The confirming worke of religion ..., or, The true and infallible way for attaining a confirmed state in religion ... with a short and confirming prospect of the work of the Lord about his church in these last times / by R. Fleming ...

AN IDEA, Of the confirm'd state of a Christian in dismall and shaking times.

THo the same measure of Christians establishment in the truth be not alike to all, but must have re∣spect to the different trialls, ta∣lent, & improvements of such for this end; yet may it be cause of astonishment, how rare any study of this kinde is now to be sound, when its not only one of the highest concerns of Christianity, but in a more then or∣dinary way called for, as the work of this day; yea, that this is a part of religion, which seemes lest improven of any, for the more gene∣rall state of professours within the Church; un∣der some conviction hereof, was this essay de∣signed, where with humble confidence (I may say) the truth hath been sought with that seri∣ous enquiry into the nature of these things held forth, as I judged needfull for such, who have so great ane interest & venture not only through time, but for all eternity, to support upon the alone certainty hereof, & er these dayes of triall, which we now see, passe over this genera∣tion, it may be found this was not unseasona∣ble, or without cause directed to such a time,

if the Lord graciously blesse the same; nor will it (I hope) be found incongruous & without use to present yet further, in such a method, & way of example, some cleare prospect of a confirmed state in religion, & what these ought to be, who with light & assurance of minde would follow the Lord fully, in such a day, as is here offered in a 7 fold Character, under which a truly confirmed Christian in the truth of his profession may be stated.

CHARACTER. I. That he is one who hath ane other sence, & impression of this great study for attaining to a confirmed state in religion, & is on higher grounds pressed to follow the same, then what most of the visible Church seemes to appre∣hend; & should be thus considred.

1. As one to whom the glory of the Christi∣an profession is in the highest degree deare, & to have the world see, that such as embrace the same & does most fully adventure on the testimony of God in his word, are these also who walks on the highest principles of true, & enlightned reason; yea, who takes deeply to heart that obligation which is on all, who desires to advance the repute, & honor of the truth, to be in such tearmes therewith upon its own evidence, as they may know how to serve a rationall conviction both on Atheists, & insidels, if called thereunto.

2. Who sees also, how such is the state of

fallen man, as stands in need of all the contri∣butions that can be, not only to strengthen the Christians faith, and beare out against the strong assaults of infidelity, but to gain also more cre∣dit and veneration to the truth with these who are not easily delt with, but by such meanes, as beares some congruity to their naturall light, and reason; for which end the Lord hath af∣foorded these ministeriall helpes, to render the misbeleefe of the world, or any pretense of he∣sitation about his truth more fully inexcusable.

3. He thus sees, how the most important, and fundamentall truths of Christianity, needs the greatest confirmation of his faith, & for these who enter in so high & discriminating a profes∣sion from the residue of the world, to know in what manner they embrace the same: yea that the naturall order of things does absolutly re∣quire to have the foundation sure laid, on which so great a superstructure must rest, so as he judgeth it a work by its selfe, and to need some peculiar retiring his soul in the most serious re∣cesse, and composure thereof, to attain a stedfastnes of his own in the truth, and to know the strong and firm convoyances of that greatest mystery of the gospell, in such a manner, as needes no paund of a miracle to confirm the same. But he knowes here that no sharpness of mens naturall understanding about the truth can ever attain a true rest, and settlement of minde

therein, without a humble, and serious spirit stooping doune before the wisedome of God, and to enter as little Children into his Schoole; yea that by humble practice, and obedi∣ence of the gospell there is ane undoubted com∣ming up to the greatest assurance and clearest de∣monstrations of the same, as Joh. 7: 17.

4. He knowes that as nothing tends more to shake mens spirits, and stagger them about the truth, then a light and transient view hereof, so does the greatest establishment, follow on the nearest approach by a deep and serious enqui∣ry about the same, and thus clearely sees that if such who look but at a distance on the way of religion, did but once come that length of triall, as to have their spirits separat, by a more serious reflection thereon, the first view they should have, could not but be matter of wonder, and amazement, to think what can determine and support in so marvellous a way as the life and practice of Christianity, which is so visibly above nature, and wherein they must do violence to the same, where they must part with the multitude, and oppose themselves to the strongest tyde of exemple, and must endure also in hope, and believe for things not seen, which were never the object of humane sence, to any in this earth, and are oft called to part with the most desireable things of sence, upon the alone credit of their faith, yea, where

they must enter in that profession, on no other tearmes, then to be martyrs for the same, and seall it with their blood; so that he must needs see a Christian according to the rule and in∣stitution of the gospell, to be the greatest riddle, and wonder of any sight within time; but when such come more closse and neare upon this triall, and have once understood the nature and great∣nesse of that security which these have to adven∣ture on, yea what is the glory of their hope, and the sure spring of their supplyes, for their work and trialls within time, then will this second wonder unspeakably exceed the first; how its possible that such are not of a more raised, and enlarged spirit, in the service of the Gos∣pell, in that short season they have here for it on the earth, and how their triall should not be more to beare the joy of so great a pro∣spect, and expectation, then any present griefes and troubles, yea how mens life who in∣deed makes earnest of the Christian profession, is not in some more continued transport of ra∣vishment and wondering, to know that they are surely made for an eternall state in another world, and are among these on whom the glorious God hath choised to have the exceeding riches of his grace shewed forth in these regions of blessedness above for ever.

5. He hath another sight and prospect of the Christian Creed, then most who give ane easy

assent thereunto; and hath his reason so dazeled with the revelation of the gospell and of the won∣ders thereof as hath put him to such ane exer∣cise as that 2 Chr. 6: 8. How to credit his eyes therewith, the more deep reflexion he hath upon the same, but will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth; and to judge their case, who after some fluctuating suspence, are admitt to see the truth of Christianity, with that certainty of its evidence, as the greatness of such a discovery does require, may have some resemblance to that transport which the Angells had at the first being of the creation, where the morning starres sung together, and the Sonnes of God shouted for joy, to see themselves thus, who were brought out of pure nothing, entered in∣to that inestable light of seeing God, and of their own blessedness in him, in so high a de∣gree; so that he accounts it one of the highest attainements of religion, for a Christian indeed to believe the articles of his own faith, and have his soul thus as fully persuaded, as of his be∣ing, that such a time assuredly was, & now many ages since past, when the glorious Redee∣mer of the Church, the second person of the God head came doune from heaven and was revealed in our nature, that on him as surety t•• divine justice in the roome of the Elect Church, was the whole guilt, and sin thereof transferred, and in this marvellous way did the holy God take

satisfaction to himselfe, by himselfe; that thus our nature is exalted, by the incarnation of Christ above the nature of Angels; that the time is neare when the meanest afflicted Christian, shall draw in no other aire, then the breathings of the higher Paradise above, and now hath ane eternity of joy, and blessednesse before him; that within a very little time he shall know this welcome of our blest Redeemer to his followers here on the earth, come ye blessed of my father inherite the Kingdome, &c. when he shall take off the crosse, and put on the crown, when it shall be then no more a matter of faith, but of sence to be partakers of that inheritance with the saints in light, and know these proper mansi∣ons in that state of glory and peculiar assignement thereunto which all the Redeemed shall then have, and be adjoyned in the same classe with the Elect Angels to be as pure flames of love, and joy, yea know what its to walk in these streetes of the new Jerusalem which are as gold transparent as Christall, and what that mee∣ting will be of his soul perfected, and in a tri∣umphant state with his glorifyed body, raised in∣corruptible and never to part any more; and to have his proper share of that blessed and great∣est solemnity, that shall be celebrated in heaven of the marriage supper of the lamb, with the whole triumphant Church, and heare that ho∣nourable account which the great judge will then

make of these trials of his faith, and sharp con∣flicts which he had gone through within time, with that solemn testimony of approbation which will be given thereof, and since its sure these great things must be a part of the Christian faith, can it be strange, that such, as would in that manner converse therewith (tho they be not yet seen) as no lesse undoubted realities then any present objects of sense, be not easily satis∣fyed with a low degree of evidence and confir∣mation of their judgement, but that their joy who are sure here should be perfected so far as this state of mortality can beare, and thus find it ea∣sy to rejoyce, and glory in tribulation, and to weep now for a season, who are to rejoyce for ever, yea to say in the words of Mephibosheth, let them take it all, & enjoy the same, since he who is their life and exceeding joy, lives and reignes, who is infinitly better to them then all these things.

6. He accounts the strengthning of his faith, to be such a concern, not only as it is his soules venture for all eternity, but as the highest way of gloryfying God here, that what ever tends to a more full confirmation of the same, he rec∣kons also one of the greatest additions to his joy and comfort within time; and that these ma∣nyfold assistances with such reduplication thereof which the Lord hath himselfe given for this end, are such as no fragments of such a talent should

be lost; & tho he knowes the greatest demon∣strations of our faith can add nothing to the certainty of divine truth in it selfe; yet are they thus given in regard of the strong trials of a Christians life, and of what their weaknesse stand in need of for support.

7. Its in this study, he sees and takes to heart, how not only the condition of man in the earth, but the profession of Christ also calls for such a reckoning, that he may have trialls in that manner dispensed, when no visible refuge will be found in the least to stand by, but all hu∣mane comfort and assistance wholly to succumb; as needes his laying in such ballast now in its season, and to be founded thereon with that assurance of judgment, as is needfull for that day, when he must either get through in the alone way of beleeving, against sence, or perish, and tho no such attainments of light can beare out then without present and immediat influen∣ces from above, and that it is sure according to the day, so must the Christian strength be, yet does he see also, the want of ane established judge∣ment, and of some proper stock laid up of aides, and assistances this way forgainst a sharpe storm, is like to make sad work among the pro∣fessours of this age, er the trialls of such a time have done their work.

8. He sees also how the greatest contest, which is this day in the world, is betwixt God, and

man, upon the truth and assurance of his word; and that the highest triall, and probation of a Christian, in which all the trialls of their life does still meet, may be resolved here, if they receive the testimony of God in his word as an absolute security to rely on, yea or not, and tho this is the peculiar glory of the only true God, to have ane absolute dependance of his whole work on himselfe, and to be the alone center of his peoples rest, yet may nothing be more evident, then that with most he bea∣res that name, of being their trust, when the whole burden and weight thereof lyes alone upon visible grounds, so that those bonds, and pro∣mises which he hath himselfe given unto men does beate no more credit, then they have some externall surety in the earth, which they still looke after, to stand as it were good and responsible for the same, which is the highest indig∣nity can be offered to the glorious Majesty of God.

9. He does much take to heart this present period of time, wherein the fluctuating suspence and halting of so many under a visible professi∣on of the truth is now one of the most dismall signes hereof; & that it seemes to be the time, wherein the Lord will in ane unusuall way take this generation off any implicit profession of the same; and when that great roll of visible profes∣sours in all the reformed Churches may be er long in that manner called, as each must answer

to his own name, and put to stand to the proofe before the world, when no temporall interest, but internall motives and certainty of the truth upon its own evidence, must beare out; yea that the most establisht may er long finde it not easy to be keept from staggering, and a few dayes come in the Churches way, more remarkable for triall then hath been in some ages before.

CHARACT. II. A truely confirmed Christian, may be thus also stated as one who is in the first place most deeply taken up about that rare plot of mans redemption, and to see these great and wonderfull truths there, not singly, and apart, but in that harmony, order and consent of all the parts thereof, as they are linkt together in this marvellous frame, so as to make the whole one entire peece, and where no part does in the least interfere with an other, which he finds to be one of the most principall demonstrations of this great mystery of the Gospell, that the Lord hath given for confirming his peoples faith; and thus in another manner then formerly can now entertain his soul herewith, and have his joy unspeakably hightned, 1 to see at once the ruined state of fallen man, and what a floodgate of all evill is let loose on that race, not only mo∣rally in sin, but what is penall in the woe and miseryes thereof; yea such a state, where all hope of releefe is for ever cut off in the way of nature or by any created help; and where

the execution of a righteous sentence on such for the voluntare violation of a law, just, holy and equall, can be no impeachment in the least of the righteousness of God; But then therewith he does see such a releefe brought to light as can not only answer the whole extent of this ruin, but the glory of God more eminently displayed ther∣in, then if the law had been obeyed, or absolu∣tely execute in its penalty on the whole race of man, yea which makes this more wonderfull to see a higher dispensation of grace unto man now under the gospell then was to Adam in his primitive state; whereby innumerable Christians are made to en∣dure and prevail over stronger assaults then broke him even in his integrity, which is a conjuncti∣on so marvellous that the great and infinit God only could finde out and effectuat. 2. He does now see how cleare a consistence and har∣mony is here, that he who had no sin by in∣hesion, but holy, harmles, and undefiled, should be under the greatest weight of sin by imputation and by the exactest rule of divine justice made liable to answer both the whole duty, and full penalty of the Law, having as surety betwixt the creditor & debter, put himselfe in his peoples roome to answer the full demands thereof both for debt, and duty. 3. It is here he does see that blest consent and harmony betwixt the spot∣les justice of God, and his marvellous grace, so as his love is to the highest glorifyed, in that mar∣vellous

way, as secures the full and compleat satisfaction of his Law, and all the rights of ju∣stice inviolable. 4. Whilst he is thus dazled with the greatnes of such a light, and put to enquire what such a mystery can mean, he is then fur∣der led on to see that rare plot and contrivance of the covenant of reconciliation between God and man, here within time to be the very duplicat, and counterpart of that eternall transaction and sti∣pulation between the father and the son; and thus sees what ever God hath declared and promised in the one to his Church, was first promised and secured to our blessed head in the covenant of Redemp∣tion; wherein as with a reverend and aw∣full distance, so with the greatest evidence of light he is made to see here these reciprocall obli∣gations betwixt them, and mutuall trust for ma∣king good the whole tearmes thereof in the ap∣poynted time. 5. He does also clearly see that rare order & harmony of time in these signall periods of the revelation of this great mystery of Christ which from its more dark discovery and dawning did still more gloriously open its selfe to the Church by a graduall light and unvailing of the same, as the Sun in its course unto the perfect day; yea hath his faith thus unspeakeably confirmed to see herewith the gospell Church being still the same, whither of Jewes or Gentil's, and how that series and con∣sent hath yet never been broken off since the be∣ginning of one Church separat from the residue

of mankinde set apart as a peculiar people for the Lord, where none ever had right and priviledge to be members of the same, but by faith in the Messias, and profession of their obedience to his Lawes. 6. It is in this union and harmony he sees the whole branches and parts of gospell obedience most exactly meet, and terminat, to advance both the greatest excellency and blessedness of man, and assimulat him to the blessed image of God, yea how all the rules and precepts there does so entir∣ly conspire for this end as may constrain the world to see, and admire the glorious nature, and perfections of him, whose lawes these are, wherein he does so brightly shine forth. 7. Nor can he looke seriously herein and not see that sweet concord as a part of this harmony, which is betwixt the promissory, and mandatory part of the gospell, so as the Christians comfort is most fully establi∣shed and no duty abolished; but the very path rod to the must full enjoyments of the promise and proper way to attain rest and tranquillity of spirit must be ever here by taking on the yoke of Christ. 8. Yea to confirm this entire union and harmo∣ny more fully he now sees that exact and mar∣vellous correspondence which is betwixt that first fundamentall promise of the Messias, and the event; betwixt the whole ancient figures and types of the leviticall service and the revelation of Christ himselfe, in which all these did meet as their proper center, and now have their full end and

accomplishment. 9. His confirmation thus grows to see that wonderful consent of Christianity, and native result hereof to put fallen man in a due postour towards God, towards his neighbour, and himselfe, so as he may know by faith and adorati∣on how to enjoy God, and his brother by love, and thus by patience, meeknes and humility to possesse his own soul, and enjoy himselfe. 10. Yea it is in this rare and wonderfull frame he is made to see (and no sight can be like this) that exact corres∣pondence which is betwixt the foundation and su∣perstructure, how the whole tract of the gospell is but one entire and compleat mean to glorify God, and restore fallen man to the highest blessednes, how that excellent stream of sanctification does flow from that fountain head of ane eternall decree herein, which does still run under the ground, until it break up at last in the heart of each Christian, by the effe∣ctuall call of the gospell; and thus runs doune through time untill it lose its selfe in that unconceiveable deep of perfection and glory. Thus is it that each Christian might attain some higher degrees of con∣firmation in his faith, then most seemes either to know or looke after if he understood more how to improve this rare comparing work of Religion by setting the great truths and principles thereof in their order & dependance so as each may be seen, in its necessare coherence with other and under its proper aspect.

But the more deep reflexion and enquiry he

hath herein, he is the more made to wonder and finds this one of the great assaults to his faith, that the revelation of the Christ, and redemption by his blood should have no greater effects this day amongst men, and that the Christian world is not in some other manner awaked with the glory of this light, and prest after a larger spreading and diffusion of this highest and universall good to poore man∣kinde; yea the more he considers this it doth highten his amazement to think how mens de∣signs in the matter of duty and service for the Kingdome of Christ, can be so low within time, whose designs and hopes in the close therof are so high in the matter of enjoyment; or take so litle to heart, that the whole day of the dispensation of the Gospell, amidst the most dismal trials may fall in therewith, is a continued time wherein we are called to keep the feast, and from one age to an∣other celebrate the same, as a perpetuall Jubily of joy and exultation, since Christ our passover was sacrificed for us; but oh how rare a thing seems this to be, and how litle of that flame and ferven∣cy of love to our blessed Redeemer is now kindled on his altar, that might be expected on such won∣derfull incitments therto, and which once was in the Church.

CHARACT. III. Though a confirmed Christi∣an must be specially stated as such, who knowes the internall part of religion, and sealing work of the Holy Ghost on his own soul, which is not by words,

but things of the highest truth, substance, and rea∣lity; yet is he herein not alone satisfyed to know this by spirituall sence, untill he can see the same with the furthest evidence of light also to his mind; and have no lesse a clear and judicious tryal of this great mysterie of experimentall religion, for con∣firmation of his faith, then to be sensibly affected with the felt power therof. And in the first place why this is necessarly requisite and called for, with respect to the confirmed state of a Christian, may be thus considered, on some few grounds.

1. That the things of religion, which must be experienced within time, are such sublime, and wonderfull mysteries, as may be just matter of astonishment, and make men a wonder to themselves, to think that these present pledges of so great a hope which is to come, are no shaddows, no appearences of things, but most sure and undoubted realities; and that such are this day in the earth who knowes so near a con∣verse with an invisible God, and the supernaturall truths of his word, with the sensible fealing of that inestimable love of Christ, by this demonstration of experience; yea who in such dismall times does assuredly know what the joy of his presence, and an immediate fellowshipe with their blessed head is, upon the greatest certainty of tryall; since these are so high, and marvelous things, which exceed all naturall understanding, as the felt sweet∣nesse of their enjoyment should not more deeply

take men up, then to see the truth, and surenesse of these principles, wheron they found herein.

2. Because this testimony of the truth of ex∣perimentall religion, should be understood not only as its of highest use for Christians personall comfort and establishment, but with respect to the publick interest of the Church, as a special trust reposed theron, to have the credit of this greatest testimony and seal, demonstrably cleared, with the furthest strength of harmonious, and ar∣gumentive reason, for such who look but at a distance yet theron, as may not only awake them to some deeper sense and impression here∣of, but constrain them to see, how no natu∣rall science hath more clear, and firm demon∣strations, then the experimentall part of Christiani∣ty, (which is the very life and soul thereof,) may have to mens reason, and judgement, tho they never knew it within themselves; yea for this end should such, as have experienced the truth, and vertue of the Gospell, reckon themselves as witnesses who are judicially sisted to put their seal therunto; & is now more called for in an age, when no particulare truth seems more strongly impugn∣ed, then the reality of experimental godlinesse is, and become as a publick theam of derision, tho men must either quite the whole revelation of the Scripture, or see this to be as essentiall to the constitution of a Christian, as vitall principles are to a living man.

3. Yea its sure herein, that such as take re∣ligion to heart, must needs look to be put to the greatest tryal of its certainty, and should most nearly concern them to know if they can abide as firmly by their spirituall sense as by that which is naturall, and doe thus know as surely in them∣selves the operations and motions of a spirituall life, as that they have being by nature; and that here is no doubtfull or abstract notions, but who have had such deep tryall and reflexion on the same as these who dare venture their eternal state on the known certainty theirof, as they could thence reason their soul to a stedfast adherence to the truth, if they were called to sacrifice their lives therto, from what rare experiments, and proofs, they have oft had of the same in their own tryall.

4. It doth more specially call for a demon∣strative clearing of the credit of this testimony, as one of the services of religion, to promote the Kingdom of Christ amonghst men, which seems least improven of any with respect to the general state of such who are within the Church, who are so great strangers to the same; yea should be judged one of the great wants of this day, when Atheism is now at so astonishing a hight, that it is not more studied to have the experimentall part of religion, (which in it self lyes deep and hid, and is a secret betwixt God and the Christians soul,) with such clearnesse, and by that manner of evidence demonstrat to

the world, as might tend to beget some more awfull sense and conviction hereof, (when such clear and unanswerable grounds might be impro∣ved for this end) on these who look thereon as some strang and dark riddle, so as they could no more deny or withstand the evidences hereof, then that they have a living soul which yet they ne∣ver saw, or could ever be the object of human sense. And how sad a prospect should this give of the greatest part of the Christian world, who not only know nothing of the true glory, and spi∣rituall powers of Christianity, but have not the very notion, or any sense of the reality of such a thing.

But in the 2d place it is thus that each Chri∣stian, for being solidly confirmed in the way of re∣ligion, may as clearly see, as he does sensibly feal, the truth of his own experience, and have his faith as fully established by this inward and great demonstration of the things of God, as his affections are quickned, upon such strong and de∣monstrative grounds of the certainty hereof, as these are.

1. By considering, his present and former state, that not in a dream, but in the most deep and serious composure of spirit, he knows how once he was blind and wholly estranged from this mysterie of Christian experience, which now he does see; and once had the same sentiment here∣of with such who doe most deeply reflect on the same, but no sooner did the truth, and

power of religion sease on his soul, then he found himself entered into a new world to know the dawnings of this marvelous light, and what be∣longs to these injoyments, and vital acts of Chris∣tianity, that hath not the least dependence on any naturall cause.

2. By considering that marvelous superstructure of experimentall religion, which from the inward observation of Christians in all ages, is such as the world could not almost contain the books, that might be write hereof, which yet is so intirely found∣ed on one and the same foundation, and does in all the lines of this great circumference, still meet in the same center; yea thus how intire and har∣monious a thing religion in all the parts therof is within upon the soul, as well as without, so as every step in this way of the experience of the saints is no groping in the dark, but what is by line and rule, with as sure and demonstrable a connexion with the externall testimony of the word, as there is in nature betwixt the cause and the effect; which affords a more wonder∣full assistance to his faith, then the greatest ex∣ternall miracles could ever doe; and tho the spirit of God does sometimes in an extraordinare man∣ner reveal himself to men (as acts of his Sove∣raign prerogative which make no rule) yet with the established constitutions of his word does the continued experience of the saints most harmo∣ciously ever correspond.

3. By considering thus also the being, & re∣ality of grace, not in its effects only but in its proper cause and original, & how the truth of holinesse in the life of a Christian is so express a transcript of the Gospell, in its external reve∣lation, that the impresse doth not more clearly answer the seal on the wax then it doth beget the same forme and image of it self in such as believe; yea also that conformity it bears to the ever blessed Architype, as well as to the revealed ru∣le, and how bright a discovery is thus of so glorious a being, and nature, to which its con∣formed, who is the alone patern, and exemple of all truth and holinesse; which is so great a discovery, as he is made to wonder, how men in this age are so much awakened to find out the true Phaenomena of nature, (though in its own room a most choise study, and specialy desirable,) and will be as in a transport, upon some rare natural experiment, as made one in that manner cry out 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; whilst here is another kind of demonstration, and of more transcendent interest then all these could ever amount to, on which the eyes of most are this day shutt.

4. By considering that uncheangable congruity, which is betwixt the nature of these things, injoy∣ned in the whole institutions of the Gospell, and mens being made happy therby, now in their pre∣sent state, and how great a temporal revenew

of the fruits of religion, as inward confidence, peace, and serenity of mind, doth as natively fol∣low the life and practice herof, as the fruit of a tree answers to its kind, and is ever found the alone true relief of mankind, against all the griefs and bitternesse of time; yea that its no distance of place, but of mens spirit by impurity, and cor∣ruption that makes so sad a distance betwixt God, and man here in the earth.

5. He is thus further confirmed upon this great testimony of experimentall religion, by consi∣dering that its sure such as does bear this witnesse are known; 1. to be such who are of the most discerning and judicious in the things of reason, as any else. 2. Whose walke and practice use to have the greatest authority over mens conscience with whom they converse. 3. who are found most intensly taken up in the retired worke, and duties of religion, that can have no respect to the witnesse and observation of others. 4. Who seeks no implicit credit from any herein, but does ob∣test men to come and see, and prove the same in their their own experience, with an appeal to the most exact inquiry, and rationall tryall of all mankind, if here be any casuall thing, and if that testimony of the doctrinall, and experimentall part of religion be not still one and the same. 5. Who also out of the most remott places of the earth, and otherwise strangers amonghst themselves, does yet most harmoniously meet in the same wit∣nesse,

and are thus mutually disclosed to other, by a near and fealing intercourse of their souls, from such an onnesse in a spirituall state and these specifick properties of a spirituall, and new nature, with as discernible evidence as if one man should meet with ane other of the same kind, in such a place of the earth which were only inhabited with beasts.

6. By considering also, (with a deep and se∣rious reflection hereon,) that sure and known conjunction, which is betwixt the most rare ex∣periences of a Christians life, and the most se∣arching tryalls thereof, with that uniform con∣sent, that hath in all ages of the Church been, in such marvelous things, as these. 1 what solemne tokens and testimonies of the love of God, and his acceptance, are found usually to meet his people in the entry of some great tryall, or service for him, even in some unusuall manner then, in the sence whereof, as it was with Eli∣jah, they have been made to goe many days af∣ter in a wildernesse state; yea how this does not respect persons only, but Churches, that the word still useth to goe before with some remarkable confirming worke to secure the heart, before the crosse and some special tryal of persecution comes 2. That as each day hath its proper burden, and worke, so hath it its proper allowance provided for the same, which should be no lesse sought after by a Christian, then his dayly bread, and

when the pressure of such a day grows to some more singulare hight, so also should the ex∣pense hereof be in faith sought for & expected. 3. How the choisest mercies are reserved to the saddest times of a Christians lot, and most usually crosse to their own choise, and thus hath had the greatest struglings with these methods of providence, which hath in the issue tended most to their upmaking. 4. Yea how the returnes of a long deferred hope after much humble on-waiting, have been to such as a Pisgah, whence they have not only had a clear and comforting prospect of their bypast tryals, but for being more fully confirmed of the time to come; and can bear now that testimony, that the Lord hath clear∣ed all bygones to them, and hath taken the vail off his worke, which for long had been as a dark and strang riddle.

7. This likeways gives a most clear, and con∣firming prospect of that great seal of experience, when he can now see, both in his own case and of others, what the issue of believing in a sin∣gular exigence and tryal and upon some special act of trust and adventure herein does at last come to; which the more deeply its considered he finds one of the most peculiare assistances to his faith, and one of the greatest attainments of ex∣perimentall religion within time, when he can thus see the same way of believing, (in some strong and extraordinare assaults, which he hath had to

crush and break him herein,) which hath car∣ried so many thorow in their saddest tryals, bring him also in his turn, to be an instance in the same kind, to bear an honourable testimony to this sure, and excellent way of believing before the world, and that none fear, after him, to hold by the promise of God and venture on that security, tho it then seem against hope, whose dispensations, did yet never, never give his word the lye.

CHARACT. IV. Such is a truely con∣firmed Christian, who in a dismall time, is not staggered in his faith from the present signs and ap∣pearences therof, but hath his soul ballast with such solid grounds of confirmation against the same, as these providences, wherat others doe most stum∣ble, tends to his further strenthning in the way of the Lord, when he does now clealy see;

1. How tribulation and the crosse makes one of the most illustrious and beutifull parts of the whole frame of Providence about the Church, and in the lot of each Christian, so as there can be no possible stumbling to any for want of light here, that sore tryalls, and distresse should most remarkably follow these in their journey, who have an eternall blessednesse before them in the clofe hereof, when so great a part of the Scrip∣ture is directed not only for comfort but for a clear conduct of the Christians faith, through all the intrcacies and labyrinths of such a dispensati∣on, and thus sees how highly congruous it is

to the infinit wisdom of God, that so strait and narrow a way, in such a state of tryall as is here, should goe before the state of everlasting in∣joyment; that there should be such a stage and theatre also, whereon the passive graces of the spirit, may not only be exercised, but display∣ed in their true lustre and glory before Angels and men; yea that thus the Redeemed of the Lord be first trained in so sharp a warfare, as may not only put a due value and respect on the great∣ness of that triumph and reward which is to come, but be matter of ineffable joy and exultation, that ever they were admitt thus to evidence their love and adherence to their blessed head and his truth here on the earth, and accounted worthy to be put on some hotter service, and to peculiare tryals and conflicts this way beyond others, for some example and incouragement to the Church in their day; and here also he can now see how the greatest injoyments of comfort are more owe∣ing to the most sharp and afflicting tryals of their life, then to the greatest externall calme; and that to endure patiently and suffer for the name Christ is such a priviledge as the elect Angels have not been admitt to, yea that the Lords chastning worke, and sorest smitting of his own, is an act also of saving; so that thus the more deeply he searcheth here, the more does he see, admire, and consent to that glorious piece of the administra∣tion of providence about the Church, and finds

it to be one of the greatest confirmations of his faith within time.

2. He does now clearly see how the truth and faithfulnesse of God is commensurate to his whole worke of Providence & that all the lines hereof, as they doe lead from his revealed councell in the Scripture, which is the adequat signe of his eternall councell and decrees, so doe they returne thither again, to make this great demostration clear; that if a full History were write of this world, and what hath been conspicuous thorow the whole series of times past in all these conjunctions of inseri∣our causes, whether necessare, free, or contin∣gent, and of such events that seem most casu∣al, it should be nothing else but an exact transcript and history of the Bible, to bear this witnesse, quod mundus nihil aliud est quam Deus explicatus secundum scripturam; but though a full discovery hereof be not attainable within time, yet is it a sad and deplorable want, that the great acts of the Lord, in each age of the Church are not more searched and sought out of all them that take pleasure therin, that they may be seen, observed, and admired by that part of the crea∣tion, Angels and Men, who are only in a capaci∣ty to know the same; which is a service for the Lord wherin his praise, and declavative glo∣ry is so highly conceirned, as a Christian should account the meanest roome herein one of the most desirable attainments within time; yea it

seems just matter of regret also that this comes not under a more publick care and nottice of particulare Churches and of the Christian Magistra∣te, where religion hath any true regard, to have such solemne providences as occurre in that time, and place, which may be called experi∣menta lucifera to the Church, and of a further reach and extent then any private use, both se∣arch'd after and recorded as becomes so high a service to the Christian cause and one of the hig∣hest conceirns of the posteritie, to have such not only possessed of a pure religion, but of that seal also; which the Lord hath in the great acts of providence appended therto, and thus to have that increase, which each successive age brings therwith to the publick stock of the Church, looked after, as a piece of the greatest trust re∣posed theron, so that the Children rise not up and say, we have not heard nor have our fathers faithfully transmitt to us the wonderous works which the Lord hath wrought in their time.

3. He is thus also tought to see the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and demonstrative causes of the most strang judgments on the Church, to be as clear in the Scripture as they are in the event, and though the holy God in the day of his patience, and long∣suffering is not alike quick in the execution of the sentences of his word, yet does he ever es∣tablish the authority of his Laws by the works of his providence in the most opportune season;

and as judgment deferred, is no acquittance, so does it more threaten its being the greater, when it comes, then a quick and present dis∣patch; yea though this tempest which now blowes on the Chruches of Christ, come to a gre∣ater hight, and the darknesse be such, as no Moon or Starres may for many dayes yet appear of any visible signs of hope, yet is his soul thus at rest whilst he can see the credit of the truth clea∣red, on which he hath more in dependence then any adventure within time, and does rejoyce, whatever miscarrying may be of inferiour ends, that this great and ultimate end of the works of God is secured herein, and the glory of his truth does shine forth in the most strang and amazing acts of his providence, wherat many are ready to stagger, when they doe not wisely consider the same.

4. He sees now likewise, so high a value which the Lord puts on the tryall of his peoples faith, and that the great dispensation wherby he deales with men is by trust and on the credit of his word, as it addes further to his confirmation, to see all human and visible refuges oft taken out of his Churches sight, yea his greatest works in the earth make the greatest delay er they be brought forth, & his Churches case put so far beyond help before a cure, as the first quick∣ning of her crushed and allmost dead hope, must be at the mouth of the grave; and he is thus here∣in

more singularly strenthned, that when the Lord speaks the same in the way of providence, which he hath spoke in his word, not by might nor by power, that he doth with unspeakable advantage supply and fill the roome therof by the next word, but by my spirit saith the Lord, which in this day should with a full assurance of faith be both sought and looked after.

5. It is in this rare study he attaines also the greatest confirmation to his faith that could pos∣sibly be desired within time, to see now when its so near the close therof and after all the re∣volutions of times past, how the truth and faithfullnesse of God, hath, as the sun in its strenth, still keept its way straight and fixt a∣midst all these dark clouds which have been to darken the same and is now gone its course un∣till it draws near to the full and perfect day; yea thus to see how signally this present age is sisted upon that same appeal and solemne testimony which as Josua gave, Josh. 23:14. that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning yow, all are come to passe to yow, and not on thing hath failed there∣of; and Solomon did bear also at the dedication of the Temple, 1 Kings 8: v. 56. Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised, there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant; so is this now that great testi∣mony of the latter dayes and the highest tribute of praise to the glory of God in his truth which can be

given by men, that this present generation stands accountable to make the same yea much greater appeal to the world, if they can in∣stance one promise or prediction of that sacred re∣cord of the Scripture which hath ever failed or fallen to the ground, but may be this day read in the event, & under these proper cir∣cumstances wherin it was to take place in its proper season, as evidently as it was fortold, and must still bear the same witnes, Psal, 18:30. that the way of the Lord is perfect, and his word tryed on all the adventures of faith, and tryals which to this moment of time have been made hereof, and of his being still a buckler to such as trust in him, and are called to transmitt this glorious testimony to the succeeding ages, that it may never cease to shine or want a publick witnesse therto before Angels and men, untill the whole mystery of God in his word be finished in that magnificent close which shall be therof at the second coming of the Lord.

CHARACT. V. A confirmed Christian in this day should be thus also stated, as one who hath not only attained a solid rest and settlment of mind, upon the certainty of the Christian faith, but does know the pure genuine truth of Christi∣anity amidst such high oppositions betwixt the Romish and Reformed Church herein.

And in the 1 place hath in this manner sisted himself upon such a tryal; I as one who knows

there is but one true and saving religion in the earth, to which God hath annexed the promise of eter∣nall life which can never be divided against it self. 2. Who knows that within a litle his re∣ligion will be tryed in the truth therof at the tri∣bunall of Christ, where each must give account of himself unto God. 3. As such who sees there can be no possible indifference in the exterior pro∣fession of either way, but that so high a contra∣riety of principles is in this opposition, that if the doctrine of Christ be on the one hand, it is sure Antichristianisme must be on the other hand. 4. Yea who hath in that abstract manner sought to state the case herein with his own soul as if he were come out of Paganism, to give a serious as∣sent to the divinity of the Scripture, and thus pres∣sed to joyn in with that profession of the Chri∣stian faith, which is most exactly conforme to the same, in the genuine and perspicuous sence therof.

In the 2d place he hath sought to know, how he could imbrace the Popish creed and adventure his eternall state theron, or can extinguish his rea∣son, and conscience so far as to believe that the holy God would ever impose such a faith upon men, as this is; I where he must abandon these princi∣ples of naturall reason in the most necessare use therof, which God hath himself planted in mans soul, so as not to trust his own eyes but others in that great interest of his eternall state, and

with his own consent be shutt out from all pro∣per knowledge of the rule of his religion, yea account a blind and unlimited obedience to men, amongst the highest excellencies of saith. 2. Where he must at once believe the fullnesse, and perfec∣tion of the Scripture, and to be not only fitted for that great end of bringing mankind to God, but for such an universall use herein, as to make the simple wise, and that the poor may receive the Gospell; and yet believe also that it is a masse of dead, and unsensed characters, untill the Romish Cler∣gy put a just sense theron, tho its sense and mean∣ing is the very soul thereof, yea thus passe from the whole letter of the same, or any certainty of its truth, from intrinsick evidences and these marks and characters of its divinity, wherby the Chris∣tian cause could be maintain'd against Pagans. 3. Where he must believe also that these are the words of Christ Joh. 7:17. if any man doe my will he shall know my doctrine whither it be of God or not, and that men errs through not knowing the Scripture Math. 22. and yet believe therewith, that these sacred fountains of light should be shutt up, to keep men from going wrong, and that the sole right of un∣derstanding the same belongs to a few, but not to the multitude, who yet can pretend no ex∣traordinare assistance or revelation herein, nor will themselves come to these waters of Jealousie to be tryed. 4. Where he must needs believe that the Scriptures are the oracles of God committ

to the Church, to give answer in every darke case Rom. 3:2. the type and forme of sound do∣ctrine, Rom. 6.17. unto whose sentence in all matters both of faith and practise, we are ex∣pressly referred, Is. 8.20. and yet believe al∣so that it hath no authority or decisive voice, but what is precarious and dependant on the Romish Church, and thus consent to have the whole Christian faith visibly unhinged of that foundation of the Scripture, and subjected to a supreme, visi∣ble, and infallible judge here in the earth, with such a claime of dominion over the faith of the saints, as the Apostles of Christ durst never owne, but did fully disclaime 2 Cor. 1:24. 5. Where he must believe that Jesus Christ came for this end, to save lost man, and by one offering hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Heb. 10:18. and yet joyn in the same faith herewith a hu∣man satisfaction for sin, so as men may both me∣rit, mediate, and supererogate above what is needfull for themselves, and be thus saved in the same way of life, which was by the covenant of works; ascribing that only to Christ to give sal∣vation to their merits, which yet their own in∣trinsick value, and condignity doth require as a debt. 6. He finds not how in the same creed he could possibly hold by one Mediator be∣twixt God and man, where a plurality for this end is admitt; and by the reality of Christs hu∣man nature, and his having a true and finit bo∣dy,

which is subjected to have a new created being, each time in the Consecrate Hostia; or believe the truth of his sufferings as now fully accomplished, and to be repeated no more, when it is in that dayly sacrifice of the Mes∣se still offered, as a propitiatory sacrifice for the liveing and the dead; so as on the most severe and im∣partial inquiry here, he cannot find how one holding by these principles should goe a further lenth then Morality, or claim another standing then by a covenant of works. 7. Nor knows he how to believe at once the truth of the Gospell, to be a doctrine of Holinesse, and infinite purity, and yet joyne in the same faith herewith such an immunity and indulgence for men to sin, as mo∣ney can stand for merit, and the rich have the most easy and large entrey to heaven and ac∣count it a priviledge to destroy themselves; yea where some externall severities and pennance to the flesh, like to the lanching and gashing of Baals Priests, are reckoned enough to supply the roome of Christian mortification. 8. Yea he finds it not posible to believe, that sin by the blood of Christ can only be expiate, and is his alone worke, who hath purged our sin himself, Heb. 1:3. or that there are but two ways that lead to a twofold state of men, a strait way which leads to a life, and a broad unto destruc∣tion, Math. 7:14. and yet believe that there is a Purgatory after this life, where men must

be tormented and suffer extream pains there, to expiate such venial sins, as their prayers and pen∣nances here could not doe; yea is here made to wonder how any that believes such a thing, can ever have true peace, or comfort in the world, but doe either take it as a fiction, or forget themselves when they are chearfull; where the fear of such a place, the uncertainty of release, and how long a term it may be er this purg∣ing worke be compleat, (when their own writers assigne no lesse time, then 10000 Years as need∣full to satisfy for some sins,) and least it prove a reall hell, must still be a present terrour; nor can he believe that such possibly doe credit them∣selves herein, who assume this power to change the condition of the dead, since were it real∣ly believed, that the keyes of such a prison were here in mens hand, and could, by the largest dotations to the Romish Church, get a safe out∣gate thence, it were not strang, to see the temporall state of Cristendome in a short time made o∣ver to these, and should Judge they were in a strang manner indead priviledged by the whole residue of men, who by such a power over the world to come can make so easy a purchase over this also which is pre∣sent. 9. He finds & is sure he could never get his rea∣son and conscience brought to such a faith, even tho he made a simulate profession herein, of that pretended supremacy of Peter as Bishop of Rome, on which the whole frame and structure of the pa∣pacy

leans, and the vertue of all the pardons and absolutions founded theron, on which so many have adventured into an other world except he would thus build on the sand only, but not on the rock. 10. He finds also how such an erection of the Gospell Church in her militant state here, as the Papacy in its complexe frame is, un∣ite in such an head, as the Pope, who as the sole vicegerent of Christ in the earth, is at once invested with a civill Monarchy, and universall impire over the Church, to impose, and judge in the highest transactions that relate to the eter∣nall state and immortall souls of men, is a thing that as to matter of right is as forreign to the Scripture and incompatible therwith, as Ma∣humitanisme can be, and as to matter of fact is a trust that no created being could ever exerce. 11. he sees & is sure that he must either lose sight both of the rule, and spirit of the Gospell, or have a just abhorrence at that way, where he should be in∣evitably involved in a virtual consent, and accession to all that cruelty and blood which for so many ages hath been shed therin, when its so clear that this was no exorbitance only of practice, but a native result of their tenets, and principles, and not only dispensed with, but counted an highly me∣ritorious service; yea when it is sure that under no secular government of the most tyrannicall state that ever was in the world, hath such arbitrary vio∣lence, and oppression been exerced, or so much in∣nocent

blood shed, as by this party. 12. And tho his judgment stood indetermined and in an equall ballance upon this great controversie, he could not exerce reason, and not see upon what hand such a decision is as was in Solomons time of the true mother of the child, and who does most ruthfully seek to interesse themselves in the im∣minent hazard of the Christian faith, and under least influence of any temporall motives does this day stand for the truth and substance of Chistia∣nity, and plead that it be not destroyed in envy and hatred to them; or on what side it is like∣ways that this manner of conquest is most follow∣ed to gain men to the profession of the truth by a prevailing evidence of their own light and jud∣gment herein, and to require their exactest per∣sonall tryall, and inquiry about the same.

In the 3d place, tho he sees there can be no pretence of doctrinall wavering about the Re∣formed religion, and finds it not easy to com∣prehend how in one and the same age, wher∣in the truth hath so brightly shined, this way of Popery, should have prevalence, or gain ground any more by seduction from arguments to the rea∣son or conscience of any; yet since it is an hower of temptation, and of fainting, above all that hath been hitherto known, and mens eyes ar∣reasted with such a prospect of the time, as is like to stagger the faith of the most established, he is thus pressed, as one of the highest duties

of this day, to know and search out what may afford greatest assistance to his faith, from the dispensations of providence therin, and to know the evidence and strenth of such reslections as these are for this end.

1. That its sure, as the smallest things which the Lord does afford, to strenthen and support against such a storme, should be seriously impro∣ven, and taken to heart; so does it lay us in the way of that promise for having greater things given to our observation; yea that now is the time when such as have been most comforted by the word of promise, may be put to the forest tryal in their faith of any, to keep off stumbling at the worke of providence, and be thus tryed accor∣ding to the measure of these confirmations.

2. Tho the Churches declinings under greatest measures of light may be too visible, and that re∣ligion gains not by persecution as formerly, with such an amazing chang as is now in her external condition, yet sees it to be no strang thing, when most signal warnings have gone before of such a try∣al with too evident dispositions towards the same and discovery of its approach in all the causes therof; yea might be forseen by all, that the holy God would not still bear with an impure, and uninlivned profession of the pure and glori∣ous truth of Christianity, which hath now long been one of the most sad, and mortall signs in the publick state of religion; nor can it be found

that ever any Church did decline and fall from the purity of the truth and lose ground herein by ex∣ternall persecution, where a judicial departure of its life and power did not remarkably goe before; so as it is not of late this hath been too clear∣ly presaged, that som•• dark and unusual meas∣ure of tryall from Amichrist, and that ultima cla∣des of the Reformed Churches, was drawing near, which would be sore er it had done its worke.

3. He sees also, how this present hower is not more searching and dark, then it may be clear herewith, 1. that now after the issue of that op∣position, which was betwixt the Christian faith in the first entry of the Gospell and that dying Apostate Church of the Jewes, and next with the Pagan Impire, after that new erection of the Gospell Church among the Gentils, which is now over; so is the greatest tryall of the latter dayes fixed on the decision of that long depending contro∣versie betwixt Christ and Antichrist. 2. That ac∣cording to the Scripture we must believe that as after the manner of Egypt, that glorious triumph and delivery of the Church from Antichrist will be surlie carryed on, so the more near it comes to the last as∣sault, and when this falls in to have its proper roome in the frame and administration of providence, the greater extremitie, terrour and darknesse may be expected also, as hath not been in any such manner formerly, yea with that unite and formi∣dable conjunction of strenth and growing successe of

this adversary for a time, as the most established Christians may be in hazard to stagger. 3. That now is the day wherin the Lord will have men know what it is to have the Bible as the alone se∣curity of the Protestant religion, on which they must intirely rest no lesse then it is the sole rule and standard therof, which is a tryall worthy of all that expense of the pain, anguish, and wrestlings, that can now possibly attend the same.

4. Whilst the great standard of Antichrists King∣dome is visibly set up and brought to the open field, as its this day in the Church of France, and all human help taken out of sight; yet does he see here∣with, 1 how this now is concluded, as the most in∣fallible remedy to recover Popery, and that ar∣gument, to which they trust more then to Peters keyes to wit these sanguinary lawes by the sword, and rack, which they have again betaken themsel∣ves to, tho such an argument the Scripture ne∣ver knew, which sober heathens would abhorr, and gives up the credite of all religion to Atheism. 2. That there can be no more evidence of a desperate and sinking cause then is here, and how nothing else can support it but these weapons which are not against the Conscience, or by any ter∣rours of the 2d death, but of the first. 3. that this is such an argument, (if they have not in a strang manner forgot,) which hath within these 100 Years been so fully answered, and by such an immediate appearence of God in the King∣dome

of France, that according to these measu∣res of cruelty against the Protestants there, so was it returned in a deludge of their own blood, yea thus both the publick state of the Church and faith of the saints in the truth more deeply root∣ed; and tho we yet see not the end of these wond∣ers and the darke side only of the dispensations of such a day, yet doe we know this sore rod on the Church is but as the saw and axe in the car∣penters hand, who shall never undoe that glori∣ous worke which Christ hath done and is still fur∣ther perfecting on the ruins of Antichrists King∣dome.

5. Tho some unusuall deeps and methods of sub∣tilty be now on foot also against the truth, yet he cannot but see how nothing could more ef∣fectually tend to confirm the protestant cause and take the credite of popery off the conscience of these in their own profession who are considerate and in the least serious herein; when the world must thus see, 1 how easy its for such to take any measure and latitude in the doctrinals of their profession, when this can most serve the jun∣cture of such a time and highten or narrow the controversy betwixt them and the Reformed Church at their pleasure, so as to sacrifice the Church of Rome unto the Court of Rome, if no lesse can secure that end. 2. That the most horrid Turkish Slavery over mens bodies comes no such lenth, as that strang claime that these

now make of an absolute impire over mens con∣science by the sword, and to put them to such a tribute of their obedience, and they shall then be secure, if they but come the lenth to sin a∣gainst their light, and adventure on so small a thing as to goe to Hell and perish eternally, since its an externall and simulate profession of such a way they doe thus inforce from these, whom they see cannot in faith be perswaded hereof. 3. Yea it hath been too visible how much that master-plot, and ingine, hath in these times been working, to take men first off all sense of religion, and destroy them in the morals of Chri∣stianity, to make this conquest more easy, that such may have no inward defence and support a∣gainst the terrour of human violence, yea in this way, when they have sought how to divide Pro∣testants among themselves and betwixt Rulers and them, this seams the last and greatest ingine of all, how to divide betwixt them and their God, and act the same plot, which was laid betwixt Balack and Balaam, as knowing that its no naked shew or profession of the Reformed religion they nead fear, so much as that old protestant spirit in the power & life therof, before which their interest could ne∣ver stand, and dreads nothing so much as the reviving hereof, which as the hand-writing upon the wall did ever more threaten the fatall ruine of that Kingdome, then any human power or strenth.

6. Here also he finds just cause of astonish∣ment, how Kings or great men in the earth should give their power to support the Romish inte∣rest, that hath been so visibly destructive to theirs, when its not possible to deny how its first advance and progresse to that supreme hight, which it once attained, and the de∣clining of the civill impire, did by the same steps goe together, untill Magistracy was turned as unto a dead image and shaddow, except its being enlivened by their breath and authority, as it was during the whole hight of that Antichristian po∣wer; nor will it be denyed that in these late times the French Monarchy was never more near its dissolution in its right line, then by the Ca∣tholick league there; and would seem not easy to be forgot, how Henry the 3d, who had most sought to crush the Protestants there in pursuance of that league, was at last constrained to flee to such for help, or by whom he was killed; and that Heroick Prince Henry the 4. was first stobbed in the mouth and then in the heart; yea that the pu∣blick records of that nation cannot possibly deny how the house of Burbon owes its power and pre∣servation more to the Protestants, (without whom it had been fully extinct,) then Ahaswe∣rus did to Mordecai the Jew for what he found written in the Chronicles of Persia, when the decree was then past to destroy all the seed of the Jewes.

7. As in no times past was ever a greater expectation then is now, which way the scale will turn, and what will be the end of these wonders, when the nearest events of Providence are so darke and amazing; so does he find this, in some eztraordinare way called for, to be still, and see what God will doe for his Church, and with hum∣ble confidence look for some dispensation as hath not hitherto been in this extreme exigence, and tho he doe not appeare in that way and manner as in former times, that it shall be in a way more signally glorious, beyond what hath formerly been; yea does in faith thus judge, that then is the Churches day broke, and hath found the sure way of her strenth, and right lith of duty, when her hope and confidence is taken of all visible refuges and intirely setled on her invisible head, and his promise put to suite by prayer without fainting herein. It is sure the truth & faithfullnesse of God stands ingadged for Anti∣chri••••s fall, as well as for salvation by Christ, and since he hath said this adversary shall be broke and brought down, it must surely be, tho the dust of the ground should rise for this end, and now is the faith of the saints called for be∣coming the greatnesse of such an assurance, on which are the eyes of men, of their own con∣science, of the elect Angels, yea of the glorious God, to see who does indeed credit him in this day, when there is no sensible support herein; and

tho it is now like to shake sore the departure of many from the faith who had some visible pro∣fession therof, yet may it be hoped for, that the turn of the next tyde shall bring in moe, with a solid and true increase to the Church, then these sad dayes doe now take off.

CHARACT. VI. It is thus a confirmed Christian should be specially considered, as one who is not only at rest on the known certa∣inty of his saith, but is ready to render some account of the solid rationall grounds and demonstrations here∣of, unto all who ask after the same, and doth thus judge, 1 that these are the proper and appoint∣ed means which the Lord hath afforded for the greatest confirmation of mens faith within time, yea preferable to any externall miracles, which are more extraordinare and remott assistances ther∣to. 2. That these are given as so great an helper to his joy, and excitment of his affections to follow the Lord fully, as makes him wonder how the greatnesse of these things, which men are called to believe, can come near their thoughts, and yet not more taken up about this confir∣ming worke. 3. That the too visible neglect her∣of, both with respect to the youth and commu∣nity of professours in the Church, seems one of the sad, and fundamentall defects of this day. The reasons hereof, with some clear view of these means which might most answer such an end, are briefly offered, in this preceding worke.

CHARACT. VII. À truely confirmed Christian may in the last place be herein also consi∣dered, as such whose faith being oft tryed through all these stages of Christianity he hath been taken; hath some proper record of the most choise, and signall confirmations of his life, to improve the same not only for his own support in that last warfare of death, but for strenthning the faith of others; wherin he does thus judge, 1 that there could be no true support or relief from religion here in the earth, if it cannot bear out then, and that death is the great touchstone and tryall, when the true value and difference betwixt things of an eternall truth and substance, and the things of this world, will be best seen. 2. He reckons each real Christian, by his profession then sisted and accountable, even by some explicit perso∣nall testimony, to put to his seal that God is true, and bear the same witnesse with his last and dying breath to the truth of Christianity, which he gave in the whole course of his life; and of that joy, complacence and assurance of mind, which he hath found, and now hath in the way of truth, so as to presse the same on his dearest relations as their alone true interest. 3. He sees also, how honorable it is for the Lord, that such whose faith hath been oft tryed, (and when thus with joy and admiration he can look back on the most pressing and conspicuous conflicts of time,) should have it their last worke to pay

in some tribute of praise, unto him whose word & promise unto them did yet never fail. 4. He ac∣counts the more weighty tryalls he hath been car∣ryed thorow in his Christian warfare, doth both give more accesse to this service, and adds more to the value of such a testimony. 5. He judgeth this one special way and advantage, wherby one generation might declare the truth and faithfullnesse of God unto an other, in a family line and relation, to shew forth thus that the Lord is upright, that he is their rock, and with him is no unrighteousnesse; yea which should be matter of unspeakable joy, when now in his turn he can say that such hath the Lord been to him, what was Davids dying words 1 Kings. 1:14. Who hath delivered my soul out of all di∣stresse, how that in no trouble or exigence of his life he was ever left without a door of outgate; and thus also with Caleb Josh. 14:10. to give in some such wittnesse for God I am now near the close of time, and does testify, that the word of his truth, and promise he hath surely accompli∣shed, which hath brought me safe and honourably through, when such as did dicredit the same by misbelief, and sought after another refuge, found all their confidences fail. 6. And knowing like∣ways how great a suprizall death may be, and that such as have shined in their day, may yet fet under a cloud and goe silent off the stage, he jud∣geth it the more needfull to have such a piece of his dying worke prepared, as one of the chois∣est

legacies he can bequath to his surviving friends, in a season when it hath usually the greatest ad∣vantage of weight and acceptance: it being still qualified with Christian prudence, and humble so∣briety, so as all may see its whole intent is to commend to mens conscience the way of truth and godlinesse and not themselves, and thus only direct, for the proper use, and improvement of their nearest relations. I know it may be strang to some, what is spoke upon this head; but as its sure the present day hath its duty, and each time of our life hath some proper worke, so I humbly judge, that this seems to fall in as the last service of a dying Christian to his generation, to deliver of his hand the truth which he had re∣ceived and hath oft proven, with his confirmato∣ry seal and testimony therto, and now in some more then ordinare way called for in this hower of great darknesse, when if that security of the absolute promises stood not good to the Church, we might fear religion might quickly wear out, and truth perish from the earth; and as so so∣lemn and weighty a thing should be mannaged with much humble prudence, so it may be judg∣ed that no serious and observing Christian but hath some peculiare ingadgments under which they find themselves sisted even beyond others, yea some such singulare confirmations in the journall of their life, that should be not easy to hide under the ground, where the strenthning of others here∣by

is conceirned, and that such should not then leave the crosse of Jesus Christ at a losse, or part therwith without their testimony, which hath left them at so great an advantage. And though this is not to offer particulare rules in such a duty, but that Christian wisdome must direct here∣in, as the present case is circumstantiate, yet might it be hoped, were this more taken to heart, it should be a singulare mean, to put a more deep impression of mens dying worke on their own spirit, even whilst they are in health, to excite their surviving friends, and to keep re∣ligion thus alive in a family state, and relation, and gain a more venerable respect to the same on mens conscience, yea to fix also stronger ingadg∣ments on the succeeding offspring.

Thus is presented here a short Idea of the solid and judicious worke of Christian confirmation in the truth, under these forgoing Characters, to shew how rare an atteanment of religion this is, yea to pre∣sent herein a speciall series and scale of the great∣est steps in this confirmatory worke, by which it should be followed, and where none of these may be parted from other, though some be of an higher and more absolute use for such an end. And if it should be objected here, what needs any such expense of time or pains in this case, when its sure the essentiall truths of the Gospell are not questioned, and that without internall evidence of the spirit, no externall means of this kind can

be of use. I know that its the alone worke of the holy Ghost, to beget a divine and supernaturall faith, without which the furthest light, and ob∣jective evidence, though backed with a continu∣ed dispensation of externall miracles, could never bear Christians out, either as to duty or comfort, in their passage thorow time; yea nothing is in the least here to subject the credite of our faith to mens rationall comprehension, but rather tends to enervate wholly the strenth of any such tenet and take off all pretence for the same: But its sure also, I must quite all solid security in the way of religion, and any clear founding in the light and certainty of the Scripture, or admitt these things as undenyable, 1 that supernaturall faith is the most highly rationall light thats within time, and that none who professe the name of Christ can be of so low a size, as should not be press∣ed and excited to be much about this ground worke of knowing the truth, and principles of their pro∣fession upon its own evidence; yea are thus called as new born babes to drink in the sincere milk of the word, 1 Pet. 2. Which, as its clearly in the originall, is the rationall milk of the word, to be thus received no lesse on conviction and certainty of the judgment, then with the out going of their affections. 2. That as its not conceivable how a true and firme as∣sent can be to divine truth, but on its known cer∣tainty, so here is no resolving of the Christi∣ans faith on the strongest rationall evidences here∣of,

yet must it still be resolved on the testimony of God, made clear & evident to them to be such. 3. It is sure also, the Lord hath not given so large a measure of these grounds and demonstrations of his truth with such redoubled arguments of that kind, to be of so small regard, as is with most, but for some great, and universall use hereof to the wholl Church, and knew how needfull such assi∣stances to the faith of his people would be, whilst they are on the earth. 4. That these means, which tend most convincingly to found a ratio∣nall assurence in the judgment, are the proper vehicle of the Spirit of God, by which his sealing worke, should be both sought and expected; nor can I judge how the credite and use hereof should be so small, and not on the same ground quite any externall ordinance of the Gospell, which without the Spirit of the Lord can never profite, nor how we should expect and suite his confirming worke on the soul, when these greatest confirming means, which he hath given to the Church, have no just weight; but o how wonderfull a teacher is the holy Ghost, when such ordinare means fail, and are inac∣cessable, by furnishing his people then with these strongest arguments of love and power, who hav∣ing had but small measures of light, yet were not unfaithfull to improve the smallest degree of such a talent. 5. Yea so great a thing is it, to at∣tain a solid faith of things wholly remott from our

sense, and so far above the reach and apprehension of nature, or to have an absolute relyance on an in∣visible refuge, for our present and eternall state, as no common assent can answer, when the very rest and quiet of the soul must needs ly in the sure and firme persuasion hereof. 6. It is too visible also how little the practicall use of such a mean hath yet been essayed in the Church, that all who are mem∣bers therof might no lesse know the strenth and firmnesse of the foundation of their faith by its own evidence, then the generall articles of religion, but whilst the most usuall instructing worke lyes almost wholly about the noetick part of Divinity, there seems not that serious regard to presse the dianoetick part hereof on mens conscience, as if this were to be restricted to a few who are more know∣ing, learned, and of an inquisitive spirit about the rationall certainty of the truth, and for whom these choise and abundant helps of this kind, which are in this age, seem more peculiarly directed. Its sure, that the Christian faith in the first times did remarkably then spread and prevail, by these clear evidences hereof to the judgment, made effectuall by the spirit of God, more then by extraordinare mi∣racles, nor knew they otherwise what it was to be Christians but by imbracing the truth with a full assu∣rance of understanding, no lesse then of delight and affection. But if it be objected, it is not the same case now, where religion is planted in a nation, and hath an uncontrollable publick profession under the

support of humane lawes; I know no weight this can have, except that should be admitt therwith, quod nunc nascuntur Christiani, sed non fiunt. 7. Yea is it not sure, (tho it seems little understood,) that the primary grounds and evidences of our faith are not only as to their ••nd demonstrative of the truth and divinity of the Scrip∣ture, but are upon the matter such demonstrations also which most natively result from the same by infalli∣ble consequence, and are thus to be accounted not as hu∣man but divine arguments, given us by the spirit of God. 8. I shall but further add, how such as doe seriously ponder things, will find this demonstration to be not more important then clear, that to be a confirmed Christian and a confirmed Protestant are convertible terms; and that if these as are under that deplorable bondage and dark∣nesse of popery were but once awaked to see the truth & certainty of the Christian faith, by its intrinsick and objective evidence, and taken off that brutish creduli∣ty and dependance on the alone credite of others here∣in, it might be said the strongest ingine to hold up that profession were then broke, and should see the doctrine and rule of faith to be of such full and perspicuous evidence from the Scripture, as without blasphemy they could not seek from the Lord to give them a plainer rule, then what he hath there given.