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.

II. WHAT IS YET TO BE ACCOMPLISHED.

HAving touched a little some of the most concerning prophecyes of the Scripture, both under the New & Old Testament, which are already fulfilled, and the truth

thereof so clearly written forth in the history of providence, that we may say the most ordinary observers if they will not shut their eyes, cannot want a conviction thereof, I shall now in the next place point at that which yet remaineth of the prophetical part of the Scripture, to be accom∣plished, these prophecyes which concern the Church in these last times, whereby we may have a sure demonstra∣tion, how far the night is spent, and of the near approach of that blessed day, of the liberty of the sonnes of God, for this doth finish the mystery of God, and fully perfecteth his work, if once that which remaineth of the prophecyes of the word were fulfilled.

There are these truths the accomplishment whereof we have a sure warrant to expect before the end; First, the full ruin, and downfal of Babylon. 2. The conversion, and incalling of the Jewes to Jesus Christ. 3. A solemn day of the Churches flowrishing, both Iewes, and Gen∣tiles, which shall follow the outmaking of the former pro∣mise. 4. The fall, and destruction of the Turkish Em∣pire, that cruel party who hath been raised up, and esta∣blished for judgement, with whom the Lord shall yet rec∣kon, for all that Christian blood by them, so unjustly shed, seemeth clearly held forth, Rev. 16: ver. 12. 5. We are also to expect after all these, that full, and last stroke up∣on Gog, and Magog, and then the Lord is at hand, and that great mystery of the prophecyes, and promises of the Scripture, shall then be finished, and at a blessed close.

I. We have the full ruin and destruction of Antichrist, and his Kingdome, clearly prophecyed, and in very expresse tear∣mes promised to the Church, 2 Thess 2: ver. 2 8. Rev. 16: ver. 10, & 17. the accomplishment whereof we do yet ac∣cording to the Scripture wait for, that the God of truth who cannot lye or repent, shall in due time assuredly bring ab∣out, and that this day approacheth when that solemn cry shall be heard, Babylon is fallen, anent which we would consider.

1. That this judgement is already begun and the first step thereof visible, is now clear, wherein men may see the event most exactly answer the prophecy, for the Lord hath begun to consume Antichrist by the breath of his mouth, and since the first breaking up of the light, his Kingdome hath been mouldering down before the Word, hath not Nations fallen off at the voice of the preached Gospel? It is true the Church wanteth not sore con••licts, even under the Vials, and it is the Lords way to try his People with such various uncertainties, that when things have been most promising, another providence cometh like a crosse wave, which seemeth to drive them as far back as once they seemed to be forward, yet, it is sure, and should be beyond debate, that Antichrists overthrow is upon a pre∣sent advance, and that work of the Lord for his Churches deliverance, is going fordward, for if we believe salvation by Christ upon the warrant of the word, should we not also with much assurance believe that Antichrists wound is deadly, and incurable, which he hath got by the preach∣ing of the Gospel, which all the Physitians of the earth shall never help.

2. This is one of the greatest, and signal actes of the judgement of God, on his Churches enemyes, one of the most eminent manifestations of his glory which he hath reserved for the last times, wherein, the appearance of his hand, and great power shall be very manifest, and we are to expect by this remarkable stroak, that way shall be made for that glorious house, which Christ is to have for himself in the latter dayes, which shall be built upon An∣tichrists ruines, when that new bride both of Iewes, and Gentiles, shall be prepared for the marriage supper of the Lamb.

3. Though we are to expect on clear ground from the word, the Lords eminent appearing by his immediat hand in this great work which shall be so convincing in that day, and witnes an extraordinary providence, that all onlookers must with fear and astonishment confesse that this is Gods own work, yet, it is also clear, that he will therein make

use of instruments fitted, and chosen for that end, who shall be raised, and acted forth with a more then ordinary Spirit, to execute the vengeance of the Lord, even the judgement written, amongst whom the feeble shall then be strong, yea, we have ground to expect, that of the Kings of rh••••arth, and the race, and successours of these, who in former times had given their power to the Beast, shall the Lord raise up to hate the whoore, and make her desolate; O blessed are they who shall have a hand in so noble a work to sack, and destroy that accursed City, built up with the blood of the Saints, and martyres of Iesus Christ.

4. We are not to bound the Lord, as to any particular time for accomplishing this piece of his word, yet, we have clear ground to believe that Babylons ruin maketh hast, and the day of the Lord upon her is near, whose sword is bathed in Heaven, and that the instruments of his ven∣geance are making ready, one stroke upon that party is already past, Antichrist hath begun to fall before the word, and must fall further until that great ••••roke, which shall destroy his seat, and lay wast that land be accomplished; some promising evidences of its near approach I vvould here point at. 1. The many prayers of the saints, vvhich are novv before the throne, and cannot want a return, many who wrestled oft with the Lord on this accompt, though they are away, yet, are their prayers to the fore, and waits for this solemn manifestation of the judgement of God, and the blood of the Saints doth not cease to cry, yea, hath as loud a cry as ever. 2. It is clear that the pre∣ached Gospel now since the light began to break forth doth ripen, and help to make the harvest more white then many ages formerly, and truely if we consider how long the word hath been sounding a retreat to that party to come out of Babylon, and that for these 150 Years they have been still acting in opposition to so clear a light, to such a solemn call, so many warnings, yea, to such convincing discovery of the Lords being against them in very remark∣able providences, doth it not shew, at what an height

their sin this day is, and an obstinat rejecting of cure? 3. We cannot but see, how that judgement which should be poured forth on Antichrist under the vials, is in a great measure now verifyed in the event. 4. It is clear, and consonant to the Scripture, that the Lords work is now hastening in the latter dayes, providence in a••••ist motion and maketh great advance, more quick changes in the case of the Church both as to stormes, and calmes, and her tryals now must not be so long as in former times, Rom. 9: ver. 28. he will cut short his work in righteousnes, for a short work will the Lord make in the earth. 5. That An∣tichrist and his followers, do this day seem to be at such an advantage, the Lords work, as it were at a stand, yea, rather going back, this late reviving of Antichristian Prela∣cy in Brittain, and Ireland, with so visible a grouth of popery there, and so dark an houre upon the reformed Churches abroad, I think, on very solid grounds is a pro∣mising evidence, of the near approach of a furder stroak on that party; for it is clear both from the word, and Gods ordinary way of ••••ocedure how a sharp storm is usually previous to some remarkable enlargement of the Church, a very low ebb, before the turning of the tide, yea, that every step of her advance, whereby she hath gained ground on Antichrist, hath still had some conflict, and wrestling going before, and thus the Lord by suffering doth ripen his People for such times of mercy, for which time, O let us pray, and wait, when the smoke of that accursed City shall ascend up to Heaven, and his People be made to triumph in his praise, and sing that song, Ha∣lelujah, salvation, glory, and honour to the Lord God, who hath judged the great whoore, rejoyce over her thou Heaven, and ye ho∣ly Apostles, and Prophets, for God hath avenged you upon her.

II. We have a clear ptophecy anent, the incalling of the Iewes, and their conversion to Christ in the latter dayes, held forth by the Prophets, and in the New Testament very expresly mentioned, for the fulfilling whereof the

Church must y••t wait, and long after, when God shall being again the capt••vity of his auncient People, and say to that valley of dry bones live, anent which we would consi∣der, Isas. 11: ver. 15. Rom. 11: ver. 24. Rev. 16: ver. 12.

1. That this promise doth not onely concern particular persons, or a few, but the body, and generality of that people, is most clear from the Scripture, if men would compare Isai. 11: ver. 11. Zach. 12: ver. 10. with Rom. 11: ver. 25. where it is undenyable, that their gathering must be as full, and remarkable as their scattering, and as there is no nation so remote whither some of them are not this day, that shal not hinder the fulfilling of the promise, but as Esai sheweth, the Lord shall then assemble the disper∣sed, and outcasts, and bring them back from the four corners of the earth, and furdest places thereof, yea, doth not the Apostle expresly shew that it is all Israel, whereat this promise pointeth, for though they are enemyes con∣cerning the Gospel, yet, are they beloved for the fathers sakes, because of the Covenant which was made with A∣braham, and his seed, and truely we have in this ground also to expect something further then their conversion, that in this day, the Lord shall raise the tabernacle of Da∣vid, which is fallen, and plant them upon their own land, Amos 9: ver. 11, 15. not only bring them to a visible Church state, but even therewith some temporal restitution, and recollection of them as a Nation, yea, may expect a return of the old blessing of that lands fruitfulnes which I think is clearly held forth in that of Ames 9: ver. 13. that the plew∣man shall overtake the reaper, the very hils drop down sweet vvine, and melt as it vvere in outvvard blessings on them.

2. That this promise hath not yet had an accomplish∣ment, is also clear from the Word, for it must follovv the rejection of that People, and should not take place untill the fulnes of the gentiles be brought in; vvhich harvest for many ages after vvas not to be reaped, yea, did not the Apostle hold this forth as a mystery, a piece of the

Scripture, vvhich the auncient Ievvish Church could not vvell comprehend, vvhen it vvas pointed at by the Pro∣phets, and even at that time vvas not understood, vvhich surely could have been no mystery if their conversion had reached no further then the Apostles time; and it is known, how small a number since, of that People hath yet been brought in to Christ.

3. We have much ground from the Scripture, that this day, this great day of Iezreel shall be a very remarkable, and solemn time, which will even cause astonishment to the Nations about and make a wonderful change on the face of the earth, a time of Gods eminent appearance for that People, when his singular respect shall be as manifest as formerly his great displeasure and anger was, a time on which many of the choisest mercyes of the Church do cer∣tainly wait, the return of many prayers, a large pouring forth of the Spirit, even on the body of that People and all ranks, not only the familyes of David, Nathan, and Le∣vi, but also the families of Shimei, with a large outletting of gifts, yea, such a time wherein the converted of Israel shall then see, and understand, how far the glory of the second Temple doth exceed that of the first, and shall be a very conspicuous part of Christs universal Kingdome, emi∣nent for the power, and purity of the ordinances, to which others shall look as to a most choise and excellent pattern of a purely reformed, and glorious Church.

4. Besids the promise of him who is not like ma••, to lie, or the son of man to repent, there wants not some very convincing providences to confirm our faith anent this, if we consider how this People are still kept by themselves, amidst all their scatterings not mixt or incorporat with o∣ther Nations, which is most usual through long converse that People of several parts of the earth will unite and joyn in one, is not their great increase also remarkable? What great multitudes of them are in the eastern parts, yea, through most of Asia, in Africk, and in these places of Europe where the Christian Church is, and all this time their land not possessed but by a rabble of the Turks under

whose yoke they groan, and though the genealogies of par∣ticular families are at this day much lost, yet there is still so much sure, and evident, as to the series, and genealogy of the Nation that doth difference them from any other People.

5. It is true the authority of the word should silence all our thoughts, how so great a thing shall be brought about, yet, we may judge, that as a mean this shall emi∣nently contribute to the same, such a convincing stroke upon Antichrist which must go before their conversion, wherein so manifest an appearance of God, and the fulfil∣ling of one of the greatest promises of the New Testa∣ment, cannot but then stare them in the face, and with this the taking away of that stumbling block of idolatry which hath so long helpt to harden them against the profes∣sion of the Gospel.

I must shut up this with a sad regrate that whilest we have so clear a promise, there is no more tender respect, and further essay to promot the good of that People, who knoweth what a blessing might attend the use of ordinary meanes, since this is an unquestionable duty, and men know not when they sow the seed, whither this, or that shall prosper, alace that the usual deportment of Christians with whom they converse, doth oft further help to highten their prejudice against Christianity, let us long, and pray more for this day, a day which shall bring so great a bles∣sing with it to the gentiles.

III. There are many prophecyes both in the Old and New Testament which do clearly point at a great flowrishing and prosperity in the dayes of the Gospel which I humbly conceive are not yet fully made out, but shall have a more remar∣kable accomplishment before the close of time, Isai. 60. ver. 13. Isai 65: ver. 25. Isai. 66: ver. 12. Mich. 4: ver. 1, 2.

I confesse the event will be the surest commentar, and until this appear men should be sober, and cautious, that they darken not the counsel of God, and his truth, with any wilde fancy and aim to be wise above that which is writ∣ten,

yet, I must think that with sobriery, and on solid grounds it may be safe to judge that there are great things laid up in these promises for the Church, that we cannot now well reach, yea, would scarce get believed until the appointed time unvaile their meaning, I shall here but onely touch ••ow it may appear these promises are not yet fully ac∣complished, and what with a safe warrant we may expe•••• in their accomplishment, as to the first we would consider these things.

1. That these great promises which hold forth so eminent an enlargement, and flowrishing of the Church, do also point at some particular limited time, some period, and revolution of the Churches condition, which is not agre∣able, and common to other times, until which these pro∣mises do not take place.

2. This promised flowrishing concerneth both Jewes, and Gentiles, and the word doth clearly point at some fur∣ther encrease of the g••ntil Church by the calling of the Jewes, which must have a peculiar respect to that solemn time of Israels restauration, and Antichrists ruin, a time on which the return of many prayers, and the fulfilling of many promises in the behalfe of the Church doth surely wait, so that as Esay, and other of the Prophets do put o∣ver this great flowrishing of the Church to the dayes of the Gospel, the Apostle Rom. 11. doth point at a more pre∣cise time, wherein this in a larger measure shall be made out.

3. We cannot find the Christian Church did ever en∣joy so great an enlargement, and flowrishing state as these promises seem to import, for persecution and suffering hath most been her lot, first from the Jewes, next from her heathen adversaries, and last from Antichrist, whose fall, and ruin we have ground to expect shall make room for so great an increase of the Church, for how much power Antichrist hath, in so far is the Church keepe un∣der, yea, it is clear how very short all her breathings have been.

4. It would appear so solemn a time of the Churches flowrishing whereat the Prophets did so oft point, as it hath an undoubted respect to the dayes of the Gospel, so in its full accomplishment must answer to that remarkable day of Satans binding, and the Saints Reigne with Christ, when the Kingdoms of the Earth become the Lords, which we find doth immediatly preceede Satans last lousing, and his going forth to gather his broken for∣ces, for that great battle which is to be very near the end.

I shall but adde we have ground to judge the Lord will usher in that glorious, everlasting state of the Church, even by some preparative degrees here, the latter times are there∣fore to be reckoned the more blessed, the more near they ap∣proach to the dawning of glory.

Now in the second place I shall but point at somethings which with a safe warrant, we may understand, and look after, in the accomplishment of these promises.

It is very clear they hold forth a great enlargement to the universal Church both of Jewes, and Gentiles, particu∣lar Churches may be in a sad withering condition whilest other parts do flowrish, but these promises seem to point at a day, which will concern the Saints in all corners of the earth, who shall not want their share with the rest of that blessed time, it may be also clear, some more bright, and hot sun-shine of the Gospel is held forth, some such re∣markable springtide of the Spirit that shall be as discern∣able, as the Churches low ebb sometime was, a day of the great power of God, his presence very manifest among his people, and with the ordinances, beyond former times so that Ezek. 48: ver. 35. the name of that place shall be called Iehovah Shammah, the Lord is there, yea, that in this day Christs visible Kingdome in a setled Church state shall more eminently flowrish, and the flowing in of people and nations with much fervour, who shall joyn themselves to the Lord, pure ordinances, a more universal onenesse amongst the worshippers of God, the walk of Christians with a dis∣cernable

lustre of holines, made to commend the Gospel, Christs goings full of Majesty, and the shout of a King which then shall be heard among his People, the noyse of such sad complaints, and bitter exercises from the spirit of bondage, not so much among the Saints as in former times, and though we see no sure ground from the word to ex∣pect such a favourable time wherein the Church militant shall not have trouble and persecution from the World, yet, there seemeth so much clearly imported in some of these great promises, as point at a greater calm, and more fa∣vourable gale of outward prosperity, which the Church shall then have, yea, this in some longer continuance then in former ages, a day wherein the haters of the Lord shall even be made to feign subjection with much of the counte∣nance, and concurrence of Magistrates, and the civil au∣thority in behalfe of the Church, yea, a time of much holy fear amongst the people of God, and of much ter∣rour, and aw upon his enemies, to which the great works of the Lord in that time shall then effectually con∣tribute and cause them fear the Lord, and his goodnesse in the latter dayes.

IV. We have a prophecy held forth, Rev. 16: ver. 12. which comparing with Rev. 9: ver. 13. seemeth clearly to point at the fall, and destruction of the Turkish Empire who have been these many ages so great a scourge to the Christian World, for it is manifest that this drying up of the river of Euphrates must relate to that very party which we find in that 9 Chap, raised up from about that river where the Turk hath so considerable a part of his dominions, it is true the event will more clearly make this known, yet these are un∣denyable.

1. That such a party was foretold by John in ••••at 9 Chap. and a solemn warning given to the Church of so dreadfull a storm, the time also there pointed forth when Antichrist should be at a great height, yea, the portraicture of such an adversary most evidently held forth, such as indeed they

were found to be, a terrible cruell destroying party, and therefore are said to have breastplates of fire, their number also there held out to be a very great multitude, which these huge armyes usually brought by the Turk to the field, can witnes.

2. The cause why the Lord should raise up so dreadful an enemy, and thus let them louse, is also expresly declar∣ed in that 9 Cha. 20 ver. that it was in judgement, and for a plague on men for Antichristian idolatry, which then had so much overspread the earth, and it was no wonder, that when so much of the visible Church was turned almost bru∣tish in their Religion, and from the pure worship of God, was caried after idols of gold, and silver, the work of mens hands that so brutish, and barbarous an adversary should be let out for a scourge; I truely think that as Antichrist, and the abominations of that party hath been hitherto the lett of successe against the Turk; so we are not to expect the prospering of any such design, and his fall, and ruin, until the cause be removed, for which the Lord did make use of this dreadful rod.

3. That such a party was raised up according to the prophecy, yea, at the appointed time thereof, is very clear, who like a mighty deluge did overflow a great piece of the earth, and with strange prodigious successe, did overrun much of Asia, some parts of Africk, and brake in on Europe to give work to these kings, and great men, and be a scourge to them who had given their po∣wer to uphold the throne of the Beast.

4. There is also clear ground from the Scripture that the Lord shall as eminently appear in the fall, and de∣struction of this adversary as in the raising of them up, and that by their fall, he is to make way for the accompli∣shing of his promise, anent the Churches further encrease, his perfecting the fulnes of the Gentiles, and bringing in his auncient people, whereto this prophecy seems to have a particular respect, this we are to look after as one of the great works of the Lord that is reserved for the latter dayes which shall no lesse shew forth his power and glory,

even the drying up of that great Euphrates, then in the day that he divided the sea, and made Iordan a dry channel for his people to go through, we are not to be furder posi∣tive anent means, and instruments how such a thing shall be brought about, it is eneugh what the Lord hath spoken, and the word that is gone out of his mouth shall not re∣turn in vain.

V. Now to close this, there is yet one great assault which we find the Church shall have before the end, and then her warfare will be near finished, anent which the Scrip∣ture is clear, that Sathan for a little must be let louse, and that solemn and perfect victory, which the Church in the close of time will get over all her adversaries, shall be ushered in with a very sharp tryal, and once again this ungodly World will shew its rage, ralley its broken scattered forces, in a general muster Rev. 20: 8. with as much fury as ever, and there shall the Lord emi∣nently appear, that by one full stroke he may for ever decide that long continued war, and feed betwixt the Church, and her enemyes, a deliverance which as it will be the last, so one of the greatest, that ever the Church had, the Lord thus finishing his work of providence by so state∣ly, and magnificent a close; and truely after this we know no more of Canonick Scripture to be fulfilled but the com∣ming of the Lord, when the poor, tost, afflicted Church, shall enter unto a triumphant estate above all the violence, and oppression of men. O blessed, and long looked for day, of Christs return to judgement, when the dust of the Saints that for some thousand yeares past have been resting in hope, shall awake, and this earth, and all the glory thereof like a poor vain shew disappear? O blessed, and comfortable time in which the saints shall then fully know what Heaven is, which they have so oft admired at a distance, to behold his face in whose presence is fulnes of joy, and shall need no further confirmations of the truth of the word, when once this great promise of the Lords return is verifyed, a promise, wherein all these pretious

truths which concerned the Church in her journey as so ma∣ny streames, shall empty themselves in this great deep, then there is no more to do, the work of the Gospel is finished, the redeemed all brought in, and the Bride made ready to go forth and meet him, who shall fully satisfy, and comfort his People, according to the dayes of their former affliction, and be for ever their exceeding great reward.