Some legible characters of the faith & love towards the blessed cause & kingdom of Christ worthy to be known and read of all men : some of the last meditations of that faithfull servant of the Lord Mr. Thomas Higgenson, lately deceased a very firm friend (both living and dying) unto the interest and work of the Lord Jesus in these last days.

SOME LEGIBLE CHARACTERS OF FAITH and LOVE towards The Blessed CAUSE & KINGDOM OF CHRIST, Worthy to be known and read of all men.

AS God has in every Age had some special work upon the wheel, and as the same has ever been attended with much opposition, difficulty and offence, so he has alwayes given to some of his Servants an eye to see and be affected with it, and to put their helping hand unto it: Al∣though the things, which have been of late the Travel of many, and yet are of some amongst us, being of such weight and worth, of such blessed and glorious consequence, would re∣quire men of a more excellent spirit, and skilful hand, to set them forth in their proper beauty and lustre; yet such service as I had, love constrained me to offer, especially at this time, where∣in the Exigencies of Truth call for somewhat at our hands. If unbelief, security and revolt had not choaked that Faith, Light, and Love, unto the Lord and his present Works in the World, whereby many among us were led out to undertake and effect great things in pursuance thereof, that Truth would by this time have been witness of it self in reall effects to the face of

the world, and would not have needed a vindication of this na∣ture by word or argument, to wit, That God is doing new and extraordinary things in this day in the earth: To obtain clearness and certainty in which point is of high concernment, unto all such as would not be left in the dark, concerning the great designations of Providence, and their own duty, and as would be led out through that confusion at this day among us, of contrary principles, affections, and interests, unto a right Judgement therein; it being to be rationally concluded, that if all things are to continue as they were, and no new thing to be done, that then those high Interests lately contended for, and all wayes and means put in practise for the obtaining thereof, are to be condemned, as which had a tendencie to introduce a new state of things, and the present course into which things are since put is rather to be justified, as tending to reduce us unto the old; as on the other hand, if the Lord has not yet brought forth that which he intended in his mighty Works a∣mong us, and has further things to do, this may be a founda∣tion of encouragement unto all the Friends and Followers of Christ, to proceed in their former Faith, Fervency, Prayer, and in all suitable wayes and means for the help and furtherance thereof, notwithstanding the unbelief, opposition, and advan∣tage of present visible proceedings contrary thereunto.

The grounds we have to hold out for our belief and hope in this thing, that God hath been, and is in these dayes, doing some new and extraordinary things, are,

First, A freshness of spirit that hath been among us: Zech. 4.6. Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts: The experience of former and latter Ages may tell us, that God has had his times of going away and re∣turning to his Place, leaving his People and the World without any visible tokens or eminent appearances of his Power, in such seasons the Spirit has run low and faint, only in such a measure as might preserve his People in a life of conflict and warfare; and his times of coming forth again out of his Place, when he has had some new work to do, and then has he alwayes given a new and fresh Spirit, suitable to the work he had in hand: It is said, 1 Sam. 16.13, 14. The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward, but the Spirit of the Lord de∣parted

from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. The like was seen in our dayes: While the Lord took away his Spirit from many Wise, Mighty, and Noble among us, and sent darkness, famine, and withering into their hearts, and confusion upon their counsels; at the same time he put a Spirit of Faith and Power upon a despised sort of men, which was as marrow and fatness to their bones. There is a word in Isaiah 10.27. The yoak shall be destroyed because of the anointing. The principal end and effect of the divers and sun∣dry Dispensations of Spirit, which God has renewed to former Generations, at least in later times, has been to regain unto Christ and his Church, out of the hands of Antichrist, some of those rights and concernments, which during the long time of darkness and tyranny, have been concealed, or forcibly detain∣ed from them: The like effect had that Spirit that was put up∣on a People among us: Many pretious Truths and Priviledges, the light and comfort whereof was denyed to our fore-fathers, were discovered, and many heavy yokes of spiritual and civil bondage, long continued upon their necks, were broken and destroyed by that Spirit that remained among us: Oh what blessedness did this Spirit bring with it, if it be but remembred, what light and certainty it gave of the presence of God with us? what discerning of the time? what a strong savour and rellish of spiritual things? and what earnest longings and pres∣sings after a better state of things built upon the foundations of Righteousness and Truth? The clear shining forth of new Covenant light out of the former mists of Antichristian obscu∣rity, was that which begot this Spirit in the hearts of many; the setting up of Christ in the more full and unlimited exercise of his Kingly Power and Authority over all things, both in Church and Nation, was that end it pressed after; the taking out of the way all Parties and Interests that had or might hin∣der the obtaining of this end, was that work it was with much zeal and success exercised about: Such a freshness of spirit was never, nor can it be conceived was of late given forth, but in order to the ushering in some new and further work into the World.

Secondly, The works of Providence drawn out in a conti∣nued line and series of deliverances unto a praying People, next

unto those inward impressions of the quickening Spirit, are a signal testimony unto us, that God is doing some new and bet∣ter thing in the World: When the Works of God in a Nation grow up to that height and eminency, as like a tide to bear down all before them; then they are to be observed and heed∣ed as signes and tokens, as the Voice of God unto that people, signifying what are his present Counsels and Works he is deter∣mined to do: It is said in the Psalm 105.26, 27, 28. He sent Moses his servant, and Aaron whom he had chosen, they shewed his signes among them, and wonders, in the Land of Ham: He sent darkness and made it dark, and they rebelled not against his Word: The Signs God wrought for Israel upon Egypt, and his Appearances for them in the Wilderness, did shew, that the time of their Redemption was come, that he would bring them to the promised Rest: Once it was that the Lord kept us under a low condition of spirit, faith and courage, and as to the out∣ward Man under a state of subjection and suffering, under the heavy yoaks of the Antichristian Task-masters, and for a long time held his peace, leaving us without any signes and tokens in a visible way; then was a time for us to sit still, things being dark while the Lord was silent; but having been since raised up into hopes and expectations, that a day and time of great things was at hand, and this not the work of fancies, but of the Spirit, of Faith and Prayer, upon the foundation of glorious Promises; and God also having gone before us in many emi∣nent appearances one upon another, all tending to make way for the bringing in some better thing then yet is seen: This is unto us, one among other, the sober and good grounds we have, to proceed in prayer and waitings for that Excellent State of things to break forth, whereof some former tastes and glimpses we have had already, the present interruption and stop put up∣on the work to the contrary notwithstanding. Isaiah saith, Chap. 43.3. I gave Egypt for thee, Ethiopia and Sheba for thee: May it not be said, that the Lord gave whole Nations in∣to our hands, and all those parties that rose up one after ano∣ther, upon this account, because they set themselves against a Cause and People that God had among us? Let us but observe who all those that have appeared in evill will and designs a∣gainst this Cause, have been sadly left of God, unto darkness,

and wasting in their spirits, counsels and proceedings, the very report whereof put a fear upon the Nations about, while lie owned, and blessed, and comforted his People, by a glorious leading Presence among them: What is the meaning of these things? Is there not a far other more Excellent State of things signified, and intended hereby, then the present frame of things of late set up, under which worldly pomp and policy, the old oppressive and corrupt Interests of former worldly States and Governments, with a too general defection of many from their first light, love, and purity, is springing and growing up again in the Land.

The changes that of late have passed over us, are a further Testimony from God unto us, that he is doing some new thing in the Earth: It is said, Gen. 49.10. The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Law-giver from between his feet, until Shiloh come. The first coming of our Saviour was ushered in by a change upon all Nations, the Romans posses∣sing themselves of the Kingdome of David, and of the Go∣vernment of the whole World: Joel saith, chap. 2.30, 31. I will shew wonders in the Heavens, and in the Earth, bloud, and fire, and pillars of smoak; the Sun shall be turned into darkness, and the Moon into bloud, before the great and the ter∣rible day of the Lord come: We are to know the second coming of the Lord Jesus to set up his Kingdom on Earth draws near, when we see changes coming upon the whole frame of things, both in Church and State: This Nation, a Nation wherein Pro∣fession is reformed unto the greatest degree of Light and Purity of any Nation in the World; yet how has it been turned up∣side down? How have the Heavens of our more reformed, as well as the Earth of our more loose corrupted Church-state been shaken? How has the Sun of Monarchy, Kings and No∣bles, been darkened, and the Moon of our Civil State been turned into bloud? How have formes of Government, and Authorities, hastily risen up one after another, and have as fast dissolved in weakness and confusion: Revel. 21.1. I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth, for the first Heaven and the first Earth were passed away, and there was no more Sea: When the Governments, Kingdoms, and Common-wealths, through∣out both the Antichristian and the more Reformed Nations, be∣come

unsettled, shaken, and falling in pieces, it is a sign they are grown old in sin and guilt, and as fit for no more use are rea∣dy to be done away: The time for the fulfilling of that Pro∣phesie seems at the very door, Revel. 14.15. Thrust in thy sickle and reap, for the time is come for thee to reap, for the har∣vest of the earth is ripe. Who ever saw the Nations round a∣bout us in such a posture of warr and wrath as at this day, so fitted for destruction? What Earthquakes, Eclipses, Comets, raining of Bloud, and raging Pestilences, have there been of late? How is the whole Creation sensible of the drawing near of the Lord Jesus, whose coming in the Spirit of Grace and Glory in his People, and in Wrath and Judgements against his Enemies, is that which causeth all these changes which have been, and are yet to be in the World.

It is well known to many, that both the spiritual and visible Interest of Christ hath begun to shine forth more of late in this Nation, and God hath given more visible testimonies in a way of owning of it here then in any other Nations besides: So soon as this Interest and Cause was placed among us, what a series of changes did presently flow in upon us? What com∣motions were stirred up against us from abroad? and how are all the Nations about us since put into a flame? Nations long settled upon their lees of Antichristian blindness and corrupti∣on, when God begins to empty such from vessel to vessel, to bring upon them one breach and change after another, it is a sign he has some new and special thing to do with such People: Oh that we might see the Lord Jesus, as he comes forth through these things, and lifts up himself still more and more by them.

The Refinings that have attended our changes have a fresh significancy with us, that God is about some new and extraor∣dinary things among us; every change was as a fire purifying the succeeding parties into a more refined Spirit and Principles, then those that were before; as new work and new difficulties were presented, while many went off, their hearts failing them, through darkness, weariness, or fear, a new Spirit was put upon others in a fresh supply of light and strength, giving a more piercing sight into the excellency of the interest

and cause in hand, and further Resolution to presse for∣wards towards it.

Principles in the beginning of the day were dim and weak, both in the Civil and Military Instruments, carrying them forth a little higher then unto the Interest of meer civil right and freedome, against the Arbitrarines and excess of Monarchy and Prelatical Church state; these Generations being most of them laid aside, a choicer People were raised up in their place, of clearer Principles and higher Aymes, calling for Impartial Ju∣stice, removal of burdens, dethroning of Kingly Power, aboli∣tion of Worldly Pomps and Splendour, a Religious Magistracy, a Spiritual Ministry, liberty of Worship, &c. they had so much light, as to discern the present frame of things to be exceedingly corrupted with Antichristian mixture, and to see there was a better state of things to be had framed and acted, not accord∣ing to Humane Reason, and Prudentials of State, in the hands of men, as men, but according to the Decrees and Laws of Christ, in the hands of men, as spiritual and Saints.

Further, changes so far heightened this Principle, as that the Interest and Right of Jesus Christ, to exercise a Kingly Autho∣rity over the Kingdomes of men, was publickly and solemnly owned for a reason among us; let it be observed, how the Lord winnowed and purged one party after another; how the said old, dark, and corrupt fashion of things was a going away, and a new face of things began to appear with a new lustre, both upon Church and State, upon Doctrine and Worship; garments of mourning and bondage formerly upon the People of God, changed into a state of liberty and gladness; a loose and worldly Church reformed first to the letter, after to a de∣gree of spirituality; the contest begun for a civil Interest, re∣fined into a contest for spiritual Faith, Prayer, and expectations in many rising higher and higher, first for civil liberty, then for a spiritual, after for the Kingdom and Government of Jesus Christ: And here that word may not unseasonably be minded, Psal. 68.13, 14. Though ye have lain among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a Dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold; when the Almighty scattered Kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon; When the time came, that the Lord would scatter and bring down all those Autho∣rities,

Powers, and Parties, that had held his Church in this Nati∣on at the Brick-kills, in the condition of Servants and Bond-men, then did he take off our filthy garments, and clothed us with change of Rayment, high Reformation, Victories, and many visible Testimonies of his Presence among us, and all these as Earnests or first-fruits of that flourishing State, which shall be brought forth in the Coming and Kingdom of the Lord Je∣sus.

In Israels Redemption out of Egypt, mention was first made of a civil Interest only, of their deliverance from the burdens and oppressions of that King, but the principal thing intended was, that God himself would be their King: If this was a typi∣cal Preludium of the State of the Church in these last dayes, as that Prophesie seems to imply; I will restore thy Judges as at first, and thy Counsellors as at the beginning: If so, then a de∣liverance from the yoaks of Tyranny and Persecution, unto a condition of meer outward liberty and quiet, was not the chief Result in ended us in our changes, but that God would thereby bring us both Church and State under a more immediate Go∣vernment to his Son, that he alone should be our Law-giver, King, and Judge, ruling us according to his own Word and Spirit, not according to the Prudentials and Policies of this World: If the Lord has thus kindled a Refining fire among us, let us take heed how we quench it, till our purification, thereby preparing us unto that Kingdom and Glory that is drawing near.

The Lord hath taken new and extraordinary wayes with us; besides that peculiar eye that hath watched over the English Nation, in former times, to save it from the bloud-thirsty Rage of Antichristian Adversaries, their Invasions from abroad, and Conspiracies at home: God has of late made this Nation, as it were, a Stage, whereupon he came forth, and began that Cup of the Wine of his Wrath against the Kingdomes and Monarchies of Babylon, that is determined against them; here began the Horns of Antichrist to be thrown down; here the spiritual and civil Liberties and Rights of Saints and Men were more visibly owned of God, against the Injustice and Usurpations of Ecclesiastical and Temporal Rulers, then had been before; here the Office of Christ, as Prophet and Head of his Church,

was vindicated and advanced above the Commandements and Laws of Men to the contrary. The Authority of Christ, as King of Saints and Nations, and the right of Saints with him to Rule and Judge the World, has gained more Reputation and acceptance with us then all the World over: God speaks con∣cerning his Church in the latter dayes, Isai. 43.18. Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old, behold I will do a new thing: And what was that new thing? For your sakes I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their No∣bles, ver. 19. I will even make a way in the wilderness, and ri∣vers in the desert, Chap. 44.3. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and flouds upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine off-spring: The Lord had a People among us, who he formed for his praise; how did he for their sake bring down our Princes and Nobles, the Pa∣ramours and Lovers of Babylon? How was our Land, which had layen like a wilderness for want of Gospel light and admi∣nistration of Justice, turned into Rivers of water, through Righteousness, Knowledge, and the Presence of the Lord, shining forth among us? And in that day what a sprinkling of the Spirit was there upon the dry ground, upon many Sons and Daughters among us, of simple and low capacities, weak and foolish things, whereby many wise, mighty, and honorable, were put to confusion, and brought to nothing? Let us call to mind what a Presence was with us in the fields; what impulsions of the Spirit, as of a mighty wind, were upon many, carrying them up, beyond themselves, through difficulties and dangers? What a Spirit of Judgment was put upon many, to bind Kings in chains, and Nobles in fetters of iron? What a light of the Go∣spel of the Glory of Christ shined round about us? What melt∣ings and yernings were seen throughout all, even the darkest corners of the Land, under the sense of a crucified Saviour? What Lightenings among the People of God, and what Earth∣quakes upon their Enemies? Such things as made us a terror and wonderment to all the Nations about us; speak oh ye Vir∣gins that are fallen asleep, if these be ordinary Dispensations, if ye have read or heard of a parallel? if not, then look upon them, as beginnings of greater things yet to come to passe.

But if any shall say; Why may not this glory set in a cloud, as great things were done, and as great hopes and expectations rai∣sed in Germany, yet all came to nothing.

I answer; Luther lived to see his Doctrine prevailed over many Cities and Countries, and soon after his death brake out the Warr in that Nation, for the punishment of them that were Adversaries to the Gospel; when that Light was quenched there, it sprung forth with renewed strength in this our Island, and has ever kindled such a fire, as has at sundry times cousu∣med the chiefest part of the Riches, strong Holds, and Yoaks of Antichrist that were among us.

God has begun the influences and effects of some of the last and glorious Promises in our Nation; Providences and Pro∣phesies have been as teeming wombs, bringing forth the first fruits of great things amongst us; The Promises that concern the Church of Christ, towards the end of her wilderness state, do speak of great changes and revolutions to come to passe a∣bout that time in the Antichristian States and Kingdoms, with their Governments and Affairs, that by these tempests this old corrupt frame of things may be broken, and fall, and way made for a glorious State of things, to be brought forth in the fuller exaltation of Jesus Christ; A Stone shall be cut out without hands, that shall smite the great Image upon his feet: Ʋpon the servants and upon the hand-maids in those dayes will I pour out my Spirit, and these shall hate the Whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire; then the earth shall rele to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage, and the Lord shall punish the Hoast of the high ones that are on high, and the Kings of the earth upon the earth: Then the Moon shall be confounded, and the Sun ashamed. If these Promises have begun their effects upon us in this Nation, then let us know, that the way of the Lord amongst us is new, and his work extraordinary; let us remember what a sprinkling of a gracious, choice and active Spirit has been among us: what ex∣cellent things were done while it was fresh upon us? How Mo∣narchy and Prelacy was cut off, as out of the horns of Anti∣christ? How the Stone has been at work among us, whereby that whole Church and State, with the pomp, power, and great∣ness of it was overturned? What Parties and Instruments were

laid aside, as being short of spirit for the business of that day? and what Laws, Constitutions, and Customs were cast off, as Antichristian, and opposite to the work then in hand: Add to all these, what a mighty Witness of God unto all these pro∣ceedings in a continued series of Salvations and Victories over all that rose up against us; and then may we not conclude, That the things that were then on foot among us, were the first fruits and earnests of those precious Promises, and not (as too much cause has of late been given to say) the productions of poli∣cy, headiness or delusion; to say nothing, what most deep and sweet impressions were upon our hearts from the word of pro∣mise, concerning the Kingdom of Christ, and downfal of Baby∣lon, we have had two observable signs, that the time, or the Pro∣mise, wherein the Lord will do great things, is at hand; the one is a most peculiar and distinguishing presence of the Lord, by inward Refreshings of Spirit, and outward Dispensations of Mercy, which was with us whilst our hearts went after the Lord; and our Principles and Proceedings were in a subserviency to his Cause and Kingdom; when others, whose aims and ends were more National and mixt with worldly interest, were laid aside, left in the dark, and under visible rebukes. So great a difference has the Lord made between these, who sat down in a meer civil and worldly Reformation, and others, who pressed after better hopes, (viz) the fulfilling of Promises, and a full subjection of all things to the Word and Spirit, must needs be taken for a singular Evidence to give light unto us, which way the work and design of the Lord lies at this day. The other sign is, the sad clouds of displeasure that are now upon us; that gracious and lively presence that brought us out from our former Egyptian darkness and slavery, and by a strong hand led us through many dark and difficult paths in the beginning of the day, is much de∣parted from off our Councils, Camp, & solemn Assemblies; Laws are given unto us that are not good, and Statutes whereby we cannot live; our Rulers are many of them such as know not Joseph, the faithful Servants of Christ, such as had no heart unto or communion with that great Affair and Interest of Christ once on foot; the Military Power, which was as a new sharp threshing Instrument against us: Babylon is now become a prey to the Heathen, or as Hirelings under a forreign Prince;

the cause and truth once so dear and highly owned, now as to any visible progress of it, under a sentence of death, so that we may say, we have sown much, and bring in little; we looked for much, and lo it comes to little; the Lord hath blown upon it, because his House lies wast. Haggai proved to Israel, That the visible discountenance that was upon all their publick and pri∣vate concernments, from the Lord, was a sign, That the time was come, that the Lords House should be built; even so clouds of displeasure from God returning again, after such a morning of successes and blessings as has been upon us, ought to be a sign unto us, that the Lord hath great things yet to do among us; and that it is time for us to awake, and go on with the Work that has been begun among us.

Now let us enquire what Works the Lord is about, and wherein his Saints should be found waiting upon him at this day; there are some Rules, which in this Point have given light unto the Church of God in former Ages, and lately in our time, and may be further useful to us in this day for our satisfaction herein.

First Rule. The Word, upon which we were made to hope in the day of our greatest difficulties and straits, and in the strength and comfort wherein we suffered so many things; when God sets it upon the heart of his People to wait for some word, some spiritual Promise to be made good, and to undergo many things for the obtaining thereof, that is the Work of that day; God made a Promise to Abraham four hundred and fifty years afore it came to passe, when the time of the Promise drew nigh, God put it upon Moses heart; after him upon Joshuah, to go up and possess the good Land. David had a Word that he should be King, he bore up himself upon this word through a long series of conflicts and troubles, till the things was done. In the late Warrs, those who bare the burden and heat of that day, had a Word, whereupon they leaned, which consisted of many Promises, shewing a more full and glorious Reformation to be set up in the World, wherein Jesus Christ in all his Offi∣ces, Laws, and Commands, should be more visibly own∣ed, and exalted, and Babylon in all her interests thrown down: This was that Word that was a Guide and a Strength to many among us in the troubles and perplexities of

that day, and not the Policy and Power of this World.

Second Rule. Observe of what nature were these breathings of the Spirit, and the impressions that were wrought thereby upon the most enlightened, faithful and praying part of the People, while we were following God in the way of his Judge∣ments among us; the Work God is about begins in the heart of his People, for if the Secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; when a People are in the Work of God, following Jesus Christ through many sore Tryals and hardships, then ob∣serve what things in that day lay with most weight upon their hearts, and what the stirrings and movings of the Spirit with the Word were then amongst them, and there the Work of God her: Psalm 102.13, 14. Thou shalt arise and have mercy up∣on Sion, for the time to favour her, yea the set time is come, for thy Servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof: When God begins to awake the spirit of his People, to call them out of their darkness, security, and carnal interests, and puts upon them a gracious sense of the condition of Sion, and to look, and long, and cry to the Lord for her building up, then is the time at hand; 1 Chron. 11. When the Lord would turn the Kingdom from the House of Saul unto David, then he stirred up all Israel to come and make David King: It may be observed, whilst the Spirit of the Lord remained in the lively and fresh gales and actings of it upon our publick Instruments, and Camp, Council, and Assemblies, there was such a sense upon their hearts, that the Kingdom of Christ might be promoted both in Civils and Spirituals, and the remaining posts and pil∣lars, all the limbs and branches of Antichristianisme, might be broke to pieces, and carried them with a lively zeal and courage through all oppositions, difficulties, and temp∣tations in that day to the contrary.

Third Rule. Consider which way the Works of Providence looked, that were formerly done amongst us, and whither they tended, though Providence, when it is alone, is not any certain Rule to go by; yet when the Works of God and his Word and Spirit go altogether, when a People have his Word and Spirit stirring them up unto a Work, and Providences coming in one upon another to carry them out in it, then are Providences to

be heeded, as signs of the times, and of the Work God is about; Psalm. 105.26. He sent Moses his Servant, and Aaron whom he had chosen, they shewed his signs among them, and wonders in the Land of Ham. The Works God wrought for Israel in Egypt and the Wildernesse, was as Gods manifestation to the Nations, who were his People, and what he was about; when a People are engaged in a cause upon holy and righteous Principles, the Promises, Prophecies and Truths of the latter dayes, and God is seen going forth before them, working glorious Deliverances for them, this is a lowd Testimony: What is the Work God is determined to do in such a day? Psalm 105.14, 15. He suf∣fered no man to do them wrong, yea he reproved Kings for their sakes, saying, touch not mine Annointed, and do my Prophets no harm: How like to this the dealing of God with England of late have been may appear, whosoever shall remember what an eye of peculiar respect and favour the Lord had upon a People among us, what a choice and blessed Spirit a despised People had, whereby many wise and honourable among us were con∣founded? What power to bind Kings in chains, and Nobles in fetters of iron? How no weapon that was formed against them could prosper: Moreover how the Lord stretched the line of confusion and the stones of emptinesse over all such constitutions and interests as had been props and pillars for the upholding the old Antichristian and worldly pomp, pride and greatnesse; if the aim and tendencie of these Providences be considered, it is easie to ghesse what the Work of God is at this day.

Fourth Rule. Take notice what things have fallen out upon a People among us since they left the Work of the Lord, they were first about, to build their own houses, since they left their first love, and labour, and patience, and zeal in that Work, and are joyned to another Interest: As soon as Saul failed in the Work of the Lord, 1 Sam. 16.14. The Spirit of the Lord de∣parted from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him: That Spirit he had for the Lord, and the work of Reformation, left him, and he was turned to hate the same Spirit when it came upon David: It is a true observation, where the Spirit of God is seen in the most gracious, lively and warmest workings of it, there are the choicest Servants of God, and there is his

Work carrying on. What a blessed Spirit was there upon a People among us? What zeal did it work? what indignation? what godly sorrow for miscarriages? what purging of them∣selves from the old leaven? what pressing on towards a thorow Reformation, and the good things of the latter dayes, how is this Spirit (I would I could not say it) departed from them.

Object. But wherein does it appear that that Spirit has left them?

Answ. It appears by their principles and designs; the Spirit of God acts upon holy and gracious Principles, and unto holy and noble ends; a People led by the Spirit of God do act up∣on such Principles as are spiritual, the Word of God, Faith in the Promises, Love to Christ, to his Saints, to the breathings of the Spirit in them, to Righteousness and Holiness; now where you see these Principles left and slighted, and others took up, worldly power, and pollicy, and conjunction with them, that ei∣ther left the Work formerly, or were enemies to it, and practises tending to pour contempt upon the blessed Cause and Interest of Christ among us, and upon all those that would still be faithful to it, untill the Kingdomes of this World become the Kingdome of our Lord; this is not the Spirit of God you may be assured, that does such things: The spirits of any thing are known by the breath or savour it yeilds; Thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of man: where we find a strong scent and savour in our own hearts, or others, of the flesh-pots, and onyons, an hankering after the treasures of Egypt, the pomp, preferments, titles, and honors, the constitutions and interests of those that the Lord cast out before us, to be like the Nations, in Government, State, Designs, and Manners, there we may fear the Spirit of the Lord, as to any further work, is departed: More∣over, since many left off following the Lord fully, we see not our signs and tokens of Gods wonder working Providence as for∣merly; Exod. 33.16, Wherein shall it be known here, that I and thy People have found grace in thy sight, is it not in that thou goest with us, so shall we be separated, I and thy People, from all the People that are upon the face of the earth: Whilst there was a People among us that were faithful with the Lord and his Saints, and had a heart to the glorious things God hath for his

Church, the Lord Jesus went forth before them as General, and put the feir of them upon all that were about them: but since then, what frowns from Heaven? what tokens of displeasure have been upon us both at Sea and Land? whereby all things drive heavily, at home fears and confusion, abroad wasting and consuming upon their Armies; now observe, in what walk and way we had the Lord present among us, and how since then he has withdrawn himself from us, and thence we may gather where his Work lies at this day.

Now then if you judge these Rules to be such, as may give any certain light to resolve us in the question; The Work the Lord our God is about at this day is a choice Work, and a great Work, and beyond the ordinary wayes and Dispensations of God in times past.

First, The Lord is forming a People for himself, purifying and fitting a People to follow Christ in those special Services, wherein his Glory is more eminently concerned; if the Works that God has done in the midst of us be in order to some greater things he has yet to do, then will he sanctifie and prepare a Peo∣ple that shall understand the Work of the Lord, and serve him therein; Psal. 110.2. Rule thou in the midst of thine Enemies, thy People shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness: They that shall be of the most ready and willing spirit to serve Christ in the Work of his Kingdom, shall be a People of more grace and holiness then others, a People that shall have Faith and Love to Christ, and Zeal for his Kingdom, and Glory, burning more upon their hearts then others have. The Promises shew of this thing frequently; Isai. 4.3. And it shall come to passe, that he that is left in Sion, and he that remain∣eth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: When the Lord is about to e∣stablish his Church above all Mountains, all other Kingdomes and People in the World, he will first cause them to separate and come out from the sins and uncleannesses of the World, and will make them a People fitted to enjoy the glory of that day, to be as Saviours upon Mount Sion, and to judge the Mount of Esau: The Warrs and changes that have been among us call for this too, they have been as fires to purifie us from our sins and Idols, though many are since gone back to commit fornication with

them again: The desolations and troubles that do at this time threaten the Nations all about us, seem to be as signes and to∣kens to all that are wise hearted among us, to prepare to meet the Lord Jesus in his Judgements; he is above, when ye see these things begin to come to passe, then lift up your heads and look up.

This will be better understood, by making a more particular enquiry, what manner of Work that is, wherein God will fit his People, and make them ready to follow Jesus Christ in the things he is about:

First, We may look that he will put another spirit upon his People then that is, which is generally found at this day among the People of God; a chosen People, a picked People become those Works God has promised to do in the latter dayes: If an Honorable Person had a Negotiation which concerned his Honour and Estate, he would employ such Persons about it, as would become such a Master, and of abilities for such a Ser∣vice. Or if a great Prince were about to shew himself openly, to be seen before his Subjects, he would choose a Train of such Persons, to attend upon him, as should set off the glory and splendor of his Royal Person before the people: The Works wherein the Lord Jesus will glorifie himself, and be more emi∣nently exalted, he will choose such choice and precious Saints and Servants to be about him therein, as that by the Grace and Blessedness which they shall shew forth, his Glory shall shine forth the more; there is so much dross and Tin mingled with our Gold, so much of worldly spirit, in excess, pomp, designs, seeking and receiving honour and promotions; so much of a carnal frame, in debates, envyings, stripes, backbitings, whisper∣ings, swellings, tumults; and so much of an Antichristian spirit is found among us, in joyning interests with Babylon, confedera∣cies with her Kings, building up again her horned power, hanker∣ing after her customes, manners, laws, worldly splendor and greatness, that whilst we are in such a condition as this, God will commit no eminent or special service or trust unto us; such a people are not in a condition, fit to attend upon the Lord Jesus in his great Works he has to do among us: Whilst the People of God among us were seeking after some better things in the Spirit of Grace, with Faith, Singleness, and Purity, the Lord

was among them by a very gracious and wonderful Presence, but sith they have left their first Loves, and have forgot their first Works, and are sat down in the middle way, the Lord is seeking a People of another spirit, who will follow him fully in the Works he has promised to do in these last days: Now we may know such a People, a People of another spirit, where the fol∣lowing characters are found.

1. In dayes of division and distemper, of corruption and falling away from their first Love, fervency of Spirit, the sim∣plicity, savour and Spirit of Christ, and Gospel-conformity, un∣to security and rest; from whence come uncleannesse, lascivi∣ousnesse, strife, wrath, and heresies; a People that in such dayes are growing in their Light, love, Purity, and Zeal for Christ, his Work and Kingdom, are a People of another Spirit, of such a Spirit as the Lord seeks for, for such a Spirit was Paul, and some few in his time.

2. After a Reformation has begun in the Churches of God, when the old leaven the constitutions and customes made in the time of Antichristian blindness and Idolatry are establisht and kept up among them; or when a People in a Nation, who were coming out of Babylon, delivered from the yoaks, and by a great deal of conviction, through many wonders of Providence, called to come out of the corruptions of the World, shall return back again to bondage, either by confederacies with Babylons friends, mingling with their manners, or taking the golden wedge, if in such dayes as this there be any that continue in their love and zeal to Jesus Christ, his Kingdom, a thorow Reforma∣tion of things, until all power be put into his hands, and do shew forth the same, by following all holy and righteous wayes and means, for the promoting thereof in the World, such are a people of another spirit; such a spirit as this was in Elijah, Phi∣neas, David, Nehemiah, and some others in their time, and in the worthy Reformers of later times: Zech. 12.10. I will pour upon them the spirit of grace and supplication, and they shall look upon me who they have pierced and shall mourn for him: The Lord will have such a people as shall be deeply affected with Christ, and with a sense of the dishonor and reproach that lies upon him, his cause and interest in these last times.

3. When the signs of the times are not discerned nor heed∣ed, nor the Works and Mind of God pointed at thereby is not closed withall, a great security and unbelief, and a lazy luke∣warm indifferency, generally prevailing, as to the things which concern the promised Kingdom and Glory of Christ, and the overturning of all that which letteth; whosoever shall then be found upon their watch, in supplications and searchings, mourn∣ing for the sins of the times, refusing to bow to the Kings Image, opening their window towards Jerusalem, that is, praying for the Redemption of the Church of Christ, and enquiring out the time, such are a people of another spirit, such a people the Lord seeks for, as a people fit to follow him, & wait upon him; of such an excellent spirit was Daniel, and the men of Issachar, Noah, Je∣remiah, and others: As he is a man of a mean, low, base spirit, that can be content Christ should have a little place in his heart, and the old Man a great deal, so it is a note of a people of a low and unworthy spirit, not fit for any eminent service for Christ, that are content with a little of Christs Righteousness and Reformation in a Nation, well satisfied so they may live in peace, and ease, and plenty, though Christ have not the sway∣ing, over-ruling Power in the publick and highest matters that are done among them: When a deep sleep of security in pre∣sent things has taken hold upon many, then to have the eyes open, and heart awake, pressing forward towards things before, is a sign of a people of another spirit.

4. A people that follow the Lord fully which way soever he goes, that whilst others are taken off by fear of difficulty, worldly advantage, or some cunning pretences, will not be pre∣vailed with to decline or cast off the Lord and the Work he is about, such are a people of another spirit; whilst Rulers, Ar∣my and Churches were all as one for the Work of the Lord Je∣sus among us, and many outward successes and incouragements were cast in, and the owning thereof was the way to advance∣ment in the World, an ordinary and common spirit might fol∣low the Lord in such a day; but when all these props and foun∣dations are shaken, and the streams of interests & affairs is turn∣ed into another channel, against the Work and Promise of God, then to be lovers and followers of the Lord Jesus, his glorious Cause and Interest, when it lies under such contempt and death,

as this is the work of a very choice and excellent spirit, when the Spies returned, Numb. 13.27. They told Moses, and said, we came unto the Land, whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with Milk and Honey, and this is the fruit of it; never∣thelesse the people be strong that dwell in the Land, and the Cities are walled, and very great; and moreover we saw the children of Anak there; and all Israel cryed and wept that night, and said, let us make a Captain, and let us return into Egypt; but Caleb and Joshua were of another spirit: By the tastes we have had of Gospel light and Reformation, of the Government of Christ Kingdom of late, very many are ready to say, that the Land is good and pleasant, for Gods People to be under a Government of Gods making, under Rulers of Gods annointing is blessed; as it is but a reasonable thing; but this Kingdom (say they) being not of this World, will not be received nor subjected to by the World, nor can it be set up but by a shaking and pulling to pieces the Kingdomes of the World, as to the foundation they now stand upon; wherefore it being a business of so great trouble, difficulty, and danger, before it can be attained, let us make (say many among us) a Captain, and let us return into Egypt, or let us sit down on this side Iordan, with the enjoyment of our ease and quiet, rather then seek or make out after such a Kingdom with the losse of all: This is a low unworthy Spirit, having little love to the Glory and Excellency of Christ and his Kingdom; the Lord will prepare a People of another Spirit, that will strengthen one another to go on, until all the Enemies of Christ and his People be put under our feet.

2. As the Lord will choose among his People such as are of another Spirit, so he will have a People of more refined and excellent Principles then are commonly found among us; Principles are the springs of Actions, no man can act above his Principles; a man of gracious, noble, and refined Principles is appointed for some excellent service and finer work then other men; now the excellency of a mans Principles lies in their spi∣rituality, in how much they have of Christ and Grace above other men: A man that has more communion with God, with free-grace in Christ then others, is a man of more excellent Principles. Mens Principles cannot alwayes be judged by their Profession, but their Profession may be judged off by their

Principles: a man of low and servile Principles may make a great shew and high profession before the World, as Israel when brought out of Egypt, having received the Oracles, having seen great Wonders, no Nation like to Israel, yet had in them a strong sence and savour of Egypt still in their hearts, they went back to Egypt; so we of this Nation have been a People of great deli∣verances, under astonishing Dispensations, so that it was said of us, what Nation like to ours? what Mercies like to Englands Mer∣cies? Yet we are generally of low, servile, slavish and fearful Principles, savouring much of that state whereunto we were first in Bondage; how and who in our Principles are below the Dispensations that have been upon us, and the work of God has further to do in the World, may appear by considering what Principles they are that do prevail most at this day among us.

1. They may be known what they are by our sitting down in an outward state of peace, quiet, and safety, well contented and at ease therein, while a full and thorow Reformation, and the Mercies promised to the Church in the latter dayes, are not sought after: David was of far other Principles, of a choicer Spirit, 2 Sam, 7.1, 2. And it came to passe, when the King sat in his house, and the Lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies; yet the King said unto Nathan the Prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of Cedar, but the Ark of God dwelleth within Curtains: This Principle is wanting, where an outward delive∣rance and peace is so used and sat down in, as yet the Work of the Lord is not carried on; Though thou hast lain among the pets, I will make thee as the wings of a Dove; I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean: Great goodness is promised to the Church in the latter dayes, the Spirit of grace, delive∣rance, enlargement, dominion, and exaltation; these things were sought after by the People of God among us of late, and in pur∣suance thereof they went some dayes journeys, following the Lord through dark and dangerous paths, but are now sat down by the way, in a low, wearied, unbelieving, and slavish Spirit, ha∣ving little or no spirit to the things formerly pressed after, Gen. 49.14, 15. Issachar is a strong Asse, couching down between two burthens: and he saw that rest was good, and the Land that it was pleasant, and bowed his shoulder to bear, and he became a seavant

unto tribute: But Dan shall judge his people as one of the Tribes of Israel: In like manner after a little breathing space has been given us from our former troubles, finding that rest was good, and a condition of quiet and peace was sought, so that we might enjoy our ceiled houses, lands, offices, merchandizing, &c. how are many among us willing to put their necks again under the yoaks, and to deliver up, and let go the opportunity and power that was in their hands to have redeemed themselves, and to have raised up that Work and Building, the foundation whereof was laid with the price of so much precious bloud.

But you will say, What is that Work that is to be carried on? It is said, the Iron was mixt without Clay; it should signifie the heathenish worldly Civil Power, and the Ecclesiastick State should mingle together, the Church should borrow many cor∣rupt constitutions, customs, and helps from the wicked and worldly power; this mixture is yet found among us; the old leaven of Antichristian pollutions, manners, and proceedings that was begun to be purged out, is leavening us again, even the whole lump (if grace prevent not:) The Basis upon which God will set up his Kingdome, namely, the Word of God, as the Law and the Spirit of Christ in his Saints, as the Counsellor, is not admitted: Ezra 9.14. Should we again break thy Com∣mandements, and joyn in affinity with the people of these abomina∣tions? Whilst worldly aims and ends run along with the Work of Christ, he had many followers; but now that the God of this World hath given to many the golden Cup, whereby they are overcome in security and ease, to make another step in that Work, beyond what the present state of things will bear, such love and zeal is found but with few amongst us, this is a low un∣worthy Principle: If the blessed Reformers of former Ages, or more later of our times, who alwayes found every new step in Reformation to be attended with difficulty and opposition, had been of this low and unsearchable spirit, or could have been content for the enjoyment of their lives and liberties, ease and pleasures, with the losse of the Gospel and Reformation in the greater purity of it, we should instead of seeing the things we have seen in our dayes, have been inheriting the blindness and bondage of our forefathers: It is worthy to be remembred, while we were a people as one, standing upon an Interest di∣stinct

from all Nations about us, the Lord was graciously sought of us, and that his Presence was nearer his wonderful Works de∣clared, but since we have made peace with the Enemies of the Lord, this peace has pierced deeper into our sides then ever their swords before could do; which puts me in mind of what is said, Dan. 8.25. By peace he shall destroy many: When An∣tichrist saw he could not prevail among us by the sword, through his policy he prospers, and by peace, and ease, and quiet he de∣stroyes many; wherefore the Lord will have a people of such light, sincerity and love, as will not be contented with the peace∣able enjoyment of Wives, Children, houses, Lands, Honors, or Preferments, until the Lord Jesus in his Laws, Government, Spirit and Saints be exalted over all the Earth, and his glory above the Heavens.

2. Whilst there is a setting up the Maxims and rules of world∣ly corrupt States and Kingdoms, yea though it were the most prudent and righteous Principles of (Civil) Interest, when this is done to keep down the Work God is about in our day, this is a sign we are a People of Principles low and unsuitable to the Promises and Dispensations that we are under; as when the Kingdom of God comes into the heart, the most rational and refined Principles or Nature that were there before, must give place to the powerful convictions of Grace, and the light of the Spirit; so when the Kingdom of God is come forth visibly in the World, the fashion and frame of things in Kingdoms and Nations must passe away before it; and when God is about to do such a Work as this, for any to insist upon the most righteous and prudent Principles, to the hinderance of the Work of God, cannot be justified: Exod. 1.9, 10, 11. Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier then we, come on, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to passe, that where there fall out any warr, they joyn also unto our enemies and fight against us, and so get them up out of the Land: Therefore they did set over them Task masters to afflict them with their bur∣dens: Herein they exercised their wisdom of State against the Work God had in hand, and paid dearly for it: Judg. 8.22. The men of Israel said unto Gideon, rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy sons son also, for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. What a more just and reasonable thing

could have been thought upon, and more conducing to common settlement and safety? But observe what answer was returned verse 23. And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you, the Lord shall rule over you. A noble and choice Spirit, he looked upon Israel as under Gods more immediate Government, and any other settlement by humane and worldly wisdom, however pretending to com∣mon good, was not by any means to be admitted: I shall add only one Instance more, Numb. 32.5. Reuben and Gad said unto Moses, Let this Land be given unto thy servants for a possessi∣on, and bring us not over Jordan: Their desire was just and rea∣sonable, for they had many Cattle, and it was a place for Cattle. But Moses answered, Shall your Brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here, verse 6. behold ye are risen up in your Fathers stead, an increase of sinful men: Moses having his eye upon the Work the Lord was about, would not indure that any Civil Interest, how publick or just soever, should be taken into any competiti∣on with the Lords Work, It was Reason of State that set up Ieroboams Calves for the preservation of the Kingdom; that erected the Romish Chair for preserving of unity in the Church and the peace of her Kings; that formerly imposed uniformity of worship and other laws upon the Conscience, and of late new Lords over the Church of God, all devised by the Man of Sin, thereby to put a check and stop upon the blessed Spirit of Christ, and work of Reformation, that both these might be kept under, and might not grow up to any considerable height, for fear of bringing in a change of things into the World: During the time of the Churches being in the Wilderness, Kingdomes, and States, and Churches have been left to be ordered by carnal Force and Policy, and at the best by the Rules of Morality and Civil Right; and these times of ignorance and corruption God winked at: But now that the Kingdomes of this World are a∣bout to become the Kingdomes of our Lord, and his Christ, it will be the wisdom of all that fear the Lord, to take heed of sit∣ting down in, or contending for any wayes or interests, how just and prudent soever, against the Work and Word of Christ that is about to be fulfilled: When the Office and Right of Christ, as Prophet and Head of the Church, was brought to light in our dayes among us, what a blow was there given to that corrupt

state that was before; so likewise when the Royal Prerogative of Christ, as King of Nations, began to be owned in the Go∣vernment and publick Affairs among us, how the Lord stood by a despised remnant of his People therein, and how he left and laid aside all those that stick to their State Maxims, to their old Rules, Customs and bounds •…•…to the hindrance of the Work then in hand is well known, wherefore the Lord will have his people purged from the old leaven of these low and carnal Principles, and that will not sit down in any Interest or settlement, how just or safe soever, whereby a stop is or may be put into the Work of God, in the exalting of his Son, in his Word, Works, and blessed Spirit among us.

3. That we are a People of Principles below the Works of God in our day, and unsuitable thereunto, may appear by the old pollutions entertained again; from which many seemed to have been purged; there is a corrupt mixture with this World, that has spread it self through the hearts and lives of most, and through the Ecclesiastical and Civil State, whereby that holy frame of heart, and work of Reformation, formerly among us, is much laid aside: A Church or People is said to be holy, when the Word of the Lord is their Law, and when they yield up themselves unto the Lord all one in all things, to be governed by his Commandements: And on the contrary, it is a People corrupted and unclean, when other Lords besides Christ have dominion over them, and the will and commandement of men is set up. The Church of the Old and New Testament in their beginning had more of this beauty of holiness and professed sub∣jection unto the Lord only, then was ever seen since: Moses said of Israel concerning their first estate, Deut. 32.12. The Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange God with him: though he soon forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation: So Paul said of the Church as it was in its first estate, before the Man of Sin had deflowered it; I have e∣spoused you to one Husband, that I may present you as a chast Vir∣gin to Christ: A looking back unto these things, together with a measure of the Spirit, vouchsafed in our dayes, did work in the hearts of many among us strong convictions of much blackness and deformity, of many pollutions contracted from Antichrist, yet remaining upon us, and gave light and discerning of a more

holy reformed and happy estate, both commanded and promised; and upon this account was there a separation made among us as to Worship; first from Prelacy, then from the National way, and afterwards as to Government from Monarchy, Gods Peo∣ple being led all along herein, and pressed on from a Principle of Grace and Holiness, and from some light in the Promises, which speak of a day when every po•• in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord, and the Idols he shall utterly abolish: Whilst our hearts were under this holy and gracious frame, we were going on to purge out all such mixtures yet remaining a∣mong us, as were borrowed from corrupt and Antichristian States and Kingdomes, that we might become a new lump, a ho∣ly People, a righteous State, just Laws and all things reduced as near as might be unto the pattern; but instead of going on with these first Works, we are mingled again with the Idols and un∣cleannesses of former times, the sad effects whereof do appear almost every where upon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and lives of most, and upon the Profession and Government that is held out in the Nation: This was the evil of the Church of old, Psalm 106.25. They were mingled among the Heathen, and learned their works: Hosea 7.8. Ephraim he hath mixed himself among the people, Is∣rael is a Cake not turned: 2 Cor. 6.4. Be ye not unequally yoak∣ed together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteous∣ness with unrighteousnesse; wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate. When Gods People began to joyn with the World in Civils, they afterwards joyned with them in Spiritu∣als, until the whole lump was learned. The Reformers of the Church in former and latter times, their Zeal was stirred up a∣gainst these minglings, both in doctrine and manners, against the inventions and commandments of men in the one, against worldly pomp pleasures, and sensuality in the other: Religion cannot be accommodated to interests and respects of pollicy and serving 〈◊〉〈◊〉, it cannot be mixt with error, no more then oyl with water, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and st•…•… with clay, Dan. 2.43. It is said, 2. Kings ••7.3••. the mingled people of Samaria feared the Lord and served their God after the manner of the Nations: But what faith God, doth he approve of this •…•…ture? verse 34. God will no town his own commanded Worship, when mingled and compounded with another. [Dr. Preston.] Wherefore be∣fore

the Lord will go on with any further •…•…t Mercies for his People, he will have a People that shall purge out this old ••ea∣ven from among them, that they may be a new lump, as it is said, Numb. 23.9. Lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the Nations.

Another part of that Work the Lord is about among us, is to call his People out from partakings in those sins that are more e∣specially the sins of the time and of this Generation. God may have a People subject to many infirmities and sailings, and yea such as have overcome the sins of the times: Although Asa had offended in divers things, yet as to the times, the heart of Asa was perfect all his dayes, 2 Chron. 15.17. So there are many sins that may be spoken against without offence to the times, but the special sins of the Generation are overcome and reproved but by a remnant of another spirit. Now if we would rightly judge what are the sins of the times we live in, this may be pro∣pounded as a sure Rule; observe what have been the more emi∣nent and special Dispensations and Works of God among us in our day, and such courses and proceedings among us, whether publick or private, as lie more directly crosse and contrary there∣unto, are the special sins and evils of the time: This being ad∣mitted for a good Rule in this place, what are the special sins of the time, from which the Lord will have his People to come out of, and be separate from, will somewhat appear by the Conclusi∣ons following.

First. After the Lord has begun to wash away the filth of the Daughter of Sion, to purge the Church of Christ among us from the fifth of Antichristianisme, and by overturning some great Pillars of the Antichristian Church and State, has begun a Re∣formation of things, according to the pattern of the Gospel and Scripture light, and also gave forth a portion of the Spirit for this Work, after such a day as this, to joyn our selves again with the people of those abomination, (as it is seen at this day) by marriages, leagues, conjunction of their and our Interests, by reviving and setting up again that old fashion of things in its constitutions, customes, worldly policies, pomp, greatness and lusts, this is one of the special 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the times, and from which the Lord will have his People to redeem and separate themselves from, Ezra 9.2. The holy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have mingled themselves with

the people of those Lands, yea the hand of the Princes and Rulers hath been chief in this trespasse; and when I heard this thing I rent my garment: And this was the great sin of that time, and con∣trary to the Work of God in that day.

2. After that a publick and solemn Testimony has been born among us, through much bloud and difficulties, and the same as eminently owned of God by a series of deliverances against the great oppressive interests that were upon us, to wit, the Law in the present constitution and administration of it, Monarchy as a thing unnecessary, burthensome, and dangerous, a Court as the spring head of oppression, pride and filthiness, with many other things that might be named, to lay these heavy yoaks again upon the necks of our Brethren, under which we our selves groaned not long ago, and thereby to sell the Lords People, with their dear bought power and freedom, the people of the Land, with their just rights and liberties, and the Cause it self so much con∣tended for, into the hands of the new Lords, standing upon the old foundation, and acting in most points after the old corrupt fashion of things as formerly; this is a great sin of the times, for which the Lord cals upon his People to mourn and be hum∣bled, and by withdrawing themselves as much as may be from such things, to bear a seasonable and faithful Testimony against them: The Nobles and Rulers of Judah, after they were deli∣vered out of bondage in Babylon, oppressed their Brethren, and laid heavy yoaks upon them; this was a special sin of that time, and the Lord stirred up the spirit of Nehemiah against them: Neh. 5.8. And I said unto them, we, after our abilitie, have re∣deemed our Brethren the Iews, which were sold unto the Heathens, and will you even sell your brethren, or shall they be sold unto us? Also I said, it is not good that ye do, ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the Heathen our enemies? When God is breaking the yoaks of his People, to be then lay∣ing yoaks upon them, is a special sin of the time.

3. Many among us have sinned in taking the accursed thing: the meaning whereof, both in the Old and New Testament, im∣ports a thing that is ordained of God to destruction, a People, or things of Gods Curse, shut out of God protection, and the prayers of his People. Now observe what things they were among us that Gods People did formerly cast out of their

heares and prayers, that God did cast out from under his visible Dispensations of Mercy, that lay under his frowns and terrible dints of his displeasure; as things opposite to his Glory, the work of Reformation, and the prosperity and peace of his People, the mingling again with these things is a taking the accursed thing, and one of the sins of the times: Ier. 7 16. Pray not thou for this people, neither lift up a cry nor prayer for them: We may re∣member what the Lords choice and faithful Servants among us did formerly leave out, as things they could not pray for, what constitutions and interests in the State? what pomp, covetousness and excess among men in eminent place? What mixtures and for∣malitie in worship? and what Idols and humane Statues in Gods House? and are not these things, and that old Spirit that acted them, revived again, whereby the Lord has been provoked to bring a cloud upon us, and upon that day of Mercies and won∣derful appearances, whereby his Work was carried on among us. So then observe, what things they are that the Lords more peculiar and praying People formerly, or at this day, under their more enlightened, holy and zealous frame could not, or do not pray for, but leave out, and separate themselves from, and they are that cursed thing which we ought to come out of and avoid.

4. The putting back of that blessed Work, that was in such a hopeful way to be carried on among us, is a great sin of the times; when I consider what an edge was upon the Spirits of good men, how quick and powerful were proceedings, what a spirit for high and great Work, a reforming spirit for Reforming work, a spirit of Judgment for the work of Justice, a spirit of Prayer for the breaking of all yoaks and deliverance of Sion, the whole Church of God, and what a seal Providence it self put up∣on all this in a series of wonderful successes; and further, that these things were come to that height, that the People of God begun to meditate and expect great things, men of low and com∣mon spirits were laid aside, the old spotted and wrinkled face of things, unholiness and formality in Religion; in the State, Mo∣narchy its Friends and Paramouts, with all its limbs and bran∣ches, and paintings begun to blush and hide it self; I say, when I look back at these things, and consider how all this Work is de∣sorted and laid aside, covered under reproach, and buried out of sight and mind, and only a few left to keep it upon the heart. I

cannot but sadly reflect upon that word, Hosea 9.1. Rejoyce not O Israel for joy, as other people, for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every corn floor. There is a nick of time, a special season, wherein God cals, and employes, and spirits people for his Work; if this time be not observed, both the Work and opportunity for it is lost, and things will go backward; When Saul slipped in the Work God had called him unto, he lost the Spirit of the Lord, and the work of his day also: So when Israels faith failed in the matter of the Spies, and in their hearts gave back from following the Lord, the Work was put back for forty years: in like manner let it be consider∣ed, what a door was opened, by the mighty Works of God a∣mong us, to have let in a season of Mercies, to have proceeded to a full and thorow Reformation, to have removed all lets and obstructions, and to have set the highest and most publick Inte∣rests and greatest Affairs upon another, a better bast and foun∣dation then they had stood upon before, whereon the Interest of Christ, his Saints, his Word, as the Law and Rule, might have been eminently owned and exercised among us; the Promises, that the Saints shall take the Kingdom, and the Kingdom shall not be left to another People, calling upon all Gods People to have respect unto this, as the great Interest, to be above all other contended after; but they who had this price formerly in their hand, and an heare unto it, have let their opportunity slip, and that Spirit they had for this Work is departed, the work is gone many degrees back, and because of their and our sins, the good things that were in the birth are kept from us: When Israel de∣sired a King, one might have pleaded for them, and said, they think no evil, they do but desire another form of Government, as more expedient for them then that of Judges: Nay but sayes the Lord, They have rejected me that I should nor reign over them, 1 Sam 8.7 They rejected the Dispensation it self they were under, as too holy and divine; this was their sin, they said, Now make us a King to judge us like all the Nations; they would not be a separate people they would look like the Nations: Wise men do not look upon the change of persons, and names, and form of Government that has been among us, so much, as that the Dispensation we were under, in the very nature of it, as it was more holy, and spiritual, and refined, is rejected; not the for∣mality

only of the Work among us is altered, but the matter of it is gone, and another thing set up in its place, this is a sin of the times we ought to mourn over and avoid.

5. To name no more; the heart of the people of that part of the People that were forward and active in the Work is wi∣thered and sunk into a low and unsensible frame; an impotent, low and unworthy spirit is fallen upon many, willing to fit at ease, though in a low and slavish state, that can look upon the despised, deserted Cause and Interest of Christ without any trouble of heart, or a cry, or a prayer for it; there are but a few who have in them at this day those workings and yearnings of heart, in looking upon a crucified Cause, as Mary and the Disci∣ples had over their crucified Friend the Lord Jesus: When any eminent work was to be done in Israel, the Lord first set it upon the hearts of some, and stirred up the spirit of the people unto it: Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give him no rest till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth: The de∣liverance of the Church in the Revelations, chap. 14.2. begins with a voice from the waters, the spirits of the people are stir∣red up to stand up with the Lamb on Mount Sion: When there was a raising and stirring in the spirits of many in our dayes, un∣to the work of Justice and Reformation, how great things were brought forth in that day? But now that pressing and stirring work in the hearts of most, and the good things it tended to is cast off and gone, the lesse thereof is so farre from working any due resentment among us, as that where any remainders of that good old Spirit are yet breathing in any, they are laid aside, and cast into corners, as the fire-brands and troublers of the times, though it is only against the corruptions of the times; that they do appear, and that from their love to Christ and holiness. These are some of the sins of the times, from which we are to come out of and be separate.

FINIS.