The fulfilling of the Scripture, or, An essay shewing the exact accomplishment of the Word of God in his works of providence, performed and to be performed for confirming the beleevers and convincing the atheists of the present time : containing in the end a few rare histories of the works and servants of God in the Church of Scotland.

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.

READER;

It is like you m•• expect some accompt anent the rise and oc∣casion of this dis∣course, that on so great, and weighty a subject so small an es∣say should venture a∣broad, especially in a time, when it seemeth more safe, and prudent to keep silence, to be swift to hear, and slow to speak, which seldome hath an after challenge; the Author will say litle for his apology herein, though he hopeth, he may finde it more easy to satisfy others, then he did himself: this fredome onely he shall take to confesse, that sometime it hath been matter of earnest, yea hat•• caused some tossing, and exercise upon his spirit, and pressed a more serious enquiry, and search, with

a respect to his own case, to be perswaded anent the Scriptures divine authority, that Godlines is not an empty name, or shadow, but of an undoubted truth, which indeed of all other things is the greatest, and of most near concernment: and truely anent that, this grave convincing argument of the Scriptures certain accomplishment, hath not onely oft stared him in the face, with a satisfying discovery, and im∣pression thereof, as a most quieting, and unanswe∣rable demonstration of the truth, but he must also say, that by very remarkable confirmations from the Lord, this hath been so convincingly witnessed to his experience, as leaveth him under engadge∣ment (were such a poor testimony of weight) to put his seal to the Word, that it falleth not to the ground, neither doth the promise of God fail.

It is a dark time now with the Church of Christ, which we see every where almost suffering and af∣flicted, whilest the whole earth besides seemeth to be at ease, Christians also even beyond others, in their privat lot, trysted with very sharp tryals, though I think suffering may be the least of our fear at this day, while Ath-isme doth now appear on so formidable a grouth, and hath a more threatning aspect then the rage, or violence of men: we see a sa•• d••cay likewise on the Churches abroad, Reli∣gion every where under a great consumption, and wea••ing out, that seemeth to have reached it in its vital parts, men search after an unusual way of sin∣ning, as if they scorned to be wicked at a common and ordinary rate, prejudice easily taken up and en∣ter••ained against the way of God, whilest the good

man doth alace perish, without any affecting ob∣servation thereof, the choise, and excellent of the earth pluckt away, and none to fill their roome; Christians burials now frequent, but the birth, and inbringing of such to the Church rare. This is in∣deed a sad subject and so much the sadder that few are found whose eye affecteth their heart, whose teares, and groaning seem to answer such a stroke, and ruin which now is like to fall under our hand, but I shall leave this; prayer will be the best cure, and is this day more fit, then complaining, to turn unto him who seeth the wayes of his People that he may heal them, and can prevent these with mercy, who seem least fit for the same; onely two or three sad remarks of this time, I cannot altogether passe, which in∣deed are strange symptomes of the Churches present case, and distemper. 1. To see men own the do∣ctrine of sanctification, who yet can professedly dis∣own, yea, make it their work by reproach to be∣get a prejudice against the practice thereof, Oh strange! to finde such as will dip their pen in gall against a tender and strict walk in Religion, and revile it in the power thereof, whilest they doe not deny these truths, and principles that necessarily oblidge to such a tender practice; who in the most grave concerning dutyes of Christianity think it e∣nough to charge their brethen with Pharisaical osten∣tation, and hypocrisy; whilest they must confesse these duetyes to be unquestionably binding, and that they can be no competent judges of such a chal∣lenge, which the great witnes of the heart and in∣ward parts of men can onely determine. 2. It is a

sad remark also of the time that Protestant writers, professing the Reformed Religion, shall state them∣selves in opposition to the most concerning grounds thereof, such as imputed righteousnes, and justifi∣cation by faith, which are well called Articulus stan∣tis & cadentis Ecelesi••. I cannot have that chari∣ty, that it is from ignorance, but from a height of malice, that some of late reproach the Prote∣stant doctrine, in this great fundamental of justifica∣tion, as if it pressed beleeving and resting upon Christ without respect to works and holines; I confesse, we put not inherent righteousnes in the room of imputed, though we assert each is necessa∣ry in their own place, the one in order to ou•• right the other in order to the actual participation of that right, yea, that holines is absolutly necessary not only necessitate praecepti, sed medii, and justifying faith doth necessarily require works, sed non qua, & quatenus justificat, but sure, if these men grant we are justifyed by the satisfaction of Christ, they must needs confesse it is by imputation, since if the deb∣tour be acquit by the cautioners payment, is it not by the imputation there of to him? O sad! to see some put their invention upon the rack how to wound the Church (yea, a death wound it would be if they could reach their end) in that great truth of imputed righteousnes, but it were best they denyed that sixt ver. of the 4. Chap. to the Rom. to be canonick Scripture, which none can read and shift, it being so clear, that the blessed man is there held forth, uuto whom God imputeth righteousnes without works, sure that cannot be inherent righteousnes, else

it were contradictio in adjecto, I professe these, what ever they pretend, I must look on as adversa∣ryes to the Reformed Churches, and there is no∣thing more dangerous then a pirat going forth under a counterfut flag. 3. Is it not likewise sad, yea, astonishing to see Ministers now in these times, who are the expresse Embassadors of Christ given to the Church for her edification, stand so directly crosse to the very end of their work and Ministry, many of whom may be said that knowingly, and deliberatly they oppose piety, that such should per∣secute, whose work is to feed, and wound in stead of healing, grieve the spirit of the Godly, who should be helpers of their joy, that none are a grea∣ter plague to corrupt the Church, and cause the sa∣crifice of the Lord be abhorred, then some of these who should be the falt of the earth, yea, none more obstruct the treaty of the Gospel, betwixt Christ and his Church, then Ministers who are called the friends of the bridgroom, Oh, what a strange and astonishing contradiction may this seem, but it should be no reproach to that holy, and excellent calling of the Ministry, for of such the Scripture hath expresly warned. I confesse it may be said no Atheist like an unsanctified Minister, yea, no A∣theisme of so black a dye as theirs, who being still en∣ured with holy things have yet no sense thereof.

Now in this very dark houre, wherein the Church seemeth to have fallen in a death like pang, and oh, many of her Children in a sad l••thargie, that if we looked in an ordinary way, her wound might seem in∣cureable, there are a great and concerning Quaeries

that I think should much take us up. The one is to know what the Scripture speaketh to the Church, what solid ground of encouragement is there held forth, for truely if we had not that sure testimony of the Word, we might fear Religion should quite wear out, and truth perish from the earth, but doth the Scripture speak peace? all then is well; that, O that is sufficient security to put the Churches hope be∣yond further debate, though men should threaten, though the earth were overturned, and the founda∣tion shaken, this is a determination above men, above all the rules of humane policy, yea, above the stars, which frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad, even that revealed Coun∣sel of God, taking place anent his work and People.

I knw some grave writers of these late times, doe expresse their fear that the horrid wickednesse & apostacy of the Gentile Church may at last resolve in the Lords departure and an universal darknes, that as the rejection of the Jewes made way for the Gentiles incoming, so their fall may as remarka∣bly preceede that solemn return and restauration of the Jewish Church, it is also become the fear of many that Popery may yet once overrun the whole Reformed Churches before Antichrist fall: but since these sad thoughts, nor any appearances of the time, are no part of our Bible, we should learn neither to stretch our fears nor expectations, beyond that which the Scripture warranteth, and if the Lord be God, and this his very word, let us adhere to it and wait for its accomplishment. A 2. Quaere which is ndeed no lesse concerning in such a time, may be a∣nent

Duety, what so imminent an liazard of the Church, and this great decay of Christianity doth most pressingly call for, but this is a subject which requireth another pen, and too large, to touch with a passing word, yea, we may say the great want of these dayes is not anent the discovery of duety, but of the practice of known, and discovered duetyes, for the Scripture giveth a certain and distinct sound in the darkest time, and hath not left us to doubtful inquiries and debate in this matter, I shall there∣fore leave it with a few things onely to be in the ge∣neral considered. 1. It is sure, that every time hath its present duety, and the wise discerners thereof will knw thence what they ought to do, what work and service the present circumstances of that time cals for, shall the earth have its seasons wherein things are beautiful, shall the stork and swallow know their time, and yet Christians not know how to bring forth fruit in their season, and discern the special time and opportunity of duety? 2. It is also sure, that every Christian in whatsoever capacity or condition as he hath his measure and talent, so hath some work and opportunity of duety, wherein they may serve the Lord in their generation, yea, it is not the meanest lot or condition that shutteth that door upon any, that they have no work for God, who desire to be faithful for him: Oh that in this threatning time when darknes is like to overspread the Church, it were more upon the heart of Chri∣stians to strive together, and contend by a serious improvement of their several capacities to preserve Religion, and transmit the knowledge of Jesus

Christ to the posterity, that the Christian parent, or Master of family did witnes more that great resolu∣tion in a time when many are drawing back, but as for me, I and my house will serve the Lord. 3. It is found that the most eminent and honourable service of the Church doth usually tryst her in a low and suffering condition, when there hath been but little strength, many outward disadvantages, then both their call and furniture hath been most observable, to confesse the truth, to endure for the Gospel of Christ, to overcome by the Word of his testimony, a piece of service whereto more prosperous times doe not give such an opportunity, yea, it hath been in such a case, Dan. 11: 32. that these who knew their God, were made strong to do exploits. 4. It doth much con∣cern us to put a high value on the truth in a time when men must either lose it, or buy it, and O what a choise purchase is that which cannot be bought too dear, though at the rate of our liberty, estate, credit and reputation, yea with the losse of peace when it cometh in competition with it? For it is that great depositum o••ce d••livered to the Saints, the in∣heritance of our Children, that way whereby Jesus Christ keep••th intercourse with his Bride on the earth, yea, the charter of all our mercyes, and of our hope through eternity. 5. Though every line of di••ine t••uth is inestimable, yet it is sure there is a more pressing ca••l for our adherence to that truth which is most controverted in the time, for it is the word of his patience and the matter of our present testimony, and it is known through all ages what a singular bl••ssing, hath followed the contending

and witnessing of a few for the truth in a spait of pu∣blick defection, to keep it alive, when it was like to be swallowed up, yea, to effects above rational beliefe, unus Athanasius contratotum orbem, many such remarks have not been wanting. 6. I shall only adde that which is alwayes necessary and binding, yet, we may say in a time of the Churches hazard and suffering is more pressingly called for, even the study of Christian prudence, a duety convin∣cingly necessary, for regulating of duetyes, accor∣ding to the circumstances of the Churches case, which doth so nearly concern the interest and preser∣vation of Religion, that I must say, a breach in that concord betwixt zeal and Christian prudence, when there is not some equal respect studyed in the exer∣cise of both, cannot but give the Church a sore wound, this is indeeda large theam, but I shall one∣ly point at in 3 things. 1. In our avoiding and being tender to give offence, not only to keep a distance from evil, but from the smallest appearance there∣of, I must say they are bad casuits, and have litle respect to the Churches edification, who make it their work, not so much to keep men from sin, as to shew them, quam prope ad peccatum sine peccato acce∣dere liceat, O what a becoming fear is that, not to lay a stumbling block in the way of others, to grieve the weake, or confirm such who use to found their prejudice against the truth, and way of God, upon the miscariage of such as professe the same. 2. This excellent study of Christian prudence hath a respect to mens taking offence as well as their giving it, to our being sober in judging, in personal reflexions,

to cover and hide the infirmities of others rather then spread them, even for the Gospels sake, yea, to shut as it were our eyes, and cast a mantle on their naked∣nes, who overtaken with the violence of some temp∣tations may yet be serviceable to the Church, but especially this should presse us to a watchful regard of any breach, and rent in the Church, and to study a healing spirit so far as is possible without prejudice to truth. 3. It is also a concerning piece of Chri∣stian prudence, hovv to vvalk vvisely tovvards these vvho are vvithout, vvhen prejudice against the vvay of God is now in such a grouth, to study hovv vve may convince, gain ground, and by Christian∣ly prudent and tender carriage conciliat respect to the truth, and thus commend holines, and these vvho professe it to the conscience of men, to study that rule of expediency much in things of themselves vvarran∣table, vvhat fitnes, and advantage, present cir∣cumstances may offer, or deny for edification, and promoting that great interest of the Gospel in our converse vvith men.

I shall novv cease to trouble yovv further, onely vvould premit some fevv things vvith a respect to the subject of this follovving essay. 1. Should vve not vvith vvonder and astonishment look on this great record of the Scripture? by vvhich the glorious Majesty of God doth speak to men, yea doth as certainly communicat his Counsel and minde, vve may say more certainly, then if vve had an imme∣diat audible voice from Heaven, O could vve have such ordinary thoughts of this, if vve consider hovv near God cometh therein to us? I think if there

vvere but one corner of the earth, though in the re∣motest parts, vvhere men might go and get a look of so vvonderful, and important a thing as Gods ex∣presse vvill vvritten and sent from Heaven to the earth, anent our duety here, and blessednes for e∣ver, should vve not think it vvorth our crossing the sea, and of the greatest expence of time or labour? it is truely a vvonder hovv vve can read and consider the Scripture, vvithout vvondring. 2. It is a great concernment to knovv that the Scripture hath such a vvitnes as experience, and that there is such a trade, & correspondence as this betvvixt the Saints and the Word, vvhich lieth not in the common road of the World. O vvhat an empty thing should Religion be if it had not this vvord experience in its grammar, that secret & sure mark vvhereby the Christian knovveth the Scripture is of God, hovv thus the Lord hath oft sealed their instruction in a dark plunge; hovv life and povver, inlivening influences, to the melting of their heart, hath oft trysted them there in a very dead frame; and novv they knovv that verily God heareth prayer, novv they are persvvaded, and have learned by the crosse that he is indeed a comforter, yea, many can shevv hovv by the Word their first acquaintance vvith the Lord did begin, hovv some particular truth, like a pickle of corn throvvn in at their heart, by the blessing of the great husbandman vvas made to take life, and grovv. 3. It much con∣cerneth us to knovv vvhat an excellent key the Scrip∣ture is to unlock that sealed book of providence, and that no other key can fit the same, many have tried another vvay but lost themselves on the search, and

the more they prest by humane vvisdome, they be∣came the more dark. I truely think there is not a more satisfying discovery vvithin time, then this, to trace divine truth back until vve see its first break∣ing forth out of his eternal decree and council who is the author thereof, hovv thence it taketh hold of the vvord vvhich is the adequate sign, and declaration of his purpose, and then hovv the vvord taketh hold of his vvork and providence, vvhere vve may see the face and condition of the Church clearly vvritten out through all the changes of time, hovv providence keepeth a certain and steady course even amidst the most perplexed motions and reelings of of the earth, yea, hovv all things even these vvhich vvould seem most contradictory, run vvithin that straight channel of the vvord, and cannot go vvith∣out t••ese bounds, 4. It is the pri••cipal, and most concerning Scripture-promises, that are onely touch∣ed in this follovving discourse, these vvhich carry along vvith them a clear continued series of the Churches condition through time, and shevves the most remarkable changes of her lot, for it is clear that in diverse prophecies and in a different manner the Spirit doth point at one and the same thing: and truely it should cause no mistake, or prejudice, thar vve finde several of the Scripture prophecies ex∣prest in such dark termes, since the vvisdome of God saw it fit that for a time these truths should be locked up, and sealed; but novv light hath so far broken up vvith the event, as vve may see hovv very signifi∣cant and suitable to the matter these most dark aenig∣matick

termes are. 5. We vvould upon no accompt shut our eares vvhere the Scripture is clear, and gi∣veth us ground to vvait that the outgoings of the Lord for his people in their deliverance, and for the destruction of his enemyes novv in these last times, shall be very glorious, yea by some stately and stu∣pendious acts of providence that he shall accomplish his judgement on Antichrist: neither must vve take a prejudice at truth, because of the vvilde fancyes of many vvho vvould extend it beyond its bounds, or that near res••mblance vvhich the errour of some in this time may seem to have thereto, for that hath been an old stratagem of the Devil to prejudge the World at some of the truths of God, by setting up a counterfut thereto. I shall adde no more, onely vvhat accompt is given upon the close of the last ar∣gument of some remarkable passages of providence in the late times, as herein the author hath some con∣fidence to professe he did endeavour vvhat could be attained for certainty of the same, and if any circum∣stance of these relations should be found a mistake, he dare say before Him vvho is greater then our con∣science it vvas not the neglect of a serious inquiry, so he must also premit, the inserting of them vvas upon no further intent, then to be a vvitnes to that truth of the Lords eminent appearance for his Church in the last dayes: it vvould be of great use and profit to the Church that some more fitly qualified vvould study a more large collection of this kinde. O that this might go forth vvith a blessing from him vvho by the meanest things can serve himself & promote the

edi••icaaion of his Church, and that the Lord vvould raise some up vvith much of his Spirit to make a fur∣ther search and enquiry in this great and vveiguty truth.