AN Epistolary Discourse On the great Assistances to a CHRISTIANS FAITH And for a more entire Rest and Assurance in the highest Trials and Adventures thereof. WITH A Second Part, Upon the Present Times, and these rare Vicissitudes of Providence in the public State of Britain in this AGE. To which an APPENDIX is Added in the CLOSE. By R. Fleming, Minister of the Gospel At ROTTERDAM.  
London, Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside, near Mercer's-Chapel, 1692.   

TO THE QUEEN.  
MADAM;  
I Should not with confidence have adventured on this Address, and Dedication to Your Majesty of the following Discourse, and in such an Epistolary Method, if the weight and greatness of the Subject did not warrant the same; which is equally divided betwixt the interest and state of a Christian, and the public state of the Church with such eminency of Providence; and wonderful vicissitudes hereof, as have in a successive course, and series been brought forth on the public Theatre of Britain in this Age, and now in that late and great event wherein such an august and immediate appearance of God hath been witnessed, as might still seize the Spirits of Men in this Atheistica● Age with a tremendous sense and impression of the sam● in both which respects, I hop● what is thus humbly offered upon so high a concern of truth will not be ungrateful to You● Majesty, who is known to valu● Your State and Interest, more as a Christian, than as a Monarch, which was once the saying of Theodosius the Great, and does yet tend to render his memory more honourable than that he was an Emperor.  
It is unquestionable that the State and Security of Britain hath stood by an extraordinary course of Providence for these many years past, and that according to the improvement made to answer the intent and ends of such unusual things we may expect in the same manner to have God either for us or against us; and as it is one of the most observed testimonies of Divine favour to a Kingdom and People, when such are raised on the Throne of Government, who are of as public a Spirit as of Relation, for the Interest of Religion and the true politic good and safety of such a place, with an impartial respect; so it is no less observable, that where there is an eminent design of Grace in a Saving Work to a Nation, and to prevent a desolating judgement ere it break forth, how some have been in a more than ordinary way excited with special heroic Motions to be instrumental herein, whose way and appearance for God did not answer to the ordinary standard of Mens actings on which account there have been signal discoveries given in this late time to Britain and Ireland, if there were a more suitable regard of the same; but as the sovereign God hath, by an astonishing course of extraordinary Providences, thus made way for the public Settlement of this Illand, and to place on the Throne these, whose capacity to Rule might be no less conspicuous from most rare Enduements of mind, than by Regal Authority and Power; he hath also proportioned to Both Your Majesties, Trials, and Work of an unusual kind, and determined Your Reign in such a juncture of extraordinary trying times, as needs some unusual and great assistance of Divine Counsel and Support, no less to stem an Impetuous Tide of Atheism and Impiety within, and to have an aweful regard to the Divine Government kept up in these times, then to appear against the greatest of Adversaries without: Yet surely if Grace may interpose for a restoring work again to these Nations, and for a suitable answering to so eminent a season and opportunity, we might then expect such an appearance of God, as can bring forth that in a day or year, which may seem not easy to expect in an Age, and cause such Mountains, as seem most insuperable in the way hereof, to flow down at his presence.  
It's on this Subject I have spoken farther in these Papers, and if some things be not grateful to many in this Day, it was not designed to please Men, or under the influence of a private Interest, but for the Truths sake, as a Minister of Christ, and to rest my Soul on his approving Testimony herein.  
I know Your Majesties desire and delight lies more in serving the public good of Britain, and of all the Churches of Christ, than to hear thereof, which does serve a just restraint to speak in this address what is due, and more becoming to witness at a distance, if it were not to speak in behalf of God, these singular engagements You are under to him, and for his interest and truth, beyond any Princess on the Earth, or for some Ages past upon it, and that he hath chosen to give Your Majesty such a room, in a rare and unusual manner, as on whom he hath delighted to honour, and trust the concerns of his Kingdom to; and to whom he hath given that interest in the hearts of a People( who are as the sand of the Sea innumerable) so as to Govern more by the attractions of love and delight, than by the extent of Civil Authority; and I may in a particular way speak, that as it was not possible ever for a Great Person to part from a People more highly desired and valued, than Your Majesty did from all ranks of that Illustrious State of holland, so is the same sense, and most desirable remembrance still continued, as a Witness of divine respect that in such a manner is rarely given to Princes and Rulers.  
Madam, tho these Papers had, in their first rise, some respect to a more private use, yet being now made public, wherein truths of so high a concern to this present day, and the state of the Church are offered, it did give the more confidence for a humble claim to the Patronage of so great a name. It is now a time of great thoughts and expectation, as to the future state of the catholic Church; and that these Promises are very near to their full height and accomplishment which have respect to the highest glory, and extent of Christ's visible Kingdom on the Earth, before its final translation to its eternal and triumphant state in Heaven; and its much desired and hoped, that Your Majesties Reign may in a preparatory way, be made eminently subservient thereto; it's sure that great event of Providence will, in due time, be the best expounder of its self, and the onely wise God sees it fit to proportion our light herein, and further breaking up of the same to what's necessary for our work and duty; but I have much wished, that the progressive course and coming of Christ's Mediatory Kingdom under the New Testament, and these more remarkable periods of its gradation, were more studied and inquired into, which should make way for a more clear Idea and Notion of the same according to that pattern given hereof in the Mount by Divine Record; which bears the same resemblance to the state of a Christian in its progress and ripening for Heaven by being thus changed from Glory to Glory, until it come at last to that full stature and pitch which it shall have within time: this should, I humbly judge, make it more easy to decide, and unite these differences of judgement on this Subject, which make so great a noise, and let us see, that there can be no distinct Kingdom of the Lord Jesus expected here on the Earth which is yet to have a beginning, or any such thing as a Fifth Monarchy, but what onely imports the highest advance, and perfections of the Churches state within time. And I hope if these times of the Gentiles, and fullness thereof were in their true sense more deeply considered( which is in this Discourse, but specially in the Appendix touched) it might tend to a clearer discerning what watch of the night we are now in, and direct our faith, as to future things, the fulfilling whereof will be as an entry of the Church into a new horizon, but such where the highest discoveries of light will be of no farther extent, than the Scriptures of truth by a more full understanding of the same, which is surely the most clear and desirable prospect we can have of future times, and that brightness which will be then before the second coming of Christ.  
It hath been, and is my serious desire, that Your Majesty, with that truly Wise and Magnanimous Prince the King, may be yet more highly honoured in the work of Your Day, in order to so great an end, and for a Restoring of these Nations again to God, and that Your Names thus may be transmitted to succeeding Times, as the Restorers of Breaches. I am  
MADAM, Your Majesties most humble and devoted Servant, R. Fleming.   

Preface.  
THe Publishing of this following Discourse, had no rise, or call, from the desires or importunity of any, or the least Motives of such a nature; but I hope it was with desire, that it might have some interest in the sevice of the Truth in such a time; it's true, what's offered in the First Part of these Papers, had a very Providential Rise in Writing of the same, and was directed for the Personal Use of one, who did not take a light and transient view of the great consequence of a Christian's hope, and of his Souls venture for all Eternity herein; but did reckon the greatest interest of his joy and comfort within time, to lye in a solid rest and persuasion on the certainty of Divine Truth: It is indeed a great weight that lies thereon, when it's the interest of an Eternity; but it seems a rare thing for Men to know what the Christian Creed means, or to believe the Articles of their own Faith. The greatest contest which is now on the Earth, is betwixt God and Man, on the Testimony of his Word, as to an entire and absolute reliance thereon; and whether human Security on visible grounds, or the assurance of the God of Truth, when there is no concurrence of any sensible evidence herewith, be most prevalent and desirable to support the Mind under its greatest fears.  
What is the special subject and intent of the following part of this Discourse, is of a very different nature, as relating wholly to the public State of the Church, and that extraordinary administration of Providence, which hath been in this last Age; wherein some iniquity hath been made, and light offered in the words of truth and soberness. It is now a time both of great fears, and of expectation and hope, in a more than ordinary way, and there is surely just cause for both; some things I must speak here, in a preliminary respect, which may be matter of Sad thoughts and reflection. 1. Tho it is one of the most astonishing depths and mysteries of Providence about the Church, under the times of the New Testament, that great Scene which hath been of late acted on the Theatre of Britain and Ireland, with such a successive course of public changes that have gone over the same for these 50 years past? yet, though we have thus lived in an Age of wonders, for the most part, we have not had eyes to see, or hearts to consider until this day, that one great end and design which God hath been still pursuing hereby, but seems to be still as a dark riddle; as also in how eminent a manner all oppositions that have been yet made thereto, have tended to their fall and breaking, who have essayed the same. 2. How notwithstanding such a growing height of Atheism, Impiety, and Controlling the Design and Methods of Grace and Providence, yet hath not the hedge of Divine Protection been taken down about these Nations, without which, no human Power or Counsel, could have to this day prevented a National ruin; but when things oft have come to a visible extremity, there hath been most observable alleviations herewith in a very surprising way. 3. But what may lye more near to a deep and serious regard, is the very sad aspects of Providence, and present signs of the time, which have such an unusual appearance in this day, if we reckon our interest now on the earth to lye more with God than with Men; it's true, things of that kind does rarely affect our spirits, for it's not the Voice of his Word, or Works can now have a hearing; yet it is even under the most tremenduous warnings from Heaven, that a door of hope hath been still kept open by new offers of Peace, and to show, that Judgments threatened are not always decreed if there might be a meeting of God, whilst he is in the way, and some to stand up in the Gap before him, when in a more than ordinary manner it is now called for, to appear herein, that the Land be not destroyed.  
It is indeed not easy to discern the times we are in, or to consider wisely the out goings of Providence towards the Churches of Britain this day;& there are two things especially, that may be matter of great thoughts, for being clearly understood; the one is that after such an eminent appearance of a Divine concurrence in successful events, and to a clearing of our sky, how quickly a surprising darkness falleth down in such a manner, as judgement and Mercy seem to keep an equal place, by down-casting, and up-rising; but though the onely wise God sees it oft fit to hid his work when it's nearest, to some great appearance hereof, yet is it now time to hear, ere it be too late, when judgement speaks once, and again, for a Peoples taking the same to heart; and that he does thus hold his hand, even when it's lifted up to strike; yea, when in so different a manner he warns, it may be judged, there is some great and extraordinary work then on a very near approach.  
But there is a IId thing which I doubt not will most affect Mens Spirits this day, with serious thoughts, to know on what side the scale may fall, in the decisions of providence, as to the public State, & what shall be the end of all these wonders; tho it were well if present duty more than future events were the subject of our thoughts, when we know who holds the balance in his own hand; and it is sure, if light were more purely, and with a humble spirit sought after, we are not left to a doubtful judgement about the future state and destiny of the Church; I hope also in such a day there are found, who in a more than ordinary way, may be laid near to know the Counsel of God, by that promised Unction of his Spirit: I mean such onely, who does prefer a Sanctifying Work on their Soul, to the most extraordinary discoveries of this kind, and knows no other light, but in the way of revealed Truth; but on a Subject of such concern( as I have desired humbly to offer light in the ensuing Discourse) so shall but speak a few words farther, for a safe judgement, and directing of our faith herein. 1. That the strangest events of Providence, in this time, must undoubtedly be concentric with that one great design of God, which he is now accomplishing, and its our being so much in the dark here, why we understand so little how all these mutations tend, and by an irresistible conduct are directed, to prepare the way of the Lord herein. 2. How it cannot possibly be judged, but that this growing apostasy of the gentle Church, now in the most purely reformed part thereof, under a Prostestant Profession, must have some extraordinary mark of Divine judgement set thereto; and as the first times of the Gentiles were the purest and best times, so is the last period now so nearly hastening, like to be the worst, and most fatal part thereof; yea, the sad degeneracy every where of the Gentiles, seems to be coming to that height, as the Glory of Divine Justice, will be concerned to cut off once their visible privileges, before their Restauration again; and by an eminent tender of Grace, upon such a forfeiture of the same, to give a new grant, and holding of their right, but such as shall be no more in a distinct and separate state, but a new entry and betrothing of them, as a part of Christ's Universal Kingdom, with the Converted Jews; whose love then to him will be in such a fervour and flamme, as to revive that ancient and first love of the Gentiles; and its until then, we are, I humbly judge, not to expect any farther conversion of the dark Nations; yea that it is with the final close of these Times, the Ultima Clades, of the Reformed Churches, and that Third Woe, foretold under the Last Trumper, seems to take place, and have their proper room, in the great frame of Providence, which may be as a midnight hour of darkness, when it is nearest to the dawning.   

ADVERTISEMENT.  
IT was from an excessive desire to speak things in as few words as possible, in such an Epistolary way, that I fear, may at the first view render some things more dark. There are also several considerable Mistakes in the Printing, which I must refer to the Reader's tender notice and construction of the same. I know that a Table of Errata is rarely noticed, so that I must rely on a favourable sense and reflection hereon, when such escapes does occur both in Letters and Words only; p. 122. l. 28. red by for within; And Appendix, p. 14. l. ult. red this for Jonas.   

HONOURED SIR,  
IT was a sweet surprisal in such a time as this to meet with a friend on whom: I found a more then ordinary sense and weight of the greatness of the Christian Faith; and to have a● other prospect of such 〈◇〉 attaimment, to enjoy an● entire rest and assurance of mind herein then most seem to have; even of the more serious part of Christians; which did render it the more desirable to offer some thoughts to you on so weighty a concern, not only to answer a special promise and engadgment I was under; but with hope, through the good hand of the Lord, that such a service may not be wholly lost for the end it is designed. But on so great a subject I must go a little out of an Epistolary way both in the method and measure; and what in the first place I would speak to is this, that I durst offer nothing to divert, or take off any thing of the suitable weight of so choice one exercise as is so rare in these times, under which your spirit is so much pressed, but were it needful ●ather to add thereto on these grounds.  
1. That it is surely the greatest design can fall under the consideration of mankind for men to have such one assurance of divine truth, as can both answer the greatness of that adventure they have thereon, and can fully quiet and comfort the soul when visible refuges, and human assistances, seem wholly to succumbe; and since we must either have one entire rest, and settlement herein, or none at all, I know not how to judge otherwise of that ordinar sense, and implicit credit on so great one account as this, then as a degree, and evidence of the sad Atheism of thi● day we are now in. 2. ●fever I knew any thing of the way of God in truth, I must reckon thi● 〈◇〉 the highest enjoiment of a Christian, where the security, and quiet of his mind, upon the truth, answers to so great a Revelation hereof, and 〈◇〉 know he is thus on sure terms with God, on th● whole adventures of his trust; when it is so ne● to adventure on the trial thereof in the last decision of there eternal state; yea when thus the know how to enjoy a promise for there support i● this state of warfare, under a long deferred hop● tho the whole course of providence would 〈◇〉 to control the same, knowing the ground the● anchor on cannot possibly fail: since this shoul● be the ultimate Inquiry about the event, that it sure they have a div●ne testimony to warrant the confidence, and if the highest joy and comfort our life be not stated on such an account it strange. 3. If it be understood what it is to be a Christian in earnest, and what is called for of such admidst the numerous trials and temptations of this militant state; it must need some higher degrees of assurance, and inward establishment, then seems by most to be either apprehended or sought after; and that, such have some proper stock of ●is own, of these special aids and assistances as may be at hand in one hour of trial, for how can the life, and serious work of godliness, be conceivable under such common and transient impressions, as most have of the truth and certainty hereof. 4. do men know what Christianity means, and the high consequence of such a distinguishing profession, from the residue of mankind, or is there any suitable exercise of reason about the greatness of that hope of the gospel, which we have set before us, and yet be a subject both of ordinary thoughts, and assent hereto, which may still be as though it were a new discovery to us in the present day since it might be judged, that if there were a Methuselahs age to pass within time, this should be a su●table, and continued exercise therein both to inquire, and admire on the assured hope of one eternity with God, which they have before them, and that they are to enter into a state, where they shall be in the same class with the Angels of Heaven, and made equal unto them; I have known such who for many years have been dazzled with this glory, and greatness of that mystery of Christ and of life, and immortality in a future state, as hath made it there continued and highest exercise, to have a further, and new strenthning of there faith herein, who yet all that time knew not what it was to be shaken, or to have any inward fear as to there own personal interest herein; but still found the Revelation of the gospel, so great a thing, and there spirits so deeply seized with the wonders of our Religion, that whatever did tend to a higher strenthning of their faith herein, was also the greatest addition to their joy, and in that sense did most understand such a saying, nunquam satis magna securitas in re tanti momenti ubi periclitatur aeternitas.  
But in the next place what thoughts I would humbly offer to one of so knowing and judicious, spirit, and where so great assistances you may have access to improve other ways, shall be most in a directive way upon a sevenfold inquiry, tha● may be of greatest weight for a Christians laying the ground work of their profession on solid an● clear grounds, which lies first here.  
1. To know that rare and peculiar order that 〈◇〉 suitable in a Christians first entry on Religion, under a serious weight of the same on their spirits since as in any great study, there is an entrance▪ and a progress, and that it is sure in the whole frame of Christianity there is so entire a correspondence as nothing stands alone by itself, bu● in a line of mutual respect, which in that manner runs through the same, as one entry aright upon one step, must make way to render a further progress clear and unavoidable, so here I must judge.  
1. That a Christian should once make it such a proper and solemn business, and work by itself, to attain a solid founding, and settlement of their faith on the truth, and to sist his soul in such a manner, as if he were then to enter on the Christian profession, without respect to example, education, or influence of any human authority, or whatever any external motives could have weight herein, since in a case of that high concern men should in the greatest recess and composure of spirit, have some distinct special time, such as may be matter after of sweet reflection to them, how they did then prove themselves, with respect to so high and discriminating a profession, from the residue of the world, and did thus with full inward consent join in with the truth purely on its own evidence, as though there were none of that profession in the bounds and place they lived in.  
2. As the natural order of things should require that the foundation be sure laid, ere we begin to build; so is it sure that the first entry on serious Religion, must be on the Faith of the divine nature, and existence, and that men have assuredly a God to trust to, and to make them happy, as Hebr. 11: 6. he must first believe that he is, &c. and in the same order, John 17.3. must believe him to be the only true God, ere he come to believe Jesus Christ whom he hath sent: O how uncomfortable a thing should human state be without God, and one absolute dependence on him, who might see his life to be rather a curse, and torment, then bl●ssing, if there were no supernatural help above himself, against the evil, and miseries of time, and to subdue the distempers of the mind, and the fears that should thus ●ease upon him both as to his present and future state; but what possible comfort could there be in the light of a Deity, or enjoiment of a Godhead, if we know not with assurance also, the Excellencies of his blessed nature, and what a God we have to adventure on.  
3. Thus by one unavoidable constraint there must be a further progress, and enquiry upon the certainty of a revealed rule of correspondence, betwixt God and man here, both in order to duty, and what we may expect, and hope from him; and if it be sure this day that there be one express, and clear revelation of his will herein to be found in the earth; that comes with full and infallible evidence to men; for here is it not possible to stand or fix until our faith be once settled, on the truth of such a divine record, when we see in what estate poor mankind were in if such a sure way of commerce were not betwixt the invisible God, and this visible world we are in, since then we should have no certain, and fixed boundaries betwixt good, and evil, by that unchangeable difference which the holy nature of God hath put herein, nor could we ever know that rule of subjection, and relation we stand under to him; then heaven and earth were shut up from correspondence together by any established rule for the same; then should the most excellent and essential part of man, his immortal soul, have no directive or comforting light as to his future state, and safe passage thereto, whilst the visible creation hath a sun to shine thereon; when such is the way to life as by the greatest improvements of nature it can be neither found nor followed; then should that rare structure, and workmanship o● grace here, and of glory and blessedness to come, be a terra incognita to poor mankind, and as man only in this lower creation is capable of moral Government and human laws, which yet can extend no further, then their visible work, and actions, if such a blessed record were not, there should be no establishment of laws to the whole inward man, no rule of regulation to the heart, and this inward world, would be subject to no Government, and tho the ruined state of human nature may be as discernible as the truth of it's existence, yet should we neither know its true original, and rise, nor any relief for the same, we might discern the truth of invisible adversaries, and of some great design they have against us, as clearly as any object of sense, but we could know no security from them by one invisible guard, or the way how to resist such a party, then should the work and conduct of providence be wholly unintelligible to us, and have our eyes shut on these wonders hereof which exceed the sphere, of created understanding, if this great luminary of the Scripture, did not continually shine thereon which we cannot see, and not see also, that no way besides this was ever made known to recover poor mankind out of that gulf of bondage and misery he is fallen into; and as this glorious light of divine truth hath its proper spheres where it is fixed, and shines forth in the christian Church; so the whole world beside, is a place where hor●●, falsehood, and impiety does visibly reign.  
4. But this must led men of a serious spirit to a further enquiry, upon that essential difference, which is betwixt the revealed rule of our Religion, and any other way, that pretends thereto as there is betwixt light, and darkness, which is not founded by positive institution only, but in the immutable nature of these things themselves; and tho I design to speak more fully to this hereafter, yet should this be of highest use to strengthen the Christian faith, to look in with the serious use of reason on the whole frame of paganism, as it was in ancient times, or of mahumetism in this day, where even under a sense of the law and dictates of nature such a sight were enough to expose the very name, and form of Religion, to be just matter of abhorrence, and to be the highest reproach of mankind, and thus see whither so brutish, and horrid a thing could ever claim a reception either on the purity of its rule, or any internal evidence of truth, or possible consistence with its self; so that to have no sense or belief of the glorious being of God, is not worse, or more dreadful, then to have the highest contumely, and affront, thus put on the divine nature, and which tends rather to justify Atheism. This enquiry were it suitably improven could not but render that dilemma unansuerable, either a Christian or of no Religion at all; either that which we enjoy according to the Laws, and constitutions of the Christian faith, or else an absolute nullity as to all Religion, and that no such sacred thing had a being on the earth.  
INQUIRY II. But as it is not possible to hold by the truth of a Godhead or to have any true enjoiment of Religion, without a further and unavoidable progress to the Christian Faith; so must the first entry hereof be on the old Testament, and by a necessar result upon this inquiry, if the God of truth gave such a promise of a redeemer to mankind after the fall, and that on this great assurance, the faith of the ancient Church did entirly rest; that so glorious a person as the messiah should come, and be anointed to that work of redeemingman, and bringing him again to God; since this must be first cleared, and our faith fixed on the same ere we can enter on any enjoiment of the gospel, for the faith of the new Testament, is not attainable else, but in such an order and settlement of our faith in the old, and hath one absolute dependence on the same; wherein the weight of this enquiry lies 1. To see the truth, and nature of that promise, which was the first immediate object of the Churches faith to be irrevocable, and absolute, and given to be declarative of the immutable purpose, and counsel of God herein, and not dependent upon any condition in man. 2. How this one great promise was given to be the original right, and warrant of all other promises, which do wholly center in him, in whom they are yea, and amen. 3. As a promise of such a nature that reason must stand amazed at the greatness hereof, and cry out can this possibly be, yea the more deep enquiry herein must heighten such one astonishment, and make the soul of a Christian sink under the thought● of such a thing that God will in very d●d bear such regard to man; this being a truth of that concern as it might seem strange how one day should pass over men, without some fresh reviving of such a reflection. 4. To see how high a value, and account God put upon that one promise, by so long a delay, and procrastination of the same, as a promise worthy of the Churches waiting, and expectation of the same, for 4000. Years. 5. This enquiry must lie here, to see the first entry of the Christian Faith on the world in its precise time, and date, and how such a light did not shine on Adam, and Eve in the state of perfection, whilst they stood in a state of trial upon a perfect obedience to their God, but with the falling down of that dismal night of there fall, did the glory of this light first down( that there might be no utter darkness in the state of mankind as in that of the fallen angels,) whereby the final condemnatory sentence on the one, and relief for the other were made known, and promulgate together, and the room of the first Adam, filled up with a higher glory by the second. 6. How this blessed light( tho with a gradual increase,) did never cease to thine on this world since it began to down, not hath there ever ceased a peculiar people in a Church relation, who were distinct, and separate from the residue of men, whose profession was founded in the alone faith of a redeemer, so as one day hath not been, since the first entry of that promise, wherein, the sun did shine on the earth, when the sun ●f righteousness did not shine also by vital influences of light, and power, and where the Churches head, had not some part of his body here to converse with as the peculiar objects of his complaisance, and love, and did rejoice in the habitable parts of the earth; tho that some ages have had, a higher glory assigned thereto, and a larger extent of the Church; yet would he not restrict the ingathering of his elect to any special periods of time; or let each age want a share of this glory, and of a seed to be as salt to the earth. 7. But this enquiry goes further, to see these measures of evidence, and divine condeshendence, which was given to support the faith of the ancient Church, on that great promise even by an ocular discovery, to the outward sense, as in the whole frame and successive course of the legal sacrifices, and these numerous figures, and types in that long preparatory service; wherein he did not let his people feed on ashes, naked shadows, and where nothing was inept or usless, but was expressly significative, of that highest mystery of Christ, and could possibly bear no other sense, or intent; and since the whole stress of the Christian Faith lies upon this one promise, or what can make the state of man valeuable, in any true enjoiement of his life here, its on this head should be set the first settlement of our faith; for I know nor relief, but in a promised redeemer, and if it were not for the old Testament, I could not possibly be a Christian; if the morning, and growing light, of that glorious mystery, had not gone before its meridian hight, and as a clear conduct to the next step, I shall enter on  
A III. INQUIRY, to know that this fundamental promise of a redemers coming to the world is assuredly made good, and is no more a matter of faith, but of sense, that its sure our eyes see such a day, and long expected period of time, and can be no dark or doubtful thing now to be a Christian, but may enter on its profession in the open light; but to clear how with the same evidence of the certainty of the promise, we may see its performance also, and if we be sure of the one that it is not possible to be in question about the other, is thus visible. 1. Because we must then part with the old Testament, and cease to credit its divinity, and no comfort could be from the same; if it had yet failed in this great event, and what is the main intent thereof for if the promised messiah were yet to come, I could then look for none, since all these proper circumstances, which are so expressly foretold, whereby to know and discern him, must be wholly made voided, and one utter nullity should be in that faith. 2. Because I could not possibly look for the accomplishment of that promise, according to the whole tenor of the old Testament, in another way then what we have hereof in the revelation of the gospel; yea were it supposable that the messiah were yet to come; it is sure I could only look and expect for his acting the same part and in the same appearance. 3. Let us but compare the ancient creed of the Church herein, with that which is ours, now under the dispensation of the gospel, and see whither they be not entirely on in substance, and center in the same redeemer, with this variation only, that the one was on the credit and assurance of what was promised, and the other or the certainty of its accomplishment, so as that may be as applicable, to Moses, Isaia, and Daniel with other of the Prophets, as to the Evangelists, what is spoken by John Chap. 20: v. 31. But these are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life through his name; where we may see there could be no human contrivance, in this joint concurring for the same end, and by the same spirit: but yet more specially lies the weight of this enquiry, to see, 1. how the most solemn times of the old Testament was still a waiting, and expecting time, and that their highest enjoiments, lay in hope of that glory to be revealed in after ages, when the seal should be taken off that great prophecy, then sealed up, and how the whole dispensation of that time was preparatory, and as a prelude to that great design of grace, which was to be brought forth. 2. How the breaking up of gospel, and its first entry on the world, had its precise time, and date, as that which was so absolutely necessare, for a more clear settling of the Christian Faith, this being a matter of fact, and of the highest import that ever was, and was one external object of Sense, in the view of the World, which laid an inevitable constraint, on the whole Christian Church, then to have it kept clear, and under the most exact and punctual circumstances. 3, As Israels coming out of Egypt in a typical respect, was a night, and time of such g eat observation, and that the Lord did put hereon, so special a weight, with respect to the punctual and precise time hereof; so was this in a more eminent way, to be matter of highest regard, when and in what time, the great universal good, and blessing of mankind, our blessed redeemer, was revealed unto the World, which should begin a new week, and that solemn Epocha, whence wee reckon the Churches entry on the highest glory of time, and on a new state. 4. Hereon hath that solemn observation of the first day of the week, as the Lords day both its rise, and right; tho it might seem not possible this could ever come under forgetfulness when it was thus fixed, upon the highest certainty, and precise time, both of the sufferings, and resurrection, of the Lord, in matter of fact; as that day and time was, which had a glory put thereon, that none else could possibly claim, and not time ever since that glass, set up to their creation, was like unto this, yea which was wholly impossible to fix the Christian Church on the observation hereof otherways, but that this was so public and famous in the view of the world, and had so great a weight on the primitive Christians, then, when these morning stars sung together, and the Sons of God shouted for joy, at the first entry of this new World, and it may be specially remarkable, that our Lord did the less enforce the same in an authoritative way, both to try and trust the love of his people herein, that what he had done for them, put so strong one enforement and imposition, to a frequent and solemn remembrance of this blessed day from internal motives; and tho its divine authority be clear, yet the less is of positive institution this way, the more strenthning might it be to our faith, and more excitment also for our love herein, were it seriously considered, 5. And of what weight should this enquiry be still on mens spirits, that our hope leans now no more on a promise, on which the Saints of old did both live and die, when this makes so essential a change in the Christian Faith, that what one Abraham and M●ses was saved by cannot possibly save us, to believe in a Redeemer to come, which would now be absolutely mortal, nay not in general terms to believe that he is come, but to know and be sure, that this is he whom the Father● sealed, and sent unto the World, and he alone who in the dayes of Tiberius, and Pontius Pilate suffered at Jerusalem.  
A IV. INQUIRY, which suitably follows here, is to look in upon the glory of that time under the new Testament, which was peculiarly reserved thereto; and on these public declarative signs to the World, whereby our Redeemer was declared to be the Son of God, with power, and by the spirit of Holiness, so as it may be said the ●ord did then set up Signs and Wonders to this very day, with a more eminent lustre then these at the Churches outgoing from Egypt; but since in the times we live in, you may find more to shake and stagger then to strengthen your spirit in the way of truth, when it is not in an ordinare degree, that a real apostasy may be seen from the Christian Faith this day in the Reformed Churches, whilst that choice spirit of the Bereans seems rarely to be found in the earth, I shall touch but a little this great subject in some instances, wherein our blessed Redeemer after his Ascensi●● hath still made himself visible before the World in the glory of his divine Power, and are of such kind, as no distance of time can take off that irresistible evidence of the same from a serious spirit, as if they were still present.  
1. That tho in his bodily presence, since he left the World, he is no object any more of human sense, yet hath he been no less visible in his goings forth to conquer and establish a Kingdom to himself out of all Nations, Tongues and Langua●es, even to the utmost parts of the earth; and ●ince I know you can improve some Reflections on his Head, bejond what I can speak thereon, I ●hall the more briefly point at a few. 1. That it is ●nowen and sure, how most of the habitable World besides Judaea, was in times past Pagan, ●nd a place of horror and darkness, and these parts we now live in were once the dark places of the earth, full of the Habitations of Cruelty, where our Ancestors of whom we are come, did Sacrifice to the Gods of the Heathens. 2. It is evident and undeniable in the matter of Fact, that within less then sixty Years after the Ascension of the Lord the visible extent of the Christian Church among the Nations which had been then Heathen; did exceed what it is this day; and since any extraordinar effect when it comes in our sight, should cause a deep Inquiry upon the cause hereof, is no● this a matter of the highest concern, that eve● was, even in the present day to be taken up with that made then so stupendious a change on th● face of mankind, and was as the bringing fort● of a new World. 3. And here is it possible to question, that this wonderful thing which did s● visibly then change the whole face of the earth, was by the alone evidence and virtue of Sacre● Truth, and the pure Revelation of Christ in the Mystery of his Death and Sufferings, wherein no human Power could boast that their Arm o● Sword did bring this about; as I know it will be sweet and convincing thus to see under what influence, the Christian Church was both planted and propagate in the earth and most savage parts thereof, so that whatever respect Princes and visible Powers have given to the Kingdom of Christ, yet is it fully demonstrable that it's true intere●● and conquest was never beholden to human assistance, or that any temporal inducements made way thereto, but when the World begun to smile most in the primitive times, then also did the Glory and Lustre of the Christian Religion begin to darken, and decline. 4. As it was surely reserved to the gospel State of the Church, to be the theatre of the greatest Wonders both of Providence, and Grace, bejond all that had been known to the World before, and that in the times of the New Testament, these great things which should be matter of highest observation, and out of the ordinare road of Gods dealing with his Church then was to be expected, so you can see with full evidence, that this great and extraordinare appearance of God unto men, had been never known on the earth before, or any such outgoing of his Power since the beginning of time, which was only reserved to follow the day of Christ, and his Ascension, as the first entry of that glorious Scene, which was to be acted under the gospel. 5. And here also this Reflection is unavoidable, how the God of this World was not easily put off his visible Throne, which he had so long kept over the Nations, but the last struggle of these infernal spirits ere they were cast down was then very strong, and put forth to the utmost, who yet were made to fall before the Divinity of our Redeemer in such a manner, as the whole frame of Paganism was then razed and extinct, and their Gods after whom the earth had for so many ages wondered; for when you peruse the Records of the first times, you can see the enmity and rage of the World against Sacred Truth, was never before raised to such a prodigious height, as was then aloft upon the first display of the gospel.  
2. But it is yet a further Inquiry should be made on this Head, to see not only the outgoings of the Lord Jesus in the Glory of his Power since his Ascension, for setting up his visible Kingdom in the World, and extent of the Christian Profession, but in the reality of that vital influence on the souls of men, with so great and wonderful a change thus made on them from the residue of mankind. This, I doubt not, will be a subject of great thoughts and reflection to you, and should be a matter of higher concern to any of a serious spirit, then the temporal interest and transactions, which are about the greatest Kingdoms on the earth. 1. To see how no reality in nature, or the most visible objects of sense, can be more sure, then that under the times of the New Testament, there hath been innumerable examples of the truth and power of Holiness, successively from one age to another, in whom it might be no more discernible, that they walked in the virtue and power of a human soul, then that they did truly walk before men in the light and power of Christianity, and under that visible influence of inward Grace, as all might see to be above the possibility of natural causes. 2. If this were more deeply searched into, to see what does essentially belong to the frame and constitution of one real Christian, and what a marvellous Power must be put forth herein, it could not but be in another manner affecting, and afford a seal to the Christian Faith, as does exceed the greatest external Miracles; when it's sure one example of such, who is truly converted by grace, and made partaker of the Divine nature, is so stupendious a work as does far exceed both the power and comprehension of Angels, yea that the Glory of the Godhead does more eminently shine forth in the first frame, in the conduct, and perfecting of one Christian, then either in the first frame of man in his state of perfection, or of the illuminate Angels, since this is to make Saints of Sinners, to turn such from a state of enmity, and inbred opposition to the Holy God to be Lovers of him, and subdue their soulls in that manner, as with inward delight can make them part with what was their predominant and endeared Interest, and what hath been as their right hand and eye. This is one of the great discoveries of the gospel. to let us see how one converted Christian is a higher demonstration of the Christian Faith, then a thousand ordinare Professors hereof, and may fully silence such a Question, why it is, that the Saints are not more numerous in the World, comparatively with the great bulk of mankind, yea with these who go under the Christian Profession, when it might be rather just matter of wonder to see that such numerous Examples yet are to be found of this kind in the earth, of whom each, is one of the greatest of the Works of God, and infinitely becoming the exceeding greatness of his Power put forth herein; yea are such Examples, where the Truth and Excellency of Grace does in any eminency shine forth, as may justly supply the Room of Miracles, which were given in the first times to be confirming to the Christian Faith; that these hath assuredly been, and I hope are this day not a few, who do with desire choice to prefer their Services for God, to the greatest comforts& enjoyments of this earth, and are helped not only to keep ground, but gain, under such conflicts and assaults in their spiritual course, as go above the possibility of nature to withstand. 3. And what a wonder may one Christian be, who does converse with God here on the earth, both to himself and others, who hath such near enjoyments of the divine presence, hath such astonishing hopes, hath ever the Elect Angels to be both their guard and observers; and tho the Saints above return no more to converse with us, yet is it not questionable, but that they have the same prospect of the outgoings of providence towards the Saints yet militant,& as to their services, trials, and victories, which the Angels have to whom they are now made equal, and in the same state of perfection; and that they know the return of their prayers in behalf of such who are on the earth, for whom they had wrestled with God whilst they were upon it; yea that the joy which is in Heaven, and in the presence of the Angels, on the conversion of sinners respects the whole Church triumphant; and I humbly judge even in that sense may the intent of that Scripture be understood Hebr. 12: 1. as to such a cloud of Witnesses &c.  
3. Let me refer you to one great instance also, wherein our Redeemer hath in one eminent way made himself visible before the World since his Ascension, which is in the greatness of that seal of Martyrdom, where you may see with joy and admiration that as he did alott the highest discoveries of his love unto lost man to the day of the gospel, so did he reserve unto these times, the highest Testimony and trial of the Love of Mankind to him. This is a great Subject, tho it be easily past without a suitable weight and impression of the same, how high an interest this hath in the Christian Faith; wherein 1. the truth of such a wonderful seal in the matter of fact is not possible to question. 2. And that it's sure there was no personated show in these unexpressible sufferings of these Saints for Christ, nor did the World in such a persecuting work, through most of the times of the New Testament conflict with a shadow herein; and if a real Miracle be such as exceed the sphere and possibility of nature; it hath thus the most full and undeniable evidence; nor were it possible that the most excellent of the earth should upon choice act such a part of embracing death under the greatest torments, when their life and the enjoyments of time was set before them, if they had not been acted by a Divine Spirit, and knew these unexpressible comforts and joy, which was then given in for their support, and matter of present sense, and feeling, to be no illusion of mind herein. 3 It is on this Head you can see and compare what a difference was betwixt the Legal Sacrifices under the Old Testament, which were figurative and typical, and these free-will offerings and oblations of love by Martyrdom under the gospel, which were offered up as a public confirmatory seal to the Divinity of Christ, and that the desire of all Nations was now come; how the one did in a mystery, and under a vail confirm the Churches Faith of a Redeemer to come, the other with the highest evidence of power did attest his being come, and seal this Testimony with their Blood, the one from a temporary and positive Institution, the other not only under a constraint of light, but an imposition of love, by the Spirit of Christ, and of Glory resting on them, was thus offered up, and as to the quality of these Sacrifices: how great a difference was herein? the one only of Beasts, wherein the Lord would admit no human Sacrifice to be typical, but now after the great propitiation was offered up, these Sacrifices of Love was not only of men, but of the most excellent of human race, who in purity and holiness were the greatest ornament of the earth in their day, the number whereof since the Ascension of Christ, is of that extent as can be only known by him who counts the number of the Stars, so innumerable have they been; yea as to the expense and allowance of so high a service, men can not exerce reason, and not see it did not only answer but exceed the measure of their sufferings, and how these Flames of Love in which they were offered, was more prevalent then these of the Fire. 4. And is it not matter of sweet Reflection herein, that as the incomprehensible Love of God unto man is the admiration of the elect Angels, so this illustrious testimony of human Love unto God, is not only made conspicous to them, but is both the foil and torment of the Powers of Darkness, to see such a triumph of the Power of Grace amongst men here on the earth made visible; wherein my soul desires to rejoice that as our blessed Head hath assigned such a measure of his sufferings, as a testimony to the truth to be filled up by his People, under the times of the New Testament, and to take a higher trial of the love of mankind herein to him, then he would take even of the love of the blessed Angels, so hath this Testimony with the clearest and undeniable evidence been made known.  
But there is a 4. special Instance of the out goings of our Redeemer in a visible discovery of himself to the World since his Ascension, which i● in the successive course of the gospel amongst the Nations, and these remarkable Periods of the rising and setting of this blessed light on different places of the earth; on which a few things I would speak for your further clearing herein. 1. That it is undeniable, the Gentiles have their appointed times, which must be fulfilled, Luke 21. v. 24 wherein the fullness thereof must be brought in Rom. 11: 25. which Scriptures bear expressly the same intent, but it's now many ages, since these times of the Gentiles hath been fulfilled both in Asia and Africa, where the gospel in its course at the Sun, hath had its first upbreaking, then in the East, and its progress to the West and Northern Parts of the Earth. 2. That it is clear, these times of the Gentiles, and the fullness thereof, is to be only understood in distinct and separate State from the Jews, so that as the Jewish Church once had their proper times allotted them in a separate state from the whole residue of the World, so have the Gentiles had their times under the New Testament, peculiar to them only; and the Spirit of God hath there expressly shewed, that this great Revolution in the incalling of the Jews to the Christian Faith, is not to be expected until these times be once accomplished, when there shall be then no more distinguishing names of Jew and gentle, and no proper interest owned by them in a divided way as formerly, but that the Lord shall be one, and his name one, in that blessed frame of his universal Kingdom; it's in the faith hereof my soul does rest. 3. How far these set times of the Gentiles, and of the coming in of the fullness thereof, be accomplished, will in due time be disclosed, and with humble sobriety we must judge hereof, but it may be so far evident, that then some singular withdrawing of the Spirit of God in the Power of the gospel will be discernible from the gentle Church, with the shutting up of these times, and a very low ebb,& great darkness on the whole Western Churches, before the rising again of the Glory of that Light, and return of the Sun to the East again; and how it stands now with the public State of the gentle Churches any where, you can more fitly judge and discern.  
There is a V. INQ: yet for a more full settlement in the Christian Faith, that I would seriously commend, which is on the whole frame and nature of that pure and excellent Religion we profess, and the intrinsic perfections thereof; which beside the Authority of divine Institution, you may see founded in the immutable nature and essence of the same, and thus have your soul raised to admire and rejoice in that God, whose Excellencies are with that evidence herein displayed, as it is not possible for men to be more blessed in the earth, then in this way. It is here I may say hath m●spirit been oft drawn forth to see with admiration the Divinity and Perfections of the Moral Part of our Religion, so that if men would see in a true mirror what the Hoiy invisible God is like in h●● blessed Resemblance, lo here is it clearly presente● to them, and since any discovery of such a Light. I know you prefer much above the Light of the Sun on this earth, as that alone which renders the state of man to be desirable; I would touch this● little as may afford some reflections on so great● Head, which may be, in the very notion thereof, rarely the subject of mens thoughts. 1. Tha● which is of the highest concern in the first place, to fix your spirit on, is to see in what manner the great design of the gospel, for the saving of lo●● man is laid, in that mystery of the Humiliation and Sufferings of our Redeemer, and how this way the Majesty of God would take satisfaction to himself, and his infinite Justice, by himself, which otherwise was not attainable; I know that to sook in an ordinare manner hereon, might be ready to shake your spirit with astonishment, that the Divine Majesty should ascribe to himself such an abasement, as to join 〈◇〉 the human nature in an union with the Deity, yea thus to be exposed to the highest ignominy of sufferings, that could possibly be allotted to the most Criminal amongst men. but it's in such a choice enquiry you will find your establishment and admiration grow together, and thus have a share in the same exercise of the Angels on this subject, who look 〈◇〉 hereon with joy and wondering. 2. You must see herewith also, how of such a nature is this blessed Religion you enjoy, as can never be known or enjoyed by men until it be enlivened from Heaven, or be possibly taken up or understood in a natural way, as human sciences are, but must have another teacher then men, and a faculty and power supernatural, to know and discern the things of God herein; yea how in its whole coustitution it is made up of these great Excellencies of Light and Life, which do inseparably meet here; whose evidence lies in seeing, and not in report or a naked testimony to the ear, but is in the same manner as the Sun is made known by its own beams and light; and it were indeed sad, if the Sun of Righteousness did not this day shine with as full evidence to men in this Lower Orb of the gospel, as the Meridian Daylight is to our natural sense, to let us see both the greatness and security of our hope, yea that we are designed for an Eternal State,& must therefore seek after a Blessedness as will last as long as our immortal souls that cannot perish. 3. But this will necessary carry your thoughts further, to see how the Christian Faith does not only with full evidence manifest itself by its own Light, but does the more brightly appear by the opposition of darkness, and of every false way and pretence of Religion, and how the essential Differences betwixt the same are as fully evident and visible, as is betwixt the day and night, betwixt truth and falsehood, which are founded in the immutable nature of these things themselves; and how the way of truth hath surely that vital air and fragrancy herewith, and such a native lustre, as is no more possible for human art and invention to represent, then it were to draw a living man on a broad, or for one to draw forth the natural sent of a Violet or Rose. 4. It is here also you will find it specially strengthening to see the nature of these services, which belong to the Christian Faith, how here is nothing that is servile, or to affright any to come under such a blessed yoke, which in its whole constitution is so full of a Holy sweetness to 'allure, and imposeth no Law of Bondage on the spirits of men, but what hath inward motives to render it both easy and comforting, does prescribe no duty to be a task, and no service but from love, and where the Moral Law is purely evangelic, and administered to us in the Hands of Mediator, yea of such a nature is the whole obedience and services of the Christian Faith, as you may clearly see that duty on the matter, is not anough, where there is not a suitableness thereto in the manner of following the same, that the leading motives and principles be purely for God; nor can the way of his service be truly followed until his revealed Law have an internal efficacy on mens soul, and the Moral Rule of gospel Obedience be turned into living and inward principles; this is a Reflection I should commend much to your thoughts, that hath such irresistible evidence therewith for your establishment in the truth, to see, how that blessed way, which God hath established to bring man again to himself, is such as no length in any external part, or the outworks hereof can bear weight, if there be not a vital influence on the soul, nor does its interest ever subsist in the World by human Power or Authority, but by an internal establishment of the same from its own evidence on the spirits of men. 5. It is here you may see likewise, how the whole Constitutions of the Christian Faith are such, as its highest Glory and Triumph here on the earth, is still most conspicous in the darkest night of Affliction and Trouble, and in the most remarkable depths thereof; this is surely a great discovery, and a strange riddle to nature, which stands in an express opposition to the universal sense of mankind, how this way the Lord does put the highest honor on men here on the earth, in the passive valour of Christianity, yea thus puts the most distinguishing marks of respect on his choicest Favourites;  
But there is a VI. INQUIRY, I must further direct you to without which no evidences of the truth, can be truly effectual on your soul; which is on that wonderful part of Christianity, that lies in the truth of inward experience, and is the very life and soul of our Religion. The greatness of such a Subject makes it more difficult to speak hereon, now in a short Epistolary Discourse, but it shall be in as few words as is possible, only to point at such things as may tend to more clear and solid impressions of this Mystery, and make way for your own search and trial of the same; and I hope I may say they are things, which have not been taken on report, or have found it easy to be satisfied herein, as to a full acquiescence in the truth and assurance thereof; but it's to a few special ends I would refer your serious improvement of this great Inquiry.  
1. For this end that a clear notion and idea of spiritual experience of the things of God, may be more deaply settled on your spirit, and how in these respects it is to be understood: 1. that God hath directed his Sacred Truth unto men not only for trust, but for trial, which is a trial of that nature,& stated on so great and wonderful things, that the whole vital part of Religion should be a strange and dark thing until you be once entred hereon; they are blessed who beeleve and have not yet seen what relates to the State of Glory above, but they can never be blessed who do not see, as well as believe what belongs to the life and enjoyments of Grace within time, in the truth of inward experience. 2. It is here must be understood the first Acquaintance of men with the Spirit of God; which is one acquaintance of that concern, as the Lord hath laid over the weight of his peoples spiritual joy, refreshment, and support, whilst they are within time, on the same; and is the first entry on converse with spirits, and with God, the Father of spirits which shall be eternal. 3. It is such, as hath a distinct evidence from any moral influence by the Word or light to the judgement; and is the proper object of spiritual sense, which no human power, or Angels c●n impart, but God hath reserved only to himself, who can only make his own love known to the soul, and no report, or testimony of men can do. 4. It is hereby Christians enter on possession in some degree of divine truth, and these great things promised, as a earnest in hand, to assure them that the rest shall not fail tho it adds no security to the truth of the promise, but for a more abounding assurance to such who receive the same. 5. Tho here be a common, and joint interest amongst Christians, yet must each have his proper, and distinct part in the truth of inward experience, which is his peculiar interest and talent, and it's sure nothing does more work on mens souls; and afford more sweet thoughts then what this way is made there own, to know in themselves the internal demonstrations of the truth they profess, in the power and virtue thereof; and to know what great things hath passed between God and their own soul, and what remarkable times hath gone over them, and special remarkes herein of divine conduct, and his immediate appearance, in the course of their life. 6. It is of that kind as none possibly can take on trust, from the testimony of others, or will satisfy without personal trial, tho this be more known to such who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil Hebr. 5: 14. 7. But whatever singular use is hereby to the support of our Faith, yet are they not the grounds thereof; since these are only, what God hath spoken in his word, and not what he hath done in his work; tho they are at a great loss who have begun late to observe the same: it is true the greatest talent, which is by inward observation, and experiments which have been most deeply affecting in the present time; does not abide in the same sense, and feeling, and may ly as a dead stock upon a Christians hand, without fresh, and immediate supplies; yet are they still the same in the truth thereof, and does ever evidence, how far the enjoiment of grace, and of a spiritual estate does exceed the greatest enjoiments of nature. 8. This also must be understood not only by the testimony of inward sense, but what comes under the most exact, and judicious trial, as to the principles it leans on, without which, there could be no true enjoiment of the same, if they were not as fully satisfied of holding their experience by right, as in possession, and that these great things are no shadows or appearances, but what is of the highest truth, substance, and reality. 9. It is sure that God is not known in the earth, or enjoyed in truth, but in the light of inward evidence and experience, except in such a manner 〈◇〉 Balaam, to see him but not near; but not in the knowledge of converse, and fellowship with that God, whom they profess to know, or what it is to have their soul inward, and familiar with him, in the experience of such a thing. 10. It is by inward experience upon the souls of men, that God doth in a more special way secure, and preserve, that sacred record of his truth in the World, then by human laws, or authority; by one internal comforming of the spirits of his people, to his revealed truth, whereby the inward man becomes as a repository thereof, for when men once become Christians in truth, they are then the declared Epistle of Christ by one indissoluble union of the truth, and their souls together. I shall but add, that the experimental part of Religion is not perfited here, but within a little, there will be one entrance on one eternity of experience of what once with admiration, and desire, was hoped for, and the enjoiment of that state above will be no object of Faith, but of sense and purely experimental.  
A Second Intent of this Inquiry, should be to clear, how the enjoiment of one Christian in the way of experience, may be no measure, or rule to others in the trial of their state, upon these grounds. 1. That the least real evidence of the Sanctifying virtue of the truth, bears witness to the truth of a new life, and of spiritual sense, and discerning herewith, as a few grapes does difference between a vine, and a bramble. 2. Because the real Work of God, may be long without the witness thereof, and the first giving of the new life, and a discerning of the same, are distinct acts of the spirit, which do rarely go together, so a● to know when the pulse of this life does begin fir●● to beat. 3. As there are different assizes, and growth amongst the Saints within time, so do the talent of experience and inward observation, much differ in the state of some, in respect of others; and does answer to higher conflicts and a●saults in a Christians warfare, and higher in provements of grace herein; whence it is tha● patience brings forth experience, and as it hath 〈◇〉 great a room, and service for God; bejond o● ther graces of the spirit, so hath it a great inco●● of reward, by the most rare, and enriching experience of a Christians life; thence is it that the of the highest form of Christians and of the cho●sest spirit, has been put to a higher exercise thereof, then others, and made to be a more public● blessing by example herein to their Generation▪ 4. It is clear, the experimental part of Christianit● may have respect to some special times, and P●riods of mens life, so as one day may be mor● memorable, then as they have ever known before, yea to such times, when they are put to higher service in the trial of their Faith, and lead unto paths of providence, that might seem untrodden, which hath been usually a time of great observation as to a higher light, and evidence on the experimental trial of Religion. 5. This different measure hath respect also, to the first entry of Christians on some very dark paths of providence, when the Lord is to led, and incline them into a wilderness, by giving in assurance with a double measure on their souls, like Elijahs call to arise, and eat, and Josephs dream twice given, when his conflicts, and trials were to be doubled upon him; yea this may be also on this ground, as it is peculiar to some Christians above others to be kept more closs on such a Scent, in that rare exercise to discern the workings of God on their soul, and to try the certainty hereof from the natural work of their own Spirit; and who may be more exact then others, to lay up, and record the same, and not lose the least fragment of such assistances to their Faith.  
3. This Inquiry should be of special use likewise to know what great things these are, to which, the experimental part of Christianity does relate, wherein they of the lowest size of Christians have a common, and joint interest whatever difference be in the degree; but it is a very short touch I can here give on so great a subject and on some few Heads.  
1. The translation, and entry of a Christian unto a new state, and world, here in the earth; is one of the greatest things of experience( tho it hath not a like clear evidence, nor the precise time, and entry can be in the same manner known) for men to know so marvellous a chan● in themselves, and that here is no illusion or dream, and how it is sure this was never  told to mankind but in the Bible, which none ever did foresee, or project to themself; yea which in the very notion thereof, was once a terra incognita to them; and could have no possible rise from nature whose proper work is to overcome nature. I know this may seem astonishing, and not easy for many to bear, that professed Christians may have the same need to be converted to Christianity that Pagans have, or perish, that the letter of the word only, or any length in external duties can save none, who know nothing of internal evidence, or the spiritual Powers of Christianity.  
2. It does relate to this Head, to know that God and his People here in the World, are no strangers to other in the truth, and enjoiment of communion with him, for as this is one essential part of our Faith, and one of the most sure, and established constitutions of our Religion, by one unalterable rule, so is it matter of undoubted enjoiment, without which a Christians course, and passage through time were unpassible; it is true this is so great a thing as may make the most experienced Christian to be a wonder to himself, and is not a subject of ordinary thoughts.  
3. To this belongs also the truth; and enjoiment of supernatural comforts here on the earth such as peace immediately from God, and the joys of the Holy Ghost, which can have no possible rise from nature, and was never known to men, but on this trial of experience, that such a thing is sure, with respect unto which the highest experiments of nature are low, and of mean concern; yea which are comforts of that kind, as can be only known by its contrary, and hath been still more ouweing to the sorest conflicts, then to the sweetest calm of a Christians life, and such as the elect Angels did never know or partake of.  
4. The prevalency of prayer with God, and to know with assured evidence both the acceptance hereof in Heaven, and the returns thereof upon the earth, is also one of these great things of experience, and can never be known else as a subject of contemplation only, which hath been direct of the Lord as a prescript for such ones where no human wisdom or power could possibly answer, and is not bounded by the most desperate case, which would seem to shut out all hope and encouradgment▪ But as to this I must say how little seems that part of our Religion, tho one of the most wonderful parts thereof to be improven in that manner now as in former times, and in the most extraordinare exigences which Christians have been in, yea how low a trade is it which by most this day is carried on, in so marvellous a way as this, which the Lord hath established betwixt heaven and earth, and hath such immediate correspondence with the whole inward life, and vitals of Christianity, to preserve and strengthen the same.  
A 5. Head on this Subject to be matter of great thoughts and reflection is this, that here on the earth there is such a thing to be enjoyed in the truth and certainty of experience, as an earnest and seal of the Spirit of God 2 Corinth 1: 22. who hath also sealed us, and given us the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts Ephes. 1: 13. in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance &c. 2 Corinth. 5: 5. now he that hath wrought us for the self same thing is God, who hath also given us the earnest of his Spirit. I know there hath been much inquiry on this Subject, as to a clear sense, and judgement thereof, both by Schoolmen, and Practical Writers, tho it is such a thing as must needs be a strange, and dark riddle where the Spirit of God is not the Interpreter; and some near intercourse with this great teacher, that in his light we may see light; but that it is surely promised of God, and could never have entred on mens thoughts, if it were not purely a divine Revelation, none will offer to question; and that the experience of the same in all times of the Church, hath no less tendency to confirm and seal the truth of Christianity, then it hath to confirm a Christians state; but though I doubt not your acquaintance herewith is bejond many, yet this being a truth of such high concern, so far as I have attained, I would offer some light hereon, wherein my soul hath found rest and settlement, as to a clear sense and conception of the same. 1. That how rare soever the experience of this may be this day, yet is it not the peculiar privilege of some few, select, and eminent Christians, or what God does rarely impart and on some singular account to his people, but is the settled privilege of all who are lead by the Spirit, and under his conduct. 2. This is one experiment of the Christian Faith, which no human testimony or vocal evidence can express, that which is inward, and a secret betwixt God and the soul, or what taste that hidden Manna hath Rev. 2: 17. which none knows but he that enjoys the same; for this is not the promise, which is given to be the object of our Faith, but is the seal of the Spirit of promise, and the proper object of spiritual sense; it is an internal work which goes above words, and such as God alone can impart, who only can reveal his own love to the soul, and  shed abroad the sense hereof, and hath reserved this to himself; it is that also which gives a distinct evidence from any moral influence of the word, tho it can never be disjoined, and divided from the same, but is such one internal application hereof, as puts their souls to rest and quiet thereon. 3. It is here must be understood a more near and solemn approach of God, and some highes enjoiment of Spiritual Sense, then is usually know● which will make such a time remarkable, and sweet to a Christians after remembrance, the some in, a more extraordinar way, and higher degree, may have this imparted then others, as the trial of their Faith hath been more heightened and hath attained to higher actings of grace unde● the same, according to that settled Conneclin Isay 57: 12. I doubt not, there may be high pretences to this seal and earnest, who know little what in the way and order of grace is required to prepare, and qualify for the same, but except the settled constitutions of the gospel, should be changed for their sake; it is then sure that God did never seal the comforts of his Spirit, or his respects and approving testimony on such, who are of one untender, unhumbled, and vindictive spirit, and is no more possible, then as Job 18: 4. That the earth should be forsaken for them, and the rock removed out of its place. 4. It is true this is more clearly understood by such, who by reason of use, have their senses exercised both to discern good, and evil Hebrews 5: 14. and have thus attained a more deep, and judicious reflection, for the trial of the same, since this is usually one of the most searching exercises of a Christian, to discern the voice of the Spirit of God, and know the same, from that of a Stranger, and to come to the light herein, to see that such a seal, or any rare enjoiments of that kind, are assuredly from God, and wrought in him John 3: 21. It is clear also how, many sharp conflicts, and a hotter ware fare allotted to some of the Saints, then others, under griefs, troubles, and oppositions in their Christian course, hath made way at so dear a rate for their acquaintance with the same, so as the gradual difference, in the truth of this experiment, may be strange, and marvellous, and cause fear to impart the same, nor be ever known within time. 5. Tho it is sure, that all who are entred in a reconciled state with God, must be sealed by the Spirit, yet is not this to be understood as the ordinar food, and diet of a Christian, but as some more special restorative, and cordial, so as one enjoiment of this kind, hath been sometimes so remarkable, that through the whole course of a Christians life after, it hath been a continued strenthning to their Faith; yet is it no rare thing to these who are keeped in a more near intimacy of converse with God, to whom, the truth of this seal not once, but in innumerable times, hath been known, who, on the other hand does know also, how long, and sensible restraint of this great enjoiment may be, when the choicest promises of the Word, can afford no comfort, but when the premises are clear, the conclusion is oft suspended through hide jealousies, and legal fears of the spirit of bondage. 6. It is sure this blessed seal lies here also, in some special directive work of the Spirit of God, to make use of light, in particular cases with assurance, and quiet of mind, and in sealing instruction with that evidence, and power on the soul, as leaves such a print and impression thereon as the seal leaves on the wax, this can be no strange, or unknown thing to these who in a close adherence, to Scripture light hath been specially tender to try the same thereby, and under a just horror, and dread of Enthusiasm: or the smallest dasshing on such a rock. 7. But it is specially discernible, where this seal and earnest hath been more abundantly let forth to some bejond others; that it was for some higher support to their Faith, where a long interval of delay was to be between the promise, and performent, and such a trial of a deferred hope herein, us might be ready to make their heart sick into death, if the Lord had not given such a pledge and part in hand to assure them that the rest shall not fail in due time, now this is so manifest in the conduct, and methods of grace, about the Saints under the old Testament, and in how singular a way he did first seal, before he entred them upon any great trials, and which were to be of a long duration, as there needs no particular instances to clear the same. 8. It is here, the sense of that hundred fold, which Christ hath so expressly secured to his People on the adventures of their Faith may be understood, as that which assuredly lies in these rare enjoiments of the spirit, and inward sense of the love of their God, in the shinings of his face on them, which are the first fruits of the Spirit; more then in any external providence, or these things which are of the highest value with men; since as this is the most sure and greatest evidence that we are Christians, so is it the most notable sign how dear such are to God, and of his love and favour, then if he had given them the whole World. I know nothing will seem more strange, and disrelishing to the spirit of most this day then such a thing, but wisdom is justified of her Children, and with such let my soul be joined in. 9. As it is known and sure that here is no illusion or imaginary thing, where any fallacy or deceit lies, to the most judicious and observing Christians, who knows herein, what makes them glad, and whence it is, and how no assistance of their own spirit, or in the power of nature could possibly impart such a thing; so may it be astonishing how such who live under the Profession of Christ, and hath any design on one eternal state in Heaven, can take this on report, or be so little inquisitive about so wonderful a truth, that there should be such one enjoiment here on the earth, which without any natural cause, can put the soul of men into one entire rest, and settlement, and when under greatest thakings and fears other ways, cause them know the truth of pardon, and peace with God with a sure evidence, yea at so low one ebb can immediately revive and raise with so discernible a change in their inward case; for if this be one undoubted matter of experience it should be not easy for men to live without trial hereof themselves. 10. Let me add further, here is a part of that communion which Christians have within time, with the most excellent of the earth; and such who in all ages of the Church have been the greatest lovers of God, and adventurers for him; such with whom he hath been most familiar, and hath admit not only to the allowance of Subjects, but the regard of favourites, who hath known how great a Rewards he is of his own grace, yea such, who have made the most exact inquiry and trial, upon the truth and security of their comfort herein, and hath put to their seal that God is faithful and true, in that he hath thus promised.  
4. There is this special use to be made of such one enquiry on the truth of inward experience, to see how great, and wonderful a Subject we have for reflection hereon; and of what singular advantage this should be for strenthning the soul of a Christian, against the workings of unbelief, and to give a more full security of mind in the adventures of hope and reliance upon God, for things to come. It is sure the reflex faculty of man is one of the greatest wonders of nature, and if the spiritual use, and improvement hereof were more understood on this Subject, and what it is to dive in to these still and deep waters, it might make such be oft as a wonder to themselves. I shall but point at a few reflex acts of a Christian on this great mystery of spiritual experience, to show what manner of enjoiments, these are admit to herein, which the whole residue of mankind knows nothing of. 1. To have such great supernatural truths of the Scripture, which did once exceed their faith, and reason, to be now matter of undoubted experience in the truth, power, and efficacy hereof on their own souls; and thus to know what belongs to the enjoiments of spiritual sense, which formerly seemed so dark and incomprehensible a thing, yea how great a difference there is betwixt the clearest Acts of the judgement, and understanding about divine things; and a real feeling of the same in the power, and virtue thereof; betwixt the most sublime apprehensions by theory; and the sensible impressions, by the Holy Ghost, and what a present, and marvellous change this makes on the soul of a Christian. 2. To enjoy the same no less under a full evidence, and certainty of the truth thereof as the alone, and immediate Work of God, then in their felt power and sweetness;& that here was no casual thing, or matter of doubtfulness or uncertainty, but where they can clearly see the object of their faith on the truth of divine Revelation, now to be the object of there inward sense, and enjoyment; and are sure that what God hath spoken, he hath done according to the same; for if this be not clear Spiritual comforts would be of low value if it we● not with that evidence, and assurance of bein● Gods seal, as they could adventure their eterne state on the truth hereof. 3. And how sweet part is it, when they can thus reflect on their on● experience, and enjoy the same with no less er● dense of the proper cause, and original, then● the truth of its effects, which is one of the greate● helps to give stability, and assurance to our Faith to see how the power of Religion is never barren 〈◇〉 new experiments of the truth hereof, how the gre● test objective means in the way of light cannot do● if there were not an Internal effective cause, th● works powerfully herein, and as in nature, 〈◇〉 in the way of grace, how the same cause, which makes us live, must make us move, and act, ye● to lee how the same spirit that confirms a Christias on the truth of his state, and of the enjoiments o● grace here, does confirm Christianity, and th● enjoyments of glory, which must infallibly follow the same, and ere long be a matter of their experience also. 4. To know this way, that surely● nearer intimacy is to be enjoyed with God, and o● a higher kind, which is by the communion of the Holy Ghost, then by the immediate ministry of the Angels, yea a greater evidence thus given to a Christians soul, then by any external miracles; since this is a seal of that nature, as is given to none, but such as are the objects of the divine complacence and delight; and its sure the alone greatest evidence of divine love lies in the internal part of Christianity, and these immediate operations of the Spirit of God, more then by any external providences. 5. To see, how these great things of experience, come under a present trial, and given to be experienced here on the earth, and are not some rare contingency, or what may be stated on an extraordinar account, but does keep closs with a tender walk, and near entercours with God through a Christians whole course; and thus knows what such an anointing with fresh oil means Psalm 92: 10. by innumerable reiterated times of such enjoiment; yea how the sense and sweetness thereof comes not then by the power, and workings of reason; but the immediatness of the divine presence, tho even then it does not exclude such a discursive work, in the clearness of Spiritual reason, and light, as can fully quiet the mind, that here is no illusion, or deceit; but lets us see, that the Spirit of God can make use of an argument to settle, and secure the soul when all essays, whither from themselves, or others can give no releaf. 6. Thus are they admit to see herewith, how deep the foundation of our comfort, and security, is laid on the faithfulness of God in his revealed truth, so as the whole frame of Christianity must be dissolved, and fall ere one special act of trust, and adventure on his hand, and under the assured warrant of his truth, should be frustrate; and that the safe conduct also, and security of one Christian, in his passage through time, is of that consequence, and so essential a part of the great frame of providence, that this should not be entire, and perfect if it should fail, as to the meanest of the Saints, to make so great a nullity herein. 7. And is it not, in such a reflex work on the truth of experience, that such can only know the sweet enjoiments of times past, and what that peculiar comfort of remembrance means; which I must reckon one of the rarest, and most unknown enjoiments this day under the Sun; since it is sure, this can never be from the greatest delights of the earth, when once passed, which as they return no more, so does ever leave a bitter sting, and remembrance, by a native result of the same; whilst that which hath been experienced in the way of God, can neither perish, nor lose its sweetness, but will render the most afflicting part of their life past, which was most bitter, and fore then, to be the most comforting part thereof to their remembrance, when they can see herein both what they have designe● for God, and he hath done for them. 8. If there be any comfort of love, in the Communion of the Saints here within time, they may see how this is not attainable, but in the light of inward experience whence they know, what it is to meet, and have fellowship in the same Savour, and relish of the things of God, when in a spiritual frame, and to be mutually disclosed as they can discern something of the excellency of one anothers spirit, and of the power, and lively workings of inward grace, by that native lustre, and evidence, which thus follows the same; so as under the sensible power of such attractions their souls are more closely unite, and joined together, yea are mutually strenthned by other conflicts, and what experiments they have made of divine truth herein as to their releaf. And I must say where this is not understood, that great mystery of the Communion of the Saints, is but a strange and dark notion; nor without this can that special design of the Lord in the settlement of Churches in a visible state, be either known or answered, which is to have external ordinances carried on with life, and power amongst men, and enjoying communion with our blessed head herein.  
The VII. and last INQUIRY. I would make as to a more full assurance of understanding on the truth of our profession, and for further clearing of this great Subject of the experimental part of Religion, is to know the quality of the witnesses thereto, which is an Inquiry of a higher concern and import then seems to be apprehended, or of what weight, and necessity this is, upon these grounds.  
1. Because the whole truth of Spiritual experience is matter of fact, and founded on a certainty of sense, it is truth in the event and performance, and not what God does speak, but what according to the same he hath done; so that this is not upon any principle of Faith, but on mens personal trial of the same, according to that Isai. 43: v. 10. ye are my witness says the Lord, that ye may know, and believe me, and understand that I am he; for tho it is of divine, and infallible truth, that whatever God hath assured by promise he will do; yet the experience hereof, since the Canon of the Scripture was sealed, is of human record, and a testimony which could bear no weight from the greatest of men, if the quality of such witnesses were not tried, and considered herein. 2. Because the highest pretence to spiritual enjoiments in the way of the promise is but a false testimony, where there is no tender regard herewith to the precepts of the gospel, when this connection is indissoluble Act 9. they walked in the fear of God, and comforts of the Holy Ghost; do not my words good to them that walk uprightly Mica 2: 7. It is true, that choicest Christians may be much hide, and in the dark herein to others, and upon such an account should have a sad part, if they were tried, and judged by men; only this is sure, there can be no more in the conclusion then is in the premises, and that a Christians testimony to the truth lies more in what they are, then what they express to others. 3. The quality of the witnesses is of such weight here, and to be specially regarded, as one of the highest services for God within time under their hand, to put too their seal, and testimony that God is true in what he hath promised; who are as it were judicially sisted in behalf of his truth and faithfulness; since his declarative glory before angels, and men, does more peculiarly●ly here then in the whole Structure, and frame of this Creation. This is a trust and debt also upon each age of the Church, that the truth and faithfulness of their God may be transmitt to the generations to come with such a confirmatory seal. 4. This Inquiry is the more called for, to know what these are who bear such a witness to the truth, upon the exceeding greatness of these things which belong to Christian experience, since this might awake the most sublin●e, and inquisitive spirits of the time to search herein, and be a Subject of great thoughts and reflection, that such are on the earth, yea an innumerable part of men, who do verily enjoy so marvellous a light as is immediately out of Heaven, and shines upon none else; and knows such an enjoiment, as an immediate communion with the Deity, and his sensible presence with their Spirits, with returns from Heaven to their suits in most real effects; since if this be sure, then must men seek for another Idea of Christianity,& have other thoughts about the same, then what most seem to have; then is there a higher glory put upon mens souls in the way of grace, and their being partakers of the divine nature, then what all human grandeur can ever amount to, or is upon the Sun, and the Stars of Heaven. 5. The credit, and quality of the Witnesses on this great head of Spiritual experience, and the whole internal part of Christianity is of such weight that the spirit of this age, and most predominant part of men within the Church is stated in so visible an opposition thereto, not only to oppose the power, and spirituality of Religion, but to deny its principles, and give a lie to this testimony, of the most eminent workings of the spirit of God on mens souls, as if it were some illusion or imposture; which is in effect to take of the greatest seal that God hath given to the Divinity of the Scripture in the whole internal demonstrations of its truth: this is the great prodigy of this age bejond any times past, and may be feared if our Faith stood not sure otherways, that the light should be quickly extinguished, and the candlestick taken away from most of the reformed Churches; when most, under such a profession yet never knew, the power, virtue, and efficacy of the truth they profess on their own soul, and that there is another evidence or teaching, then by moral suasion only, or another key to open the heart, then external means; and thus must either oppose themselves to so tormenting a light, or be unavoidably condemned hereby.  
But with this Inquiry as to the credit and qualiry of the witnesses, who in all ages of the Church bears the same testimony to the truth from their experience, it is undeniable also, but that there are some in a more singular way sisted, and under more peculiar engagements then others to appear on such a testimony, and who may be admit to enjoiments of experience, that are out of the ordinary road of Gods dealing with his people, tho this must in no other sense be understood exiraordinary, then from so judicial a time as this, and the great decay of the Power of Christianity with this generation why these are so rare, and not in being any way across to the firm and settled constitutions of the gospel, or without that precinct of the promise of God to warrant the same; and I hope the Church of Christ is yet to enter on such enjoiments of experience that would not be easy to believe in this day we are in, were they  told us at a distance. But what I mean hereby of these, who may be in a higher capacity then others for such a witness I shall briefly touch.  
1. These who through grace hath been admit to some higher intimacy of converse with God, and to know his dealing familiarly with men here on the earth, then may be ever known in such a degree to other choice, and real Christians; tho I judge this may be more rarely known, that where it is most in truth, there also is a humble concealment, and being hide in the same, their usual study, who finds more sweetness in such enjoiments the less air they take;& I have oft thought such may be least known on the earth in this day who may be the greatest favourites of Heaven, and have had most rare, and immediate testimonies of the love, and respects of their God; but as this it not the standard by which the truth, and reality of grace is to be judged; so should this witness be to me no further strenthning, then it hath some greater height in humility, and tenderness of Spirit in the ways of God going alongst herewith, and some more singular eminency of grace as does answer to that Isai 57: 15. John 14: 21.  
2. I must judge these also have a higher room in this witness for God on their experience of his truth, who have in a more singular way then others known the truth of supernatural assistance, and sustaining grace under extraordinar trials. I mean such Christians as have been tried not only in the truth, but in the strength of divine grace, at another rate then others, whom I must reckon amongst the greatest witnesses for God in this day, when 1. This renders their testimony to be of a higher value and evidence according to the height, and measure of their conflicts, and trials, whom thus the Lord hath choised, and separate as Joseph was from the residue of his brethren, for such a service of example, that the excellency of his grace might here more brightly shine forth. 2. Because the deposition herein, is in a matter on which most do stumble at the ways of God, upon that scandal of the across; and on this account it may be said, they are sent as messengers, and spies, to witness what manner of allowance he does then impart, to bear the expense of a more extraordinare time of affliction, and suffering, and what immediate support is then found above the allowance of ordinary times; that with Caleb, and Joshua, they might bear a honourable report for God unto others. 3. The credit of this testimony riseth the higher, as it hath cost them so dear, who bear the same, and hath not been easily attained, nor is an offering unto God of that which costs them nothing, who have been helped bejond others to glorify him in the fires. 4. They are such above the residue of Christians, who hath usually a record of more special confirmations, and great remarks of the way of God, in the Journal, and History of their life; I know most would fear to have a room in such a testimony, but as I doubt not there are many such witnesses this day in the earth, so I must reckon it, one of the most honourable services for God upon it, and will ere long know the full sense of that truth; when he hath tried them to bring them forth as gold Job 23: 10.  
3. And are not such specially sisted as witnesses herein, and under more singular engagements then others, who upon greater Services for God assigned to them, hath also had more then ordinare allowances, of immediate divine assistance for the same, to witness that they have not been sent hereon on their own charge, and expense; this is one of the great discoveries that the Lord gives unto men of his being God, and is a clear and demonstrative evidence of that real, and nea● communication, which the Churches head hat● with his body here on the earth. I know this hath a special respect to such, as are called of the Lord on that Service of the Ministry of his Word, wh● hath some peculiar, and distinct part allotted ta●● them as witnesses, and put on a more public● theatre before the World, to witness that absolute dependence, which the work, and service of that station hath on their great Master, and the outlettings of his Spirit both for support, and success, and what thus is found in the way of a● immediate reliance on him; for I must judge that none knows a near intercourse with God, and to be purely acted for him, on this great service, but hath some peculiar advantage bejond an● else for more singular, and rare confirmations of the truth on their own soul, and of a known, and sensible seal from God both in fruit, and acceptance of their work; and tho such who look at ●●distance, cannot discern, what may be betwixt God, and his Servants, in some public administrations of his service, as may be then evident to their soul, yet is it oft made so far discernible, as to serve an aweful sense and impression on mens spirits, of God in the Assemblies of his Church, and of the truth of supernatural assistances, and something more then human herein; nor does such a witness ever cease, tho it be now more rare then in times past, in this sad and judicial period of time, we are fallen in, when almost all sense, savour, and discerning of the Spirit of God, with public administrations of the Word, seems lost,& the wisdom of Words, or what may appear more ●neat or polished that way, is come in the room hereof, as though the alone end, of so high a service were to act a scene handsomely on a theatre that may carry the applause of the Spectators, but not mens hearts unto God; this I have looked on with no less horror then on the most visible Atheism, and profanity of these times, and one of the most dismal Signs in the public state of Religion.  
4. These also may have some higher access for such a witness, who know with evidence, the truth of immediate, and supernatural excitments, to engage upon some special work, and service for God, and to be acted forth herein under the power, and irresistible discovery of one inward call, when under greatest oppositions from their own spirit thereto, and furthest aversion of mind. This I have known in the truth hereof in most eminent examples, but the credit of such a testimony, tho in itself, founded on divine Revelation, does necessarily require such one evidence of the quality of the witnesses herein; that they be of a known tender, humble, and judicious Spirit, who are skilled both in the deep things of God, and in the deeps of Satan, who this way does oft act in the greatest deep, and mystery of delusion.  
5. There is yet something more singular in the experience of some Christians bejond others, and in such a witness, as to a special confidence, and assurance raised on their soul, of events of providence, and the issue of some remarkable case of trial, when it hath been contrare to all human appearances, and no reason from any visible airth could be given for the same; this I know may seem a strange thing in the eyes of many, nor can it possibly have that evidence, or in that manner work to others, as it is to these, who know, and have experienced the same, but we see, and are sure there hath been great attainments of such a Faith, both in Scripture examples, and uncontroverted experiments, made hereof in after times, which hath met such in the road of their duty, and in one express harmony, and correspondence with the Word, since the extent of our Faith in any particular case, must keep with the same extent, and measure of divine Revelation herein, and the Lord will be trusted for no more then he hath made warrantable by his promise. But this is a Subject, on which I may not insist further then to clear the evidence and truth of the sameon these grounds. 1. That Christians may be at such steps in their way and passage through time, and on so dark ground; yea the tide of difficulties, and amazing fears swelled to so great a hight, that if there were not a support of this kind, by one argument of power, to their soul, they should otherways be ready to sink. 2. This experiment how rare so ever it may seem to many, is no dark, or distinct thing from that seal of the spirit of promise, which we should look after; or from that promised earnest, which sometimes the Lord gives, with respect to a special mercy, and deliverance within time as well as their great interest in Heaven, tho it be not in the same degree imparted to some as to others. 3. It is also of no other kind then that settled allowance on the Saints, of the peace of God in such a measure as can raise, and fully quiet their spirit, above any sinking fears, and above the present assault they may be under, tho with such evidence then, as is not possible to attain at other times, nor can be kept clear, and comforting to themselves without much tenderness of spirit and fear. 4. Where this is known, and enjoyed in any higher degree by some then may be the allowance of others, it is assuredly found on a special& near intimacy with God, and to follow some discernible access, and special gale of the spirit of intercession in prayer, and wrestlings; so as it thus meets them in the way of a settled ordinance, and in the same way wherein we may see the Saints in Scripture have attained to a confidence of this kind; for otherways there could be no comforting evidence of its being the undoubted work of God. 5. And here must be tried,& sought for, whither the more immediate testimony of God, does then still bring the testimony of the renewed conscience alongst there with so as to clear the condition in themselves, and their claim thereto, of such a special promise, whereon their confidence hath been raised, whereby it is thus rendered to them an absolute promise; that can not possibly be frustrate. 6. I shall but add further as this rare experiment comes with such evidence of spiritual sense, as is discernible from any natural workings of mans own heart, and is that wherein the most deep enquiry and judicious trial of Christians is needful to know that its surely from God, and hath both his warrant, and seal herewith, so is it not strange that where he takes a more singular way to try and exercise some, and out of the ordinar road of his dealing with others, yea where support in the way of external providence may then cease, that this special allowance by inward evidence be something more singular also, and some higher influence of the spirit and power of believing be imparted for such a case.  
This leads me to offer some thoughts in the close upon two Proposals, which I did not intend, if from another airth, whilst I was writing this there had not occurred a special call herein, and that I judged it might not be unsuitable to the intent of this discourse.  
I. Whither there be any such seal to the truth of Christianity in these times we are now in as the Faith of Miracles, or that it be warrantable to expect such a thing from God, which lies in a particular act of trust in some special case, where a Christian may be taken off all ordinare means, and nothing but a divine immediate, and miraculous Power can answer thereto; for Answer it is clear the active Faith hereof which was once given to the Primitive Church in the workings of miracles now ceaseth, but in this passive sense, I know no time, nor age, to which it does not belong, and comes not under the Promise of God, to warrant the same in these cases.  
1. When the Lord measures out such trials to any of his people in the way of their duty, and under his special conduct, where there is no releaf, or support, but in the Faith of one extraordinar, and immediate appearance of God, and no neglect in the least; of what in the way of ordinare, and warrantable means is attainable, it is sure, there it is both warranted and requires such a Faith, yea are put by a more singular call on the trial of the same, and in this respect; I doubt not there hath been, and may yet be in the present age greater attainments of the same, then most of Christians can easily comprehend, whose trials were never brought to such a pitch, and in that manner assigned to them; since these are of the Lord measured out only according to the measure of Faith given them Rom. 12: 3.  
2. As none may abridge the Spirit of God in the freedom, and sovereignty of his work herein, whatever times men be in, so is it known and clear, that where the Lord does allot more extraordinare cases whither to Churches or particular Christians, when such are keeping close by him, and the revealed rule of their duty, there also is a more extraordinare allowance for the same, ye●● such a measure and increase of their Faith to be sought from the great author thereof, as may answer the present case, to have their strength according to their day.  
3. It is unquestionable that the Lord designs in all ages of his Church, to bring glory to himself, by such a faith as hath no ground to grip on, but one infinite and immediate power that can extend itself to the most desperate and amazing case, nor is a believing in hope, when it is to be furthest against hope, a strange and dark thing in this day, either as to the warrant hereof, or these proofs, which have been made of the same in the issue. And herein I must judge the appearance of God no less wonderful to some of his people in that which he works in them, and in that deliverance from their fears where no human Reason or Secondary causes could concur, then in that which he hath done for them in the most stupendious acts of Providence, nor does any time want some share and proper talent of this kind, if such great appearances of God were more observed, that might be singularly strenthning to the Christian Faith.  
4. Is there a real Christian this day, who is not called to such a Faith, that he shall once upon himself experience a greater miracle by a divine omnipotent Power then was yet ever wrought in the earth, which is of the Resurrection of his body, after it hath been for some ages dissolved into dust, wherein it is, by the undoubted Faith of miracles to be wrought upon himself, that his greatest support and comfort within time stands; yea if there be such a Faith in the earth, which is now still warranted, as that we have Ps. 46: 12. it must then ly in one actual trust, and reliance in a case where a miracle can only help.  
5. If possessions by the Devil were in that manner now usual as in the primitive times, it is undeniable, that the Prayer of Faith herein for dispossession were not only warranted, but expressly called for, tho the inward assurance of such a Faith may not in the same manner be given to some as to others; yet here is a special suiting from God the proof of a miracle, by his immediate Power, which they are in faith called too; and as that Prescript given by our Lord of fasting and prayer for this end does still stand in force so hath there been known public instances in these late times, of real dispossessions by prayer, and solemn addresses to Heaven herein.  
6. If the oppressed innocence of a Christian, and in such a case where the honor of God were highly concerned, should be so stated, as to be bejond human releaf for clearing the same, there might be herein an unquestionable reference to God, for his more immediate decision, and a warrantable ground to svit for the spirit of faith in such 〈◇〉 measure, as so extraordinare a trial requires, bejond what in an ordinare case is allowable, but so as to wait for ●he same, in his season and way. This I know was in the primitive times in some more singular manner made use off, when no ordinare means was attainable for the same, bu● as that could have no safe warrant, so the Law of jealousy, and trial by the waters of jealousy Numb. 5. was then temporary and is now ceased yet is this still moral herein and of perpetual use, that, God is the same who hath reserved to himself an immediate appearance of himself, whe● no ordinar means can help; yea that promise Ps. 57: 3. is expressly given for such one end of his sending from Heaven immediately to save, where no assistance on the earth is attainable, and all natural means fail.  
7. It is unquestionable that the making use of Lots( which in such a case is only safe where it is rendered absolutely necessar for a fin● determination in some great, and weighty concern is such a solemn appeal to one extraordinar decisio● of God, as the faith of his appearance by a present, and immediate sign from himself is necessary required, tho it be not by any strange or miraculous evidence yet is as truly to be taken from God in such a case, and in faith subjected to, as if some supernatural sign did accompany the same, and as no human wisdom or counsel can have place herein as to the event, so I must judge an entire acquiescence of mens spirits on such a determination, shows not only a deep and reverend Se●ce of the Majesty of God, but that this is as truly his an swer, as if they had seen fire coming down from Heaven to consume the Sacrifice, as was in the days of Elijah at mount Carmel.  
8. It may be said that the truth of such a faith hath in a special evidence, and power hereof been known when things have come to some unusual extremity in a Christians case, as could bear no delay but like that of the Disciples of Christ, help Lord ere we perish; instances of this kind have been so clear as, I judge, is not possible to deny the truth of such a seal to the Faith of Christians, were things of that nature more adverted to and observed. It is a few years past, that a famous Minister of Christ, who now is at rest in the Lord, was under such an extraordinare pain and torment by a confirmed ston in the 〈◇〉, as nature sunk wholly under the same, and as he shewed me was brought to that extremity, that he turned to God with such a cry, let not thy servant distracted, but help, for I can possibly bear no more, who said also that in the very present moment it was immediately taken off and this at once, with a perfect ease and releaf and did recur no more till the day of his death, which was sometime after: this as I had from himself, so was it from one that none in the age he lived in, I could have credited more, and could leave no room for doubting that such a return in the present act of prayer, at so great a height, and extremity of pain, without any natural cause and mean, was immediately from God, and supernatural. I knew also with assurance such an instance, in a Mnister of the gospel, who was seized in the Sabath morning, with an extraordinar colic, which grew upon him to that height, as in an ordinare way rendered 〈◇〉 not possible to go forth upon the public work o● the day, which then lay upon him, and to a grea● Auditory at that time, so that whilst he essaye● to ●ise, he was pressed to take his bed again, 〈◇〉 very few minutes before the set time for going to Church, but whilst he presented the case 〈◇〉 God, upon the interest of his service, it was in a moment taken off, not by any gradual a● atement of such a distemper, but entirely ●●once, so as he never had more sweet access ar● freedom to go forth on the work of the Lor● both at that diet, and in the following part● the public work; and this also was, when 〈◇〉 outward mean was concurring herein; as it 〈◇〉 clear, that the passive Faith, which Christ did specially require for an immediate cure from himself Matth 9. was this, believest thou that I am able to help, when no ordinare means can do; so I doubt not this was in some measure acted in both these instances, leaving room for omnipotency to act in such an exigence.  
9 Nor hath there been wanting eminent proofs of this kind of special applications of Faith, made unto God by prayer in behalf of others under diseases; where ordinare means hath been laid aside, and the case past all hope, and of such returns by a present restoring, and under such evidence as enforced the conviction hereof, upon mens conscience that we may see how in some strange cases of this kind the true cause, and the Lords design herein does not until then break up, according to that John 9: 3. That the work of God might be thus made manifest in them.  
10 I may further add, if there were this day a new erection, and settlement of some particular Church from amongst infidels, and the commission for this end of Ministers of Christ made evident, and clear to go forth on such a service, where no natural and ordinare means of conviction were attainable, I doubt not but something in a more extraordinare way, of the faith of miracles, and immediate appearances of God herein might be expected, as in the primitive times, when on the same ground it was let forth. Nor can it be found there hath been any particular Church of Christ without some extraordinare seal of this kind, especially in the first entry and erection of the same; nor is there any time or age of the Church, wherein the clear sense of that Scripture Mark 9: 23.— all things are possible to them that believe, does not take place: which is that no measure of trial or difficulties, whither as to Churches or particular Christians in the way of their duty, can be at such an height, as to restrain or set bounds to the work of Faith on an infinite divine power, tho all natural or second causes should cease, yea that there is no case so singular, wherein the warrant of a divine Promise herein, and a Christians Faith, should not be of the same extent.  
The II. Proposal that I shall briefly touch, as it thus follows upon the former, is whither in these last times the Lord does appear by any such extraordinare signs, that are public in the sight of the World, and bring near such discoveries of his Godhead in any special acts of Providence, as may bear the same evidence of miracles. For Answer; it is sure, the Lord does not reveal himself this way, but on some great and extraordinare ground, who hath settled the faith of his Church absolutely on his revealed truth, yet may it be said, that no age is left without some witness of such a kind; if there were not a sad inadvertence, and shutting of mens eyes, when the Lord is going by them in any great acts of his power, but as to this Proposal I shall only point at some instances, that seem to have least suitable regard or notice, and to be past by with most.  
1. Can there be a serious judgement and reflection on that great and amazing stroke of the Pestilence, and not see an extraordinar appearance of God herein, and of its being a judgement of that kind, in some more remarkable times wherein it is let forth, as goes above all natural causes, and all may see the immediate hand of God herein both in its ris●, progress, and swift spreading as a lightning, through Cities or Countries, in its passing by some more then others where no cause can appear, so as men must see its being sent with commission from Heaven, and a supernatural causality, as visibly as if they had stood with David, and the Elders of Israel 2 Samuel 29: 17. to see the Angel that smote the People between the Heaven, and the Earth; upon which account David did choice rather to come under this stroke then the Sword or Famine, because it was in a more immediate way the hand of the Lord, and where there is a more then ordinare near approach, and discovery of himself unto men.  
2. It is of public and uncontrollable evidence, that miraculous, and immediate witness from Heaven in the bleading of the bodies of men on the touch of the murderer in such cases, where no ordinare means can bear evidence. I will not speak of the warrantable use of such an appeal where the revealed rule of our faith, and practise is not express herein; but as its undoubted, in the truth and reality of the same, where no human witness could answer to this end, so is it surely ane● immediate, visible, and extraordinare sign from Heaven given in the sight of the World,& from him who maketh inquisition for blood, in a most singular way, and a sign which in every time is made evident.  
3. There is also the certainty of extraordinare Revelation, and of the truth of a prophetic Spirit imparted to some as to special events of Providence, which is so known and of that evidence as no age of the Church hath been without instances hereof, what I mean hereby as to that more singular way of the Lords revealing himself, to some of his Servants by a more extraordinar application of his Word, is such as in the truth and certainty hereof can leave no room for doubtfulness; tho on the other hand, as to the way and dismal trade of divination, that hath got up in the World, by seeking a Divinity either from the Stars above or the Powers of darkness below, it may be clearly seen is one of the great designs of Satan, not only to countersite the way of the Lord herein, but to bring men unto a more direct homage to himself; but I mention this instance only as it is so great, and unquestionable a demonstration of God, and of his giving in every age some extraordinare seal of this kind.  
I shall but mention here one remarkable passage of which I am to the furthest persuaded, that may seem strange, with respect to this late great Revelution in the State of Britain; how it was expressly foretold under its proper circumstances many years past; and was one of the first passages of any weight that hath been still fixed in my remembrance; of a relation I had from one ancient, and eminent Minister of Christ of a Prediction imparted to him by one of an extraordinar, and prophetic Spirit in that time; that so great, a Scene of Providence should be acted in Britain, and change in the public face of affairs by the coming over of a Prince of Orange, who should be the great Instrument, and Actor therein; and tho some particulars relating thereto I cannot exactly remember, yet this in the substance with such one express designation as I have now mentioned hath from my young years had a settled impression in my memory, and as I am sure and persuaded of the truth hereof, and that the foresaid Relater had such a Prediction long before there was any alliance betwixt the House of Britain and of Orange; yea am sure this did exceed the reach of human apprehension at that time, from any rise or tendency of natural causes in the order and series thereof; so is it not now mentioned after the event only, but what several years before, I gave one account and relation off to some of great quality, who still know the same, when there was not the least appearance of such a thing, tho I could lay no further weight thereon, which seemed so strange and improbable, but that the thing in itself as to the truth of such a Prediction was real.  
4. That there are supernatural warnings hath been given to men by some special instinct and impression not only of the approach of some great, and extraordinar trial with respect to themselves, but of the near approach of their death, yea to some, the precise time hereof is a truth so known in the World, and with that undeniable evidence as might fully convince those of the most doubtful, and suspicious Spirit in things of that nature, and were it suitable here, I might give special instances which I have surely known of this kind with respect to such, who were both pious and of great composure in their judgement, who hath had such persuasion fixed on them without the least presage from any natural cause, or what i● one ordinary way could give a rise thereto, as it did after fall out in the event.  
5. That there are also extraordinare signs, and forewarnings given the World of great Revolutions and Judgments, ere they came on particular nations by prodigies and signs from Heaven, is of that public evidence, and certainty as would seem not possible to question: if some methods of opposition to God both in his Word and Works were not peculiar to this age, and the spirit thereof this way bejond any that hath gone before, for what may be supposed and misjudged by many on such one account through ignorance and unacquaintance with natural causes, and the extent thereof, is not to be questioned, but from this, will men debate or discredit a truth that all ages must witness, and these of the most cautious and discerning amongst men, how such solemn forewarnings from Heaven by extraordinar signs, and prodigies, hath been still previous to public changes and revolutions, and to any great calamities, and judgements. Its sure these are no imaginary things, but are direct for some special end, and are sometimes in such a manner visible to the experience of the World, as hath not been in like manner known for some ages past, as that late Comet 81. yea occur not according to the settled constitutions of nature, but come both with an surprising aspect, and are expressly formed and directed of the Lord for some higher end then to be an empty show, and wonder to the World; but when the Word of truth, and threatenings thereof ceaseth to warn or be matter of trembling, and the Atheistick contempt, and derision of the Works of God is in this day at such a height, its like the door may be now judicially shut on any extraordinar presages or warnings this way until one prodigy of some unusual judgement come, that will not be baffled by men.  
Whilst I speak on such a Subject; I know there is a strange thing that comes under the notion, by many, of a miracle, tho matter of very ordinate thoughts with others, and of a light and common regard about the same, which is in that strange, and astonishing cure of the Struma, or as its termed the Kings evil by a touch of the hand only, without any application of ordinary means; that here is no imposture in the truth of such a thing, but that many have been undoubtedly healed by this touch of the Kings of England, is not questionable, which is of so public, and known evidence in the trial of numerous instances, yea that here is something supernatural, and unaccountable to human understanding on principles of reason; when its one of the most conrumacious diseases of mens body, that in the ordinare use o● means is found the most difficult to cure; but since any extraordinar effect should led men to ● deep enquiry, and trial about the cause hereof, and have the more weight in such a case that a miraculous work, where it is in truth, is Gods own seal, which he doth rarely give but on some great, and important ground, where his glory and the interest of his truth is highly concerned; yea that its sure, where he intends such a miraculous discovery of himself to confirm the faith of his people, he gives it with the clearest evidence of his work, and a concurrence of such circumstances, as may serve conviction on all, whose impress and signature it bears, to difference the same from any imposture, or its being a diabolic sign and work, and so this calls for a just enquiry, and trial in the present case in these respects. 1. To know its true rise and original, which I find in the English Chronicles to be dated from the time of Edward the Confessor, when Antichristian darkness was then at his greatest height, it being in the 1042 Year, when he began to reign, and when that Prediction of the Apostle thessaly 2: 2. of a more then ordinary power and working of Satan, with signs and lying wonders to promote the Antichristian interest, was then taking place; and was in that sense only admit to confirm the Romish Faith by such a strange miracle. 2. This Inquiry should be necessar herein, whither this pretended miraculous power belong to the Crown only, or hath respect to the Quality, and Holiness of the persons who wear the same, since if it be to the first, then tho one Infidel, or mahometan were established on the Throne, if this gift follow the same it must needs be derived to them also, and have such a high privilege annexed thereto, as the Throne of Israel never had, when a David, and Solomon sate thereon tho endowed with one extraordinare Unction; but if it respect the Quality and Holiness of the persons, it surely must render this no less difficult, that not only such as King Henry the VIII. and his Daughter Queen Mary, besides many others, yea Richard the III. should on this account have the active faith of miracles, and be empoured herewith from God for working of the same: besides this it is known that the French Kings claim the same privilege and power as peculiar to them alone, and may not on this ground Lewis the XIV this day be reckoned a fit instrument for such a healing miracle, and to bring a just repute and credit thereto. 3. But whence is it that such a hereditary gift should not fail, and be cut off by the departure of England from the Romish Church, since the first holding hereof was upon their adherence to the same, and as a confirmatory seal to the Romish Profession, or that it should now control the end for which it was given; I know what some Popish Writers say hereon, that this miracle is not now performed by such who have apostatised from that faith, virtute propria, said virtute signicrucis, but there needs no such Salvo, as to reckon its being alienate now from serving for the same use, and end it did before, nor to have another rise if it were seriously pondered. 4. But what interest in this cure hath the use of such a ri●e in applying with the touch a Medal of Gold to the Patient therewith, or what virtue can this Amulet impart, and so great a care taken, that they should not lose it; since it is sure this is not given out of charity to there outward want, except it be from ostentation to show they are endowed with a gift which the Apostles had not when they cured the lame man, and could make use of no such assistance of Silver or Gold herein Act. 3, 5. If the application of one extraordinar gift for healing diseases without the use of natural means be an ought to warrant the same, and that such a cure is wrought without any further enquiry as to the cause and ground whereon it hath such an effect, it is then sure, the Devil, and these Powers of darkness may have a public and easy market in the Christian Church, and exact an uncontrolled homage and subjection to them this way, the extent of whose power for curing of diseases is bejond our reach, but since such a miraculous gift of healing if it be of God should be tried in the truth thereof, how it can answer to such peculiar evidences, and criteria of the same, as by the infallible rule, and light of the Scripture may be clear; it were suitable to try herein, if this be indeed given to confirm and seal a divine testimony or any truth of the written Word; if it come with that solemn and convincing evidence so as to serve a deep and reverend sense of the Majesty of God on mens spirit, by such a discovery of himself, and to promote piety, and more firm adherence to the truth amongst men, as the native effect that should follow a true miracle, and so extraordinary a seal, if it serve also to comptrol the Kingdom of Satan, and strengthen the Christian Faith in opposition to Antichristian darkness, and Idolatry; yea if these who are thus empoured for so miraculous a cure have something suitable on their part of qualifications, to such whom God hath ever made use off to work miracles, otherwise it serves only to expose so great a seal to the Christian Faith, wherein the Majesty of God in so august, and solemn a way is revealed, unto the highest contumely and reproach. 6. Though this hath been a continued practise, and that the matter of Fact, and notority of experience herein in the truth of such a cure is not questioned, yet if it be essentially requisite, that such as claim to this power, should do it in the Faith of a divine Warrant, and assurance that it is of God, with an immediate reliance on a special outletting of some extraordinar power from him herein, and of his call to rest on the same, when it is without respect to any institute& natural means, yea that there spirit in such a case should be suited to so extraordinare a work, I judge it should then quickly cease; as on the other hand that these who are diseased, and apply themselves to such a cure, should know the warrant of their faith herein, else it were as justifiable to go to Loretta on such an account, or to such who pretend by spells, and charms, to work extraordinary cures without any ordinary means for the same. This is not to detract in the least from any just right or privilege of Soveraing Princes, and I judge these who are now on the Throne of Britain might lay as just a claim from personal qualifications thereto, as any have gone before, but in giving to Caesar what is due unto him, we must not invade that Royalty, and Prerogative which belongs to God only, or to pretend to his seal, and make use of it without his express warrant. If any Protestant Writer have spoken their thoughts on such a head, I have as yet seen none; bu●some time past, I was necessary called by a person of great worth, to impart my light herein, they being then much perplexed in spirit with respect to a near relation of theirs, in order to their using such a mean; and how small a reckoning may be made by many, yet I find it related of that Famous Christian Mrs. Honywood, that the first rise of these terrors of conscience which keeped her so long, was from consulting some mean as to the recovery of a child, in a way that was out of the road of ordinar means, and made her fear afterwards lest Satan might have a hand therein.  
But I shall now cease to speak more on this subject; and only shut up with some Reflections further which have been matter of serious thoughts to me.  
I. Whence it is that such who are of the most trying and comprehensive spirit hath usually been under greatest weight and exercise of mind, about their establishment in the Christian Faith more ●en any others: but herein it may be easy to see, and discern the true cause thereof, 1. How it is sure, the more attaimment of light and knowledge is upon the greatness of their Faith, that a higher admiration and astonishment must needs follow thereon; it was this which above all the wonders and depths of nature, did swallow up the spirit of a Solomon, and put him into such an exstacy, when he once begun to fix on this Subject, but will God indeed dwell, with men on the earth, yea will the eternal Son of God take up his abode, and dwell in such a tabernacle as the human nature, and become truly man which is specially there imported 2 Chron 6: 18. 2. It is these only who have their souls seized with a deeper sense then others, of the high, and wonderful consequence of such a Faith, as to themselves, and what is their personal interest herein; on which their souls venture for eternity lies; so as it is not strange, that they can not possibly enjoy the comfort of such a Faith under any doubtful suspense this way, or have their souls at rest, with that manner of assent wherewith most satisfy themselves in this day. 3. Yea it is these alone, who have another Idea of Religion, and the wonders of the Christian Faith settled on their spirit, then the residue of men, who thus see what great things are before them, and shortly to come to pass, and how such a Faith is not easily attained; but that a continued weight, and exercise herein on their spirits becomes unavoidable. And tho Sir to one of such a spirit, as I know you are off, there needs little be said of this kind, yet when I look on the face of this Generation, even of thē more serious part of men herein, it would appear that most were rather in a sleep and dream, then awake; else were it conceivable, how they could find it easy to bear, and stand under the weight of such discoveries, without almost fainting under the greatness hereof, if they be indeed assured of such things as these. 1. That within a little time, their eyes are to be for ever shut on this earth. and in one moment opened on that entry which is into another World, and on that hide, and marvellous passage, which lies betwixt the earth, and the higher Paradise above, which is in the thrid Heavens, and will then know what it is to see with clear, and preceptible evidence ther conduct, and convoyance by the blessed Angels, and the manner of their ascent through these etherial Regions, in every step of the same, their begun acquaintance, and society with these glorious spirits, which shall be without fear, and consternation, as when they were in the body, and at last that unconceivable reception by the blessed Trinity; now is it possible, that men here on the earth can with assurance entertain their souls with such great things as before them, and near, and yet in an ordinare way converse with the same. 2. Is it a light or small thing to live in the Faith of such a Triumph, as is reserved to each of the Saints in the issue of their warfare, when the God of Peace shall tread Satan under their feet, and shall enter them into the overcomers joy, with that public testimony, well done good, and faithful servant &c. before the whole Church of the redeemed there, and then to be called to a peculiar assignment of their room, and station in that blessed state answerable to their services and attainments of grace here, when they shall see the end of the Lord in his whole conduct and methods of providence about them within time, which once seemed incomprehensible to their thoughts. 3. Yea what is it to be in the serious exercise of such a Faith, that in a short time there shall be a final translation of the whole Church militant from this earth to these higher Regions of glory, where no more distance of place, and but one Church and Society for ever, where our blessed Redeemer shall then rejoice in his whole puchase, whom he had bought at so dear a price, and presented without spot, or blemish unto the Father; and where the whole elect from Abell, the first of human race, that entred Heaven, and the first member of the Church triumphant there, to the l●st, who was called by the gospel, shall meet once and for ever together. 4. And are there such now on the earth, who shall ere long see themselves in the same state and class with the elect Angels, who could not in this state of mortality bear the sight, or apparition of one of these glorious spirits; yea shall enjoy them in the same intimacy of fellowship as these that were redeemed from amongst men; and tho with humble sobriety, I would offer any thoughts on so high a mystery, yet seems it safely warranted to judge, that as each of these blessed spirits, is a distinct person from other, endowed with a most excellent life, and understanding, tho in some different degree of exaltation, as to their office and services, so are they one undoubted part of the Church, over which Christ is the supreme Head; wherein at that last and great Jubilee, even in something of a glorious corporeal frame, there may be a likeness, and conformity to him, in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, and for a more near oneness, and Communion with the Saints made perfect, who shall then not only be like, but equal to the Angels, which otherwise could not be well understood, since it is sure their bodies, though then spiritual and glorious, will be the same in substance that they were here, and will not be only spirits. 5. And what a wonder of our Faith should it be that ere long this also shall be the object of mens sense, the conflagration of this whole earth; that earth, on which most of the generations of men had settled their Heaven, to goody it all burnt up before them, and herein the fi●al issue of their hopes, and projects upon the ●me, whilst nothing to such will then further ●emain, but to enter themselves into everlasting flames. 6. Is it a small thing to enjoy such a Faith here on the earth, as that reunion, which they shall then have with so endeared a part of themselves, their body, and what a meeting that must be after so dark a parting, and separation; these very bodies which had been partners with them, both in their work and services, and in all their sufferings within time; which they can now embrace never to part with, to partake of the same eternal enjoiments, and which will be then no let to their ascent to meet the Lord in the air. 7. Can it possibly be a subject of ordinare thoughts or assent, that men now on the earth, shall shortly see the glory and state of the last judgement, and of their blessed Head on that Throne of His Majesty, yea thus see at once, the whole generations of men, and these who sometime were the greatest Monarchs here, presented then to be judged; and to see such a solemn particular, and distinct judgement past on each according to their deeds, and work within time; and in that blessed order wherein the whole Saints, and each personally of these, having a distinct part herein, shall be first acquitt, approven, and accepted in the face of this great Assembly, with the public testimony of the Judge, according to the measure of their service and trials for his sake, whilst they were in the World; and next in the condemnatory part of that judgement to see the whole fallen Angels, who first sinned have the first final sentence past on them; as it was thus intimate after the fall of man,& the whole successive race of mankind, each in their order, with that full evidence, of the Holy Righteousness of the Judge herein, as shall irresistibly constrain their conscience to bear witness thereto. 8. Yea what a concern of the Christian Faith lies here, of that eternal separation and parting, which will then follow betwixt the elect, and reprobate World, with that dreadful dismission to these infernal Regions, and with this sight to see sin, which made its first entry in Heaven amongst the Angels, and hath since so much overspread the earth, now for ever shut up in hell, both sin, and sinners together, never more to look out at the grace of these prisons.  
But II. There is another thing with respect to this Subject, which hath been to me oft matter of serious thoughts, whence is it that in so knowing an age as this, we see how such as are greatest pretenders to reason, and to a higher flight then others this way are more visibly then any else of an Atheistick Spirit, and to be a length herein bejond any else on that design, how to weaken both their own assent, and others to the Christian Faith, and to render the same so far as possibly they can, to be problematick and doubtful; but it is sure here is nothing to stumble, but what may rather be strenthning to any of a serious spirit, and needs be no strange thing, when such are as tender as possible, to mar their enjoiments of this present life, who hath no more; or to let their thoughts come near to what must needs torment them before the time: whilst their reason serves them for such an use, and constrains their conscience herein, that they must either be Christians in earnest, or none at all, yea that under such bright discoveries of the truth of the gospel, they must see it is not compatible with reason, how there should be amids betwixt a truly serious Christian, who believes, what he does profess; and a rosolved Atheist whose work lies to have the dread of such a Faith wholly extinguished. I knew a most remarkable Atheist endued with special natural accomplishments, who on the same account said to a person of quality, if I did truly believe what you profess to do, they are matters of so great concern, that I do profess I could think upon nothing else or be taken up thus, as the most of Christians are, with the things of this World; so as I cannot possibly credit you in the Faith of your own Profession. And herein can any exerce reason, and not see the Faith of Christianity, is another thing, then most this day did ever conceive it to be, and a much higher attaimment, then a Christians particular interest herein, for where the first is assuredly attained, it may seem not possible, but the other must follow, that mens greatest business of the earth, should be to have a sure evidence for Heaven, and to be ripening for so great a change. I have known some whose trials, and conflicts in their warfare hath been extraordinare, and strange, who hath professed their highest releaf still lay herein, from the Faith of divine truth more then as to any particular promise made applicable to such a case, and would have sought no more to carry their spirits above the present temptations that occurred though they were not ordinary, or to be at rest as to all temporal events, but a more full strenthning in the Christian Faith, and that their Redeemer did live, since then they were in sure terms, as to their security for whatever he hath promised.  
III. But I must add yet one thing further which seems indeed a prodigy, proper to such an age as this, that it s become so hard a work to bring men living in the day light of the gospel to a serious believing the truth, and existence of infernal spirits, and of their commerce, and traffic with this visible World; or to bring such who seem greatest pretenders to reason, to the Faith of devils, lest they should thus be unavoidably brought to that Faith of the devils, which is to believe, and tremble, which surely is an unconceavable and extreme horror that these Apostate Spirits have herein, whilst their assent to the glorious being of God, to his attributes, yea to the truth, and History of the gospel, is by such one inevitable constraint, that as there is no possible access for them to be Atheists, so is their dread, and torment heigtned being such knowing intellectual essences, as that power, and subtlety of delusion whereby they deal with mankind will not work on themselves. This I must judge, to be the last effort of the horrid wickedness of this present age● to strengthen such a way, and since such a party can have no help or support from faith, and reason herein, and yet find the assured truth, and being of Divels, and of their communion, and warfare with men, does mar any possible defence or design for Atheism, and a taking off the terror of one infernal state, off their soul, they must therefore move to another airth, which i● to believe nothing but what they see and feel, and comes under a sensible demonstration to warrant the same: for this is to make sure work at once against the whole Christian Faith, and shut the door on any way of conviction thence; thus they keep a distance with the being of their own souls, as if it were some dark, and abstract notion, because it comes not under their sense; they can live at quiet, and be secure from the fear of a Hell, and infernal world, or exclusion out of Heaven until they once meet with such an argument, as to make them both see, and feel the truth hereof; but oh they seem not to apprehended how sore the application of this argument will be, when they at last find its in vain to reject the conclusion, where the premises are sure. There is one of late, who is come forth in the day light of Christianity, in a book lately published, to undeceive the World upon so great a delusion, as to these invisible powers of darkness, and tho he seems to find it difficult how to annihilate, and make voided wholly their existence, yet doth offer with a strange confidence to secure men from any fear of the moiestations of such Spirits, and that all inward temptations or assaults of Satan, and his operating upon the souls of men, is but a deplorable fascination, and bewitchment, that the Christian Church hath been so long under. It might be judged, there were little need for such a work to take this generation we are now in off all watch, and guard against these destroying adversaries, and to render them more secure herein, then they seem already to be; and that this confidence, must have some strange rise, to go forth not only in the most direct opposition to Sacred Truth, but to the universal sense, and reason of mankind, except he hopes to find a numerous party, who hath given up with both, and will easily grasp at such a bait tho they should see the hook that will at last destroy them. But do these mighty hunters, and destroyers of mankind the Divels, come so little speed in their work this day, that they must have a Protestant Minister of the Church come forth before the Sun to offer his assistance to help them forward herein, or if he deny such one intent, what security will he offer to secure men, from a hazard that's more dreadful then the killing of their body, and is of an eternal concern; is he empoured with authority from these infern● Regions, I confess on these grounds he may have advantage to give such one assurance. 1. That the strong man whilst he keeps the house, will be very tender to trouble their peace over whom he sways, with an uncontrolled Dominion, and that he will not affright, nor awake men out of such a pleasant dream, who hath set their heart wholly on the world,& whose portion is in this life, until they be awaked for ever out of the same. 2. He may give full assurance also that the Prince of this World is at no war, nor needs be with such as are joined in with his interest, and at the same work to promote the Kingdom of darkness, and seeks not to have them tormented before the time. 3. But there is this ground, I must ●udge he specially goes on; that he will be easily credited on such a Subject as this, and knows how small a patrociny, will serve to promote a design for Atheism, and could fall upon nothing, which would be more grateful to a great part now who bear the name of Protestants; but whilst he calls them to lay aside their armor, such as Christians are expressly called to put on Ephes. 5: 11. will he secure them when it comes to the last battle, and conflict, from their being seized by such infernal Spirits in their entry into another World, whom they did once deride, and that the truce which was with them on the earth, will not break up then: if he had restricted this new discovery to the world, of one absolute security from the Power of Satan, and his molestations, to belong only to the Place, and City he lives in, it might have seemed to be on a politic interest, to render it, as a place of such eminent trade, to be the only safe, and most desirable part of the earth; but he hath extended it to be universal to all other places, and to be a catholic good, and privilege. There needs no question, but that such a person himself must be in a deep quiet, and under no touch of these assaults and temptations others are exposed to; tho one thing he may fear in the managing of so strange a design, and in such a manner, that these knowing and active spirits, for whom he acts, may not reckon their service much advanced, when there is as little of the subtlety of the Serpent herein, as of the innocence of the dove. It is true there is an invisible guard, and hedge about each one of the Saints over which Satan cannot pass, but by the measures of divine permission; nor is it expressible how much Christians of the choicest Spirits are bettered, and improven in their graces by the worst of Spirits, and in their continued warfare with them; and its sure they are reserved in chains of darkness to the judgement of the great day, but how far their chain is oft let forth, and enlarged in judgement to the world, may be too evident every where in the sad effects thereof, and it now appears, that their chain hath not been more remarkably lengthened out these many ages past, then in this day. I wish the Writer of such a Book might seriously repent, and so far retract what he hath published, as might thus turn such a poison unto one antidote against itself, for I judge he durst not put such Divinity in his Testament, that he hath written in this Book.  

POSTSCRIPT.  
SIR,  
IT may seem strange, not only the lengthening of this Discourse so far, but in insisting most specially upon that Head of the internal Work, and Demonstrations of the Spirit of God on mens soul; but as I may with humble confidence say this was under the sense of some peculiar engagements to such a Subject; so I shall make this further Apology for the same. 1. That since ever I accounted the Profession of Christ a serious business, I have judged it not conceivable how Christians should have one assent to the truth of the gospel or be at rest herein, until it once be brought up to a full, and quieting assurance on that security, to which they must concredite themselves for ever, and thus know the strength, and sureness of the foundation of their Faith by its own evidence; that tho it be not yet full, whilst we are here in the way of enjoyment, yet is it undoubtedly full in the truth, and certainty of evidence; I have judged it also an addition to the greatest joy which I could have within time, whatever might be a further strenthning to such a Faith, and hope we are called to by the gospel of Christ, so as not to lose any fragment of this kind, which might tend to a more full establishment, and does reckon this the credit, and glory of our Religion, that in no other way it doth require acceptance of men, but with a full assurance of understanding, and the furthest conviction of evidence; as being designed no less to found a rational certainty in the judgement, then to determine the will or consent for embracing the same; yea on this account it hath been oft matter of astonishment, how in the teaching, and ministerial work, which God hath appointed for his Church, the primary truths of Religion should not be more held forth to men with that clearness of evidence and demonstration, as such great, and marvellous things require, and the temper of this age calls for; or how the great things of God, that are of the highest consequence, and reality, can have any possible reception from men by one implicit or ordinare assent; or whence it is, that with most it seems their work seems wholly set on the noetick, when so little on the dianoetick part of Divinity: but on the other hand I must also witness, that if ever I knew what it was to attain one inward assurance of the truth, and revelation of Christ, and to be at rest herein; that the eternal Son of God was revealed from Heaven in our nature to save lost man, and that there is a state of grace here, and of glory hereafter; I have found that no light, or conviction of judgement, tho with such evidence as could leave no room for doubtfulness in the same, can effectually work without the internal evidence, and demonstration of the Spirit of God, and a supernatural power both to beget, and strengthen such a Faith in the soul; yea that without this, the furthest of objective evidence to cause irresistibly a clear and rational assurance of divine truth, tho it were followed with a dispensation of miracles, will not quiet the Spirit of such, who under some deep exercise may be haunted with hide, and dreadful temptations to infidelity, until they know the truth of a power, and evidence, as goes above any moral influence. It is true this is not expressible to others, and they must come and see, who would know in what manner the Spirit of God bears evidence to his own truth, and what strong impression his work hath on the internal Senses of a Christian, yea what piercing intelligences are betwixt such, who surely know, and are partakers of a divine life, and their blessed Head in this state of mortality, but if this were not known and sure, we might say one established Christian whose work is to follow the Lord fully, and adventure with assurance upon him, is such as might be sought for here in the earth, but would not be found. 2. If I be persuaded of the truth, and Excellency of Religion, I must see this to be of as unden●able evidence, that it hath no true or solid interest in the Earth, but in the way of trial and experience in it's power and efficacy on mens soul; and makes no real ground or conquest, by an external profession, or can serve to eternal ends, until once that radical principle of the life of God in the sou●l be understood; that choice company who are now going through time to the Church triumphant upon fresh and continued supplies of divine assistance, are these alone in whom the Christian faith is kept alive this day on the earth, and it is one of the things I have thought most astonishing in the public State of Religion, that in an age, when reason is so much pretended, men can design a trial of the enjoyment of a Heaven for ever in another World, and yet hath not the same design on a personal trial of the enjoyments of grace here, to know converse with God in the spirit, and the certainty of that trade and commerce, which is betwixt Heaven and Earth whilst we are yet on it, that are things so highly remote from all human lence. 3. It hath prest me to insist more on this subject, that this way is so visibly gathering strength, and seems to have the greatest prevalence now in the Reformed Churches, how to divide the moral part of our Religion in the duties and services thereof, from its internal and vital part, so as this mortal contagion hath got in on the light and principles of this Generation, that if there were not an absolute assurance by the promise of God, we might fear truth and piety should quickly perish from the earth. Oh what a strange& prodigious opposition is this! against the whole internal work& vitals of that pure and excellent Religion, wherein both the comfort and glory of human state lies,& how is't conceivable men should be here capable of converse with God in the spirit, if there were not a conformity to him in the same kind by a participation of the divine nature; yea if there were not so rare a being on the earth as the new man, which is born of God, and his immediate workmanship, which hath its peculiar growth& vital acts proper thereto, and in that sense as it's contradistinguished from the old man cannot possibly sin itself, tho it be formed in the heart of a sinner, and hath it's being therein, no more then the life of God, which is a partaking of the divine nature, can put forth any act of sin, but hath a continued conflict therewith; and thus tends to give the clear sense of that Scripture 1 John 5: 18. we know that whatever is born of God sinneth not,& Rom 7: 20. It is no more I, but sin that duelleth is me, nam unumquodque operatur secundum sua● formam; for if this stood not sure, the whole frame of experimental Religion, were an unaccountable riddle.    

A SECOND LETTER Wherein some Inquiry upon the times, and the work of Providence about the Church; but more specially with respect to the public State of Britain and Ireland in this last age, is seriously designed.  
SIR,  
I may truly say, it did raise a special value and esteem on my spirit, to meet with one in such a day, who hath so great a weight and impression of the p●blick State of the Church, and a sense of the present times, so far above the ordinare thoughts of men; when they seem so rare who look further then present things, either to what is past in these extraordinar times have gone over this Generation, or who hath another judgement and Prognostication of what may be near,& yet before us, then from visible and natural causes. But though I must decline an answer to what you are pleased more particularly to propose, under a just sense of my unfitness herein, yet so far as I have attained in the matter of light upon a more general account with respect to the Work of God in these great changes past, I am free to impart myself, and to offer humbly some few thoughts on such a Subject, which hath had most special evidence and weight on my spirit in the present day.  
I. I doubt not you make the same judgement, and reckoning of this with more advantage then I can reach, that one of the most choice and weighty exercises of a Christian, whilst he is within time, lies in a deep and serious observation of the times he is fallen in, not only with respect to the administration of Providence in human affairs, but what does more eminently relate to the Churches of Christ, and where their lot is cast; since this is one essential part of Religion, as it's also one of the most choice of human excellencies, to discern and observe wisely the ways of the Lord. But I can only show you some of these things in a short touch, which I have found most engaging to such an Inquiry in this day. 1. That as each distinct age hath a proper Talent given thereto, under trust for observation of such events of Providence, wherein the name of God is more near unto men in any singular way, then in the ordinare course of his actings, so hath the great Author of time choised to put a higher Glory upon one age, and period of time, then another, wherein it might be said that the measure of one is five Talents, as to more solemn appearances of the Majesty of God in his Providential Actings, when the measure of other times hath been this way but as two Talents. Such a differencing mark had that age of the Churches coming out of Egypt, beyond all which had gone before; yet was this comparatively little with respect to that glory, which was reserved to the fullness of time, when our blessed Redeemer did appear to the World. And it's clear how in these later times, that age which had it's first entry from the Year 15 17. had a higher splendour put thereon, then had been known for a thousand Years preceding the same; but when I have thought on the way and conduct of Providence, and marvellous discoveries of God herein to this Generation, I could not but see something in a most singular way of his appearance before the World to the same, as seems but yet little understood, tho this may be seen, that we have surely lived in an age of wonders 2. I have looked on such an exercise, to discern, and understand a right the times we are in, as one of the most singular means for strenthning a Christians Faith on the certainty of sacred truth; when with these more immediate discoveries of God in the way and administration of grace by his spirit on mens sonll, which is wholly hide from the World, they can see in what manner his truth does visibly take place, and is attested by an external seal in the glory of his work before men, and I am persuaded none thus did ever pursue a more near acquaintance with God, but hath had some peculiar strengthening remarks of his way, that have been hide from others, tho of a serious spirit otherwise. 3. It is such who have some greater weight of this choice study, and their spirits more fully joined in therewith then others, who may attain more clear discoveries of light, for directing them to the duties and work of such a time; and on this account I fear that there i● much yet this day in the dark to us, and not understood, what hath been the Voice of the Lord for answering the great ends of his Providence, tho it hath been clear and distinct, where mens spirits were laid open to entertain the same. I confess it is not strange as to the greatest part of men this day, tho they keep at the furthest distance from what might bring near an affecting sense of a Godhead to their soul in the ways of Providence, who are resolute not to see, or be persuaded of what doth torment them hereby, whose great study is to live without God in the World, and seem emulous of these who can be most ingenious and expert, to confirm their hearts against all that is sacred. 4. But I am sure, it is something much higher then any interest of men or of Nations, or the greatest changes in the posture of human affairs, which should bear the greatest weight in this exercise to understand the times we are in, and for a suitable observation thereof, if men could once reckon that their great business in the earth lies with God, and in keeping sight of him in the outgoings of his Providence, since the hidden wisdom of God in a Mystery is to be seen and sought out in his Works, as well as in his Word; it's true public Revolutions, and the fall and setting up of great men are things highly observable and momentous, but they are neither seen or understood, when they make not way for some greater sight of the Majesty of God, and the signal retaliations of Judgement herein,& what peculiar aspects such strange Revolutions of Providence hath on the present Generation.  
II. Though it might seem unsuitable to offer any special Remarkes and Observations upon this late time, to one of so discerning a spirit, of things of that nature; yet knowing how a mutual communication of light, about the Work of God, and his actings in our day, is so incumbent a duty, I shall point at a few things, wherein I have desired to admire and observe the way of Providence in this remarkable age, but in the first place more generally touch such a Head, ere I speak in some particular way thereto.  
1. When we see the series of these times, and different measures of trial and service assigned thereto, since that blessed rise, and recovery of the Church from Antichristian darkness, there might be seen also a growing increase of light, which in this age hath had such one advance, as it could not but be expected, that the Lord was to takesome higher proofs of the improvements thereof from this Generation then of these past, after such great things he had done for a full settlement of the Reformed Churches; when he had opened the graves of his people, and sent forth his Prisoners by the blood of the Covenant,& the truth had made way for its self over mountains, which once seemed insuperable; yea when this also is an age, where in a great concurrence of the Prayers of the Saints in times before, was to meet for the Churches interest; so that, unanswerableness to the expectation of God herein, and to frustrate such eminent methods of grace, might expect some unusual work of judgement to follow thereon, and the Lords coming at last to a judicial process and procedure.  
2. We seehow these extraordinar occurrences of this time past, hath most remarkably had a joint respect both to Sacred, and Civil Interests,& quoad Fata Ecclesiae,& Imperii humani, so as in that sense it might be said there hath been a shaking both of Heaven and Earth, as to the Churches visible State; yea such hath these great changes from the right hand of the most high been within the measure of one age, as men could not possibly see with the eye of reason, without amazement, tho it brings therewith one of the most dismal remarks of the present time, if mens spirits be not seiled with a deep and aweful sense of the tremendous Majesty of God herein, and know there is no stability of human state this day in the earth but from him alone, who can bring judgement on the greatest Nations, or Persons, above the common course of nature, and influence of second causes: but oh what entertainment should a di●pensation of Miracles find from the spirits of men now, when the Revelation of Christ, and Redemption by his Blood from Eternal Wrath, hath no greater effects on this Generation, and so few awak●d with the Glory of such a light.  
3. When I have considered this age, as that which might have been judged a time of great expectation for a further advance of the Kingdom of Christ in the World, which does specially make a time more remarkable, yet how little access hath been herein to see the Work of God in any new planting of Churches, or inbrirging of Nation● to the Profession of the gospel, as hath been formerly, but instead of new Conquest, rather a losing ground, and is a difficult part become to maintain a defensive work in behalf of the truth, and which may be a serious remark that in this age, one tribe hath as it were been cut off from the Reformed Churches; I mean as to that dismal State of Bohem, where some time before had been so eminent and flourishing a plantation; it is true there hath been a solemn tide of the effusion of the Spirit of God, allotted to some of the Churches in this last age, that should be still matter of sweet remembrance, but it's sure this day we see the ebb as low in these places, in the life and power of Religion, and no visible reviving almost any where can be heard of the Churches of Christ; which yet hath been to me so far a hopeful sign of a near incalling of the Jews, since it will then find the gentle Church in so judicial a Period of time, that it shall be as life from the dead.  
4. Yet it is sure on the other hand there hath been most signal honor and glory put on this age, and with a special respect to Britain and Ireland, in as great a harvest of serious and solid Christians by the Power of the gospel, then hath been in any time or place of the Earth, since the first three Centuries; tho not under that seal of Martyrdom as was after the Reformation, yet such who shined in the truth and power of true Sanctity, and have left a fragrant Savour and remembrance to this day, when most of that blessed stock it now gone, and their room rarely filled up any where.  
5. Yea this further may be matter of sweet Reflection, how many such hath been in this age, in whom that ancient greatness of spirit with Heroïck motions in appearing for God, and his truth might be seen; for tho they attained not to the measure of the first three, of our first and blessed Reformers, yet may it be said, within the limits of this age, there hath gone off the stage innumerable instances of such eminency of enduements, and with that measure of power, and of a sound mind, as might be compared with any of the ancients since the apostolic times; and this is a remark that never faills of Christs imparting himself in these measures of his spirit to a Church in such a time, according to the great ends he is to accomplish there.  
6. Though great changes upon a Nation or Church, does not want previous and remarkable warnings from the Lord, we have seen with what a marvellous Surprisal these have occurred to this Generation, that were most remote from all human thoughts, and once not conceivable upon the highest principles of reason, how ever they should have taken place. It is becoming the Majesty of God, to have his Arcana Imperii, in such peculiar and reserved cases, as the most skilled in the ways and depths of Providence are called to be still with a silent admiration, when he thus does arise, as in these times past, to do great things which was not looked for.  
7. But how strange and marvellous hath the surprisalls been of Providence in our day also in the way of tenderness, and mercy, as well as of judgement, which should be a most strengthening remark, if this had been more suitably improven; what unexpected and seasonable interpositions have been of a divine immediate power, in extreme exigences, both of the Church, and particular Christians, in these great changes past; and as Oppressors have grown up to a height of Violence, how observably have Carpenters been prepared, whence human reason could not have fore seen to cut the horns of such.  
8. When we can not but see with what a signal evidence and commission, the spotless judgement of God hath gone forth in these late times, to all ranks and stations of men, especially in the Isle of Britain, there might be also some peculiar remark of it's design against these, who were of the highest stay, so as no time past did ever tend more to seal instruction on the spirits of great men then of late, to have the fear and dread of God on them, when Princes might have been seen walking on foot, and Servants riding on horscback; yea that there is a time of Gods making inquisition for blood, of such who seemed most secure from human Power, and how this alone comes from a divine hand, when men are poisoned in their own cup, and lays a snare to themself by which they are caught; it is true a clear application of Providences past, to the present times, is not easily attained, but I doubt not of a more full light and discovery for this end, as will silence all oppositions, that have been to the intent and counsel of the Lord in these things which have occurred.  
9. It hath been reserved to our day, to see the Issue, and great Decisions, which have been in these strange Scenes of Providence, in this age past, and to have them now in our sight in the whole successive course thereof, and surely this might be a great and affecting sight to such who are ready to think that God hath forsaken the earth, and walketh only in the circuit of Heaven, when they cannot but see what amazing events hath been of late brought forth by an invisible and unpreventable conduct of Providence; and to see also in this late Revolution of the public State of Britain, how by one great surprisal, the whole Popish Measures there which had been of so long and painful a contrivance, was as in a moment broken and made voided, when nothing less expected.  
10. It is unquestionable, that the Lord does usually act by second causes, but there are steps also of his way wherein he alone appears, and will have them seen to be wholly his work,& this now hath eminently appeared in the great transactions of these late times, how bejond any human power or might, it was a Standard by the Spirit of God lifted up, that did visibly make way for the work he was then accomplishing, and did serve such terror on his Adversaries; yea how these who were acted forth to be instrumental thus on the service of their day, were directed for that great end to the quieting of his Spirit in such a piece of his Work.  
11. And herewith what thoughts of heart may it cause now in the present state and juncture of things, to see such a Conjunction in this Western Part of Europe, to serve the great ends of Providence, that if it had been  told our Fathers by any, they would have been as such who mock, that in the next age, the House of Austria, of Spain, lorraine and Savoy, should have a joint interest with the greatest Princes of the Reformed Religion, and take the Sword with one consent against such a Party, whose Sword hath been bathed, and yet still is reeking in the blood of the Protestants, yea how this great instrument of judgement, and Patron of the Romish Interest should most actively make way to defeat his own Projects and Counsel, by an irresistible conduct of Providence.  
This is a great and unusual Conjunction in human affairs, such as the Policy of the Western Part of Christendom is hereby cast in a new mould, wherein we are called to adore God, and his Dominion over all Second Causes; tho it be a Depth of Providence, which is yet not opened up; only herewith some Reflections on the same I cannot wholly pass. 1. What may be too justly feared of an inordinate respect to men, and concurrence of visible means, above what it can bear, when nothing is more effectual to cause the greatest human succour miscarry, and sink under this weight, the relyances thereon, as if they could stand by themself, without keeping in with God alone, with that God, who is of infinite Power both to hurt& help, whose presence is ever the highest Security of a Nation, tho the whole World were against them. 2. But this also looks with confidence& hope, that the Lord is near to give some extraordinar demonstration of himself by Providences, as this Generation shall not get their eyes shut at, yea that this strange piece of his work, is a prelude and entry on a revolution of the public State of the World, that shall be of a higher extent, then may be apprehended by most, and it's sure when he does begin, he will also make an end. 3. I have looked on this remarkable silence, and suspense as to any public Decision of Providence, this Year past, when things seemed to be in the highest {αβγδ} of a Crisis, that hereby the Lord would yet give men time to consider his Work, and take to heart his Voice by such a further warning; and have still observed from the records of times past, as to his Procedure, that when he was to bring forth some great piece of his Work before the World, there hath been as it were an interval of silence for a time,& like some Cessation of Providence, which hath preceded the same, and made the time of his Working, when it was lest mens Expectation; yea the sorer a stroke hath been when it came, the longer hath a tender forbearance gone before, even when the band of Justice hath been lift up, the wheels sometimes stand still, and the public state of affairs is in a strange manner becalmed when the Lord is in some eminent manner to arise according to that Isay 42: 14. I have long time holden my peace, I have be ●n still, I have refrained myself, now will I cry as a traveling Woman &c. 4. Yea it may be a special remark, that when the Lord hath so signally appeared to make this great revolution in Britain effectual, and to clear the sky and cost there from visible opposition, with such rare preventing Providences for that end, yet is so little ground gained by the unite strength of this Confederacy, but it was in the one that the Lord did act in an extraordinar way of Providence, in the other things do run more in the ordinare channel of visilbe means. It looks as a sign of great Wrath, that such an Instrument of judgement hath had his chain so far let forth in this day, who might be called not only Hostis Ecclesiae, said humani Generis, by these cruelties more then in●umane exerced in the Palatinate; and other Parts of Germany, but it's fitt the World should know of what spirit and way the great Persecutor of the Protestants in this age is; yea for the Nations about to see there is no possible Moral Security for their Civil Interests from one whom no establishmen●s of Laws, nor that Law of Gratitude towards such whose Fathers had brought the House of Bourbon to the Throne could bind: but as there is an anointing and establishing men for judgement, whose hand is made strong until that work be perfited, so is the Sin of Britain, and other Reformed Churches, the greatest strength of this Adversary.  
12. Have we not also been called to see such vicissitudes of Providence; that these for whom God had sometimes most signally appeared in raising them to the highest greatness and power, as all might clearly discern it was his hand alone, that did the same; how in a way no less wonderful he hath made known his power in breaking and bringing them low, whilst they did not know, and regard God in the day of their greatness, but thought to stand by themselves, and gave such a requital to him, as to betake themselves to another strength, then that which raised them, and try a new Scene of opposition to his truth, and interest; yea thus forgot the tempest they were once in, and these engagements, which were then on their soul, when they had once got to the Haven: It is sure this hath been writ forth, as in Capital Letters once and again, that men who run might red the same, and know how great and terrible a party God is, when he is not for a Church or People, but against them; and how easy it is for him by one occurrent of Providence, least feared or thought off, to give a check to the greatest deeps of human Policy and Wit; and let such know, when they judge themselves secure from any hazard on the earth, there can be no standing, when their counsels and confidence is derided from Heaven.  
13. It hath been in some singular manner also, that in this age we have been called to see sin and judgement meet other with such astonishing circumstances, and so visible a resemblance and proportion betwixt the same, as the stroke herein pointing as with a finger at the cause, was unavoidable for a natural conscience to discern, and see a just and Holy God, thus made known, and visible in such public and tremendous instances of his judgement, as bejond the rate of former times have been set up, as beacons in our sight. I must join herewith, this sad remark, which hath had a peculiar respect to these times, that as it's sure nothing, but Religion in the truth thereof can effectually take off men from sin, so hath nothing, so much as Religion been oft made use off as the grand Engine to secure them therein; and what was spoken by one of the Ancients, hath been more applicable to our day, then almost any past, that never was one age more fertile of Religions under a different profession hereof, and never more barren of Religion in the power, and efficacy of the same on mens soul.  
14. It hath been in this age that such a cal● often and aloud hath sounded in our ears to come and see, how the greatest Powers and Nations of the earth are but as a little dust in the balance for the sovereign God to blow off at his pleasure, and that he hath reserved to himself a domnion, and pre-eminence over the Kingdoms of the Children of men, to change the greatest Monarchies. Oh what a strange reflex work might this be to have our spirits, but going back on these great and marvellous shakings, and utter razing hath been of public settlements that seemed most firmly laid, the bowing down and fall of the greatest of men, and raising up such, who had been low, when the great God once begun to contend with the Oaks and Cedars, and herewith to see the extent of his power over mens spirits and inclinations, as well as their actings, so as to determine their concurrence, with their hand for his ends; contrare to the native bias, and sway of their hearts; that men might know him who is the God of the spirits of all flesh can by one and the same Providence accomplish various designs at once, and bring forth such contrare effects, as no human wisdom could ever have supposed or foreseen, yea how these marvellous events might be clearly seen, was in their day no rare and strange contingencies to astonish men, but such as did bear a most evident signature and impress of the Majesty of God, and of his name and truth shewed forth thereon.  
15. I shall but add this more upon so boundless a Subject; that we have been specially called in this age to see some unusual variation in the spotless ways and methods of Providence about his Church, and in the courts of human affairs from what hath been the manner of his working formerly, so as men could not discern his way oft by any footsteps or precedent of Providence in times past, but that something hath been reserved peculiarly to our day, of the Lord rising up as in mount Peradsin, and his being wrath as in the valley of Gibeon to do his strange work, and bring to pass his strange Act Isay 28: 21. And tho we but see in part hereof, yet may we now know and understand upon these times past, more then such who was then present actors on the stage could reach in discerning the intents of providence when things were in their first mould, as is now clear in their after tendency and result; nor could possibly have that judgement of the Work of God in some parcels as may be now attained, when it's in a more full and entire frame; when such a sight is set before us, as should call to have our souls bowing down with all aweful regard and homage at so august, and immediate a discovery of the Majesty of God in his Work and actings before this Generation.  
A III. Head on this Subject, that I would offer some thoughts on, is as to the Lords singular way of dealing with the public State of Britain, and Ireland bejond any other of the Reformed Churches in this last age; and is indeed a Subject of serious regard, to consider what manner of time hath our lot been cast in, and the measure of that talent for observation, we stand accountable for upon such great and extraordinare events as hath occurred: but here I have desired to have my thoughts translate, to what hath been from the first entry on so marvellous a series of providence, about the state of these Nations, for almost fifty Years past, for a more clear prospect how each step herein in its successive place, and room, hath tended to give light to another; which I shall restrict wholly to the more immediate appearances of God, from what hath been mens part, and actings upon such a diversity of interests as might too visibly be seen to influence many in their way; and offer but a few serious reflections on the same, to one who can more clearly observe, and discern things of that kind.  
1. That it's sure Britain and Ireland hath been of late a theatre of such strange and extraordinare vicissitudes in it's public state, from the Year 38. of this age, as in no times past can be resembled; what wonderful Revolutions did then successively follow other, and were made the object of mens sense, as could not possibly have had credit or been a matter of Faith, if the same should have been foretold, and may justly render such a period of time unto this day, to be matter of astonishment to any of a serious spirit. It is true there is no time wherein the Lord hath not given some more singular discoveries of himself, and these changes of providence which are in the personal case of Christians, and lies more close and near to their Sense, then things of a public concern, are oft so extraordinare as would be not easy for others to credit; but it must be said what we have seen here, and may know of the work and appearances of God in that Land can never be a Subject of ordinary thoughts.  
2. It is known how one avenging Sword, which was bathed in Heaven, had it's commission thence, to go forth against both Britain, and Ireland, and did not cease to pursue it's end until these flourishing Nations, was made a visible field of blood, yea did not rest, until in the righteous, and sovereign disposal of God, a potent and settled Monarchy there, of a long descent having no fear, or opposition from any foreign power, was yet broken, and made voided, and did fall in their high places; and what one account this should have been to the World, if it could have been possibly seen or judged in the Year 40. what the 50 Year following was to bring forth, and was then in the bosom of so short a time.  
3. But when thus the Lord did once appear, and go forth in a judiciary way, we might see how each of these three Nations had their proper share, and measure allotted in the stroke, and judgments of that time, tho in some different method and manner; there being a more singular part assigned to poor Ireland then, by the Holy and just God in that bloody and terrible Scene, which was acted there, yet this was in common to the whole of these Lands that it was an intestine Sword, and not of a foreigner that was then called for, which spoken the judgement to be the sorer and more of divine wrath in it; where on part of a Nation, is made the rod, and executioner of his judgement on another, and their destruction from amongst themselves.  
4. If it be considered, what manner of time, that was of so extraordinare things, it may be obvious, how this followed a long and unusal settled calm, and tranquillity, which had gone before in the public State of these Nations, when so great a flamme had been round about; it was immediately after a bloody Sword had done its work in Germany, which from the Year 30. had brought with it such dismal effects there; but what would seem most astonishing here, that tho a time of the patience and long suffering of God, had in a singular manner gone before,& the treaty of the gospel might be seen to have a small acceptance, and such judicial effects, with most of that Generation, when the read Horse, and its Rider went forth to take peace from such a part of the earth, yet was not the hight of Profanity, and Atheism nor measure of sin then in these Nations come near to such a degree, as is now the measure of this time, or had any such prodigious appearance; only we see not yet what is coming to answer this.  
5. It is not above 40 Years past, since we might see a powerful state,& commonwealth both raised and formed in these Nations on so great a ruin, had gone before, and thus such a new and wonderful Scene of Providence brought forth on the stage, which made a Revolution in the civil state of that nature as Britain had never before known; a State whose strength whilst it stood firm was made formidable both by Sea and Land to the Nations about, with so strong a tide of success, as nothing was able to stand against the same, but all essays, w ich tended to an opposition then, most visibly frustrate, and no plots, or mine laid so deep and closs, which did not spring upon themselves who wrought therein; such was the concurrence of favourable things, and in so strange a manner until they had stood o●t that trial wherein they were then set, how they should answer the call, and intent of such a Providence.  
6. But when the eyes of most every where was aloft, as to the issue of this settlement, and all human contrivance, or forecast put to a stand herein, on what side the ballan●e might cast amid such different Parties, and interests as was on foot; it was then as with one amazing earth quake, that the whole foundation was razed, and tho it was unquestionable that many of a serious spirit, and design in the things of God was amongst such, yet whilst the date of their commission was once expired, and keeped not themselves in the way of mercy, they are at last brought to know what it was to have God against them; a God impartially hating sin before whom it is more highly aggravate and provockting the higher Profession of his way and truth men stands under, yea then was it that it might be no less clearly seen, how in ●he same manner of their raising, by a most visible sertes, and irresistible course of Providence, so was there fall, and down casting made wonderful; there Councils disordered, dispirited in their resolutions wherein the ebb did run as low, in impressions of fear and despondency on their spirits, as it had once lowed, who sometimes before they knew what it was to be acted above their own ordinare reach; and thus as in a moment might it be seen how this frame and mould was broken as with out hand This was the second overturning in the public State of Britain, in a ●ery short time after the former, answerable to that Ezek. 21: 27. I will overturn, overturn, &c.  
7. It is now that a great, and marvellous change ve may see again go over these Nations,& an other piece of the Work of God brought forth on the stage, and new Actors made use of herein; which caused great thoughts of heart to know, what aspect such a cr●sis might have on the public State of Religion; then was the Regal Power, and Government in Britain, raised again to its highest splendour and extent, and this change in such a manner accomplished as the most judicious, and discerning spirits stood amazed to see over what oppositions, and difficulties, which seemed insuperable, this was carried; and that surely it was the same hand who threw them down, which did then lift them up, with whom it is easy to make a way where there is none for any piece of his Work, when he goeth forth herein.  
8. But when it might have been hoped and expected such extraordinare providences should work on these who were most interested in this great Restauration, when it was not there Sword or Counsel, but the finger of God, which wrought the same; and that surely this might put a more then ordinare weight how to restore the Nations unto God, who had restored them to the supreme Power, and Government over the same, lo then was it in the Room hereof that these things might be seen. 1. How the sluices were immediately let open, for an impetuous flood, and deluge of wickedness to break in over the whole Isle; an● unbridled licence to all immoralities, and impiety, and no restraint but what might tend to promote the Kingdom of Jesus Christ amongst men so as these Years past since the 60. hath tended to lay a lord of guilt on Britain bejond the measures of any times past, and is still lying upon the same; which will be found sore and heavy in the issue. sovereign Grace do not wonderfully interpose. 2. As it was then that such a crisis had so dismal● and mortal an aspect there 〈◇〉 these heights of Profanity which did go over all banks,& bejond one ordinare cure or relief, so there might be seen a new way and unusual methods of sinning; and a new progress, and advance in Atheism, bejond what hath been known in any times past, yea this with such confidence in the public light, and before the sun as might be an amazement even to the infernal spirits to think how far they were out gone by such who were of human race this way. 3. But it was herewith also, when it might have been thought, that God should stay his hand no longer or forbear, that the seal of their commission, whose power had then the greatest influence might be discernible to all; that they were assuredly established for judgement, and had such a judicial work under their hand; so as the most destructive designs of that party for a further ruin to the Church, seemed still then to have the greatest success; and no attempts or oppositions whatsoever could withstand the same or stop it's course, until their measure, and the Epha was further filled up, but such who did most hasten to broke prison as it were before the time, found their bondage grew stronger hereby.  
9. But whilst such was thus at work, and acting so dismal a part on the public theatre of Britain; lest they should reckon that surely God had forsaken the earth, and that the Cry of such prodigious wickedness was not so loud as to go up to Heaven; then was it that he came down in a visible way, to make himself known, and bring near his judgement, with a very tremendous voiee; then was i● that he gave a special commission to one of th●● three great Judgments the devouring Pestilence to go to the most eminent and conspicous part o● Britain, and the public Seat of the Regal Power and Authority, and make that great City desolate for a time, and make their dwellings voided of Inhabitants, in the Year 65. yea in one extraordina●● Conjunction did double such a warning by putting them in a flamme, that it might speak as a public herald to these Nations, and thus give a Second Cry, that when his Wrath was begun to kindle a little, men might meet him in the way of his judgement ere it come to the utmost and a greater wo follow thereon. This surely was the voice of God by a most stupendous dispensation, and does speak still to this day, tho there may be few now to hear it. This was a Entry of judgement, and stroke of that kind on which the Lord did put a most discernible impress of his Greatness, and Terror.  
10. Yet even then after this there was a most observable Pause, and tender forbearance, in the way of the Lord to bring judgement a further length; the God of Patience, who does not easily destroy the Work of his own Hand, and bears long ere a hight of sin does extort the last Stroke of Vengeance, did then give such a new breathing, or long intermission, as to any extraordinary Acts of judgement; but did herewith sand new Offers, and Conditions of Peace, before the decree bring forth Zephan 2: 2. so as the next great warning, which was given to these Nations, was in an other way and method; to take a new trial how this yet would work by a most rare preventing Providence, in the discovery of the Popish Plot, which under the shadow of civil Authority had been so long hatching, and ripening until this mine was ready to spring, to a visible ruin of the whole protestant Interest in these Nations. This was a singular step of Divine Providence, tho the sense hereof may be gone off the Spirits of most, wherein he made us see that he was yet still watching over these Lands for their good, when they were not a ware and would not only warn, by so awakening a Providence, but turn that contrivance against the contrivers, if so this might at last Work, and answer the intent hereof.  
But now I must further add, what lies nearer to our sight and observation, upon this extraordinare course, and Conduct of Providence from the Year 60. to that late call we have been sisted under, to see what the Year 88 following did bring forth; and here to fix our thoughts with a deep advertency, on this strange sight and turn of providence; which the most wise Discerners could not some time before, have ever supposed on principles of Reason, or by any natural connection of things; a turn, and vicissitude of Providence of such a kind where men may see the Name& Majesty of God, in some august, and singular way shewed forth thereon, and his arising to make way for his Power and immediate Appearance in such a manner as had not been known in former times. This is indeed a piece of the Work of God that might bring near the Sense of a Godhead to the conscience of the most ordinare Observers, and what ever sad, and Judicial signs be too evident this day of the different made by most hereof, yet should it deeply concern us, that the Glory and Honor of God in so great a discovery of himself be not darkened or obscured. This is a Work we see but in part, and the first Scene, of what is yet further in bringing forth, and can be little known or taken up by the nearest events of Providence until the Vision Speak, and the veil be further taken off the same: but it is sure herein that these of the most prejudged Spirit at such a Providence hath been constrained to see, that this was by an immediate divine Hand, contrare to the ordinary Course, and Actings of Second Causes; and how such who most eminently acted as Instruments herein, what ever access or advantage, they had of Resolution, Spirit, and Counsel in such a Work, yet were then only called forth to stand still, and see a higher Power moving in the same, who did there look down as in the morning watch to trouble the Motions of these, who were against them, and in an instant took off their Chariot wheels, and made them know it was in vain, either to stand, or flee, when they had God against them, who tho they reckoned to go ●orth, as at other times they knew not, that their day, and fatal period was now come.  
Tho there was nothing common or ordinare in this stupendous work, wherein such incredible ●ccurrences of providence, did then concur as might constrain the natural conscience of men to see a supernatural causality herein yet did somethings specially, meet here to render this Work of God more highly astonishing. 1. That when the fears of most were at the furthest hight of some desolating stroke to accompany the same, where the contrare parties, were so stated as the one could not stand but on the ruin of the other, and their interest on every side so extensive, and great, yea when in no times past the harvest of the earth, and in these parts thereof, seemed more ripe for putting in the Syckel, yet even then did the Lord in his sovereign and marvellous disposal spare, and went not forth as at other times, with garments rolled in blood nor did the actings of his providence appear so terrible as when presages of judgement were more discernible; but as this was the opening of the first scene& who sees what God is to do, who knowth his mind, as to these great changes in the external state of this western part of the World, by such a remarkable entry to the same; but this may be fully clear to any who does wisely consider the Work of the Lord herein, that this was a new and higher trial which he would yet once more take of these nations, and did therefore hold his hand, when the stroke seemed ready to fall down. 2. It might seem unaccountable to all reason, such a conjunction, and concurrence of instruments as was in this work; for tho the appearance of some herein who did most eminently appear, and act, did witness special, high, and heroic motions in the same, yet how vast& numerous a part was embarked upon this interest, and in behalf of the Protestant Religion, who could claim no room or title in the very form, and visible profession of Christianity; or to have any place in the outer court; but it might here with amazement be seen how upon the one side, were such stated, who maintained Christs bodily presence in the earth, in that sacrifice of the mass, as the Shibboleth of their profession, and on the other side how great a part was there who did ridicull all revealed Religion, and seemed not to believe his real presence in heaven. But here was it discernible what a return this was by the voice of providence, to that grand engine, and too known a design of the Romish spirit for many years past, to take way for popery, by destroying men, especially the youth in Britain, in the morals of Christianity, and to to take thus off all serious Sense, and weight of Religion from their Conscience, that herein this deep of Hellish Policy did at last tu●n against themselves, and tho they judged themselves secure from any serious influence of Religion on such a Party, yet could they not secure them from acting as men on principles of reason, who could not but see the interest of Popery, and of their civil Rights, and Properties were incompatable; yea that tho they were acted from no internal motives on a Religious Interest, it could not be easy to join in with such a Religion, as was made up wholly of external Rites, and ceremonial Severity, and strictness, and had no possible consistency with itself. But if we seriously ponder this great vicissitude of Providence in it's Conjunction, with what hath gone before, it's here we must see a thrid, marvellous overturning, which in one and the same age, hath been successively in these Kingdoms, according to that forementioned Scripture Ezek. 21: 27. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, and it shall be no more until he come, whose right it is, and I will give it: which is to be understood there, of such great Revolutions, as should in their proper order follow upon other. For tho this had a respect, then to these great shakings which was to come upon Juda, and the House of their Kings in the entry of their captivity, yet may none bound the intent of the Holy Ghost in this prophesy, as if there only it was to take place, and had not a Respect to some further accomplishment of the same in after times, which surely was since, never more clear in the event then in this late wonderful Series of Providence, that hath been in these overturnings. But now let me speak herewith, what hath been sometimes deeply affecting, how there is something yet more solemn and extraordinare now in this thrid call, then all that hath gone before, to be awakening to this generation, and that which with too clear evidence may be judged the last cry and call, such as hath no dark or uncertain sound therewith to the State and Churches of Britain, and unto all ranks there, if there be not a resolute shutting of our ear at the same, that this is assuredly the voice of the Lord, I will yet once more take proof and trial of these Lands, which I did choice, and in so singular a way deall with bejond other Churches and Nations; and will yet respite the last stroke of judgement; and if tenderness and forbearance in a most surprising and extraordinare display thereof will once work; if the actings of providence such as could not of late have been believed by men will once reclaim, and return Britain and Ireland again unto God, I will then take of both their fetters and fears, and give a new settlement to their civill rights and interest, will seize their adversaries with terror and trembling, and yet spare their blood; will set such also upon the Throne, who shall seek the good and welfare of their People, under whose shadow ye may ly down safely without dread either of the terrors by night or such affrightments by day they were once under; and take off any fears of external force. But oh if this voice can not be heard, when it is so clear and audible which if some knew ever any thing, or had discerning of the ways of God and of the times, they cannot but hear, this to be the present voice of the time, it then seems to be come to the last and highest trials that these Nations ever stood under; when such extraordinar measures of divine patience, and long-suffering, and so long a day given to repent must either be speedily answered, or it be found that the stroke will be the more terrible, when it comes, the longer it hath been deferred; that threatened judgement shall assuredly at last come to a year of recompense, yea to a precise day of the spotless Vengeance of God, when his spirit will no more strive with men, when he will clear his Justice, and go forth to see the Authority of his Laws and Sentences of his Word ratified in the execution thereof, when no Intercessor shall be then heard tho a Noach, Daniel, and Job were upon the earth; and it shall be then no more possible to hold off that long threatened stroke, or turn judgement out of his way then for men to stop the course of the Sun to recall the day and years that are past, or make voided the Ordinances of Heaven, but then will the Works of God get a hearing, when his Words could not.  
A IV. Head, on this subject; which I must join in with the former, that is of great weight, and consequence, is this; to know what aspect, such extraordinary providences of these times past, now hath on the churches there, and whither so great a crisis, as hath been in the public State of affairs, hath more promising, or threatening signs, therewith. It was the highest part of Hezekiah observation, upon that great deliverance be met with Isai. 39. not to see only God in his immediate hand herein, but how his heart, was toward him in the same; as is there expressed thou hast loved my soul, out of the pit of corruption, for so does the original render it. A losing sight of providence, in what the Lord doth speak to men thereby, maketh way not only for great shakings, but to red the sense thereof, contrair to its intent; and tho there be a regarding by all, the visible effects of providence, and what herein lies nearest to our sense, yet few goes a further length in their observing. It is undeniable that an extraordinate condescendence of grace, and of the long-suffering of God, might be seen in these great things here done of late, but the next enquiry lies here, how such one unusual application of providence does work. It was upon some serious thoughts hereof, and this present State of things, I set myself, for more clear discerning of the way of the Lord and his voice to this generation in these astonishing changes hath gone over the same of late, to have my own spirit fixed herein, and some higher strenthning on the faithfulness of his truth; but in the first place, there are some undoubted principles of truth, which I would mention here, and must hold by, as truths which are of one eternal verity, and may have a clear applicatory light, to the present day we are in.  
1. That it's sure, the most notable mercies which hath been bequathed of the Lord, either to churches, or persons, have also been an entry to the greatest of judgements, when not answered, it was with the brightest sunshine of one immediate appearance of his hand, and one extraordinary course of miracles, that Israel, entred into the wilderness; whereon so black a night of dismal providences did fall; and is it not the same voice which is now speaking to us, that we have Malach. 2.2. if ye will not lay to heart, to give glory to my name, says the Lord of host, I will curse your blessings.  
2. It stands ever sure, and unchangeable, that God will never return to a people, against whom he is wrath, until the cause of his departure be taken away, for both the same date, and measure, which mens forsaking of God, doth bear, the same also does his departing bear unto them, and tho repentance where it is in truth, can never be in vain, yet may it come to late, to prevent temporal judgement, or to regain ever again, a season of acting for God, when there is a more eminent call thereto, at one time, then another.  
3. It is one unchangeable truth, which varies not, with the changes of time, that there is no condition on the earth can be safe whither as to a a Nation, or Person, were it never at such advantage, in external things; wherein they cannot say, God is with us herein, and we are designing for him; as on the other hand, it must be founded wholly on Atheism, where the state; and danger of a Nation is not judged from, the sins thereof, and the measure of the same, more then from any visible hazard; for tho particular places, and people, under a Profession of Christ, comes not to the same hight in filling up the measure of sin; yet it must surely have it's fatal period, when deferred judgement will not stay on day longer.  
4. What ever uncertainty be in human things, yet is this unchangeable, and sure, that such who inherit the same sins of others, against whom God hath appeared in any eminency of Providence shall inherit the same Judgements, which hath not only been measured out to such as hath gone before, but are pledges to after times of what may be expected. For as the way of grace, changeth not, and the redeemed of the Lord, as dear to him now, as ever; so is he immutably just, and his ways keeps the same measure with his revealed truth, so as a Solid Interpretation of Scripture needs no extraordinare Prophetik Spirit, to infer judgement, from sin, where there is no serious returning unto him, and when the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy Amos 3: 8.  
5. It is of unquestionable evidence also, that national sins, wherein the body of a Nation, and People is unite, and hath a joint acceession herein; when it is thus the public Sin of a Community, must meet with a Stroke, and judgement within time of as public extent, and cannot be laid over in this respect to the judgement of the great day, when once it's measure is filled up here; since else the Glory of God in his truth, and remunerative Justice, should not have on such an account, a Vindication before the World, in the sight of Angels, and Men, if his spotless judgement should not thus bear some proportion, to the nature of that guilt; the God of truth hath given his Word, and Dominion, and Authority over Nations both to pluke up, and to plant, as well as over persons, which can never be made voided.  
6. There can be no doubtfulness here also that it is simply impossible for a church to subsist, or preserve it's station in a Church state by a naked external form only; or in the purity of religion, without some life, and power, of the same; fince if there were no real inbringing, or building up of the elect there, then the Gospel had no more work in the same, and no interest were there for the Spirit of God to keep fellowship with, so that the intrinsic strength of any particular church, yea of the politic body therein; lies not in the number, or bulk, but in the weight, nor is't the extensive growth of a church to a visible profession that makes, a real increase; but how great an interest does a few such, whose way is the life, and power of that doctrine they profess, make in the place they are in; tho this seems little apprehended, what influence the hide part in a nation of humble, serious christians hath on the external State thereof, and on the administration of providence in the world, who makes least appearance in it, by a near intercourse with heaven, and by such high value, and regard which they have there, so as the Lord hath even subjected the greatest vicissitude and changes of the time to the intercession, and prayers of such.  
Let me but add this herewith, that tho the Lord does ever distinguish betwixt the Godly, and the residue of men in times of public calamity, and Judgments, so as not to lay them common herein with the wicked, yet on the other hand, it is not a numerous Party, even of most choice, and real Christians in a Land, will stand in the way of wrath, and of some dismal stroke, when the set time of judgement is once come; but may be then such with a Nation, when there is no more hearing, or intercession, but for that instance of the Lords sifting his judgement, if there had been but 10 Persons in the Cittes of the Plain: it was an eminent return to Abraham, and extraordinar act of condescendence, that makes no rule. There was a choice and numerous remnant in Judea, who sought the Lord then, when that dismal night of the Captivity came on; and it is of late, that such a tremendous instance, we have before us in the Case of Bohemia, where so conspicous a part then was of a People zealous for God, when such a public overwhelming stroke came on.  
But now in the Second Place I must speak a few words to what seems in some singular way, to speak to Britain, and Ireland by very sad, and monitory signs, bejond any of the Churches about: it is, I know, easy, and usual to challenge the darkness of Providence, more then to regard, what is clearly revealed to us as the intent& voice thereof; and these are indeed sad, and dismal like dispensations, that tho they be not silent, but have a distinct, and audible voice, yet Seals no Instruction herewith, on the spirits of men. I confess a natural Respect, and tie, to such a Part of the earth, bejond any else, renders this to some, to be more heavy, and dreadful that if sovereign grace, do not wonderfully interpose, it cannot be found in the course of divine Providence, since the beginning of time; that ever the measure of sin, contempt of a Deity, and oppositions to the Holy God in the designs both of his Word, and Providence hath come to such a hight as is visible in these Churches this day; but that some extraordinare appearance of Wrath, and judgement from the Lord hath as visiby followed thereon, to be a public monument, for after times, wherein these Remarks, are so unavoidable.  
1. To what a strange, and fatal issue, hath that purest profession of Christ, in the Protestant Religion, which hath been long enjoyed there, now come, when such public contempt, and scorn, is thrown upon the same, in the truth, and power thereof, as a matter of their greatest abhorrence; when the most numerous part of the multitude, every where may be seen in a stated opposition to the dominion, and authority of God in his laws, yea such horrid tenets, as well as practices, even in the common sense of mankind, may be discernible there, as in pagan nations, under some awe, and restraint of a natural conscience would be affrigting; since every nation will walk in the name of their God; but these are such as have at once divested themselves of all hope and cast off all fear, or dread, of a wrath that is to come.  
2. And as to one special evidence hereof, what cause may it be to meditate terror, as to the present state of these nations, when a spirit of blasphemy is let forth there and got such a prevalence amongst all ranks, as it's accounted a matter of fashion, and breading, to go a length bejond other, in tearing that blessed name of God, in whose hand is their breath, by profane, and blasphemous oaths. This is a thing by itself, that's purely diabolic, and hath nothing human in it, can have no affinity with the flesh, nor is as one ordinary degree, of a real possession by the devil, and much sadder, then that which hath been on many by constraint, and putting a force upon their tongue to blaspheme, which otherwise would have been a horror, and dread, since this is by consent, and a delight, that could have no possible rise, but from pure enmity to the Holy God, yet is it now come to such a prodigious height, as if Britain did design a proper monopoly this way, and pre-eminence, of the same, above all nations of the earth; tho none more will prete●● a national love, and respect, to it's standing, and interest, to whom that saying of one of the ancients, may be applicable, if such would once give it a hearing; si tibi non vis parcere, attamen parce Patriae tuae; do we thus provoke the Lord to jealousy, are we stronger then he; but when such a contagion seems to be past the restraint of human Laws who declares their sin as sodom, will not the great lawgiver, at last take it under his hand, to vindicate his authority.  
3. But what a symptom, is this herewith of approaching judgments when to such a hight, and so universalie, the corruption of the youth, is in this day, and these parts, in so one usual a way; and among such, a Spirit of Atheism, and profanity, is in that manner got up, as may be sadly foreseen, what a dismal night must follow hereon, and cause these know, whose respects see● to run so high for a national interest, that what does thus strike, at the root, truth& Godliness, amongst men, in so strange a debauchery, of the generation that's coming up, gives the same stroke, to the greatest security of government, and to what founds the greatest obligations, to civil, or moral duties; yea hath a native, and unavoidable tendence to ruin the politic body, to emasculate the spirits of men, and obstruct the vigorous improvments, of their natural parts, and will in a short time depress, and change the very genius of these once renowned nations, if there be no due application, of the proper, and adequate remedy for the same.  
4. And do we not with too great evidence now see, how much that old Protestant spirit, which was in the power, and life of that profession, is gone, and extinguished this day; before which the Romish interest could not, possibly stand, when human power and might did little concur therewith; so as it may be a strange but too visible a remark, how that distinction, hath got such place in Britain, bejond any other reformed churches else, which is betwixt the Protestant interest, and politic concerns thereof, and the Protestant Religion, which lies in the pure doctrine of Christ, in its truth, and efficacy on mens soul, and practise; when thus may be seen, what a throng and easy concurrence is there to promote the one, and bear the highest respects thereto, so far as they find a private interest, and external motives renders this necessary, who does hate, and to the utmost oppose themselves to the other; yea fears nothing more, then to have this get any authority over their conscience; and oh thence it is that when privilege and property upon a temporal interest, are as the apple of mens eye, when these are once touched, yet are the highest indignities, and affronts to the honor of God, and to his truth of a small regard.  
5. But if we yet look further, in to the public State of Religion in these Churches, there may be a more astonishing sight, and of greater abominations still, answerable to that vision Ezechiel 8; when within the precincts of a Christian Church, once so purely reformed, such a party is got up and growing, whose work is not only to take men off the serious work, and power of Christianity; but to subvert wholly the foundation of our faith, under that late designation of Deists, and that men are now become so wearied of the Christian Profession, as were their power answerable to their will, they would bring in a new model of paganism, and fix themself at last there. And oh is it come to such a day, after so bright a sun shine of the gospel hath gone before, and after so great one effusion of the Spirit of God, that such a party should be upon the increase in so horrid an appearance, were it possible, to make voided the whole frame of the Gospel, to justle our ever blessed Redeemer, who once was the desire of the nations, off his throne, to thrust the crown off his head, the sceptre of whose government is righteousness,& peace; and give, if they could, a mortal stroke to him, who is the life, and light of men, and by whose stripes we are healed, yea as if they could make their party good against that rod of iron, with which he bears rule over his adversaries. But what can these design to themselves to render human being desirable here on the earth, except to have a share of the same privilege, with the beasts, of the field, that within a little they should have no more being, and oh what a God does such deprive themselves of who only propitious, to poor man in Christ, and otherwise not the object of our trust, but of terror; yet is this way now come to that length, as it would seem to despise all moral relief.  
6. I must yet add here, tho it be a very sad ungrateful Subject, how we are fallen in a day, when the greatest discoveries of God, both in the way of judgement, and mercy seems to have no affecting sense, or regard on this generation, and the great designs both of grace, and providence amid such marvellous changes hath gone before, in that manner withstood as most seems to unite there strength herein; even when this may be in a singular way applicable to our time, what the Lord did once speak to Israel by Moses; your eyes have seen the great Acts of the Lord, and these great temptations, the Signs, and Wonders, which he hath done in this last age; yet if sovereign grace do not marvelously appear, it may be feared, that both the voice of God in his Word and Works hath discharged their commission, without any due regard to the same; and that judgement, and mercy after such extraordinar methods of divine patience have done their part, and is now come to such a judicial withdrawing, and departure of that great Ambassador, the Spirit of God from his Church, that there seems but small access to serious public Humiliation, and fasting, or to call for solemn Assemblies for this end, except to Personate,& Act such a part as that of the mourning Women amongst the Jews at Funerals, and amongst these of the most serious Spirit in this day, such a restraint may be found of that Seriousness and fervour herein which once did appear, as renders it a more ominous Presage that there may be nothing to follow but that last sentence, let them alone; and must not all thus reason and judge, that as the interest of Sacred Truth, and the Honor, and Glory of God in mens subjecting thereto is of much higher value then any temporal Interest; so is the Vindication of the same before the World of a greater concern then the stability or standing of Kingdoms, yea to fear more deeply that such a time, how long so ever deferred, must at last take place, when his spotless procedure of Judgement, shall be then cleared fully; shall I not visit for these things, shall not my soul be avenged on such a People.  
But now in the thrid Place, there is one Inquiry that should ly near, and hath a more then ordinary call for the same in such a day, to know what is yet left, and accessible in the matter of duty, that might be as a door of hope for the Lords Returning once more, and his respiting of imminent Judgement, when so great a ruin is like to fall under the Hand of this Generation. I know any such thing will be to most as matter of derision, whose fear, and hopes of this kind goes no higher then present Objects of Sense, and it is little I can adventure to speak hereon, but as to any measure of light I have attained, I can no more question, that the same voice from the Lord, is now going forth to the Churches of Britain, and Ireland; then that I red what is spoken to Juda Ezechiel 22: 30. And I sought for a man amongst you that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gate before me for the Land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none; therefore have I poured out my indignation upon them, I have consumed them with the fire of my Wrath, their own ways have I recompensed on their Heads, says the Lord God. It's sure then wrath was near to a breaking forth, when this last call came yet with an offer of Peace, nor is it questionable there was a serious part then who were deeply affencted with such a time, tho it was not easy to find one of a truly raised spirit, to do and endure something more then ordinare for God, when so great a ruin was ready to fall under their hand; but to clear the import of such a call, with respect to the public State of the Churches of Britain, under this allusion, here made use off, to stand in a gape and breach, when the Church as a defenced City is laid open to an extreme and imminent hazard; I must speak a few things to be considered, what must follow if no Intercessor be found, to answer the voice of this call, by a suitable appearance herein.  
1. Tho it may be now reckoned, that the sky is more clear as to the State of Britain, then for many Years past, when the breach seems to be made sure against either foreign or intestine Assaults, and that in the way of reason and the ordinare course of human affairs, things are come to a more secure and settled State, yet is there an other aspect of things, that should deeply affect ●ur spirits, when the public hazard of the time ●●greater then from all human power, and the party to be most feared, is assuredly divine Wrath, after a long interval of forbearance, that is ready ●o break forth in some extraordinar Acts of judgement, for where a day of atonement goes not be●ore, can no true deliverance be expected, to ●●ise and settle these Nations; yet how rare are they who take this to heart, or tremble within themself on the thoughts of judgement to be near, if it does not appear from natural or visible causes, tho nothing be more discernible from Moral Signs.  
2. What ever present calm be from these terrors and fears that have been of late, yet may it be judged whither it be a serious business, or not to stand in such a breach as is this day, when the greatest interest of our Faith, is laid open to such numerous assaults; as there seems no less cause to stand, and contend for the Christian Cause and Interest now in these Nations, against such who are under a visible Profession of the same, then once was against the Heathens; whilst that primitive Spirit, which was then a Spirit of Power and of Glory, does too rarely appear, or these measures of grace in such impressions as was then that are under a sad and judicial restraint; most being taken up so entirely with private resentments of personal Injuries, and bitter intestin● conflicts, as the sound of such a hazard canno● be heard, until it be felt. It was the Power and Evidence of Christianity on mens soul, that di● first make Protestants, and made way for th● planting& settlement of the Reformed Churche● but it would seem now reckoned that the Proustant Interest can stand, the the Christian Faith were extinct in the power and vitals thereof, 〈◇〉 might easily be given up by the greatest part 〈◇〉 this Generation, if it's outworks could be prosesved, where a temporal Interest renders that necessar; whilst that magnetick power and virtue, which the Truth once had on the World is not to be seen, or any deep sense of that Interest which Religion once had in the Glory of a passive Testimony for the same.  
3. Is not the gape and breach, we have to stand in this day, of such a kind, that where the ancient Love of these renowned Churches, the Love of their Youth, and Kindness of their Espousals unto God, did so brightly shine forth after the Reformation from Popery, it is now resolved unto so dismal a change, as with most what ever is most lovely, excellent, and desirable in the Revelation of the gospel, and should have the most attractive influence on mens soul, is visibly despiled and vilified; yea which renders this breach and gape more dreadful, that after all the cost& expense which the Lord hath warred in planting, and letting forth a vine yard to Britain, sending more Servants then at the first with the endearing persuasives of the gospel, and on the other hand with solemn and express warnings of the ha●ard of such stroke of judgement, to come, as hath been afterwards felt; yet hath the return been in a continued and growing enmity against the truth, and instead of rendering the fruits of this Vineyard in its season, hath rather conspired to deride and despitefully use such as have come to demand the same, and what can be judged will be the result hereof, if men have not concluded that God hath forsaken the earth; can it be thought that the Breaches of these Nations shall be bound up, but that they must widen further, if there be not in some singular manner a standing up in this breach, to turn away his wrath; which is a service that comes now under our hand, as may not linger or stay, when warnings of so extraordinar a kind are reinforced; for this is a call, hath a limited time and season allotted thereto, that may have a shorter period then we apprehended when a door of Intercession hath been in such unusual manner kept open, and Grace hath so long interposed, before judgement should come to a final execution.  
4. I must add hereto what sense ought to be of the hazard of such a breach, when a hight of all Immorality and Ungodliness is turned so open and visible, as if satan did essay to have an open Throne again set up, as once he had amongst the Nations; whilst the spirit of few are seized with any suitable impression of the same, left this be the voice of the Lord without recalling, shall I not visit these things, shall not my soul be avenged on such a Nation Jer. 5: 9. and what a time is it, when the Reverence and Authority of Religion is so far gone off mens spirits, that if such can bring up a private interest, and have some treasure of that kind laid up, they are under no fear of treasuring up Wrath and judgement; it was a rare example that of Daniel, who upon the foreseing of a stroke which he was not to fear for himself, yet was astonished for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him, by reason of the strangeness of it Dan 4: 19. That there is a most choice and serious part yet in these Nations as is this day in the earth, is unquestionable, but even such who in these difficult& perilous times past, have been helped to stand, and go through a variety of dark and strange Dispensations, I suppose have not found a time in a more singular way trying in the matters of Conscience, then is this day; and that there was never more hazard of an insensible wearing out from under former impressions of duty and the ways of truth, which once they had, or a more difficult part to have that ancient fear, and tenderness of light kept in exercise which as the apple of the eye, may be easily hurt, but not so easily helped.  
But tho it is clear that this voice and call for standing in the gape and breach, does respect all of a serious spirit in the things of God, yet are there some more eminently fitted from the Lord with peculiar Excellencies on their spirit then others, to appear on so high a service; which as it is a talent not bequeathed in vain, where this in a more remarkable way is let forth, so is it of greatest weight to know time and opportunity for this end, and when a season of Providence may call to some higher improvement hereof for God, then ever again may occur; yea it may be seen in how strange a manner the choicest instruments in the service of their day, are made to differ not only from others, but from themselves, as they are helped to answer such a call, and to know the Counsel of God herein. But that I may touch this more particularly, it is requisite to know who may be at the greatest advantage, and in a nearer capacity then others for such a service, about which I judge these things will not be questionable. 1. That such as have a more near and intimate converse with God in this day, hath a great room also in this service, to stand in such a Gape, yea to save a Kingdom or Nation, when judgement is ready to break forth; these have their soul kept in that manner under the power and attractions of the things of God, bejond the residue of men, as not to be affrighted or taken off from appearing for him by the force and prevalence of example; it is these who are at most advantage to discern the Judicial Removes of the presence of God from the Church, and the Generation they live amongst, and the imminent hazard of Wrath, and approaching judgement; ye● it's these who from internal Motives can find it easy to lay their dearest things at the stake, in behalf of the Truth and Glory of Christ in the Land they belong to, and without respect to private interest lay themselves in the way of a public hazard with the Spirit of blessed Bernard, as he speaks, Mal● in nos murmur hominum sit quam in Deum, bonum est si Deus me dign ur uti pro clyp●●: 2. They are in a special way fitted to answer this call and service, who hath the Sense of any singular engagements they are under to God, much on their heart, and what hereby they owe in a peculiar way to do for him, and for a more special service to the age they live in, to seek the interest and welfare of their People, to whom they have the nearest natural tie; which is that service for the Generation, and public trust should ly near these who have had more then ordinare receipts of mercy from the Lord,& of these specially it might be expected that they dare stand up for God, and the interest of his Truth, tho they should stand alone herein, which surely in the issue will be found a safer standing then with the multitude, or such whose design for the public interest goes no further, then their private concerns does influence. It is sure the Words of Mordechai Esth. 4.13. Are still directed to this day, think not with thyself thow shalt escape, for if thow altogether holds thy peace at this time enlargements and deliverance shall arise from another place, but thow and thy Fathers House shall be destroyed. 3. But it is undoubted that this Service does in some peculiar way ly to the door of Princes and Rulers, according to their Station, who are of more public relations then others; their Authority came in with the second Covenant, which by the fall of man was rendered necessar, and have their Power derived from him, by whom Kings Rul● and Princes Decree judgement Proverbs 6.15. so as the advance of the gospel of Christ, and Preservation of Sacred Truth, both in its purity and power, is made the object of their highest trust, yea what a singular blessing this is to a time, when such does eminently interpose upon any imminent hazard to the Church, and thus bears evidence that they have one Unction from God on their heart as well as their Office, And it came to pass 2 Chron. 34: 19. that when the King heard the Words of the Law, that he rent his clothes, and commanded Hilkia the Son of Shaphan &c. go, and inquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in israel and in Juda, concerning the Words of the Book that's found, for great is the Wrath of the Lord that's poured upon us, because our Fathers kept not the Word of the Lord, to do after all that is written in this Book. This hath looked as a door of hope to Britain in the present day, when such of a serious& excellent spirit have come to the Throne, if the sin of this Generation, as may be feared, be not come to that height, of a resolute opposition to any restoring means, but if the Authority of God sold be thus taken off the conscience of men by so public abounding Atheism and Impiety, it shall be found that the Honor and Authority of Magistrates will fall herewith before men. 4. They have a peculiar access also to such a service for God, and the interest of the place they live in, who have more advantage then others by the Repute and Authority of their Example, to walk in a countermotion to any public and contagious evil of the time, as are most prevalent, and thus to affright the bold and daring countenance thereof; this should be a honourable appearance to oppose the Kingdom of satan, wherein it's getting most remarkable strength and credit by the Customariness thereof. 5. But in a special way these who would aim at so high and blessed a Mark as this, must know some higher acquaintance with that Mystery of Faith, then what seems to be understood by most in this day, and of a reliance on God by a partiticular trust, yea the truth of such special assistances of the spirit, as can raise the soul to a higher resoluteness in the matter of duty by opposition, so as it can be born up amid the strongest difficulties, from no human interest, or the greatness of a party in the earth, but from the greatness of their God: It is true the way of believing is an immutable Ordinance, which God hath settled for the support and services of his People within time, and should be the leading principle of a Christians Life, to go through all conditions and changes in adventuring on that God, who is of infinite Power both to hurt and help, but it is one of the great experiments also of Religion, to what a pitch and degree the Faith of some of the Saints hath been raised upon some extraordinat Service for the Lord, where no natural causes could influence the same, and above what they could in an ordinare way reach. 6. Yet is not the door for such a Service shut on any who have an interest in the Truth once delivered to the Saints, but may still have some share and room in so great an Undertaking for God, and the Interest of his Truth; and should each of a serious spirit, design something personally for answering this call, to sustain a part in so choile a service for the truth, suitable to their Station and Talent, it should bring a marvellous change there with on the times, and cause another face appear in the public face of the Church; nor is it expressible what the improvement of a little strength, when it hath been designed for the Lord,& under his call hath oft attained, which in no ordinare way, or from any visible appearance could ever have been expected, yea what a marvellous use the soveraing God can make of a few nay of one, where his concurrence goes forth therewith.  
But since the public State of things this day is such as seems, to control any confidence or hope for answering such a call, to stand in the breach of so trying and hazardous a time, I would speak 〈◇〉 few things in the third place, which may put some more then ordinare weight of this call on our spirits. 1. That as it's easy for the Lord to raise and excite the spirits of men to such duties, as in the way of human reason would seem wholly insuperable; so can it not be found in the Records of times past, that where grace did interpose in any singular way to prevent judgement, and for recovering of a Church in some extreme case, but there hath also been something more extraordinar then at other times, in the acting forth and excitment of some instruments, to appear for God with a more heroic motion on their spirits, then what hath been usual, and when he hath had a saving work and design to accomplish, then Saviours have come upon Mount Zion Obad. v. 21.  
2. If it be a serious business to discern the times; we are in with respect to the public State of these Nations, the voice of this call might then ly near our spirits, since if we turn our eyes back, it is demonstrably evident that the Lord hath not dealt so with any Nation of the Gentiles under the New Testament, as with the Isle of Britain, both as to eminent experiments of Providence, and the dispensation of Grace and measures of light, especially since it's recovery from the Power of Antichristian Darkness; so as it is not strange that he hath gone forth in a more singular way of Protedure therewith then other Churches, and tho nothing is new under the Sun as Solomon speaks, yet there may be seen some thing peculiar and astonishing as to the way and Actings of Providence there in this age, as will not be easy for the most judicious Observers, to find a precedent for the same; and if we now consider the present time, as things are stated after such resolute oppositions to the voice of these times past, and when no vicissitudes of Providence hath yet put any stop to a growing hight of apostasy, as may bee too visible there; yea that it's sure, God will not lose his Work or Intent in the great expense he hath been at for reclaiming this Generation, it may be then without a prophetic Light seen that something very extraordinar is near, either in the way of judgement or Mercy; so as this service and appearance in the present Breach seems to be in another manner called for bejond that of an ordinare day, when there is yet room, and the door of intercession not absolutely shut; but if this seem light, it will be found that the longest measure of divine Patience will come to a Year and a Day at last.  
3. It is sure and unquestionable also, that the answering of this call, is the alone way to have God interested in the public State and Concerns of Britain in the present day, before whom all Nations are as nothing, and the greatest Train of inferior Causes, when their furthest strength and activity is put forth, of no weight, when he withdraws his influence as Job 7: 8. thy eyes are upon me, and I am not. It may be matter of serious remark, that in this late time something more then ordinare hath appeared in the French standing and strength, and tho on principles of reason the Power of such an Adversary should not be such matter of fear, when an unusual concurrence of means is to stem such a tide, and under the conduct of so Wise and heroic a Leader; yet on the other hand, Ashur the rod of my anger Isay 10: 5. is a formidable Party; and it's a threatening case when the security and interest of a Nation stands more by a permissive Providence, and singular long-suffering of God, then by promise. The discovery of hide Plots and Contrivances against the Government hath been of late in a special manner remarkable, but oh! there is one Plot, which is of one other nature, to be above all feared, that's carried on not in the dark, but in the public light, to betray these Nations to the Common Adversary, it is such a Plot, as was betwixt Balak and Balaäm, to divide israel from God, that their strength might depart from them, when once there is a sad departure from him; and it's sure these, who ever are interested herein, hath the most active concurrence to weaken, and bring low the politic Body of Britain, to hasten on a dismal night, and advance the interest and strength of visible Adversaries: But if there be no suitable appearance in this day, to counteract so dismal a Plot, and the growing strength of such a Conspiracy herein, there may be then too just cause for these of the most serious spirit, to long to have their part acted, and be gone off the stage ere they see the dreadful Effects hereof: and what ever advantage be of external means, it might be too easy then to judge of future things, where an inordinate respect to men, and a low regard to keep in with God, is one of the public signs of the time we are in. I know it's no easy thing to improve the Providences of times past, that are at any distance from us, or to bring them home by a just application to the present day, and to compare what we now see of the Way and Workings of God, with what hath already past in these late Years, but if this were more improven and understood, there might be another view and discerning of the times we are in, and what of the night now it is: we have seen in some singular way, the rising and falling of human interests so contrare to human reason and expectations, as might tend fully to clear from what hand they came, and to what Issue they were directed; we have seen such Revolutions, which the Churches of Britain hath gone through, and hath past over the same, as seem yet little understood, and it must be a perverse and false judgement, if it be supposed that we have no more to do herewith, but anaked remembrance of such things in the matter of Fact, and what was mens way and part therein. But that I may come more near on this Subject, there are some things that need to be further understood thereon.  
1. That it's sure when such a Gape this day is lying open betwixt us and divine Wrath, there can be no slanding herein without a serious interceding Work with God by immediate addresses, when its unexpressible what a mighty efficacy this hath on the World, and the great changes thereof, and how far he hath subjected the Interest of Nations to the Prayers of the Saints. It is a hopeful sign when Rulers and Magistrates do call and excite a Nation to public fasting and prayer, but in the ordinare way it's followed this day, upon so extraordinare an application to the Majesty of God, it may be just matter of fear, if such essential requisites be not concurrent therewith. 1. That the same Authority and Power be interposed for a serious and impartial Inquiry as to National Sins, which are most prevalent in the time, where the current of the multitude runs, and hath the loudest cry to Heaven; since otherwise a solemn address of this kind might bear a sad evidence of Atheism and Impiety, to svit National Deliverances and Protection, and that the Holy God would be with us, and propitious to us for the public State of the Nation, whilst we are not with him, yea that he would not forsake us, whilst our forsaking him is so visible, which is in effect to pled that the most settled& unalterable establi●hments of his truth be made voided, and refo●●ded for our sake; yea can another return be expected in such a case then what is Ezech. 14: 4. 2. That something then upon so extraordi●are an address to Heaven, might be designed by public Authority in a promissary way to be made practicable, as sold tend to a more visible resolute withstanding the growing strength of such National evils, and may thus bear a public testimony and appearance against them from such who stand under so high a trust unto God for this end.  
2. Where this great service is taken to heart for standing in the gape this day before God, there needs also some clear discerning of the end and design of Providence, in these astonishing successive changes, which hath of late gone over this Generation: it's true there may be many ends at once reached in any signal piece of the Work of God about his Church, yet is there surely still some higher& great end which he hath therein, that should be most deeply inquired into, and tho I can attain little this way in respect of others, yet may with humble confidence say, that under a serious pressure of spirit I have sought to understand the same, and how to trace the Lines of Providence in the strange Revolutions of this age, to the Center of that great Design of the Lord therein, to which al these oppositions, which hath been made to the same hath so remarkably brought on their own fall and breaking in that way, but this I must further insist on, tho there needs specially a turning our eyes first back to times past, for discerning the Work of God in our day, and to see in what a circuit divine judgement did go from on part of the Reformed Churches to another, with the very first date and entry upon this remarkable age; and when that Sword which was bathed in Heaven, and had it's commission to Germany, and Bohem in that sore, and long intestine War there, had once done it's work; then did it in a successive course enter on the Churches of Britain, and Ireland, and a●● ●p of trembling from the Lord put into there hand; and then did begin that great Scene of Providence which hath been since acted there, wherein, as in all the most remarkable Steps, and Periods hereof, hath the voice of the Lord, been expressly pointing at this great end, and design in the same, for bringing his counsel more clearly to light, if we had eyes to perceive, and hearts to understand what is his work, and declared intent herein; which is that the Kingdoms of this World may become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ, who shall reign for ever and ever Revelat. 11: 15: and that his Interest in these Nations, as a part of that inberitance which was in a peculiar way given him of the Father Psalm 2: 8. be more fully asserted in the Glory of his Regal Power, against all such who would withstand the same: for which end may it be clearly understood what such one appearance did mean, in so strange one administration of providence by the Sword to these Nations in this ●ge; what such unusual shakings and overturnings there, yea by such restless oppositions to any civil settlements, since the Lord begun to shake Britain; to make known this solemn period of time was come, and the days of the 7th Trumpet, when our Lord Jesus should take to himself his great Power, and Reign, which had been so long darkened by the usurpations, and enmity of men thereto; yea that he was surely gone forth, who hath that name written on his vesture, and thigh, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, to make good the same; and will have this name engraven, on all the ways, and actings of Providence, who must reign until he hath put all his Enemies under his feet 1 Corinth. 15: 25. and the Nation, and kingdom, that will not serve him, shall perish, and these Nations shall utterly be laid waste Isay. 60: 11. for thus hath the Lord spoken, and is settled,& sealed by the decree of him that chaingeth not. It is true he hath been walking in the dark as to most in these times past; and even from his choicest people there hath been oft a hiding of his work, and keeping it out of their sight, amid these strange changes, as hath put the most discerning to a stand; it might be easy to see mens intent in their actings, and under what influences they 〈◇〉 moved; yea what bitter risings of heart, and quarrelings hath been upon the miscarrying of their ends; but this is an other sight, and of a higher concern, to see and discern wisely the Work of the Lord, and how amid all the realings of these strange times, his way, and course of providence hath been ever steady, and sixth.  
3 It may be thus clearly seen, if our spirits were more deeply let forth on such a study, that the strength of our day, yea the standing and security of the public state of ●hese Nations, does assuredly ly in a resolute concurrence, with this great design of the Lord; so as otherwise there can be no standing in the breach before him, to turn away his wrath. But since this Subject, of the catholic Right, and Kingdom of Jesus Christ, over the Kingdoms of this Earth, is so strange a mystery to many in these times, and such different thoughts and conceptions are hereof; as I have desired to know the way of truth, on these sure principles, and grounds; that I might have full rest and settlement to my own spirit herein; so I may say, that in the clearness of this light, I have found a special strengthening in the Christian Faith, when with the furthest evidence it may be seen:  
1. How that which is spoken of the donative, and universal Kingdom of our Lord Jesus, which was given him of the Father, as incarnate, and after his Ascension, is not to be understood of that which is his essential, and natural Kingdom, which did belong to his person, as he is the brightness of the Fathers Glory, and God equal with him; but is such as was promised, and by special donation given to him, that the ends and uttermost Coasts of the Earth, sold be his inheritance Ps. 2: 8. and his Dominion to be from Sea, to Sea, and from the River, to the ends of the earth Psalm 72: 8. yea is the same which was given to him Dan. 7: v, 14. when he was invested, with Dominion, Glory, and a Kingdom, that all People, Nations, and Languages should serve him, &c.  
2. As there can be no suspense, or darkness in this, so is it no less clear, his entering on the administration of his Mediatory Kingdom, was reserved only to the times of the N. Testament, to which the fall of the 4 greatest Monarchies, which ever was in the earth, was direct, and subordinate, to make way for the same: and lo, here may we see the first period of the visible Glory of Christs Reign, and his entrance on the same, when after such strong oppositions, the Pagan World, was at last, made to bow down, and fall before his truth, and submit to him.  
3. But herein it cannot be understood by this special bequeathment of the Kingdoms of the World, to be the Lords; in that sense only, of inbringing the Elect out of the same, or of his internal Reign, on the hearts of men, but that it lies, in a visible surrender, and subjecting of the collective body of Nations, to the sceptre of his government, when the Princes and Kings of the earth should subject, their Regal Authority to his Rule and Empirt; as holding their Dominion from him, to whom all power, and judgement is committed, and can bear that style only of being the catholic King, and Lord of all: for this is a truth that shines with so clear a light from the whole Scripture, as it may be strange how possibly it should be questioned,& nothing can be more comforting to Christian Magistrates, then to have so highly desirable a holding of their power, as they may have the Son of God, thus interested in their security, and interest as a part of that inheritance, which belongs to his Meditatory Kingdom. Nor does it evacuate the Magistracy of Heathens for the interest of human society, tho they have none in the Church; as it can never make voided also his catholic Right, and Dominion over them, by whom Kings reign, Prov. 8: 15. although it restrains the exercise thereof.  
4. But there is yet a further,& growing light on this great subject which now meet us,& to be clearly seen, how the more eminent appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the Glory, and State of his Mediatory Kingdom in the Earth was alone reserved to the dayes of the seventh and last Trumpet; for which as nothing can be more evident, then the contemporating of the same, with that period of time, in which was the first rise, and restoring of the Church, from Antichristian darkness, when the Lord did himself go forth in the glory of his power, to plant and settle the Reformed Churches; and thus to make way for his Kingdom, did with the first blast of that Trumpet sound a retreat, to his people out of Babylon: so I have herein, been made to admire with joy, the exactness of that correspondence betwixt the events of this Trumpet, that hath already taken place, with what is so punctually foretold hereof Rev. 11: 15. for as it is surely there promised, that then should be an opening of the Temple of God in Heaven, and the Ark of his Testimony be seen there, which had been formerly shut up; lo how expressly hath the God of Truth made good his Word herein, and kept the time, which he had set for the same, in the bright shining forth of his truth, and the way of Salvation, when for so many ages kept hide from the World; to which are the whole Reformed Churches this day a standing witness, yea have we not seen his appearance also in so unusual manner, in the greatness of his power,& with garments dyed in blood, to make way for the visible Glory of his Reign, as we can see it was there foretold, how the Nations were angry, and by their oppositions to him, made way for his wrath in such tremendous effects thereof, as it hath had these days past, to show the time was at last come, to let the World know, that the Lord Jesus Christ is no titular King, he to whom all power is given in Heaven and Earth, nor will bear that Name, and style in vain, or admit a complimental Profession of the same, but that it is sure his Dominion,& Kingdom, hath a settled interest and revenue, belonging thereto, which none may alienate from him, and the greatest of human powers must be accountable for his claim thereto.  
5. But now as our day, and lot, does thus meet in so extraordinar a period of time, which hath been so long expected and prayed for in ages past, it may be a time of great thoughts, and expectation of what is yet to come, as to the visible Reign of the Lord Jesus, our blessed Head in the Glory and Majesty of his Kingdom, without his personal Reign or bodily appearance unto men; which with full assurance of faith we sold now waitfor, when the voice of this Trumpet shall bring with it, such a resurrection from the dead of these dry bones, of the Jewish Nation, with so immediate an appearance of God alone herein, as shall dazzle with astonishment all the Nations about; yea when its sound and voice also shall call the whole Church that's on the earth, to that highest gratulatory song of Moses, and the Lamb, as once was at the read Sea, for the final stroke& judgement on the Kingdom of Antichrist; wherein the visible glory of his Reign, will then be seen with that evidence, and brightness, as if he were personally on the earth: and here is that true Millennium which is now in some measure begun, and we are surely called to expect, in a gradual increase to such a hight, that in the value, and splendour of this blessed Reign, the light of one day, shall be as seven days in one, and the measure of one age then answer, yea exceed a thousand Years before, and is so before him, with whom one day is as a thousand years,  
This seems to many in such a time, as a thing remote from their sense, whose thoughts are bounded with present appearances, whilst our blessed Head is now gone unto a far Country, to receive a Kingdom for himself, and is invisible to men in these preparations, he is making for this higher glory of his Reign upon the Earth; so that he is no object of human sight, nor can we come bodily to him, to receive his verbal commands from his mouth, as from an earthly Monarch, and for these inward, and great demonstrations of his Reign, they ly deep, and hide, betwixt him, and the souls of his People; but if our comfort, and hope stand by the Christian Faith this day, and on that assurance dare venture our soul upon an Eternal State; we should then with as full certainty of mind as of any visible things, give faith to this, that the Son of God will not lose the Work he hath begun, and so eminently appeared in; that the interest of his Kingdom, on the earth is the alone highest object of the divine care, and providence; and though his Kingdom is not of the World, but is purely spiritual, yet does the World stand thereby, so as it may be justly said, sine praecibus& pietate non staret mundus; nor is it questionable, but that his Work will be answerable this day, to his revealed will& intent, or can it be in the dark to us, what he is now doing in the World, when he hath made such public intimation hereof by the voice of the last Trumpet, as should render this the most desirable part, that men can act, to fall in with this great, and rising interest of his Kingdom, in the season, and opportunity hereof;& it will surely be found in this time, that where the downfall of the Kingdom of Antichrist, is made remarkable in a Nation, where the terror of its rise, and growth, had so lately gone before; and the Kingdom of Christ, is not set up in its room, nor with a higher regard subjected to; that it must then quickly ripen, and make way, for some great out breaking of wrath and judgement in such a place; for the time is come, that nations, which have embraced the Profession of Christ, must stand, or fall, according to their concurrence with that interest on which the Lord is now gone forth, whose work carries not for men, nor is dependant on human Counsels, yea it's sure these great Ministers of providence the Angels tho not seen to us are eminent●y joined in on this service, who are the stated Servants of Christ as Mediator,& Head of the Church, and have accordingly their delegate charge, and commission to particular Churches, and Kingdoms, as that great design of Providence for the advance of his Kingdom in the World does require; and if ●he giving forth of the Law was so glorious upon that solemn entry, which the Churches Head then made on his Regal Office over israel, by so extra●rdinar a ministration of the Angels, what a hi●her Glory must be on his entering on the greatest ●iscovery and administration of his visible Reign within time; blessed are they amongst men who may have one interest in this service, tho with most it comes not under their thoughts, and apprehension; but as it was said of Dux de Alva, upon one eclipse of the Sun which was then, when he was in a hot pursuit of the Wars, that he had so much to do upon the earth, as gave him no leisure to look up to Heaven; so is the great noise, and business of this day, how things may stand sure with us upon the earth. It is become the proverb of these times we are in, that interest will not lie, because according to this, men will always appear, and discover themselves; and when ever that word interest is made use of; it's judged to bear no other sense, then of some temporal concern only, because the scent, that most of this Generation seems to be wholly on, is how to seek their own things, but not the things of Jesus Christ, which is truly the same, for men to reckon that their soul, is a foreign thing to themselves, and that they have no real interest in the great things of Religion, or a hope bejond time: but it's well, that there is yet such a party this day on the earth, who's way can give that proverb the lye, and are of another spirit, so as to lay their greatest temporal interest down, that they may intensely pursue the things of God, and the interest of his truth, and kingdom amongst men, who with respect to this, would account it a small thing ●o be the greatest favourites of Princes, if these should once come in competition.  
4. But I must now in the last place, add somethings further on this serious Subject; since if it be clear, and undeniable, so as to have our spirits once acquiescing herein, what hath been the great design of Providence, with respect to Britain, and Ireland in all these great, and astonishing changes, which have of late been there; it may be then fully undrstood, what the present day does most call for, and where the highest different of such an extraordinare time does ly, which I hope will not be questioned, to have the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, and his preemminence herein, more entirely acknowledged, and settled in these Nations, when he is yet once again taking a new trial of them for this end. We find under the Law such a thing, which was called the Lords part, and tribute payed unto him Numb. 31. as a memorial, and oblation, to witness their holding of him alone, all which they did enjoy; we see also a national claim laid to a propriety, and part in the Lord, as their alone greatest interest in the earth, and that they might not be shut out herein Josua 22: 25. which would be a ●are sight in this day, to see Nations contending thus for a part in the Lord, and to have their joint right secured this way, as was then betwixt the two tribes, and the half bejond Jordane, and the residue of israel; we have also things claimed by the Son of God, as his alone propriety, which are called the things of God mat. 22: 1.& are purely sacred to him, which are not mens, and none may alienate to any private interest, or end; yea there is a bringing presents to him, which is expressly foretold, and promised under this blessed Reign Psalm 72: 10 when thus Princes, and Kings should serve, and do homage to the Lord Jesus Christ, not as men only, but as Kings, in giving their Power to the furthest to uphold the authority of his Regal Power, and Dominion; and here I must say what ever be threatening in one unusual manner from the spirit, and temper of this Generation; when nothing would seem more hopeless, then one unite, and public concurrence, to answer this great design of the Lord, and herein to stand in the gape, before him, for turning away of his wrath; or to design a National Reconciliation, as well as Personal; yet may there be no setting bounds to him therein, who is able to subdue all thing to himself, and who in the way of his grace, does oft exceed, what could be possibly hoped for by men, in such a case: since now if after such signal indications of Providence, this should be the season and time designed of the Lord, for a restoring work in these Nations, and in other of the Reformed Churches; and that he will yet spare a little as to the cutting down of the three, even when the ax is laid to the root; it is then sure, that this design shall make way for it's self, and go over such difficulties, as at other times would be insuperable, and make the greatest Mountains be as a plain; but if this one tide, and opportunity for such a service be now lost in joining in with so eminent a call of Providence for this end, it looks to be the shutting of the door, with such a judicial bar, as should never be again opened, and the last woe be more sore, and dreadful then all which hath gone before. But now I must speak a little more particularly, wherein it is these things do most specially ly, which in that sense are the things of God, as purely sacred to him, since all things whatsoever are his, and belongs to him, yea wherein that which is the Lords tribute, and part is to be understood now in this day, that should be returned, with a resolute, and cheerful consent unto him.  
1. It does in a peculiar respectly here, to have the same public, and national regard, to the authority of the Laws, and ordinances of his kingdom, as a people who are stated in as near a relation to God, as once the kingdom of israel, and Juda was: this being a truth of the most undeniable evidence, thonotin things ceremonial, or typical, or such Laws of Government, as had a temporary respect to that dispensation only, yet in a moral sense is it clear, as to what does most essentially relate to a Nation, or kingdoms being the Lords. For it's sure these 3 Nations are this day, under a higher dispensation of grace, have a greater extent of their privileges, and stated under more singular engagements, now under the Messia's Reign, then ever israel was: and it is in this sense, that the Laws of the Kingdom of Christ are Royal statutes, and Laws James 2: 8. suitable to the state, and dignity of so great a King, and Lawgiver, whose authority will not be baffled, and hath a higher power, then that of Angels, or Men, to take account of their observance, wherein is settled one obligation on the souls, and conscience of men, without exception of persons herein; in which our life as Christians, and the standing, and s●fety of Nations in a public state does unavoidably ly; but these are Laws,& Ordinances of such a kind, as they can not possible be observed, and not loved, nor have any true regard amongst men, without internal motives make way thereto: and what a sad account may this be, that these kingdoms, who were once so entirely subjected to Antichrist under the darkness of that dismal Reign, and did give their power, to uphold that interest, with such one unite consent, yea did so resolutely give implicit obedience to his Decrees, and Cannons; now under the brightness of the light of the gospel, comes not up to any such regard to the Authority of the Lord Jesus, and to these Laws, which he hath established, tho with the greatest endearments of love commended to his Church: there hath been great stumblings at the Providences of the times past, and what it should mean that this last age, with such a differencing mark should be called the Iron age; that thus the Holy God hath in so unusual a manner made use of a rod of Iron, in these Western Parts, where the Reformed Religion is most professed; but it should be no dark riddle, when the oppositions there, to the Kingdom of his dear Son, hath been at such a height, that if we could wisely discern the Work of the Lord, since the first rise of the civil Wars of Britain, we might clearly see how this was the Signal given, that he was then gone forth, and on the way, to take account of Nations, as well as Persons, that would oppose his interest.  
2. It is sure this can not be questioned also, to be one of the great things of God, which is alone sacred to him, what concerns the public rights, and freedom of the spiritual Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, as a visible politic body, with the highest respect to his Royal Authority, who is the alone Head, and Lawgiver thereto. It is known that he hath given one express Charter for the same to his Church under the New Testament, according to which the due limits, and bounds of that spiritual Jurisdiction, which he hath settled there, and the full extent hereof sold be both keep'd clear, and closely adhered to, as one Interest of the Lord Jesus, which is as the apple of his eye, he hath joined also these two great Interests of the Civil, and ecclesiastic Power, in so entire a harmony, that tho they are to be ever keep'd distinct, yet are not to be divided from other, but to move jointly in such a blessed, and desirable Union, as may most serve the great ends of the kingdom of Christ, and the public good of human Society: and now when this great promise of Christs entering in a more conspicious manner on the Glory of his Reign, is come to the birth, and begun to bring forth, which is that period, where to, it may be said, hath been reserved the perfections of the Churches visible state here on the earth, how highy desirable should it be to be found assistant thereto in such a day; but oh is it possible, that these who have such raised hopes of an eternal Crown, and kingdom in Heaven, can have so low desires, or designs, how to be serviceable to the kingdom of Christ here in the earth, yea when none can want an interest and room in this service, where it hath once a weight and value on their heart: but yet it maybe a matter of hope this day, that these who by so singular an appearance of God, hath now the sovereign Power, and Authority in these Nations, are no less eminently fitted to appear for him herein, then they are stated under the highest engagements for such one end.  
3. It is surely one of the things of God, and an interest which is purely sacred to him, wherein the spreading of his kingdom in the World, is most nearly concerned; which lies in a serious and faithful Ministry to the Church, and is of that concern, as it may be justly called, Indicium stantis& cadentis Ecclesiae; for this is one of the highest Ordinances of Christ given to the Church, and that way which he hath himself consecrated for the inbringing and perfeiting of the Elect; by which so great effects are wrought in the World, where ever there is a divine mission for the same to any part thereof,& the Church is in a building up there; one Ordinance by which most visible efficacy& supernatural influences are conveyed in a moral way under the blessing of that iustitution: but on the other hand nothing is more threatening to a Nation, as to the falling down of some dismal night of judgement, then the corruption and debaesing of that which in it's own nature is so excellent, where things that are more extrinsic and of a human concern, are so much looked after, but that which is Gods part in the great intent of this erection is of so low regard; that if one Inquiry were made through a great part of Britain, they should find the dark places of the earth there stil amid so bright a day of the gospel as is now shining,& what a multitude is thus perishing thorough want of knowledge whilst it seems so little desired or designed, to have such a Ministry, whose highest study should be upon the great Intent of Christianity, to bring men to Christ not to themselves, and to 'allure and persuade their coming under his blessed dominion and yoke; to press internal renovation of the heart and a necessity hereof, with that seriousness as might take hold on their conscience, and let them see there can be nothing more highly irrational then to sist in one exterior profession and form of Religion, and not prove once upon their own trial the truth hereof in its power and efficacy, and whither it hath not a vital part which lies in one inward life of Communion with God; for as this alone is such a Ministry that should be the blessing of a Nation, and Kingdom, so in respect of this, to be of such a distinguishing Profession tho in its self most agreeable to the truth, should be of no regard where this is wanting, as a test for so sacred one Office. It is, I hope, unquestionable, that the trust of the souls of men is greater, then any temporal concerns of a Kingdom, or State, and how this Ordinance is that which hath the most peculiar influence to prepare the way of the Lord, in this day for that blessed and near approaching time, of his more conspicous Reign on the earth in the Glory thereof, I abstract here from any thing controversal as things are stated in the present day, only as to what I hope, there may be one unite agreement in by all, who have a deep sense on their spirits, of the blood and perishing of immortal souls this way, and a serious respect to that catholic Interest of the Kingdom of Christ amongst men. I know it was never a harder part then in this age to stem such a tide as seems ye● on the growing hand, of prejudice against the way of truth, when so many are in the dark, tearing one another, and counting it desirable to have where at they may offend and stumble, whilst that study is not more followed to prevent, so far as is possible, mens taking of offence, even where it is not given, according that of the Apostle who is offended and I burn not: the excess of disputing in this age hath been a piece of our judgement, and the managing thereof so little to that end of edification; but the defect may be no less evident on the other hand for the suitable improvements of Christian prudence, as a duty and service to God so absolutely necessar for the regulating of duties, according to the circumstances of the Churches case, and what the present day can bear without coolness or indifference in any concern of truth, which is that part of our Religion, that hath been too little improven.  
We are indeed blessed with an unchangeable rule of Sacred Truth, which hath no dependence on human Counsels or Power, to change or alter the same, or on the mutable revolutions of time, and can never vary from its self, yet is the tenderness and wisdom of divine Condescendence, in the application thereof, to be so far regarded, as on of the most weighty parts of Religion, lies therein, how present duties may be with a judicious discretion, directed to that great end of edification, since that which may be necessare in one case, as it is clothed, with other circumstances, may be hurtful, and destructive. This is one of the most difficult parts, that such, hath allotted to them in the times we are fallen in, who would stand in such a gape,& breach, where oppositions now thereto are so strong; and it may seem almost hopeless to crave justice in behalf of the truth, at the bar of mens conscience, when a latitude on principles, hath come to such a height, as the authority of light, is without fear controlled: yet on the other hand it may be feared, that the answering of that Command of the Holy Ghost is not suitably taken to heart,& the great consequence thereof, which is to walk in wisdom, towards these who are without, tho not being in that sense, without the Church, yet as no less stated in a visible enmity to the truth, which is according to Godliness, then such could be: there hath been much serious study, and designs by the Servants of Christ in this age to promote his Kingdom in Britain and Ireland, and there are yet there eminently fitted for so difficult a service, how to gain and prevail with the furthest measures of prudence and judgement, upon the most obstinately prejudged as any in this day, there hath been also of late a singular improvement made and blessed, for a more unite contending for the Faith once delivered to the Saints in so hazardous a time: but it is sure there is yet some further length and essay called for, upon this great service, for the Kingdom of Christ, in taking off lets and stumbling bloks out of their way, who may be upon a sad precipice of breaking, and further alienation from the truth, and for some more full clearing of the same, from these designed reflections cast thereon, in such a way, as convictions might thus insensibly prevail, and gain ground with the greatest Gainsayers; whilst we know little what design grace may in this day have on such, and as the furthest regard should be kept to light, upon any controverted truth, without losing ground herein, yet should I judge it a door of hope to see these who are unite in the great concerns of Truth and Godliness, once meet in a more joint concurrence in behalf of these great things of God, which are not controverted, when the face of this Generation, is so threatening as to a further revolt from the Christian Faith, both in the pureness, and power thereof. This is to be a work by its self, which as it's of the highest public concern, so does it require a more then ordinare measure of Judiciousnes in following the same. My Unfitnes to speak on such a Subject, should have restrained me herein, were it not to witness something of a serious desire, under which my soul is prest, for such one end, when the hazard of the perishing of so many who hath one Eternal State before them is so visible this day, and yet no further trial made to gain and recover, according to that rule, and practise of the Apostle I was all things to all, that I might gain some. Others can more fitly judge, as to the suitable managing of such a service, and how to fall in on the right lithe of duty herein, only somethings, I should wish were more designed, for taking off prejudices, and to break thus one of the greatest Engines of Satan this day, against the interest of the gospel. 1. In coming a greater length by these who are of a serious spirit, to Sacrifice private resentments, to that public Interest of the Truth, upon conceived Injuries, when its so evident what one influence personal prejudice this day hath to keep up distance, to heighten differences, and cause further estrangement on such an account, from any fervent appearance for God; and this is surely one of the most honourable parts of a Christians work, how far he might overcome the distempers of others by humility, tenderness, and love, and walk in such a countermotion to the spirit and temper of this day. 2. It is a service this day much calls for, to have stumblings more prevented against these unquestionable settled administrations of the Government of Christ in his Church, so as the way and manner of his Spiritual Kingdom might be rightly understood; the proper object whereof is the soul and inward man, and it's great design to restore& edify; which is in such a way, that where it's truly answered, nothing can be more tender and healing and to attract any of a serious spirit to join in herewith; for it is a sad measure that the truth should sufler, from the weakness or exorbitancies of any. It was suitable for the Christian Church in the primitive times to pled that from Heathens, that the offence, and practices of none should be charged upon the rule of their Profession. 3. It were desirable also that further conviction might he served on these who are prove to stumble, how in the promoting of truth, and Godliness there is no pursuing any divided interest of a party, and that if such would once try and see, they can then judge, where the most comprehensive interest within time lies, which all are jointly concerned to promote, who hath any design on the Christian Profession for eternal things. 4. I shall but add this more, what one advantage should it be for the truth, and to conciliate a greater respect thereto, that all might see how sweet a Contemperature and Harmony there is betwixt pure zeal for God, which is according to knowledge, and the furthest prudence and tenderness towards men, and how the rule and spirit of the gospel can admit of no bitterness, wrath, or recrimination, which are so abounding this day in the Church, in pursuing of differences upon any concern of the truth; for herein doth the glory, and honor of our blessed Head more eminently appear in securing the concord, and unity of his Church, under a diversity of light, and judgement, in some lesser differences about the truth by a spirit of love, and by its power, and efficacy upon mens heart, in subdueing the distempers of their mind, then by imposing the most severe and absolute uniformity in all things to be the measure of Church Communion; and it is ever found how this hath been, most easy, and practicable, among such who hath made the highest advance in the life, and power of Christianity then any else, since the nearer the lines, are to the Center, the nearer also, are they among themselves; and I must add herewith, that it may be little known what convictive power, might follow in a time of such high distempers as this, on a suitable application of that wisdom, which dwells with prudence, and comes from above, according to the rule, given for the same James 3: 17. to make a higher interest for the Kingdom of Christ, and to the saving of the souls of many, then now in an ordinare way, would seem possible.  
4. As the furthest tenderness, and prudence, is called for, to prepare the way of the Lord, for a further advance of his Kingdom, in taking out of the same so far as is possible these lets, and stumbling blocks, where the greatest hazard may be of offence; so should it be much preparatory also for a higher service,& a more unite appearing for God herein, and to stand in the most hazardous part of the breach of this day in behalf of that great interest of our Religion, which is upon the Authority of God in his truth, and Testimony, as the alone ground, on which the ultimate resolution of our Faith must found; since this is the very same inconvertible terms, to give to the Divine Majesty the Glory of his Godhead, and that tribute, which is most inviolably sacred, and essential to him, it would seem almost incredible, that such one hour of the power of darkness should fall in with the growing light of the gospel, as the strange prevalence of a way, which is to commensurat the perfections of God, and the greatest mysteries of his truth, to our understanding, and to make human reason, tho corrupt, finite, and limited, to be the alone Judge, and measure of our Faith of divine things, when the highest principle of reason, which is prima veritas, without which reason hath no principle to reston,& no Standard else, is this, that where the God of Truth is the Revealer, and that it's sure it is his Testimony, it must then be as infallibly true, as it is sure he is God, since it is simply impossible, to find ever another foundation of truth, and certainty but this. We are fallen in times of great expectation as to a near approach of the highest Glory of Christ's Mediatory Kingdom on the earth, and it would seem a strange prelude thereto, that so black a darkness should fall down, with so astonishing one increase thereof, as tends not only to eclipse the same, but to deny him his essential Kingdom, who is the only begotten of the Father, and brightness of his Glory; yet I am sure it is a sign of that kind, as the morning darkness, which is the darker the nearer it is to the day. It is indeed here, we may see one opposition to the Majesty of God, in such terms, that we might reckon human nature could not be capable of, and be just matter of horror to a natural conscience, to see so numerous a party, who claims to be Adorers of reason turned so visibly mad on their own destruction. I know the furthest improvements this way; by rational Inquiry and trial, hath a greater Interest in Religion, and for strenthning of our Faith therein, then may be suitably apprehended; but it is sure the ultimate Inquiry herein can possibly go no further in the use of reason, but that what we believe is the undoubted Revelation of God himself unto men,& can we desire more when this is sure, for a full quiet, and acquiescence of the soul, tho it seem wonderful in itself, and exceed our dark, and limited thoughts, when it is impossible for him, who is truth itself, to lye, whose word is such, cvi non potest subesse falsum; as it is no less sure that he who is in finitly good, can not deceive, or put one imposture in stead of truth in their hand, who trust him; divine truth is the first groundstone of our happiness, but is not conceivable by the light of nature, to believe his being truly God, and not the truth also of his promises, which ever comform not only to the things signified, but to his intent therein, who can never delude, or deceive. But whilst I have been put to some thoughts with amazement on one appearance of such a kind against God this day amongst men, not only within Christendom, but by such as once laid claim, to the Protestant Profession; some Reflections tended to give more clearness, and settlement, to my own spirit herein, which I shall but in a few words mention, 1. that when the darkness of one implicit Faith, and reliance on men under Popery hath been so sore baffled,& turned out of credit in such an inquisitive World as this, lo Satan hath taken himself to the very contrare airth, and knew how to fall in with the temper of a brisk, bold, and daring age, that he might settle a new opposition against God, and the interest of his Kingdom, wherein he hath unite, and fixed his greatest strength, so that since he was cast down from his Throne by the Power of the gospel, he hath not had a greater Triumph, then in this attempt, how to bring man upon it, and set human reason at once both against God, and itself, in such a manner, as to be it's own Executioner, and in subjecting the highest mysteries of truth to it's comprehension to make it not only equal to God, but give it a pference to him, who is the alone former thereof, which I must reckon to be the nearest approach that human nature yet ever made to that sin, by which the Angels did first fall, and that it it is the master piece of that Prince of darkness, and his ultimus conatus against the truth, who knows his time is short: 2: It may be with astonishment, discernible under what a stroak● such are as not to see, whither this way hath lead them, and how far the Holy God, hath thus confounded their reason, as visibly, as once these were in their Language, who would attempt to build a tower up unto Heaven, when this way, left to one absolute uncertainty, ever to fix their Faith, the Standard, and measure whereof, must be the comprehension of reason, which hath no firm or infallible ground to settle on besides itself, and whilst they cannot make the reason, and judgement of others, as considerate, and knowing as themself, meet with theirs, the result thereof is to put a judicial madness in the room of reason, so as to conceive a created,& dependant God to give divin ehomage to, and that at once he should be both a God, and a Creature, and adore a comprehensible Object with divine Worship, yea this way without a contradiction to themself they can give no faith to the Creation as being brought purely out of nothing, or to the Resurrection of the dead, as wholly incomprehensible to reason, they must deride Israëls Passage thorough the read Sea, or the Suns standing still on Josua's call to verify that Rom. 1: 21, because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, but professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, thence is such one amazing stroke thus inflicted on their reason, for it may be said as in the Poëtick Fiction of phaethon, that when he sought to guide the Chariot of the Sun, for a time, he was like to burn the earth, until he was struck with a thunderbolt from Heaven; so hath this party tried how to manadge reason, as the supreme director, and Judge upon all that is sacred, as they have gone near to destroy both Reason, and Religion at once, but tho the strongest rational Arguments, with such seem to bear no weight, I doubt not ere long of such a visible demonstration of the Divinity of our ever Blessed Redeemer, which he shall give before the World, that he may be known to be God, as will for ever end this Controversy. There is a constraint on the Elect Angels, to admire what they cannot comprehend of the Mystery of the gospel, and that incomprehensible love of God to fallen man, but oh what a return, and recompense does engaged mankind, give to him who counted it no robbery to be equal to God, yet to become man for our sake, that in the face of the greatest brightness of light, does bear such enmity to his Godhead, as the eye of reason must be put out to serve this end, and when such a light is turned into darkness, how great is that darkness! I have thought to the furthest to know, where the strength of such a Profession could possibly ly, this being so great a Head, whereon the truth, or nullity of the Christian Faith is so visibly stated; and I durst appeal their reason and conscience if a resolute aversion, to the Person of our Redeemer, in the union of the divine, and human nature, and to the pureness, and sanctifying virtue of the gospel, ly not more in the will, then their judgement, and be not the leading principle of this strange Controversy. For the true Interest of reason, in Religion, I may say, it hath been one of the great studies of my life, to improve the same, for a solid, and judicious establishment in the Faith of the gospel( which I should still commend with the greatest respect to any of a serious spirit) but herewith I could possibly go no further without giving up with all use of reason, or give a higher pre-eminence thereto, then in a full evidence, that what we are called to believe is of divine Revelation; nor can desire more to warrant a hope and confidence, tho against hope, as to all rational grounds, but that it surely hath a divine promise to lean on. It might be judged, satan needed no human assistance to these fiery darts, which are so usually thrown at the choicest Christians, to shake their faith on this head, but it i● not at an ordinare rate, that its great Author hath designed the trial thereof. 3. There is one Reflection further hath affencted my spirit upon this Controversy, as to the juncture of time, when it is become now so contagious and prevalent, whilst we are to pray, wait, and hope with assurance for the renting of the veil yet off many dark places in the earth, to make way for that higher Glory of Christs Reign thereon, which shall be to the gentle Church as life from the dead; yea when it is drawing so near to that great Revolution of Providence, when Shem, and Japhet shall yet again meet in the same Tents; how so strong a conspiracy is on foot to oppose the same, and to shut any door whither for Jews or Pagans, to enter at upon the Christian Faith, but where they find so venerable a thing, as reason, standing in their way to tell them, that the most essential part of Christianity is incompatible therewith,& that they must subject themselves to the authority of human Iudgment, and not to God, if they design to be Christians. It is a famous passage, I must relate here of that great Jewish Council, held in Octob. 1650. in the plain of Ageda, 30 leagues from Buda in Hungary, to search the Scripture concerning the messiah, and the truth of the New Testament, where after seven dayes debate about the same, and not a few Arguments offered from their continued desolation and captivity since the time of Christ; some Popish Deputies at last were admit, who in stead of promoting the Christian Faith, pressed them to believe the Worship of the Saints departed, and of the Virgin Mary, upon which that great Assembly broken up in a tumult, crying no Christ, no Images, no Woman God, and cast dust on their heads, upon so irrational a Blasphemy: It is true, some of the rabbis then, did much desire Protestant Divines to have met with them, but that the Pope and Emperor had joined to shut them wholly out, tho thousands of Strangers were then present at a meeting of so great expectation, of the Jews coming in to the Christian Faith; but I mention it for this end, what a cry would that have made, if they had been  told of a created and dependant God,& to subject themselves here to the greatest contradictions to Reason.  
5. I shall now in the close but add this further, what should be special expected upon the growing state of Christs visible Kingdom in the World, that as these Fogs& Mists which have been raised upon the authority of his truth, will be then quickly dispelled, so is there a higher Tribute to be given into him of the Glory of his Works, and the Outgoings of his Providence about the Church in these last times. I know, the work and business of this day lies not here, or in designs of that nature, but it were well if much of that which makes the greatest noise this day in the way of Religion, had its room filled with so choice a study as this is, tho it is indeed one of the peculiar endowments of the Spirit of God, given to some more eminently then others, to be skilled in the Methods and Deeps of Providence, and to understand aright how the Work of God lies towards the Church; and his designs therein, according to these discoveries given of the same in his Word, and what watch of the night we are now under; but on this Head, I shall speak to a few grounds, whereon this Tribute to the declarative Glory of God, from his great Works of Providence about his Church, will in another manner be rendered to him then heretofore.  
I. Because it is surely in this way of his great and extraordinar Works, that the Lord does design a more eminent discovery of himself, then in all these times that are hitherto past, and will thus enter his Church on that brightness and splendour of his second coming, which belongs to the last ages; when his going forth in the greatness of his strength will be with that evidence, as shall seize the World with fear and astonishment; and when he is in another manner to glorify himself in his People, then was formerly in these suffering times, which are now past, wherein his Glory was to shine forth in the eminency of the passive graces of his spirit; for now is the Mystery of God, in what yet remains thereof to be fini●hed, in another way to take place, as shall call the Generation that's coming up to such an observing and admiring Work of the great Acts of God, that may need a more then ordinare measure of grace to answer the same: but we must look for great things of judgement, coming on, to be accomplished, as well as of mercy, the Vyalls of divine Wrath, and last Plagues, are but in part ●oured out, wherein the appearance of God will and with much terror to the World, and that last Triumph of his Justice within time, will not be of one ordinare kind; we are to expect great shakings of the Nations, and times of breaking down, as well as of building up, which are yet to come, and drawing near.  
II. Because we are entred on these times, when the Lord is in a more singular way then heretofore, to put the whole Generation of his People, on that part of Divinity, and the study thereof, which relates to his Works, and that great Mystery of Providence about his Church; when the Key shall then be put in their hand for opening up, and a more full understanding the way of the Lord in these times past under the New Testament. This is indeed a weighty part of Divinity, which is reserved to the latter times in the perfections thereof, and these higher improvements, to be made on that blessed study, then was attainable in former ages, when his work now is coming to a more full point. It hath been remarkably the business of this age, to make a more accurate search, and some greater discovery upon natural causes, and the workings thereof, but I doubt not, that ere long the inquisitive World, shall be in another manner awaked, and their Inquiries run in a higher channel above all second causes, to see and admire the great Acts of Providence, in the Divinity thereof, and not what is human therein, but as they are by way of Eminency the Works of God, in the brightness of his immediate appearance in the same. It is one of the dismal signs of the present time, how much the spirits of men are at work to darken so far, as possible the most eminent Discoveries of God in his Works, and in the most extraordinare revolutions of human affairs, as if they would set bounds and limits to him, according to the course and order of second causes, and subject, both the truth of his Word and his Works to the comprehension of their reason, tho some civil respect, they will give, and the name of his being the prime cause, but shut their eyes on what is more extraordinar and solemn in any piece of his work. I would yet point at some special Heads, that belong to this choice part of Divinity, which we are to expect, will in another manner be opened up, and I desire to rejoice in the hope hereof. 1. As to these more singular cases of Providence, which hath been in the Churches course, since her first translation from the Jews to the Gentiles, with the is sue and consequences thereof, contrare to the rules or principles of natural reason, which is one Inquiry to be more fully improven, then whatever hath been attained this way; when men shall see the end of the Lord herein, with such evidence as shall tend to clear all bygones in his work. 2. These remarkable Periods of time, wherein the Prophetical Part of the New Testament, hath been successively brought forth in their proper Season, as was foretold, is yet to have the seal more fully taken off, and that vaill, which was over them, so as it shall be clear and easy to see how the Lord hath not only kept his Word and Truth to his Church, but hath kept these times also exactly, to which such great events of Providence did relate. 3. There is a greater discovery yet to be made, then hath been hitherto, how the Church hath been lead in a right way, and by a strait line in her whole course, through that long, and terrible Wilderness, which she was to pass, under the dispensation of the gospel; and what eminent services the Saints have been put on in these strange measures of their warfare, which was then allotted to them, and in their overcoming work thereby; yea what a higher Triumph our blessed Redeemer hath had in the Faith, and patience of his People in so dismal a time, then in any external flourishing state of his Church, so as it might be said it was then day, as to the presence of his spirit, and irresistible efficacy of his truth on his followers, when it seemed otherwise as the darkness of midnight. 4● There belongs to this part of Divinity, some higher breaking up of light, yet to be made on that Mystery of the Communion of the Saints here with other, in the way of providence, and what a joint interest they have herein, as to what hath been more singular in the Lords way, and disposal about others of his People: we have little understood what are enriching trade, we might drive upon that stock of these ancient experiments of Christians in following the Lord, and these eminent trials they have made of the truth, who hath in ages past gone before, and what a Pawn is thus put in our hand, for a further strengthening in the Faith; yea what public interest thus the whole Church of Christ hath, in some eminent acts of Providence about particular Christians, which in the import and greatness thereof was not given for themself only, but as a public concern to the whole Generation, that seek after God in their day, and for the times to come, according to that Psal. 10: 3. Many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. 5. I must add, one great improvement of this special Head of Divinity, which will yet be above the measures of times past, in the extent of that Reference, and Appeal, before Angels and Men, in behalf of the Truth, and Faithfulness of God, for what he hath spoken and promised to his Church; and is that Tribute of praise, which in a higher degree is to be payed in to him, now when it's so near to the close of time, then by that great testimony of Joshua 25: 14 how not one thing had failed of all the good things the Lord had then spoken in behalf of his Church, but had fully taken place, and was the same Appeal, which Solomon made I. Kings 8.56. for this with a higher glory and evidence is to be the Testimony of the latter days, when it's drawing near to that magnificent close and period of prophetic Chronology, and finishing of the Mystery of God therein; how his spotless truth hath as the Sun in his strength kept it's way and course amid all these dark clouds, which hath spread to darken the same; and no promise or prediction of that sacred record of the Scripture, hath ever failed or fallen to the ground, now when it's drawing so near to the perfect Day. It is true each age, hath had their proper measures of light, in order to the service of that time, and something peculiar allotted in the dispensations of Providence, yea some greater eminency did belong to these times past, when the sufferings of Christians did most abound, in the adventures of Faith, and in the trial of love, then in after times, but as to higher discoveries of the works of God& the depths of providence about his Church, these was reserved to that period, when the Mystery of God hereon should be more fully perfited, and in this respect it's to be said, blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh, to such a solemn time, and to have his lot fall therein, as is spoken Dan. 12: 12.  
III. But for a further clearing of this Subject, since the Glory of the Kingdom of Christ is so nearly concerned in the discovery and entertainment of his Works, in the day thereof, and now when a more eminent appearance thereof is near, that Kingdoms and Nations in their Complex Body, shall in a more solemn way be the Lords; It should be expected that the return and oblation of praise upon the great Acts of his Providence shall be more remarkable, as a public dead of Nations, and Churches then hath yet hitherto been; yea that when the Lord does in any singular way appear, for their security, and standing, by Providences of a public and national extent, that a gratulatory retribution, on their part must be of the same extent, under a public care and regard. It is true, there is a settled frame of subordinat means, by which the Providence of God does work in the great designs thereof, that we are called to regard, wherein I doubt not, but the Ministry of the Angels hath the greatest interest, as one of the great Ordinances he hath settled in behalf of his Church, tho as to their special offices, and delegate service to particular church, and Christians, is something that's more dark; but it may be hoped will ere long be with a clearer evidence known in these great transactions of Providence, which are yet to take place, when a nearer Communion may be then attained betwixt these blessed Spirits, and the Saints here on the earth, then is yet known, but tho there is no time wherein the Lord will not put honor on instituted means, and on that established order of his working, yet whilst most have such ordinare thoughts of God herein, and are so ready to fix their eyes wholly on men, his honor is concerned to let the World know he is God by more extraordinar demonstrations, yea such are most of the great events of his Word, which are yet to be brought forth as cannot possibly in an other way be expected. But on this Subject I would humbly offer some few reflections, which should be matter of a serious regard.  
1. That as its highly becoming, on some eminent piece of the Work of God, or public deliverances, for a Nation or State to have solemn and public returns of thankfulness to him thereon; yet is it strange how so little regard should thus be to have the greatness of any such mercy sought out, and the same public care extended, for keeping up a venerable remembrance thereof, so that such a service of Gratitude be not bounded with the transient work of a day, since otherways it is a most essential want, and with holding a proper and important part of that Tribute, which is due into God herein, for there can be no suitable regard to serve the end of such Providences, and what was so straitly enjoined of the Lord under the Old Testament, which was the Churches continued practise there; yea of the same moral and perpetual use in all after times, if it should not be still a public trust under the furthest human care to promote the same, tho divine Record and History for this intent does now cease.  
2. But as this hath one unquestionable tie on Churches, and a Christian State to design the most honourable respect, and entertainment of the great Acts of God in their day, and is made their propertalent to answer to; so does a just exoneration herein, call for the most exact scrutiny and search on the truth and evidence thereof, on which the weight, and credit of this service does so far depend, to cause a more full assent, by these who come after to such a testimony, that these rare Providences, wherein the Lord did thus make himself known, were not only in the present time sought out, and inquired unto, under their proper circumstances, but by such of greatest weight, and advantage, for a work of this nature; whose sincerity and judiciousness might be convincing, and the integrity of such one Intent, cleared from any partial respect or end, but allennerly for exalting the Majesty of God, and strengthening men in the Faith, by so great a seal to his Truth, and for the interest of the Posterity; yea wherein these who in some lesser differences did not fully meet in the same judgement, yet might entirely unite, in such a service and testimony as this.  
3. Where the Lord makes himself known in more illustrious acts of his power, as may be called Magnalia Dei, to some particular Nation, and Church beside others, who herein are in a more then ordinare way interested; it might seem equal, and answer to the highest reason, they sold be of that value, as to be entred on a National Record, and have that concurrence of human authority, to make the evidence hereof as authentic, as the public deeds, or rights, which belong to such a state. It is true, there is no want of Histories, and the Church hath been blessed with that singular mercy of Martyrologies by faithful and impartial hands, to attest the power of divine grace, and supports of the spirit given to sufferers for the truth, and of late it was of great use the concurrence of Civil Authority to that Work of the History of the Church of England, that's now extant, by an excellent Writer; but for this intent, it is something distinct by its self, with respect only to these Monuments of Providence, relating to a particular Church, that are of public, clear, and uncontrolled evidence, to have the remembrance thereof with the highest honor, kept up, and secured from the prejudices and cavils of men thereat; yea to such Passadges in that day, whereon the Signature, and Impress of the more immediate appearance of God hath had most full and bright evidence; these great changes of a public interest, which hath then occurred, wherein some extraordinar Conjunction in the course of Providence, might be seen, above natural causes, and the ordinare way of Gods Working, such interpositions of his wonderful power, by which he hath designed to put some eminent honor, on acts of trust, and relyances on his truth, as might be exemplary to after times, and serve for that end, that they who come after, might set their hope on God, and not forget his Works Psal. 78: 7. yea extraordinar Acts also of divine judgement, whereby he hath appeared in some unusual manner, to vindicate the honor of his Laws, against public and notorious violations of the same, which may be clearly seen were ●ot designed for that age only, but as a public uncern for after times.  
4. Can it be questioned, that since that Sacred Canon of the Scripture is sealed, and consigned to the Church, to have no more addition thereto, but that it's now a part of the highest trust upon the gentle Churches, to have a most venerable respect for conveyance of the great Works of God, from me Generation to another,& to bear such evidence thereof, as the nature of these things is capable of, for a moral certainty; yea that this might be on such trial, as should silence and convince the most inquisitive, and suspicious spirits of men herein, this is of a serious and weighty import, if it were considered: 1. How so high a concern of the Glory of God is thus entrusted to tradition by human testimony and record, and to the credit thereof, as that way only which the Lord hath now fixed for the convoyance of his marvellous works ●o after times, on which he once put that value as to give them a special room in Sacred Writ, and tho there is no such way now to attest the same, yet is not the weight of that service taken off the Church, which is mentioned Isay 62: 6. to be the Lords Remembrancers and Recorders of his great Acts, as the Original there bears. 2. It is unquestionable that he hath reserved the greatest of his Works, wherein he will most eminently appear, to the last times, and what a loss hath it been to the Christian World unto this day, that unfaithful part which we must charge upon former ages, in no suitable regard to have such ane● interest and treasure, with a public care, secured for the posterity, through which the credit and honor of tradition hath been so much broken as hath rendered the use thereof of small effect. 3. And it's known how difficult a part it is to gain credit in this day, to the truth of what's more extraordinar in passages of providence, even where the relaters thereof hath as to their own conscience and conviction the most full assurance, and hath designed what Inquiry was suitable in such a case; whilst the want of a more unite and public concurrence takes off so much of that weight, which it might have in after times; but I have confidence, that a higher service of this kind in the improvement of so great a Talent for the honor of God, does yet wait on the Church,& succeeding race, as shall tend to bring up what hath been detained of such a rent and tribute of praise, yea that these whose Lot shall be in the dayes that are now coming, and fall in with the growing state and glory of the Kingdom of Christ to see these things, which will exceed the thoughts and faith of this day herein, shall see and enjoy such Records of these times, where the great intent shall be of that kind Revel. 15: 3. Great and marvellous are thy Works, Lord God Almighty, Just and True are thy Ways thou King of Saints, and where the credit of such a testimony shall not be personal only, but national in a more solemn, unite concurrence herewith then hath been hitherto known.  
4. It is on this Subject, I must add further, that a traditional conveyance of more special and momentous things of Providence, might be of much use, were it suitably improven, to have a remembrance thereof continued in a Family Line and Relation, which is one peculiar way, whereby the present Generation might declare the truth and faithfulness of God to the next. It is true, there is no serious Christian, but is thus sifted, and accountable on such a service to put to his seal, by some explicit personal testimony, that God is true, upon his trial hereof, and most specially to improve that season, when it is near to the close and shutting up of time, that with his last and dying breath he might bear the same witness to the truth of Christ, and to the advantage and excellency of his way and service, which he did in the whole course of his life past, and of that joy, complacence& assurance of mind, which these have found, and now hath in the way of truth; but there is something more peculiar in this Testimony, to be understood, with respect to these to whom things in a more singular manner hath been allotted then to other Christians, in the way of Providence, and hath in the Record and Journal of their life had more extraordina● Remarks and Confirmations from the Lord, as gives higher access to this service, and adds to the value of such a Testimony. I would offer but a few thoughts on such a Head, which may possibly seem a strange and dark thing to some: 1. It was once for a long time that the Series of the Church was kept up in a Family Line from Abraham to the 12 patriarches, and what a rare course and conduct of Providence was thus transmit to after times, which is so great one interest, and treasure to this day, and tho that conveyance was by an infallible spirit, yet is this so far exemplary thereby, for such a confirmatory witness, by observing Christians, to the truth, when it comes to their last improvement of time, and of what hath been more signal and eminent in the Lords dealing with them, that it should be one of the choicest Legacies they could be queath to their Relations, yea a singular mean to have Religion thus kept alive in a more venerable respect thereto in a Family State, and to fix stronger engagements to the way of God, on their surviving Friends. 2. I hope there be no serious discerning Christian, but hath some more select Observations of their life, and what hath been most remarkable in the course of Providence towards them, laid up, something of which might be of singular use, besides their own personal interest therein, to a further establishment of others in the way of truth; tho any improvement of that kind needs much Christian prudence and sobriety to qualify the same; yea, were this suitably designed in such dismal times, we are now fallen in, what accuss might private Christians have, these specially who have gone through more extraordinar trials then others, to be thus a public blessing to their Generation; and how honourable a service were it for God, to advance the credit of Religion, and fix deeper impressions of the same on mens spirits, that these who have been admit to more special adventures of Faith, amid the various conflicts of their day, should in the close thereof have this as their proper work to deliver the truth off their hand, which they had received, with their seal and testimony to the same, as that which they had proven and tried in a more then ordinare way, and which had brought them safe and honourably through, as was the last Words and Witness of David 1 Kings 14. Who hath delivered my soul out of all distress: this I humbly judge falleth in as the last and peculiar service of a Christian, when it hath the advantage to be more valuable and convincing to others, then in any other time of their life,& were a thing highly desirable, that a work of this kind should be suitably prepared, to prevent a surprisal of death,& going silent off the stage, which hath been the lot of these who have shined most brightly thereon; and as it surely hath the most opportune season in the last Scene of a Christians Work, so may it be yet more designed and regarded in the last ages of time, when there is to be expected such Testimonies for God, and to the Glory of his Truth, as will much exceed the ordinar Standard of these times past, and we are now in. The full sense of that Scripture John 3: 33. should have a great weight herein, he that hath received his Testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true, where there is a peculiar debt, and trust on the one hand that is put on such, who hath the truth and testimony of God consigned for trial of the same; and a discharge thereof, which on the other hand they stand accountable for putting to their seal that God●st rue which is the most solemn way of a Testimony before men; tho some may be thus in a special manner stated by higher engagements to sanctify God before others, and when some more singular passages of Providence comes under such a witness and seal as a distinct part of a Christians Testament in his parting with time, it brings the strongest evidence that human testimony can possibly have for conveyance of the same.  
FINIS.   

AN APPENDIX TO THE Foregoing Discourse, In both the PARTS thereof.  
THOUGH the intent of what was at first directed to the private use of some, now made public, was with that design of brevity, and to keep off any enlargement, as it may seem rather an Index of things, than a Discoursing of the same; Yet, to prevent mistake, and for more clear understanding of what hath been principally designed herein, both as to the Personal Establishment of Christians, in this State of their Trial and Warfare, and with respect of the public State of the Church; it hath obliged me to offer some additional touch, in a short review on the same, but more specially on some truths, which I humbly judge, though of great import in the present time, yet have not been touched by others, so far as is known to me; Which I shall speak a little farther to in some distinct Sections.  

SECT. I.  
IT might seem unsuitable, to set down the Contents, as is usual, of what is most specially handled in a directive way, in the First Part of this Discourse; where such a variety of things is there wrapped up, in so few words, on that Great Subject: but, since it's ordinary for many to pass their judgement on the whole of any such Discourse, with a short glance at a part only; I shall offer, in the room thereof, some few Propositions drawn forth out of the same, as they lye closely together in a joint Series, and Coherence to give light, and assistance for so high an end, they are directed to; and, on things, which may be remote from the thoughts and judgement of most who are entered on that high distinguishing profession of the Christian Faith.  
Prop. 1. That the highest rational enjoyment of a Christian within time, does surely lye in such an assurance, and quiet of Mind on the Certainty of Divine Truth, as can Answer so great a Discovery made hereof to Men, and the greatness of that adventure they must shortly make thereof; nor can the Ultimate Inquiry about the event, and full enjoyment of our hope, to secure the heart herein, go farther, than to know there is a Divine Testimony, to warrant the same, and that we are in sure terms herewith.  
Prop. 2. There must either be an entire rest, and settlement of a Christian's Spirit on Divine Truth, or none at all, since there can be no possible fixing betwixt these; or relief, where the ground of it cannot fully support the Soul, though all visible refuges, or human assistances should fail.  
Prop. 3. An implicit, and light assent to the Christian Faith, and the great and astonishing things thereof, is a degree of Atheism, and indifferency herein; nor can there be a just claim to so high a profession as this is from the residue of Men, until once it be a solemn, and proper business by itself, for Men to sist, and prove their own Soul, in the greatest recess, and composure upon their joining in with the Faith of Christ, with inward consent, and no influence from external motives, of Example, Education, or human Authority, herein, but purely on its own evidence.  
Prop 4. That human State considered without God, and the Faith of the Excellencies of his Nature, should tend onely to let Men see their Life to be a Curse, and Torment, rather than a blessing, if there were no Supernatural help, which is above themselves, against the Evils and Miseries of time, and of a future State.  
Prop. 5. Either a Christian, or of no Religion at all, is an unaswerable Dilemma; either the enjoyment of God, according to the Laws and Constitutions of the Christian Faith, or no possible comfort in the Light, and enjoyment of a Deity for Men, if they be Sinners; and so as a Deist, since Sin entered on the World, is a pure contradiction to itself; when no such Sacred thing as Religion hath ever else had a being on the Earth, but that which might tend rather to justify Atheism, and to put the highest contumely and affront on the Divine Nature: Nor had the Jewish Religion another being but in the Faith of Christ, and where it wants that, it hath none at all.  
Prop. 6. As there is but one Sun that shines on this visible World; there hath onely been one Fountain, and Repository of Sacred Light given from God unto Men, both in order to their duty, and hope, without which Divine Record, Heaven and Earth should be shut up from other, by any established rule of correspondence for the same; and the most excellent and essential part of Man, his Soul, have no directive, or comforting Light, both as to his present, and future State, or the way thereto, whilst this lower Earth hath a Sun to shine thereon.  
Prop. 7. The First Entry of the Christian Faith, does Essentially lye in the Faith of the Old Testament, and of a Promised Redeemer; So as Men cannot possibly be Christians, or enjoy the Gospel this day, if it were not on the certainty of that Blessed Record; and if this Great Promise, which was the first immediate object of the Churches Faith, and of that high value, as was worthy of their waiting, and expectation for 4000 years, had not been revealed, and made as sure as the performance now is.  
Prop. 8. As the time of the Old Testament was still a waiting, and expecting time, and the whole dispensation thereof a prelude to that great design of Grace which was to be brought forth; so was the Promise on which they waited, in its nature, absolute, and irrevocable, without dependence upon any condition in Man; and was the alone Original Right of all the Promises they did enjoy, which, in him, onely are Yea, and Amen.  
Prop. 9. Since the first precise time, and entry of the Christian Faith on the World, after the Fall, it hath yet never ceased to shine, and keep its course, or to be embraced by a peculiar People in a Church Relation, who were distinct, and separated from the residue of Men until this day; nor hath the Churches Head, in any Ages of time, ever wanted some part of his Body to converse with, as the peculiar objects of his Love, and Delight; and, for imparting himself too, by vital influences of Light and Power; So that the uninterrupted Succession of a Spiritual Seed on the Earth until this day, since Abel, who, of human Race, first entered into Heaven, is no less, evident, and sure, than the Succession of Mankind; and though some periods of time have had a larger extent of the Church therein, and some higher interest in the in-gathering of the Elect; yet hath no Age ever wanted a proper share of that Glory, which the Lord would not restrict onely to some special times.  
Prop. 10. Were it supposable, that the Promised Messiah was yet to come, it were not possible to look for its accomplishment in another way, or under other circumstances than what is recorded hereof in the Gospel, or that the Redeemer, according to the tenor of the Old Yestament, should act another part, than what he did; nor is there nay variation betwixt the ancient Creed of the Church then, and that which is ours now under the Gospel, as to the Substance thereof, but that the one was founded on the Credit of the Promise, and the other on its full assurance of its accomplishment.  
Prop. 11. There is yet this Essential change now in the Christian Faith, that what Abraham, and Moses, were saved by, cannot save us; but would be absolutely mortal to rest on the Promise of a Redeemer; or to believe, in general Terms, that he is come; but that this is he, whom the Father sealed, and sent into the World; and he alone, who, in the days of Tibertus, and under Pontius Pilate suffered at Jerusalem.  
Prop. 12. The precise time of the Sufferings and Resurrection of our blessed Redeemer, was that great and solemn Epocha, to begin a new Week, whereon the Churches entry on the highest glory of time, and on a new State, is to be dated; where the solemn observation of the first day of the Week, the Lord's day, had both its rise and right; the exact time whereof was so public and famous, and of that high concern to the Primitive Church on this first entry unto a New World, as rendered it impossible to be in the least doubtfulness herein, or to have possibly fixed on another day, besides the clear Sanction of Divine Authority for the same; but the less seems to be of a peremptory, and positive Institution made use of for this end, should be the greater excitement to our observation thereof, since the Lord would have it enforced most from internal Motives, and herein both try, and trust the Love of his People.  
Prop. 13. It was reserved to the Gospel State of the Church to be the Theatre of the greatest wonders both of Providence and Grace, above all that ever had been known to the World before, and was then in a singular way allotted to the first entry of that glotious Scene after the Ascension of Christ, which was to be acted under the New Testament, to have the God of this World put off his Visible Throne, and the whole frame of Paganism razed and extinct; to have so wonderful a change made on the whole face of the Earth, in the Planting, and Propagating of the Christian Faith; and in the most Savage parts thereof, by the alone Evidence and virtue of sacred Truth, where no human Power could boast that their Arm, or Sword did bring this about; yea that the visible extent of the Christian Church within sixty years after the Ascension of the Lord, could exceed what it is this day.  
Prop. 14. The Churches Increase, and extent of the Christian Profession, in these first times did most eminently appear in the reality of vital Influences on Mens Souls, and innumerable Examples of the Truth, and Power of Holiness, wherein the outgoings of the Lord Jesus, and virtue of his Death, did with that wonderful evidence appear, as it's sure one real converted Christian is a greater Seal to the Christian Faith, than any external Miracle, or visible Profession hereof by many in a naked form; such being the frame, and Constitution of a real Christian, as the Glory of the Godhead is more eminently seen in the first frame, conduct, and perfecting of such, than in the first frame of Man before the fall, or of the Angels: Since this is to make Saints, of the greatest Sinners.  
Prop. 15. As it was to the times of the Gospel, that our Redeemer did reserve the highest discovery of his Love unto Man, so was it unto these times, that he did reserve the highest Testimony, and trial of the Love of Mankind unto him, both in Services, and Sufferings; and in the greatness of that Confirmatory Seal of Martyrdom, by the most excellent in the Earth, who were offered up as an oblation of Love to seal the Testimony of Christ with their Blood, wherein, no constraint of Light only, and Obedience from an alone Positive Institution, as in the typical Sacrifices under the Law, but from a constraint of Love, stronger than the flames they were offered up in; the number whereof, since that great Propitiation was offered up, is of that extent, as can only be known by him, who counts the number of the Stars.  
Prop. 16. Such is the mystery of the Gospel, and that great design, wherein the Majesty of God would take satisfaction to himself by himself; for the saving of lost Man, as can never be taken up or understood, in a natural way, as human Sciences are, yet is with as Bright, and full evidence made known by its own Light, and Beams to the Soul of a Christian, as the daylight of the Sun is to our natural Sense.   

SECT. II.  
BUt since no Light, or Conviction of the judgement can efficaciously work to an entire settlement of the Soul on the certainty of Divine Truth, without internal evidence, and the Sealing work of the Spirit, it is on that wonderful part of Christianity, which lies in the Truth of inward experience, which is the Soul, and Life of our Religion, I shall touch, what's more principally pointed at upon this Subject, in a few Propositions drawn forth from what is more fully held forth thereon.  
Prop. 1. That such is this Mystery of inward Experience on the Soul, as hath a distinct evidence from any moral influence by the Word to the judgement, tho' it cannot be divided from the same; and is the proper object of spiritual Sense, which no human Power, or Angels can impart, but God hath reserved only to himself, as an earnest given to confirm, such as know what passeth betwixt him and their Soul herein, of a more full out-making of his Truth, and promise beyond any external Providence.  
Prop. 2. The enjoyments of Grace, and of a spiritual State this way, which are of the highest Substance, and reality, do not alone support, and strengthen a Christians Faith, by inward Sense, and feeling thereof, but by the most exact, and judicious trial of the same, as it is the assured Seal of the Spirit of Promise.  
Prop. 3. It is sure, that God is not known in the Earth, or enjoyed in Truth, in the Knowledge of Converse with him, but in the Light of inward Evidence, and Experience; and that Religion hath no true Interest among men or any real conquest to eternal Ends; but in this alone way of its Power, and efficacy on their Soul; so as that choice Company, who are now going through time on fresh and continued supplies of the Spirit of Grace, are these alone in whom the Christian Faith is kept alive this day in the Earth.  
Prop. 4. Tho' all who are entred in a reconciled State with God, must be sealed by the Spirit, which is the settled privilege of all who are under his conduct, yet are there more near, and higher enjoyments of this kind, and in a more singular way imparted to some than others for support to their Faith, where more singular trials, and a long interval of delay between the Promise, and Performance hath been in their Case.  
Prop. 5. This rare enjoyment of inward Experience of Divine things none can on trust or report from others know in the Truth thereof, which no human Testimony or vocal Evidence can express, what is a secret betwixt God and the Soul alone; which no Assistance of their own Spirit or of any natural Cause could ever possibly impart, or make so discernible, and marvelous a change in their inward Case.  
Prop. 6. Such is the Christian way and passage to Heaven, as were simply impossible, without the immediate Communion of the Holy Ghost, and real enjoyment of supernatural Assistances, and Comforts, which can have no possible rise from nature.  
Prop. 7. It is not the Letter of the Word of Truth can save men, or objective Evidence hereof to the judgement; where nothing is known of its internal Work. So as professed Christians for the most part, have the same need to be Converted to Christianity that Pagans have.  
Prop. 8. The enjoyment of some of the Saints in this way of Experience, may be no rule, nor measure to others in the Trial of their State; since there are ever most different Sizes, and Growth amongst such within time as make so great a difference herein, nor have serious Christians the same advantage in a like measure to discern the workings of God on their Soul, and try the same from the natural work of their own Spirit, as these who by Reason of use have their Senses exercised to discern Good, and Evil.  
Prop. 9. Tho' the Sense, and Sweetness of Spiritual Enjoyments, comes not by the Power, and Workings of Reason, but by the immediateness of the Divine Presence; yet does it not exclude such a disoussive work in the clearness of spiritual Reason, and Light, as can fully quiet the mind that here is no delusion, nor deceit, but is the alone work of the Spirit of Truth, who leads unto all Truth.  
Prop. 10. That special design of the Lord in the settlement of Churches in a visible State, can neither be known or made effectual, but in this way to have external Ordinances carried on with Life, and Power on Mens Souls, and for enjoying or Communion by the Spirit with their Blessed Head; nor is it possible for a particular Church to subsist in a naked form of Religion, and external Services, if the Administration of the Spirit, and Power, therewith should be wholly withdrawn, but the quenching of the Light must then unquestionably follow.   

SECT. III.  
It's in a review on this Subject, that the greatness of that Persenal trial, which is made by the certainty of Inward Experience, and the quality of such Witnesses as bear Testimony herein, and puts to their Seal, that God is True, in what he hath promised, may be understood in some further Propositions drawn forth of the preceding discourse thereon.  
Prop. 1. Spiritual Experience, of what immediately passeth betwixt God, and the Soul's of Men, according to the settled Constitutions of his Word, and makes so present, and marvelous a change in their Inward Case, it's a trial upon the whole vital part of Religion; upon the internal Efficacy, and Power of Divine Truth, whereby the moral Rule of Gospel Obedience, is turned into living and inward Principles, and the Christian Soul thus made to be the declared Epistle of Christ, by an internal comforming of the same thereto, in an indissoluble Union of the Truth, and their Spirits together, being changed into the same Image.  
Prop. 2. It's not on some rare, and extra●rdinary account, that Jonas trial is stated, but is known by innumerable re-iterated times of such enjoyments, to keep close with a near and tender walk in a Christians whole course, as an anointing with fresh oil; so that the Power of Religion, can never be barren of new Experiments of Divine Truth, and inward enjoyments thereof, where with no less Evidence, they can see the proper Cause, and Original, than the Truth of such marvelous effects, and the Object of their Faith, in what God hath spoken in his Word to be now made the Object of their Inward Sense, and Experience, as his Seal put thereto.  
Prop. 3. This is a trial, especially made on so great a difference, as is betwixt the clearest act of the judgement upon Divine things, and the real feeling of the same in the Power, and virtue thereof; betwixt the most sublime apprehension by Theory, and these sensible Impressions by the Holy Ghost on their Soul; yea how the greatest objective means in the way of Light cannot do, if there were not an internal effective cause that works Powerfully herein, where the same Cause which makes a Christian first Live, does empower him to Move, and act for God in the Services of their day.  
Prop. 4. Nothing does more Work on Mens Souls, and afford unspeakable Joy to them, than what's made their own, and is their proper and distinct interest in this mystery of inward experience, to know in themselves the internal demonstrations of the Truth they profess, in the power, and evidence thereof; and what great things have been transacted betwixt God and their Soul, these more remarkable times, have gone over them of his conduct, and immediate appearances in the course of their life; yea, to see how the same Spirit, that confirms the Truth of their State and hope for Heaven, does herewith confirm Christianity, and the great original charter of Divine Truth, by such an extract given to them hereof.  
Prop. 5. They must first come and see, beyond, hearing by the ear, who would dive into these deep, and still waters of Christian experience, to know in what manner the Spirit of God, hears evidence to his own truth, and what strong impressions his work hath on the internal Sense of a Christian; yea, what a near commerce, and piercing intelligence is betwixt such, and their invisible head, in the way of his revealed truth, when it is with that evidence, and assurance of being God's Seal, and the first-fruits of the Spirit, as they could adventure their eternal State on the truth thereof.  
Prop. 6. Such is the enjoyment of Spiritual Experience, as may not onely render a Christian to be a wonder to himself, in his reflection thereon; but might awake the most sublime, and Inquisitive Spirits of Men, to some greater thoughts and search herein, as things of the highest consequence that's within time, to know that such a part of human race is on the Earth as are admitted to an immediate Communion with the Deity by inward sense, and to the enjoyment of such a light, as is immediately out of Heaven by the Spirit of God, and shines on none else of Mankind.  
Prop. 7. Though the truth of inward experience of the great things of God be the proper interest of a Christian upon his own trial, yet is it a part of that communion which such have within time with the most excellent in the Earth, and these innumerable, both in the present, and former ages of all ranks, who have been the greatest lovers of God, and adventurers for him, with whom he hath so familiarly dealt, and witnessed hereby how great a rewarder he is of his own grace, in ejoyments both of light and comfort.   

SECT. IV.  
I Have so far offered a short review, of the preceding discourse in a series of some propositions drawn out of the same, to clear what is more specially intended therein, and the joint necessity that Christians have in this militant state, of the highest assistance to their Faith, both from rational evidence, and from the internal work, and demonstrations of the Spirit of God, which is a thing so incomprehensible to natural reason, and remote from human sense, as the Spirit of most in this day seems to be on the rack how to oppose the same, and to divide betwixt the moral part of our religion and the vital part thereof; to take off thus the greatest seal that God hath given to the divinity of his truth upon Mens Souls; yea, to such a height is this strange enmity to the life and glory of our religion now come, under so bright a day of the Gospel, as nothing may be more clearly expressive of that sin against the Holy Ghost, and of a doing despite to the Spirit of Grace. We live in a time, when Night seems in a strange manner to be fallen down on the whole inkhorn Churches, with such a horror of great darkness, that if our Faith stood not by an absolute assurance from God, we might judge Truth should quickly perish from the Earth, and that which remains of serious Religion amongst Men, at last die out; when so sad and Judicial are the Signs every where of this time, as might cause fear least the growing apostasy of the gentle Churches at last tend to a final unchurching of the same, as was of the Jewish after the Ascension of Christ. For what hath been particularly touched in the shutting up of this Discourse, of exporiments in any more extraordinary way attained, in the actings of a Christians Faith in some singular cases, and higher intimacy of communion with the Spirit of God by such, then may be known to others; as it is not the standard, by which the truth and reality of Grace is to be judged, so I hope it will be found with that caution, and sobriety touched, as is suitable to the Spirit, and rule of the Gospel, and to the settled constitutions thereof.    

THE SECOND PART OF THIS Epistolary Discourse, Farther considered upon a few special HEADS.  
HAving found that some things which are pointed at there, and of a near concern to us in this day, for being rightly understood, have been with such brevity expressed, as renders the same more difficult and obscure, I have been constrained to offer some thoughts farther thereon, with a humble reference to the judgement and trial of such who truly inquire, and seek after the truth, and takes the present times to heart we are now in, with a more deep sense, and impression of what God does threaten, than what is from Men, or any visible things.  

SECT. I.  
THe First Head which hath been formerly touched and on the first part of the preceding discourse, is to what period of time the present state of the gentle Church does now relate; and in what sense these times of the Gentiles which are yet to be fulfilled, luke. 21.24. and that fullness thereof, which must be brought in before the in calling, and Restoration of the Jews, Rom. 11.25. must be understood; this is a great point of truth, wherein I must,( so far as I can attain light) have a different judgement from other expositors I have seen thereon, to whom otherwise I bear a just honour, but cannot judge with them that to bedark, or difficult, which the Spirit of God makes so clear, that both these Scriptures bear one and the same intent; that these times of the Gentiles, and the fullness thereof which is to be perfected first before that judicial veil of Blindness be taken off the Jews, does most clearly respect the successive course of the Gospel, and ministration of Grace to the whole gentle Church, in a distinct and separate state from the Jews; which times are in a great measure perfected, and drawing to the last period of the same, the fulfilling whereof will contemporate with the Churches first entry on the highest splendour, and glory of the Kingdom of Christ here on this Earth, when its constitution shall be no more of Jews and Gentiles under such distinguishing Names, and no walls of partition any more but where the Lord shall be one, and his Name one in this blessed frame of one catholic Church, and these differences be then entirely swallowed up by the power and prevalence of Divine Love, and the sense of that high Calling to be Christians, and of their being made partakers of the Divine Nature. But since this is a Subject of such high consequence, I must yet speak a sew things farther on the same to be seriously considered.  
1. That as it hath been one of the greatest deeps of the wisdom and counsel of God about his Church, that Israel and the natural off-spring of Abraham should have been onely privileged, for so many Ages, from the whole race of Mankind, with a Church-State, and Relation, and have their set and proper times thus allotted to them under the Old Test ament, with a wall of partition herein set up from the gentle World; so is it no less matter of humble admiration, that upon their rejection, and translation of the Church to the Gentiles, these should in the same manner have their times assigned under the New Testament, for the treaty and ministration of Grace in a distinct and separate state from the Jewish race; so that the constitution of the catholic Church hath for these 1600 years past been made up entirely of the Gentiles, and restricted thereto, whatever income hath been of Jewish Converts, which yet can be but rarely reckoned, whilst so great a harvest amongst the Nations hath been reaped, and brought in by the ministry of Christ, and power of his Divine Truth.  
2. That these set, and limited times of the Gentiles, luke. 21.24. which must yet be fulfilled, and that fullness thereof, Rom. 11.25. to be brought in, as they are expressly directed for one and the same intent, so is it thus clearly held forth by the Spirit of God, as it might seem not supposable how another sense should be imposed thereon, than that which is there meant by these times of the successive course of of the Gospel amongst the Nations, and of that harvest to be reaped according to the set measure hereof in such a separate and distinct state. Yea, which must also take in the times of divine patience, in waiting so long on the whole gentle Church, with that measure of their trials and sufferings, which was to be filled up by them under such a dispensation of Grace; and it's a sad comment that serves to make a Scripture truth dark, where the Great Teacher hath made it to the farthest obvious and plain.  
3. Though the close and Expiration of these times may be judged, to be in some unusual manner, a sad and judicial period, as to the degenerate state of the gentle Church, with an extraordinary withdrawing then of the Spirit of God, yet it is unquestionably clear, how it is in a promissory way, that the intent of the Scripture herein must be taken, and that sueh a setting of the Sun on the gentle World this will be, as shall immediately precede the splendour and glory of the brightest day which hath yet shined on the Church under the New Testament; according to that Testimony, Rom. 11.15. that if the rejection, and unchurching of the Jews, was the reconciling of the World, and made way to the first rise of the Gentiles Church, so will at last the reception and restauration of that people be a new entry again of the gentle, as to a new Resurrection and Recovery, which shall be as life from the dead; this in faith, and with assurance I believe, where the Scripture hath, with such full evidence, made it an Article of our Faith. It's in a Promissory sense also this must be judged, that the full stroke on the Seat of Antichrist by the fifth Vial, is so evidently reserved to the final expiration of these set times of the Gentiles, and to that eminent displaying of the glory of Christ's Reign, which will then take place in that great and magnificent work of judgement; for I must fix it in such a period, where the Spirit of God does expressly fix the same, 2 Thes. 2. to be by the brightness of Christ's second coming, which so clearly falleth in with that blessed, and bright Sun-shine of the State of the Gospel Church before the end, and is that great event of Providence, which immediately pr●●●des Israels return unto Christ under the 6th Vial; So that I must humbly say, under a constraint of light and evidence herein, my Soul does long for the final close of these set and limited times of the Gentiles, until which that last period of the Churches State cannot fall in with the frame of Providence, nor that great design of Grace in that rare Structure, which is yet to be set up of the Christian Church, can take place of Jews and Gentiles incorporate in one Body, with so entire an union, as to know no more in any distinct way their natural birth-right and descent, after the Flesh, from the Seed of Japhet and Shem, but as joint members of Christ's universal Kingdom, and made one in him.  
4. Tho the event will clear how far the measute of these times, and of the fullness of the gentle Church is now accomplished, yet so far as Scripture Signs does give light and evidence herein, it may, with a suitable sobriety, be judged, that the close hereof is drawing very near, when we see what length the course of the Gospel hath come, according to what is so expressly foretold by Christ, through the whole World; when these times which Asia and Africa once had are furnshed, when the Sun also in its gradual course, as to this blessed light, hath stayed so long in the west, and so visibly now declining there, as to the whole Western Churches, I hope towards a near, and bright rising once again in the East; yea, when the intent of Providence, in these late discoveries, and Plantations in America, is so evidently directed for this end, that these times of the Gentiles, now in a separate state, may have a more full perfecting: when we see also such a signal declining of the Ottoman Empire, it may be as a Promissory sign for this end, and have a preparatory respect to that last exit, and expiring thereof, which is to be a matter of our Faith under the 6th Vial; and if the expresing thereof suitable to the apocalyptic style, seem● dark; it's also for that end that there should be a humble becoming search herein, to know the intent of the Spirit of God. But there is one Sign of another nature, which may have a very sad aspect on the present time, when we see to what a height the apostasy of the gentle Church in the most reformed state thereof this day is now come, with so visible a growing Eclipse, which I judge may be too justly feared go not off, until once these times be fulfilled, and the dawning of that long expected, and assuredly promised day of the Churches last restauration, break up, as the first solemn entry on the Glory of that blessed Millennium, in that sense the Scripture does warrant our hope hereof.  
5. As this great revolution will be the most signal, and eminent period of time, which is yet to take place in prophetic Chronology; So must I humbly judge, that such a reiterated testimomony of the Holy Ghost, to the perfecting of the times, and fullness of the Gentiles, as an entry on a new state of things is most expressly set up as a public mark and standard, for giving light to the Churches course in the future times thereof, whereby a safe and clear judgement may be attained both in the application of Prophesies, and as to the great designs of Providence now in the last days;& is it not made clear by express testimony of the Scripture herein, that we are not to expect that day of Restauration to the Jewish race, or the taking off the veil of judicial blindness of their minds, until once this great event take place, but accordingly we are to have our faith directed; nor are to expect such a manifestation of the glory of Christ, until then, upon that highest period of his reign here on the earth, in such a manner, as we are warranted to believe the same. But, it may be too justly feared, that before these times be fulfilled, the harvest of the earth, which seems in some unusual manner now ripe for the Sickle, is yet farther to be reaped, and some extraordinary work of judgement to have an accomplishment, which may be more strange and astonishing than what hath been known for some Ages past.  
6. Whatever distinct interest the Jewish race hath hitherto had in the World, yet is it evident that the Covenant of peculiarity, which once was with that People, is now voided, and disannulled, as to any more divided state, or standing by themselves, but what will then be resolved into a blessed coalition with the Gentiles, into one united state, wherein the Lord shall be one, and his Name one in the whole Earth.  
7. I know it is doubtful to some, that so great an event of Providence is yet to take place, of the Jews return again to the Lord in so conspicuous a manner: But can such from any Church Records find, that since their rejection, and amid these solemn times which have gone over the gentle Church, of the success of the Gospel, any such noted and remarkable time of their Conversion hath occurred, as might, in the least, answer these unquestionable assurances given in the Scripture hereof? but that the continued induration of this People, and veil over their mind, hath been one of the most signal stroke of Divine judgement, which was ever inflicted on Men; Or hath any times yet taken place of that promised effusion of the Spirit of evangelic Repentance upon them, with a look upon him whom they had pierced, and so great a mourning as must once be with some suitable proportion to their apostasy; which is assuredly to take place under the times of the New Testament, else not at all; and be such a high spring-tide, as shall be the most near, and immediate preparatory work, to their restoration to a Church-State; and being taken in again to the embracements of his love and respect, whom they so despitefully opposed; yea it's with the flowing of that tide I doubt not, the Gentiles shall then have a new reviving, when this blessed time is once come, and a proper interest herein as shall be a joint entry on a new world to both.  
8. It is true, if we look upon the present times, it may faint and stagger our Faith, as to so great and wonderful a thing, when so little in a preparatory way from all appearances is promising hereof; when on the one hand, the sense of this on Mens Spirits seems so rare, that the World is now governed by God, and could not subsist one moment by human Counsel, or Power, if he were not a God to it; and on the other hand, so extraordinary a time of oppositions to the growing Interest of Christ's Kingdom, which he hath received of the Father by the Covenant of Mediation, and is now near to the highest period of its visible glory; but it hath been clear, and oft strengthening to my Faith, to reflect on these remarkable gradations which the visible Kingdom of our Lord Jesus hath had since his Ascension here on the Earth, both in its triumph over the Pagan World, and in these late times over the Antichristian World; and to see thus, how dark and dismal a state of things still did immediately precede the most bright display of his regal power, and the glory thereof, and how Satan's being let loose, by a penal permission, did appear most then, when his time was short; it's sure it would have seemed as incredible to hope, before the year 1517; for so great and wonderful a revolution, as after followed in the Churches case, as to credit what yet is to be brought forth in the World, and what a day is to shine when this darkness is over.  
9. It should indeed, be matter of fear to stretch a confidence on the future state of the Church, where it's warrant is not clear, and will be no comforting light which Men kindle to themselves, though they should walk in the sparks thereof for a time; but it's on this great head of truth the Spirit of God does speak so expressly in this sense, as it cannot possibly bear another; how the times of the Gentiles are to be fulfilled, and in what respects. 1. That here will be no Unchurching, or rejecting of them, no more than it will prejudge the National Interest of Kingdoms and Nations, by becoming the Kingdoms of our Lord Jesus, which shall redound then to their highest glory, and temporal advantage; but that when these limited times are once finished, there shall be no more a gentle Church by itself on the Earth, but the Constitution of Christ's universal Kingdom shall be then such, as there will be neither Jew, nor Greek, Barbarian, nor Scythian, and neither Circumcision, or Uncircumcision any more known; and no National emulation, or envy, to interfear with that great design of Grace. 2. It is a shutting up of these times as will be then the Churches entry on a new date, and computation of time, as to the course of Providence therewith, which is to begin with that last, and great Epocha, in the re-entrance on a new state; thus did Israel's coming out of Egypt, give a new date of time unto them. 3. It is then also will be the close and shutting up of that blessed administration of Providence, and designs thereof, with respect to the separate state of the Gentiles, though no final divorce, but to make way for their return, and recovery of their first love, the love of their espousals, by a new betroathment of them to himself; and such a casting down only as will then raise them up farther with a new and joint interest in that rare frame of his Universal Kingdom. 4. But it's surely to the inkhorn reformed Churches, that these last times of the Gentiles, and their fulfilling, hath a peculiar respect; who have not only had so long a day now given them, but their times renowed by a second restauration, which hath not been the privilege of the Eastern Churches; and now as this season is hastening away, so is providence in a quick and swift motion this day, the more near it is to the close, wherein both goodness and severity from the Lord will eminently appear; that as in the one respect he will no longer bear with the gentle Church, when the measure of their sin( which is now at such a height) is once filled up, nor restrict the glory of the Gospel light thereto, which for this 1500 years hath been the proper sphere where it hath shined, yet will even then give them new and higher privileges, when there shall be no dividing distances, more or separations in the whole Church of Christ. But O what a subject of admiration and joy may these times be, that have gone over the gentle Church! What triumphs hath our blessed head had there, in the power of his own Grace, since their first espousals, in the issue of these extraordinary trials and sufferings allotted thereto? What innumerable testimonies hath he had from the Gentiles, of his being infinitely dearer to them than their Lives, and what endearments of love have passed betwixt their God and them; of whom also is the greatest interest of the Church Triumphant now made up, and I hope the close of their times is yet to make an eminent accession there to, and will be filled up yet more with special fruits and services of Love to him.   

SECT. II.  
I Have desired to abstract in the foregoing Discourse from entering on that so much controverted head of the Millennium, farther than to prevent mistake, as to what it relates to there, and is held forth, as to the great design of Providence which is now on foot about the Kingdom of Christ, and that higher Glory and splendour it will yet have on the Earth; it hath been with astonishment, that I have oft thought on these strange and different senses, which are on this prophetic Truth, when there is so much from the Scripture to be expository, and give light herein, but wherein I differ from such as are of eminent note and learning in this matter, is with a true honour and respect otherwise; onely I shall offer some few thoughts thereon to the judgement and trial of such for the Truths sake.  
1. If the personal return and reign of Christ in his human Nature upon this Earth, can possibly be now expected, whom the Heavens must contain, until the times of the restitution of all things, and that the whole administration of Providence about the Church Militant be accomplished, and the mystery of God herein finished, when there will be no more use of time; but, it's sure, this promised Millennium must have its proper room in the course of Providence, onely within time, whilst the Church is yet Militant, on the Earth, and the last battle thereof to follow the same.  
2. Or, is it supposable, that our blessed Lord should be the continued object of human Sense, for a time, on this Earth, in the Glory, and Splendour of a visible appearance, which this State of Mortality we are in could not possibly admit; except Men would infer his coming under a veil, and to act some part of his humiliation herein; or otherwise, that the Earth be turned unto Heaven.  
3. If the Appearance of our Redeemer in Heaven, after his Ascension in the Union of the two Natures, brought such an additional Glory herewith to the Church Triumphant, Can it be possibly judged, that the Glorious Tabernacle of his human Nature, in which the Godhead dwells Bodily, and admits of no ubiquity, should be withdrawn thence to this lower Earth for so long a time, who is set down at the right hand of his Father, to reign, and exerce his Office, as Mediator there, until the Elect be wholly gathered in, and all his Enemies subdued? yea, could such a discovery of his visible appearance to the World, which exceeds all the Miracles whatever were, since the beginning of time, be compatible with an immediate opposition to his Reign, and Government, by the Nations, upon Satan's being let loose, after the expiring of this Millennium; and to suppose a Second Ascension of Christ unto Heaven, from his Church here, which must be unavoidably inferred from his visible Personal Reign for such a limited time.  
4. But on the other hand, as to the appearance of our Lord Jesus in the Glory and splendour of his Kingdom, without any visibility in his human Nature, which is yet to take place; I do, with full assurance, believe, it shall unexpressibly exceed all, which hath ever been known, since his Ascension; to which period he hath reserved the highest degrees of effusion of his Spirit to his Church, and of the intimacy of Communion with himself unto Men; as also more full measures and discoveries of light on his revealed truth, than what hath been attained formerly; but of no new light, which doth not accord with the same; yea, that one of the greatest Harvests of the return of Prayer, after a Seed-time of many ages past will be then reaped, with a more near Intercourse and Trade with Heaven; nor is it to be questioned, that some extraordinary dispensation of Miracles, and immediate appearance of our blessed head, in the glory of his power, this way, will wait on such a revolution of time, with that tremendous sense, and awe of his Divine Majesty on the Conscience of his greatest adversaries, as to cause them feign subjection, and bow down before him; but, Oh that such a time were more suitably prepared for, and the Subject of Prayer for its coming, than of Contendings, and Disputes about the same.  
5. Though the fixing of this great period, be convincingly manifest, under the sound of the last Trumpet, yet is it not to be judged, that it will be all alongst at the same height, but to have some gradual advance, from the first entry thereon, nor that such a definite time of a thousand years is to be otherwise judged, than of some remarkable duration of time, as to this blessed Reign, when in the value, and splendour thereof, the light, and brightness of one day then, shall be as seven days in one; and the glory of one year such, as shall balance with that of a thousand years before, and is to be reckoned in this sense, according to his computation, with whom one day is as a thousand years.   

SECT. III.  
SInce amongst these Kingdoms, and Nations, which, under the Last Trumpet, are to be by a special surrender, made the Lords, for making way to this higher splendour, and extent of his Kingdom in the World; Britain and Ireland may be judged to have a peculiar room, and interest, to which the sense of that donation by the Father to the Son, of the Isles, and uttermost parts of the earth to be his inheritance, does most particularly relate; it does led me to some reference farther on that head, which I have formerly touched, to be considered; if the Lord hath dealt so with any Nations of the Gentiles, under the New Testament, especially since the blowing of the 7th Trumpet, and entry on that blessed reformation from Popery, as he hath dealt with these three Nations, both as to great experiments of Providence, and the dispensation of Grace; yea, if the Kingdom of Israel and Judah was stated in a more near relation to God, in a Moral respect, as to what's most essential for a Nations being the Lords, than this day these Nations are, though not in things Typical, or Ceremonial, yet under higher privileges of Grace, now in the day of the Gospel; which may be farther evident, 1. From so great an expense, and cost, which the Lord hath warred, in planting, and letting forth a Vineyard there, and bequeathing such a ministry, to go forth on the embassy of the Gospel, as in innumerable instances, did both burn, and shine before the World, in the Service of their day. 2. In such measures, and increase of light, as it could not be strange, that the Lord should take some higher proofs, and trials of the same, from his Church therein, than of other Churches answerable to such a Talent. 3. These out-lettings, and effusions of the Spirit of God, which have been there so discernible, though we see the Ebb now, to be as low, in the life, and power of Religion, as once this Tide was conspicuous. 4. Yea, it may be said since the Primitive times, there hath in no place of the Earth been a greater harvest of solid Christians, who did shine in the Truth, and power of true Sanctity, than hath, since the Reformation, been in these Islands; nor have more singular instruments been raised up, with eminency of induments, and a heroic greatness of spirit in appearing for God, and his Truth. 5. And should we ever lose sight of such solemn, and singular engagements these Nations have been brought under, by a surrender to the Lord, and to be his in Covenant with him, though the highest contempt, and violations hereof be of small regard this day, which yet threatens more the going forth of a Sword to avenge the same, than what seems most visible from any human Power. 6. I must add on this head, these surprising, and seasonable interpositions of marvelous acts of Providence by a divine immediate hand, in the most extreme exigence of these Churches; when no human Reason could have foreseen the same; so that the measure of our Talent for observation hereof, hath been as Five, when other places hath had but Two for this end imparted to them.   

SECT. IV.  
IT is also unquestionable, that now in this last Age, the Lord's dealing with the public State of Britain, and Ireland, hath been yet in a more singular way, than in any times past, or with other of the Reformed Churches; as may cause great thoughts of heart, to consider, what manner of time our Lot hath been cast in; but since a naked remembrance of such an extraordinary series of changes, as have of late gone over this Generation, or what was Mens part herein, does little tend to see, and admire God, with most, who consider the same, or to discern wisely his work in such singular Providences; though this be of a higher concern than the rise, or fall of Monarchies, or the shakings of public Settlements in the civil interest of a Nation, if Mens great business in the Earth lies with God, more than with Men: I shall therefore speak to some things to which a serious reflex work on these late times, does most specially relate, and are more largely touched in the preceding Discourse.  
1. It should be of great advantage to discern, and understand in such a manner these times past, as to see an immediate Divine, and supernatural causality in such amazing successive changes, that, might enforce Mens Souls to bow down, with a reverend, and tremenduous sense of the Majesty of God herein, yea, keep this from ever being a subject of ordinary thoughts in reflecting on the same.  
2. To see what an unusual variation, hath been in the ways, and methods of Providence about the public State of Britain, in this Age, from the way and procedure of the Lord in times past, and former Precedents; and though much be in the dark, this day, as to his voice, and intent, for answering the ends hereof; yet such as are of a discerning Spirit, may have another prospect of the Work, and Counsel of God, when it's brought in a more full, and entire Frame before us, than any present actors then on the Stage, whilst things were in their first mould: tho it is no easy thing in such a reflex work, to improve those extraordinary Providences past, by a just, and suitable application thereof to the present day, so as to see how each step herein in its successive place and room, hath still tended, to give light to another, and for a more full discerning of the work of God in these times, and what of the night it is now, as to the State of the Church.  
3. It is to see, and reflect on these great decisions, which have been by an unpreventible conduct of Providence in the rising and falling of human Interest, so contrary to all human Reason, and expectation, if ordinary and natural causes should have brought forth their usual effects; and in what manner the greatest depths of human Policy, and confidence, when they seemed most secure from any hazard upon earth; have been derided from Heaven, and men poisoned in their own cup; and what a rare reflex work should this be, to see, in what an extraordinary way the Providences of these times past have been directed to Seal Instruction on the Spirits of Princes, and Great Men, and let them know in how small a time, the great God can pour contempt on such, and cause Princes to walk on Foot, when Servants did ride on horseback; but, it is no less matter of sad reflection, and may be to this day, what returns these Methods, which God has taken in a monitory way, have had from most, by forgetting the Storm they were once in, when they have got to the Haven, and betaking themselves to another Stength, than that, which raised them.   

SECT. V.  
IT may be indeed easier to translate our thoughts to things past, and judge thereof, with respect to human Interests and Designs, than it is to consider the way and conduct of Providence, and what a clear light, the succession of such amazing wonders, as have been in the Age past, brings herewith to this period of time we are now in. I judge that among the most singular inducements, which God doth bequeath to some of his Servants more than to others, these Two have a peculiar room; the one is to discern, and try the Spirits, whether they be of God or not, which is indeed one of the greatest attainments of Spiritual wisdom; The other is, to discern, and understand the present times, wherein our Lot is fallen, which was that proper eminency of the men of Issachar, by some more extraordinary Gift from the Lord herein to them, than, to other of the Tribes. But, though most, who are so inquisitive about public News, and Occurrents in this day, keep at the farthest distance from what may Impress their Spirits, with the sense of a Godhead, in the eminent appearances hereof; and are resolute to see nothing farther than the influence of Natural Causes in human affairs; yet I hope, there be many such, who may be little in the view of the World, of a humble, tender, and subdued spirit, with whom the Counsel of God is, and have some near familiar Intercourse with him herein, as to his work about the Church, in the day and place they are in; though these are such as durst not seek to be wise above what is written, whose Voice will not be heard in the Street herein, but where the River is deepest, there also does it run most still; yea, who would tremble to be so bold with God, as to set a day or year to his appearance, and, in such a precise peremptory way, to determine, how long it may be to the end of these wonders; humble Sobriety and Fear is ever the native result of the most near intimacy, and Communion with the Spirit of God. I have according to my small measure of light, offered some thoughts upon such a Subject, in these foregoing Papers, and with respect thereto I shall humbly offer but a few references to those who are at more advantage to understand the times, and discern wisely the Work of God therein.  
1. What Aspect so great, and notable a Crisis, as hath been of late, and yet is in the public State of Britain, hath this day, whether by more Promissory Signs, and Indications, or what rather hath a Mortal Aspect, since we are not left to a conjectural judgement in such a case; nor is an extraordinary prophetic Light required for the same, when it's sure God is immutably just, a God impartially hating sin; in whose way, both towards Nations and Persons he keeps the same measure, with his Revealed Truth; we see, though our eyes do little affect our heart, that no extraordinary acts of Providence, and Vicissitudes of the Times do as yet Work on Men's hearts to any suitable change thereof, or have put a stop to so visible, and growing an apostasy from the Christian Faith, as is this day, in these Nations, both in the purity, and power thereof; we see what a load of guilt these 30 years past have, in an unusual manner, brought on these Nations beyond the measure of former times, which are ready to sink under such a weight, though it be little felt; But, oh! doth the Cry hereof to Heaven now cease, for God's coming down to judge accordingly, when the Sense of it is gone off Mens Spirits, or brings the long deferring of judgement in such an unusual manner, a reprival, but what may rather speak its being sore, and of some extraordinary kind, when it at last comes, the more extraordinary the measures of Divine Patience have been to reclaim?  
2. It's a reference of a serious concern I must make farther about the present time, If any particular Church, ●r Nation, stands by the security of an absolute Promise, which is the undoubted privilege of the Church Universal, but must clear first their confidence, and claim unto God, on the warrant of some conditional Promises of his word, for his interessing himself in their case, and deliverance, according as they dare humbly pled the condition, to which these Promises relate, since the honour of his truth, and faithfulness, is relative to the one, as well as to the other; it's sure, if God be for us, and for a Kingdom, and Natition, who then can be against us? But, can there be any possible clai● in Faith for the same, but, in the way of a Promise from himself, if the extent of our Faith may go no farther, than the extent of his revealed truth? Or can Men stretch their Pleadings with God, beyond that immutable constitution of his own Word will bear, the Lord is with you, whilst you are with him; but if you forsake him, he will forsake you? 2 Chron. 15.3. It hath been on some sad thoughts hereon, that I must leave this to the enquiry of others, who understand more of the times, how the State and Security of these Nations now stands in this respect, whether alone by an extraordinary forbearance of God, or in a Promissory way; and if the Scripture be given no less absolutely to secure the Protestant Reformed Church by Promise, than to be the alone Rule of their Faith, without which no human Power, or Confederacy can avail; for if that declarative testimony, and assurance which the God of Truth hath given, Jerem. 18.7. be irrevocable, and the unchangeable rule of his Procedure with Men, we then are not left to grope in the dark, as to our confidence, or fear this day.  
3. I must make a reference also, upon what is more fully spoken to on that Subject; which is not to any divided party, but to all such who in this day take the Times to heart, and have some raised thoughts, and desires to the glory of Christ, and of his Reign here in the World: If such a Nation can be saved, or have any true confidence towards God for Success, where the Dominion and Power of Antichrist is fallen, and broken, by an eminent appearance of God herein, and yet the Kingdom of Christ is not set up in the room hereof, by a new Surrender and Subjecting of themselves to his Ordinances, and Laws; but that some signal stroke of Divine Wrath, and judgement, will inevitably follow thereon; Since, 1. There can be no higher affront-offered to our blessed Head, than a turning thus the purest Profession of his truth in the Reformed Religion, to serve a Secular interest, and design, which is given for eternal ends, and to divide the same from its great intent, which is, that such a Nation, and People should be the Lord's, and come under his Dominion and Reign: A Negative Protestant is a strange and dreadful Paradox, which is no Antichrist, as to the Papal Power; and yet no Christ, as to his blessed pre-eminence, and Authority over them; who, at once, can bear Zeal for the Protestant Interest, and the highest Enmity to the Protestant Religion; yet is this day now such, as it may be more easy to find a 1000 Protestants, than one such Lover of Christ, whose Soul, under the Power, and Attractions of his Love, is entirely joined to him. 2. This makes it the more formidable, that the time and season, which was 1500 years past foretold, is now come, for Christ's taking to himself his great power to Reign; So that we cannot be in the dark here, except Men shut their eyes on his going forth by such an extraordinary Administration of Providence, by the Sword, and Shakings of these Nations, now in these 50 years past, to assert the Authority of his Regal Power over the same, wherein his declared testimony, by his Word, and the taking place hereof, in the event of what was foretold, Revel. 11.15. does meet with such clear evidence, as without a Judicial stroke on Mens Judgments, cannot possibly be hide. 3. Tho the Nations be still angry, and their enmity, and opposition to the interest of Christ's Kingdom is the more visibly raised, the nearer approaches that his Work and design herein make, yet will it not avail or serve for another end, but assuredly to make way for his wrath and to rule them by a rod of Iron, until his end be accomplished, and that Princes and Great Men give their Power, with a full consent, to advance the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ; yea, if it be a dark Riddle to Many, what these remarkable oppositions, which have been in Britain in this Age, to any Civil Settlements there, should mean, there will, I doubt not, be a more full discovery by Providence made hereof, to clear, that no human Counsel or Force, shall ever Settle these Nations, with any true fixedness, until this great design be joined in with; and that now is the time come, that Nations must surely stand or fall in their Temporal Interest, as they answer the Intent, and Counsel of the Lord herein.  
4. This may be matter of farther enquiry likewise, what access is now in so judicial a period of time, to stand before the Lord in the gap, and breach, for turning away his wrath; if thus Grace may yet interpose, when judgement is ready to break forth, as to these Nations, and the Axe laid to the root of the three; yea, in what respect such a call for the same, as is, Ezek. 22.30. may be applicable to this day. This is a Subject I have at some length before spoken to, onely as to its clear, and express application to the present time, and state of these Churches; I would refer a few things farther to be considered by such, who are at more advantage to be seers, and discerners of so extraordinary a time. 1. If such a Call as was then given to Judah, and Jerusalem, was not a public precedent of the way, and condescendence of Grace, even when wrath was going forth to the uttermost, and as the last call, ere the treaty was shut up, for after times of the Church, did thus come to the lowest terms, and in such a manner speak from the Lord; Is there not now one, to appear, and stand in so eminent a hazard, with such a true National Love, as to lay their most endeared private interest at the stake to save the same, and stand for God herein, though they should stand alone, which should be as rare, and desirable a Society, to have a room in, as is upon the Earth; and to find such an erection thereon, by an excitement from Heaven, of Adventurers for God, and the public Interest of his Church, to appear in the breach; when 'tis as a defenced City, laid open to so extreme, and imminent hazard. 2. Though extraordinary excitements to a service of this kind, as we find on Scripture Record, are rarely found in the Earth, yet it's sure, the duty of Moral excitation, and up-stirring in such a case, ceaseth not, which might make way for a more immediate gale of Divine influence and power and to open such a door for some restoring work in these Nations, as should make way for itself over all Mountains, and what at other times might seem insuperable. 3. If the astonishing signs of Wrath and judgement, which are so discernible now, be truly understood, it may be too evident, that something very extraordinary beyond what we have seen, is assuredly near, either as to judgement, or Mercy; and how things are hastening, in an unusual manner, to a fatal period, if Grace do not yet farther interpose, to raise the Spirits of some with such a divine heroic Motion, as the Service of so extraordinary a time may need, and to a higher Resoluteness in duty by visible Oppositions: But, Oh how hard is it to move, or act, in such a Service, when it's at the lowest ebb of the Tide, and the first cure to the intestine conflicts, and distempers of this day, which are boiled up to such a height, is like to be some unusual stroke of Divine judgement, which may work at last, when all ordinary means for this end seem ineffectual?  
5. And should not the voice of such a Call, for appearing in so great and hazardous a breach on the Churches Interest, be matter of serious thoughts, when it hath a limited time and season for the same, which may be quickly lost, but never regained again; and comes so discernibly on such an intent. 1. To speak to this Generation after such extraordinary warnings past, and a new day yet more given, that it is to prove them yet once again, before the decree go forth, and that he who waits to be gracious, and holds the balance in his own hand, does wait for such an application unto him, as might yet tend to a respiting of wrath and judgement, when it's ready to break forth; in which respect, prophetic Warnings of some great stroke on a People, may be true, and warranted, though they take no place in the event, when, according to that, Jerem. 18.7. the interposing of a Peoples Repentance may sist its execution for a time▪ 2. To let Men know, that every day, and hour of such a limited season, when it's come to the last period of divine patience, is more highly valuable and momentous for improvement of the same, than many years may be otherwise; and a making light hereof, more highly provoking to the Majesty of God, and adds more to the Roll of such a Peoples Indictment, than what hath been formerly. 3. But how near the Final expiration of such a Call, yet with an offer of Grace is reserved onely to him, to whom the Issues of Death belong; and though there be an infallible conduct, by Scripture-light, and the general rule of God's ordinary dispensations with Men, to discern the approaches of judgement on a People, and the sad effects thereof in their proper causes; yea, how night is coming on, when the long shadows of the Evening are stretched out, yet are the set measures of his forbearance and patience, one of the depths of his way, which Men cannot sound, or comprehend; but, it may be feared, that the most near immediate signs, and premonitions of impendent judgement, as to the Churches of Britain and Ireland, are in a great measure past, and have discharged their Commission, without any suitable regard thereof; yea, that there may be little, either of Faith, or Fear, when it comes; and I must judge, if a clear view were this day of all these extraordinary Monitory signs and warnings, which in 30 years past have been given to awake these Nations of England and Scotland, with the most convincing evidence, were now, at once, set in our sight, it might have a strange astonishing aspect, as no thing but a mortal Lethargy could take off the sense, and impression thereof off Mens Spirits.  
6. There is yet one Reference farther on such a Subject, I may be needful to make; What respect can the intent of such an extraordinary call have, for as to make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before the Lord, for a Nation, as that, Ezek. 22.30, when nothing, in a Moral way, seems to work this day; and Divine warnings tend only to be a public Theme of derision yea, a dispensation of Miracles, were it given forth now, would be, to appearance, little operative, or convincing with most: yet does this no way take off the evidence, and urgency of such a Call to our case, wherewith, as Men may see a lovely condecency to the gracious nature, and excellencies of our God, in a Judiciary procedure with a Nation, that has been so dear, and beloved of him; it is directed to witness, what regard he hath to one such, who is of a more raised spirit, than others, for the vindication of his glory, and the public Interest and Safety of the Land, wherein they are, when it's like to perish, and what room one example of such may have in a restoring and saving work for the Church in such a place; yea thus how valuable with him these are by whose example, the fear, and veneration of God is kept up with lustre and evidence, amid a perverse Generation; it's to show, also, where judgement is not absolutely determined, in what a measure the Spirit of Faith, and Intercession may be let forth to some of his Saints in an extraordinary time, to make way for his acceptance of a Few, in behalf of a Nation; and to witness to the World the prevalence and regard even of one Favourite with God, who is admitted to more special intimacy with himself, when thus empowered for a more extraordinary Service of this kind, above their ordinary reach and allowance; and what a hide influence these oft have on the administration of Providence about Kingdoms and Nations, whose true interest, and intrinsic Strength, may lye more in a few such, than in human Strength, or the greatest Armies, which yet, in the order of means, is so absolutely requisite.   

SECT. VI.  
WHen there is such cause to fear the outgoings of Divine Wrath, and judgement, in some unusual manner, it should be a hopeful and promising Sign, if a higher study were, to meet God in the way of mercy, and for paying in some more suitable tribute of the Glory of his Works, in the Service of Gratitude: that the talent of these nations, hath, in this respect, been something extraordinary, with a most singular call to an admiring and observing work, upon the great acts of Divine Providence, and so unusual a conjunction herein, above all natural causes, is unquestionable; but for what account can be given on the improvement hereof, seems not onely to be a hiding of the same under the ground, for the most part, but that the Spirit of this Age, is, in a strange manner, at work, how to darken, so far as possible, the most eminent, and immediate Discoveries of God, unto Men, in the way of Providence, and to subject his works, as well as his word, to their reason, and the alone influence of second causes. But if it be truly sought this day to have God propitious to these nations, and to serve the end of such great Providences, as have been, of late, towards the same; this Study will have another weight upon Men's Spirit, about which I would offer a few things, with a humble reference to such as are under the highest trust, and of the greatest capacity to promote such a Service, wherein the Glory of God, and the strength, and standing of the State of Britain, is so nearly interested. 1. if a public return, and oblation of praise, upon any eminent acts of Providence and deliverance to a nation, which are of a national extent, can be seriously designed for such an end, where there is not here, with the same public care extended, to have such singular passages of Providence sought out, and considered under these circumstances, as may be most convincing, and demonstrative of God herein; and to have such a venerable remembrance keeped up of the same, with the highest honour, as may not be bounded with the transient work of a Thanksgiving day, which had so great a weight still with the Church under the Old Testament, in any singular cases of Providence, and is of the same moral and perpetual use, in these times we are now in. 2. Should it nor be justly expected, on a suitable return, and retribution of Praises, by the complex Body of a nation, and the Rulers thereof, upon any great, and marvelous works of God, for their Security and Deliverance, that they be reckoned of such value, as a national Interest, and as illustrious, and public monuments of Divine Providence; yea, that a Book and register of remembrance of this kind, be of that weight, as to come under the public care of Civil Authority, as a national Record, which I doubt not, in these latter times, and upon the growing glory of Christ's visible Kingdom in the World, will be reckoned amongst the highest public concerns of nations, and of the Churches of Christ to bring up, what hath been wanting, and detained of such a rent, and Tribute of praise unto God, upon the greatness of his Works. 3. Since the credit, and weight of such a Service, for keeping up the highest respect to such great acts, and passages of Providence, as relate to a particular Church and State, depends on the most exact inquiry, and search upon the evidence hereof, and of the more immediate appearance, and signature of a Divine power thereon; it should be most convincing for such an end, and stands to the highest reason, if a trust of that weight, be by a public care, and commitment, just under their hand, whose integrity and judiciousness might be most convincing for such an intent, and of having no partial respect, or end herein, but only for the honour, and exalting of God, and strengthening men in the Christian Faith, by so great a Seal thereto, and for the interest of the Posterity; wherein, I doubt not, but these who may be at the greatest advantage herein, though, in some lesser differences of judgement they should not so fully meet, yet under such excitements, of a Service so highly honourable for God, and public interest of their Generation, would entirely unite for promoting the same. 4. And it may be judged, if the honor of God, and of his works, with the true interest of the Succeeding Race, have a weight on this Age, that it's one of the highest national concerns this day, to have the credit of Tradition, and conveyance of these more illustrious acts of Providence, which have been in this time taken, under a public care; the sad want, and defect of which, for having so great an interest and treasure thus secured, and keeped clear to succeeding times, hath been one of the great prejudices to the Truth, and advance of the Kingdom of Christ in the World; and now in a time of such fears, as to what may be yet coming on the Earth, and on such a part of the same; I should with assurance hope, that such a study, may have some peculiar Seal, and testimony of Divine respect following thereon; and, a Record of that nature, designed, and promoted by Civil Authority, should have yet more eminent, and signal providences of mercy given for filling up of the same, to make that Promise good, how such as are faithful to observe, and record lesser things, shall have yet more on a national interest added, yea, from thence date convincing evidences of his respects, when it is purely designed for God, and to keep up the honour of his Name in such an Atheistick Age.   
FINIS