the child after the breads -, a'acc its fad, that this fcems rather a piece of invention many times, than a matter of earned with the Lord, not fo much the breathing of the foul in deilrc after him, as the exprelling what mould be our dellres : O to what a dais can fuch apiece of athcifm be reduced, as appears in our ncareft approach- es to God ? 5 . Should we look on prayer as a duty and not confider it as a fingular enjoyment alfo, without which this earth would have a near appear- ance of hell, if we could not thus folace the foul in God, and get a vent under its greated prefliires: O prayer ! what thoughts fhould we have of it, if the truth thereof were more believed ; I think that manwhoisfure of the being and faithfulncfs of God, and of the reality of prayer needs not be loli- citous with what face the world look on him j when thus his great intcred and encouragement is fecure, and a well is at his hand, that can aniwer all his complaints. VI. Have we not this demondration alfo by that argument of experience, how near the blefled majedy of God does in the way of providence approach to his people, and is furely known by a real correfpondence he hath with them in this way, in which he doesfo clearly verifie his word, holds forth light and counfel, gives the return of prayer, fbmetimes with fuch remarkable circum- ftances, as caufeth fear as well as joy, and will force that tedimony, this is Verily the Lords it is true, that in the ("mailed things he is great, and thus de- clatcs himfelf to be God; but thetc is a more folemn and near approach, by iome fpecial deps of his providence , yea, by the rod he doth fometimes fpeak, as with an audible voice, and with fuch a convoy of his power opens the ear of men and (cals their indrudion, as will force it's paffage down to the reins, and in the hidden part caufc them to underdand wifdom \ there is fomctime alfo Co wonderful a tract and icrics of providences, and thefe fo convincing that men cannot but fee fomcthing greater than man therein, whild things have been brought about with fuch a furprizal, in: he very opportune time and feafon that their mercy, though great in it lelf, hath not Co much taken them up as the way how it is brought about, and their difcovery of the immediate hand ot God therein, and the truth of his word, and promife. VII. 1 mud further add, O! is not this a great argument w hich pcrfwades the (bul of thefe truths by fo fure a way as experience, that thus we have an in- ward, and feni^bie demondration of the things of God, that are as certainly w 'lrneiled, as thefe viiible heavens and earth are to our eyes, when they ate mod fixed thereon : O what is this which the chndian knows, yet knows fo little what he hath thereby ; this is indeed a fight which puts the thing feen beyond qucflion or debate, for the foul hath it's feeling and tade as fure as riie body, and hath a favour and relifh of things fuitable to it's own nature, whereby it can difcern a peculiar fweetnefs and fragrancy in that which may fecm bitter, and grievous to the ficih. It is by this fight which experience gives, rite clinician is a witnefs himfelf, is therein petfonally concern'd, does fee thefe Fart I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. ss thefe grea: things with hts own eyes and not With the eyes of othets ; the confolauons of God which are not fniall, are no matter of report to him; he knows how no mercy hath been more fwect and relifhing as that which hath had a bitter crofs going before j yea never more ienfibly found his own burden, then he had fovnd it taken off, the laying on whereof was not fo oricvous as that relief, and cafe hath been fwect upon its removal. Now to Ihut up this argument, I dial 1 but add theteftimony of two great and eminent witnefl'es to me truth, who after they bad been helped to fervc their generation by the will of God, and were dying, had that large accompt to give from their exj>. rknee of the truth and faithfulnefs of God in his word, and leave fiich a (eal to the fame, worthy to be tranfmittcd topoftcrity- ; the one is that great iei vant of Chrift Bez,a, who in his younger years, after the Lord had touched his heart by the word, was one day in the church ofChann- ion, where he providentialy met with that, Tfal. xci. which then was ex- pounded, z\\ but neverthelefs, if men take a ferious look of the Lord's way and (cries of providence in ages pad, comparing one time with another, what the (Iraits, and mod extreme cafe of the church hath at lad rcfolved in, they will find caufe to cry with aftoniflimcnt, great deliverances giveth he to bis people, yea the Lord hath done great things for them. I am fure, were there a full record with that true account which might be given, of thefe more remarkable deliverances, that particular churches have met with, fince the firft planting of the gofpcl among them, wherein God's very immediate hand for their help hath been difcernible, it fhould nonplus the world, and grcated atheids about the real fulfilling of this promife. 2. The con- icflion of the church's enemies hath oft witnefled this truth, that in pur- fuing their malice to trouble and undoe her, they have but undone them- felves; how tormenting difappointments have cauied their very flefh to to pine away, and clofe and iflue of their rage forced this conviction from them at lad, that the church is a burdenfome done, to be lifted up, a party with whom it is dangerous to meddle ; have not fetch been made to difcern fomething of a divine hand fo clearly againd them, blading, their counfels, and moft promifing attempts, as if their eyes with Balaam had been opened to fee the angel in their way, yea in all ages it is known how the confeience even of the word hath oft bewrayed fomething of a prefaging fear they have had of thefe whom they purfued with greateft malice, and a dreadful im- prefiion they had of a praying people, and their prayers. 3. This truth hath had the cleared witnefs in times of the church's greateft drait and ex- tremity, when difficulties have appeared infuperable and a deliverance in an ordinary way of providence moll hopelefs, when vifible means have been with- drawn, all refuge failed and none to help, that in iuch a day the Lord hath been feen upon the mount and unexpectedly by very ftrange means brought deliverance to a broken, almoft ruined church, even as it were betwixt the bridge, and the water ; fo that who would have a clear view of the accom- pli (hment of his punifliment of this promife, may but turn back on thefe more remarkable extreme exigencies of the church's condition, and there have it, how after a fwcet fun fhine have followed the mod dark and cloudy times, a raging dorm hath relolved into a refrefhing calm, yea, that with a further growth of the church's trial, and doubling of her burden, her enlargement, and deliverance hath broken up with thefe great and obvious remarks therein, that it was a convincing return of prayer and wredling, with a further addi- tion of fome new and lingular mercy therewith, yea, fome eminent ad of judgment upon her adverfaries. 4. The greated advantage, and victo- ries which men have got over the churches, and people of God can alio bear witnefs to this, that when the wicked have fprung up like the grals, and the workers of iniquity feemed to flourifh, this very way hath the Lord taken to bring about a more full deliverance : Yea, on the other hand, hath it not been very obvious how the church's gain hath been brought forth out of the greateft lofs, that thefe wounds which feemed mod deadly, by the infinitely wife pro- vidence of God, have turned to be her mod effectual, and through cure ; and men's unreafonable violence, and rage againd the church hath oft had an evident tendency to bring about even that whereto it feemed mod directly contrary, fome further mercy and deliveranee, than could have been expected ; as the Amorites refufing Ifrael but pafiage through their land did prove the very mean to give them more than they fought, the poflefTion of that land for an inheritance. 5. This witnefs the obfervation of the church in all ages can bear to this promife, that deliverance hath oft (prung up, and been S brought 66 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part i. brought to her hand from a corner, and by fuch means, as none would have expected, by fuch, as none but God could do j a fudden report and rumour ; i Sam. xxii. 27. means that have been not only (mall, and improbable, but that looked directly contrary, as in bringing the church out of Egypt., yea, fometime by the wicked's being enfnarcd in the work of their own hands, is it not obvious, how the Lord hath met men's private interefts to put them on, for befriending his church ? and hath caufed the earth to help the woman and railed up one oppreflbr to punifli another, yea, often hath prepared carpen- ters, whence it was leaft thought, to cut the horns of thofe who had fcatter- ed his people. 6. There is this convincing witnefs to the truth of fuch a promil'e, that fudden remarkable change, which may be oft difecrned both on men's inward frame, and the outward face of the church, when a time of mercy, and enlargement is come ; inftruments raifed of the Lord with dis- cernible elevation of their fpirits to act, and do exploits, the feeble then made ftrong, and thefe who fometime would have fainted at an ordinary piece of fervice dare with fuch a gale of divine afliftance, run, as it were, through a troop, and overleap a wall; for indeed this may in all ages be obvious, how ealy it is to move in the day when the Lord moveth for his people, and ftrcngthneth the girdle of their loins, that it was not their bow, or fword, which got them the victory, but the very finger of God, Something above the counfels of men, ordinary means, which hath Sometimes been made clear as the noon-day, fo that even, at fome diftance, thefe who are wife to difcern the times, did fee when there was a breaking up of a day of a church's hope, how a previous motion, and ftir amongfi; the dry bones, the Lord as in the top of the mulberry trees hath been then dilcernible, and fome promifing ap- pearance from the prefent diSpofition, and temper of the godly in that time (though we muft grant mercy and foveraign grace, hath oft met the church when little of this hath appeared ) which, like the breaking up of that cloud in the top of mount Carmel to the prophet, though at firft but as an hand-breath hath mewed that deliverance to the church was not far off. 7. I would add this witnefs alfo; thefe convincing providen- ces which in all ages have been fhewed againft the enemies of the church, fuch as men could not pafs without fome remark, what an iffue thefe have had, who have fometimes been a fore rod on the people of God, yea, a terror in the land of the living? how they have become a moit abject and contempti- ble party, like bees who have loft their fling ; their countenance hath been changed, and they ceafed to be any more a fear, when once their work was done, and the date of their commifTion for the humbling and trying of the church expired ; yea a judicial ftroke from the Lord, hath been often feen upon then- very judgment and refolutions, which could not then fcrvc them to trou- ble and afflict the church, the day being turned, and the time of her deliver- ance come. Fifth, There is this promt fe alfo which concerneth the church, as well as chriftians in their perfonal cafe, that all things work together for the good of thofe who love God, Rom. viii. 28. the accomplifhment whereof as it is written out in providence to the observation of men, I would here touch. This is indeed a great comprehenftve promife, which in the conftant courSe and tenor of providence about the church we may See, it doth take place ; how thefe turnings and changes of the world, the mod ftrange emergents of the time, the various motions, and interefts of men, do cooperate together, and have an undoubted tendency to bring forth the church's good as though they did intentionally act for the Same, there will indeed, one day, be a more clear and marvelous diScovery of this, when the Lord hath perfected his work, and Fart I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 6y and the myftery of God is finifhed, the church brought fafe to the harbour, then fhall it be fully manifeft, to what end, all thefe florms, and crofs winds in the counfcls and defigns of men were, thefe things which in the time could not be undcrftood, but feemed perplexed and ftrarige, did really work for the church's good, for then men will fee with their eyes a full performance of the word ; yet we muft fay, even here, in every age, amidft the various changes of the church's cafe, this is fo clearly manifeft, that there is no ferious ob- ferver of providence, but may bear witnefs to it. i. That not only the church's good, but even her grcatcft good, hath moft: clearly had it's rife, and been brought forth out of the greateft mifchiefs and hurts intended againft her -, that if we fearch fcripture, and will tuin over thefe after records of the church's condition, we fhall there find the moft re- markable attempts, and plots fuch as "Pharaoh's laft eflay to deftroy the lfrae- lites, Hamans great defign to root out the feed of the Jews, that great mafter- plot Sathan once had on foot, to crufh the gofpel, and the chriftian church by crucifying her head, yea, in thefe laft times Antichrifts killing the wit- ncfies have all, as if really intended by the inftruments as well as the firft mover, brought forth the church's greateft good ; fo as the after mercy and deliverance hath carried Tome vifiblc proportion to her trial, and to the greatnefs of her adverfaries defign. 2. It may be alfo clear, if we but trace back thefe memorable changes, which have been up and down the earth, how di- rect a tendency they have had to this end, did not the bringing down that great image of the monarchies witnefs this ? We find Nebuchadnezar raifed up as a rod to the church, and Cyrus for a deliverer; we may fee the Verfian and Grecian monarchies brought down, to make way for the fetting up of the Mejfids his kingdom. Antiochus muft ftand a little for a fharp trial, and his downfall give the church a new breathing, and hold forth to after ages a re- markable monument of the judgment of God againft his enemies. Peaceable Auguftus muft have his time in whofc days mall be abundance of peace ; we find a Titus fet up to execute the judgment of God on the Jews, to make way for the further enlargement to the gentile church, a Nero, and c Domi- tian to help forward the church's fuffering, and a Conjiantine to give her fome reft, after fo long and fore an aflault, and at laft, the Roman empire mouldrcd down for Antichrift's rife, to accomplifh what did remain of the fufTcrings of Chrift in his church, by that adversary 3. We may oft fee a very ftrangc appointment, and concurrence of things, how inftruments act to bring about the Lord's end and advance his church's intereft* even while each one doth moft vigoroufly drive their own proper end and defign, which ftieweth there is furely a living fpirit in the wheels, that ordercth thefe mo- tions, a fupreme and firft mover that can thus determine them, whither they will, or not, to ferve his end and the church's good, when they moft direct- ly intend the contrary. 4. We have fecn how in mens plotting the ruin of the church there is oft an unfeen hand determining their judgment, and in- clination to fall upon that very way, than which, we would think nothing could have been more direct for her good and their own ruin, how an Hujhai hath been fent in, or fome have been ftirred up amongft themfelves ( upon their own intereft ) to break the pernicious counfels and defigns of others. 5. We have alfo fcen the perfonal quarrels of the church's enemies among themfelves, brought to fuch an height, and to meet fo feafonably, that on- lookers might clearly perceive that it hath been from the Lord, a judgement for their rage and violence againft his poor opprcfied people. 6. We have feen the church's enemies railed to a ftrangc height, all advantages favour- ing them, until their plot and mine hath been ripe for fpringing, and lo, at 4 that 68 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. that very choke, fomcthing unexpected hath fallen out which did turn their former luccefs to their further ruin, yea, disappoint all j this the world is ready to call fome fatal and malevolent conjunction, which cannot be refilled, and what is this in effect, but the witnefs of men's confeience to a divine fnnd ? 7. Have wc not feen fome fore dam and overthrow of the church bring forth her good and a more full victory, how vifible help and means have been taken out of the way, that fomething above means mi<*ht be feen in her condition, even in that day, when all hath been given for Jolt, yea, truths lofing the day upon the field, bring forth her triumph on the fcaffold and at the flake. 8. We have feen moft dcfpicablc and ordi- nary things made fubfervient for fome great piece of the Lord's work, a very fmail thing made the firft rile of ftrange revolutions, that remarkable changes have been oft lying in the bofom of a common providence ; yea, truly we find both fcripture, and the obfervation of after ages witnefs, that the church's deliverance and outgate did almoft never come that way, by luch a method and means, as fhe had moft expected the fame, and that God's time of working- may be oft very contrary to our time of expecting. I frull only add, is it not oft feen (which I am fure all ages can witnefs) how men's endeavours to darken the truth by error hath been an effectual means for it's further clear- ing ? that the growing of a trial, a violent, and fore exacting upon the church, hath kindly wrought towards her delivering and enlargement, her meat hath been oft brought even out of the eater, by means moft deftruclive thereto, and a fword muft pierce the church's heart, that thoughts of many may be difcovered, a time of perfecution muft help to cure the divifions a- mongft the godly, and bring them together in the furnace, which profpe- rity could not do ; yea it is oft feen, which former ages can alio witnefs, that the very undoing of the church hath been God's blefled way, to keep her from being undone. The S E C O N D BRANCH. DOth concern thefe fcripture threatnings which are held forth in the word y with a rejpeel to the 'vifible churchy and againft a people profejfmg the gofpel, that no privileges they have above others mail exempt them from judgment, yea, and from very fadftrokes, he hath known them above the reft of the world, he will contend with them moft feverely becaufe of fin, and fuch particular evils as we find the word threatneth, I touched a little fome fcripture threatnings, in the preceeding argument as concerned chriftians in their private experience ; what I here intend is, to point at this truth, as it is written in the providences, and judgments of every time to men's obfervation, how judgments from the Lord, which point, as with the finger, at the abounding fins of that time, do reach a land and particular churches, according to the threatnings of the word ; this is indeed manifeft, that the greateft promifes made to a people, we find backed with faddeft threatnings, and accordingly we find the greateft monuments of wrath have ufually been fet up, where fometimes the largeft offers of the gofpel were, yea, that the anger of the Lord may draw fo deep againft a people profefiing his name, as to make their land defolate, and the high ways thereof mourn j for in this precinct of the church doth both judgment and mercy moft emi- nently mine forth, and the Lord's way there doth differ from that he hath with any other people. Now to clear this grave truth a little, how thefe threatnings of the word, againft a nation, and people becaufe of fin are alfo verifyed in their judgments, I fhall touch a few inftances, that are moft known and Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 69 and obvious, where we may lay the word and obfervation of the church to- gether, and fee how they anlwer one the other. 1. We find the thr earnings of the word do point at the time of a peoples judgment, 1 Thefi ii. 16. Rev. xiv. 15. 18. that when they fill up the meafure of their fin, and their cup is full, the Lord will not then defer the execution j until the cup of the dmorites was full he did let them alone ,- and we find anfwer deferred to the cry of the fouls under the altar, for aveng- ing their blood on antichrift, becaufe that accurfed party had yet more to do againft the church and the faints, more to fuflfer under their hand. Now to witnefsthe accomplifhmentof this ; let us but confider what in all times may be obferved. Firft, that there is an ordinary growth and height of fin, which a land cometh to before dtftru&ion, fome national and univerfal fprcading thereof, prodigious outbreakings, the utter rejecting of reproof, which (hew that a people's cafe mult then be on lomc turn, yea, that ftrange, and unufual finning, ufeth to go before fome ftrange flroke. 2. Before judgment comes, is it not fecn, how the fin of a people hath become fo daring, that it hath had a loud cry ? Yea, their cafe hath been fuch as did juftify the Lord's proce- dure againft them, even in the confeiences of all on lookers, that he did it not without much caufe. 3. Is it not eafy for fuch as are wife to know the times, to fee night coming on a land, when fin is at fome dreadful height, by confidering the word and the Lord's ufual way with a people in fuch a cafe ? Yea, hath there not then been fome fpecial forewarn ings, a more than ordi- nary impreflibn of judgment upon the fpirits of the godly ? The hiding of many of them in the grave, which as threatning prefages, hath (hewed the near approach of a ftroke. 4. There doth not ufual ly want even fome Noah or Jonas, the minifters of God fent forth to threaten, who as watch- men upon the wall are difcerning hazard at a diftancc, yea, with an obferv- able prefiure then upon their fpirit, and a more than ordinary agreement amongft themfelves to cry out, and give the people warning, when the time of judgmenr hath been drawing near. II. It is clear there are fome fpecial evils and fins of a time, which we find the word m^fi dreadfully doth threaten, yea, in a peculiar way it doth put a mark upon them, that though the Lord fhould pafs by many infirmities in a church, and people profefling his name ; yet for fuch, and fuch fins as we find, in Amos i. 2. he will not turn away the punijhmcnt thereof, but hath folcmnly declared, by his truth and faithfulnefs, that thefe fhall not pafs without fome vifible mark, even before the world, of his anger: now in this the fcripture is clear, and lets us fee there arc fome fins more particu- larly thrcatned, fome land deftroying fins that have as it were the mark let on them, which do efpecially provoke the holy indignation and jealoufie of God, fuch as idolatry, corrupting the worfhip of God ; perjury, and cove- nant-breaking, fhall they break my covenant, and efic ape, faith the Lord, Ezek, xvii. 15. alfo departing from God, and his way, for this the land fhall be dcfolate as in Jerem. xi. 12, 13. yea blood guiitinels which the earth fhall not cover, and for which the fword fnall not depart, even from the houfe and family of T)avid, 2 Sam. xii. to. Now to evidence the accom- pliihment hereof, I fhall point at fome things molt obvious to the obfervation of every time, how terribly the Lord ufeth to plead for fuch things, and by fome exemplary ftroke and judgment point them out, as we find them parti- cularly fej by themfelves in the word, and threatnings thereof. 1. How in thefe fins, thus marked, men may fee how "their judgments ufe rrot wholly to be deferred to another world, but rhough much is oft palTed here, and deferred to that 1-aft and great judgmenr, yet, upon fuch fins T the 70 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. the Lord hath put fome mark of his difpleafure, even in this life. 2. That for thefe he ufeth to contend, before the fun, and in the view of men > his judgments are indeed oft fecret, and do confume as a moth, but upon fuch fins we may frequently fee, fomepublick, vifible ftroke is made to fol- low, that the world cannot pafs without a remark. 3. That the Lord alfo ufeth to be a very fwift witnefs againft fuch evils, for as we find the op- preiTlon of the church hath a loud cry, and the blood of the faints a how long? It is alfo feen thefe forementioned fins do much haften judgment, fo as feldom that generation pafTeth away without fome witnefs thereto; it is rare- ly found that fome great revolt of a people from God, and breaking cove- nant with him, doth lie long by unpunifhed, nor doth the hoary head of the violent and bloody man go oft to the grave in peace. 4. That thefe fins ufe to be followed with fome very dreadful and eminent ftroke, which have made the land dcfolate, their cities fometime waft, and a ruinous heap, yea, houfes great and fair to be without inhabitants; fo as men have with aftonifhment enquired, why is all this come to pafs ; and it was eafy to an- swer, even for fuch, and fuch evils hath the Lord done this, according to his word. 5. That a divine hand ufeth to be moft difcernible in the punifhment of fuch fins becaufe of a very clear refemblance betwixt them and the ftroke, which hath forced their own confciencc, as well as of on- lookers to confels the righteouihefs of God therein. 6. That the Lord will put fome mark of his anger on the choiceft of his fervants for any ac- ceflion to fuch fins, thefe to whom he hath given their foul for a prey, have yet got afore outward ftroke, upon fuch an account, which hath followed them to the grave j for this the fword (hall not depart from 'David's houfe: idolatry rent the kingdom from the pofterity of Solomon. Jonas fhall not efcape for his rebellion, yea, God was wroth with Mofes, and no intreaty fhall hinder his dying in the wilderrtefs. I may add, hath not the Lord's con- troverfy on this ground even reacht their pofterity, which may fhevv that thefe threatnings are fad earneft, and fuch fins are not more particularly pointed at in the word, than they have been in after ages made exemplary in judgment. III. A people's lukewarmnefs, their flighting of the gofpel, and not re- ceiving the love of the truth, we find fadly threatned in the word, Rev. iii. 15. 16. Thejf.ii. 10, n. and truly we muft fay they have not fallen to the ground in any age without an accomplifhment, as frequent obfervation can witnefs. Fiift, how a people's entring upon a religious way, their purfuing a form of reformation, and not thorough for God therein, but on carnal grounds, hath thus put them in a worfe condition than before, for truly men's hypocnly, in going about a good work doth threaten more, than the performance thereof doth promife. Jehu got a temporal reward, but his po- sterity muft at length reckon for all the blood of Jezreel. 2. That no people ufe to be further from getting good of the gofpel than fuch who have been under mod clear and greateft convi&ions, fo as it is found, there is oft more accefs to gain amongft the favages, than thefe who have fit their day while the tide, did flow, yea, minifters have found moft difcouragement to labour in thefe parts where the word hath been long preached with power. 3. It is feen, how light not improved will turn a people more grofs, and is ufually followed with fome remarkable growth in fin, that the more the word doth put a reftraint on men's corruption, the more it rageth ; fo as it may be obferved what a very black dye and colour, the powerful preaching of the gofpel hath put upon a people, as a vifible mark of judgment on fuch who profit not thereby. 4. Is it not feen how men's formality in the matters of God hath been oft punifhed even with the taking away of the form? Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 71 form ? Yea, that feldom error and delufion doth want a harvcft amongft a people who receive not the truth in love. 5. Hath not flighting of the gofpel been at lad followed with fome vifible reftraint and inhibition, both upon the ordinances and difpenfers thereof, a judicial withdrawing of the fpirit, as to the work of converfion and conviction, whereby the Lord doth plainly ceafe to be a reprover to fuch, yea, even faith, bind up the law, and feal the teftimony. 4 The word doth alfo threaten carnal fecurity (a diieafe whereof the church is oft in great hazard) yea, we find it holds forth a certain connection betwixt fpiritual judgments upon a people, and fome outward ftrokes to follow thereon, that thefe who are under that firft woe and plague upon their fpirits, are then near to ionic judgment upon their perfons, and may exped a fharp wakning ; in hearing they jhall not under- stand, &c. but the clofe is, until their cities be confumed without inhabi- tants, and there be an utter defolation, yea, we find judgment doth begin as a moth in that of Hof. v. but in the 14. it doth turn at laft to be a lion. We may truly fay the fulfilling of this hath in all ages of the church been obvious. 1. That as the firft part of the church's deliverance is ufually fpiritual, fo it is found the firft ftep of judgment, and the execution thereof againft a people, hath been upon their fpirits j that ferious difcerners of the time might know that the night was faft coming on, and fome fad out- ward ftroke on a land, by the abounding of fpiritual judgments. 2. It is clear the moft dreadful ftrokes that ever come on a particular church, do ufually find it in fuch a cafe, judicially hardned, and under many warnings plagued with fecurity ; thus did the flood find the old world, and before that defolating ftroke on Jerufalem by the Romans, were not the Jews in fuch a cafe. Salvain can tell how it was with the i^/lfrican churches, be- fore that dreadful inundation of the Goths and Vandals, yea, the church's records in all ages do witnefs that before any fad ftroke or perfecution came upon a people, a deep fleep and lethargy hath been previous thereto ; gray- hairs might have been feen upon them, and the word doth even fhevv that this will be the laft difeafe whereof the church fhall be fick before the great day of the Lord. 3. It is alfo feen how fpiritual judgments when they grow upon a people, make great difpatch, and do quickly ripen for fome further ftroke, that when men have run down their confeience and are part reproof of the word, going on from evil to worfe, the cafecometh then to be clear, and ready for the final difcuilion of the procefs. 5. The word doth denounce woe againft the troubkrs of the church., and thefe who are her perfecutors, that the Lord Jhall rccompence tribulation to fuch, and plead with her oppreftbrs, the accomplishment whereof hath been truly ma- nifeft, yea to the obfervation even of the world. Ifa. x. 5 . 2 The/, i. 6. 1. That eminent oppreflbrs of the church have feldom gone out of the world without fome remark of divine anger upon them ; furely if there were a record of fuch inftances that in every age hath been confpicuous, men fhould be forced to fee and fay that the moft noted enemies and perfecutors of the faints have been alfo the moft convincing and noted examples of judg- ment in the time. 2. That the church's fuffering ufeth to go before a day of vengeance on the inftruments thereof ; we find Jehu got an outward reward for executing the judgment of God on his enemies > but as for thefe men who have been the rod of the church it hath been feen that they have not long wanted fome fcoutge as fore upon themfelves, as they have been to his people, and that at laft thefe have payed dear for their fervice. 3. We may fee how this alfo doth help to finilh the controverfy of God with men, and their houfes, that for this he hath taken many away in the midft of their days, 7X The Fulfilling of //^Scripture. Part It days, and made them ccafe to be, who would not ceafeto trouble the church, while they had a being ; yea, that he had taken them in his own hand, whom men could not reach, and made their down-calling in the midft of thenv fclves. 6. T)oth not the fcripture threaten carnal confidence in a people^ the putting of their truft in man or in any outward inftruments, Jer. xvii. 5. 6, 17. To clear the accomplishment whereof, let us but compare the word, and the church's obfervation together, and we will find. 1. That out- ward means have never more mifcarried than when moftpromifing, and when there was greateft expectation from the fame, yea, that very eminent inftru- ments when much leaned to, have been obfervably blafted, and made to fhrink under fuch a burden. 2. That thefc whom the Lord had made much ufe of, yea, honoured to be great inftruments in the fervice of the church, have oft had fome difcernible blot, to reprove men's overlading of infiru- ments with their efteem ; a Tertullian, an Origen in ancient times, yea, even a Luther, inthefe latter ages mult go with fome halt to the grave, j. That many who have been ufeful in the church for a time, the Lord doth oft lay by, yea, makethnot ufe of them to the end, but the laft may be made firft, and truly that excefs in men's efteem, putting a further weight on fome means, than they could bear, hath oft helped to render many ufclefs. 4. Is it not alfo fecn, how one extremity is thus plagued with an other ? None more ready to (hrink in a day of trouble, than fuch who at a diilance feem'd moll: daring, yea, none more ready to fall in that excefs of undervaluing in- ftruments, than thefe who have moft exceeded upon the other hand. 7. 'Do we not find the word threaten, and inafpecial way point at cor nipt mi- nifters y unfaithful watchmen who give not warning to the church, thefe fhc- pherds that feed thcmfelves, but not the flock, the leaders of a people that caufe them to err, and by their practice to ftumble at the law, Mai. ii. 3. 9. The accomplifhment whereof hath in all ages been very difcernible. Firft, how fuch have ufually been moft noted as the greateft and moft violent ene- mies which the church hath at any time had, yea, that no courfe hath been fo evil and grofs that hath wanted fome of thefe to help it on, whofc hatred, and perfecution of the godly hath been found to exceed the moft openly profane and profligate in that time. 2. That as they are particularly threatned a- bove others in the word, fo they get alio fome remarkable caft above others in their judgment, and having once loft their favour become vile and loath- fome even to the worft of men, are contemptible in the eyes of fuch whom they feek in a finful way to plcafc, yea have a worfe favour, than the pro- phaneft wretches, that being verfiicd in them, corrupt io optimi, pejjima. 3. That thefe do feldom make a good retreat from an evil way ; fo as it is an ufual obfervation, it is rare for church men to repent, or a fallen flar to floine again. 4. Are not fuch oft fmitten even in their gifts, which we may fee wither and dry up upon them while not faithfully improved, yea, to the very conviction of their hearers to have loft that edge which once they had in their miniftry ? 5. I muft add another remark (though I delire to deal with fear and much tendernefs in fuch an application of the judgment of God) how the Lord doth oft put fome note of his wrath on the children and ofF-fpring of unfaithful minifters, that it hath been feen none more wretched and grofs; whereto as their evil practice, and example hath been afpecial help, fo likewife are they thus punifhed of the Lord, who did not feek to beget children to him, by the word, but through their way did rather caufe many to err and fall. THE 1 — ■ ■ ' ■ I .. -.. I I — ■ ■■ ■■' ■!■■ ■■■ Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 73 THE THIRD BRANCH. HAving (poke fomethiug how the fcripturc both as to the promifes and threatnings thereof, is evidently fulfilled in the Lord's ordinary way of proeedure with his church, I would a little further follow this argument, how this alfo hath a manifold accomplifhment, even in thefe moft ft range and dark pajfages of providence, whereat men are ready to ftumble and accufe the fpotlcfs righteoulhefsof God, and his faithfulnefs therein ; but if we lay them to that meafure and line of the word, which is ftretched over the whole work of providence, we will fee how well thefe do agree, and anfwer one to the other, yea that all the paths wherein God walketh towards his church and people, are furely mercy and truth. To clear this I fhall point at fome footfteps of the providence of God in the world, and about the church which would feem moft dark, yea a contradiction to his word and promife, but are plain and manifeft, if weighed in the ballancc of the fanctuary, where we may have a fatisfying look and refolution of thefe things, which otherways would be too hard for us to underftand, and may fee, how ftraight thefe paths ace which we thought crooked 5 yea, howeafy and paflable, the grcatcft deeps of providence would be, both as to God's way with his church, and in our own particular cafe, when once they are fet over againft the word. I fhall touch this a little in thefe following inftances. 1. It ma) feem firange how the church's trouble and ftrait is oft feen to encreafe,with the firft ft irrings of her deliverance j yea,when fome remarkable mercy and deliverance is in the bringing forth, the firft ftcp thereof would feem to put her further back, and in a vvorfe condition than before. This is indeed a piece of the Lord's way with his church which in many inftances may be witnefled, but let us take the word along therewith, and we will find. 1. How the church is oft at the brink of the grave even when her cafe is upon a turn, and how it is congruous to his way (whofe paths are in the deep waters, who cloatheth himfelf with darknefs, that men floould not find any thing after him, or lay down absolute conclufions concerning his dealing) that the motions of providence fhould be oft fo perplexed and various. 2. Did not the cafe of the church in Egypt feem much worfe, their burdens double upon them, even when their deliverance was breaking up ? 3 • Jofeph to be fold as a {lave, and in Egypt turned in to a dungeon, would feem fteps of providence, very unlkc the thing which God was driving at there- by, and yet we fee how kindly thefe did work towards the fame. 4. The church in Micah.lv. 10. when (he was even at the door next to a deliverance, hertryal was even at thegreateft height, be in pain, and labour to bring forth, for ye fhall go to Babylon and there be delivered: but forcft pangs in the birth do u'ually promiic the bell: iilue. 5. It was the ftep of the pro- vidence ot God, which of all feemed moft dreadful to the church in Efttr, the fealing of the decree, and fending it forth to root out the whole feed of the Jews, while Haman ftill flourifhed, but lo this was the very ftep that wrought moft throughly tor her deliverance, and is not a wet mourning feed- time a fcripture-prefage of a good harveft. II. The fore interruptions which a peopl's endeavours for re formation^ and to promote the kingdom of Chrift have met with, even when fet about with a clear call, yea, folemn and ferious engagements to God, would feem ftrange, and a fhaking piece of providence 5 and truly this is oft feen, as an ufual attendant on reformation, how unfuperable like difficulties, and unex- pected lets do grow up in the way thereof ; thus when Luther, and other inftruments were raifed up in Germany, to purfue the church's reformation, what cruel edicts were then fet forth to give it a dafh ? Divifion among them- U felves, 74 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. felves, the rifing up of the Boors and Anabaptifts: what a pure, and through reformation was on foot under Edward the fixth in England^nd what a dread- ful ftorm did quickly break it up for that time ? And I would add, what the prefent cafe of the church in Britain and Ireland may at this day witnefs, where once the Lord fo eminently appeared in a begun reformation, which now is at fo great aftand, but let us go in to the fcripture with this, and we will find. i. There is a vive portraiclurc of providence in the affairs of the church held forth in that vifion which Ezekiel had of the wheels at the river Chebar-, whofe myfterious motions and turnings fo crofs one to the other, without any difcord therein, as to the end, to which they were directed, both witnefs the rational, and wife conduct of providence : the Lord's work about his church is a mod fhadowed and elaborate piece, which men cannot fee, before their eye, as they fee behind upon a review, while ordinary caufes do oft vary in their operation, yea, go out of the common road, but fcrip- ture will make this very plain. 2. Was not Nehcmiah, Ezra and Zerobabel at their work and duty, and had an exprefs call for building of the temple, yet, how great, and frequent interruptions did they find, fome- times environed with difficulties, Zach. iv. 7. Who art thou great moun- tain before Zerobabel? yea, they were put to hold the fwordand build, to watch and work at once, becaufe of their enemies. 3 , What a very fore backfet was the church at Hab. iii. Revive thy work Lord in themidft of the years ; this was both a great and long interruption, yea, do we not find her almoft at a non-plus with a query which no vifible appearance could anfwer, by whom jhall Jacob arife for he is fmall ? 4. We find a fpecial reformation fet on foot by Hezekiah with a folemn covenant, by the princes, priefts and body of the people, with a fetting up of the pure wor- fhip and ordinances of God, but lo a (harp ftorm is foon after by Sennacherib, yea, Hezekiah fcarcely is in his grave, when his fon doth bring in corruption and perfecution both at once 5 and when thechriftian church in the times of the apoftles begin to flourifh, fuccefs following the gofpel, did not a fad in- terruption and fcattering follow ? u4£i. viii. 5. This is promifed that Zion'% walls (hall even in troublefome times be built, and her being brought to a heap of rubbifh was but making way for a further advance, that in the build- ing of her again the Lord might appear in his glory ; and is it not clear, that Chrift coming in the gofpel and power thereof to purge his church, and car- ry on a reformation Mai. iii. 4. proveth a fearching and trying time which men cannot endure, for the word and clear difcovery of fin, and other making difpenfations which do ufually attend fuch times and torment them who dwell on the earth, yea, and the devil, and corruption of. men aloft, with, all rage to oppofe the fame. III. That a fad overclouding and darknefs Jhould come on a land, after moft fpecial manifeflations of the power and glory of God therein, and that a time of the gofpel with much light fhould be fo near a forerunner of wrath and judgment, would feem aftrange piece of providence, and caufe a ferious enquiry how fuch eminent appearances of God for a people, fuch great con- firmations, obfervations, obfervable fuccefs for a time, with many fignal encouragements, mould all feem to refolve in a defolating ftroke, and ruin ? This may be inftanced in that proteji 'ant war in France where inftru- ments were remarkably railed, fitted of the Lord for the fcrvice of that time, had much of his prefence and countenance, yet to refolve thus in a bloody maflacre j likewife thefe confederate German Princes, Saxony and Land- grave of Heffe y men eminent for piety, carried forth with much zeal for God, for defence of the truth, yea, in the beginning of that war having 5 many Fart I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 7* many promifing encouragements, yet, remarkably defertcd of the Lord with very fad like confequences following the fame. Let us confidcralfb the late Bohemian war, ftated upon necelfary defence of religion and liberty, and at firfl: attended with iome fmiling providences, mould refolve into fo great a de- folation and ruin : yea, the church of Ireland, O, what a dreadful maflacre of the protcftants there did quickly follow one of the moil folemn times of the power of God and outpowering of the fpirit that we ever heard of fince the days of the apoftles. I confefs this may have a ftrange afpect, and is apart of the marvelous ways of the Lord, but when we take it into the word,, we will find there is no jar, or difcord here, for, i. It might feem as ftrange and aftonifhing what Baruchgot from the Lord in anfwer to his com- plaint, Jerem. xlv. that he would pluck up what he had planted, and caft down that which he had built, for a work to be thus thrown down, where the Lord had once fo eminently appeared, and given his people many confirma- tions, might then occafion great thoughts of heart, yet the unfpotted righte- oufnefs of God, and his truth was apparent therein ; yea, after that difcourfe, and all thefe large promifes, which Chrift gave his difciples in that of John vi. we find all is fhut up with that, the hour is coming, and now is, that ye jhall be /tattered. 2. What ftrange providences did meet the church in the wildernefs, fometime brought back to the Red-fea, tryed with hunger and nakednefs, confumed with various ftrokes, and many years wandering until mod of that generation, who came out of Egypt, filled their graves in the journey, and yet this was after raoft eminent confirmations, and as clear figns of God's prefence as ever a people had. 3. We find a publick re- formation moft zealoufiy profecute by Jojias, which looked like the renewed efpoufals of that land with God, by a folemn covenant, yet, quickly after,night came on that land with a long captivity, and Jojias did fall by the fword. 4. Was there not a bright fun-blink, and flourifliing plantation of the gof- pel in Judea a little before the defolation of that land by the Romans, yea, we will find it clear from the word that times of much light and reformation do much fooner ripen for a ftroke than other times. 5 . It is very mani- feft that particular churches have their day where the gofpel hath it's appointed work, and their ftroke at laft may reach the length of removing the candle- ftick, I truly think that fad inftance of Bohemia's cafe may have this obferva- ble in it, that it had longer day, and enjoyment of the light even from the times of John Hus, and Jerome of "Prague which was near an hundred years before there was any day- break on other parts, fo that we would consi- der if their night did come foon on, that their day was alfo much longer, yea, the ftroke might meet with the ebb of the tide, when their harveft was much gathered in, under fo long a continuance of the gofpel, though I dare not think, the Lord's work is utterly extinct there, but that Bohemia's dead and withered root hath life yet in it and fhall once again bud forth. IV. Is it not ufually feen when judgement comet h on a land, that the godly get the firft ftroke? But let us alfo confider this in the word, where it is clear. 1 . That judgment muft begin at the houfe of God, and the green tree ; and that the church's trouble and perfecution is a forerunner of ven- geance on her adverfaries, do we not find, there is a cup of the judgment of God ? And O the laft is of a ftrong composition, for the wine is red and mixed, and the dreg very thick whic his referved for the troublers of the church, and for fuch who are at eafe in a day of her grief, and truly they have the advan- tage that drink firft, Bleft are they whom thou chafteneft, &c. That they may reft in the day of their adverjity, until the pit be digged for the wicked, yea, Rev. iii. \ o. we find keeping of the word of patience, which doth im- port 76 The Fulfilling of tbg Scripture. Part j. port fufrcring to the church, gocth before a more univerfal ftroke ; and in that day proveth the fafety and protection of the people of God. 2 . It is alfo clear that men may be raifed up of the Lord, and followed with fuccefs, when he hath them for a rod to his church, but that at laft Ajhur the rod of my wrath will I caft in the fire, faith the Lord, it is truly an evidence of great wrath upon a party to be made the rod,and executioners of judgment upon the people of God, for they {"hall pay for it, by fome fadder ftroke than any trou- ble or fuffering, whereof they have been inftruments. V. That profperity, and fuccefs jloould follow fometimes the worfl of men in an evil coarfe and caufe, fuch a concurrence, and fcries of providence, as fcemeth to (mile on them even to the bringing of their finful devices to pafs, while the people of God have been made to fall in a juft quarrel be- fore their adverfary, would feem an aftonifhing providence, but let us lay it forcgainft the word, and there we will fee. 1. That there is a profpe- rity which tendeth to definition, Prov. i. 32. The tabernacles of 'the robbers profper, Jobxii. 6. and they that provoke God are fecure, into whofe hands he bringcth abundantly, but they do not fee that wickednefs is its own pu- nifhment, and how it is a dreadful ftroke to thrive in an ill courfe. Was not the church fhaken with fuch a providence, Mai. iii. 15. Yea, tempted to call the proud happy, but in ver. 18. They were taught from further obferva- tion to difcern, and to put a difference between the righteous and the wick- ed. 2. Do we not find that even the figns and predictions of falfc Pro- phets in favours of a finful way may come to pafs, TDait. xiii. 1, 2. where- of the church is warned, and God's intent in the fame cleared, that it is for the tryal of his people, whither they will love, and fear the Lord, and cleave to his way, when providence would feem to fhine on a crooked path. 3. Did not fuccefs for a time attend Abfalom ? lfrael as one man went after him, yea, the friends and counfellors of 'David 'j a fair wind did alfo favour Haman in his effay to ruin the church. Jeremy is almoft fhaken with this, yea they have taken root, yea, they grow, and bring forth fruit, but is not this at laft ufually found ominous before a ftorm ? though the bru- tifh man knoweth not, nor fools lay it to heart for what the wicked doth oft fpring, and flourifh ; I would add Ifraeh falling before Benjamin, it was an a- ftoniming like providence 5 and Habakuck was put to a ftand with fuch a thing, why the Lord lookt on, while the wicked devoured the righteous ; yea, Jojhua was to cry out in an amazement, O Lord what fhall I fay, when Jfrael turneth their back before their enemies? But we have alfo the Lord's intent therein witncfled by his word, that this is to humble and prove his people, that he may do them good in the latter end, and thus he beateth them off from all carnal grounds of confidence, he woundeth them to a cure, that by bringing them low, he may raife, and fit them for a further mercy. VI. What great dif appointments hath the church met with, when outward grounds of confidence, and ordinary means have been moft promifing, as it is a thing moft true, fo it may feem ftrange at the firft look, but let us bring it to the word and the cafe will be there anfwercd,©f/tf. xxxii. Why foould one chafe a thoufand, but becaufe their rock hath fold them, and therefore their ftrength is gone with the Lord's departing from them, for, when a time of judgment is come, even the mighty then find not their hands, counfel fail- eth to the ancient, ordinary means bring not forth their wonted effects, which Solomm fheweth and after ages have oft fcen, the race not ever to the fwift nor the battel to the ftrong, it is alfo clear from the word, how threatning a condition that is, for the people of God to be much carried out after means, or lilted up therewith, Jfaiahxxx. they will ride on horfes, and this fhall be their ■-— - — -■ - - - - -- - Part I . The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 77 their punifhment, but on the other hand the Lord's way, in bringing forth his greatcft works hath not been by might and power, but oft by means mod improbable, and unexpected. VII. The long continuance of a heavy afflicting rod on the churchy with- out the appearance of deliverance, or any return to much wreftling and prayer on that account, may feem a ftrange iiep in God's way with his people, but the word will anfwer us in fuch a cafe where it is clear. 1. That there are no bounds in the (cripture fet to the continuance of a trial, it doth not tell how long a (harp ftorm may lye on, either as to the church, or any particular chriftian ; for it is a part of the Lord's fecret counfel, but not of that which is revealed, it is enough that we know from it that men cannot make the church's fuffeiing longer than God's time. 2. It was a long term that of Ifraeh tryal in Egypt and after that under the captivity, three hundred and ninety days muft the church lye on her left fide. O how many a fad day, and weariibme night was there in that word, Ixx. weeks are determined upon thy people, and city Jerufalem. 3. Have not the faints under a long trouble been almoft the length of blafphemy in their complaints, lfaiah xl. 27. My way is h'-dfrom the Lord, and my judgment pafi over from my God. 'Daniel, how prefling with the Lord was he that he would hearken, and do, and not defer, and yet the return comcth not until the firft year of Cyrus } yea, that cry of the altar, How long, doth it not even get a dilatory anfwer ? For thus the Lord doth oft interpofe his long fuffering for fome time, betwixt his people, and avenging of them. 4* It is alfb clear that there are many prayers before the throne, the returns whereof are fufpended, and an anfwer to chriftians, in their particular, until that time when God mall build up Zwn, and then the prayer of the deftitute fliall be remembred even as to chriftians private enlargement, when the church mail be raifed up. 5. We know the church's enemies muft have time to ripen, and it is not a ftorm of a few days that will purge away the filth of the daughter of Zion, too foon let- ting out of a fore may caufe it undercot and gather new matter, and truly the word can refove us in this, that one minute fooner than God's time would net be his peoples mercy. VIII. It is oft feen when there is fome remarkable work of God on foot in a land, and fome great out pouring of the fpirit, how Satan Jetteth up fome ufual counterfeit thereof and bringeth forth fomething of his work in fuch a time with a very ftrange refemblance of the fame ; thus, with the preach- ing of the freedom of grace, and a clear diicovery of that truth, did Libcrti~ nifm under a very fpecious pretext, fpring up. Thus we find the tyJnabaptift and Kvintinomian party fet up in Germany, to run down a church-reformation under the (hew of a more pure and fpiritual way 5 and of late did not Familifm in England, under pretext of a more fpiritual difpenfation caft off the very letter of the fcripture, turning it over in an allegory, and in behalf of the liberty of propheiying, cry down a (landing miniftry ; but though this may feem ftrange, yet, the fcripture is very clear concerning it. 1 . That even Satan himfelf is transformed into an angel of light, and in no fhape proveth more dangerous to the church. 2. That the moft dreadful errors, and a falfe way will oft come near to the choiceft exercifes of the faints, and have fuch a refemblance to the fame, that if it were poflible the very elect fhould be de- ceived. 3. Was there not a Simon Magus with falfe miracles fet up over againft the apoftles, and when the time of the Mefflas drew near, did not then a Theudas, and Judas of Galilee, break forth to amufe the people \ We find alfo an altar from 'Damafcus, fet up befide that which was fhewed to Mofesihz fervant of the Lord in the mount, yea, when Mofes and Aaron X were 7 8 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Fart I were giving 'Pharaoh afign, and did fhew forth the marvelous power of God, then did the Magicians caft down their rod alfo to counterfeit the fame, by which the heart of Tharaoh was hardned. IX. The abounding of much error and herefy, now in the time of the gofpel, with that fwift growth thereof, which is oft feen where the light moft clearly fhineth, would feem ftrange, yea, is a thing whereat many are ready to {tumble, and thus to challenge the way of God : but is not the fcripvure in this clearly verified, ib that this piece of providence which is lb making to many, if we take the word along with it, might be a very convincing confir- mation to us of the fame, for, i. We find the apoftles, yea, Chrift himfelf hath given exprefs warning thereof, that this fliould be one of the fpe- cial and greateft trials of the chriftian church, whereof the Old Teftament, we find, doth little mention, that trial not concerning the church then fo much, as thefe after-times under the MeJJias's kingdom, wherein the event may be clearly feen, to anfwer thcie predictions, which are fo frequent thereof in the New Teftament. 2. Doth not the event alfo anfwer the word as to that particular way and method, how error mould be propogated, which is there clearly foretold, by fubtil undermining, under the pretext of liberty with plaufible inilnuations, fo that we muft fay not oniy the matter but with all thefe difccrnible tokens, even upon the manner, the word is made out, 3. Do we not find this mould be a judgment on men who receive not the love of the truth, and that after flourifning times of the church, when he who rideth on the white horfe is gone forth, the black horfe and his rider doth quickly follow, and truly it is feen that in the time of hotted perfec- tions, the church hath not been fo much troubled with this adverfary, as when fhe did begin to get reft, and moft of outward liberty, nor yet fo at the firft breaking up of the gofpel, as after fome time of its continuance. 4. Doth not the event likewife thus anfwer the word, that in the breaking out of herefy in the church, a fpirit of error, the depths and mighty working of Satan mould be feen, which I am fure is undeniable, how manifeft the in- tcrpofing of thefe powers of darknefs is therein, if we conllder, 1. Its Its marvelous difpatch and growth like a plague, and the arrow that flieth by day. 2. With what a difcernible fury and violence men are thus driven, as with an impetuous current, yea, oft a change on their very natural temper is feen moft evidently. 3 . Thefe monftruous and hor- rid things, which are oft brought forth, may (new whofe hand is in fuch a birth. 4. That the ufual tendency of error is to loofnefs in practice, which as it poifoneth thefpring, and corruptcth the leading faculty the judge- ment, fo we iee, it moveth towards the vital fpirits, and doth influence the converfation; and the leprofy in the head breaketh forth in blains through the whole body. 5. And do we not fee how many grofs and profane have been carried with this fpate, how few get leave to ftand, but arc (fill car- ried from one ftep to another, and it is clear the world did never put out its rage fo much againftthat way, as it hath doneagainft the truth, except when fome outward intcreft maketh it a quarrel. X. Thefe great fhakings and commotions thai ufe to attend the gofpel ', when it comet h in power to a land, may alfo feem ftrange, yea, are ready to make many ftumble. But is not the word verified herein, what great ftirs and trouble did afflict the church after great light in pouring out of the fpirit, Joel,u. 29. we may there likewife fee, how thisgiveth the world an alarum, maketh the kings, and great men of the earth run together, to hinder the rifing of Chrift s kingdom, Pfal. ii. 3. let us break his bonds, &c. for truly in all ages Chrift's rifing in the gofpel hath caft a terror to its enemies, that this (hould be their fall and ruin, when the apoftle hath an effectual door opened in his miniftry, II-'- — — — — — — Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 79 miniftry he hath alfo much oppofition thereto, but on the other hand all is (till and quiet while the ftrong man doth keep the houfe, yea, it is clear from the word, that where the gofpel cometh there is a red flag hung forth, that if men will not receive the fame and fubjecl to him who ridcth on the white horfe, one (hall come after whofe work is to take peace from the earth, to put the world in a flame, and to accomplifh the judgment of a defpifed go- fpel, who fhall divide betwixt the husband and wife, the parents and chil- dren, wherein our blcfled Lord Jems is very exprefs, Matth. x. 34. lcome not to fetid peace on the earth, but rather a /word, which might feem ftrange from him -, but it is to tell men if they will not embrace the offer of his peace they lhall not have peace among themfelves, forthemeffage of the gofpel muft cither be the beft, or the worft fight that ever a land had. XI. This may feem ftrange how in all ages men of great eft parts, and learn- ning, are fuch ufual oppofers of the truth, yea, how the moft fober, and calm will even appear violent in their way, the more the gofpel is followed with power j but, O ! how well doth this anhver the fcripture, for the wif- dom of this world is enmity to God, i Cor. iii. 19. not many wife according to the flefh comparatively, with thofe who hate the truth ; of all the beafts of the field was not the fcrpent Satan's choice; and if there be an Achitophel'm the time, at him he will have a fpecial pull, to fuch the fimplicity of the gofpel is foolifhnefs, whereat they ftumble 5 to fuch Chrift is a rock of of- fence, we find the light doth tormentthem that dwell in the earth, willcaufe men blafphcmc and difcover that, which would not appear, whilft they got leave to enjoy their finful peace without difturbance. XII. Tkefe ftrange judgments which may fometimes befal the faints in their outward lot, yea fometimes attended with fome very aftonifhing circum- ftances would at the firft look put men to a ftand and to challenge the holy way of God. But let us weigh it in that ballance of the fcripture, and we will find. 1 . That fuch hath been the complaint of the faints, the Lord's wounding them with the wound of a cruel one; what a ftrange query is that in Lament, ii. 20. Behold and confider, to whom thou haft done this, fhall the women eat the fruit of their womb ? Jhall the priefl and prophet be flain in the fancluary of the Lord ? Yea, did it not even to Solomon feem ftrange, Ecclef viii. 14. that there arejuft men to whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked. 2. It looked like fome ftrange ftroke which forced 'David to this complaint, my enemies caft iniquity on me, and fay an evil difeafc, or as the origiual readeth it, a thing of Belial cleaveth to him; we find Joftas fell by the fword; Eli, with one ftroke hath his fons killed, his daughter in law dying, and himfelf falling from his feat, and break- ing his neck ; yea Aaron hath both his fons killed before his eyes, by an im- mediate ftroke from the Lord. 3. The word doth alfo fhew, there is no jar betwixt this and the tenor of the covenant which God hath made with his people, to punifh their tranfgreffion with rods, yea, fometimes by a ftrange rod, while he taketh not his loving kindnefs from them, and do we not find that a grievous trial may afflict the faints which the world would think a dreadful judgment, for great fufFerings may be ordered of the Lord, togive fome great examples thereby, we have heard of the patience of Job, and have feen the end of the Lord. XIII. The grefs falling of thefe who have fometimes Jhined with much luftre in the church may be aflonifhing, but here alfo we may fee the fcripture made our, for it is clear. Firft, that few inftances of the moft eminent of the faints, we have on fcripture record, but there is fome particular fpot and blemi:1i alto noted, a Noah, Lot, Mofes and 'David, yea, under the New Teftament 8o The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. Teftament that great apoftle, whofe denial of his mafter is fet forth, to (hew how far fome may fall whom grace will again reftore, and make up. 2. It is there clear, that fome of underftanding do fall for a judgment to others, that fuch who will ftumble, whofe prejudice at the way of God is their choice, may thus further fall and be broken. 3. The blefled meaning and intent hereof we may there alfo read to alarm men to watchfulnefs, that fiich who (land may take heed left they fall j to warrant alfo their adventur- ing on the grace of God j that none fhould fear to come in after fuch emi- nent examples. XIV. 'The contingency of events, that we fee many things in fuch a cafual way fall out in the world, as by chance only, without the rational conduct of providence (which doth infallibly direct things to a certain end) this might at the firft look, put men to a ftand, yea, would feem to give atheifts fome fhadow to fay, haw doth God fee, or doth the God of Jacob regard? But upon a more ferious enquiry fetting the word over againft it, O what a fweet excrcifc mould it be to confider. 1. That though the providence of God i,n things here beneath moveth fuitably to the nature of inferior caufes, whether neceiTary, free, or contingent, not violenting them, or otherways making ufe of them, but according to their nature, fo that though the event be neceflary, and infallible, with a refpect to the firft caufe, the determined counfelof God, it is neverthelefs contingent in refpecl: of its neareft caufe ; yet moft cafual motions do certainly fall under that comprehenfive reach of providence, that even a fparrow falleth not to the ground by guefs, Rebeccah cometh not with her pitcher to the well nor Ruth to glean in Boaz's field at an adventure, but inthefe the providence of God muft reach its end, and cannot mifcarry. 2. That thefe things which to us would feem moft cafual, we oft fee in their tendency and product, have been intended by the Lord, as a ipecial mean for the promoting of his glory, wherein fuch a wonderful meeting and uniting of things in themfelves moft remote for that end may be truly difcerned, that if prejudice do not fhut mens eyes, they muft confefs this can be no blind chance but fome higher counfel and conduct of the fame ; what would look more contingent than that Ahafuerus was indifpofed to deep, and could have no reft in the night, or that a reflection of the fun upon the waters fhould make them appear as blood to the children of Moab ? But we fee what great things the Lord is thus bringing about. 3. Is it not oft manifeft how not the fmalleft cafuality or circumftance providence doth lofe without fome impro- vement thereof? Yea, that it guideth the ftroke of a man's fword in the battle, and directeth the bullet to its appointed mark, and doth evidently check the ftars and control that fatal neceility, which we are ready to fear may or will follow their afpect, and doth even determine thefe which in themfelves arc moft free and abfolute, the heart, and will of man > muft not the crowing of the cock, the fouldiers dividing Chrift's garments fall out for an accom- plifhment of the fcripture, and though it was at a venture that that man drew the bow which Tent Ahab to his grave, yer, it was no chance did direct the arrow between the very joints of his armour. 4. Amidft the various emergent* and hazards of mens life, may not experience tell that furely things contingent are not abandoned to fortune, but there is a providence which doth number our hairs, without which they cannot fall to the ground. O how aftoni filing may it be to think how furprizing hazards have been oft obvia- ted ? By what unexpected means men have been delivered from violent af- iaults, how help unlooked for hath even come at a choke and an extremity, yea, while their foot was flipping even betwixt their falling and fall they have been met with fome remarkable caft of mercy. 5 . Is it not eafy to 5 difcern, Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 8 1 difcern, how many accidents which fecm inoft carnal, yet by no human pru- dence or induftry can be prevented, but are obfervably brought about, and guided to fulfill the threatnings of the word on ungodly men, how was Sifera led into thehoufeof Jael, as in other places, how mould Haman's fuit, for Mordecai's death meet with that very morning, when the king's thoughts were favourable to him, for it might feem had Haman been one day fooner he would have got his will. ("5) This is a grave and ferious fubjed, and in fuch a day mould be much ftudied, when fo many are ready to quarrel at the way of the Lord, and out of every thing fuck poifon; when prejudices are now fo univcrfally abound- ing againft the truth, that we may fee what a witnels there is even in the moft dark and aftoniihing fteps of providence to the truth and faithfulnefs of God $ yea, how great a confirmation, we may thence have of our faith in fuch making rimes, whilft we fee how thefe arc fpecial grounds againft a- theifm, and a moft convincing refutation of the fame, which are fo much made ufe of to ftrengthen men in that way : 1 know the holy fovcraignty of God fhould teach us to adore and keep filence, when we cannot fathom the depths of providence, and on this great fatisfying truth we fhould flay and fix our felves, when things fecm ftrange to us : He is the Lord and with him there is no unnghteoufnefs : it is fure the condition of the damned in hell takes not off that obligation to declare his faithfulnefs, and adore his unfpot- ted juftice j but O then it would ceafe to be hell if fuch a blcfTed frame could have a being there ; however it is a neceffary and concerning duty when a matter feemstoo hard for us to underftand to enquire in the fanctuary s there is a warrantable fearch after the works of God that we may know them : now befides thefe inftances which have been already mentioned, I would yet further touch lome few fteps of the providence of God, with a fpecial refpecT: to this prefent time, which may leem very ftrange and be amazing ; but when brought to that teft of divine truth, will be found a moft fatisfying con- firmation thereof. I. It may feem ftrange to fee the church of Chrift this day fo univcrfally brought low, and in a fuffering condition, whilft the whole earth befides, is at fuch reft and quiet j that if we now look any where abroad, affliction and contempt from men is feen, in a very great meafure, to attend the profeffion of godlinefs, but more efpecially thepower thereof 5 yea, that almoft in every place the church would feem to be upon a decay, and a declining rather than in an advance ; I confefs this may caufe great thoughts of heart, when we confider that ineftimable value, he whole the church is hath put thereon, what glorious things are fpoken of her in the word, efpecially with a refpect to the latter days, and we have judged (I humbly think with a fafe warrand) that this fhould be a folcmn time of fulfilling thefe promifes, which yet point at a more univerfal raifing and enlargment of the church of Chrift, yea, that in fo great a meafure we have feen fome begun performance thereof, and there- fore fhould conclude the Lord's work herein cannot halt, until it be at the full height and at the perfect day; Jhall I bring to the birth, and not caufe to bring forth, faith the Lord ,• Jhall I caufe to bring forth, and Jhut the womb, faith thy God, Ifa. lxvi. 9. But let us go in to the (cripture and there enquire concerning this, and we find. 1. How the church and the world in that intereft of their joy and grief as well as other interefts, are ftated in a moft dircd oppofition, Joh. xvi. 20. Verily, faith Chrift, Te Jhall lament and weep, but the world jhall rejoice. It fhould not be expected thefe can be at reft together, fince the trouble and fuffering of the church, it is a part of the world's eafe and quiet > what a folemn jubilee does that caufe to her adverfaries, when they fee before them the dead bodies Y of 8z The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. of the witnefiesof Chrift. Rev. xi. io. No fight more rejoycing to fuch, becaufe thefe are they who torment them who dwell in the earth; but when once the truth cafts off her fackcloath, and the witneftes get up to their feet ; O what a terror doth this caufe ! they are pain'd, yea, their eyes ready to confume in their eye-holes with bittcrnefs and anguifn, that they have been at fo fore work, and done fo much againft the church, and yet cannot undoe her. 2. Should this be more ftrange now than at that time when the city of Shufan and the whole feed of the Je ws were in perplexity, whilft the king and Haman fat down to feaft, and rejoyce over fuch a thrcatned ruin > for this feemed to ftrike at the root of the church univcrfal i and was not that a broad and dark cloud when this was writ in the Lamentation of the church, Zion is a izildet -nefs, and Jerufalem a defciation j yea, could find no reft, no comforter any inhere, Lam, i. 16, 17. But if fuch a providence ibem ftrange, that the church now at this day mould be with fo violent a fpare, and univerfal a ftorm run down when fo great things are promifed, let us confider his way who by thegreateft down-cafting and ftraits ufeth to bring about the mod remarkable mercies ; and do we not know the Devil appears with great- eft wrath, and raifeth the foreft ftorms, when he knows that his time is ihort. 3. If weconfult the fcripture, we will find the adverfarics of the church have an hour which is their hour and the power of darknefs ; for their fun-fnine is indeed a black and dark time ; and then is there a ftrange aftoni filing concur- rence of outward advantages on their fide; for they are thus elbblifhed for judgment, and the wind muft fcrve, and the tide make until that that work in their hand be fulfilled, they could never have been fuch a rod on the church, if they were not appointed of the Lord for the fame ; yea, is it not obfervable, whilft this their hour continues, there is then a power of dark- nefs ; fuch a time when that hath an unufual force, and would feem to carry all before it, hath then a marvelous quick difpatch in its fpreading from one place to another, to make a dark night, where the gofpel fometimes hath had a bright day, yet we fee how fuch a ftrange darknefs hath but its hour as to the prevalence thereof, even a fet time for the church's trial: and it is fuch an eclipfe, were it never fo univerfal, that muft go over at its appointed period, and give place to light, before which the darknefs can no longer ftand, and then it fhall be (aid to her, who had almoft abandoned her felf to forrow ; Arife and Jhine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is rtfen. 4. Why fhould we be amazed at this, where we may read fo clearly fomc- thing of the Lord's defign, even by fofore and univerfal aftroak to appear in his glory, 'Pfal. cii. 1 6, and thus raife his church with an unfpeakable advan- tage by fiich a fuppofed ruin, the fcripture is in this very manireft, that when the Lord is about fome great building, and hath feme excellent piece of work to raife up, a great deal of rubbifh and breaking down ufethtogo before; is it not thus alfo he makes the luffering graces of his fpirit in his people mine forth, that here the faith and patience of the faints may bewitneftcd; yea, fhould we not know there is in every age a filling up of the fufFerings of Chrift in his people, and a teftimony thus required to his truth, whicn the great witnefs himfelf did once feal and confirm with his blood, even he who before 'Pontius 'Pilate gave agoodconfeflion, and through all ages even to the clofe of time, there muft not want fome wimeftes to the fame. It is known how fometimes of the church arc beyond others made remarkable for fuffering ; but it is no lefs clear, that in thefe times alfo, the truth hath had the greater! victory, and herein a more fpecial clearing up of fome truths which the world hath moft ftudied to darken ; thus we fee fome ages of the church may have a larger part of this teftimony aliigned; yea, this remark may not 5 only ■ _ ■ # Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 83 only toe -of fome different lot and fervice affigned to particular ages but to •particular churches alfo. 5. If we enquire about this at the fcripture, we will find alio feme remarkable proportion that the turning again of the church's captivity hath to her former bondage, read I fa. xlix. 19, 20. aridlv. 13. J-er. xxxi. 39. and you may fee what an ample rcftauration is there, which as with a mcafuring line is made to anfwer in breadth and length to her former down- cdfting; We find Zion's rejoycing When her time of refrefh- fnent comes from the prefence of the Lord, anuft reach all her mourners, and toe as univerfal as once the caufe of lamentation was, Ifa. lx'vi, 10. Is it not Ifuch an hour fometime with the church that a refrefhing report is no where to be heard, but the tidings of the next day adds more grief to the former day's forrow 5 yet hath not fuch a time quickly followed, wherein the church might lay ; The Lord hath encreafed her greatnefs, and comforted her on 'every fide ; and hath had a fpring and reviving upon the return of the fun as univerfal, as her decay and withering once was through the dead winter, Ifa. iu 3. And truly, whilft we confidcr the time in which we are now fallen, fcow the church of Chrift is every where low, and in a moll languifhing con- dition, ainichriftianifm now upon a formidable growth, as if there were an universal confpiracy to return again to Babylon^ and if we will enquire into k at the fcripturc as we fee this fad decay we may thence conclude a certain delivery 5 yea, that even by a day of vengeance the Lord can bring about the year of his redeemed: I humbly think we may with afafe fcripturc warrand judge, that fo univerfal a decay, fuch a great overfpreading of darknefs over the reformed churches through the whole world may give us ground to believe fuch a breaking up alio of the gofpel, and of the knowledge of the Lord, that (hall be of as large extent, even to the filling of the earth therewith, as the waters cover the fea ; it will not be a particular fhowcr and fun-mine of re- frefhing influences on fome church, it will not be the reviving of the work ; of God inthefe nations, I muff think, will anfwer fo broad a cloud, and fo univerfal a vacation and lamentation through the whole churches of Chrift : but we may according to the fcripture look on this as a part of the lafl and mod remarkable alTault that the church univerfal fhall have from Antichrift, before that full ffroke on the feat of the beaft j yea, that this is a very promifing forerunner thereof, for when this party feems now to get up, and begins to move war, we have fure ground to believe his further falling thereby, and that every new affault which that grand advef iary makes upon the church, fhall fo far put forward her intereff and haften his Own ruin : Cleffed arc they who are helped in this dark hour to watch, and wait until the vifiorl break up, for it will affuredly fpeak in the appointed time. II. Thefe fliort breathings of the church, now under the New Teftatnent t may lecmalfo ffrange, that we fee her fun-fhine fo quickly darkned with clouds and followed with lTiowers, that any lucid interval (he enjoys wants not long a new ftorm, we fee this very clear what hath been the ufual lot of the church univerfal through all the times of the gofpel, how fore toffed and overclouded, her reft of fhort continuance, and as to particular churches, is it not a fmall period of time which ufeth to be betwixt one affault and another ? So that they draw their breath but a little for fome new trial : l confefs this would be puzling, if fuch a piece of divine providence wefhould effayto unriddle without the fcripture ; but We have the word near us, where we may fee the fate and condition of the church under the gofpel, the moft remarkable fteps in her way, thefe lharp alTaults and fhort breathings fhe was tocxpeel moft clearly foretold and held forth 5 yea by confulting this blefled record, we will find thefe. 1. That a more continued and fixed reft than 84 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part 1. .than that which may be feen hitherto in the church's condition could not well be reconciled with the fcripture, there was indeed a great breathing, a moil re- markable ceflation under Conflantines reign after a Storm of ibme ages con- tinuance ; but O how Short; and it is faid, Rev. viii. i. There was (ihnce in heaven for half an hour i I would here offer fome remarks concerning the way of the Lord in this. i. That the crofs and much affliction we find have a more peculiar refpcclto the difpenfation of thegofpel than the times of the law ; and this is ipecially fuitcd thereto, to go through many tribula- tions which is very confentancoustoa greater manifestation of grace under the New Teftament, that greater and more frequent trials for its exercife mould alio be let forth. 2. We find fuclt fore and ulual afiaults are not only fuitcd to the mofl: excellent condition of the church in regard of Spiritual pri- vileges, but doth often exercife the mofl excellent of the faints, read, Heb. xi. 32. This remark ufeth not to fail, how every particular church, betides thefe ordinary changes and toflings in her lor, hath alfo fome more folemn remarkable trials and lomc great afiault, beyond others, and accordingly hath fome more lingular breathings and fun-blinks fuitcd thereto. 4. Wc cannot find any fuch calm and breathing, which hath not been very Short, if we turn back and trace the hiftory of the church in former times, but the clouds have returned quickly after the rain ; yea, wc may obferve how the molt excellent princes and magistrates, under whom the church hath had fome Sweet repole, have been oft in a very ihort time taken away, and have but lived a few years. 2. If we wonder at fuch a piece of the Lord's way, why his church is thus toffed, doth not the fcripture Shew what need She hath to be emptied from vefTel to veffel, a long calm being no lefs her hazard than a Sharp Storm, and more caufe oft to watch over her outward reft, than weep over her trouble and toffings: Oh how oft hath the church loSt more by a few years peace than a long continued wari yea, the neceflity of a Sharp winter for her recovery hath been fodifcernible ee'r it came, that if it were not for theoppreiiing of truth, and Shaking of the faith of the faints, the continuance thereof might be almoft wifhed as her advantage, let be to be quietly Submitted unto. 3. Doth not the fcripture alfo wicnefs that continued lafting quarrel, which is betwixt the world and the church, and is perpetuate from generation to generation, that time cannot wear out, fo that if the had not io great a party for her, and an immediate fupport from heaven, we might find more caufe to wonder She yet breaths, than to ask why her breathings are fo Short when there is fo grear a power againft her? O if the church had not this toanfwer all the mefiengers of the nations concerning her Stability, That the Lord hath founded Zion, fure that long breathing defign for to many ages mould at laft have taken place, even to the razing of her foun- dation. 4. It is clear the moft Singular fellowship, and free accefs there- into, with Jefus ChriSl on the earth, is by the crofs, and in that way witi netted, that it muft be faid, if fuch afflicting times did not oft return upon his people there would be a Shut door betwixt the church, and a large part of the Bible, both as to its meaning, and as to its full breaStsof confolation, are there not moft Sweet refreshing truths there, with which the godly cannot reach fb near, feeling a converfe within an outward calm as under fome Sharpest wrcftlings : O what an excellent commentary hath a Suffering time given upon thefe, beyond all that ever was written, on fuch a truth of the icriprure, perfecuted, but not forfaken, caft down, but not defroyed, as for - rowful, yet always rejoicing, and thus, we fee how in our Stumbling at fuch a providence we err not knowing the fcripture, and mi/lake our own mercy. 5. Whilft we fee thefe ihort intervals which have fo ufually been Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 87 been under the New Teftament, betwixt one trial of the church and another, and the caufe thereof fo clear from the word ; let us alfbconfider what war- rant there is yet to expect before the end a more folemn and remarkable time of the church's enlargement, that not only fhall be very univerfal in its extent; but a more lafting and continued reft from the violence of the world than hath formerly been, which I humbly judge on clear fcripturc grounds we are to be- lieve upon the coming of that fuliftrokeon Babylon, and thefe folemn efpou- fals of the jeujzjh church to Chrift, which feems to be the moft remarkable period of that time, appointed for the church's reign -, and though this will not want fome fharp trials, and a mixture of outward trouble, yet, we find no ground from the fcripture, after the dilcuflingof Antichrift, and thethrowing down of the Turkijh Empire, for any remarkable interruption and over- clouding, or that the church mall have any great aflault until that final ga- thering of the world and her forces together to the laft battle of the Lamb. III. Is not this a ftrange remark likewife, which is fo ufual a complaint through the church, that with a greater increafe of light and knowledge, there is feen a vifible wearing out of life and power, and now in thefe more know- ing times, there mould be fo much ground to fay, carefulnefs and the ferious exercife of godlinefs is more worn out, and in a further decay, than in the times of greater ignorance : let us but look through the reformed churches at this day, and then turn home to oUr felves, and we will find this remark too fadly verified ; how after a great increafe of knowledge, the truths of God in fuch a meafure cleared beyond former ages, it may be faid, Oh whither is the life and power of godlinefs gone, and that fervour which once fo con- vincingly appeared in following the Lord ? We know there is a fweet agree- ment betwixt the chriftian's light and life, which hath a mutual fubferviency to each other, and yet to fee fo fad a jar this day, and fo little proportion, the one hath to the other, may put us with aftonifhment to a ferious in- quiry thereanent; but the fcripture is clear and makes it plain, if we will con- fidcr. 1. That there is a time of a peoples efpoufals to the Lord, and then the kindnefs of their youth, and a remarkable time of love is feen. Jer. xxi. 2. when their affection will be aloft after him 5 yea, fuch a folemn pe- riod of the church's condition may be feen when it hath not reached that light and knowledge, as after; but do we not alfo find how rare it is for a people, to hold up at that rate and meafure in their life and love, which at fuch times hath appeared,whatever advance there may be as to light ; thence we find the church's keeping up the name and profeflion of godlinefs, Rev. iii. 2. when very fore fpent in her life ; yea, this decay oft upon fuch an unfenflble growth that it will be hard to get fuch convinced thereof, and remember whence they are fallen. 2. If we will inquire at the fcripture, it will alfo fhew that judicial tendency which light not improved hath to a further hard* ningi how, under the gofpel men may be made deaf with hearing, for judg- ment ami come in the world, faith Chrift, Job. ix. 39. which hath that effect, that thofe who fee fliould be made blind ; light is furely one of the greateft talents of the church, and brings with it either a remarkable gain, or lofs j nothing fo dreadful as this when it is abufed ; O at what a rate doth it run down, and ftupifie the confeience ! that thus men are not only more deadned, but become the more dead and blind that they were once enlight- ned. 3. May we not thence know how this is one of the Devil's greateft engines he makes ufe of to turn men's light againft their life and ho- linefs, even to incite them from that excellent difcovery of the grace of God unto wantonnefs, Judg. iv. and thus elTay an agreement betwixt light and dark* nefs ; O what a dreadful poifon muft that be ! which can imbittss fo excellent Z a ftream. 86 The Fulfilling \ of the Scripture. Part I. a ftream, and turn fo choice and quickning a mean of fpiritual life to be dcftru&ive thereto : that \vc fee knowledge, whole true and native tendency is to humble and abafe, being thus impoifoned does work the contrary ef- fect, even to fwell men and puff them up ; to oppofe the'ie gifts again ft the church which are given of the Lord for its edification, and for defence of the gofpel ; thus we find it clear, when light hath made a further advance in the church, the Devil is there at work to dtftroy love, by many bitter contenti- ous debates, where the intereft may be oft fecn more perfonal, to wit their repute and credit, than the intereft of God and his truth : 1 am far from any intended reflection on that grave and neceflary duty of appearing in defence of the truth, and mens ftating themfelves in oppofition to thofe who are its ad- verfaries, a quarrel wherein they fhould know neither friend nor brother ; for this is to ftand in the breach when it is alTaulted, to contend for the faith 5 O bleficd contention where fuch with that excellent man Melanchton can fay, Non quaro gloriam propriam, fed his people, than the hand of men, and do's even by fome fad ftrokes in their private interefts, and upon their perfons appear more re- markably againft them, than againft any others; this may occafion great thoughts of heart. When we confider that tendernefs which the Lord doth witnefs towards his people, that he ftirs not up all his wrath, nor will lay upon them above that they can bear, but ftays his rough wind in the day of B b the 94 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. the eaft wind, and hath promifed to be a fan&uary, and hiding place when they are fcattered by men : Ezek. xi. i<5. and with another party the church wight debate, yea, hold her own, with her grcateft adverfaries ; but oh! it is time to flee and there can be no (landing, where the Almighty purfucs, there is then true caufe of fear and terror when he becomes his people's party • but let us confult the fcripture that great interpreter of providence, and of every ftep of the way and procedure of the Lord with his church ; and it will let us fee. i. That it is no ftrange cafe, or untroden path, but we may find the prophet, Jer. xvii. 17. at fuch a grievous cry, be not a terror tome,, thou art my hope in the evil day, and had not the church the fame caufe of com- plaint, Jer. xxx. 14. 16. that the Lord feem 1 d to wound htr with the wound of an enemy and the ftroke of a cruel one ; it was the appearance of this, that was a very fad addition to her trial beyond any other thing, If a. lxiii. 10 that they found the Lord turn'd to be their enemy, and in an imme- diate way feem to fight againft them. 2. Do's not the fcripture mew that the rod may have a dreadful appearance, and the way of the Lord, by fomc ftrange and fingular circumftances in dealing with his people, may be matter of amazement, when hedefignsa further increafe of their grace, yea, their trial more than their punifhment j this is indeed one of the deeps of pro- vidence, which we have difcovered, Job firftand fecond Chapters, how by a divine permiflion, Satan may very effe&ually concur in a ftroke on the church, or fome particular chriftian, and thus caufe a ftrange concurrence of imbit- tcring things, that in fuch a cafe the hand of the Lord would feem very teiri- ble, whilft he only minds his peoples trial, and it is clear that the fiery trial mentioned by theapoftle, 1 Tef. iv. 12. may have fuch ftrange and fingular circumftances, that the godly will be at aquefiion if fuch did ever befal others, and yet you fee it there held forth more as a ground of joy than of fear ; O how deep in afflicting times of the church may the plot and contrivance of the Devil be ! which in the holy counfel of the Lord is oft forced to run againft: its own byafs, and to bring forth the very contrary effect. 3. If we underftand the fcripture, we may there know, how the trials of the church hath its appointed bounds and meafure, yea, by fome remarkable ftcps will grow that length, and have fuch an advance until it furround them on all hands. Lam. ii. 22. Thou haft called my terrors round about, as in a fo- lemn day -, yet, when it is fo, we find it is not without caufe, but may be needful for the church and particular chriftians to be in heavinefs through ma^ nifold temptations, 1 Tet. i. 6. and truly in fuch an unufual variety of ftraits, the tendency thereof is oft feen for as manifold ufe and advantage, as the many afflicting ingredients in that trial have been remarkable. 4. We may alio fee from the fcripture, what an ufualrefemblance there is betwixt the publick lot of the church in fuffcring times, and the private cafe of the faints, how under fome fad trial and departure of the Lord from his people, his difpenfations arc many ways corrective and judicial, that doth then reach them in all their perfonal interefts ; there is a backfliding time, and a day, when, judgment particularly points at the green tree, which ufethnotto be a com- forting time, that then Satan is more obfervably let loofe to afflict, and few will mils fome touch of his hand, read Lam. i, 2. where you find the fzord abroad devouring, a time of publick judgment, and then it was at home alfo as death, and in the 16. under fuch fore afflicting ftrokes there is one further held forth, that was moft imbittering of all to the godly in that time, the comforter who Jhould relieve their f mil was far off; it is clear, nothing does more endear a mercy and make itfweetthan the Lord's immediate appearance therein j Part I. The Fulfilling of the Scripture. 9$* . 1. 1 1 1 — p W 1 ■ 1 I ■■ I 1—^— ^— — »■« therein ; and nothing docs more imbitter the rod, which put T)avid to that cry., Tfal. xxxix. remove that ftroke from me, I am confumed by the blow of thine hand. 5. Upon a ferrous inquiry concerning this ftrange thing, may we not Underftand the meaning thereof by the fcripture, why in fome trials the Lord does thus fhew himfclf his peoples party, and his hand more heavy on them than on others, that there is lome provoking caufe whereat thefe providences clearly point -, when- the godly are purfurng their eafe and fatisfaction under the rod, more than to anfwer its defign, when they arc ready to take mortification and an humbfe ftooping under trouble, for a couch- ing underneath their burden, it is not then ftrange, though that fad woz y Amos vi. 6. does fo far reach them as their perfbrial eafe makes them forget the affli- ction of Jofeph : for thus the righteous God fuits their ftroke to the fin, and keeps fuch a proportion, that a light burden of the care of the church mould make their care otherways abound, and in their own things prefs them with much trouble, when thefe go betwixt them and the intereft of Chrift, there is a very unfeen caufe oft why many of the faints may be fick, and fome falling afleep, yea, this truth muft be likewife verify 'd, there is a faying of things by which we put them in further hazard, and a fecuring thereof by a fur- render to the Lord, an immoderate fear of a ftroke frOrh men to the prejudice of prefent and neceffary duty, may bring with it fome lad immediate ftrokes in the difpleafure of the Lord from his hand 5 yea, that he mould thus bereave hischurch of many choiceft instruments by his very immediate hand, to make it appear the anger and jealoufie of the moft high God, is more to be dreaded, than the wrath and violence of all our adverfaries : but yet in the clofe of thefe judgments, even when a church may feem quite confumed, and her ftrengtfc worn our, have we not there fome ground of hope that the Lord may pre- vent his peoples thoughts by as marvelous, as immediate reftoring providences, when he fees their power is gone, and that there is none to help ; yea, is it not eafy with him and like his way, to return and reftore what the former years have taken away, by the locuft and caterpiller, &c. which he had fent a- mongft them. Jo?li\. 25. X. There is a ftep of the holy providence of God and his unfportcd judg- ment, which would alfo feem ftrange and amazing, that which is inflicted up- on the foul and confeience by an immediate ftroke of judical induration, and is very evident ; Oh how undeniably evident, and clear at this day ! that men under great light, fome fpecial difcoveries of God, after known convi- ctions and wreftlings of confeience, yea, after folemn engagements and their declared rcfolution to follow the Lord in his way, have yet come fuch a length and degree in a deliberate refifting and oppofing themfelves to him and his truth, without the leaft appearance of a check or trouble: I confefs this is one of the marvelous things of God, and a very vifible demonftration of his being, who hath fuch a dominion over the foul, both in its hardning and foftning ; but no caufe to ftumble hcrcat, it does truly call us to fear, and is a ftroke that may force on athciftsthe awful conviction of a Deity ; or though it is not felt by thefe who arc under the fame, becaufe the want of fenfe and feeling is a part of that di (cafe, yet all who look on (if they did not fhut their own eyes) may learn to know this is the very work of God, and a piece of his judgment which he makes known in the earth ; but let us fearch the fcrip- ture, and we fhall find infteadof any ground for (tumbling, what a fpecial confirmation this fhould be of the truth, fince it is clear. 1. How in this the way of the Lord is holy and righteous, who is under no debt, no obli- gation to the fons of men. Rom. ix. 18. but is abfolutely free to let forth grace to, or with hold from whom he pleafcth -, his blcfled will being the alone 96 The Fulfilling of the Scripture. Part I. alone rule of righteoufnefs, he comprehends the reafon of all his counfel and judgments which are to us incomprehenfiblc, yet does he fo far condefcend . to let men fee his unfpotted juftice as well as his foveraignty in this mines forth, that they who arc unjuft by a deliberate choice mould be unjuft ftill by a further arreft, Rev. xxii. and thefe who will not hearken, and will have none of him, mould be deliver'd up to the lufts of their own heart, 1 J fal. lxxxL ii. we fee in what a meafure Tharaoh was hardned of the Lord, which was a plague worfe than the other ten: but we find Exod. vi. 34. that Tharaoh hardned his own heart, and thus was a ftroke fuited to fuch a refo- lute refitting of light. 2. Does not the fcripture fhew the marvelous con- voy of this judgment, Ifa.vi. 6. how this fad fentence is immediately palled on the foul j yea, by thefe moft fmgular means, the word and ordinances for enlivening, is executed thereon, men preached deaf and dead, ,'here others find life > this is a ftroke that does not draw a bar betwixt them and external fellowmip with the ordinances; but O it draws an invifible bar be- twixt them and the power and efficacy thereof ; it is a judgment that walks in the dark, and binds where none can loofe, it killeth without a cry 5 yea, gives men a death ftroke, when the pain of that wound is not felt. 3. Do you not fee how this ftrange judgment is in as great an height and meafure held forth by the fctipture, as you fee it in any example before yaur eyes, that men will be mad in their oppolition to God, even when he is moft remark- ably oppofing them, fuch as