THE Confirming Work OF RELIGION: OR, It's Great Things made plain, By their Primary Evidences and Demonstrations.  
Whereby the meanest in the Church, may soon be made able to render a Solid and Rational Account of their Faith.  
Written by R. Fleming, Author of the Fulfilling of the Scriptures.  
Now Published by Daniel Burgess.  
LONDON, Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns, the lower end of Cheapside. 1693.   

THE Publisher to the Reader.  
THE highest Angels are most humble Creatures; the Church of God is full of their Services, but knoweth next to nothing of their Names. Their Works praise their Lord and ours, but not Themselves. And if the Evangelical Author of this Book could have had his Will, the Churches of C●rist should not have had his Name. He would have kept himself together a Benefactor, and a sort of stranger unto them.  
Against his will it came to be known, that his book of the Fulfilling of the Scriptures w●s his And by the Divine Providence it was made necessary that his latter Works should bear his Name. Obscurity was his Ambition; tho' his Gifts and Graces prove too big and too bright to be covered. And, in short, it hath pleased the Supreme Ruler (and Fountain of Honour) to honour him whether he would or no.  
The Book first named, is followed with the Eulogies of greatest Divines; and is a Manna sweet to the Taste of all serious Christians. His Epistolary Discourse, dedicated to the Queen's Majesty, as most graciously accepted by Her; and highly valued by those that I must think of the best of her Subjects. Being, as is his Discourse of Earthquakes, a Treasure of things Old and New; Michtam's golden Jewels. Arguments, several, not so much as touched by any Pen within her Dominions, or beyond them, save Mr. Flemming's.  
Nevertheless it is of this his Treatise, that I would say, with submission to better Judgements, There is none like it. Herein it is, that I think he hath singularly honoured his God, and I believe his God will very singularly honour him. For, is any Disease more Morial, or more Epidemical, than Popish Implicit Faith? And is there any to be named, against which we are so destitute of Medicines? Is there extant in English, or any European Language, any one Rationale of Christianity, in Method suited to them who do most need it? Hath any one Writer, beside our Author, set himself to teach Minors the primary Evidences, and reasonable Demonstrations of Christian Faith? I will con him my best thanks who shall name me so much as one.  
How sound and how ●enerous a Medicine this Treatise is, let the Wi●e judge. I declare it to be the only one, that on no slight ●nquiry, I have heard of. Being so, I no sooner read it, but I blessed it, and its unknown Author. Privately and publicly I praised it, and finding it not to be had in our Shops, nor but from Holland, (if from thence) to be gotten, I presently resolved to Reprint it. Soon after, hearing who was the Author, and where he was, I sent him notice of that my fixed Resolution, whether he consented to it or no. For thus I argued; that if he were of the heavenly spirit breathing in his Book, he could not gainsay it; and if he were of another spirit, for the Church's service, it would be innocent and praiseworthy to cross it. But blessed be God, and blessed be he from his Lord and mine, he readily forgave me this wrong, and cheerfully I proceeded.  
No Lion found I in my way; but a sorry Worm I counted the Exclamations of some nice Folk, against the Phrase and Style of this confessedly excellent Work. Dutifully I compassionated the weak; and no less the many sick, of curiosity. Who have such Ulcers in their Palates, that they cannot, without cruel pain, swallow the most desirable Dainties, unless they may take them in Oil and Sugar. Cannot prevail with themselves to read Periods that require an attentive mind, and the least strain of their Understanding. Wherefore I used my Sponge, and took out as many expressions of my Author's Native Language, as I thought would disturb an English Reader. Substituting ●●●h as appeared sufficiently intelligible. Which being done, the Bookseller was wise enough to set the Press going.  
I signified my purpose to Catechise Youth publicly in the Positions and Characters of this Book, one Lords day; as in W. Assembly's Catechism, on the other, by course. Which practice other Ministers, soon told me, that they would take up. As, I trust, many more will do; forasmuch, as none can be unsensible what multitudes of men do go to Grass, on this side the Alps, as well as on the other; and what a fantastic Faith common Protestants do rest in, as well as Romanists. Making show of a Faith, (as the Moon of a Light,) whereof not any is in themselves rooted. 
Brit, is painted; Tain, is a Nation.  Sadly it is seen of all, how too too properly we are still named Britain's; the Faith of most being such a Paint, as cannot but melt and vanish in any Trial that is fiery.  
Memorable are the words of the Learned unhappy Spalleto; to this effect as I remember. To say that I do not myself know why I do believe a Religious Article, but yet I do believe it, because the Church in which I am doth believe it; it is the self same as to say, I do not myself open one of my Eyes, but yet I do see the thing spoken of, because the Company in which I am doth see it. The good Lord lessen among us the number of Men so Absurd, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  and so plainly void of Faith! He hath already made the Leaves of this Book so healing unto some, that in great hopes I commend them unto all. And especially to the Societies of Young Men, that hold weekly stated Meetings for Edifying Conference. In which, as I tell those of my own Charge, they shall not find more Eligible Arguments than this Book stores them with. Happy they, if, in the best sense, they do make them their own! Lord increase holy Faith, and quench fiery Faction; so prayeth  
Bridges-street near Covent-Garden, Feb. 28. Daniel Burgess.  
POSTSCRIPT.  
UNderstanding the Foreign Churches want of this Work, as well as our own, I purpose ere long to Translate, and send it forth in the Latin Tongue. Unless some good hand, of more leisure, do prevent me.   

THE JUDGEMENT OF SOME London Ministers CONCERNING THIS TREATISE.  
THings of unquestionable Excellence in themselves, and of greatest Importance unto our welfare, have not always the Deepest and most Constant Thoughts bestown upon them. Witness the Satisfaction of our Minds about the Matter, and about the Foundations of our Holy Christian Faith.  
It seems too little observed, but it can never be sufficiently Lamented, what we do observe of Protestants neglect of the Matter of their Faith. And yet our sad Experience certifies us, that they are incomparably more heedless of acquainting themselves with the Reasons thereof. We have very many that do competently know, what it is to be a Christian, for every single man that can render a Reason, why he ought to be so.  
Storms do make men look to their Anchors; and we do not know, but awful Judgements are hastening on us, (being Remote ones do not awaken us,) to beat us out of our inconsiderately chosen Refuges. Our Precarious and Unexamined Confidences, which in very Propriety are but Fancy, and not Faith built upon any solid Grounds. However, we must all, needs Die; and it is more than probable, that a near Prospect of the Future State, may convincingly show the most obstinate, that the King of Terrors is not to be conquered, and no Miracles are to be wrought, by an Implicit Faith. 
Pecudum ritu euntes non qà eundum est, sed qà itur. Sen.  Or by a way of Religion, that is taken up and walked in, merely for Company.  
Wherefore we give our great Thanks to the Author of every good Gift; who hath drawn this his richly furnished Scribe, to supply us with so very needful a Treatise as is here offered. Some of us do Profess that in reading it, we were surprised with Joy and with Wonder, that a Topick so little Written, Discoursed, or Thought of, should be treated on with such depth of Judgement, and with such Experience as is rarely found in the most laudable Writers.  
Through the Divine Blessing which we implore, we hope that we, and our Brethren throughout these Nations. shall find good success of our People's use of this most instructive Work. For which, with the excellent Author, (who did but Consent to this Edition of it;) we are indebted unto the Reverend and Worthy Publisher, by whose means we receive it. We join with both of them, in Prayer to the most High, that this Rich Seed of the Sower may be made Bread of Life to the Eater.  


William Bates.  
Matthew Mead.  
Thomas Cole.  
John whither.  
Matthew Sylvester.  
Daniel Williams.  
John Showers     

The Author's PREFACE.  
THis small Treatise here offered, is on the greatest Subjects that can fall under the Consideration of Mankind; and is a Study, which was never more pressingly called for, than in these days, for making Peace with God, and gaining such an Assurance of his Truth, as may fully quiet and support the Soul, though all sensible Props should be broken, and fail, Great changes do surely hasten on this Generation, and the Life of Faith is in another manner like to be put to Trial, than since the Churches Rise and Recovery from Antichristian Bondage. The storm now visibly grows upon the Churches of Christ, though nothing aught to Faint or Shake the Spirits of any, who know their Anchor is sure and cast within the Veil; but the strongest Difficulties, in following the Lord, (when overcome,) yield the greatest Victory, and will be not only matter of Joy here, but to all Eternity, in having with Patience and Hope endured, and got well through a Throng of Temptations and Assaults in a resolute adherence to the Truth. If men think it their Wisdom to secure their Private Interest, by dividing it in such a time from the Public Cause of the Reformed Church, and make Light of the greatest Truths of God now assaulted, of the Blood of the Martyrs, yea of their own Eternal State, by any coolness or shrinking from the same; they will find no Temporal Motives, can ever compensate that loss and ruin which inevitably will meet such in the Issue. Yea that these Words of Mordecai to Esther, (Esth. 4.13, 14.) Have the same Voice, and weight in this day. What is held forth in the following work, I may with humble Confidence say, was under some pressure to have such clear Evidence and Quieting Persuasion of Divine Truth, as made it less easy to have my own Spirit satisfied herein, than possibly it may be to others; for if it were not from that blessed Assurance of the Lords being God, of the Revelation of Christ, and of the Glory to come, I should not know what could be comforting, or make a rational Being . Some singular Engagements I judge myself also to stand under, for putting to my Seal to the Truth and Faithfulness of God in his Word, from many signal Confirmations hereof in the course of my Pilgrimage, if such a poor Testimony might be of any weight. Let the Blessed Lord, graciously accept this small offering to him, for the Interest of his Truth, by so mean an Instrument, and give some Fruit hereof, that may abide, and be found in the day of Christ.  
I hope the Reader may find by a Perusal of the I. Chapter of what Serious Use and Intent the II. is, yea that in this day it was not Unseasonable or Incongruous to the foregoing Subject what is held forth in the III. Chapter. But Oh! it is sad and amazing to think how few are under that weight of Religion, as once to have a Serious Inquiry on the Grounds and Reasons thereof, and to account the most special Assistances to their Faith to be the greatest Helpers of their Joy within time.   

THE CONTENTS.  

CHAPTER. I. The Primitive Confirmation, held forth and cleared in seven Positions.  

POSIT. I. Sad is the aspect, which the implicit and traditional profession of this day hath upon the present state of Religion. page 1.  
POSIT. II. It is a great service for the Church to have a clear founding of the faith of assent, upon known and solid grounds herein, more universally promoted. page 3  
POSIT. III. The true primitive confirmation as it was in the times of the Apostles, is held forth and cleared from the Scripture. page 5-  
POSIT. iv The continued necessity thereof, is no less convincing now, for the Church's use, than in those Primitive times. page 7  
POSIT. V Such a confirmatory work respects not only the more knowing and inquisitive part of Men, but the meanest within the Church. page 9  
POSIT. VI What is specially called for in the practical use of this primitive confirmation, is held forth in some serious proposals for this end. page 11  
POSIT. VII. Special excitement we are under, for promoting the same in so remarkable a period of time as this, and from the hope of a greater reviving yet of such a Catholic Spirit, to advance the highest ends of Religion amongst men. page 15    

CHAPTER. II. For giving some clear view, of these primary evidences and demonstrations of our Faith, that the meanest Christian should know, and with the least expense of time may improve for their daily use, on these greatest Principles.  

SECTION. I.  
I. OF the glorious Being of God, which is the first Foundation of all Religion. page 17  
II. Of the original of the world, and it's not being eternal. page 19  
III. Of a supreme Providence in the conservation and government of the world. page 20  
IV. Of that special providence, which in its continued administration of human affairs, doth unchangeably difference betwixt the righteous and the wicked. page 22  
V. How such a wonderful record as that of an immediate revelation of God unto men, is so demonstrably extant in the world. page 24  
VI Of the special evidences of the Scriptures Divinity, which men must needs see to be infallible. page 25  
VII. Of the secure conveyance of the Scripture though all the changes of times past. page 27  
VIII. Of the fall of man and entry of sin into the World, as it is fully demonstrable to reason, as well as by the certainty of Faith. page 28   

SECTION II.  
I. HOlding forth those great assistances to the Christian faith, and of the Messiah being surely promised to the Church before his coming. page 29  
II. Of the truth and accomplishment of this great promise of the Messiah, and how it is now as sure in the event as it's clear he was promised. page 30  
III. Of the special advantage for confirmation of our faith herein, that for 4000 years the promised coming of the Messiah was deferred. page 32  
IV. Of the nature and internal excellency of Christianity, to bear furthest evidence to the truth thereof. page 33  
V. That this is the same Gospel we now receive and enjoy, which from the first promulgation thereof hath had so great effects on the world. page 34  
VI That the sufferings of the Saints in times past was so demonstrably above the assistance of Nature, page 36   

SECTION III.  
I. FOR holding forth on what grounds the faith of a Deity must determine men to be Christians. page 37  
II. What confirmation the Christian Religion hath from that visible State of the Jews. page 38  
III. The way and manner of its prevailing on the world, which no profession else could ever pretend to. page 39  
IU. The nature of that great evidence, which Christ hath himself given to the world of his divine mission in the love and unity of his people, Joh 17.21. page 40  
V. How the strength of such a demonstration stands still clear and evident in these dividing times of the Church. page 42  
VI. What in these last times is under our hand to compensate such a confirmation by miracles, which was in the first times of the Gospel. page 43   

SECTION IU.  
I. FOR holding forth with the furthest rational certainty, and evidence the truth and doctrine of Christ, to be a soul-quickning and experimental Religion. page 44  
II. The truth also of conversion of men from a state of nature to a new state of grace. page 46  
III. Of so great an experiment of Religion as Communion betwixt God and men here on Earth. page 48  
IV. Of so great a demonstration of Religion in the power and workings of the Conscience. page 49  
V Of that special confirmation to our faith, which doth result from such a demonstration of this power of the Conscience over men. page 50   

SECTION V  
I. FOR holding forth the Truth of a Kingdom of Darkness in the World, in opposition to the Kingdom of Christ. page 51  
II. What confirmation to our Faith, the certainty hereof, and of these Powers of Darkness, doth clearly afford. page 52  
III. That great truth of the immortality of the Soul, with the clearest evidence to reason; as well as by the certainty of Faith. page 54  
IU. How confirming a Seal to the Scripture that great change which passeth on all men by death is, and how it's no natural accident. page 55  
V Some special assistances to the Christians Faith of an eternal Glory in Heaven, and to serve an unavoidable conviction on the greatest Atheists. page 57  
VI Something of a visible Hell, in some near approach hereof even to men's senses, held forth to awake and convince the World of such a state of horror and torment in another World. page 59  
VII. Some assistances to our Faith of that great truth of the Resurrection of the Body. page 61    

CHAPTER III. The Confirming work of Religion further improved with respect to this dismal and amazing time we are now fallen in.  

SECTION I.  
TO hold forth what may be both for light and confirmation upon this great distress the Churches of Christ are now under. page 63   

SECTION II.  
HOW great a talon we stand accountable for in this day of such immediate and extraordinary appearances of the Lord for confirming the same public cause of the Reformed Church since the Reformation, which we are now called to adhere to. page 65   

SECTION III.  
WHat manner of time is the present lot of the Church now fallen in, and what judgement we ought to have hereof from the Scripture, for our furthest confirming in such a day. page 73   

SECTION IU.  
SOme special service that we are now called to, and accountable for; in behalf of the truth, and for sanctifying the Lord in the eyes of others, who are under so great a talon of Light and confirmation in the same. page 77     

The True and Infallible WAY For attaining a confirmed State in Religion, etc.  

CHAP. I. The Primitive Confirmation in the truth of Christianity, held forth and cleared, in its continued necessity and use to this day, in seven Positions.  
Posit. I. THAT nothing can be of a more sad and threatening aspect on the present state of Religion in all the Churches of Christ, than that utter estrangement, most are under, to the true grounds of Faith, and to those fundamental differences betwixt Christianity, and every false way, which no pretended Religion can lay claim to. The reasons of the Position, are these. I. That it is too visibly manifest, how no men in the world know so little of their own profession, of any human art or science, as such who bear the Name of Christians. Or are so generally strangers to the Truth and firmness of the Principles thereof, for maintaining either a due Valuation, or powerful sense of the same on their Soul; so that an implicit and Traditional Profession is the only part and propriety which most can claim in the Truth, and Doctrine they profess. II. That very rarely also is any Serious Personal Inquiry and Trial, if there be indeed such a thing as an Experimental and Soul-quickning Religion in the Earth. That can bear the expense of the most dismal and afflicting times, and hath so great a temporal Revenue, as Peace with God, an Immediate Communion with him, the Joy and Comforts of the Holy Ghost, when we are under such pressures of trouble as are above the support of Nature. III. That the furthest account, why most go under the name of Christians, rather than of any other form, can rise no higher than Custom and Education, that it did bespeak them from their Birth, and was the Religion of their Ancestors; yea become in that manner natural to them as the Customs and Language of their Country. Which are grounds that would determine to the very opposite Profession, if they were stated under the same circumstances, and had the same motives to be Mahumetans; since it is sure these can found no other Assent, than is suitable to the Nature and Strength thereof. iv That thus it is plain the most numerous part of Visible Professors; are destitute of any defence from internal motives, and solid conviction of the truth they profess, upon its own evidence; and there was never more cause to fear, some unusual apostasy from the very visible profession of Christ, upon any violent trial and assault this way. When such find it more easy to render up their Religion, than to adhere to the same, under strong temptations, who yet never knew that substance, advantage, or certainty herein, as could preponderate with the want of all external motives for such a profession.  
Posit. II. That thus one of the highest services of these times, for the public good of the Church, does convincingly lie here; to have the faith of assent to the truth and doctrine of Christ, in a clear and firm certainty of the judgement, on its own evidence, more vigorously promoted and the proper means and assistances, which the Lord hath given for this end, in some other manner yet improved, than seems to be at this day, for a more universal use. The grounds to enforce the necessity hereof are these; I. That it's sure wherever the Gospel is revealed to men, it comes with so full an assurance of understanding, and sufficiency of objective evidence, as can admit of no possible doubtfulness herein. Which is the credit and glory of our religion, that in no other way it doth require acceptance, but with the furthest conviction of evidence. II. Because the express design and tendency of this blessed revelation, is no less to found such a rational assurance in the judgement, of its truth, than to engage the will and consent, for embracing thereof; and though such great demonstrations for this end can only, in suo genere, have a convincing influence to persuade the understanding, yet are they of such weight here, as next to the demonstration of the Spirit of God, they are the greatest means to bring up men's assent to a full and quieting rest on that security to which they must trust themselves for ever, and to let them see, that this even here by the way, is assuredly full, though not yet their enjoyment. III. Because this faith of assent, should be first followed in the order of nature, as being the very first principle of conversion, to know and be sure, that God hath sent his son into the world to save sinners; wherein as the Holy Ghost is not the Objective, but the Efficient Cause of our Faith, so is not the internal work and Testimony, he gives on the Soul the first Testimony, but must still have respect to the revelation of the Word without, and such demonstrative evidences thereof, wherewith it is revealed to the world. Nor may any ever separate, that which God hath himself so indissolubly joined. iv That there is so convincing a necessity and use hereof to the Church, and in a special way with respect to the youth, for a more firm laying of the groundwork of their Christian profession, and for the seedplot of a blessed and desirable growth amongst such in this day; that they might thus know early, something of these primary grounds and demonstrations of their faith; so also is it a study of that high importance, as I humbly judge should be of notable use for a Manuduction in the first place to Students of Divinity, before they launch forth in that vast and immense Ocean of the speculative part thereof; and for being at some greater advantage thus for carrying on such a confirming work in the Church in their future service. V Yea of what use might this be with respect to many, who may be sore haunted, with hidden and dreadful temptations to infidelity, and to weaken them in the very foundations of their faith; who are wholly unfurnished of any such grounds and arguments in their judgement to repel the same: and it is certain that to believe firmly the History of the Gospel, that God was manifested in our nature, to save man, is with respect to the object a much higher act of faith, than to believe, that he will save us; since as the one doth unspeakably more transcend all human reason than the other, so doth the Apostle thus argue from the greater to the less, Rom. 8.32. that he who gave his own son to the death; will he not also with him give us all things?  
Posit. III. That such a Confirming Work, was most specially followed in the Practice of the Primitive Times, and one of the great Ends of the Ministry of the Apostles and Evangelists, to have this Faith of Assent and Doctrinal Certainty thereof, on its proper Grounds and Evidences, deeply founded in men's Judgement; is so clear as cannot come under Debate. I. That this way did the great Author of our Profession himself take, not only by the Authority of his Word, and the Power and Energy of Grace, but with that Convincing Evidence and Demonstration of his Truth to men's Understanding, as might found also a firm and rational Assurance hereof. II. That for this End, he did pray the Father, Joh. 17.21. and was so much pressed herein, that so great an external Demonstration of the Truth of the Gospel, in the Concord and Unity of his People, might be kept clear, that the World might thus believe that he was sent of God, and have a deeper Conviction hereof wrought in them, by such an Evidence. III. That one special Intent of the Gospel of Luke, was for this end, Luke 1.4. That men might know not only the things themselves by a naked Relation, but the Certainty of these things, wherein they had been formerly Instructed. iv That herein did the Ministry of Apollo's so brightly shine forth, Act. 18.28. And was then of most singular use to the Church, by that clearness of rational Conviction and demonstrative Arguments for the Truth of Christ, as the greatest gainsayers could not withstand. V That it's sure it was then without Exception expressly required of the meanest within the Church, to be always ready to render the Reasons of their Hope to all who asked: and not only to know what they did Believe, but why they did so, as is clear, 1 Pet. 3.15. This could not be by bringing forth of internal Evidences, for Conviction of others, but by giving them an account of the most cogent grounds and demonstrations of the Gospel, as might be most prevalent, and confirming to the weak, and leave others inexcusable; and seems to have been then specially pressed in these Primitive Times, as a proper Test of their Christian Profession. VI And we see herein also, how much these excellent Bereans were taken up, and were so highly commended of the Holy Ghost, Act. 17.11. To know the demonstrative part of Christianity, and by its own evidence, with that entire harmony and consent of the Scripture therein, and their being thus diligently intent in that comparing-work of Religion, to see the truth thereof not singly and apart by themselves alone, but in that joynt-union & coherence wherein they stand, each in their own room, for confirming and giving light to other. VII. That this was the way also, wherein the Gospel did come to the Gentile Church is clearly showed 1 Thess. 1.5. Not in Word only, but as in Power, and in the Holy Ghost, so also in much Assurance of Understanding, upon its own Evidence, which was that way, it did so wonderfully prevail over the world against nature, and the stream of flesh and blood, that stood in the furthest opposition thereto. VIII. That one of the greatest services of the Apostles in their visiting the Churches, did expressly lie here, Acts 14.22. To confirm the souls of the Disciples in the first place in the certainty of their faith, and then in exhorting them to continue in the same, so as they might follow the Lord, with the furthest light and assurance of Mind, amidst the great Trials of such a time. IX. That it's this way also the World is rendered inexcusable for their misbelief of the Gospel, when under such sufficiency of means given for this end, by so great a discovery of the confirming evidences of its rruth, so as they can have no pretence herein, but an obstinacy and resolution not to be convinced; on which ground doth our Blessed Lord testify, that it was no want of light, upon the certainty of his truth, why men did not receive it, but that they loved darkness better than light, because their deeds were evil; and when such clear, rational, and convincing evidences are laid open to their view, how most men possibly can get these put by or rejected, is not easy to comprehend, but that a real Irritation and torment of Spirit, from such clearness of evidence, doth thus more tend to harden than convince.  
Posit. iv That there is a continued necessity of such a Confirmation in the Faith to this day, what ever can be objected of so long a consent and prescription of time in the profession thereof, is fully demonstrable on these grounds. I. Because it is sure, the Christian faith doth still need these assistances and it is a strange mistake, that only for Heathens and Atheists, such confirming evidences of the same should be proposed, but not for any under a visible profession, when the whole of Divinity, and Doctrine of our Faith, is so full of demonstrative arguments, for the daily use of the most established Christians in their passage through time. II. That as the highest motives to all serious godliness and the moral duties of Christianity must needs be from its known certainty to us, so is the continued use thereof to be still the same. III. That these numerous trials and conflicts of Christians now, do no less call for some higher establishment in the truth on which they must alone rest when all visible props fail in their judgements, than of supporting grace; nor is it conceivable how men can this day walk in the light of any true joy and comfort, without a more solid assurance of their being on safe grounds herein than most seem to reckon. iv Because the revelation of the Gospel, and of an eternal state in another world, is so great and wonderful, as it's strange how this is not the highest interest of men's life, to have their faith more deeply confirmed on the furthest trial of their security now by the way herein, who must shortly make so great a trial thereof at death; for if we were but once come thus far as to ask our own Soul what the Christian Faith indeed is, that we are thus called to believe, it could not possibly but beget some ecstasy of wondering at the greatness thereof, and to reckon any light and implicit assent to the same as a degree both of Atheism and Indifferency in this matter. V Though there be no conflict with Heathens, as in the first times, yet was such a spirit never at a higher pitch than it is now to take off all firm assent to the greatest principles of truth, when Atheism seems to be at its last attempt in the world, and we are fallen in so amazing an hour of the power of darkness as makes these latter times more remarkably perilous and trying than the first. VI Yea if such a confirming work, be one of the greatest means to advance the repute and honour of Religion, when its wont awe and veneration is so far lost, and to awake men to deeper impressions of its truth, when so few seem now under any such weight; than it is certain there was never more need of the same than in this day.  
Posit. V That such a Service to the Church, doth not only respect the more knowing, inquisitive, and judicious part thereof, but the meanest Professors of Religion also, of whom this is necessarily required, is Evident on these grounds. I. Because each Christian should have undoubtedly such a ballast on their own Soul, of the solid and rational Grounds of their Faith, as well as those of greater parts and Endowments: the promoting of which were it more deeply considered, I dare humbly adventure to say would be found one of the choicest means to promote Christianity this day. II. Because this is not to drive any to doubt or question the least sincere degree of assent, though it be not with such strength of evidence as in others, nor can by that formal argumentation give the same account thereof; since a few grounds this way may specially help to some solid conviction & confirming of their mind, when they may be ignorant of many other cogent arguments for this end; but 'tis certain also the greater clearness of evidence doth still in the appointed way of means lead in to a more firm and strong assent of the judgement, to the truth of our Religion. III. Because the strength of the foundation in itself cannot be enough if it be not with such a known evidence, as men may build firmly and with assurance thereon: Nor hath the Lord thus only designed to give his people an infallible and sure testimony to adventure on, but that it should be made sure also to them. iv Because none can in truth say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 22.3. by which is not to be understood so much the necessity of supernatural grace, for a saving faith, but that none can give a true assent and confession of the same, but from these grounds and arguments which are revealed by the Holy Ghost unto men for this end; and as it's certain that these Characters & evidence of Divinity, which are imprinted on the whole revelation of the Gospel, may be clear and demonstrative to our judgement, so are they as truly divine, as the doctrine which is confirmed thereby. V Because there can be no possible cause for Unbelief of the truth from any intricate obscureness of the same, when the Lord hath given such great assistances to our faith to be as milk for babes as well as meat to strong men. And though it be objected that the furthest objective evidence of the Gospel, with so clear and strong a conveyance thereof, is yet so little operative on most; the same might be said also of the whole letter of the Scripture; but though this tends not in the least to resolve our Religion into any mere exercise of reason, and leaves the whole work of the Spirit, in its energy and operation therewith on men's souls, entire; yet doth it fully evince such a sufficiency of evidence with the Christian faith, as makes any doubtfulness herein simply impossible, through want of the greatest advantage of means; yea such as are of another kind than to induce only a probable persuasion of the same. VI Because it is one of the saddest Symptoms of the present State of Religion, that so few almost in whole Congregations can give any clear Assent to the Truth and Certainty thereof, but to Amazement both live and die Strangers to the same, yea how many of these who are otherwise Serious in Religion, yet have their Faith starved this way, and are destitute of any such support; but as it is not the numerousness of Professors, but the Strength and solidity of their Faith, wherein the Church's Strength most lies, and hath more flourished in a few such to beget a greater Awe and Veneration of Religion amongst Men, than at other times in the greatest Multitude; so is it the Glory of Divine Truth, that it can subsist by its own proper Evidence, and preserve its Station in the worst of times, when all External Arguments do most visibly cease.  
Posit. VI That it's fully demonstrable and clear, how no simple instructing of men in the general Principles of Religion, can be the proper and adequate means for such a Faith of Assent to the Truth thereof, on its own Evidence, or answer that Apostolic Pattern of laying the Foundation, Heb. 6.2. But that some special Duties else are called for to so high an end; such wherein not only that true Primitive Confirmation in the Christian Faith might have some Practical use, but we might also Hope therewith, for a more remarkable outletting of Confirming Influences of the Spirit of God. What is to be understood herein I shall humbly offer in a few particulars.  
I. That it is one of the greatest concerns of the Ministerial Work, and of the Key of Doctrine, to have all who hear the Gospel, in the first place pressed to take Religion so far to Heart, as to make a serious inquiry into the Grounds and Reasons hereof, and thus to know their being on sure ground herein, not because they know not another way, but because they know this is the alone way of Truth, to which they dare trust their Immortal Souls. II. That for this End the Supreme Truths of Relion be represented with that certainty of Evidence, and Demonstration, as both such great and marvellous things do require, and the temper of such a gainsaying Age now calls for; and to have this pressed more on men's Judgement and Conscience, that the things of God, which are of the highest Consequence, Reality and Substance, can have no possible Reception by any implicit or probable belief thereof, nor can admit any pretence for the same, when the Lord hath given such kind of Proofs and Evidence, as leaves men's darkness herein without any shadow of excuse.  
II. That it peculiarly belongs to the Catechetical Work of Religion, to take some account of the meanest Professors thereof, and with a special respect to the Youth; of their Faith of Assent to the Doctrine of Christ, on what grounds and certainty of evidence this is founded, and for their instructing therein, as well as in the general Principles of Religion; when one of the most ruining things to the Church lies here, that the Profession of most is laid in so deep an Ignorance, as they have almost nothing to say for the same, but a naked Affirmation. I know the difficulty hereof for the weak may be objected, but without just cause; since as the Prime Truths of Religion are few, easy and plain for the meanest Capacity, so also are the Primary Evidences and Demonstrations of our Faith, if such once with that desire did search after the same, as for a hidden and invaluable Treasure; wherein this respect should be still had, to difference betwixt what is Initial and of a more fundamental concern for the weak, and what may tend to an higher growth and increase of others.  
III. It should be of greatest use and advantage also for the same end, that the young growth now coming up in the Church, were put to give some explicit Evidence of their Consent and Choice of the Profession of Christ, so far as may witness a Ratification of the Baptismal Covenant, now as their own proper Deed, wherein they were implicitly engaged in their Infancy. Some special Grounds and Reasons for this, are; I. Because God will have his Service freely entered in and upon choice, as that way which is most agreeable to his Honour; for as the Covenant binds mutually, so do the Seals thereof also, and therefore upon our part is Baptism a Sacramental Oath of Allegiance to God. II. Because it tends to a more resolute and firm adherence to the Service of God, that this business should be personally brought home to men's Conscience, especially before their first admittance to the Sacrament of the Lord's supper, and thus to engage them as Joshua did, Chap. 24.22. Ye are witnesses against yourselves herein, and they said, We are witnesses. III. Because this is expressly held forth 1 Pet. 3.21. where Baptism is called the answer of a good conscience toward God, upon this ground, that such than who were come to years of knowledge, were personally brought to confirm by their own consent that solemn Engagement and Dedication by Baptism to be the Lords, and therefore it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which is vox juris, and signifies, sponsio, & stipulatio publica inter Christianum, & Dominum Christum, as the most Judicious Commentators on that Scripture do clearly render it; and so this was a special part of the Primitive Practice, not only with respect to such, who were Converted from Heathenism, but were born within the Church, and Partakers of that Seal of Baptism in their Infancy, to bring them to answer to that great Demand of the Covenant, Do you now Consent upon Evidence and Choice, to be the Lords, and to be a Subject of his Kingdom, and embrace the Laws thereof, and do you thus in Sincerity and Truth declare the same wherein you have a good Conscience before God? And of what blessed Fruit and Advantage should this be both for the Increase and Honour of the Gospel, if this were more deeply taken to Heart for some Practical use, according to the Rule, and Primitive Pattern in the Churches of Christ?  
iv It were specially desirable also, that there be some clear view and summary by itself, of the most cogent Grounds and Demonstrations of the Christian Faith, with respect both to the Doctrinal, Historical, and Prophetical part thereof, and in that manner accommodated, as the meanest within the Church might have such a help still at their hand, and thus with the least expense of time, be provided of such Arguments and Reasons, as should tend (through the Blessing of God) not only to the furthest rational Assent, and Certainty of the Truth of their Profession, but to give a most special support of Mind against that inward Trial of Satan's Temptations and Fiery Darts this way; yea is such a mean, that in the serious Improvement hereof by having such Evidences once brought in on men's Judgement and Conscience, so as to see with their own Eyes the Truth of the same, I must humbly judge, there is nothing, next to the internal work of the Spirit, of this kind, might tend more to promote the Kingdom of Christ in this day.  
Posit. VII. That as there are some more signal Periods of time, to which a greater brightness and increase of Light hath respect under the New Testament; so doth there now seem to be some remarkable Call and Excitement, to such a Confirming Work, in this day about the Christian Faith; when we may hope that a more solemn and restoring time of Religion in the World, is on a near approach, (though all sensible evidence would seem to control this) and may be now more looked after, and prepared for, under a suitable Impression of these Grounds for the same. I. That the promised time of the Conversion of the Jews doth assuredly draw near; and whatever be judged by some of the Lords immediate Appearance herein by a Miracle, yet is it unquestionable that nothing in the way of means could be more promising and hopeful to promote this great end, than by promoting so great a Service as this for the Christian Church. II. That a greater extent also of the Profession of Christ amongst the Gentiles, and rending of the Veil that is now over many dark Nations, seemeth clearly insured therewith; and what a hopeful Evidence should this be if such a Public and Catholic Spirit were more seen, how to advance the highest Ends of Religion on such an account without respect to any partial or divided Interest? Yea that this blessed Zeal of God might in that manner appear to have the dark World get a more clear and convincing prospect of the highest rational Demonstrations of Christianity, as might through the Lords Gracious Concurrence bring men once to an Inquisitive and Serious Spirit about the same. Oh that such may be raised up in this dismal hour with something of that ancient Spirit, to travel with desire for the Salvation of Mankind, and of whom it may be said, as of blessed Nehemiah, these are indeed come to seek the welfare of their People, in their greatest Interest. III. And this farther excitement we are now under for this end, in a time when Popery seems to be upon one of its last and greatest Assaults against the Church; since it's so clear that what ever tends to Confirm Men in Christianity from their own Trial and Inquiry upon the Confirming Evidences thereof, must have the same Native result, to make such Confirmed Protestants; yea nothing is more demonstrable than that the Method and Grounds that are taken both to engage and fix men in the Popish Profession, have the same rational Tendency to promote Atheism, and to give Infidels the greatest Advantage to reject the Profession of Christ. He that hath Ears to hear, let him hear, Amen.   

CHAP. II. The Confirming Work of Religion, reduced to Practical Use; in some clear view of those Primary Grounds, and Demonstrations of our Faith, which none should pretend Ignorance of, who enter the Profession of Christ upon choice, and Certainty of Evidence.  

SECTION I.  
Qu. I. What Reasons, and Demonstrations, can you give for so great a Faith as that of the Glorious Being of God, who is invisible to humane Sense; since this is the Foundation of all Religion?  
Ans. Though this is Principally founded on the Sacred Truth and Authority of his own Word, yet I am with the furthest Infallible Evidence confirmed herein; I. That it can be no more sure, that this marvellous frame of the Heavens and Earth hath a being, and is the Object of our Sense, than that a Supreme Infinite Wisdom and Power must be the first cause hereof, and it were simply impossible it could ever otherwise have been. II. That he hath thus made himself Visible to our Eyes, by such a visible World, and in so exquisite an Order and Correspondence to support the same, as nothing stands alone by itself, but in a line of mutual respect, which runs through the whole Creation. We may as clearly thus see, that God is, as that there is an invisible Soul in a living Body. III. That this Harmony is amongst things, in their own Nature so Contrary and Destructive to other, for to hold this wonderful frame, as all must abandon Reason, or see an infinitely wise Conduct herein; and no need of Extraordinary Miracles, to Confirm what the whole Constitutions of Nature do Witness. iv That this rare frame of man could never have come in being, but by him who could Unite such different Substances as a Material Body, and an Immaterial Soul, in so near and marvellous an Union. V That there is such an universal Consent of Mankind in all Ages thereto, as shows Religion to be founded in the very Nature of Man, and as Essential to his Being, as his Reason is, yea that the ultimate difference of Man from the Beast, and most essential Property of humane Nature lies here. VI That though every one be an Enemy to what torments him; yet it was never possible for an Atheist to free himself from that unavoidable Sense and F●ar of a Deity; nor, in a World so much lost in Wickedness, could he ever extinguish the awe of Religion, or make any rational Opposition to this greatest Article of the common Faith of Mankind. VII. That the Reason of the whole Constitution of Nature, and vicissitude of things here, is so great, as, without shutting out the use of Reason, we cannot but see, how nothing possibly could have been better; and that any want hereof in the whole frame of the Universe, would be as the Dislocation of a joint of the Body, and were not conceivable to be otherwise than it is by Infinite Wisdom appointed. VIII. That it's simply impossible that God Blessed for ever should not exist, or that this Universe, (which is a work so highly becoming the greatness of its Maker) could possibly subsist for one hour or minute of time, without a Supreme Independent Power and Being, on which all Visible Being's have their Dependence, since they cannot depend upon nothing. IX. That such is the absolute necessity of the Faith also of a Godhead, as without this the state of Mankind could not morally subsist, or any possible Order, Subjection, Piety, and Justice, be to support Human Society, but as Bradwardine saith, O quam necesse est hunc esse, quem impossibile est non esse. X. How plain is it, that men cannot but see these effects of his Power on the Conscience, in the Certainty of a Prophetic Light and Discovery as hath been oft given of Future things, and in the undeniable Truth of Miracles, so as such a Prodigy as a professed Atheist, can have no claim to humane Race, as a rational Being, more than the greatest monster in Nature to be a true man.  
Qu. II. Wh●t doth witness the Worlds not being Eternal, and its first Original and Beginning from God, to Confirm your Faith herein, by rational Demonstration?  
Ans. I. That Eternity is an Incommunicable Perfection of the first Cause, and that which is made up of corruptible and perishing things, as this Visible World cannot possibly be in itself Eternal; nor could ever produce itself, since thus it must both be and not be at the same time, which is the greatest Contradiction. II. That if there be such a thing now as time, there can be no judging of Days, Years and Ages to be Infinite, or how one thing in a continued order, should thus go before another, without coming to some first beginning. III. If there be a gradual Increase of human Learning on the Earth, and a further discovery of Arts and Sciences; and the greatest Experiments and Inventions have been but of a late Rise and Date; then can there not possibly be an Eternal Succession of Mankind, with a continued Progress and Experience this way; nor can it be that but of late one part of the World is known and discovered to another. iv That so short an History as we have in the most Ancient Records of time, were wholly Inconsistent with such an Eternal Duration, or that Infinite Ages preceding should leave no remembrance to Posterity, when so small a measure of time, as a few thousand years, have left so much. V. Nor could men beget men Eternally without going back to some first man, who could not beget himself. VI That if Eternity be preferable to time, then should not the excellentest being in the Earth, Man, be thus corruptible, and only this inanimate Mass of the Earth Eternal. VII. That infinite Ages passed, though they should have but multiplied the race of man in an Age, to two or three more, should have come to that at last, that the whole Precinct of the Earth could not possibly bear the product of such an infinite Increase; and no Wars or extraordinary Judgements were ever yet known to be such, as to restrain such an unavoidable growth.  
Qu. III. What infallible Evidence to Reason is there of a Supreme Providence, both in the Conservation, and Government of the World; for Confirming your Faith of the Scripture herein?  
Ans. I. That it is clear the support of this great frame of the Universe, with that continued and regular course of nature herein, is as simply impossible without an infinite Divine Power, as its first Being and Creation. II. That such an extent of Providence as respects so innumerable Objects, with such a Contrariety both of Qualities and Passions in the same, must needs be from an Infinite and Intelligent Cause. III. That all things to this day, continue in that established Order of second Causes, wherein God hath placed them by a Law so Visibly Imprinted on the Nature of things without Reason, that they do as exactly answer the same in their proper Course and Station, as if they had a rational Knowledge of their Duty. iv That Universal respect, the Sun in the Firmament hath to things here below, though at so great a distance, which doth neither cease, or grow weary to send forth its beams and hidden influences to the meanest Creatures, may let us clearly see, how it hath the same Visible Use and End to Confirm an Incomprehensible and Infinite Providence about the meanest things, as well as the greatest. V That immediate Precedency of the Soul in that lesser World of Man, bears the same Evidence therewith; which though we never saw with our eyes, yet doth undeniably actuate the whole body in its Functions, as the proper Spring of every act and Motion there. VI It is thus further confirmed, by these continued vicissitudes and turns of Summer and Winter, and of day and night, that man might have, both Light for his Labour, and Darkness as a covering for his Rest. VII. By such Visible Discoveries of Divine Judgement, and Execution of his Laws on men here, as all may see his Hand therein, who yet will not hear his Voice in the Word. VIII. By these extraordinary and wonderful Works of Providence, which have been in all Ages. IX. By so evident a restraint both over Devils, and wicked Men without which they would quickly disturb the whole frame of this Earth, and make it uninhabitable for Human Society; if their being thus Bounded and Chained, were not as Visible, as the Certainty of their Being. X. By such a Natural Obligation to Moral Duties, with the Sense of a difference betwixt good and evil, as is founded in the very rational Nature of Man, that none can possibly root out, even where the Scripture is not known. XI. By that Natural Confidence also in God, which all Men have, and recourse to him on any present extreme hazard, to Witness not only that the most High bears Rule in the Kingdoms of men, but that the Sense and Evidence hereof is unavoidable.  
Qu. IU. But doth this great Administration of Providence, about human Affairs as unchangeably appear, in a differencing betwixt the Righteous and the Wicked, by some Recompense to the One, and Punishment to the Other, as in the established course of Nature?  
Ans. It is certain that such as desire a Confirming of their Faith herein, want it not, with the furthest Evidence, but may ever see that exact Conformity in the whole Dispensation of Providence, to the Rectitude and Perfection of the Divine Nature, and how a firm belief that God is, and that he is a Rewarder of them that Diligently seek him, is one and the same Faith; when we cannot but see, I. That natural sense of good and evil, and essential difference betwixt the same, which is so firmly founded in the Reason of all Mankind, as no human Laws or Custom could ever take this off their Conscience, or make an indifference herein, without extinguishing the very Nature of Man; to show that Eternal and Unchangeable difference, which the Holy Nature of God hath put betwixt them. II. That we see the worst of Men so constrained to an awful Sense and Regard of Truth and welldoing, and to acknowledge the Loveliness and Excellency hereof, as does make them seek their own repute by a false show and counterfeit of the same; and gives such a Being and Rise to that dreadful Imposture of Hypocrisy. III. That its the Truth's Privilege ever to outlive Falsehood, and prevail over the same, yea to have the greater Triumph after its sorest Conflicts; and how this is of as fundamental a Constitution in the course of Providence, as the most firm Establishment of Nature. iv That in no time since man was form in the Earth, doth true Joy and Serenity of Mind, cease to be the Native result of welldoing, or the Fruit of Righteousness to be Peace and Assurance of Mind, nor hath it ever wanted a Witness, even before any Word given of the Lords taking Pleasure herein. V That it's so evident, in the most dismal times, what a public Blessing such are, who by more extraordinary Trials have been put to the highest Exercise of their Grace and Patience; yea how Visibly such have been promoted to the most honourable Service for God, and to advance the Credit of Religion before Men, who on the first sight and view have been accounted the most miserable of any. VI Whilst, on the other hand, it may be ever seen, how with the greatest Prosperity of the wicked here, there are Punishments of another kind Dispensed, and more dreadful than any outward Affliction, such as judicial Obstinacy, and Blindness of Mind in Opposition to God, even when their own ruin is made Visible to them herein. VII. How oft men are thus evidently condemned to be happy in this World by some strange measure of Temporal Success and Prosperity, before some great Fall and Ruin, as the Issue hereof in the last scene of Providence, doth fully attest. VIII. That it's seen also, how Sin doth ever bring its own Punishment with it, in some begun Degree both of Shame and Torment; and, as Seneca, an Heathen, could say, That Wickedness was the most exquisite Contriver of human Misery, so the World likewise may see how a present immunity from Judgement is no release, but when its Sentence is not speedily Executed, yet is it at last surely executed. IX. And how evident is it, that the greatest haters of Godliness are yet enforced to justify the same and the Christians choice herein, as the greatest Wisdom, upon any surprising State and Extremity; yea how such would be glad to join Interests then with such in their Death, whom they most contemned in their Life.  
Qu. V. How is it Convincing and Demonstrable, that God hath given any clear and express Revelation of his Will and Counsel unto Men, and that such a wonderful Record is undoubtedly extant in the World.  
Ans. That, I. It is not possible to believe the Being of God, and not also the Truth of an established Law, and Rule of Commerce betwixt him and man here, so as to know both what we should do, and what we should Expect and Hope from him. II. That this also must be known and display its Power and Efficacy to the World, in that manner, and by such infallible Evidence of its Truth, as may render all inexcusable, who give not entire Credit thereto. III. I can be no more clear and assured that there is but one Sun in the Firmament, than that there is but one Fountain, and Repository of Sacred Light about Religion, which is the Scripture, and its being the alone public Standard of truth to the whole World. IU. That no way was ever made known to recover mankind from a state of Bondage, Darkness, and Misery, consistent with the very use of reason, but by this blessed light which shineth there. V Yea that there is as visible a difference, betwixt the same and any pretended Religion which ever was besides in the World, as there is betwixt day and night, which is founded in the immutable nature of these things in themselves. VI That there is one proper Sphere, where this glorious Light of Divine Truth is fixed, and wherein it shines forth from one Age to another; which is the Christian Church.  
Qu. VI But what more peculiar evidences can you show of the Divinity of the Scriptures, that all may see them to be of infallible truth?  
Ans. I. That it's sure such a book is this day in the Earth, which no created wisdom could ever have made, and contains such things of highest concern to mankind, as does infinitely exceed the bounds of human ability and invention, and could never have been discovered but by God himself. II. That it gives forth such exquisite laws and constitutions of our religion, as men must needs see the holy nature, purity, and perfection of God, most brightly shining forth therein. III. Which doth discover so great and proper a relief for all those evils and miseries that do attend this fallen estate of man, as none but an all-sufficient God could work. iv That he alone must be the author of this blessed record, who rules the World, and hath determined the changes and revolutions thereof, when it is not more evident that these visible Heavens are stretched forth over the Earth, than that this Line of the Scripture is stretched over the whole Work and Frame of Providence, and doth most clearly and brightly illuminate the same. V That surely this was the product of Infinite Wisdom, that so great a variety of matter should meet with so visible a consent and harmony in one perfect and entire frame; yea knit in so close a bond of union together, as makes the whole Bible to be entirely one piece; though in the writing of each distinct part thereof it could never have possibly been contrived or foreseen by human wisdom, as we see here, of so admirable an agreement and correspondence, as is in all the parts thereof. VI That none else could have spoke to the World, in so Majestic a way, and so becoming the greatness and sovereignty of God, to assume such a supremacy, and give forth Laws for absolute obedience from all Mankind thereto, and on such a penalty of eternal destruction; or that any impostors, either possibly could, or durst have, in such a manner, personated the same. VII. That it must needs be his word who perfectly knows what is in man, and hath an absolute authority over the Soul, and is a discerner of the thoughts thereof, who thus not only gives law to the Conscience, and our inward parts, but doth establish an internal Religion there, no less absolutely, than what respects our external work and actions. VIII. Yea where all may see the Penmen thereof under so entire a subjection to the doctrine which they taught, and that it is no contrivance of their own, as they did record their own failings, and imperfections, in behalf of the truth; and did thus also require all just respect and obedience to Magistrates, when through the whole Earth they were then greatest Enemies to the Truth of the Gospel. IX. That this must be his Word, who alone can derive principles of life to his own institutions, and animate the same with a quickening Spirit; and is a work above the contrivance of Angels or Men, when directed to each new trial of the Church, and personal case of Christians, as though it had been alone written for that time; so that I can be no more persuaded in reason that there is such a Book as the Bible in the Earth, than that it came from Heaven, and is the alone rule of Religion, and of Divine Revelation, for the governing of Mankind.  
Qu. VII. How is the secure conveyance of the Scripture demonstrable amidst all the changes of times past, and that there could be no possible tendency to its corruption?  
Answ. I. That it's so undeniably the first rule which ever was given to mankind about Religion, and the alone public standard of Truth, that hath endured the trial and inquiry of all times past, so as no pretences in the matter of Antiquity could yet ever be to the contrary. II. That there is so exact an Harmony betwixt the Old and New Testament, as the one is a visible transcript of the other, in its accomplishment; that I can be no more sure of such a venerable record as the Old Testament, and its unalterable conveyance to the Church, to which the whole race of the Jews is yet a standing witness, than how it is continued and perfected in the revelation of the Gospel, and but one entire frame. III. That its deliverance was by no private deed, but by a public trust to the whole Universal Church; so as it were more easy in the way of reason to question the most fundamental statutes and laws of any Nation, by which men's private right and property is secured, than the truth hereof. iv That under the Gospel it hath been so fully dispersed over the World, and in such various languages; that an innumerable company of Christians these 1600 years past, have been as common living Books of the same. V That those numerous Versions and Commentaries written thereon in divers Languages, do fully evidence they had the same Scripture, and no other than what we have this day. VI That this was delivered to the Church not only in writing, but in that form of sound words, for keeping close thereto, as could admit of no possible tendency to corrupt or alter the same; besides the continued and public reference that hath been since the first Ages of the Gospel to its decision, which all these sharp controversies, that have been in the Church on all sides, do inevitably require.  
Qu. VIII. What doth confirm the fall of man, and entry of sin into the World, this way, from clear and unavoidable evidences of reason?  
Answ. I. That there is such a thing as sin and evil in the World, with the sense and conscience of guilt arising hereon, amongst all mankind, can need no proof nor evidence. II. That it is simply impossible this should have been originally created with man, or essentially belonging to his first frame and constitution, since then there could be no conscience of guilt or remorse, for what was given to be a part of himself, in his first frame; nor could it be any sin, to act thus suitably to their own original state. III. That it were not conceivable also how one part of man should be in such opposition to another. IU. Nor that such a thing as inherent shame could be in the nature of man, upon the sense of guilt, and by so natural a result follow the same, or that such should be ashamed of any part of his own being, if this were not upon an undoubted apostasy from what once he was, and that inevitable conviction of Conscience that he now is what he ought not to be, so as the certainty of Man's Fall though alone revealed in the Scripture, as to the true cause thereof, yet may be as evident to reason, as the truth of his being now is.   

SECTION II.  
Qu. I. ARE there such assistances to the Christian Faith upon that great and astonishing mystery of the Revelation of Christ to the World as can fully answer the greatness thereof from clear and infallible evidence to men's Judgements?  
Answ. It is sure there could nothing possibly be desired more to satisfy the most doubtful and suspicious mind than is given for the furthest certainty hereof. I. That such a glorious person as the Messiah was to come, and be anointed to that great work of redeeming mankind from sin and misery, and bring man back again unto God; and that this promise is the alone foundation, whereon the church was founded since man fell. II. That all the numerous types and sacrifices under the Law, did so expressly tend to confirm their Faith of that one blessed Propitiatory Sacrifice which was to be offered up. III. That long ere the New Testament was written, there was so clear and exact a protraicture of the Messiah drawn forth in the Old, with such peculiar marks whereby he should be known to the church, and infallibly take place in the event, as men could not upon any Scripture evidence expect his coming in another way. iv That his humiliation and sufferings were so expressly held forth and foretold, with the peculiar circumstances thereof, in the 53. chap. of Isaiah, and 9 of Daniel, as if they had been Eye witnesses of the accomplishment thereof. V That even the special season and period of time for accomplishing this great promise was so far made known, as upon diligent search and inquiry, its near approach might be discernible and clear to what, or what manner of time this did specially relate; for which both the Fall of the Monarchies, and daniel's seventy weeks were set up as Highway marks to guide men's Faith herein. VI That it's simply impossible according to the Scripture, how the promised Messiah could be yet to come, except the Jews were put in the same state they were in at his coming, when now for these 1600. Years there hath been no Sceptre, not Lawgiver, no Temple, or daily Sacrifice. VII: That this great mystery could never possibly have entered in our thoughts, or be devised by any created understanding.  
Qu. II. But are there as clear and infallible evidences of the truth of this great promise in the event, that surely the blessed Messiah of the World is now come, as that it is sure he was promised?  
Answ. It's beyond all possible debate, I. That so Divine and Wonderful a Person was in the days of Tiberius Caesar manifested to Israel, with no outward show or observation; who did so great and marvellous things, before all the people, as were above all created power, yea, that he was Crucified at Jerusalem, under Pontius Pilate, is a truth in the matter of fact, that both Jews and Heathens have been enforced to confess it. II. That this special season of his coming into the World is the great Epocha and period of time from which the Christian Church, hath ever since to this day reckoned her state and succession, is undoubted and clear also. III. That the time of his appearance unto the World, did so exactly suit that which was foretold by the Prophets, that the Jewish Church was at that time with greatest intentness looking after the Messiah; so as some remarkable Impostors took occasion from hence to deceive the People herein. iv That in him who was then revealed, and whom the Christian Church worships, it's sure, was most exactly fulfilled, what ever was foretold, concerning the Messiah in the Old Testament; and we do appeal herein to these Records which all the Jews even to this day do acknowledge to be Divine. V That this was not done in a corner, but in the public view of men in those days, most known to all and famous; yea by the special appointment of God at so solemn a time of the Passover in Jerusalem, where Christ our Passover was then Sacrificed. VI That no humane interest or policy could possibly be in this discovery of the Gospel; when nothing could have been more visibly cross thereto or obstructive of its success, than such a publishing of the death and sufferings of our Lord, with all the ignominy and abasement which attended the same, had there been any way here to consult Carnal Reason, or any other ground to bear it out than the evidence and certainty of its truth. VII. That herein have all divided parties and sects in the Christian World been enforced still to meet and consent, in an acknowledgement of the substance thereof. VIII. That in the same light which was held forth in the Old Testament about the Messiah, did the whole Gentile Church enter; and made claim to their right for being adopted the Seed and Children of Abraham, on these clear and express Promises given for the same; which the Jews could not but confess to be of Divine Authority.  
Qu. III. What confirmation is it to the Christian Faith, that the coming of the Messiah should be deferred for 4000 Years after the Promise?  
Answ. Though the sovereign pleasure of God should silence and satisfy our mind herein; yet is there such a sight to be had hereof, and of infinite Divine Wisdom shining forth in the same as should be most confirming for these ends. I. That there might be a more distinct representing of the glory of this Mystery to Angels and Men, in such a gradual opening up of the same. II. To put that weight and high value on his own Promise and Testimony herein, when on the alone credit thereof, he would thus both try, and bear out the Faith of his Church, for so many Ages, and draw forth their desires and long in all that long space of time after the same. III. To testify the greatness ●f his wrath against Sin and the Apostasy of mankind, by suffering the generality thereof to lie so long under its fatal effects. iv To prepare the Church for so great a reception, by all that long preparatory service of legal institutions, it highly becoming the greatness of this mystery, to have so solemn and wondrous an introduction thereto. V That thus the World might have its full trial of the insufficiency of natural abilities, and of any improvements of humane Wisdom and Learning, for help; after this had first been at the furthest height both in Greece and Rome, before the alone Redeemer of the Church came.  
Qu. IU. What can offer furthest conviction to the World, of the Truth of Christianity from its nature and internal excellencies; and that it is no less essentially good in its self, than evidently true?  
Answ. I. It is undeniable even to those that live at a distance, that such is the truth of Christ, that though all visible and humane props should fail, it can subsist by its own evidence, and authority over men's Consciences; and hath thus ever preserved its station in the worst of times. II. That as it holds forth the most exquisite rule of perfection to follow, so doth it bring the greatest relief to the distempers of the mind, and those miseries which attend the humane state here; so that a higher glory doth thus result to the Holy God, by this dispensation of Grace to fallen Man than if he had stood in his Primitive state. III. That it is sure the Truth and Doctrine of Christ doth natively tend to fix men in a state of light and Communion with God, and in a State of Separation in their Principles, Affection, and Conversation from the World. IU. That it doth more brightly shine forth in simplicity, and truth and in its internal and vital acts, than in any outward form or show: Yea in the way of self-denial, meekness, and poverty of spirit, doth such an excellency appear, as in its own nature, hath as visible a difference from the proud and vindictive spirit of this World, as the day hath from the night. V That such Christianity, can be known, by no naked doctrinal discovery of the same to men's judgement, or such rules as any humane science is acquired by, without an inward power, and principles of a new life; nor can there ever be a right knowledge of Divinity, until it be first engrafted in a Divine Heart. So far is this mystery above all humane rule, and contrivance. VI That it is stated in the greatest opposition to any false show or hypocrisy; yea, brings such enforcements therewith of candour, and truth, and of love, tenderness and sympathy towards others, as all must see is not only the highest ornament and perfection of our nature, but the greatest blessing to the World that ever was known. VII. That such a native lustre and fragrancy doth attend the truth, and simplicity of the Gospel, as makes it no more possible for humane art or cunning to represent this, than to make the dead image of a man to live, or to paint on a board the vital scent of a Violet or Rose, to our Senses. VIII. That in this way of the Gospel's subduing Men to the Obedience thereof, by the power of inward Grace, the Glory of Christ doth more eminently shine forth, than if he had appeared for this end with the greatest outward majesty and attendance of Angels to our Bodily Eyes. IX. That it is visible that the whole World besides, that is without the revelation of Christ, is a place where horror, falsehood, and impiety do manifestly reign.  
Qu. V. But how do you receive so wonderful a truth, as that of the Gospel is, when it's now so great a distance of time from its first promulgation.  
Ans. I. That we can be no more sure and persuaded of the most visible and present objects of sense, than, that this is the same Gospel which is still shining forth to the world, whereby an innumerable company of all nations, tongues and languages, have received the spirit, and been sealed; yea, it hath made that change upon men, in turning them from ungodliness and idols to serve the living God, as hath been no less marvellous than the turning of so many wolves into lambs. II. That it is the same gospel which not only through a series of 1600 years hath been attested, but by such innumerable witnesses who counted not their life dear unto the death for sealing thereof, and found it sweet to be offered up in the Flames for Christ. III. Which in all Ages past hath stood out the greatest opposition that ever the World made to any interest, while the weapons of its Warfare were Spiritual, and not Carnal; and with that success that made the time of the Church's hottest Persecution from Heathens the time also of its most remarkable spreading in the World. IU. That the same Gospel is revealed this day, which hath had such discernible triumphs and success when no external assistance could be had for it; and there was no visible power by which it gained the most savage and dark parts of the Earth to take on the Yoke of Christ, and prefer the objects of Faith to the most  objects of Sense. V Yea, the Gospel hath not only had such vital influence on men's Heart and practice, to change it into the same Image; but that herein the doctrine of the Cross of Christ in the greatest simplicity hath still been the most effectual way of its conquest, and the greatest attractive on men's Souls to receive the same.  
Qu. VI How is it demonstrable that such remarkable sufferings of times passed for the truth of Christ, were both founded on the alone certainty thereof, and carried out by a Divine Spirit above any assistance of Nature?  
Answ. That it is sure, I. Here was no Comedy, Play, or Personated sufferings which the Primitive Christians, then and in after times, did endure for Christ; or that these unexpressible torments and pains were any Dream, and Delusion either to themselves or the World, and that their adversaries did thus conflict and wrestle with their own shadow in so continued and cruel an opposition. II. That the Joy and Exultation of Spirit these Witnesses had amidst their Torments, (who otherwise wanted no sense or feeling of their Pains and Sufferings,) could have no rise but what was supernatural. III. That this could be no possible dissimulation or counterfeit when they were stepping into Eternity, nor the product of a distempered judgement; whilst all might see what seriousness of Spirit, Tenderness, and Bowels of Compassion to their Adversaries they did then evidence. iv That those greatest sufferings were upon choice, and Christians hastened to endure them rather than to be safe at the rate of receding and departing in any thing from the Truth. V Yea no natural Reason can comprehend how such mean and feeble persons as many of these were, should endure, what would have made the greatest natural Courage to faint, as if they had foregone all Humane Passions which Flesh and Blood must needs have herein; so that I am constrained to see something no less marvellous and supernatural in the Faith of Martyrs, than in the Faith of Miracles.   

SECTION III.  
Qu. I. IS it fully demonstrable, that the Faith of a Deity, and of such an establishment as a religious worship, must necessarily determine Men, and constrain them to be Christians, on this ground that they cannot but see how Religion hath not another Being in the Earth, but in the Truth of Christianity?  
Answ. It is simply impossible to make a rational trial herein, and not see the certainty of this demonstration, to be thus clear. I. That there needs no more for any of a serious spirit, but to come and see, what the whole frame of Heathenism was, and if it be possible to deny, (even under any sense of the law and dictates of Nature,) its being the highest reproach of Mankind; and that the very mysteries of that Heathenish worship, were so horrid and impure, as they needed a Veil from the common view of the World. II. Nor can there be a rational reflection this day, on that strange Monster of Mahumetanism, but as of a visible Prodigy of the Judgement of God, on these parts of the Earth; upon their Apostasy from the Christian Faith, by giving men up to such an Imposture, as exposeth the very name and form of Religion to derision; and can never claim a reception either from the purity of its rule or internal evidence of the truth thereof, or of its having any possible consistence with itself. III. That its sure also that the Jewish Religion had never another Being but in the Truth and Faith of Christianity, and where this Foundation is divided from, it hath none at all; yea that that People unto this day are such a Confirming Witness to the Christian Religion, as it's strange this doth not beget deeper Impressions on men's Spirits. So that there is an absolute necessity, we must either forego the use of Reason, or see, if there be not such a Rule given and Revealed for Commerce betwixt God and Man, as the Scripture, (where the Laws and Constitutions of the Christian Faith, are for this end held forth,) that it's then sure there is no such thing, as any Religion in the Earth, but what were so highly irrational and absurd, as should rather justify Atheism.  
Q. II. What special Confirmation to Christianity, can this Visible State of the Jews bear, who are in so express an Opposition to the Gospel of Christ?  
Ans. If this were brought near our thoughts we should find it one of the great Assistances to our Faith. I. That it's sure there is such a People and Race, as a Living and Visible Evidence to our Sense, of the Truth of that renowned Nation, and Church of Israel, to which the Oracles of God were committed; and thus is still, as some part of the evident ruins of that once flourishing State. II. That the World may see, such a People kept by themselves and not mixed with the Nations, whose Fathers from one Generation to another did still own the Divinity of the Old Testament; and doth attest that Doctrine, in which the Truth and Substance of Christianity lies, even whilst with greatest malice they oppose the Christian Faith, to witness that there can be no possible Collusion and Deceit here. III. Their being under a stroke of that Judicial Induration and Blindness of Mind, as no Reason could possibly comprehend such a thing, how they should not see the Light in the very Noonday of the Gospel, if we were not expressly foretold that they should be concluded under such an Arrest of Judgement, until the Fullness of the Gentiles be brought in. iv That so immediate an appearance of God, is in the Judgement of that People, both in the manner and continuance thereof, as no instance could ever be found to resemble the same, since man was form in the Earth; and is as a Conspicuous Monument of Divine Wrath, set up for every Age and Time of the Church, to turn aside and consider this great sight, and inquire what means so strange and amazing a thing, as the State of the scattered Jews is, now under the Times of the Gospel. V That this Desolation on them and stroke, had such special concurring circumstances for giving Light thereto; as being not above forty eight years, after the Death of Christ, with their hands, as it were, hot and reaking with that Blood which they had wished on them and their Children; that it should be at that time of the Passover, which was the very same of the Sufferings of our blessed Lord there, and pointing as with the finger at the same; as also by the Romans, whose Interest in their Opposition to Christ they pretended to own.  
Qu. III. Is the way and manner of the Gospel's Promulgation such, as no other Profession could ever pretend to, and where all may see there can be no human Interest or Contrivance in the same?  
Ans. It is undeniable, that no Interest else was ever in such a way promoted, and it does exceed all natural understanding, how the Truth of Christianity could in this manner prevail, I. To persuade men without any Motives, or Inducements from this present World, to embrace a Doctrine so wholly repugnant to Nature; yea to prefer an Interest of things not seen, and which none ever in the Earth saw, to the most desirable Objects of Sense. II. To admit no implicit Reception from any, but on their exactest Inquiry and Trial herein; or in another way claim an Interest in men's Affections, but by a full Assent of their Light and Judgement to the same. III. To admit no Gratification to the most Predominant Desires and Inclinations of Men towards any Darling Sin; which according to human Wisdom would be judged of an absolute necessity for gaining any Acceptance with such; yea to give no partial respect to the greatest Princess more than to the meanest. iv To pursue its Interest, by so plain a Discovery of the Death, and Sufferings of our Blessed Lord, with the whole Ignominy thereof, when nothing could more evidently control such an end by any Rules of human Wisdom and Policy, if there had been consulting with Flesh and Blood herein. V And it's sure there could be no design, without an immediate Divine Power, in such a manner to plead the Interest of Christianity with men, by inserting Affliction, and the Cross in the first entry, as Essential to the Profession thereof, and holding forth the Necessity of taking on the Yoke of Christ, without which none can be his Disciples.  
Qu. IU. But wherein doth the Evidence of that great Demonstration of the Gospel most clearly appear, in the Love and Unity of Christians amongst themselves, which we find Christ doth so specially press, for this end, that the World might know, and have such a Visible Seal of his Divine Mission? Joh. 17.21.  
Ans. The greatness of this Demonstration may be thus evident to all. I. That it's so clearly demonstrative of the Purity of our Religion, which can admit of no Bitterness, Strife, Recrimination, or such Indecencies of Heat and Passion, which are the fatal Effects of Discord in the Church; and thus lets us see the Excellency of the Spirit and Rule of the Gospel. II. That thus also we may know the Power and Efficacy of the Truth thereof, which is according to Godliness, upon men's Hearts, in subduing these Distempers of the Mind and Judgement. III. That this doth so specially tend to make Religion Lovely, and to draw forth matter of Praise and Blessing to God from the World, when they see such a Native Effect of Christianity as this, to make those who profess the same in that manner shine forth in Tenderness, Humility, and Brotherly Love, so that they become as a Public Good and Blessing to Mankind in the places they are in. iv This appears also from the Nature of that Union in the Church of Christ, and amongst his Followers, which only a Divine Power could both Frame and make Effectual; and it's sure that no Humane Society or Constitution could ever claim such an Unity therein as this is; where not only Persons of all Nations and Languages, and of all Conditions, both high and low, but of the most different Interests, Humours, and dividing Circumstances in other things, do yet in so marvellous an Harmony meet in the Body of Christ which is his Church here in the Earth. V Because herein also doth the Glory and Honour of our Blessed Head, more eminently appear in securing this Unity of his Church, under a Diversity of Light and Judgement otherways, by a Spirit of Love, Meekness and Condescendence amongst his People; than by imposing the most severe and absolute Uniformity in all things, to be the alone Condition of Christian Communion.  
Qu. V. But what strength and evidence doth this Demonstration of the Gospel, now bear in so divided a State of Religion, and when the wounds and breaches of the Church this day are like to bleed unto Death?  
Ans. Whatever just cause be of grief, yet is there none for darkening the Truth of this Demonstration, on these grounds. I. That none can deny the Perfection of the Rule of the Gospel, for there is a most firm and entire Unity amongst all the Followers of Christ on the Earth II. That no Opposition is made thereto, but what hath been foretold as one of the greatest Trials of the Church under the New Testament, and the Spirit of God doth most expressly point at in these latter times. III. Because the furthest Opposition thereto can be no more cause for any to stumble, or question the Truth of this Demonstration, than whether there is a Devil, whose greatest design hath ever been to divide and break Christians amongst themselves. iv Because this Union, which is chief Mystical and Invisible, is much greater often, than what this way may appear to the World, and of that kind as is not interrupted by distance of place, or any want of Local Communion. V That such a guard is set by the Lord unto this piece of his Glory, to oppose any Invasion thereon, that there stands an Angel with a flaming Sword, upon every hand in the Commands and Threaten of the Gospel, to secure this Blessed Unity of the Saints amongst themselves, so as none can invade the same but on their highest Peril, of opposing that which is as the Apple of Christ's eye. VI That it's ever found that this Demonstration hath some clear Evidence amongst such who are indeed the Disciples of Christ, and according to their advance in the Life and Power of Christianity doth the more brightly shine forth; so that the nearer the Lines are to the Centre, the nearer also are they amongst themselves. VII. That in all times there hath been some tremendous mark of the Judgement of God made visible on such who are Contentious, and have made it their work to Cause Division in the Church and sow discord among Brethren.  
Qu. VI But what hath the Church now in these latter days to Compensate, and make up the want of that great Demonstration by Miracles, and such extraordinary Confirmations of the Christian Faith, as were in the first times?  
Ans. I. We may hereby see that the Seal of Martyrdom, which came in the room of Miracles to the Church, hath exceeded that which was in the first times of the Gospel. II. That there have been since such innumerable shining Examples of Holiness, yea these continued to this day, whom the World might see did walk in the Light and Power of Christianity, as sure as men walk, under the Power and Virtue of a living Soul. III. That we now see what a length the Course of the Gospel and of the Church Militant is come, and how far thus the Times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, which once was so contrary to all human Appearance. iv That so sure and exact a Performance of the Scripture, is now undeniable in the event, and of such great and marvellous things which were foretold under the New Testament, that in an ordinary way none could have believed, what we see with our Eyes; and now have these things, which were in former Ages the Object of the Church's Faith, been made the Object of our Sense; and it's sure this is such a Seal and Confirmation to our Faith in these last times as doth much exceed the greatest Miracles which were in the first Planting of the Gospel. V Though we may not resolve our Faith on any Extraordinary Providences, or lay the least weight hereon to support the Authority of the Doctrine we profess, (since this only is founded on that Sacred Revelation of Divine Truth in the Scripture, which is the infallible Rule to discern true Miracles, and what is Gods Seal herein under the undoubted Signature and Stamp of his own Power and working in the same;) yet hath there been such incontroulable evidence of extraordinary Signs and Confirmations to confirm the Truth of the Reformed Religion, since the Reformation, as in no Ages past was ever known, but with the first planting of the Gospel among the Gentiles.   

SECTION IU.  
Qu. I. IS it clear and demonstrable that the Doctrine of Christ, is a Soul-Quickning and Experimental Religion, and the Trial thereof, in its most Supernatural Truths, of such rational Certainty and Evidence, that the World can no more deny or question the same than those Experiments of Nature, that are of most universal Use?  
Ans. Though men looked but at a distance here or were come from Heathenism, so far as to make a Serious Trial of Christianity, it's sure they could not but see, and be fully persuaded in their Judgement hereof on these grounds. I. That a discovery is undoubted and clear in the Scripture of so great things, as, that there is a Holy Ghost, and there be his workings on men's Souls, of Peace with God, and the Joy of his Presence, which all who receive the Gospel are called to know and prove on their own Trial. II. That this witness of Christian Experience, hath as discernible a Consent and Harmony therewith as Face answereth to Face in the Glass, and is clear to be no Casual Thing, but every step in this way of Trial, is by Scripture Light, and what Christians did before read there, they know it now by Feelings on their own Souls. III. That this in all Ages of the Church and wherever such as served God in the Spirit were found in the most remote parts from others, hath still been the same; and like a great Roll is sent down from one Generation to another, with their Confirmatory Seal, that God is faithful and true, in those Truths of his Word which seem most incredible to the World, and now come to our hand to require the same Attestation and Witness. iv That they who know and testify these things, sometimes found it not easy to believe the same, and did no less judge of such great Experiments of Religion as a Dream or imaginary thing than most now do, until they knew them by Experience on their Soul. V. That such also have been the most Burning and Shining Lights that ever were in the Church, and these innumerable in all Ages declare the same; and that in the Mouth of the Grave and entrance to an Eternal State when no outward Interest could sway them hereto. VI That it must be a matter of greatest Assurance which hath then pressed the most tender Parents with their last and dying Breath to commend the same Trial to their Children, and to charge their being earnest herein as the greatest Interest they could leave them. VII. That whatever Differences be oft among these in some matters of Truth: Yet, in the Certainty of this great Trial of the Life, Power and Comforts of Religion, there is an Harmonious Oneness in the same Testimony in all Times of the Church. VIII. That if any question this, because so remote from men's Senses, and the Judgement of Carnal Reason; the reality of its Effects, doth unanswerably prove both the Reality and Excellency of the Cause.  
Qu. II. What clear and Rational Conviction can you offer, of so great a thing as Conversion of men from a State of Nature, to a new state by Grace, which doth raise them as far above the residue of Mankind, as Reason doth above the state of the Beasts?  
Ans. Though I should strive against the Conviction of such a Miracle, and Demonstration of the Gospel, as Conversion is, yet were it not possible to deny such demonstrative Evidences as the World hath hereof. I. That it is sure such a Change is made essentially requisite to the Being, and Constitution of a Christian, by the whole Consent of the Scripture. II. That there was never yet an Argument in Nature, for ones being a Christian in the Life and Power thereof: what ever may be for a naked form or show. III. That they are not a few, but innumerable Instances in all times and of all Ranks and Conditions of Men on whom so great a Change and difference hath been made thus evident, both from themselves what once they were, and from the residue of the World. IU. That this hath been not only upon such as have been signally Impious in their Practice, but who in their Judgement were wont to deride Holiness as a Fancy; so as Atheists must grant that there have been as professed Atheists sometimes as themselves, who have been made such Conspicuous Monuments of the Power of the Gospel. V That none can Object here, as once the Jews did, Do any of the Rulers, or such as the World counts most wise, and knowing stand witnesses to the same; when it is so known that there have not been more Wise, Learned, and Judicious in the Things of Reason upon the Earth, than such as have been eminent Examples of the Power of Conversion? VI That its marvellous Effects in subduing men, from what once was their Predominant Interest and Idol, and to part from what had been as their right Eye, or Hand could only be from an Immediate Divine Power. VII. That such as were greatest Adversaries to the Truth, have been made no less eminent Instruments in the Service of Christ, and choice Vessels of Honour, than once they were in their Enmity and Opposition. VIII. That this Change hath been discernible in times of most Visible Persecutions and Hazard, when no outward Advantage or Gain could have the least influence thereon. Now as these are demonstrably clear, so can there be no possible ground to question this. I. That the Scripture is faithful and true in so great a discovery. II. That there is a Divine Spirit and a Power above nature, which accompanies the same in such a change. III. That there are surely, contrary states in another World, when they are so undeniably manifest here.  
Qu. III. But can so great an experiment of Religion as that of Communion betwixt God and Men, here upon Earth be made rationally convincing to such as are themselves stranger's thereto; and for a further confirming of the Christian Faith?  
Answ. Though this be an experiment of Divine Truth of a more transcendent interest and value than all that ever were in Nature, yet it is no less evident, and there can be no possible delusion herein; if 1 It's that to which so innumerable a Company bears Testimony and hath sent down the same, as that which not once or twice they have approved but in the continued trial of their Life. II. That it's known to the World, that such as testify what they do, and have so oft found in the retirement of their Souls with God, are of as discerning Spirits to know the true value of things, as any else; yea such whose testimony in other things the worst of men could not refuse nor deny. III. That its undeniably evident, such must have another acquaintance and society than that of men; which not only makes these hidden exercises of godliness so , (where all may see they more flee than follow any humane Witness,) but also makes so visible a change both in their case and countenance after most sad anguish and down-castings of Spirit. iv That it is so evident also how such as are most serious this way, have been visibly oft raised above their ordinary case, and frame in Prayer, and other duties of Religion; yea, in that manner, as they who never knew there is a Holy Ghost but by report, could not withstand so clear conviction of the reality hereof, that can beget such liberty, humble tenderness and melting of Heart, yea such discernible joy and confidence. V That no delusion or false show can be here, when it's ever seen, that such as are most serious and frequent in Prayer and these hid retirements with God, are the most flourishing also in the vitals of Christianity, and have the most honourable lustre, and appearance of any in their profession. VI That it's such only whose joy and comfort is most specially discernible beyond others, when these lower springs of outward help and encouragement are most visibly shut up.  
Qu. iv Is that great, and experimental part of Religion in the Power of the Conscience over man, such as may be as demonstrable to the World, as the truth of a rational Being?  
Answ. It may be matter of wonder that men are not struck with deeper convictions hereon, when they cannot but see. I. That though this be the greatest tormentor, and troubler of the World, yet is there no possible retreat from its power, tho' men should flee to the uttermost parts of the Earth, but doth it enforce the Soul to a reflection on its self, even when it trembleth at that sight. II. That it causeth great fear and horror upon the commitment of secret sins, when no dread of Humane Witness, or of visible hazard this way could occasion it. III. That it admits no violence in any to outdare the same, but is a power that the greatest Monarches find to be stronger than they; and is such, that these oft are enforced for present ease, and relief either to divert, or bribe the same by some false grounds of peace. iv That it constrains men to Justify God, and Judge themselves, (when his hand doth pursue them,) and to find out their sin, and guilt, which was before hid. V That it makes men also afraid to be alone with themselves; and to tremble at the Word of Truth, because its light doth torment them, by that unavoidable application which Conscience makes hereof. VI Yea it makes men's guilt so legible oft in their countenance, (even when they study most to conceal it,) that all may see there is an accuser within, whose Authority and Power cannot possibly be declined. VII. That with so remarkable a confidence and security, it doth support men's Spirit, and makes it easy to sustain its greatest infirmities from without, when it is a Friend; yea, and upholds the oppressed with unspeakable Peace and Comfort, when it doth oft cause the oppressor to tremble.  
Qu. V. But what doth most necessarily result from so clear a demonstration as the Conscience is, for confirming of our Faith?  
Answ. I. That it's infallibly thus clear, that there is a Higher Power and Judgement, to which all mankind is subjected, and gives the World an unavoidable demonstration, both of the being of God, and of the Truth of his Word, in the great and supernatural discovery which it makes hereof. II. That there is a Supreme and Infallible Law also and Invisible Judge above us, under whose power and authority this Court of Justice doth (without respect of Persons) both Summon, Arrest, bring in Witness and Sentence great and small. III. That the Internal Government of our Blessed Lord, this way (both in the severity of his rebukes and most sensible enlargements of Peace and Comfort) is unavoidably demonstrated. iv That it bears so clear evidence to unknown and undoubted relief, and none else could be ever found, for these Wounds and Stings of the Conscience, but in the Light and Power of Christianity. V That it is simply impossible for men to delight freely in a course of sin, when no Humane Power can disarm the Conscience of that so intolerable a sting, by which it gins so early a Hell within the Soul. VI That such is the Power and Peace of a good Conscience, as can make it stand unbroken amidst the greatest ruins and terrors of the World, when under such a guard as that of its own innocency.   

SECTION V.  
Qu. I. IS the evidence of a Kingdom of Darkness, in a direct opposition and contrariety to that Kingdom of Light, which Christ hath set up by the Gospel, such as the certainty thereof may be a matter of Sense, as well as of Faith?  
Answ. This is of such special use, both to confirm the Christian Faith, and awake such to deeper reflection on the same, with whom there seems no hope to prevail, but by proofs from palpable experience; and it is not possible to deny. I. That there is such a power, as the Devil and those wicked Spirits encompassing the Earth, yea that they have an ordinary and familiar converse with many therein. II. That these Spirits (though once originally excellent,) have fallen into such an Apostasy, as all may see their aim and only pleasure, is to dishonour God, and destroy his Image in Man. III. That it is impossible to deny the marks of that Power and Conquest, which the Prince of this World hath every where amongst men; yea how visibly many are transformed into his Image by such prodigious and desperate acts of wickedness, as we should think humane nature could not but tremble at. iv That none can question the certainty both of Sense and Reason which is in the truth of Apparitions and Bodily Possessions of Men in all Ages, and in all places of the Earth; and can need no demonstration for this, that in many places of the Earth, the Devil is both visibly and audibly known. V That he is so manifest in his appearance as a Spirit of Blasphemy, which impetuously acts Men to War against Heaven with their Tongue in such Oaths and Cursing as have no sensual pleasure, or gain herein; yea, as a Spirit of Delusion in so visible an excitement of others to such extravagancies (under a show of Religion,) as are inconsistent with any use of Judgement or Reason. VI That so innumerable a company of humane Race, hath in all Ages been in a formal, and express Covenant with these powers of darkness is undeniable, upon the most severe and impartial inquiry herein.  
Qu. II. What special assistance to your Faith doth the certainty of these Powers of Darkness bring therewith?  
Answ. I. It is plain that such a Party both in their Nature and continued Actings, are in a stared opposition to the Kingdom of Christ. II. It is visible, that the Prey which these Mighty Hunters do follow after, is not our Body, or the things of this Life, but it is the Immortal Soul, and Future State, that Man might be made sharer of the same Misery under which they are concluded. III. All may see their being under restraint of a Supreme Power above them, and under such Chains as do irresistibly bound their rage and enmity against Man, by an invisible Guard and Hedge which they cannot break over. iv Their greatest rage, and struggling is against the Conversion of sinners to God, and to hold fast his possession in such, as the Spirit of God doth not more clearly move for their rescue, than these do to cross that blessed design of the Gospel. V There are none that are serious in the Truth and Life of Religion but find themselves pursued by such an Adversary; and have as discernably another Party than themselves, or the World to conflict with, as if they saw them in a visible shape. VI That by the Gospel and within the Precinct of the Church, there is discernably a much greater restraint of Satan's Dominion and Power than in all the Earth besides; yea that the advantage of being within the external covenant of Baptism, is so demonstrable that the least yielding or tendency to a renouncing of the same, (or any Acts of Homage,) for making use of his help, hath ever made way for some more extraordinary Power of the Devil over such than others. VII. Thus is a most undeniable Confirmation given of an Invisible World, and of such intellectual Being's there, as are far above man; yea and it is plain that there is an intercourse betwixt Men and Spirits, such may clearly show the interest that Man's Soul hath in another State and World than this.  
Qu. III. Is that great truth of the Immortality of the Soul, and its never dying state after Death, as fully demonstrable to Reason, as it is by the furthest certainty of Faith?  
Answ. Though it be so amazing a thing to believe an Immortal Soul, and Eternal State, wherein it must shortly enter, as by few seems to be apprehended, yet are its demonstrative evidences such, that except men lose all sense and use of reason, it is not possible to deny. I. That there is such an Immaterial and Active Substance as the Soul, which can admit of no cause, either of its decay or dissolution, from the Body; yea that the greatest excellency of this visible Creation, is here, that such a vital Beam of Life, Light, and Immortality, as the Soul of Man is therein. II. Though we cannot see this rare and wonderful Being, yet we fully perceive it to be something distinct from the Body, and to have a distinct interest, both in its griefs and comforts. III. That it can have no dependence on the Body in its Being, which doth no way depend thereon in its Actings and Exercise; but is oft most vigorous and clear, in its exercise, not only when most separate and abstract from sensible things, but when the flesh is under the greatest decay, and near its dissolution; to show the Soul lieth not a dying with the Body, but hath its distinct subsistence, to live in a separate state, when it dies. IU. It's being peculiarly framed for converse, and intercourse with spiritual Being's, yea its being the only part of the visible Creation admitted to fellowship with the invisible God, and to have reflex acts upon itself. V It is a Being of a higher nature and value than the Sun Moon and Stars; which not only can know, and conceive of things above the evidence and impressions of sense, but make a rational choice of good, (though cross to any sensual pleasure;) yea to rejoice, and have its proper delights, when the body is afflicted and in pain; nor can it be defiled from the most loathsome sores and defilements of the Flesh, so as we must needs see both its Dominion and Pre-eminence over the Body, and have assuredly a subsistence without the same. VI It is such a Being, as is capable of a happiness beyond the whole extent of the World, and hath these intellectual Faculties, which cannot possibly want, both objects suitable thereto, and enjoyments above the Senses. VII. The most choice and excellent, are usually most afflicted, and crushed under the feet of their oppressors, whilst the vilest flourish in the Earth and have no bands in their death, so that such were of all men the most miserable, if in this life both their being and blessedness were terminated. VIII. That there is so universal a sense of Immortality, that they who both fear and hate the evidences hereof, yet under some constraint of Reason, have the same for a continued terror. IX. That it is sure the certainty of death, makes it simply impossible, for things only suited to this Life of Sense, to be the ultimate good, or fruition of Man; since else the Beasts should have a greater happiness than such, if it were not for respect to an after and Immortal State.  
Qu. IU. What confirmation to your Faith does that great and amazing change by Death offer, when it would seem to be something merely natural?  
Answ. Though the only wise God moves herein according to the nature of second causes, and it hath various ways of approach unto men, yet may all see with the furthest conviction of rational evidence, as well as certainty of Faith, I. That Death in its first constitution is Penal; and comes by a Divine appointment unto all, not merely as men, but as sinners; and to be no natural accident and result of our Primitive and Original Frame. II. That its Death as a Penalty which keeps the fear and dread thereof so much on all living, it being in that last period, that the eternal state of Men is decided. III. That the sting and bitterness of sin, is so manifest in innumerable diseases and strokes of Death, which many feel an 100 times ere they die once, beyond any other of the Creatures. iv Though the Sentence of dying is on all, yet so great a difference is betwixt the Saints and residue of Men here, that its penal execution on the ungodly, is such as nature can give no support under it. V That supernatural presages and warnings hereof ere it come, are in all times known and sure; yea such extraordinary evidences are sometimes of the precise time, as could have no possible rise from any natural cause. VI That its immediate commission from a supreme and Invisible Power, is so evident in such executions oft, of this Sentence, by Sword, Famine and Pestilence, as the visible Finger of God, in a just retribution unto men for sin, may be no less seen, (and a supernatural causality,) than the effects have been undoubted and clear; to show that such is the state of Man, that this great revolution by Death, doth each moment depend on a call from Heaven. VII. That the certainty of something supernatural in this King of Terrors, is so known that as no relief can possibly be found, but in the truth and power of Christianity, to set men both above the fear of Death and an after State, when once it comes near. VIII. Yea that it is surely above the possibility of Nature, which can bear out in this great adventure and trial of men's Faith, both in the truth and strength thereof, at Death; for which end the Lord hath thus chosen that by so strange an entry, and at so dark a Port they should first pass to the full enjoyment of that glorious state above.  
Qu. V. What evidence and demonstration can you show, to confirm so great a Faith of an Eternal Glory prepared for the Saints in Heaven, and of its earnest and first fruits here, as may strike an undeniable conviction hereof on the World?  
Answ. I. The visible ripening and resemblance to such a state in all the degrees of a Christians growth, to a more full stature of the man in Christ, may be no less evident than the natural growth of our Body. II. Though the opening of these Gates of the Second World be hid, (so as no humane sense can discern the Spirit in its ascent through those higher Regions, to that unconceivable Paradise and Glory in the Third Heaven,) yet is the triumphant entry and passage of innumerable Christians at death, such as hath oft been a matter of sense and clearest evidence to the World. III. Such also were both humble, tender, and sincere in their Life, and then in so great a composure of judgement, that all might see they knew what made them glad, and could swallow up both the fears and bitterness of Death; yea and this was not given for their own support only, but for a more public use, for the Conviction and Confirmation of others. iv The state of glory is demonstrable and hath been oft brought down to men's sense, by these ravishing joys of the Martyrs of Christ, and exultation of Spirit even in the Flames. V Supernatural comforts attend the Life of Christianity, and can have no possible rise from the flesh and outward causes, with that Joy and Peace, which by so natural a result follows well-doing, and any service of love for Christ; which all may see to be the first fruits of that harvest which is above. VI Rare and marvellous a frame of the new man, set up in this lower Region of Grace, in so discernible a conformity to the blessed God, and resemblance to another state than here, to which the World is but as a place of Pilgrimage, trial and a preparatory state only. VII. Visible returns of joy and comfort Christians have after saddest conflicts and down-castings, and such daybreak of vital quickening beams of Divine Light, that have often been no less evident, than that of the Martyrs at the Stake, who cried out, Now he is come, he is come. VIII. Their breathe of Love after an unseen Christ and visible effects of its power on men, might show some begun translation of the Soul so far herein, as to be more where it loves than where it lives. IX. Though we cannot see here, that ineffable glory, which is above, but should have our Faith instead of Eyes; yet such is the truth of holiness, as doth not only evidence, but in its own nature partake of a future glory; so as every degree and act thereof doth enter in a begun state of fruition and blessedness, and makes it simply impossible for a good man in any true exercise of Godliness, not to be happy also, and thus in a more near capacity to know that joy unspeakable, and full of glory, which is above. X. By so sure, known, and tried a passage betwixt Heaven and men's Souls in Prayer, with so settled a Trade of commerce this way, and certain returns, as with assurance such can say, though they must change their place, yet not their company. XI. The whole dispensations of Providence in Israel's passage through the Wilderness, and to so excellent a Country as Canaan, is no less sure in its self, than that it was given for an Emblem and Type of the journeying and militant state of the Saints here, and to be a solemn pledge of that Canaan above. XII. Such is the Magnificence, Harmony and Order of these visible Heavens, and Celestial Bodies there, with their different degrees of glory, (though all illuminated from the same Fountain of Light the Sun) as we may judge by a Divine Ordination to have some peculiar respect to that end, to awake and raise our thoughts to these higher Regions of Glory, which are above all these, by what is thus visible to our Eyes; where the redeemed of the Lord shall be ever fixed, and shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdom of their Father.  
Qu. VI What visible and awakening evidences are there of the truth of an Hell, and that state of horror and torment in another World, which even to men's senses here, might present the certainty thereof?  
Answ. I. That it can be no more sure, that there is such a power and party as that of the Devils, than the reality of some such a horrid Region and place also, to which they belong, and are adjudged to. II. From so innumerable a company of human race, as are not in the visible service of these Infernal Spirits, but partakers of the same nature and enmity against the Holy God and his Image, which doth clearly witness their respect and tendency to the same state and place, and Confederacy in their judgement, as here in their sin. III. Such visible impressions of vindictive justice are on men's Souls, with such horror of Conscience and unsufferable torments this way, as in all Ages have been known by most remarkable instances, (when not in the least distemper of their natural reason,) that may present to men's Senses something of a visible Hell, as convincingly, as if one had risen from the Dead, for the same. iv A trembling sense, and terror of Divine Vengeance, oft follows upon horrid acts of wickedness, and so eminently breaks forth upon a surprising sight of Death, that all may see something more dreadful herein than in the dissolution of Nature; and the Power and present Arrest of a future judgement is made visible in the same. V There are begun degrees, of blaspheming and rage against God, because of his plagues, and such prodigies of cruelty exercised by Men here in the Earth, as may be evident to all to be more than humane, and rather the effects of infernal spirits acting in a humane shape. VI So clear a prelude and beginning of Hell, is in that judicial obduration, and blindness, which many are given up to, (under the greatest discoveries of light,) that all may see their being thus bound over in Chains, and shut up in Prison, until Death bring them forth to the Execution; and that no relief or application of the means of Grace hath then any success. VII. Such a Map and Shadow of Eternal Vengeance, is in these terrible acts of Divine Judgement inflicted here on Apostates, and Persecutors of the Truth, and other flagitious persons, which with the very first view might present an awful and immediate appearance of God in the same, some strange and supernatural punishment is oft so visible on the workers of Iniquity. VIII. And (whatever be of natural causes in such visible representations here in the Earth, as that sulphureous Lake where once Sodom was, and those burning Mountains of Haecla, Aetna, and Vesuvius,) yet we may truly judge that they are thus set before the World as visible memorial of the Infernal Flames; and as it were so many Chimny's or Vent-holes thereof, for such who will not believe the same, because they do not yet see or feel such a thing.  
Qu. VII. What assistances hath our Faith, of that great and wonderful truth of the Resurrection of the Body, after its dissolution in the Grave unto Dust?  
Answ. I. It hath great assistance from that visible and stupendious frame of the Heavens and the Earth, when it's sure that the same Infinite Power, that hath not only made Man, but the whole Creation, can as easily collect and reunite the dispersed ashes of the Body, as form the same. II. From that greatest pledge hereof, in the Resurrection of the Body of Christ. III. From that tribulation and sore pain, that the Saints here in their outward man are exposed to, since it is sure that in the holy justice of God, he did not give such Bodies for labour, and for toil, and to his Martyrs, to endure unexpressible torments for Christ, at last to perish for ever. iv From these visible resemblances and p●efigurations of the Resurrection which the Lord hath given to confirm our Faith herein, in the ordinary course and productions of nature; so as all may see how every night is as the Grave of the day light, and each morning a new resurrection of the same; and how visible an image of Death is in each season of the Winter, with so marvellous and beautiful a Resurrection of the Earth, on every return of the Spring, in the Herbs, Flowers and Plants, taking life and rising again, in the leaves, blossoms and fruits; yea this in such a variety, as may no less convincingly evidence an Infinite Divine Power herein, than that the same body of man should be raised at the last day. V From that continued miracle of the Harvest, after the Seedtime, with so amazing a production of the Grain sown in the Earth, and its first dying there before it be quickened, so as to be at last brought to 30, 60, yea sometimes an hundred fold, out of the very same grain; which to these who had never before known the same would seem incredible, and above all reason to conceive, or give credit thereto.    

CHAP. III. The Confirming Work of Religion, improved with respect to the Times, to clear the way of the Lord herein, before this Generation, and let us see how nothing is so strange in the Events of this day, which should not more strengthen, then shake, and that the God of the Reformed Church, doth still own the same Interest, according to his Faithfulness: Which is here briefly Pointed at, upon some special inquiry, proposed about the same.  

SECTION I.  
Qu. I. What can afford both Light, and Confirmation to our Faith, in such a time, when we see the Work of the Lord, about his Church, to be most remarkably now a work of Judgement, with such dark and searching Trials therewith, as former times have not known.  
Ans. It is sure, we have seen nothing, but what might have been too evidently looked for, and that we can pretend no want of Light herein, upon these Grounds. I. That the Trials of a Church, should be suited to the measure of their Talon of Light, and when this hath been in some more than ordinary way dispensed, that some remarkably searching Times might be expected to follow; nor can it be now strange to us, that such things fall in with this day, which did not meet the Churches of Christ at the first entry of the Reformation, who then had not so clear Discoveries of the Truth, and that measure of Confirmation therein, which hath been since. II. That some unusual Trials, and Conflicts, in the Lord's Method of Providence, should be suited also, to the greatness of that Work, which he is bringing forth, may be no strange thing; and to see a time of such sore wrestle as this, when all things seem to cry, and be in Pain, as Micah 4.20. Yea when some great event of the Scripture is to be revealed to the World, and near to its full height, and Period of Accomplishment, (as we have safe ground for Assurance of this day.) III. Nor hath this sad and dismal hour on the Church, been more obvious than the provoking Cause hereof, in which the Holy Righteousness of God, may be no less clear, than the Cloud now is dark; when there has been such a Visible falling off from that Love, Tenderness, and Power of Religion, that did formerly attend its Profession; for these many years past we might have seen that some sore and remarkable Judgement was coming, and that if we had not been in such a manner undone, we were, under some sadder stroke of Spiritual Judgement, ready to be utterly undone. IU. Yea it hath been too Visible, that such Evils followed the Reformed Churches, as in no time it was ever known, that the Holy God, did pass by, without some signal Evidence of his Wrath against the same before the World. V We know that Carnal Confidence hath a Curse ever waiting upon it in the Scripture, and none can take it off, or make that thrive which God hath himself cursed; and it is too visible, how far we have gone thus out of the way of our Strength, by such eager seeking Humane Props, and support, that we have forgot the Guide of our Youth, and Covenant of our God, and what great things he hath formerly done in the greatest straits of his Church, when there was much humble trusting, that the Spirit of the Lord, would do more to recover his Truth than all Humane Might or Power, could do.   

SECTION II.  
Qu. What Talon, are we still accountable for to support our Faith against the greatest Fears of this time, from these immediate Appearances of God, and of the Glory of his Power, for the same Truth and Cause of the Reformed Church, we are now called to contend for, which hath been since the Reformation when so strong and unusual a Tide, now is against the same?  
Ans. If men shut not their eyes, and hid this great Talon of the Works of God, under the Ground, it's sure none can Question such a Seal, which before the Sun, (to the Amazement and Conviction of the World,) hath been put to the Truth of the Reformed Religion; that we are now brought under such a Call, as the Church of Israel was, Deut. 4.34. To ask of the Times, that are past, since Israel's coming out of Egypt, and since the first planting of the Gentile Church, by the Gospel, whether there hath been so great a thing as this in the Earth, that God hath essayed to take to himself a People from the midst of other Nations, by Temptations, by Signs, and by Wonders, and by War, and by a Mighty Hand, and by an outstretched Arm, and by great Terrors, according to all that the Lord our God hath done for the rescue of his People, in these last Times, from Antichristian Bondage and Darkness; and settling them in a Church-state; but unto us was this showed, that we might know, that the Lord he is God, and there is none else beside him: Ye are still called to see, and be as Eye Witnesses to these things; I. How Bright a Day of the Gospel of Christ, did go before this great Darkness on the Church, and what a solemn Triumph in these late Ages the Truth hath had over Antichrist, so as the full stroke and ruin of his Kingdom, (which is sure and established in the Promise of God,) seems not now more marvellous and above humane appearance, than what we have seen, in the begun degrees of its accomplishment. II. In how few years also, there was, as a new Christian World brought forth, in that swift Course and Progress which the ingathering of the Reformed Churches had, so as between the Year 1560, and 1621. such famous Plantations of the Gospel were settled in a Church-state; which all may see was the immediate Work and Power of God; to show that none should fear, or stagger at his Promise; though the waters yet swell, and come to the flow of Jordan, and difficulties appear unsuperable to humane Sense, after these great things which the Lord hath done, III. How extraordinary a Calling, and excitement of Instruments, was then evident, for the Service of that time, and Reapers thus eminently prepared for so great an Harvest of the Gospel, as might put the World to inquire whence these were, in so numerous a Concurrence, when a few of such a Spirit, were so rarely to be found in many Ages before. IU. Yea such an Accession also, of Spiritual Gifts, and Endowments was then for. Building of the Church, ●s had not been formerly known, since the first coming of the Gospel to the Gentiles; wherein it may be said, the Glory of these last Times hath even in some degree exceeded that of the first. V And can the most dismal things of this time, countervail the Confirmations of our Faith, who have so clearly seen, with the first breaking up of the Purer Doctrine of Christ, the Power and Life of Christianity came therewith to the World, as a Seal, and Attestation thereto, beyond any Miracles; yea how innumerable a Company, in these last Ages of different Tongues and Languages, and these so remote from one another, did not only receive the same Truth, but with such Resolution Adventure their Souls thereon, as might fully witness, they had another prospect of Christianity, and to be in some other manner ravished with the Glory and Beauty of the same, than is now in these times: VI Such high Spring tides of the Power, and Efficacy of the Gospel, might be evident to all, after so sad a restraint had been for so many Ages before, under Antichristian darkness; for whatever was then as a Private Seal, on the Spirit of Christians whilst the Witnesses did Prophesy in Sackcloth, yet was there no such Evidence and Demonstration of the Holy Ghost, or a Public Confirmatory Seal to the Truth, as was after the Reformation. VII. Yea was it not the most Sober, Serious, and Inquisitive Part of Men, upon a sure Trial of the Grounds of their Faith, who did most firmly embrace the same; and how many of these also were of the greatest Parts and Abilities, whom none could Judge to Adventure so far herein, without the highest Assurances, that this was their undoubted interest and Salvation. VIII. We have seen not only men of mean and low Estate, but such of the Highest Place and Quality, most cheerfully adventuring whatever Interest could be dearest to them in the Earth, for the Truth's sake; yea it was ever found, that such as were most acquainted with the Reformed Religion in its Power, and lived up in their Practice to what they professed thereof, were those who with the greatest Assurance, most resolutely still adhered thereto. IX. We have seen also, it's most remarkable spreading in the World, when there could be no possible pretence of a Worldly Interest, or External Motives for the same. X, We have seen something not only extraordinary, but even Miraculous in the Joy, and Resolution of innumerable Martyrs since the Reformation, who did bear out with a more than humane strength, against a cruelty so visibly Inhuman, and Savage; yea which did in some degrees exceed that measure of the Heathens, in the Primitive Times, as being against a greater Light than theirs. XI. And have we not seen of what Spirit, such still have been since the Reformation, who were the most notorious Instruments in the Church's Persecution, and how visibly such did act herein, under so impetuous an incitement of the Devil, that as Tertullian, in his Apology speaks of Nero, the Truth might boast in having such Adversaries. XII. It is sure we have seen, that no humane Power, could yet ever undo this blessed Inteterest of the Reformed Religion, tho' no way, or change of Weapons, hath been left untried; but we have thus seen, whither so strong, and united a Confederacy, as the Catholic League in France did at last resolve, and not only in the ruin of the greatest Actors and Contrivers therein, but to a further establishing of the Reformed Churches there, as though such had Intentionally acted for the same; when if second Causes had brought forth their Ordinary effects, it might have been judged impossible to fail. XIII. We have seen that issue of all the Counsels, Expense and Cruelty of Philip the II. of Spain, to bear down the Truth of the Gospel in the Netherlands, which was to the furthest settling of this Illustrious State and the Church of Christ there; yea how their Conspicuous Rise and Flourishing even in the Externals, and their resolute adherence to the Truth of Christ did most visibly keep together. XIV. We know that deluge of Blood, which so quickly followed the French Massacre; and the most dismal time which ever that Nation knew, did then visibly Contemporate, with such a time of their greatest Rage and Persecution against the Truth, and that Event of the Third Vial most clearly fulfilled herein, Rev. 16.5, 6. Thou art Righteous, O Lord, which art, and waste, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus, for they have shed the Blood of thy Saints and Prophets, and thou hast given them Blood to drink in great measure. XV. Yea have we not seen how four Kings of France Successively, were in less than thirty years, taken away, in the same continued pursuit, how to destroy the Church there, in whom that whole race of the Valois was thus extinct; yea in the manner of their Death, were most remarkable Monuments of Divine Judgement, as the most famous Writers of that time do attest. XVI. We have seen what marvellous effects did follow those Bloody Years of Queen Mary's Reign in England, to promote and commend the Protestant Doctrine to men's Consciences there, with so great a Triumph as it had in the Sufferings of such choice and excellent witnesses for Christ, and hath brought in more Rent to the Praise and Glory of their Blessed Head, than may to the furthest compense all that Blood of the Saints there, though highly Precious in the Eyes of the Lord. XVII. We have seen likewise the Blood and Cruelty of late, against the Protestants in Bohemia, in a short time most Visibly returned on the Authors thereof, and how the immediate Finger of God might be seen in calling forth the Swedes to avenge the same, and in that desolating stroke which followed in Germany. XVIII. We have seen in these late Times the Issue of that horrid Massacre on the Protestants in Ireland, to the utter ruin (in a very few years after,) of that Barbarous Party, who had thus acted herein. XIX. We have seen what wonderful Providences did attend the actings of that poor handful of Protestants in the Valleys of Piedmont since the Reformation, upon the account of that Bloody Massacre which was set on foot there against them, which was so astonishing as all might see an extraordinary Appearance of the Lord herein, as is clearly attested by the most Faithful Histories of that time. XX. And can it be forgot unto this day, how visibly a Divine Hand did appear in breaking that great Spanish Armado, in the Year 1588. which had been for some years in Contriving against England. XXI. Astonishing, and specially Demonstrative of the immediate Power and Presence of God, and matter of Wonder and Praise also for after Ages, was that solemn time of the Reformation of the Church in Scotland, for planting the Reformed Religion there; with that zeal and oneness of Spirit, as did then appear in all ranks to embrace and adhere to the Profession thereof, amidst the greatest threaten of their Adversaries; so as a few Years did bring forth that, which would have seemed strange for an Age to accomplish; yea that we find betwixt the last Martyr for the Truth there, who was burnt at St. Andrews, 1558. and the establishment of the Protestant Religion, and full abolishment of Popery, with the full Concurrence of Civil Authority herein, in July 1560. was but little above two Years, to show what great things the Lord can do, above all Humane Council or Confidence. XXII. It's sure we have seen in what remarkable degrees these last Vials of the Holy Judgement of God, have taken place on the Kingdom of Antichrist, and how Conspicuous the Event hath been of that Prophecy, 2 Thes. 2.8. in these great Effects and Consumption thereof by the Ministry of the Gospel, as an assured Pledge of the full Accomplishment of what remains herein. XXIII. And as every step of the Churches Rise, hath been still advanced in a continued, Conflict betwixt the Truth and Antichrist, so have we still seen, when the Assault and Opposition hath been greatest, it's most remarkable tendency to a greater Victory; which were it rightly considered upon clear and solid grounds from the Scripture, the most formidable appearances of Trouble from this Adversary would with more Comfort than Fear this day be looked on; so that whatever be the nearest and most immediate events, yet is it sure, as the Lord is true, (whose Word is passed hereon,) that whosoever gives their Power and Strength to support that Interest of Antichrist shall lose the day, and find their Cause desperate, for the party with whom they contend herein is the Son of God, against whom no humane Power shall ever be able to stand. These are but a few, which are here mentioned, of the great Acts of our God, in behalf of his Truth, to be still as present in our sight, in a time when the Spirits of many are ready to Stagger and Faint; and here mentioned, to lay no stress or weight of the Authority of the Truth and Doctrine of our Profession thereon, but on the alone Revelation of the Scripture; but they are such an undeniable Seal for Confirming our Faith, and of so known, Public and famous Evidence, as should be no less considered and taken to Heart now, than in the time when the Lord thus appeared herein.   

SECTION III.  
Qu. What present Judgement are we called to have of this Time, upon clear and assured grounds from the Scripture; that we may know under what aspect thereof, the present State of Religion, and of the Reformed Churches is under, when so great a Crisis is this day, as would seem to be in the very Height of its Conflict, whether as to Life or Death?  
Ans. It is no present Appearance of the time that must Direct our Faith, nor should we either stretch our Fears or Expectations of Things and Events, beyond what the God of Truth doth warrant in his Word, but it's clear, if we credit the same, and admit the Divinity of the New Testament, there is no just Cause of Hesitation or Darkness as to what the Lord is bringing forth for his Church now in these latter days; nor can there be any pretence, to seek another Light, (either from the Stars above, or the Diviners of this Time,) when so woeful a Trade hath got up in the World, that men wtll thus go to the God of Ekron, as though there were not a God in Israel, or such a thing, as his written Oracles to inquire at, when it's sure these lie open, and with a clear and distinct sound speak to all who have a Serious and Unprejudged Spirit. I. That the Church under the New Testament hath now passed and gone through that most dismal and continued Trial herein, which was to go over her Head under Antichrists Reign and Height, and whatever appearance he now hath in great Wrath, yet is it sure and evident that the Winter is past and the Churches Spring begun; and a few steps further off, that Judgement which is now hastening on, will at length end the quarrel; so that by a near converse with the Word, we may clearly see from what point the Church's course and motion this day lies, and how exactly it keeps, in the Certainty thereof, by the clear Conduct of the Scriptures of Truth, where a full Map of her whole Course and Passage through Time is clearly showed. II. That we may now with some clear Evidence Judge, and have our Faith persuaded hereof, that the Church's Interest is upon the rising Hand, and on a present Advance, though nothing would seem more Contradictory than all visible grounds now are; since this cannot fail, John 3.30. That Jesus Christ in his Kingdom in the Earth must Increase; yea that the Scripture so clearly Points forth Antichrists Ruin and Progress of his fall and downcasting, with resemblance to that great Judgement on Pharaoh as an evident Type hereof; in the same judicial stroke of Induration, on both, and gradual Progress herein by one Plague after another, until the last and greatest Assault, as was then at the Red Sea, hath the same effect for a more glorious appearance of God, in the greatest step of Judgement, and Victory over this Adversary, when not only the Song of Moses, but of the Lamb also, shall be then sung, Rev. 15.3. as importing something more glorious and a greater brightness to be put on this Illustrious Act of Divine Judgement, reserved to these last times, when a more immediate Appearance of the Lord will be seen, than in any former deliverances of his Church. III. It is no Conjectural thing, but what by a clear Scripture Conduct we may see, that this time of the Church now under so notable a Crisis in her Case, is evidently falling under that Remarkable Assault and Conflict, with that Adversary, before the accomplishing of that Vial on his Seat and Throne, as we may see Rev. 17.13, 14. That when so Conspicuous a step of the Church's Victory is near; the Opposition thereto also will be in some higher degree proportionable to the same, when the great men of the Earth, and such who shall receive Power as Kings, one hour with the Beast, shall have one Mind, and give their Power and Strength thereto, and shall make War with the Lamb, but the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, etc. Nor is it found through the Scripture where the Lord hath done any great thing for his Church, but some unusual darkness, and sore-wrestling have still gone before, and should be no matter of staggering to our Faith, (whatever it be of present Fears,) to see so dismal a Time of Trial as now is, and amazing height of trouble beyond what former times have known, when one of the greatest events of Providence in behalf of the Church, since the revealing of Christ to the World, until his second coming, is assuredly near in the fall and overthrow of the man of Sin. IU. We have clear ground also to judge, that so great an Eclipse as seems almost Universally over the State of the Reformed Churches, is no going down of the Sun thereon, (whatever did befall the most famous Eastern Churches to an utter dissipation thereof;) if these different Periods of time be justly considered, how their Sunset did then fall in with the Entry of that great Apostasy of the Christian Church and with that long and dismal Night of Antichrists Reign; whilst now this hour of Trial on the Churches, doth meet in that blessed Period of Antichrists begun fall, and of a growing Light of the Gospel, and when the Scripture so clearly warrants our Faith herein, that the Work of Providence is to Plant, and not cut off, but to bring forward that Interest of the Reformed Churches, in the founding of which the Mediator hath so eminently appeared in the Glory of his Power in these last times. V It is sure we now live in the Evening, and Extremity of time, when the motions of Providence may be expected to be more quick and speedy, as being so near the Centre, and to the last Epocha, and Period of all Prophetic Chronology; wherein the Glory of God in his Truth and Faithfulness shall most eminently shine forth, and these Scripture Truths which were formerly dark and abstruse, with that Evidence shine forth in the event, as shall cause men to wonder at their former thoughts and stumblings thereat. And here I must say, that there is such a sight now in the Earth, as the Romish Church, in its Complex frame and state, in so different a mould cast from any Power or Jurisdiction else, and such a Compound of a Civil, and Spiritual Monarchy in one and the same Person, is so solemn and undeniable a Seal to the Christian Faith, and Divinity of the New Testament; that it's strange why this is not improved more, against the Atheism of this time, that such a visible event of the Scripture is now in being, which was so clearly foretold by the Holy Ghost 1500. years ago, with its proper Circumstances, as to the manner of that Antichristian state, with its Rise, Growth, and Duration, as is to Admiration still evident to the World, when not the least shadow or appearance of so strange Future Emergencies was to be seen or could have entered men's Thoughts; to show it only could be revealed to the Church by him, to whom all his Works are known from the Beginning. This I have looked on, as such a Confirmation to the Truth of Christianity, that no Miracles in the first times of the Church could have more evidence for the same; yea if such a party were not in being, both what it now is and in former Ages hath been, it might in another manner stagger the Faith of the Saints, to a questioning the Truth of the Scripture, than its most formidable appearance this day can do. VI I shall but add here, that we know and are sure the Lord hath reserved his greatest works to these latter days, wherein his Judgements shall be manifest; and that one of the most eminent Manifestations of his Glory before the close of time shall be Conspicuous in the fall of Antichrist, on whose ruins that Glorious House which Christ is yet to have for himself both of Jews and Gentiles, shall be prepared and built up; and though this great Eclipse of Antichristian Darkness, should yet more prevail, even over the visible Profession of the Truth in the Churches of Britain, and Ireland, there is no cause to be staggered in the Faith of Rome's fatal Period, being near, but to look hereon according to the Scripture, as the last attempt of that wounded Adversary, which will be found in the issue to have the most immediate Connexion with his greatest downfall, and the Reviving Glory of the Church; for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.   

SECTION IU.  
Qu. What is specially called for, in this day, of such as are accountable for so great a Talon of Light, and Confirmations to our Faith?  
Ans. If this were suitably taken to Heart, we could not but reckon ourselves under the greatest excitement and call, to such an improvement hereof.  
I. That we account it not enough to have a Faith, for quieting our own Spirits, but also to confirm others, by putting to our Seal that God is true, in the great Assurances of his Word, and to Sanctify him before the World; which is so important a Duty, as the Lord was wroth even with a Moses, and Aaron for one short-coming, when he called for the same, Numb. 20.12. and it's sure in no time was such a special trust more reposed thereon, than in this Age, both as a public Debt on the Church, and Personal on each Christian, how to witness for the Lord, upon that great Interest of his Faithfulness and for Transmitting the same, to the Ages to come, by a Confirmatory Seal, and Testimony thereto.  
II. To reckon ourselves also under some more than ordinary call this day, (each in their present Capacity and Station,) to appear for the Credit of the Truth, and stem so visible and impetuous a Tide, as is now running of distrust, and of a discreditable faintness; for it may be said, never was the Church under the New Testament so remarkably held under such a Trial, as that wherein the Lord did prove the Church of Israel, Numb. 14. Or had a more evident resemblance thereto, in the same Circumstances as in this day, if they were seriously pondered; As I. How in the same manner, such a false and evil report is too visibly raised upon the blessed ways of the Lord, to discourage and faint the Spirits of his People, as was then by the Spies, that there were insuperable difficulties in the way of the Promise, by Reason of the Anakims, and of their walled Cities, and did thus oppose the Credit of Sense, to all these Assurances which God had given to their Faith. II. That this highly dishonourable Cowardice and Distrust did so seize on that People, as was like to resolve in a visible revolt, and to cry for a Leader to go back to Egypt again; which amongst too many in this time may be justly feared. III. That this was after such extraordinary Confirmations which the Lord had given to the Faith of his Church then, who had by his own immediate and outstretched hand, so lately brought them out of the House of Bondage, and from the Iron Furnace in Egypt, as rendered their misbelief to be a guilt under such Aggravations, as the Holy God did in that manner plead, Vers. 22. These ten times have they tempted me, who have seen my Glory, and my Miracles, which I did in the Wilderness, etc. IU. But herein we hope, and are Confidently sure of a blessed Disparity in this resemblance, as to the numerousness of such, who shall be found of the Reformed Churches, to Act something of that part, which these Heroic Witnesses, Caleb and Joshua did; and were then put to stand alone therein; who through Grace shall yet appear with some measure of that Spirit, and withstand so high a Tide of fears, discouragement and unbelief as is at this day; and thus to plead against the same as these did, Num. 14.9. If the Lord delight in us, then let us not rebel against him, neither fear the greatest difficulties that can be in the way, etc. V And is not the same Precedent of Providence, of so singular a respect as the Lord did then testify to his Caleb and Joshua (who were of another Spirit in following him fully, in that day) a continued Assurance, for all who shall be helped to any honourable appearance of this kind, by making them see, and inherit the Truth of his Promise; yea that such a residue as outlives this great and amazing storm shall have something of that Testimony to bear also, which Caleb gave, Josh. 14.8, 10. My Brethren which went up with me made the Heart of the People faint, but I fully followed the Lord my God, and now behold the Lord hath kept me alive, etc. O blessed they, whose Souls are raised with that Holy Zeal for the Truth, to stand up in this great breach, by a resolute Profession of their Faith, and Witness to the Faithfulness of God, as such great and extraordinary Confirmations, given thereto, now call for.  
III. It is one of the special Duties of this day we stand also accountable for, how to stem this high and growing Tide of Prejudice, and Reproach against the Reformed Religion which in some unusual way is now aloft, and raging; and by Manifestation of the Truth to gain some more awful regard hereof on men's Conscience, that they may see something of the Glory of our Profession, and in what manner it maintains its Conquest as no way else can possibly claim; I. Which reckons none to be the true and genuine Professors hereof who embrace not the same upon Evidence, and with respect to its Intrinsic Excellency and worth; nor does Judge the Interest of Religion to go by number, and poll, where this is wanting; but pursues that end to have men engaged first to be Christians, that they may be true and sincere Protestants; and therefore can admit no such Methods of any base Compliance with the Humour and Interests of Men, which its Principles will not bear. II. Which in its course is ever regular and Certain, according to the Rule of an Unchangeable and Eternal Truth, without dependence on the will of man herein, or any mutable Revolutions of the Time. III. Which doth with the greatest lustre shine forth in the Brightest Light, and is maintained by the clearest Knowledge; yea by the furthest plainness, and openness of Heart, towards all, commends itself; so that the World may see, it espouseth not men's Affection, before it gains on their Conscience; and it hath their Judgement fixed on a judicious Trial, before their Resolution; nor accounts the Truth of Religion, can ever subsist by an external show and Profession, without its known Evidence and the Efficacy thereof on men's Souls. iv Which sincerely follows the Catholic Interest of Christianity and public good of Mankind, in promoting the great Ends of the Gospel, so as the World may see its highest Intent is to exalt all Divine Institutions, and advance the Simplicity, and Spirituality of Gospel Administrations, (according to the revealed Rule) amongst Men, as that which doth most nearly concern the Vitals of Religion and an Inward Life of Communion with God. V. Which Pleads an Impartial Trial of all its Adversaries, whether the Principles of our Profession or of Popery, give the greatest Security to Civil Government, and found'st the strongest Obligations to Magistracy and to all Civil, and Moral Duties, by which the awe and venerable esteem of Religion is kept up in a Nation. It is high time that men should cease to be implicit, and become express upon this greatest Interest they have within time, which is the Truth of their Profession in the matter of Religion; when a Deceit or Mistake here is of an Eternal Concern: Upon which account, without respect to Interest, Party, or Education, I have this day sought to know the Truth, and what Adversaries could possibly pretend, to Reproach, or Prejudge any for the Reformed Religion; All they can do, is but to charge men's Corruption and Offences in their Practice, upon the Rule and Principles of their Profession, that can never give the least Latitude, or Connivance thereto, but is clear as the Sun; when on the other hand I could know no other way, to embrace such a Profession, as Popery, but by turning Atheist, in the first Place, and then quitting both Religion and Reason at once: But I can say, in a resolute Adherence to the Doctrine of the Reformed Church, I fear not to adventure my Soul, and enter into an Eternal State.    
FINIS.   

AN IDEA, Of the Confirmed State of a Christian in Dismal and Shaking Times.  
THo' the Measure of all Christians Establishment in the Truth be not alike, but must have respect to their different Trials, Talents, and Improvements for this end; yet may it cause Astonishment to see, how rare any Study of this kind is now to be found. When it's not only one of the highest concerns of Christianity, but in a more than ordinary way called for, as the Work of this day; yea, being this is a part of Religion, which seems least improved of any, for the more general State of Professors within the Church; under some Conviction hereof, was this Essay designed; wherein with humble Confidence (I may say) the Truth hath been sought with that Serious Enquiry into the Nature of these things held forth, as I judged needful for such, who have so great an Interest, and Adventure not only through Time, but for all Eternity, to support themselves upon the alone Certainty hereof; and ere these days of Trial, which we now see, pass over this Generation, it may be found this was not unseasonable, or without cause directed to such a time, if the Lord graciously bless the same; nor will it (I hope) be found unnecessary to present yet further, some clear prospect of a Confirmed State in Religion, and what those aught to be, who with Light, and Assurance of Mind are like to follow the Lord fully, in such a day; which is here offered in a seven fold Character, under which a truly Confirmed Christian in the Truth of his Profession may be Stated.  
CHARACTER I. He is one who hath another Sense, and Impression of this great Study for attaining to a Confirmed State in Religion, and is on higher grounds pressed to follow the same, than most of the Visible Church do apprehend; and should be thus Considered.  
1. As one to whom the Glory of the Christian Profession is in the highest Degree dear, and who would have the World see, that such as embrace the same, and do most fully Adventure on the Testimony of God in his Word, are those who walk on the highest Principles of true, and enlightened Reason; yea, who take deeply to Heart that Obligation which is on all▪ who desire to advance the Repute, and Honour of the Truth, to be in such Terms therewith upon its own Evidence, that they may know how to Confute and Shame Atheists, and Infidels, if called thereunto.  
2. Who see also, that such is the State of fallen Man, as stands in need of all the Contributions that can be, not only to strengthen the Christians Faith, to bear our against the strong Assaults of Infidelity, but to gain also more Credit and Veneration to the Truth, with those who are not easily dealt with, but by such means as bear some Congruity to their Natural Light, and Reason; for which end the Lord hath afforded his Ministerial helps, to render the Unbelief of the World, and all pretence of Hesitation about his Truth more inexcusable.  
3. He also sees, that the most important, and Fundamental Truths of Christianity, need the greatest Confirmation in his Faith; and those who enter into so high and discriminating a Profession from the residue of the World, need to know in what manner they embrace the same. He sees that the natural Order of things does absolutely require to have the Foundation sure laid, on which so great a superstructure must rest, so as he judgeth it a Work by itself, and to need some peculiar retiring his Soul in the most serious recess, and Composure thereof, to attain a steadfastness in the Truth, and to know the strong and firm Conveyances of that greatest Mystery of the Gospel, in such a manner, as needs not a new Miracle to Confirm the same. But he knows that no sharpness of men's Natural Understanding about the Truth can ever attain a true Rest, and Settlement of Mind therein, without an humble, and serious Spirit stooping down before the Wisdom of God, and entering as a little Child into his School; and by that humble Practice, and Obedience of the Gospel, there is an undoubted coming up to the greatest Assurance and clearest Demonstrations of the same, as Joh. 7.17.  
4 He knows that as nothing tends more to shake men's Spirits, and stagger them about the Truth, than a Light and Transient View hereof, so does the greatest Establishment follow, on the nearest approach by a deep and serious Enquiry about the same; and he clearly sees that if such who look but at a distance on the way of Religion, did but once come to have their Spirits exceed in a more serious Reflection thereon, the first view they should have, could not but be matter of Wonder, and Amazement; to think what can support a Soul in so marvellous a way as the Life and Practice of Christianity; Which is so visibly above Nature, and that wherein they must do violence to the same; wherein they must part with the Multitude, and oppose themselves to the strongest Tide of Example, and must endure also in Hope, and believe for things not seen, (which were never the Object of Humane Sense,) to any in this Earth; and are oft called to part with the most desirable things of Sense, upon the alone Credit of their Faith; yea, wherein they must enter that Profession, on no other Terms, than to be Martyrs for the same, and Seal it with their Blood; so that he must needs see a Christian according to the Rule and Institution of the Gospel, to be the greatest Riddle, and Wonder of any sight within time; but when such come more close and near upon this Trial, and have once understood the Nature and greatness of that Security which these have to adventure on, and what is the Glory of their Hope, and the sure Spring of their Supplies, for their Work and Trials within time; then will this second wonder unspeakably exceed the first; how it's possible that such are not of a more raised, and enlarged Spirit, in the service of the Gospel, in that short season they have here for it on the Earth, and how their difficulty should not be more, to bear the Joy of so great a Prospect, and Expectation, than to bear any present Griefs and Troubles, Yea how a man's Life, who indeed sincerely makes the Christian Profession, is not in some more continued transport of ravishment and wondering, to know that they are surely made for their Eternal State in another World, and are among those, on whom the glorious God hath chosen to have the exceeding Riches of his Grace shown forth, in the Regions of Blessedness above for ever.  
5. He hath another sight and prospect of the Christian Creed, than most who give an easy Assent thereunto; and hath his Reason so dazzled with the Revelation of the Gospel, and of the Wonders thereof as hath put him to such an Exercise as that 2 Chron. 6.18. How to Credit his Eyes therewith, the more deep Reflection he hath upon the same; But will God in very deed dwell with men on the Earth? He judgeth that they, who after some fluctuating suspense, are admitted to see the Truth of Christianity, with that Certainty of its Evidence, as the greatness of such a discovery does require; may have some resemblance to that transport which the Angels had at the first Creation; when the Morning Stars Sung together, and the Sons of God shouted for Joy; to see themselves thus, who were brought out of pure nothing, entered into that ineffable Light of seeing God, and also their own blessedness in him, in so high a degree. So that he accounts it one of the highest Attainments of Religion, for a Christian indeed to believe the Articles of his own Faith, and have his Soul as fully persuaded hereof, as of his being; that such a time assuredly was, (and is now many Ages since past,) when the glorious Redeemer of the Church, the second Person of the Godhead came down from Heaven, and was revealed in our Nature; that on him, as Surety to Divine Justice in the room of the Elect Church, was the whole Gild, and Sin thereof transferred; and in this marvellous way did the Holy God take Satisfaction to Himself, by Himself; that thus our Nature is exalted, by the Incarnation of Christ above the Nature of Angels; that the time is near when the meanest afflicted Christian, shall take in no other Air, than the Breathe of the higher Paradise above, and now hath an Eternity of Joy, and Blessedness before him; that within a very little time he shall know this welcome of our blessed Redeemer to his Followers here on the Earth, Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdom, etc. When he shall take off the Cross, and put on the Crown, wh●n it shall be then no more a matter of Faith, but of Sense, to be Partaker of that Inheritance with the Saints in Light; and know those Proper Mansions in that State of Glory, and peculiar Assignment thereunto, which all the Redeemed shall then have; and be put in the same rank with the Elect Angels; to be as those pure flames of Love, and Joy; yea know what it is to walk in the Streets of the New Jerusalem which are as Gold, Transparent as Crystal; and what that meeting-will be of his Soul Perfected, and in a Triumphant State, with his Glorified Body, raised incorruptible, and never to part any more; and to have his proper share of that blessed and greatest Solemnity, that shall be celebrated in Heaven; the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, with the whole Triumphant Church; and hear that honourable account which the great Judge will then make of these Trials of his Faith, and sharp conflicts which he had gone through within time; with that solemn Testimony of Approbation, which will be given hereof! And since it's sure these great things must be a part of the Christian Faith; can it be strange, that such, as would in that manner converse therewith (though they be not yet seen) as no less undoubted Realities than any present Objects of Sense, cannot be easily satisfied with a low degree of Evidence and Confirmation of their Judgement; but would have their Joy perfected so far as this State of Mortality can bear; and so find it easy to Rejoice, and Glory in Tribulation, and to weep now for a Season, who are to rejoice for ever; yea to say in the Words of Mephibosheth, Let them take it all, and enjoy the same, since he who is their Life, and Exceeding Joy, Lives and Reigns, who is Infinitely better to them than all these things.  
6. He accounts the Strengthening of his Faith, to be such a concern, not only as it is his Souls Adventure for all Eternity, but as the highest way of Glorifying God here: That whatever tends to a more full Confirmation of the same, he reckons also one of the greatest Additions to his Joy and Comfort within time; and that these manifold Assistances (with such Reduplication thereof) which the Lord hath himself given for this end, are such that no Fragments of so rich a Talon should be lost; and though he knows the greatest Demonstrations of our Faith can add nothing to the Certainty of Divine Truth in itself; yet are they thus given in regard of the strong Trials of a Christians Life, and of what their weaknesses stand in need of for support.  
7. It's in this Study, he sees and takes to Heart, how not only the Condition of Man in the Earth, but the Profession of Christ also calls for such a reckoning, that he may have Trials in that manner dispensed, that no visible refuge will be found in the least to stand by him, but all humane Comfort and Assistance will fail him, so that he must needs lay in Ballast now in its Season, and be founded thereon with that Assurance of Judgement, as is needful for that Day, when he must either get through in the alone way of Believing, against Sense, or Perish. And though no such Attainments of Light can bear out then, without present, and immediate Influences from above, and that it is sure according to the Day, so must the Christians Strength be, yet does he see also, the want of an established Judgement, and of some proper stock laid up of Aids, and Assistances this way against a sharp Storm, is like to make sad work among the Professors of this Age, ere the Trials of such a time have done their work.  
8. He sees also how the greatest Contest, which in this day in the World, is betwixt God, and Man, upon the Truth and Assurance of his Word; and that the highest Trial, and Probation of a Christian, in which all the Trials of his Life do still meet, may be resolved here; if they receive the Testimony of God in his Word as an absolute Security to rely on, yea or not. And though this is the peculiar Glory of the only true God, to have an absolute Dependence of his whole Work on himself, and to be the alone Centre of his People's rest; yet may nothing be more evident, than that with most he bears that Name, of being their trust; when the whole burden and weight thereof lies alone upon visible grounds; so that those Bonds, and Promises which he hath himself given unto men, do b●ar no more Credit, than they have some External Surety of in the Earth, which they still look after, to stand as it were good and responsible for the same, which is the highest Indignity can be offered to the glorious Majesty of God.  
9 He does much take to Heart this present Period of time, wherein the fluctuating suspense, and halting of so many under a visible Profession of the Truth, is now one of the most dismal Signs hereof; and that it seems to be the time, wherein the Lord will in an unusual way take this Generation off from any implicit Profession of the same; and when that great Roll of Visible Professors in all the Reformed Churches, may be ere long in that manner called, as each must answer to his own Name; and be put to stand to the Proof before the World; when no Temporal Interest, but Internal Motives and Certainty of the Truth upon its own Evidence, must bear one out; yea that the most established may ere long find it not easy to be kept from Staggering; and a few days come in the Church's way, more remarkable for Trial, than have been in some Ages before.  
CHARACT. II. A truly confirmed Christian, may be thus also stated, as one who is in the first place most deeply taken up about that rare Plot of Man's Redemption; and to see these great, and wonderful Truths there, not singly, and apart, but in that Harmony, Order, and Consent of all the parts thereof, as they are linked together in this marvellous frame; so as to make the whole one entire piece. And whereof no part does in the least interfere with another. Which he finds to be one of the most Principal Demonstrations of this great Mystery of the Gospel, which the Lord hath given for Confirming his People's Faith. And thus in another manner than formerly, can he now entertain his Soul herewith; and have his Joy unspeakably heightened. 1. To see at once the ruined State of fallen Man, and what a Floodgate of all Evil is let lose on Adam's Race, not only Morally in Sin, but what is Penal in the Woe, and Miseries thereof; yea such a State, where all Hope of relief is for ever cut off in the way of Nature, or by any created help; and where the Execution of a Righteous Sentence on men for the voluntary Violation of a Law, Just, Holy and Good, can be no Impeachment (in the least) of the Righteousness of God; But then therewith he does see such a relief brought to Light, as can not only answer the whole extent of this ruin, but the Glory of God more eminently displayed therein, than if the Law had been obeyed, or absolutely executed in its Penalty on the whole race of man. Yea, (which makes this more wonderful,) to see a higher Dispensation of Grace unto man, now under the Gospel, than was to Adam in his Primitive State; whereby innumerable Christians are made to endure and prevail over stronger Assaults, than broke him even in his Integrity; which is a thing so marvellous, that the great and Infinite God only could find out and effect it. 2. He does now see how clear a Consistence and Harmony is here, that he who had no Sin by Inhesion, but was Holy, harmless, and Undefiled, should be under the greatest weight of Sin by Imputation; and by the exactest Rule of Divine Justic●, be made liable to answer both the whole Duty, and full Penalty of the Law; having, as Surety betwixt the Creditor and Debtor, put himself in his People's room, to answer the full demands thereof both for Debt, and Duty. 3. It is here he does see that blessed Consent and Harmony betwixt the spotless Justice of God, and his marvellous Grace; so as his Love is to the highest glorified, in that marvellous way, which secures the full and complete Satisfaction of his Law, and all the rights of Inviolable Justice. 4. Whilst he is thus dazzled with the greatness of such a Light, and put to inquire what such a mystery can mean, he is then further led on to see that rare Plot and Contrivance of the Covenant of Reconciliation between God, and Man, here within time; to be the very Duplicate, and Counterpart of that Eternal Transaction, and Stipulation between the Father and the Son; and thus sees whatever God hath declared, and promised in the former to his Church, was first promised, and secured to our Blessed Head in the Covenant of Redemption; wherein as with a Reverend and Awful Distance, so with the greatest Evidence of Light he is made to see here these reciprocal Obligations betwixt them, and mutual Trust for making good the whole Terms thereof in the appointed time. 5. He does also clearly see that rare Order, and Harmony of time in these signal Periods of the Revelation of this great Mystery of Christ, which from its more dark Discovery, and Dawning, did still more gloriously open its self to the Church; by a gradual Light, and unvailing of the same, as the Sun in its Course unto the perfect day; yea he hath his Faith thus unspeakably confirmed, to see herewith the Gospel Church being still the same, whither of Jews or Gentiles; and how that Series, and Consent hath yet never been broken off since the beginning of a Church called forth from the Residue of Mankind, set apart as a peculiar People for the Lord; where none ever had Right and Privilege to be Members of the same, but by Faith in the Messiah, and Profession of their Obedience to his Laws. 6. It is in this Union and Harmony, he sees all the Branches, and Parts of Gospel Obedience most exactly mere, and terminate, to advance both the greatest Excellency and Blessedness of Man, and Assimilate him to the Blessed Image of God. Yea, how all the Rules, and Precepts thereof do so entirely Conspire for this end, as may constrain the Wo●ld to see, and admire the Glorious Nature, and Perfections of him, whose Laws these are, wherein he does so brightly shine forth. 7. Nor can he look seriously herein, and not see that sweet concord as a part of this Harmony, which is betwixt the Promissory, and Mandatory part of the Gospel; so as the Christians Comfort is most fully established, and no Duty abolished; but the very Path-road to the most full Enjoyments of the Promise, and proper way to attain rest, and tranquillity of Spirit, must be ever by taking on the yoke of Christ. 8. Yea (to Confirm this entire Union, and Harmony more fully,) he now sees that exact and marvellous Correspondence which is betwixt that first Fundamental Promise of the Messiah, and the Event; betwixt all the Ancient Figures and Types of the Levitical Service, and the Revelation of Christ himself, in which all these did meet as in their proper Centre, and now have their full End and Accomplishment. 9 His Confirmation thus grows to see that wonderful Consent of Christianity, and Native result hereof, to put fallen man in a due posture towards God, towards his Neighbours, and towards himself; so as he may know by Faith and Adoration how to enjoy God, and his Brother, by Love; and thus by Patience, Meekness, and Humility, to possess his own Soul, and enjoy himself. 10. Yea it is in this rare and wonderful frame, he is made to see (and no sight can be like this) that exact correspondence which is betwixt the Foundation and Superstructure, how the whole Tract of the Gospel is but one Entire and Complete means to Glorify God, and restore fallen Man to the highest Blessedness? How that excellent Stream of Sanctification, does flow from that Fountain Head of an Eternal Decree; which does still run under the Ground, until it break up at last in the Heart of each Christian, by the Effectual Call of the Gospel; and thus runs down through time until it lose its self in that unconceivable deep of Perfection and Glory. Thus is it that each Christian might attain some higher Degrees of Confirmation in his Faith, than most seem either to know, or look after, if he understood more how to improve this rare comparing work of Religion by setting the great Truths and Principles thereof in their Order, and Dependence, so as each may be seen, in its necessary Coherence with other, and under its proper aspect.  
But the more deep Reflection and Enquiry he hath herein, he is the more made to wonder, and finds this one of the great Assaults to his Faith? that the Revelation of Christ, and Redemption by his Blood should have no greater effects this day amongst men, and that the Christian World is not in some other manner awakened with the Glory of this Light, and pressed after a larger spreading and Diffusion of this highest and universal good to poor mankind; Yea the more he considers this, it doth heighten his Amazement to think how men's designs in the matter of Duty and Service for the Kingdom of Christ, can be so low within time, whose Designs and Hopes in the close thereof are so high in the matter of Enjoyment; or take so little to heart, that the whole Day of the dispensation of the Gospel, (amidst the most dismal Trials that may fall in therewith,) is a continued time wherein we are called to keep the Feast, and from one Age to another celebrate the same, as a perpetual Jubilee of Joy, and Exultation, since Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us; but oh how rare a thing seems this to be, and how little of that flame and fervency of Love to our Blessed Redeemer is now kindled on his Altar? Such as might be expected on such wonderful incitements thereto, and which once were in the Church.  
CHARACT. III. Though a Confirmed Christian must be specially stated as such, one who knows the Internal part of Religion, and Sealing work of the Holy Ghost on his own Soul, which is not by words, but things of the highest Truth, Substance, and Reality; yet is he not satisfied to know this by Spiritual Sense, until he can see the same with the furthest Evidence of Light also to his mind; and have no less a clear and judicious Trial of this great Mystery of Experimental Religion, for confirmation of his Faith, than to be sensibly affected with the felt power thereof. And in the first place why this is necessarily requisite and called for, with respect to the Confirmed State of a Christian, may be thus considered, on some few grounds.  
1. That the things of Religion, which must be experienced within time, are such sublime, and wonderful Mysteries, as may be just matter of astonishment, and make men a wonder ●o themselves, to think that these present Pledges of so grea● a hope which is to come, are no shadows, no appearances of things, but most sure, and undoubted realities; and that such there are this day in the Earth, who know so near a converse with an Invisible God, and the supernatural Truths of his Word, with the sensible feeling of the inestimable Love of Christ, by this demonstration of Experience; yea, who in such dismal Times do assuredly know what the Joy of his Presence▪ and an immediate Fellowship with their blessed ●●ead is, upon the greatest certainty of Trial; since these are so high, and marvellous things, which exceed all Natural Understanding, as the felt Sweetness of their enjoyment should not more deeply take men up, than to see the Truth, and Sureness of these Principles, whereon they build.  
2. Because this Testimony of the Truth of Experimental Religion, should be understood not only as it's of highest use for Christians Personal Comfort, and Establishment; but with respect to the Public Interest of the Church; a special duty it is to have the Credit of this greatest Testimony, and Seal, demonstrably cleared, with the furthest strength of harmonious, and argumentative Reason, for such who look but at a distance yet thereon; which may not only awaken them to some deeper sense, and impression hereof, but constrain them to see, how no Natural Science hath more clear, and firm demonstrations, than the Experimental part of Christianity, (which is the very Life and Soul thereof,) may have to men's Reason, and Judgement, tho' they never knew it within themselves. Yea for this end should such, as have experienced the Truth, and Virtue of the Gospel, reckon themselves as Witnesses; who are judicially obliged to put their Seal thereunto; and is now more called for, in an Age when no particular Truth seems more strongly impugned, than the Reality of Experimental Godliness is; and become as a Public Theme of Derision; tho' men must either quit the whole Revelation of the Scripture, or see this to be as Essential to the Constitution of a Christian, as Vital Principles are to a Living Man.  
3. Yea it's sure herein, that such as take Religion to heart, must needs look to be put to the greatest Trial of its Certainty, and should ●ost nearly concern themselves, to know if they can abide as firmly by their Spiritual Sense, as by that which is Natural; and do know as surely in themselves the Operations, and Motions of a Spiritual Life, as that they have being by Nature; and that here be no doubtful or abstract Notions but which have had deep Trial, and Reflection on them; that they who dare to venture their Eternal State on the known certainty thereof, do Reason their Souls to a steadfast adherence to the Truth, when they are called to sacrifice their Lives thereto; to wit, from the Rare Experiments, and Proofs, they have oft had of the same in their own Trial.  
4. It doth more specially call for a demonstrative clearing of the Credit of this Testimony, as one of the Services of Religion, to promote the Kingdom of Christ amongst men, which seems least improved of any with respect to the general State of such who are within the Church, who are so great strangers to the same; yea should be judged one of the great wants of this day, when Atheism is now at so astonishing a height, that it is not more studied to have the Experimental part of Religion, (which in itself lies deep and hid, and is a secret betwixt God and the Christians Soul,) with such clearness, and by that manner of Evidence demonstrated to the World, as might tend to beget some more Awful Sense and Conviction hereof, (when such clear and unanswerable grounds might be improved for this end) on those who look thereon as some strange and dark Riddle, so as they could no more deny, or withstand the Evidences hereof, than that they have a Living Soul which yet they never saw; or could ever be the Object of Human Sense. And how sad a prospect should this give of the greatest part of the Christian World? who not only know nothing of the True Glory, and Spiritual Powers of Christianity, but have not the very Notion, or any Sense of the reality of such a thing.  
But in the 2d place it is thus that each Christian, for being solidly confirmed in the Way of Religion, may as clearly see, as he does sensibly feel, the Truth of his own Experience, and have his Faith as fully established by this inward, and great demonstration of the things of God, as his Affections are quickened, upon such strong, and demonstrative grounds of the certainty hereof, as these are.  
1. By considering his present, and former State; that not in a dream, but in the most deep and serious composure of spirit, he knows that once he was blind, and wholly estranged from this Mystery of Christian Experience, which now he does see; and once had the same sentiment hereof with such who do never at all reflect on the same; but no sooner did the Truth, and Power of Religion seize on his Soul, than he found himself entered into a new World, to know the dawnings of this marvellous Light, and what belongs to these Enjoyments, and Vital Acts of Christianity, that have not the least dependence on any Natural Cause.  
2. By considering the marvellous Superstructure of Experimental Religion, which from the inward observation of Christians in all Ages, is such as the World could not almost contain the Books, that might be written hereof; which yet is so entirely founded on one, and the same Foundation, and does in all the Lines of this great Circumference, still meet in the same Centre; yea thus how entire, and harmonious a thing Religion in all the parts thereof is within upon the Soul, as well as without; so as every step in this way of the Experience of the Saints is no groping in the dark, but what is by Line and by Rule, with as sure, and demonstrable a connexion with the External Testimony of the Word, as there is in Nature betwixt the Cause, and the Effect; which affords a more wonderful assistance to his Faith, than the greatest External Miracles could ever do; and tho' the Spirit of God does sometimes in an extraordinary manner reveal himself to men, (as acts of his Sovereign Prerogative which make no Rule) yet with the Established Constitutions of his Word does the continued Experience of the Saints most harmoniously ever correspond.  
3. By considering thus also the Being, and Reality of Grace, not in its Effects only, but in its proper Cause and Original, and how the Truth of Holiness in the Life of a Christian is so express a Transcript of the Gospel, in its External Revelation; that the Impress doth not more clearly answer the Seal on the Wax, than it doth beget the same Form and Image of itself in such as believe; yea also that conformity it bears to the ever blessed Archetype, as well as to the Revealed Rule; and how bright a discovery is this of so glorious a Being, and Nature, to which it's conformed? Who is the alone Pattern, and Example of all Truth and Holiness; which is so great a discovery, as he is made to wonder, that men in this Age are so much awakened to find out the true Phoenomena of Nature, (tho' in its own room a most choice study, and specially desirable,) and will be as in a Transport, upon some rare Natural Experiment, as made one in that manner cry out, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, I have found, I have found; whilst here is another kind of demonstration, and of more transcendent interest than all these could ever amount to, on which the Eyes of most are this day shut.  
4. By considering that Unchangeable Congruity, which is betwixt the nature of these things, enjoined in the whole Institutions of the Gospel, and men's being made happy thereby, now in their present state; and how great a Temporal Revenue of the Fruits of Religion, as inward Confidence, Peace, and Serenity of Mind, doth as natively follow the life, and practice hereof, as the Fruit of a Tree answers to its kind; and is ever found the alone true relief of Mankind, against all the griefs and bitterness of time; yea that it's no distance of place, but of men's spirit by impurity, and corruption, that makes so sad a distance betwixt God and Man here in the Earth.  
5. He is thus further confirmed upon this great Testimony of Experimental Religion, by considering that it's sure such as do bear this witness are known; 1. To be such who are of the most discerning, and judicious in the things of Reason, as well as any else. 2. Whose walk and practice use to have the greatest Authority over men's Consciences with whom they converse. 3. Who are found most intensely taken up in the retired work, and duties of Religion; that can have no respect to the witness, and observation of others. 4. Who seek no Implicit Credit from any herein; but do pray men to come, and see, and prove the same in their own Experience; with an appeal to the most exact Inquiry, and rational Trial of all Mankind, if here be any casual thing; and if that Testimony of the Doctrinal, and Experimental part of Religion be not still one, and the same. 5. Who also out of the most remote places of the Earth, and otherwise strangers amongst themselves, do yet most harmoniously meet in the same Witness, and are thus mutually disclosed to each other, by a near, and feeling intercourse of their Souls, from such an Oneness in a Spiritual State, and those Specific Properties of a Spiritual, and New Nature, with as discernible evidence, as if one man should meet with another of the same kind, in such a place of the Earth, which were only inhabited with Beasts.  
6. By considering also, (with a deep and serious reflection hereon,) that sure, and known Conjunction, which is betwixt the most rare Experiences of a Christians Life, and the most searching Trials thereof, with that uniform Consent that hath in all Ages of the Church been, in such marvellous things, as these. 1. What solemn Tokens and Testimonies of the Love of God, and his Acceptance, are found usually to meet his People in the entry of some great Trial, or Service for him; even in some unusual manner then, in the sense whereof, as it was with Elijah, they have been made to go many days after in a Wilderness-state; yea how this does not respect Persons only, but Churches; that the Word still useth to go before with some remarkable confirming work, to secure the heart before the Cross, and some special Trial of Persecution comes. 2. That as each day hath its proper burden, and work, so hath it its proper allowance provided for the same; which should be no less sought after by a Christian, than his daily Bread, and when the pressure of such a day grows to some more singular height; so also should the expense hereof be in Faith sought for, and expected. 3. How the choicest Mercies are reserved to the saddest Times of a Christians Lot; and most usually cross to their own choice, and they have had the greatest struggle with those Methods of Providence, which in the issue tended most to their Advancements. 4. Yea how the returns of a long deferred hope after much humble waiting have been to them, as a Pisgah, whence they have not only had a clear, and comforting prospect of their bypast Trials, but have been more fully confirmed for the time to come; and can bear now that Testimony, that the Lord hath cleared all past things to them, and hath taken the Veil off his work, which for long had been as a dark and strange Riddle.  
7. This likewise gives a most clear, and confirming prospect of that great Seal of Experience, when he can now see, both in his own case, and of others, what the issue of believing in a singular Exigency, and Trial, and upon some special act of trust, and adventure herein, does at last come to; which, the more deeply it's considered, he finds one of the most peculiar assistances to his Faith, and one of the greatest attainments of Experimental Religion within time; when he can thus see the same way of believing, (in some strong and extraordinary assaults,) which he hath found to crush and break him herein; which hath carried so many thorough in their saddest Trials; bring him also in his turn, to be an instance in the same kind, to bear an honourable Testimony to this sure, and excellent way of believing before the World, that none may fear, after him, to hold by the promise of God, and venture on that security, (tho' it then seem against hope,) whose Dispensations, did yet never, never give his Word the lie.  
CHARACT. iv He is a truly confirmed Christian, who in a dismal time, is not staggered in his Faith from the present signs, and appearances thereof, but hath his Soul ballasted with such solid grounds of confirmation against the same, that those Providences, whereat others do most stumble, tend to his further strengthening in the way of the Lord, when he does now clearly see;  
1. How Tribulation, and the Cross make one of the most illustrious, and beautiful parts of the whole frame of Providence about the Church, and in the Lot of each Christian; so as there can be no poss●ble stumbling to any for want of Light here, that sore Trials, and Distress should most remarkably follow those in their Journey, who have an Eternal Blessedness before them in the close hereof; when so great a part of the Scripture is directed not only for comfort, but for clear conduct of the Christians Faith, through all the intricacies and labyrinths of such a dispensation. He s●●s how highly congruous it is to the Infinite Wisdom of God, that so straight and narrow a way, in such a s●ate of Trial as is here, should go be●ore the st●te of everlasting enjoyment; that there should be s●●h a Stage, and Theatre also, whereon the passive Graces of the Spirit, may not only be exercised, but displayed in their true lustre, and glory before Angels, and men. Yea, that thus the Redeemed of the Lord should be first trained in so sharp a Warfare, as may not only put a due value, and respect on the greatness of that Triumph, and Reward which is to come▪ but be matter of ineffable Joy, and Exultation, that ever they were admitted thus to evidence their Love and Adherence to their blessed Head, and his Truth here on the Earth; and accounted worthy to be put on some hotter service, and to peculiar Trials, and Conflicts this way beyond others, for some example, and encouragement to the Church in their day; and here also he can now see how the greatest enjoyments of Comfort, are more owing to the most sharp, and afflicting Trials of their Life, than to the greatest external Calm; and that to endure patiently, and suffer for the name Christ, is such a Privilege as the Elect Angels have not been admitted to. Yea, that the Lords chastening work, and sorest smiting of his own, is an Act also of saving; so that thus, the more deeply he searcheth here, the more does he see, admire, and consent to that glorious piece of the administration of Providence about the Church; and finds it to be one of the greatest Confirmations of his Faith within time.  
1. He does now clearly see how the Truth, and Faithfulness of God is commensurate to his whole work of Providence; and that all the Lines hereof, as they do lead from his Revealed Counsel in the Scripture, (which is the adequate sign of his Eternal Counsel, and Decrees,) so do they return thither again, to make this great demonstration clear; that if a full History were written of this World, and what hath been conspicuous thorough the whole series of times passed in all these Conjunctions of Inferior Causes, (whether necessary, free, or contingent, and of such Events that seem most casual,) it should be nothing else but an ex●ct Transcript, and History of the Bible, to bear this witness, That the World is nothing but God set forth in his own Scripture-Light. But tho' a full discovery hereof be not attainable within time, yet is it a sad, and deplorable want, that the great Acts of the Lord, in each Age of the Church, are not more searched, and sought out of all them that take pleasure therein, that they may be seen, observed, and admired, by that part of the Creation, Angels, and Men, who are only in a capacity to know the same. Which is a Service for the Lord, wherein his Praise, and Declarative Glory is so highly concerned, that a Christian should account the meanest Room herein, one of the most desirable Attainments within time. Yea it seems just matter of regret also that this comes not under a more public Care, and notice of Particular Churches, and of the Christian Magistrate, (where Religion hath any true regard,) to have such solemn Providences as occur in that time, and place, which may be called most Instructive Providences to the Church, (and of a further reach, and extent than any Private use▪) both Searched after, and Recorded; as becomes so high a Service to the Christian Cause, and one of the highest concerns of Posterity, in Order to have them not only possessed of a pure Religion, but of that Seal also, which the Lord hath in the great Acts of Providence appended thereto. And thus to have that Increase, which each Successive Age brings therewith to the public Stock of the Church, looked after, as a piece of the greatest trust reposed thereon; so that the Children rise not up and say, we have not heard, nor have our Fathers faithfully communicated to us the wondrous Works which the Lord hath wrought in their time.  
3. He is thus also taught to see the Demonstrative Causes of the most strange Judgements on the Church, to be as clear in the Scripture as they are in the event. And though the Holy God, in the day of his Patience, and Long-suffering, is not alike quick in the Execution of the Sentences of his Word; yet does he ever establish the Authority of his Laws by the works of his Providence in the most opportune season, and as Judgement deferred is no acquittance, so does it more threaten its being the greater, when it comes, than a quick and present dispatch; yea though this tempest which now blows on the Churches of Christ, come to a greater height, and the darkness be such, as no Moon, or Stars may for many days yet appear of any Visible signs of Hope; yet is his Soul thus at rest, whilst he can see the Credit of the Truth cleared, on which he hath more in trust than any Adventure within time; and doth rejoice, whatever miscarrying there may be of Inferior Ends, that this great, and ultimate End of the works of God is secured herein; and the Glory of his Truth does shine forth in the most strange and amazing Acts of his Providence, whereat many are ready to stagger, when they do not wisely consider the same.  
4. He sees now likewise, so high a value which the Lord puts on the Trial of his People's Faith, and that the great dispensation whereby he deals with men, is by trust, and on the credit of his Word, as it adds further to his Confirmation, to see all humane, and Visible Refuges oft taken out of his Church's sight. Yea his greatest works in the Earth make the greatest delay ere they be brought forth, and his Church's Case is put so far beyond help before a cure, as the first quickening of her crushed, and almost dead hope, must be at the mouth of the Grave; and he is thus herein more singularly strengthened, that when the Lord speaks the same in the way of Providence, which he hath spoke in his Word, [not by Might nor by Power,] that he doth with unspeakable Advantage supply, and fill the room thereof by the next Word, [but by my Spirit saith the lord] Which in this day should with a full Assurance of Faith be both sought and looked after.  
5. It is in this rare Study he attains also the greatest Confirmation to his Faith, that could possibly be desired within time; to see now when it's so near the close thereof, and after all the Revolutions of times past, how the Truth and Faithfulness of God, hath (as the Sun in its Strength,) still kept its way strait and fixed amidst all those dark Clouds, which have been to darken the same, and is now gone its course, until it draws near to the full, and perfect day; yea thus to see how signally this present Age is held upon that same appeal, andd solemn Testimony which Joshua gave, Josh. 23.14. That not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you, all are come to pass to you, and not one thing hath failed thereof; and Solomon did bear also at the Dedication of the Temple, 1 Kings 8.56. Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest unto his People Israel, according to all that he promised, there hath not failed one Word of all his good Promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his Servant; so is this now that great Testimony of the latter days, and the highest Tribute of Praise to the Glory of God in his Truth, which can be given by men, that this present Generation stands accountable to make the same, yea much greater appeal to the World, if they can instance one Promise or Prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture which hath ever failed or fallen to the ground, but may be this day read in the Event, and under those proper circumstances wherein it was to take place in its proper Season, as evidently as it was foretold. And must still bear the same witness, Psal. 18.30. That the way of the Lord is perfect, and his Word tried on all the Adventures of Faith, and Trials which to this moment of time have been made hereof, and of his being still a Buckler to such as trust in him, and are called to send this glorious Testimony to the succeeding Ages, that it may never cease to shine or want a public witness thereto before Angels and Men, until the whole mystery of God in his Word be finished, in that magnificent close which shall be thereof at the second Coming of the Lord.  
CHARACT. V A Confirmed Christian in this day should be thus also stated, as one who hath not only attained a solid rest and settlement of Mind, upon the Certainty of the Christian Faith but does know the pure genuine Truth of Christianity, amidst such high Oppositions betwixt the Romish, and Reformed Church herein.  
And in the first place hath in this manner held himself upon such a trial; 1. As one who knows there is but one true, and saving Religion in the Earth, to which God hath annexed the Promise of Eternal Life, which can never be divided against itself. 2. Who knows that within a little while his Religion will be tried in the Truth thereof, at the Tribunal of Christ; where every man must give account of himself unto God. 3. Who sees there can be no possible indifference in the Exterior Profession of either way, but that so high a contrariety of Principles is in this Opposition, that if the Doctrine of Christ be on the one hand, it is sure Antichristianism must be on the other hand. 4. Yea who hath in that abstract manner sought to state the Case herein with his own Soul, as if he were just come out of Paganism, to give a serious assent to the Divinity of the Scripture, and were now pressed to join in with that Profession of the Christian Faith, which is most exactly conform to the same, in the genuine, and perspicuous sense thereof.  
In the second place he hath sought to know, how he could embrace the Popish Creed, and adventure his Eternal state thereon; or how he could extinguish his Reason, and Conscience, so far as to believe that the Holy God would ever impose such a Faith upon men, as this is; 1. Where he must abandon these Principles of natural Reason, in the most necessary use thereof, which God hath himself planted in man's Soul; so as not to trust his own Eyes, but others in that great Interest of his Eternal State; and with his own consent be shut out from all proper knowledge of the rule of his Religion; yea account a blind, and unlimited Obedience to men, amongst the highest Excellencies of Faith. 2. Where he must at once believe the Fullness, and Perfection of the Scripture; (which is not only fitted for that great end of bringing Mankind to God, but for such an universal use herein, as to make the Simple wise, and cause the Poor to receive the Gospel;) and yet believe also, that it is a Mass of dead, and unsensed Characters, until the Romish Clergy put a just Sense thereon, though its Sense and meaning is the very Soul thereof. Yea thus pass from the Letter of the same, and all Certainty of its Truth, (from Intrinsic Evidences, and these Marks, and Characters of its Divinity,) whereby the Christian Cause could be maintained against Pagans. 3. Where he must believe also that these are the Words of Christ, Joh. 7.17. If any man do my will he shall know my Doctrine, whether it be of God or not, and that men err through not knowing the Scripture, Mat. 22. And yet believe all the while, that these sacred Fountains of Light should be shut up, to keep men from Errors; and that the sole right of understanding the same, belongs to a few, not to the Multitude; who yet can pretend no extraordinary Assistance, or Revelation herein, nor will themselves come to these waters of Jealousy to be tried. 4. Where he must needs believe that the Scriptures are the Oracles of God committed to the Church, to give answer in every dark Case, Rom. 3.2. The Type and Form of sound Doctrine, Rom. 6.17. Unto whose Sentence in all matters both of Faith and Practice, we are expressly referred, Isa. 8.20. And yet believe also, that it hath no Authority, or Decisive Voice; but what is Precarious, and dependant on the Romish Church. And thus Consent to have the whole Christian Faith Visibly unhinged of the Foundation of the Scripture; and subjected to a Supreme, Visible, and pretended Infallible Judge here in the Earth, with such a claim of Dominion over the Faith of the Saints, as the Apostles of Christ durst never own, but did fully disclaim, 2 Cor. 1.24. 5. Where he must believe that Jesus Christ came for this end, to save lost man, and by one Offering hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified, Heb. 10.18. And yet join with the same, a Faith of a human Satisfaction for Sin, so as men may both Merit, Mediate, and Supertrogate, go above what is needful for themselves; And so be saved in the same way of Life, which was by the Covenant of Works; ascribing no more to Christ than the giving Salvation to men's own Merits; which their own Intrinsic Value, and Condignity, doth require as a Debt. 6. He finds not how in the same Creed he could possibly hold by one Mediator betwixt God and Man, where a Plurality for this end is admitted; and by the reality of Christ's human Nature, and his having a true and finite Body, which is subjected to have a new created Being, each time in the Consecrated Host; or believe the Truth of his Sufferings as now fully accomplished, and to be repeated no more, when it is in that daily Sacrifice of the Mass still offered, as a Propitiatory Sacrifice for the Living and the Dead. So on the most severe, and impartial inquiry, he cannot find how one holding these Principles should go a further length than Morality; or claim another standing than by a Covenant of Works. 7. Nor knows he how to believe at once the Truth of the Gospel, to be a Doctrine of Holiness, and Infinite Purity, and yet join in the same Faith such an Indulgence for men to Sin, that Money may stand for Merit, and the Rich may have the most easy and large Entry into Heaven. Conceit that it is a Privilege for men to destroy themselves; and by External Severities and Penance to the Flesh, (like to the Lancing and Gashing of Baal's Priests,) supply the room of Christian Mortification. 8. Yea he finds it not possible to believe, that Sin can only be expiated by the Blood of Christ; and is his alone Work, who hath purged our Sin himself, Heb. 1.3. Or that there are more than two ways that lead to a twofold State of men; (a Straight way which leads to a Life, and a Broad unto Destruction, Mat. 7.14.) and yet believe that there is a Purgatory after this life, wherein men must be tormented and suffer extreme Pains, to expiate such Venial Sins, as their Prayers, and Penances here could not do; yea he is made to wonder how any who believes such a thing, can ever have true Peace, or Comfort in the World; concluding that Papists do either take it as a Fiction, or forget themselves, when they are cheerful. For the fear of such a place, the Uncertainty of Release, and how long a term it may be ere this Purging Work be complete, (when their own Writers Assign no less time, than 10000 Years as needful to satisfy for some Sins,) and fear lest it prove a real Hell, must still be a piercing terror; nor can he believe that such should Credit themselves herein, who assume this Power to Change the Condition of the Dead. Since were it really believed, that the Keys of such a Prison were here in men's hands, and Folk could, by the largest Bribes to the Romish Church, get a safe Deliverance thence; it were not strange to see the Temporal State of Christendom in a short time made over to these. We should Judge they were in a strange manner indeed privileged above the whole residue of men, who by such a Power over the World to come could make so easy a Purchase of this also which is present. 9 He finds, and is sure he could never get his Reason and Conscience brought to such a Faith, even though he made a feigned Profession herein, of that pretended Supremacy of Peter as Bishop of Rome, on which the whole frame and structure of the Papacy leans, and the Virtue of all the Pardons, and Absolutions founded thereon; on which so many have adventured into an other World; except he would build on the Sand only, and not on the Rock. 10. He finds also how such an Erection of the Gospel Church in her Militant State here, as the Papacy in its complex frame is, united in such an Head, as the Pope, (who as the sole Vicegerent of Christ in the Earth, is at once invested with a Civil Monarchy, and Universal Empire over the Church, to impose, and judge in the highest Transactions which relate to the Eternal State, and Immortal Souls of Men,) is a thing that as to Matter of Right, is as Foreign to the Scripture, and inconsistent therewith, as Mahumetanism can be. And as to Matter of Fact, is a Trust that no created Being could ever Exercise. 11. He sees, and is sure that he must either lose sight both of the Rule, and Spirit of the Gospel, or have a just abhorrence of that way, wherein he should be inevitably Involved in a Virtual Consent, and Accessoriness to all that Cruelty, and Blood which for so many Ages hath been shed therein; when it's so clear that this was no Exorbitance only of Practice; but a Native result of their Tenets, and Principles, and not only dispensed with, but counted an highly Meritorious Service; yea when it is sure that under no Secular Government of the most Tyrannical State that ever was in the World, hath such Arbitrary Violence, and Oppression been exercised. Or so much Innocent Blood been shed, as by this party. 12. And though his Judgement stood indetermined, and in an equal Balance upon this great Controversy, he could not exercise Reason, and not see upon what Hand such a Decision is, as was in Solomon's time of the true Mother of the Child; and who do most ruefully seek to interest themselves in the imminent Hazard of the Christian Faith, and who under the least influence of any Temporal Motives do this day stand for the Truth and Substance of Christianity, and plead that i● be not destroyed in envy and hatred to them; or on what side it is likely that this manner of Conquest is most followed to gain men to the Profession of the Truth by a prevailing Evidence of their own Light, and Judgement herein, and to require their exactest personal Trial, and enquiry about the same.  
In the third place, though he sees there can be no pretence of Doctrinal Wavering about the Reformed Religion, and finds it not easy to comprehend how in one and the same Age, wherein the Truth hath so brightly shined, this way of Popery, should have Prevalence, or gain ground any more, by Seduction with Arguments to the Reason, or Conscience of any; yet since it is an hour of Temptation, and of Fainting, above all that have been hitherto known, and men's eyes are Arrested with such a Prospect of the times, as is like to Stagger the Faith of the most established; he is pressed, (as counting it one of the highest Duties of this day,) to know and search out what may afford greatest Assistance to his Faith, from the Dispensations of Providence therein, and to know the Evidence, and Strength of such Reflections as these are for this End.  
1. That it's sure, as the smallest things which the Lord does afford, to strengthen and support against such a Storm, should be seriously improved, and taken to Heart; so does it lay us in the way of that Promise for having greater things given to our Observation; yea that now is the time when such as have been most comforted by the Word of Promise, may be put to the sorest Trial in their Faith of any, to keep off stumbling at the Work of Providence: and be thus tried according to the measure of these Confirmations.  
2. Tho the Church's Declinings under greatest measures of Light may be too visible, and that Religion gains not by Persecution as formerly, with such an amazing change as is now in her External Condition, yet he sees it to be no strange thing, when most signal warnings have gone before of such a Trial with too evident Dispositions towards the same, and discovery of its approach in all the Causes thereof; yea might be foreseen by all that the Holy God would not still bear with an Impure, and unenlivened Profession of the Pure and Glorious Truth of Christianity, which hath now long been one of the most sad, and mortal signs in the public state of Religion; nor can it be found that ever any Church did decline and fall from the Purity of the Truth, and lose ground herein by External Persecution, where a judicial departure of its Life and Power did not remarkably go before; so as it is not of late, this hath been clearly presaged, that some dark and unusual measure of trial from Antchrist, and the last Havoc of the Reformed Churches, was drawing near, which would be sore ere it had done its work.  
3. He sees also, how this present hour is not more searching and dark, than it may be clear herewith, 1. That now after the issue of that Opposition, which was betwixt the Christian Faith in the first Entry of the Gospel, and that dying Apostate Church of the Jews; and next, with the Pagan Empire, after that new Erection of the Gospel Church among the Gentiles, which is now over; so is the greatest Trial of the latter days fixed on the Decision of that long depending Controversy betwixt Christ, and Antichrist, 2. That according to the Scripture we must believe that as after the manner of Egypt, that glorious Triumph and Delivery of the Church from Antichrist will be surely carried on; so the more near it comes to the last assault; (and when this falls in to have its proper room in the Frame and Administration of Providence;) the greater Extremity, Terror, and Darkness may be expected also, such as hath not been in any former time. Yea with that united and formidable Conjunction of Strength and growing Success of this Adversary for a time, that the most established Christians may be in hazard to stagger. 3. That now is the day wherein the Lord will have men know what it is to have the Bible as the alone Security of the Protestant Religion, on which they must entirely rest no less than as it is the sole Rule and Standard thereof; which is a Trial worthy of all that expense of the Pain, Anguish, and Wrestle, that can now possibly attend the same.  
4. Whilst the great Standard of Antichrists Kingdom is visibly set up, and brought to the open field, as it's this day in the Church of France, and all humane help taken out of sight; yet does he see herewith, 1. How this now is concluded, as the most infallible Remedy to recover Popery. And that Argument, to which they trust more than to Peter's Keys, to wit, these Sanguinary Laws by the Sword, and Rack, which they have again betaken themselves to, though such an Argument the Scripture never knew, and sober Heathens would abhor, and which gives up the Credit of all Religion to Atheism. 2. That there can be no more evidence of a desperate and sinking Cause than is here, and nothing else can support it, but these weapons which are not against the Conscience; or by any terror of the second Death, but of the first. 3. That this is such an Argument, (if they have not in a strange manner forgot,) which hath within these 100 Years been so fully Answered, and by such an immediate Appearance of God in the Kingdom of France, that according to these measures of Cruelty against the Protestants there, so was it returned in a deluge of their own Blood, yea so both the public state of the Church and Faith of the Saints in the Truth was more deeply rooted; and though we yet see not the end of these wonders, but the Dark-side only of the Dispensations of such a day, yet do we know this sore Rod on the Church, is but as the Saw and Axe in the Carpenter's hand, who shall never undo that glorious Work which Christ hath done, and is still further perfecting on the ruins of Antichrists Kingdom.  
5. Tho some unusual deeps, and Methods of Subtlety be now on foot also against the Truth; yet he cannot but see how nothing could more effectually tend to confirm the Protestant Cause, and take the Credit of Popery off the Consciences of those in their own Profession who are considerate and in the least serious herein; when the World must thus see, 1. How easy it is for such to take any Measure, and Latitude in the Doctrinals of their Profession, when this can most serve the juncture of such a time, and heighten or narrow the Controversy betwixt them, and the Reformed Church at their Pleasure; so as to Sacrifice the Church of Rome unto the Court of Rome, if no less can secure that end. 2. That the most horrid Turkish Slavery over men's Bodies comes no such length, as that strange claim that these now make of an absolute Empire over men's Consciences by the Sword; and to put them to such a Tribute of their Obedience, that they shall then be secure, if they but come the length to Sin against their Light, and adventure on so small a thing as to go to Hell, and perish Eternally; since it's an external and feigned Profession of such away that they do thus force from those, who (they see) cannot in Faith be persuaded hereof. 3. Yea it hath been too visible how much that Master-plot, and Engine, hath in these times been working, to take men first off from all Sense of Religion, and destroy them in the Morals of Christianity, to make this Conquest more easy, that such may have no Inward Defence, and support against the terror of humane Violence. Yea in this way, when they have sought how to divide Protestants among themselves, and betwixt Rulers, and them, this seems the last and greatest Engine of all, how to divide betwixt them, and their God, Acting the same Plot, which was laid betwixt Balak and Balaam, as knowing that it's no naked show or Profession of the Reformed Religion they need fear, so much as that Old Protestant Spirit in the Power and Life thereof, before which their Interest could never stand; and dread nothing so much as the reviving hereof, which as the hand-writing upon the wall did ever more threaten the fatal ruin of that Kingdom, than any Humane Power, or Strength.  
6. Here also he finds just cause of Astonishment, how Kings, or great Men in the Earth should give their Power to support the Romish Interest, which hath been so visibly destructive to theirs: When it's not possible to deny how its first advance, and progress to that Supreme height, which it once attained; and the declining of the Civil Empire, did by the same steps go together; until Magistracy was turned unto a dead Image, and Shadow, except its being enlivened by their breath and Authority, as it was during the whole height of that Antichristian Power. Nor will it be denied, that, in these late times, the French Monarchy was never more near its Dissolution in its right Line, than by the Catholic League there; and it would seem not easy to be forgot, how Henry the third, who had most sought to crush the Protestants in pursuance of that league, was at last constrained to flee to such for help; or by whom he was killed; and that Heroic Prince Henry the Fourth, who was first stabbed in the Mouth, and then in the Heart; yea that the public Records of that Nation cannot possibly deny, but the House of Bourbon owes its Power and Preservation more to the Protestants, (without whom it had been fully extinct,) than Ahashuerus did to Mordecai the Jew, for what he found written in the Chronicles of Persia, when the Decree was then past to destroy all the seed of the Jews.  
7. As in no times past was ever a greater Expectation than is now, which way the Scale will turn, and what will be the end of these wonders, when the nearest events of Providence are so dark and amazing; so does he find this, in some extraordinary way called for, to be still, and see what God will do for his Church, and with humble Confidence look for some such Dispensation as hath not hitherto been in this extreme Exigence. And though he do not appear in that way, and manner as in former times, that it shall be in a way more signally glorious, beyond what hath formerly been; yea he does in Faith thus judge, that then is the Church's day broke, and hath found the sure way of her Strength, and right Line of Duty; when her Hope, and Confidence is taken off from all visible refuges, and entirely settled on her invisible Head, and his Promise put to suit by Prayer without fainting herein. It is sure the Truth, and Faithfulness of God stands engaged for Antichrists fall, as well as for Salvation by Christ, and since he hath said this Adversary shall be broke and brought down, it must surely be, though the dust of the ground should rise for this end, and now is the Faith of the Saints called for becoming the greatness of such an Assurance, on which are the Eyes of men, of their own Consciences, of the Elect Angels, yea of the glorious God, to see who does indeed Credit him in this day, when there is no sensible support herein; and though it now threatens sorely the departure of many from the Faith, who had some visible Profession thereof, yet may it be hoped for, that the turn of the next Tide shall bring in more, with a Solid, and true Increase to the Church, than these sad days do now take off.  
CHARACT. VI It is thus a Confirmed Christian should be specially considered, as one who is not only at rest on the known certainty of his Faith, but is ready to render some account of the solid rational grounds and demonstrations hereof, unto all who ask after the same, and doth thus judge, 1. That these are the proper and appointed means which the Lord hath afforded for the greatest Confirmation of men's Faith within time; yea preferable to any external Miracles, which are more extraordinary and remote Assistances thereto. 2. That these are given as such a great help to his Joy, and Excitement of his Affections to follow the Lord fully, as may make him wonder how the greatness of these things, (which men are called to believe,) can come near their thoughts, and yet no more take them up about this Confirming Work. 3. That the too visible neglect hereof, both with respect to the Youth and Community of Professors in the Church, seems one of the sad, and fundamental defects of this day. The Reasons hereof, with some clear view of these means whic●●ight most answer such an end, are briefly offered, in this preceding Work.  
CHARACT. VII. A truly Confirmed Christian may in the last place be herein also considered, as such whose Faith being oft tried through all these Stages of Christianity he hath been taken; hath some proper Record of the most choice, and signal Confirmations of his Life, to improve the same not only for his own support in that last warfare of death, but for strengthening the Faith of others; wherein he does thus judge, 1. That there could be no true support or relief from Religion here in the Earth, if it cannot bear out then. And that Death is the great To●chstone and Trial, when the true value and difference betwixt things of an Eternal Truth and substance, and the things of this World, will be best seen. 2. He reckons each real Christian, by his Profession then engaged and accountable, (even by some explicit personal Testimony,) to put to his Seal that God is True, and bear the same witness with his last and dying breath to the Truth of Christianity, which he gave in the whole course of his Life; and of that joy, complacence, and assurance of Mind, which he hath found, and now hath in the way of Truth: So as to press the same on his dearest Relations, as their alone true Interest. 3. He sees also, how honourable it is for the Lord, that such whose Faith hath been oft tried, (and when thus with Joy, and Admiration he can look back on the most pressing and conspicuous Conflicts of time,) should have it their last work to pay in some Tribute of Praise, unto him, whose Word, and Promise unto them did yet never fail. 4. He accounts the more weighty Trials he hath been carried thorough in his Christian warfare, do both add more to this Service, and impart more to the value of such a Testimony. 5. He judgeth this one special way, and advantage, whereby one Generation might declare the Truth and Faithfulness of God unto another, in a Family Line and Relation, to show forth thus that the Lord is upright; that he is their Rock, and with him is no Unrighteousness. Yea which should be matter of unspeakable Joy, when now in his turn he can say that such hath the Lord been to him; what were David's dying Words, 1 Kings 1.14. Who hath delivered my Soul out of all distress, how that in no trouble, or exigence of his Life, he was ever left without a door of Hope, and thus also with Caleb, Josh. 14.10. To give in some such witness for God, I am now near the close of time, and do testify, that the Word of his Truth, and Promise, he hath surely accomplished; which hath brought me safe and honourably through, when such as did distrust the same by misbelief, and sought after another refuge, found all their Confidences fail. 6. And knowing likewise how great a suprizal Death may be; and that such as have shined in their day, may yet set under a cloud and go silent off the Stage; he judgeth it the more needful to have such a piece of his dying work prepared, as one of the choicest Legacies he can bequeath to his Surviving Friends, in a season when it hath usually the greatest advantage of weight and acceptance: it being still qualified with Christian Prudence, and Humble Sobriety; so as all may see its whole intent is to commend to men's Conscience the way of Truth and Godliness and not themselves, and thus direct it, for the proper use, and improvement of their nearest Relations. I know it may be strange to some, what is spoke upon this Head; but as it's sure the present day hath its Duty, and each time of out Life hath some proper work, so I humbly judge, that this seems to fall in, as the last Service of a dying Christian to his Generation, to deliver off his hand the Truth which he had received and hath oft proved, with his Confirmatory Seal and Testimony thereto. And now is it in some more than ordinary way called for in this hour of great darkness, when if the Security of the Absolute Promises stood not good to the Church, we might fear Religion might quickly wear out, and Truth perish from the Earth; and as so solemn and weighty a thing should it be managed with much humble Prudence, so that it may be judged that there is no serious, and observing Christian, but hath some peculiar engagements under which they find themselves held even beyond others, yea some such Singular Confirmations in the Journal of their Life, that should not be easy to hid under the ground; where the strengthening of others hereby is concerned; and that such should not then leave the Cross of Jesus Christ at a loss, or part therewith without their Testimony, which hath left them at so gr●at an Advantage. And though this is not to offer particular Rules in such a Duty, but that Christian Wisdom must direct herein, as the present Case is circumstantiated, yet might it be hoped, were this more taken to Heart, it should be a singular means to make more deep Impressions of men's dying Work on their Spirits. Even whilst they are in health, to excite their surviving Friends, and to keep Religion thus alive in a Family state, and Relation, and gain a more venerable respect to the same on men's Consciences; yea to fix also stronger engagements on the succeeding offspring.  
Thus is presented here a short Idea of the solid and judicious Work of Christian Confirmation in the Truth, under these foregoing Characters, to show how rare an attainment of Religion this is, yea to present herein a special Series and Scale of the greatest steps in this Confirmatory work, by which it should be followed. And none of these may be parted from other, though some be of an higher, and more absolute use for such an end. And if it should be objected here, What needs any such expense of time, or pains in this Case, when it's sure the Essential Truths of the Gospel are not questioned, and that without internal evidence of the Spirit, no external means of this kind can be of use. I know that it's the alone work of the Holy Ghost, to beget a Divine and supernatural Faith; without which the furthest Light, and Objective Evidence, though backed with a continued Dispensation of External Miracles, could never bear Christians out, either as to Duty, or Comfort, in their passage thorough time; yea nothing is in the least here to subject the Credit of our Faith to men's Rational Comprehension, but rather tends to enervate wholly the strength of any such Tenet, and take off all pretence for the same: But it's sure also, I must quit all solid Security in the way of Religion, and any clear founding in the Light and Certainty of the Scripture, or admit these things as undeniable, 1. That supernatural Faith is the most highly rational Light that's within time. And that none who profess the Name of Christ can be of so low a size, as should not be pressed, and excited to be much about this Groundwork of knowing the Truth, and Principles of their Profession upon its own Evidence; yea are thus called as new born Babes to drink in the sincere Milk of the Word, 1 Pet. 2. Which, as it's clearly in the Original, is the rational Milk of the Word, to be thus received no less on Conviction, and Certainty of the Judgement, than with the out going of their affections. 2. That as it's not conceivable how a true and firm Assent can be to Divine Truth, but on its known Certainty, so here is no resolving of the Christians Faith on the strongest rational Evidences hereof, which must still be resolved on the Testimony of God, made clear and evident to them to be such. 3. It is sure also, the Lord hath not given so large a measure of these Grounds, and Demonstrations of his Truth with such redoubled Arguments of that kind, to be of so small regard, as is with most. But for some great, and universal use hereof to the whole Church, and knew how needful such Assistances to the Faith of his People would be, whilst they are on the Earth. 4. That these means, which tend most convincingly to found a rational Assurance in the Judgement, are the proper Vehicle of the Spirit of God, by which his sealing Work, should be both sought and expected; nor can I judge how the Credit, and use hereof should be so small, and not on the same Ground quit any External Ordinance of the Gospel; which without the Spirit of the Lord can never profit, nor how we should expect and suit his Confirming Work on the Soul, when these greatest Confirming Means, which he hath given to the Church, have no just weight: But oh! how wonderful a Teacher is the Holy Ghost, when such ordinary means fail, and are inaccessible, by furnishing his People then with these strongest Arguments of Love, and Power, who having had but small Measures of Light, yet were not unfaithful to improve the smallest degree of such a Talon? 5. Yea so great a thing is it, to attain a solid Faith of Things wholly remote from our Sense, and so far above the reach, and Apprehension of Nature, or to have an absolute reliance on an invisible Refuge, for our present and Eternal State, as no common Assent can answer, when the very rest and quiet of the Soul must needs lie in the sure and firm Persuasion hereof. 6. It is too visible also how little the Practical Use of such a mean hath yet been essayed in the Church, tha● all who are members thereof might no less know the Strength and Firmness of the Foundation of their Faith by its own Evidence, than the General Articles of Religion. The most usual instructing work lies almost wholly about the Noetick part of Divinity, there seems not that serious regard to press the Dianoetick part hereof on men's Conscience, as if this were to be restrained to a few who are more Knowing, Learned, and of an Inquisitive Spirit about the rational Certainty of the Truth, and for whom these choice and abundant helps of this kind, which are in this Age, seem more peculiarly directed. It's sure, that the Christian Faith in the first-times did remarkably then spread, and prevail, by these clear Evidences hereof to the Judgement, made Effectual by the Spirit of God, more than by extraordinary Miracles. Nor knew they otherwise wha● lt was to be Christians, but by embracing the Truth with a full Assurance of Understanding, no less than of Delight and Affection. But if it be objected, it is not the Case now, where Religion is planted in a Nation, and hath an uncontrollable Public Profession under the support of Humane Laws; I know no admitted weight this can have, except that it should be granted, that Christians now be Born, and not new-created. 7. Yea is it not sure, (though it seem little understood,) that the primary Grounds, and Evidences of our Faith are not only as to their End demonstrative of the Truth, and Divinity of the Scripture, but are upon the Matter, such Demonstrations also which most natively result from the same by infallible Consequence; and are thus to be accounted not as Humane, but Divine Arguments, given us by the Spirit of God. 8. I shall but further add, how such as do seriously ponder things, will find this Demonstration to be no more important than clear, that to be a Confirmed Christian, and a Confirmed Protestant are Convertible Terms; and that if they that are under that Deplorable Bondage, and Darkness of Popery were but once awaked to see the Truth, and Certainty of the Christian Faith, by its Intrinsic and Objective Evidence, and taken off that brutish Credulity, and Dependence on the alone Credit of others herein, it might be said the strongest Engine to hold up that Profession were then broke, and we should see the Doctrine, and Rule of Faith to be of such full, and perspicuous Evidence from the Scripture, as without Blasphemy they could not seek from the Lord to give them a plainer Rule, than what he hath there given.   

READER,  
IT'S like thou mayest think strange, how these few Sheets in the close fall in here, after the foregoing part was finished; but the they meet in one Design, and Interest, yet was not this then intended until the former was done, and if it might tend to a solid use, and Fruit unto any, I shall forbear a further Apology herein. I may truly say, the weight of the Subject hath carried it some further length than was designed, when I so much sought to be short, as I aim at in any thing of this kind, that through my desire to avoid any unnecessary multiplying of Words, I fear lest it may make some things ●●em a little dark at the first view: Tho I hope, not upon any serious perusal of the same. Two things I must further crave leave to add; 1. That when some Succinct View of the great Assistances, and Confirmations of our Faith is here offered, which these of the lowest Capacity of the Church, might with that advantage improve, as in a few hours, by reading it some times over, may be so far impressed on their Mind and Judgement, that they could give some clear and judicious account thereof; it may be by such but seriously weighed, and taken to Heart of what concern the use hereof is, 2. That I humbly judge also it were a most special Service for the Truth in this day, to have some short Directory, and remembrancer of the great Acts of the Lord, and Monuments of his Providence now under the New Testament, in that manner held forth as might most tend to some Universal Use of all within the Church. I Confess my desire pressed me to some small Essay herein, with intent to have joined it to this Work, but having with much Conviction laid this wholly aside, as to any further appearance that way, so is it with an Earnest Desire, that some more qualified, might take to Heart and under their Hand so great a Service both for their Generation and Posterity. It is sure the Lord hath designed his People to be taught the greatness of his Works as well as the precepts of his Word, and as no Duty is more pressed than this under the Old Testament, both as to Public and Family Instruction, so are we no less accountable in these last times for this Improvement of such as are of known, public, and uncontrollable Evidence, and should be the care of each Age to have that Solemn Remembrance kep● up hereof, so as not a few, but the very Multitude within the Church might be as a public Library, and Repository of the same.  
FINIS.