An epistolary discourse on the great assistances to a Christians faith and for a more intire rest and assurance in the highest trials and adventures thereof : with a second part, upon the present times, and these rare vicissitudes of providence in the public state of Britain in this age : to which an appendix is added in the close / by R. Fleming ...

SECT. IV.

IT is also unquestionable, that now in this last Age, the Lord's dealing with the Publick State of Britain, and Ireland, hath been yet in a more singular way, than in any times past, or with other of the Reformed Churches; as may cause great thoughts of heart, to consider, what manner of time our Lot hath been cast in; but since a naked remembrance of such an extraor∣dinary series of changes, as have of late gone o∣ver this Generation, or what was Mens part here∣in, does little tend to see, and admire God, with most, who consider the same, or to discern wisely his work in such singular Providences; though this be of a higher concern than the rise, or fall of Monarchies, or the shakings of Publick Settle∣ments in the civil interest of a Nation, if Mens great business in the Earth lies with God, more than with Men: I shall therefore speak to some things to which a serious reflex work on these late times, does most specially relate, and are more largely touched in the preceding Discourse.

1. It should be of great advantage to discern, and understand in such a manner these times past, as to see an immediate Divine, and supernatural causality in such amazing successive changes, that, might inforce Mens Souls to bow down, with a

reverent, and tremenduous sence of the Majesty of God herein, yea, keep this from ever being a subject of ordinary thoughts in reflecting on the same.

2. To see what an unusual variation, hath been in the ways, and methods of Providence a∣bout the publick State of Britain, in this Age, from the way and procedure of the Lord in times past, and former Precedents; and though much be in the dark, this day, as to his voice, and intent, for answering the ends hereof; yet such as are of a discerning Spirit, may have another pro∣spect of the Work, and Counsel of God, when it's brought in a more full, and entire Frame before us, than any present actors then on the Stage, whilst things were in their first mould: tho it is no easie thing in such a reflex work, to improve those extraordinary Providences past, by a just, and suitable application thereof to the present day, so as to see how each step herein in its successive place and room, hath still tended, to give light to another, and for a more full discerning of the work of God in these times, and what of the night it is now, as to the State of the Church.

3. It is to see, and reflect on these great decisi∣ons, which have been by an unpreventible conduct of Providence in the rising and falling of Humane Interest, so contrary to all Humane Reason, and expectation, if ordinary and natu∣ral causes should have brought forth their usual

effects; and in what manner the greatest depths of Humane Policy, and confidence, when they seem'd most secure from any hazard upon earth; have been derided from Heaven, and men poi∣son'd in their own cup; and what a rare reflex work should this be, to see, in what an extraor∣dinary way the Providences of these times past have been directed to Seal Instruction on the Spi∣rits of Princes, and Great Men, and let them know in how small a time, the great God can pour contempt on such, and cause Princes to walk on Foot, when Servants did ride on horseback; but, it is no less matter of sad reflection, and may be to this day, what returns these Methods, which God has taken in a monitory way, have had from most, by forgetting the Storm they were once in, when they have got to the Haven, and be∣taking them selves to another Stength, than that, which raised them.