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.

I. WHAT IS ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED.

I. Let us go back to these first times after the fall, and see that dreadful stroke which came upon the old World by the flood after an universal defection from God, and we shall there find the fulfilling of that which Noah that great preacher of righteousnes had oft foretold, and of these threatnings which by Moses were there recorded, wherein it may be very manifest. 1. That this truth besides Divine authori∣ty, no records of auncient times no antiquity could ever contradict, yea, some of the eldest writers doe clearly witnes something of an universal deluge over the earth with the strange preservation of some from it, however they were in the dark as to many circumstances thereanent. Josephus doth cite Berosus the Ci••aldean about this, who without doubt had thē some of these oldest records true, & uncorrupt. Eusebius also doth mention some fragments of Abidenus, and Appollidorus, which in his time were extant, clearly pointing at the flood, and at Noah under the name of Zisuthrus with his sending out of birds to see if the waters were asswaged. 2. There is nothing here doth contradict reason, how this might be brought about, even in the way of ordinary natural causes, which the Lord did make use of for that end; for we find the windowes of Heaven were opened the air being condensed into clouds, and their retentive power loused, these great floodgates were thus set louse; which falling not in drops, but all in a full bo∣dy like the spouts and cataracts of the West-Indies might soon overwhelm the earth with aboundance of water, while these fountaines also of the great deep beneath were broken up, which was not only the Ocean let forth

to go over its banks, but an universal vent to all the veines of the earth, and that great masse of waters which is in the bowels thereof, which from beneath meeting these that were from above, may give men a clear, and rational account how such a thing might be. 3. This piece of the Scripture, is most congruous, and aggreable to the whole, and the great scope, and drift of the same, for it points out an height of sin, and of wrath, an univer∣sall defection, and an universal stroke meeting together, it leads us forward to Christ, of whom the ark was an ex∣cellent shadow, and of that salvation which in, and by him the Church hath from eternal wrath, and is a very mani∣fest pledge, and sign of that last destruction of the World, which though not in that manner, yet, shall once surely be, and find men in such a condition, as this flood found them into in the dayes of Noah.

II. What we have expresly promised in the word of the Churches delivery from Egypt, and vvas foretold by Joseph at his death, that God should surely bring back his People out of that land, for vvhich he left his bones to ly unburied as a pledge thereof, hath novv many ages past been fulfil∣led. It is long since that remarkable day vvhen God made a vvay for his People through the red sea, and his povver knovvn upon Pharaoh, and the Egyptians, since Moses vvith the Church did sing that triumphant song, the horse, and his rider he hath cast in the sea, vvherein these things are most clear.

1. That this vvas a deed knovvn, and publick in the time, vvhich vvas not done in a corner, but in the vievv of the World, and before all the Children of Israel, and by them attested, and vvith greatest carefulnes transmitted to their Children, and by these to the follovving genera∣tions, as a thing never to be forgotten.

2. Was testifyed by Moses so great a person, and eye∣vvitnes thereof, one vvhom even the most auncient of hea∣then vvriters, do mention vvith much respect, and in this

did never challenge his testimony, though a matter of fact, and of that moment. vvhich all the nations about could not but knovv, and both in the present and after ages have the remembrance thereof keeped up; so that they might easily refute such a thing if false, and vve may judge the Egyptians, and many others, could vvant no good∣vvill to put disgrace on a People they so much hated, nor be ignorant of that vvhich Moses published in his ovvn time, to vvhose vvorks some of the auncientest heathen vvriters, doe shew they have been no strangers.

3. A truth which by Moses was put in record, and de∣livered to the Jewes to be keept by them, and their Chil∣dren in all succeeding ages, a record which they did so narrowly look to, and had in that reverence, and esteem, that all the syllabs, and letters thereof were by them num∣bred, lest in the smallest point it should be wronged, yea, were more careful to preserve it then any nation can be of their most concerning rights, and charters.

4. A thing whereof the remembrance was yearly from that time celebrat by the Jewish Church, whence the in∣stitution of the passover had its rise, that deliverance being as a sign, and sacramentall pledge of that great salvation, by him who is our true passover.

III. What is held forth in the Scripture concerning the more full grouth of the Iewish Church that Judah should enjoy a Scepter, which was foretold by dying Jacob, and pro∣mised once and again to Abraham by the Lord that his seed should be as the sand of the sea, and enjoy Canaan for an inheritance hath it not long since been fulfilled? Wherein these things are clear.

1. That for many ages Israel did enjoy that land in a most flowrishing condition which doth in part appear from these very ruines, and desolation, over which they have so long lamented, the glory of Ierusalem, and the temple once so famous, which causeth such reverence amongst them to the very rubbish thereof at this day.

2. That they were once a People by themselves who were not mingled with the Nations, but keept at a distance by their Religion, and Lawes, from the rest of the World as a peculiar People to the Lord is a thing undenyable.

3. That whilest they enjoyed it there was a singular blessing of fruitfulnes thereon above other places, so as that small piece of ground, was eneugh for an innumerable multitude of inhabitants, but is novv at this day a barren sand, an ex∣traordinary curse no lesse seen thereon then the blessing was in former times.

4. It is also evident that something in the way, and car∣riage of this people, even in their low, wandering condi∣tion doth discover they have not forgot what once they were, nor their former grandour, and flovvrishing, but still keep by themselves vvith some respect to their ovvn land, vvhich their fathers did enjoy.

IV. That piece of the Scripture vvhich did concern the declining times of the Church under the Old Testament, vvhat Je∣remy foretold of the Babylouish captivity hath novv many ages since been fulfilled, a truth vvhich vve have attested by sacred history, an history vvhich doth clearly justify it self, and its authority by such convincing marks thereof, that vve may say, these vvho do seriously converse vvith the vvord, cannot take up Atheisme vvithout the laying down of reason, and putting a force upon their ovvn light.

Novv as to this particular prophecy vve vvould but seri∣ously consider.

1. That vvhich Jeremy did foretel anent the captivi∣ty, vvas not its accomplishment put on record in a book of the Churches lamentations? vvhere this truth may be read in her teares, and truely such as ever knevv grief in a high measure, may easily knovv vvhat is there exprest to be sad earnest, and read the lively motions of an afflicted case therein, and besides hath not this been witnessed to after ages by a visible monument, even the destruction of the temple, that great, and excellent work which

though after rebuilt did never attain its former splen∣dour.

2. This was a matter of fact of great note, and famous in the time, done in the view of all the nations, a conside∣rable piece of the Babylonish conquest, yea that testimony the Scripture beareth to the same, was it not a few ages after made publick to other parts of the world by the Sep∣tuagint translation, so that it had been easy for Ptolemy or any in that time to have discovered the falsehood of a thing so lately done, yet, these times nor the most professed enemyes to the Church therein, could not in the least contradict the same.

3. Though much of humane history, and these re∣cords of auncient times that vve now have, are both corrupt and defective, yet, there wants not some con∣sent, from the surest of these, to many of the most ob∣servable things that we have of the history of the old testament, and as to the certanity of this truth besids its own authority, we will find some of these oldest writers Berosus, Herodot, and Xenophon, give some light to the same, whose witnes the Atheist cannot challenge, yea, is it not clear that Iosephus not only from sacred history but from these old records, and fragments of for∣mer times which were then extant (though since have been much lost) compose his Iewish antiquityes, which give so particular a relatiou of this truth.

V. What was foretold by Daniel concerning the rise, and fall of the Monarchies, and change of these great Em∣pires, who had been so sore a rod upon the Church, hath it not many ages past had a most punctual performance? It is now long since that great image shewed to the pro∣phet in a vision, hath been brought down, and broken, so that scarse the toes thereof doe now remain, which besides the witnes of the Scripture, may be clearly de∣monstrat upon other rational grounds.

1. It being granted that the prophecie of Daniel was translated in Greek, and laid up in that great library of Alexandria, long before much of it was fulfilled, be∣fore Antiochus Epiphanes, and the rising of the Ro∣man empire which Porphyrius could not be ignorant of though all he could answer to that evident agreement betwixt his prophecie, and the event, was that it must have been writ, after these things were accomplished, whilest it is clear, that a part of the prophecie of Daniel which concerned the fourth Monarchy, was not even in his times fully made out, yea, we must say something thereof doth reach to the last end of time.

2. It is also undenyable that in these great revolutions of the Monarchies there is a discernable consent and har∣mony betwixt the Scripture, and these auncient records which we yet have of these times, so that not only the things themselves, but some of the most observable cir∣cumstances thereof which are particularly mentioned by Daniel, we may read in Xenophon, Herodot, and Di∣odorus Siculus.

3. It must also be granted that somethings which in Daniels prophesie would seem most strange, and impro∣bable, such as Belshazars death in that very night the hand writing was shewed to him, may be particularly understood in Xenophons history how Cyrus took the advantage of the Babylonian security whilest they were in the midst of a solemn feast, and by diverting the chan∣nel of Euphrates did enter the city vvithout opposition; also hovv that great horn of the high goat vvas so sud∣denly broken and the comming up of four in his room, vvhich by Daniel are expounded of the Grecian Monarchy, and the deviding of that Empire after Alexanders death, is it not punctuallie held forth by all the historyes of that time.

4. Was there not a very convincing appearance of a divine hand, both in the rise, and fall of these Mo∣narchies and an extraordinary providence vvhich vve cannot but see vvhen vve read these histories, that surely

something above ordinary meanes, and second causes vvas both in Cyrus conquest against the Babylonians, and the marvellous svvift progresse, and successe of Alex∣ander against the Persians.

VI. That which was the great scope of all Prophe∣sies under the Old Testament. The comming of the Messias is surelie verifyed, and now many ages past hath had an accomplishment, the Lord is come unto his temple even he whose day Abraham, and the Saints under the law did long after; this was the most happie, and notable crisis that ever the Church was under, the great Epocha, and period of time from which she doth now reckon, which we know is no fable, or cunning device of man, that God was manifested in the flesh, did make his abode, for some time in the earth, suffered at Ierusalem in the view of the World, before many witnesses, did arise from death on the third day, was seen, and known by his disciples thereafter, and having finished the work for which he came vvas received up again into glory.

This is indeed a great truth vvhich concerneth us no lesse to knovv, and be sure of, then our soul is vvorth, and interest through eternity, the fulfilling vvhereof be∣sids the authority of sacred writ, the witnes, and records of the Evangelists, and Apostles of Iesus Christ who testifie what they certainly knew, is a truth which from such convincing rational grounds, may be demonstra∣ted that the greatest height of Atheisme knoweth not how to state it selfe in direct opposition to the same; and truely in this the Lord hath so tendered the strengthning of his peoples faith and their encouragement; that as it is the most concerning promise of the Scripture, on which our whole hope, and blessednes depends, so is it also most clear, and conspicuous in the event: I shall but onely touch this, whereof so much hath been said by others.

1. It is undenyable the Messias was to come, to whom all the Sacrifices under the Law these auncient, types, and shadowes did clearly point, to whom the Prophets bear witnes, and was the faith of the auncient Iewish Church, of which promise, they were perswaded even whilest they saw it but a far, yea did embrace it, and repose themsel∣ves thereon, yea, is there not a most clear, and exact por∣traicture drawn forth under the Old Testament, of the Messias, what an one he should be, and by what peculiar characters he should be known, who was to be revealed to Israel.

2. The special season, and period of time wherein Christ should come, we find prefixed, and shewed to the auncient Church, which though under some figurative expressions, seemed then dark, yet, was so far revealed that upon a diligent search, and enquiry, and particular collation of the times, it might be easy to discern the Mes∣sias comming, and near approach, of which salvation the Prophets did enquire, 1. Pet. 1: ver. 10. and truely the fall of the Monarchies, and right uptaking of Daniels weeks, were sure, and solide grounds, for a clear computation thereanent; thence was it that so general an expectation of the Messias was among the Iewes, at that very time when he came, so as divers impostoures did arise whom the People was ready to follow, and we see with what amazement the Pharisees did enquire at Iohn the Baptist if he were the Christ, or not, yea, Iosephus sheweth how the perswa∣sion of this did most excite that People to war with the Ro∣mans from the prophecies they had in holy writ, that from Iudea should about that time come who vvas to be Empe∣rour of the World.

3. It is also sure there vvas such an one vvho in the dayes of Tiberius, and under the reign of Herod was made ma∣nifest to Israel, and came with no outward shew, and ob∣servation, but did great, and marvellous things before all the People, was crucified at Ierusalem, under Pontius Pi∣late, and notwithstanding the ignominy of his death was after adored, and followed, both by many of the Iews and

the gentils, whose doctrine did also in a short time spread through the World, a truth which the greatest adversaries of the Gospel have ever confessed, and do attest the history thereof de facto, to be a faithful relation, not only Iewes, but the heathen writers Suetonius, Tacitus, and Plinius the younger that lived near and some of them contemp••∣rary with the times of the Apostles, do witnes that this Jesus whom the Christians worship, did true∣ly suffer in the time of Pilats jurisdiction over the Iewes.

4. Is it not clear how this appearance of Christ to the World, did exactly tryst with the very time, foretold by the Prophets thereanent? Was not Jacobs prophecy, thus accomplished? for until that time it is clear the royal line of Davids house, did not cease, until Herod a stranger came to reign, by whom it was utterly cut off, and it is manifest these 70 weeks mentioned by Daniel, must be understood of years else they could admit no other sence, which reckoning from the decree, given out by Cyrus, to rebuild the temple, are 490 Yeares, and doth answer to the very time of Christs being in the World, and his death, which necessarly fals in the last of these weeks, a thing so manifest, that Porphyrius an avowed enemy to the Chri∣stian Religion could have no answer, but that this prophe∣cy had been devised after the event, which I am sure the Jewes, though as direct adversaryes, vvould be loath to admit.

5. It is most clear that in him vvho at that time vvas revealed to Israel, vvhom the Christian Church doth this day vvorship, vvas exactly accomplished vvhatever vvas by the Prophets to••d concerning the Messias, and it is no small advantage for the Christian cause, that it needs but appeal to these records, vvhich have been keept, in the hands of her adversaries, vvhere there is so clear a portrai∣cure of him held forth, both as to his person, his vvay of coming, the place vvhence, the entertainment he should get, and his death, that I must think it a contradiction to reason, hovv men should acknovvledge the Old Testa∣ment,

and not grant the Nevv; since, it is clear the Jew∣es look for no other Messias, then such an one as is held out by the Prophets, and they acknowledge also the divine au∣thority of Esay, Daniel, Micah, Malachi, &c. vvho do, by such cleer marks point him forth, and shew the Church how they should know him when he cometh, for truely it may thence appear, that it is not more certain the Messias should come, then that Jesus Christ is he: I would but seriously ask vvhat do the levves this day misse in our blessed Lord Iesus, vvhich the Old Testament al∣lovveth them to expect in the Messias, is it that he came vvith no outvvard shevv, and glory, sure according to the Scripture, such an one vve ought not to acknovvledge; no, should he not be of the seed of the vvoman, 2. Gen. vvho should be born of a virgin as Esay shevveth, his voice not heard in the streets, despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrovves; such an one, as vvas shadovved out under the Lavv, vvho should be made a sacrifice for sin, yea, come vvith no outvvard pomp, but meek, and lovv∣ly, and riding upon an asse, vvas to be betrayed, and sold, and his price shevved by Zach for 30 pieces; a cru∣cified dying Christ that should be wounded in the house of his friends, and cut off from amongst the children of his People, O! can men possibly deny so cleer an accomplih∣ment of these in our blessed Lord?

6 Is it not undenyable that the Jevves novv in their pre∣sent case cannot possibly expect the accomplishment of this promise? that the Messias cannot this day come, according to the Scriptrue, except they could be put in such a condi∣tion, as they were then in at Christs comming; certainly it is impossible, that the Old Testament be ever fulfilled anent this, if it be not already, can he come forth out of Bethlehem whilst now no such place is known by that name? can he come into his Temple that is utterly de∣stroyed, is there not now a subversion of the tribes, and the family of David not known, at this day? yea, are not the gentils brought in, whom Isai sheweth, should be gathered under the standard of the Messias? doth not the

daily sacrifice cease? which the Iewes will confesse hath been for many ages, and this was to be after his coming, and I would ask how was that ever fulfilled, that the glory of the second Temple should exceed the glory of the first? for this cannot be on the account of its structure, or out∣ward magnificence, sure there is nothing, wherein this glo∣ry could appear, but as it points at Christ, and the breaking up of that glorious light, which was before its destruction.

7. There is an innumerable company who have embraced the Gospel, and received the spirit by the ministry thereof since the times of the Apostles who have put this seal there∣to in all ages that it is the power, and wisdome of God▪ and truely without partial respect (which the conscience of the worst of men have been forced to justify) it may be said, these were the excellent of the earth in their time, many of greatest outward parts, and abilities, whose moral integrity, and candour was beyond question even with their adversaries, and these both of Iewes, and gentils of all rancks of men, of all nations, and languages, who not only by a naked profession, but by their walk, and suffer∣ings did shew forth the power, and vertue of a crucified Christ, yea, shine as lights whilest they were in the World to the conviction of onlookers, and is not this a convinceing witnes to the truth of the Gospel which its enemyes cannot possibly deny.

8. That excellent doctrine delivered to the Church in the New Testament by Christ, and his Apostles doth it not clearly shew whence it is, and witnes its own authori∣ty? for here we may see a manifest agreement, betvvixt this, and the doctrine of the auncient Ievvish Church, that as the five Books of Moses hold forth the sum of the Gos∣pel, the Covenant of grace, and that mystery of Salvation by Christ, so the Prophets do carry it on vvith furder clearnes, and the Evangelists brings forvvard like an excellent edi∣fice that is founded, and advanced in the one, but perfect∣ed in the other, all breathing the same spirit vvith a convin∣cing tendency to the same end, so that vve may say the old Jewes under the Law, were in effect Christians, and the

followers of Christ now under the Gospel in some respect are Jewes, being one in the substantials of their religion; for it is clear, that poor Apostat people, now in the Iewish nation, hath wholly departed from their own doctriue, and will not come to the light that they may be judged accord∣ing to the Old Testament; now in this I would seriously attest the adversaries of the Gospel, if paganisme, the Turks Alcoran, or Iewish Talmud hold forth any such doctrine, or rule, as that which the Christian Religion doth, such pure, and excellent precepts to restrain the in∣ordinacy of corrupt affection backed with arguments be∣coming an immortal soul, a doctrine so sincere, solid, and rational so consistent with it selfe, and agreable to the true scope, and drift thereof, which holds forth, the most exquisite rule of perfection, for men to presse after, yea, where every page, and line breatheth forth holines towards God, and righteousnes, and humanity towards man.

9. I shall adde, these clear convincing evidences of the truth of the Gospel, which did attend the first publishing thereof, were so evident, and undenyable a seal from the Lord as may force the greatest Atheist to silence, for. 1. They were Jewes as much concerned in the Religion of their Fathers as any, who did first publish the Gospel, none more zealous according to the Law then Paul was be∣fore his conversion, none also could challenge their driving any outward interest hereby, since persecution, and bonds, yea, greatest hazard was that which they could expect. 2. It is clear they walked by no rules of human policy, nor these ordinary wayes of insinuation, which the World doth use, to engadge men, and make a party to themselves, but did deliver the truth, truth most repugnant to the flesh, and that interest, with greatest candour, and sim∣plicity, though likewise with a convincing authority, and confidence, yea, came with a message to the World, which had no other convoy, or perswading argument, but the evidence of its own truth, but withal, such a power accompanying the same, before which men could not

stand. 3. What is published concerning Christ by the Evangelists, the great works he did, his dying at Ierusa∣lem with all the stupendious circumstances thereof, and signs from Heaven was not a thing done in a corner, but in the publick view of men, which in these dayes was most notour, and famous, but yet there cannot be produced, one contradictory testimony to the truth of these relations, by any adversary of the Gospel, either at that time, or since; sure the World wanted no malice, and these great things were airly published, by the Evangelists, and A∣postles, whilest much of that generation was alive, yet, it is clear, though in a matter of that concernment, which made then so great a noise, and was at that time putting the earth all in a flame, none was found, either among Iewes or gentils, who could, or durst put forth a mani∣festo to discover the least cheat, or falshood, in these things attested in the History of the Gospel. 4. What ever different partyes, and sects, did break up with the first time of the Church, to opppse the truth in other things, yet, in this they had all one consent, that he who was crucified at Ierusalem, was the Messias, and Christ, which truely, did witnes the clear irresistible manifestation of this truth in these times, since if there could have been the least ground to challenge any imposture, or deceit, in this great foundation of the Christian faith, it is more then probable, these bitter contentions followed with such animosity, and heat, and irritation of these whom the A∣postles, and Church in that time, did with much zeall, and sharpest censures persue, would have engadged them to put all the disgrace upon the truth which they could, if they might have had where to fasten their teeth; I would furder adde, that even the arguments and objections, which the adversaryes of the Gospel could ever bring, to oppose the same, are indeed a convincing witness, and confirmation, and shew how little they could any way say, in giving their malice a vent, we find that absurd alledgeance of the Iewes that the great works Christ did in the dayes of his flesh were by stealing the name Iehovah out

of the temple, which they alleadge he sewed up in his thigh, which truely needeth no further refutation but the recit∣ing therefore, and, here they are even forced to witnes the truth of these relations held forth by the Evangelists as to the matter of fact, which we find also these later Atheists such as Vanninus, Cardan, &c. dare not challenge, or debate, onely they would ascrive these great works which Christ then wrought, to the influence of the starres, a chal∣lenge so absurd, that needs no other answer but to re∣late it.

VII. We have that remarkable prophecy of the incoming of the Gentils, a truth indeed great, and marvellous, which as it is expresly held forth in the Old Testament, yea, is there mentioned, Is. 54: ver. 1, 2. Is. 60: ver. 3, 9. is a thing so clearly now written forth in the event, that I am sure, the greatest Atheists can have no shift here, that in this strange work of God about his Church, the Scripture hath an undenyable accomplishment. Now to clear this let us but consider.

1. That for many ages this truth anent the incalling of the gentils was sealed up in a prophecy, a thing so great, and astonishing to the auncient Iewish Church that they could not well comprehend the same, until once the event brought it forth, for this was indeed a mystery hid from a∣ges, how the Gentiles should be fellow heires, of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ, then the bounds, and extent of the Church did not exceed Iu∣dea that small inclosure, whilest the whole World beside did ly buried like an out field in dark paganisme, it is well known that the most pleasant places of Africa, Asia, and Europe, where afterwards many famous Churches were, within these 1600 yeares was but a savage wildernes, Bri∣tain, Germanie, and France, did then vvorship the sun, and starres, they sacrificed to the Gods of the heathens, yea, these eastern partes, on which the sun did first rise, did not then know the God of Israel, a truth which not only

the Roman, and Grecian Historyes, but the records of particular Nations can clearly attest.

2. It is clear that this prophecy was not held forth in a general; but we find the time also prefixed (with other special circumstances) when it should have its accom∣plishment at the appearing of the Messias, when he should be revealed to Israel, before which time a bar was drawen in the way of the Nations, and a wall of partition betwixt them, and the Church, until he stand up who should hold forth an ensign to the People, and gather the gentils under his standard, which Esay doth clearly shew, Es. 11: v. 10. and 34: ver. 1, 2. and 60: ver. 1, &c. and then must the mountaines flow down at his presence, Nations be born at once, yea, the light break forth to the East, and the West, then should the Children of the desolate be moe then of the married wife, when this time, even the set time for the gentils is once come, and it may be very convincing, which is indeed observable, that notwithstanding of a more flow∣rishing condition, of the Iewish Church in former ages, when her grandour, and prosperity was more tempting, and the neighbourhood, and commerce which the Nations about had with that People, yea, though by the captivity they were scattered, among the Persians, and Babylonians, yet was there no stir, or change of the World, until the ap∣pointed time once came.

3. It may be easy to prove the event of this prophecy, and its manifest accomplishment, even at the time there∣of, for this men can not deny, that the Lord did visit the Gentils with the knowledge of his truth, which then caus∣ed such a change in the earth, as a great part of it hath been brought from heathnish idolatry to vvorship the God of Israel, and such who once were strangers, and aliens, now made to professe the same faith (as to the substance thereof) of the auncient Iewish Church, sure this truth needs not want a vvitnes, vvhilest Nations, and much of the knovvn World hath been for so long a time, and, yet to this day are a visible proof thereof, a truth of such concernment that in former ages made a great and stupendious change up∣on

the face of the earth, so that not onely an innumerable company out of all Nations, and languages, but the gene∣rality, the very complex body of Kingdoms, and Nations can bear vvitnes thereto, novv the Gospel hath been preached through much of the World, yea, vve may say, fevv parts thereof, vvhere there hath not been some face of a Church, though the promise hath not yet had its full ac∣complishment, but vve wait for (according to the Scrip∣ture) a more flowrishing time, and great harvest among the Nations, when Israel shall be gathered, how ever it is sure the Lord hath in a great part fulfilled this his pro∣mise, so that the Church might then with astonishment cry out, who hath begotten all these Children, who are these that flee as a cloud, like the doves to their windowes? O blessed day, in which the light did first break up on the poor ofspring of Iaphet who then dwelt in the shadow, and region of death. O blest day that brought salvation with it to the gentils, wherein the Lord did visit these dark places of the earth, which were full of the habitations of cruelty, I think the sense of so great a mercy, should never let us want an errant for giving thanks, yea, put much to silence our other complaints.

4. Is it not also clear that not only as to the time, but these very places of the earth which Esai, and other of the Pro∣phets did particularly point at, this promise had an exact accomplishment? for it is this day manifest the isles which we find so frequently mentioned, that these should wait for his law, and the uttermost parts of the earth, whence he should bring th•• Daughter of his dispersed, may have a clear commentar upon the same, from what the Lord hath done to Britain, and Ireland with other remote parts of the earth, yea, hath not the Aethiopians been made to stretch out their hands, even in these sun-burnt places of Africk, hath not Christ also had a conquest, where many a black moore was through grace made as the snow of Salmon, and the feathers of a dove, so that it is clear how these particular places, which were so oft pointed at by the

Prophets have been visited by the Gospel, and fallen to the share of the Church.

5. This change which by the incoming of the gentils to the Church was wrought upon the Earth, is a thing so great, and astonishing, that were it still in the promise, and this not yet fulfilled, it would truely stagger our faith, how such a thing should ever come to passe, and is there not here a miracle, that the World cannot possibly deny? even this great work of God in bringing of the gentils, which without an extraordinary power, could not be effe∣ctuat, if men will consider. First. That svvift progresse which then the Gospel had, how it did run, and was glo∣rified through the furthest parts of the earth, and like a ligtning break forth from one place to another, so that in the Apostles time, the Scripture doth shew, how most of the conspicuous Provinces of Asia, had received the Gospel, and Tertullian who lived in the second Century, in his Book contra Iudaos doth there witnes how many na∣tions, and these most remote from other, Parthians, Me∣des, Armenia, Phrygia, Cappadocia, Pontus, and Pamphilia, with much of Egypt, and diverse parts of Africk, besides Rome, Spain, and other places of Europe, were in his time almost wholly Christian; for it is indeed clear that the bounds of the Church was then of a larger extent then it is now at this day. 2. It is also undenyable that in this solemn day of the Gospels spreading amongst the nations, suffering, and persecution did all that time attend the Church, yea, in such a measure that as the writers of these times do witnes neither famine pestilence, nor the sword, did destroy so many of the World, as then were of Christians in the two first centuries put to death for adhering to the truth, and it is clear, that this great work of God in such a swift spreading of the Church, was most discernable in these times of hottest persecution, yea then was her most effectual grouth, and increase, which upon her getting some rest, and beginning to flowrish with external peace, was at a visible stand. 3 How marvel∣lous a thing was this, to be brought about (if we consider

the many different languages, that did then stop correspon∣dence between the Church and the rest of the earth, for how could the truth thus spread among the nations, yea, in such remote places of the World Churches be planted by the Apostles, and have the Scripture translated, and made legible to them without that extraordinary gift of tongues, which for that end was then given from the Lord? sure beside sacred authority anent this, reason may convincingly witnes to the World the truth of such a mi∣racle. 4. How strange, and wonderful a change was this, that in so short a time the Gospel should thus enlighten, and put such a lustre on the most rude, and savage places of the earth, where scarse humanity had been, and bring them from the condition of beasts to men, should thus tame, and civilize the greatest Barbarians, and cause the lion to ly down with the lamb, yea, by the preaching of that Gospel, and of a crucified Christ, which as it was to the Jewes a stumbling block, so to the Greeks foo∣lishnes.

And in a word was not this indeed a miracle how in a mattet of such high concernment as that vvherein mens soul, and everlasting interest lay they should be turned off their old vvay, and Religion, in vvhich they, and their Fathers had been so long rooted, & that a little spark which did break up in Iudea, should bring dovvn the idols of the nations, and burn up their temples.

Alace that there is so little of a large heart, of that pri∣mitive zeal, and fervour this day among Christians for the enlargement of the Church, that such merchants are now rare who would venture out to trade with other parts, for this excellent ware, the merchandise whereof is better then of gold. O that in these parts where the truth is knovvn and professed, the Lord vvould raise up men of such a spirit, and such a Magistrat, vvho vvould make it their vvork, and lay dovvn solid grounds hovv to advance the Kingdome of Christ in the dark places of the earth, and reckon their interest in a forrain plantation upon the account

of the Gospel, no lesse then on the account of trade, vve vvould pray, and yet hope for this.

VIII. What vve find foretold by Daniel, yea, by Christ himself anent the destruction of Ierusalem, and ceasing of the Iewish dayly sacrifice with the rejection of that people, Dan. 12. ver. 11. Matth. 24: ver. 2. hath many ages past come to passe, wherein the World may see how clearly the event doth answer this Prophecy, for it is manifest.

1. That this is a truth which doth need no other witnes, then the scattered remnant, and desolate ruines of that once flowrishing Church, and nation of the Iewes vvhich vve see vvith our eyes at this day, vvhose present state is so great a monument of divine judgement, so clear a vvitnes to the Scripture that I think men cannot look thereon, if they be in any measure serious, but must have such a con∣viction.

2. What hath befallen this people may it not be an asto∣nishment to the World in all succeeding ages? a stroke that hath put them in a more sad condition, then any nation, or people we ever yet heard of, that hath cast them out of their own land, scattered them as vagabonds through the earth, so that these many ages they have had no scep∣ter nor Law-giver, no piece of the earth they can call their own, but at the mercy, and arbitrary disposal of every place they reside in, no priviledge, or liberties but a naked permission to brook their lives, and estates during the pleasure of these under whom they get shel∣ter, a people put by themselves with a visible mark of divine wrath upon them, like a beacon set up for all the nations to look on, even these who were once eminently ovvned of the Lord, who was known in their palaces for a refuge, yea, it is very manifest that no stir or essay that ever they made for their releef, but was still to their further ruin, and found Gods hand visibly crosse to them therein; sure Ammianus Marcellinus, a heathen wri∣ter did intend no testimony to the Christian cause in rela∣ting

that strange passage which neer his time fell out, how the Iewes by Iulians warrant, and permission did attempt to build the temple again, but a fire breaking up from the foundation thereof, which destroyed many of the workmen, forced them with much terrour to desist.

3. Must it not be some strange, and dreadful provo∣cation, beyond the sin of their forefathers, whereat so strange, and unusual a stroke doth point? whilest it is clear that notwithstanding frequent Idolatry, and departing from God when they were at that height in wickednes to offer up their children to Molech, and set up altars in the groves, to reject the message of the prophets, and thrust some of them in a dungeon, yet, were only punis∣hed with 70 yeares captivity, and after by Gods very im∣mediat hand brought again, these who had taken them captive concurring with them to rebuild the temple: but now how long and dark hath their night been since this judgement came on them, and though they could not these many ages charge themselves with Idolatry, yet no saviour or deliverer hath been raised up, no Prophet sent forth, no sign or appearance at this day of releef, now for these 1600 yeares, yea amidst these frequent changes and revolutions that have been in the World no change in their condition, sure if that people vvere in speaking tearmes with their consciences, this might put them to a strange demurr, what should be the cause if they be not guilty of killing the Messias, and that blood pursuing them; what attrocious provocation beyond others they can condescend on, for which the Lord doth so long and so sore by such an unusual, and unheard of strok thus contend.

4. What a marvellous concurrence of providence, and convincing appearance of a divine hand was in this jud∣gement, the besieging of Ierusalem by the Romans trysted with the very time of the passover whilest so great a con∣fluence of people from all parts of the land were there on that account, that both sword, and famine might contribute

their help to destroy, what unreasonable and astonishing obstinacy against all offers of peace, and the most pressing insinuations thereof which Titus Vespasian made, even whilest, their ruin was otherwise unevitable, an unheard of strife where the enemy did contend to save, but they to undoe themselves, how judicially hardened, under most remarkable prodigies, and warnings which they had of that approaching desolation, divided wholly amongst themselves, yea, so cruel one upon another within, that their adversary without could not but look thereon with compassion. O what a stroke was this wherein greatest A∣theists would grant a fatality, for indeed men cannot consi∣der the same without acknowledging a divine hand and something above ordinary meanes, and causes where all did thus meet together in a solemn tryst to accomplish that Peoples ruin.

5. But it is here we may see a singular providence of God for his Church, that these who of all the World are most violent enemyes to the Christian truth, are also a most con∣vincing vvitnes to the same, vvhilest, first, these do clearly attest the Scripture (vvhich is our alone charter) the divine authority of Moses, and the Prophets, the true copyes vvhereof, they did most tenderly preserve vvhat ever absurd glosses some of their Rabbies have thereon. Yea, durst never offer in the least to vitiat the original, but hath had the same transmitted, still from one age to an o∣ther, to vvhich records that are this day in their hand, the Christian Church can with much confidence appeal, and demonstrat from the Old Testament the ••undoubted truth of the New. Yea, in this we may appeal the A∣theist to his conscience that the Scripture is no imposture, or any cunning device of Christians which is so far witnessed even by the greatest adversary, and maligners of the Chri∣stian Religion. 2. That strange induration of the Iewes, their unreasonable rejecting of the truth, vvho after so long a time cannot see the cause vvhich is most discernable in their stroke. O is not this also a most convincing seal to the Scripture, and clear fulfilling thereof that there is a

vail over their mind as the Apostle sheweth, whilest they read the Law, judicially smitten by the Lord with blind∣nes, that they cannot see until once this vail be taken off, and truely we may say there is nothing in their judgement more strange and astonishing then such a continued obsti∣nacy against the truth, how they should be thus dark in the noon day. But that herein the Scripture is ful∣filled; so that we may even turn a poison unto an an∣tidot.

IX. That which is so expresly foretold in the New Testament, yea, is the great drift of the Prophecyes thereof, The coming of Antichrist, and revealing of the man of sin to the World, 2 Thiss. 2: ver. 3, 4, 7, 8, 9. hath long since been accomplished, wherein we may, say the wonderful corresponding of the event with the prophecy is so clear, that this truth is novv as plain, and obvious as once it was dark to the Church, these things being undeny∣able.

1. How the Spirit of God in the Scripture hath been in a more then ordinary way particular, to point Antichrist forth by such notour marks, and characters, that after ages may known him, if they will not shut their eyes, I confesse it is not strange the popish party should seal-up the Scripture, and forbid the ordinary reading of it; since the breaking forth of that light vvould soon make their Kingdome dark, for if men vvould but set the history of the Church since the times of the Apostles, over against the Scripture, and make use of that notable key for opening up the prophecyes of the Nevv Testament it should be then easy to knovv, the Antichrist is surely come, and vvho this is, and herein doth the Lords tender respect to his Church appear, that he doth not only in a very solemn manner, forevvarn men, anent this great trya••, and as it vvere by the sound of a trumpet give an alarum, that such an adversary vvas coming, yea of the time thereof, vvho vvould do more hurt, then all who had gone before, but

doth also make so clear a discovery of the whole fabrick, rise, and progres of that party, with such particular cir∣cumstances and differencing characters from any other enemy of the Church, as may render the World most in∣excusable, if they will needs dash on that rock, where∣on the Scripture, hath set so conspicuous a beacon.

2. That this Prophecy should now want an accomplish∣ment or Antichrist be yet to come is a thing most repug∣nant to sacred truth, since it is sure, that mystery of ini∣quity even in the times of the Apostles did begin to work, and he who then for a time withheld his coming, the hea∣then Empire of Rome, hath long since been taken out of the way, which caused some Christians in these dayes wish the standing, and continuance of that Empire, from the terrour they had of that adversary who according to the word they knew was to fill his room, yea, doe we not find the Churches tryal from Antichrist should be the most sore, and lasting tryal of the Church under the New Testament, which after her begun breathing from heath∣nish persecution, was to continue for many ages wherein the word is most expresse, and cleir, that the rise, and fall of this enemy should be gradual, and not at once, whose beginning, and first appearance might be traced to the first times of the Church, and his close, and finall run near the second coming of Christ, by the brightnes whereof he shall be destroyed, and therefore, this is so much the subject of the Prophecyes of the New Testa∣ment, the great intent, and scope of the Revelation of Iohn, in which, the true state of the Christian Church, with the various changes of her condition, even from the opening up of the first seal to the blowing of the last trumpet, is particularly held forth, and there may we all alongst trace the steps of the rise, and fall of that man of sin.

3. That such an one as the Scripture points forth, who doth most fully answer to all these marks which are there given of Antichrist, hath come, and been revealed to the World, is a thing so very manifest that except men will

needs force their light, and conscience it cannot but be be∣yond question, and debate, even such an one whose com∣ing should be after the working of Satan with all power, signes, and lying wonders, forbidding to marry, and to abstain from meats which God had appointed, who sitteth in the temple of God, having a name full of blas∣phemy, and doth exalt himselfe above all that is called God, who bewitcheth the Kings, and great men of the earth with his enchantements, yea, even by his livery may he be known that he most usually hath scarlet, and purple, which I think truely marvellous how particularly these are mentioned in the Scripture; and in a word, such an one whose traffick, and merchandize, is not only gold, and silver but the souls of men, who should be drunk with the blood of the Saints, and martyres of Jesus Christ, under whose reign the Church must flee to the wildernes, and there be latent for a long time, and his seat, that city which is situat upon 7 hills, even that great city which doth rule over the Kings of the earth. O strange how men can acknowledge this for the Scripture of God, and yet not see it fulfilled before their eyes, that there is so vive an image, and portraicture of Antichrist there held forth, such peculiar characters which do convincingly point at the Pope, and popish hierarchy, yea could answer to no other adversary which Christ ever had under the New Te∣stament, either pagan, or Mahumetan, and yet so much of the World doth not know him when he is before their eyes.

4. It is clear that no age since Antichrist was revealed, did altogether want some witnes, to point him forth, even in the darkest times, many of whom loved not their lives unto the death that they might seal this truth, and it may be a question if more of the blood of the Saints, was shed under heathens then in after times under Antichrist, yea, though we had not such expresse marks to disover him from the word, it may be easy for men to judge, who that is, who is this day so directly opposire to Jesus Christ, and the great design of the Gospel, that assumes to himselfe

what is alone due to God, to forgive sin, and be wor∣shipped with Religious adoration, doth challenge a Ma∣gisterial power, and supremacy, over the whole Church as its head, a style too great for any of the Angels, who maketh void the merit of Christ, and layeth down a way of life, and salvation, on the same termes that it stood in the Covenant of works, doth destroy the great intent of the Gospel, and in effect denyeth Iesus Christ to have come in the flesh, who setteth Heaven upon sale for money, and permitteth none to perish and goe to hell, but the poore, doth dispence with the grossest acts of sin and the expres commands of the Law-giver, maketh moral prohibitions void by his authority, yea, halloweth the very stewes, and most horrid acts of uncleannes, taketh on him to change the condition of the dead, and ensure to their friends, the happy state of their souls, if they will make large offerings on that account, O! who is this, is not that Antichrist, whose way doth state him in such direct tearmes of opposi∣tion to Christ?

5. Have we not cause to wonder no lesse at the strange induration, and blindnes, of the popish party, then of the Iewes, that whilest the one doth confesse the Old Testament; and yet knoweth not Christ, the other should grant the truth of the New Testament, and not know An∣tichrist, that he is come, even he after whom a great piece of the World, for these many ages hath been won∣dering, sure so clear an agreement betwixt this prophecy and the event may not only put this beyond debate, but leave a conviction, upon the greatest Atheists, of the truth, and divinity of the Scripture, for what ever former times might pretend ignorance whilest this mystery was but working, now when the man of sin hath comed to his full height, and stature, and so clearly revealed by the light of the Gospel, it taketh away all excuse, and I professe in these latter times, I cannot see how one can be a knowing Papist, and not an Atheist also.

X, What was prophecyed anent the killing of the witnesses under Antichrist, Rev. 11: v. 3, 7, 8. we may say hath clearly comed to passe, and at this day may read the same, in the e∣vent, for it is manifest.

1. That dureing Antichrists reigne even in the darkest times, there wanted not some to seal the truth, and bear witnes thereto, both by open confession, and suffering on that account, which the Church Histories can aboundantly make out.

2. That dureiug that dark night these who did give a testimony, and any way appeared, against the grievous en∣croachments of Antichrists in behalf of down-born truth, were put to prophecy in sackcloth, when there was nothing left, but to weep, over the Churches ruines, and witnes their detestation, and grief, for the growing Apostacy of such times.

3. It is clear, that as the prophecy doth point at some more remarkable suffering, and persecution, which the Church was to meet with from Antichrist, beyond all it had endured from that adversary in former ages, yea, a special permission from the Lord to that party, to vent their rage and cruelty against the Saints, which should fall out after the witnesses finishing their testimony, who had so long in an abject, low condition, as in sackcloth prophe∣cyed yea, when Antichrist should be at his height, and his Kingdome upon the turn, that then must this re∣markable killing of the witnesses be accomplished; so, like∣wise did the event convincingly verify the same, for it is knowen that upon the close of Antichrists reigne, whilest the truth began to break up, this sorest storme of persecu∣tion beyond all that had been before, did then break upon the Church, even in its budding forth, that we may say, that adversary did not onely put forth the outmost of his power, and rage against the Saints, but seemed in some measure to bring his cruel designes to passe, which, the dreadful massacres in France, Province, and the Valleys of Piemont, the sore and violent persecution of the Church

through the Netherlands, under the Duke of Alba, and in England by Queen Mary, in Germany after the defeat of the Duke of Saxony, and Landgrave of Hesse can clearly witnes.

4. Is it not also clear, how this remarkable storm, and cutting down of the Saints, over whose dead bodyes their adversaryes did rejoyce, was according to this prophecy to be previous to some eminent enlargement, and revi∣ving of the Church, which did accordingly fall out in the event like a resurrection of the witnesses from the dead, to the astonishment of the World, that immediatly followed upon the back thereof, so that when their enemyes thought they had gained their end, as they did conclude by such persecutions, particularly that French massacre that the Pro∣testant interest, should be quite ruined, they were forced to see their labour in vain, and the Church more eminently flowrishing after the same.

I shall but furder adde that Antichrist hath not only been revealed, and his Kingdome come to its height, but it is clear this day that it is on the falling hand, and his ruine is now begun, upon which account we may say, yea, have cause to sing that the winter is past, the fig tree putteth forth her leaves that sheweth the sommers approach, yea, the sing∣ing of birds is heard in our land let us go forth, and meet him who is now gone out as a mighty man, for the salvation of his Church, and taken the fields against this great adver∣sary of his truth and people, on whose side victory doth surely wait.